News, Events and People.

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...