Category: Featured

The Consul General of Brazil in Lagos, Ambassador Manual Innocencio De Lacerda Santos Jnr on Tuesday morning hosted a courtesy meeting with His Royal Majesty, Oba Ademola Olugbile Folakanmi, the Alado of Ado Awaye, and his entourage.

During the meeting, the Alado delivered a presentation on the cultural and tourism potential of Ado Awaye, particularly the world-renowned Iyake suspended lake, the only natural suspended lake in Africa.

Responding, Ambassador Santos described the timing of the engagement as auspicious, noting that a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) has already been signed between Nigeria and Brazil. He revealed that Air Peace has been designated to commence scheduled flights between Lagos and São Paulo under the agreement.

According to the envoy, the development will not only ease air connectivity but also encourage more Brazilian tourists to visit Nigeria. “When they come, they will visit Oke-Ogun to see the Iyake suspended lake, the only natural suspended lake in Africa,” Santos said.

The Consul General also received an official invitation to attend the Iyake Festival 2025, scheduled to hold between November 18 and 22.

The Alado was accompanied to the meeting by his wife, Olori Titilola Olugbile; Oloye Bola Olalere, the Amuludun of Ado Awaye; Prince Rashid Owoiya; and Imam Rasheed Basiru.

Lagos Island witnessed two major fire incidents on Tuesday, sparking panic among residents and businesses. The first outbreak occurred at Afriland Tower on Broad Street, where a branch of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) is located.

The fire, which reportedly started in the inverter room, forced several staff and customers to jump from upper floors to escape heavy smoke. At least seven people were rushed to hospital with injuries, while firefighters from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations battled the blaze.

Hours later, another fire erupted at Emab Plaza, a four-storey commercial building behind Mandilas on Taiwo Street.

The fire began on the top floor and spread quickly, with firefighters from Ebute Elefun and Oniru stations responding. No fatalities have been confirmed as at press time, and investigations into the causes of both incidents are ongoing.

A socio-political group in Oyo State has insisted that the next governor of the state should not come from Ibadan, arguing that other zones deserve a fair chance at leadership.

The group noted that since the creation of Oyo State, Ibadan has consistently dominated the governorship seat, producing six governors, including the incumbent, Seyi Makinde.

They recalled that the only non-Ibadan indigene to have governed the state was the late Adebayo Alao-Akala from Ogbomoso, who served between May 2007 and May 2011.

According to the group, the political imbalance has marginalized other regions, particularly Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, and Oyo zones, which they believe are equally qualified to lead the state.

They, therefore, called on political parties, stakeholders, and opinion leaders to support a zoning arrangement that would allow power to rotate and foster inclusivity across the state.

The Best Brain Initiative for Human Development (BBHD), a foremost campaigner for a drug-free Africa, has decorated two distinguished personalities as African Ambassadors for a Drug-Free Society under its #Project100Ambassadorsforadrugfreesociety campaign. The honorees are accomplished energy expert Comrade Ismael Taiwo and renowned public speaker, Amb. Amos Idibofu.

On September 15th, Amb. Idibofu was formally decorated at his office in Ibadan. As the Executive Director of BBHD and a lead voice in the anti-drug campaign, he has consistently championed youth empowerment. Widely respected in the field of network marketing, Idibofu has mentored hundreds of multimillionaires and currently serves as an ambassador with Alliance In Motion (AIM) Global Nigeria. His recognition highlights a lifelong dedication to building safer communities and inspiring a healthier, drug-free future for Africa’s youth.

In a separate ceremony held at the Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan, Comrade Taiwo was also decorated as an ambassador. A native of Ado-Awaye in Iseyin Local Government Area, Taiwo is an economist and energy expert with notable experience in public service. He once served as President of the Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law Students’ Association, University of Ibadan, and as Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Oyo State Chapter.

At the event, Taiwo received a copy of “Uncaged”, BBHD’s advocacy book on substance abuse prevention, and was invited to support the “Free Book Gifting” initiative—a project that seeks to produce 100,000 free copies for young people across Africa.

The BBHD campaign emphasizes youth empowerment, policy influence, and community engagement. Through partnerships with influential ambassadors like Idibofu and Taiwo, the initiative aims to equip young people with the knowledge and resilience to resist substance abuse, while promoting prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Their decoration marks a significant milestone in Africa’s fight against drug abuse. With their commitment and influence, BBHD’s message for a drug-free continent is expected to resonate even louder, inspiring a new generation toward healthier, more productive lives.

A tragic dispute in Akure, Ondo State, has ended in death after a fight over ₦800. The incident involved two sisters: Iluyemi Bosede approached her elder sister, Tewogboye Omowumi (35 years old), over payment for tomatoes and pepper purchased earlier.

What started as a disagreement escalated when Bosede allegedly grabbed her sister’s clothes, causing Omowumi to fall. Omowumi was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested Bosede. The incident reportedly occurred on September 6 around 8:00 pm.

Police say investigations are ongoing, stressing the alarming nature of how a seemingly minor financial disagreement can lead to irreversible consequences.

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Sunday called on Nigerians regardless of tribe, religion, or political leaning to embrace love and unity as the foundation for building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.

Obi made this appeal during a courtesy visit to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan ahead of Ladoja’s formal installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“I’m here first to pay my deepest respect to royalty to a man I hold in high esteem,” Obi said. “My visit is not only to congratulate him on this historic role, but also to affirm our shared belief in selfless leadership: leadership committed to transforming society.”

He added: “Can we truly unite and love one another to build a better country? We have no other nation but this. We must all come together across divides to build it for everyone’s benefit.”

Highlighting Ibadan’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s political, social, and economic landscape, Obi expressed confidence that Ladoja drawing from his rich experience as former governor, senator, and business leader would elevate the city to even greater heights.

“Ladoja has everything needed to succeed as Olubadan,” Obi said. “Ibadan is central to Nigeria’s progress. Institutions like the University of Ibadan have shaped leaders from every corner of the country proof of its unifying power. I will stand with him, for the sake of One Nigeria.”

In response, Oba Ladoja described his ascension not as a ceremonial honor, but as a renewed call to service. “Many still think the throne is about glamour that time is gone. Today, it’s about what you bring to the table for your people,” he stated.

Obi was accompanied by Labour Party’s 2023 Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and Yunusa Tanko, among others.

In a related development, two members of the House of Representatives Hon. Sina Oyedeji (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola) and Hon. Adebayo Adepoju (Ibarapa North/Central), both of the Peoples Democratic Party also paid homage to the Olubadan-designate on Sunday.

Addressing journalists afterward, they described Ladoja as “a father to all” and emphasized his national stature. “He is not just Olubadan of Ibadanland he is Olubadan of Nigeria,” they said. “We couldn’t wait until coronation to show our respect.”

They revealed that Ladoja charged them to deliver results for their constituents: “He told us not to disappoint our people to serve diligently and make impact. That was the essence of our conversation.”

A 56-year-old man, Ayo Akinpelu, has been arrested by operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps for allegedly stealing goats in Ipetu-Ijesa, Osun State, and using them to prepare pepper soup at his beer parlour in Ondo Town, Ondo State.

Akinpelu was apprehended after residents raised an alarm and intercepted his Lexus Jeep, which was loaded with stolen goats.

During interrogation, he confessed to engaging in the act for over seven years, revealing that he often lured the animals with salt before transporting them.

Commander of Osun Amotekun, Isaac Omoyele, confirmed the arrest, commending the vigilance of the community that helped in nabbing the suspect. He assured that the suspect would face the full weight of the law.

As the Oyo State House of Assembly resumes tomorrow, Tuesday, for its legislative business after a six-week recess, the All Progressives Congress APC has raised the alarm over alleged plans by those described as loyalists of Governor Seyi Makinde to harass, attack and victimize the lawmaker representing Saki West State Constituency, Honorable Ibrahim Shittu.

Hon. Shittu, who is a member of the APC, was recently in the news when he dissociated himself from the controversial decision of the legislative arm to approve a N300billion request which Gov. Makinde sought in a letter reportedly written and addressed to the Speaker, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, but treated by only 13 out of the 32 members in the House of Assembly.

In a statement issued on Monday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC saluted most citizens (including the people of Saki town) who have demonstrated rare courage by speaking against the fraudulent loan and the condemnation of Hon. Shittu by the leadership of the State Legislative Arm and the PDP.

“We have uncovered a number of plans by some individuals who are close to Gov. Makinde to get back at a member of the State Assembly on an assumption that he blew the whistle over the latest N300billion loan and alerted the public but the truth of the matter is that the said lawmaker only responded to an inquiry made by his party (APC). It was indeed the leadership of his Party who asked about his involvement in the controversial approval given by the legislative arm.

“Now that Gov. Makinde’s men have found an enemy in the three consistent APC members in the House, they are doing everything possible to frustrate them. Part of the plans is to mobilize some thugs to the entrance of the Assembly Complex on Tuesday with a view to unleashing them on the APC lawmakers especially Hon. Shittu who has been marked for physical assault and public harassment.

“Also, plans have been concluded by the leadership of the House to accuse Hon. Shittu of breaching some rules upon which he would be made to face a kangaroo panel and handed an indefinite suspension from the Assembly Complex. These satanic plans and many more are being sponsored by some unscrupulous elements around the governor who profit from the various sharp practices which the current administration has perpetrated since 2019.

“It is on this note that we call on eminent personalities within and outside the state to prevail on Gov. Makinde to halt every plan being put in place by his agents who are desperate to shut the mouth of the opposition in the state. We also call on the heads of all security agencies in the state to be alive to their responsibility by ensuring that the rights of every citizen, including Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, is not trampled upon in addition to guaranteeing his safety.” Sadare said.

Abeokuta, Ogun State — The Ogun State Government has raised a mid-term flood alert, warning residents in flood-prone communities to brace for possible flooding between September and November 2025.

The alert, announced on Thursday, March 20, follows the Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

Early Floods Managed

Officials noted that the first phase of flooding, which occurred between March and July, was successfully managed through proactive measures such as clearing drainage channels, public sensitization, and enforcement of environmental laws. The government commended residents for cooperating by keeping waterways free of refuse and avoiding trading activities on drainage paths.

September–October Identified as Critical Period

The government, however, cautioned that the second phase of heavy rainfall—expected from mid-September through November—poses a greater threat. Forecasts indicate that September will experience the highest rainfall, measuring about 204mm, followed by October with 190mm. The rains are expected to subside to 93mm by November.

Flood-prone areas highlighted include coastal and riverine communities such as Iwopin, Ifaara, Oni, Makun, Ebute-Imobi, Tungeji Island, and settlements adjoining Ogun River, including Isheri, Warewa, Akute, and Abeokuta. Communities along the ILO and Iju Rivers are also at risk.

Authorities warned that flooding could be worsened by tidal variations and controlled water releases from the Oyan Dam, where water levels have risen to 58.47 metres above mean sea level.

Emergency Response Activated

The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been placed on red alert for evacuation operations. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment is working closely with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to regulate dam releases.

Residents in flood-prone zones have been advised to relocate to safer areas. Fish farmers in low-lying plains—particularly in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase and Ayegbami—were urged to harvest their stock immediately to prevent losses, while households relying on wells and boreholes were cautioned about possible water contamination.

Govt Reassures Residents

Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ola Oresanya, assured that the state government remains committed to protecting lives and property.

“We remain dedicated to averting the menace of flooding in Ogun State and will continue to take proactive steps to safeguard our people. We appeal for continued cooperation from residents, as addressing the challenge requires joint responsibility,” he said.

The North West arm of the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard has cautioned against what it described as a plot to use former President Goodluck Jonathan as a “spoiler” ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary for the 2027 elections.

Reacting to reports credited to Senator Abba Moro that the PDP had allegedly shortlisted three Southern aspirants, including Jonathan, as possible flagbearers, the group described the claim as “provincial and dangerous for party unity.”

Speaking in Kano, the group’s North West Coordinator, Hon. Aminu Bala Wudilawa, insisted that only duly elected delegates, in line with the Electoral Act, have the mandate to determine the party’s presidential candidate.

“The PDP cannot afford to repeat the mistake of 2015, when President Jonathan was misled into a provincialist approach that weakened the party and cost us power,” Wudilawa stated.

“The party is not sectional; it belongs to all Nigerians, North and South. Any attempt to reduce the process to ethnic politics will be resisted,” he added.

Wudilawa stressed that while Jonathan had every constitutional right to contest, restricting the ticket to the South was a deliberate ploy to edge out competent Northern aspirants such as Dr. Gbenga Hashim, a founding member of the PDP and its first Deputy National Publicity Secretary.

He described Hashim as a democrat who sacrificed for the return of democracy, a successful entrepreneur, and “one of the cleanest hands in Nigerian politics.”

“Dr. Hashim represents the forward-looking leadership Nigerians desire, not a return to corruption, ineptitude, and provincialism,” the coordinator declared.

The group reaffirmed its support for Hashim’s presidential ambition, insisting that Nigerians were yearning for a leader with a firm grasp of economics and national security.

“Insha Allah, that leader is Dr. Gbenga Hashim. No spoiler tactic will be allowed to shut the door against his aspiration,” Wudilawa concluded.