He has performed excellently – Aiyedatiwa urges Ekiti people to re-elect OyebanjI

Ondo governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has urged people of Ekiti to re-elect Biodun Oyebanji, his Ekiti counterpart, for a second term in office.

He said this will ensure continuity of what he described as Oyebanji’s ‘people-oriented policies and programmes’ that have transformed Ekiti state in the last three years.

Aiyedatiwa , who described Oyebanji as a dependable leader, said a second term would avail the governor the opportunity to deepen the people-oriented programmes that had touched lives across the state.

The Ondo State Governor made the appeal on Friday during the funeral ceremony of Chief Mathew Okunola, father of Justice Oyebisi Omoleye of the Court of Appeal, held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ikole Ekiti.

Aiyedatiwa also urged Ekiti people within and outside the state to intensify prayers for the progress and development of the state under Oyebanji till 2030.

‘Please continue to support Oyebanji because he has performed excellently and if given another chance, he will do more.

‘This our work is a big one and we cannot do it alone, that is why I am requesting for all your support.

‘The things we are doing are not what can happen within one month, it will take a while, every one wants it to get to them immediately and it is not possible. Just be patient with us,’ Ayedatiwa said.

While commiserating with Justice Omoleye and her family on the death of their patriarch, the governor described the deceased as a highly respected community leader.

He prayed for repose of the soul of the deceased, and urged the family to uphold his legacy of integrity and service.

‘The deceased did well and that is why we see everybody here today.

‘Those of us alive at this time, let us do well in whatever position we occupy, let us put in our best just as my brother Oyebanji, is putting in his best and am also trying my best in my state,’ the governor said.

Earlier, Oyebanji described the deceased as a trail blazer and an achiever in several fronts.

He said the late Okunola would be remembered for his dedication to community development and positive influence on the Ikole traditional Council, Church, and society at large, where he served with distinction in different capacities.

Oyebanji, while commiserating with family of the deceased, urged them to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a fulfilled life that impacted on the lives of many.

In his homily, the Vicar in charge of St Silas Anglican Church, Omuo Ekiti, Ven. Ajao Mathew, described the late Okunola as a true lover of God and His work.

He said that Okunola lived his life in the service of the Church and humanity.

The burial ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across the country.

Brake Failure Horror: Dangote truck crushes five in Ogun

Tragedy struck on Friday evening at the Alapoka axis of the Papalanto-Ilaro Road in Ogun State when a Dangote Cement truck lost its brakes and rammed into a tricycle, killing all five occupants instantly.

The fatal accident, which occurred around 8:25 p.m., involved an unregistered tricycle and a Dangote truck bearing the number plate GRZ 767 XA. According to Babatunde Akinbiyi, spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), the truck driver failed to notice he had collided with the tricycle until it was too late.

‘The impact was so severe that the tricycle was crushed under the truck’s tyre, killing the five passengers on the spot,’ Akinbiyi said.

A rescue team led by the Acting TRACE Head, Adedayo Omonayajo, and the Ilaro Divisional Commander, Salako Idowu, was deployed to the scene. However, tensions escalated as angry residents attempted to attack the team. The situation was brought under control with the intervention of the Amotekun Corps and other security operatives.

The remains of the victims were evacuated and taken to the morgue by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Five arrested as Lagos seals market for violating sanitation laws

The Lagos State Government has indefinitely shut down Itedo Market in Lekki due to repeated environmental violations and illegal roadside trading.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the closure via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, stating that five individuals were arrested during the enforcement exercise for breaching state laws.

He wrote: ‘This morning, we took decisive action at Itedo Market, Lekki, which has now been shut down indefinitely due to repeated environmental violations and illegal roadside trading. Five individuals have been arrested for flouting state laws.’

Wahab added that three Black Maria vehicles had been stationed at the market to deter further illegal activity and ensure public order.

‘Three Black Marias have been stationed at the location to deter further illegal activity and maintain order. Lagos will not tolerate disregard for environmental regulations or unauthorised street trading.

‘Our commitment to restoring sanity, ensuring public safety, and upholding the rule of law remains unwavering.’

The closure forms part of the state’s ongoing clampdown on environmental infractions and unauthorised trading across major markets and roadways.

Five arrested as Lagos seals market for violating sanitation laws

The Lagos State Government has indefinitely shut down Itedo Market in Lekki due to repeated environmental violations and illegal roadside trading.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the closure via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, stating that five individuals were arrested during the enforcement exercise for breaching state laws.

He wrote: ‘This morning, we took decisive action at Itedo Market, Lekki, which has now been shut down indefinitely due to repeated environmental violations and illegal roadside trading. Five individuals have been arrested for flouting state laws.’

Wahab added that three Black Maria vehicles had been stationed at the market to deter further illegal activity and ensure public order.

‘Three Black Marias have been stationed at the location to deter further illegal activity and maintain order. Lagos will not tolerate disregard for environmental regulations or unauthorised street trading.

‘Our commitment to restoring sanity, ensuring public safety, and upholding the rule of law remains unwavering.’

The closure forms part of the state’s ongoing clampdown on environmental infractions and unauthorised trading across major markets and roadways.

Panic in Umuahia as bank building collapses

A section of the First Bank building on Library Avenue in Umuahia, Abia State, collapsed on Saturday afternoon, sending panic through the city’s commercial district.

According to a report by Punch, the incident occurred during off-working hours, forcing traders and passersby in the area to flee as parts of the structure suddenly gave way.

The affected area, which hosts several banks, offices, and shops, has since been cordoned off as emergency responders and security operatives moved in to assess the situation and prevent further danger.

As of the time of filing this report, details on possible casualties or the extent of the damage remain sketchy.

An eyewitness described the collapse as ‘sudden,’ saying the structure ‘just gave in and people started running for safety.’

Authorities of First Bank are yet to release an official statement on the incident.

Police smash petrol smuggling syndicate in Sokoto, Katsina

Operatives of Nigeria Police Force Border Patrol Unit have successfully intercepted and recovered over 100 Jerry cans of petrol being illegally transported to Niger Republic through Sokoto and Katsina States.

CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer revealed this in a statement on Saturday.

According to the statement, police operatives while on stop-and-search duty along Illela-Sokoto Highway intercepted a vehicle loaded with eighty jerrycans of PMS and arrested the driver Yasir Adamu.

‘After preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the suspect was attempting to smuggle the petroleum product across the border into the Niger Republic,’ the statement indicated.

The statement also indicated that operatives of the Border Patrol unit in Katsina intercepted and recovered thirty-five Jerry cans, each containing twenty-five litres of petrol which were about to be transported into Niger Republic.

‘The suspects, on sighting the team, abandoned the exhibits and fled. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects and bring them to justice,’ said Hundeyin.

The statement also quoted the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun as commending the officers who intercepted the Jerry cans of petrol for their vigilance and professionalism.

The IGP also reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustain robust operations against all forms of economic crimes.

Terror in Kubwa: Kidnappers murder Abuja doctor, abduct kids

Tragedy has struck in the Federal Capital Territory as unknown gunmen brutally murdered a veterinary doctor, Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, and abducted his three children during a late-night invasion of his residence in Kubwa, Abuja.

Dr. Ogbu, a respected veterinarian and former Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA),

FCT Chapter, was reportedly taken along with his children on Friday night after the armed assailants stormed his home along the Kubwa-Kaduna Road.

His lifeless body was later discovered by the roadside, raising deep concerns about the growing wave of violent crimes in the capital city.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed by a close associate, Andrew Gabriel Ikechukwu, through a Facebook post. He wrote:

‘Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, the immediate past chairman of the NVMA FCT chapter, who was kidnapped alongside his three children from his home in Kubwa Abuja, has been found dead. The children are still missing.

May God please intervene.’

Dr. Ogbu was widely admired for his dedication to animal health and community service.

Friends and professional colleagues described him as a man of integrity and compassion whose death leaves a painful void in the veterinary community.

The deceased leaves behind his wife, who is reportedly in deep distress, and other grieving family members as search efforts intensify to rescue the abducted children.

This gruesome incident follows closely on the heels of another violent crime in Abuja the killing of Arise TV journalist Somtochukwu Maduagwu during a robbery in Katampe last week.

Security experts and residents have expressed alarm over the rising cases of abductions and killings across the FCT, calling for urgent government intervention.

As of press time, the FCT Police Command had yet to issue an official statement concerning thebjwCalls and messages to police spokespersons went unanswered, though sources said an investigation into the attack is ongoing.

Panic in Umuahia as bank building collapses

A section of the First Bank building on Library Avenue in Umuahia, Abia State, collapsed on Saturday afternoon, sending panic through the city’s commercial district.

According to a report by Punch, the incident occurred during off-working hours, forcing traders and passersby in the area to flee as parts of the structure suddenly gave way.

The affected area, which hosts several banks, offices, and shops, has since been cordoned off as emergency responders and security operatives moved in to assess the situation and prevent further danger.

As of the time of filing this report, details on possible casualties or the extent of the damage remain sketchy.

An eyewitness described the collapse as ‘sudden,’ saying the structure ‘just gave in and people started running for safety.’

Authorities of First Bank are yet to release an official statement on the incident.

New Coalition emerges ahead of 2027 elections

A new political movement, the New Direction for Nigeria Movement (NEDMO), has emerged with a bold promise to fight corruption and restore credibility to Nigeria’s political system

The group says it is committed to ending decades of bad leadership, injustice, and rigged elections that have hindered the nation’s progress.

The convener, Comrade Mark Adebayo, made this known during a press conference held in Abuja.

He explained that the movement was formed out of frustration with what he described as a ‘broken political system’ that no longer reflects the will of the people.

‘We are tired of leaders who manipulate elections and ignore the suffering of Nigerians,’ Adebayo declared.

‘The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be reformed. We can no longer tolerate an electoral body that betrays the trust of citizens and suffocates democracy.’

According to Adebayo, NEDMO’s mission is to build a new Nigeria founded on integrity, justice, and transparency. The group plans to mobilize Nigerians from all walks of life youths, professionals, and grassroots communities to reclaim the political space from corrupt politicians.

NEDMO is demanding a total overhaul of INEC, stronger electoral laws, and the selection of leaders who are honest, competent, and patriotic.

Adebayo emphasized that real change will only come when Nigerians unite behind a shared vision of progress and accountability.

The movement has already established a presence in over 600 local government areas and is working to expand to every part of the country before the 2027 general elections.

NEDMO leaders believe that their growing network of volunteers and supporters could make it a major force in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Adebayo called on citizens to join the movement and take responsibility for building a nation that works for everyone.

‘Nigeria belongs to all of us,’ he said. ‘If we don’t act now, the same corrupt system will continue to rob future generations of hope.’

As the country looks ahead to another election cycle, many Nigerians are watching closely to see if NEDMO can deliver on its promise.

For now, the coalition’s emergence has reignited public debate about the need for credible leadership and genuine reform in Africa’s largest democracy.

What Tinubu will do during visit to Plateau today

ýýPresident Bola Tinubu will attend funeral prayers for Nana Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of APC Chairman Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda after which he will address Christian leaders during his visit to Plateau State today, Saturday, 4 October, the presidency has said.

ýThe mother of APC National Chairman Mama Lydia Yilwatda died on August 17 at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital aged 83.

Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga announced this in a statement on Friday.

ýHe said during the visit, Tinubu will address northern church leaders at the COCIN Church headquarters in Jos.

Tinubu is further expected to use his address to the Christian leaders in Plateau State to dismiss the claims of religious genocide in Nigeria as being peddled by some lawmakers in the United States of America.

Recall that the President had last Tuesday in Imo State said allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria were ‘unfounded and misleading’

Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded. Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side-not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us,’ Tinubu said while addressing a gathering at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre, Owerri.

ýýThe President will return to Lagos on the same day after the visit.