Oduduwa News

The Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has said the state is well on course in its commitment to expanding its economy through tourism, noting that tourism remains a cornerstone in the economic strategy of his administration.

The governor maintained that the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, would receive a wide-bodied aircraft before the end of the year, signalling its upgrade as an international airport.

Governor made these statements on Saturday, at the commissioning of the Kunle Afolayan Productions’ Film Village and Resort, Igbojaye.

He stressed that the Film Cent of the village is a significant achievement for the state and proof that the decision of the government to focus on tourism has begun to pay off.

Makinde congratulated Kunle Afolayan on the project, adding that the state government would do everything within its means to ensure that the project thrives.

He directed the authorities of Itesiwaju Local Government Area to commence immediate processes to fix the Okaka-Igbojaye Road leading to the film village.

He also disclosed that the state would construct a solar mini-grid in the film village and also bring a dedicated electricity line from Okaka to the facility.

The governor called on Nigerians and non-Nigerians to invest in Oyo State, noting that the state is open to any business that could add value to it.

He said, “What a remarkable feat this is for my brother, Kunle Afolayan, the visionary whose project has brought us all together.

“I welcome everyone to Oyo State, the sanctuary of Yoruba culture and history.

“This particular project speaks directly to the heart of everything we are working towards in this state, particularly our drive for infrastructural development and expansion of our economy through key growth sectors, including tourism.

“I was explaining to the Minister of Creative Arts and Tourism that, in my first tenure, I put together a Roadmap for Accelerated Development, 2019-2023 which stood on four pillars of education, health, security and expansion of our economy through infrastructure development and agribusiness.

“When the people gave me the opportunity to come back for a second term, we produced another document known as the Roadmap for the Sustainable Development of Oyo State, 2023-2027.

“And we added tourism and solid minerals development as part of the channels through which we want to expand the state’s economy.

“So, this KAP Film Village is a testament that we are achieving the vision. This project represents a big win for Oyo State. Kunle Afolayan is not from Oyo State, but see what he has done in the state.

“For us in Oyo State, we want everyone that can add value to our state. So, no matter where you are from, please come and invest in Oyo State.”

“Afolayan chose this place and what this project has achieved is that it has put this location, Igbojaiye, on the global map as far as tourism is concerned.

“As a government, we remain committed to creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

“I will talk to the Commissioner for Energy to put in here a solar mini grid. Second, even if we have to take a direct electricity line from Okaka, which is only 23 kilometres away, to be dedicated to this place, we will do it.

“I will be here around Christmas and there must be a reliable electricity supply to this place by the time I come.

“Also, we are committed to rehabilitating the road leading here to ease access and improve connectivity.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has destroyed heaps of illicit drugs weighing about 1.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances seized across Lagos, Ogun and Oyo state, in what is till date the largest volume of seizures to be set ablaze at a time in the history of the Agency.

The public destruction of the illicit substances witnessed by representatives of government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, other security agencies, international partners, NGOs and community leaders, among others, was conducted at an isolated location at Ipara, along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ogun state on Saturday 12th April 2025. Some of the illicit drugs destroyed include 123 kilograms of cocaine; 46.8 kilograms of heroin; 1.4 million kilograms of cannabis; 148,000 kilograms of codeine syrup; 3,244.26 kilograms of tramadol; 1,544 kilograms of skuchies; and 111 kilograms of methamphetamine, among others.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the exercise is a testament to the Agency’s steadfast commitment to tackling the scourge of drug trafficking in the country. “The sheer volume of seizures, which totals approximately 1.6 million kilograms, serves as a reminder of the grave danger these substances pose to public health until they are completely and irreversibly destroyed. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operates under a clear mandate to reduce these narcotics to rubble. At all times, we discharge this duty with the utmost seriousness and diligence”, he stated.

He warned those involved in drug trafficking that the times have changed and there will be no breathing space or any safe haven for them in Nigeria. In his words, “To those still involved in the illicit drug trade, we will persist in reminding them that times have changed. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to providing the leadership and political will required to eradicate this menace. At the NDLEA, we are fully prepared to pursue our objective of holding accountable those who defy the law. In the past four years, we have successfully prosecuted and got convicted 10,572 such offenders, who are now serving various jail terms.”
He expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo for their support for the Commands and operations of the Agency in their respective states.

The NDLEA boss who was represented at the occasion by the Agency’s Director of Assets and Financial Investigation (DAFI), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, justified the public destruction of the confiscated drugs. “The rationale is simple: to show transparency and accountability. By making this process open, we affirm our collective resolve against the insidious activities of illicit drug trafficking. This exercise is not merely symbolic—it is forensic, grounded in evidence. Random laboratory tests are carried out to confirm the authenticity of the seized items. The substances are destroyed with the approval of the court after the cases linked to them have been brought to closure, following arrests and successful prosecution”, he stated.
He said the event represents a significant milestone in the history of the Agency because “It is the public destruction of the largest seized narcotics across a spectrum of commands under NDLEA Zone 9 and Zone 11, which comprise the Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun State Command, Oyo State Command, MMIA Strategic Command, Lagos Seaports, Idiroko Border Command, and Seme Border Command”, adding that “while this accomplishment reflects our determination, it also underscores the scale of the challenge we continue to face.”

While commending the unwavering dedication of our officers, “who are working tirelessly to ensure that we do not fail in our assigned task of curbing illicit drug trafficking”, Marwa thanked both local and international partners who have continued to contribute to the success of the work of the Agency.

“Likewise, our international partners—such as the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA); International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL) of the US; United Kingdom Border Force; National Crime Agency (NCA) of the UK, the French Police; the German Police, and others—who are playing pivotal roles in bolstering our efforts. I am also deeply grateful to First Bank of Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, and other stakeholders including the Nigerian Military, Customs, Police, Civil Defence, Immigration, FRSC, NAFDAC, and a host of others for their support, embodying the collaborative spirit necessary for effective drug control in society”, he added.

In his remark at the ceremony, Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd) commended the efforts of the leadership and personnel of NDLEA for their courage, professionalism, consistent efforts in intercepting illicit drugs before they get to communities and streets. “Their work in saving lives, in strengthening communities and upholding the rule of law is well appreciated”, he stated, adding that the state government remains a committed partner in the fight against drug-related crime.

While noting that the drug scourge is a social, economic and public health crisis, Governor Abiodun said “We must invest in prevention through education, through counseling and youth empowerment initiatives. We must strengthen rehabilitation centres and provide support systems for those battling addiction.”

A suspected thief, allegedly identified as Jeremiah Kosesochi Nwoke has reportedly died while attempting to cart away the Agemo statue located at the Itoro Roundabout in Ijebu Ode.

The incident, which occurred overnight, has thrown residents into shock as the statue stands near the roundabout leading to the ultramodern palace of the Awujale of Ijebuland.

It was gathered that the deceased allegedly made several futile efforts under the cover of darkness to uproot and steal the symbolic statue.

However, the deceased allegedly uprooted the heavily-padded statue but died in the process of carting it away.

The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on the nation’s security and economic sectors.

Ndume made this call on Friday during an interview on ‘Politics Daily’, a programme on Channels Television, where he also criticised the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

“Let the President forget about everything and concentrate on three things – security, welfare of citizens and the economy.

“His attention should go there as number 1, then he should create a state of emergency in those areas,” he stated.

While describing himself as a democrat, Ndume said Tinubu’s declaration of emergency in rule in Rivers was surprising.

According to him, the President acted in a wrong move by that action on March 18 following the protracted political crisis in the state.

Recall that in a nationwide broadcast, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu and all the members of the House of Assembly for six months.

To replace Fubara, the president nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state for the first six months.

Tinubu relied on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to make the proclamation.

It was reported that the section interprets a state of emergency as a situation of national danger, disaster or terrorist attacks in which a government suspends normal constitutional procedures to regain control

However, Ndume stated that he expected the President to have gathered the political actors and resolve all lingering differences rather than the proclamation.

The lawmaker also denied claims that the political actors ignored Tinubu’s directives prior to the emergency rule imposition.

“I feel that the President would have worked seriously on bringing them (and) solving the problem than (declaring a state of emergency). Call them, seat them down and say ‘go and sort your problem.

“How can you ignore the President? When he removed them now, did they ignore the removal?” Ndume queried.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced a cash reward of ₦10 million for Miss Isioma Sybil Nwosu, the overall best graduating student of Lagos State University.

Nwosu, who graduated with a first-class degree in Biochemistry and a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93, was honored at the 28th convocation ceremony held at the LASU campus in Ojo.

The governor, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, praised Nwosu’s dedication and perseverance, noting that her success was a source of pride for the university community.

Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing quality education for youth, stressing the importance of academic excellence alongside success in other fields like entertainment, fashion, and sports.

He also announced that the state government is partnering with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to ensure that students from Lagos State-owned institutions benefit from the national student loan program, making higher education more accessible.

“Education is the backbone of our society,” Sanwo-Olu said, emphasizing its role in addressing societal needs and fostering human development. He also commended LASU Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello for her leadership, noting the university’s commitment to excellence and producing graduates capable of driving societal progress.

During the event, honorary doctorates were conferred upon former Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Pedro, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Chairman Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, and Prof. Joseph Abayomi Olagunju, who was recognized as a distinguished professor.

A newly trained Police Constable in Ekiti State has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a man during a heated altercation in Ise-Ekiti.

The incident reportedly stemmed from a minor dispute between the officer’s girlfriend and the victim’s son, which quickly spiraled into a v+olent confrontation.

According to witnesses, the constable, accompanied by another officer, stormed the victim’s home under the guise of arresting the boy. When they couldn’t find him, the officers allegedly turned on the boy’s father and elder brother, attacking them. During the chaos, the father was reportedly stabbed in the hand.

The case gained widespread attention after the victim’s daughter, Priscillia Jerome, posted a video on social media accusing the officers of unlawful entry, assault, and abuse of power. The video went viral, sparking public outrage and calls for justice.

Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, confirmed the arrest and revealed that the suspect is a recently trained constable who had not yet been issued a service w+apon. “He is currently in custody and under investigation. Thank God he wasn’t armed yet—who knows what might have happened,” CP Eribo stated.

Police spokesperson SP Abutu Sunday added that the Deputy Commissioner of CID has been directed to take over the investigation to ensure transparency and accountability.

Adebayo Adeleke, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under the Oyetola administration, has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of paralyzing Osun State’s local government administration.

Speaking at a parley hosted by the Osun Online Publishers Association, Adeleke claimed the current administration is “illegally spending LG allocations” and blocking reinstatement of elected APC council chairmen.

“During my time, Oyetola never touched LG funds. This government is milking them dry,” he said.

He further accused the governor of:
Manipulating the last LG elections.

Opposing LG autonomy despite being in court to block it. Overspending ministries like Youth and Sports, which allegedly jumped from N2bn to N13bn in one year.

Deceiving Osun people with grand but incomplete road projects.

“You demolish homes in Lameco and Ilesa without compensation, and bring ex-leaders to open half-finished roads,” he added.

The Federal Government, through the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has officially banned the broadcast of veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s latest protest song, ‘Tell Your Papa’, on all radio and television stations across the country.

In a memo dated April 9, 2025, and sent to broadcast stations nationwide, the NBC described the song as “objectionable” and in clear violation of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content deemed “inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency.”

The directive, titled “Restriction on Broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem”, was signed by Susan Obi, Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring at the Commission.

According to the memo:

“The National Broadcasting Commission has identified the song ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, currently trending on social media, as content deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its objectionable nature.”

Though the directive does not mention President Bola Tinubu by name, the track’s biting critique of leadership and governance under the current administration is believed to have prompted the broadcast ban.

The Commission urged all media outlets to exercise discretion and strictly comply with the ban to uphold “responsible broadcasting standards.”

Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor reactions and developments surrounding this controversial directive.

Controversial journalist Kemi Olunloyo has publicly rejected condolence messages following her father’s death, revealing a traumatic childhood marked by emotional and physical torture, alleged occult practices, and infidelity that tore her family apart.

In a video posted on her social media page, Kemi Olunloyo dismissed sympathisers, directing them to her late father’s Facebook page instead. She recounted years of pain, accusing him of destroying their family through abuse, deception, and reckless decisions that led to a horrific incident that paralyzed her younger brother.

Kemi Olunloyo claimed she had a traumatic childhood event when her father’s selfishness led to her been molested sexually while her brother was paralyzed . At 13, Olunloyo recounted, her family was set to travel to Lagos, but her father delayed them for hours, claiming he was at work. Her mother warned against the late trip, but he insisted.

“We left late, and on the way, hoodlums attacked us,” she shared. A rock was hurled into their car, striking her 8-year-old brother, Tayo, and the driver, who died instantly. The assailants then set the vehicle ablaze with the children inside. A rescuer pulled Kemi Olunloyo out, but she hit her head on the pavement and was forced to watch her brother burn alive. She was then sexually assaulted before being rushed to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where she received 17 stitches.

Years later, Olunloyo discovered her father’s delay that day was due to an affair. “He lied. He was sleeping with his mistress while we waited,” she said, her voice laced with bitterness. “My assault all of it was his fault.”

Declaring she would never forgive him, Olunloyo made it clear she felt no grief over his passing. “I am not mourning. Send your condolences to his Facebook if you want. I’m still healing from the trauma he caused.”

Farmers resident in Ondo State on Tuesday, April 8, stormed the streets of Akure to protest the killing of four of their colleagues by some armed men suspected to be herders.

The farmers in a bid to express their anger dumped the bodies of their colleagues on the street near the office of the governor.

Despite the promise by the security agencies in the State to rise to the situation by cracking down on the culprits, the killings have continued unabated.

A viral video discovered by our correspondent reveal how the embittered farmers have chosen to open a full-fledged protests while also brandishing the pale, lifeless bodies of their colleagues at the Alagbaka Roudabout, very close to the Governor’s office.