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“As Others Celebrate, We Mourn… Our Uncle Is Never Coming Home” – Beheaded Oyo Teacher’s Family

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Michael Oyedokun - Beheaded Ogbomoso Teacher

By Adesina Soyooye

 

The family of Michael Oyedokun, the  Math Teacher who was gruesomely beheaded while he in the custody of their abductors has received the rescue, on Friday, of the other victims with mixed feelings.

 

Oyedokun was, on May 15,  abducted along with his colleague-teachers and 39 of their pupils by heavily armed terrorists who invaded their schools in the morning. Inexplicably, he was beheaded and the gruesome action videos and posted.

 

It still is not known why the terrorists chose to behead Oyedokun, but it  sent Shockwaves to Nigerians who had become unshakable due to the flow of blood in their country no thanks to non state actors. Outrage greeted it and confirmed how dangerous and vicious the abductors were.

 

While genuinely happy with the other families whose children and relatives were rescued on Friday during a delicate joint security operation, the Oyedokuns are mourning the gruesome fate which befell their own. “They are finally home. But as others celebrate, my family mourns”,  said the family’s spokesperson, Oluwabukolami in a post on Friday.

 

She said the rescue of the victims does not, in anyway, diminish the pain  of the murder of her uncle.

 

She wrote and posted: “They are finally home. My heart rejoices with every family that has been reunited with their loved ones after weeks of pain, fear, and uncertainty. Welcome home.

 

“But as others celebrate, my family mourns.

 

“My uncle, Mr Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, will never come home. He was taken from us, and his life was brutally cut short. Our joy is incomplete because one chair at our table will remain empty forever.

 

“Today, we celebrate those who returned, while remembering the one who never did.

 

“Rest in peace Uncle Michael. You will never be forgotten.”

 

In a poster, the late Oyedokun family remembered him as “A faithful servant of God, teacher, pastor, interpreter, treasurer, and Apostolic Church member.

 

“Beheaded in Nigeria for his faith. We mourn. We miss him.

We honour his faith and sacrifices.”

 

One other teacher  was, also, shot dead in the school premises on the day of their abduction.

2027: APC Confirms Tinubu/Shettima, Affirms Muslim/Muslim Ticket

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Kashim Shettima and Bola Tinubu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Contrary to widespread insinuations, the All Progressive Congress, APC, has retained Vice President Kashim Shettima, as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 general elections.

 

The Source reports that the  political fate of Shettima had since the middle of 2025 remained uncertain, with  much of political discuss dominated  speculations rife that the president may have  concluded plans  to jettison him, and even the controversial 2023 Muslim-Muslim of the APC.

 

However, in a statement shared on his official site on Friday, July 10, 2026, the APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwaltda, disclosed that the Vice President has formally been sanctioned to pair with President Tinubu once again in 2027.

 

According to him, the party ( APC,) formally received the Presidential nomination forms of President  Tinubu and Vice President  Shettima on Friday, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

He described the development as a  significant milestone in the journey of the party towards re-enacting its 2023 electoral feat.

 

“It was a defining moment moment that reaffirmed our collective resolve to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepen the progress already being recorded across the country.

 

“The nomination forms were presented on behalf of President Tinubu by his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters ,Hon Ibrahim Masari , during a well-attended ceremony at the Continental Hotel , Abuja.

 

“The presentation underscored the confidence of our party in the leadership of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima as they prepare to seek a renewed mandate from the Nigerian people.

 

“The event brought together an impressive array of leaders of our great party, including the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodinma, alongside Governors Mai Mala Buni, Nasir Idris, Abba Kabiru Yusuf, Uba Sani, Babagana Zulum, Ahmadu Fintiri, as well as other Governors, party executives, and critical stakeholders from across the country”, Yilwaltda stated

Breaking: Oyo abduction: Presidency Reveals Eight Of The kidnappers Were Arrested

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Oyo Kidnapped victims

By Adesina Soyooye

 

In an update to the heart-warming news of the rescue of Oyo State School children and their teachers from the hands of terrorists, the Presidency has revealed that eight of the terrorists were arrested, and some others neutralised by Nigeria’s gallant security operatives.

 

The rescue operation came 50 days after the heartbreaking abduction and ordeals of the captives.

 

On May 15 when they were abducted from their schools, one teacher was shot dead on the school premises, and another beheaded 48 hours later.

 

Giving an update on his X page of the rescue, Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, who first announced their freedom, revealed that eight of the terrorists were arrested and some others killed. The arrested eight, he further revealed, are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services.

 

Onanuga also emphasized that no concession was granted the abductors, not even the release of their gang leader which they had asked for.

 

Onanuga: “Updated: in the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised.

 

“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, that the kidnappers demanded his release, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon.”

 

A full brief, said Onanuga, will be given by the Military and other security agents involved in the delicate operation.

Imo State To The World: 17-Year-Old From Nkwerre Beat 150 Countries to Become the World’s Best in Science

By
The Source
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Don Anniele

By Alvan Chinaka

 

Somewhere in Owerri, a teenager who buried himself in chemistry textbooks just became a world champion.

 

Don Anele Munachimso Marvelous, 17, walked into the International STEM Olympiad already Nigeria’s top Chemistry student. He walked out with something bigger: gold medals in both Mathematics and Science, and the title of best Science student on Earth, beating out talent from over 150 countries at the Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma.

 

Education advocate Alex Onyia, could barely contain himself on X: he tweeted “The wait is over. We have 2 golds… We are the best in the world!” Then came the topper, Munachimso’s Science gold, confirming him as the standout of the entire competition.

 

This wasn’t beginner’s luck. Before Rome, Munachimso had already stacked up a résumé most adults would envy: a ₦5 million prize for topping the South East Maths Olympiad, a national win in Abuja, and a $100,000 scholarship waiting for him in Canada.

 

He didn’t make the trip alone. Two younger prodigies rode with him, 13-year-old Chimdiebube Onwubiko, who also struck gold, and 11-year-old Egejurum Onyedikachi, who took gold as the world’s best primary-level mathematician. All three were discovered through a Southeast Nigeria maths competition that drew over 11,500 students.

 

The win lands at a bittersweet moment, just weeks after Nigeria was demoted to observer status at the International Mathematical Olympiad in Shanghai over funding troubles. Munachimso’s gold is proof the raw talent was never the problem.

 

A boy from Nkwerre, a title as the best in the world, and a scholarship in Canada waiting on the other side. 

 

Sincerely, the super brilliance of his father – a fine Medical Doctor is evident in the life of his great son.

 

Nkwerre to the World!

 

Imo State on the rise!!

Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Released – Presidency Announces

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oyo Kidnapped victims

By Ayodele Oni

 

The abducted pupils and teachers of Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom.

 

This cheery and heart-warming development was disclosed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

 

In a shared post on his verified X handle, Onanuga simply announced that the victims had been released by their abductors.

 

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.

 

Details of their freedom are still sketchy as at the time of this report.

 

Defence Minister had hinted few days ago that the security rescue team was very close to the bandits.

PSC Clarifies Postings Of New Recruits, Says No Act Specifies Deployment To State Of Origin

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian Police

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has clarified that there is no act which mandates the Nigeria Police Force to post newly recruits to their states of origin under a supposed State.

 

According to the commission the circulating document to that effect is fake and urged applicants and members of the public to disregard any information that did not come from its official communication channels

 

In a disclaimer released on Friday and signed by the Head of Protocol and Public Relations of the PSC, Torty Njoku Kalu, the commission stated that the viral publication was created by fraudsters with the intention of misleading the public.

 

The fake notice had claimed that successful candidates would undergo medical screening between July 16 and 22, with a portal expected to open on July 14 for applicants to print their screening slips.

 

It also contained claims about postings being restricted to candidates’ states of origin.

 

However, the PSC clarified that none of the information contained in the document was issued or authorised by the commission.

 

The commission stated that the publication, which referenced a supposed “State Police Act 2026” and alleged recruitment posting arrangements, was fraudulent and should be completely ignored.

 

The PSC explained that it recently held a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, July 9, to assess developments surrounding the ongoing recruitment exercise into the Nigeria Police Force.

 

The meeting, according to the commission, involved representatives from the PSC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Character Commission and the Ministry of Police Affairs, where discussions centred on the recruitment process and preparations for the next stage.

 

The commission noted that an official statement would be released after the outcome of the meeting had been properly reviewed.

 

It advised applicants to rely solely on information published through its verified website, recruitment portal, official social media platforms and recognised communication channels.

 

The PSC warned that acting on unverified social media posts or unofficial announcements could expose candidates to fraud and misinformation.

 

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the commission stressed that police recruitment remains completely free and applicants are not expected to pay any fees at any stage of the exercise.

 

The commission further cautioned individuals involved in producing fake recruitment documents or attempting to exploit applicants, warning that such persons would face legal action.

 

The PSC urged all candidates to remain patient and await authentic updates regarding the next phase of the Nigeria Police Force recruitment exercise through its official platforms.

“If Peter Obi Attacks Tinubu, I Will Attack Him” – Umahi… Dismiss Threat On Obi’s Life

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Dave Umahi and Peter Obi

By Akinwale Kasali

 

David Umahi, Minister of Works, has dismissed any threat to the life of  Peter Obi, Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Presidential Candidate, as non-existent

 

Umahi dismissed the death threat statement made by Obi, as a sign of frustration and of someone that has lost focus.

 

He warned Obi to stop verbal attacks on President Bola Tinubu or he would also attack him. “If Peter Obi attacks Tinubu, I will attack him”, Umahi declared.

 

Umahi spoke during an inspection of some legacy projects of President Tinubu in Ebonyi State on Friday.  “There is nobody who wants Obi dead”, the Minister said, amid the controversies surrounding the statement.

 

He added that the visible development and inclusion of the South East zone by President Tinubu has become a major threat to Obi’s acclaimed popularity in the region.

 

“Nobody wants Obi dead, it’s not just reasonable. We all want him alive to contest this election and watch himself lose again. What he is afraid of is because he said South East is his catchment area because of the last election which I call accident of history, but we have come with visible development in the zone and our people have now agreed with us that we are better off with President Tinubu to complete the good works he is doing for us than playing Artificial Intelligence (AI) kind of politics.”

 

Reiterating his readiness to debate with Obi on the many gains of the present administration and reasons the South East should be grateful for inclusion in national politics, Umahi said some people asked him why he is ttacking Obi, but he responded and said that he is not attacking him; that he is just saying the truth but he should stop attacking President Tinubu and should support and commend his infrastructure development ongoing in South East and beyond.

 

“President Tinubu will be there till 2031 to complete the good jobs he’s doing across six geopolitical zones in the country. Nobody has remembered South East in terms of infrastructure but Tinubu has done that and we have to reciprocate that by voting for him massively in South East. I will not regret what I’m saying today because I’m on the path of the truth,” Umahi stated.

Xenophobic: NANS Threatens Retaliation: Targets South African Interests In Nigeria

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
National Association of Nigerian Students - NANS

By Ayodele Oni

 

Despite rejection of retaliatory action against South Africa over attacks and killing of Nigerians by the National Assembly, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared a nationwide protest against South African interests in Nigeria.

 

The association threatened to shut down the operations of telecommunications outfits like the MTN and MultiChoice, while urging Nigerians to close their accounts with Stanbic IBTC Bank.

 

According to the association, the planned action is in response to South Africa’s treatment of Nigeria and Nigerians.

 

NANS reiterated its resolve to mobilise students across the country to ensure the protest is carried out.

 

“We are going to shut down MTN and MultiChoice. We will force Nigerians to close their accounts with Stanbic IBTC Bank,” the NANS hinted.

 

Despite killing Nigerians in that country, the National Assembly rejected motion to impose Sanctions Against South Africa but opted for dialogue.

 

As at last count, not less than five NIGERIANS have been killed since the xenophobic attacks started.

 

The Federal Government has made available an aircraft to evacuate Nigerians that are interested in returning home.

Fubara Presents 2026 Budget Of N1.8Trillion To Rivers Assembly

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Fubara Presents Budget
File Photo

 

By Ayodele Oni  & Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Following return of relative peace, Rivers state governor,  Siminalayi Fubara on Friday presented a proposed N1.854 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with major allocations to infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic growth and human capital development.

 

The belligerent Legislative branch, through its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, had, before now, questioned Governor Fubara’s decision to continue to spend public funds without an Appropriation Act.

 

The budget, christened “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” is aimed at building a more resilient, prosperous and inclusive economy while sustaining investments in critical sectors of the state’s economy.

 

Presenting the proposal before lawmakers, Fubara said the estimated expenditure of N1,854,248,734,475.76 represents a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget, driven by expected improvements in Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations, derivation revenue and internally generated revenue.

 

The governor explained that his administration has maintained fiscal stability despite political and economic challenges through prudent management of public resources.

 

“Our State has remained fiscally stable, thanks to our commitment to fiscal responsibility, prudence and accountability in managing public funds.

 

“We do not tolerate mismanagement at any level and have wisely utilised public funds to provide services, attract investment, create jobs and expand socio-economic opportunities for our people,” he said.

 

According to Fubara, the projected revenue profile comprises N487.61 billion from internally generated revenue, N936.05 billion from FAAC allocations, including derivation funds, VAT and exchange gains, N48.11 billion from opening and closing balances, and N382.48 billion from capital receipts, including domestic loans, grants and asset sales.

 

The governor proposed N413.11 billion for recurrent expenditure and N1.405 trillion for capital projects, underscoring his administration’s commitment to development-focused spending.

 

He disclosed that N154.77 billion would be spent on personnel costs, while N15.22 billion was earmarked for fresh recruitment into the public service.

 

Other recurrent allocations include N55.10 billion for pensions, N20 billion each for gratuities and legacy pension liabilities, N7 billion for death benefits and N36.71 billion for overhead costs.

 

Fubara also announced a 50 per cent increase in overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to improve operational efficiency once the budget is passed.

 

He pledged to clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed retired civil servants, saying liabilities inherited from previous administrations would receive priority attention.

 

Under the capital expenditure plan, works and infrastructure received the highest allocation of N533.32 billion, followed by education with N315 billion and healthcare with N105.43 billion.

 

Other allocations include N41.44 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly, N30 billion for the judiciary, N19.26 billion for agriculture, N15 billion for power, N8.5 billion for chieftaincy and community development, N7.98 billion for sports, N7 billion for youth development, N6.5 billion for women affairs and N6.61 billion for environmental sustainability.

 

Describing the proposal as a people-centred budget, Fubara revealed that it was designed to accelerate development, stimulate economic growth and improve the living standards of Rivers residents.

 

He identified economic growth, human capital development, socio-economic infrastructure and social investment as the administration’s key priorities for the 2026 fiscal year.

 

The governor pointed out that the budget would finance new infrastructure projects, complete ongoing road construction, maintain existing roads and bridges, and significantly boost investment in education.

 

While acknowledging the delay in presenting the budget, Fubara assured lawmakers that implementation would be guided by transparency, accountability and prudent financial management.

 

He urged members of the House of Assembly to put the interest of the state above politics and give the appropriation bill speedy consideration and approval.

 

“The collective interests of our State and people are more important than any other consideration. As leaders, it is our collective duty to ensure every kobo is spent where it is most needed and to deliver on our mandates to the people,” the governor stated.

ADC Forced Amaechi On Atiku As Running Mate

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Kenneth Okonkwo
Kenneth Okonkwo

The 2027 Presidential candidate of the ADC has no choice but to accept the party’s vice presidential candidate choice, Rotimi Ameachi.

The former Vice President was out of the country by the time the party picked Amaechi, a spokesman for the ADC presidential hopeful, Kenneth Okonkwo said on Friday.

According to Okonkwo,  Abubakar had to accept the nominee because he’s the party’s choice, and that the party was racing to meet the deadline set  by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to submit the list of their presidential candidates.

The Prof. Joash Amupitan-led INEC has set July 11 as deadline for political parties in the country to submit the names of their presidential and National Assembly  candidates before the end of work tomorrow.

Recall that Ameachi had earlier vowed that his target was to become ADC presidential candidate, saying the running mate position was a no-no for him.

The spokesman made the remark during an Interview on Channels Television programme, Inside Sources, as controversies continue to trail the choice of Amaechi as the candidate to run with Abubakar as ADC candidates  in the 2027 presidential election.

Moreso, Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers state has yet to publicly accept the nomination.

Insiders in the ADC informed the magazine that the former Minister of Transportation has been consulting with some ADC leaders, in the past few days, as he’s expected to make a decision on the issue in few days.

He has met with the party’s presidential candidate Abubakar, Abubakar Malami, the immediate past Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, who’s the party’s Governorship candidate in Kebbi state; Senator Aminu Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives; Emeka Ihedioha, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, among others.

Ahead the ADC presidential primary the former Rivers Governor vowed never to accept to be Abubakar’s running mate, saying he was the most qualified to represent the party.

“Amaechi is not seeking to be running mate to anybody. He does not intend to be a presidential running mate to anybody and will not.

“Amaechi is not aware of, and will not be part of any talk to be running mate to anybody. For emphasis, Amaechi is running to be President of Nigeria and not to be a running mate to anybody.

“Politicians are kindly advised to leave  Amaechi’s name out of any discussion for presidential running mate,” David Iyofor, one of Amaechi’s spokesperson said.

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