The political temperature in Ondo South Senatorial District is rising following the nomination of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as a non-career ambassador by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In this report, Correspondent, Tosin Tope examines the profiles of those itching to succeed him.

A fierce political contest has begun in Ondo State as political heavyweight now intensify the moves to fill the soon-to-be vacant Ondo South Senatorial seat, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination of the incumbent Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, as a non-career ambassador.

Ibrahim’s nomination was part of the 68 career and non-career ambassadors nominees announced earlier last week by President Tinubu and forwarded to the Senate arm of the National Assembly for screening.

In line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under Section 68(1)(d), Mr Ibrahim is expected to resign from the Senate before taking up the new job as as non-career ambassador.

However, his name on the list has triggered a fresh scramble among power blocs within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition parties in the southern senatorial district of the state, as the senator’s imminent exit from the National Assembly for the diplomatic job opens a prized political window for “bye-election” to fill the seat.

The battle for the seat is no longer speculative; it is unfolding, accelerating, and rapidly shaping alliances. What began as a presidential nomination has now opened a full spectrum of local ambitions, federal calculations, and regional identity politics.

Senator Ibrahim, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, is expected to vacate the Senate seat once his ambassadorial appointment is confirmed by his colleagues, who would apprehently use the traditional of “take a bow” as a ritual in the red chamber of the National Assembly.

With the senator’s imminent departure, the resulting by-election creates a rare mid-term opportunity for political actors seeking relevance, visibility, or bargaining power ahead of the next general elections.

Analysts have also predicted that the by-election, once announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), could become a major test of political strength within the fold of the ruling APC in Ondo state for the 2027 general elections.

As INEC’s announcement looms, the political machinery across Ondo South is roaring to life, setting the stage for an election that may define the state’s political rhythm ahead of 2027.

The Ondo South Senatorial District – spanning Okitipupa, Irele, Ese Odo, Odigbo, Ilaje, and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo – had always remains one of the state’s most contested zones in history due to its significant voter populations and an oil-rich coastline whose development needs often become key political bargaining chips.

Elected on the platform of the APC in 2023, Senator Ibrahim, who hails from Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state as a first timer had also contested in the governorship seat on three consecutive times.

However, several aspirants – both former office holders and new entrants – have begun mobilising consultations across the district’s local government areas, signalling an intense battle for party control in the coming weeks.

The Nation learnt that from sources that the incumbent Senator has accepted his nomination as a non-career ambassador and would turn in his resignation letter in a few days.

While awaiting his official resignation, sources within the APC revealed that some leaders from Ondo South are already insisting that Senator Ibrahim’s replacement must come from within the existing party structure. Others argued that the contest should be thrown open to allow for broader participation.

The development has also rekindled intra-party rivalries within the APC, particularly between the camps loyal to Senator Ibrahim, those aligned with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, federal-level stakeholders and money bag politicians seeking to assert influence and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in order to have a share of political positions ahead of the 2027 general election.

In the midst of the political bickering, the opposition parties, particularly the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are reportedly weighing the option as they hope to capitalize on any cracks within the ruling APC for the Senate seat.

The PDP, which once dominated Ondo South, is now smelling opportunity as the timing presents an opening. The party is yet to regain its old statewide strength, but political pundits insist that a fractured APC could give the opposition a fighting chance – especially in Odigbo and Okitipupa, where it still retains a few pockets of influence.

As the district awaits formal timelines from INEC, political activities across the Ondo South are expected to intensify, with alignments, endorsements, and power negotiations likely to define the emergence as the unfolding race is already drawing battle lines among three dominant forces: the incumbent governor, the Abuja power blocs, and the Senator Ibrahim camp.

According to insiders, the supporters of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa are already seeing the upcoming by-election as an opportunity to consolidate his influence within the district as he positions himself ahead of the 2027 cycle mostly in rallying support for President Tinubu’s re-lection bid.

The governor, who is also rumoured to still have an eye in the governorship seat after completing his current tenure, is expected to back a candidate – for the Ondo Senate Senatorial District – capable of strengthening his reach, especially in the oil-producing belt where his political roots lie.

Also, the Abuja power blocs are already tightening their belt with federal-level politicians, including a top minister from the state, political appointees, and APC national powerbrokers eyeing the contest for their loyalists to hold firm the zone.

For them, the Ondo South seat is not just a legislative position but a strategic foothold that could shape negotiations within the national APC structure for future elections in the state.

While the politicking is ongoing, Senator Ibrahim’s loyalists and supporters argued that the federal lawmaker or at least his political machinery should have considerable influence in choosing his replacement for the seat even as many of them insist that continuity is essential for ongoing constituency projects and political stability.

Observers predicted that if the three blocs are not aligned, their competing interests may result in a messy internal struggle that could affect the chances of the APC in the contest.

One of the political pundits in the state, Barrister Jenyo Orimisan, said that the upcoming bye-election would hot up with the capacity of various aspirants already showing interest in the seat.

Orimisan explained, “It’s going to be a battle of the Titans if the leadership of the APC didn’t quickly intervene now, and the contest is thrown open. Don’t forget that the Ondo South seat – covering Okitipupa, Ilaje, Irele, Ese Odo, Odigbo, and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo has historically been highly competitive.

“The zone formally a strong hold of the opposition party has now been fragmented with ethnic interests, party loyalty, and the powerful voting blocs along the oil-rich coastal belt playing significant roles in determining outcomes and who becomes what.

“So, it would be tough, and everyone wants to show support for President Bola Tinubu for 2027 election. Nobody would also want to rule out the influence of the incumbent governor. With the calibre of cabinet members in the Aiyedatiwa’s government from Ondo South, would anyone want to say he won’t influence who takes over from Jimoh Ibrahim. The answer is capital No.”

Though, there are no major contenders who have publicly declared for the seat, but consultations and political permutations have begun with some of the aspirants making underground moves.

The aspirants include former political heavyweights and office holders, former federal and state lawmakers angling for a return, technocrats seeking political entry, and grassroots mobilisers putting in heads and already positioning themselves for a potential contest.

They include but no limited to Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, Barrister Morayo Lebi, former APC senatorial aspirant; Akinfolarin Mayowa, ex-House of Representatives member; and Mathew Oye Oyerinmade (MATO) and former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Princess Oladunni Odu.

Others are: Former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele, former Chief Press Secretary to the erstwhile Ondo governor, Eniola Akinsola, Boye Oyewumi, Diran Iyantan and Otunba Kayode Fakuyi among several others.

Senator Tofowomo

Tofowomo was the Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District of Ondo State at the 9th National Assembly from 2019 to 2023. In a supplementary election, he was elected as senator, representing Ondo South after defeating the then Incumbent Senator Yele Omogunwa. He previously served as the commissioner for transport during the former administration of ex-governor Olusegun Mimiko.

Barr. Lebi

Lebi is a distinguished figure in the APC in Ondo state, who had established himself as a visionary leader with a career spanning over three decades, having introduced the party to the Southern part of the state. He contested for various offices, including the Ondo South Senatorial seat in 2015, although he lost the exercise. He also contested the 2024 governorship election exercise.

Lebi’s commitment to the party’s ideals is evident in his philanthropic efforts, including an N5 million contribution to support the rebuilding of the APC’s state secretariat, which was destroyed during the ENDSARS protest.

Hon. Akinfolarin

Akinfolarin was a former legislator and member of the Ondo State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2011, where he rose to the position of a deputy speaker and was also a member of the Nigeria Federal House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023. He won the House of Representatives’ seats to represent the interest of Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo constituency.

Akinfolarin further re-contested the seat and again won under the APC in 2019, becoming the only APC candidate that won the National Assembly election in Ondo South Senatorial District. Among other several positions, he held the position of the chairman House Committee on Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) of the 9th National Assembly.

Mathew Oye Oyerinmade

Oyerinmade, popularly known as MATO, is also a chieftain of the APC and renowned businessman. He contested the race for the Ondo South Senatorial Seat in 2023.

Born in Oke-Igbo, an ancient town in Ileoluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, on May 27, 1967, Oyerinmade is also known as a

quiet philanthropist who has contributed consistently and immensely to poverty alleviation, empowerment, and community development in different parts of Ondo State.

Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu

Odu is an astute politician. She was born on December, 29 1952 in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State. She was appointed as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) by former governor late Rotimi Akeredolu. She was a Commissioner for Education in Ondo State (1995-1999), former Commissioner for Women Affairs,(January1999 to May 1999), Chairman, Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) from September 2003 – February, 2009.

In 2013, Odu was appointed Director, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba; a position she held till 2015. She was also appointed the Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Akure in 2015. She was again appointed the Chairman, Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, by late Akeredolu in October 2017.

Rt (Hon) Jumoke Akindele

Akindele was the first female speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly. She is also a lawyer. She was born in Okitipupa LGA. In April 2007, Hon Jumoke contested the seat of the constituency, Okitipupa constituency II, but lost to the opposition party. She re-contested on 11 April 2011 and was elect a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, where she served as Chairman of House Committee on Education before she was elected Speaker of the Assembly.

On May 27, 2015, she was elected Speaker of the Assembly following the sudden demise of the former speaker Samuel Adesina. She relinquished the leadership position of the house in a resignation letter dated 20 March 2018.

Eniola Akinsola

Akinsola is the former Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko. He’s a journalist, writer, columnist, and season politician who hails from Ondo. He’s also progressive and once contested the Senate seat for the Ondo South Senatorial District.

Boye Oyewumi

Oyewumi is a businessman and season politician. He is a former governorship aspirant under the platform of the ruling APC. He is from Oke-Igbo in Ile-Oluji. Oyewumi carries with him a legacy of discipline, public service, and community loyalty. He is also jostling for the race to take over from Jimoh Ibrahim.

Oyewumi’s political consciousness was awakened early. As a young activist in the 1990s, he joined the historic Hope ’93 presidential campaign of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, standing firmly on the side of democratic values. He later aligned with the NADECO movement, lending his voice to Nigeria’s struggle for the restoration of democracy.

Diran Iyantan

Iyantan is a former Federal Commissioner for National Population Commission (NPC), representing Ondo State and former governorship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 16th, 2024 governorship election in Ondo State. He also served as a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Ondo State.

The Ikale-born APC chieftain has been involved in progressive politics in the state since the inception of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), which later evolved into the APC. He’s also eyeing the Senate seat.

Ogbeni Fakuyi

Fakuyi, who hails from Ilutitun Ward 2 in Okitipupa local government area, is also a big player in the ruling APC. He was coordinator for Buhari Vanguard in Ondo State in 2014/2015. He coordinated a group of young professionals for the Tinubu/Shettima campaign in the 2023 general election.

He was a leading voice for the restoration of power supply to Ondo South Senatorial District when the distribution company disconnected the entire zone from the national grid. Mr Fakuyi holds Masters degree in Legislative Studies from the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abuja. He is a legislative consultant to many federal lawmakers and legislative institutions with primary focus on public policy, public procurement, and constitutional matters.

SOURCE PAGE

•To undergo medical treatment before being reunited with parents

•Tinubu welcomes their release, orders rescue of others

By Wole Mosadomi

Minna—The 100 students of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, abducted over two weeks ago by terrorists, have been handed over to the Niger State government, yesterday.

Their release was facilitated by the Federal Government on Sunday night.

This came as President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, welcomed the release of 100 abducted students, as he directed security agencies to secure the immediate freedom of the remaining 115 pupils and their teachers still in captivity.

Looking frail, the lucky students arrived Government House, Minna, about 5:15p.m., under a heavy security and was led by the representative of the National Security Adviser, NSA, Wing Commander Abdullahi Hong.

Wing Commander Hong while handing over the victims to the government at Government House said the release was as a result of Federal Government efforts.

“The rescue operation was a combined efforts of the Army, the Department of State Secutiry, DSS, the Police, and it was seamless operation.

“With the release, over 100 of the students and staff of the school are still in capacity in an unknown destination with the bandits.”

It was not revealed wether ransom was paid to secure their release of the students.

Receiving the children, Governor Mohammed Bago expressed happiness over the release of the students just as he expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and all the security agents that made the release of the abducted students possible.

“The government is praying for the release of the remaining children from their abductors. Those released will undergo medical check up before reuniting with their families,” the governor said.

Recall that proprietor of the school, who is also Christain Association of Nigeria, CAN, Chairman in the state, Most Reverend Bulus Yohana had declared that 315 persons, including teachers were abducted on November 21, 2025, about 2a.m.

Few hours later, 50 of the victims escaped from the bandits on their way to the forest.

The NSA, Ribadu visited Kontagora last week and assured that the students were “doing fine and will be released soon.”

Security personnel barred journalists from moving close to the victims for interview.

Tinubu welcomes release of students, orders rescue of others

“I rejoice with Governor Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work,” the President said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“My directive remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims,” the statement quoted the President as saying.

Tinubu said the Federal Government was working with the Niger State government to reunite the children with their families and to strengthen security around schools nationwide.

“From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists,” he added.

According to Onanuga, those efforts contributed to Monday’s release and would be intensified until all the Papiri hostages are rescued.

“The Federal Government will continue to work with Niger State and other states to secure our schools and make the learning environment safer and more conducive,” Tinubu affirmed.

The post 100 students released by terrorists handed over to Niger govt appeared first on Vanguard News.

SOURCE PAGE

Chiemelie Ezeobi 

To personally evaluate the operational capability of naval fleets and adherence to standard operating procedures during real-time maritime operations, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, on Monday formally flagged off the Nigerian Navy’s Annual Sea Exercise.

With full compliments of 16 naval warships, the CNS flagged off the two-day exercise themed Exercise ERU OBODO, which means “Guardian of the Nation”, onboard Nigerian Navy Ship KADA at the jetty of BEECROFT in Lagos. 

The naval vessels include NNS KADA, NNS IKOGOSI, DB ABUJA, NNS GURARA, NNS IKENNE, NNS IBENO, NNS KANO, NNS EKULU, NNS ABA, NNS CENTENARY, NNS MAMBILA, NNS FARO, NNS SOKOTO, NNS CHALAWA, NNS OLOIBIRI and NNS ZUR. 

While reaffirming the navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and contributing to security across the Gulf of Guinea, Vice Admiral Abbas described the exercise as a central pillar of the Nigerian Navy’s operational calendar and a critical platform for testing fleet readiness, operational effectiveness and combat preparedness.

He noted that Nigeria’s maritime environment remains strategically vital as a corridor for commerce, a source of immense natural resources and a frontline of national security and as such, the navy’s ability to dominate the maritime space, guarantee freedom of navigation and deter criminality remains non-negotiable.

Vice Admiral Abbas explained that EX ERU OBODO has been carefully structured to mirror real-world operational challenges. The exercise will test a broad range of naval competencies, including fleet manoeuvres, advanced gunnery, anti-piracy operations, suppression of illegal oil bunkering, search and rescue missions, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations.

The exercise will also evaluate inter-agency cooperation with key maritime stakeholders, as well as the Navy’s capacity for logistics support and combat sustainability at extended ranges from shore bases.

Beyond Nigeria’s waters, the CNS reiterated that the Nigerian Navy remains a key stabilising force in the Gulf of Guinea, contributing significantly to the reduction of piracy, protection of shipping lanes and the promotion of maritime governance in the region.

Under the leadership of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he affirmed that the navy stands fully prepared to undertake any mission assigned to it. 

“Exercises like this strengthen our readiness and ensure that we remain a reliable guardian of Nigeria’s maritime interests and regional maritime security,” he said.

Addressing participating ships, helicopters, special forces and supporting units, the Naval Chief urged personnel to view the exercise not as a routine drill but as battle preparation, just as he added that the exercise would translate into safer waterways for fishermen and mariners, a more secure Gulf of Guinea and enhanced economic prosperity.

“You must operate with tactical rigor, procedural precision and uncompromising discipline. Push your platforms and yourselves to the limit, identify gaps, learn from every evolution and build the muscle memory required for real combat,” he stressed, while emphasising that safety must remain paramount throughout all phases of the exercise.

On piracy and illegal fishing, the CNS noted that sustained patrols and exercises such as EX ERU OBODO are essential to maintaining recent security gains and sending a clear message to maritime criminals that the Nigerian Navy remains vigilant, capable and ever ready.

Earlier, the Officer in Tactical Command (OTC), who also doubles as the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral A.A. Mustapha, said the maritime environment has become increasingly complex, with persistent threats such as sea robbery, crude oil theft, illegal trafficking and unregulated exploitation of marine resources.

He said the exercise provides an opportunity for the CNS to assess the operational readiness of the fleet in line with his mission of deploying a highly motivated, professional and combat-ready Navy capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting joint operations.

Also speaking, the Officer Conducting the Exercise (OCE) and Chief of Operations Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral M.B. Katagum, said the exercise aligns squarely with the CNS Strategic Directives on fleet readiness and mission effectiveness.

He reiterated that the exercise is designed to test and refine the Navy’s capacity to secure Nigeria’s maritime interests through effective command and control, logistics sustainability, tactical manoeuvres and coordinated employment of maritime and air assets.

SOURCE PAGE

By Shina Abubakar

OSOGBO— THE Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, CCNC, yesterday, raised fresh concerns over the prolonged withholding of local government funds meant for Osun State, warning that the development has pushed the state into what it described as a deepening socio-economic crisis.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo, the spokesperson of the coalition, Mr Raufu Sodiq, said the situation has inflicted widespread hardship on residents across the state.

According to him, the coalition carried out extensive investigations involving field visits, interviews with community stakeholders and assessments across major sectors.

He said the findings showed that the continued seizure of local government allocations has crippled livelihoods and weakened essential public services.

He said: “Osun masses are suffering; the impact of this withheld fund is visible in every community across the state.

“Many small businesses that depend on local government workers for patronage have suffered declining income, high debt levels and rising health challenges caused by financial pressure.

“Over N500 million worth of agricultural projects have been abandoned, and this is a direct threat to food security in Osun State.

“Many of the students are now malnourished and the school has accumulated debts owed to food vendors.”

While issuing a series of demands, the coalition disclosed that it would escalate the situation by embarking on mass protests across the country.

He said: “We are giving the Central Bank of Nigeria a three-day ultimatum to ensure the funds are released and accessible to all local governments.”

“If the Federal Government fails to act within three days, we will adopt more drastic measures, including nationwide confrontation, to seek justice for the people of Osun.”

The post CCNC to FG: Osun people suffering over withheld LG funds appeared first on Vanguard News.

SOURCE PAGE

The Olugbodi Family of Ara Kingdom in Egbedore Local Council of Osun State announced the passing of their patriarch, Chief Joshua Oyedele Olugbodi.

A former senior executive of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chief Olugbodi died on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the age of 94.

A celebrated community leader and philanthropist, he served as the Bobagunwa of Ara and Chairman of Egbedore Local Council of Osun State.

He is survived by his wife, Grace Olabisi and many children and grandchildren.

His son, Dr Tunji Olugbodi, Executive Vice Chairman of Verdant Zeal Communications Ltd and Asiwaju of Ara, expressed devastation at his father’s passing but gratitude for his impactful life.

Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

SOURCE PAGE

African entrepreneur Darvey Ugochukwu Ezeala is expanding his footprint across technology and luxury real estate.

Ezeala is redirecting his focus from media and brand strategy into two fast-growing sectors: AI-driven app development and premium short-term rentals.

Ezeala is fast positioning himself as one of the leading voices in the continent’s evolving digital economy.

Under the TMS Group, he is developing custom mobile applications and automation tools designed to help African SMEs improve customer management, payments, workflow efficiency and digital marketing.

He is also integrating artificial intelligence into these solutions, with new tools for business analytics and predictive real estate modelling.

Alongside his tech initiatives, Darvey Ezeala is scaling a luxury short-let business aimed at corporate clients, international travellers and digital professionals. His properties feature high-end interior design, smart automation and concierge-style services.

With plans to expand into Europe, the UAE and the United States, Ezeala says his goal is to build a globally competitive tech ecosystem while mentoring emerging African entrepreneurs.

Please follow and like us:

SOURCE PAGE

President Bola Tinubu on Monday engaged six governors on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in a closed-door session at the State House, Abuja.

The purpose of the meeting was not immediately disclosed, and details of its agenda remained unclear as of press time.

Governors in attendance were those of Jigawa, Umar Namadi; Edo, Monday Okpebholo; Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji; Kogi, Usman Ododo; Sokoto, Aliyu Sokoto; and Kebbi, Dr Nasir Idris, who arrived at the Presidential Villa separately.

The meeting, held in the President’s office, lasted almost two hours.

Although no Presidency official offered insight into the agenda, the consultations come amid rising security concerns across the country and ongoing political engagements within the ruling party.

The governors declined to speak to newsmen when approached for comments.

Tinubu has recently intensified focus on national security by convening a series of high-level meetings involving key security stakeholders, including the service chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as intelligence coordinators and senior officials from various security agencies.

These increased engagements were in response to a worrying upsurge in banditry, kidnappings, and violent crimes that have spread across multiple regions, causing widespread public concern and escalating pressure on the federal government for urgent and effective intervention.

These strategic meetings, frequently conducted in secrecy to ensure confidentiality and candid discussion, were aimed at undertaking a comprehensive review of ongoing security operations nationwide.

Discussions have prioritised enhancing coordination and communication among military, police, and intelligence units to foster a more unified and cohesive response to security challenges.

In addition, the sessions have explored innovative and tactical measures that leverage intelligence gathering, rapid deployment, and community engagement to dismantle criminal networks and restore order.

Throughout these consultations, the President has underscored that safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians was paramount.

He has called on the security apparatus to move beyond reactive measures and instead engage in more preventative, intelligence-driven strategies that anticipate threats before they escalate.

The administration’s renewed approach signalled a commitment to reinforcing national security architecture and improving the operational effectiveness of all agencies involved in the fight against crime and insurgency across Nigeria.

Please follow and like us:

SOURCE PAGE

The Alliance for Sahel States (AES), a regional bloc comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Niger Republic, has accused Nigeria of breaching its airspace after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, involved a C-130 military transport aircraft carrying two crew members and nine passengers, all of whom were military personnel.

In a statement issued by the AES, the bloc explained that the Nigerian aircraft made an emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso, a major city in Burkina Faso’s south-western region, while transiting through Burkinabè airspace.

Authorities in Burkina Faso launched an investigation into the incident, concluding that the aircraft lacked proper authorisation to fly over the country, a violation the AES described as a breach of international aviation norms and national sovereignty.

“This constitutes an infringement of national sovereignty and a breach of international law and international rules governing civil and military aviation,” the AES said in the statement.

The confederation described the incident as an “unfriendly act” and pledged to take steps to reinforce the security of its airspace and ensure the sovereignty of member states.

“Measures have been taken to ensure the security of the Confederation’s airspace, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states, and the safety of the populations of the AES Confederation,” the bloc stated.

Incident Follows Nigeria’s Role In Foiling Benin Coup

Tensions between Nigeria and the AES have been simmering in recent months and may be reignited by this latest episode. The incident also comes shortly after Nigeria’s military helped foil a coup attempt in neighbouring Benin Republic.

While ECOWAS and Nigeria saw the intervention as necessary to protect democratic order, the AES bloc has viewed it as a hostile move and a continuation of what it describes as external interference.

In January 2025, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing a lack of support in fighting terrorism and opposition to sanctions imposed following military coups in the three nations.

Although ECOWAS later lifted the sanctions and introduced guidelines for economic and civil cooperation, such as visa-free travel and duty-free trade, the AES bloc introduced a 0.5 per cent import levy on ECOWAS member countries in April, signalling deepening division.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

SOURCE PAGE

December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

0

The Ambassadors for Peace and Progress (APP) has appealed to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to forgive the five individuals who publicly confessed to running a N500 million smear campaign against him while he was governor of Zamfara State.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, the National Coordinator of the group, Rev. Matthew Adejoh, urged the minister not to allow the painful betrayal to distract him from the critical national assignment entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We followed with deep emotion the courageous confession made by Comrade Aryan Abdul Kareem and his colleagues. Their admission has exposed the depth of political desperation in Zamfara State, but it has also opened a rare door for healing and reconciliation,” Rev. Adejoh said.

Describing Dr. Matawalle as “a peaceful, kind and large-hearted leader who is a friend to everyone,” the cleric appealed to him to extend the same hand of fellowship he has always shown to people of all faiths.

“Dr. Bello Matawalle is known across the North as a man who builds bridges, not walls,” he said. Quoting Colossians 3:13, he added: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

“These young men have fallen on their knees in public and begged for mercy. As believers and as patriots, we plead with His Excellency to forgive them and everyone who was paid to destroy his name.

The bandits ravaging our region do not read sponsored articles — they only respect superior resolve and unity of purpose.”

The Ambassadors praised President Tinubu for appointing Matawalle, saying the elevation was divine recompense for years of wicked blackmail.

“Your enemies spent over half a billion naira to pull you down, yet Allah raised you to the very centre of Nigeria’s war against terror. Let this confession be the final burial of that evil plot,” Rev. Adejoh declared.

While calling on the EFCC, ICPC and security agencies to immediately investigate the allegation that the State funds were used to sponsor media attacks, the group insisted that Dr. Matawalle himself should choose the path of forgiveness.

“Let justice run its full course, but let our dear Minister show the maturity, kindness and large-heartedness that made President Tinubu bring him to Abuja. Forgive them, Your Excellency. Focus all your energy on helping Mr. President end insecurity forever. That is the greatest victory.”

SOURCE PAGE

• A Nigerian lady has publicly announced that she won’t be present at the 2026 edition of ‘The Experience’ event
• ‘The Experience’ is an annual, free, all-night gospel music concert held in Lagos and convened by Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House On The Rock, and attracts a large gathering for worship
• After her unpleasant experience at the 2025 edition, which was held some days ago, the lady decided to boycott the 2026 edition

A lady, known on TikTok as @naijawifeylife1, has declared that she won’t attend ‘The Experience’ event in 2026.

The lady who was at the 2025 edition in Lagos, which was held on Friday, December 5, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), did not enjoy her time at the event and explained why.

A lady says she won’t attend ‘The Experience’ 2026.
Photo Credit: @naijawifeylife1, @theexperiencelagos
Source: TikTok

Why lady wants to boycott ‘The Experience’

In a TikTok post, the lady lamented that the noise at the 2025 edition was too much and distracting, and for this reason, she won’t be at next year’s edition.

Read also

Lady who attended The Experience 2025 concert shares why she won’t attend next year, video trends

She shared a video from the concluded event showing a group of attendees making noise with vuvuzelas. The words overlaid on her video read:

“The reason why I won’t be attending next year’s ‘Experience’ the noise was just too much and distracting.”

She further lamented that she quarrelled with an attendee because of his unpleasant use of a vuvuzela. In her words:

“Gosh! I legit quarrelled with someone because of his insensitive vuvuzuela blo’wing. They legit bought this to torment people.”

Her unpleasant experience and decision sparked mixed reactions on the social media platform.

A lady complains about the noise problem at ‘The Experience’ program in Lagos.
Photo Credit: @theexperiencelagos
Source: Instagram

Watch her video below:

‘The Experience’: Netizens react to lady’s encounter

Legit.ng has compiled some reactions to the lady’s unpleasant experience below:

That_black_girl_💥🦋 said:

“I didn’t attend this year cos of this nonsense!!! I want to go enjoy good sounds and music but these trumpets thing will not allow you so what’s the point? People that are watching online even enjoy it better …. Untill they ban this thing I will not go again.”

Read also

Heated debate trails video of Junior Pope’s widow posing with Mercy Johnson: “She done move on?”

DAiCHE_SHOT 🔥 said:

“Funny how the host does not know you came ! If you like no come thousands go still pull up.”

Darmihdeeva 🥰😌 said:

“I would still go but I discovered that the field behind the stadium is the best with a big screen, good sound, lots of chairs to sit and even very peaceful with less noise.”

CLOTHES VENDOR IN LAGOS 🛍️ said:

“Fr, it was too bad, They need to ban the vuvuzela.”

solobossgadgets3 said:

“Even when they told them to stop blo’wing knockout they didn’t listen ooo.”

ESTIE 🧿👑🦋🌸🧸🍭 said:

“Y’all complaining 🙄 Is it your first time attending Experience? They do this every year.”

itz prebo bliss 101🇧🇪 said:

“If u no like noise no pull body…. Even if u no attend, x1000 are preparing to attend.”

In a related story, Legit.ng reported that ‘The Experience’ 2024 edition had witnessed a large turnout of people.

Read also

Trump airs doubt about Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros.

The Experience 20: Massive turnout at event

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that there was a massive turnout at the 2025 edition of ‘The Experience.’

This year’s edition saw “No Turning Back” hit singer Gaise Baba making his debut appearance. Other Nigerian gospel singers at the event included Frank Edwards, Bidemi Olaoba, Yinka Alaseyori, Moses Bliss, Sinach, Mercy Chinwo, Dunsin Oyekan, among others. They were also joined by international gospel artistes like Travis Greene and Chandler Moore.

The theme for this year was dubbed “Jesus United,” as people joined the event physically and virtually. Videos from the event grounds at Tafawa Balewa Square have shown that worshippers turned up in large numbers.

Source: Legit.ng

SOURCE PAGE