President has officially sworn in as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Finance at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, bringing him into the Federal Executive Council. The brief ceremony held at the State House marked the formal commencement of Oyedele’s role in the federal government’s economic management team.
Oyedele’s appointment followed a recent cabinet adjustment by the president, which saw the former Minister of State for Finance, , redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. His nomination was earlier forwarded to the Senate and subsequently confirmed after a screening by lawmakers.
Before his appointment, Oyedele served as chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, where he played a key role in designing policies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s tax system and improving revenue generation.
As Minister of State for Finance, he will work closely with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, , to support the administration’s fiscal reforms and economic policies aimed at stabilising and growing the Nigerian economy.
Today, Monday 16th March, 2026 ,we celebrate a remarkable milestone in the life of an exceptional leader, patriot, and devoted son of Ibadanland, Chief Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, as he ascends the 70th ladder of life.
As the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and the Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland, your leadership has been marked by vision, dedication, and an uncommon commitment to the progress and unity of Ibadanland. Now serving your second term as President General, your tenure has brought about remarkable achievements and historic accomplishments that will remain indelibly written in the annals of Ibadan’s development.
Your presidency has clearly enjoyed the benevolence and divine favour of Almighty Allah, with many milestones achieved through what can only be described as divine intervention and grace beyond human comprehension.
Among these landmark achievements and building on the solid foundations of your predecessors is the successful completion of the gigantic, state-of-the-art Aafin Ile Ibadan (Olubadan Palace). The completion of this historic edifice within just one year of your presidency stands as an unprecedented accomplishment—an enduring legacy that will forever symbolize your purposeful leadership and dedication to Ibadan’s heritage.
Equally commendable is the establishment of the Kola Daisi Entrepreneurship Center, a life-changing initiative wholly sponsored by Bashorun Kola Daisi. Through this centre, hundreds of thousands of indigent residents are empowered with free skill acquisition in various technical vocations, giving hope, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods to many families across Ibadanland.
Your tenure has also witnessed generous contributions from distinguished sons of the land. During the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival, ably led by Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, a brand new 18-seater bus was generously donated by the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Aare of Ibadanland and Grand Commander of Ibadan Culture (GCIC), His Eminence, Alhaj Daood Makanjuola Akinola-further strengthening the institutional capacity of the CCII.
Noteworthy as well are the ongoing landmark projects around the Olubadan Palace, all progressing simultaneously under your watch. These include the Olubadan Palace Church, generously sponsored by Asiwaju Olabode Amao; the Olubadan Palace Mosque, sponsored by Aare Daood Makanjuola Akinola GCIC; and the recently commenced Olubadan Palace Health Center, whose foundation was laid just last week, ably facilitated by Dr. Kazeem Adesola Adeduntan, formerly of First Bank Plc. These projects collectively represent a powerful symbol of unity, faith, and community development in Ibadanland.
Over and above all these remarkable achievements is your dedication, determination and commitment to ensuring that no stone is left unturned in achieving the Ibadan State of our dreams. May the good Lord make it happen very soon.
As you celebrate your 70th birthday, we reflect with pride on a life devoted to service, leadership, and the upliftment of your people. Your legacy is one of vision, courage, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Ibadanland.
On this special occasion, we pray that Almighty Allah continues to bless you with sound health, renewed strength, long life, and abundant wellness as you continue to serve humanity and our beloved Ibadanland.
Hearty congratulations, our esteemed President General. Long may you live.
Warmest regards,
Balogun Gaphar Ojetola Asaaju Iyalode Ramat Ojetola and Family
A tragic road traffic accident has claimed the lives of four passengers and left four others injured following a collision involving an articulated truck and a commercial mini bus along the Lekki–Epe Expressway in Lagos.
The fatal incident occurred over the weekend opposite Beechwood, Shapati, inward Ajah, along the busy Lekki–Epe corridor.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the crash involved a HOWO articulated truck with registration number KNN 313 YL and a fully loaded Suzuki commercial mini bus popularly referred to as a “Korope.”
Preliminary findings indicate that the driver of the articulated truck lost control of the vehicle while in motion. The truck reportedly veered uncontrollably across the carriageway before violently ramming into the oncoming commercial mini bus conveying passengers.
The impact of the collision resulted in the immediate death of four passengers inside the mini bus, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Emergency responders and traffic officials quickly arrived at the scene to rescue the injured victims and clear the wreckage from the road in order to restore traffic flow along the heavily used corridor.
Authorities said the injured victims were rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were evacuated from the crash site.
The incident has once again raised concerns over road safety and the operations of heavy-duty trucks along the Lekki–Epe Expressway, a corridor that has recorded several accidents in recent times.
As FCT Ward Chairmen, Party Leaders Reiterate Support
Former Presidential candidate and Global businessman, Dr Gbenga Hashim, has expressed confidence that Nigeria can regain its economic strength if the country is guided by responsible and visionary leadership.
Hashim made the remarks when PDP Chairmen of the 62 wards in FCT Area Council, Local Government Chairmen of the six Area Councils and members of the State Working Committee led by the Chairman, Alhaji Ismail Mohammed Dogara, paid him a thank-you visit at his Utako office Abuja, where they reaffirmed their support for his political vision and pledged to intensify grassroots mobilisation within the PDP.
The delegation said their visit was also to appreciate Hashim’s consistent engagement with party members and to encourage his continued involvement in efforts to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
Speaking during the meeting, Hashim said Nigeria had the resources and human capital needed to rebuild its economy, stressing that the country’s present challenges could be reversed with sound policies and purposeful leadership.
He noted that Nigeria once enjoyed a strong and vibrant economy driven by transparency, discipline and productive policies, adding that earlier generations of leaders laid foundations that allowed the country to compete favourably with other emerging economies.
According to him, the highlight of Nigeria’s Economic prosperity was in 1966 when Nigeria’s GDP doubled Malaysia’s and bigger than Indonesia’s, and in 1976 when Nigeria’s Per Capital Income tripled that of China.
Hashim also cited the industrial growth of the North and other regions during the First Republic as an example of what visionary leadership could achieve, recalling that policies introduced under the late Northern Premier, Ahmadu Bello, transformed Kaduna into a thriving textile hub that provided employment for thousands of workers.
He said the experience demonstrates that Nigeria still has the capacity to rebuild its industrial base, revive manufacturing and create large-scale employment for its growing population. “Poverty, disease, ignorance and unemployment are not normal conditions for Nigeria because this country has prospered before,” Hashim said, expressing optimism that economic revival remains achievable.
He also called on Party Officials at the Grassroots to strengthen mobilisation efforts, describing Ward Leaders as the “commanders” of the Party’s structure whose work is critical to electoral success. Hashim further expressed optimism that ongoing reconciliation efforts within the Peoples Democratic Party would restore unity among members. “We will unite the PDP; all the factions have agreed to work together,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the PDP in the FCT, Ismail Mohammed Dogara, commended Hashim for maintaining close contact with party members across the different levels. He described the former Presidential Candidate as a pan-Nigerian leader who regularly engages grassroots stakeholders and carries them along in his political activities.
According to him, their visit was to reaffirm their solidarity with Hashim and to encourage him to sustain his engagement with Party Structures across the country. “Other presidential candidates hardly sit down with Ward Chairmen. You can see how Dr Hashim has humbled himself to engage with us at the grassroots,” he said.
Dogara also expressed confidence in the resilience of the Peoples Democratic Party, noting that despite internal challenges, the Party still possesses a strong nationwide structure capable of winning future elections.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity, grassroots mobilisation and collective efforts to reposition the Party ahead of upcoming political contests.
An Ogun State housewife and mother of five, Mrs. Mufiat Olateju, has given birth to a set of quadruplets at the in Ogun State.
The babies were delivered on Wednesday, bringing joy and surprise to the family. Speaking with journalists at the hospital on Thursday, Olateju appealed to the Ogun State government and well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of her family in caring for the newborns.
According to her, the birth of the four babies came as an unexpected development, as earlier medical scans conducted during the pregnancy did not indicate that she was carrying quadruplets.
While expressing gratitude for the safe delivery of the babies, the mother explained that the family is currently struggling to settle the hospital bills and provide adequate care for the children. She therefore called on individuals, organisations, and government authorities to support her family during this challenging moment.
The government of Ondo State has introduced a new entertainment tax targeting social and corporate events across the state, a move aimed at boosting internally generated revenue (IGR) and regulating the event industry.
Under the new policy announced by the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), organisers of private social events such as weddings, burial ceremonies, naming ceremonies and birthday celebrations will now pay between ₦20,000 and ₦25,000 as entertainment levy before hosting such events in the state. Corporate gatherings, conferences and other business-related events will attract a higher flat fee of ₦50,000 per event.
The Acting Chairman of ODIRS, Bayo Rojugbokan, explained that the new tax forms part of the state government’s broader fiscal reforms designed to expand revenue and support development projects. According to him, the policy is also intended to simplify tax administration and encourage voluntary compliance among event organisers and venue operators.
The administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said increased internally generated revenue remains a key driver for funding infrastructure and public services across the state. Authorities also warned that event planners, celebrants and owners of event centres must comply with the new tax structure to avoid possible penalties from the revenue agency.
However, the policy has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians, particularly on social media, where critics argue that the levy could increase the cost of organising social ceremonies at a time when many households are already facing rising economic pressure. Others, meanwhile, believe the measure could help strengthen government revenue if properly implemented and transparently managed.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ramata Agberemi Dabo (RAD), has called on Muslim faithful to use the spiritual period of Ramadan to pray for the peace, progress, and continued development of Oyo State and Nigeria.
Hon. Dabo made the call while gracing the 6th Annual Ramadan Public Lecture organised by the Omituntun Benedict Forum (OBF), an initiative founded by Oloye Akika Benedict Agbaakin Olorunda Abaa, in Ibadan. The event, which held at Delight Estate, Lakuru, Idi-Ape Bus Stop along Olorunda Abaa Road in the Akobo Ojurin area, brought together respected Islamic scholars, government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders from across the state.
Attending as the Mother of the Day, Hon. Dabo emphasized the importance of faith, perseverance, and good character in fulfilling one’s destiny. She noted that Ramadan remains a sacred opportunity for believers to seek divine guidance while also praying for the leadership of the state, particularly Governor Seyi Makinde, and for the stability of the nation.
She commended the organisers of the forum for creating a platform that encourages spiritual reflection, unity, and moral reorientation within society. According to her, destiny is not only about divine purpose but also about commitment to service, compassion for humanity, and dedication to societal development.
The Ramadan lecture themed “Destiny (Kadara)” was delivered by the Chief Mufaseer of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Usman Sannu Sheu, who offered deep Islamic insights on the concept of destiny. The cleric explained that while destiny is ordained by Allah, faith, patience, and righteous actions play significant roles in shaping the outcome of individuals and societies.
Sheikh Sheu also commended Governor Makinde, Otunba Famojuro, and the founder of the forum, Oloye Benedict Akika, for what he described as responsible leadership and initiatives that positively impact the lives of the people of Oyo State.
The event attracted several high-profile dignitaries including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Adeyinka Adeniyi Bibire; Chief Babatunde Tijani (Double T); and Mr. Ayo Alatise.
Also present were the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; the Executive Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Hon. Akinwole Akinleye; the Executive Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen; the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji; and the Executive Chairman of Ogo-Oluwa Local Government, Hon. Seun Ojo, among other political leaders and vice chairmen from different local governments.
Other notable personalities in attendance included the member representing Lagelu State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Akintunde Olajide (AKT); Chairman of the Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Adetokunbo Adeaga; and gubernatorial hopeful, Ajadi Oguntoyinbo.
Traditional leaders, Baales, chiefs, political functionaries, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), artisans, and Muslim organisations such as FOMWAN, Jamuiyat Soliat, Nigeria Beauticians and Hairdressers Association, teachers, shoe makers, bike riders, and petrol marketers also graced the occasion.
Religious leaders including the League of Imams and Alfas from Akinyele and Lagelu Local Governments, led by the Grand Chief Imam Sheikh Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakr Agbotomokekere, offered special prayers for peace, unity, and progress in Oyo State and Nigeria.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, the Chief Host and Founder of the Omituntun Benedict Forum, Oloye Benedict Akika JP, Agba-Akin Olorunda and Mayegun of Akoboland, reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the annual Ramadan lecture as a platform for spiritual growth, community development, and moral enlightenment.
The event concluded with prayers and the spiritual breaking of the fast, as participants urged Muslims and the wider public to reflect on the lessons of faith, destiny, patience, and perseverance during the holy month of Ramadan.
Frustration over persistent blackouts boiled over in Lagos on Thursday as residents took to the streets to protest what they described as the state’s “epileptic” electricity supply.
In a viral video circulating on social media, a group of protesters, mostly young Nigerians, were seen marching through the Fadeyi area while carrying placards and chanting slogans.
The demonstrators expressed anger over what they called the collapse of the power sector, saying the erratic supply is crippling small businesses and worsening living conditions.
Some of the placards read, “No more estimated billing,” “No more epileptic power supply,” “No light, no life, no nation,” and “You’re destroying, killing so many businesses; give us regular light.”
One protester in the footage was heard shouting, “We are not asking for too much. Make them give us light!”
The Lagos protest comes amid growing outrage over electricity supply across parts of Nigeria. In Osun State, the Nigerian Youth Congress (Boripe Local Government Chapter) recently condemned the persistent lack of stable power, describing it as economically damaging.
The demonstrations also follow warnings from industry leaders that the country’s electricity crisis could worsen. The Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Power Generation Companies, Dr. Joy Ogaji, recently disclosed that gas suppliers may halt supply to thermal power plants over an estimated N3.3 trillion debt owed by power generation companies, a development that could further deepen Nigeria’s power shortage.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ramata Agberemi Dabo popularly known as RAD on Wednesday distributed free petrol to hundreds of commercial motorcycle operators in Ibadan to ease the economic burden caused by rising fuel prices.
The initiative took place at Tesmore Filling Station in Ibadan, where large numbers of okada riders gathered to receive the fuel support. The gesture provided much-needed relief to operators who play a crucial role in grassroots mobility and daily urban transportation across the city.
The distribution also attracted beneficiaries from the area, including dispatch riders, commercial drivers and tricycle operators who turned out in large numbers to benefit from the programme.
Speaking during the exercise, Dabo explained that the free fuel initiative, which she said started several years ago, is part of her personal commitment to supporting ordinary citizens and giving back to society. She stressed that the programme is not politically motivated but aimed at providing practical support for people affected by economic challenges.
She added that the initiative complements the people-focused policies of , governor of Oyo State, particularly efforts targeted at improving the welfare of citizens working in the informal sector.
Many of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful. One of the okada riders, Segun, praised Dabo for what he described as her grassroots-oriented leadership, noting that the initiative shows genuine concern for the struggles of everyday workers.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Azeez, said the free fuel came at a critical time, explaining that he would have spent about ₦6,500 to purchase five litres of petrol. According to him, the gesture has helped him save money that can now be used to support other needs.
Other beneficiaries also commended Dabo for her generosity and consistent support for ordinary citizens, urging other leaders to emulate the initiative.
The has announced a ban on commercial motorcycle (okada) operations between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. across the state as part of efforts to strengthen security and curb rising criminal activities.
The decision was disclosed following a security review by the state authorities, which identified the use of motorcycles by criminals to perpetrate robberies, kidnappings and other violent crimes, especially at night. The government said the restriction is aimed at limiting the movement of suspected criminals who often exploit the cover of darkness and the mobility of motorcycles to evade security operatives.
Meanwhile, the state security outfit, , announced that it has arrested no fewer than 70 suspected criminals during a series of security operations carried out across several parts of the state. According to the corps, the suspects were apprehended for offences ranging from armed robbery and kidnapping to illegal possession of weapons and other related crimes.
Commander of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps, , said the arrests were made during coordinated patrols and intelligence-led operations conducted in collaboration with other security agencies. He assured residents that the suspects would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted where necessary.
The state government urged residents to comply with the new directive on okada operations and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could help in tackling crime. Authorities also reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
