Tinubu Mourns Football Legend Festus Onigbinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigeria’s football icon, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away at the age of 88.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his condolences to the late coach’s family, the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, and football fans across the country.

Tinubu described Onigbinde as a respected football administrator and tactician who made remarkable contributions to the growth of the sport in Nigeria. He noted that the late coach played a pioneering role as the first indigenous coach of the Nigeria national football team in 1982 and was instrumental in promoting grassroots football development.

Under his leadership, Nigeria reached the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, a milestone that strengthened his reputation as one of the country’s most influential football figures.

The President praised Onigbinde for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for football, noting that his legacy would continue to inspire generations of players, coaches, and sports administrators.

Tinubu also prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed and asked God to grant comfort and strength to his family and loved ones.

The industrialization agenda of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has received a major boost with the commencement of construction of a 100-megawatt power plant and a 300-metric-tonnes-per-day Liquefied Natural Gas facility at the Taihu Industrial Park in Ologbo Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.

The strategic energy projects, being developed by Taihu Industry Park Ologbo Company Limited, a subsidiary of the China Clean Energy Technology Company, are expected to significantly enhance energy supply, stimulate industrial activities and strengthen the state’s growing reputation as a destination for investment and manufacturing.

At the groundbreaking ceremony held on Monday, March 9, 2026, Governor Okpebholo described the project as a significant step toward strengthening the state’s industrial base, improving energy security and accelerating economic transformation. He emphasized that his administration has deliberately pursued policies that create an enabling environment for investors, noting that the state is focused on attracting genuine investments capable of delivering long-term prosperity.

Okpebholo noted that rather than relying on symbolic agreements, his government is focused on projects that comply fully with the law and translate directly into tangible development outcomes. The governor also linked the initiative to the economic vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that reliable electricity remains the backbone of industrialization and a critical driver of economic expansion.

“With this power plant, we are creating an environment-friendly ecosystem for manufacturing, job creation and sustainable economic growth in Edo State,” he said.

Okpebholo urged the host community to continue demonstrating the hospitality for which the area is known, stressing that peaceful coexistence between investors and local communities remains essential for long-term development. He assured investors that the Edo State Government would continue to protect investments and provide the enabling conditions needed for businesses to thrive.

The Managing Director of Taihu Industry Park Ologbo Company Limited, Jiang Fan, said the projects represent a major milestone that will drive economic development and support Edo State’s expanding industrial ecosystem. According to him, the power plant and LNG facility are designed to energize industries within the park, extend energy access to surrounding communities and contribute to long-term economic growth.

“We break ground today and tomorrow we will power industries, energize communities and fuel growth. These projects will be completed within six months from today,” Jiang Fan said.

He also acknowledged the role played by the Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Eric Sino Osawaru, for facilitating engagement with the host community and ensuring smooth collaboration that enabled the project to commence. “We want to express our appreciation to the Honourable Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government, Hon. Eric Sino Osawaru, who has been our torchbearer to the Ologbo community, holding our hands in managing all community issues,” he stated.

The company’s managing director also commended the people of Ologbo Community for their cooperation and support, noting that their partnership remains essential to the success of the project. He assured that the company will uphold responsible operational practices, environmental sustainability and strong community engagement throughout the life of the project.

Jiang Fan further expressed confidence that the collaboration between the Edo State Government, the local government authority and the host community would enable the Taihu Industrial Park to attract additional high-value investments and gradually evolve into a major industrial hub in the region. The industrial park is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Edo State’s industrialization agenda while serving as a model for regional economic development. The projects are scheduled for completion within six months, with a commissioning date tentatively fixed for September 9, 2026.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Hon. Eric Osawaru, described the groundbreaking ceremony as a major milestone for the local government, Edo State and Nigeria’s energy sector. He noted that the project represents the positive impact of collaboration between government, private investors and host communities, adding that it would create employment opportunities, promote skills development and stimulate infrastructure growth within the area.

Speaking on behalf of the host community, Deacon Osazuwa commended Governor Okpebholo for creating an investor-friendly climate that has encouraged major investments in the state. He said the decision to site the project in Ologbo would significantly boost economic activities and improve livelihoods in the community.

Edo State Commissioner for Power, Paul Usebor, described the project as a strategic step in the state’s drive to become a hub for reliable power generation and industrial development. According to him, the 100MW power plant will strengthen electricity supply within Edo State and surrounding areas, while the 300-metric-tonnes-per-day LNG facility will enhance cleaner energy production, improve gas utilization and boost energy security.

The first phase of the Taihu Benin Industrial Park project will occupy approximately 29 hectares in Ologbo and is being developed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, which is also serving as the major contractor. Upon completion, the facility is expected to provide reliable energy support for regional industrial development and significantly strengthen the power supply infrastructure within the state.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

A heated debate has erupted in Nigeria’s political space following a controversial television interview involving presidential media aide Daniel Bwala on the global programme Head to Head hosted by Mehdi Hasan on Al Jazeera.

The interview has triggered a wave of reactions from political actors and commentators, with supporters praising Bwala’s willingness to defend the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while critics argue that the exchange exposed contradictions in his political record.

Bwala Defends His Performance

In a press statement issued on March 7, Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, defended his appearance on the programme, saying he remains committed to promoting and defending the administration’s policies.

According to him, appearing before critical interviewers is part of his responsibility as a spokesperson.

Bwala said he accepted the interview, knowing it would focus on issues such as security, the economy, and corruption, but alleged that the host unexpectedly shifted the discussion to his past political statements.

He argued that the programme adopted what he described as “opposition research-style journalism” and claimed that some quotes attributed to organizations during the interview were inaccurate.

The presidential aide also addressed criticism regarding past remarks he made against President Tinubu before joining the administration.

He described the comments as part of political contestation at the time, noting that political realignments are common worldwide.

Bwala added that he remains open to future interviews and expressed respect for Hasan, whom he described as “arguably the best debater on the planet.”

Atiku Aide Fires Back

However, the statement quickly drew a sharp response from Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a separate press release titled “Weep Not for Bwala, Weep for Nigeria,” Shaibu dismissed Bwala’s defence of the interview, describing the exchange as embarrassing.

He accused Bwala of political opportunism and argued that the interview highlighted contradictions between the presidential aide’s past criticisms of the Tinubu administration and his current role defending it.

Shaibu also alleged that Bwala struggled to respond to questions during the programme and relied on dismissing criticisms as fake news rather than providing evidence.

The opposition spokesperson further argued that the episode reflected broader governance issues in Nigeria, accusing the administration of failing to adequately address insecurity and other national challenges.

Moghalu Calls Interview ‘Disastrous’

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu, also weighed in on the controversy.

Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Moghalu described the interview as a “disaster of gargantuan proportions” for Nigeria’s image internationally.

According to him, the global audience present during the programme may have formed negative impressions about the country’s political leadership and governance standards.

Moghalu also criticised what he described as a political culture driven by opportunism rather than ideology or policy, questioning the decision to appoint former critics of the government as official spokespersons.

He suggested that the focus of the discussion shifted from the administration’s policies to Bwala’s past criticisms of the same government he now represents.

Broader Political Debate

The controversy; dubbed “Bwalagate” by commentators, has sparked wider discussions on Nigeria’s political communication, credibility of government spokespersons, and the impact of international media appearances on the country’s reputation.

Supporters of the administration argue that Bwala demonstrated willingness to engage critics on a global stage, while opponents maintain that the interview highlighted weaknesses in the government’s messaging.

As reactions continue across political circles and social media, analysts say the episode underscores the intense scrutiny facing government representatives when defending policy positions before international audiences.

Whether the debate will have lasting political consequences remains uncertain, but the exchange has already become one of the most talked-about media moments in Nigeria’s political discourse this year.