Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has directed members of his cabinet to openly show their support for President Bola Tinubu by wearing branded outfits bearing the president’s insignia.

The governor gave the directive on Tuesday while swearing in newly appointed commissioners and inaugurating commissions and boards of agencies in Benin.

Okpebholo, who attributed his electoral victory to Tinubu’s support, said loyalty to the president must reflect even in appearance.

He said, “This could not have happened if we did not have a responsible president. We have done many elections here, and the major problem we have had is that the president is not with us, but today we say thank you.

“I will not forgive any commissioner that is not wearing this cap. In our exco meetings, if you are not wearing a suit and you are coming to the meeting without this Asiwaju cap, you will go back.”

The governor urged the commissioners to see their appointments as a call to serve the people rather than an opportunity for self-enrichment.

He also said he would not tolerate corruption in the government, adding that their appointment is not for self-enrichment.

The governor said, “You have been carefully screened and confirmed by the State House of Assembly purely on merit. Your nominations did not come as a reward or patronage, but as a call to serve the people of Edo State.”

He stressed that his administration’s focus is on “practical governance,” not propaganda, and that their performance would be measured by tangible results across the state.

He added, “While I congratulate you on your deserved elevation, I want to warn that your appointment is not for personal enrichment. You are not here for money-making, but for service, for sacrifice, and for a better life for Edo people.”

“I hereby call on you to brace up for action, as your success will be measured by your impact in bringing about better services and opportunities to our people.

“May I remind you that this administration has zero tolerance for corruption and you’re expected to display discipline, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose.

“Most importantly, I expect loyalty to the people of Edo State. You must always remember that History will judge us for our actions and not our intentions.”

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), was among the dignitaries present at the event.

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Nigeria has assumed the chairmanship of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four.

The federal government has pledged to amplify the voices of developing nations and drive inclusive global economic reforms when it formally takes office on November 1, 2025.

This was disclosed in a series of posts by the Central Bank of Nigeria on its official X handle on Wednesday.

The G-24 which was formed in 1971, brings together developing nations to forge common positions on global monetary policy and development financing, ensuring their collective voice is heard in international economic decision-making.

The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the voice of the G-24 as a catalyst for inclusive dialogue and reform.

Cardoso stated, “Our focus will be on sustaining momentum in areas that matter most to our members. We look forward to working with members to advance our shared mission of inclusive growth, equity, and global stability.

“We are determined to ensure that the G-24 continues to be a formidable platform for representing the common interests of emerging and developing economies.”

Recall, in 2024, the federal government called for increased investments and trading partnerships from member countries of the G-24.

Edun had highlighted Nigeria’s strong potential to attract foreign investment across key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and oil and gas.

He further pointed out that Nigeria possesses one of the largest expanses of arable land in the world, second only to Brazil, underscoring the nation’s potential to shift from being a food importer to a leading global food exporter.

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Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has died in India, Indian police said Wednesday. He was aged 80.

“The death is confirmed,” Krishnan M, additional superintendent of police in India’s southern state of Kerala, told AFP.

“The Kenyan national was on a walk with his sister, daughter, and a personal doctor when he suddenly collapsed. An Indian police security officer and a Kenyan security officer were also with them at the time. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, but was declared dead.”

Odinga’s death was also confirmed to AFP by a member of his political team but they requested anonymity while awaiting an official announcement from the party.

A spokesman for the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Kerala also confirmed the death.

“This morning, around 07:45 am, Mr Raila was on his morning walk,” the spokesman told AFP.

“Suddenly, he experienced some breathing difficulties and collapsed. He was provided CPR on the spot and having seen some sign of recovery, he was rushed to the nearest modern hospital. Despite repeated efforts by the medicos, his condition deteriorated and the doctors were unable to save him.”

Born on January 7, 1945, he spent his early years in politics either in jail or in exile, fighting for democracy during the autocratic rule of President Daniel Arap Moi.

A member of the Luo tribe, he entered parliament in 1992 and ran unsuccessfully for the presidency in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2022, claiming to have been cheated of victory in the last four elections.

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