News, Events and People.

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan: A Chief Press Secretary with a Difference    By Sunday Ajibola Positions offer individuals opportunities to serve, spanning appointments, promotional, spiritual, and secular roles. Service has two purposes: to benefit oneself and others. It is well-known that the ultimate duty of humanity is to serve people or  enriching oneself. Yet, many who are entrusted with such opportunities often disregard the first principle. They use their positions for personal gain, rendering themselves irrelevant and forgotten once they leave their esteemed roles. However, a young man is showing us that rendering self service is second to none. This is where Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan stands out—if not as the best, certainly among the very few outstanding Chief Press Secretaries (CPS) Ondo State has ever had. The CPS serves as the spokesperson and image-maker for their principal, the Governor. Prince Adeniyan was Governor Ayedatiwa's first appointment when he assumed o...

    People of Ondo State, particularly residents of Awule in Akure South Local Government Area of the state, have been assured that all roads in deplorable condition awarded under asphalt laying and rehabilitation township would be completed soon.  The Special Adviser on Lands, Housing and Infrastructure, Pastor Ayoade Babalola gave the assurance while  speaking on the ongoing asphalt laying and rehabilitation of Awule Road in Akure. Pastor Babalola said the Awule Road would be completed in a couple of days. He stated that with the pace and level of work on the road, it would be handed over to the state government soon.   Pastor Babalola said: "Let me appreciate our governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his prompt action on that road. The road is among the roads under group A of the township roads rehabilitation in Akure. "The people of Awule had been calling us complaining on the condition of the road. The work has reached appreciable level and will be com...

  OLUMIDE ORIGUNLOYE: THE GOLDEN BOY CHAMPIONING THE CAUSE OF REDEEMING AKURE By Sunday Ajibola Men (referring to both men and women) make things happen. We are the harbingers of all the good available in the world. Name it. Be it the scientific, technological, industrial, and educational breakthrough, men are the brains behind them. We have the power and privilege to bring about change by improving ourselves, our surroundings, and the lives of others. Talking about bringing lasting and developmental improvement, only individuals with discipline, dedication, vision, passion, and a love for others can carry it out. Anyone can think only of themselves and improve their lives in the process—it doesn’t require rocket science. Most of us belong to that category of people, which explains Nigeria's current backward position and the heightened suffering of its people. However, there are a few rare individuals whose works and activities are tailored toward enriching others. These are the r...

  The 2024 edition of the Ondo State Investment and Agriculture Fair and Festival (OSIAFFA) took center stage  in Akure, the Ondo State capital, bringing together key players in the agriculture sector. Organized by the Ondo State Agriculture Commodity Association (OSACA), the two-day event showcased raw, finished, and packaged products from farmers, corporate bodies, local governments, and government agencies. A notable participant was the IFAD/LIFE-ND Ondo Project Office, which highlighted its contributions at a strategic stand in the main hall of the event. This venue served as a hub for special guests, exhibitors, businesspeople, corporate representatives, and invited guests, with presentations on production, packaging, funding opportunities, and more delivered to an engaged audience. The IFAD/LIFE-ND stand featured a rich array of raw materials such as plantain, coconut, fish, and cocoa, alongside packaged products like cocoa, honey, chips, and cassava by-products. The exh...

FULFILMEMT OF GOV. AYEDATIWA'S INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROMISES ON TRACK, SAYS SA ON INFRASTRUCTURE The people of Ondo State have been reassured that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will deliver on all transformative projects promised during his campaign. Pastor Ayo Babalola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, provided this assurance during a press briefing in Akure on Wednesday. He revealed that preparations for new projects are underway, while ongoing projects have resumed in full force. According to Babalola, inflation-induced budget variations have been addressed through a supplementary budget, allowing contractors to proceed with renewed vigor. He added that the governor would begin inaugurating some of these projects in the near future. “When the governor toured during the campaign, over 80% of people’s requests focused on infrastructure—roads, buildings, and health facilities,” Babalola explained. “Specific roads like Akure/Ikare and area...

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2027, the Premier League champions announced on Thursday.  In a statement, the 53-year-old, who previously enjoyed successful stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, expressed his deep connection to Manchester City, stating, "Manchester City means so much to me. This is my ninth season here, and we have shared countless incredible moments together. I hold a special affection for this football club, which is why I am thrilled to extend my stay for another two seasons." Guardiola's arrival at the Abu Dhabi-owned City in 2016 has transformed the team into a dominant force in English and European football, establishing them as a consistent winner of major trophies. The Spaniard's decision solidifies his commitment to the club he joined in 2016, where he has overseen a remarkable period of success, including six Premier League titles and one Champions Leag...

  ECOWAS Court Awards N30 Million to Glory Okolie Over Illegal Detention The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, sitting in Abuja, delivered judgment on Thursday, awarding N30 million in reparations to Glory Okolie, a 22-year-old woman who was unlawfully detained and enslaved by officers of the Nigeria Police Force's Intelligence Response Team (IRT). Represented by Abuja-based human rights lawyer Samuel Ihensekhien, the court found that Okolie had been illegally detained for over 90 days, a clear violation of Nigerian law, the Constitution, and international treaties. The Nigerian government, in its defense, acknowledged her prolonged detention but failed to justify the breach of her fundamental human rights. Court records revealed that Okolie was arrested on June 17, 2021, and unlawfully held for 248 days, during which she was reportedly used as a maid by her captors. She was eventually released on March 23, 2022. Following her release, Ihensekhien and the One Love Foundation, a no...

  Celebrating a Born Leader on his birthday: Prince Leke Adegbite, Chairman of Ondo State NUJ Council" Every living being is imbued with certain characteristics and gifts, commonly referred to as talents. Each of us is given opportunities to showcase these talents whenever and wherever we can. One of these gifts is the ability to lead. Those who possess it naturally find leadership roles easy to embrace. Unfortunately, many traverse the world without fully utilizing their God-given talents, leaving no mark on the sands of time. Today marks the birthday of Prince Leke Adegbite, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). Although relatively young, fate has placed him in a position to guide a vibrant union. Any leadership role within the NUJ, whether at the Chapel level or State level, is not for the faint-hearted. Some chapels are even known for frequent impeachments of their chairpersons. Leading the State Council, therefore, is no small feat....

  Ondo State Sets Focus on Food Security and Budget Implementation for 2025 The Ondo State government has pledged to address food security challenges through an integrated agricultural approach in the upcoming 2025 fiscal year. This commitment was announced by the State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan, Ph.D., during a Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and 2025 budget planning session. The engagement, held in Akure, the state capital, gathered representatives from Akure North, Akure South, Ifedore, and Idanre local government areas, along with trade unions, professional bodies, civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), NGOs, and other stakeholders. Dr. Igbasan outlined various strategies, including improving security in farming communities, acquiring more tractors, enhancing farm yields with modern agricultural techniques, and making rural roads more accessible. Represented by Mr. Bamidele Daisi, Administr...

   Journalists Killed in Israeli Airstrike on Press Compound Three Lebanese journalists lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike on a press-designated guesthouse in Hasbaya, southeastern Lebanon, according to local sources. The attack targeted a compound that hosted journalists from various media outlets, with visible "press" markings on vehicles in the courtyard. Among the deceased were employees from Al-Manar and Al Mayadeen TV. Lebanon's information minister condemned the strike as a "war crime," alleging it was a deliberate act. While the Israeli military has previously denied targeting media personnel, it has not issued a statement on this incident. Al-Jadeed TV, whose reporters also stayed in the building, aired scenes of the destroyed structure, revealing debris-strewn floors and an overturned broadcast vehicle. The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began in October last year, has seen increased airstrikes in Lebanon, with over 1,700...

  Radio Station Sacks Journalists Replaces Them with AI, Igniting Debate on Future of Media A Polish radio station, OFF Radio Krakow, recently made waves by replacing human journalists with AI-generated presenters in a move it describes as an “experiment” to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on media. Based in Krakow, the station relaunched with virtual hosts, hoping to attract a younger audience by covering cultural, artistic, and social topics, including issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. OFF Radio Krakow’s director, Marcin Pulit, defended the decision as a necessary step to keep the station relevant. “Is artificial intelligence more of an opportunity or a threat to media, radio, and journalism?” he wrote, describing the change as a way to find answers to this question. However, the decision has drawn backlash, especially from former employees and concerned listeners. Journalist Mateusz Demski, who previously hosted a show on the station, responded by publishing an o...

  Meet President Tinubu's  New Ministers in the Education Sector Dr. Tunji Alausa/Suwaiba Ahmad In a bold move to revitalize his administration, President Bola Tinubu reshuffled his cabinet on Wednesday, replacing key ministers and realigning portfolios. This strategic overhaul included the merging of some ministries to enhance efficiency and better address national priorities. Among the changes, the Ministry of Education saw significant shifts, with new leadership aimed at transforming the sector. New Leadership at the Ministry of Education At the helm of the Ministry of Education is Dr. Tunji Alausa, a highly regarded medical professional. Dr. Alausa earned his Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Lagos in 1993 and later specialized in nephrology in the United States, where he achieved distinction as one of America’s Best Physicians in 2007, 2012, and 2020. He has also served as an Assistant Professor at Rush University Medical School in Chicago. ...

Ondo State Govt. Begins Preparation of 2025 Budget, holds Consultative Meetings With Stakeholders The Ondo State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget has commenced consultations with key stakeholders, including market traders, artisans, and community members, to gather input for the drafting of the 2025 fiscal budget. This engagement aims to ensure that the financial plans reflect the needs and expectations of the people, particularly in supporting businesses and improving livelihoods   Ondo State Govt. Begins Preparation of 2025 Budget Preparation with Engagement of Stakeholder The Ondo State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget has commenced consultations with key stakeholders, including market traders, artisans, and community members, to gather input for the drafting of the 2025 fiscal budget. This engagement aims to ensure that the financial plans reflect the needs and expectations of the people, particularly in supporting businesses and improving livelihoods . At the C...

SA ON INFRASTRUCTURE, AYO BABALOLA CAUTIONS ONDO STATE RESIDENTS AGAINST BUILDING STRUCTURES CLOSE TO RIVER CHANNELS, FOLLOWING FLOODING IN ONDO The Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Works and Infrastructure, Pastor Ayo Babalola, has visited the flood ravaged areas in Ondo Town with a team of engineers from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure. At Ita Nla, Ile-Oluji Junction, a shop filled with bags of cement was completely washed away by the floodwaters, with over 300 bags destroyed. It was discovered that the culvert in the area was blocked by silt, and a relaxation spot had been constructed on the water channel, reducing its width and contributing to the flooding. At Oke Odunwo, the culvert was found to be too small to handle the volume of water, causing the flood to overflow and destroy structures within a 50-meter radius along the river's course. Residents of the area reported that the culvert, which had three rings, was over 50 years old and was likely b...

  Meta Platforms has paid over $2 billion to content creators on Facebook in the past year, marking an 80% year-over-year increase in payouts for short-form videos and Reels.  Since launching monetization in 2017, more than four million creators have earned from the platform.  To streamline and expand earning opportunities, Meta is launching a new unified Content Monetization platform that consolidates existing programs like in-stream ads, ads on Reels, and performance bonuses.  This beta rollout, initially offered to one million creators, is set to broaden access in the coming months.

  Alarming Disparities: One in Four Black Men in the UK Denied Prostate Cancer Tests Despite Higher Risk A recent report has revealed that one in four Black men in the UK has been refused a prostate cancer test by their GP, despite having double the risk of developing the disease compared to the general male population. A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test can detect early signs of prostate cancer by measuring the level of PSA protein in the blood. However, a survey by Prostate Cancer Research of 2,000 Black men in the UK found that nearly a quarter (24%) who sought the test in the past year were obstructed by their GP. The survey also uncovered deep concerns over discrimination in healthcare: 25% of respondents believed racial bias was preventing them from receiving prostate cancer tests, and almost half (47%) doubted they would receive the same quality of care as white patients under the NHS. The findings are particularly stark for Black men aged 45-54, with 22% reporting that ...

  Teenager jailed for 18 months after McDonald’s fight still in prison 18 years United Kingdom: Luke Ings was only 17 when he was sentenced to prison for robbery and involvement in a fight at McDonald’s. Despite being handed a minimum term of just 18 months, Luke, now 36, remains behind bars with no release date in sight. Convicted under the controversial Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentencing, which imposed indefinite jail terms, Luke has now spent 18 years in prison. The IPP sentences were abolished in 2012 due to widespread human rights concerns, but the change wasn’t applied retroactively, leaving nearly 3,000 individuals like Luke trapped without a release date. Luke's mother, Samantha, 57, has expressed her deep anguish over her son's prolonged imprisonment. Luke, held in maximum security at HMP Wakefield alongside some of the UK's most dangerous criminals, has spent his entire adult life behind bars. Samantha fears for her son's mental health, given ...

 EDO GUBER ELECTIONS: EFCC APPREHENDS VOTE BUYERS IN EGOR LGA The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested several suspects for allegedly engaging in vote buying during the ongoing Edo State gubernatorial election.  The arrests were made in Egor Kical Governbent Area of the State In collaboration with police officers, EFCC operatives were seen apprehending three individuals—two men and one woman—at a polling unit in a Local Government Area (LGA). The suspects were subsequently escorted away from the scene. Vote buying, which involves distributing money or other incentives to influence voters, has become a common malpractice in Nigerian elections. Prior to the election, Yiaga Africa, a civil society organization (CSO), raised concerns that the election might be marred by violence and vote-buying schemes. The group identified several LGAs, including Egor, Ovia South-West, Ovia North-East, Oredo, Ikpoba Okha, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Esan South-East, as p...

 Profile:   Ibrahim Aqil, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Friday. Here is an extract: Aqil, who was in his early 60s, had risen through the ranks and reached a senior position in the organization. Exact details of his role are unclear, but the Israel Defense Forces described him as “the head of the Hezbollah terrorist organization’s operations team, the acting commander of the Radwan [special forces] unit.” “He was one of the really senior old-timers but was never really the face of anything. He was always a number two or number three, but had just been promoted in the last five to 10 years,” said Hussain Abdul-Hussain, a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington and an expert on extremism in Lebanon. Aqil was one of a group of young Shia men originally from the south of Lebanon but living in Beirut who were energized by the 1979 Iranian revolution and recruited by the country’s Revolutionary Guards into a network known initially...

  SOUTH CAROLINA CARRIES OUT FIRST EXECUTION IN 13 YEARS     In the United States of Americs, Freddie Owens, convicted of murder in 1999, was executed by lethal injection in South Carolina, marking the state's first execution in 13 years. Owens, 46, was sentenced to death for the 1997 killing of Irene Graves, a shop worker, during an armed robbery in Greenville. Despite a last-minute affidavit from his co-defendant, Steve Golden, claiming Owens wasn’t present at the crime, the South Carolina Supreme Court rejected the appeal, citing contradictions with Golden's trial testimony. Owens was executed at Broad River Correctional Institute on Friday evening and was pronounced dead at 18:55 local time. His execution followed a pause due to the state's inability to procure lethal injection drugs. In addition to his murder conviction, Owens also killed a cellmate the day after his 1999 sentencing. Graves, a 41-year-old single mother of three, was shot by Owens after failing to ope...