Naze – Nekede – Ihiagwa Road: Uzodimma Orders Immediate Resumption Of Construction

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May 27, 2025

Imo State Government has assured that the reconstruction of the 35km Owerri- Elele Highway will be completed within the next 15 months.

The Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba disclosed this to newsmen in Owerri.

He said although the said highway is a Federal Road, Governor Hope Uzodimma approved its reconstruction to ease movement for all Nigerians who ply through that axis on their way to and fro Rivers State.

Emelumba further disclosed that the governor has also approved the dualization of the road, while Craneburg construction limited has already commenced work on it.

“As I speak with you , work has started. The contractor has assured us that the road will be delivered in the next 15 months. This will be like the Owerri-Orlu dual carriageway delivered by the same contractor ,” the Commissioner assured.

He said the reconstruction of the road was part of the broader road revolution strategy embarked upon by the governor which has resulted in the construction and reconstruction of more than 120 roads since the inception of the administration five years ago.

According to Emelumba, road infrastructure continues to be a priority to Uzodimma because of its critical role in the economic growth of the state.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner has announced that Uzodimma has approved the immediate reconstruction of the 7.4km Assumpta- Umuguma Road as well the Hospital Road and Chosen-Dreamland Road totalling 6km.

Similarly, the governor has directed the contractor handling the construction and rehabilitation of Naze- Nekede-Ihiagwa road with span bridge to resume construction work immediately.

Ogun 2027: Akinlade Dumps PDP

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 27, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The lingering crisis rocking opposition Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, persists.

Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, Deputy Governorship Candidate of the PDP at the 2023 elections in Ogun State, has announced his resignation from the Party with immediate effect.

The former Governorship Candidate in the State under the Allied Peoples Mandate, APM, in the 2019 Election explained that the decision became necessary after wide consultations and engagement with Party members, Political associates, leaders, stakeholders, family, and friends.

The former PDP Stalwart in Ogun State was running mate to the defeated Governorship Candidate of the PDP in 2023, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, Son to business Magnate, Sir Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu.

The registration letter dated May 26, 2025, through Ward 3, Agosasa in Ipokia local government of Ogun State for onward transmission to the National Secretariat of the Party reads; “I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my Membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.

“This decision became necessary after wide consultations and engagement with party members, political associates, leaders, stakeholders, family, and friends.

“I thank you for the support and opportunity accorded me as a member and wish you the very best.

“After a period of deep introspection and wide-ranging consultations with party members, political associates, respected leaders, stakeholders, and my family, I formally announce my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect”, he emphasised.

The letter further reads; “This decision was not taken lightly, it follows persistent and unresolved internal crises within the Ogun State chapter of the PDP, which have regrettably undermined our collective aspirations for a more inclusive, democratic, and forward-looking party”.

“Despite our genuine commitment to party-building and efforts to provide credible leadership, we were met with deliberate obstructions, institutional disregard, and repeated acts of bad faith from both zonal and national leadership of the party. Akinlade stated.

“Rather than serve as a stabilizing force and neutral arbiter, the National Working Committee (NWC) chose to align with a particular faction of the party in Ogun State, effectively abandoning its constitutional responsibility to promote unity and fairness

“This partisan posture culminated in the recognition of a parallel register during the 2024 Local Government and State Congresses, in clear violation of the PDP’s constitution and guidelines”, he argued.

“Our group had complied with all procedural requirements during the registration exercise, submitting duly compiled and authenticated membership registers containing over 49,000 names. These registers were accepted and formed the basis for the Ward Congresses of August 2024.

“However, the sudden substitution of our validated register with that of another group, and the imposition of unauthorized congress outcomes, rendered the process not only unjust but unsustainable.

“These infractions triggered parallel congresses across the 236 Wards, 20 Local Governments, and at the state level, leading to prolonged legal disputes now before the Court of Appeal.

“Yet again, during the recently concluded PDP South West Zonal Congress, the party leadership missed another opportunity for reconciliation by excluding our bloc from meaningful participation and ceding total control to one faction. ’

“The current turmoil within the national structure of the PDP, coupled with growing defections across the federation, raises valid concerns about the future and direction of the party.

“As a leader with a duty to my constituents, political family, and supporters, I cannot continue to associate with a party whose internal processes are defined by selective justice and institutional bias, ’ he declared

“Therefore, I hereby tender my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In the coming days, after due consultation and alignment, I will announce our next political direction, he stressed.

“To the members of the Triple A Political Family, our loyal supporters across Ogun State and beyond, I express my profound gratitude for your unwavering support, courage, and faith in our shared vision for a more prosperous and equitable Ogun State and Nigeria”, he wrote.

Edo Loses Pilgrim In Makkah, Saudi Arabi

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 27, 2025

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Mrs Adizatu Danzum from Jattu Uzairue in Etsako

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Edo State has lost one of its pilgrims at the ongoing Muslim pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Seventy five year old Mrs Adizatu Danzumi, from Jattu Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state reportedly passed on Monday at the King Fahad General Hospital Makkah after a brief illness.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday May 27 ,mby Malam Musah Uduimoh, Chairman, Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, the deceased took ill shortly after observing the Tawaaf( the circumambulation around the Kaaba on Sunday

“Dazumi, who was immediately admitted to the hospital , however, succumbed to sickness the following day.

“In line with Islamic tradition, she was buried in Makkah on the same day she passed on and her family in Jattu Uzairue has been duly informed of the development”, the Pilgrims board boss stated .

This is just as he extended sincere condolences to the deceased family ,while reaffirming the commitment of the board towards prioritizing the health and wellbeing of pilgrims during the Hajj operation.

Obi Slams Imposition Of Levy On Onitsha Head Bridge Market Traders By NAFDAC

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Ayodele Oni

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May 27, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has described as punitive, the decision by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to demand ₦700,000 from each shop owner as a prerequisite for reopening the Onitsha Head Bridge Market in Anambra State

NAFDAC had earlier shut down the market due to the sale of counterfeit and substandard pharmaceutical products.

However, traders claim the Agency is now asking for the sum as a condition to regain access to their shops, a decision which was condemned by Oni.

Reacting in a post via X on Tuesday, Obi described the demand as “disturbing and heartless,” especially in the face of Nigeria’s current economic realities.

He lamented that more than seven million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have shut down in the last two years, stressing that the institutions meant to support struggling businesses are instead stifling them.

“I visited the Head Bridge Market during its initial closure to show solidarity with authorities working to rid our markets of fake and harmful products.

“My expectation was that thorough investigations would be conducted swiftly, and the market reopened to alleviate the suffering of hardworking traders already overwhelmed by the country’s economic hardships.

“It’s disheartening to learn that shop owners are being asked to pay ₦700,000 just to reopen. At a time when MSMEs are gasping for survival, the same system that should be offering relief is applying pressure on their necks.”

He reaffirmed his support for efforts to eliminate counterfeit goods, but urged the authorities to act with empathy, investigate the allegations urgently, and reopen the market to safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale traders.

“This level of insensitivity is unacceptable. We must place compassion and economic recovery above punitive measures if we hope to move forward as a nation.”

Bullying Of Children Must Stop – President Tinubu To Nigerians

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Ayodele Oni

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May 27, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has listed his administration’s various interventions to safeguard the rights and well-being of Nigerian children. He declared them as the “pride and future of four great nation.”

In an address to mark the 2025 International Children’s Day, the president noted that up to 65 per cent of school-age children in Nigeria are reportedly experiencing some form of bullying.

Tinubu unveiled a series of bold initiatives to strengthen child protection frameworks, promote safe learning environments, and ensure that no Nigerian child is left behind.

In his message which aligned with this year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” the President called on families, schools, communities, and the government to work together in building a safer, more nurturing Nigeria for the next generation.

According to him, globally, more than one in three children experience bullying regularly while in Nigeria, studies estimate that up to 65% of school-age children have experienced some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression.

“This is unacceptable. A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.

“My fellow Nigerians and our dear children, we prioritise child protection under the Renewed Hope Agenda. This includes the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), which I recently launched.

“The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to prevent abuse, prosecute perpetrators, and support victims, backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination.

“We are further taking decisive steps to prevent, detect, and respond to all forms of violence against children. As a government, we have initiated a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand the scope of protection, strengthen their provisions, close implementation gaps, and ensure nationwide enforcement.

“We are also leveraging the Cybercrime Act, which is in full force, to protect children from cyberbullying, exploitation, and abuse.

“I am pleased to note that 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act, thus reflecting our collective resolve to protect and provide for the welfare of children.

“However, laws alone will not be sufficient to protect our children. We require a holistic approach where parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and citizens must take ownership.

“We are investing in other focused national systems for child protection, such as the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), which is being scaled up to track and respond to cases in real-time.

“The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms, training frontline responders, and leading nationwide awareness campaigns to end harmful traditional practices.

“Additionally, and in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are committed to implementing proactive measures to strengthen existing efforts to support families and communities, including developing a robust institutional framework focused exclusively on Child Protection and Development.

“This will ensure greater accountability in safeguarding the rights and well-being of every Nigerian child.

“We have introduced a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools and developed Guidelines for School Administrators, among several other measures.

“We embed social-emotional learning and child safeguarding into teacher training. Through the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, we create inclusive pathways for every child to learn, thrive, and succeed, regardless of background.

“In the care economy, we are expanding access to primary healthcare and upscaling dedicated Mother and Child Hospitals and healthcare systems across all six geopolitical zones, offering integrated maternal and child services.

“We are working collaboratively with sub national governments to ensure the establishment of similar facilities across the States.

“We believe every child has the right to grow up in a loving and protective environment. To ensure that children who are unable to remain in their biological homes are given the care and protection they deserve, the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs has developed the National Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children.

‘These guidelines would complement the recently launched National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC) and strengthen our child protection systems.”

Three Deeper Life Church Members Kidnapped In Ondo

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Ayodele Oni

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May 27, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

“Four Traditional Rulers In the State are Kidnappers” – Afenifere Youth Leader

Just as Ondo State people were taking a break from insecurity, gunmen, Monday evening, abducted three members of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry at Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

This is just as the Afenifere Youth Council President, Eniola Ojajuni, alleged that some Traditional Rulers in Ondo state are kidnappers godfathers.

It was gathered that the incident occurred when the victims were returning from a Bible study session held at the Kasemola area in Ogbese.

A WhatsApp message shared on the Church’s group platform, urged members to pray for the safe return of the victims.

“Good morning beloved, kindly pray along with us. Three of our members were kidnapped yesterday(Monday) after Bible study at Kasemola inside Ogbese axis. We need divine intervention,” the message read.

Afenifere Youth Council President, Eniola Ojajuni, revealed that four Traditional Rulers in Ondo state are conniving with Kidnappers as cases of abduction are increasing in the State.

Ojajuni was said to have revealed this in a screenshot of a chat posted by Ondo based lawyer, Tolu Babaleye on his official Facebook page.

Though he did not mention the names of the traditional rulers, Ojajuni said the four Traditional Rulers are from the Northern senatorial district of Ondo State which is dominated by the Akoko people.

Ojajuni was a victim of kidnapping early this year when he was abducted in Akoko area on his way to Abuja, and had to beg Nigerians to assist in raising money for payment of his ransome.

PDP Secretariat Sealing: Wike’s Action ‘Sacrilegious’, Bode George Hits Minister

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 27, 2025

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A member of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustees, Olabode George has abused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike for sealing up the Wadata House, the PDP National Secretariat.

The magazine reported that Wike had on Monday ordered the Secretariat to be sealed off, for owing millions of naira in Ground Rent to the FCDA.

The Minister’s order forced the PDP to postpone it’s National Executive Council, NEC meeting fixed for Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

But President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had reversed the order after the public backlash that trailed the Minister’s order.

The PDP chieftain said Wike’s action is not only “sacrilegious” it amounted to trying to destroying the party that made him.

According to George, the PDP made Wike to what he is today, wondering why the former Rivers state governor is trying to bring down the party which gave him the platform to become a council chairman, Chief of Staff, Minister and Governor of Rivers state.

The Minister’s action, the former PDP Deputy Vice Chairman, South said is like someone trying to destroy his village “family house.”

George said, “In regards to the locking up of our Party Secretariat, it is absolutely sacrilegious, unacceptable and culturally inadmissible. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Wike — this is the party that brought you to life.”

“It’s like going back to your village and your family house hasn’t paid some ground rent, and you, as the local government chairman, lock it up. How much were we owing? Seven million naira — which you could easily pay.

“I want to challenge him that they should go and check that the property being used by APC at their headquarters in Abuja, could probably be the same thing. People could be careless. It is not a monumental amount of money,” he PDP chieftain said.

Recall that the Minister’s order came barely 24 hours before the PDP NEC scheduled to hold at the Secretariat, and Wike’s decision to back out of all the agreements” entered to by various stakeholders in the party, including Wike on how to fix the protracted political crisis rocking the party.

The party had since postponed the NEC meeting.

2027: Shetima’s Fate Hangs As Tinubu’s Running Mate; Muslim Group Wants Him Dropped

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 27, 2025

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The fate of Vice President Kassim Shetima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate in the next presidential election is uncertain, following calls by a group of Muslims in the north on the president to drop him.

In his place, the group, Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah said the president should pick a Christian northerner to vie with him as his running mate.

The group’s Convener Bala Duguri. made the call during a press conference in Abuja the nation’s capital, saying the decision was arrived at after wide consultations with Muslims and other stakeholders in the region.

The group spoke amidst recent suggestion by some members of President Tinubu’s inner circle to drop Shetima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

The magazine has yet to confirm whether the president is contemplating the option of dropping Shetima for another running mate.

According to the Muslim body, the choice of a Christian running mate for Tinubu is in line with the spirit of “fairness, equity and justice,” noting that there’s the need for “religious balance in the 2027 ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

President Tinubu, the group further stated that will assuage the feelings and reciprocate the gesture extended to him in 2023, when they massively voted for the APC Muslim -muslim ticket.

The Muslim group also urged potential Muslim aspirants to drop their ambition to ensure that the idea of a Christian vice presidential nominee, for Tinubu is realized adding that victory is sure for Tinubu if he followed their advice

“Our group has undertaken wider consultations across the northern states with different Islamic organisations in a bid to speak with one voice over the political direction in the APC-led administration. The outcome is very encouraging,” Duguri said.

The group adds, “We have carefully considered the present situation of our country, coupled with deep concern for the well-being of our people, in the spirit of fairness, equity, and justice.

“The sacrifices made by our fellow Christian brothers and sisters in the 2023 presidential elections, in the spirit of unity and national progress, need to be acknowledged. It’s time for Muslim political actors to make similar sacrifices.

“As a Muslim organisation, we use this opportunity to call on all potential Muslim nominees for the vice presidential slot to make the necessary sacrifice by dropping their ambitions for the good of the country.”

It urged President Tinubu, the APC National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee, the Board of Trustees, the Progressive Governors Forum, and other stakeholders to consider its appeal in the spirit of unity, equity, and justice.

Duguri stressed that the recommendation was not merely political but rooted in a genuine concern for national cohesion, democratic stability, and the continued success of Tinubu’s administration.

“After extensive consultations across religious, ethnic, and political lines in the North, we believe the most appropriate step forward is for a Northern Christian to be selected as the Vice Presidential candidate in 2027,” he said.

The group pledged to continue engagement with major religious and traditional institutions, including the NSCIA, JIBWIS, CAN, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, JNI, and the Northern Traditional Institution, to lobby for support for their position.

“This move will not only stabilise our democracy but also improve the electoral chances of President Tinubu, who, with this adjustment, will surely win by a landslide,” the group stated.

Sealing Abuja Properties: Wike Is Becoming Nigeria’s Alternate President – Dele Momodu

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Ayodele Oni

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May 27, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former Presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has condemned the massive seal off of buildings in Abuja by the management of Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) noting that Nyesome Wike is behaving as Nigeria’s alternate president.

FCTA management had on Monday commenced the exercise after expiration of deadline, and sealed up major offices including the national Secretariat of the PDP.

The Presidency, however, was reported to have intervened and directed that defaulters should be given more time, at least 14 days to sort out themselves.

Momodu, in his Facebook page wrote: “Your Excellency, good evening Sir. I have just read the news here in America that you have stepped into the matter of your cantankerous Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesome Wike who sealed the National Secretariat of the PDP, the biggest rival of your ruling party, APC, and properties of other defaulters in Abuja earlier today.

“While no one should condone non-compliance of government obligations, government must always restrain itself from vindictive outbursts such as that of Nigeria’s most querulous politician who I’m sure is fast becoming a liability to your government.

“The decision to stop Wike today achieved several points in your favor.

We used to think we have two Presidents in Nigeria, Tinubu and Wike.

“Now, we know Wike has a Boss who can checkmate his excesses. How I wished you had stopped his reckless disruption and distraction of the Sim Fubara government in Rivers State and saved the hapless people from this unfortunate contraption called emergency rule.

“Nigerians are currently going through so much hardship and pain and you need to rescue them from Wike’s additional burden and insults.

“Wike’s assignments are far smaller than that of Minister Dave Umahi, yet the man is so humble while Wike subjects Nigerians to his tautological press conferences as if he’s running his own Federal government and not under anyone’s control.

“Sir, there can’t be two Captains in one ship and I hope Wike got that message loud and clear from your powerful intervention today.”

Tinubu Directs Wike To Unseal PDP National Secretariat

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The Source

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May 27, 2025

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been directed by President Bola Tinubu to unseal the National Headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, popular as WADATA.

He also directed the unsealing of other properties sealed by the FCT. A 14-day grace period has been given.

The FCT had sealed and revoked a total number of

4,794 properties due to non-payment of ground rent spanning between 10 to 43 years. In the case of WADATA HOUSE, the PDP is said to be owing more than N7 million.

Other properties affected include those of Government agencies, corporate organizations, and individuals.

The exercise began on Monday May 26. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said it sealed the properties in its renewed effort to “enforce compliance with land use charges”.

However, the outcry and total condemnation by a number of people, has forced President Tinubu to weigh in.

Based on that the FCTA has given all affected property holders a 14-day grace period to pay their outstanding ground rents and associated penalties.

A statement issued by the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze said the penalty charges based on location are as follows:

*N5 million for properties in the Central Area

*N3 million for properties in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape

*N2 million for properties in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II

Also, said the statement, “individuals who purchased properties but have yet to obtain the Minister’s Consent and register their Deeds of Assignment are also required to complete this process within the 14-day period.

“Furthermore, FCT Minister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has extended the same 14-day grace to all property owners in the FCT to settle their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) or Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) charges. Failure to comply could result in revocation of land titles.

“The Minister emphasized the importance of timely compliance with land-related obligations, noting that prompt payments will support the government’s ongoing development projects across the territory.”