As the race to the June 20, 2026 governorship poll gathers traction, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye has warned political appointees against disloyalty and treacherous acts.

Mrs Afuye said it would be a disservice for those holding political positions to be playing spoilers’ roles, saying there are gains in being steadfastly loyal to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who offered them platforms to render services to the state.

The deputy governor gave the warning in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, during the burial thanksgiving service for her late mother, Olori Esther Iyalaje Adegboye, held at the Government House Chapel, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

Olori Adegboye, who died on February 18, 2025 at the age of 97, was laid to rest on June 27, 2025 at her Ikere Ekiti country home.

At the event, attended by the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, top government functionaries and high profile politicians, prayers were offered for the success of Governor Oyebanji’s administration and for sustainable peace of in Ekiti State and the nation in general.

Addressing the congregation, Mrs Afuye, appreciated Governor Oyebanji, the First Lady, political class, traditional rulers and all Ekiti indigenes, for their support.

Speaking about the 2026 governorship poll and the need for cohesiveness in government, the deputy governor appealed to those holding political positions to be wary of their actions and be loyal to their principals in the interest of their dignity and honour.

“Let us be committed to the government in whatever position we are given. You might be holding a small position, be contented with it and be loyal to that cause.

“We thank God that Ekiti is peaceful under Governor Oyebanji and moving forward in all aspects. This has been recognised near and far, not only in South-West alone but across Nigeria, that our governor is performing and delivering.

“There is nothing the governor can do that can please the adversaries. That is why you are seeing those negative comments coming, you can’t but expect them. To those of us who are inside, let us be loyal and do what is right at all times.

“I know that by this time of next year, we will be jubilating and rejoicing in the life of Ekiti State and our governor by the grace of God,” she said.

In his sermon, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigerian, CAN, Ekiti chapter, Dr. Emmanuel Aribasoye, who quoted from the Book of Psalms, chapter 17 verses 1-12, urged the citizens to live righteous and honest lives to exalt and lift the nation beyond the present stage.

The Government House Chaplain, Pastor Segun Awolumate, led the prayers for the deceased’s family, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, all Ekiti citizens, the state government and the nation at large.

On June 26, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed a set of tax reform bills into law that will change how taxes are collected and paid in Nigeria. These reforms are designed to simplify the tax system, improve fairness, and enhance the efficiency of tax administration across the country. For many Nigerians, this is a welcome development that provides relief in a system that has long been seen as confusing and difficult to navigate. Here is what you need to know; the four (4) bills include the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.

Nigeria Tax Act combines several old tax laws into one simple law. In the past, the many different tax rules made it hard for taxpayers to understand what taxes they owed or how to pay. Now, unnecessary taxes have been removed, and paying multiple taxes on the same income or goods is no longer allowed. This makes it easier for people and businesses to know exactly what is expected of them. Tax collection across the country will now follow consistent rules. Whether you live in Lagos or anywhere else, tax officers are required to apply the same standards. This change prevents people from paying taxes more than once on the same thing or receiving conflicting instructions from federal, state, or local tax authorities.

An important feature of this act is the treatment of Value Added Tax (VAT). The VAT rate remains at 7.5 percent, but basic goods and services that Nigerians rely on, like food, healthcare, education, housing rent, and public transportation are exempted or zero-rated. This change is aimed at reducing the cost burden on Nigerians. The act also strengthens the input VAT system, allowing businesses to offset VAT paid on purchases, which prevents double taxation and encourages business growth. The act also mandates that all taxpayers, including people and businesses, obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN). This unique number will help streamline tax registration, improve tracking of tax payments, and increase transparency and accountability.

Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act replaces the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with the Nigeria Revenue Service. This new agency has a wider responsibility; it will collect all federal taxes as well as other government revenues like fees and levies. The agency will deploy improved technology platforms for taxpayers to register, file tax returns, and make payments quickly and without hassle. This modernization is expected to reduce delays, errors, and opportunities for corruption within tax collection.

Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act creates a formal governance body to coordinate tax efforts among the federal, state, and local governments. This board promotes uniformity and consistency in tax policy and administration across the country by setting common and standardized practices for all tax authorities. This will help prevent conflicts and overlapping demands that have previously caused confusion and inconvenience. To protect taxpayers, this law also establishes a Tax Appeal Tribunal and an Office of the Tax Ombuds. These institutions give taxpayers channels to raise complaints, resolve disputes, and seek fairness in tax administration.

Additionally, the reforms introduce relief measures that benefit Nigerians directly. People earning up to 800,000 naira annually will be exempt from paying personal income tax. Small and medium-sized businesses with lower turnover thresholds will enjoy simplified tax compliance rules and reduced tax burdens. These measures aim to support growth and ease the pressure on small traders and entrepreneurs across the country.

All these changes are set to take effect from January 1, 2026. This period before implementation allows the government to carry out awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians about the new tax laws. It also gives tax officials time to undergo training and prepare the necessary systems to ensure the transition to the new tax laws is smooth and efficient.

Understanding these new laws is important for every Nigerian. It means knowing your rights, your responsibilities, and where to seek help if needed.

The Renewed Hope Administration belongs to every Nigerian. The passing of these tax reform bills shows that our country is ready to embrace change. So, congratulations to all Nigerians for stepping into this new era. Together, we are building a Nigeria that works for everyone.

_Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

The Nigerian Army has concluded plans to launch sustained operations in the forests identified as the fortress of the criminal gangs in Kwara North and South Senatorial Districts.

The operations, according to a government statement on Sunday by Rafiu Ajakaye, the spokesman of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, would involve the newly trained forest guards in the isolated areas.

“The operations will rout the criminals from their hideouts and restore lasting calm in the affected areas, while care would be taken to prevent the violent elements from hibernating elsewhere.”

The statement explained that the state government has been working with the Office of the National Security Adviser to eliminate the threats in parts of the state, especially in identified settlements in Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi Local Government Areas.

While the government asserted that “No one can dismiss the worries of our community folks,” it, however, noted that “sensitive security issues require careful and realistic analysis of the situation, planning, and execution of plans for sustainable success.”

Meanwhile, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has briefed key stakeholders in the Lafiagi axis of Kwara North on the many efforts of the government to rid the areas of criminal gangs involved in violent crimes in the region.

The meeting, which came as the Nigerian Army concluded its strategy to flush bandits out of the troubled communities, was held in Ilorin, the capital city, and attended by the leadership of the Lafiagi Descendants’ Development Union (LADDU) headed by Dr. Abdullahi Jibril Mohammed Lafiagi.

The governor acknowledged the concerns of the communities and reassured them of the government-led multi-stakeholder response to the situation.

Credible sources informed OSUNDAILY NG in Ilorin that prior to the stakeholders’ meeting with the governor, a combined team of soldiers and vigilantes was ambushed on Thursday while returning from a clearance operation in Lata Nna in response to credible intelligence.

The team was in the area to raid bandits’ hideouts, rescue kidnap victims, and destroy their camps.

“However, on their way back after the operation and rescue mission, they ran into an ambush, and an unspecified number of vigilantes were reportedly killed or missing.

“Though the casualty figure remains unclear, a new expedition on Saturday in the area led to the recovery of some bodies,” the source added.