Oduduwa News

The Oyo State Government has scrapped its long-standing monthly environmental sanitation exercise, replacing it with a strict daily monitoring and enforcement system aimed at ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment across the state.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, disclosed this during a press briefing marking his first 100 days in office, describing the move as a decisive shift toward sustained environmental responsibility.

According to Aderinto, the new system is designed to make cleanliness a daily obligation for residents, rather than a once-a-month routine.

“We are now enforcing daily environmental sanitation. Our officers are on the field every day to ensure compliance. Cleanliness must become a daily responsibility,” he said.

The Commissioner explained that environmental health officers have been deployed across the state to carry out continuous monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance with sanitation standards.

To strengthen the initiative, the government under Governor Seyi Makinde re-engaged 930 environmental vanguards, sweepers, and waste packers, with street sweepers now operating twice daily to maintain cleaner roads and public spaces.

In a bid to boost transparency and citizen participation, the state also launched the “Oyo Soro Soke (Oyo SSS)” Environmental Whistleblower platform. The platform, accessible via mobile applications and WhatsApp, enables residents to report environmental violations and sanitation breaches in real time.

Officials say the whistleblower initiative will strengthen accountability while encouraging residents to take an active role in maintaining a cleaner environment.

Additional reforms introduced by the Ministry include a waste segregation system across government offices and plans to partner with private investors for the construction of modern public toilets.

The policy shift marks a significant step in the state’s environmental management strategy, with authorities expressing confidence that daily enforcement and community-driven reporting will lead to lasting improvements in sanitation across Oyo State.

A prominent Nigerian cleric, Primate Ayodele, has stirred fresh political conversations ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial race in Oyo State, declaring that the political future of Bayo Adelabu lies within his control.

In a statement that has since attracted widespread reactions, the spiritual leader reportedly told Adelabu, a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, that “what you need to become the next Governor of Oyo State is in my hands, come and take it.”

The remark is being interpreted in political and religious circles as a mix of spiritual endorsement and advisory intervention, a pattern not uncommon in Nigeria’s political landscape where religious figures often wield considerable influence.

Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a past governorship candidate, has remained a strong contender in Oyo politics, especially within the APC ranks. His recent political engagements and mobilization efforts across the state have fueled speculations about another possible governorship bid.

Observers note that Primate Ayodele’s comment could signal an attempt to shape political alignments ahead of party primaries. However, it remains unclear what specific “support” or “conditions” the cleric may be referring to.

Political analysts argue that while endorsements from religious leaders can energize grassroots support, electoral success in Oyo State will ultimately depend on party unity, voter perception, and strategic alliances.

As of the time of filing this report, Adelabu has not publicly responded to the cleric’s statement.

The development adds a new dimension to the evolving political dynamics in Oyo State, as aspirants begin subtle moves toward the next election cycle.

Crisis is brewing within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as aspirant Samuel Ajose has refused to step down for the party’s preferred candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, despite pressure from the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

Lagos Reporters earlier reported that former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Olajide Adediran (Jandor), stepped down for Hamzat following the alleged endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

However, Ajose, an aspirant from the Badagry division, has rejected the development, insisting he will not withdraw from the race. He expressed doubt over the reported presidential endorsement, stating that he does not believe Tinubu has publicly backed Hamzat.

Ajose accused the GAC of attempting to coerce aspirants into stepping down for a preferred candidate, warning that such actions reflect the same internal issues that contributed to the APC’s struggles in Lagos during the last presidential election.

“I will not step down. Let the primaries hold,” Ajose said, maintaining his resolve to test his popularity at the polls.

Responding to the controversy, the Chairman of the GAC, Tajudeen Olusi, denied allegations of imposition. He maintained that the council is not forcing any aspirant to withdraw and assured that a transparent primary election would be conducted.

Olusi added that all aspirants would be given a fair opportunity to contest, emphasizing the party’s commitment to internal democracy.

The standoff highlights growing tension within the Lagos APC and raises concerns about unity within the party ahead of its primaries, with political observers warning that unresolved disputes could have wider implications.

Funke Akindele, the Nigerian movie producer, has revealed why she no longer attends church physically.

In a video shared on her Snapchat story, the actress said she lost interest in attending church because the attention often shifted to her rather than the service.

“Anytime I go to church, I’m always the one they take pictures of. So I would join online,” she said.

The filmmaker had previously spoken about her faith. In 2022, she said she would not hide her identity as a member of the Celestial Church of Christ.

Former presidential candidate, Gbenga Hashim, has drawn fresh attention to the sacrifices that birthed Nigeria’s democracy, warning that current political developments in the country demand renewed vigilance from citizens and leaders alike.

In a reflective statement titled “Reminiscence: The Price of Our Democracy,” Hashim recalled his detention during the late 1980s and the global solidarity that followed, noting that Nigeria’s democratic freedoms were earned through “incarceration, tears, blood, and, for many, the ultimate price.”

His remarks come at a time of heightened national debate over governance, democratic accountability, and the direction of political leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Hashim revealed that two historical artifacts recently resurfaced, offering a vivid reminder of that era. The first, a December 1989 publication by the International Union of Students, documented an international campaign calling for his release alongside South Korean student activist Rim Suyong.

In the absence of an official photograph, the publication used an illustrative image to represent him.

The second, he said, was a handmade protest poster demanding the release of himself and his colleague, Gbenga Komolafe, who later joined him in detention, highlighting the grassroots and international dimensions of the pro-democracy movement.

Reflecting on the present, Hashim cautioned that while Nigeria has made significant progress since the return to civil rule, the ideals that fueled the struggle, freedom, justice, and accountable governance, must not be taken for granted.

“Our generation stood at the forefront of a global pro-democracy movement that swept across Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia,” he stated, adding that the responsibility to protect and deepen democracy now rests with all Nigerians.

His comments resonate amid ongoing conversations about political reforms, electoral integrity, and citizen participation, with analysts noting that the country’s democratic institutions continue to face tests that require both leadership commitment and active civic engagement

As the world marks World Press Freedom Day under the theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace,” senatorial aspirant for Òyó Central in the 2027 elections, Hon. Wale Ajani, has called on media practitioners across Òyó State to remain committed to truth, accuracy, and responsible journalism, while also urging political actors to respect and honour journalists as vital partners in democracy.

In a statement issued on the occasion, Ajani said a peaceful and credible democratic future cannot be achieved without a free, independent, and responsible press.

He noted that press freedom remains central to peace, accountability, economic recovery, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights, stressing that access to reliable information helps build trust between citizens and institutions.

Ajani referenced concerns raised in UNESCO’s World Trends Report 2022–2025, which indicates that global press freedom has recorded one of its sharpest declines in recent times, driven by misinformation, intimidation, economic pressure on independent media, and the growing manipulation of information, including through emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

According to him, the danger posed by falsehood, propaganda, and media intimidation becomes even more serious as the nation gradually approaches another election cycle.

He therefore charged journalists and other media professionals across Òyó State to remain steadfast in their duty to the public by reporting truthfully, verifying facts, rejecting sensationalism, and giving citizens balanced, credible, and objective information that can strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.

Ajani said: “As we prepare for the 2027 elections, I urge media practitioners across Òyó State to continue to uphold the ethics of their profession by standing firmly on truth, fairness, and public responsibility. The media must not become a tool for distortion, division, or the spread of falsehood. At a time when misinformation can easily inflame tensions, journalists must remain courageous guardians of truth and democratic accountability.”

He also called on politicians, public office holders, aspirants, and party stakeholders to treat journalists with dignity and respect, rather than seeing them as adversaries.

“Politicians must learn to honour journalists and protect the civic space within which they operate. A healthy democracy depends on the ability of the press to ask questions, scrutinize power, and inform the people without fear, harassment, intimidation, or inducement. As we approach 2027, political leaders must commit themselves to issue-based engagement and reject every tendency that seeks to silence or manipulate the media,” he added.

Ajani maintained that both the political class and the media have a shared responsibility to promote peace before, during, and after elections, noting that democracy thrives best where truth is protected, public discourse is civil, and institutions are strengthened.

He called on all stakeholders in Òyó State to see World Press Freedom Day as an opportunity to renew commitment to ethical journalism, responsible politics, freedom of expression, and peaceful democratic participation.

“Press freedom is not only about the rights of journalists; it is about the right of the people to know the truth. If we truly want to shape a future at peace, then we must defend truth, encourage accountability, and promote mutual respect between the media and the political class,” the statement concluded.

A fresh wave of division has emerged within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a leading governorship aspirant, Bayo Adelabu, openly rejected moves to adopt Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election.

Adelabu made his position known on Saturday while addressing a large gathering of party faithful at the APC meeting in Ibadan South East Local Government Area. The former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria arrived at the venue alongside a massive crowd of supporters, signaling his strong grassroots backing and determination to contest the party’s ticket.

Speaking to party members, Adelabu criticized what he described as attempts by political stakeholders to impose a candidate on the party, warning that such a move could further weaken the APC’s chances in Oyo State.

He specifically accused former governor and Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja of playing a recurring role in the party’s electoral setbacks.

“Ladoja has always been the reason progressives lose in Oyo State. It happened in 2019 and 2023. He cannot impose his political son on us in APC,” Adelabu declared, drawing loud reactions from supporters at the venue.

The development underscores growing tensions within the Oyo APC, as different factions intensify consultations ahead of the next governorship race. While some party leaders are reportedly pushing for consensus to avoid internal conflict, others, like Adelabu, insist on a level playing field through a transparent primary process.

Political observers say the latest disagreement could shape the internal dynamics of the party in the coming months, especially as the APC seeks to reclaim power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

As the contest gradually takes shape, all eyes remain on how the party leadership will manage the emerging divisions and whether reconciliation efforts can prevent another round of internal crisis.

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has tasked Financial Technology Companies across the country to be vigilant and insulate their networks from manipulative antics of fraudsters.

He gave the charge in Abuja on Thursday, April 30, 2026 while addressing chief executive officers, CEOs of Fintechs at an industry engagement meeting held at the corporate headquarters of the Commission.

The EFCC’s boss, while applauding the corporate executives on their strides in opening global financial space and visual asset platforms for the entire country through measurable inclusion and innovation, cautioned them against fraudsters who are exploiting the same space to perpetrate criminal activities.

‘The opportunities you have created have also given the criminals the opportunity to perpetrate crimes and over the years, we discovered that there is a need for us to meet from time to time even in the interest of your business. We will also tell you the things that we are privy to in respect of your operations and services that we think the criminals are actually exploiting and how to block those spaces and strengthen the regulatory regime around the business you do”, he said.

He called for stronger collaboration between the EFCC and the Fintechs for a sound working relationship and intelligence sharing. He enjoined the business executives to jealously guard the integrity and reputation of their businesses, stressing that good reputation easily grows businesses.

“ It has taken some of you years to get to where you are and I tell you, one transaction mishandled can destroy what you have built for ten years, you must be conscious of your reputation, that is the most valuable thing you need to grow in a business, not even the money. Once a reputation is damaged, you can hardly get it back. We want to collaborate with you, work with you and that is one of the ways to fulfil our own mandate”, he said.

He further stated that every business player in the country should always work in synergy with others in order to strengthen the regulatory regime and build strength against threats to the economy like insecurity. He particularly cautioned Fintechs to firm up their networks against terrorism financing by complying with extant regulations regarding suspicious transaction reporting.

“We have been complaining about insecurity in Nigeria, of course we are also vested with the power to investigate terrorism financing and one of the areas we have seen that these people exploit is your space, we think it is high time we did something about that. People pay ransom and we discover that most times they collect the ransom through the POS, so what can we do to tidy up this loose end, whether by virtue of doing your KYC or coming up with other ideas?”, he said.

Discussions were held on a wide-range of operational and regulatory issues, all geared towards sanitizing the working environment of Fintechs and building sterling strength against compromises and fraudulent engagements.

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have unanimously endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli as the party’s consensus governorship candidate, signaling early strategic alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision was reached at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Ibadan, where prominent party chieftains, elders, and local government representatives converged to deliberate on the party’s future in the state. The meeting, described as pivotal, ended with a collective agreement to rally behind Senator Alli, who currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District.

According to party insiders, the endorsement reflects growing confidence in Alli’s leadership capacity, political experience, and grassroots appeal. Leaders at the meeting emphasized the need for unity within the party, noting that presenting a consensus candidate would prevent internal divisions and strengthen APC’s chances of reclaiming power in the state.

A senior party figure, who spoke on behalf of the leaders, stated that Senator Alli possesses the administrative competence and political structure required to challenge the incumbent government. He added that the endorsement was not imposed but arrived at after extensive consultations across party structures in the state.

“Senator Alli has demonstrated loyalty, capacity, and commitment to the growth of our party. This consensus is a product of wide consultations and a reflection of the will of the majority of APC stakeholders in Oyo State,” the leader said.

In his response, Senator Alli expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to justify the trust by working towards inclusive governance and development if elected. He also called on party members to remain united and focused on the collective goal of winning the 2027 governorship election.

“I am deeply honoured by this endorsement. It is a call to greater service, and I assure our leaders and supporters that I will not take this responsibility lightly. Together, we will reposition Oyo State for sustainable growth and prosperity,” Alli said.

The endorsement is expected to reshape the political landscape within the Oyo APC, potentially discouraging other aspirants and fostering early consolidation within the party. Analysts note that while consensus candidacy may reduce internal friction, its success will depend on how well dissenting voices within the party are managed.

The development comes amid increasing political activities across Oyo State, as parties begin early maneuvering and consultations ahead of the next electoral cycle. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is also expected to strategize in response, setting the stage for a competitive race.

With this move, the Oyo APC appears to be prioritizing unity and early preparation, aiming to present a formidable front in its bid to return to power in the state.

Former presidential candidate and energyentrepreneur, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has condemned the brutal attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) No. 2 in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, describing the incident as shocking and deeply disturbing.

Armed bandits, reportedly numbering about seven, invaded a revival gathering at approximately 7:30 p.m., opened fire with sophisticated weapons, killed the invited pastor, and abducted no fewer than 13 worshippers.

Eyewitnesses said the attack lasted for about 40 minutes, throwing the community into chaos as residents fled for safety, leaving the area largely deserted.

Reacting to the tragedy, Hashim expressed profound sorrow over the loss of life and the abduction of innocent worshippers. He extended condolences to the family of the slain pastor, the church, and the people of Eda Oniyo and surrounding communities.

“My thoughts and prayers are with those abducted, and I stand in solidarity with their families at this painful time,” he said.

Hashim also raised concerns over the reported delay in security response despite distress calls made during the attack, noting that timely intervention could have significantly reduced the scale of the tragedy.

While acknowledging the deployment of security personnel currently combing nearby bushes in search of the abductors and victims, he stressed the need for a more proactive, intelligence-driven security architecture.

“Our communities cannot continue to live at the mercy of criminal elements. Places of worship must remain sanctuaries of peace, not theatres of violence,” he stated.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted victims and ensure the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.

Hashim further urged governments at all levels to strengthen local security frameworks, improve rapid response capabilities, and restore public confidence in the safety of lives and property.

The incident has heightened concerns over insecurity in rural communities, with residents of Eda Oniyo still gripped by fear as search operations continue.