News
Ibadan Explosion: Media Forum Wants Tinubu’s urgent intervention, appeals to philanthropists
Joel Ajayi
A Forum of Oyo State Media Practitioners in Abuja (FOMPA) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government to quickly direct urgent intervention into the unfortunate explosion in Ibadan, Oyo state, where lives and property worth billions of Naira were destroyed.
In a statement Signed by the Interim Coordinator Forum of Oyo State Media Practitioners in Abuja, Bode Olagoke on Wednesday in Abuja, the Forum, in a condolence message to the families of those who lost their lives, also commended Governor Seyi Makinde-led State Government for his prompt intervention in the disaster.
According to the State Government, 77 persons were injured, 2 died while several property were destroyed.
In a statement released Wednesday in Abuja, the media practitioners of Oyo State extraction, expressed concerns about the well-being of their fellow Oyo indigenes and residents and appealed to philanthropists accross the country to come to their aid by ameliorating the untold hardship such wanton destruction would bring on the victims.
The statement reads: “As a Forum and the voice of our people in Oyo State, we hereby condemn the unwholesome action of the few which caused the dastard explosion in Bodija area of Ibadan which affected the lives and property of our peace-loving people in Oyo State.
“We seize this medium to sincerely express our condolences to the families of the affected persons and we pray for quick recovery of the injured ones.
“We also commend the quick intervention of Governor Seyi Makinde. The Governor’s visit to the scene is encouraging and his promise to pay the medical bills of the injured is also commended.
“We, however, using this medium to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to show concern, direct urgent intervention and help the victims to rebuild their lives because the core function of a government is the security and well-being of the people.
“We also appeal to philanthropists across Nigeria and beyond to come to the aid of our people to reduce the burden and hardship this explosion could bring on our peace-loving people in Oyo State.”
News
Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy
Joel Ajayi
After a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi expressed renewed confidence in the country’s economic reforms, indicating potential mega investments across energy, aviation, and port sectors.
He was joined in that optimism by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for an export-driven economy.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ogunlesi praised the sweeping policy changes under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of subsidies, tax reforms, and the revival of a refinery already exporting aviation fuel.
“We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and center for international investment. The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth,” Ogunlesi said.
Although he declined to reveal specific details, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and assessing new opportunities.
“Watch this space. Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,” he teased.
Pressed on the sectors of interest, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewables. Drawing on his firm’s experience with LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he noted Nigeria’s massive untapped gas reserves.
On aviation, he acknowledged his reputation as “the guy who bought Gatwick Airport” and signaled interest in similar ventures locally.
He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé but none in Nigeria, a point Tinubu reportedly challenged him on.
“He forgave me but said, ‘you have to bring port investment to Nigeria,’” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.
International investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who was also present, underscored the importance of diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth story.
“When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,” he said, lauding Tinubu’s policies for making the country “investable.”
Echoing the sentiment, FIRS chairman Adedeji described the reforms as the foundation for an export-led economy.
“We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,” he said.
With global players signaling confidence, the momentum for Nigeria’s economic repositioning is gaining ground, setting the stage for transformative investments in key industries.
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