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Celebrating Graduation On Social Media: Ondo Govt. Withholds Certificates Of 17 Students

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ondo State Government has sanctioned some graduating secondary school students for flouting directive of no celebration for final year students.

 

In the wake of complaints by parents about high costs of graduation ceremonies for outgoing pupils, government announced a ban directing school authorities to stop collecting money for such events.

 

However, students from Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas Secondary School, and CAC Grammar School, all in Akure, were seen in a viral “sign-out” video that sparked widespread public outrage across social media.

 

The affected students, numbering 17, have been sanctioned. Their testimonials and WASSCE results will be withheld upon release.

 

​In a statement,  “Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has cracked down on a group of secondary school students from Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas Secondary School, and CAC Grammar School following a viral “sign-out” video that sparked widespread public outrage across social media.

 

“The video, which circulated heavily on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, following the completion of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), showed graduating students engaging in chaotic and undisciplined behavior, including tearing uniforms and chanting inappropriate slogans.

 

“In an emergency meeting convened at the Ministry’s headquarters in Akure, government officials and school administrators gathered to address the breach of conduct.

 

​”The Ministry has handed down the following immediate sanctions to serve as a deterrent to other schools across the state:

​

“The official school testimonials and WASSCE results of the 17 students identified in the video will be withheld until further notice, and their names will be entered into the “black book” of their respective schools.

 

“All principals have been directed to open a “black book” for student misconduct, and senior officers at the affected schools have received official queries for failing to adequately  supervise and allowing the celebrations to degenerate into lawlessness.

 

“For those in the video who are not in the terminal class, the Ministry has directed that they be expelled from school immediately.

 

“The Commissioner advised all parents to consistently counsel their children against actions that could mar their futures, stating that the measures taken by the Ministry will serve as a deterrent to other students who might consider engaging in similar acts in the future.”

 

Addressing the press after the disciplinary hearing, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, emphasized that while celebrating academic milestones is natural, the government maintains zero tolerance for activities that damage the moral fabric and reputation of the state’s educational system.

 

He stated, “The growing ‘sign-out’ culture among secondary school students must be guided by decency.

 

“We will not fold our arms and watch the discipline we have painstakingly instilled in our schools be eroded for the sake of social media clout.

 

“We must defend the integrity of our education system in the state. We will not allow those who are not ready to be in school to disturb our institutions.”

 

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Akindele Ige, advised principals to proactively share information with the Zonal Education Office and the Ministry to address unrest before it escalates.

 

He revealed that parents and the graduating students involved have been summoned to the Ministry to receive their official punishment letters.

Ortom Calls Governor Alia Hypocrite, Threatens To Expose Him …Apologises To SGF Akume

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Samuel Ortom and Gov Alia

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Alia on Ortom: “He is a fabricator. From pretentious sobbing in Churches to perpetual deceptive statements. When a governor tells the worst tales that he was running and dodging bullets from assailants who pursued him for over 1km, what else do you want to confirm as a fabricator of all time?”

 

The cold war between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, is still boiling to high heavens. On Tuesday, Ortom took a swipe at his succesor,, called him a hypocrite and threatened to expose him.

 

“You are a hypocrite. I will  expose the rot in your administration”, Ortom fired.

 

Ortom made this statement during an interactive session with journalists at his residence in Makurdi, while reacting to the report of a probe panel which accused his administration of being unable to account for N139.8 billion during his eight-year tenure.

 

Ortom said, “As from today, I am going to be exposing this government (Alia’s administration) for its hypocrisy, outright looting of the state resources and evils committed against the people of the state and the ceding of our land to foreigners.

 

“So many lies have been said against me. After three years, I concluded that if I remain silent it will amount to admittance, so I need to defend myself and let the world know that what Alia is doing is pure persecution.”

 

He challenged his successor to a public debate for both of them to showcase their performances based on resources accrued to each of the administrations.

 

He, also, reflected on his political differences with his former leader, Senator George Akume, and called for unity and collaboration in the interest of Benue State and Nigeria.

 

He apologized to Akume for making an unfounded statement after he won his re-election in 2019 that he had “retired Akume politically”, while openly appealing to Akume that he regretted making that statement.

 

He said: “During my prayers afterwards, I came to realise that the remark was made out of arrogance because I later acknowledged the fact that only God determines people’s destinies.”

 

He further explained that he had since reconciled with Akume, whom he described as his leader, adding that Akume remains politically influential and that he had chosen to work with him through a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the “Benue project”, despite belonging to different political parties.

 

According to him, Nigeria’s current challenges require leaders to rise above partisan politics and prioritize national and state interests over party loyalties.

 

Reacting to Ortom’s threat, Governor Alia stated that his predecessor left behind a heavy debt burden that was questionable.

 

Speaking further through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, Alia said his government was not on a vendetta against his predecessor.

 

He said, “Handover notes are meant to be studied. When you study them and discover lapses and gaps, you are bound to invite a legitimate authority to help you unravel the grey areas.

 

“That is exactly what Governor Alia did. In any case, this is not the first time a Commission of Inquiry will probe the activities of a previous administration. Ortom constituted one that probed his predecessor, Sen. Gabriel Suswam.

 

“Ortom needs to tell Benue and Nigerians why he felt very comfortable probing his predecessor but he is not comfortable that he should be probed.”

 

Alia stated that his administration is still reeling in the rot left by Ortom’s administration.

 

He said, “Today, hardly a day passes without garnishee orders raining in the state. We are faced with garnishees in billions. These are as a result of shoddy handling of issues and blatant disregard for procedure, which was the hallmark of that infamous administration Benue people termed ‘years of the locusts’.”

 

The governor, dismissing Ortom’s outburst, said that throughout the eight years of Ortom’s administration, the government was run basically on propaganda.

 

“From pretentious sobbing in Churches to perpetual deceptive statements. When a governor tells the worst tales that he was running and dodging bullets from assailants who pursued him for over 1km, what else do you want him to confirm as a fabricator of all time?”,Alia asked.

First Bank MD Receives “Deadly’ Parcel

By
James Orji
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0
Olusegun Alebiosu - First Bank MD

The Managing Director of First Bank Nigeria, FBN Olusegun Alebiosu, has lodge a complaint with the Nigerian Police that some people are after his life. The FBN Chief Executive reported the threat to the police after a parcel, containing two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed inside a parcel was delivered to his home.

In his complaint to the Lagos Police command dated May 7, the commercial bank’s Managing Director reported some individuals who he believed may have been instrumental to the delivery of the parcel to his home in Lagos.

According to the details provided by the Police, the parcel containing the dangerous weapons was received by the security personnel guarding his home, who later handed it over to their boss.

The police investigator handling the matter are now trying to unravel whether  the package was meant to threaten the life of the bank top executive or a mere criminal activity.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the state Police Commissioner Tijani Fatai said operatives had swung into action, to investigate the issue as soon as it was reported to the command, describing it as a serious security concern.

He said crack detectives from the command have been ordered to determine, among other things,  the origin of the parcel, those responsible, and establish whether the package was meant to threaten the FBN boss, adding that the police is treating the matter with all the seriousness it deserves.
“The Managing Director reported the matter to the police after discovering two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition in a parcel collected on his behalf. The case remains under investigation, and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves,” Fatai said.

Alebiosu was appointed as the acting Managing Director/ chief executive of First Bank of Nigeria in April 2024.

Ekiti Gov. Poll: Defeated PDP Candidate, Oluyede Presents Demands To Victorious Oyebanji

By
Ayodele Oni
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Wole Oluyede during Ekiti Election

By Ayodele Oni

 

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded Ekiti State governorship election, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has made public details of visit of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to his residence, a day after the Saturday poll.

 

The governor who had pleaded for cooperation from other candidates in his first reaction to the election, was accompanied to Oluyede ‘s residence at Ikere, by Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.

 

The PDP candidate revealed that he requested from the flagbearer of All Progressive Congress (APC) and winner of the election, Governor Oyebanji release of his supporters arrested in the wake of preparation for the election.

 

Earlier, Oluyede had rejected the outcome of the election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing a systemic compromise of the electoral process, ranging from technical failures to open financial inducement.

 

The Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Adenike Oladiji declared Oyebanji of All Progressive Congress (APC) winner of Saturday’s governorship poll after he secured 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, Dr. Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 40,543 votes, while the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ambassador Dare Bejide, came a distant third with 12,872 votes.

 

Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti on the outcome of the surprise post-election visit by Governor Oyebanji, Oluyede noted that Oyebanji claimed to be unaware of the arrests of his supporters, but gave a firm commitment to look into the actions of the security agencies.

 

He said the release of his members was the only request he made from him, noting that democracy can’t thrive if individuals are not allowed to thread the path of their convictions.

 

His words, “If I lost in a free, fair and credible contest, I would have no difficulty accepting the outcome.

 

“However, if there was widespread negligence, misconduct, intimidation, or disregard for established electoral procedures, then we must confront those realities honestly.

 

“I am not leaving politics. There is no personal conflict between Governor Oyebanji and myself.

 

“Politics should not be viewed as warfare. but I am equally committed to principles, accountability and the continuous improvement of our democracy.

 

“Concerning reports that some of my supporters have been arrested or harassed, I raised the matter directly with Governor Oyebanji during his visit. It was, in fact, the only request I made of him.

 

“He assured me that he was unaware of the incidents and promised to investigate the matter. I have reasons to believe steps are already being taken to address these concerns.

Xenophobic Attacks: Airline Chief, Onyema Urges Economic Sanctions Against South Africa

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Allen Onyema - Airpece MD

By Ayodele Oni 

 

As Nigerians count loses over continued attacks by South Africa’s nationals, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Airline, Allen Onyema, has advised the Federal Government and Nigeria’s business community to take concrete action to protest xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerian nationals.

 

Among suggestions he canvassed is the stoppage of investment by Nigerians in South Africa. He also urges a boycott of the country by Nigerians.

 

Speaking on the recurring violence against Nigerians living in South Africa, Onyema condemned the attacks and said the situation has reached a point where economic action was necessary.

 

 He urged citizens, business leaders, and the Nigerian Government to take a stand by cutting economic ties until South African authorities guarantee the safety of Nigerians.

 

“We cannot continue to watch our people being killed, harassed, and having their businesses destroyed while we keep investing billions in a country that does not protect us.

 

 “If our lives and property are not safe, then our money should not be safe there either.”

 

Onyema, whose airline gained national praise in 2019 for evacuating Nigerians free of charge during a wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa, insisted that economic pressure remains one of the strongest tools Nigerians have. 

 

He called on entrepreneurs to halt expansion plans into South Africa and asked consumers to boycott South African brands operating in Nigeria.

 

“Nigeria is a big market. South African companies make huge profits here. If we withdraw our patronage, they will feel it.

 

“Maybe then their government will take decisive action to protect foreigners, especially Nigerians,” he added.

 

The Air Peace boss also appealed to the Federal Government to engage South African authorities more firmly and to prioritize the protection of Nigerians in the diaspora. 

 

He stressed that while diplomacy is important, it must be backed by concrete action that shows Nigeria will not tolerate the continued killing of its citizens abroad.

 

Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have flared up repeatedly over the years, with Nigerian-owned shops and businesses often looted or burnt. 

 

Several Nigerians have lost their lives, sparking outrage and diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Who Parceled And Delivered Live Ammunition To First Bank GMD/CEO?: Lagos Police Command Investigates For Answers

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
First Bank CEO Alebiosu

By Ayodele Oni

 

Forensic and intelligence-driven investigations have been intensified as the Lagos state police command unravels mystery behind a parcel containing live ammunition delivered to the Managing Director of First Bank, Oluwasegun Alebiosu.

 

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Fatai Tijani, who disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command headquarters, said detectives had commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the delivery

 

The suspicious parcel containing live ammunition was delivered to the Managing Director of FirstBank, Oluwasegun Alebiosu.

 

The incident, according to the police boss, was reported on May 7, 2026, after the First Bank MD discovered two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed inside a package delivered to him.

 

CP Tijani said the parcel was initially received by the executive’s security guard before it was handed over to him.

 

The Command boss said: “The Managing Director reported the matter to the police after discovering two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition in a parcel collected on his behalf.

 

“The case is still under investigation, and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.

 

It was gathered that the delivery came shortly after the bank intensified internal reforms aimed at improving efficiency in financial transactions and stepped up efforts to recover outstanding loans from customers who had allegedly defaulted on repayment obligations.

 

Sources within the financial institution alleged that the parcel was delivered to Alebiosu’s residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos Island through a dispatch rider.

 

The parcel, sources said, was marked confidential and bore only the name and address of the recipient, with no details to assist in identifying the sender.

 

The motive behind the delivery remains unclear, as police investigators are expected to determine whether it was intended as a threat or linked to any criminal activity.

 

The CP disclosed that no arrest had been made in connection with the incident, adding that investigators were pursuing several leads, including information provided by the complainant on persons who might have knowledge of or involvement in the matter.

 

He said forensic and intelligence-driven investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the delivery and bring anyone found culpable to justice.

 

CP Tijani assured residents that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

US Govt: Agege Lagos-Based Bureau De Change Owner Sponsoring ISIS

By
James Orji
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0
Lakurawa terrorists

The United States government has named a Lagos based bureau de change owner, Mukhtar Adamu as one of the sponsors of  the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, ISIS.

The development comes few weeks after a joint military operations of US and Nigerian armed forces killed ISIS number 2, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in Borno state.

Adamu, who operates three buraeu de change companies in the country was named as one of three major facilitators of terrorism activities globally , particularly ISIS in West Africa.

Other individuals blacklisted as ISIS financial facilitators by the U.S. government are France-based Miloud Abderrahmane, aka Abderrahmane, who aided the terrorist group with information on the use of explosives; and Abdelhakim Boukich, who operates a Syria-based money service business and transfers funds for ISIS supporters through cryptocurrencies to Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the U.S.

According to a statement released by the Department of State spokesperson Thomas Pigott, the US government said the Nigerian and three other individuals, as well as three separate entities in Europe and the Middle East, facilitated the transfer of money across countries to fund ISIS attacks.

The state Department accused Adamu of using three BDCs firms, allegedly owned or controlled by him,  to funnel funds to the terrorist organisations around the world.

The BDcs, according to the statement include Generation Currency Bureau De Change Limited in Lagos; Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited in Kano; and Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited in Lagos.

Adamu, born on August 2, 1990, and residing in the Agege area of Lagos, was designated by the US as “having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods and services to or in support of, ISIS-WA”.

“Nine Exchange, Manhattan Bureau, and Generation Currency are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad,” the government said.

The US Department of State spokesperson said the terror network receiving funding from Adamu and cohorts spread across Nigeria,  France and Syria to Türkiye, saying efforts are being made to cut off the source of finances of the terror organization and bring their sponsors to justice, as part of the “United States’ unrelenting pressure on ISIS, and to end its global activities.

“We are cutting off the financial lifelines from around the world that enable ISIS to fund attacks, support its regional affiliates, and threaten civilians, including religious minorities,” Piggot said.

President Trump had in May disclosed that the killing of

Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was part of US’ efforts to dismantle terror cells in Nigerian and West Africa.

The ISIS kingpin was described by US leader as the “second in command of ISIS globally” and “the most active terrorist in the world”.

Insecurity: Edo To Invoke Ancestral Spirit – Oba Of Benin

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Oba of Benin - EwuareII

By Ayodele Oni

 

For the records, this is not the first time Ancestral Spirits will be invoked in the State. The first time, it did not work

 

The revered Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare, has rallied traditionalists across the Edo South Senatorial District to join in the war against banditry and other violent crimes by invoking curses on such activities.

 

He issued the directive during a palace meeting in Benin City with traditional practitioners, including native doctors, priests, and priestesses.

 

The monarch expressed the hope that the move, which he attributed to guidance from God and ancestral authority, was in response to Nigeria’s worsening security situation and aimed at complementing government efforts to curb criminality.

 

He also ordered the traditionalists to begin a week-long spiritual intervention to pray against the spread of banditry in parts of the country.

 

He said the spiritual exercise will climax at 6 a.m. at the Oba’s palace on Thursday, July 2, 2026, when they will lay curses against evil doers and their collaborators, assuring that God Almighty and his royal ancestors will not allow the machinations of the wicked to prevail in any part of Nigeria.

 

“This message is from the ancestors. That is what we want Edo people at home and in the diaspora to hear.

 

“They (criminals) are aware that God Almighty and our ancestors will not allow their evil work to prevail against Edo State.

 

“The past Obas in Benin will not allow their wishes to prevail. They (criminals) have been causing confusion. It is time they give up on their activities,” Oba Ewuare said.

 

Speaking on behalf of the groups, Chief Osaigbovo Osamwonyi, the Akenuwa of Benin, reaffirmed Oba Ewuare’s directive and encouraged traditionalists to remain committed to their spiritual duties.

 

He added that the Benin Palace has stepped up spiritual consultations and behind-the-scenes coordination to strengthen ongoing traditional efforts in that direction.

Nigeria, Safe Haven For Foreign Investors – EU Envoy

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Gautier Mignot - EU Ambassador to Nigeria

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Nigeria is becoming a safe haven for foreign investors as they are making strong returns on their investments, despite lingering challenges.

 

The foreign investors are increasingly seeing Nigeria as a profitable destination, with the European Union’s top envoy in the country confirming that many businesses already operating in Africa’s largest economy are doing well.

 

Speaking on ARISE News ahead of the Nigeria–EU Business Forum, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, revealed that Nigeria remains highly attractive to investors because of its vast economic potential and improving business environment. 

 

He noted that recent reforms have helped strengthen investor confidence.

 

“We think that there is a huge untapped potential in terms of investment,” Mignot said, adding that the EU is looking at Nigeria with optimism. 

 

According to him, many foreign investors already operating in the country are satisfied with their investments and continue to generate profits.

 

The envoy said the EU, through its Global Gateway Strategy, is working to mobilise private-sector investment and support critical sectors of the Nigerian economy. 

 

He identified digital infrastructure, energy, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing as key areas where investment opportunities remain strong.

 

Mignot, however, acknowledged that challenges still exist. 

 

He pointed to issues such as inadequate power supply, skills shortages, connectivity gaps, and bureaucratic hurdles, saying these remain concerns for businesses seeking to expand operations in Nigeria. 

 

Despite these obstacles, he expressed confidence in the country’s long-term economic prospects.

 

His comments come as the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to pursue economic reforms aimed at attracting investment, increasing productivity, and driving growth. 

 

Mignot expressed the hope that the upcoming Nigeria–EU Business Forum will deepen partnerships between Nigerian and European businesses, helping unlock new investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties.

Oyo Imposes Curfew On 10 LGAs – 4.00pm to 8.00am

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Seyi Makinde
Seyi Makinde

By Ayodele Oni 

 

As rescue efforts of abducted school children and teachers in Oyo state intensify, the state government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on 10 local government areas surrounding the Old Oyo National Park.

 

Government explained that the decision was part of intensified efforts to curb insecurity, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the affected communities.

 

The directive was contained in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, and made available in Ibadan, the state capital.

 

According to the statement, the curfew will take effect from 4pm to 8am daily, beginning on Wednesday, and will remain in force for an initial period of 48 hours.

 

“The affected local government areas are Oriire (headquarters: Ikoyi-Ile), Orelope (headquarters: Igboho), Irepo (headquarters: Kisi), Saki West (headquarters: Saki), Saki East (headquarters: Ago-Amodu), Atisbo (headquarters: Tede/Ago-Are), Itesiwaju (headquarters: Otu), Iseyin (headquarters: Iseyin), Olorunsogo (headquarters: Igbeti), and Atiba (headquarters: Offa-Meta, Oyo),” the statement read.

 

The government pointed out that the measure was part of ongoing operations to flush out criminal elements allegedly using forest reserves around the Old Oyo National Park as hideouts.

 

It added that security agencies had been directed to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations within the affected areas during the curfew hours.

 

The statement urged residents to comply fully with the directive, noting that the restriction was necessary to restore peace and ensure the safety of lives and property across the communities.

 

The curfew imposed by the Oyo State Government on 10 local government areas around the Old Oyo National Park is directly linked to the recent mass abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the state’s Oriire axis.

 

In May 2026, armed men attacked schools in communities within Oriire Local Government Area, including Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers in coordinated raids that also left at least one teacher dead.

 

Subsequent updates from the Oyo State Government confirmed that the abducted victims were taken into and are being held within the Old Oyo National Park corridor, a vast forest reserve spanning about 2,500 square kilometres across multiple local government areas, including the affected Oke-Ogun axis.

 

Security agencies have since intensified search-and-rescue operations in the forest, which has become increasingly difficult terrain due to its size and its use as a hideout by armed groups operating across parts of Oyo State.

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