Makinde Hosts PDP Convention November In Ibadan

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July 25, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) has shifted its National Elective Convention, originally planned for August, to November.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday after the party’s 101st National Executive Committee, (NEC) meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced that the convention will now take place in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, instead of the previously announced venue, Kano.

In a Communique Issued at the end of the 101st NEC meeting of the PDP, it expressed serious concern and frowns at the reported participation and involvement of some Party members in the activities, meetings and gathering of another political party.

“NEC calls on these members to reconsider their actions and show loyalty and commitment as members of the PDP, especially as the law does not permit membership of two political Parties at the same time.

“In its determination to preserve all the electoral mandate given to our Party by Nigerians across the country, NEC directed the National Working Committee to take immediate legal action to recover the seats of all serving members of the National and State Assemblies elected on the platform of the PDP but defected to another Party.

“By virtue of the self-executory provision of Sections 68 (1) (g) and 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) such defectors have irredeemably lost their seats, there being no division or merger with regard to the PDP.

“NEC approved the membership composition of the National Convention Committee as well as the membership composition of the National Convention Zoning Committee to ensure a successful, transparent and credible Elective National Convention.”

Veteran Wrestler, Hulk Hogan Dies Of Cardiac Arrest

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 24, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Terry Bollea, Veteran American and World Wrestling Entertainment, WWE, Fighter, popular as Hulk Hogan, has been pronounced dead by medical experts at age 71.

He died of Cardiac Arrest.

Bollea, widely recognized as the greatest wrestling star of all time, died just weeks before his 72nd birthday.

The veteran WWE star, known for his wrestling prowess and charisma, reportedly passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at his residence in Clearwater, Florida.

Confirming his death, the City of Clearwater, Florida, released a statement disclosing that Police and Fire Personnel were dispatched to Bollea’s home following a report of an individual in cardiac arrest.

The wrestler was treated by fire and rescue crews when they arrived and was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

This sudden and unfortunate demise of the wrestling star has left the fans and the WWE Universe mourning.

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.

“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” the company said in a post on X.

In the early 1990s in Nigeria, the brand Hulk Hogan was well known and often imitated by his fans due to fighting prowess in the ring.

Niger Moves To Curtail Spread Of Cholera With 13 Deaths, 236 Hospitalized

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Ayodele Oni

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July 24, 2025

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Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State

By Ayodele Oni

Within five days, an outbreak of cholera epidemic has killed 13 persons and caused the hospitalisation of 236 in Niger State.

The outbreak has been reported in six local government areas of the State.

The outbreak, which was first reported on Sunday in Shiroro Local Government Area, has since spread to Bosso, Minna, Magama, Bida, and Munya local government areas, with health officials confirming a rapid escalation of cases across the locations.

According to sources, the most severely affected areas include Chanchaga (Minna), Bosso, and Shiroro, where a spike in infections has triggered emergency medical interventions.

Confirming the development, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, revealed that the state had adopted a multi-sectoral approach to curb the outbreak.

“We have set up treatment and isolation centres to mitigate the spread, and we are also embarking on aggressive sensitization campaigns.”

He added that the awareness campaign was being extended to influential community platforms for maximum reach.

“The awareness drive is targeting religious bodies such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Islamic groups, and the eight emirates in the state.

“To bolster containment efforts, the government has opened an isolation centre at the old wing of the Late Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre located on Old Airport Road in Minna.

Dangana commended Governor Umaru Bago for his swift intervention and also acknowledged the contributions of donor agencies supporting the state’s emergency response.

Supporting Dangana’s position, the Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Idris, confirmed that Minna, Bosso, and Shiroro remained the epicentres of the outbreak.

Obi Replies Edo Gov., Says He Is Not Afraid Of Visiting Any State, Donates ₦50m To Alma Mater

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The Source

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July 24, 2025

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Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, on Thursday presented a cheque of ₦50 million to his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, for infrastructural development.

The donation, made in collaboration with some fellow Old Boys of the school, was aimed at supporting educational development and improving learning conditions at the institution.

Speaking during the presentation, Mr. Obi addressed recent comments made by the Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo regarding his visits to the state without prior notice.

“I am not afraid of visiting any state in Nigeria, particularly when the purpose is to support causes that contribute to nation building, such as education, health, and poverty alleviation,” Obi said.

He emphasised that his visit to Benin, which he would repeat if need be, was solely to support the development of healthcare services and expressed disappointment that such an act was politicised. “I went to Benin to invest in a better life for the people. If they have good doctors and nurses, life will be better for them. What I expect the governor to do is to complement efforts aimed at improving society,” he added.

On the donation to CKC, Obi noted that the gesture was motivated by gratitude to the institution that shaped the formative years of both himself and the other Old Boys who contributed to the donation.

His words: “This school helped form the values I and many others still hold dear today – discipline, moral grounding, and academic excellence. Supporting it is a way of giving back,” he said.

He used the occasion to call on fellow alumni of CKC and other schools to support their alma maters in whatever way they can, noting that the burden of educational development should not rest on government alone.

The Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, who received the donation on behalf of the school, commended Obi and the other Old Boys for their commitment to education and nation-building. He offered prayers for them and urged others to emulate their example.

Also speaking at the event, the Senior Prefect of the school, Master Ejike Ekene, expressed gratitude to Mr. Obi, describing him as a role model and an inspiration to students.

Ogun Govt. Denies Tai Solarin University Has Been Renamed

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Ayodele Oni

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July 24, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Ogun State Government, has clarified that the Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijagun is a Federal Government- owned institution which cannot be renamed by the State Government.

Shedding more light on the institution named after the renowned educationist, late Dr Tai Solarin, the state government explained that it has not been changed to Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona University of Education, countering recent rumours of such a rebranding.

This was contained in a statement by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser

Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Thursday.

In response to reports suggesting that the institution was renamed to honour the late monarch and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, the government emphasized that an existing institution, the Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology in Omu, already pays tribute to the late Awujale.

Reflecting on the university’s history, the government stated that the Ogun State College of Education was originally established in 1977, and underwent its first name change to Tai Solarin College of Education, Science and Technology in 1994.

“In 2005, it was further renamed Tai Solarin University of Education, which led to controversies regarding its authority to award both NCE and degree programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC).”

The government explained that, in light of the NUC’s position, the previous administration relocated the Tai Solarin College of Education to Omu, while the Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijagun retained its name.

However, in 2022, under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, the institution was officially designated as the Sikiru Kayode Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology to honor the Awujale.

The statement noted that the governor’s remarks during the 8th day Fidau prayer for the late Awujale highlighted past efforts to commemorate the esteemed monarch, and did not made mention of renaming Tai Solarin University of Education, which has since come under federal government jurisdiction.

Soludo Appoints Abia Indigene Anambra’s Accountant-General

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 24, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Government on Thursday, July 24, 2025, announced the appointment of Abia State-born Joachim Achor as the Accountant-General of the State.

According to a statement signed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Media Aide, Christian Aburime, the new Accountant-General, who emerged from a very competitive and transparent process, first came to the State as a student.

Achor later observed his one year compulsory National Youth Service Scheme NYSC in Anambra where he emerged as one of the recipients of the State’s Merit Award for best Corps member.

He was subsequently offered an automatic employment into the State’s Civil Service by the then Military Administration of the State from where he rose through the ranks to a Director and later Permanent Secretary.

Governor Soludo emphasized that the emergence of Achor as the Accountant-General was not in anyway politically motivated, but was the end product of a transparent and merit-based selection process which also involved a computer-based-test, CBT, a rigorous screening exercise, and a personal interactive session with the Governor.

The statement noted that the free, fair and transparent process that culminated in the appointment of Achor, a non-indigene of the State is aimed at institutionalizing fairness, professionalism and national integration within the administrative framework of the State.

” Historically, appointments to senior service positions in Anambra State were often subject to political patronage, ethnic considerations or gubernatorial discretion.

“This appointment seeks to institutionalize fairness, professionalism, and national integration within the State’s administrative architecture.

“The appointment of non-indigenes to such high-level roles reaffirms Anambra’s openness, progressivism, and cosmopolitan spirit.

“It sends a clear political message that Anambra belongs to all Nigerians who are willing to serve with excellence.

“We are building a government anchored on merit, diversity and service delivery”, the statement reads in part.

The appointment of Achor, a non-indigene to head the Treasury of Anambra State, is coming on the heels of the selection of Edo State-born Benson Ojeikere, earlier in the year as Abia State Head of Service HoS.

Like Abia-born Achor, Ojeikere also came to Abia state in the early 1990s as a National Youth Service Corps member, before being offered employment as one of the best corps members.

“Over the years ,he ( Ojeikere ) has served diligently in the civil service, steadily rising through the ranks. Notably, he was also among the best in the Permanent Secretary examination category .

“Our administration is motivated by a commitment to transforming governance and fostering a robust civil service .

“We aim to build a system where meritocracy triumphs over mediocrity, and where the best and brightest can rise to the top, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds”, Governor Alex Otti stated, while swearing-in Ojeikere as the new Abia State HoS.

NAFDAC Debunks Ban On Tummy Tummy Noodles

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 24, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has debunked claims that it has banned Tummy Tummy Noodles.

NAFDAC officially refuted the claims circulating in an audio recording that it has shut down Tummy Tummy noodles manufacturing plant in Anambra State and imposed a ban on tinned Tomatoes and Maggi Seasoning Cubes.

According to a statement signed by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the viral audio—which has resurfaced on social media and messaging platforms—contains false and misleading information.

NAFDAC categorically disclaims the contents of the recording and distances itself entirely from the claims.

The Agency clarified that this same audio message first emerged in October 2023 and was promptly investigated. During that period, a NAFDAC inspection team paid an unscheduled visit to the Tummy Tummy noodles facility in Anambra State. Four variants of noodles were sampled and tested at the Agulu Laboratory.

The results showed no regulatory violations, and the facility was never sealed, contrary to the claims in the audio.

The originator of the voice message falsely alleged that NAFDAC was involved and that the noodles contained acetyl methyl as a preservative. NAFDAC found no such substance in the products and confirmed the safety and compliance of the noodles with national and international food safety standards.

In response to broader public concern in 2023 over potential contamination in instant noodles, NAFDAC also conducted an extensive investigation across production sites and retail markets.

The Agency confirmed that neither ethylene oxide nor its derivatives were detected in instant noodles or seasoning products produced in Nigeria.

Furthermore, tests for mycotoxins and heavy metals were all within globally acceptable limits.

NAFDAC also firmly stated that there is no nationwide ban on tinned tomatoes or Maggi seasoning cubes, as wrongly claimed in the voice recording.

The agency urges Nigerians to disregard the circulating audio and avoid sharing unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic.

It reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting public health through strict regulation of food and drug products in Nigeria.

Yilwatda Sworn In As New APC Chairman

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Ayodele Oni

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July 24, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), has appointed Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as its National Chairman. This marks a fresh chapter in the party’s leadership.

The 56-year-old technocrat and politician was chosen through consensus and backed by President Bola Tinubu and APC governors.

President Tinubu had, earlier, on Wednesday met with the APC Governors to intimate them about the direction of the National Executive Committee, (NEC) meeting of the party held on Thursday in Abuja.

Chairman, Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodinma of Imo state, moved the motion at the party’s NEC meeting and was seconded by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddin Abbas.

Yilwatda, who, until his new position, was the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, hails from Plateau State.

He succeeds Umar Ganduje, who voluntarily resigned his appointment early this month, citing health challenges. Yilwatda has already been sworn into office.

Fmr. Info. Minister, Gana, Says Nigeria Retrogressing Under APC Rule

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Ayodele Oni

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July 24, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

A former Information Minister and chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prof Jerry Gana, has listed what the party must do to regain prominence as 2027 elections draw nearer.

Gana also described the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s 10-year rule as the most retrogressive period in Nigeria’s history.

Speaking at a pre-National Executive Committee (NEC) Conference of the PDP held in Abuja , Gana said the country had suffered severe setbacks under the APC, citing alarming statistics on insecurity, economic hardship, and loss of national cohesion.

He said: “Over 4,000 Nigerians were kidnapped and 1,500 killed in just the first half of 2024.

“Inflation has surpassed 33.95 per cent, the naira has lost over 765 per cent of its value since 2015, and over 133 million Nigerians now live in multidimensional poverty. This is not governance; this is regression.”

Gana said the PDP remained alive and mobilising “powerfully” for a return to good governance, peace, and national prosperity.

He urged the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to embrace unity, internal democracy, and to uphold the values on which the PDP was founded.

“The founding fathers of the PDP were deeply motivated by the desire to create a better society grounded in human rights, fairness, productivity, and ethical governance,” he said.

Gana also called on the party to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the south, saying a southern candidate would promote justice, inclusivity, and electoral advantage.

“In tune with the patriotic wisdom of our founding fathers, we urge our leaders to support a power shift to the South. This strategy will not only secure victory at the polls but also restore faith in fairness,” he said.

He asked the NEC to urgently convene a national convention to elect a new National Working Committee (NWC), stressing that the process must be transparent and credible.

“No more backroom deals or impositions. Delegates must be allowed to freely elect competent and loyal party leaders who will drive our resurgence.”

Gana also urged the PDP to open more space for young people and women in both party leadership and elective offices.

“The PDP is rising again — reformed, responsive, and ready. We shall not rest until Nigeria is rescued and our democracy thrives. We shall rise again and triumph, triumphantly,” he declared.

Defection Of Osun Senators To APC In Anticipation Of Similar Move By Gov Adeleke – Aide

By

Ayodele Oni

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July 24, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

An Aide to Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, Hezekiah Bamiji, has described the defection of two Senators from the State to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a miscalculated step.

Baniji, a Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Governor Adeleke, said the defection of two senators – Francis Fadahunsi and Olubiyi Fadeyi – from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC was in anticipation of a similar move by Governor Adeleke.

Bamiji, who spoke as a guest on Channels Television on Thursday, pointed out that the Federal Lawmakers thought Governor Adeleke would defect to the APC, and therefore fell into the trap of the ruling party, which holds sway at the federal level.

“Maybe what I can say is a kind of miscalculation on the part of the lawmakers. The rumour perhaps overwhelmed them, thinking that the governor was coming, they felt that they were Abuja politicians and should be faster than the governor.

“The governor is the leader of the party in Osun State. I felt they should have consulted with their leader and perhaps also the people in their various constituencies, but I am not sure that was done.

“Even if the governor was going to move, did they ask the governor any questions? Yes, the APC set a trap for them, and they entered,” he added.

Bamiji also said that the governor did not need to defect to the APC to provide good governance to the people of Osun State.

Fadahunsi (Osun East) and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central) were among the four senators who were on Wednesday formally received from the opposition PDP to the ruling APC to further solidify the party’s hold on the upper chamber.

Their defection increased the number of APC senators in the Senate to 70, up from the 50 it had at the commencement of the current 10th National Assembly in June 2023 while it reduced the number of PDP senators to 28.

There has been speculation over Adeleke’s political future, with rumours suggesting he might defect to the ruling APC, but changed due to uncooperative attitude of APC members in the state.