Tension has gripped the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, following an incident involving a post-basic nursing student who allegedly attempted suicide after being suspended by the institution’s medical director and provost, Dr. Paul Agboola, amid claims of verbal threats and institutional intimidation.
The student, identified as Seyi Ogunjobi, was said to be preparing for his final hospital examinations at the School of Mental Health Nursing/Post-Basic Psychiatry when he was suddenly suspended under controversial circumstances.
Seyi was on the verge of becoming a certified psychiatric nurse — until this heartbreaking twist.
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state have officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.
This decision comes despite recent speculation that Governor Adeleke was considering defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that was reportedly met with strong opposition from within the Osun State APC.
The Adeleke and PDP’s decision to endorse Tinubu was formalised at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday at the Government House in Oke-Fia, Osogbo.
A communiqué issued after the meeting was signed by Governor Adeleke, his deputy Kola Adewusi, Speaker of the House of Assembly Adewale Egbedun, former governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and 24 other prominent party leaders.
The communiqué emphasised the importance of local politics and the sentiments of grassroots supporters in shaping their political decisions.
It noted that the rumored defection plan did not originate from Governor Adeleke himself and had faced “stiff opposition” from APC members in Osun, who had openly criticized him on social media and national platforms.
The communiqué also stated that while PDP members were initially uncomfortable with the defection idea, they had agreed to stand by the governor out of loyalty.
The party leaders reaffirmed that Governor Adeleke, his administration, and the PDP remain the most popular political force in the state.
The party leaders stressed that Adeleke, his administration, and the PDP remain the most popular and widely accepted political force in the state.
“That the majority of the members of the APC in Osun State are opposed to the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to the APC, which did not originate from the governor in the first instance. Some APC leaders based on entrenched interests, have demonstrated hostility and resentment towards Governor Ademola Adeleke. Some went on social media and national television to call Governor Adeleke all kinds of unprintable names.
“That the majority of PDP members in Osun State are not happy about the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to APC, but only reluctantly agreed to follow Governor Adeleke to wherever he goes to show their love, support and loyalty to his leadership.
“That the state governor, the state government, and the PDP as a political party remain very popular and acceptable above all other political parties in Osun State.
“Consequently, the leaders hereby resolve that the PDP in Osun State recognises the fact that Osun State is the ancestral home of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which makes the President the son of Osun State. Therefore, the PDP in Osun State hereby adopts and endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.
“That PDP in Osun State reaffirms its adoption and endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke for re-election in the 2026 governorship election on the platform of the PDP.
“That Governor Ademola Adeleke and all members of the PDP in Osun State should remain in the PDP. That the leadership of the PDP in Osun State is directed to disseminate the resolution to all structures of the party in the state.
Former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Monday made a surprise appearance at the Presidential Villa in Abuja reigniting speculation about his possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kwankwaso was sighted at the Banquet Hall of the State House during the Nigeria Forest Economy Summit 2025, an event organised by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI).
While the opposition leader kept a low profile at the summit and declined media interviews, his presence in such a high-level government gathering has added fuel to ongoing rumours of political realignment.
In recent months, political insiders have suggested that Kwankwaso has held closed-door meetings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC stalwarts. Speculations point toward ongoing negotiations for his defection, with talks of political compensation reportedly on the table.
Though no official statement has been made by either side, the former NNPP presidential flagbearer’s visit to Aso Rock comes at a time when Tinubu’s administration is consolidating support across party lines ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The recent Local Government elections in Lagos State were a decisive victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC), with the party securing wins across all 57 LGs/LCDA, including 375 councillor seats. This overwhelming success, however, was not without its challenges. While the APC triumphed in every ward and local government, one ward stood out; Ward D in Yaba LCDA, which became the only ward to lose to an opposition party, the PDP. This singular loss in an otherwise clean sweep by the APC makes the situation in Yaba particularly significant and worthy of investigation, as it raises serious questions about the internal dynamics within the party and the actions of key individuals involved.
The controversy surrounding the APC’s loss in Ward D stems from internal disputes within the Mainland Voice (MV) faction, which has played a prominent role in the party’s operations in Lagos. At the center of these disputes was the selection of the party’s flagbearer for the Ward D councillorship race. Hon. Olanrewaju Oshun, the current Member of the House of Representatives, proposed a candidate as the APC candidate for Ward D, a decision supported by the party leadership. However, this decision was opposed by Jide Jimoh, a former House of Representatives member, who is not from Ward D, and other members of Mainland Voice. Jide Jimoh and his faction sought to replace the suggested candidate with another candidate, contrary to the party’s decision to uphold the principle of party supremacy.
Despite the opposition, the party upheld its decision, and the suggested candidate by the party became the official candidate for Ward D. However, this led to a deep rift within Mainland Voice group, with key figures, including Kayode Omiyale, the Chairman of Yaba LCDA, and Omolola Essien, the Chairman of Lagos Mainland LG actively working against the APC’s chosen candidate. Reports suggest that both Omiyale and Jide Jimoh diverted resources that were intended for the APC to support opposition candidates, particularly from the PDP in Ward D and the AA party in other wards. This blatant undermining of the party’s official candidates raises serious concerns about loyalty and commitment to the APC’s objectives.
While Hon. Olanrewaju Oshun, who proposed the flagbearer, did not directly participate in these anti-party activities, his leadership within Mainland Voice is noteworthy. As a key figure in the faction, Oshun’s failure to intervene and manage the division in his group contributed to the party’s internal discord. His position as a leader within Mainland Voice implicates him in the broader leadership failure, which ultimately led to the loss of his Ward D seat to the PDP. This defeat, in a ward that was otherwise expected to be secured by the APC, can be directly linked to the actions of the Mainland Voice leadership.
Moreover, the actions of Kayode Omiyale and Jide Jimoh, stand in stark contrast to the party’s success in other local governments. For instance, in Somolu Local Government, the APC leadership upheld party supremacy, supporting Ashimi Lateef as the chairmanship candidate, despite some internal disagreements. This commitment to party unity was reflected across the state, where the APC maintained cohesion and delivered a resounding victory in all LGs/LCDAs and 375 councillor races. In contrast, the sabotage in Yaba LCDA, specifically in Ward D; severely undermined the APC’s prospects in the election.
This post, therefore, calls for a thorough investigation into the leadership of Mainland Voice group, including Omolola Essien, Kayode Omiyale, Hon. Jide Jimoh, and Hon. Olanrewaju Oshun. Their actions, whether through active sabotage or failure to prevent internal division, have had a significant negative impact on the APC’s performance, particularly in the loss of Ward D to the PDP. The actions of these individuals must be carefully examined to determine the extent of their involvement in this internal conflict and the subsequent anti-party behaviour that disrupted the party’s chances.
The APC must take immediate steps to hold its leadership accountable, both at the state and national levels. The failure to maintain party unity in Yaba LCDA, especially in the face of overwhelming success in the rest of the state, demands scrutiny. This internal division is not only a threat to the APC’s chances in future elections but also undermines the trust of voters and party members alike.
As the APC moves toward the 2027 general elections, it must prioritize party loyalty and unity above personal interests. Only through a unified and loyal party can the APC hope to secure victory in future elections and continue to serve the people effectively. The leadership of Mainland Voice group must be investigated, and those responsible for sabotaging the APC’s official candidates must be held accountable to restore the party’s integrity and ensure its success moving forward.
Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, on Monday led a protest to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, demanding improved welfare and the removal of police officers from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The protest, held in collaboration with the Nigerian Union of Retired Police Officers, attracted several aggrieved retirees who decried years of neglect and hardship under the current pension system.
Protesters were initially blocked from entering the Force Headquarters but were later escorted by police personnel to the National Assembly complex.
Chanting solidarity songs in the rain, they carried placards with messages such as: “Decent Salaries Now,” “End Police Slavery,” “CPS is a Death Sentence,” and “Dignity for Those in Uniform.”
Speaking during the protest, Sowore called the CPS “exploitative and unjust,” urging the National Assembly to initiate urgent reforms that would restore dignity to retired police officers.
He said many of the retirees live in poverty after years of serving the country and called on the government to act with urgency.
The retired officers vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations until concrete legislative action is taken.
In a strategic move aimed at strengthening health systems and improving planning efficiency, the Oyo State Ministry of Health in collaboration Nigeria Health Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) organized a four-day capacity-building programme for health sector leaders and managers across the 33 Local Government Areas of the state.
The training, which held at the Ibadan Business School in Ibadan, Oyo State capital between Monday 14th July to 17th July 2025 was themed “NHSRII Leadership Health Systems Strengthening and Planning: Capacity Development for Health Program Officers and Health Secretaries (Medical Officers of Health) across all the 33 Local Government Health Authorities (LGHAs).” It seeks to enhance the technical and leadership capabilities of key players in the health sector, particularly about the development of a unified and realistic operational plan and realistic health budget for Oyo State.
Speaking during the opening session, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, stressed the need for collaboration and synergy among all departments, programme officers, and stakeholders involved in the delivery of healthcare services.
“It is time for us as a state to operate as one cohesive team. All program officers, directors, and partners must unite to set realistic and measurable goals for the improvement of healthcare in Oyo State,” Dr. Ajetunmobi stated.
“Currently, different sectors function in silos, but this training aims to harmonize efforts under a single plan, a single budget, and a unified reporting system. This is critical for our journey toward Universal Health Coverage and for achieving better health outcomes, especially in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates,” she added.
The commissioner further noted that the four-day workshop will form the foundation for the development of the 2026 Annual Operational Plan (AOP) for the State Ministry of Health. She emphasized that representatives from all health-related institutions in the state, including Colleges of Nursing Sciences, Health Science and Technology, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Primary Health Care Board, Hospital Management Board, and the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, are participating in the training.
Dr. Oluwatunmise, the State Coordinator for the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), explained that the program is part of a national reform agenda aimed at realigning Nigeria’s health system with global best practices.
“This training was born out of the challenges we encountered while developing last year’s AOP. The current administration, upon reviewing the progress since Nigeria’s first health sector reforms in 1962, concluded that fundamental change is overdue,” Dr. Oluwatunmise explained.
“With the SWAp model, the government assumes full leadership and coordination of the health sector. We’re moving away from fragmented efforts to a unified ‘One Plan’ approach that ensures all MDAs work collaboratively and efficiently.”
This year, the AOP process is being upgraded from an Excel-based format to a modern, web-based platform, enabling easier access, better collaboration, and enhanced accountability.
One of the participants, Feranmi Oladiti, National Health Fellow, expressed optimism about the impact of the training.
“We’re here to understand how to align our state-level plans with the National Health Sector Strategic Plan. This training is essential in helping us structure our operational plans to be both impactful and aligned with national goals,” Oladiti said.
The Oyo State health sector comprises seven key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), all of which are actively participating in the training. These include: • Oyo State Ministry of Health • Oyo State Health Insurance Agency • State Primary Health Care Board • Hospital Management Board • LAUTECH Teaching Hospital • Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences • Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology
The training is expected to produce a comprehensive, well-coordinated roadmap for health sector planning, ultimately contributing to improved service delivery and better health outcomes for residents of Oyo State. It also forms part of a broader national strategy to standardize and enhance health sector planning across Nigeria.
The training ended in grandstyle on thursday with all participants having practical hands on sessions on the new web based AOP Framework.
The Royal Group also known as Egbe Omo Alade Ile Ibadan, an affiliate Socio-Cultural Group of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) on Saturday 19th July 2025 elected new executive council members that will pilot the affairs of the club for another two years.
The election which was held at the Ibadan House, Oke-Aremo had in attendance members of the club and was conducted by Prince Yahya Adanla led electoral committee.
Announcing the result, Prince Abiodun Muraina the secretary of the electoral committee on behalf of the electoral chairman and the committee announced Prince Akewula Kamikun re-elected to serve for another two years.
Prince Kamikun alongside the other four who served in the recently dissolved excos were returned by the club members with three new additional members who got elected to serve in different capacities.
Prince Akewula Kamikun returned as President, Prince (Dr) Tunmise Adeagbo returned as Vice-president, Prince Oluwatobi Adisa returned as Executive Secretary, Prince Adeniran Ayodele returned as Public Relations Officer & Prince Azeez Ademola returned as Social Secretary.
Also, Prince Lukman Falada was elected as Financial Secretary, Prince Saheed Okunlola elected as Treasurer and Prince ‘Kayode Ajani was elected as Assistant General Secretary of the club.
The new excos were sworn-in thereby and an oath-of-office was administered by Prince (Barrister) Wale Agbaje on behalf of the electoral committee.
The President, Prince Akewula Kamikun appreciated the club on behalf of the new executives and reiterated their commitment to the development of Ibadan land and advancement of the club, he assured members of greater improvement and strong consolidation on the existing achievement, and sought for the cooperation of every members.
In a decisive move against rising criminal activities, security operatives of the Ilorin South Local Government Council have apprehended three suspected serial kidnappers believed to be behind recent abductions along the Idofian Road axis.
The suspects were arrested during a pre-dawn raid on their hideout in Abelu, following actionable intelligence gathered by the council’s security team. Authorities disclosed that the hideout had served as an operational base for the gang, which has terrorized residents and commuters for weeks.
A bicycle, allegedly used by the suspects as a decoy to pose as harmless cyclists while scouting potential victims, was recovered during the operation. Security sources say the gang employed the strategy to evade suspicion before launching attacks.
Speaking on the breakthrough, the Executive Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government Council, Hon. Nuhu Majeed Podo, praised the operatives for their swift action, stressing that the council remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property.
“This operation is a clear testament to the effectiveness of our renewed security strategy and the vigilance of our local security network,” Podo stated. “We will not rest until Ilorin South is rid of criminal gangs and residents can move freely without fear.”
The arrested suspects are currently being interrogated, with investigations underway to determine the full extent of their network and whether they are linked to other kidnapping cases in Kwara State.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, adding that community intelligence remains critical in the fight against crime.
The council also reiterated its pledge to continue strengthening local security architecture, including collaborations with state and federal agencies, to keep the area safe.
Fakayode emphasised the significance of adhering to traditional laws and customs, asserting, “Any actions contrary to this judgment and the laws of the land would be a disregard for the customs and traditions that have been the cornerstone of our heritage.”
“The burial was not in consonance with the law of the state, and it is obvious that the burial arrangement contravened Part 8, Section 55, Sub-section II of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law.”
He stressed that the issue extended beyond mere burial rites, representing a challenge to the very fabric of Yoruba customs.
“The actions taken at the event were part of a larger agenda to erode the cultural practices that have defined us for generations.”
“We urge the sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ode and the entire Yoruba race to recognise that the institution of Obaship is not only a sacred tradition but also a choice that demands respect for our cultural heritage.”
“We condemn the disrespect shown to the Osugbo Confraternity during the event by the family of the late Oba, government officials, and the security agencies concerned. Furthermore, to prevent such occurrences in the future, we will take necessary legal actions.”
On his part, Barrister Opeodu, the legal representative of ICIR, echoed the sentiments, stating that the actions of the late monarch’s family, the Ogun State Government, and various law enforcement agencies posed a threat to democracy and infringe upon the fundamental rights of traditional believers.
“In consonance, the actions of these parties constitute a threat to the growth of democracy and an infringement on the fundamental rights of traditional believers to their own beliefs.”
“This is an aberration to the extant law regarding the installation and burial of Obas and Chiefs, leading to a state of anarchy.”
He criticised the Islamic clergies, led by the Chief Imam of Ijebu-Ode, for violating local laws, asserting that their actions reflect a lawless character inherent in their practices.
“The traditional institution, being a lawful entity, is guided by law, unlike the Islamic religion. The traditionalists will take appropriate legal action to seek remedy,” he affirmed.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has sounded the alarm over a wave of infectious disease outbreaks sweeping across the country, warning that Nigeria faces a serious public health crisis if urgent and coordinated action is not taken.
In an official alert released Friday via its website, the NCDC listed five major diseases currently surging across multiple states: cholera, dengue fever, Mpox, diphtheria, and yellow fever—all requiring immediate national attention.
According to the update covering epidemiological week 26 (June 23–29, 2025), suspected cholera cases have been reported in 34 states, with Zamfara State alone accounting for 32% of all cases. Other heavily affected states include Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers.
“The situation demands heightened vigilance and intensified response efforts from all stakeholders,” the agency warned.
Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, leads to severe diarrhoea, dehydration, and, in severe cases, death if untreated. The outbreak is being worsened by poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water.
The NCDC also confirmed an outbreak of dengue fever in Edo State between June 9 and 13 following laboratory investigations. Like yellow fever, dengue is spread by Aedes mosquitoes and thrives in areas with poor waste management and standing water.
Yellow fever itself has now been confirmed in Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Rivers states, with seven cases verified as of the last report.
“The yellow fever vaccine remains the most effective prevention strategy,” the NCDC emphasized.
Ongoing cases of Mpox and diphtheria were also highlighted. Mpox presents with fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, while diphtheria causes painful throat infections and dangerous breathing difficulties.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to:
Eliminate mosquito breeding sites
Sleep under insecticide-treated nets
Use insect repellents
Maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene
Avoid self-medication
Seek medical testing promptly, especially as dengue and yellow fever symptoms often resemble malaria
As the threat level rises, health experts say public awareness, preventive behaviour, and swift government response will be critical in curbing the spread of these life-threatening diseases.
