Oyo State APC

PRESS STATEMENT OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF APC APC National Chairman Takes Two-Week Vacation to Rest, Re-strategise for 2027 The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has commenced a two-week vacation outside of the country following an exceptionally demanding and eventful first year of his tenure as leader of the ruling party. The vacation is a well-deserved period of rest and personal rejuvenation after months of intense party engagements, consultations, travels and strategic activities undertaken by the National Chairman in the course of repositioning and strengthening the APC. Since assuming office, Professor Yilwatda has devoted himself to the task of building a stronger, more cohesive and electorally competitive party, working closely with the National Working Committee (NWC), governors, members of the National Assembly, state party structures, elected officials, stakeholders and millions of party members across the country. Under his leadership, the APC has successfully organised and concluded its National Convention, strengthened its internal structures and successfully conducted its primary elections at the various levels in preparation for the 2027 general elections. These achievements, coming within a relatively short period, have further consolidated the APC's position as Nigeria's leading political party and one of Africa's largest and most formidable political organisations. Far from being a disengagement from party affairs, the vacation provides the National Chairman with an opportunity to step back briefly from the intensity of day-to-day activities, recharge and reflect on the enormous responsibilities ahead. Professor Yilwatda will use the period to rest, retool and further sharpen his strategic thinking ahead of the 2027 general elections, which will be a defining moment for the APC and the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The National Chairman will also utilise the period of respite to reflect on the next phase of the party's development and put finishing touches to the design and planning of the forthcoming National Working Committee Retreat, which is expected to provide an important platform for the NWC to review the party's journey so far, identify emerging challenges and agree on strategies for the months ahead. The retreat is expected to further strengthen coordination within the NWC and enhance the party's preparedness for the demanding electoral season ahead. Professor Yilwatda's decision to take a brief vacation is therefore both timely and necessary, coming after a sustained period of exceptionally rigorous party activities. Leadership, especially at the level of a national political party, requires not only constant engagement but also periods of reflection, strategic assessment and renewal. The APC National Chairman remains fully committed to the party and its objectives. His temporary absence from the country does not in any way affect the operations or functioning of the party, as the National Working Committee continues to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with the party's constitution and established procedures. The National Chairman is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the two-week vacation and resume his engagements with renewed energy and focus. Signed: Abimbola Tooki Special Adviser to the National Chairman All Progressives Congress (APC) (Media and Information Strategy)

It was a profound honour to pay a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, CFR, in Ibadan, Oyo State. Paying homage to such a distinguished custodian of Ibadan’s rich heritage was an opportunity to reflect on the enduring values of leadership, wisdom, culture and service. Our conversation also touched on the development of our communities and the collective responsibility to build a more peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria. I have immense respect for the place of our traditional institutions in the Nigerian story. Beyond preserving our history and cultural identity, our traditional rulers continue to serve as bridges between generations and important voices for peace, stability and community development. I sincerely appreciate His Imperial Majesty for the warmth with which I was received and for the wisdom and insights shared during the visit. It was a memorable engagement, and I left deeply enriched by the experience.

Today, I had the distinct honour of receiving the Award of Distinguished Leadership from the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists (SONTA) at its 39th International Conference held at Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State. I receive this recognition with profound gratitude and humility. Beyond the honour itself, I see it as a call to greater service and a reminder that leadership is ultimately measured by the value we create, the lives we touch and the contributions we make to society. The Nigerian theatre and creative community occupies a special place in our national story. Through performance, scholarship and artistic expression, our theatre practitioners preserve our history, celebrate our culture, interrogate our society and give voice to the Nigerian experience. They are not merely entertainers; they are custodians of our collective memory and important ambassadors of our identity. I sincerely thank SONTA for this honour and congratulate the Society on a successful 39th International Conference. I commend its leadership and members for their enduring commitment to the growth of theatre, the arts and Nigeria’s creative industry. This recognition inspires me to do even more in the service of our nation.