GANUX, Author at SocietyGazette.com

Conductor dies as petrol tanker crashes in Anambra

One person has lost his life following a road crash involving a Premium Motor Spirit-laden tanker that occurred at Umuike Echem community, Nnobi, close to Nnokwa junction, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday.

It was gathered that the operatives of the state fire service prevented further disaster from occurring when they responded promptly and prevented the petrol laden tanker from explosion.

One of the eyewitnesses near the scene said the driver lost control of the PMS laden truck and hit a perimeter fencing as he was trying to navigate a sharp bending in the area.

He said, ”As the driver was navigating a sharp bend, he lost control of the vehicle and the petrol tanker tripped off and hit a wall perimeter fence. The content started dripping as a result of the accident, thereby posing high risk of heavy fire outbreak.

“There were two passengers in the tanker, the driver and a conductor, while the conductor fell off and died instantly, the driver sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital where he is receiving currently treatment.”

When our correspondent visited the scene on Monday, it was observed that the fire service operatives cordoned off the scene to prevent passersby and other motorists from coming close, in order to avoid further disaster.

The Media and Publicity Unit of the State Fire Service, led by the state Fire Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident in a press statement on Monday.

Chiketa said the fire service received the distress call on Sunday, and immediately deployed two crews of firemen from different fire stations, two firefighting trucks and other fire equipment to the scene.

He said, “The firemen of Anambra State Fire Service intervened at a scene of an accident involving a truck ladened with PMS product at Umuike Echem village, Nnobi, close to Nnokwa junction, Idemili South LGA of Anambra State.

“The State Fire Service received the distress call at 0945 hours of Sunday and immediately deployed two crews of Firemen from different Fire Stations, two firefighting trucks and other fire equipment to the scene.

“It was gathered that the PMS ladened truck tripped off and hit a wall perimeter fence when the driver was trying to navigate a sharp bending, and the product started dripping as a result of the accident, posing high risk of heavy fire outbreak.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the crews of Firemen led by PFS Dike swiftly engaged in a cooling operation and successfully averted a possible inferno. The PMS product has also been successfully transloaded into another truck.

“The truck conductor lost his life on the spot, while the driver is currently responding to treatment at a hospital.”

He sympathised with the family of the deceased, the injured driver and the owners of the properties involved and advised the general public to go about their businesses of the day as the incident has been fully contained.

Inter Milan appoint Cristian Chivu head coach

Cristian Chivu said goodbye to Parma on Monday ahead of his move to his former club Inter Milan to replace Simone Inzaghi as coach.

Former Romania defender Chivu will take charge of Inter, where he won three Serie A titles and the 2010 Champions League as a player, after guiding Parma to Serie A safety in his first senior coaching job.

“I thank the club, staff, players and fans for having believed in me and our project,” said Chivu on Instagram.

“Together we overcame obstacles and wrote a page (in Parma’s history) which will remain in my heart.”

Parma later confirmed Chivu’s departure, thanking him for dragging the club out of the relegation zone after replacing Fabio Pecchia in February.

That was Chivu’s first job in football since leaving Inter’s youth set-up last summer.

Chivu has reportedly agreed a two-year contract worth 2.5 million euros ($2.85 million) a season with Inter who have gambled on the novice coach ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup, after failing to get Cesc Fabregas from Como.

Inzaghi left Inter last week in the wake of the Italians’ thumping 5-0 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

Inter had been gunning for the treble but conceded the Serie A title to Napoli on the final day of the season, were knocked out of the Italian Cup by AC Milan and humiliated by PSG in Munich.

Chivu’s first match in charge of Inter will be against Mexican club Monterrey in the Club World Cup next week, in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California

AFP

Suspected assailants kill 45-year-old man in Gombe

The Gombe Police Command has confirmed the death of a 45-year-old man, Ahmed Aliyu, who was fatally attacked by unidentified assailants in Hammadu Kafi, in the Akko Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement signed by Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, the incident was reported at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday by a relative of the deceased, Bashir Umar, while the attack occurred around 8:00 a.m. that day.

Abdullahi said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was attacked with a knife and sustained fatal injuries to the left side of his chest and back.

“He was rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Gombe, where a medical doctor sadly confirmed him dead.”

The Police Command described the act as “senseless and unwarranted,” and has launched an intelligence-driven investigation to track down those responsible.

“We strongly condemn this heinous crime.

“An intelligence-based investigation has commenced immediately, and every effort is being made to identify, trace, and apprehend the perpetrators so they can face the full wrath of the law,” Abdullahi added.

In its appeal for public cooperation, the command urged residents to remain calm and assist in the investigation by volunteering any information that could aid in solving the case.

“We call on members of the public to support the police by providing credible information that can help unravel the circumstances behind this tragedy,” the police spokesperson said.

The command in the statement reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents, adding, “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of everyone in Gombe State.”

Ooni hails Tinubu’s forest guard initiative

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s newly proposed forest guard security structure.

Ogunwusi gave the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit to the President at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Sunday.

While speaking with journalists after the visit, the Ooni expressed optimism about the Tinubu administration’s efforts to improve security.

He hailed the President’s push for grassroots security reinforcement amid ongoing national challenges.

He said the proposal on restructuring of the Forest Guard system is a critical step toward lasting peace and investor confidence.

“We’re very happy with the Forest Guard structure and the new platform to bring in more police force to continue to comb the entire forest, both in the north and in the south.

“Once security is addressed, there will be a solid platform for investment to flow into Nigeria,” he said.

The Ooni also said he visited the President to appreciate the great things he was doing for the country.

“I went to Kazakhstan and came back with feedback. The good things he’s doing are opening Nigeria up to so many nations that now want to work with us,” he said.

Ogunwusi highlighted how Nigeria’s international standing is improving under Tinubu’s leadership, especially in terms of foreign investment and macroeconomic policy stability.

“In history, there is no arbitrage again. You bring dollars to Nigeria to do business, and you take it out, no dual exchange between the central bank and the parallel market.

“The world is watching us as a nation, and we don’t need to leave everything to the government,” he said.

The traditional ruler also emphasised the evolving and increasingly important role of traditional rulers toward nation-building.

“Traditional rulers should lead by example, work in tandem with the government, and give hope to our youth. This is another testimony of hope for Nigerian youths,” he said.

Ojude Oba festival: Minister affirms Tinubu’s cultural agenda

The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, on Sunday said that President Bola Tinubu is committed to making Nigeria the greatest black nation on earth with the export of the country’s rich cultural heritage to the outside world.

Musawa equally said that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate with the state government to develop its tourism sector to boost job creation, economic expansion, and accelerate national prosperity.

The minister stated this while speaking at this year’s Ojude Oba festival held at the Awujale pavilion, Ijebu Ode.

The annual cultural celebration, which is held three days after the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, provides an opportunity for the people of Ijebu land, who usually dress in various beautiful attires to pay homage to the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

Musawa said, “President Bola Tinubu is strongly committed to making us the greatest black nation on earth, to making us one of the strongest economies. One of the ways he wants to do it is for us to leverage and tap into the opportunities that abound in the cultural and creative landscape.

“Recently, President Bola Tinubu announced a collaboration between the federal and subnational governments whereby we will do a collaboration and partnership so that… we will also work with the private sector to tap into the unique peculiarities of every single state.

She hailed the people of Ijebu land for putting together such a beautiful cultural festival, lauding the Awujale, Oba Adetona, for doing so much to preserve the cultural heritage even for the generation yet unborn.

The minister noted that Ojude Oba is a huge economic expansion, applauding the collaboration between the FG and Ogun State.

She said, “We can increase our visibility, we can bring job creation by looking at what the culture and tradition have to offer. This culture is your ideal, it’s your tradition, it’s who we are as a people, and we are extremely proud.

“This is a beautiful culture. This is a culture that we must continue to export and use as a form of economic expansion.

“For me, as a Nigerian, I’m proud to be part of this community. I feel honoured to be here and I am looking forward to enacting that important vision that President Bola Tinubu has by tapping into the rich resource of Ogun State.”

Also speaking, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said that Ojude Oba has grown beyond just a festival but a living heritage, a catalyst for economic growth, and a platform that helps to promote national unity despite the country’s diversity.

Abiodun said, ‘Ojude Oba is more than a festival; it is a living heritage, it connects us to our roots, and offers direction for a rapidly changing world. In an era marked by social fragmentation, this festival stands as a flagship symbol of communal harmony where religion, tradition, and modernity coexist beautifully under a shared identity.

“From the beautiful parade of the Regberegbe to the majestic display of the horse riders, Ojude Oba festival is a vibrant display of our beautiful culture, our pride, values, and our continuity.

The governor stated that his government will continue to promote the cultural heritage not only for the benefit of the Ijebu people but for the enrichment of humanity at large.

He added that festivals like Ojude Oba are crucial to his administration’s vision to develop the tourism sector to create more economic opportunities and attract global visibility.

The governor said that the global festival, as a veritable platform to promote national cohesion, has equally become a dynamic engine of tourism, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship, and therefore, his government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the growth and development of the festival is not hindered.

Meanwhile, the Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Rite Foods, Mr Ekuma Eze, said that the food company and one of the sponsors of this year’s celebration fed over 21000 of the guests and tourists who came to savour the rich cultural celebration.

Ekuma said that the magnanimity of the company stems from its commitment to helping in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Nigerian people while also fulfilling its core mandate of giving back to the people.

He said, “We are passionate about enhancing the socio-economic well-being of our communities and preservation of the beautiful culture of our dear nation.

“So our sponsorship and support for the Ojude Oba festival comes from all of these, and by my record, we have fed over 21000 with our various brands of drinks and sausage. So, we are here to thrill the Ijebu people and all who have come from all over the world to be part of this celebration of global ranking.”

The highly revered 91-year-old monarch, who was conspicuously absent at this year’s celebration, was, however, represented by his wife, Olori Kemi Adetona.

The absence of the traditional ruler, according to an impeccable source who preferred to remain anonymous, was due to old age.

Dignitaries at this year’s celebration included the governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami; Former governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel; Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaib Salisu; and the deputy governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele.,

Others were the wife of the state governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, former governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba, the Asiwaju of Ijebu land and Chairman of Rite Foods, Alhaji Sulaiman Adegunwa, Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land, Dr Sunny Kuku, Speaker of the state assembly, Daisi Elemide, among others.

Ondo PDP accuses Aiyedatiwa of dumping Akeredolu’s projects

The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has accused the state governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, of deliberately abandoning all the uncompleted projects left by his immediate predecessor, late Rotimi Akeredolu.

The PDP accused the governor in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Leye Igbabo, on Sunday.

According to the statement, the opposition party said it had a strong conviction that the governor was attempting to destroy all of Akeredolu’s legacies in the state.

However, the state Director of Media and Publicity of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Steve Otaloro, in a statement, reacted that the allegation was untrue, stating that Aiyedatiwa was making efforts to complete the projects.

He described the PDP as an attention seeker.

The PDP in its statement said, “We are worried about the unwillingness and inability of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to complete all the ongoing projects left behind by his benefactor and predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

“The available facts showed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was not ready to go on with the projects because of his clear intention to destroy his predecessor’s legacy on the altar of political vendetta, against the late governor and his camp who allegedly did all within their power to strive to deny him ascension to the office of the governor when the late governor was clearly incapacitated by ill-health and even after the ultimate death of the immediate past governor.

“Aiyedatiwa was said to have boasted of his powers as the executive governor to stop any projects that do not catch his fancy, and that those who had benefited from the projects by way of monetary or material rewards should also go ahead to look for means of financing the said projects to completion.

“Our party has sufficient reasons to suspect very strongly that these allegations of an attempt to abandon and destroy his predecessor’s legacy could be very true. We have to come to this conclusion because one has to know why a governor who has huge resources at his disposal would be going back and forth to simply complete projects left behind by his predecessor when the government is regarded as a continuum.”

On the other hand, the APC media director, who denied the allegation of the PDP, said, “It is apparent that the PDP is resorting to a desperate attempt to regain relevance by fabricating claims that lack any basis in fact. “Since the victorious governorship election won by our party, the PDP has emerged as a vocal antagonist, seemingly more interested in creating discord than offering constructive criticism.”

He further stated, “While we typically refrain from engaging in the blame games of opposition parties, it has become necessary to clarify the truth for the public, who deserve to be informed about the PDP’s misleading narratives.

We would like to emphasise that all projects initiated under the previous administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu are receiving the attention they deserve. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa views the past administration as an extension of his own, as he served as deputy governor during that time.

It is, therefore, nonsensical for the PDP to suggest that Governor Aiyedatiwa would undermine the legacy he helped build by neglecting ongoing projects.

“In fact, Governor Aiyedatiwa has recently commissioned several road projects and infrastructure developments, including the Oda Road ( in Akure) and its extensions, which were foundationally laid by the late Governor Akeredolu. These actions reflect our commitment to continuity and progress, rather than the abandonment of vital projects.

“It is ironic that the PDP, a party that sought to overturn the people’s mandate granted to Governor Aiyedatiwa during the November 16, 2024, governorship election but dismissed at the tribunal, now resorts to a campaign of disinformation. Their attempts to discredit the governor through baseless propaganda are not only misguided but also reflect their internal struggles and declining relevance.”

The APC advised the opposition party leaders to focus on addressing the challenges within their party, “which has seen significant defections, including that of sitting governors, rather than concocting lies to mislead the public. It is time for them to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute positively to the development of Ondo State.”

Rap star Snoop Dogg sets to open burger van at Celtic

Legendary rapper Snoop Dogg, has revealed he wants to show his love for Celtic by opening a burger van outside the home of the Scottish champions.

The American music icon has previously expressed interest in buying a stake in the Glasgow club after being inspired by the success of Hollywood celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at English second-tier side Wrexham.

But the 53-year-old has now set his sights on a more modest connection with a team he has long admired.

Snoop Dogg, who has published a recipe book called ‘From Crook to Cook’, once described Celtic supporters as “special” and said he identified with the club’s mascot, Hoopy the Hound.

He told the Sunday Mail that Celtic fans would flock to the burger van and that it would become a foodie “Paradise”, the nickname given to the club’s Parkhead stadium.

“I would love to bring a pop-up burger van to a sports stadium to show fans that food at stadiums can be good,” he said.

“It’s got to be Celtic Park, man. The secret to a good burger is the love in the preparation. The ground beef has got to be mixed with some secret spices, then add a good quality cheese and some maple-cured bacon.

“The Celtic fans are gonna love it, and to make sure they are just right, Snoop is going to be serving them himself.”

Snoop Dogg worked as a correspondent for NBC at the Paris Olympics last year, has launched two youth football leagues, and has been a vocal advocate for pay equality for female athletes.

He claimed he would not be taking his culinary ventures to Celtic’s arch rivals Rangers.

“Am I going to bring my burgers to Rangers as well? Nah, I think we will give that a miss,” he said.

AFP

June 12: Tinubu to confer national honours on select lawmakers

President Bola Tinubu would on June 12 confer national honours on selected legislators in commemoration of Democracy Day.

This is contained in a statement by the House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr., in Abuja on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the leadership and members of the House of Representatives will participate in a Special Joint Sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12.

The President who is expected to be the special guest of honour will address the joint sitting of the legislators.

“The programme will also feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers of the National Assembly and the conferment of national honours on select legislators by Mr President,” Rotimi said.

The House spokesman said that the theme for this year’s celebration is “26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development.”

Rotimi explained that the joint sitting represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

He said that it underscores the pivotal role of the National Assembly in safeguarding democratic values, fostering accountability, and advancing national development over the past 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.

Rotimi urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Democracy Day as a time for reflection, renewed patriotism, and commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united nation.

Fulani herders allege intimidation, cattle rustling in Benue

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Benue State chapter, on Sunday, raised the alarm of intimidation, cattle rustling, and a threat to life in some communities in the state.

The leaders of the association in the state, Ardo Risku and Ibrahim Galma, chairman and secretary, respectively, raised the alarm in a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi on Sunday.

The leaders of the association said that already, one of their members, identified as Sanni Hassan, was killed at North Bank, Makurdi, last Tuesday by suspected Tiv youths.

They also alleged that a total number of 1,185 cows were rustled between the middle of May and June 2, in Agatu and Guma Local Government areas of the state, out of which they said that police have recovered 162 cows.

The statement read partly, “In the middle of May, 2025, 150 cows belonging to Umar Rabiu and another 130 cows of another herder were rustled in Agatu LGA of Benue State.

“Recently, a total number of 905 cows and 54 sheep belonging to Abubakar Abdullahi, Babangida Hassan, Samaila Baba and Sanni Hassan were rustled on June 2, 2025, close to Yogbo community in Guma LGA of Benue State.

“Benue State Police Command intercepted the rustlers and recovered 162 cows, of which 33 were injured, leaving 743 cows and 54 sheep unrecovered.”

The association regretted that while the owners of the cows came to Makurdi to claim the recovered ones by the police last Tuesday, “they were attacked along the expressway close to Laafia garage in North Bank by suspected Tiv youths, leading to the death of Sanni Hassan.”

They called on the state government, Benue State Police Command, and other security agencies in the state to investigate and arrest the killers of their member and the rustlers.

They also solicited support from the state government for their members whose cattle were rustled and the family of the deceased.

When contacted, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, said that he received the report and that security operatives were already investigating the matter and urged the association to be patient until the outcome of the investigation.

He said, “We received such reports that the police is investigating the matter, I urge the MACBAN to be patient until the outcome of the police investigation.”

Also contacted the spokesperson for the state command, DSP Udeme Edet

confirmed the killing of a member of the association and rustling and recovery of some cows, but she did not give the total number of rustled and recovered cows.

She said, “It is true, the command has recovered some cows from rustlers and the killing of their member at North Bank.”

While appealing to criminals to desist from rustling of cows so as not to further heighten tension in the state, the PPRO, however, warned that the command would make sure that such people are made to face the wrath of the law.

Ukraine says soldiers swap with Russia to begin next week

Ukraine said on Sunday that a planned exchange of captured soldiers would start “next week”, after both sides accused each other of trying to thwart and delay the swap.

“The start of repatriation activities based on the results of the negotiations in Istanbul is scheduled for next week,” the head of Ukraine’s defence intelligence Kyrylo Budanov said on social media.

Ukraine and Russia on June 2 agreed to a fresh exchange of POWs. They also agreed to take back the bodies of killed soldiers.

AFP