At least five persons were reportedly abducted by gunmen on Saturday at Obbo-Ayegunle in Ekiti LGA of Kwara State.
The victims were returning to their Odo-Owa base from a marriage ceremony held at Ope town in neighbouring Kogi State when they were abducted at about 4pm.
They include Oloye Oyewole Abolarin, the head of hunters in Odo-Owa, and his wife, Funmilayo Abolarin, Tunde Oladipo and his wife, and one other person identified as Bose, all of Agbele Igbede compound in Odo-Owa community.
The abductors have reached out to the family demanding a N100m ransom for their release.
According to reports, family members and the community have started contributions towards meeting the demand of the kidnappers.
They have also appealed to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and security agencies to come to the rescue of the family.
An unconfirmed report indicated that another kidnap incident occurred on Monday along Omu-Aran highway.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the state police command headquarters, in Ilorin, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, on Tuesday, were not successful as phone calls and a text message sent to her were not responded till the time of filing this report
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.
Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Akure.
“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today Dec.28, at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.
“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 a.m. claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.
“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.
“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.
“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, the Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abass, the Chief of Staff to President Tinbu, Gbajabiamila among other dignatories attended Ode Remo Annual Day.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the Remo Day celebration held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, Governor Abiodun said Remoland has achieved many breakthroughs in the area of agriculture, education, science and technology through a united front
“Over the past years, Remoland has made significant progress, from advancements in agriculture and industrialization to breakthroughs in education and technology. These achievements highlight what a united and visionary community can accomplish.
“Remoland is home to Ogun State Gateway International Airport and is also a reference to the Gateway Agro-cargo Special Processing Zone,” he said.
Prince Abiodun said the Remo Day celebration would continue to be a shining example of how culture could help bring the people together and foster a sense of pride and identity, observing that it would grow to become a major tourism activity that would attract people from around the world.
The celebration, the governor added, is a testimony to the unity, resilience, and progressive spirit of Remoland, adding that it holds a central place in the government agenda for tourism potential and the socio-economic development of the state.
The governor also promised that Community Development Associations whose projects engender growth and enhance development would receive funding from the state government.
He noted that his administration was committed to ensuring that the grassroots experience accelerated development.
He said: “I want to assure all the citizens of Ogun State that our administration will continue to support meaningful community development projects proposed by our Community Development Associations.
“As a government, we are committed to ensuring that all our citizens, especially those at the grassroots, are actively involved in the development process. We will continue to provide the enabling environment for community initiatives and self-help projects.”
Governor Abiodun said his administration has worked diligently to enhance public service, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable development, noting that the promotion and sustenance of cultural and tourism potential in Remoland for future generations would be intensified.
While noting that the government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of development, Prince Abiodun called on individuals, corporate organizations, and the private sector to partner with the state government in its Building Our Future Together Agenda.
The Chairman of this year’s Remo Day Celebration and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbass, noted that the House of Representatives is committed to advancing the cultural aspirations of all Nigerians.
He said as the representatives of the people and the custodians of democratic ideals, it is their duty to ensure that every voice and community is heard, adding, “Our work in the House is driven by the understanding that the strength of a nation lies in the well-being of its people and the preservation of its heritage.”
The Speaker reminded the people of the need to uphold their shared identity and communal spirit, as well as the foundation on which they must build a stronger nation, emphasizing that the values of unity, collaboration, and respect for diversity that define Remoland should prepare them to work towards a nation that is united, prosperous, and forward-looking.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, in his contribution, said with more than 250 ethnic groups, each with its unique tradition, Nigeria remains a beacon of rich culture, celebrated through festivals like Arugungu, Osun-Osogbo, and the new Remo Day celebration.
He said the establishment of the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy and the efforts of the National Council for Arts and Culture underscore the importance of culture as a driver for growth and national cohesion, as it provides platforms for local artisans, encourages cultural exchange, and ensures that Nigeria’s rich heritage is celebrated globally.
He urged the people to take cognizance of the importance of preserving their culture while embracing innovations that the globalized world offers, calling for the empowerment of the youth to explore creativity through workshops, mentorship, and artistic platforms.
In his remarks, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, stated the desire of the Remo and Ijebu people to have a state out of the old Ijebu Province but emphasized, however, that the structure and shape of the new state must be deliberated to ensure transparency, equity, and equality.
He said the Remo Day celebration, which would be held every 27th of December, offers an opportunity to celebrate the spirit, culture, unity, and rich heritage of Remoland, noting that it is not only a festival but a call to celebrate the achievements of the sons and daughters of the land.
While commending Governor Abiodun for being a true representative of Remoland, the monarch lauded him for bringing development to the area and the state in general, urging the people to rededicate themselves to the preservation of their culture and ensure that the zone continues to be the investors’ destiny of choice.
The event was attended by prominent personalities, including members of the national and state legislatures, past governors and deputy governors, traditional rulers, and captains of industry, among others, and featured displays by cultural and age groups.
In a grand display of generosity and appreciation, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has empowered over 1000 constituents with cash gift.
The event, held at the Ori-Oke family residence of the Ogundoyins in Eruwa, Ibarapa East State Constituency, was part of the Speaker’s programs to empower people in his constituency and show appreciation for their immense support.
The 1000 beneficiaries, carefully selected from all 10 wards in the constituency, were overwhelmed with joy as they received the cash gift.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin, while presenting the cash, reiterated his commitment to supporting the businesses of his constituents, as promised.
He also assured them of his continued quality representation, demonstrating his dedication to their welfare.
“Today’s program is a testament to my tireless efforts to uplift my constituents and promote economic growth in my constituency. This initiative is not an isolated incident, it is a continuous exercise. I have continued to demonstrate my commitment to the development of Ibarapa East State Constituency. We are supporting our people’s business activities and boosting their morales. It is my own humble way of giving back to my community. “
The Speaker emphasized the need for unity and collaboration amongst all PDP members in the constituency.
He urged his constituents to continue supporting the present administration, assuring them that their efforts would yield positive results
The program was attended by an array of dignitaries, including party and ward executive officers, party chieftains, and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibarapa East State Constituency.
Recall that, the Speaker in July, 2024 empowered 300 artisans, traders and farmers with N50,000 each to boost their businesses. 100 students got N20,000 each while 110 youths and some community members received N25,000 each.
Oduduwa News has verified that the ace broadcaster, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the ex-Queen of Ooni of Ife, Olori Silekunola Naomi and the School Principal have not been granted bail as speculated on social media.
According to the source at the Iyaganku Magistrate Court who disclosed to Oduduwa News and quoted as saying: “the Court does not sit on Saturday and that it would not be possible to truncate the verdict of a Magistrate on a mere proclamation by purveyors of such fake news unless there is a Court ruling.
“It is a figment of imagination or the purveyors of such fake news intentionally did so to cause distraction in an attempt to achieve mischievous act.
Also, when contacted, a source from Agidigbo FM also alluded to the fact that the ace broadcaster has not been released from detention and that the news of his release should be outrightly rejected.
There was great excitement in Iseyin Community yesterday as the youths embarked on fitness race and walked across the town.
The annual marathon race which started from Town Hall at exactly 7:30am on Friday, 27th of December 2024 had participants drawn from various areas and towns in Iseyin Local Government Council.
The race began from Townhall, Ojaba and ended with a final destination at Technical College, Oluwole.
The President of Iseyin Youth Development Group, Babajide Oniyo while giving his opening remark said, the programme was organised purposely to sensitize and instill confidence in the youths on how they can harness their potentials towards their personal development and Iseyin at large.
He therefore used the ocassion to implore all stakeholders to ensure that they continually support the scheme as they hope to expand the scope of the marathon.
Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Adeyeri III while speaking admonished the youths to be courageous and committed to their dreams and also be a good ambassador of Iseyin city.
He therefore advised that the next edition should not be centred on Iseyin alone and that it should be spread across everywhere while charging the Chairman of Iseyin Local Government to ensure that they make adequate provision for refreshment and logistics in the next edition.
In his words, the Council Chairman, Hon. Rasaq Fadiran affirmed his support for sporting events especially marathon race. He used the ocassion to advise the participants to always be safety conscious in whatever they are doing and that he would continue to support them.
The winners of the marathon race in the male category included: Mukaila Qadri of Anwar-U-Islam (first position); Aderoju Faruk of Anwar-Ul-Islam High School (2nd position) and Busari Ridwanullahi (3rd position) while the female category included: Abdhammed Faidat of Anwar-Ul-Islam High School (1st position); Yekeen Selimot of Aseyin High School (2nd position) and Ademola Selimot of Anwar-Ul-Islam High School (3rd position).
The winners were awarded cash prizes and the programme ended with prayer session. Among the dignatories that graced the ocassion were the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale; Council Chairman, Hon. Rasaq Fadiran; Supervisors, Councillors and chiefs among several others.
The fans of the detained ace broadcaster, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat have stormed Nigerian Television Authority NTA to demand the release of the owner of Agidigbo FM.
The protesters who were chanting “free Oriyomi”, “he doesn’t kill children” and others trooped in their number to register their displeasure over continuous detention of the ace broadcaster.
Recall, Alhaji Oriyomi, Queen Naomi and Principal of Islamic High School were detained over their involvement in the recent stampede death that led to loss of the lives of 35 children in Ibadan.
The trio were arrested along with other six people and brought to Court to face charges levelled against them bordering on negligence, manslaughter and others.
The Magistrate Judge in his ruling remanded them in Agodi Prison till January 13th when the State Director of Public Prosecution DPP would have briefed the Court on the next line of action.
Meanwhile, it has been gathered that the detained organizer of the funfair that led to stampede deaths, ex-Ooni of Ife Queen, Naomi Silekunola has embarked on hunger strike in Agodi Prison.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has approved with immediate effect, the appointments of both Prince Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesha land and Prince Johnson Adekanmi Abikoye as the new Asaoni of Ora Igbomina
A press statement issued by the Hon. Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, to that effect, indicates that the approval of the two monarchs was ratified and approved during the seating of the Osun State Executive Council Meeting presided over by its Chairman and Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke this afternoon.
The appointments of Prince Haastrup as the new Owa -elect was sequel to the demise of the immediate past Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesha land, Oba ( Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II on the 11th of September 2024 while that of Prince Abikoye as the new Asaoni of Ora Igbomina followed the demise of Oba Tinuoye Atolagbe on the 19th of Nov.2023.
According to Oluomo Alimi in the press statement, Governor Adeleke while congratulating the two newly approved monarchs whom he said their choices followed due processes in line with the Chiefs’ law of Osun State 2002( cap 25), enjoined all sons and daughters of the two towns to co-operate with their new traditional rulers, particularly in allowing peace and unity to take the centre stage .
In the meantime, Governor Ademola Adeleke also during the State Executive Council meeting today, the last in the year 2024, passed a vote of confidence on all members of his Excutive Council for what the Governor described as a job well done in the about to be concluded year 2024.
The Governor who was extremely glad and happy for their performance, however, challenged them to surpass the feats made by all of them in the coming year 2025 by being alive to their statutory duties and responsibilities as members of Osun State Executive Council.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extends heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India on the passing of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.
Singh, India’s Prime Minister between 2004 and 2014, died Thursday at the age of 92.
Prime Minister Singh’s official visit to Nigeria in 2007 was historic. He earned the distinct honour of addressing a joint session of the National Assembly, a privilege accorded to only a few global leaders.
President Tinubu pays tribute to Dr Singh’s dedication to strengthening the Nigeria-India relationship, noting that his diplomatic efforts remain a reference point in the history of the bilateral relations between the two nations.
The President recounts the establishment of the Strategic Partnership between Nigeria and India under Singh’s tenure, which has continued to flourish, driving political and economic prosperity for both countries.
President Tinubu further lauds Prime Minister Singh’s efforts to forge improved cooperation in defence trade, culture, education, health, science and technology, and ICT.
Expressing gratitude to the people of India for celebrating the life and accomplishments of this selfless leader and distinguished economist, the Nigerian leader salutes Singh’s role in steering India’s economic reforms during globally challenging times.
He prays that the departed Prime Minister’s dedication to service will inspire the people of India.
Victor Osimhen has distributed 100 tricycles, massive food and non food items to thousands of Youths and vulnerable households in Lagos.
Nigeria and Galatasaray star, Victor Osimhen gifted hundreds of tricycles popularly known as Keke napep, bags of rice, cartons of noodles and other food items to youths, residents and indigenes of Olusosun area of Lagos where he grew up.
Victor Osimhen gave instructions that the food items should be distributed to mothers, while the tricycles should be distributed to his fellow youths as his own way to say thank you to them.
“ I couldn’t be flying private jets up and down while Nigerians that support me have nothing for Christmas “Victor Osimhen
“ Nigerians and the whole of Africa loves me , there are many youths that need just a little support. The 100 kekes is for them to start a life and I pray they grow , the rice is for my mothers , they pray for me always . I love my people “ Victor Isimhen
It’s a beautiful thing when you give it back to same people that supported you . He might not know but some young men that received the Keke will grow to be millionaires.
