Category: Featured

The Oyo State House of Assembly has raised urgent concerns over the recurring cases of illegal revenue collection, multiple stickers, and harassment of commercial drivers, tricyclists, and motorcyclists across the state, vowing to take decisive steps to protect the rights and welfare of these critical operators in the transport sector.

The motion, titled “Need to Curb Illegal Revenue Collection, Multiple Stickers, and Harassment of Commercial Drivers, Tricyclists, and Motorcyclists in Oyo State”, was co-sponsored by Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the House, alongside Hon. Rasak Mabaje (Ido), Hon. Sanjo Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South), Hon. Babajide Adebayo (Ibadan North II), and Hon. Akintunde Olajide (Lagelu).

The Motion was presented on Thursday during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin.

In moving the motion, the lawmakers highlighted the vital role played by commercial motorcyclists, tricycle operators, bus and taxi drivers in ensuring mobility, employment, and livelihood for thousands of Oyo State residents across both urban and rural communities.

They noted that operators are mandated to pay annual revenue stickers covering statutory state-imposed levies totaling N10,500, as well as a daily ticket of N300, which is meant to cover operational levies.

Despite compliance with these official requirements, commercial drivers reportedly continue to face illegal roadblocks, arbitrary collection of additional stickers, extortion, threats, and even physical harassment by individuals posing as government agents or park officials.

Unauthorised levies reportedly range from N2,500 to N5,000, often imposed without receipts or accountability.

The Assembly expressed deep concern that such practices undermine the credibility of government revenue systems, fuel fare increases, discourage compliance, and expose drivers, commercial motorcyclists and tricyclist to economic hardship and physical risk.

They emphasized that unless urgent harmonization of transport-related stickers and daily tickets is implemented, the menace will persist across the state.

Consequently, the House resolved to urge the Executive Arm of Government to harmonise all transport-related revenue systems and collections into a single, universally recognised framework.

This includes publishing and gazetting the harmonised ticketing system, enforcing compliance through Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency (OYRTMA) and security agencies, dismantling illegal roadblocks, prosecuting offenders, and ensuring collaboration with drivers’ unions and park management authorities to protect the rights of commercial operators.

The motion also tasked the Assembly’s Committees on Transport, Finance, Appropriation, and State Economic Planning to liaise with relevant ministries, agencies, and drivers’ associations to ensure the full implementation of the harmonised system.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, praised the motion, emphasizing its timeliness and necessity.

He said he personally co-sponsored it to demonstrate the Assembly’s commitment to securing the welfare of the state’s transport operators and strengthening compliance with government revenue policies.

…Says IBB Contributed More To Lagos Development Than Tinubu

A PDP presidential hopeful, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has sharply criticized the economic performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming that Nigeria’s economy is weaker today than during previous administrations, including those of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking live on Channels Television on Wednesday during a discussion with Seun Okinbaloye, Hashim cited official economic data, arguing that Nigeria’s fiscal and monetary management over the past 10 years of APC Government has failed to keep pace with the country’s growth and population expansion needs.

“GDP under Obasanjo was $267 billion. Under Jonathan, it grew to over $574billion in nominal terms. Today, under Tinubu, it has fallen to around $230 billion. This is a shocking regression for a nation with massive human and natural resources,” Hashim stated.

The PDP Presidential aspirant also highlighted the over devaluation of the Naira, stressing that the currency’s current exchange rate is far below levels justified by Nigeria’s economic fundamentals, contributing to a higher cost of living and weaker investor confidence.

Hashim, who is also a global businessman, questioned Tinubu’s legacy in Lagos, comparing it unfavorably with that of former military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida (IBB).

“IBB contributed more to Lagos development because he built the Third Mainland Bridge. If you remove the Third Mainland Bridge today, what’s left?Tinubu’s small bridge in Lekki which he tolled is nothing to 3rd mainland bridge IBB built.”
Dr Hashim dismissed the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) as a viable alternative, claiming that many of its members are part of Nigeria’s ongoing economic and security challenges.

“Apart from Peter Obi and probably Atiku Abubakar, others in ADC are mostly Buharist, who are accused of being part of the current problem”, he said.

Hashim also challenged members of Tinubu’s economic management team to defend their record in a live debate, arguing that Nigerians deserve transparent explanations on GDP contraction, currency instability, inflation, and the government’s economic strategies.

“It’s an open challenge, let their best hands, CBN Governor, Finance Minister, come out to a live public debate on the economy with me” he said.
Arguing that Naira is over devalued, Dr Hashim emphasized that with daily oil production doubled from 900,000 barrels per day to 1,800,000, and fuel importation reduced due to increase in local production, Naira should see significant valuation not decrease in value relative to values in the Buhari years.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, in collaboration with other sister agencies in Ondo state, have provided a water tight security coverage during the just concluded 50th Golden Jubilee of the creation of Ondo State.

Answering questions from journalists at the Akure township stadium on Tuesday, 3rd February, 2026, Commandant Oluyemi lbiloye expressed satisfaction at the level of the security coverage provided for the event and the cooperation of all the service chiefs in the state which led to the peaceful celebration across the state.

The anniversary started with a World Press Conference at the Banquest Hall of the Presidential Lodge, Alagbaka, on Thursday, 29th January,2026. The Central Mosque in Akure hosted the Jumat service on Friday, 30th January, 2026.

Security personnel were on standby to ensure a hitche free 5km health walk that took off at Government house, Alagbaka, on Saturday morning , where the Governor led workers and the people of the state on a walk to the Akure township stadium.

At the church 50 golden jubilee thanksgiving service held at St Thomas’s Anglican church, isinkan , Akure, the governor attributed the survival and steady progress of the state over the past five decades to divine guidance, the resilience of its people and the central role of faith in governance.

The president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was hosted at the grand finale of the celebration.

The president described the golden jubilee as both a moment of pride and a challenge for the state to chart a bolder and more purposeful path into the future.

The security success of the golden anniversary celebration is a testament to the collective resolve of the security agencies in the state to protect lives, property, and critical national assets.

Popular Nollywood actress Ajara Lasisi, fondly known by fans and colleagues as Aunty Ajara, has been confirmed dead.

The news of her passing was announced via an Instagram post shared by her brother on Tuesday. In the emotional post, he confirmed that the actress had passed on and expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported and showed love to her while she was alive.

According to the statement, the family acknowledged the overwhelming concern, prayers, and goodwill messages from fans, colleagues in the entertainment industry, and kind-hearted Nigerians since news of her illness became public. He specifically appreciated industry heavyweights and supporters who stood by Ajara during her difficult moments.

Her brother also used the opportunity to urge the public to stop sending funds, clarifying that the purpose for which donations were being made was no longer applicable, as Ajara had passed away.

The death of Aunty Ajara has thrown the Nigerian entertainment industry into mourning, with fans and colleagues taking to social media to express shock, grief, and heartfelt tributes in her honour. She was widely known for her comic roles and vibrant screen presence, which endeared her to many viewers.

Details surrounding her death and burial arrangements have not yet been officially disclosed by the family.
May her soul rest in peace.

Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has revealed that he is currently seeking a divorce, saying the decision is tied to his intention to marry multiple wives.

Afolayan made the disclosure during a watch party for his latest film where he spoke about marriage and his upbringing in a polygamous household.

In a video from the event that has since gone viral, the filmmaker said he is already in court and is prepared for the process involved.

“I am in and out of court seeking a divorce. I don’t mind the toll. So I can marry many wives now,” he said.

He attributed his views to his late father, who had ten wives and 25 children, noting that his own life and career were a direct result of that family structure.

“Without my father, there wouldn’t be a KAP Village or even Kunle Afolayan. I am the seventh child of my father because he had ten wives,” he said.

Afolayan also encouraged men to consider polygamy or multiple relationships, arguing that legacy and continuity are important.

Traditional religion worshippers in Osun State have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reschedule the 2026 governorship election, citing a clash with the annual Osun-Osogbo Cultural Festival.

The group said the poll, fixed for August 8, comes immediately after the festival’s grand finale on August 7, creating concerns over logistics and public safety.
In a letter to INEC leadership, the traditionalists explained that the Osun-Osogbo Festival runs from July 27 to August 7 and follows a fixed spiritual calendar that cannot be altered.

They noted that the festival attracts thousands of worshippers, tourists, and visitors from within and outside Nigeria, leading to heavy movement and gatherings across Osogbo.
The association warned that holding an election a day after the festival could overstretch security agencies and make enforcement of election-eve restrictions difficult. They also expressed fears that the large crowds could be exploited by political actors to cause unrest or disrupt the electoral process.

Citing past precedents where elections were postponed due to security concerns, the traditionalists urged INEC to consider shifting the poll date in the interest of peace and credible elections. The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 8, 2026, to choose a successor to the incumbent administration.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has ordered the immediate suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and mounting public concern over the exercise.

The directive was announced on Tuesday by Mr. Noheem Adams, Chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium.

Adams called on all relevant state ministries and agencies to halt demolition works with immediate effect and assured affected residents that compensation would be paid for demolished properties.

“On behalf of the Speaker and all 40 members of the House, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” Adams was quoted as saying.

He also demanded transparency in the exercise, calling for the release of the full list of members of the taskforce involved and the criteria used for their engagement. Adams stressed that residents of the affected communities must be fully involved and carried along in all processes.

“We want to see the list of the taskforce and the criteria for their engagement because the residents must be duly involved,” he said.

Addressing residents directly, Adams gave assurances that the Assembly would protect their interests. “As your representatives, we assure you that demolitions will stop and that compensation will be provided for all those whose properties have been affected,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr. Stephen Ogundipe, a member of the ad hoc committee, emphasised the need for clear and timely communication, noting that residents slated for relocation or redevelopment should be adequately informed of government plans ahead of time.

Meanwhile, Mr. Babatunde Olajide, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on E-GIS and Urban Renewal, disclosed that a sum of $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 for the transformation of Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.

He confirmed that enumeration of affected properties is currently ongoing and reiterated the state government’s commitment to handling the matter with a human face, prioritising safety and fair compensation for residents.

Reacting to the development, the Baale of Makoko, Mr. Yusuf Sagra, described the Assembly’s intervention as a “word of peace,” while another community leader, Mr. Orioye Ogungbure, commended the government for what he termed its “democratic responsiveness.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Tuesday stirred controversy at the commissioning of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Ibadan, where he openly described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as a “vagabond.” The governor said the Oyo PDP would not allow external forces to destabilise its structure or hijack its affairs.

Speaking before party leaders and supporters, Makinde used a Yoruba proverb to criticise individuals he described as disruptive elements within the party. He said such figures dominated the PDP after it lost federal power in 2015 and engaged in what he termed “vagabondry” for nearly a decade before being expelled from the party in 2025.

Makinde questioned Wike’s moral authority to intervene in PDP matters in Oyo State, asking what the former Rivers State governor had done to strengthen the party in his own state. He added that the Oyo PDP remains united, focused and determined to chart its own course without interference.

The governor also admitted that he was once aligned with Wike’s faction but said he had since distanced himself from that camp. He stressed that the PDP in Oyo State is now repositioned ahead of future elections, declaring that there is “no more vagabond” within the party as it moves forward.

At least three people were feared dead in a tragic road accident that occurred on Tuesday morning at Iwo Road, Ibadan. The incident involved a commercial Micra car that was crushed by a trailer after the heavy-duty vehicle reportedly suffered brake failure.

Granule Bank Launches in Bashorun, Ibadan, Strengthening Financial Access and Local Growth

Eyewitnesses said the trailer rammed into the Micra, causing extensive damage to the smaller vehicle and leaving it beyond repair. While three occupants of the Micra reportedly lost their lives, the driver of the trailer was said to have escaped from the scene.

Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) promptly arrived at the location and cleared the wreckage to prevent traffic gridlock along the busy corridor. The victims were evacuated and taken to a nearby hospital.

Authorities have urged motorists, especially drivers of articulated vehicles, to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles and adhere strictly to safety regulations to prevent avoidable accidents.

Ibadan, Oyo State — In a significant boost to grassroots banking and financial inclusion, Granule Microfinance Bank has officially commenced operations in Bashorun, Ibadan, with a strong commitment to empowering individuals, micro-entrepreneurs, and small businesses through accessible and innovative financial services.

Established to serve the underserved and unbanked segments of society, Granule Microfinance Bank is positioned to become a trusted financial partner for traders, artisans, farmers, salary earners, and small-scale enterprises within Ibadan and its environs. The bank offers tailored savings products, micro-credit facilities, and financial advisory services designed to stimulate economic activities at the community level.

Speaking on the vision behind the new institution, the management of Granule Microfinance Bank stated that the bank was founded on the belief that sustainable economic development begins with inclusive access to finance. “Granule Microfinance Bank is not just about banking; it is about building financial confidence, supporting livelihoods, and creating opportunities for growth,” the statement said.

The bank operates with a customer-centric approach, leveraging efficient service delivery, ethical banking practices, and compliance with regulatory standards set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Its strategic location in Bashorun positions it to effectively serve both urban and peri-urban communities in Ibadan.

Granule Microfinance Bank also emphasizes financial literacy, encouraging responsible savings culture and prudent borrowing among its customers. By supporting small businesses with affordable credit, the bank aims to contribute meaningfully to job creation and economic resilience in Oyo State.

As Nigeria continues to pursue deeper financial inclusion, the entry of Granule Microfinance Bank into the microfinance landscape underscores the growing role of community-focused financial institutions in driving inclusive growth and development.

For more info visit: granulebank.ng, support@granulebank.ng or contact +23409134447452.