Prof Soyinka, Uncommon Patriot, Source Of Inspiration – President Tinubu

By

-

July 13, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has described Prof Soyinka as an uncommon patriot who has continued to demonstrate his undying love for our country.

Tinubu, in a birthday message to the Nobel Laureate stated that “Even at the grand old age, he continues to be a source of inspiration to fellow citizens and people around the world.”

The President extended his good wishes to Prof Soyinka, the globally renowned literary icon and Nobel Laureate, as he celebrates his 91st birthday on Sunday .

In a statement, signed by the special adviser information and strategy to the president, Bayo Onanuga described Prof Soyinka, as a well-decorated literary giant, activist, cultural icon, and public intellectual, is known for his extraordinary creative and artistic talent, evident in his plays, poems, memoirs, essays, and other artistic productions.

President Tinubu notes the contributions of the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986 to education, pro-democracy and human rights movements, cultural diplomacy, and nation-building over the last several decades.

He described Professor Soyinka as a massive source of inspiration to Nigerians and, most especially, generations of younger writers worldwide who, on their own, have also attained great national and international prominence.

President Tinubu acknowledges his decades of association, friendship, and collaboration with the accomplished statesman.

“I rejoice with Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, on reaching another year and praise his continuing service and contributions to our nation’s development.

“I value my association with Prof Soyinka and several collaborations to advance the progress and development of Nigeria.

“On this special day that marks the beginning of the journey into the last decade of his centennial, I wish Prof Wole Soyinka good health and more years in sound mind.”

Hoodlums Demand N30m For Release Of Kidnapped Chief Imam

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

July 13, 2025

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs NSCIA, Abdulazeez Igbinidu, has called on the Edo State Government and Security Agencies to take all necessary steps towards rescuing the Chief Imam of Uromi and President of the Edo/Delta branch of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria MSSN Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad from abductors den.

The Source reports that the Muslim Cleric was reportedly abducted at about 2.00 pm on Saturday July 12, 2025, in Uromi, Esan North East Local Council of Edo State by suspected hoodlums.

According to eyewitness accounts, Sheikh Muhammad was kidnapped just a walking distance from his residence while trying to purchase some food items for his family members.

The unfortunate incident has since caused palpable fears among residents of the area, particularly Muslim faithful,.

Most residents are said to be greatly concerned about the safety of the Muslim Cleric, and are fervently praying for his safe return .

The abductors are demanding a ransom of about N30 million.

As at the time of reporting. neither the Edo State Police Command ,nor the State authorities had reacted to the development.

However, confirming the incident to the Media on Sunday, July, 13, 2025 Alhaji Igbinidu condemned the dastardly act , while also calling for his unconditional release.

He urged all relevant authorities to ensure that the victim is safely reunited with his family and religious members.

“We understand the kidnappers are asking for a very huge amount of money and we don’t have such.

“Even if you have, if you do such a thing, you are encouraging them.

“Government and security agencies should intervene. They are the ones that have the apparatus for security.

“So they should do everything possible to ensure that Imam is released unconditionally and unhurt

“Government should also put all efforts to ensure that the citizens are able to sleep with their two eyes closed, as well as walk freely without fear of being abducted or assassinated”, the NSCIA Chairman stated.

Corpses Of Two Missing AAUA Students Found

By

Ayodele Oni

-

July 13, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

After three weeks of search, the two missing students of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko in Ondo state (AAUA), Andrel Eloho Okah, and John Friday Abba, have been found dead.

The corpses of Okah, of the Department of History and International Studies in the Faculty of Art and Abba of the Department of Economics in the Faculty of Agriculture at the state university, were discovered over the weekend.

The sad development occurred three weeks after the duo were declared missing from the institution by their course mates.

A colleague who simply identified himself as Ajibola, who confirmed the news of the two missing students in a chat three weeks ago, said efforts to track the duo through their phone numbers have been abortive.

He explained that the two students have been absent from classes and academic activities on campus, saying their whereabouts has sparked outcry and concerns among fellow coursemates.

“For over two weeks now, the two of them have been missing from school and academic activities in class. We searched everywhere. We can’t find them, and we’re worried about their whereabouts.

“We don’t even know if it is a case of kidnapping or something else. The two of them are very close, though. But efforts to reach them through their phones have repeatedly failed. Their sudden disappearance is giving us concerns.

“We need help, and we have reported to the school management and the police, but we are not getting the response we needed. They are telling us to just calm down. There’s nothing tangible that has been done.

A security source confirmed the death of the two undergraduate students in a chat on Sunday.

“It’s sad to inform you that the two missing AAUA students have been killed by their suspected abductors, and their dead bodies have been found where they kept them.

“Some of our men are already on their way to recover their corpses inside the bush at a border town between Akoko and Ekiti,” the source said.

Olayinka Ayanlade, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the State, promised to get back when contacted over the development.

Northern Governors’ Forum, Fmr Senate President, Mourn Buhari

By

Ayodele Oni

-

July 13, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

The Northern States Governors’ Forum, (NSGF), in a statement by the forum on Sunday, stated that it received with deep shock and immense sorrow the news of the demise of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to the Chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in the condolence message he personally signed, he described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a moment of great national mourning and an immense loss, not only to the North but to the entire nation.

“President Muhammadu Buhari was an iconic figure whose life embodied discipline, integrity and an steadfast commitment to the service of Nigeria.

“From his days as a young military officer to his tenure as military Head of State and later as a democratically elected President, Buhari distinguished himself as a leader of conviction and purpose. His legacy is one of sacrifice, selflessness, and steadfast commitment to the unity, security and progress of our dear country.

“To us in the Northern Governors’ Forum, President Buhari was not just a national icon, but also a mentor and moral compass, who stood firm on the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance.

“He mentored with humility, governed with courage and lived a life marked by simplicity and patriotism, Governor Yahaya said.

“Buhari’s death has left a huge vacuum which will be deeply felt across every sector of our national life.

“On behalf of the Northern Governors’ Forum, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his beloved family, the Daura Emirate, the government and people of Katsina State and indeed all Nigerians. We pray that Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives his shortcomings and grants him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.”

The National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark stated that President Buhari passed away at the critical time when his fatherly advice was most needed to navigate through the murky water of the nation’s leadership.

According to Mark “Nigeria has lost a hero, an uncommon patriot and a selfless leader who gave his all for the good of our nation.

“The greatest sacrifice which would be difficult to fault was his love for this country, particularly, her unity.

“It is sad that President Buhari transited to the great beyond at this time, but we are consoled that his legacy of keeping the nation united will endure.”

Senator Mark was military Governor of Niger state between 1984 and 1986 under Buhari as Military Head of state.

President Tinubu Announces President Buhari’s Passing, VP Shettima To Accompany Body Back Home

By

Ayodele Oni

-

July 13, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.

Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga stated that ex President Buhari died on Sunday in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness.

President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences.

President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

Former President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2023.

He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.

President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

Ex President Buhari Dies In London Hospital

By

Ayodele Oni

-

July 13, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni & Akinwale Kasali

Former President Muhammadu Buhari is dead.

His spokesperson until his death, Mallam Garba Shehu, confirmed this in a terse statement.

Shehu issued the statement on Sunday afternoon.

According to available information, Buhari died on Sunday in a hospital in the United Kingdom.

He was flown abroad last week following report that he was critically ill. Vice President Kashim Shettima, has visited the former Nigeria leader at the hospital to wish him well.

Garba’s statement

INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHIR RAJI’UN

The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London.

May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.

Signed,

Garba Shehu

Body Expected Back Later

Confirming his passing, too, his former aide, Bashir Ahmad, announced the passing of the former president on X.

He wrote: “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London.

“May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus. Amin”, he wrote.

Buhari served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023 after previously leading the country as a Military Head of State between 1983 and 1985, was known for his stance on anti-corruption and efforts to stabilise the economy.

His body is expected to leave London for Nigeria, for his burial rites according to Islamic injunction.

“We Will Not Allow The Same Forces That Humiliated Jonathan Out Of Office To Disgrace Tinubu” – Akpabio

By

The Source

-

July 13, 2025

0

Godswill Akpabio - Senate President — Godswill Akpabio, Senate President.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio, has vowed that the South South geo-political Zone will vehemently resist any attempts at humiliating President Bola Tinubu out of office in 2027.

At the closing ceremony of activities lined up to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the interventionist agency- the Niger Delta Development Commission, NNDC, at the weekend in Port Harcourt, Senator Akpabio stated that the region will ensure that the President does not suffer the same indignity inflicted on former President Goodluck Jonathan when he was stopped from securing a second term in office in 2015.

A statement issued by his Media Aide, Anietie Ekong, quoted Akpabio as saying that the South South region will be queuing solidly behind President Tinubu to stop the same forces that uprooted Jonathan from also disgracing Tinubu out of office.

Instructively, while Akpabio was the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors Forum at the time Jonathan was ousted, President Tinubu was one of the leading figures that spearheaded the process that culminated in the humiliation.

According to Akpabio, the region this time, would neither be privy to, nor allow the same reactionary forces to have their way .

“In the past, the Niger Delta was used as the goose that produced the golden egg with nothing to show for it .

“Today , President Tinubu has set up an Environmental Science University in Ogoni land to take care of the environment which had been degraded as a result of oil pollution .

“He has also set up a Maritime University in Okerenkoko in Delta State. He has given us several tertiary institutions in Agriculture, Technology and lots of others. So, it is not only in terms of appointments that the region has benefited, we have also immensely been favoured in projects execution.

“This is the region that produces the wealth of the nation .We have the right to choose who manages our resources.

“So people should not think that anybody can just come and become the President without consultation with the people of the Niger Delta.

“We the people of the Niger Delta have assessed President Tinubu, and have found him fit to continue in office beyond 2027. So let the people who are conspiring against President Tinubu hear this.

“They did it before, and conspired to remove our son, former President Goodluck Jonathan. This time around, the entire Niger Delta region has decided to speak with one voice.

“We are telling the president ‘on your mandate we stand.’ No conspiracy formed against this Government that has recognized the Niger Delta shall prosper”, the Senate President stated.

However, not a few observers will be perceiving Senator Akpabio’s statement as a serious indictment of the very person he is campaigning for.

For the records, President Tinubu was the chief conspirator in plot that removed Akpabio’s Niger Delta brother, President Goodluck Jonathan from office. His role in that humiliation of the Niger Delta Region is well-documented.

How Joint Operation Of Police, Soldiers In Taraba Rescued Abducted Passengers

By

Ayodele Oni

-

July 13, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

A joint operation of police and soldiers in Taraba State has rescued 17 passengers who were abducted by gunmen along a highway in the Wukari Local Government Area.

In a statement released on Sunday, Acting Police Public Relations Officer, ASP James Lashen Samunu explained that the incident occurred on Friday, July 12, 2025, at about 11:45 p.m., when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Wukari Division received a distress call.

The report indicated that a white Toyota bus belonging to the “People’s Choice” transport company, with plate number 26G-17TR, was attacked shortly after passing the Federal University Wukari.

The vehicle was en route from Enugu to Yola, Adamawa State, and was carrying 17 passengers at the time of the incident.

According to the statement, the DPO, Anthony Jerry, promptly mobilised a patrol team in collaboration with nearby military personnel and advanced to the scene.

“The swift response of the security teams forced the suspects to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding bushe,” the statement added.

All 17 passengers were safely rescued. One of the passengers, identified as 22-year-old Sadiq Usman of the Chamba ethnic group, was initially missing, but was later found during a coordinated search operation by the joint security team.

“All passengers are hale, healthy, and safe,” ASP Samunu confirmed.

The Commissioner of Police in Taraba State, Emmanuel Bretet Simon, commended the officers and soldiers involved in the operation, describing the rescue as an “uncommon feat.”

He also urged the public to support security efforts by promptly reporting suspicious activities.

A manhunt is currently underway to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent similar incidents in the future.

How Supply Syndicates Aid, Abet Mass Abductions In Kogi Communities – State Government

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

July 13, 2025

0

Usman Ahmed Ododo - Governor of Kogi State — Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kogi State Government on Sunday, July 13 ,2025, informed that it has unearthed a complex network that serves as supply chain to terrorist groups across the State, particularly in the rural communities.

The syndicates, the authorities said are responsible for the supply of over eighty percent of the essential needs of kidnappers and other criminal gangs operating from the forests, including food and petroleum products.

A statement from the State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, on Sunday, noted that the activities of the supply syndicates were discovered recently following series of coordinated security operations conducted in Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu ,Yagba East and Yagba West local councils of the State.

According to him, the operations which were launched following series of both high and low profile cases of abduction that rocked the areas of recent, including the kidnap of a First Class Monarch and a retired Army Major, revealed shocking details of the involvement of syndicates with locals as members in the sustenance of the activities of hoodlums.

The crackdown, however, was majorly prompted by the abduction and subsequent killing of a retired Army Major and a leading cocoa famer from Ponyan community in Yagba West Council.

The Commissioner revealed that an informant, one Babatunde Aledare, who hails from Ayetoro Kiri, confessed to the collaborative efforts of locals in the thriving abduction business in the areas.

Aladare’s confessional statement, according to Fanwo, was to lead to the arrest of several other informants to the hoodlums.

“Evidence points to some bread sellers and satchet water factories supplying food and water directly to kidnappers in forest hideouts.

Planned Defection Of Osun Gov Adeleke To APC, Ill Timed – Fmr APC Nat Chairman, Akande

By

Ayodele Oni

-

July 13, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

The rumoured planned defection of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has hit a brick wall, as the All Progressives Congress, (APC) founding national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, described such action as ill timed.

It is believed that Adeleke, whose prominent industrialist billionaire elder brother, Dr Deji Adeleke, and globally acclaimed music megastar, Davido, recently accompanied to President Bola Tinubu in his Lagos home, is on his way to the president’s party, the APC.

The entire machinery of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has endorsed any direction which Adeleke may be heading with the Saturday’s declaration.

The PDP caucus comprising elected and political appointees passed a vote of confidence on Adeleke, unanimously supporting any decision the Governor takes on the growing rumour of defection to another political party.

Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor — Governor Ademola Adeleke

But, Akande, who was also a former governor of the state, has told Adeleke that he is not wanted in the APC few months to the 2026 governorship election in the state.

The elder statesman, in a statement, warned against opening the APC’s door to Adeleke, a move he described as “politically dangerous, morally confusing, and strategically ill-advised”

To him, accepting Adeleke into the APC while still in office could undermine the party’s integrity and disillusion its long-serving loyalists.

He declared, “Let him test his popularity at the 2026 polls”.

According to Akande. “If the people of Osun still stand with him, he can then consider joining APC as a free citizen, not as a sitting governor hiding under a collapsing structure. The APC is not a refuge for collapsing politicians”

He said the idea of Adeleke defecting from an allegedly weakened PDP to seek shelter in the APC runs counter to the founding values of the party.

“We formed the APC not as a shelter for politicians seeking relevance after failure, but as a movement grounded in progressive ideas and accountable leadership. Governor Adeleke’s defection at this stage would distort that vision.”

Also, he warned against any political arrangement that sacrifices the years of hard work and dedication by Osun APC members for short-term political gains.

“Those who built this party from the ground up, who stood firm through electoral defeats and legal battles, cannot be sidelined for someone who only yesterday was leading the charge against us.”

Akande urged the party’s national leadership, and South-West stakeholders to tread carefully and avoid hasty political decisions that could destabilise the party’s structure in Osun State.

“The national leadership must resist any temptation to impose Governor Adeleke on Osun APC without wide consultation. Defections are welcome, but they must happen after elections — when individuals come on merit, not calculation.”