Today’s Headlines: Osinbajo Hails Awo’s Visionary Leadership; Gombe Assembly Approves State Police

Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has praised the visionary leadership of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, urging Nigerians to learn from his legacy by investing in education, innovation and ambitious development projects. Speaking at Ikenne Remo during the 50th Ereke Day anniversary on Friday, Osinbajo highlighted Awolowo’s free and compulsory education policy, noting that nearly one million children were in school in the Western Region by 1959, when about 41 per cent of the regional budget was allocated to education. He also cited the establishment of Western Nigeria Television in 1959 as evidence of Awolowo’s forward-thinking leadership.

Osinbajo urged Ikenne to build on Awolowo’s achievements by embracing artificial intelligence, robotics and technology-driven education. He proposed a 10-year development blueprint, the Ikenne 2036 Plan, to position the community as a leading centre of technological innovation in Africa. He also drew lessons from educationist Tai Solarin’s emphasis on independent thinking, character development and practical skills, stressing that honouring Awolowo’s legacy required translating his principles into initiatives that would prepare future generations for emerging opportunities.

The Gombe State House of Assembly has approved proposed constitutional amendments to pave the way for the establishment of state police in Nigeria. Lawmakers adopted the recommendations of a seven-member ad hoc committee on constitutional review during Thursday’s plenary, endorsing amendments to the 1999 Constitution, including provisions for creating and operating State Police Services. The proposed amendments were transmitted to the Assembly by the National Assembly on October 6, 2026, for consideration.

The committee, chaired by Deputy Speaker Sadam Bello Sale, said it had consulted relevant stakeholders before submitting its report, which secured the required two-thirds majority. Assembly Speaker Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo said lawmakers unanimously supported the proposed framework, expressing confidence that state police would strengthen security nationwide. Gombe’s approval brings the number of state legislatures reported to have endorsed the state police proposal to 25.

Two suspected political thugs were killed and five people injured when gunmen attacked the convoy of Rollins Offia Nwali, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South, Ebonyi State, on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The attack occurred as the convoy returned from Amazekewe community, with armed assailants reportedly opening fire on the vehicles. Nwali’s security personnel engaged the attackers in a gun battle, while his Toyota Hilux was set ablaze. The candidate confirmed that he and his team were safe, and the police said four people with gunshot wounds were found at the scene, with one later confirmed dead in hospital.

Following the incident, Ezza South Local Government Chairman Chinedu Mkpuma announced that political gatherings would require prior authorisation from his office, citing security concerns and the need to protect lives and property. Ebonyi State Police Command spokesperson Joshua Ukandu confirmed that officers had responded to a distress call about disturbances in the community. Nwali condemned the loss of life and urged young people not to allow themselves to be used for politicians’ personal ambitions, adding that the attack would not deter him from serving his constituency.

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested Alhaji Saburi Lateef Ayinde, popularly known as Oki-Ocean, over the alleged murder of retired teacher Adedotun Adeteju Oluwaseun, 61, in Abeokuta. Ayinde was arrested on October 19, 2026, following investigations into the killing. The retired teacher was found dead in the toilet of her residence in Agbaakin Emere, Bode-Olude, on February 28, 2026, a day after attending her retirement celebration.

Police said preliminary investigations indicated that Oluwaseun was allegedly strangled and attacked with a machete during an altercation with the suspect. According to the command, Ayinde reportedly confessed to the killing and linked it to financial dealings involving ₦3.45 million allegedly entrusted to the deceased and an expected ₦1.5 million loan to purchase another vehicle. Detectives are still working to verify the account, and the suspect is expected to be charged in court after the investigation is concluded.

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