Goods and property worth millions of naira have been destroyed in a late-night fire outbreak at the popular Saki Garage in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The incident, which occurred overnight, affected four out of eleven shops located inside the garage. While valuable goods were lost, no casualties were recorded.
Confirming the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Hon. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, said the agency was alerted by a passerby.
According to him: “The fire was reported by a caller, Mr. Lateef, from Amotekun Bodija Division, who informed us about shops on fire at the location. Fire personnel led by ACFS Adedeji (Mrs) swiftly responded and were deployed to the scene. On arrival, we discovered that four out of eleven shops were engulfed in flames. Our officers immediately curtailed the inferno and prevented it from spreading to nearby shops and buildings. The fire was completely extinguished without casualties.”
Investigations revealed that the fire was caused by lighted embers left unattended after the close of business, which ignited nearby combustible materials and triggered the blaze.
What was meant to be a seamless culinary spectacle took a dramatic turn when the giant pot used by celebrity chef Hilda Baci in her attempt to cook the world’s largest jollof rice cracked midway through the process.
The incident, which briefly caused panic among the crowd, drew quick responses from organisers and guests, ensuring the mishap did not derail the event. Spectators, including Nollywood star Funke Akindele and singer Iyanya, were seen cheering Hilda on as her team swiftly transferred the rice into backup pots.
Funke Akindele, who has been a vocal supporter of young Nigerian talents, urged the audience to keep faith with Hilda, describing the setback as “a small bump on the road to greatness.” Iyanya also took to the stage to encourage the chef, leading chants of support that lifted the mood at the venue.
Despite the disruption, Hilda remained composed and determined, insisting that the record attempt must continue. Her resilience drew admiration both online and on-site, with fans flooding social media with messages of encouragement.
Organisers later assured the public that safety standards were intact and that the pot’s structural failure was an unforeseen technical issue.
What could have been a disaster ultimately turned into a show of solidarity, with celebrities and fans rallying to ensure that Hilda’s dream of setting a Guinness World Record for the largest jollof rice remains alive.
The Ogun State Government has appointed 1,200 political assistants to serve as change agents and enhance civic engagement across the state.
Announcing the initiative in a statement, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Hon. Kayode Akinmade described the move as a strategic effort to strengthen democratic governance across all nooks and crannies of the state.
According to him, the assistants — five from each of the 236 wards in Ogun State — will ensure greater local participation in governance, effectively bridging the gap between the grassroots and the state government.
“The newly appointed political assistants are to support the delivery of democratic dividends, articulate the needs of their respective wards, and communicate these needs to the state government. They are also expected to provide accurate feedback from the government to the wards and vice versa,” he stated.
Hon. Akinmade emphasized that this initiative fulfills Governor Abiodun’s electoral promise to carry every ward along in his administration’s development programs and to run an all-inclusive government that values the people’s inputs in shaping policies and initiatives.
The state government further urged the new appointees to contribute significantly to the growth and development of their wards, local governments, and the state at large.
Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has declined an invitation by the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria for a visa reinterview scheduled for September 11.
“I would like to begin by stressing the fact that, for me, this is not a personal issue. I have no idea how you got to know. By the way, I also have received the letter, which at first I thought was a fake. I thought it was these scammers who sort of prey on those eager to get visas elsewhere, with promise to deliver visas for a certain amount guaranteed.”
“So, at the beginning, I thought it was advance fee fraud because I had never received that kind of letter from that or any other embassy. I thought that maybe AI has been generating generic letters. It was very strange. So, by the time I came to terms with the fact that this letter is genuine, my mind just went to my relationship with individual ambassadors, Consul-Generals and Cultural Attachés. As you know, it’s always been a courteous relationship,” he explained.
“Sincerely, I have more important things to do than chase visas for places I don’t want to go to and where I am not wanted. So the question of going to such an interview is totally out of consideration.”
“In addition, I happen to be a little bit superstitious of being given a significant date, not just for the United States but the rest of the world. I’m talking about 9/11. This is a day which I have always considered very critical for the United States especially. To me, 9/11 should be regarded as a day of national mourning, of atonement by the Consulate of the United States.
“They should close down offices on that day, not to keep inviting people to come and have their visas taken away. It should be a day of reflection, of serious, deep thinking… If they don’t shut down, at least I would shut down my relationship with them on that day. Because I’m very superstitious. I’m not going anywhere near there on 9/11. I will be airborne somewhere,” Soyinka said.
“The United States, for instance, has a ‘white Idi Amin’ at the helm of affairs.”
In a major step towards eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Southern Nigeria, the Oyo State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has called for a strengthened prosecution of Female Genital Mutilation, (FGM) cases across Edo, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, and Oyo States.
This submission was upheld at a 3-day Multi-sectoral Engagement meeting which brought together law enforcement officials, judicial actors, NGOs, government agencies and religious leaders.
The workshop is focused on improving justice system responses and survivor-centered approaches in addressing FGM held at Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Information, Mr Rotimi Babalola,who represented the Commissioner, Prince Dotun Oyelade described the engagement as “apt and timely,” citing the continued prevalence of FGM despite the existence of relevant laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and the Child Rights Law.
He pointed out that all five states already have legal frameworks in place, such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and the Child Rights Law, which criminalize the practice. However, low levels of reporting, weak enforcement, inadequate survivor-centered responses and fragmented inter-sectoral collaboration have continued to limit their effectiveness.
Mr. Babalola commended UNICEF for initiating the workshop, noting that it brings together critical stakeholders including law enforcement officers, judicial officials, NGOs, government agencies, and religious institutions. The aim, he said, is to bridge existing gaps in FGM response through enhanced capacity building, timely case documentation, protection of survivors and prosecution of offenders.
“The goal is clear, which is to enhance FGM reporting, ensure survivor protection, and strengthen the justice system through improved multi-sectoral collaboration,” he said.
The workshop is expected to improve participants’ knowledge of FGM laws, survivor-centered responses, and reporting procedures. It also aims to establish and strengthen coordination mechanisms among the law enforcement, health, social welfare, and justice sectors.
He urged participants to propose actionable strategies, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and critically review existing enforcement gaps that hinder progress in ending FGM. He also expressed gratitude to UNICEF and implementing partners for their swift coordination and support for the workshop.
“I am confident that with the calibre of attendees at this workshop, we shall have a successful outing and make significant progress in our collective efforts to eliminate FGM—for the future of the girl-child, who will grow up to become a mother in our society,” he added.
Speaking at the event, the UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Mr. Denis Onoise emphasized the urgency of eliminating the harmful practice, outlining the four types of FGM: clitoridectomy, excision, infibulation, and unclassified forms.
Despite the adoption of laws like the VAPP Act in many states, Onoise noted that prosecutions are rare, and communities are reluctant to report cases. He therefore called for stronger legal enforcement, greater budgetary commitments for anti-FGM programs, and the continued engagement of traditional leaders and men led advocacy groups.
While noting progress through the adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and advocacy campaigns, Onoise said prosecutions are rare and communities still hesitate to report cases.
He urged state House of Assemblies, law enforcement and the justice sectors to take stronger action, including prosecuting offenders and increasing budget allocations for FGM programs. He also commended traditional leaders and men’s advocacy groups who are taking steps to abandon the practice.
“Our goal is clear, we need to increase our steps ten times beyond what we are doing now to eradicate FGM in our States by 2030,” he said.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Trailblazer Initiative, Dr Dare Adaramoye called for the establishment of specialized courts to handle gender-based violence cases, including FGM. He highlighted the serious gaps in the reporting and justice chains that allow perpetrators to go unpunished.
He noted that while many states have adopted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, prosecution of offenders remains weak.
“We’ve identified a serious gap in the chain of reporting and justice. It’s high time the law took its full course and perpetrators are held accountable,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration between communities, social services, and justice institutions, as well as specialized courts to fast-track cases on violence against women and children.
The workshop is expected to improve knowledge of FGM laws and reporting procedures, Strengthen coordination across law enforcement, health, welfare, and justice sectors, enhance survivor protection and prosecution outcomes, as well promote sustained community engagement against FGM.
This initiative reinforces the shared commitment of government, international partners and civil society to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence, particularly those targeting girls and women, and to uphold their rights, dignity, and future.
“FGM does not prevent promiscuity. It is not culture. Give your girl child education, not mutilation,” he emphasized.
The Federal Government has announced that, effective January 1, 2026, Nigerians and non-residents will not be able to open or operate bank accounts without a valid Tax Identification Number (Tax ID).
The new rule, contained in the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, also extends to other financial services including insurance, stock market transactions, and government contracts.
Authorities say the measure is aimed at widening the tax base and improving compliance, while financial institutions have been directed to update their systems for enforcement.
Citizens and businesses are urged to obtain their Tax IDs before the deadline to avoid disruption in banking and related services.
The Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO), has officially inaugurated its Governing Council and Principal Officers, marking another milestone in the institution’s development and governance structure.
The Governing Council is chaired by ex-Kogi Central Senator, Yakub Oseni from the North Central region, who will serve as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman. Other members include Dr. Iyang Abia (South-South), Dr. Kunle Alonge (South-West), Dr. Umar A. Ahmad (North-West), and Dr. Raphael Azibuike Onyekwelu (South-East).
In addition, the University also unveiled its new Principal Officers. Prof. O. J. Babayemi has been appointed Vice-Chancellor, while Mr. Mohammed Olaiya Aminu assumes duty as Registrar. Dr. Kazeem Popoola has been announced as the new Bursar, with Dr. Ganiyu Adigun serving as University Librarian.
The appointments signal the beginning of a new chapter for FUNATO as the leadership team is expected to steer the young institution towards academic excellence, innovation, and national relevance.
The Osun State Amotekun Corps has arrested nine suspects for various criminal offences, including burglary, theft, and vandalism.
Among those apprehended were three men accused of stealing iron steel worth over ₦4.5 million from a company in Ede, while others were caught breaking into homes and carting away valuables such as televisions, generators, and iron rods.
The Corps also arrested suspects for vandalising government property and stealing mobile phones in Ile-Ife. Some of the stolen items have been recovered, and all suspects are currently in custody awaiting prosecution.
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 65-year-old man, Engr. Chibuike Azubike, for parading himself as the “Obi of Lagos” and attempting to hold an installation ceremony.
Azubike, who hails from Imo State, was apprehended alongside three accomplices — Chief Chibuzor Ani (57), Chief Martins Nwaodika (65), and Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi (41). According to police reports, the suspects had planned to unveil a so-called “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” valued at about ₦1.5 billion, with a public event scheduled to take place at Apple Hall in Amuwo Odofin.
The police disclosed that intelligence reports revealed the planned ceremony, prompting security operatives to move swiftly and seal off the venue before the event commenced. The suspects were taken into custody and are currently facing investigation.
Authorities have since warned against acts capable of undermining Lagos’ traditional institutions, stressing that no such title as “Obi of Lagos” exists.
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, unveiling plans to deepen gas, renewable energy, and hydrogen investments as part of the nation’s energy transition drive.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Faruk Yabo Yusuf, at the High-Level Leaders’ Event of the Second Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tinubu said Nigeria’s transition plan would balance industrial growth, job protection, and climate action.
The president says, the country has already rolled out legal and policy frameworks, including the Climate Change Act 2021, and is finalising a new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 with an economy-wide roadmap to be launched in 2025.
He explained that the government was prioritising gas-to-power projects alongside an accelerated scale-up of solar and wind under the “Mission 300” as well as utility-scale energy storage, among others being deployed to stabilise the national grid.
Tinubu listed other initiatives such as climate-smart agriculture for smallholder farmers, resilient housing projects, and a nationwide distribution of clean cookstoves and LPG cylinders to cut household air pollution by 60 per cent by 2030.
