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9th Senate: Lawan Calls Oshiomhole’s Bluff, Consults PDP Govs, Senators
The Senate Majority Leader and All Progressives Congress candidate for the Senate presidency in the 9th National Assembly, Ahmed Lawan, has reached out to some Peoples Democratic Party governors to brighten his chances of winning the number three position.
This is contrary to the ruling party’s earlier position that it would not need the PDP for its candidate to emerge winner in the race.
Lawan’s adoption by the ruling party’s National Working Committee has divided the party, with Senators Ali Ndume (Borno) and Danjuma Goje (Gombe) insisting on contesting the post despite the APC’s position.
The National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, had shortly after the NWC’s adoption of Lawan, said the ruling party did not need the PDP lawmakers’ votes to clinch leadership seats in the National Assembly.
He cautioned against any power sharing deal with the opposition party.
The APC said all committees in the Senate would be chaired by the APC senators.
But Lawan met with three PDP governors during the week to seek their support.
Saturday PUNCH learnt that he met separately with Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as well as Imo State governor-elect Emeka Ihedioha in Abuja where he sought their support for his Senate presidency bid.
A source, who was part of his meeting with Tambuwal on Wednesday, claimed Lawan complained about Oshiomhole’s comments on the PDP, which he said had adversely affected his chances of winning the support of some returning PDP senators-elect.
It is however not clear whether the Yobe lawmaker made any commitment to a power-sharing deal with the PDP.
“It was just to reassure PDP stakeholders of his readiness to work and cooperate with them, nothing more,” the source said.
The Punch
Anglican Methodist Modern/Secondary School, Ajagba, Oyo, has announced its 70th Founder’s Day Anniversary, a landmark celebration dedicated to honouring the institution’s rich heritage, academic excellence, and enduring legacy of character development.
The week-long celebration, scheduled to hold from Monday, March 30 to Saturday, April 4, 2026, will bring together alumni, staff, students, and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond in a grand reunion and series of commemorative events.
Activities lined up for the anniversary include:
Reunion and Get-Together of Old Students
Thanksgiving Service
Commissioning of Development Projects
Cultural and Social Activities
Sporting Events
Public Lectures and Awards Ceremony
Grand Dinner and Special Entertainment
The Central Planning Committee, under the leadership of Mr. Olunloyo Olabode (Chairman), is coordinating preparations to ensure a memorable and impactful celebration.
Other key officials include:
Mr. Azzez Oladejo – Secretary, Central Planning Committee
Rev. Adepoju Ezekiel Babatunde – National President
Dr. Lasisi Yusuff Bolaji – National Secretary
Members of the public, alumni, stakeholders, and friends of the institution are warmly invited to participate in this historic milestone celebration.
Photo Op
From left: AMSOOSA National Secretary, Dr. Yusuff Bolaji LASISI; National President, Reverend Ezekiel Babatunde Adepoju; Principal School 1, Mr. M. Adekunle; Principal School 2 Senior, Mrs. H. Oluokun; Principal School 2 Junior, Mr. L. Oluwagbemi; Chairman 70th Founder’s Day Planning Committee, Mr. Olabode Victor Olunloyo. From Left Rear: Representatives of Year Set Coordinators Mr. Basit Ilo and Mr. Rasaq Babatunde Lasisi
For further enquiries, contact:
Chairman, Central Planning Committee – 08034916272
Secretary, Central Planning Committee – 08060055464
National President – 08034649564
National Secretary – 08164717355
Together We Soar!
The Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation, in partnership with Access Bank, has carried out a multi-location humanitarian outreach under the “Access Pad Me A Girl 2.0” initiative, reaching vulnerable girls and women across Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Abuja, Benue, and Nasarawa States from February 6th to 9th, 2026.
The weekend outreach covered Area 1 IDP Camp, Durumi (Abuja), Ortese IDP Camp (Benue State), and Kadarko IDP Camp (Nasarawa State), with a focus on promoting menstrual dignity, education, and basic welfare support for displaced girls and women.
During the outreach, beneficiaries received reusable sanitary pads, exercise books, writing materials, food items, and other essential supplies aimed at easing the daily challenges faced by residents of the camps.
Speaking on the outreach, the Convener of Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation, Theresa Moses, said the initiative was driven by a commitment to ensure that no girl is denied dignity or education because of her menstrual cycle or circumstances of displacement.
“Access Pad Me A Girl 2.0 is about restoring dignity, confidence, and opportunity to girls and women who have been displaced. Menstrual hygiene is not a privilege; it is a basic right. Through this partnership with Access Bank, we are not only providing reusable pads but also hope, education, and reassurance that these girls are seen and supported,” Moses stated.
She added that the inclusion of educational materials and food items was a deliberate effort to address the broader needs of girls in IDP camps, noting that menstrual support must go hand in hand with education and welfare.
The Foundation described its partnership with Access Bank as a strong example of how corporate organizations can support sustainable grassroots interventions that create lasting impact in vulnerable communities.
Beneficiaries and camp officials expressed appreciation for the outreach, describing it as timely and impactful, particularly for young girls who often miss school due to lack of menstrual products and learning materials.
The Access Pad Me A Girl 2.0 outreach is part of the Foundation’s ongoing nationwide efforts to combat period poverty and support vulnerable girls, with plans to extend the initiative to more IDP camps and underserved communities across Nigeria.
By Ayo Oyoze Baje
According to an expert on the alluring yet, competitive hospitality industry, Chris Rios writing for ‘Room Master’ media outlet, to run a successful hotel business begins by embracing technological advancements, prioritizing sustainability, investing in your team by frequent training programs and empowerment as well as personalizing guest experiences. Other facilitating factors include that of leveraging on digital marketing, optimizing revenue, and maintaining rigorous financial controls. With these factors well articulated and applied hotels can navigate the competitive landscape with confidence.
Interestingly, out there in the ever-busy Lagos metropolis is one rare gem of a hotel business manager making the desired difference as a true game-changer. He is none other than the seasoned General Manager of Radisson Blu hotel, Ikeja,Lagos, Noel Christophe. Over the years he has exemplified astute management of men and materials of the globally-recognized Five-Star hotel and standing tall at that, especially under the current harsh economic situation. But truth be told, doing so is not a picnic in paradise. Not at all! What however, does it really demand? That is the million-naira question. The answer, as they say comes from the horse”s mouth.
So, in a recent exciting media engagement with a team of experts on tourism including Ambassador Ayo Omotoso, the CEO of Travelogue he beamed brighter light on some related, critical issues. These include what makes up the magic wand he and his highly committed management team have woven to take the 155-bedroom Raddisson Blu hotel, covering 46 square kilometers to higher ground. Another question has to do with the term ‘Detty December’ which has become a trending phenomenon,.Did the hotel experience a good turnout of visitors during the 2025 Chrudtmas Season? And he was humbly requested to share his experiences regarding the Radisson Blu hotel,in Ikeja Lagos.
Beaming with a warm smile, he stated that: “The ‘Detty December’ concept is an interesting one and yes, it contributed positively to our bottom line. We had full-on bookings in all areas of the hotel, from room lodging to the restaurants and bar outlets.
“Whilst the boom was very positive, it must be said that it is the kind of business environment and demand that we want to see sustained in the Lagos hospitality and travel market. We would like to see such demand extend beyond the December period to becoming consistent all year long.” That is a heart-warming insight is it not? Yes, it us.
The next question weng thus; ” During Detty December, it was documented that all hotels were fully booked. Also, what activities do you have planned to attract guests during subsequent ones?”
With his proud pedigree in the business he confidently explained that: ” As said, yes, our hotel and all outlets within were fully booked all through the peak festive season. It is unrealistic at this time to state activities or packages and deals that would come up during the December period this year as we are just beginning the year, 2026.
“However, when the time comes, we will have special packages and offers available for all guests. These packages come in tiers, so there is always an exciting deal for every guest and across all strata of business travellers, leisure seekers, local or international guests, couples, family, group travellers of i.e. friends and colleagues, individual travellers etc. We can guarantee that there will be something exciting and worth-while for everyone”, he assured.
Expectedly, the subsequent question was on the Valentine’s Day and if the hotel has any Romantic Hospitality package designed for the prospective guests?”
He explained that: ” Valentine’s Day
is a celebration for the loved ones, making it memorable, Our promise is to create memorable moments for all our guests and this season makes the delivery of our unique services even more special. The Valentine’s, guests can have a luxury stay with us, combined with an exquisite dining experience at affordable rates.
“Truly, we have something special for everyone. Beyond the romantic getaway lodging that offers unique treats and in-room services, there is much more to do within the hotel. We have a variety of dining outlets that offer something unique for every taste bud. For guests who like a wide selection of meals and flavours, our Iyeru Okin restaurant is open all day, beginning with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For guests with refined palettes and seeking more delicate meals within a heightened romantic atmosphere, our specialty restaurant CUT is also open, serving the finest cuts of steak, choice wine, sea food options and more, all made with the freshest ingredients and mouth-watering flavours.
“We have private dining areas that are fully exclusive and are open for use. Our hotel bar is known to offer one of the best evening and weekend hangout experience on the mainland and light meals with choice drinks can be sampled here. This Valentine’s we will be hosting an exciting pop-up dining experience with Diageo as a collaborative initiative, it promises to offer more unforgettable moments to our esteemed guests. There really is something for everyone, couples, and singles alike.
“To wrap up the special treats, guests can also indulge in the most relaxing pampering session available at the acclaimed Amani Spa Lagos which is undoubtedly the best spa in this city. In all, we have so much and more to offer, and we invite guests to come and explore the taste of Blu Ikeja and create new memories this season and beyond.” Brilliant submissions, you would admit.
With all of these tension-easing offerings provided under a cool, calm and scenic environnent at affordable cost, it is no longer a surprise that Radisson Blu has become a destination of choice for members of several enlightened organizations, fun-seeking couples and tourists from across the globe. And it is all because of the best products, cuisines and services it provides for all the visitors. We give big kudos to the Christophe-led management team of the hotel and urge it to keep up the great work.
