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Fire guts Oyo solar firm

A blaze has ravaged a Solar and Electrical Company in the Iwo Road Area of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

The incident was said to have occurred on Thursday.

PUNCH Online learnt that the fire destroyed the Training Office of Sun Watt’s Solar and Electrical Company located on the upper floor of the Salinsile building.

Our correspondent also gathered that electrical appliances and other equipment valued at several million naira were lost to the incident.

The cause of the fire could not be ascertained as of the time of going to press, while the post-fire incident investigation is still ongoing.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Fire Service Reform and Agency Chairman, Hon. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

“The fire incident was reported on Thursday, 2nd October, 2025, at exactly 18:12 hours through emergency line 112 to the above-mentioned commercial building.

“The Firemen, led by CFS Olayiwola T.K., promptly responded and deployed to the scene of the fire incident. Upon arrival, it was a Training Office of Sun Watt’s Solar and Electrical Company located on the upper floor of the Salinsile building engulfed by fire.

“Officers of the Agency swiftly swung into action, and the fire was curtailed and restricted from spreading to other parts of the building. The fire was completely extinguished, and properties worth millions of naira were saved by the fire service.

“No casualty was recorded, and the root cause of the fire incident could not be established, but post-fire incident investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the fire incident.”

He advised the public to be conscious of fire while stressing the importance of having extinguishers to prevent fire incidents from spreading.

Akinwande also urged the general public to contact emergency lines in case of urgent attention: 08067439223 and 08054353501, or 615.

Fire outbreaks have become a recurring challenge in Oyo State, especially in Ibadan, where several markets, business centres, and public facilities have been gutted in recent years.

Incidents such as the 2020 Dugbe market inferno and the 2023 Bodija plank market fire led to losses running into billions of naira, with victims often lamenting the lack of preventive safety measures in public and private buildings.

Lassa fever claims 166 lives in nine months

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Thursday that Nigeria has recorded 166 deaths from Lassa fever from January 1 to September 14, 2025.

The Case Fatality Rate now stands at 18.5 per cent, higher than the 16.9 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024.

As of epidemiological Week 37, Nigeria has reported a total of 7,673 suspected cases and 895 confirmed cases across 21 states and 106 Local Government Areas.

According to the World Health Organisation, Lassa fever is an acute viral illness caused by the Lassa virus.

It is known to be endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, but probably exists in other West African countries.

The global health body said the Lassa virus is primarily transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces, and person-to-person transmission can also occur, particularly in health care settings lacking adequate infection prevention and control measures.

According to the NCDC, “In week 37, the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 13 in week 36 of 2025 to 11. These were reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Kogi, and Anambra States.

“Cumulatively, as at week 37, 2025, 166 deaths have been reported with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.5 per cent, which is higher than the CFR for the same period in 2024 (16.9 per cent).

“In total for 2025, 21 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 106 Local Government Areas.”

A significant majority of 90 per cent of confirmed cases were reported from five states: Ondo (33 per cent), Bauchi (23 per cent), Edo (18 per cent), Taraba (13 per cent), and Ebonyi (3 per cent). The remaining 10 per cent came from 16 other states.

“The predominant age group affected is 21–30 years (Range: 1 to 96 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8,” the report added.

The report noted that no new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week, and the number of suspected and confirmed cases decreased compared to the same period in 2024.

The NCDC’s multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group continues to coordinate response activities.

The agency said the National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group continues to coordinate response activities at all levels.

Nigeria’s foreign reserves highest since 2019 — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said Nigeria’s economy had recorded significant improvements in foreign reserves, tax revenues, and trade balance, describing the gains as proof of resilience and diversification.

In his Independence Day broadcast to mark the country’s 65th anniversary, the President said, “We have a stronger foreign Reserve position than three years ago. Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September — the highest since 2019.”

He explained that fiscal reforms were yielding results, with the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio improving in recent months.

“Our tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5 per cent from less than 10 per cent. The ratio is expected to increase further when the new tax law takes effect in January. The tax law is not about increasing the burden on existing taxpayers but about expanding the base to build the Nigeria we deserve and providing tax relief to low-income earners,” he said.

Tinubu also pointed to trade as an area of positive turnaround. “We are now a Net Exporter: Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. We are now selling more to the world than we are buying, a fundamental shift that strengthens our currency and creates jobs at home,” he said.

According to him, the progress marks the country’s gradual shift from overdependence on oil.

“Nigeria’s trade surplus increased by 44.3% in Q2 2025 to ₦7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion), the largest in about three years. Goods manufactured in Nigeria and exported jumped by 173%. Non-oil exports, as a component of our export trade, now represent 48 per cent, compared to oil exports, which account for 52 per cent. This signals that we are diversifying our economy and foreign exchange sources outside oil and gas,” Tinubu stated.

PUNCH Online reports that in 2022, reserves fell by $3.43 billion.

That decline reflected constraints from low oil production, capital flight, falling export earnings, and persistent external obligations.

Dozens missing, three dead in Indonesia school collapse

Dozens missing, three dead in Indonesia school collapse

Agency report

Searchers raced Tuesday to rescue at least 38 people still believed trapped after the collapse of an Islamic school building in Indonesia that has already left three dead, authorities said.

The building gave way on Monday on Indonesia’s main island, Java, where students were gathered for afternoon prayers, said local reports, citing a witness.

Families desperate for news of their loved ones and rescuers were crowded around the multi-storey building in the town of Sidoarjo.

“The number of victims is 102 people, consisting of 99 survivors, 3 deaths,” National Search and Rescue Agency head Mohammad Syafii said.

He added that rescuers were working urgently to save the lives of survivors who are thought to still be trapped under the rubble.

National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesman Abdul Muhari said rescuers were still searching for 38 people thought to be trapped under the rubble.

Atok Irawan, the head of a local hospital in Sidoarjo, told reporters that two people died of their injuries on Tuesday while they were treated in the hospital’s emergency room.

Lax construction standards have raised widespread concerns about building safety in Indonesia.

Earlier this month, at least three people were killed and dozens were injured after a building hosting a prayer recital collapsed in West Java.

AFP

Schools, public spaces closed amid flood risk in Spain

Schools, libraries, and parks were closed on Monday in Valencia in eastern Spain after heavy rains prompted a red alert and fears of a repeat of deadly floods that hit the area last year.

Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, warned of a “very complicated situation” in the Mediterranean region.

The overnight downpours caused localised flooding and a ravine to overflow in Aldaia, one of the towns hardest hit by October 2024’s floods that killed more than 230 people. No injuries have been reported.

AEMET warned of “extraordinary danger” in the provinces of Valencia and Castellón, as well as the province of Tarragona in the neighbouring region of Catalonia.

Schools and universities will stay closed in the city of Valencia on Monday, as well as public spaces including libraries, parks, gardens, markets, and cemeteries, local officials said.

Last year’s disaster sparked public anger over warning systems and emergency response, fuelling tensions between Spain’s left-leaning central government and conservative regional authorities.

Residents continue to protest, accusing officials of failing to provide timely alerts.

Because a warmer atmosphere holds more water, climate change increases the risk and intensity of flooding from extreme rainfall.

PHOTOS: FG holds special thanksgiving service ahead of 65th Independence Day

As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.

The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.

Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.

Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.

The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.

This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.

“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

The event is slated for October 2, 2025, at the Peacock Hall, Lagos.

Delta sacks, demotes health workers for extorting pregnant women

The Delta State Government has dismissed several health workers found guilty of extorting money from pregnant women and children under five, despite the state’s free healthcare policy for these groups. Others were demoted for related offences.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this on Saturday during the flag-off of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives Project Action Plan at Ashaka, in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.

He said the ministry had intensified monitoring of hospitals to ensure that funds released for maternal and child healthcare were properly utilised.

“Health workers in the state have done well, but in every twelve, there is a Judas. We have received reports of some collecting money from pregnant women and children under five for drugs, while still forwarding the bills to the government for payment,” Onojaeme stated.

The commissioner stressed that the state covers the medical expenses of all pregnant women until delivery, as well as free treatment for children under five.

“We have demoted some of these fraudulent workers and sacked many within this short period. With continuous monitoring and the support of mothers, these practices will reduce,” he added.

Onojaeme urged residents to report any health worker demanding payment for maternal or child care, noting that the phone number of the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Health Monitoring would be made public for such reports.

He also revealed that the state’s maternal mortality rate had dropped from over 200 to less than 120 per 100,000 live births, expressing optimism that the MAMII Project would further reduce the figures.

The representative of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr John Ovuoraye, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting states in lowering maternal and neonatal deaths.

He disclosed that 172 local government areas across 33 states had been identified as high-risk zones, including five in Delta, Ndokwa East, Ughelli North, Aniocha North, Udu, and Sapele.

Ovuoraye noted that the MAMII Project, supported by President Bola Tinubu, is being implemented in collaboration with USAID, WHO, UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank, and several European partners.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the MAMII plaque to Delta State and the inauguration of a task force to ensure effective implementation of the project’s action plan.

On September 1, PUNCH Online reported that Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), had called on the federal and state governments to extend free medical services to indigent pregnant women across the country, stressing that this is the most effective way to reduce maternal and infant mortality in the country.

Explainer: The long road to Ibadan’s prestigious Olubadan throne

As Ibadan celebrated the coronation of Oba Abdulrashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, attention turned once again to the unique and structured process of ascending to the city’s revered throne.

The historic event, held at Mapo Hall, was attended by President Bola Tinubu; Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde; Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun; Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo; Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti; Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu; Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Zacch Adedeji; 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party Rabiu Kwankwaso; former governors, ministers, royal fathers, clerics, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.

Oba Ladoja, who previously served as Governor of Oyo State, ascended the throne through Ibadan’s unique rotational chieftaincy system.

Unlike most traditional monarchies in Nigeria, where succession is hereditary, the Olubadan stool is attained through a painstaking journey of promotions across clearly defined chieftaincy lines.

The system is divided into two tracks: the Otun (civil) line and the Balogun (military) line. Together, they make up 45 stages of ascension, with the throne rotating between both lines whenever it becomes vacant.

On the Otun line, there are 22 stages, beginning with the title of Jagun and culminating in Otun Olubadan, the last step before becoming Olubadan. Along the way, titleholders climb through positions such as Ajia, Aare Onibon, Ikolaba, Osi Olubadan, and others, each bringing greater responsibility and influence.

The Balogun line has 23 stages, also starting with Jagun and ending at Balogun. Chiefs on this path rise through ranks, including Aare Onibon, Lagunna, Agba-Akin, Ashipa Balogun, and Osi Balogun, before reaching the final stage.

By tradition, when the throne becomes vacant, the most senior chief on whichever line is due produces the next Olubadan. This means the process is not determined by family ties but by seniority, patience, and decades of service.

This rotational system has long been praised for its transparency and predictability, ensuring stability within Ibadan’s traditional institution.

The coronation of Oba Ladoja, who rose through the Otun (civil) line, is another reminder of the resilience of this succession model, which has stood for generations and continues to shape the cultural identity of Ibadanland.

Makinde presents staff of office to Ladoja as 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has formally presented the staff and certificate of office to Oba Rasidi Ladoja, officially confirming him as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The presentation took place at exactly 3:05 p.m. on Friday during a colourful and historic coronation ceremony held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

The coronation, held at Mapo Hall, was attended by notable dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, further highlighting the cultural and political importance of the event.

Makinde’s formal presentation of the staff and certificate of office marks the final step in legitimising Ladoja’s ascension to the throne, symbolising both tradition and continuity in Ibadan’s monarchy.

This coronation is especially notable as it brings a former state governor into a revered royal role, merging political experience with traditional leadership at a time when community influence and governance are increasingly intertwined.

Makinde, while speaking, said, “This is a momentous occasion in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the presence of people, and in the presence of God.

“In exercise of the power conferred on me as the Governor, I hereby present the staff of office to Oba, His Imperial Majesty, Senator, Governor, Engineer, my Baba, His Imperial Majesty, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1st.

“This is in confirmation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. I am so present.”

Coronation: Give us Ibadan State — Olubadan tells Tinubu

The 44th Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has made a public appeal for the creation of Ibadan State before President Bola Tinubu on Friday.

Speaking after his installation and receiving the Staff of Office from Governor Seyi Makinde, the new monarch urged Tinubu to make this a reality before 2027.

Ladoja, speaking in Yoruba, the monarch said, “My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”

Similarly, Governor Makinde said the emergence of Ladoja as the 44th traditional leader of the ancient city is a source of pride to the people of Ibadan.

He said, “It is a great honour to join in celebrating the coronation and presentation of the Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The joy and excitement that fill Ibadan today remind us of the importance of upholding our cherished traditions.

The succession process to the throne of Olubadan is now well established and free from contestation, and this is a source of pride for us all. I rejoice with the Olubadan, the Ibadan Council of Chiefs, and the entire people of Ibadanland.

It is my prayer that the reign of Oba Adewolu Ladoja will usher in lasting peace, unity, and greater progress for Ibadanland and for Oyo State as a whole.”

The coronation ceremony also drew the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; a former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; a former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; a former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and a former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke who are all in attendance.

‎Earlier, the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, performed the traditional rites by placing Akoko leaves on Oba Ladoja’s head at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, before the monarch proceeded in a grand procession to Mapo Hall for the official ceremony.

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‎The new Olubadan’s entourage included political allies such as Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun (Ibadan South) and former Oyo State governor candidate, Teslim Folarin.

Also in attendance were Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who represents Ogbomoso North in the House of Representatives, alongside other Federal and state lawmakers.