The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not attend the scheduled project commissioning in Lagos on Wednesday, because he was preoccupied with urgent national security matters.

Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Orientation, Sunday Dare, also defended President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that ongoing military operations and intelligence efforts demonstrate that the country is gaining the upper hand against terrorism.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Sunday Dare said the President had remained actively engaged in national security matters, even while away from Abuja.

“The President prioritised national security developments over the event,” he said.

“Yes, the president is in Lagos, and I’m sure beyond the pictures, you know that the president has been busy with state matters.”

He added that recent security concerns across parts of the country required the president’s attention, noting, “You will know the last 10 days, right from the attack in Jos, we’ve seen the developments.”

Dare said Tinubu had been “busy taking constant briefs” and “has to prioritise when it comes to state matters, especially security”.

He further explained that the president remained actively engaged with security agencies, and was “monitoring development, working with the intelligence community, and taking constant security briefs.”

He assured Nigerians that the administration is consistently responding to threats and remains committed to protecting lives and property.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu while inaugurating the newly constructed Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, a project his administration envisioned in 2002 but now delivered by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the projects reflected Lagos State government’s commitment to development and aligned with his Renewed Hope vision, which, he said, sought to build a modern country that would be fully digitally enabled and economically strong.

The bridge, a 5.04-kilometre transport corridor, is one of the three key Lagos projects inaugurated on Wednesday by Tinubu in the first of his two-day official visit to Lagos for commissioning.

Other projects include five-storey Lagos State Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) Building and Lagos Multi-Agency Building, both in Alausa.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, congratulated Lagos residents, saying the projects delivered by Sanwo-Olu spoke to the importance of putting people’s wellbeing at the centre of development.

Tinubu said: “The Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge is more than an infrastructure; it is a bridge to opportunities. In a busy city like Lagos, vehicular movement is more than just commuting; it is associated with the city’s economic wellbeing. When traffic flows, productivity improves. When time is saved, businesses grow. When access is made easier, living standards get improved.”

Tinubu thanked Lagos Government for making the new Administrative Complex after him, noting that he accepted the honour with humility.

Lagos State governor, Sanwo-Olu, said the projects were distinct but complementary investments, with each addressing a critical aspect of governance.

The bridge, he said, would address congestion and mobility around Ikeja-Maryland-Ojota corridor, while improving the quality of life for commuters.

He said the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge would improve efficiency of traffic circulation, with noticeable impact beyond the immediate environs of the bridge. He said the road project was completed with walkways, bicycle lanes, solar-powered street lighting and embedded service ducts.

“We have built, not just for today’s needs, but with a clear eye on the ever-expanding demands of the future. As part of this project, we have integrated a comprehensive stormwater management system to address the long-standing challenge of flooding along the Odo-Iya-Alaro corridor, thereby strengthening environmental resilience,” he said.

In a show of appreciation for the support given to his administration, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday distributed 40 brand-new SUV vehicles to traditional rulers to enhance their mobility.

The presentation took place during the statutory meeting of the Ogun State Council of Obas at the Obas’ Complex in Abeokuta.

Abiodun called on traditional rulers across the state to create a conducive, investor-friendly environment in their domains, warning that hostility toward investors could undermine the state’s economic growth.

Expressing concern over reports of uncooperative attitudes by some communities particularly in Yewa South, Ipokia, and Ijebu North Abiodun condemned what he described as hostility toward investors willing to commit billions of dollars to the state’s economy.

He stressed that such investments are critical to job creation, infrastructure development, and overall socio-economic advancement, noting that communities must take ownership of development initiatives rather than frustrate them.

“We have received disturbing reports about the conduct of some communities during recent investor engagements. This is unacceptable,” the governor said.
“These investors are bringing in significant capital that will transform our economy, create jobs for our people, and improve livelihoods. They must be welcomed and supported.”

Abiodun urged traditional rulers to take responsibility for ensuring peace and cooperation within their domains, emphasizing their critical role in facilitating development.

“Kabiyesis, I urge you to work closely with your people to create an enabling environment for investors. Development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of hostility and distrust. We must position Ogun State as a preferred investment destination,” he said.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting investments, warning that actions capable of discouraging investors would not be tolerated.

Beyond investment concerns, he called for heightened vigilance among residents and traditional institutions in light of rising insecurity in parts of the country, urging prompt reporting of suspicious activities to security agencies.

While acknowledging ongoing efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address security challenges nationwide, Abiodun stressed that local vigilance remains essential to sustaining Ogun State’s relative peace.

He also cautioned traditional rulers against indiscriminate land allocation and involvement in land-related disputes, describing land as a critical economic asset that must be managed with integrity.

“Our land is our oil. It must not be allocated carelessly. We must ensure that land matters are handled transparently and responsibly to attract and retain genuine investors,” he added.

The governor further warned landlords against renting properties to individuals involved in criminal activities, stating that any building found to be used for unlawful purposes would be demolished.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hazmat, said the meeting—its first in 2026—was convened to address key issues of security and development while strengthening collaboration between the government and traditional institutions.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Council and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, commended the governor’s developmental strides and reiterated the council’s support for policies aimed at economic growth and stability.

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the 40 SUVs to traditional rulers to enhance their administrative and community engagement roles.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has officially banned the conferment and use of the “Eze Ndigbo” (King of the Igbos) title outside of Igboland following violent protests that erupted after a coronation ceremony in South Africa last month.

Igbo associations in the diaspora occasionally hold cultural activities to promote their heritage. During such gatherings, the title ‘Eze Ndigbo’ is conferred on a man chosen by his community to serve as their leader.

Last month, the selection of an Eze Ndigbo in Kugompo, South London, a city in the Eastern Cape Province, sparked outrage, with angry South Africans torching vehicles and buildings reportedly owned by foreign nationals.

The Nigerian high commission in South Africa apologised for the controversy, stressing that the gathering was only symbolic and not political.

In July 2025, a similar coronation led to protests in Ghana, with demonstrators demanding that Nigerians leave the country.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of state for foreign affairs, led a delegation to Accra to diplomatically resolve the tensions.

On Thursday, members of the Imeobi, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, met in Enugu over the matter.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who attended the meeting, noted that the coronations have become a big embarrassment to Nigeria.

According to a statement issued by Magnus Eze, special assistant to the minister on communication and new media, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said citizens could express themselves culturally without causing a nuisance to indigenes of their host country and others.

At the meeting, the national executive committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in collaboration with the south east council of traditional rulers abolished the concept of Eze Igbo outside Igboland.

Azuta Mbata, president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, presented the decision of the Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

“Anybody who is being awarded that type of title anywhere outside of Igbo land is on his own. It’s unknown to the Igbo people, and we will call upon all state governors; we’ll correspond to all embassies in the world, informing them about the position of Ndigbo,” Mbata said.

“The position of Eze Ndigbo anywhere outside Igbo land is hereby alienated and proscribed. That is the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.

“We will determine in consultation with the kings of Igbo land what the punishment will be for anybody who goes against this position and that punishment will be implemented at the village level.

“Your hometown, your town union will be under injunction to implement that punishment, but we are going to declare that punishment after due consultation.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the ministry of foreign affairs would communicate the decision through its missions and high commissions globally.