The Okun Development Association (ODA), speaking for all sons and daughters of Okunland at home and in the diaspora, has warmly express appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nominating Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of ODA, Dayo Thomas, the group said President Tinubu’s decision is a defining statement in recognition of meritocracy and a resounding vote of confidence in Okun technocrats. By elevating another distinguished Okun patriot to the federal cabinet, ODA said, “Mr. President has reaffirmed that Kogi West remains a wellspring of exceptional competence, unwavering loyalty, and tested character available for national service at the highest levels”

The appointment, the group registered, “strengthens our people’s faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda and in a Federal Government that recognizes competence wherever it is found.”

The statement further read: The ODA President General, Amb Akenson Rotimi, wishes to celebrate Ambassador Enikanolaiye, a distinguished diplomat and seasoned public servant whose career spanning over four decades reflects discipline, intellectual rigor, and the finest in diplomatic practice. According to the ODA President General, Amb Enikanolaiye is a true patriot, and a consistent promoter of Okun interest, balancing global assignments with tangible community development in his homeland.

Ambassador Enikanolaiye brings to the office, over four decades of exemplary service in Nigeria’s foreign relations. He served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and represented Nigeria with distinction in several diplomatic missions, including Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi. Until this nomination, he served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, where his policy insight and institutional memory were invaluable to the machinery of governance.

ODA said it is convinced that the nomination aligns with President Tinubu’s drive to reinvigorate Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater output, strategic engagements, and stronger global presence adding, that Ambassador Enikanolaiye, a quintessential diplomat has protected Nigeria’s national interest with intellect, tact, and integrity across multiple administrations.

“We have complete confidence that Amb Enikanolaiye will advance Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements in regional stability, and safeguard the interest of Nigerians at home and abroad. At a time when global supply chains, security, and energy markets are facing challenges, his experience, and deep institutional knowledge are precisely what Nigeria needs” the statement reads in part.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it has no plans to extend the sales of expression of interest and nomination forms to aspirants in the 2027 general elections.

The National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda, made this known while briefing journalists in Abuja.

Yilwatda said that the party was working in line with the schedule of the sales activities and time.

“The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) will decide at its meeting if there will be any room for extension.

“There is a timeline for activities and if there will be any extension we will follow due process.

“There is presently no extension for the sales of the forms,” he said.

He applauded the smooth sale process, noting that it indicated a seamless primary election and victory for the party in the 2027 general elections.

“The APC remains one of the most democratic political parties in the country which provides level playing ground to all its members.

“Someone has even picked a form to contest the presidency and this shows the level of democracy we have in Nigeria.

“The number of people coming to contest in our party tells us that it is the most acceptable in Nigeria.

“There is currently no challenge in the sale of forms as the banks had been doing the needful with party staff overseeing the clearance.

“The department in charge of receipts is up to its duties and are monitoring the social media to ascertain if people are complaining,” he said.

Recall that the party fixed the sales of forms from April 25 to May 2.

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new five-year contract until 2031.

The 21-year-old’s previous deal at Old Trafford, signed in 2023 when he was still 17, was due to expire in the summer of 2027.

Mainoo has featured in 26 matches in all competitions so far this season, 24 in the Premier League, with this contract extension understood to underpin his importance in the team since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim as United manager in January.

Mainoo said: “Manchester United has always been my home; this special club means everything to my family.

“I have grown up seeing the impact that our club has on our city, and I relish the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.

“From The Cliff, to Littleton Road, to Carrington and ultimately Old Trafford, the journey so far has been incredible.

“I have the privilege of living my dream every single day, with the same relentless desire to succeed here as when I joined my first training session at the age of six.

“We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies in the years ahead.”