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As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary, the Executive Director of Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP, has felicitated with Nigerians, Deltans and the people of Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency (U3) on the historic occasion.

In his Independence Day message released on Wednesday, Dr. Akpodiete congratulated citizens for their resilience, unity and unwavering faith in the Nigerian project despite years of challenges.

He said 66 years of nationhood is a testament to the strength and diversity of the Nigerian people, noting that though the journey has been rough, the future holds greater promise if citizens remain united and hopeful.

“On behalf of the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, I heartily felicitate with all Nigerians, Deltans and my beloved people of U3 on the occasion of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary. We have come a long way as a nation, and despite our challenges, we have remained one indivisible people,” he said.

Dr. Akpodiete urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, stressing that nation-building is a collective responsibility that requires patience, patriotism and sacrifice from all.

He particularly called on the youths of U3 and Delta State to remain law-abiding and optimistic, assuring them that a greater Nigeria is achievable.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the Foundation’s Executive Director said Nigerians have another golden opportunity to shape the future of the country by electing credible, competent and people-oriented leaders at all levels.

According to him, “As we celebrate Nigeria @ 66, we must remember that the destiny of this nation is in our hands. The 2027 general election is around the corner and it presents us with another opportunity to select new leaders who will truly serve the people and build the greater Nigeria we all desire. Let us keep faith, get involved, and choose wisely.”

He prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for Nigeria, Delta State and the U3 Federal Constituency, and wished all citizens a joyful Independence celebration.

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The Coalition for Good Governance in Nigeria (CGGN) has issued a formal and complete retraction of its earlier statement demanding the resignation or suspension of Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

In a statement dated 29 September 2026 and signed by Salisu Mohammed, the group said the assertions contained in its previous release were inaccurate, incomplete and not supported by verifiable evidence, and that it was therefore withdrawing the statement in its entirety.

“The Coalition for Good Governance in Nigeria (CGGN) hereby issues this formal and complete retraction of its earlier statement calling for the resignation or suspension of Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin,” the group declared.

“Upon rigorous internal review, further engagement with relevant documents, and careful consideration of additional facts that have since come to light, the Coalition has determined that the assertions contained in that earlier statement were inaccurate, incomplete, and not supported by verifiable evidence.

“We therefore withdraw the statement in its entirety.”

CGGN specifically withdrew its earlier characterisation of NAICOM’s regulatory actions during the recapitalisation exercise as unlawful.

It also retracted claims relating to alleged unlawful demands, forced transfers of capital into CBN escrow accounts, and the collection of funds for consultants who were never engaged.

The group further abandoned its assertion that Omosehin’s continued presence in office constituted a “clear and present danger” to the insurance sector or an affront to accountability.

“The characterisation of NAICOM’s regulatory actions during the ongoing recapitalisation exercise as unlawful or lacking legal foundation was erroneous,” the statement said.

“Claims relating to alleged ‘unlawful demands,’ forced transfers into escrow accounts contrary to statute, and the collection of funds for consultants who were ‘never engaged’ have been found to be based on incomplete information and misapprehension of the applicable legal and regulatory framework.”

The Coalition expressed regret over any distress, reputational harm or public anxiety its earlier statement may have caused Omosehin, NAICOM staff, insurance operators, policyholders and the general public.

It offered an unreserved apology for publishing claims that subsequent scrutiny had shown to be incorrect.

CGGN stressed that good governance requires not only the courage to raise concerns but also the integrity to correct the record when those concerns prove misplaced.

“The Coalition regrets any distress, reputational harm, or unnecessary public anxiety that the earlier statement may have caused Mr. Omosehin, the management and staff of NAICOM, operators in the insurance industry, policyholders, and the general public,” the group stated.

“We unreservedly apologise for the publication of claims that subsequent scrutiny has shown to be incorrect.

“Good governance requires not only the courage to speak when concerns arise, but also the integrity to correct the record when those concerns are shown to be misplaced.”

As a result, the Coalition formally retracted every demand for Omosehin’s immediate resignation or suspension.

It also withdrew any suggestion that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy should take disciplinary action against him on the basis of the earlier petition narrative.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the strengthening of Nigeria’s financial services sector, while recognising the critical role of an independent insurance regulator.

“We therefore retract, without reservation, every demand for the immediate resignation or suspension of the Commissioner for Insurance,” the statement continued.

“We further withdraw any suggestion that the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy should take disciplinary action against him on the basis of the earlier petition narrative.”

CGGN said nothing in the retraction diminished its interest in the orderly and lawful conduct of the recapitalisation exercise.

It simply corrected the record where the organisation had previously fallen short.

The Coalition urged all stakeholders to allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Federal Ministry of Finance and NAICOM to discharge their statutory mandates without the distraction of unsubstantiated public campaigns.

“The Coalition reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the strengthening of Nigeria’s financial services sector,” the group added.

“We recognise the critical role of an independent and professional insurance regulator in protecting policyholders, attracting investment, and safeguarding systemic stability.

“Nothing in this retraction diminishes our ongoing interest in the orderly and lawful conduct of the recapitalisation exercise; it simply corrects the record where we previously fell short.”

In closing, CGGN said the retraction was issued in the public interest and in the spirit of fairness and accuracy that must always guide civic advocacy.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government has congratulated the Government and people of Botswana on the country’s 60th Independence Anniversary, praising its progress since gaining independence in 1966.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the government conveyed Nigeria’s warm felicitations to Batswana as the country marked the milestone.

Nigeria’s congratulatory message was conveyed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on behalf of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria.

The government said Botswana’s journey since independence on September 30, 1966, had been marked by significant progress in nation-building.

“Nigeria recognises the remarkable progress Botswana has made in its nation-building journey since independence on 30 September 1966, and commends its Government and people for their resilience, dedication and courage in advancing national development over the decades,” the minister said.

Nigeria described its relationship with Botswana as longstanding, cordial and mutually beneficial, built around shared values and interests, mutual respect and a commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.

According to the statement, bilateral relations between both countries have expanded over the years across political, economic and socio-cultural spheres.

The relationship has also been supported by institutional engagement and growing people-to-people exchanges, particularly through the Nigeria-Botswana Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation.

At the multilateral level, Nigeria said it continued to work closely with Botswana within the United Nations, African Union and Commonwealth of Nations.

It said both countries had contributed to efforts aimed at promoting international peace and security, sustainable development and a stronger multilateral system.

Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its friendship and solidarity with Botswana while deepening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The Federal Government extended its best wishes to Botswana’s President, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, as well as the government and people of the country.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu wished Botswana continued “peace, stability, prosperity and progress” as it entered a new chapter of its post-independence journey.