The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has donated three acres of land to the International Council for Ifa Religion for the construction of the World Ifa Temple.
This was aimed at promoting its activities and establishing the largest pilgrimage site for Yoruba traditional worshippers across the world.
The ICIR announced this in a statement released by its President, Fayemi Fakayode, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.
Fakayode said, “This gesture of our referred first class Oba has demonstrated his love for tradition and Yoruba culture and spirituality.
“On behalf of the Council of Araba and Oluwo, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence, Awodotun Aworeni, the Araba/Olu-Isese Agbaye and all practitioners of Ifa and Orisa Worldwide, we thank His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, for this good and historic gesture.
“With this step, Ooni’s commitment to preserving and promoting Oduduwa’s cultural heritage and spirituality is obvious to all to see.
“This project is going to be the largest World Ifa Temple across the world, and it will serve as a major pilgrimage site for practitioners of Oduduwa’s spirituality across the globe.”
He said the three acres of land are located around the Stadium Area, Route 7, Ile-Ife, Osun State, and work has begun on the site.
It will be recalled that ICIR, whose headquarters is located at Oke-Itase, Ile Ife, had recently requested the land for the construction of what the body tagged “the Largest World Ifa Temple” in Ile Ife.
A diphtheria outbreak in Mbutu Community, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, has led to the deaths of several children, prompting an immediate closure of schools in the area.
The exact number of fatalities remains unconfirmed, Daily Trust reports on Wednesday.
The Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Iheukwumere Alaribe, confirmed the development in a statement issued on May 26, 2025.
Diphtheria, a highly infectious disease caused by the toxin-producing bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affects the nose and throat but can also impact the skin.
It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or via direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.
In response to the outbreak, the local government has taken swift action to curb further spread.
Schools in Mbutu have been temporarily closed, and parents have been advised to keep their children indoors.
“Diphtheria claimed the lives of the children less than a week after its outbreak.
“The chairman stated that the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Department of Disease Prevention and Control in the Imo State Ministry of Health, and health workers from Aboh Mbaise LGA were working tirelessly to investigate and contain the outbreak.
“An isolation centre has been established at Mbutu Health Centre, with health workers deployed to quarantine children who may have been exposed to the disease and to provide care for affected families,” said Godspower Dike, the spokesman for the chairman.
Alaribe also urged parents to take urgent steps to vaccinate their children.
“In light of this outbreak, parents who have not yet vaccinated their children are strongly urged to do so without delay.
“Vaccinations are crucial for preventing the spread of diseases and protecting our children’s health,” he stated.
The chairman’s spokesman, Dike, appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with health authorities.
“We encourage the public to remain calm and cooperate with the relevant authorities as we work to control this outbreak. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” he added
In the first week of May, the disease killed two children in the Tukur-Tukur community of Zaria, Kaduna State.
Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease.
Health authorities have reiterated the importance of routine immunisation to protect children from preventable diseases like diphtheria.
Nigeria has recorded 25,812 confirmed cases of diphtheria out of 42,642 suspected cases across 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and 350 local government areas, with confirmed cases spread across 184 LGAs in 26 states.
PUNCH Online reported that as of March 9, 2025, the outbreak has led to 1,319 deaths, according to the latest situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, covering the period from week 19 of 2022 to week 10 of 2025.
The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on all stakeholders to join hands and work against all forms of abuse of children, most especially bullying in the society.
Aiyedatiwa, who described bullying as a form of aggressive behaviour where someone intentionally harms, intimidates or humiliates another person repeatedly, said all hands must be on deck to protect the rights of the children.
The governor stated this at the 2025 edition of the National Children’s Day celebration, held in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, ‘Stand up, speak up – building a bullying-free generation’, the governor explained that bullying could be physical, verbal or social and it leaves lasting harm.
He noted that children who were bullied may suffer emotionally, physically and academically which could lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, sleep disturbances and even social isolation.
Aiyedatiwa said, “Our children deserve better. They need our protection from all forms of harassment, exploitation and abuse. To build a bullying-free generation, we must act collectively and decisively. We must build a society free from oppression, injustice and inhumane treatment. We must build a generation of young people who are bold, resilient and confident. A generation that knows their rights and is not afraid to stand up for what is right, not just for themselves but for their peers as well.
“This is how we build a truly inclusive and safe society. All hands must therefore be on deck – parents, teachers, school administrators, religious bodies, traditional institutions, associations and government at all levels must play their part. And so must our children, who must be encouraged to speak up and support one another. We must instil empathy and kindness in our children.
“When we put ourselves in others’ shoes, we can build stronger relationships and more caring communities. Education is key to preventing bullying. We must raise awareness about its harmful effects and promote positive behaviour in all learning environments. We must also build robust support systems for victims: counselling, mentoring and safe spaces must be readily available. Moreover, we must empower bystanders to become upstanders – those who do not remain silent but act when they see something wrong.
“As a government, we remain unwavering in our commitment to child protection policies, school safety initiatives and programmes that promote mental and emotional health in our schools and communities. By the special grace of God, the government of Ondo State shall continue to prioritise the welfare of our children through our various initiatives, including payment of WAEC fees for secondary school students and the renovation of public schools across the State. We have also recruited over two thousand teachers for public secondary and primary schools to improve the standard of education in the state.”
Corroborating Aiyedatiwa, the Special Adviser to the governor on Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, called on all stakeholders to take action against bullying among the children in schools and other areas.
“National Children’s Day is a significant National event that affords us the opportunity of celebrating our children by networking and also advocating for social welfare and rights in society. It is a day set aside to recognise, honour, celebrate and appreciate our children. It was established to promote international awareness, Unity, love among children worldwide, and to improve their welfare.
“This year’s theme, ‘Stand up, speak up; building a bullying-free generation’, is apt and timely as it addresses critical issues in school settings and calls on us all to take action against bullying among children and young adults, empowering our children to speak up through advocacy and confidence building.
Three African football legends – Samuel Eto’o, Emmanuel Adebayor and Jay-Jay Okocha – took to the pitch in Somalia on Tuesday for an exhibition match aimed at restoring the country’s image.
The three superstars were part of a FIFA-backed “peace tour” that Somalia hopes will help it once again host international fixtures.
Somalia has been in a state of near-constant internal conflict since 1991, and its national team has had to play matches mostly in neighbouring Djibouti.
The national stadium in Mogadishu, the capital, was heavily damaged after being used as a base by Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab insurgents from 2008 and then by African Union peacekeepers who chased them out of the city.
It was renovated and reopened for sports in 2020.
The arrival of Cameroon icon Eto’o, former Togo striker Adebayor and ex-Nigeria playmaker Okocha for what was billed as the first high-profile match in three decades was labelled “a historic day” by the sports ministry.
The three stars led an international team to an 8-4 victory against a team of local players.
“We just pray for God to give you guys peace, so that you can build your country,” Adebayor told reporters after the match, adding that the occasion was “beautiful and incredible”.
Security Minister Mohamed Ali Haga described the match as a chance to “change the perception of the world towards Somalia… and show the world that Mogadishu is peaceful and can host other African matches”.
Security was tight around the stadium in southern Mogadishu.
Hundreds of fans showed up hours in advance of the match, many waving the Somali flag.
“This is a great day for me — to watch a player like Eto’o who has inspired me so much — I cannot miss such a great occasion. It is like I’m seated in the Barcelona stadium,” one fan, Mowlid Ali, told AFP.
“The game here today is not a simple football match. This match will definitely demonstrate how Somalia is reviving from the war that has ravaged the country for a long time,” added another, Abdirahman Dhere.
Somalia has reportedly asked FIFA and Confederation of African Football to re-evaluate its security situation to be able to hold future fixtures.
Delegates from the CAF and Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations were present for the match.
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria has decried the non-fulfilment of commitments by LagRide and Choice International Group Motors Ltd.
The Public Relations Officer, AUATON, Lagos Chapter, Steven Iwindoye, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
Iwindoye said that after undergoing a mandatory four-day training programme, most commitments made during the period had not been honoured.
He said app-based transporters could not make consistent progress as the LagRide app had failed to function optimally.
Iwindoye said the drivers were faced with persistent frustrations and operational challenges across various parts of Lagos State.
“Captains in areas such as Ikorodu, Badagry; Igando; Abule Egba; Alagbado; Epe; and other outskirts are often unable to receive trip requests, especially in the mornings or even during the day, unless they relocate to the Island, Ikeja, or central parts of Lagos.
“Many commuters in these areas have already turned to alternative modes of transportation, due to the inefficiencies that have existed since the service’s inception.
“It is deeply concerning that a project of this scale was launched without comprehensive market research, advertisement, or visibility studies.
The ongoing struggles suggest a lack of understanding of the gig economy and the realities of the e-hailing industry.
“Instead of addressing these systemic issues, undue blame continues to be placed on hardworking captains, who are striving to meet asset repayment obligations and support their families.
“Expecting captains to remain exclusively on the LagRide app without receiving trip requests for hours, while providing no incentives or meaningful improvements, is unsustainable,” he said.
Iwindoye noted that Promised features such as daily remittance visibility and in-app asset repayment tracking remained unfulfilled.
He said the app’s limited visibility across Lagos had compounded issues, hence, urging the team to initiate a comprehensive, state-wide public awareness and advertising campaign.
According to him, without this, low user engagement will persist, not due to lack of interest, but due to inadequate reach and public awareness.
He said the captains had borne the costs of vehicle repairs, maintenance, and insurance for over two years, in spite having paid these fees to Ibile Holdings.
Iwindoye said in the event of accidents, there had been no access to the insurance they consistently paid for.
“We are also concerned about the app’s current data and user policy framework, which seems to reflect principles of China’s Cybersecurity Law.
“This approach mandates extensive identity collection and surveillance practices that do not align with Nigeria’s labour and data protection standards.
“As a sovereign nation, Nigeria is governed by the NIMC Act and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, which provide distinct legal protections.
“Enforcing foreign data frameworks on Nigerian workers constitutes a breach of our sovereignty and undermines our national legal structures.
“We respectfully call on the CIG and LagRide management to review and revise the app’s data and user policy to reflect Nigerian Labour laws and data protection regulations, not foreign cybersecurity policies incompatible with our national framework.
“The management should ensure that the LagRide app operates efficiently across all regions of Lagos, and launch a sustained and robust advertising campaign to improve service visibility and adoption,” he said.
He enjoined LagRide management to implement previously promised incentives to the drivers, to encourage continued participation and improve service delivery.
He urged that there should be full transparency and access to insurance, vehicle maintenance, and asset repayment tracking through the app.
“We respectfully call on LagRide management to immediately switch to daily payments as originally agreed, instead of the current twice-weekly disbursements, which violate the agreement made with the NLC/AUATON.
“Given the gravity of these issues, we strongly recommend a collaborative return to the drawing board.
“Let us redesign this initiative together, to truly serve the needs of both captains and the broader public, ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of the LagRide scheme,” Iwindoye said.
On the occasion of Children’s Day, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians, especially leaders, to prioritise the welfare and future of the country’s children, whom he described as “the heartbeat of our nation and the bearer of our collective hopes and dreams.”
In a statement released on Tuesday, Obi emphasised the need for urgent attention to the challenges faced by Nigerian children.
“Days like this offer us the opportunity to appreciate the immense potential of our children, who represent the hope of a brighter tomorrow in our nation if only we care for them today,” he said.
According to Obi, Nigerian children deserve “a nation that prioritises their well-being, education, safety, and future.”
Highlighting the demographic significance of children in Nigeria, Obi cited a 2023 UNICEF report estimating that over 110 million people under the age of 18 live in the country, representing a large proportion of Nigeria’s population.
“Such high numbers of young people in Nigeria should challenge us, as leaders, to commit wholeheartedly to investing in the future of the children. Their future is the future of the nation,” he stated.
Despite their potential, Obi pointed out that many Nigerian children face harsh realities from birth.
“Nigeria today is among the nations with the highest infant mortality rates in the world,” he said.
He also referenced a 2024 UNICEF report revealing that around 11 million Nigerian children suffer from severe food poverty, with one in four children under five stunted due to malnutrition, especially in rural and remote areas.
The former vice presidential candidate also drew attention to the education crisis in the country, where over 18 million children are currently out of school – “among the highest in the world.”
Obi described this as “a deep national wound,” stressing that “each out-of-school child represents a dream deferred, a future endangered, and a country that is failing to uphold its most sacred responsibility.”
He lamented that while many children learn on the streets, schools remain underfunded, unsafe, or inaccessible.
Obi further criticised the state of healthcare for children, stating that “primary healthcare that should cater to the basic healthcare needs of our children is practically non-existent.”
Obi also raised concerns about insecurity affecting children.
“Violence, kidnapping, and abuse have forced thousands of children to flee their homes, live in fear, or grow up in regions where dreams are stifled by conflict,” he said.
Quoting a 2022 report from the National Bureau of Statistics, Obi said 46.5% of children aged 5-14 were engaged in child labour, describing this as “heartbreaking to see the future of our children jeopardised when they should be nurtured.”
Despite the many challenges, Obi acknowledged the resilience and talent of Nigerian children, urging Nigerians to support and encourage them.
“Their dreams are valid and we must invest in their future, our future!” he declared.
Obi reaffirmed his commitment and promised to work toward a Nigeria “where every Nigerian child can feel secure, grow in peace, enjoy good access to education and health and have the enabling environment to pursue their dreams and contribute productively to societal development.”
He emphasised the importance of building “a nation where no child is left behind and where the child of a nobody can become somebody through hard work and productivity.”
“We will continue to fight for a Nigeria where you can dream freely, learn safely, and rise boldly. That is the country we must build, and we owe you nothing less,” Obi added.
Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has extended warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to children across the state in celebration of the 2025 Children’s Day.
In his message to mark the occasion, Fubara described this year’s national theme, “tapping the untapped natural treasure,” as a powerful reminder of the immense and often overlooked potential that lies within every child.
This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen.
The governor stated, “You, our children, are the most precious treasure we have. Your talents, dreams, energy, and creativity are limitless gifts waiting to be nurtured and unlocked for the good of our state and our nation.”
Reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to the well-being and development of children, Fubara highlighted ongoing investments in education, healthcare, and child protection.
He further said these efforts are aimed at building a future where every child in Rivers State can thrive.
Fubara said, “We are creating platforms where your gifts can shine because we believe that every child in Rivers State has something unique to offer. Let this day remind you that you matter, your voice counts, and your dreams are valid.”
The governor also commended the vital role played by parents, teachers, and caregivers in raising the younger generation and called on all stakeholders to continue working collaboratively to help every child discover and fulfil their potential.
While encouraging the children, Fubara added, “Happy Children’s Day, our beloved children. God bless you all, God bless Rivers State, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Akarigbo of Remoland Hosts Grand Royal Reception in Honour of Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing’s 50th Birthda
In a magnificent display of royal honour and cultural pride, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, CFR, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, hosted a grand royal reception in celebration of the 50th birthday of Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, KOF, the Otun Akile of Remoland.
The prestigious event, held at the Sagamu residence of the Akarigbo, drew an esteemed gathering of traditional rulers, captains of industry, political dignitaries, and members of the Remo community. Together, they celebrated a man whose life has been defined by visionary leadership, a deep-rooted commitment to development, and philanthropy across Remoland and Nigeria at large.
Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, who also serves as Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, was visibly moved by the royal honour. In an emotional expression of gratitude, he described the event as a defining moment in his life.
“This goes far beyond a birthday celebration,” he said. “It is a sacred reminder of the unbreakable bond I share with my heritage, my people, and most especially, my revered father, the Akarigbo.
“I am deeply humbled by this royal gesture. To be so honoured by the custodian of our culture and tradition, His Royal Majesty, the Akarigbo, is one of the highest privileges of my life. It is a call to even greater service and sacrifice for the land that raised me. I thank Kabiyesi for his unflinching support, for his prayers, and for this unforgettable display of love. I pledge my continued loyalty and service to the Remo Kingdom and the enduring vision of unity, progress, and prosperity that he so nobly represents.”
The ceremony was rich with cultural heritage, featuring traditional music, heartfelt prayers, and powerful tributes that resonated with the values of Remoland.
In his royal address, the Akarigbo lauded Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing as “a visionary son of the soil whose legacy of service is etched in the sands of time.” He commended him for his steadfast loyalty to the throne and for being a beacon of hope and transformation within and beyond Remo.
As the golden jubilee celebration of Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, KOF, continues, the outpouring of tributes from across the nation reflects the impact of a life lived with purpose, a man who has not only built homes but has built lives, uplifted communities, and carried the light of Remoland wherever he goes.
A professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Adeseye Akintunde, on Tuesday, advocated early diagnosis and comprehensive national policy reforms to address the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases across sub-Saharan Africa.
Akintunde made this call while delivering the 64th inaugural lecture of LAUTECH, held at the university premises in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
In his lecture titled “The Heart and Its Venomous Whispers of Disorders,” Akintunde explained that cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of death globally, demanding interprofessional collaboration for better public health outcomes.
He warned of the increasing toll of heart-related ailments in sub-Saharan Africa, blaming urbanisation, obesity and sedentary lifestyles for surges in hypertension, stroke and heart failure cases.
He called for more awareness, lifestyle changes and the mantra “know your numbers to prevent cardiovascular diseases in rapidly developing African societies.
“I want to urge Nigerians to regularly monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight toward preventing cardiovascular emergencies and promoting healthier living.
“Grace, grit, and gratitude define my journey. When the heart beats with purpose, greatness is achievable,” he added.
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is grappling with a complex landscape as internet penetration reached 48.15 per cent in April 2025, up slightly from 47.73 per cent in March, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission.
However, this modest gain is overshadowed by a second consecutive month of declining data consumption, driven by steep tariff hikes and mounting economic pressures that are forcing consumers to scale back on internet usage. Nigeria has missed its internet penetration target for 2025.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP 2020–2025) set an ambitious goal of achieving 70% broadband penetration by the end of 2025.
Stakeholders confirm that Nigeria is “still a long way from achieving its 70 per cent penetration target” and that the current trajectory makes it unlikely the goal will be reached by the end of the year.
The slow progress is attributed to several persistent challenges, including high costs and bureaucratic delays in obtaining right-of-way for infrastructure deployment, with only a few states waiving these fees.
The NCC reported that data usage dropped to 983,283.43 terabytes in April, down from 995,876.10 terabytes in March. This decline follows a sharp fall earlier in the year, when data consumption plummeted from a record one million terabytes in January to 893,054.80 terabytes in February, accompanied by a loss of approximately one million internet subscribers.
While March saw a partial recovery with an 11.5 per cent increase in data usage and subscriptions rebounding to 142.05 million, April’s figures slipped again to 141.99 million subscribers, signalling renewed strain on the sector.
Despite the uptick in internet penetration, Nigeria’s digital economy faces significant challenges. The country’s appetite for data remains robust, driven by digital lifestyle trends, network expansion, and the internet’s vital role in education, commerce, and social connectivity.
However, affordability issues are threatening to stall progress, with internet penetration still below the 50 per cent mark. Industry experts warn that without addressing these cost barriers, Nigeria’s nascent digital economy could falter.
The NCC data also highlighted a surge in subscriber porting, with 6,789 customers switching networks in April, a 121 per cent increase from 3,064 in March. MTN Nigeria led the market, gaining 3,960 subscribers, followed by Airtel with 1,860 and Globacom with 966.
In contrast, 9mobile added just three subscribers, underscoring the fierce competition in a price-sensitive market. Additionally, the NCC noted 208,482 active subscribers for data services across licensed providers, likely representing a specific segment of the market.
