Ekiti Gov Oyebanji Recalls One Of His Sacked Commissioners

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August 19, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has recalled his former Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun to the State Executive Council, SEC.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, in a statement on Tuesday explained that the development came barely a week after the Governor announced the dissolution of the SEC.

Olatunbosun, according to the recall letter, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habaibat Adubiaro, and dated August 18, 2025, is to continue to function as Commissioner for Information. The recall is with immediate effect.

Olatubosun, in a Facebook post expressed gratitude to the Governor for recalling him and assured continued support.

“I have resumed back to work today. I am deeply grateful to the incredible people who have shown me love and support through messages and various gestures. We will not fail you.

“To His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who has entrusted me with this confidence, I give my assurance that I will not let you down. The time is now, and the work has begun.”

There are indications that Governor Oyebanji might have been misled by some interested individuals into sacking the 15 commissioners, who were accused of divided loyalty to the administration.

The individuals, that have control over the governor had made attempts last week to force him to drop his deputy, Mrs Monisola Afuye, from the second term project.

The timing, which is less than two months to the governorship primary and the contributions of the affected commissioners to the gale of endorsements of the governor for second term, were not considered before their sack.

Olatubosun, is an active member of the committee, headed by a former deputy governor, Abiodun Aluko, which is currently rallying support for the second term bud of Oyebanji.

There are indications that more of the sacked commissioners may be recalled as they are needed for Oyebanji’s second term project.

President Tinubu Reduces Cost Of Kidney Dialysis Cost To N12,000

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 19, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Disturbed by the exorbitant cost of Kidney Dialysis, President Bola Tinubu has approved a flat charge of N12,000 only in all Federal Hospitals.

This is coming less than 24 hours after Nigerian Music Video Director and Cinematographer, ThankGod Omori Jesam, better known as TG Omori, decried the high cost of dialysis in the country.

President Tinubu, in a statement issued on Monday, slashed the price of the procedure by 76%, thus, reduced the fee from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Policy Information, Daniel Bwala, Tinubu noted that the intervention slashes the cost of each dialysis session from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000, offering relief to thousands of Nigerians living with kidney-related ailments.

Bwala stated that the move is expected to bring immediate financial relief to thousands of Nigerians battling kidney disease, a condition that often requires multiple treatment sessions per week.

He also added that the subsidy is already in effect at major Federal Hospitals across the Six Geopolitical Zones in the country.

The Hospitals are: the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute-Metta, Lagos; Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja; University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan; and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri.

Others include: the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri; the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta; Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos; Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare; University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin; and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar.

Bwala further revealed that additional Federal Medical Centres and Teaching Hospitals will be included in the scheme before the year ends, to expand access to affordable dialysis nationwide.

Don’t Allow DSS Screen New SANs”- Akinboro, SAN Warns NBA, LPPC, BOB

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Adesina Soyooye

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August 19, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

A former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has warned against a new decision which requires the Department of State Security, DSS, to screen new senior lawyers already cleared by the appropriate Legal Bodies and Association for the conferment of the Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, rank.

Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, who expressed worry over such a move described it as a dangerous precedent.

In a statement he issued on Monday he urged the NBA, the Legal Practitioners Privilges Committee, LPPC and the Body of Benchers, BOB, to resist it. He dismissed it “as an intrusion into the independence of the legal profession.”

His strong reason: “The conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is not a political appointment, nor is it an executive privilege. It is a professional recognition rooted in the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act and administered solely by the LPPC.”

He posited that to subject SAN-designates to another external vetting after the appropriate legal organ, the LPPC had already carried out rigorous scrutiny would undermine due process and erode the sanctity of the legal profession.

He said: “The strength of the Bar has always been its autonomy. If we allow institutions outside the profession to insert themselves into its core processes without legal basis, we open the door to a precedent that may one day compromise not only the rank of SAN but also the independence of our Courts, our appointments, and ultimately, our ability to dispense justice without fear or favour.”

Akinboro, therefore, urged the NBA, the LPPC, and the Body of Benchers to resist the dangerous development. To keep silent, he said, amounts to saying yes, and agreeing to a dangerous concession.

Akinboro: “The legal profession must resist every attempt to muscle the Bar. To remain silent is to acquiesce, and acquiescence today may cost us the profession we hold dear tomorrow.”

Outrage Greets Alaafin’s Ultimatum To Ooni Over Okanlomo Chieftaincy Title

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Ayodele Oni

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August 19, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Anger is gradually rising to high heavens in Yorubaland over the 48-hour ultimatum given to the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, by the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade to revoke the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo bestowed on Jubril Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni.

The Ooni had, last week, installed Sanusi as Okanlomo of Yoruba land. But it is an installation which the Alaafin has viewed as illegal and a usurpation of his power.

The Alaafin, therefore, demanded, from the Ooni, a revocation of the title so conferred on Sanusi.

In a strongly-worded statement, he gave the Ooni, a 48-hour ultimatum to revoke the title. He, however, did not say what would happen if the Ooni ignores his ultimatum.

He wrote:

“The attention of the Alaafin of Oyo and the Titan of Yorubaland, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has been drawn to the purported conferm

ent of chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on a business tycoon, Dotun Sanusi, by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

“The conferment of chieftaincy title which borders on Yorubaland by the Ooni of Ife is not only an affront to the referred institution of the Alaafin, who is the Titan of Yorubaland, and on whom holds exclusive right to confer any chieftaincy title which covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone.

“The Ooni of Ife is behaving as if there is no authority to check and call him to order and because of that ‘above the law’ syndrome of his, he is in the habit of walking on everybody’s’ back including the apex court in the country, the Supreme Court, which had ruled on the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin to confer chieftaincy title that covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone.

“The instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi, during his installation, specifically limits his traditional area of authority to Oranmiyan Local Government, which has now been split into three Local Governments, viz: Ife Central, Ife North and Ife South.

”The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to a crucial test and the reality of our time makes it very obligatory for the Alaafin to call the Ooni of Ife to order and demand revocation of the so-called Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title conferred on Engineer Dotun Sanusi within 48 HOURS or face the consequences.”

But outrage has greeted the Alaafin’s public ultimatum to the Ooni. Not a few people find it embarrassing and an utter disrespect to the throne that the Ooni occupies.

“Alaafin, Your Authority Does Not Go Beyond Oyo” Oba Akinyele

In an angry reaction to the Alaafin’s 48 hours ultmatum to the Ooni, the Olukosi of Iiukosi-Ijesa, HRM, Oba Omotooyosi Bayo Akinleye, told the Alaafin that his powers do not go beyond Oyo. He made a case for why the Ooni of Ife was right to confer the chieftaincy title on Jubril no matter what the Alaafin thinks or feels.

In a post on X, Oba Akinyele said: ‘‘Alaafin authority ends on Oyo land. Owa Obokun authority ends on Ijesa land. Awujale authority ends on Ijebu land. Alake authority ends on Egba land.

“No child is older than who fathered them, we are all children of Oodua, and Ooni is sitting on our father’s Throne.”

A prominent Mogaji in Ibadanland, Abass Oloko describing the opposition of Alaafin to the conferment as absurd and a clear demonstration of misunderstanding regarding Yoruba traditional authority.

Oba Owoade had demanded the revocation of Sanusi’s chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland.

In a statement, the Ibadan Mogaji asserted that the Alaafin is ill-informed about the historical hierarchy within Yoruba traditions, where the Ooni of Ife holds a superior position over the Alaafin.

He maintained that the ultimatum issued by the Oyo monarch, not only lacked merit, but also revealed a troubling disregard by Alaafin for established customs that have governed the Yoruba people for centuries.

According to him, the title conferred on Sanusi had received the full backing of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, five years ago, reinforcing its legitimacy and the respect it commands within Yorubaland.

He affirmed that Alaafin’s attempt to challenge this title is not only unwarranted, but also deeply disrespectful to the traditions that underpin Yoruba leadership.

Oloko passionately highlighted the invaluable contributions of the Ooni of Ife, a paragon of tradition and progress, whose leadership has been a transformative force for the Southwest.

They stated,

“The Ooni is not just a traditional ruler; he is a visionary architect of unity and development. His initiatives have fostered economic revitalisation, cultural renaissance, and social harmony across the region.

“The Ooni’s influence extends beyond borders, positioning the Yoruba nation as a formidable force in Nigeria and on the global stage.”

He contrasted this with the current Alaafin, questioning the tangible value that Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade has added to Oyo town and Oyo State since his enthronement.

“While the Ooni leads with purpose and direction, we must ask: what legacy is being built in Oyo?” they remarked.

Oloko expressed that traditional rulers should remain focused on issues within their domains and not interfere in matters beyond their invitation.

He stated, “We urge Oba Abimbola Owoade to do his worst if the ultimatum he issued elapses. Inferiority is a major problem for any monarch who dabbles into issues that are beyond his domain.”

He reiterated the need for unity and respect among Yoruba monarchs, emphasising that the Alaafin should embrace his role as a leader and diplomat rather than engage in petty disputes that threaten the unity of their heritage.

“We implore all leaders to avoid unnecessary conflicts and instead channel their energies into fostering harmony and cooperation among our people.”

Abass Oloko further praised Jubril Dotun Sanusi for his integrity, character, and significant contributions to the Yoruba community, highlighting his dedication to growth and development.

“Chief Dotun Sanusi is a man of vision, committed to fostering unity and progress among our people.

“His unwavering commitment to the advancement of Yorubaland deserves not only recognition but also admiration

“Sanusi’s leadership has been instrumental in various developmental initiatives,” and the group underscored that his title is a testament to his service and dedication.”

Ooni Ignores Alaafin, Says he deserves no response

But the Ooni seems too busy to respond to Alaafin’s ultimatum. He is focused on more serious issues than what the Alaafin says. His Spokesperson, Otunba Moses Olafare, dismissed the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin over the title issue.

In a Facebook reaction on Monday, his Spokesperson, Otunba Moses olafere, dismissed Alaafin’s 48 hours ultimatum.”48 hours my foot!”

He disclosed that the Ooni asked him not to dignify “an empty threat with a formal press release.”

His words: “My Principal has directed me against issuing a press release on the empty threat of the Alawada Babasala.

“I beg to disappoint you gentlemen of the press; we cannot dignify the undignifyable with an official response.

“We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion, as it is already being treated. Let us rather focus on narratives that unite us, rather than the ones capable of dividing us. 48 hours ultimatum my foot.”

Zenith Bank Marks 35yrs Anniversary, Appreciates Pioneer Customers, Long-Serving Staff

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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August 19, 2025

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Amidst pomp and pageantry layered with a mixture of glitz and glamour, Zenith Bank Plc marked its 35th year anniversary with a commemorative Chairman’s Dinner at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, August 15, 2025.

In recognition of their immense contributions to the success of the brand, the bank also presented commemorative awards and plaques to pioneer customers and long-serving staff, who have served meritoriously for 25 years and above.

The ceremony brought together key stakeholders of the bank including customers, staff (past and present), regulators, partners, and friends, who all came together to celebrate 35 years of excellent and innovative banking services that has propelled the banking giant to the peak of Nigeria’s financial industry.
Among the eminent personalities who graced the occasion were the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas; Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Governor of Delta, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir. Monday Onyeme; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON; and former governors Peter Obi and Udom Emmanuel (also an alumnus of Zenith Bank).

In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON applauded the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR for his foundational role in building the structures for what has today become a shining example of excellence in the Nigerian banking industry and a globally recognised financial institution. She described him as “the Godfather of modern banking and the Nostradamus of our time, who through sheer tenacity, foresight, and uncompromising integrity transformed a modest vision into the financial powerhouse we celebrate today”.

In his goodwill message, the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, a proud alumnus of the bank, praised the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR for being at the heart of the very successful brand that today stands as Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier-One capital. According to him, “Long before technology became the bloodstream of global finance, Jim Ovia had already woven it into the DNA of Nigerian banking industry. He introduced innovation not as a fashion but as a philosophy, placing Zenith Bank on a path where excellence is not an ambition but a standard. Yet his true signature is not only on the balance sheet. For Jim Ovia, the people make an institution. His greatest investment has been in human capital – in transferring his experience and sense of adventure to generation after generation of bankers and investors forged at Zenith Bank”.

Also speaking at the event, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, CFR expressed its immense appreciation to all guests for joining the bank in celebrating this momentous occasion. He thanked the bank’s esteemed customers and shareholders for their trust, confidence and shared vision; the regulators, for their guidance over the years; his friends and partners, for being a constant source of strength; the Zenith Bank family led by the exceptional Group Managing Diector/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, for their loyalty and commitment; and his beloved wife and family for their love and support.
Founded in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown from humble beginnings into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with branches across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, Abuja as well as subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, France, UAE and a representative office in China.

Alaafin Threatens Ooni Over Chieftaincy Title

By

James Orji

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August 19, 2025

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Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo has clashed with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi over a chieftaincy title awarded to businessman, Dotun Sanusi.

The businessman also known as Ilaji, the magazine recalls was recently conferred with the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland by the Ife traditional monarch, a decision that appears not to bode well with the Alaafin, who has protested, and demanded the revocation of the title to Sanusi.

In a statement issued on Monday Oba Owoade’s Director of Media and Publicity gave the Ooni 48 hours to revoke the title to Sanusi, saying he lacked the powers to confer such tile on any one.

According to the Alaafin, who cited a Supreme court judgment, he’s the only traditional ruler in Yorubaland who has the powers and authority to confer such chieftaincy on any worthy person, saying the Ooni overstepped his boundaries.

Oba Owade stated that the Ooni’s authority does not go beyond three local governments in Osun state; Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South, warning that failure on the part of the Ooni to immediately revoke the title will be met with severe consequences.

The statement reads, “The attention of the Alaafin of Oyo and the Titan of Yorubaland, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has been drawn to the purported conferment of chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on a business tycoon, Dotun Sanusi, by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

“The conferment of chieftaincy title which borders on Yorubaland by the Ooni of Ife is not only an affront to the referred institution of the Alaafin, who is the Titan of Yorubaland, and on whom holds exclusive right to confer any chieftaincy title which covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone.

“The Ooni of Ife is behaving as if there is no authority to check and call him to order and because of that ‘above the law’ syndrome of his, he is in the habit of walking on everybody’s’ back including the apex court in the country, the Supreme Court, which had ruled on the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin to confer chieftaincy title that covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone.”

Adding that “The instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi, during his installation, specifically limits his traditional area of authority to Oranmiyan Local Government, which has now been split into three Local Governments, viz: Ife Central, Ife North and Ife South.

”The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to a crucial test and the reality of our time makes it very obligatory for the Alaafin to call the Ooni of Ife to order and demand revocation of the so-called Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title conferred on Engineer Dotun Sanusi within 48 HOURS or face the consequences.”

The magazine reports that the rivalry between the Alaafin and Ooni dates back to the time of their forebears who tried to assert their positions as the foremost traditional rulers in Yorubaland.

Okowa: Tinubu Has Restored Hope, Stability

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James Orji

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August 19, 2025

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Ifeanyi Okowa, a former governor of Delta state has scored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu high in his performance, saying he deserves another shot at the presidency.
Okowa made the remark on Monday in Abuja, the nation’s capital at a National Summit organized by a group affiliated to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, the Integrity Group of Nigeria, IGN.

Recall that Okowa was among the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leaders, including the governor of Delta state, Sheriff Obovrewori, who in April this year, surprisingly, defected to the ruling party, citing the need to bring the state to the mainstream of politics in the country.
The former governor had since become the president’s ally, campaigning for his re-election.
According to Okowa, the president has delivered on his Renewed Hope Agenda, describing Tinubu as an action leader who has taken difficult decisions for the betterment of the country.
The former governor who was represented at the event disclosed that President Tinubu has brought hope and stability to the country by taking the bull by the horns, saying the president deserved to be supported for re-election.
“Tinubu’s decisions might be tough or rough, but they are yielding positive results,” Okowa said.
“Tinubu is bringing stability. He’s bringing back hope. He’s taking the bull by the horns. He’s not referring to issues in the past or how the past was governed.
“He promised Nigeria that he will come to the saddle and take responsibility. That is what he has done.
“We have come, not with liability but assets, to make what you have built better.
“We are coming with our experience, with our knowledge of the terrain. We are coming with love. We are coming with resources to better the lot.”

Speaking four months ago after defecting to the ruling party, Okowa said the state has lost so much by being in the opposition for a longtime, the state, according to him, needed to connect with ‘Abuja’ where the “goodwill and resources’ are being shared, adding that his decision and other leaders of the state to join APC is not personal but for the interest of the state.

He said: “People wondered why, but one thing is very important: in the history of a people there is always a time to change their path for the common good of the people, and whatever decision we took was based on that common good and the need to change our path in the best interest of our state.
“As I did tell people that day (when I defected), it was not about me; it was not about the governor, but about the fact that there is a need for us to connect to Abuja.
“That goodwill that is in Abuja, that resource that is in Abuja, of which Delta State is a large contributor — there was a need to connect to it.
“I was governor for eight years; I was in opposition. I did my best, but we lost a lot, and I did not believe that the governor needed to stay working very hard without the needed support. We are very supportive of Governor Sheriff because he’s doing a lot, but as the governor is doing a lot for us, he also needs to connect to the greater source of power, resources, and goodwill in Abuja. When we sat down after stakeholders’ meetings, we thought it was necessary to make this move.
“We must defend our state. Our state stands far beyond us, and I believe that this decision is in the best interest of all. It is time for us to embrace each other — our brothers and sisters who were already in the APC and those of us that have come into the family. We need to embrace each other and work with oneness of heart.
“It is time for us to stand together in great support for Mr President and Mr Governor, because together we can truly dominate the politics in Delta State. I believe there will be no other party, with this move that we have made.”
The former governor ruled the oil bearing state for eight years between 2015 and 2023.

NGE Warns Against Attempt To Weaken Media, Urges FG To Address Economy, Insecurity, Governance

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The Source

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August 19, 2025

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The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep concern over the multifaceted challenges confronting the nation, particularly in the areas of economy, insecurity, education, governance, and the media industry.

While noting the federal government’s efforts to respond to these challenges through reforms, the NGE stated that the impact of these reforms is becoming unbearable for the poor.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its Standing Committee Meeting in Owerri, Imo State, the Guild urged the federal government to put in place more safety nets to address hardship, inflation, and poverty.

The Guild also called for a holistic approach to addressing insecurity, including enhanced intelligence gathering, community policing, and strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

‘The NGE noted the recent major breakthrough in the ongoing war against terrorism, including the arrest of leaders of two militant groups on Nigeria’s most wanted list, the heads of Ansaru, an al-Qaida-linked group, and Mahmuda,” the communique said.

It however emphasized the need for sustained efforts to address insecurity and restore confidence in farmers to return to producing food.

The professional media group also raised alarm in the education sector, noting the sorry state of education in the country and urged governments at all levels to prioritize education by improving funding, infrastructure renewal, and welfare for educators.

According to the Guild, “education is essential for economic growth and development, fostering innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.”

The NGE also called on governments at all levels to be more committed and transparent in addressing the needs of citizens, especially the rural populace.

Speaking on the state of the media in the country, the Guild condemned growing hostilities against media organizations and professionals by some security agencies and non-state actors, calling on governments to partner with the media to deepen and protect democracy.

The editors warned against attempts to weaken the media, stating that “a weak media may fail to hold those in power accountable, limit access to information, and create a disconnect between the public and reality.”

The Guild thanked the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his efforts at delivering the dividends of democracy to his people and urged him to continue partnering with the media towards nation-building and promotion of peace and unity.

For: Nigerian Guild of Editors

Eze Anaba

President

Onuoha Ukeh

General Secretary

Peter Obi’s Camp Disowns Impostor Claiming to Be His Aide

By

The Source

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August 18, 2025

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The Political Family of former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has raised the alarm over a fresh case of impersonation, distancing itself from one Mr. Ifeanyi Aniagor, who has been parading himself as Obi’s former aide. In reality, Obi neither knows him nor has he ever engaged him in any capacity. It is understood that Aniagor sometimes circulates a photograph taken with Obi as supposed evidence of association. We urge the public to beware of such antics, as many impostors often struggle to take casual pictures with Obi only to brandish them later as instruments of deception.

In a strongly worded statement issued by Obi’s Media Adviser, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, the camp of the former presidential candidate described Aniagor’s recurring claims as false, misleading, and a calculated attempt to exploit Obi’s name for credibility.

“It has come to our notice that one Mr. Ifeanyi Aniagor has been going around claiming that he served as an aide to Mr. Peter Obi. We want to state categorically that such a name is not known to us and has never been engaged by Mr. Obi in any capacity,” Obienyem said.

He noted that the clarification became necessary to forestall the recurrence of a disturbing trend where unscrupulous individuals invoke Obi’s name to commit fraud or secure undue favours.

“Over the years, we have encountered cases where people use Obi’s name to commit all sorts of crimes, chase appointments, believing that once they drop his name, those they are dealing with will automatically assume them to be credible. We will not allow such practices to continue unchecked,” Obienyem stressed.

According to him, the statement serves as both a disclaimer and a warning to the public, reiterating that Obi has always maintained a transparent and accountable style of leadership, and would never shield anyone caught abusing his name.

“Let it be on record that Obi’s political family will always expose impostors and protect the integrity of his name, which remains one of his greatest assets in public life,” he added.

Reacting personally, Mr. Obi restated his zero-tolerance stance on impersonation: “My name must never be a tool for fraud or deceit. I have worked to earn the trust of Nigerians, and I will continue to guard that trust with integrity. Anyone seeking to exploit my name for personal gain should know that the truth will always catch up with them.”

The camp urged members of the public to exercise caution and verify any claims of association with Obi before transacting with individuals, stressing that anyone dealing with impersonators does so at their own risk.

JAMB Investigates “Sophistication Technology Driven Examination Malpractice,” Scrutinizes 6,458 Cases

By

Ayodele Oni

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August 18, 2025

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Prof Ishaq Oloyede -JAMB registrar — Prof Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar

By Ayodele Oni

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has cried out over rising “sophistication technology driven examination malpractice.”

It has, therefore, inaugurated a special purpose committee to investigate 6,458 cases of technology-driven malpractice detected during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, inaugurated the 23-member committee in Abuja on Monday.

Speaking during the inauguration, Oloyede lamented the rising sophistication of examination malpractice.

The JAMB Registrar disclosed that the results of 6,458 candidates remain under investigation for alleged involvement in high-tech cheating, urging the Committee to submit a report not later than three weeks after the inauguration of the committee.

“This year we came across a number of strange things, and we felt that it would be better if we expanded our resources.

“And we believe that God has endowed this nation with a lot of resources that we can tap from,” Oloyede said.

He said malpractice has evolved beyond traditional schemes into “technologically sophisticated forms,” including multiple cases of biometric and identity fraud by some accredited CBT centres and candidates.

Oloyede disclosed that while 141 cases of “normal” examination malpractice have been sent to JAMB’s disciplinary committee, the committee will handle “extraordinary infractions,” such as image blending, albinism falsification, finger pairing, and attempts to breach some CBT centres’ local area network.

“Submit a report not later than three weeks after the inauguration of the committee.”

Members of the committee include Prof. Muhammad Bello, Prof. Samuel Odewummi, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, Prof. Ibe Ifeakandu, retired Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni, Dr. Chuks Okpaka of Microsoft Africa, and the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students.

Also represented are the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, among others.