Gov Aiyedatiwa Seeks FG Intervention In Establishment Of Oil Palm Processing Plant In Ondo

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August 5, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has sought to assistance of the federal government for the establishment of an Oil Palm Processing Plant to assist Farmers.

The state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa explained that the request became imperative as the State presently has one of the largest palm plantation in the South-West region, stressing that “a Plant of this magnitude will greatly enhance our productivity and efficiency.”

The Governor spoke on Tuesday in Akure

at the 7th Expanded National MSME Clinic, a platform designed to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across all sectors in Nigeria.

Aiyedatiwa also wanted the assistance to be extended to setting up of a fashion hub shared facility for Ondo State to create more jobs and grow the fashion industry in the State.

At the ceremony attended by the vice president, Kashim Shettima, the governor said that the MSME clinic was capable of turning around the Nigeria’s economy.

“Today, we gather with a singular focus, which is to revolutionise the engine of our economy. We recognise the immense potential that lies within our MSMEs and we are committed to increasing this potential to drive growth, innovation and prosperity.

“It is suffice to say that the MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and innovation. A Clinic of this nature is therefore essential to serve as a one-stop-shop for regulatory agencies, enabling MSMEs to address challenges and access timely interventions.

” It also provides an easy platform for our MSMEs to access funding, skills development, infrastructure, markets, and technology; facilitating MSMEs’ growth and development through regulatory support and capacity-building.

On efforts of Ondo state to key into the programme, Aiyedatiwa announced that “we have made significant efforts to secure funding for our MSMEs through partnerships with key financial institutions.

“Notably, we have keyed into the Federal Government initiative of the Bank of Industry N75 billion MSME intervention programme, providing our entrepreneurs with affordable financing options in the face of current economic realities.

“Our MSMEs have also benefited from the Entrepreneurial Training Programme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises by the Development Bank of Nigeria, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to grow their businesses beyond the shores of the country.

“We have also implemented initiatives to provide grants and support for skills development through our One Youth One Skill initiative that has birthed the Odatiwa Skills Development Enterprise Centres (OSDEC).

“The first mini shared facility in the history of Ondo State. So also under the Ondo State Micro-Credit Agency (ODSMA), we have been granting interest-free loans to artisans, traders and other small business owners.

“Last year, ODSMA disbursed over N220million to artisans and traders across the State.

Ebonyi State Governor Recalls 25 Suspended Commissioners, Others

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 5, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Barely eight days after slamming a month-long suspension order on no fewer than 87 of his appointees, the Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru on Tuesday August 5 ,2025, backed down on his earlier position, with a directive for the affected aides to resume work.

The Source reports that Governor Nwifuru had, on Monday, July 28 ,2025, in an unprecedented and controversial move, suspended 25 Commissioners, 14 Senior Special Assistants, ,24 Special Assistants, and 22 Permanent Secretaries for absenting themselves from a Government function

Expectedly, the action instantly drew widespread flaks from both within and outside the State, with insinuations rife that the official may have been axed owing to their failure to attend the birthday party of the Governor’s six-old daughter.

However, in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Dr Monday Uzor, Wednesday, July 30, the Governor insisted that the suspension order had nothing to do with with his daughter’s birthday celebration.

The affected appointees according to the statement, were rather sanctioned for their failure to attend a major Government function–a basic school sports competition put together by the State’s Universal Basic Education Board, UBEB .

They were said to have refused to attend the event, despite the Governor’s directives for them to join the Deputy Governor in representing him at the event.

“The Governor was away, and had to instruct his Deputy to represent him at the grand finale of the Basic School Sports competition organized by the Universal Basic Education Board UBEB.

” However, most of the Commissioners and appointees failed to attend. So when the Governor learnt about it, he had to act as this was not the first time such a thing will be happening”, Dr Uzor.

“As for that picture (picture of the Governor’s daughter circulating on social media) ,it is unrelated to the suspension. It was taken at a private event hosted by the Governor’ in July”, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary stated.

In a statement on Tuesday, Dr Uzor informed that all the affected appointees are to resume officials duties immediately.

This is as he noted that the decision is part of Governor Nwifuru’s efforts at repositioning the administrative framework of the State.

Police Recovers Two Coffins Filled With Sanitary Pads, Victims Portraits In Akwa Ibom Shrine

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 5, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 , announced the recovery of two coffins and other fetish objects from a shrine suspected to be a hideout for a criminal syndicate believed to be involved in cultism , armed robbery and rape of unsuspecting residents and visitors in Abak Local Government Area of the State.

Also recovered during the intelligence-driven operation were women sanitary pads, portraits of some individuals, and assorted types of fetish items.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s spokesperson, Timfon John DSP, informed that about five suspects were also arrested during the raids.

According to John, the clampdown on the criminal den was sequel to a formal petition lodged with the Police on June 26, 2025 by a middle age man ,( names withheld) that a group of armed men broke into his room at a guest house (names withheld) in Abak, robbed him of his belongings and raped his female guest.

The police spokesperson stated that following the complaint, the State Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare directed a deployment of a crack team of operatives to carry out discreet and thorough investigations .

According to her, the operatives on July, 30 ,2025 based on credible intelligence, stormed the criminal hideout, and arrestedt the suspects.

Those arrested are Richard Edet Udo, Hope Unibong Anitie , Joseph Ibongidi , Christian Joseph Johnny and Joseph Joseph.

“Acting on a firm directive from the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Muhammed Azare, operatives of the Command initiated an investigation.

“On July 30, 2025, at approximately 11:10 pm, detectives raided the criminals’ hideout. Operatives recovered disturbing items from what appeared to be a shrine, including two coffins filled with women’s sanitary pads, pictures of people, and other fetish items”, John stated.

The State Commissioner of Police while commending operatives for their dedication to duty, also reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment towards making Akwa Ibom unsafe for criminal elements.

OPINION: Peter Obi Is Like A Criminal!

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The Source

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August 5, 2025

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By Valentine Obienyem

Over 70% of the topics being discussed in political programmes across television, radio stations, and social media platforms revolve around Peter Obi. Just this morning, he was the subject on Arise, Channels, AIT, NTA, and possibly others. Why?

Here is my answer, while I await yours: Great men who govern with integrity are often treated like criminals subjected to torture. One suffers punishment for his crimes; the other, paradoxically, suffers for his virtues and merit.

This is what Obi endures. This is why his name echoes everywhere – his critics ranting, his supporters speaking with cheeks bursting with pride.

Obienyem a Lawyer, is Obi’s longtime Aide

2027: Abati Dismisses Peter Obi’s One Term President Promise AS Desperation

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 5, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Dr Reubens Abati, former Presidential Spokesperson to former President Goodluck Jonathan has slammed former Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi over his pledge to serve for only one term in office if elected President.

Abati says it smells of desperation.

Abati who anchors Arise Television’s popular programme, The Morning Show, said of Obi’s pledge Tuesday morning:

“Peter Obi’s ‘I’ll do one term, I’ll serve you food’ gimmick will not work. That’s not leadership that’s performing art!

“When a politician starts promising one term upfront, it’s not strategy it’s a red flag. It’s a sign of desperation.

“This talk of serving food, carrying plates, and doing boy-boy duties at events better left to professional organisers is nothing but optics empty gestures.”

Abati noted that until Nigerians are politically mature enough to vote for competence over tribe, religion, or showbiz, the country will notmove forward.

Since making the pledge of One Term President if elected, Obi has continued to receive knocks and jibes.

Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, stated that Obi doesn’t keep promises, recalling how the former Vice Presidential Candidate allegedly betrayed the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, when he left the Party, despite making promises not to leave the Party for no reason.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State also took a swipe at Obi over his pledge, saying that he can’t be trusted on that.

But Obi doubled down on that, and mentioned a number of World Leaders, including South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, who served one year only, and made positive tremendous impact on their countries.

Anambra Election: Moghalu Appoints Ogene Campaign Spokesman

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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August 5, 2025

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Ahead of the 2025 Anambra governorship election, the Labour Party candidate, Dr. George Moghalu, and his running mate, Mrs. Ifeoma Okaro, have appointed Afam Ogene as the party’s Director of Media and Publicity. This strategic appointment comes as part of a broader team of seasoned technocrats, politicians, professionals, and grassroots mobilizers who will spearhead the party’s campaign efforts leading up to the November 8, 2025 election.

Ogene, member of the House of Representatives and chairman of the Committee on Renewable Energy, is a seasoned journalist, editor and member, Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE).

The lawmaker, representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, stated in Awka on Tuesday that the Labour Party campaigns will focus on issues, “in the earnest hope that our co-contenders will abide by the same code of behavior.”

Announcing the appointments on Monday in Awka, the Director General of the campaign organisation, Arch. Okey Chukwuogo, described the newly constituted council as a “broad-based team with the competence and commitment to deliver a people-centered, issue-driven campaign that reflects the hopes and aspirations of ndi Anambra.”

Referencing the ongoing conversation about candidates that pledged to serve only one term in office – which Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra had dismissed derisively – Rep. Ogene noted that the candidates do so out of deference to the widely accepted governorship arrangement in Anambra State.

He stated that this was, “Unlike Soludo, who was a serial governorship aspirant, including against an incumbent, until he was elected governor in 2021.”

The LP campaign spokesperson emphasized that a second term in office is not an entitlement, but rather earned through the people’s vote, following a critical appraisal of a first term’s performance.

“So, instead of haranguing opponents through sophistry, Soludo and his Party should be busy telling ndi Anambra what their scorecard reads, to warrant a second term in office.

“And just in case they have forgotten what the November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election is all about, a quick reminder would suffice,” Ogene said.

Ogene: “The next election will be a referendum on such key issues as, security of lives and property; attraction of investments, foreign and indigenous; emotional intelligence in governance; and equity in government appointments and spread of infrastructure. And I can tell you that Prof. Soludo, who gleefully promised to turn Anambra into Africa Dubai and Taiwan, has failed woefully in all fronts.

“On security, after sleep-walking for three years, the Governor Soludo administration woke up one morning to announce the creation of Udogachi security apparatus. Devoid of any form of formal training, the hoopla over it’s creation lasted barely two months, before the state relapsed into a killing field, with banditry, kidnapping and assassination taking full rein. The thugs he hired to fight insecurity have brazenly become terrors to the very people they were supposed to protect, unleashing unimaginable cruelty with their ‘Aka odo’, weapon of impunity, pain and blood.

“Under his watch, no fewer than two State Assembly members (including Hon. Justice Azuka and another former member, Hon. Okechukwu Okoge, member that represented Aguata 11 Constituency in Anambra state Assembly, who was abducted in 2022, along with his personal aide just as he was entering his house in his Isuofia village in Aguata local government area.They were killed. Okoye’s severed head was later found somewhere at Nnobi where it was dumped.

“The latest incident was the son of the State Woman Leader of Governor Soludo’s party. In fact, the grim crime statistics of Anambra is so horrendous, that no day passes without one incident of kidnapping, banditry or killing in the State.

“On investment, of course, since security is ancillary to business growth, the Dr. George Muoghalu Organization hereby urges Governor Soludo to release a list of investments that he has attracted to the state over the last three years.

“Concerning emotional intelligence, the condescending manner of our Governor’s public utterances can only be equated with the crude deployment of ndi Aka odo to Anambra streets and parks,” the LP lawmaker said.

Also included in the campaign team are eminent professionals such as Barrister CJ Okoli Akirika, who will lead the Administration Directorate, while Prof. Oby Orogbu takes charge as Deputy Director in the Contact and Mobilisation unit.

Others include Hon. Uchenna Okafor (Wiper) as Director of Parks and Markets; Prof. Patrick Nky Obi as Director of Support Groups and Persons with Disabilities; Barr. Jude Umennajiego and Dr. Obinna Ngonadi in Operations; and CP Mike Okoli (Rtd) as Director of Security.

“This council brings together some of Anambra’s best minds in law, media, strategy, grassroots mobilisation and governance,” Chukwuogo said. “We are assembling not just a campaign team, but a team of transformation.”
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Ondo Varsity Worker Abducted From Home, One Other Rescued By Police

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Ayodele Oni

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August 5, 2025

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Adekunle Ajasin Univeristy - Akungba Akoko

By Ayodele Oni

Two staff members of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), one of them Omoniyi Eleyinmi, were abducted from their homes by gunmen in Supare Akoko, Ondo State, on Monday evening.

Eleyinmi, an officer in the Faculty of Education and member of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), was abducted around 7:00 p.m. at his house along the Akungba-Supare road.

The other victim, whose identity could not be immediately known, was reported to have been rescued by policemen, while being taken away.

According to reports, the gunmen arrived at Eleyinmi’s residence, shooting sporadically into the air to scare away residents.

Unfortunately, while this was ongoing, Eleyinmi arrived at his house while the gunmen were still present and was immediately seized and taken away. His wife, who was at home during the incident, narrowly escaped the attack.

This latest kidnapping incident highlights the growing concern over security in the state, particularly in the Akoko area.

Within a month two students of the University were kidnapped with their decomposing bodies recovered after days of searching, while another female student was allegedly hacked to death by her girl friend.

In June, the Nigerian Police uncovered a suspected kidnappers’ den in Epinmi Akoko, arresting two suspects and recovering dangerous weapons and modified burglary-proof compartments believed to have been used to confine kidnap victims

The kidnapping of Eleyinmi has sent shockwaves through the university community, with many calling for increased security measures to protect staff and students.

The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident.

According to the command’s spokesperson, two staff members of the institution were initially kidnapped, but a swift response from police operatives led to the rescue of one of the victims.

“The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has directed that the rescued individual be debriefed to extract useful intelligence that could aid the rescue of the remaining victim, he said.”

Mother, Security Guard, Others Arrested Over Missing Day Old Baby

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Ayodele Oni

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August 5, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The mysterious disappearance of a day old child at a government owned health facility in Ekiti state has caught the attention of the State Police Commissioner, Joseph Eribo, who has ordered an investigation into the incident.

The incident, which happened at the Okeyimi Health Centre in Ado Ekiti, has led to panic among officials, especially those directly linked to the delivery of the child.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday when healthcare workers on duty attempted to attend to the baby, that was delivered on Sunday, only to discover she was missing.

The situation quickly plunged the hospital into chaos, leaving the infant’s mother, family members, patients, and staff in shock and distress.

According to sources within the facility, both the mother and several hospital personnel, including a security guard, were taken into custody for questioning as part of preliminary investigations.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Ekiti State Police Command, SP Sunday Abutu, said four suspects had been arrested in connection with the case.

He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Eribo, had ordered a full-scale investigation led by the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed the State CID to thoroughly investigate the case and ensure that the missing baby is found.

“So far, four persons have been arrested and are currently providing useful information to assist in our ongoing investigation,” Abutu stated.

El Rufai Vows To Stop President Tinubu’s Second Term, Says Govt Incompetent

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Ayodele Oni

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August 4, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Chieftain of African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has declared that President Bola Tinubu’s Government is incompetent. He said the lives of Nigerians might be at stake if he secures another term in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a grassroots mobilisation rally in Sokoto organised by the opposition coalition led by the ADC, El-Rufai made a bold declaration against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and pledged to actively campaign for its removal from power.

“I’m not in politics to gain anything for myself. I’m here to serve. When the government fails to serve the people, I see it as my duty, as a senior citizen, to speak out and act to change the situation.”

El-Rufai, once a prominent figure in the APC, warned that allowing the present administration to continue beyond 2027 could lead to the complete collapse of Nigeria’s social fabric.

“We’re in Sokoto to begin mobilising Nigerians against the APC, both at the state and federal levels. If this party continues in power beyond 2027, what remains of Nigeria’s social capital may be destroyed.

We may not even have a country. This is a fight for survival.”

El-Rufai left the APC in March 2025 after the Senate declined to confirm his ministerial appointment, allegedly over security concerns.

He briefly joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), but was expelled and handed a 30-year ban over accusations including forgery of membership documents.

I Am Still A Member Of PDP – Ighodalo Debunks Rumoured Defection

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 4, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the 2024 Edo state off-circle gubernatorial polls, Chief Asue Ighodalo, has dismissed claims suggesting that he has abandoned the party.

The Source reports that following his exhaustion of all the available legal options in the bid to reverse the outcome of the September 21, 2024 election, which saw his All Progressive Congress rival, Governor Monday Okpebholo, emerge victorious, speculations have been rife concerning his possible defection to an alternative platform.

The rumours were all the more accentuated by the lingering crisis within the rank of the hitherto main opposition camp, which has led to an exodus of many of its stalwarts.

In the last 24 hours, the social media has been saturated with news of Ighodalo’s move to the nascent opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC, with his supporters ahead of the 2027 election.

But in a statement issued on Monday August 4, 2025, by the head of his media team Erhabor, the PDP Governorship flag bearer insisted that he is still a loyal and dedicated member of the PDP.

He described the purported claim of defection as “a baseless , misleading ,and mischievous attempt at hoodwinking the teeming supporters of the PDP ,ahead of the August 16 ,2025 National Assembly by-election in the state.

” This claim is false. Dr Ighodalo remains a member of the PDP. We urge the public to disregard this baseless fabrication and the mischief behind it which is aimed at misleading our supporters ahead of the National Assembly by-elections scheduled for later this month.

“Dr Ighodalo remains focused on his vision for a prosperous ,and safe Edo, and on strengthening the PDP as a platform that truly protects the interests of the people”, the statement reads.