Category: cover

Oborevwori defends multibillion-naira flyover projects amid criticism

 

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has defended his administration’s plan over the ongoing flyover projects in Warri and Effurun.

 

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, was reacting to criticisms by former Ethiope West Local Government Chairman and All Progressives Congress chieftain, Chief Wilson Omene.

 

The APC chieftain had, in a recent interview, described the ongoing flyover projects in Warri and Effurun as “ill-informed and misleading.”

 

Defending the project, Oborevwori said the flyover and road expansion projects were strategic interventions aimed at decongesting traffic in Warri and Effurun.

 

Oborevwori said, “The flyovers, road expansions and sleepway interchange are not cosmetic.

 

They are long-term investments in urban mobility, ease of doing business, and economic growth.

 

“These are gateway cities connecting the ports, industries, and the hinterland. The projects are unlocking commercial potential and creating an enabling environment for further private-sector participation. Perhaps, Chief Wilson Omene may have to check the meaning of enabling business environment,” the statement read.

 

The governor argued that the Warri-Effurun corridor served a fast-growing population and played a pivotal role in Delta’s economy, stating that only those out of tune with modern urban planning would fail to grasp the significance of the projects.

Responding to Omene’s claim that such funds should have been channelled into building industries in Delta Central, the governor labelled the argument as narrow-minded and sectional.

 

“Delta State is bigger than any single senatorial district. The M.O.R.E agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security—is being implemented equitably across Delta North, Delta Central, and Delta South. No part of the state has been left behind,” the statement read.

 

On the governor’s defection to the APC, Ahon said the decision followed wide consultations with political leaders and stakeholders across Delta and was geared towards attracting federal support and deepening development.

 

“Governor Oborevwori’s alignment with the APC was not for personal benefit but to synergise with the Federal Government in delivering more dividends of democracy to Deltans.

 

“Chief Wilson Omene is merely acting out a script written by those who view the governor’s move as a threat to their political interests,” the statement added.

 

Ahon urged Omene and other critics to embrace constructive engagement rooted in facts, rather than divisive commentary and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and lasting infrastructure.

“Constructive criticism is welcome, but it must be rooted in facts and guided by a sincere desire to move Delta State forward,” he concluded.

Displaced Benue residents reject return amid insecurity

 

Survivors of the Yelewata attack currently taking refuge in the temporary camp located at the International Market, Makurdi, have rejected the call to return home.

 

No fewer than 3,000 displaced persons from the Yelewata community are currently taking refuge in the camp, after the gruesome murder of about 200 people in coordinated attacks on the community by suspected armed herders on June 13, 2025.

 

Our correspondent who visited the camp on Sunday reliably gathered that traditional rulers and stakeholders from the community were mounting pressure on their people to return home, as a result of the infiltration of the temporary camp by other displaced persons.

 

“These infiltrators have continued to feast from the humanitarian support supposed to be for survivors of the Yelewata community,” one of the displaced persons who identified himself as Uker Amos said.

The 41-year-old survivor said some of them had to protest against the call by their traditional ruler to return home when they were not sure of adequate security in the community.

 

He said, “Yesterday, (Saturday) some of us came to the gate of this camp and voiced our position that we are not returning now until there is adequate security for us to return.”

 

Speaking in a telephone chat on Sunday, the Information Officer of the State Emergency Management Agency, Tema Ager, confirmed that traditional rulers of the Yelewata community were mounting pressure on their people to return home.

“But the people (displaced persons) are opposed to the move by the traditional rulers.

 

“They said they could only go back when there is assurance from the government that their community is safe.

 

“In fact, some of them came out to protest the call for their return,” he said.

 

Ager added that the government would assess the situation and decide when the people would return home.

 

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kumde, recently raised the alarm of infiltration of the camp by market women, criminals and people from the host community.

 

The commissioner said at least 50 infiltrators had been arrested.

Oyebanji debunks ADC defection, defends Fayemi 8th July 202

 

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday, dismissed a report claiming he alongside some leaders and officeholders in the state was being led to the African Democratic Congress by the immediate past Governor Kayode Fayemi.

 

Oyebanji, who described the report as false and misleading, described it as “nothing but another tissue of lies from the camp of some disgruntled elements in the state.

 

“But, keeping quiet in the midst of such a bare-faced falsehood would amount to a disservice to the good people of the state, some of who could be hoodwinked into believing the misleading report.”

 

The governor spoke in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode.

 

Oyebode stated, “For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Oyebanji and the public officeholders mentioned in the report remain firmly rooted in the All Progressives Congress and have no link, neither do they have any plan whatsoever to join the ADC.

 

“While Dr Fayemi and other leaders of the party mentioned in the report are eminently qualified to defend themselves, it is on record that Dr Fayemi attended the recent APC caucus meeting held in Iyin-Ekiti, where the caucus endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for a second term, a decision that was widely published in the print, broadcast and online media.

“It should also be noted that Governor Oyebanji had since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, remained in the progressive fold. He is one of the very few who has never moved out of the progressive movement in Ekiti State.

 

“We are aware of a deliberate attempt by some mischief makers to weaponise Governor Oyebanji’s association with Dr Fayemi in a bid to cause a rift between the governor and President Tinubu.

 

“Unfortunately for these jesters, Mr President is a strategic politician who can see through their shenanigans and hidden agenda.

 

“Ekiti people are urged to disregard this childish media attack which is being sponsored by some desperate politicians interested in contesting the governorship election in the state.

 

“While these desperate politicians have no clue about how to market their candidature to the Ekiti electorate or connect with the people, they have resorted to attacking the government on social media and heaping up every unimaginable and unintelligent lie against the governor to mask their frustrations.”

 

The statement added, “Now that the Independent National Electoral Commission has announced the date for the primary election, we expect them to be bold enough to come out and sell their candidature to party members and Ekitikete rather than seeking an ignoble way to gate crash,” the governor’s media adviser stated.

NNPC donates 35 CNG buses to presidential initiative 8th July 2025

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd has handed over 35 hybrid Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas.

 

During a brief ceremony held at the NNPC Towers on Monday, the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd, Bashir Ojulari, reiterated the Company’s commitment to support the Federal Government’s gas aspirations.

 

The GCEO stated that the move was in line with NNPC Ltd.’s efforts to drive the adoption of CNG as a cleaner, cheaper, and sustainable fuel alternative.

 

He added that the company has recorded significant progress on gas supply, infrastructure, distribution, and retail outlets.

 

“I am proud that NNPC Ltd is playing a pivotal role in driving the Federal Government’s gas agenda towards energy transition,” the GCEO stated in a statement signed by the

NNPC Ltd on Monday in Abuja.

 

Earlier in his address, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the CNG buses represent not just vehicles but serve as instruments of economic relief, social equity, and environmental responsibility.

“They signal a future where the ordinary Nigerian can commute safely, affordably, and efficiently,” he added.

 

The Minister described the initiative as a direct reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a bold step to reduce the cost of transportation, lessen dependence on petrol, and ensure the utilisation of the Nation’s abundant natural gas resources for the benefit of the people.

 

Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC Ltd, Mumuni Dagazau, said the adoption of CNG as a fuel alternative has significant economic benefits for the Nation by reducing reliance on PMS and AGO as automotive fuels which also leads to substantial cost savings and supports the growth of local gas industry.

 

The Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, said through the initiative, NNPC Ltd was advancing and shaping a new energy future that will purposefully serve people, communities, and the planet.

 

The Programme Coordinator/CEO, Presidential CNG Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, commended NNPC Ltd for supporting the Initiative, stressing that the company has been a reliable partner for the Initiative since its commencement.

NAF airstrikes kill terrorists, destroy Boko Haram strongholds in Borno

 

The Nigerian Air Force on Saturday, July 6, 2025, launched coordinated precision airstrikes targeting key Boko Haram enclaves in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State

 

The operation, executed under Operation Hadin Kai, focused on Wa Jahode and Loghpere, two long-established strongholds of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad faction of Boko Haram.

 

The area, known for its difficult terrain along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, had recently seen a surge in terrorist activity, including reports of a logistics buildup and the presence of senior JAS commanders.

 

A statement on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the strikes were carried out after intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions confirmed the presence of terrorist infrastructure.

 

Ejodame said, “In a major blow to insurgent networks in Nigeria’s North-East, the Nigerian Air Force under OPHK, launched precision air strikes on 6 July 2025 against key terrorist strongholds nestled in the Mandara Mountains, located in Borno State.

 

“The high-profile targets, Wa Jahode and Loghpere, have long served as fortified enclaves for the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad faction of Boko Haram.

“The locations, known for their rugged, mountain-covered terrain along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, had recently witnessed increased terrorist activity, including reports of a logistics build-up and the presence of senior JAS Commanders.

 

“The strikes followed confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions revealing clusters of structures fitted with solar panels, black flags, and fortified compounds, clear signs of insurgent resurgence and preparations for coordinated attacks. In response, NAF strike aircraft executed a series of well-coordinated air interdictions, targeting and destroying high-value terrorist infrastructure including logistics warehouses, command centres, and defensive shelters.”

 

He said many terrorists were killed during the operations.

 

“Several terrorists were neutralised in the operation, effectively disrupting their supply chain and diminishing their capability to sustain further offensives.

 

“The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute to sustain the ongoing onslaught against terrorists and restore lasting peace to all troubled regions across the Country, ” Ejodame said.

Kenyan protesters defy crackdown as police, marchers clash

 

 

Police blocked roads in a show of force to deter anti-government marchers from the deserted streets of Kenya’s usually bustling capital on Monday, with small groups of protesters clashing with officers on Nairobi’s outskirts.

 

Many people appeared to be staying home rather than attend the annual so-called Saba Saba Day, meaning Seven Seven, marches to commemorate July 7, 1990 when Kenyans rose up to demand a return to multi-party democracy after years of autocratic rule by then-president Daniel arap Moi.

 

From around midday, AFP saw running battles with groups of anti-riot police who fired teargas at small gatherings, with some of the crowd throwing rocks at officers and engaging in destructive looting.

 

Young Kenyans, frustrated over economic stagnation, corruption and police brutality, are once again engaging in protests that last month degenerated into looting and violence, leaving dozens dead and thousands of businesses destroyed.

 

Protesters accuse the authorities of paying armed vandals to discredit their movement, while the government has compared the demonstrations to an “attempted coup”.

 

On Monday, the streets of central Nairobi were quiet after police mounted roadblocks on the main roads, restricting entry to areas that were the epicentre of previous rallies.

 

Many businesses were closed for the day.

 

“I have never witnessed the city centre like this,” security guard Edmond Khayimba, 29, told AFP.

 

While the centre remained deserted, groups gathered on the outskirts in the afternoon with AFP reporters witnessing two people wounded, as well as looting and vandalism.

 

Protesters on a major highway clashed with police blocking their entry into the city, with the small crowds chanting: “Ruto Must Go”, a popular rallying cry against President William Ruto, and “wantam” meaning “one term”.

 

Again, AFP saw looting and property destruction in the surrounding area.

 

With much of Nairobi at a standstill, an interactive map showing at least 20 suspected police roadblocks was shared online and through WhatsApp groups.

 

Local TV stations also showed gatherings, some violent, in several towns across the country.

 

– ‘Ruto Must Go’ –

Social media and rising economic expectations have fanned anger over inequalities in a country where around 80 percent are trapped in informal, poorly paid jobs.

But a crackdown by the police — at least 80 people have died in protests since June last year while dozens have been detained illegally — has scared many off the streets.

 

On Sunday, men, some armed with sticks, forced their way into the compound of the Kenyan Human Rights Commission during a press conference calling for an end to “enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings”.

 

Nairobi motorbike driver Rogers Onsomu, 32, told AFP that while the town was deserted, he hoped demonstrators would come out later, and criticised Ruto’s government.

 

“What he has promised the country, (he) is not delivering,” Onsomu said.

 

“The youths are protesting because of many things, like healthcare.”

 

“As the constitution say, the power belongs to people,” he said. “So this slogan of ‘Ruto Must Go’. We will not relent and we will keep it going each and every day.”

 

– ‘The world is different’ –

 

Since being elected in 2022, Ruto has forged an uneasy alliance with the main opposition leader Raila Odinga, leaving no clear challenger ahead of the next vote in 2027.

 

But each violent crackdown fuels further unrest, said activist Nerima Wako.

 

“Every time people organise a protest, they kill more people, so it just continues to feed off itself,” she said.

 

The previous demonstration on June 25 — intended to mark the peak of last year’s deadly anti-government rallies — turned violent and left 19 people dead, according to rights groups.

 

Police made hundreds of arrests.

 

Gabrielle Lynch, an African politics expert at Britain’s University of Warwick, said the government appeared to be recycling tactics from the 1990s.

“But we’re not in the nineties,” she said. “They don’t seem to have realised the world is different.”

 

AFP

Emir of Ilorin mourns Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin 7th July 20

 

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara Traditional Rulers Council, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has mourned the death of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on Monday.

 

This is contained in a condolence message issued by the Emir’s Spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Ilorin on Monday.

 

Oba Olakulehin died in Ibadan at the age of 90.

 

The Emir described the death of Oba Olakulehin as the will of Almighty Allah.

He noted that the one year reign of the deceased was peaceful and valuable to the sustenance of the cultural heritage and tradition of the people of Ibadan and Oyo State in general.

 

Sulu-Gambari commiserated with the immediate and extended family members of Oba Olakulehin, Olubadan-In-Council, Oyo State Traditional Rulers Council, government and good people of Oyo State over the unfortunate incidence.

 

He prayed to God for the repose the soul of the deceased and to give the people of the ancient city of Ibadan and humanity at large, the patience to bear the great loss.

TCN laments vandalism, urges Kaduna communities to protect facilities

 

The General Manager, Transmission Company of Nigeria, Kaduna Region, Nasir Mansur, has urged communities to act fast in curtailing vandalism, saying that the firm was overwhelmed by vandalism.

 

He made the call on Monday during a sensitisation and public awareness campaign tagged: ‘Encroachment of the TCN Right of Way and Vandalisation of High-Tension Installations’, at Mando, Kaduna State.

 

He stated that vandalism was the greatest challenge in Nigeria’s power sector, saying, “Traditional leaders and the members of the communities are critical stakeholders that will help in curbing the menace.

 

“This trend is dangerous, if we continue like this, I am afraid, electricity cannot be sustainable.

 

“The consequences of vandalism include interrupted power supply, huge losses, and other associated damages; we expect all patriotic citizens to protect these facilities,” he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that technical presentations were done by the Health, Safety and Environment’, Electrical and Maintenance Department, as well as Systems Lines Departments of TCN.

 

Mr Yakubu Abdulrazak from EMD, explained that the right of way for high voltage power lines were 25 meters left and 25 meters right, adding that it was dangerous to farm or build on the right of way.

 

“People encroaching the company’s right of way may suffer electrocution, fire hazards, and structural collapse, leading to deaths and loss of properties, ” he said.

Also, traditional leaders at the event, pledged their support for the cause, saying they would ensure the dissemination of information to their subjects and collaborate to report any issue of vandalism.

 

One of them, Adamu Saleh, the Sarkin Jaji, commended TCN for the sensitisation programme, saying it has armed the community leaders with information on the dangers of encroaching right of way, as well as vandalisation.

 

Saleh said, “Security must be strengthened along these facilities; traditional leaders and security must collaborate to fight against encroachment of right of way and vandalism.”

 

Another ruler, the Sarkin Mando, Sani Musa, stated that his Palace had been reporting suspected moves to vandalise TCN equipment or erect a structure on the right of way.

 

“We will continue to support authorities in ensuring businesses and houses on the right of way are evacuated to avoid tragedy, ” Musa said.

 

NAN reports that TCN provided hotlines to report damages or vandalism, to call or send emails, which include: 07016839880 or affairs.public@tcn.org.ng.

Luka Modric to join AC Milan after C’World Cup — Allegri

 

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said on Monday that Croatia captain Luka Modric will join the Italian club from Real Madrid after the Club World Cup.

 

Modric, who turns 40 in September, joined Madrid from Tottenham in 2012 and has been linked with a move to Italy since early June, after announcing he would leave the Spanish giants at the end of his contract.

 

Madrid play Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup on Wednesday. The final is on July 13.

 

“He’ll arrive in August,” Allegri said during his first press conference on his return as Milan boss.

“He’s an extraordinary and important player. It would be useless to talk more about him.”

 

Allegri is back at the helm at Milan, having led them to the Serie A title in 2011 during his first spell in charge between 2010 and 2014.

 

Their first game of the new season is in the Italian Cup on August 17.

 

AFP

Meet ex-Oyo governor, Rasheed Ladoja, set to become 44th Olubadan

 

Almost a year ago, specifically July 12, 2024, the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, ascendend to one of the highest traditional titles in Yoruba land in a grand ceremony that took place at the historic Mapo Hall.

 

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde handed Olakulehin the staff of office to be the new Olubadan and the event was witnessed by the crème-de-la-crème and the influential personalities in the country and beyond.

 

Dignitaries led by President Bola Tinubu, governors, ministers, eminent traditional rulers, captains of industries, and academics, among others, witnessed the coronation and the rest they say is history as the ancient town mourned the passing of their new king who had barely spent one year on the throne on Monday.

 

The late Olubadan of Ibadanland is the second Olubadan to rule from a befitting palace, after the famous Olubadan Yesufu Oloyede Asanike, who first lived in the old palace at Oja’ba. The ultramodern historic palace sitting magnificently on Oke-Aremo, inaugurated by Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday, is to be the new official residence and palace of subsequent Olubadans, starting with Oba Olakulehin.

Hitherto, the personal residence of the succeeding Olubadan had always served as the palace, upon ascension to the throne.

 

To ascend the throne of Olubadan, you have to be a member of the two high-ranking principal chieftaincy lines consisting of the Balogun and Otun.

 

The Balogun (warrior) line consists of the Ekarun Balogun who’s the sixth in command, Ekerin Balogun who is the fifth in command, Ashipa Balogun who’s the fourth in command, Osi Balogun who is the third in command, Otun Balogun who is next in rank to Balogun and the Balogun himself who is the highest member of the line.

 

While the Otun (civil) line consists of Ekarun Olubadan, Ekerin Olubadan, Ashipa Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, and the Otun Olubadan as the highest-ranking member in the line.

 

The late Olakulehin was from the Balogun line and he waited 38 years to ascend the throne after becoming Jagun Balogun.

 

The next Olubadan will now switch to the Otun line where former Oyo State governor, Rasheed Ladoja, is the highest-ranking member.

 

In this report, PUNCH Online will be familiarising you with the things to know about the emerging Olubadan —Ladoja who governed Oyo between 2003 and 2007.

 

1. Ladoja was born September 24, 1944 in Gambari area of Ibadan.

 

2. He attended Ibadan Boys High School between 1958–1963 and Olivet Baptist High School between 1964 and 1965. He further studied at the University of Liège, Belgium between 1966 and 1972 where he earned a degree in chemical engineering.

3. He was elected to the Nigerian Senate in 1993 during the short-lived Nigerian Third Republic, where he happened to be a member of the United Nigeria Congress Party during the Abacha Political Transition.

4. In 2000, Ladoja rose to the position of director at Standard Trust Bank Limited.

5. Ladoja was elected governor of Oyo State in April 2003 on the PDP platform, and took office on 29 May 2003.

 

6. His emergence was supported by the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, a PDP power broker in the state.

 

7. In August 2004, Ladoja and Adedibu were locked in a fierce struggle over allocation of government appointees and this led to his struggle in both the party through which he emerged and governance in the state.

 

8. On 12 January 2006, Ladoja was impeached by Oyo State legislators and forced out of office. His deputy, Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, was sworn in as the new governor.

 

9. On 1 November 2006, the Appeal Court in the state capital, Ibadan, declared the impeachment null and illegal, but advised waiting for confirmation of this decision by the Supreme Court. However, the apex court upheld the decision on 11 November 2006, and Ladoja officially resumed office on 12 December 2006.

 

10. In the next election, Ladoja failed to win the PDP nomination as candidate for a second term. He chose to back the Action Congress candidates for 33 local council chairmanship elections.

 

11. On 28 August 2008, Ladoja was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of non-remittance of the proceeds of sale of government shares totaling N1.9 billion during his administration

 

12. He was briefly remanded in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos on 30 August 2008 and was granted bail on 5 September, in the amount of N100 million with two sureties for the same sum

 

13. Again, Ladoja was the governorship candidate for Accord party in Oyo State during the April 2011 and 2015 elections and he lost to Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

 

14. He took a break from politics after defecting to ADC and finally ZLP in 2018 to face his traditional chieftaincy.

 

15. On August 12, 2024, the late Olakulehin, formally presented the ceremonial beaded crown to High Ladoja, a crown he had formerly rejected during ex-Oyo governor, Abiola Ajimobi’s administration.

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