Category: Featured

A former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over speculations that he may replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Shittu, speaking on AIT’s Focus Nigeria, cautioned that any attempt to sideline Shettima in the next election cycle could spell political disaster for Tinubu’s re-election ambitions.

There have been growing rumours that President Tinubu is considering picking a new running mate for the 2027 race. However, the Presidency has downplayed these claims, maintaining that no official decisions will be made or announced until the campaign season begins.

Shittu firmly rejected the idea of replacing the current vice president, describing Shettima as a “brilliant and deserving leader.”

“Shettima was not nominated as vice president because of whatever cleavage he had with ANPP. On his own merit, he got it,” Shittu said. “Shettima, as a person, merits it. He is a very intelligent vice president. I would vote for Shettima any day.”

The former minister also expressed confusion over why some individuals were pushing for Shettima’s replacement.

“I don’t know what he has done for people to think that he would act differently,” he added. “I don’t think Shettima deserves any prevarication on his continuity in Tinubu’s team.”

Shittu further warned that such a move could backfire politically.

“If there are any such suggestions from any quarters, I think we must be very careful about it,” he said. “It would bring a lot of disruptions if that move is made and it could endanger the possibility of Tinubu’s second presidency. They must continue. You don’t punish anybody for doing nothing wrong.”

As the 2027 elections gradually approach, political realignments and strategic decisions within the ruling APC are expected to attract closer public scrutiny.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has passed the supplementary budget of N299.8 billion into law.

‎The House passed the budget after the Chairman, Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola presented the report and considered clause by clause before it was read for the third time during the plenary session on Thursday.

‎With the passage of ₦299.8 billion supplementary budget, the 2025 total budget size of the state has increased from ₦684.1 billion to ₦984 billion.

‎Speaking with journalists shortly after plenary session, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Economic Planning Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola, said the supplementary budget became necessary to accommodate several critical expenditures that were not initially captured in the 2025 budget.

‎He added that the approval of the supplementary budget was also necessitated to infrastructural development in the 33 Local Government Areas of the state.

‎According to the lawmaker, who represents Egbeda State Constituency, “The supplementary budget will take care of the funds approved for the reconstruction of the Government House, workers’ pensions and provisions for a new national minimum wage.

‎“The reality of the state’s financial obligations in the current fiscal year required a reassessment. This supplementary appropriation reflects the dynamic nature of governance and the need to respond to emerging priorities.

‎“The approved supplementary budget increase is a move to strengthen infrastructural development and social welfare across the state amid rising economic demands and inflationary pressures.”

‎Hon. Babalola confirmed that the reason for a working recess by the lawmakers, is to enable them to monitor the implementation of the budgetary allocations for the ongoing developmental projects in their various constituencies across the state.

‎He assured that all the chairmen of various committees have been charged by the Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin to be alerted during recess to ensure budget performance is in line with its objectives.

‎It will be recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde presented the 2025 budget of ₦684.1 billion late last year, which has since been passed into law.

The seven farmers kidnapped in their farmland at Itaogbolu in Akure North LGA, Ondo State, on Saturday have regained freedom. 

The victims were working on their farms when gunmen launched an attack and whisked them away. 

A relative of one of the kidnapped farmers, who did not want to be named for security reasons, confirmed on Friday that the seven farmers were released on Wednesday night after spending five days in captivity. 

“I’m happy to tell you that the kidnappers released all seven farmers on Wednesday night. They are back with their families. 

“I want to let you know that when the kidnappers demanded ransom, which was N100 million initially before it was reduced to N20 million, we were only able to raise N5 million.

“They were released in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti, on Wednesday night after collecting N5 million and food items. The victims are now in the hospital for medical attention,” he said. 

The commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, could not be reached for comments.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, simply said: “I’m not aware of their release.” 

(NAN)

As part of efforts to promote tourism and culture in Ogun State, the famous Olumo Rock Tourist Centre in Abeokuta will be open to members of the public free of charge from now until the end of September this year.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who made the announcement on Thursday at the commissioning of the newly renovated Tourist Complex, said the gesture is to encourage people to embrace tourism as well as appreciate the richness of their culture.

The Complex has a galleria that contains artworks made up of pictures of eminent Nigerians, a gazebo, a restaurant that will serve both local and continental dishes, shops for selling adire fabrics, and a standby generator set that will power the newly installed elevators and other facilities.

Olumo Rock, the governor noted, is more than a majestic outcrop or an assemblage of stones; it represents a sanctuary of strength, a symbol of refuge, and an identity for a people.

“For centuries, it has stood tall, offering safety and identity to the Egba people in times of conflict and change.

“Renovating this sacred site is not just about infrastructure; it is about reviving memory, rekindling pride, and reaffirming our cultural roots. The site connects us to our roots.

“We recognize that tourism, when properly developed, has the capacity to generate employment, attract investment, promote cultural understanding, and serve as a catalyst for community development,” he said.

The governor noted that his administration would continue to prioritize tourism as a strategic pillar of the ISEYA development agenda, emphasizing that when properly developed, it could impact the local economy, generate employment opportunities, and boost the revenue of the State.

While declaring the State a foremost destination of choice, Governor Abiodun beckoned to tourists around the world to come to the State and experience its tourist attractions, adding that the Olumo Rock Tourism Complex has undergone a total renovation and is now equipped with a world-class arts gallery and restaurants.

He said: “This renovation has transformed Olumo Rock from a historic relic into a modern heritage destination. From an economic standpoint, this revitalized complex is a tourism magnet.

“Entrepreneur zones have been provided for artisans, vendors, and creatives to showcase their talents and benefit from growing visitor traffic. This centre will boost local commerce, empower our youths, and build a thriving cultural and creative economy.

“Socially, Olumo Rock reminds us of who we are: a people of strength, a people of courage, a people of ingenuity, and a people of unity. Spiritually, it connects us with our roots and reaffirms the values that we find in our collective identity. It stands as a cultural invitation to the world.”

His administration’s goal, Governor Abiodun stated, is to establish tourist sites across the state, assuring that the renovated Olumo Rock Tourist Complex would be concessioned to a reputable organization for its proper upkeep.

Welcoming guests to the occasion, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi appreciated the state governor for repositioning the tourist centre, adding that this would attract more tourists and visitors.

In his remarks, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, revealed that the Rock, in the olden days, served as a sanctuary for the Egba people and was also used as a military observation post by local militias who defended the town from invaders.

While noting the spiritual importance of the tourist center, the monarch observed that apart from serving as a place where prayers are answered, it provides a place for relaxation for seekers, even as he appreciated Governor Abiodun for giving the facility a facelift.

The Chief Executive Officer of Nike Arts Gallery, Chief (Mrs) Nike Okundaye, expressed optimism that the renovation of the Complex would lead to an increase in tourism traffic from around the world, assuring that a wide range of unquantifiable services would be offered to both local and foreign tourists and visitors.

She said: “We are going to bring people who are art lovers from different museums all over the world to come and celebrate our culture and our heritage, which is Olumo.

“We will share our knowledge with them, and they will also share their knowledge with us. With this, everybody is going to benefit. We are going to create more jobs and train people in new ideas about what they can do to make more money.

“This place is going to be number one in the whole country; that is why I said, give it two years.”

The Presidency has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully entitled to seek a second term in office, just like his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

This was made known by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, during an interview on Trust Radio.

Onanuga warned against what he described as politically motivated attacks aimed at discrediting Tinubu’s leadership, particularly by those who feel uncomfortable with a Southerner at the helm.

“This President is a Nigerian. He deserves the same two terms that Buhari had. Let’s not sacrifice the country for personal ambition,” he said.

He accused certain individuals and political actors of deliberately trying to stir division by pitting Northern Nigerians against the President in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.

According to him, allegations that Tinubu’s administration has marginalized the North in terms of development and appointments are nothing but “falsehoods” driven by “political mischief.”

“You need to get your statistics right. The National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, and both Defence Ministers are all Northerners,” he noted, while citing improvements in security in areas like Birnin Gwari and Igabi in Kaduna State.

Onanuga also emphasized the need for unity and sacrifice among all Nigerians, regardless of region or political affiliation.

“There are bad roads across the country, not just in the North. We should stop promoting false narratives. Everyone must put national interest above personal ambition,” he added.

The remarks come amid increasing political tension and speculation about Tinubu’s future ambitions ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

The Kwara State High court Ilorin has sentenced Abdulrahman Bello, a self-acclaimed cleric and the killer of Hafsoh Lawal, a final year student of the Kwara State College of Education to death by hanging.

In a judgement delivered by Justice Hannah Ajayi on Thursday, four other defendants were set free and cleared of any wrongdoings.

‎Charged with five-count, the judge started by acquitting the four out of the five defendants namely Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Jamiu Uthman, Suleiman Muyideen and Abdulrahman Jamiu of any complicity, subsequently setting them free of taking part in the death of the victim (Hafsoh Lawal).

However, Justice Ajayi, while delivering judgment on the main culprit, described Bello’s act as cruel, wicked, and an extreme display of human wickedness, saying all evidence proved that Hafsoh was killed in order to be used for money ritual and trading in human spare parts.

‎The judge further noted that Abdulrahman’s confession of love and plan to marry the victim, are all concocted lies to lure her to his residence in order to kill her.

‎She therefore sentenced Abdulrahman Bello to death by hanging while setting free the other four suspects not guilty.

‎The offence was said to have been committed on February 10, 2025, at Olunlade area Ilorin. The victim was said to have been invited by her boyfriend Abdulrahman Bello, who killed and dismembered her body in his room after having sex with her.

‎Upon being arrested and interrogated, the palm of the deceased and, a bottle filled with blood and personal belongings of the dead were found Bello’s room. Also found in his room was a cutlass used in dismembering the deceased’s body.

‎Other parts of her decomposed body were later found at a nearby dumpsite in Ilorin.

A combined team of the Amotekun Corps, Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), and local hunters successfully thwarted a kidnapping operation in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, killing three suspected kidnappers and rescuing one victim.

The victim, Ogunyinka Samuel, popularly known as Agbede, was abducted from his residence in Otu on Monday night. Following the incident, local hunters and vigilante operatives launched a swift rescue operation, engaging the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle. During the exchange, one of the local security personnel sustained a gunshot wound.

The operation led the security team to the kidnappers’ hideout, where three of the suspects were gunned down. Their bodies were later deposited at the Otu Divisional Police Station for identification.

Authorities commend the collaborative efforts of the local security outfits and urge residents to remain vigilant while continuing to support community-based security initiatives.

In a bid to ensure a crime free and safety environment for members of the public in the Pacesetter State, the Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the Executive Arm of Government to restrict the activities of scavengers to Government approved dumpsites alone and put in place a regulatory guidelines for all involved in such activities.

This was part of the House resolutions following a report presented by the Chairman House Committee on Environment, Water Resources and Ecology, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahman on the Need to regulate activities of metal scavenger, popularly known as Bola, to prevent infrastructure vandalism and enhance security in oyo state.

Presenting the report, Hon. Olorunpoto explained that as part of the committee’s findings during investigation , the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has handed over the oversight and the management of dumpsites to consultants who have authorization over the dumpsites.

He hinted further that :
“Metal Scavengers operating at the dumpsites are being subjected to regulations and guidelines set forth by dumpsites consultants “

The House further reiterated the need to put in place measures or regulatory guidelines on scavenging by the government in order to discourage criminal elements who use the activity to perpetrate crimes and curb the rising trend of criminal elements who hide under the guise of scavenging to perpetrate crimes.

The House also called on the Oyo State Security Network Agency and other Law Enforcement Agencies to conduct regular surveillance and enforce the restrictions on scavengers activities to designated dumpsites across the State.