The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed as false and malicious the viral reports alleging that poisonous rice distributed in Badagry, Lagos State, originated from its operations. In a weekend statement, the Seme Area Command firmly denied releasing any toxic rice into the public and blamed the allegations on mischief-makers spreading fear through misinformation. The controversy stemmed from social media posts and a disturbing video showing a corpse in a red vehicle with military camouflage, sparking claims that toxic rice had caused mysterious deaths—including that of a soldier—following a supposed traditional curse over allegedly seized and redistributed rice. Comptroller Ben…
Author: Bolanle Akinwalere
The people of Saki West Local Government have expressed deep appreciation to Oyo State Governor, His Excellency Seyi Makinde, for nominating former Deputy Governor Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi to the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a statement signed by Hon. Tunji Rafiu Adekunle, a former Minority Leader in the Oyo State House of Assembly and current Chairman of the State Pensions Board, the local government acknowledged the governor’s commitment to inclusive leadership and party development. “We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude for nominating His Excellency Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, a former Deputy Governor of Oyo…
A breakthrough investigation by the Ondo State Police Command’s Tactical Intelligence Squad (TIS) has led to the arrest of four suspects believed to be part of a notorious inter-state car theft syndicate. The operation, which spanned multiple states, also resulted in the recovery of three stolen vehicles. The arrest was triggered by the confession of the alleged ringleader, 32-year-old Afolabi Emmanuel, who admitted to stealing a 2016 Toyota Camry from the home of one Amokun Victor in Oka-Akoko. According to police findings, Emmanuel scaled the fence of the victim’s residence, broke into the apartment, stole valuables, and made away with…
Tension over the vacant Olujare stool in Ijare, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State escalated on Thursday as a Chief Magistrate Court ordered the remand of a self-acclaimed monarch, Adekolajo Aladeseyi, alongside two chiefs, Fasore Lawrence and Adegbenro Akanle. The trio were arraigned for allegedly conducting an unlawful installation of Aladeseyi as monarch of the town, a move the police said could incite unrest. Police Prosecutor Babatunde Ajiboye filed a three-count charge against them, including conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and a deliberate violation of the state’s chieftaincy laws. Despite pleading not guilty, the accused were…
A road rehabilitation effort in Ute, a community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, turned tragic after a grader belonging to the council crushed a woman and her child to death following a brake failure. The victims, whose identities had not been released at press time, were reportedly on their way to the farm when the grader, which was working on a local road project, lost control and fatally struck them. The state police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation into the circumstances of the accident had commenced. Similarly, the Chairman of Ose Local…
Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, has announced the appointment of seasoned procurement expert, Mr. Taofik Ajibola Balaro, as its new Director of Procurement. His appointment, effective from April 1, 2025, was approved by the institution’s Governing Council and conveyed through a statement by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mrs. Olubunmi Siju’ Asunmo. The announcement, also released by the University’s Media and Public Relations Officer, Wale Adeoye, highlights Mr. Balaro’s extensive background in procurement management. A native of Oja-‘ba in Ibadan, Balaro was born on August 26, 1969, and holds multiple qualifications in the field, including an OND…
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved fresh appointments into key government bodies, naming the Chairman and members of the Oyo State Local Government Commission and additional members for the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing). This development follows the governor’s earlier appointment of Alhaji Hashim Atere and Alhaji Abdulrasheed Olokuta as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), respectively. In a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Honourable Segun Ogunwuyi, the newly appointed members of the Local Government Commission are: – Hon. Akinwale Akinwole, Chairman, – Mr. Yusuf Ali Akinkunmi,…
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to widespread inquiries regarding his stance on recent political developments, particularly the defection of some PDP members to the ruling party. In a strongly worded statement, Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to democratic values, emphasizing that freedom of association and expression are non-negotiable rights. He stated that while political realignments and defections are common in any democracy, they should not distract from the country’s deeper issues. “I bear no grudges against anyone for exercising their right to political alignment,” Atiku said, adding that democracy begins to crumble when the rule of law, credible elections,…
Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have firmly ruled out the possibility of the party joining any political merger or coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The decision was part of a comprehensive communiqué issued at the end of the 4th meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) for 2025, held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday, April 15. No to Merger, Yes to New Members Amid growing national speculations regarding possible mergers among political parties and associations, the PDP governors maintained that the party would not enter into any merger or…
The Oyo State Government has established standardized regulations and fixed a control price of ₦14,000 per meter for the drilling of groundwater abstraction, commonly known as borehole drinking water, across the state. The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Arc. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, disclosed this during an interactive meeting between the Ministry and stakeholders in groundwater abstraction, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan. He emphasized that the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to address the challenges faced by groundwater abstraction practitioners and develop collaborative solutions for the sustainable management of this vital resource. Hon. Mogbonjubola further noted that engaging with…