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Showing posts from March, 2026

World Autism Day: Abiodun Donates ₦20m To ‘Cycling for Autism’ Initiative

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L-R: Master Kanye Tagbo-Okeke; his father, Mr Tagbo Okeke and the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun during the presentation of a N20m cheque to the Cycling for Autism with KanyeChukwu team at the Governor's office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Tuesday... The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has donated the sum of ₦20 million to the Cycling for Autism with KanyeChukwu initiative in support of its campaign to raise awareness about autism across the country. The governor, who received the team at his office in Oke-Mosan on Tuesday, noted that autism is not a disease but a special condition that requires understanding and dedicated care. Master Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a 16-year-old Nigerian painter and autism awareness advocate, holds the 2025 Guinness World Record for the largest art canvas created in Abuja. Diagnosed with non-verbal autism, he communicates through vibrant abstract art. Describing children with autism as special, Governor Abiodun said it takes patience an...

Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 Rifles In Rivers Suspect leads operatives to gang hideout as six others escape with gunshot wounds

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In the spirit of ongoing security fortification championed by the 23rd Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping, arresting a suspected gang member and recovering two AK-47 rifles, magazines, and ammunition after foiling an abduction attempt in Port Harcourt. The operation followed a distress call received in the early hours of March 20 from a 35-year-old resident, Fadi Nasser, who reported that a group of armed men invaded his residence along Orogbum Crescent, Woji Road, in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of the state capital. According to police sources, the attackers attempted to abduct the victim and opened fire during the incident. Despite the intensity of the attack, the victim managed to escape, a development described by security officials as both fortunate and critical in triggering a swift police response. Investigations took a decisive turn after a mob...

Tinubu’s Momentum And The Futility Of A Fractured Opposition Ahead of 2027

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By Dr. Olusola John Ojo, PhD As Nigeria gradually marches toward the 2027 general elections, the political atmosphere is already thick with permutations, alliances, and calculated rhetoric. Yet, beneath the noise of emerging coalitions and hurried political realignments lies a fundamental truth: no amount of orchestrated gang-up by opposition figures can easily derail the growing momentum of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Since assuming office, President Tinubu has demonstrated a rare blend of courage and pragmatism in confronting some of Nigeria’s most deeply rooted structural challenges. His administration has not taken the easy road. Instead, it has embraced bold reforms decisions many before him avoided due to their political sensitivity. From the removal of fuel subsidy to the unification of the foreign exchange system, these policies, though initially painful, are laying the foundation for long-term economic stability and national renewal. Understandably, critics particularly those now rally...

OGD @70: A Unique Birthday Celebration that Creates Opportunities

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- Pen Pecker! It is no longer news that Otunba Gbenga Daniel, fondly called OGD, the distinguished Senator representing Ogun East and former Governor of Ogun State, will in a matter of days celebrate a remarkable milestone, his 70th birthday.  This landmark celebration is not just a personal achievement, but a moment of reflection on a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and enduring impact. In commemoration of this historic occasion, a series of well-structured and impactful events have been thoughtfully lined up. Among these is the launch of some of his books, scheduled to take place at the prestigious Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja. This intellectual engagement is expected to attract dignitaries, scholars, political associates, and admirers from across the country, providing insight into his philosophy, leadership journey, and contributions to governance. The grand celebration will climax on Monday, 6th April, at the Abraham's Tabernacle, a symbolic venue that reflects b...

When 8 million Customers Trust You, Safety Cannot Be An Afterthought

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Nigeria’s digital banking revolution is raising the stakes for consumer trust. The question is whether the industry is rising to meet them. Nigeria’s relationship with digital banking has changed almost beyond recognition in a decade. Where cash once dominated every transaction, from the roadside market to the corporate boardroom, mobile apps, instant transfers and USSD codes have reshaped how tens of millions of Nigerians interact with their money every single day. The figures speak for themselves: point-of-sale transactions surged to a record N18 trillion in 2024, a 69 per cent increase from the year before, and the number of POS terminals in operation more than doubled to 5.5 million. Mobile banking is now the most widely used digital financial service in the country, with four in five users having accessed it within any given 90-day window. This is, by any honest measure, an extraordinary story of financial inclusion and technological adoption. But it is an incomplete story if told...

Court Cautions Police, Orders Proper Invitation of Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi

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A Lagos State Magistrate Court has cautioned the Lagos State Police Command and directed that proper procedures be followed in the handling of the case involving Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, also known as Hammed Ajiran, in what is seen as a setback for individuals including Bashir Fakorede, Jide Akinloye, and Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Jimoh Moshood. Presiding over proceedings in the Ogba Magisterial District, Magistrate A. J. Odueke, in Charge No: MISC/126/2026, held that the police must formally invite Akanbi rather than declare him wanted. The Court further stated that an order for arrest would only be considered if he fails to honour such an invitation. The Court noted that it was mindful of previous proceedings in Charge No: MCIK/60A/2026, where a similar application had earlier been set aside by another Magistrate on March 23, 2026, on the grounds of illegality. Consequently, the Court declined to entertain what it described as a repetition of a defective process. ...

APC Youth League Calls For Consensus Support For Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin Ahead Of Oyo 2027 Governorship Election

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The All Progressives Congress Youth League has called on the leadership of the party at both state and national levels to strategically consider Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin as the most sellable, credible, and widely acceptable candidate for the party in the build-up to the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State. In a statement issued by the Diaspora Director of the Forum, Adebayo Oketooto, the group noted that the forthcoming governorship contest in Oyo State would require the APC to present a candidate with proven administrative competence, broad public appeal, and the intellectual depth necessary to challenge the incumbent People's Democratic Party government led by Seyi Makinde. According to the Forum, the political realities in Oyo State demand that personal ambitions within the APC be subordinated to the larger objective of reclaiming the state for progressive governance. It stressed that while several aspirants may have legitimate political interests, the overriding concern must b...

Polaris Bank Strengthens Legacy of Excellence with Major Renovation of Historic Faculty Building at University of Ibadan

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L-R; Sola Gabriel, Head, Strategic Planning, Polaris Bank;  Omowunmi Odunlade, Ag. Divisional Head, Ibadan; Professor A. O. Folawewo, Dean, Faculty of Economics & Management Sciences; Professor Akin Lewis (Dean Students Affairs), Representative of the Vice Chancellor and Njideka Nwabueze, Head, Retail Banking, Polaris Bank during the official presentation of the cheque by Polaris Bank to the University of Ibadan recently... In a powerful demonstration of its dedication to deepening educational advancement and human capital development in Nigeria, Polaris Bank, has made significant funds available towards the full renovation of the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences Building at the prestigious University of Ibadan. This landmark intervention revives a historic structure originally gifted to the University in 1985 by one of Polaris Bank’s legacy institution, the defunct International Bank for West Africa (IBWA). For over four decades, the building has stood as a beacon ...

Gbenga Daniel @70: I Didn’t Jump Out Of PDP ‘How God Used Some Of Us To Make Dapo Abiodun Governor'

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Otunba Gbenga Daniel, fondly called OGD (Ogidiomo), was the governor of Ogun State between 2003 and 2011. Now senator representing Ogun East, Daniel, in this interview to mark his 70th birthday, speaks on issues in the polity. Specifically, he speaks on his relationship with President Bola Tinubu and former VP Atiku Abubakar among prominent politicians in the country. The APC senator also speaks on Afenifere as well as his times as governor and as the Director General of the Atiku campaign while the former VP was running to become president in 2011.  Excerpts: Looking back at life at 70, particularly all that you’ve gone through, how would you capture it? I once wrote somewhere, ‘Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do.’ It’s a message. Because most of the time, from the totality of what has happened to me, that summarises the totality of my own experience. But you know, journeys come with their fears. The good side, the not so good side, and so on and so forth. And ...

Abiodun Congratulates APC Chairman, NWC Members After National Convention

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The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, on his re-election at the party’s 8th National Convention. The convention, which took place at the Eagle Square in Abuja, was attended by over 8,000 delegates and was described as peaceful and credible. Governor Abiodun also extended his congratulations to other newly elected members of the National Working Committee (NWC), including Ali Dalori, Benjamin Nwoye, Ajibola Basiru, and AbdulKarim Kana. In a statement issued in Abeokuta, the governor praised the conduct of the convention, noting that it demonstrated the party’s unity and democratic strength. He described Professor Yilwatda’s emergence as a reflection of his effective leadership since assuming office in July 2025. Abiodun expressed confidence that the newly constituted NWC would lead the party to greater achievements, particularly as preparations begin for the 2027 general election...

APC Young Progressive Celebrates President Tinubu On His 74th Birthday

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The Supervisor for Works, Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, Aduragbemi Olanrewaju Olaide, has celebrated President Bola Tinubu on his 74th birthday. Olaide in a statement released to our coresspondent said that the President is a visionary leader whose life has become a guiding light for democracy, governance and nation-building. He said: "On this special occasion of your birthday, I extend my profound congratulations and heartfelt appreciation to a visionary leader whose life has become a guiding light for governance, nation-building and progressive politics in Nigeria. "You have consistently demonstrated that true leadership transcends the mere holding of office; it is about shaping destinies, building enduring institutions and raising men and women who will carry forward the torch of sustainable development. "As a father and mentor, your deliberate investment in people continues to produce a legacy of competent and transformational leadership across...

CSO Commends Federal Government Over Plea Bargain In N2.5bn Case Involving Stella Oduah

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The Centre for Justice and Accountability has commended the Federal Government for adopting a plea bargain arrangement in the N2.5 billion fraud case involving former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, describing the judicial resolution as a lawful and practical step toward strengthening accountability and efficiency in Nigeria’s justice system. In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Comrade Ochiaga Jude, the group said it noted with keen interest the discharge of the former minister by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama, Abuja, following the acceptance of a plea bargain arrangement reached between the prosecution and the defendants. The civil society organisation stated that reports from the court indicated that Justice Hamza Muazu granted the discharge after the prosecution, acting through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, informed the court that the matter had been discontinued in line with the agreement reached under the plea...

Why Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki (AMBA) Is the Best Choice for Governor of Kwara in 2027

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As Kwara State prepares for the 2027 gubernatorial election, the electorate is confronted with a decisive question: which candidate possesses the vision, experience, and integrity required to translate aspiration into measurable development. Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, widely known as AMBA, represents that candidate. *A Business Leader with Practical Economic Acumen* Prior to his active political career, AMBA founded and serves as Managing Director of Kursi Investments Limited. His experience building and managing a successful enterprise has provided him with direct expertise in job creation, capital mobilization, and private-sector growth. These competencies are essential for Kwara’s next phase of development—attracting domestic and foreign investment, strengthening small and medium enterprises, and expanding employment opportunities for the state’s youth. AMBA brings an operator’s mindset, grounded in fiscal discipline, efficiency, and results-oriented management. *Proven Po...