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Body Of Nollywood Actress, Esther Odeniyi, Still Unclaimed Days After She Slumped, Died

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Esther Odeniyi - Nollywood Actress Dies

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigerian make-believe Industry, Nollywood, has been dealt a big blow, following the passing of rising Actress, Esther Odeniyi. She slumped and died at home.

Thr Actress, popular as Berry White, was said to have slumped at her apartment and died immediately.

Announcing her shocking passing, was her fellow actress, Bakare Zainab. She broke the on her Instagram page.

According to Bakare’s post,  “Berry White reportedly slumped in her apartment and passed away.

“Tragically, her body has remained in the apartment for days due to difficulties in reaching her family”.

Bakare, however, pleaded with the public, saying, “Ahhh Berry. Esther Arike ooooo. Eleyi dun mi o. I am not quick to type RIP, but please, anybody that knows Esther’s family should contact them. She slumped 3 days ago and her corpse is still in her house.

“Posting this so we can get information on how to reach her family.”

Her fans, friends and colleagues have begun pouring out tributes online, expressing shock and sorrow over the sudden loss of the young actress, whose interpretation of her roles depict that of a rising star in tye making.

“My Purported Resignation Null And Void” – Ahoada Local Government Administrator

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Goodluck Iheamnacho - Ahoada Local Government Administrator

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Sole Administrator of Ahoada East Local Council of Rivers State, Goodluck Iheamnacho, on Saturday June 21, 2025, insisted he remains in charge of affairs of the Local Government.

The Source reports that Iheamnacho was one of the Interim Chairmen appointed for the Rivers State’s 23 Local Government Areas by the Sole Administrator of the State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas in April, 2025.

But earlier on Friday, June 20, 2025, reports were rife  that Iheamnacho, has resigned his position to pursue some other personal issues.

His purported resignation was contained in a letter dated June, 20, 2025 and  addressed to the Rivers State Sole Adminstrator.

“I humbly write to your noble office to convey to you my resignation as the Administrator of Ahoada East LGA.

“My sincere gratitude goes to the Government of Rivers state ,and the good people of Ahoada East for finding me worthy to serve ..from the 11th day of April 2025 to 20th day of July 2025”, part of the resignation letter reads.

But speaking in a live Radio programme, Iheamnacho  disputed his purported resignation, and dismissed the letter in circulation as fake and the handiwork of detractors.

While urging the public to disregard the said resignation letter, the Council Administrator alleged that he was attacked in his office by some hoodlums who, also, carted away valuable official documents, including personal items.

He claimed that the so called resignation letter in circulation may have been a direct fall out from the vandalization of his office as well as the tampering of official documents.

He insisted that the resignation letter apart from not being signed by him, is carrying July 20, 2025 as the effective date of his purported resignation instead of Friday, June 20, the very day the letter was circulated.

“I did not resign from my appointment as the Sole Administrator of Ahoada East Local Government Area.

“I was attacked in my office and the letter they brought was not signed by me .In fact, I know nothing about the resignation letter.

“I want to tell members of the public that I did not resign as the Sole Administrator of Ahoada Eat LGA and any information aired is null and void. I am still the Sole Administrator of Ahoada East Local Government Area”, Iheamnacho noted.

Findings by this Medium however revealed  high wired political intrigues at play with some forces no longer comfortable with Iheannacho’s stay in office .

The unseen  political forces are said to be unease about the independent mindedness of the Council Chairman, a development they fear may be an impediment to their wide future plans.

Indications that his travails may be having an official stamp of  approval emerged on Saturday, following the insistence of the Ahoada Council Chief Security Officer, CSO, Hector Ekeakita  on the sanctity of Iheamnacho’s resignation.

While also speaking in a Radio interview, Ekeakita noted that irate Ahoada youths  had actually stormed the Council Secretariat in their numbers to demand the resignation of the Chairman over alleged corrupt tendencies.

According to the CSO, the youths accused Iheamnacho of misappropriating funds meant for the development of the Council, and consequently pressured him to resign.

He stated that while a scuffle resulted from the confrontation by the youths, he nevertheless denied any attack on the embattled Council chairman.

“He, Iheamnacho, was not attacked by hoodlums. Let us face the facts .The Ahoada youth came in their numbers to tell him”,’Please our brother you are siphoning money.’

“Just two months in office, you have decided not to take care of our people and environment.

“They demanded from him an explanation on why the Council Secretariat is dirty and why nobody is taking care of the Council ,and also why he should be operating from Port Harcourt”, Ekeakita stated .

Meanwhile, the Council Secretariat has been closed to the public with some stern-looking security operatives taking over.

Rivers, Bayelsa Governors To Join APC – Akpabio

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Simi Fubara and Duoye Dirir

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, informed that the suspended Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Senator Duoye Diri, are next in line to join forces with the All Progressive  Congress, APC.

Both Governors are of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP extraction.

This is as he expressed confidence that the APC will over run the South-south region in the next general elections.

The Senate President who spoke at the formal reception ceremony in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, to receive Governor Umo Eno into the APC’s fold, noted that after the defection of the Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Eno of Delta and Akwa Ibom States respectively, it will be the turn of Rivers and Bayelsa to complete the capture of the political soul of the South South region.

The Source reports that the South South geo-political Zone has been the bastion and one of the strongholds of the PDP since the advent of the current political dispensation in 1999.

Post-2023 general elections, the PDP was firmly in control of the oil rich region, producing five Governors out of the maximum six available.

However, some political developments have  since left the party currently in charge of only two states – Bayelsa and Rivers.

According to Akpabio, in 2027, the entire South-south region will be queueing up behind President Bola Tinubu in his quest for a second term in office.

“Governor Umo Eno after you, who knows, Rivers State will tumble, after Rivers state, Bayelsa will join, and of course, we  are already in control of Edo State.

Henceforth, particularly come 2027, the South-south will go one way, and unanimously vote for President Tinubu”, Akpabio stated.

He asserted that contrary to the false impression being  created in some quarters, overwhelming majority of Akwa Ibom citizens and residents are in total support of the decision of the Governor to dump the PDP for APC .

The Senate President also commended the Delta State Governor for his political foresight in leaving the PDP, to join forces with the APC.

He expressed the optimism that the new political alignment will usher in more growth and development into the South- south region.

To Survive Trump,Talon Preaches Integration Among African Continent

By
Ayodele Oni
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Patrice Talon - Benin Republic President

By Ayodele Oni

Benin Republic President Patrice Talon, has charged African nations to integrate in order to survive U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies.

Referencing changing global trade dynamics, President Talon particularly cited U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies as a signal for African nations to prioritise their interests.

“The trade war should remind us that nations act in their interest, and so should we. At some point, we may even have to thank President Trump for that reminder.”

Talon urged West African leaders to move from talk to action.

“If we cannot create wealth and opportunity, all our other values—democracy, liberty—cannot be sustained. Integration must be real. Integration must be delivered.

Talon spoke in Abuja, Nigeria at the signing of an integration agreement between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

President Talon called for urgent reforms to rescue West Africa’s stalled regional integration, describing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as “in crisis.”

“ECOWAS is a perfect example of regional integration. Unfortunately, our ECOWAS is in crisis right now.”

He cited the West African Gas Pipeline, which was designed to enhance regional energy cooperation, as an example of failure due to administrative bottlenecks.

“It is ridiculous. This failure of regional cooperation wastes resources and undermines integration.”

As a result of these delays, Talon said Benin has had to source gas from Qatar via a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU).

On the West African Power Pool, another regional initiative, he said:

“We invested heavily in this infrastructure. But it is not functioning as expected. Unless we act decisively, I’m not confident it ever will.”

President Talon also addressed logistical obstacles along the Lagos–Abidjan Corridor, which unnecessary border checks and harassment have hampered.

“The road exists. But a businessman should be able to travel from Lagos to Abidjan in hours—not days—without facing harassment at multiple checkpoints. That is not integration,” the Beninois leader declared.

He warned that poverty remains the region’s most dangerous destabilising force.

”Poverty is the main threat to democracy, security, and stability. If we do not address poverty through integration, our values will remain hollow.”

“President Tinubu and I have agreed on full integration between Benin and Nigeria. The responsibility now lies with our ministers to implement it.

“Benin and Nigeria are more than twins—we are the same people. Let us show the region that integration is possible.”

Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, signed the agreement, alongside Benin’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Shegun Adjadi Bakari.

Kano: Early Morning Explosion Kills Five, Seriously  Wounds Others

By
Ayodele Oni
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An explosion at a metal scrap factory located at Mariri in Kano

By Ayodele Oni

An explosion at a metal scrap factory located at Mariri, along the Kano-Maiduguri Road, has claimed  five souls. 15 others sustained serious injuries.

Another report stated that the explosion involved a military-grade mortar bomb.

Kano State Police Command confirmed that  five people lost their loves while many are receiving treatment at a hospital.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday caused panic in the affected area and drew emergency responders to the scene, including security personnel.

The State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, who arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion said the blast may have originated from a military ordnance believed to have been improperly handled or transported.

“I received a call that something serious had happened. When I arrived, I found that it was a suspected explosion—possibly a military mortar bomb. Fifteen people were injured, and unfortunately, five died”, he said.

He added that the victims were quickly evacuated to nearby hospitals while the dead were taken to the morgue.

“The situation is still under investigation, but we understand the vehicle involved may have come from Yobe State.

“Preliminary findings suggest the explosive material was being transported by a trailer, but it remains unclear whether the vehicle was carrying military personnel or contractors.”

He said authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause of the explosion or the ownership of the explosives.

“Security agencies are currently investigating the incident. The facts will be clearer once the investigation is completed,” the Commissioner noted, urging the public to remain calm.

Automated Passport System Exposes Convict Processing Travel Docs, NCoS Suspends Operatives

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian Passports

By Ayodele Oni

As a first step, the Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCoS), has suspended two of its operatives after it was discovered that a convicted inmate tried to process an international passport while in custody.

NCoS Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Report has it that a robbery convict, Haruna Ayo, was escorted to a passport office in Lagos for processing of travel documents.

As reported by the  Punch, the incident happened on Wednesday, May 19, 2025, when warders from the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Apapa, moved the inmate to the Nigeria Immigration Service passport office at FESTAC Town under suspicious circumstances.

According to NCoS spokesman, the misconduct was detected through the automated passport application system operated by the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS), underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing inter-agency cooperation.

“The Service wishes to clarify that this misconduct was uncovered a fortnight ago through reforms introduced in the NIS, which flagged the irregularity.

“This particularly speaks to inter-agency collaboration and cooperation.

“The implicated officers were suspended by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, CDCFIB, under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as part of disciplinary measures.”

The NCoS spokesman quoted the Controller General of Corrections, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, as reaffirming the Service’s commitment to discipline, transparency and professionalism across all custodial facilities nationwide.

According to him, the Service is committed to its core mandates of secure custody, humane treatment and the reformation of inmates in line with international standards.

“The Service categorically states that any personnel found engaging in acts of misconduct, corruption or sabotage will be shown the way out of the system.”

Ondo To Enact Death Penalty Law For Kidnapping, Cultism

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Executive Council has approved the enforcement of the death penalty for persons convicted of kidnapping, and cultism, as part of efforts to strengthen security and ensure the safety of residents across the state.

This was disclosed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), during a press briefing held on Saturday, after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky  Aiyedatiwa.

Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring peace, infrastructure development, and grassroots governance across all parts of the state.

According to the Commissioner,  the Council discussed key security concerns and resolved to begin the process of repealing certain laws relating to kidnapping in the state.

Ajulo noted that kidnapping and cultism have become major threats to safety and public order, adding that strengthening relevant legal frameworks would help deter such crimes and improve the overall security landscape.

He disclosed that proposals would soon be transmitted to the House of Assembly for necessary legislative action, including sentencing convicted kidnappers to death.

Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, revealed that the Executive Council approved the construction of two major dual carriageway road projects in the state.

The first is the construction of a 24.75-kilometre dual carriageway in Okitipupa and a 6.7-kilometre dual carriageway from Supare Junction – Akungba – Ikare Road in Akoko area.

The specifications are similar, including a 9.3-metre carriageway on either side, 1.2-metre median, reinforced concrete line drains, walkways, a 3-metre utility area, solar-powered streetlights, and traffic management systems. It is also built to withstand heavy vehicular movement.

In addition to these, the Council approved the provision and installation of 6,000 standalone solar streetlights across the three senatorial districts—2,000 each for Ondo North, Ondo Central, and Ondo South. This, according to Engr. Olawoye, is part of the state’s agenda to improve safety and public lighting infrastructure.

In the health sector, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof Simidele Odimayo, also spoke on efforts to combat the spread of Lassa fever in the state, saying that a new research-based approach has been adopted to eliminate the disease.

He highlighted recent successes in testing, referrals, and surveillance, which have already helped in managing cases effectively.

Credible Information Needed To Sustain War Against Terrorism – COAS

By
Ayodele Oni
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Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyele

By Ayodele Oni

Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede has observed that the Nigerian Army is overrated by the people.

According to him, “Nigeria is a vast country, the army is not as big as many people think, but we try to cover as much ground as we can and I think to that in that regard we are doing quite a lot to cover space and ground when it comes to insecurity.

“But of course there are one or two places where we are not and these people find those gaps and so it’s important to have the message to get the message across and to give us prior knowledge if you have it that this is about to happen so that we can get there faster.

“But we have taken note of some of those challenges particularly in Benue State where  these persons, some of them so-called headers have come in.

“The Army cannot be everywhere at once. Nigeria is a vast country, and we are not as large in number as many people believe. We rely heavily on the support and cooperation of the local population to provide timely and credible information.”

Gen Oluyede who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu, spoke on Saturday in Akure, Ondo state, while declaring open a media chat. The theme of the media chat is military – Media Collaboration: Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development.

The COAS assured that the Nigerian Army will hunt down and bring to justice, all those behind the recent killings and attacks in Benue, Plateau, and other parts of the North-Central region of the country.

On the violence in Benue and Plateau States, he said:

“The Nigerian Army has remained engaged in Plateau, in Benue, in Kwara — in quite a number of states that are experiencing insecurity.

“In Benue particularly, you will see, in the coming weeks, very elaborate security arrangements to ensure that all that is going on there completely stops.”

He noted that while some of the attacks are attributed to herders, there is growing concern that some perpetrators may not even be Nigerians.

“We are mindful that some of these people may be foreign elements. The behavior we are seeing is utterly despicable, the way they go about their work. It does not reflect any kind of national identity or value system.”

Oluyede emphasized that the military has received clear directives from President Bola Tinubu to act decisively.

“The President has given very clear orders for us to go out there. And so we are out — fully deployed — and tackling the menace head-on.”

He appealed to communities and local stakeholders to support military operations by sharing timely intelligence.

On combating misinformation and sensational reporting,the Army Chief called on media personnel to verify facts before publication and help in building national unity.

“The social media space, especially, is flooded with misinformation, disinformation, and outright lies. That is part of why we are here — to clarify issues and appeal to the press to reach out to us before putting out unverified stories.”

“We are satisfied with the support we’ve received from the media so far, and we hope to deepen that synergy to ensure national security is not undermined by sensational reporting.

“The Army performs about 20 to 30 percent of what’s required. The rest involves civil cooperation, intelligence, and addressing the root causes of these conflicts.

“Whatever it takes, we shall ensure that these activities — particularly in North-Central Nigeria — are brought to a stop. We are on ground, and we will continue until peace is fully restored.”

Benue Attack : No. Of Persons In Nasarawa IDP Rise To 4,253

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa

By Ayodele Oni

Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency, (NASEMA) has created another camps following influx of displaced persons from the Yelwata killings in Benue state.

NASEMA disclosed that the number of displaced persons taking shelter in Nasarawa state following the Yelwata Killings has also risen to 4, 253.

Director General of the Agency, Benjamin Akwash disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN), in Lafia, the Nasarawa State Capital.

Akwash stated the Nasarawa State Government is presently witnessing an increase in the number of camps and influx of IDPs due to the recent attack in Yelwata, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa states, which resulted in the death of 200 persons.

He, however, said the state government was committed to addressing the plight of the displaced persons currently taking shelter in the state by distributing relief materials to cushion their hardship.

He noted that another camp was created in Obi Local Government Area, which currently shelters 1,020 IDPs in addition to Idadu and Kpata camps in Doma LGA and Agyraragu camp in Lafia LGA respectively.

“The situation is that of an influx of internally displaced persons coming to Nasarawa state, and the number keeps increasing.

”As of Friday, the figure at my disposal was 1800 at St John Agyraragu, but now it is 1,852, Idadu and Kpata camps presently have 672 and 709.

“I got information again from Obi camp that 1020 IDPs have arrived there, most of the people who relocated to the Kadarko camp have moved to other safer places because they feel Kadarko is no longer safe for them.”

Akwash, however, clarified that most of the IDPs presently taking shelter in Nasarawa state were not completely from Yelwata, noting that some nearby communities also left their home because of the fear of attack.

According to him, the agency had assessed the situation in various camps to ascertain the number of displaced persons and to reach out to them with relief materials.

“We have put deliberate and robust measures in place, and we have held a series of meetings with the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services.

“We are now at the point of procurement, in the coming few days we will be able to purchase food and non-food items to distribute to them to lessen the hardship they are going through.

“So, I’m urging them to remain calm as we make a frantic effort to bring succour to them without further delay.”

President Tinubu’s Visit To Benue Lacks Empathy – Adebayo

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Adewole Adebayo - SDP Presidential Candidate

By Akinwale Kasali

Adewole Adebayo, Social Democratic Party, SDP, Presidential Candidate during the 2023 General Election has criticised the President Bola Tinubu for not visiting Yelwata town in Benue State, where hundreds of people were massacred by suspected herdsmen.

Adebayo made the assertion on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme. He said that the visit of President Tinubu would have made meaning if he visited Yelwata Community to empathize with the People, and give them a sense of belonging.

It will be recalled that President Tinubu had visited Benue on Wednesday to sympathise with the people of the State over the killings, but cited rain, flood, and bad roads as reasons for not visiting Yelwata.

According to President Tinubu, “I aborted my visit to Yelwata town because of the rain, flood and bad roads,” Tinubu said during his visit to Makurdi, the state capital.

The former Presidential Candidate lashed the President for giving a flimsy excuse, describing  Tinubu’s excuse as untenable.

He said the President should have made sure he visited Yelwata regardless of the challenges.

“He cannot say as commander-in-chief, there is a part of the country that is unreachable by you. People are living there,” Adebayo said.

He further said the visit was politicized and lacked empathy.

Adebayo noted that the President’s demeanor during the visit was not somber enough, likening it to a political rally rather than a visit to a place of mourning.

He emphasised that as the Commander-in-Chief, Tinubu should have been more controlled in his language and actions.

“Going to a place of mourning that even during the Nigerian civil war, it would be newsworthy if there were 200 lives lost at one time.

“So, such a place is a somber occasion and he is in charge of all the people who followed him there.

“But what do you get there? It was like another political rally. That sombreness was not there.

“The President should have gone there as a chief mourner and his language should have been somber and his language should have been better controlled.”

The attack in Yelwata resulted in scores of deaths and over 3,000 displacements, with the Government putting the death toll at 59, while Civil Rights Groups claimed it was around 200.

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