Author: oduduwanews

A Chinese power generation firm, CCETC, has expressed its readiness to establish a power generation plant as well as an industrial park in Ogun State.

Chairman of the company, Mr Guo Xianda, disclosed this at the weekend during an extensive meeting between his team and the Ogun State Governor, at the Governor’s office in Abeokuta, pledging the company ‘s readiness to install a 3MW power plant at the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Iperu-Ilishan, free of charge, in order to accelerate economic activities at the arena.

The investment pledge comes on the heels of the recent visit of Governor Dapo Abiodun to China, in continuation of his investment drive across the globe.

The Governor, who led a powerful economic team from Ogun State to China, had engaged numerous investors on partnerships and collaborations in different areas of investments, raging from tech, energy and manufacturing, among others.

According to Mr Guo Xianda, the company based in Jiangsu, China, already has a substantial investment footprint in Nigeria and Africa, with over 250MW projects operating in Nigeria, and is now seeking to expand its operations further across Africa, with its capacity standing in excess of 5,000MW for distribution.

Xianda stated that the interest of the group in Ogun State covers power generation and distribution, investment in a dedicated state transmission network, and the establishment of an Industrial Park that will attract more Chinese manufacturers to Ogun State.

Responding, Governor Dapo Abiodun thanked the group for bringing such strategic investment opportunities to Ogun State.

According to him, “The company will strategically focus on three fundamental areas of intervention, namely: strengthening power generation and distribution within the state, investing in the State’s transmission network, and establishing an Industrial Park that will attract more Chinese manufacturers to the state while integrating power projects.”

Meanwhile, the Governor is scheduled to take the team on an inspection tour of the ongoing distribution infrastructure and power project currently being executed by Sahara and Powergen, as part of efforts to secure reliable energy supply across the state.

The Executive Chairman, Oyo State Post Primary Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs Olubukola Oladipo during an induction program for the new officers, at Ansarudeen High School, Saki,

She appealed to all participants to make the best use of the induction programme and consider it a great learning opportunity.

She further highlighted the importance of digital knowledge as an effective tool for the 21st century teaching profession.

Mrs Oladipo emphasized on the need for mandatory registration with the Teachers Registration Council, for any teacher to be considered ‘certified and professional’.

She said “the training and induction programme should be seen as a vital first step in their journey of shaping the future of students through Education.”

Earlier in her message, Mrs. Oladipo commended the unwavering efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde, in prioritizing quality Education in the State.

She warned against intolerance, dishonesty, laziness, discrimination, partiality, prejudice and every bit of negative act capable of damaging integrity of anyone in the business of post primary education and tutorship in the state.

Also speaking at the event, Dr fawole Olalekan, a guest lecturer from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, emphasized the importance of digital knowledge as an effective tool towards optimal classroom performance.

He further stressed how digital learning could help transform the teaching profession and increase teachers’ productivity.

The teachers thanked the Governor for approving the training and induction programme for the second time in the past four years.

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has condemned the recent killings of Yoruba natives in Oke-Ode, Kwara State, calling on authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a strongly worded statement, the monarch described those behind the attack — suspected to be Fulani herdsmen — as “blood guzzlers and enemies of the state,” warning that such acts of violence threaten Nigeria’s unity and stability.

The Alaafin urged Nigerians to stand in solidarity with the victims’ families and to resist attempts by criminal elements to sow discord among ethnic groups. He further appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts in restoring peace to the troubled area and ensuring that those responsible face the full weight of the law.

An overnight tanker explosion along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State has left many feared dead, with several others sustaining varying degrees of injuries.

The incident, which occurred around midnight, involved a fuel-laden tanker that reportedly lost control before bursting into flames. Eyewitnesses said the inferno engulfed nearby vehicles and trapped unsuspecting commuters, leading to multiple casualties.

Although the exact number of victims is yet to be confirmed, emergency responders, including men of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), firefighters, and security agencies, were swiftly mobilized to the scene to contain the blaze and rescue survivors.

Motorists have been advised to seek alternative routes as the affected section of the highway remains cordoned off while recovery operations continue.

Authorities in Ogun State have expressed concern over recurring tanker-related tragedies and assured that investigations will be conducted to ascertain the cause and prevent future occurrences.

Queen Chanel, the former wife of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has strongly denied allegations made by the monarch that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, conspired with her in a plot to bring him down.

In a recent viral video, the Oluwo accused the Ooni of “packaging a woman” for him, alleging that Queen Chanel was introduced to him as part of a conspiracy to destabilize his throne. He claimed she was used in attempts to poison him and questioned the paternity of their son, Prince Oduduwa.

Reacting in a detailed press release, Queen Chanel dismissed the claims as false, misleading, and damaging to the Yoruba traditional institution. She insisted that her introduction to Oba Akanbi came through a respected Lagos monarch, not the Ooni of Ife.

“During my time as Olori Oluwo, I regarded this Lagos monarch as my Royal Father and still do with respect. At no time did this monarch introduce me to Mr. Akanbi for any malicious intent,” she stated.

She recalled cherished memories of visiting the Lagos monarch with Oba Akanbi and their son, Prince Oduduwa, while stressing that the Ooni played no role in their relationship.

On the issue of parental responsibility, Queen Chanel revealed that Oba Akanbi had been absent from their son’s life for over five years. According to her, he only resurfaced in August this year in Canada, where he refused to sign passport papers but dropped $500 — the first support the son, Ibrahim Oduduwa had ever received from Oluwo since they left the palace.

“Despite this, I have shouldered the full responsibility of raising my son, while always advocating for peaceful co-parenting,” she said.

The ex-queen also appealed to the public to disregard “falsehoods” against the Ooni of Ife, describing him as “our foremost monarch.” She urged Yoruba traditional leaders to caution Oba Akanbi “from further degrading the sacred throne he once occupied.”

Concluding her statement, Queen Chanel noted that this would be her final word on the matter. “Prince Oduduwa remains my beloved son, and I hold the Yoruba people in deep love and respect,” she said.

Traders and residents in Lagos State have expressed concern over the sharp increase in foodstuff prices compared to last year’s Independence Day celebration.

Many lamented that the persistent rise in the cost of essential commodities such as rice, beans, yam, and garri has continued to worsen living conditions for ordinary Nigerians. Some traders attributed the price surge to high transportation costs, inflation, and unstable supply chains, while residents noted that their purchasing power has dropped significantly.

They urged the government to implement effective measures to stabilize prices and ease the burden on households, stressing that without urgent intervention, food insecurity may worsen across the state.

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has declared that the title “Iyaloja” is alien to Benin culture and cannot be imposed on Edo markets.

The monarch made this known on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, while addressing Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and Iyaloja General of Nigeria, during her visit to the palace.

Tinubu-Ojo had informed the Oba that she was in the state to inaugurate Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as the Iyaloja of all markets in Edo State.

But Oba Ewuare II firmly corrected her, stressing that the traditional market leadership in Benin is called Iyeki and must be rooted in palace confirmation after being selected by market women.

“Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. You are in Benin, the home of culture; we have our culture here,” the Oba said. “Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace and performs cultural roles on my behalf in the market shrines. We are not going to say much, except to explain to you the concept of Iyeki in Benin.”

The monarch emphasized that the Iyeki does more than coordinate traders, pointing out that each leader has sacred roles tied to shrines located within every market.

Chief Osaro Idah, speaking with the Oba’s permission, further enlightened Tinubu-Ojo, explaining that every market in Benin such as Oba Market and Ogiso Market selects its own Iyeki independently.

“Iyeki is independent in every market. The traders select their leaders, then bring them to the palace for confirmation. No Iyeki controls another market. The novelty of a general Iyeki is alien to Benin custom and tradition,” Chief Idah stated.

He added that unlike the Iyaloja title, which is recognized in parts of Yorubaland, the Benin Kingdom maintains its own distinct system rooted in history and culture.

The Oba’s position has stirred conversations among traditionalists, traders, and political observers, particularly over the influence of the Iyaloja General across Nigeria.

Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has appealed to the Federal Government to grant him official permission to combat Fulani bandits allegedly terrorizing communities in the South-West.

Igboho, who became prominent in 2021 for championing the cause of Yoruba self-determination, said the rising wave of insecurity demands urgent action. He stressed that with government backing, he and his loyalists are prepared to flush out bandits who, according to him, have been infiltrating forests and farmlands across the region.

While urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take decisive steps, Igboho insisted that his move is not targeted at any ethnic group but solely at criminal elements threatening peace and livelihoods in Yorubaland.

The activist further warned that continued silence on the matter could worsen food insecurity and displace more farmers, stressing that the South-West must not be left vulnerable to attacks.

The Osun State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, has confirmed the death of three persons following a violent clash between its operatives and suspected hoodlums in Akinlalu, Ife North Local Government Area of the state.

The incident reportedly occurred when Amotekun operatives engaged the hoodlums in a confrontation that spiraled out of control, leading to fatalities.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Corps Commander, Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi (rtd.), described the development as unfortunate, noting that normalcy has since been restored in the community. He assured residents that thorough investigations would be carried out to ascertain the root cause of the crisis and to prevent a recurrence.

Security has been beefed up in the area as residents expressed fear over the rising tension. Authorities have also called for calm, urging community members to cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his address to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, reassured citizens that the nation has turned a corner despite current economic hardships.

Tinubu defended his administration’s reforms—including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates—stressing that they were necessary to reset the economy and redirect resources to development. He highlighted improved economic indicators such as 4.23% GDP growth in the second quarter, declining inflation at 20.12%, and external reserves rising above $42 billion.

The President also announced the disbursement of ₦330 billion to eight million vulnerable households and promised sustained investment in roads, rail, airports, and seaports. He urged Nigerians to embrace local production, pay taxes faithfully, and support the national drive toward self-reliance.

While Tinubu’s speech struck an optimistic tone, critics questioned the transparency of social programmes and noted that widespread poverty and labour unrest remain pressing challenges.

The President concluded by calling for unity and resilience, insisting that “Nigeria is racing against time” but remains firmly on the path to recovery.