Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was unable to perform overnight at the musical concert of popular Fuji musician, Alhaji Taye Currency, over safety reasons.
Reports gathered by from various sources said Portable, who had last year, in a viral video, revealed certain details about his love-gone-sour escapades with a lady, dragged residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, stressing that they lacked basic housing roofing accessories, Plaster-Of-Paris, known as POP, which, in his claim, was widely used in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
This diss didn’t augur well with many, especially in Oyo State who took to his social media platforms to vent their displeasure.
Even after he apologised and announced his invitation to perform at the just held Taye Currency concert, many fans advised him not to come.
Portable was visibly absent at the show till the end of the concert, and investigation proved that he arrived at Ibadan and was lodged in a hotel close to the Palms Mall venue, but couldn’t perform at his scheduled time due to security concerns.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) asserts that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2025 New Year Day address further confirms its position and that of most Nigerians that there is no hope in sight for the nation under his administration.
The Party describes the speech as a self-satisfying posturing which further validates the notorious fact that the Tinubu-led APC administration is completely disconnected and unconcerned with the hardship Nigerians are going through as a result of the ill-implemented policies and gross mismanagement of resources under the President’s watch.
Nigerians were appalled that despite the prodding by the PDP and well-meaning citizens, President Tinubu’s New Year speech did not articulate any specific direction for the nation or proffer solution to the myriad of problems caused by APC’s misrule.
President Tinubu’s speech again underlines APC’s insensitivity to the anguish of Nigerians by failing to present any definite policy roadmap towards reducing the price of petroleum products, addressing the widespread hunger in the land and revamping our ailing productive sector.
The speech did not articulate any solution-based direction for the critical sectors of electricity, oil and gas, road infrastructure, food production among other areas that are fundamental to the wellbeing of citizens. It was also pathetically devoid of a precise plan to address unemployment through strategic investment to stimulate multisectoral Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in the country.
If indeed the APC administration has the interest of Nigerians at heart, the New Year address would have made definite pronouncements on the price of fuel especially given that with a deft, transparent and innovative management of resources, economic potentials, comparative advantage, national refining capacity and effective policing of our borders, Nigerians should not pay more than N350 per liter for petrol within the country.
In any case, from the speech, it is clear that the Tinubu-led APC administration lacks the expected patriotic commitment as well as required capacity, competence and skills to effectively harness and manage the resources of the nation for the good of the citizens.
Moreover, President Tinubu’s claim in the speech that Nigerians placed their confidence in him as their President is ludicrous and shows that he is disconnected from the reality of his abysmal perception among Nigerians.
Mr. President must realize that Nigerians have lost faith in his administration, they have since moved on and are eagerly waiting for the next round of election that will mark the end of the nightmare which the APC represents to our nation.
Our Party however counsels President Tinubu to redeem his image by ending the insensitivity of his administration, listen to Nigerians and get more committed and focused on the purpose of governance which is the welfare and security of the people.
A devastating fire broke out on New Year’s Eve in a building located behind Shepherd International College in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The inferno, which occurred on December 31, left the building in ruins, but fortunately, no lives were lost.
The Ekiti State Fire Service responded promptly to the distress call, but unfortunately, the fire had already caused significant damage by the time they arrived.
Despite the destruction, the fact that no one was hurt is a welcome relief.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, refused to grant bail to Olamide Thomas, the nurse and activist, who was detained over her social media remarks against President Bola Tinubu, his son, Seyi Tinubu, and others.
Judge moves the bail hearing for Nurse Olamide Thomas to Tuesday 31st December as Police counsel denied receiving copy of defence application for bail yesterday.
The Police has levelled allegation of cyberbullying against the Nurse for cursing Tinubu’s son, others and concerned citizens are awaiting whether the bail application will be granted today.
The defence lawyers had earlier pleaded with the judge to grant bail to Ms Thomas, who was already held for more than a week, on the grounds of her “long detention and poor health. Rejecting to the request, the judge said he would only entertain a formal, written bail application, which the prosecution would have the opportunity to reply to.
Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, has named Anthony Joshua, former world boxing champion, a “sports ambassador” for the state.
The governor honoured Joshua, whose parents hailed from Sagamu in Ogun, during a visit to the government house in Abeokuta on Monday.
The 35-year-old arrived in Nigeria a few days ago for an end-of-the-year vacation.
In a video of the visit shared by Abiodun on X, Joshua could be seen prostrating for the governor before the two held each other in an embrace.
The governor says the boxer’s visit demonstrates the “bond we share as a people and our collective pride in the success stories that emerge from Ogun State”.
“As a gesture of our collective pride and recognition of his contributions to sports, we were delighted to present him with a letter appointing him as a Sports Ambassador for Ogun State. This appointment underscores our commitment to celebrating excellence and supporting individuals who bring honour and pride to our state.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of new Federal University in Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State.Vice President, Kashim Shettima made the announcement on behalf of federal government during a condolence visit to Bishop Mathew Kukah in Kaduna.
President Bola TinubuSenator Shettima said during the visit that the aim of establishing new University is to expand educational opportunities in the Northeast region.
During the visit, Shettima mentioned ongoing efforts to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, also in Kaduna.
Shettima acknowledged the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, describing it as part of broader efforts to address the region’s security needs.
Shettima praised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for promoting inclusive governance and reiterated that the Federal Government would collaborate with the state to improve infrastructure, particularly roads, in Southern Kaduna.
The Olota of Ota Awori Kingdom, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege, has returned from the United Kingdom to address a reported clash between Egungun worshippers and military personnel in Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, December 27, reportedly sparked tension in parts of the town for three days.
A viral video, which captured the aftermath of the fracas, showed a military personnel lamenting an attack on a military base in Ota.
Sounds of gunshots were heard in the background, while broken glass and stones littered the premises.
The soldier in the video said, “See our base o, see how they destroy soldiers’ barracks for this Otta o.”
A top military source, speaking anonymously, confirmed the incident on Sunday.
The source explained that the clash began when some yet-to-be-identified military personnel allegedly confronted a masquerade during a festival in the community.
“On December 27, some personnel reportedly attacked the Egungun worshippers during their festival. In retaliation, the masquerade worshippers attacked the Nigerian Navy School of Music in Ota with bottles, stones, and other dangerous weapons,” the source said.
The source added that naval personnel fired warning shots to disperse the mob attempting to storm the military base.
Another senior military official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that some community leaders had reached out to the naval authorities to resolve the matter amicably.
The official said, “The people thought some soldiers they had issues with were from our school and mobilized themselves to attack us. We exercised restraint, but the shots fired were to prevent the mob from forcing their way into the premises.”
The source disclosed that the military personnel who appeared in the viral video had been detained for breaching the rules of engagement.
Oba Obalanlege, who spoke to journalists on Sunday, said he cut short his UK holiday to address the situation.
“I was in the UK when the incident happened. I had to cut short my holiday and return this morning. I can assure you that normalcy has returned to Ota,” the monarch said.
The Olota explained that he had visited the naval base and found that the altercation was a minor misunderstanding that had been blown out of proportion.
“The issue has been resolved amicably, and peace has returned to Ota and its environs,” he assured.
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and the nation’s leading opposition figure, has strongly condemned the recent military parade involving Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu.
He has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, labelling it a gross violation of military tradition.
In a statement released by his media office on Sunday, signed by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed outrage over the event, calling it an aberration for any branch of the Armed Forces to organize a formal parade for a non-designated public figure.
“It is with utter dismay and concern that Nigerians were subjected to a nauseating video circulating online, where a group of young men, armed and in full military procession, bestowed upon the President’s son unwarranted military honours,” the statement read.
Atiku further questioned the legitimacy of the military-like outfit involved, stating that the so-called group, the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” is not a recognized entity within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He emphasized the disturbing fact that the name “Cadet,” associated with young, formally trained military personnel, was exploited by civilians to tarnish the esteemed traditions of the military.
“In an effort to uncover the truth behind this shameless procession, we instructed our legal team and military experts to investigate the so-called ‘Nigeria Cadet Network.’ To no one’s surprise, it was revealed that the group is not a legally registered entity,” Atiku noted. “What is even more alarming is the brazen use of firearms by civilians in this so-called parade — at a time when illegal arms proliferation is at a dangerous high in our country.”
Atiku has now called for an urgent investigation by all relevant security agencies to address the critical concern surrounding the ‘military Honours’.
In a show of unity, over 100 traditional rulers (Obas) from the four local governments of Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo federal constituency of Osun State have endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term in office.
The endorsement was made at an end-of-year summit convened by Representative Bamidele Salam, member representing Ede north, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal constituency in the National Assembly.
The summit, which took place today, Friday, 27th December 2024, saw the Obas formally endorse Governor Adeleke and commend Rep. Salam for his exemplary leadership and dedication to the development of the constituency.
During the summit, Rep. Salam briefed the Obas on the numerous developmental programmes implemented by Governor Adeleke over the last two years.
He explained key achievements in areas such as road infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, and human development, all of which have positively impacted the lives of the people in the state.
According to Salam, these efforts reflect the Governor’s commitment to sustainable growth and his focus on uplifting the state.
Rep Salam said Governor Ademola Adeleke will embark on more landmark projects in the 2025 fiscal year which will enhance the socio-economic development of the four local governments in the constituency.
He promised that other special intervention projects in rural electrification, construction of school buildings, roads rehabilitation and various empowerment programmes will be facilitated through the 2025 Federal budget.
The lawmaker also asked for continuous prayers and counsel from the royal fathers in the years ahead.
At the conclusion of the summit, the communique was read by the Alawo of Awo, Oba Abdulrasak Taiwo Adegboye, who praised Governor Adeleke for his inclusive approach to governa
A group of health practitioners under the aegis of Joint Health Outreach Team has embarked on medical outreach in Iseyin Local Government.
The medical outreach was carried out yesterday at the Palace of Aseyin where several residents of Iseyin especially the aged were given free medical checkup and provided advice where necessary.
The programme was initiated by a group of voluntary medical practitioners drawn from various lines of health care system.
The Coordinator of the Group, Moshood Jimoh Abiola spoke to Oduduwa News correspondent on the significance of the medical outreach.
According to him, they embarked on the initiative to bring medical assistance closer to the people at the grassroots especially the downtrodden in our society.
He said the initiative was borne out of the desire to give back to their community and that they birthed the initiative during their medical training in their various higher institutions of learning.
“We have started this programme and we hope to spread it across all towns and villages in Oke-Ogun. What we do is to offer free medical checkup for our people as you know that ‘health is wealth’.
“We understand that various people find it difficult to check the status of their health due to the harsh economic realities and some are battling one ailment or the other which they do not take into cognizance. We felt the need to offer assistance and check them free of charge while providing drugs for brief ailment and directing them to visit hospital for serious medical attention.
“We are using this medium to advise the government to prioritize health sector and provide proper funding for health care system to be able to function adequately. As we can see several people have been trooping here, this shows that people are concerned about their health status but they are incapacitated due to financial constraint”, said Jimoh.
