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Gov Oyebanji Flags Off Aerial Mapping Of Ekiti To Enhance Land Administration

April 23, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday launched a ground-breaking 3D drone aerial mapping of the state in a bid to enhance land administration, boost investment, and establish a comprehensive geospatial database to support development projects in the state.

Speaking while flagging-off the exercise at a ceremony held at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the exercise was designed to implement a comprehensive land administration solution that will enhance government’s planning capacity and improve service delivery to residents of the state.

The Governor described the exercise as a game changer for the state’s development.

Highlighting the transformative potential of the project, Oyebanji explained that the exercise would streamline land management, promote transparency, ensure security of property ownership, enhance urban planning, as well as position the state as a hub for investors.

He stated further that the aerial mapping would also put an end to the persistent issues of fraudulent land transactions, curb menace of land grabbing, provide accurate land records and eliminate loopholes that have been exploited for land grabbing and other irregularities, thereby making the state more attractive for both local and foreign investors.

“By the time we finish what we are doing, it is going to open the window for investment into Ekiti State, the era of people selling one land to ten people will stop, the era of land grabbing will stop.

“An investor does not have to go to the office of Surveyor- General to sit with them because at a press of a button, you can locate every land and all houses in the state. So, it is a revolution and I am happy it is happening today.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Survey and e-GIS, Prof James Olaleye, said the exercise is the beginning of modernisation of land administration system in Ekiti.

He stated that this would be possible through the use of cutting-edge geospatial technologies to improved land administration, infrastructure planning and management, secure land tenures, eliminate blind search for land, and boost internally generated revenue of the state.

Prof Olaleye revealed that the aerial photographic mission would fly at low altitude to capture every inch of the state’s landmass.

He added that the project is expected touch every nook and corners of the state would last for one month.

“Uzodimma Investing On Human Capital & Technology More Than Any Governor” – Leo Stan Ekeh

The Source

April 23, 2025

Governor Hope Uzodimma has said that Imo State is setting the pace as far as Artificial Intelligence is concerned in Nigeria, insisting that his policies on digitalisation take into cognisance the demands of tomorrow’s world.

Governor Uzodimma spoke on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, while declaring open the three days (April 23-25) 4th Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Summit 2025 at Protea Hotel, New Owerri, Imo State, with the theme: ENABLING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS FOR RAPID NATIONAL GROWTH.

The Governor who acknowledged that the theme was apt, noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, “the Federal Government is taking proactive steps to position Nigeria as a global player in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.”

He disclosed that recently the Federal Government launched the Labour Employment Enhancement Programme (LEEP) to equip Nigerians with digital skills and create 2.5 million jobs, “a way to align the workforce with the demands of the 21st century economy.”

Uzodimma acknowledged that Imo State is setting the pace as the first in Nigeria to establish a Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government, “through which the Skill-Up Imo Programme was launched and has recorded successes in training over 40,000 youths in frontier tech skills, including artificial intelligence, cyber security and cloud computing.”

According to the Governor, the State is laying a groundwork for a complete digital ecosystem, where Imo Digital City (IDC) is the flagship infrastructure project, “a dedicated tech hub supported by a landmark United States $15 million partnership with the United States Market Access Centre (USMAC) in Silicon Valley, the first of it’s kind, collaborating at sub-national level in Africa which will establish innovation labs and mentor the next generation of tech entrepreneurs.”

Uzodimma noted that to achieve the target of ecosystem, the Imo State Government will soon roll out extensive fiber optic infrastructure and 5-G broadband access across all the 27 Local Government Areas to close the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

He further stated that the E-Government agenda is another cornerstone, insisting that, “as a result, soon the State will be unveiling the following; MyImo App, a one-stop digital interface for accessing government services, a fully automated Land Information System (LIS) to ensure transparency and efficiency in the Land administration, establishment of Imo Business Call Centre to provide real time support to investors and entrepreneurs to ensure efficient connectivity of governance to the grassroots.

He appreciated the organisers of the programme and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and inclusive development, stressing that “Imo is ready, not just to participate, but to lead”.

Governor Uzodimma called on the International bodies to consider Imo and partner her for progress, noting, “as a State where ideas flourish, investments thrive, and technology transforms lives.”

In his keynote address, the Chairman/CEO Zinox Group, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, appreciated the Governor for his infrastructural developments in the State, insisting that he is investing more on human capital development and technology than any other governor known to him in the country.

Ekeh noted that Governor Uzodimma has remained intentional in investing and developing for tomorrow, and prayed God to bless him and imbue him with more wisdoms to pilot the affairs of Imo State.

To the participants, he challenged them to make good use of the opportunity, saying that “Tech is the richest business in the world.”

He told them that AI and Robotics are a driving force of the present economy which is reshaping the ecosystem.

Earlier, in his welcome address the President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, explained that the body has been at the forefront of information Technology Development, driving digital transformation and fostering innovation for National Progress.

He noted that the society has consistently initiated programmes aimed at leveraging emerging technologies to address critical challenges and propel sustainable development across diverse sectors.

Dr. Aliyu noted that this year’s theme was reflecting the commitment to leveraging technological advancements for inclusive development aiming at providing a platform for Stakeholders to explore the latest trends, innovations and best practices in AI and Robotics, with a focus on strategies to drive socio-economic advancement and foster digital inclusion.

He appreciated Governor Uzodimma for accepting to host the summit, describing him as “an amiable person, a man of the people and a core professional who has continued to drive government processes using technology.”

Present at the summit were the Minister of Communications & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji, APC National Vice Chairman South East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-governance, Dr Chimezie Amadi, dome Government functionaries, Rector Imo State Polytechnic, Dr. Basilica Igbokwe among others.

Update: Delta PDP Empties Into APC As All Members Dump Party

Adesina Soyooye

April 23, 2025

Sheriff Oborevwori and Patrick Okowa join APC

By Adesina Soyooye

“We cannot continue to be in a sinking ship” – Senator James Manager

From A to Z, all members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State have dumped the Party and defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. They include the Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor who was also PDP’s Vice Presidential Candidate in 2023, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, all members of the National and State Assemblies, Local Government Executives and the whole lot.

This “tsunamic” defection was announced in Asaba, Wednesday, by Senator James Manager after a meeting at the Government House which lasted for about six hours.

Manager: “All PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the State Party Chairman, all the Local Government Chairmen and others have agreed to move to the APC.

“We cannot continue to be in a sinking ship.”

Charles Aniagwu, Delta State Commissioner for Information, also, officially confirmed the development that there is no more PDP in the State.

He said: “There is a need for us to adjust our drinking patterns. And in adjusting that drinking pattern, we needed to make a decision that would further help to cement the development of our State, to further advance the cause of security and the welfare of our people, and to a large extent, ensure that development in Delta is not truncated.

“In taking that decision, we concluded that leaving the PDP was very necessary for us to be able to collaborate and build a State that every Deltan will be proud of. We believe that what is happening, and the state of the PDP, is akin to that palm wine whose test has changed – and there was a need for us to change the drinking party.

“This decision is unanimous. By the grace of God, on Monday next week, we will be able to make a very big statement confirming that we are moving into the APC.”

This very black day for the PDP began with the announcement by Okowa that he has dumped the PDP. Even though he didn’t say where he was headed to, it was taken for granted by many that it would be APC while some people said the Social Democratic Party, SDP, especially, given Atiku Abubakar’s interest in forming a coalition.

Governor Oborevwori’s announcement of decamping to the APC, shortly after Okowa, confirmed where the former Governor was headed to.

For the PDP in Delta State, it is the end. The APC is, now, effectively in control of two States in the South-south – Cross River and Delta.

Finally, Delta Gov Oborevwori Dumps PDP, Joins APC

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 23, 2025

By Ayodele Oni & Suleiman Anyalewechi

After months of speculation about his next political move, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection has hit the PDP, which was still trying to get over its dumping by its 2023 Vice Presidential Candidate and a two-term Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, like a thunder bolt.

The announcement was made on Wednesday evening after a closed door meeting held at the Government House in Asaba, the State capital.

The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a statement to the press.

According to Ahon, the decision followed “wide consultations with political stakeholders and in the interest of Delta’s long term development.”

He emphasized that the move was motivated by the Governor’s desire to align the state with the centre for what he described as “sustainable growth and access to federal opportunities.”

Governor Oborevwori, who assumed office after a hard fought victory in the 2023 gubernatorial election on the PDP platform, was received into the APC by top ranking party officials.

This is the first time, since Nigeria’s democracy started in 1999, that Delta State would abandon it for another Party. This defection is a huge loss to the PDP as well as the the Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai-driven Coalition which mission is to snatch power from President Bola Tinubu. With Delta State now in the bag, Tinubu’s chances in 2027 brighten more than ever.

The reception was described as “a high level political convergence,” signalling what many observers see as a realignment that could reshape the political dynamics of the South-South region.

With Oborevwori’s switch, the APC is expected to gain firmer ground in Delta State, a stronghold previously dominated by the PDP.

The Governor is expected to address the media formally later this week, shedding more light on his reasons and the path forward for his administration under the APC.

Oborevwori is the first Governor since Tinubu’s Government to dump the Political Party under which he was elected for another.

Benue Governor Appoints 2Face Technical Adviser

Adesina Soyooye

April 23, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

In the midst of the controversy surrounding his marriage, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has appointed gifted Musician, Innocent Idibia, popular as 2Face, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.

2Face has been enmeshed in controversy for weeks over his controversial divorce from his actress wife, Annie, and his decision to marry Natasha, a-Chief Gabriel Igbinedion (Esama of Benin) granddaughter, and Member, Edo State House of Assembly.

2Face bagged the new appointment on Wednesday, April 23, when he, along with Natasha, paid the Governor a courtesy call. He had, earlier, introduced Natasha to the elders of his community.

Receiving 2Face in audience, Governor Alia thanked the singer for endorsing him for a second term in office, come 2027, and for all the support he had given to his Government in various ways.

Therefore, the Governor said, it is only befitting to, officially, give the Musician more responsibilities than he had been handling.

Said the Governor: “Let me thank you, very firstly, for supporting my administration and for endorsing me for 2027.

“I feel it will not be out of place at all, you are a guru of entertainment. Once you say ‘2Face’, people start dancing, even without you singing.

“So, we are happy you are here. On behalf of the State Government and our very good people, I want to give you some more responsibility, plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart the way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advise as well. So, I am pleased to appoint you as my Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community outreach”.

In the heat of his marriage crisis, 2Face’s mother had declared him kidnapped and wrote to the Department of State Services, DSS, to help her look for her son. She said her son was no longer himself, and suggested he may have been acting under duress. She asked Natasha to leave her son alone.

2Face laughed over his mother’s concerns and have since been painting everywhere red with Natasha. Their relationship has kept waxing strong. On her own part, Annie, with whom the Singer has two children, has moved on with her life, dropped the singer’s name for her maiden name, Macauley, and geared to up her acting career to new heights.

Tinubu Was Handed Over An Extremely Bad Government – NSA, Ribadu

Adesina Soyooye

April 23, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

“We inherited an extremely bad Government. We have reduced considerably the number of violence we met. Thus one too, we will confront it”

Without mentioning the name of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has stated that President Bola Tinubu inherited an extremely bad Government, especially, insecurity.

President Tinubu succeeded President Muhammadu Buhari in office.

Ribadu put this on record when he visited Benue State to condole with the Government and people over the killing of about 80 people by rogue herdsmen who the Governor of the State, Hyacinth Alia, identified as Malians citizens and not Nigerians.

Ribadu, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, condemned the killings in very strong terms but appealed to the people to stop the politicization of the sad situation. He urged them to give President Tinubu’s Government a chance to fix the problems inherited, and assured that peace will be restored with the help of the Federal Government.

Ribadu: “Our Armed Forces are doing well. It is impossible to post Soldiers or Police to every hamlet. Give us a chance and stop politicizing the killings. This will help us to restore peace. Issue of insecurity is relative.

“We inherited an extremely bad Government and things have improved and we will address all these issues cropping up.

“It is a matter of time. To do harm is easy but to solve it is difficult. We have reduced, considerably, the number of violence we met. This one too, we will confront it.”

In the past few weeks, Benue and Plateau States in particular, are flowing with rivers of innocent blood.

Bode George Labels PDP Governors Planning To Leave Party As Betrayers

Akinwale Kasali

April 23, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has revealed plans by some PDP Governors to leave the Party and cross-carpet to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Strongly Criticizing the proposed moves by some unnamed Governors in the PDP fold, Geroge labeled their potential defection as a betrayal of the platform that helped elevate them from political obscurity to prominence.

George’s remarks come amid reports suggesting that a number of PDP Governors, including Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Peter Mbah of Enugu, and the suspended Governor of Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara, are considering joining the APC to support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.

The PDP Stalwart had in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, expressed his disappointment with the Governors, questioning what the APC had presented to them that would justify abandoning their party halfway through their terms.

He said: “We are running a system that is very despicable, very disheartening. A platform that gave you all the necessary tools, the opportunity to represent your constituency, now, halfway into your tenure, you’re jumping ship? I’m very disappointed.”

He further emphasized that these Governors owed their electoral success to the programs and policies of the PDP and that defecting to another party would confuse their constituents, many of whom supported them based on the PDP’s promises.

He, however, concluded by stressing that the APC offers remained unclear, given the shifting nature of politics.

Ifeanyi Okowa, Fmr Delta State Governor, Breaks PDP’s Heart, Dumps Party

Akinwale Kasali

April 23, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

A two-term Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has broken the heart of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Okowa, a Medical Doctor-turned politician, was also the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Party in the 2023 Presidential Election.

His choice by Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar as his running mate, over former Rivers State Governor, and now, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is the main reason he (Wike) rebelled against the Party, and crippled it till date.

Okowa announced his departure from the PDP, and disclosed that he is embarking on a new path which indicates, perhaps, moving to another platform.

The former governor in a statement to his constituents was silent on his next bus stop.

He stated that he will reveal details of his new path in due time, while assuring his constituents that he won’t move in the wrong direction.

Political observers are of the opinion that he may, likely, join the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Prior his defection from the PDP, Bode George, PDP stalwart and former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP had disclosed that some prominent PDP members were planning on leaving the Party, including some current serving Governors.

He said that the PDP brought them from obscurity to prominence, but that now that they are politically relevant, they are leaving the Party in droves.

Recall that Ned Nwoko, a PDP Senator, Delta North, recently dumped the Party for the APC. There are, also, strong speculations that the Governor of the State, Sheriff Oborevwori may be headed towards APC. However Senator Nwoko and some APC chieftains in the State has warned he is not welcome to APC. The Governor has, in turn, denied any such thoughts.

Tinubu Defends Controversial Aso Villa’s N10bn Solar Power Project

James Orji

April 23, 2025

Amidst serious criticism the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has defended the N10 billion Aso Villa Solar Power project, saying similar projects have been carried out in other countries such as the United States, US.

The Presidency in its response to the issue said the Tinubu administration should not be vilified because “The White House in Washington D.C. uses solar power.”

The administration’s response is contained in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to The President On Media and Strategy, who said the criticism against the project have been totally misplaced, describing the project as a ‘globally accepted model’ for sustainable power supply.

The magazine reports that not a few Nigerians have criticized the project, which they consider to be too expensive, other critics also insist that the switch to Solar Power in Aso Rock, Nigeria’s Presidency is an admittance by the administration that it could not longer address the nation’s epileptic electricity problems.

Other critics of the administration also insist that such humongous funds should have been invested in the country’s power sector that appears to have defied known solutions, to turn it around for the better and benefit of Nigerians.

“The decision to install solar panels and inverters to power Aso Rock send a direct psychological message to Nigerians that the government no longer believes that the nation’s power challenges could be address. This is an administration that promised to give Nigeria stable power supply before they came to power. It seems they have realised that the issue is now beyond them,” an analyst said on Wednesday.

But the presidential spokesman has a contrary view. According to him, what the Tinubu administration has done is acceptable globally and should be applauded rather than criticized.

He pointed out that the fund for the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, adding that the project is part of the administration efforts to address the nation’s power problems through renewable energy solutions.

Onanuga: “The White House in Washington D.C. uses solar power.

“We are not reinventing the wheel. We are following a tested and globally accepted model for powering important national institutions sustainably.

“This isn’t just about saving money on fuel and maintenance costs in the long run; it’s about leading by example. If the President’s residence can go green, so can other institutions across Nigeria.”

Recall that one of Tinubu’s ministers, Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power recently received a serious backlash from not a few Nigerians after he claimed that over 150 Nigerians enjoy electricity supply in their homes.

Insecurity: “We Are Not Weak, We Are Determined To Take Back Our Sovereignty” – Yoruba Group

Ayodele Oni

April 23, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

“Today, a new form of war has been brought to our fatherland by people alien to our values and cultures. Our land has been violently invaded”

In search of an end to invasion of the South-west by armed terrorists, the Yoruba Assembly, has organized a Security Summit, to end insecurity in the region.

The summit, held in Lagos, was attended by over 1000 delegates from across Western Nigeria, organized by Yoruba Assembly in collaboration with Pan Yoruba groups.

An opening remark by Adewale Adeoye on behalf of the planning committee said the Summit was imperative in view of failure of government to address insecurity challenges in the region.

“Today, a new form of war has been brought to our fatherland by people alien to values and cultures we cherish. Our land has been violently invaded.

“The livelihood of the people is under ferocious assault. The land is under siege. The people have waited for more than one decade for freedom.

“The intensity of attacks, kidnapping, violent invasion of our land and our forests have increased tremendously. Our people are tired but they are not too weak as not to be able to resist the armed invaders with all their strength.

“The people never lack the will, the determination to take back their sovereignty especially when those that hold in trust look away as the people are raped, mass murdered, sacked from their ancestral homes and made to beg their oppressors and invaders before they could live and sleep in their motherland.

“We have always been determined to live and die on our land, on our own terms and not on the terms of our oppressors.”

According to Adeoye, the invasion of forests by the terrorists has drastically led to food shortage and high cost in the region resulting into starvation.

“The South West States face threats from food insecurity due to the attacks launched consistently by nomadic terrorists. Starvation is not on our doorstep.

“The armed groups not only attack our farmlands, they burn down forests, pollute the air, water, our sacred stream, our spiritual temples, our worship places and ancient sacred groves.

“Stable food and cash crops production has declined. The burning down of our rich forest resources deplete the fertility of our soil, pollute the air and destroy the ozone layer.

“It assaults the spirit of our forefathers. For the past 15 years, agriculture and food production have suffered tremendous downturn. There is no way our people will continue to watch the continuous destruction of our being and essence.

“Our farmers can no longer go to farms. Our women are so scared of going to the stream for fear of rape. We understand some women have been kidnapped and taken to the Sahel, to be forcefully married or killed.

“We may never see them again. Fishermen and women are scared away from the ocean shores. Our dignity is trampled. Our honour is taken away, our ego bruised. Our pride, our past, our present and our future are held in the palms of violent extremists who appear to be insistent on taking over our indigenous homeland by force of arms.

“The last time we saw this was in 1800s when the same people invaded our land and took away young people and women, one of who was Bishop Ajayi Crowther, kidnapped from Oshogun.

Today, the security situation call people naturally to resistance. The cup of the oppressors is filled up.

“The message from our people is: We can no longer breathe. Our people are dying. In our towns, villages, hamlets and cities, our people are frustrated. They need hope in the place of despair. They need to expunge terrorists from their homeland.

“They have waited for too long. Efforts have been made by the state and Federal Governments, but those efforts are far from being enough. With armed men in our forests, foreign investors are scared away, our people in Diaspora fear to plunge to death by bringing their investments to the South West.”

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