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- October 1, 2025
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‘You are wrong’ – Lagos Govt counters Peter Obi’s claims on Trade Fair demolitions
The Lagos State Government has countered claims made by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, concerning the recent demolitions at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex. DAILY POST reports that the state government had a few days ago demolished over 19 buildings inside the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex. Reacting to the incident after
‘You are wrong’ – Lagos Govt counters Peter Obi’s claims on Trade Fair demolitions
The Lagos State Government has countered claims made by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, concerning the recent demolitions at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.
DAILY POST reports that the state government had a few days ago demolished over 19 buildings inside the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.
Reacting to the incident after visiting the market, Peter Obi, in a post on X, described it as a “test of impunity, justice, and compassion“.
However, responding on Wednesday in a statement titled ‘Obi wrong on Trade Fair Complex’, the Lagos government accused the politician of politicizing the incident.
The government through the Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, stated that Obi’s comment is “an effort to mislead the public by misinformation and disinformation”.
While accusing Obi of being “unfair”, Omotoso said the “Lagos State Government enforced its Physical Planning Laws.”
He added, “The owners of the building have no approval. They got ample time to regularise their papers when the state government declared last year a general amnesty, which was extended several times. The owners shunned the offer.
“When Physical Planning officials visited the complex, the gates were locked against them; they were beaten up. When the government called the owners for talks, they said they would not come. Their defence is that the Management Board of the Trade Fair permitted them to build their structures. This is wrong.
“The board created by the Federal Government to manage the complex, doesn’t have powers to regulate building developments within the complex independent of Lagos State Government. Physical Planning and building approvals are within the remit of State Governments”.
He further noted that the Trade Fair Complex Board can only manage leases, tenancies, and commercial activities, otherwise, such developments would be deemed illegal under Lagos law.
“We must decide the kind of society we want, one governed by law or one run by emotions, fueled by political interests,” he added.
‘You are wrong’ – Lagos Govt counters Peter Obi’s claims on Trade Fair demolitions
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- October 1, 2025
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NAPTIP Storms Abuja Airport, Arrests Five Suspected Human Traffickers, Frees 24 Victims
NAPTIP Storms Abuja Airport, Arrests Five Suspected Human Traffickers, Frees 24 Victims
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, OON has led a high-powered special operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, during which 24 suspected victims of human trafficking were rescued and arrest of five suspected trafficking agents was made.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the agency’s National Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, among the suspected human traffickers arrested at the airport was a retired Senior uniform Officer with one of the foremost Law Enforcement Agency in the country, who is alleged to be a prominent member of the trafficking syndicate operating within the South West region of Nigeria.
He said: “The well-planned action, which was hailed by other travelers at the airport, was a continuation of the newly unveiled anti-human trafficking efforts and onslaught against human trafficking by the Director General, targeting recruitment hubs, trafficking spots, and routes within Nigeria.”
Adekoye recalled that following reported increased cases of recruitment and trafficking of Nigerians for various forms of exploitation both within and outside the country, the Director General of NAPTIP had few months ago ordered a step up surveillance and monitoring of all parts of the country with greater attention on motor parks, waterways in the coaster States as well as International airports.
He disclosed that the latest raid followed a tip-off from concerned stakeholders and partners who alerted to an influx of suspected human trafficking victims at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, and the unwholesome activities of some suspected traffickers.
Adekoye said at the end of nearly six hours of operation, the human trafficking activities were completely disrupted,leading to the arrest of five suspected traffickers and the rescue of 24 suspected victims.
He said the victims whose ages range between 15 years to 26 years were recruited from Kano, Kastina, Oyo, Ondo and Rivers States, and were heading to Iraq, Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Afghanistan.
He noted that while a good number of the suspected victims could not communicate in any other language apart from their dialect, others do not even know the location of their intended country of destination.
He quoted one of the them to have said: “They told my mother that they are taking me to Europe, where I will work and earn dollars. My parent were happy and they allowed me to follow them.”
Adekoye said it was another mild drama at the Headquarters of NAPTIP as one of the victims vowed to ensure the prosecution of her father for deceiving her into embarking on the journey.
He revealed that the drama ensued after the Director General had personally counseled the suspected victims and enlightened them with a series of video clips of some stranded Nigerians and those on life support after being exploited at the destination countries.
The particular suspected victim was quoted to have said: “I struggled to hold my emotions while watching the video of those girls who were being maltreated and beaten by the traffickers. If that is what awaits me there, I will not go. I am seriously annoyed with my father because he deceived me. My father told me that his friend has a job for me at a supermarket in Baghdad. He did not tell me that it is in Iraq. I know that Iraq is not a good place to work for now to work due to the crisis there, but I did not know that Baghdad is in Iraq. I thank the DG and her officers for rescuing me, pls, I just need my passport, I want to go back to my town and settle.
“I will certainly make it here rather than suffer in another country”, the victim, whose father was among the traffickers arrested, added in her local dialect.
Speaking on the development, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, expressed sadness over the activities of some suspected human traffickers and unregistered labour recruiters who have continued to deceive, recruit, and traffic Nigerians for various forms of exploitation.
She said: “I am impressed with the outcome of the operation today because we were able to arrest five suspected members of the trafficking gang that have been recruiting and trafficking our citizens to various tension-soaked countries, especially in the Middle East, for exploitation.
“We observed that the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport is becoming a comfort zone for these traffickers, and that is why we have decided to shift attention to this airport. We will sustain this raid until they stop this unpatriotic and illicit trade in human beings.
“I was amazed that a father, who is a retired Law Enforcement Officer of senior cadre, deceived his daughter and packaged her to be trafficked to Iraq for exploitation. This is incredibly unbelievable. Well, all of them will be thoroughly investigated, and they will face the law.
“I sincerely thank and appreciate the Director General of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Manager, and all the wonderful personnel of the authority for their support for us at NAPTIP. I also appreciate the collaboration of the Department of State Service (DSS) operatives at the Airport, the Airport Security Personnel, Immigration Officers,, and airline operators for their support.
“Human trafficking is a visible national concern, and we all must be on the same page to turn the heat on the traffickers. Our resolve to ensure the protection of Nigerians from all forms of exploitation is firm and resolute”, the Director General of NAPTIP declared.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, OON has led a high-powered special operation at the
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- October 1, 2025
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Preventing the House from Falling: 10 Key Economic Achievements of the Tinubu Administration
Preventing the House from Falling: 10 Key Economic Achievements of the Tinubu Administration
By Keem Abdul
When President Bola Tinubu presented his historic N54.99trn 2025 budget proposal (which he tagged ‘Budget of Restoration’) before the National Assembly in February this year, he promised that discipline, focus and diligence would be the benchmarks for its implementation. Reflecting on the previous budget cycle, he said, “The past year tested our resolve. But through discipline and strategic reforms, we achieved what many deemed impossible. After the initial turbulent take-off, our people can see signs of progress and the promise of a better future. Our economy is turning the corner.”
Is the President’s assessment correct? Is the Nigerian economy turning the corner?
Even a casual observer of the Nigerian economy’s macro trajectory, at least in the past one year, can testify that, yes, it is witnessing the makings of a resurgence. While there is no denying that the initial challenges were brutal (especially on the micro-economic front), the country is, however, experiencing a series of economic miracles that are gradually transforming its financial landscape. This much was recently affirmed by two renowned Nigerian economists – in the persons of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, DG at the World Trade Organization (WTO); and the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Chukwuma Soludo, who currently serves as Governor of Anambra State. In a recent address in Lagos, Soludo declared that the Tinubu administration had salvaged Nigeria’s public finances from the brink of collapse. “The audacious structural reforms,” he said, “have rescued the economy from the tipping point.” Under Tinubu, he added, the nation’s public finances are back on the path of solvency, with its macroeconomic fundamentals recovering positively.
On her part, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala commended Tinubu for working to stabilize Nigeria’s economy, saying reforms under his administration were “moving in the right direction.” She stressed that this economic stability – if complemented by targeted growth policies and robust safety nets – would be critical to job creation and poverty reduction.
In view of the foregoing, what, precisely, has the President achieved? Analysts have identified 10 key areas in which the President’s policies have recorded the most significant positive impact:
● Increase in Crude Oil Production: For the first time in over a decade, oil production rebounded to the point where Nigeria was able to surpass its production quota as stipulated by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for three consecutive months, producing an average of 1.71 million barrels per day – a development which has so far fueled a 20.46% growth in the oil sector.
● Reduced Interest Rates: The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) slashed interest rates for the first time in five years, as a demonstration of confidence in the country’s macro-economic indices.
● Record Revenues: In a historic first, Nigeria achieved its revenue target for the entire year back in August. This is part of an overall growth trajectory that has seen the country’s Q2 2025 growth hit a high of 4.23% – outpacing the projections of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Reflecting on this milestone, analysts note that the bulk of the revenue came from the non-oil sector, describing it as the result of the Tinubu-led economic reforms focused on stimulating said sector.
● Expansion of Transport Infrastructure: The nation’s transport infrastructure has expanded significantly – especially in the areas of rail and water transport, which grew by 40% and 20% respectively.
● Decreased Food Prices: Speaking about easing inflation, food prices reduced significantly, by over 20.12% in September 2025 – an over 1.76% decrease from 21.88% from only the last month. Overall, inflation cooled to 20.12%, its lowest level in in over three months – continuing a five-month uninterrupted spell.
● MTN Nigeria’s Record Valuation: MTN Nigeria Communications Plc hit a market capitalization of ₦10.1 trillion ($6.52 billion), becoming only the second-ever company listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (after Dangote Cement), to cross the ₦10 trillion mark. Analysts attributed the surge to renewed investor confidence, strong earnings, consistent dividend payouts, and increased data consumption. In line with the Tinubu administration’s calls for a more robust partnership with the private sector, MTN has also expanded its investments in network infrastructure and fintech services.
● Fuel Price Reduction: Dangote Refinery has not only lowered fuel prices to ₦841 per litre, but the company also plans the rollout of direct fuel distribution to 11 states with effect from Monday, September 15, 2025 – in a bid to enhance fuel distribution efficiency.
● Naira Appreciation: The 3% appreciation of the naira in September (to ₦1497 to $1) is a five-month high, and it is as a result of bold foreign exchange reforms which are attracting fresh capital inflows, especially from foreign investors.
● Increased Foreign Reserves: As of September 2025, Nigeria’s external reserves surged to $42.03bn, marking the highest level since 2019, covering eight months of imports – a development analysts have described as a watershed moment for economic recovery and stakeholder confidence.
● Record Trade Surplus: Nigeria’s trade surplus rose 44.3% in Q2 2025 to ₦7.46 trillion (up from ₦5.17 trillion in Q1) to N7.46tr (about $4,74bn) – the largest in three years. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), exports rose by 16.6% to ₦22.75 trillion, while imports increased to ₦15.28 trillion. As earlier mentioned, non-oil exports showed remarkable resilience – with agriculture rising by 15% and manufactured goods climbing by 173%, reflecting a gradual but steady progression in the administration’s diversification drive. Trade with the People’s Republic of China, in particular, surged to almost $16bn in the first seven months of 2025 – i.e. 35% year-on-year surge. As part of the government’s diversification drive, coal mining recovered dramatically from its -22% decline by Q1 to a +57.5% growth in Q2 – making that sector one of Nigeria’s fastest growing.
In response to this growth, and what it promises for the overall economy, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX), for the first time in its history, rose to 130,147.57 All Share Index points. This surge is powered by renewed confidence in the Nigerian economy, the easing of inflation, and overall industrial resilience, especially with big gains from cement giants like BUA Cement (+10%) and Dangote Cement (+9.99%).
In all, President Tinubu has flagged off a defining chapter in Nigeria’s history – a chapter anchored on courageous reforms and the relentless pursuit of progress in the face of socio-economic (and political) headwinds. In naming him its “Man of the Year,” in 2024, ThisDay Newspaper noted: “Whether lampooned or lionized, President Tinubu cannot be accused of lacking courage to take tough decisions or the will to stay the course.”
As he continues on this course, one thing is clear: this Presidency is defined not by rhetoric, but by results. On all the relevant developmental indices, President Tinubu has confronted Nigeria’s challenges with clarity and conviction. But the change he seeks requires partnership as well as leadership; it requires the active participation of all Nigerians, whatever their background or walk of life. This is the time to rise beyond cynicism and second-guessing, to see the big picture, and to contribute to a cause greater than each one of us.
The road may be rough, but this house of Nigeria cannot – and will not – fall. The country’s economic momentum is undeniable. At long last, Nigeria’s developmental curve is once again on an upward trajectory, and the future shines with dazzling promise.
- Keem Abdul, a public relations guru, publisher and writer, hails from Lagos. He can be reached via +2349046303816 or Akeemabdul2023@gmail.com
By Keem Abdul When President Bola Tinubu presented his historic N54.99trn 2025 budget proposal (which he tagged ‘Budget of Restoration’) before the National Assembly in February this year, he promised
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Kogi govt laments as boat accident kill 26 persons in state
The Kogi State Government has expressed sadness over a boat accident on the River Niger which reportedly killed at least 26 people on Tuesday evening. The victims were mostly traders from Ibaji Local Government Area who were on their way to Illushi Market in Edo State when the boat capsized. In a statement, the Commissioner
Kogi govt laments as boat accident kill 26 persons in state
The Kogi State Government has expressed sadness over a boat accident on the River Niger which reportedly killed at least 26 people on Tuesday evening.
The victims were mostly traders from Ibaji Local Government Area who were on their way to Illushi Market in Edo State when the boat capsized.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the incident as a painful loss. He said Governor Usman Ododo has sent his condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Ibaji.
“The government and people of Kogi State received with deep sadness the news of the boat mishap on the River Niger. This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and the people of Ibaji in this moment of grief,” the statement said.
Governor Ododo has directed the State Emergency Management Agency to work with local authorities to support the affected families. He also promised that the state will work with federal agencies to improve safety on waterways.
The government further advised riverine communities to always take safety seriously by avoiding overcrowding in boats and making use of life jackets.
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- October 1, 2025
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Federer, Del Potro Lead Nominees For 2026 Tennis Hall of Fame
Roger Federer, the first man to win 20 Grand Slam singles titles, and Juan Martin del Potro will lead nominees for the International Tennis Hall of Fame class of 2026. The Player Category recognizes ATP and WTA players who have achieved a distinguished record of competitive achievement at the highest international level: It was Federer […] The post Federer, Del Potro Lead Nominees For 2026 Tennis Hall of Fame appeared first on Complete Sports.
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Our independence like bondage, Nigeria sitting on time bomb at 65 – Primate Ayodele
Primate Elijah Ayodele, Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, on Wednesday described Nigeria’s independence as a form of bondage. Primate Ayodele expressed concern over the lack of unity and peace in Nigeria, stating that the country is not truly independent. He said despite celebrating 65 years of independence, Nigeria is sitting on a
Our independence like bondage, Nigeria sitting on time bomb at 65 – Primate Ayodele
Primate Elijah Ayodele, Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, on Wednesday described Nigeria’s independence as a form of bondage.
Primate Ayodele expressed concern over the lack of unity and peace in Nigeria, stating that the country is not truly independent.
He said despite celebrating 65 years of independence, Nigeria is sitting on a time bomb.
In a statement by his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, the prophet condemned the way the country is being run, highlighting the lack of appreciation for leaders and those who have worked hard for the nation.
He advised Nigerian leaders to focus on five key areas: insecurity, production, mineral resource utilization, agriculture, and true federalism to achieve genuine independence.
The clergyman warned that Nigeria is facing a difficult independence period with issues such as tribal wars and a lack of direction, suggesting the nation is on a precarious path.
He said: “At 65, we are still not better; those who fought recklessly for our independence have not been fully appreciated.
“Our independence is bondage for us; we are in a serious situation where there is no rest of mind and peace, for how long do we continue to pass through all of these?
“These are the five things we need to work on as we clock 65 we need to work insecurity, increase in production, utilisation of our mineral resources, agriculture and true federalism. It would be a fantastic independence.
“A lot of people are praying for separation; they have seen the government as without direction, there is tribal war, and I doubt if we are improving because we are not committed. Nigeria is in a very difficult independence moment, and we are sitting on a time bomb.”
Our independence like bondage, Nigeria sitting on time bomb at 65 – Primate Ayodele
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‘I’m in danger of sudden death’ – Nnamdi Kanu lists ailments in DSS custody
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has revealed the illnesses he is battling with in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS. Kanu revealed that he is battling with Tinnitus and sleep deprivation, which he described as among the “gravest threats” to his survival. In a letter of complaint
‘I’m in danger of sudden death’ – Nnamdi Kanu lists ailments in DSS custody
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has revealed the illnesses he is battling with in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS.
Kanu revealed that he is battling with Tinnitus and sleep deprivation, which he described as among the “gravest threats” to his survival.
In a letter of complaint and appeal to the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Kanu said Tinnitus “exacerbates my hypertension”, puts him at the risk of stroke, collapse, and sudden death.
He disclosed other diseases to include, liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder, prostate, and white matter disease; sleep apnea and most critically, tinnitus the constant internal “chirping” sound in his ears.
The letter titled, ‘The Danger of Tinnitus and Sleep Deprivation’, reads partly: “Among the gravest threats to my survival today is tinnitus. The incessant chirping in my ears is more than a nuisance: It robs me of sleep, sometimes making rest completely impossible; It exacerbates my hypertension.
“It magnifies chest pain, fainting risks, and psychological strain; It undermines my body’s natural capacity to heal.
“DSS doctors once proposed to drain fluid from my inner ear but abandoned the plan due to the risk of permanent hearing loss. Since then, no serious effort has been made to treat this condition, even though its effects are cumulative and potentially devastating.
“Sleep deprivation, when combined with existing hypertension, organ strain, and potassium instability, places me in immediate danger of stroke, collapse, or sudden death.
“Neglect of tinnitus and sleep deprivation shows a reckless disregard for the life-threatening impact of untreated conditions.”
The IPOB leader also accused the DSS doctor, Nasiru Mohammed, of falsifying his medical records despite continued symptoms.
He added: “From the moment he assumed control, Dr. Nasiru Mohammed began falsifying my test results, recording normal potassium levels when in reality they were dangerously low.
“When challenged as to why a potassium-sparing drug like Eplerenone was still prescribed if my potassium was supposedly normal, he provided no medical justification.
“Under his so-called care, I continued to experience: Frequent nosebleeds; Fainting episodes and near-collapse; Severe light-headedness; Unrelenting chest pains on my left side; Debilitating headaches; Swelling of the feet.
“Over 50 blood samples have been taken during my time in DSS custody, but these have yielded no improvement in my health under the management of DSS-appointed doctors.”
He informed NMA that DSS subjected his longtime physician, Dr Cfine to intimidation and silence.
“My longtime personal physician, Dr. Cfine, who has treated me faithfully for decades, was barred from access and intimidated into silence. This exclusion lasted until the intervention of Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, a globally respected surgeon and medical teacher.
“It was his timely intervention that saved me from imminent collapse,” he said.
Kanu revealed that under Cfine’s professional and ethical care, his “potassium level rose modestly from 2.1 to 2.9 mmol/L still below safe levels, but a clear sign of genuine medical progress. My episodes of nosebleeds, fainting, and light-headedness ceased.
“Swollen feet reduced, and the headaches subsided to an occasional level.
“In addition, Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji confirmed and documented broader systemic health problems, including: Liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder, prostate, and white matter disease; Sleep apnea; and most critically, tinnitus the constant internal “chirping” sound in my ears that often makes sleep impossible still persists and making my life unbearable.
“It is no exaggeration to say that without Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji’s intervention, my health would have deteriorated beyond recovery. Yet instead of supporting him, the DSS has subjected him to the same pattern of intimidation used against Dr. Cfine.”
‘I’m in danger of sudden death’ – Nnamdi Kanu lists ailments in DSS custody
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‘Ooni of Ife set me up with a woman’ – Oluwo alleges [VIDEO]
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has accused the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, of setting him up with a woman. This is coming amid the ongoing dispute between the two Yoruba royal fathers. Oluwo made the fresh allegation while reacting to the news of his suspension by the Ooni
‘Ooni of Ife set me up with a woman’ – Oluwo alleges [VIDEO]
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has accused the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, of setting him up with a woman.
This is coming amid the ongoing dispute between the two Yoruba royal fathers.
Oluwo made the fresh allegation while reacting to the news of his suspension by the Ooni of Ife in a now trending Instagram video.
Addressing Nigerians, Oluwo, who claimed to have helped Ogunwusi to ascend the throne, accused Ooni of attempting to kill him.
Also speaking about his marriage with Chanel Chin, his Canadian estranged wife, Oluwo stated that he divorced her after he found out that Ooni planted her to set him up.
He wondered: “What is Ooni of Ife doing with my ex wife in the hotel?”
“This message is for Nigerians, most especially the Yorubas. I’m saying this because I want other Nigerians to know. When I get on the throne, you see me talking about Ooni Adeyeye. What you don’t know, I will tell you today.
“Governor of Osun state, Commissioners and all. I helped Ooni Adeyeye but because he’s worshipping an idol and me, God has put me above orisa (idol) as a king and because of that as a king maker, I’m the one that helped Ooni to become a king. He doesn’t want me to say the story in the future and he was looking for my downfall. Then the next thing, they packaged a woman for me from Canada. I don’t know her. She was packaged for me as a set up.
“When they set me up. She was in my house, and they were talking to her and setting me up with videos and many things. She will be asking me certain questions in the bedroom. This supposed wife was an agent of death sent to my house. She was in my house for three years, she had a child which I don’t even know if the child is mine right now, I have to confirm that through DNA.
“Because they want her to kill me. She poisoned me two times, they set up assassination attempts, they did many things so that their orisa, their gods will kill me but they failed. When I found out about this secret and kicked this woman out, it was the same Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi that lodged her. Ask him what he was doing with the lady at the hotel. I won’t mention the hotel name now but I will do that later. What are they with each other inside the hotel? He was the one that accommodated her and rented a house for her.
“This fight cannot be resolved. It will continue. I heard a report that Ooni suspended me, Ooni can never suspend me. Can a paramount ruler suspend another paramount ruler? Never. There’s more to come after this,” Oluwo stated.
DAILY POST reports that Oluwo announced divorce from his Canadian wife, Chanel Chin, in 2019.
Watch him speak below
https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/BARr1XSrhF
‘Ooni of Ife set me up with a woman’ – Oluwo alleges [VIDEO]
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- October 1, 2025
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Calls mount for probe of ex-REA director over alleged diversion of N12bn COVID-19 funds
Pressure is growing on anti-graft agencies to investigate Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu Agaka, a former executive director of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, over allegations that more than N12 billion in COVID-19 intervention funds meant for rural electrification projects were diverted under his watch. The call came in a statement on Wednesday, by the Movement for
Calls mount for probe of ex-REA director over alleged diversion of N12bn COVID-19 funds
Pressure is growing on anti-graft agencies to investigate Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu Agaka, a former executive director of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, over allegations that more than N12 billion in COVID-19 intervention funds meant for rural electrification projects were diverted under his watch.
The call came in a statement on Wednesday, by the Movement for Public Accountability, MPA, a civil society organisation, through its president, Akinwale Lawal.
The CSO said the probe was necessary to restore public trust and send a clear message that senior officials cannot escape scrutiny simply by retiring from office.
According to MPA, while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, have already taken steps to prosecute some officials of the agency for corruption, those arraigned appear to be the “foot soldiers” rather than the architects of the rot.
The group insisted that Agaka, who oversaw projects, procurement and monitoring during the period, must be made to account for how such large-scale diversions occurred.
“Engr. Agaka cannot continue to wear the garb of neutrality when billions vanished in departments directly under his supervision. He owes Nigerians answers, and those answers must be demanded by the EFCC and ICPC,” Comrade Lawal said.
The group alleged that funds earmarked to power rural schools, health centres and small businesses were instead diverted through fraudulent procurement processes and questionable consultant contracts.
It accused Agaka of presiding over an environment where contract splitting, diversion through staff accounts, and the use of substandard materials became entrenched.
MPA said the consequences of this mismanagement remain visible across the country, where many rural communities are still in darkness despite budgetary allocations.
“Every child studying under a lantern and every clinic operating without electricity is a direct reminder of the betrayal that happened in REA under Agaka,” Lawal added.
The organisation further urged the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, to review his asset declarations and compare them with his legitimate earnings as a public servant.
“No one is saying accolades or honours should be stripped from him without due process. What we are saying is that the wealth he now flaunts raises questions that must be answered. Nigerians have the right to know whether public funds meant for their development are underwriting his ambitions,” the statement read.
Beyond Agaka, MPA called for broader reforms to ensure senior directors in public institutions bear responsibility for what happens under their watch.
It noted that Nigeria’s culture of treating retirement as an escape route from accountability has weakened institutions and emboldened corruption.
“This country must outgrow the habit of chasing small fry while sparing those who had the authority to prevent wrongdoing. The EFCC and ICPC must prove that the law is blind by looking at those who had the power, not just those who signed papers on their behalf,” Lawal insisted.
The group also demanded a forensic audit of all projects executed under Agaka’s tenure, stressing that the audit should examine procurement records, project delivery timelines and payments to contractors. It said only such an independent exercise would establish whether Agaka directly benefited from the alleged diversion.
MPA urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to match its anti-corruption rhetoric with action by ensuring that no one, regardless of title or connections, is beyond scrutiny.
“This case will test whether Nigeria is serious about fighting corruption or only interested in headlines. Agaka’s record must be placed under the microscope,” the group said.
Calls mount for probe of ex-REA director over alleged diversion of N12bn COVID-19 funds
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- October 1, 2025
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CSO Mobilizes 1000 Men to Fight Gender Based Violence in Southwestern Nigeria
CSO Mobilizes 1000 Men to Fight Gender Based Violence in Southwestern Nigeria
Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
In it’s bid to promote Gender Equality and End Gender Based Violence in Nigeria, the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development in partnership with the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) has launched a Male Feminist Network (MFN) that will act as partners in ending gender based violence and other social vices.
The MFN according to NISD is poised to challenge harmful norms by training 1000 males who will be leaders, professionals and grassroots influencers across all the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
The NSID said recognizing the role men can play in promoting gender equality and supporting feminist causes will make them allies in the movement for gender justice.
The NSID which is a Civil Society Organisation said the strategic awareness campaigns which tends to fight for women and not to diminish masculinity or undermining men’s rights but rather to challenge patriarchal norms and work towards a more equitable world for all.
Speaking at the launching in Ado Ekiti, the guest lecturer Professor C.T Oluwadare declared that having male feminists as crusaders will go a long way in preventing violence against women and the girl child.
Professor Oluwadare while acknowledging the fact that men too are victims of Gender Based Violence but maintained that women suffer domestic violence and other social vices more than men.
Prof. Oluwadare posited that researchb has shown that female-headed households has higher rates of poverty among women in rural areas.
He was of the opinion that Male feminists should support women’s economic empowerment by promoting equal access to education, employement, political representations and resources.
“While the NSID is targetting men through male dominated professions i.e traditional, religious, trade unions, drivers and institutions.
According to NSID, it is very important that training of men in preserving women values and seeing them as normal human will surely amplify the importance of women in the society” he noted.
” For decades , the conversation around GBV and gender equality in Nigeria has been driven rightly by women and with this project men will not only listen but also lead with humility and responsibility.
” This is not about dragging the roles of men or trying to put women above men but to compliment men with women who are well equipped to compete and succeed in their choice of career” he concluded.
The NSID encouraged the media to always promote gender equality by protecting women rights, values and give them a platform to excel as their male counterparts in the society.
Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti In it’s bid to promote Gender Equality and End Gender Based Violence in Nigeria, the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development in partnership with
