Category: Featured

An Osun State High Court, sitting in Iwo, has sentenced an Islamic cleric, Kabiru Ibrahim, to death by hanging for the murder of his 25-year-old client, Lukman Adeleke.

Ibrahim, an Alfa, was charged with conspiracy, murder, and theft, contrary to Sections 324, 319(1), and 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 34, Laws of Osun State.

Justice Lateef Adegoke, delivering judgment, held that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and sentenced Ibrahim to death by hanging for murder.

A statement from the Information Officer of the Ministry of Justice, Opeyemi Bello, obtained in Osogbo on Wednesday, May 28, said the prosecution team, led by Abiodun Badiora, told the court that Ibrahim was a spiritual consultant to the deceased.

Badiora explained that the deceased had approached the cleric, revealing his intention to purchase a parcel of land, and Ibrahim asked him to bring the money for an overnight prayer before paying the vendor.

The students of Methodist Grammar School, Bodija, Ibadan could not hide their joy when the recreational games lounge was commissioned yesterday by the Founder of an NGO, Baby Blue Angels Foundation who is also the Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Makinde on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Ramata Agberemi Dabo popularly known as RAD.

The gaming lounge equipped with many educational games like scrabbles, chess, monopoly, and others was commissioned inside the school premises.

Ramata while speaking through her representative, Hon. Kobiowu Aminat said, the idea behind the launching of the games lounge was to nurture and bring out God-gifted talents from the young kids especially the students with disabilities in the school.

She said she was inspired by the famous Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya who has carved a niche for himself in the world of chess and as part of the initiative of Oyo State First Lady, Her Excellency, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde who has always been a source of inspiration to women in leadership.

“There are many talented kids here who need a little push up to be able to discover their talents and showcase them to the world but they are being constrained due to lack of resources or avenue to nurture their God’s gifted talents, and that is the reason why we are commissioning this lounge for the students with disabilities to be able to discover their abilities as they say there is ability in disability”.

“I therefore use this medium to thank our role model, the First Lady of Oyo State, Her Excellency, Mrs, Tamunominini Makinde who has been a source of inspiration to me. Also, I express my appreciation to the the Secretary of Alumni of Methodist Grammar School, Barrister Ebony for her usual support towards the realization of the dream.

The Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Education, Hon. Tajudeen Tiamiyu who was a guest at the event commended Chief RAD for the laudable initiative he has embarked on, he said he has known Hon. Ramata as a great philanthropist who has helped many less privileged in various capabilities.

He thereafter hinted on the disposition of Governor Makinde in repositioning education sector, and part of which is the recently approved interventionist project launched to rehabilitate some selected secondary schools and Methodist Grammar School was selected as part of the schools to be rehabilitated in the first phase of the exercise.

In her remarks, the Principal of Methodist Grammar School, Mrs. Etadon while speaking appreciated the kind gesture of Chief Ramata Agberemi Dabo and likened her to one of the notable alumni of the school they are always proud of.

She said the initiative was imperative at this era where skills and talents have taken the centre stage and such idea will in no doubt help the students with disabilities to be able to discover their talents and also help them to concentrate on their studies because the game house is equipped with various forms of educational games and activities aimed at enhancing cognitive skills and promoting healthy interactions among students.

The game lounge was commissioned and the students with disabilities engaged in a brief competition with guests while the Special Adviser on Education was taken around for needs assessment on dilapidated infrastructures in the school.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has rejected the report of its Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development on the investigation of the payment and disbursement of funds for the construction of a 10,000MT 4-Bin Silo and supply of combine silo equipment project in Awe Road, Oyo.

The report, which was presented to the House during today’s plenary session by Hon. PG Ojedokun was deemed inconclusive and lacking in crucial details.

According to lawmakers, the report failed to adequately address the mandate given to the committee to investigate whether or not the contractor, Rahvet International Limited, paid monies to the expatriate Chinese company involved in the project.

This critical aspect of the investigation was not sufficiently explored, leading to concerns about the report’s comprehensiveness.

Furthermore, the House questioned the recommendation for an additional N360,394,440 to complete the project, describing it as “proprietorial” and lacking justification.

Lawmakers expressed concerns about the contractor’s ability to manage funds and the potential for further abuse of public resources.

Another point of contention was the committee’s recommendation that the Auditor-General should contact the expatriate contractor to verify claims regarding remittance and cooperation.

The House felt that this approach undermined the committee’s mandate for independent investigation and could compromise the integrity of the inquiry.

In light of these concerns, the House resolved to transfer the assignment to its Committee on Finance, Appropriation, and State Economic Planning for a comprehensive review of the project.

The new committee has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation, including examining materials already purchased by the contractor and other relevant aspects of the project.

The Speaker while ruling on the rejection of the report, said the development was to ensure transparency and accountability in the execution of government contracts.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has come down hard on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent loan request to the National Assembly, warning that the borrowing spree is mortgaging Nigeria’s future.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, Atiku described Tinubu’s request for a $21.54 billion foreign loan and a ₦758 billion pension bond as “reckless, dangerous, and immoral,” accusing the administration of dragging the country into a debt trap that could cripple generations to come.

“The Tinubu administration is borrowing money not for development but to service existing loans, fueling a debt spiral that leaves nothing for infrastructure, education, healthcare, or jobs,” Atiku stated.

The two-time presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said public debt has surged by 65.6% since Tinubu took office in May 2023, warning that the fresh loan request would push Nigeria’s debt from ₦144.7 trillion to a staggering ₦183 trillion.

“This is not just unsustainable—it is immoral,” Atiku warned. “Tinubu has thrown caution to the wind and turned public finance into a Ponzi scheme—borrowing to pay debts and then borrowing more to pay interest.”

The president’s request to the National Assembly includes $21.54 billion, €2.19 billion, and ¥15 billion, totaling over $24 billion in foreign loans.

Atiku did not mince words in condemning the move, labeling it “economic sabotage.” He urged the National Assembly, civil society organizations, the media, and the international community to intervene before it’s too late.

“We call on lawmakers, civil society organizations, the media, and the international community to take urgent action to stop this looming catastrophe. Nigeria must not be sold into debt slavery,” he said.

Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor developments around this controversial loan request and provide detailed analysis, reactions, and implications for Nigerians across all sectors.

As public concern grows over the country’s rising debt profile and economic hardship, Atiku’s criticism adds to mounting pressure on the Tinubu-led administration to reconsider its fiscal direction.

The Ooni of Ife has gifted 3 acres of land to the International Council for Ifa Religion, ICIR, for the construction of the largest World Ifa Temple in Ile-Ife.

Located at the Stadium area, Route 7, Ile-Ife, Osun state, this monumental project will serve as a major pilgrimage site for Ifa and Orisha devotees worldwide.

This generous gesture underscores Ooni’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting spiritual growth across the globe.

Students have been asked to shun all forms of indecency and concentrate more on their studies to attain their desired goals and aspirations.

This call was made at the 2025 Children’s Day celebration held at Baale’s Palace, Akinyele, Ibadan as sponsored by a Senior Lecturer and Gender Rights Advocate at the Department of History, University of Ibadan, Dr. Mutiat Oladejo.

The group led by the Programme Coordinator, Alhaji Yekini A. A. Kareem-Ojo highlighted important roles of good parenting in shaping the lives of the children to become useful for themselves and the society at large.

They therefore called on government to provide conducive learning and skill acquisition environment while advising teachers to be diligent in the discharge of their duties.

The communique of the event is reproduced below:

THE YEAR 2025 CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATION

A COMMUNIQUE ON THE YEAR 2025 CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATION HELD AT THE BAALE’S PALACE, AKINKUNMI TOWN IN AKINYELE L.G.A., OYO STATE, NIGERIA ON TUESDAY, 27TH MAY, 2025

The programme which was sponsored by a native of Akinkunmi Town in person of Dr. Mutiat T. Oladejo (nee Kareem-Ojo), a senior Lecturer and specialist in African History, Women-in-Politics, and Gender Studies at the History Department, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria was attended by about one hundred pupils and students of primary and secondary schools in Iroko and its environs.

The Baale, Chief Zakariya Olagoke Akinkunmi, supported by notable elders of the town, graced the occasion.

It was an inter-generational get-together where children were opportune to tell elders their feelings or opinions about life as it affect them, and the latter give guidance and counselings, accordingly.

In particular, there was demand for a more conducive learning environment that would assure the achievement of children’s academic-cum-career goals in a more efficient and effective manner.

It was highly informative, entertaining and, above all, educative as these two papers were presented at the occasion: “THE ESSENCE/IMPORTANCE OF CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATION” by Alhaja Saudat Ojo-a retired Vice Principal, TESCOM (Oyo State); and “HOW TO STUDY EFFECTIVELY” by Alhaji Yekinni Kareem-Ojo, an educator and retired Chief Accountant, University of Ibadan. The children were also given books of various titles published by REAMSWORTH PUBLISHING LIMITED, IBADAN.

In conclusion, all stake-holders were advised to do the needful:

1. Children to be more studious and shun all forms of indecency;
2. Parents to provide adequate learning material and conducive environment for home-study;
3. Governments at all levels to provide a more conducive learning and skill acquisition environment;
4. They should also create more conducive business-cum-investment environment;

Same goes for wealthy individuals, corporate bodies and non-governmental organisations (NGO) in the country, and

Teachers to be more diligent in the discharge of their duties and be models for the children.

Alhaji Yekinni A.A. Kareem-Ojo, MNIM (chartered), Programme Coordinator

Oduduwa News has gathered that a suspected thief has been arrested and taken to custody by Ekiti Police Command.

The suspect who allegedly duped a boutique of N150,000 worth of goods in Ado Ekiti has been apprehended in Ikere Ekiti.

The man, who was captured on CCTV footage deceiving the salesgirl, was tracked down and caught by authorities. The suspect is currently in custody, and further investigation is underway.

The successful arrest brings relief to the boutique owner and serves as a warning to would-be scammers in the state.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that 20 million Nigerians—around 20% of the country’s population—are living with mental health conditions.

This was disclosed by Dr. Azubike Aliche, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Nigeria-American Institute for Mental Health (NAIMH), during a mental health GAP Action training held in Owerri. The programme was organised by NAIMH in collaboration with the Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE), and sponsored by Nigeria Mental Health Practitioners (NMHP) USA Inc.

Dr. Aliche said the training aimed to empower non-psychiatric health workers to screen for mental health symptoms and assist affected individuals. He described Nigeria’s d+pression rate as “alarming”—reportedly the highest in the world—and stressed the urgent need for change. He also noted that only 10% of those s¥ffering from ment@l illnesses in Nigeria currently have access to care.

Rev. Sr. Josephine Nzeke, an executive member of NMHP USA, explained that the four-day training, in its pilot stage, involves 25 healthcare professionals drawn from five local government areas in Imo State. After training, these participants will offer community-based mental health services.

Imo State Health Commissioner, Dr. Chioma Egu, called the ment@l health crisis a global concern and urged stakeholders to align with government policy frameworks.

Mr. Justice Ulunta, a facilitator from the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, called on the government to allocate more resources for training mental health professionals and upgrading facilities.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday transmitted three letters to the National Assembly requesting legislative approval for a new external borrowing plan amounting to over $21.5 billion, and a domestic bond issuance of ₦757.9 billion to settle outstanding national pension liabilities.

Tinubu made these requests in three separate letters transmitted to the National Assembly, which were read on the floor of the House of Representatives by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

In the first correspondence, President Tinubu sought the National Assembly’s approval for the establishment of a foreign currency-denominated issuance programme in the domestic debt market.

The proposed capital raise of up to $2bn would be implemented by the Debt Management Office in line with the Presidential Executive Order on Foreign Currency Denominated Financial Instruments, Local Issues Programme, 2023.

The president emphasised that the proceeds from the bond would be deployed into critical sectors of the economy capable of driving growth, enhancing infrastructure, creating employment, and boosting foreign exchange inflows.

He also noted that this initiative would offer dollar-denominated investment opportunities for local investors, deepen Nigeria’s financial market, and strengthen foreign reserves while promoting exchange rate stability.

According to Tinubu, the total facility sought under the external borrowing plan includes USD 21,543,647,912, EUR 2,193,856,324.54, and 15 billion Japanese Yen, in addition to a grant of 65 million EUR.

He noted that the proposed borrowing is crucial in light of the removal of fuel subsidy and its economic impact on the nation and its citizens.

“In light of the significant infrastructure deficit in the country and the paucity of financial resources needed to address this gap amid declining domestic demand, it has become essential to pursue prudent economic borrowing to close the financial shortfall,” the president said.

The President assured lawmakers that the proposed funds would be channelled into critical infrastructure projects, especially in the areas of railways, healthcare, and nationwide development programs across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

This initiative aims to generate employment, promote skill acquisition, foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty, and enhance food security, as well as to improve the livelihoods of Nigerians,” he added.

However, Tinubu acknowledged that the programme would increase Nigeria’s public debt stock and servicing costs.

In a second letter, President Tinubu sought approval for the issuance of Federal Government of Nigeria bonds totalling N757.98bn to settle outstanding pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme as of December 2023.

Referencing the provisions of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014, Tinubu noted that the government had struggled to meet its pension obligations over the years due to revenue challenges.

Oduduwa News has gathered that a disagreement between two friends over a missing stabilizer had resulted to a tragic loss of life.

A 23-year-old tailor, Faith Adeola, has been arraigned for allegedly stabbing his friend, Gbenga Olotu, to death during a dispute over a missing stabilizer in Oka-Akoko, Ondo State.

The incident occurred on May 10 after an argument turned violent.

The court has ordered Adeola’s remand pending legal advice, with the case adjourned to May 29.