Gbenga Sodeinde In Ado Ekiti

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to invest huge resources in the modernisation of physical infrastructure where workers who handle local government administration operate, describing it as the most veritable impetus to accomplish full transformation of the third tier of government.

Governor Oyebanji pledged yesterday during the official inauguration of the new office for the  Ministry of Local Government Affairs located within the precinct of the state secretariat in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

The governor, re-presented by his Deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, was highly ecstatic with the completion of the project, and branded the structure as a necessity and a luxury, saying any office that handles the local government works, where over 70 percent of the population is resident, must operate under a conducive ambience.

As a pragmatic way of promoting excellence, Oyebanji added that his government has ramped up training for workers and shown commitment to their welfare, saying he will continue to provide all necessary incentives that can make the civil service the real engine room of governance.

He said his government was aware of the harrowing experiences of workers while operating under a challenging former office replete with inadequate space, aging infrastructure that is structurally weak, poor ventilation and safety, as well as fragmented work locations that impeded teamwork and coordination.

Oyebanji commended the workers for being resilient and dedicated despite operating with such daunting constraints.

He said: “We understand clearly that an institution charged with the coordination of the local government administration must operate in an environment that reflects efficiency, order, and dignity. Therefore, the reconstruction and expansion effort becomes a necessity and not a luxury.

“What we have before us is a transformation. Modern offices and work spaces, newly built additional offices to accommodate expanding responsibilities, improved ICT system, conference and meeting rooms designed for collaboration, better records management facilities, safer, healthier, and more comfortable working conditions.

“These facilities will enable officers in the ministry to plan better, coordinate better,  supervise better, and ultimately serve our people at the grassroots better. By upgrading the capacity of this ministry, we are strengthening the backbone of grassroots administration across Ekiti State.

“This is consistent with our agenda for inclusive development, institutional reform, and people-centred governance.”

Espousing his views about the pivotality of the project, the state Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Folorunso Olabode, branded it a clear and more appropriate testament to Governor Oyebanji’s administration’s strides to enhance efficiency within the civil service.

Reeling out the accessories provided within the office, Olabode said it comprises 34-room offices that can accommodate 120 workers, describing the edifice as aligning perfectly with Governor  Oyebanji’s doctrine of robust grassroots governance that can bolster productivity and enhance delivery.

Olabode revealed that the project has a moderately commodious mini conference hall that can accommodate 200 persons, thereby signposting how compact and effective the architectural design was.

“For many years, the need for a befitting office accommodation has been an issue that the staff members have yearned for. Today, we achieved it because we have a governor who places a high value on the efficiency and welfare of workers. Let us reciprocate the gesture by being dedicated to duties,” he stated.

The Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Olusegun Ojo, showered eulogies on Governor Oyebanji for elevating local government administration to a higher pedestal in terms of delivery enabled by high financial autonomy and strong aversion to abandoned projects.

Ojo promised that his colleagues at the local government level would continue to partner with Governor Oyebanji on his well-focused mission to rejuvenate the system and make it garner enough stamina to function properly, and to banish poverty and neglect at the third-tier cadre.

 Saluting the state government’s commitment to the welfare of the civil servants, the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, described the project as an architectural masterpiece that befits the civil service, which can help engender staff effectiveness.

“You can notice that Governor Oyebanji is a lover of the civil servants. He believes in a functional and effective civil service, and we are having a ray of hope that things will begin to look up. Let us be dedicated to duties and do what we are supposed to do to enhance productivity,” he stated.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Monday defended controversial ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, revealing that organisers had received a record 150 million requests for tickets in the past two weeks.

Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, Infantino stressed that all revenues from next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada would be pumped back into football around the world.

Infantino’s comments were his first public remarks since the ticketing furore erupted earlier this month, with fan groups branding ticket prices as “extortionate” and “astronomical”.

FIFA later responded to the criticism by announcing that a sliver of tickets on sale would be priced at $60.

“In the last few days, you’ve probably seen there is a lot of debate about ticketing and ticket prices,” Infantino told the Dubai conference on Monday.

“We have six, seven million tickets on sale and we started two weeks ago. I can tell you in two weeks, 15 days, we received 150 million ticket requests. This shows how powerful the World Cup is.”

Infantino said the majority of ticket requests had come from the United States, followed by requests from Germany and Britain.

“If you think that in 100 years of history of the World Cup, FIFA has sold 44 million tickets in total, so in two weeks for the next World Cup, we could have filled 300 years of World Cups,” Infantino said. “This is absolutely crazy.”

“And what is important, what is crucial is that the revenues that are generated from this are going back to the game all over the world and FIFA is the only organisation in the world…that finances football in the entire world.

“Without FIFA there will be no football in 150 countries in the world. There is football thanks to these revenues that we generate from the World Cup which we reinvest all over the world.”

Fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) had been among the most prominent critics of FIFA’s pricing strategy for 2026.

The group said earlier this month tickets would cost almost five times more than tickets for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

AFP

The post Infantino defends World Cup ticket prices, cites ‘crazy’ demand appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed concern over the failure of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to address the long-standing issue of unpaid and delayed Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) allowances affecting Nigerian students across tertiary institutions nationwide.

NAN’s Assistant Secretary General, Comrade Adejuwon Emmanuel, in a statement on Tuesday, said thousands of students who participated in the SIWES programme have reportedly been denied their statutory allowances for years.

“Despite repeated complaints, petitions, and engagements by students’ unions and stakeholders, the situation has remained largely unresolved, subjecting students to undue hardship and eroding confidence in an intervention programme designed to support skill acquisition and workforce development.

“We note with concern that under the leadership of the Director General of ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, there has been no clear, transparent, or comprehensive explanation to Nigerian students regarding the status of these outstanding payments.

“The continued silence, poor communication, and lack of accountability surrounding SIWES disbursements raise serious questions about administrative efficiency and institutional responsibility within the ITF,” he said.

He added that while the Union does not pre-empt the outcome of any investigation, the widespread allegations of fund mismanagement and diversion circulating among affected students were deeply troubling and demand urgent clarification.

“The federal government owes Nigerian students an obligation of transparency, especially on matters involving public funds earmarked for education and youth development”, the students said.

The students’ body called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene by ordering a comprehensive audit and investigation into the management of SIWES funds over the years.

“Pending the outcome of such an investigation, it is in the interest of institutional integrity and public confidence that the leadership of the ITF be reviewed. Where necessary, the Director-General should either step aside or be relieved of his duties to allow for an unhindered probe.

“Nigerian students should not continue to suffer for administrative failures. SIWES is not a privilege; it is a statutory entitlement. Any system that consistently denies students this right has failed its mandate,” the statement stated.

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Tension heightened in Osun State on Tuesday as opposing leaders of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) issued conflicting statements over the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) decision to end an 11-month strike and resume work in January 2026.

In a statement on Tuesday, ALGON chairman aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC), Samuel Idowu Abiodun, alerted security agencies to possible breaches of peace across the 30 local government areas and the Ife-East Area Office in Modakeke.

Abiodun said security agencies should “hold Comrade Kehinde Nathaniel Ogungbangbe responsible should there be any breakdown of law and order following NULGE’s announcement that workers would resume duties on January 5, 2026.”

DAILY POST had reported that local government employees had withdrawn services since February 2025, following disputes over the resumption of office by APC-elected council officials reinstated by court orders, leaving council secretariats largely inactive.

Ogungbangbe, President of the Osun State chapter of NULGE, announced on Monday, December 29, that workers would return to work on Monday, January 5, 2026, and called on security agencies to provide protection during the resumption.

Reacting, Abiodun said the resumption notice was “a guise to cause chaos. The APC-elected chairmen and councillors remain the constitutionally recognized occupants of the councils pending final court determination.

“We have been patient and law-abiding since February, but the latest statement from Ogungbangbe shows an intention to subject the state to unrest.

“For the avoidance of doubt, our occupation of council secretariats is legal, constitutional, and legitimate until the courts finally determine our tenure.”

However, a rival statement issued the same day by Sarafadeen Abiodun Awotunde, Executive Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government and ALGON, rejected Abiodun’s claims and described his leadership as self-acclaimed.

Awotunde said the directive by NULGE for workers to resume was lawful and constitutional, insisting that local government employees had the right to access their workplaces without obstruction.

“Local government workers are the legitimate landlords in their councils, while the APC chairmen are illegal tenants. The dispute before the courts did not involve civil servants.”

He maintained that the tenure of the APC chairmen and councillors had elapsed on October 22, citing references made during Supreme Court proceedings.

Awotunde also said the Court of Appeal judgment of June 13, 2025, remained valid and enforceable, warning that continued occupation of council offices could amount to contempt of court.

“Should there be any breakdown of law and order anywhere in the state, Mr. Abiodun Idowu and his associates should be held responsible. We urge security agencies to ensure a peaceful resumption of work,” he demanded.

Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the APC, in a statement by Kola Olabisi, its Director of Media and Information, accused the Osun NULGE leadership of overstepping its authority by attempting to dictate conditions for the resumption of work after an 11-month strike.

The APC alleged that NULGE, under its chairman, Dr. Kehinde Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, had become “needlessly involved in partisan politics and was acting as an extension of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s political camp.”

The party described NULGE’s announcement of a January resumption as welcome but said the conditions attached were illegal and contemptuous.

The party insisted that employees could not determine which council executives they would work with.

“It is strange and preposterous for employees to be dictating rules of engagement for their employers. The tenure of the APC-reinstated chairmen and councillors remains before the Federal High Court in Osogbo and could not be decided by the union,” it added.

The APC warned that any attempt to enforce the resumption with conditions could threaten public peace and urged the Police, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to remain alert.

“Should there be any breakdown of law and order in the councils, Ogungbangbe should be expressly held responsible. Security agencies should protect workers who wish to resume without being tied to any obnoxious and illegal conditionalities,” the statement added.

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Former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, appeared in court on Tuesday over allegations of money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Naija News reports that Malami appeared along with his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and one other person before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of money laundering.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charge brought against them.

Naija News recalls that the EFCC had filed a 16-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against Malami, his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and an associate, Hajia Bashir Asabe, over alleged money laundering and unlawful acquisition of properties valued at over N8.7 billion.

In the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, the defendants were accused of conspiring to conceal, disguise, retain and indirectly acquire proceeds of unlawful activities through bank accounts, corporate fronts and real estate transactions spanning nearly a decade.

The alleged offences were said to have been committed between 2015 and 2025, largely in Abuja, while Malami was serving as the nation’s chief law officer.

According to the charge filed by the EFCC and signed by a prosecution team led by Chief J.S. Okutepa, SAN, Malami and his son allegedly used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal the unlawful origin of N1.014 billion kept in a Sterling Bank account between July 2022 and June 2025.

The commission further alleged that another N600.01 million was concealed in the same account between September 2020 and February 2021.

The EFCC also accused the defendants of retaining N600 million as cash collateral for a N500 million loan granted by Sterling Bank Plc to Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, despite allegedly knowing that the funds represented proceeds of unlawful activity.

In another count, the anti-graft agency alleged that between November 2022 and October 2025, the defendants indirectly took control of N1.36 billion paid through the Union Bank account of Meethaq Hotels Ltd, which they allegedly knew to be illicit funds.

The EFCC claimed that the alleged actions violate the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The anti-graft agency has listed a range of witnesses, including investigators, bank officials, bureau de change operators, and company representatives, to support its case.

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The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Enlightenment to the Governor of Ondo State, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, has described the newly signed ₦524 billion 2026 budget as a critical and strategic step towards economic advancement and improved welfare for residents of the state.

In a statement on Wednesday, Lawson reacted to the signing into law of the 2026 Appropriation Bill by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, noting that the budget, tagged “Budget of Economic Consolidation,” reflects the administration’s firm commitment to sustaining growth, stability and inclusive development across Ondo State.

According to him, the size and focus of the ₦524 billion budget demonstrate the resolve of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration to consolidate ongoing reforms and developmental gains while laying a stronger foundation for long-term economic prosperity.

Lawson said the 2026 budget deliberately prioritises key sectors that directly impact citizens’ lives, including infrastructure development, education, healthcare delivery, agriculture and human capital development.

He explained that increased investment in infrastructure would further open up the state for business and industrial activities, while improved funding for education and healthcare would enhance human capacity and social wellbeing.

The SSA added that the agricultural component of the budget would strengthen food security, empower farmers and create employment opportunities for youths, while sustained attention to human capital development would ensure that Ondo State remains competitive in a rapidly evolving national and global economy.

Linking the appropriation to the administration’s policy direction, Lawson said the 2026 budget is a continuation of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s vision and governance philosophy.

According to him, the budget aligns clearly with the administration’s agenda, which focuses on Opportunity, Unity, Responsibility, Economic Development, Security and Education, all aimed at improving the quality of life of residents across the state.

Lawson reaffirmed the determination of the Aiyedatiwa administration to pursue the Our Ease Agenda with renewed vigour, stressing that the 2026 budget is not merely a fiscal document but a people-centred roadmap designed to uplift communities, stimulate economic activities and enhance the overall wellbeing of Ondo State citizens.

He called on all stakeholders, including public servants, lawmakers, private sector players and the general public, to support the effective implementation of the budget to ensure that its objectives are fully realised for the benefit of the people of Ondo State.

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Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, has continued to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, recognising them as critical partners in the drive for sustainable socio-economic development across the state.

In a move aimed at deepening inclusive governance, the governor established a Traditional Rulers Consultative Forum to provide advisory and supervisory support for his administration’s infrastructural projects and the implementation of key socio-economic programmes.

A statement issued by Abdullahi Idris, Sadaukin Zuru, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Governor, said traditional rulers have been assigned specific responsibilities, including the review of development projects, impact assessment, and supervision to ensure strict compliance with specifications and standards.

According to the statement, the active involvement of traditional rulers has contributed significantly to the successes recorded by the administration across various sectors of development.

In appreciation of their continued support and commitment, Governor Idris approved the provision of state-of-the-art official vehicles for the Emirs of Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri, and Zuru. He also sanctioned comprehensive overhauls of several palaces, including redesigns and facelifts, with funds released directly to the Emirs to enable prompt payment to contractors.

The cordial relationship between the governor and traditional institutions has drawn commendation from other royal fathers, particularly from the northern axis, who have described the partnership as a model for effective grassroots governance.

The statement noted that the successful hosting of the 2024 National Annual Qur’anic Recitation Competition in Kebbi State further demonstrated Governor Idris’ commitment to promoting Islamic values and strengthening traditional institutions.

More recently, the governor invited the Northern Traditional Rulers Council to Kebbi State for a high-level conference focused on addressing the challenge of armed banditry in the sub-region, underscoring his proactive approach to security and regional cooperation.

Governor Idris’ efforts have earned him several prestigious traditional titles, including Gwarzon Daular Usmaniya, Kauran Nupe, Kauran Kanem Borno, Kauran Gwandu, Jigon Kabi, Gamjin Yauri, and Garkuwan Zuru.

These honours, the statement added, reflect his selfless service to education, philanthropy, and community development, and further position him as a symbol of exemplary leadership and commitment to the people of Kebbi State.

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The Gargari Ward Executive Committee of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Dawakin-Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State has expelled the party’s State Chairman, Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, over allegations of poor leadership, insubordination, and actions said to have triggered persistent internal crises.

Dungurawa, who hails from Gargari Ward, was expelled following a second resolution meeting of the ward executives convened to address what members described as repeated complaints against his leadership style and conduct as state chairman.

Speaking after the meeting, the Chairman of NNPP Gargari Ward, Shu’aibu Hassan, said the decision was unanimously taken in the interest of protecting party unity, discipline, and internal democracy.

According to the ward executives, Dungurawa failed to provide the inclusive, consultative, and responsible leadership expected of someone occupying such a strategic position within the party.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the executives accused the NNPP chairman of arbitrarily expelling and suspending loyal and active party members, a move they said weakened the party’s grassroots structure and created fear, resentment, and disaffection among members.

They also alleged that Dungurawa exhibited insubordination to the Executive Governor of Kano State, an action they described as detrimental to party cohesion and harmful to the relationship between the NNPP and the state government.

The ward leaders further claimed that his actions contributed to factionalisation within the party, deepening internal wrangling and eroding public confidence in the NNPP across the state.

“This decision was taken in the best interest of the NNPP. Continuous crises, disregard for party hierarchy, and the unjust expulsion of committed members have severely weakened the party structure,” the communiqué stated.

The ward executive committee stressed that the expulsion takes immediate effect, adding that Dungurawa no longer has the right to identify himself as a member of the NNPP or represent the party at any level.

They said the resolutions reached at the meeting have been formally documented and forwarded to the appropriate party authorities at the local government, state, and national levels for further action in line with the NNPP constitution.

The Gargari Ward executives reaffirmed their loyalty to the NNPP and pledged continued support for the administration of the Kano State Governor, stressing that unity, discipline, and respect for party rules remain critical to the party’s stability and political future.

As of the time of filing this report, Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa had not issued any official response to the expulsion or the allegations against him.

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Fire incident, on Monday, razed some shops attached to Sango Divisional Police station.

No fever than eight shops were ravaged by the inferno, which destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

Chairman, Oyo State Fire Service, Hon Maroof Akinwande confirmed the development.

Akinwande in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Monday said that no life was lost in the incident.

He added that the operation was carried in conjunction with men of Federal Fire Service.

He said “Upon arrival, we met eight (8) out of eighty four (84) shops engulfed by fire.

“Firemen promptly launched a coordinated attack on the blaze and restricted the fire from spreading to other shops.

“The firefighting operation was jointly carried with the officers from Federal Fire Service, Ibadan Command”.

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The former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has cited an experience from his time as a serving governor to underline what he described as his problem-solving and leadership qualities.

Naija News reports that Obi made the disclosure on Monday during a Space chat on 𝕏 with his supporters, popularly known as the Obidients.

Recounting the incident, Obi said the episode occurred during a flight on British Airways several years ago.

“We were coming back on British Airways years back; I was a serving governor. The entire toilet was messed up. She opened that toilet to use it; it was messed up and she walked away,” he said.

According to him, rather than ignore the situation, he decided to clean the toilet himself after the previous user walked away.

‘I Cleaned It Because I Might Use It Again’

Obi said his action surprised a member of staff who later discovered the toilet had been cleaned.

“I went in there, and she came back. The entire place was cleaned. She didn’t even tell me, but she told a minister and somebody else where she works in the office,” he said.

Quoting the woman, Obi added, “She said, ‘I can’t believe this’.”

He explained that his reason for cleaning the toilet was simple and practical.

“The people called me; I said I cleaned it because maybe I would be the next person that would go back there to use it,” Obi stated.

The former Anambra governor used the story to urge Nigerians to take responsibility when they encounter things that are wrong, instead of looking the other way.

“When you see things that are wrong, clean them. I don’t have house help in my house; everybody knows that. Let us stop all this fake life,” he said.

However, British Airways had yet to react to Obi’s claim as of the time of filing this report.

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• Residents of Bagudo in Kebbi State were thrown into panic after an early-morning explosion rocked the General Hospital on December 30.
• Although the blast caused damage to a building within the hospital’s staff quarters, the Kebbi State Police Command confirmed that no lives were lost, as occupants had evacuated beforehand

Fear gripped the residents of Bagudo, Kebbi State, early Tuesday morning following a powerful explosion at the General Hospital. While the blast caused significant structural damage, the Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that no lives were lost.

The explosion, which occurred in the early hours of December 30, triggered an immediate joint operation involving police officers, soldiers, and vigilante operatives.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed that a building within the hospital’s staff quarters was damaged, but a timely evacuation prevented a tragedy.

“Although one of the buildings within the hospital’s staff quarters sustained damage, all occupants had evacuated before the explosion, resulting in no casualties.”

Experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD-CBRN) unit have been deployed to the scene to determine the nature and source of the blast. SP Usman assured the community that the situation is currently under control.

The Commissioner of Police has urged the public to avoid the area while investigators work.

“Operatives swiftly took control of the area to forestall any further danger… [We] appeal to members of the public to remain calm and keep away from the hospital surroundings.”

The incident remains under close watch as authorities work to determine if the explosion was accidental or a deliberate act of sabotage.

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• The Nigerian social media community has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular influencer and writer Anderson Damisa, known as LazyWrita.
• News of his passing emerged through a scheduled Instagram post in which he expressed emotional exhaustion, reflected on his life, and said goodbye to loved ones.
• Tributes have since poured in from fans, colleagues, and fellow creatives, many expressing shock, grief, and regret that help did not reach him in time.

The Nigerian social media community is in deep mourning following the death of popular influencer and writer Anderson Damisa, widely known as LazyWrita.

The news of his passing broke through a chilling scheduled post on his Instagram page, where he explicitly stated his intention to end his life, citing mental exhaustion and a lack of energy to continue.

In the lengthy and emotional post, Anderson addressed his loved ones and followers, asking them not to grieve but to celebrate the adventurous life he lived. He revealed that he had already deleted his other social media accounts, leaving only a final message to prevent “false narratives.”

“Don’t cry for me please o… I lived a full and adventurous life… I just don’t have the energy to continue anymore. Now, I am Happy, Unburdened and FREEEEEE !!! The only things i regret is not watching the new episodes of Stranger Things and not getting married to the LOML when I had a chance… Please don’t cry and don’t shoulder any blame regardless of everything we went through.”

Anderson used his final moments to express deep love for his family and a former partner. He encouraged his “Love of My Life” (LOML) to move forward and find happiness.

“Through my happiest and saddest days, You were the best thing that ever happened to me. I want you to LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH, MAKE BABIES and be HAPPY!… I love you Nene, Mary, Israel, Wadi, Roy, I would choose you all to be my family over and over and over and over again. You made this journey of life better.”

The post has triggered a wave of shock across the Nigerian digital space. Influencers, colleagues, and fans have flooded his comment section, many expressing regret that they were unable to reach out in time.

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The Police Command in Kebbi has confirmed an early morning explosion at the General Hospital, Bagudo, Bagudo Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.

This is contained in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi by the command’s spokesman, Bashir Usman, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Mr Usman said, “We want to assure all residents of the area of full control over the security situation following a loud explosion at the General Hospital, Bagudo, in the early hours of Tuesday, Dec. 30.

“A joint security team of police, military, and vigilante personnel has swiftly cordoned off and secured the affected area. Specialist EOD-CBRN teams are on-site conducting a thorough assessment.

“We are grateful to confirm that there are no casualties. While a building in the staff quarters was damaged, the occupants had already evacuated safely.

“The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state had reinforced the area with additional tactical deployments to maintain public order.”

The police spokesman added that the CP assured the general public that a comprehensive investigation was ongoing.

“We urge the public to remain calm and avoid the immediate vicinity to support the ongoing security and investigative operations. Further updates will be provided as necessary,” he said.

(NAN)

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December 30, 2025December 30, 2025

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Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka

Culture has been described as one of the keys to economic growth in an economy.
The Director-General (DG) of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr. Ola Awakan, spoke extensively on the importance of showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural and creative assets to drive sustainable tourism growth and the economy.

Speaking at the 19th edition of Culturati, Nigeria’s flagship culture and arts festival, Dr. Awakan emphasized that platforms like Culturati should be strengthened and exported as tourism products to attract visitors, investment, and global attention.

The festival, held at the Oriental Waterfront, Lekki, Lagos, attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, creatives, and tourism stakeholders, demonstrating the growing intersection between culture and destination development.

Dr. Awakan recalled his personal creative journey on the same stage, saying, “This is proof of how powerful cultural platforms can be, not just for art, but for tourism and nation branding.”

He commended the convener of Culturati, Mr. Idris Aregbe, for sustaining the festival and positioning it as a global-facing cultural product.

Cultural festivals like Culturati promote cultural tourism, preserve heritage, stimulate local economies, and create sustainable livelihoods for creatives, while reinforcing Nigeria’s image as a vibrant and diverse destination.

The festival featured colourful performances, fashion, music, and storytelling that celebrated Nigeria’s cultural identity, with dignitaries including the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, in attendance.

The event reinforced Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s cultural and tourism capital, highlighting the power of culture as a compelling tourism draw.

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Ahead of the 2027 general elections, critical stakeholders of the All Democratic Congress (ADC) have called for the zoning of the House of Representatives ticket for Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency to Okpokwu Local Government Area.

The call was made during a crucial stakeholders’ meeting attended by all ward chairmen, the party secretary from Edumoga District, and women and youth leaders across the wards in Eke, Edumoga district on Monday.

The stakeholders emphasized that the three local government areas have collectively completed eight years in the position, and for equity, the ticket should now return to Okpokwu.

“The principle of equity demands that Okpokwu produces the next representative for the federal constituency. For too long, the rotation has favoured other areas, and it is now time to ensure fairness and balance.

“This is not just a demand from Okpokwu; it is a call for justice for all three local government areas, Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo.

“Respecting this agelong arrangement will strengthen unity within the constituency, foster mutual trust among the people and uphold the democratic principles that should guide our party,” said Hon. Christian Abba, an elder from Edumoga.

Mr. Michael Ogwuche, Chairman of the ADC Ward Chairmen Forum, urged other aspirants from outside Okpokwu to step down to allow the zoning arrangement to stand. “We must respect the zoning agreement in Enone to maintain unity within our party and strengthen our chances in the 2027 elections.

“Ignoring this principle could create divisions, weaken our collective strength, and undermine the confidence of our supporters across the constituency. By honouring the rotation and ensuring that Okpokwu produces the next representative, we are not only upholding fairness but also sending a clear message that the ADC is committed to internal democracy, inclusiveness, and the principles of justice that our people expect from us,” he stated.

Hon. Clatus Ejembi and Ogwuche Ejembi also reaffirmed the call, stressing that adherence to zoning will ensure fairness and promote internal democracy within the ADC.

The well-attended meeting underscores strong support for Okpokwu producing the next House of Representatives member, sending a clear message to aspirants and party leaders ahead of the 2027 polls.

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