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Islamic Devt Bank Approves $125m Loan For Abia govt

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The Islamic Development Bank has approved a $125 million loan under AB Seed for Abia State for the implementation of its 2024 Budget of over N567.2 billion.
The state governor, Alex Otti announced this, yesterday, during his monthly press briefing tagged “Otti Speaks” for the month of March at the Government House, Umuahia.

He said the African Development Bank had also approved a loan for the state just as some commercial banks had indicated interest to offer similar facilities to the state.


His words: “Two days ago, the Islamic Development Bank approved the sum of $125 million as loan for us for the implementation of the budget.”


However, Otti, who disclosed that the administration was yet to draw from any of the facilities until the purposes they were proposed for were properly scrutinised.

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“We do not want to draw the loans until we need them and will repay when we have liquidity, and we will pay later,” the economist/ex-bank chief added.

On general terms, he said his 10 months old administration had done excellently well in all sectors considering the condition it met the state and the resources available to it.
On the lingering issue of pension arrears, he assured that sequel to a resolution by the executive council meeting, the arrears would be liquidated at the end of the month.

He said the administration had taken note of complaints by some civil servants over non-payment of their salaries, blaming it on errors detected during the staff verification exercise.

While assuring that the salaries would be paid as soon as the errors were corrected, the governor added that money for payment of the salaries were available in banks.

He denied that the administration was tampering with the local government federation account allocation, adding that the mayors had been given free hands to manage the funds.


Otti urged those harbouring such belief to tour the local governments to observe for themselves what the mayors are doing in service delivery as against what were obtained in the past.

Buhari’s Ex-Aide Reacts As Otti Secures $125 Million Loan From Islamic Bank

Bashir Ahmad, former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has commended Governor Alex Otti of Abia State for securing a $125 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to finance capital projects in the state.
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In a post via his official X handle on Wednesday, Ahmad said the decision of the Abia governor to secure the project loan from the international bank was a wise decision.

He said the utilization of Islamic finance could enable Abia state to undertake essential capital projects without the long-term financial strain that interest-bearing loans might impose.

The former presidential aide wrote: “Governor Alex Otti has indeed made a wise decision as he secured a $125 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to finance capital projects in Abia.

“Islamic banking, being interest-free, aligns with the ethical guidelines of Islam, which perceive money as a means of exchange rather than a commodity that can generate income through interest. This principle ensures that financial transactions contribute directly to economic activities and development without the burden of interest, which can sometimes be prohibitive.

“Islamic finance emphasizes partnership and the sharing of profit and risks. This approach encourages a sense of mutual responsibility and ethical investment.

“In the context of Abia State, the utilization of Islamic finance can provide several advantages. It can enable the state to undertake essential capital projects without the long-term financial strain that interest-bearing loans might impose.”


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Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Resigns from PDP with 23 Assembly Members

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Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Resigns from PDP with 23 Assembly Members

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on Wednesday during a state executive council meeting in Yenagoa, accompanied by 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, including Speaker Abraham Ngobere and Deputy Speaker Faithful Ebi.

His Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, confirmed the move, attributing it to ‘obvious reasons’ without specifics, while Diri thanked PDP supporters and reaffirmed his dedication to Bayelsa’s progress.

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Today, I have formally resigned my membership from PDP for obvious reasons.” – Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.

The defection ends the PDP’s control of the state since 1999 and hints at a potential shift to the All Progressives Congress before the 2027 elections.

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Davido Announces 5IVE Alive Tour in Five Cities in Nigeria

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Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido has revealed the Nigerian dates for his 5IVE Alive Tour, linked to his fifth studio album released in April 2025, following a successful North American run.

The tour kicks off on October 26 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, and includes stops in Yola, Enugu, Ibadan, culminating on December 25 in Lagos.

Tickets are now available starting at ₦5,000 for most venues, with fans urged to purchase quickly amid high demand.


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Lagos Re-Arraigns Evans For Alleged Murder Of Two Policemen

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The Lagos State Government has re-arraigned convicted billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, on a fresh murder charge involving the deaths of two police officers.

Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, were re-arraigned before Justice Oyindamola Ogala on a five-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

The case was transferred from Justice Adenike Coker, and according to the charge, Evans and his co-defendant allegedly killed two policemen, Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi, on August 27, 2013, around 10 p.m. at Festac Town, Lagos.

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The offences violate Section 221 of the Lagos Criminal Law, 2011.

At the proceedings, State Prosecutor A. O. Azeez confirmed the transfer of the case and requested a fresh arraignment despite Evans’ earlier plea bargain applications before the former judge.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the five-count amended charge.

The court adjourned the matter to November 19, 2025, for hearing and issuance of witness summons.

Evans has already been convicted before another court and is currently serving sentences for two of his five criminal cases.

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‘Taking Nigeria’s Situation to God’ Peter Obi’s Message After Visit to Rome

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After his visit to Rome, Peter Obi the former presidential Candidate of the Labour party in 2023 general election write what he did while in Rome.

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My Visit to the USA, Rome: Taking Nigeria’s Situation to God.

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After my 2-day trip to the United States – where I addressed the Friendship Club on Saturday, 4 October, and spoke at the 1st Ubuntu African Youth Assembly in Washington on Sunday, 5 October – I departed that same night for Rome, arriving on 6th October to join my dearest wife, who was already in Rome waiting for me.

This year marks a Jubilee Year, an event celebrated every twenty-five years, and my dearest wife and I chose to dedicate our prayers to Nigeria. With hearts full of gratitude, we thanked God that, despite our differences and the many challenges faced over sixty-five years of independence, He has kept us together as one nation – a rare and profound blessing for which we remain deeply thankful.

We also sought forgiveness for our national transgressions and implored God to intervene in the suffering of the Nigerian people. We prayed for the injection into our political landscape selfless and compassionate leaders whose hearts He God would touch—leaders who would be truthful in word and deed, altruistic in service, and committed to using public resources for the common good. Leaders whose decisions would reflect competence, capacity, character,  and commitment to the welfare of all. Leaders who understand that they were not created to live in isolation but in community with others, and must ensure that actions are for the benefit of the community.

On Tuesday, the 7th of October, as part of our pilgrimage, we passed through three Holy Doors of the four major Papal Basilicas in Rome, praying at each that God would open the door of His mercy to Nigeria. At St. Mary Major, we prayed, passed through the Holy Door, and reflected at the grave of the late Pope Francis. From there, we journeyed to the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, where Cardinal James Harvey warmly received us, led us through the Holy Door, and shared the basilica’s rich history and the deep significance of the Jubilee Year. Our third stop was the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran, dedicated to Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, where, together with other pilgrims, we passed through the Holy Door and joined in prayer. We then proceeded to the Scala Sancta – the Holy Steps which Jesus ascended before Pontius Pilate – where we prayed with profound reverence, completing a day of deep spiritual reflection at some of Rome’s most sacred sites.

On Wednesday the 8th of October, we rose early for the Papal General Audience at St. Peter’s Basilica, where we were blessed to hear the Catechesis of His Holiness on hope, perseverance, and steadfast faith in times of hardship. Afterwards, we passed through the final Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, praying and reflecting deeply on God’s mercy, thus completing our pilgrimage through the four doors with hearts filled with gratitude and renewed faith.

At St. Peter’s, we were privileged to be received in audience by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex, to whom we humbly appealed for prayers for our beloved country, Nigeria.

Along the way, we met several Nigerian pilgrims: men and women of faith whose faces shone with quiet hope. Together, we renewed our trust in God’s divine mercy and in the promise of a renewed and better Nigeria.

I believe fervently in the power and providence of God. Yet, as we lift our nation before Him in prayer, we must not surrender to fatalism. Faith does not absolve us of responsibility; rather, it calls us to action. As Nigerians, we must each continue to do our part – with honesty, diligence, and love – for the healing and progress of our country.

A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

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VIDEO: Lagos Govt demolishes Ola of Lagos showroom

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The Lagos state government has demolished the car showroom owned by popular auto dealer and influencer, Olaoluwa Osunkoya, widely known as Ola of Lagos.

The demolition took place in Lekki after authorities found that the structure was built directly beneath 33kV high-tension power lines, a violation of safety regulations.


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