The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has cautioned motorists across the country to exercise restraint and adhere strictly to traffic rules as the ember months (September–December) begin.
The Corps warned that speeding, night travel, wrongful overtaking, and driving under the influence remain the leading causes of fatal crashes during this high-risk period. Ogun State Sector Commander, CC Nasir Mohammed, noted that while speed thrills, it also kills faster than any disease, urging motorists to value their lives and those of passengers.
He added that FRSC would intensify patrols, increase public enlightenment, and sustain road user sensitization to ensure safer highways throughout the season.
The ember months traditionally witness increased road traffic due to festivities and end-of-year travel, heightening the need for extra vigilance. Motorists are therefore advised to maintain speed limits, avoid overloading, and ensure proper vehicle maintenance.
It was a moment of celebration and reflection in Abidjan as dignitaries from across Africa and the world gathered to bid farewell to Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who bowed out as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) after a decade of transformative leadership.
The colourful event, held at the Sofitel Hotel Ivoire, Abidjan, attracted global leaders, development partners, and prominent Nigerians including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and WTO Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Speakers at the event paid glowing tributes to Adesina, highlighting his remarkable achievements which saw the Bank’s capital base rise from $93 billion to $318 billion, record replenishment of the African Development Fund, and the success of his “High 5” strategic priorities that impacted over 565 million Africans.
A commemorative book titled Akinwumi A. Adesina: The Man, His Mandate, Mission and Message was also unveiled in his honour, capturing his legacy as a reformer and visionary.
The ceremony also marked the formal handover to Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, Adesina’s successor, ensuring a smooth leadership transition at the continental financial institution.
Governor Makinde and Professor Osinbajo praised Adesina for making Nigeria proud on the global stage, describing his tenure as “a shining example of integrity, innovation, and impact-driven leadership.”
Adesina, in his farewell message, expressed gratitude to Africans and the international community for their support, pledging to continue working for the continent’s progress beyond his tenure.
The Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO) has appointed its first set of principal officers, marking a major step in the institution’s takeoff.
Professor Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi, a distinguished animal scientist and former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, has been named the pioneer Vice-Chancellor. An indigene of Okeho, Prof. Babayemi is widely celebrated for his prolific scholarship with over 145 peer-reviewed publications and his landmark inaugural lecture, “The Wonders of Ruminants.”
In the same vein, Dr. Kazeem Olarewaju Popoola, a seasoned chartered accountant and academic administrator, has been appointed the pioneer Bursar. Dr. Popoola, who previously headed the Finance Division of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, is a Fellow of several professional bodies including ANAN, IMC, and CCSSA (USA), and is also registered with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.
The appointments are expected to provide strong academic and administrative leadership as the new federal university positions itself for effective operations and sustainable growth.
Sunday 31st August, our dear Princess Loveth Oluwatoosin Emmanuel, fondly called Omo’Ba, celebrates her 50th birthday.
Omo’Ba, as we affectionately call her, is a self-made, highly cerebral individual whose intelligence, brilliance, and hard work remain second to none. A consummate realtor of many years and a devoted mother to Sarah and Christian, who embodies strength, wisdom, and grace.
As a true go-getter, unwavering in her self-belief, and that confidence has made her resilient and self-reliant in all she does. At her golden jubilee, on behalf of myself and my family, we wish Princess Oluwatoosin abundant health, long life, and boundless joy.
We deeply cherish your friendship and are proud of the solid relationship we have built over the years — one that has stood the test of time.
Congratulations, Princess, on your 50th birthday. Many happy returns of the day!
Signed: Balogun Gaphar Babatunde and Asaaju Iyalode Ramat Kikelomo Ojetola of Ojeniranland
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticised the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for claiming that the Federal Government has never signed any agreement with the union.
Dr. Alausa made the remark during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, where he stated that documents often referenced by ASUU were mere negotiation proposals, not binding agreements.
He explained that the controversial 2021 agreement was never formally signed by the government, insisting that the current administration seeks to establish a new, actionable, and constitutionally compliant agreement with the union.
The minister said the Tinubu-led government is committed to resolving long-standing issues with university lecturers and has already released N50 billion this year to settle earned academic allowances.
ASUU, however, maintains that its demands go beyond allowances. The union has consistently pushed for improved salaries, better conditions of service, enhanced university autonomy, and comprehensive reforms in the education sector.
Responding to the minister’s claim, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, accused the government of poor record-keeping and questioned the continuity between successive administrations.
Piwuna said the minister’s remarks suggest there may be a lack of proper handover and institutional memory within the government, which continues to hinder meaningful dialogue.
Meanwhile, Dr. Alausa announced the formation of a high-level technical team, including top officials from various ministries and agencies, to finalise a clean proposal for ASUU. He promised that the process would be thorough, fast, and aimed at reaching a sustainable agreement.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has tasked the Awujale Chiefs in Council to ensure a level playing ground in the process of appointing a new Awujale of Ijebuland.
The stool of the Awujale became vacant when Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona joined his ancestors on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 after reigning for over 65 years.
Speaking after a meeting with members of the Awujale Chiefs in Council at Iperu, Governor Abiodun noted that it is imperative for the people of Ijebuland to have a new Awujale as soon as possible, as “nature abhors a vacuum.”
He assured the people of Ijebuland that his administration would support any candidate presented by the kingmakers at the end of the nomination process.
“Nature abhors a vacuum, and the process of installing another Awujale has started. That was also what we discussed.
“The pathway to having in place a regency is the pathway to ensuring that all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed, and to ensure that all the processes which are enshrined in the Laws of Ijebuland are strictly followed.
“I must say that all of us agreed that we are on the same page, and I think this will put paid to all the rumours that have been agog about one thing or another,” the governor stated.
Governor Abiodun expressed the hope that the process would be rancour-free, as those who would be lining up for the exalted position would be given equal opportunity.
He described members of the Awujale Council as respectable personalities who contributed to the successful reign of the late Awujale by maintaining peace in the land.
“I had to first of all wait for the 40 days to come and go before calling this meeting because all of us have been in mourning. I think what is most important is the fact that they are all deeply committed and dedicated chiefs of the Awujale, and I appreciate them.
“This is my first meeting with them to commiserate with them on the passing of our revered monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and also to assure them that despite the rumours that have been ongoing, I have absolute confidence in them.
“The Council is intact, with no disharmony among them. There is no pluralization; they are all working hand in glove with each other, and I am happy with today’s meeting, and I thank them,” the governor concluded.
Also speaking, the Olootu Olowa and Deputy Chairman of the Council, Chief Oluwaranti Lekan Osifeso, stressed the resolve of the Council to continue its peace-building duties, just as he assured that members would continue to unite and work as a team for the peace and progress of Ijebuland.
The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a cache of weapons from a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, Adebowale Opeyemi, following allegations that he repeatedly threatened his wife with a firearm in Abeokuta.
According to reports, the suspect’s wife, 60-year-old Olufunmilayo Opeyemi, of Alanco Area, Osiele, lodged a complaint on August 27, stating that her 62-year-old husband often brandished a single-barrel gun at her during disputes.
She also alleged that the retired officer habitually discharged the weapon within and around their home, sparking fear among relatives and neighbours, who became increasingly concerned about his mental stability.
Family members, who accompanied Mrs Opeyemi to the police station, agreed to seek medical help for the retired officer and subsequently arranged for him to be taken to a psychiatric hospital in Abeokuta for evaluation and treatment.
Acting on a search warrant, police operatives raided the residence of the retired DSP in the presence of his wife and children.
Items recovered included a single-barrel gun, two jack knives, three cutlasses, and a short iron rod.
The All Progressives Congress APC in Oyo state has raised the alarm over fresh N300 billion allegedly obtained by Governor Seyi Makinde stating that the development signalled a problematic future for the economy of the state as well as the welfare of the people.
Sources informed that some members of the state House of Assembly were recalled from their annual recess by the Speaker, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, to urgently reconvene on August 16 and 26, 2023 for the purpose of giving an approval to the request of Gov. Makinde as this was surreptitiously done without the knowledge of the four members who got elected to the Legislative Chamber on the platform of the APC.
In a statement issued on Thursday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, APC threatened to mobilize citizens from all the nooks and crannies of the state to stage a violence-free protest against the administration of Gov. Makinde to protest the unabated profligacy, lack of transparency and gross abuse of the Due Process law of the land which his government is well known for.
“Now that Gov. Makinde has convinced the whole world that he has no good plan for the good people of the Pacesetter state with regards to their future, it is very important for all well-meaning individuals from within and outside the state to rise up to the occasion and take necessary steps to stop the heist which he has foisted on the people since 2019.
“The fresh N300Billion Loan which the Hon. Debo Ogundoyin-led Legislative House rubberstamped for collection by the governor on August 19, 2025 was the third in the series in 2025 alone because the same governor got a N200billion loan in March and another N110billion French Treasury Concessional loan in July making it a total of N610billion in a year that is just eight months-old. We should not forget that the same governor has got over N180billion in allocations from Abuja and internally generated revenue in 2025 but the masses cannot feel the direct impact of all the huge resources in their life.
“A few days ago, Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo State hinged his decision to increase the minimum wage for workers in his state to N104,000 on the availability of more funds from Abuja but in Oyo state, it is more money and more borrowing while the ubiquitous hijack and sale of private and public properties still continue unabated. Another question in the mouth of the citizens bothers on the inability of the governor to showcase what he has done with the over N900billion which he has obtained since he became governor in 2019.
“The saddest part is the willing tool of sleaze in the hand of Gov. Makinde which the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and a few of his colleagues have turned themselves into. We can advise that the good people of the state should remain calm and endure the remaining 20 months of Makinde administration but we are not sure of what the direct impact of unnecessary debt burden would be on the life of an average citizen and resident before and after May, 2027.” Sadare lamented.
The Oyo State House of Assembly has issued a rebuttal to the claims made by Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, member representing Saki West State Constituency, over the recent emergency plenary session which he falsely alleged was used to secretly approve a N300 billion loan request from the Executive without proper notification to members.
In a statement jointly signed by the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin and the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Media, Public Affairs and ICT, Hon. Waheed Akintayo (Ilumoka), the Assembly described Hon. Shittu’s claims as not only misleading but a reflection of his complete disconnect from legislative responsibilities.
Recall, Hon. Ibrahim Shittu representing Saki West had earlier accused his colleagues for secretly approving N300bn Loan to Makinde amid surging Federal Allocation increase.
The statement clarified that the emergency plenary held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, was duly and officially notified on the Assembly’s general platform.
According to the statement made available today to Oduduwa News by Oyo Assembly as read in part. The House was quoted as saying thus:
“A screenshot of the message from the Majority Leader clearly indicates that all Honourable members were informed of the session, a notification acknowledged by some members.
“It is not only unfortunate but shameful that a serving member of the Assembly would resort to falsehood for cheap political relevance. Emergency plenaries are not illegal; they are constitutional and practiced in all serious legislatures across Nigeria, including the National Assembly,”.
In refuting Hon. Shittu’s claims, the statement disclosed that the so-called N300 billion loan includes N149 billion meant to refinance an existing loan facility with United Bank for Africa (UBA), while only N151 billion constitutes a new request to support infrastructure and contractors’ financing, a distinction Hon. Shittu failed to acknowledge, either ignorantly or deliberately.
The House also expressed serious concern over Hon. Shittu’s abysmal performance and participation rate. The House further stated that Hon. Shittu’s attendance at plenary sessions stands at a dismal 20%, making him the least active member of the 10th Assembly.
“Hon. Shittu is always absent at all critical legislative sittings such as the budget presentation and the State of the State Address by the Governor. Hon. Shittu was the only member who failed to participate in the recently concluded extensive oversight visits to executive and local government projects across the state. His absence extended to all previous oversight duties and committee assignments, where his contributions are either non-existent or irrelevant.”
“It is clear that Hon. Shittu has not only failed his constituents but also betrayed the legislative mandate he was entrusted with. He has no bill, no motion, no contribution on the floor, and now seeks to cover his ineffectiveness with lies,” the statement added.
The House reiterated its commitment to accountability, transparency, and legislative excellence, while urging the public to disregard the politically motivated antics of non-performing lawmakers.
“Rather than peddle unfounded allegations, Hon. Shittu should redirect his energy towards becoming a functional Legislator. His pattern of absenteeism and non-participation is an embarrassment to the institution and to the people of Saki West,” the statement concluded.
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are holding high-level consultations to persuade former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election on the party’s platform.
Sources close to Jonathan confirmed that some party chieftains recently met with him to mount pressure, but the former president reportedly told them he was still consulting and would communicate his decision in due course.
The development came just as PDP presidential aspirant, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, rejected the party’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, insisting that the final say rests with the party’s national convention and not the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Olawepo-Hashim described the zoning arrangement as “undemocratic and unconstitutional,” arguing that it would deprive the PDP of its best options in a crucial election year.
At its 102nd NEC meeting held in Abuja on Monday, the PDP had formally zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a move that has triggered mixed reactions, particularly from some Northern groups that openly opposed the decision.
In a boost to his campaign, members of the PDP in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have endorsed Olawepo-Hashim’s candidacy, declaring their rejection of the zoning formula.
At a meeting attended by stakeholders including party chairmen, flag bearers, councillorship candidates, and area council secretaries, the members pledged loyalty to his ambition and formally adopted him as the political leader of the FCT.
Meanwhile, the PDP leadership has dismissed speculations that the zoning decision was designed to promote the influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike. Party officials stressed that the move was taken in the interest of stability and to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 polls.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, also defended the decision, describing it as a “sacrifice for unity.” According to him, zoning the presidential ticket to the South was necessary to foster inclusiveness and preserve the party’s national outlook.
As consultations continue, the question of Jonathan’s possible return and the dispute over zoning are expected to shape the PDP’s internal dynamics in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
