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Bauchi: One Dies As Suspected Robbers Attack Poly Students

August 22, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Students’ Union Government of the Bauchi state owned Abubakar Tatari Alli Polytechnic has decried the incessant attack on the students by armed robbers.

This is coming on the heel of another attack on the students barely two weeks after the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi was hit by a similar incident.

According to reports, the attack occurred around 3 a.m. on Friday, when three armed robbers broke into an off-campus lodge housing two students.

During the struggle, one of the students was stabbed in the stomach, and later died after losing excessive blood.

The deceased student has been identified as Samuel Mbami, an ND2 Mass Communication student.

In a statement signed by its president, Usman Aliyu, the Students’ Union Government condemned the attack, described it as tragic and senseless.

The Union demands a thorough investigation, and calls on the authorities to beef up security on campus, and in the surrounding communities, to prevent further incidents.

The union also urged students to remain calm, and prioritise their safety.

Ekiti Govt Approves Installation of Female Regent In Community

Ayodele Oni

August 22, 2025

Monisade Afuye - Ekiti state deputy Governor

By Ayodele Oni

For the first time in history, and based on the request of the stakeholders, the Ekiti State Government has formally granted the request of Aramoko community, Ekiti West Local Government to begin the practice of installing a female Regent to temporarily fill the vacant Alara stool.

The State Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, announced this, on Friday, in Aramoko Ekiti, while interacting with stakeholders over the controversy surrounding the attempt to install a female Regent, which deviates from the longstanding practice.

Most communities in Yoruba Appoint females, especially daughter of a deceased monarch to occupy the throne at the passage of an Oba.

The Alara stool became vacant, following the demise of Oba Olu Adegoke Adeyemi, from Arakale Ruling House, on August 9, 2025.

Based on the request letter forwarded to the government and signed by the monarch, Oba Adeyemi before his death and other stakeholders on April 23, 2015, the town contended that the practice, by which a male Chief adorned in royal regalia, with beaded crown will be sitting on Alara’s Stool, was strange to Yoruba culture.

Addressing the stakeholders at an extended meeting convened to settle the logjam, Afuye, in a statement signed by Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said the approval was in stringent alignment with the new Alara Chieftaincy Declarations 2015, which was approved and gazetted by government.

The deputy governor added that a change in the traditional practice, was undertook at the behest of the community, who spearheaded the move through the last Alara and was adopted by the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, considered by the State Executive Council and duly approved by government.

Harping on the need for unity and peace in the town, Afuye, insisted that the community, with rich culture and history, must strictly adhere to the new Chieftaincy Declarations, which stipulated that the appointment of a female Regent should be embraced.

She assured that the government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji won’t forcefully impose anyone as a king or regent, but would not also bend the law to favour anyone in the installation of traditional ruler.

“This new Alara Chieftaincy Declarations was done to avert crisis in this town. Not even your governor can change your declarations. Only a substantive king and stakeholders can change it.

” With what we have read out to all of you in the new chieftaincy declarations, you can now install a female child of the immediate past king as the Regent to serve for a period of three to six months as the first option. If you can’t get this, you can pick from his ruling house.

“It wasn’t even the late King that did it, but the entire town. I learnt the last male occupant installed into the position nearly divided the town and that accounted for why you agreed that a female Regent will be the first option.

“The meeting where the decision was taken was a well attended one. All the chiefs were there. The Representatives of the ruling Houses were there and other illustrious indigenes. The letter to the government was duly signed by all the required parties.

“Now that you have all agreed to this new order, because nothing lasts forever, the government will soon announce the name of your preferred candidate as the female Regent when you forward to us.”

Speaking for the Ruling Houses, Prince Olu Aladeloye, said they totally agree with the review and adoption of female Regent in their traditional practice.

“What the government approved for us meets our yearnings and we are all happy. If they divide this town into ten portions, I know that over nine and half portions agreed with this option of a female Regent”.

A member of the House of Assembly, representing Ekiti West Constituency 1, Hon. Karim Agunbiade, posited that the step taken by government signposted that Governor Oyebanji’s administration was proactive and proficient in crisis management.

“This government has not disappointed us. We thank God that we have a governor and deputy that are very effective. If not for this intervention, nobody knows what would have happended. We appreciate this timely approval and intervention”.

2027: “Left For Me, It Is Peter Obi, But as a Prophet, God Is Telling Me Something Else, And I Speak His Mind” – Iginla

Adesina Soyooye

August 22, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

One of the many and still growing number of Prophets in Nigeria, Joshua Iginla, has said that his personal choice for the Presidential seat in 2027 does not align with what God is telling him.

Iginla is the founder and senior prophet of Champions Royal Assembly.

Speaking on who he thinks is best suited to lead Nigeria in 2027, he said, left for him, it is Peter Obi, but that God is telling him a different thing, and that he speaks the mind of God, instead of his own mind.

In a YouTube video, Iginla differentiated between his choice as a person, and Nigerian citizen, and the revelations he gets from God as a prophet.

He said: “I don’t belong to any political party, neither am I sympathetic to any.

“However, as a human being, I have my preference. If I’m to vote today and you ask me among all the actors in Nigeria, I will tell you personally, as Joshua Iginla, that I prefer Peter Obi. That’s me as a person. But as a prophet, I will speak the mind of God.”

According to him, the revelation he is getting is that President Bola Tinubu will retain the Presidential seat in 2027.

“As it is today, 16th August 2025, in respect to 2027, I still see Tinubu holding the flag and sitting on the throne.

“I don’t see anyone taking him out now. Maybe tomorrow or next year, things might change. My prophecy comes in sections, and I’ll come back to speak if I see otherwise.”

But he has an advice for Tinubu: “There’s going to be an expensive mistake involving our number one citizen.

“It will dominate social media and could serve as a rising point for the opposition if they are smart enough to capitalize on it. My advice to the president is to prioritize his health and rest.”

Obi Queries FG’s ₦142b Budget For Bus Terminals, And Less Than N100b For Teaching and Psychiatrist Hospitals

The Source

August 22, 2025

The Leader of the Labour Party and the 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has again questioned the federal government’s sense of priority and commitment to the critical indices of development.

Obi, in particular, questioned the rationale behind budgeting the sum of N142b for bus terminals in the country when teaching and psychiatric Hospitals in the country have less than N100b.

He described it as clear evidence of misplaced priority, while neglecting critical engines of development like Healthcare.

Writing on his official X handle on Friday Obi said that, “The difference between the success and failure of the development in any nation is how you prioritise your scarce resources.

“The recent announcement that a sum of ₦142 billion has been approved by the Federal Government for the construction of one bus terminal in each of our six geopolitical zones further affirms the lack of competence, lack of focus and poor leadership.

“In the 2024 budget, which is the operational budget today, the entire budget of all the teaching hospitals across all the federal universities in the country, as well as the federal psychiatric centres, is under ₦100 billion, yet the government has approved ₦142 billion for bus terminals.

“This is disturbing, considering that Health is one of the most critical areas of development, which is deteriorating and remains grossly underfunded. WHO recently reported that over 20 million Nigerians are living with mental health issues.

“This is not only a misplaced priority but a tragic irony of our country.

This is not governance”

A New Nigeria is POssible.

Gov Eno’s Pains: “Growing Up With Albinism Wasn’t Easy, Faced Bullying, Body-Shaming, Rejection

Ayodele Oni

August 22, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has revealed that people doubted his ability when he showed interest to be governor because he is an albino.

The Governor, who opened up about his experiences growing up with albinism, described a childhood marked by rejection, bullying, and body-shaming.

The governor shared his story during an event organized for people living with albinism, and reflected on the challenges he overcame before rising to public office.

He revealed that many doubted his political ambitions due to his skin condition.

Eno also highlighted the unwavering support of his late wife, who referred to him as her “golden boy” during difficult times.

He emphasized that the negative labels and discrimination that once hindered his public recognition have now been overturned, as he is today the country’s first governor with albinism.

The governor pledged continued advocacy and support for people living with albinism, stressing that they deserve honour and recognition.

“Growing up with albinism wasn’t easy. I faced bullying, body-shaming, and rejection. But today, by God’s grace, I stand proudly.

“That’s why whenever I see anyone with this condition, I make it a point to honour and recognise them. They are golden people, and they have a golden governor.

“When we started this campaign, some people said they did not want an albino governor. But my dear wife told them, ‘You may be an albino, but to me, you are my golden boy.’

“In the past, they would body-shame us, call us names, and deny us opportunities. But today, God has brought us through. So anywhere I see anyone with albinism, I make sure to recognise them.”

2027: Call For Ambode’s Return As Lagos Governor Intensifies

Akinwale Kasali

August 22, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

With less than two years to the end of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s tenure as the Governor of the nation’s commercial hub, Lagos, the call for former Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode to return for a second Term as Governor id Intensifying.

This call is not only coming from staunch and loyal members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, but also from members of the opposition Parties who have pledged support.

At the grassroots, there is a groundswell of Mobilization in support for Ambode, to succeed the incumbent Governor.

It would be recalled that Ambode was denied the second term ticket by the leadership of his Party in the State, particularly the Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, and major stakeholders in the APC.

His sin then was, allegedly, his refusal to carry along the GAC, Party leadership and Party Stakeholders in Government affairs. He was also said to be very strict and with Government’s Largesse to the aforementioned.

But now, all seem to have been sorted out and they are calling for his return.

Aside from mobilizing support for Ambode, the members of the ruling Party have also started engaging Lagosians in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Second-Term ambition in the country.

The APC members under the Ambode Support Group, ASG, disclosed this on Thursday while sensitizing residents of Epe Local Government on the need to obtain their Voter Cards during the window approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, Exercise across the country.

Disclosing the group’s plans, the Director General of ASG, Seyi Bamigbade, said that they aim to ensure that Ambode, who served for a single term, returns in 2027 to succeed Sanwo-Olu and continue the development stride embarked upon by the current administration in the State.

Bamigbade, who described Tinubu and Ambode as father and son, said that members of the group stressed that the focus of their job is to mobilize voters through the group to work for the second term of the President and the return of the former Governor for second term.

He said: “It is no more a rumour that Ambode will be the next governor of Lagos State after Sanwo-Olu leaves office in 2027.

“This is to ensure that he continues the work done by the incumbent Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and we are working for the second term of President Bola Tinubu

“We are appealing to all APC members, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, whom Ambode may have offended while serving as the Governor of Lagos State between 2015 and 2019, to forgive him of all his shortcomings.

“Ambode is coming back to correct the wrong and ensure that Lagos’ development continues under his watch.

“He is committed to the development of Lagos, and we all can see through all that he did while serving as governor of Lagos”, Bamigbade stated.

Another member of the Group, Salau Olawale, stated that they are campaigning for Ambode to return in 2027, based on an opinion poll conducted across the State, noting that many still praise the former Governor for his developmental strides in the state.

Olawale added that they believe Ambode is the best individual to replace Sanwo-Olu in 2027, stating that the public is still interested in Ambode’s return to the helm of affairs in Lagos.

Also, a member of the group, Gboyega Adegbite, urged the public to obtain their Permanent Voter Card, PVCs, to vote for their preferred candidates during the 2027 general election in the country.

Fans Pay Tributes To Murdered Nollywood Producer-Director Victor Okoli

Akinwale Kasali

August 22, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Colleagues and fans of Nollywood Producer cum Director, Victor Tobechukwu Okoli, popular as Vic Matt have continued to pour out their anguish and condolences over the murder of the Nollywood star.

Vic Matt was gruesomely murdered by his abductors who on Friday near Ntachi Osa in Enugu State.

The late Vic Matt was the Manager of Big Brother Naija Season 10 Housemate, Bright Morgan.

The news about his abduction and murder was disclosed by Nollywood filmmaker, Ben Cassie in a post via Instagram on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

Paying tribute to the late Vic Matt, Cassie said the deceased will be remembered as a man of high principles and a respected figure who made a significant impact on the movie industry.

His colleagues alongside Cassie have described the deceased as a cool, calm, and intelligent person, with a passion for making good films.

Cassie wrote,“It is hard for some of us to see those who genuinely wish us well. You always dropped words of encouragement even when I was most silent. In an industry of snakes and scorpions, you stood different.

“To be kidnapped and killed is such a heart-wrenching way to leave this earth. We can all live and prosper. Goodnight, Vic.”

Cassie’s emotional post has sparked an outpouring of grief from colleagues, fans, and industry stakeholders, who have taken to social media to celebrate Vic Matt’s contributions to Nollywood and his support for young talents.

Burutai To Tinubu: Lock Down The Country To Eliminate Terrorists, Bandits

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 22, 2025

Gen Tukur Burutai, a former Chief of Army Staff has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “lock down” the country to be able to deal with the security threats such and banditry and terrorism ravaging the country.

The former Army Chief who spoke on Channels Television programme, Sunrise Daily on Friday said the same tactic that was used during the COVID 19 pandemic can be applied to end these threats.

In 2020, the covid 19 pandemic forced many countries including Nigeria to lock down their countries, thereby preventing movement in other to tackle the disease head-on.

Gen Burutai spoke on the heels of the attack and killings of dozens of persons in Katsina state by rampaging bandits. Security analysts insist that bolder measures are required on the part of the security agencies to end the activities of the killers, who are mostly operating in Nigeria’s North east.

According to Burutai, a slap on the wrist measures will only prolong insurgency and banditry in the country, calling on the government to take the same drastic measure used to fight Covid to end the menace quickly, adding that if serious measures are not taken it could prolong the security threats to the country.

He said the government had also used such drastic measures to tackle some problems, including flooding in some parts of the country, saying that such instances have proved how government could mobilize resources and used coordinated efforts to tackle any serious problem confronting the country.

“We can lock down this country to make sure everybody concentrates and deals with this cankerworm called terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and so on,” the former Army boss said.

Adding “If you can remember, just before I left office, and of course immediately when I left office, I was appointed ambassador of Republic of Benin, I sent a lot of warning that this insurgency may last longer. I don’t want to quote the number of years that I mentioned, but I said it will last longer. It is a sort of warning that we really need to have a long-term plan, it is not something that you will just wish away.

“For example, I am not trying to give any excuse but the point is when there is a national crisis, we need to mobilise everybody, not just the military alone. Look at COVID-19, how much was spent? How much was invested into information, into communication, into advertisement and so on, into palliative, into a lot of preventative measures so much that the whole nation was locked down because of COVID-19.

“But we can do the same thing, we can lock down this country to make sure everybody concentrates and deals with this cankerworm called terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and so on. It is very fundamental, very important.

“I want to take also another example, Maiduguri flood last year, the whole country mobilised and supported the Borno State government and people of Borno to bring relief to make sure that the people were rehabilitated in the whole of the state, and it helped a lot.

“The same thing can be done to mobilise everybody to the North East, to the North West, psychologically through social media, through the press, and so on. Individuals can support the community.”

The magazine had earlier reported that the federal government recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism and banditry recently, following the capture of notorious terrorists and al-Qaida-linked kingpins Mahmud Muhammad Usman of Ansaru and Mahmud al-Nigeri.

Until their capture, the two terrorists had been on the global most wanted terrorists. List.

Delta Education Board Debunks Allegations Of Massive Corruption

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 22, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Executive Chairman of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board D-SUBEB Hon Samuel Mariere ,has strongly rejected claims of financial malfeasance and corruption against his management.

The Source reports that there have been a plethora of allegations suggesting that the Executive chairman,using some staff as proxies have been fleecing the Board’s contractors , forcing them to part with humongous amounts as gratifications before being patronized.

The Board, also, is being accused of unbridled indulgence in contract-spliting using some insiders.

But in an interactive session with the Media on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Asaba, the State capital, Hon. Mariere described the allegations as false, malicious and baseless.

This is just as he maintained that his management has since its inception cultivated a zero-tolerance approach to corruption in keeping with the policy thrust of the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

“In the last few days, certain claims have been in circulation particularly in the social media, alleging that contractors are being compelled to monies ranging from N 100,000 to N 300,000, depending on the negotiating powers of each contractor and the value of the contract.

“Also ,that monies are collected by staff of the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics, and subsequently remitted to me through some named individuals.

“There is no iota of truth in the entire concoctions. The allegations are false, malicious, baseless and targeted at distracting the Board”, Mariere noted.

According to him, all contractors whose jobs fall within the over, 90% of those completed have been paid without any strings attached.

The Board Chairman, a former Member of the Delta State House of Assembly, emphasized that in paying the contractors, he is not aware of complaint about any staff demanding to be given a percentage of what were paid out to contractors.

He challenged critics to avail themselves the Board’s payment documents if in doubt about its claims of transparency and accountability.

” I want to say at this point that neither me as a person, nor any of the staff of the Board, to the best of my knowledge has ever requested, nor received gratification from contractors as being alleged by some persons in the social media.

“All our processes are well documented, auditable and above all open to Independent verification at anytime.

“Let me say at this point that the Board will, however, not be distracted by the antics of those propagating falsehood.

“We are more than ever focused on transforming the system, particularly, our classrooms, ensuring the availability of qualified teachers, text books etc in our educational system”, Hon Mariere noted.

According to him, while a total of 5,511 teachers have undergone training and retraining programmes, over 491 classrooms have been renovated.

War Against Cultism: Edo Govt Seals Suspected Cultists Properties

Ayodele Oni

August 22, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Government has launched “operation flush out cultists” which led to sealing of several properties linked to suspected cult leaders after uncovering a shrine in Egbaen community and a deadly clash in Evboyare that claimed one life.

According to reports, the operation, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers,” was led by Idemudia Noah, coordinator of the state’s Special Security Squad, in collaboration with allied security agencies.

Acting on intelligence, operatives stormed a residence in Egbaen, Egor Local Government Area, in the early hours of Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Although the building was vacant, a secluded shrine was found behind the house containing a white casket and fetish objects believed to have been used for initiation rites and other illicit activities. The state government immediately ordered the premises sealed.

Simultaneously, security forces moved into Evboyare community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, where a violent confrontation between rival confraternity, the Eiye and Maphite groups, had left one man, identified as Festus, dead.

The residence of Felix Aigbedion, alleged leader of the Maphite group and prime suspect in the attack, was also sealed after intelligence reports implicated him in orchestrating the violence. He has since been declared wanted.

According to the coordinator, when operatives arrived, the community bore heavy signs of destruction, with homes, vehicles, and personal belongings damaged, while spent cartridges littered the ground, reflecting the terror residents endured and forcing many to flee.

Investigators also recovered two locally made firearms from a poultry house believed to have served as an improvised armoury for the cult group.

Noah reaffirmed the state’s uncompromising stance against cultism, warning that no hideout would be spared.

“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is determined to rid Edo State of cult-related violence and criminal syndicates.

“We have sealed the property of Mr. Felix Aigbedion, implicated in the Evboyare clash, as well as the Egbaen residence of Mr. Marvellous Adetarami, where a shrine was uncovered.

“These actions are not symbolic—they send a clear message that clandestine activities will no longer find sanctuary in Edo State,” he said

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