Home Blog Page 477

Protest Rocks Bariga LCDA Over Renaming Of Street After King Sunny Ade

July 31, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Protests, which triggered pandemonium, have rocked Bariga Local Council Development Area, LCDA, over the renaming of Ilaje Road with the name of legendary Juju Musician, King Sunny Ade.

Before the exit of the immediate past Chairman of Bariga LCDA, Kolade Alabi, from Office, he had announced the name change, even after the residents warned that any move to perfect the change would be resisted.

In the protest letter, they stated that the former Chairman acted unconstitutionally and without the approval of the Local Councillors before changing the names of Streets.

According to the demonstrators, Ilaje Road is a symbol of their heritage and should remain unchanged.

The President General of Egbe Omo Ilaje, Raphael Irowanu, expressed concern that there was a broader plan to marginalize the Ilaje people in Lagos.

He stated that the Ilaje community, with a population of about four million people in Lagos State, has deep roots in Yoruba history and should not be treated as outsiders.

According to him, the renaming of the road, as well as the ongoing demolition of their homes, are signs of targeted erasure.

He warned that the political consequences of ignoring the community’s concerns could affect the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 Elections.

The President also noted that naming the road after King Sunny Ade, a musician from Ondo State like the Ilaje people, could lead to conflict rather than unity.

Addressing the demonstrators, the Baale of the Ilaje/Bariga Community, Kayode Ayetiwa, said the new LCDA Chairperson, Bukola Adedeji, had called him to plead with him not to welcome her with a protest.

While disclosing that the New Council Boss promised to reverse the decision, the Traditional Ruler emphasized that the name, Ilaje road, has been in use since 1948 and is an important part of the Community’s identity.

He said the residents would not allow their cultural history to be erased by replacing the name with that of any individual, regardless of their fame.

However, President TeamNigeria4change, Otunba Bestman Nze-Jumbo has cautioned against politicising the change of name of some streets in Lagos.

Nze-Jumbo stated this while featuring on News Central Television to discuss issue of Street Renaming in some Local Government and Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

He noted that Street Renaming is the responsibility of Local Government inline with provisions of the constitution.

He further noted that the recent exercise (change of street name) is not the first time or limited to Lagos State.

According to him, some people are trying to politicise the issue.

“I Have seen where Local Government change the name of a Street after a Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Itsekiri, Edo person etc.

“We should not read politics or ethnical sentiments to this issue. People must stop the rumours, and stop fanning the ember of hate and discord”, he noted.

Wike’s Man, Mmom, Is President Tinubu’s Choice Of VC Fed. Uni. Of Environment, Ogoni

The Source

July 31, 2025

By Charles Igbo

A former Commissioner for Education, Rivers State, Professor Chinedu Mmom, has been appointed the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Environment, Ogoni. Mmom is a distinguished and accomplished academic with a solid hold on Environmental issues.

The establishment of the University was one of the steps taken by the President Bola Administration to lobby/ placate the Ogonis of Rivers State in order to ginger peace and enable, again, the drilling of oil in the area.

The drilling was suspended over violent protests by the indigenes against environmental degradation in the area which grounded the means of livelihood of the people – farming, fishing. It was not, also, helped when the protests finally culminated in the gruesome murder of four prominent Ogoni Chiefs, popular as the “Ogoni 4”, which, also, led to the prosecution and hanging of the “Ogoni 9”, including Playwriter and Environmentalist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, by the late General Sani Abacha’s Military Regime.

To the anger of the families of the “Ogoni 4”, President Tinubu, on June 12, 2025, during the ceremonies marking Democracy Day, not only granted Presidential Pardon to the Ogoni 9, but he awarded them National Honours. To the aggrieved Ogoni 4 families, it was like applauding the Ogoni 9 for, (allegedly), directly and/or indirectly contributing to the murder of the Ogoni 4.

However, many, also, saw the President’s action as one of the moves to appease the people and bring about peace.

On Wednesday, July 30, the President gave a strong bite to the peace move when he appointed Principal Officers for the take-off of the Federal University he located in Ogoni with Professor Mmom as Vice Chancellor.

Mmom, a loyalist of the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, was one of the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s Commissioners who resigned in the heat of the political crisis between political godfather and godson – Wike and Fubara.

A statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Stategy, which announced the appointments reads:

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council Members, and Principal Officers of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Koroma/Saakpenwa, Ogoni in Rivers State.

“Prof. Don Mon Baridam, from the South-South, is the pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, while Prof. Chinedu Mmom, also from the South-South, will serve as the vice-Chancellor.

“Baridam is a Professor of Management with a specialisation in Organisational Behaviour. He previously taught at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State.

Mmom is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Port Harcourt. He was also a former Commissioner for Education in Rivers State.

“The Governing Council comprise a diverse team, with members from different regions of the country.

“They are Mr. Emmanuel Onoja (North Central), Mr. Hamid Adekunle (South West), Prof. Chima Oji (South East) and Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji Lamda (North West).

“President Tinubu appointed a team of professionals to play key roles at the University.

“Dr. Mpigi Monday Douglas from the South South will be the Registrar, Zoryii Josco Nwaimanie from the North Central will take on the role of Bursar, and Dr. Saghanen Ntogo G. B. from the South South will be the Librarian.

“The new University will admit its first cohort of students in September 2025.

“President Tinubu signed the bill establishing the University into law on February 3, 2025.

“Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
July 30, 2025”

South East Economy Suffering Due To Non Completion Of Ntigha Inland Dry Port – Gov Otti

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 31, 2025

Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, lamented the prolonged delay in the completion and operationalization of the Ntigha Inland Dry Port in the Isialanwa, Ngwa North Local Council of the State.

The Governor, also, singled out lack of reliable and functional rail network in the South East as a major obstacle to the viability of the Dry port.

The Source reports that the project conceived and commenced in 2006 as a trading and logistics hub for the South East region, has regrettably remained a mirage.

Instructively, while the project has continued to be on the drawing board, others which were conceived years after it across the country, have come on stream.

Despite its potentials to the growth and development of the both the South East region and Nigeria’s Economy, the project has continued to be stalled.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Management of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Governor Otti called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgent necessity, prioritize the completion of the Dry Port.

He urged the Federal authorities to address the challenges presently stalling the completion and operationalization of the all- important infrastructural facility.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Ukoha Ukoha, the Otti expressed serious concern that the continued delay in the completion of the facility is hugely robbing the economy of the beneficiary States and the country at large.

This is as he equally decried the poor, or complete lack of reliable and functional rail network in the region. He noted that it has negatively impacted the Dry Port project.

According to Governor Otti, the absence of reliable rail connectivity is a major obstacle to the viability of the Inland Dry Port.

He emphasized the importance of a functional rail network to the transportation of goods from the Seaports to the Dry Ports, noting that it remains the cheapest and most efficient means of transportation in the country.

“Isialanwa Ngwa Inland Dry Port was well-positioned from the initial conceptualization. But for it to remain on the drawing board for 19 years shows that something is definitely wrong.

“The major problem is that of transportation. Until we resolve the problem of lack of reliable and functional rail network in the region, the Inland Dry Port project will remain unviable.

“It is a well known fact that the cheapest means of moving goods and services is by rail. You can freight goods ,and pay more. But that is not a good business idea, and will not be sustainable”, Governor Otti stated.

While appreciating the Federal Government for its ongoing investments in rail infrastructure in the region, , including the Port Harcourt/Maiduguri corridor, he called for converted efforts and more commitment.

He assured of the readiness and commitment of Abia State Government in actively collaborating with the Federal authorities, particularly, the Federal Ministry of Transportation in addressing the identified challenges.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr Pius Ukeyima , while commending the visionary leadership of the Abia State Governor, also admitted the State’s strategic position in the overall efforts at driving the regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area AFCFTA.

He noted that the Isialanwa Ngwa Inland Dry Port which was gazetted in 2006, was concessioned to Eastgate Container Terminal Limited for an initial period of 30 years.

He emphasized that the Dry Port, when fully operational, will provide direct access to global markets for Aba’s popular industrial clusters and SMEs, as well as generate thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities.

Ondo C.J. Intervenes Frees 12 Awaiting Trial Inmates On Compassionate Ground

Ayodele Oni

July 31, 2025

Honourable Justice Olusegun Odusola - Ondo CJ

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Chief Judge, (CJ), The Honourable Justice Olusegun Odusola, has drawn the attention of the Federal Government to the dilapidated condition of Correctional Centres in the State, which he said is, almost, collapsing.

He stated this while on a routine visit to the Centres during which he ordered the unconditional release of 12 inmates awaiting trial at the Medium Custodial Centre, in Owo.

The release, carried out during the second phase of his routine judicial visit, highlights growing concerns over prolonged detentions without trial in Nigeria’s correctional facilities.

Justice Odusola, who had earlier granted pardon to five inmates at the Olokuta Medium Prison, expressed deep worry over the poor conditions of both the inmates and the facilities.

He emphasized that many of the detainees had been kept for years without trial due to failures in prosecution or lack of legal representation.

“The need to decongest our prisons made it imperative to release some inmates who have spent years behind bars without any form of trial,” the Chief Judge declared.

He described his visit as part of the judiciary’s human rights mandate, aimed at addressing delayed justice and checking prosecutorial negligence.

Some of the freed individuals, he noted, were released on compassionate grounds, while others had suffered unjust detentions due to lack of diligence from either the courts or the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Among those granted freedom were Sola Oladimeji (54), held for over three years on an armed robbery charge; John Seyi (20), who had been behind bars for more than three years over cultism allegations; and Abiodun Adebanji (26), charged with attempted rape.

Others released include Abdulmumuni Mohammed (34) and Jamiu Yusuf (39), both accused of attempted kidnapping. They were freed due to lack of diligent prosecution.

Also released on compassionate grounds were Isaac Joseph (23), Ismalia Bashiru (21), Ayobami Babalola (22), Saheed Billiaminu (18), Abiodun Edward, and one Sodiq.

Justice Odusola called on the Federal Government to intervene urgently in the state of correctional centres across the country, warning that the system was approaching collapse under the weight of neglect and overcrowding.

Responding, the State Comptroller of Correction Centres, Mr. Jude Agboje, commended the Chief Judge and his team for their intervention, describing it as a lifeline to the prison system and a beacon of hope for inmates awaiting justice.

Ondo: DPO, Policemen Sustain Injuries, Following Mob Attack

Ayodele Oni

July 31, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Some Policemen, including a Divisional Police Officer, (DPO), have been attacked in Ondo State while attempting to mediate in a case of attempted arson.

They were mobbed when they clashed with some youths at the State Specialist Hospital.

The incident occurred at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital, where the youths stormed the premises and engaged Police Officers in an open confrontation.

During the altercation, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Yaba Police Division, Mr. Olowolagba, was attacked and wounded.

Report added that it took the combined efforts of other security agencies and local youths to restore calm to the area.

President of the Ekimogun Youths Connect (EYC), Lucas Famakinwa, who spoke on the incident, explained the genesis of the incident.

He said a motorcycle was reportedly stolen around 9.00 p.m. on Tuesday at Lover Boy Street in Ondo. The motorcyclist was allegedly killed, and his body missing.

“This morning, a friend of the deceased saw someone riding the stolen motorcycle and stopped him for questioning.

“A fight broke out between the two men, during which both sustained injuries and were taken to the General Hospital for treatment,” Famakinwa said.

He added that the man found with the motorcycle is of Hausa origin. “He called his people, and before long, a large group of Hausa youths stormed the hospital, vandalised property, and attacked Police officers who responded to the situation,” he said.

Famakinwa commended the professionalism of the

Police and other security operatives for swiftly containing the situation and preventing it from escalating into a full-blown communal clash.

Ondo Backs World Bank Rural Roads With N30.5 Billion, Moves To Curtail Flooding

Ayodele Oni

July 31, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Rural roads in Ondo State are to get a facelift as government approved N3.5 billion counterpart fund for the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) for World Bank-assisted rural road projects.

The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, announced this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the weekly Executive Council Meeting in Akure.

According to Olawoye, the financial commitment underscores Governor Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to improving infrastructure and boosting agricultural productivity across rural communities in the state.

He also disclosed that the Ministry of Infrastructure has been directed to carry out a comprehensive inspection of roads across all 18 local government areas to identify those in critical need of rehabilitation.

“As part of this process, engineers will conduct hydraulic designs to evaluate water flow and upgrade drainage systems. We appeal to our people for patience as we focus on building durable infrastructure, not temporary fixes,” he said.

The council also approved a comprehensive flood mapping exercise across the state as part of its proactive measures to mitigate the impact of climate change and safeguard vulnerable communities from recurring flood disasters.

According to the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to adopting a preventive and data-driven approach to flood management.

“We are not just identifying flood-prone zones; we are also investigating the underlying environmental and structural factors contributing to their vulnerability.”

Dr. Loko added that while the government is working to stay ahead of potential disasters, provisions are also being made to support residents who may be affected by unexpected flooding.

“Perfection isn’t humanly possible. If any area is inadvertently missed during the mapping and later experiences flooding, we are considering emergency measures such as temporary relocation and distribution of relief materials,” he explained.

He further urged residents, especially those in high-risk areas, to cooperate fully with government officials as assessments and interventions commence.

On some vacant Obas hip stools in the state, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, announced the approval of two traditional rulers by the State Executive Council.

Prince Olusola Joseph Ajaka has been confirmed as the pioneer Gbogunro of Idi-Ogba Alagbon in Ilaje Local Government Area, while Prince Isiaka Oseni has been approved as the new Alale of Akungba-Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area.

Takuro noted that both appointments followed due process and the recommendations of relevant authorities before receiving final approval by the Council.

Governor Alia Sacks All His Commissioners

Adesina Soyooye

July 31, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, still battling the unprecedented insecurity in his State, has dissolved his Cabinet, and sent all his Commissioners packing.

He also sacked his Chief of Staff but immediately appointed a replacement – Barr. Moses Atagher, who was the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

Terso Kula, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, disclosed that the dissolution affected only the Commissioners. All the other Political Aides were not affected. Speculation, however, is that they would be the next batch.

The Governor thanked the Commissioners for their services in the past two years, and hinted that some of them will be reappointed. He, however, urged those who may not be reappointed to continue to support his Government from wherever they would be.

The Commissioners were asked to handover to their Permanent Secretaries.

Shock As Police Officer’s Son Beheads Younger Brother

Adesina Soyooye

July 31, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

A Nigerian Police Officer in Ondo State, name withheld, has lost his two sons within an hour in tragic circumstances that leave one frozen and confounded.

His younger son, Emmanuel, 15, was beheaded by his elder son, Daniel, 26.

In response to the sacrilege, a mob descended on Daniel, and lynched him.

The shocking incident happened in Odigbo, Odigbo Local Government Council of Ondo State in the evening of Monday, July 28, 2025.

Nobody has been able to pin-point exactly why Daniel beheaded his brother. Those who know the family of the Senior Police Officer and the boys say they did not notice any tension between the two brothers. “There was no serious quarrel between the two brothers that anybody knew of”, offered a shocked Community Leader who pleaded anonymity because, “it is a sacrilege. Our land needs to be cleansed.

26 year-old Daniel, it has been revealed, lured Emmanuel, his younger brother, to the banks of Origbara River. The river is said to be popular in the area, but mostly isolated. Not a few people say they saw the two brothers playing on their way to the River.

Daniel’s unprecedented behavior was discovered by one Roland Akinkunmi, an indigene of the Community, who was crossing the River. He raised an alarm when, on a closer look, he clearly saw Daniel trying to hide a severed head, dripping with blood in a bag.

His story: “I was around the Palace when I heard people shouting from the Origbara axis. On getting there to find out what was happening, I saw Daniel holding a human head. At first, I didn’t realise it was his brother’s head because I was confused.

“Daniel and Emmanuel are from the same parents and their father is a respected Police Officer here. We are all in shock. How could someone do this to his own blood? They are not from this community. We are still in shock at what could have come over himto have thought of killing and beheading his own younger brother.”

However, Daniel was not spared. The villagers pounced him, and lynched him. He died later in a hospital.

Speculations are that Daniel was either high on drugs or he killed his brother for ritual purposes.

Confirming the story, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered an investigation. He disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID.

The state of the Police Officer- father of the tragic boys was not known at the time of filing this story.

“How ‘Fish Magnet’, APGA Anambra Women Leader’s Only Son Was Murdered” – Police …Anger Rises

Adesina Soyooye

July 31, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

“Where is the outrage of those elected to protect us? I can only begin to imagine the pain of a mother whose vibrant, visionary son, so full of hope and plans for his family is suddenly no more” – Uzu, YPP DG Candidate

The Anambra State Police Command has vowed that it would leave no stone unturned to arrest the criminals who kidnapped and killed Mr Martin Ifesinachi Onyekere.

Onyekere, the only son of the State Women Leader, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, was kidnapped at his residence, Ezinifite, Okpuno, Awka on July 27. He was the Managing Director of Fish Magnet Outlet, and was popular as “Fish Magnet”.

According to the Anambra State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press release, the victim, investigations reveal, was trailed by the assailants who, thereafter, violently attacked him. They first shot him on the leg, he disclosed, before taking him away forcefully. His lifeless body was later discovered when the abductors, allegedly, called his mother to pick it from one spot.

His navy blue Toyota Corolla has been recovered by the Joint Security Team made up of Anambra Vigilante Operatives and the Police.

Outrage has greeted the killing of the very promising young man. Reports allege a ransom was demanded, but he was killed all the same. Anger has boiled over in the State over the murder of Fish Magnet.

A devastated Uzu Okagbue, the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Young Peoples Party, YPP, in his, at once, angry and emotional reaction lamented:

“It is yet another black day in Anambra; a land of promise now drenched in pain. A day that drags the heart through thorns, that mocks every hope once held for a better tomorrow. A day that reminds us, once again, that we are being governed by shadows, not leaders. By empty noise not vision. By cowardice, not courage.

“Martin, this wound cuts deep.

“We are shattered, not just by your tragic murder by criminals after you were kidnapped in your family house, but by the defeaning silence and criminal irresponsibility of an administration that has handed over our streets to monsters. We are not just grieving a brother, a son, a light, we are confronting a truth more brutal than bullets: there is no government in Anambra State.

“What we have is a regime of press releases and photo ops while blood soaks our soil and fear rules our nights. Our people are slaughtered like animals. The wicked walk freely. The righteous are buried silently. And all we hear from Government House are echoes of confusion, denial, and helplessness.

“I can only begin to imagine the pain of a mother whose vibrant, visionary son, so full of hope and plans for his family is suddenly no more. It’s truly unimaginable. Nne, ndo., Ezi na ulo Onyekesi, ndo nu!

“Who is next?

“This is no longer a happenstance, it is a death rattle. The spirit of Anambra is fading, gasping, suffocating beneath the weight of a failed and absent Government.

“Where are the leaders? Hiding behind protocol and tinted windows while our best and brightest fall. Where is the outrage of those elected to protect us. Have we become so accustomed to mourning that we now embrace it like tradition?

“Shame on everyone of us who folds their arms in silent surrender.”

The State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has promised to apprehend the killers, and has, therefore, ordered all Tactical and Intelligence Units to be on the job.

Saved From Kidnappers, Man Dies Hours Later In An Accident

Adesina Soyooye

July 31, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

It sounds mysterious. Perhaps, he had a date with tragedy. Otherwise, how could a man who survived abduction by blood-thirsty gunmen, die a few hours later in a fatal motorcycle accident?

That was the sad fate of an Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State man identified only as Ability.

According to an eyewitness account, on July 28, 2025, Ability escaped from what could have been a bloody abduction.

He was returning home, and as he made to enter his compound, gunmen who were apparently, targetting him followed and made to enter his compound. But he was miraculously saved by his courageous gate man who slammed the gate on the faces of the criminals and locked it. Their efforts to enter the compound were in vain. They released quite some shots, 17 shots, and left. He escaped by whiskers.

But tragedy still lay in wait for him according to Harrison Gwamnishu, a human rights activist who shared the sad end of Ability. For, hours later, Ability died in a fatal motorcycle accident.

In his post which he backed up with a picture and a video, Gwamnishu said Ability died in the accident on his way to see his wife on his village. He did not disclose why he went out just hours after he escaped being abducted. Speculation is that he wanted to brief his wife on his narrow escape and took a ride on a motorcycle to avoid being noticed or followed in case the kidnappers were still targetting him.

But the post by the grieving Gwamnishu read:

“Mr Ability that escaped kidnapping yesterday (July 28) died this evening by motorcycle accident. This morning, we were in his house. Ability appreciated me for the work I do. This evening, he told them to carry him with a motorcycle to visit his wife, and had an accident that took his life. Which kin life be this? See strong Ability for inside casket. This is the worst news. A man that survived more than 17 bullets from armed kidnappers yesterday, slept, woke up, and this evening, he’s being lowered. I have never heard of such bad news before. He survived a kidnapping attempt in Ogwashi-Uku only to meet an untimely demise in an accident at Issele-Uku en route to his village Obomkpa. Ability REST ON.”

1...476477478...2,938 Page 477 of 2,938