Ekiti APC Gov. Campaign Kicks Off April 27

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April 15, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, was dully endorsed to contest the June 20 election by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Justice Peter Lifu ruled in a case filed by Mrs Abimbola Olajumoke Olawunmi, a disqualified aspirant in the governorship primary against All Progressives Congress (APC) & 2Ors in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/222/25.

The plaintiff is challenging her disqualification in the primary election by APC and her exclusion in the revalidation of membership exercise.

The Court stated that the suit, by all standard, was not filed within 14 days of the date of the alleged disqualification.

“It took the plaintiff more than 27 days to file the suit. The suit is a pre- election matter. Any pre election matter not filed within the statutory period provided by the law is statute barred.”

Defendants had argued that the plaintiff is not their member on which the Court ruled against, her name having not been reflected in their register or members.

They argued further that the court has no jurisdiction to determine the membership of a political party as it is an internal affair and the sole responsibility of the political party to determine same.

According to defendants, no court can inquire into the issue of membership.

The court held that the issue as to whether or not the Plaintiff was qualified to contest bothers on membership and it is an internal affair of the political party.

The court further held that there’s no dispute worthy of the court’s intervention beteeen the plaintiff and the defendants, the suit is therefore non-justiciable and discloses no reasonable cause of action.

The suit was dismissed based on the above grounds in favour of the defendants.

NIMASA Boss Tasks NSDP Graduates On Professionalism

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April 15, 2026

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has described beneficiaries of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) who recently obtained their Certificates of Competency (CoC) as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, noting their commendable character and professionalism.

Speaking during an engagement with the newly certified seafarers who paid him an appreciation visit in Lagos, the Dr. Mobereola commended their resilience and determination, having successfully navigated years of uncertainty to achieve professional certification.

He observed that while challenges can be perceived as obstacles, they can also serve as opportunities for growth, emphasizing that the officers chose the latter path. “You have weathered the storm; the future will be easier for you. We are proud of you,” the DG stated.

Dr. Mobereola further charged the Seafarers to remain disciplined and committed to excellence, urging them to serve as mentors to upcoming cadets within the maritime sector. He stressed that the Nigerian maritime industry requires their expertise and reaffirmed that Nigerian seafarers possess the capacity to compete favourably on the global stage, provided they remain consistent and professional.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, one of the officers, Edet Uttibe Michael, expressed profound appreciation to the NIMASA management for addressing their prolonged challenges. They recounted that after graduating from maritime institutions in Romania, they had remained without sea-time training and certification for about eight years.

According to him, the intervention of the current NIMASA management restored their hope and enabled them to realize their professional aspirations. He described the Director General as a compassionate and visionary leader who took decisive steps to resolve a longstanding issue that predated his tenure.

“We came to express our sincere appreciation for your magnanimity. You gave us hope and made our dreams come true,” Edet said.

Recently, NIMASA Management initiated strategic interventions to address the sea-time and CoC challenges for the NSDP beneficiaries.

This programme commenced in 2024 with the first batch of 40 cadets sent to Tyne Coast College, South Shields Marine School, United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in resolving the longstanding challenge. Out of this number, 34 cadets passed.

Tinubu: A Failed Governor Can’t Teach Me How To Run Govt

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April 15, 2026

Rauf Aregbesola and President Bola Tinubu

The Presidency has lashed out at a former Governor of Osun state, Rauf Aregbesola over his remark that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a “scam”. The former governor made the assertion on Tuesday during the National Convention of the African Democratic Congress, ADC in Abuja, the nation’s capital which has now been rebuffed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Reacting on his verified X handle, the presidential spokesperson said Aregbesola has no enviable records as governor and minister, describing the former governor’s remark as the ranting of the ant.

Aregbesola had accuse the APC adminsitration under President Tinubu of failing Nigerians in so many areas, including the economy, security and others saying the president has failed woefully in all the promises he made to Nigerians before coming to office, assuring that this is what his party, the ADC will correct if they win the election next year.

He knocked President Tinubu for the high exchange rate of the naira to other global currencies, the deteriorating power supply in the country, the rise in the pump price of petrol, which he said has led to the rising cost of transportation, he described as very “prohibitive” for many Nigerians.

In spite of this, he explained that the administration continues to claim that it’s on top of the situation, when, in truth, things are getting worse.

“The government’s claim that the recent reduction in the exchange rate shows its mastery of economics is false,” the former governor said calling on Tinubu to resign from office.

Reacting, Onanuga said the former governor did not have a honest refleaction of himself as a public officer before criticising the president, citing, for instance that the civil servants in Osun state have nothing good to say about Aregbesola when he was governor because he failed to pay salary and pension, leaving many workers hungry.

“It is to Aregbesola’s infamy that Osun became known as a state receiving negative federal allocation and paying just 20 to 30 per cent of normal salaries. It was worse for pensioners in Aregbesola’s Osun State. Many pensioners who relied on their meagre monthly payments died because they were not paid at all,” Onanuga said.

According to him, the rot left by Aregnesola was so much that his successor, Gboyega Oyetola had to had to dedicate enough time to clean up the mess, and that the incumbent, Governor Ademola Adeleke is also grappling with problems left by the former Minister.

As a minister, the presidency said, his tenure was marred by jailbreaks in correction centers across the country, saying the former governor lacks moral rights to criticise President Tinubu.

“During his four years, obtaining a Nigerian passport became a nightmarish process, and there were 15 major attacks on correctional facilities in Jos, Abolongo, Imo, Kabba, and Okitipupa, resulting in over 4,000 inmates escaping to join criminal elements.

“For someone who failed so woefully to secure our correctional centres and uphold his duties between 2019 and 2023, it is ironic that Aregbesola now seeks to lecture others on insecurity. Maybe he thinks the entire Nigerian population suffers from amnesia,” Onanuga said.

Fidelity Bank Empowers 100 women With Vocational Tools At “Give Her Power” Initiative

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April 15, 2026

In a bold demonstration of its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has extended its recently launched “Give Her Power” initiative to Ogun State, empowering 100 women with vocational tools designed to strengthen their economic independence and boost household income.

The outreach is part of the Bank’s nationwide rollout of the initiative, which was unveiled earlier in March during the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partner organisations to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.

The event, which was held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, featured the distribution of 50 sewing machines and 50 grinding machines to women engaged in microbusinesses across the state. It attracted market leaders, community stakeholders, and government officials, including the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye‑Oladapo.

Speaking at the event, the Regional Bank Head, Southwest 1, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Folaranmi Jemirin, reaffirmed that the Ogun outreach aligns with the Bank’s broader commitment to delivering practical, measurable empowerment interventions through the Give Her Power initiative.

“At Fidelity Bank, our approach to empowerment is simple; it must be practical, inclusive, and sustainable. When you empower a woman economically, the benefits extend to her family, her business, and the wider community. This outreach in Abeokuta is a continuation of the momentum created with the launch of the ‘Give Her Power’ initiative earlier in March,” Jemirin stated.

He explained that the “Give Her Power” initiative is anchored on HerFidelity, the Bank’s women-focused proposition, which provides financial literacy, business support, vocational training, mentorship, and wellness initiatives for women-led enterprises.

Jemirin further revealed that the bank had scaled its women-focused interventions nationwide, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines, the rollout of the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0, financial literacy sessions for girls, mentorship engagements, and hands-on skills training.

“This is more than a donation, it’s our vote of confidence in your ability to earn, grow, and create value within your communities,” he added, urging beneficiaries to make productive use of the items.

Commending the initiative, the state commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adeleye-Oladapo, described the programme as a meaningful shift from symbolic celebrations to tangible empowerment.

“This initiative goes beyond celebrating International Women’s Day. It delivers real opportunities for transformation. When you empower a woman, you empower a family and, ultimately, society,” she stated.

She further praised Fidelity Bank for complementing the efforts of the Ogun State Government under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun in advancing women’s economic empowerment.

She urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the equipment, stressing that the true value of the initiative lies in its long-term impact on livelihoods and community development.

The “Give Her Power” initiative stands out as a prime example of Fidelity Bank’s sustained commitment to building pathways for individuals to thrive, businesses to grow, and communities to prosper through inclusive empowerment programmes.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Presidency To Aregbesola: Reflect On Your Time In Public Office, Insists ADC Lacks Nat. Agenda

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April 15, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Presidency has reminded the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, of his failed eight years as Governor of Osun state and unproductive four years as Minister of Interior.

Reacting to comments by Aregbesola during the ADC convention that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s Government is a scam, the Presidency pointed out that the people of Osun State, especially, civil servants will not quickly forget the hardship they were subjected to due to prolonged non payment of salaries by the administration of Aregbesola.

Special Adviser of President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his X, dismissed the ADC as a gathering of “desperate politicians” without a clear national agenda.

Aregbesola had described the APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a “classic scam”.

But Onanuga, in response, wrote: “No, Rauf. The real scammers are the politicians inside the SPV called ADC.”

Onanuga accused Aregbesola of repeating opposition talking points and attempting to distort the Government’s record.

He said: “At the event, Aregbesola reportedly called on his former boss, mentor, and benefactor to resign, parroting the opposition’s warped narratives about the economy and orchestrated reports of terrorist attacks in some parts of the country.”

He also criticised Aregbesola for what he described as a refusal to reflect on his own time in public office.

“His eight years as governor of Osun State were characterised by unmitigated hardship for the people. Civil servants went unpaid for months, and pensioners suffered greatly.”

Speaking on Aregbesola tenure as Minister of Interior, Onanuga said: “During his four years, obtaining a Nigerian passport became a nightmarish process, and there were multiple jailbreaks, including the infamous Kuje prison escape.”

He argued that it was “ironic” for Aregbesola to now speak on insecurity, saying: “For someone who failed so woefully to secure our correctional centres, it is ironic that Aregbesola now seeks to lecture others on insecurity.”

Defending the current administration, Onanuga stated: “The Tinubu administration has never shied away from acknowledging that policy reforms have brought unintended consequences, but we have introduced numerous relief measures, including cash transfers and support for small businesses.”

He further added that economic indicators were improving under the reforms. “We have seen increased GDP, stronger foreign reserves, and a bullish stock market reflecting growing investor confidence.”

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a scam,” Onanuga insisted.

Alarming Mental Cases: Ondo Exco Approves New Psychiatric Hospital

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April 15, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Worried by the increase in cases of mental illness in Ondo state, government has concluded arrangement to build new psychiatric hospital in the State.

This was among decisions reached at this week’s meeting of the state executive council presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure on Tuesday.

The commissioner for health, Dr Banji Ajaka, while briefing journalists, revealed that the council approved the construction of a new neuropsychiatric hospital, as well as the upgrading of the existing Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Akure.

According to him, the move was necessitated by the growing burden of mental health challenges and drug abuse, which has placed considerable pressure on existing facilities.

Ajaka noted that the current psychiatric hospital is overstretched, with patients often waiting for months for admission, adding that the new and upgraded facilities would provide modern treatment conditions and improved privacy.

The Council also has approved the construction of 500-bedded hospital buildings across the state, and infrastructure upgrade.

Dr Ajaka, stated that the government had embarked on a comprehensive expansion of healthcare infrastructure through the approval of several 100-bedded and 50-bedded hospital buildings.

He disclosed that the projects include 100-bedded hospital buildings in Ikare-Akoko, Ore and Okitipupa, as well as additional 100-bedded facilities for the state specialist hospital and another specialist hospital in Igbokoda.

Ajaka further announced that 50-bedded hospital buildings were approved for Irele and Igbokoda, alongside two general hospitals structured as “one-stop shop” facilities where laboratory, X-ray, consultation and pharmacy services would be provided within a single building.

He explained that the cumulative capacity of the approved projects stands at 500 beds, noting that the development is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare services across the state.

According to him, the one-stop shop model is designed to streamline service delivery and eliminate the need for patients to move between different units before receiving treatment.

He added that the council approved a revised cost for the contributory health commission building to enable expansion, as well as the procurement and installation of modern medical equipment for the Government House clinic.

The commissioner further stated that plans were underway to install advanced diagnostic equipment, including CT scan, MRI and mammography machines, at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.

Alarming Mental Cases

Oyo Impeachment Rumour: Ibadan Club Warns, Seeks Respect For Olubadan Throne

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April 15, 2026

Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja - Olubadan of Ibadanland — Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Olubadan of Ibadanland

By Ayodele Oni

Ibadan socio cultural group, Ibile Club, has sued for restraint as allegation of planned impeachment of Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde continues to spread.

The Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, wife of ex Governor, Florence Ajimobi and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly Adebowale Ogundoyin, have all been linked with the plot.

While Oba Ladoja and Mrs Ajimobi have declared their innocence, the Speaker insisted that he was actually mobilized to impeach the Governor.

Already, attempt is being made to remove Ogundoyin as Speaker as report revealed that Legislators are being rallied to that effect.

The Ibadan Club, in a terse statement, signed by the President, Lanre Ogundipe, expressed concern that the revered throne of Olubadan is being dragged into the political issue.

“We are concerned by the rising wave of speculation, allegations, and political narratives currently dominating public discourse in Oyo State.

“Let it be clear: these are signs of frail nerves, not established facts. Serious issues of governance and finance must be addressed with evidence—not social media arithmetic or insinuation.

“More troubling is the growing attempt to drag the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Ibadan Traditional Institution into partisan politics.

The throne must not be reduced to a political tool.

“We call on all political actors—within and outside Oyo State—to refrain from diluting facts and dragging the Olubadan institution into their desperate pursuits.

“Governance issues should be handled through proper constitutional and investigative channels—not noise and speculation. Respect the throne. Respect the facts.”

Rufai Oseni: “The High Chief Lied, I’m Not On Suspension From Work”

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 15, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Rufai Oseni, Arise News Anchor, has put a lie to an Online post that he has been suspended from work by the Management of Arise Television.

In response to the post by one High Chief Lawrence Igbins Okoro which sparked the rumour, Oseni dismissed it as lies from the pit of hell.

In the past few days, Oseni, one of the Anchors of Arise Television’s popular programme, The Morning Show, has been absent from the programme. While it is not unusual, and could have been caused by a number of reasons, including outside assignments, Okoro’s post on the Social Media attributed it to a suspension slammed on him for being rude to a superior Staff.

According to the post, Oseni engaged in a heated argument with his superior in the office, and banged his hand on the table. The action, the post alleged, shocked not a few, and thus, earned him a suspension.

But in a swift reaction on his X page, Oseni refuted both rumours of his unruliness in office and subsequent suspension as fake. He is facing no disciplinary action from his employers, he clarified.

On the contrary, he disclosed, he is on a working visit to Germany.

Oseni: “This is a lie. The man is lying. I am on a working visit to Germany. This is fake news. Kindly report that account.”

Foreign: Iran To Hang Couple, 2 Others Over Anti-government Protests

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April 14, 2026