Category: Featured

Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, former senator, ex-governor of Kwara State, and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, has died at the age of 84.

Family sources confirmed that Adebayo passed on peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday in Abuja.

Born on February 24, 1941, in the Igbaja community of Kwara State, Adebayo’s public service journey began with his election as senator on the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) platform in 1979. He later served as Governor of Kwara State in 1983, shortly before the military coup that toppled the civilian government.

Between 2003 and 2006, Adebayo served as Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, bringing his statesmanship and reformist stance into the federal cabinet.

A firm believer in democracy, Adebayo was a leading member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), the movement that fiercely opposed military rule and fought to reclaim the June 12, 1993 presidential mandate awarded to Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.

In 1993, Adebayo famously rejected a ministerial appointment under the repressive regime of General Sani Abacha—a move that further solidified his status as a man of principle. Two years later, on May 31, 1995, following a bomb explosion in Ilorin, the police arrested and interrogated Adebayo and other NADECO leaders in connection with the incident.

As Abacha’s crackdown on dissent intensified, Adebayo fled into exile in Canada in 1996 to escape persecution.

Until his death, Adebayo remained a symbol of courage, integrity, and the unyielding fight for democratic ideals in Nigeria.

Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has declared Friday, June 27, 2025, a work-free day across the state to commemorate the beginning of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1447AH.

The announcement was contained in a circular issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo.

The governor said the day had been set aside to allow Muslims and residents of the state to celebrate the Islamic New Year and reflect on its spiritual significance.

Governor Makinde also urged all residents to use the occasion to pray for continued peace, unity, and prosperity in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

“The Governor enjoins all and sundry to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and prosperity of the state in particular, and the country in general,” the statement read.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has expressed commitment to pursue resolution of the Osun local government question to a logical conclusion through legal means, congratulating people of Osun State over the recent Court of Appeal judgement.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the governor hailed the court ruling as finally reaffirming the truth about the legality of the validly elected and sworn in PDP chairmen and councillors following the court sacking of APC Yes/No chairmen in 2022.

The governor who commended the patience and commitment to due process by Osun people, noted that the latest judgement has put paid to any lie about reinstatement of previously sacked chairmen and affirmed the legitimacy of the PDP chairmen and councillors.

“Unlike the opposition, we are people of due process. The latest judgement is being served on all relevant stakeholders at state and national level. Our expectation is a quick restoration of normalcy in line with the law.

“I appreciate the deep love for peace and unity as demonstrated by the PDP Chairmen and councillors of the 30 local government and area councils since their swearing in. Your patience and support for the law has paid off”, the Governor reiterated.

The state governor further thanked security agencies for their commitment to law as well as peace and tranquility of Osun state even as he urged citizens and residents to continue to peacefully conduct themselves.

“Evil plots against our dear state on all fronts have been foiled. We must continue to remain peaceful and never allow agents of violence and enemies of the people to drag the state into violence and backwardness”, the Governor was quoted as saying.

A staggering 95 out of every 100 fever cases in Lagos are not linked to malaria, according to new data revealed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi. The startling statistic has ignited urgent calls for a shift in fever management and diagnosis protocols across the state.

Prof. Abayomi disclosed the data during the three-day kick-off of the Pathway to Pre-Elimination and Digitization Project, held in Lagos. The event focused on a Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test and Microscopy Comparative Study and a detailed assessment of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors’ (PPMVs) capacity to manage malaria and other febrile illnesses.

“This finding is critical,” Abayomi said, “because the widespread assumption that fever equals malaria is driving misdiagnosis, poor treatment outcomes, and a dangerous increase in antimicrobial resistance.”

The state government is now championing a multi-pronged strategy to tackle fever cases more accurately. The approach involves improving diagnostic capacity, training informal drug vendors, and strengthening public awareness on the need for testing before treatment.

With malaria long regarded as the default diagnosis for febrile illness in many communities, this shift is expected to have far-reaching implications for health policy, clinical practice, and public health education in Lagos.

Abayomi stressed that the misuse of antimalarial drugs and antibiotics, especially when fever is not malaria-related, is not only ineffective but could also worsen Nigeria’s battle against drug-resistant infections.

Osun State College of Health Technology hosted historic Student Barrister Association and Student Union Judiciary Council Day and First Ruling Book Launching.

In a milestone event, the Osun State College of Health Technology Ilesa recently hosted its first inaugural Student Barrister Association and students union judiciary council Day and the launch of its first Ruling Book. The event marked a significant step in the institution’s commitment to fostering student leadership and excellence in governance.

The Student Barrister Association and student union judiciary council brought together students, faculty members, and stakeholders in likes of Comr Anwo Sunday, Comr Amuda Lawal, Comr Adekunle Habeeb, Comr Lawrence Olatunde and Comr Oyedele trust who discuss pertinent issues affecting students and the college community on the theme; The Intersection between Health and Justice: The relationship and Importance of law for Health Personnel in maintaining standard and ethics of the profession. The launch of the Ruling Book, a symbol of the Student Barrister Association’s constitution and guiding principles, underscores the institution’s dedication to promoting student governance and leadership development.

The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the college administration, student leaders, and stakeholders. It serves as a platform for students to engage in meaningful discussions, build relationships, and develop essential skills in leadership and governance.

The Osun State College of Health Technology congratulated the Student Bar Association on this achievement and looks forward to continued success in promoting student welfare.

The Lagos State Police Command says it has arrested Wasiu Akinwande, who is the most wanted hired killer in the recent history of the state.

44-year-old Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso, it was learnt, was arrested during a coordinated tactical operation code-named ‘Silence, Speed and Surprise’ carried out by the Command’s Tactical Squad in his hideout in the Agbado area of Ogun State.

Lagos State Police Command spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed this in a statement on Friday.

The statement said, “Arrest of most wanted vicious and notorious hired killer and head of killers gang in the history of Lagos State in recent time, Wasiu Akinwade a.k.a. Olori Eso, and recovery of nine (9) sophisticated firearms, ammunition, magazines, dagger, walkie-talkies and international passports.

“This serial killer suspect is the most wanted suspect in Lagos history in recent time.

“His arrest marks a huge success in the ongoing fight against violent crimes that are threats to security and safety of residents in Mushin and some other parts of Lagos State.

“The recovered items include: Two (2) AK-47 rifles, one (1) K2 assault rifle, one (1) Red Ryder rifle, three (3) pump action rifles, two (2) locally made single-barrel pistols, five (5) magazines, fifty-seven (57) live cartridges, seventy (70) 5.56 live ammunition, twenty-seven (27) 9mm ammunition, one (1) expended 5.56 ammunition, one (1) dagger, three (3) walkie-talkies, nine (9) international passports belonging to different individuals,” Hundeyin stated.

The statement added: “Akinwande’s criminal activities have left trauma, horror, agony and pains in the families of victims of his numerous high-profile crimes under investigation by the Lagos State Police Command.”

The statement also said: “The Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has been directed by the Commissioner of Police to lead other specially selected crack detectives to broaden the investigation of the cases and round up all other suspects linked to Wasiu.

A major political development is brewing ahead of the 2027 general elections as a coalition of opposition figures has unveiled a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), with the goal of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The new party was officially announced after a strategic meeting held in Abuja by the National Opposition Coalition Group, chaired by former Senate President, Senator David Mark. The coalition said the formation of the ADA is part of a broader plan to mobilize Nigerians and provide a viable alternative to the current administration.

Chief Akin A. Ricketts was named interim Chairman, while Abdullahi Musa Elayo was appointed interim National Secretary of the ADA.

According to a communiqué made available to the media, the coalition set up a 15-man New Platform Committee tasked with securing office accommodation, opening a bank account, and completing the formal registration process with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The committee is chaired by former Minister of Transport Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, with Dr. Umar Ardo serving as Secretary.

The coalition also approved the party’s logo, motto, and constitution, signaling serious intent to challenge the status quo.

The unveiling of ADA comes amid growing public dissatisfaction with economic hardship, insecurity, and political tensions across the country. The coalition believes the time is ripe for a new movement to reshape Nigeria’s future and provide credible leadership.

With 2027 on the horizon, Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor this emerging political force and its impact on the national landscape.

The Oyo State Government has disclosed that over 58 cows have been “arrested” in the past two years, with 0several herders prosecuted for breaching the state’s anti-open grazing law.

Speaking during an inter-ministerial press briefing in Ibadan on Thursday, June 19, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, reaffirmed the enforcement of the anti-grazing law signed by Governor Seyi Makinde in 2019.

“The law is still in full force,” Olaleye declared. “More than 58 cows have been arrested in the last two years, while many herdsmen have been charged in court for violating the law.”

He warned that any individual found contravening the law would face strict penalties.

To bolster security, the commissioner announced the construction of a security post at the Ijaye Farm Settlement. He also assured farmers and investors of safety in the state, citing Oyo’s large arable land and the highest deployment of Amotekun personnel among southwest states.

“Oyo State is the safest place for farmers,” he said. “We are ready for large-scale commercial farming with adequate security support.”

The state’s firm stance on anti-open grazing laws is part of broader efforts to curb farmer-herder clashes and protect agricultural investments.