NPFL: Kano Pillars Suspend Technical Adviser, Chief Coach

The management of Kano Pillars Football Club has announced the immediate suspension of its Technical Adviser, Ogenyi Evans, and Chief Coach, Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro, following what it described as the team’s unsatisfactory performance in the ongoing 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

In a statement issued by the club’s Media and Communications Directorate, the management said the decision was taken after reviewing the team’s recent poor run of form.

‘So far, the Sai Masu Gida have played eight matches, recording two wins, two draws, and four losses,’ the statement read.

The club, one of Nigeria’s most successful sides, has struggled to maintain consistency this season, raising concerns among fans and stakeholders about the team’s technical direction. In the interim, former club captain and Assistant Coach, Gambo Muhammad, has been appointed to take charge of the team’s technical affairs.

He will be assisted by goalkeeping coach, Suleiman Shuaibu, while Coach Garzali Muhammad (Kusa) from Junior Pillars will provide additional support in an ad-hoc capacity, pending further directives.

The statement assured fans that the management remains committed to repositioning the team and restoring its winning culture.

Kano Pillars, also known as ‘Sai Masu Gida’, currently sits in the lower half of the NPFL table and will be hoping for a turn-around as the season progresses.

The Simple Money Case For Post Savage AI (Why Teams Buy It After One Week)

Let’s skip the jargon. Most leaders who try Post Savage and Post Savage AI want one thing: more meetings that actually show up-without hiring a small army or torching ad spend. They don’t care how the AI breathes; they care that the calendar fills, the no-shows drop, and the costs look friendlier.

This is the plain-English, outsider’s view of why teams sign the deal after a week.

What changes first (yes, in week one)

When Post Savage AI starts answering and calling back, a few obvious wins pop immediately: That’s the whole pitch. If you kept reading, it’s because you want to know why it stays that way.

Where the money was leaking (and how Post Savage plugs it)

You probably don’t need ‘AI.’ You need to stop losing the easy wins.

Leak #1: Missed calls

Someone rings while the team is on jobs or in demos. It goes to voicemail. Voicemail does not buy. Post Savage AI answers in a couple of rings and gets a time on the books. That’s the difference between ‘we’ll call you back’ and ‘see you at 2:00.’

Leak #2: Slow callbacks on forms

Form fills are hot for about a minute. If you call at minute ten, you’re competing with three other vendors. Post Savage calls back in seconds and offers two time windows. The lead says ‘yes’ before they overthink it.

Leak #3: No-show chaos

Humans forget. Schedules shift. Post Savage AI sends polite confirmations + day-of reminders and, if plans change, reschedules automatically. Less guilt. More ‘see you then.’

Leak #4: After-hours dead zone

‘Leave a message’ is where pipeline goes to nap. Post Savage keeps the front door open when humans are off. You start tomorrow with confirmed slots-not a to-do list.

Leak #5: Old leads that never got a fair chance

Yesterday’s ‘not now’ becomes next week’s ‘sure.’ Post Savage AI revives gently. The ones who still want help raise their hand. The rest don’t get spammed.

None of this is flashy. It’s the boring, decisive work that turns phones and clicks into revenue appointments.

The only numbers most leaders end up watching

Forget the 18-page dashboard. Teams that stick with Post Savage watch four tiles:

Booked meetings (by channel)

Show rate (how many actually happen)

Cost per appointment

Cost per shown appointment

If those tiles move in the right direction, you don’t need a pep talk. You need a bigger budget for the winners.

‘Okay, but will people hate talking to an AI?’

Short answer: they don’t-if it’s fast, clear, and polite.

Post Savage AI doesn’t mimic a barista with improv training. It simply feels human enough: quick responses, short questions, two choices, done. If a caller needs nuance, it hands off to a person. Most people just want a time that works. They get it in under a minute. And they say ‘thanks.’

Three quick stories (pulled from the field)

1) The home-services shop

Before: morning voicemail mountain, long hold times on busy days, crews idling while dispatch played calendar Tetris.

After Post Savage: calls answered in two rings; no-cool emergencies booked for the morning; missed call texts saved the rest. No-shows softened; reviews climbed. The owner stopped hiring receptionists and hired techs.

2) The B2B demo team

Before: form fills sat in the queue while SDRs wrestled time zones; lots of ‘sorry, can you do 3pm?’ emails.

After Post Savage AI: under-10-second callbacks, simple ’10-12 or 2-4?’ choices, clean calendar drops. Reps walked into conversations already qualified. Pipeline didn’t ‘feel’ bigger; it was bigger.

3) The agency running pay-per-shown

Before: clients blamed ‘lead quality’ (as in: leads weren’t turning into meetings).

After Post Savage: same media, more bookings, cleaner ‘cost per shown’ proof. Clients stopped arguing about leads and started asking for more spend on the channels that booked.

Different industries. Same outcome: more shown meetings from the same (or lower) cost.

Hiring pause: why headcount stops ballooning

A quiet benefit many leaders mention: Post Savage becomes the first responder you can actually afford. Instead of adding bodies to answer phones or chase ‘can we reschedule?’ emails, your current team handles the human conversations only they can do. You get the coverage without the payroll bloat.

‘How fast do we feel it?’

Typical answer: seven to fourteen days.

Week one, you’ll notice-more slots on the calendar, fewer awkward silences at 2:00 p.m. Week two, the numbers agree: bookings up; no-shows down; cost per appointment calmer. That’s when teams take budget from a ‘meh’ source and push it into the channels where Post Savage is stacking wins.

Why Post Savage wins buy-in across the org (not just sales) One system, five happy groups. That’s rare.

If you only remember one idea, make it this

The first mile of revenue is answering and booking. Post Savage and Post Savage AI do that mile better than humans can on their busiest days-and they never forget the polite follow-up that saves your afternoon. Everything else (dashboards, scripts, voice tuning) is supporting cast.

A simple ‘try it’ plan (no MBA required)

Pick one channel where you want more meetings (Maps, Search, Meta-your call).

Turn on Post Savage just for that flow. Keep the rest unchanged.

Give it two weeks. If you don’t see more booked-and-shown meetings and a calmer cost per appointment, shelve it. If you do, push more budget to the winner and repeat.

That’s it. No 90-day transformation theater. Just the next calendar invite.

FAQs (kept human)

Will Post Savage replace my team?

It replaces busywork-answering on the second ring, calling back in seconds, rescheduling without emails. Your humans still do the human parts: discovery, pricing, closing.

Is there a long contract?

Teams typically run month-to-month. Try it for two weeks on one channel and decide with data.

What if callers get frustrated?

The voice is fast, clear, and polite. If someone needs a human, Post Savage hands off. You’re not marrying a robot; you’re hiring a helpful receptionist who never sleeps.

How will I know it’s working?

You’ll see it on your calendar-and in four tiles: bookings, show rate, cost per appointment, cost per shown. If they trend the right way, you’ll know.

The nudge

If your pipeline relies on people showing up to a time you gave them, Post Savage is probably the simplest way to buy more ‘show’ without buying more chaos. Turn it on for a week. Let Post Savage AI answer, call back, book, and rescue the ones that would have slipped. You’ll feel the difference before you can spell ‘latency.’

Ready to see it book a meeting live? Ask for a 15-minute demo, and watch Post Savage AI put a real slot on your calendar. Then decide.

Dominate Local Medical SEO: Bring Patients To Your Doorstep

When someone in your city searches for ‘ear, nose, and throat doctor near me’ or ‘best pediatric clinic in [Your Town],’ that’s where medical SEO meets reality. Local search is the bridge between digital queries and in-person visits. For medical practices, dominating local SEO isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential. In this article, we’ll explore how health providers can sharpen their local SEO strategy: optimizing maps, geo-targeted content, reviews, structured data, and trust-so that patients in your area find you first.

Why Local SEO Is the Heart of Medical Visibility

Local Intent Dominates Medical Searches

Most patients looking for healthcare start with proximity. When someone has a sudden issue – a persistent cough, rash, or joint pain – they add ‘near me’ or a neighborhood name. If your practice doesn’t show in that local pack, you might as well be invisible.

AI and Local SEO Are Merging

AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s generative search are now integrating local cues in responses. They consider reviews, map data, and locality signals when recommending providers. (turn0search3)

Trends in healthcare marketing for 2025 emphasize that AI-driven personalization and local SEO go hand in hand. Clinics that ignore local signals risk becoming background noise.

Core Local SEO Tactics for Medical Practices

Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

Your GBP is your local marketing control center. Make sure: A well-maintained GBP helps map algorithms and local search engines trust your practice.

Build Geo-Focused, Patient-First Content

Write content that speaks to neighborhoods and local patient concerns. For example: Such pages help Google and AI identify that you serve those areas. Wheelhouse DMG emphasizes that localized content helps connect your practice with people in your community.

Earn and Showcase Trust Through Reviews

Online reviews are no longer optional – they act as signals to both patients and algorithms. Encourage genuine reviews, respond politely and fairly, and monitor sentiment. The review velocity (how quickly and frequently new reviews come in) and consistency across platforms also carry weight.

Use Local Citations and Directory Listings

Make sure your practice is listed in relevant medical directories, local business directories, and health-oriented platforms. Keep name, address, phone data consistent across all pages and citations. Discrepancies dilute trust with search engines.

Add Local Schema / Structured Data

Implement LocalBusiness, MedicalOrganization, Physician, FAQPage and address-related schema. It helps search engines parse which services you offer, your specialties, your location, and review data-making your listings eligible for rich snippets.

Improve Site Performance and Mobile UX

Most patients search via smartphones. A slow or clunky site loses potential visitors before they see your name. Ensure responsive layouts, fast-loading images, compressed assets, and accessible layouts. Google uses mobile-first indexing, so optimizing for mobile is non-negotiable.

Integrating E-E-A-T into Local SEO

Local SEO isn’t just about showing up – it’s about being trusted when you show up. When Google or AI systems evaluate local content, the ones with strong authority signals tend to be preferred in ‘near me’ or local-pack responses.

What About GEO / AEO and Local Content?

As generative AI becomes more central to how medical queries are answered, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) or Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the new frontier. (It’s about being selected as part of AI-generated responses, not just ranking.)

For local SEO, that means: By combining local SEO fundamentals with GEO-aware content, you increase your chances of being cited by AI when patients ask regionally specific medical questions.

Overcoming Challenges in Local Medical SEO

Competition from Big Players

Even small clinics compete with hospital networks, large health systems, and national sites. You win by being more local, more specific, more trusted. Focus on your niche, local community, first-hand stories, and consistent localized effort.

Getting Authentic Reviews

Patients may hesitate to leave feedback. Use post-care follow-ups, gentle reminders, or kiosks in clinics to encourage reviews. Always remain compliant with privacy and ethics.

Maintaining Consistency

One nameless variation – ‘Clinic ABC’ vs ‘Clinic ABC Health’ – across directories can confuse algorithms. Use consistent branding and regularly audit your local listings.

Keeping Content Fresh

Local health conditions, disease outbreaks, or local guidelines shift. For example, pollen seasons, flu trends, or regional regulations may change. Update your location-focused health content accordingly.

Conclusion:

Local medical SEO isn’t just about appearing in maps-it’s about being believable when patients search where they live. Think of your clinic as more than a business location; it’s a beacon in your community.

By combining rigorous local SEO (GBP optimization, directory consistency, local content, reviews) with trust-building E-E-A-T principles and GEO-aware strategies, your practice can stand out even in competitive markets. The goal is not just to be found-but to be trusted when found.

When you’re ready to elevate your local presence, let Authority Lighthouse guide you. Their approach to translating local authority into real digital trust can help your practice become the natural first pick in your area-shining brightly in maps, AI recommendations, and patient minds.

FAQ Section

How fast can local SEO changes show results?

Some improvements (like GBP optimizations) can show impact in weeks; others, like building authority and links, take months. Be patient and consistent.

Can a clinic solely rely on national health sites for traffic?

Not for local patients. Many local searches (map packs, ‘near me’) preferentially display location-specific practices. National sites help for authority, but local presence drives nearby visits.

Do I need to list my clinic in every directory?

Quality over quantity. Focus on relevant, trusted directories and health-specific platforms. A few strong, accurate citations are better than scattered, inconsistent ones.

How often should I check or update my Google Business Profile?

Monthly is a good habit: check hours, photos, posts, reviews, and ensure no spam or vandalism.

Is local SEO still relevant with AI-driven search?

Yes. AI-driven responses often pull from local signals, review context, and map data. If you ignore local SEO, AI may favor others for location-based medical queries.

Experts Warn Of Soil Depletion, Hidden Risks In Nigeria’s Fertiliser Use

Nigeria’s food and soil systems are under growing threat from industrial agriculture and excessive chemical use, according to experts who spoke on The Volume Pod.

Faith Nemie Ayegba, a food systems and climate advocate, said industrialisation and capitalist pressures have forced farmers to prioritise speed and profit over sustainability, leading to widespread soil degradation.

‘Most of our soils are getting depleted in terms of nutrients and microorganisms needed for healthy growth,’ Ayegba said.

She explained that the shift from communal to industrial farming practices has worsened the problem.

‘When industrialists came into agriculture, they introduced genetically modified seedlings and pesticides with promises of high yield and drought resistance,’ she said.

‘These innovations depleted the soil further and destroyed the natural processes that support farming.’

Ayegba said farmers are now driven by ‘fast cash’ rather than sustainability, skipping essential soil restoration steps in pursuit of quicker harvests.

‘Everybody wants to do things fast, fast, quick, quic. ‘You boycott the processes that should get you to your destination because you want quick money.

‘But the technologies we introduce end up harming the soil, human health, and the natural world,’ she said.

Ikenna Donald Ofoegbu, a programme manager and researcher who leads the Sustainable Nigeria Programme at Heinrich Böll Stiftung, said Nigeria’s approach to agriculture is not in harmony with nature.

His words: ‘The whole soil is looking the same. The quality is declining. It’s a system problem driven by the ‘get money quick’ mentality.’

He noted that rapid urbanisation and deforestation are also putting immense pressure on the environment.

‘Nigeria has one of the fastest deforestation rates in the world. We’re losing forests, insects, and microbes because we’re farming in ways that are not in tune with nature,’ he said.

Ofoegbu criticised the lack of transparency surrounding fertiliser composition and chemical use in agriculture.

‘Ninety percent of farmers don’t know the active ingredients in the agrochemicals they apply on their farms.

‘Consumers too don’t know what’s in the food they eat. There are no full disclosure clauses for what’s in these fertilisers or pesticides,’ he stated.

He said agencies such as NAFDAC and the Biosafety Agency often approve products after limited trials without disclosing the full chemical makeup to the public.

‘They’ll just tell you it’s safe and put it out in the market. But farmers don’t know how it affects the soil, the next farming season, or even unborn babies,’ he said.

Both experts called for stronger regulation, transparency, and a return to ecologically balanced farming systems that prioritise human and environmental health over profit.

MDCN inducts 136 doctors, dentists from UI

No fewer than 136 medical doctors and dental surgeons were on Monday inducted into the medical and dental profession from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

The new entrants comprise 111 medical doctors, who bagged the Bachelor of Medicine; Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and 25 Dentists who bagged their Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degrees.

The induction ceremony was carried out by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) at an event which held at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Agodi Gate, Ibadan.

The event was witnessed by the Pro-Chancellor, UI and an APC Chieftain, Chief Bisi Akande, the Provost of the College Professor Temitope Ogundiran, professional elders, parents, well wishers, family and friends of the inducteees.

The Registrar/CEO of MDCN, Dr. Fatima Kyari, while congratulating the inductees on their remarkable achievement reminded them of the importance of upholding the ethics of the medical profession.

She urged the inductees to be aware of the challenges they will face in the healthcare sector, but also to see the challenges as opportunities to grow, innovate, and contribute to the advancement of their field.

She emphasised the need for doctors to be advocates for their patients, champions of public health, and leaders in their communities.

The MDCN Registrar/CEO reminded the inductees that their profession is a calling that requires complete dedication and a commitment to patient-centered care, urging them to treat patients with respect, kindness, and compassion, and to always act with integrity.

Kyari encouraged the inductees to stay in Nigeria and contribute to the development of the medical profession, urging them to take ownership of their profession and work together to build a better healthcare system for the country.

UI Vice-Chancellor, UI, Professor Kayode Adebowale, urged the graduands to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and compassion in their practice, noting that the induction ceremony marked the culmination of years of intense intellectual labor, sleepless nights, and countless hours in lecture halls, laboratories, and clinical postings for the 2025 MBBS/BDS graduating set.

Adebowale reminded the graduands that their profession is a sacred trust, and they will be confronted with situations that test their knowledge, patience, and empathy.

He urged them to always remember the words of Sir William Osler, ‘The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease,’ and to see the human being behind every illness.

The Vice-Chancellor charged the graduands to be ambassadors of excellence, not just of the University of Ibadan, but of the entire medical profession, and to uphold the ‘Ibadan brand’ with competence, empathy, and ethical practice.

The Vice-Chancellor also commended the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for their steadfast role in regulating the profession and upholding its standards, pledging the continued collaboration of the University of Ibadan in this noble cause.

While expressing gratitude to parents and guardians for their sacrifices, prayers, and unwavering support, which have brought the graduands to the day, he urged the graduands to wear their new title with humility and honor, and to remember that the privilege to hold a person’s life in their hands is the greatest trust society can give.

Fed Govt targets 20,000 jobs annually as Shettima flags off NJFP 2.0

The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to create at least 20,000 jobs annually through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), designed to connect high-potential graduates with real-world work experience, mentorship, and training opportunities.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is scheduled to formally flag off the NJFP 2.0 and declare open a high-level policy dialogue on job creation on Wednesday, October 22, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

With the theme ‘From skills to jobs and enterprises: Driving youth employment and entrepreneurship in key economic sectors,’ the event will bring together policymakers, private-sector leaders, and development partners to chart strategies for expanding youth employment and enterprise development.

Ahead of the launch, the Vice President on Monday inaugurated the NJFP Project Steering Committee, charging members to ensure inclusivity and measurable impact across all regions of the country.

Shettima described the NJFP as a ‘deliberate attempt to translate Nigeria’s demographic strength into productive economic power,’ stressing that its success depends on deep collaboration among government, private sector, and development partners.

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, ‘the goal of the NJFP is to bridge the transition gap between learning and earning for thousands of young graduates with the required education but no job opportunity.

‘We have an opportunity here to demonstrate what partnership done right can achieve: where government leads with clarity, partners contribute with confidence, and results speak for themselves’, he said.

He emphasised that inclusivity must remain central to the programme’s design.

‘Our young people are not a homogenous group. They live in different realities across regions, genders, and social backgrounds. We must ensure that this opportunity reaches every corner of the country – and that placements are tied to sectors that will shape Nigeria’s future: agriculture, digital technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and the creative industries,’ the Vice President stated.

The NJFP, coordinated by the Office of the Vice President, is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding support from the European Union (EU).

The first phase, launched in 2022, empowered over 14,000 young Nigerians through paid 12-month fellowships that provided career experience and mentorship.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, expressed optimism that the NJFP 2.0 would transform the lives of thousands of Nigerian youth, noting that the EU’s partnership with the Federal Government aims to ‘optimise the full mandate of the programme.’

UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, described the initiative as part of a larger continental vision for youth empowerment.

She praised the Tinubu administration’s focus on inclusive job creation, saying the UNDP is proud to help build an ‘ecosystem that creates jobs and fosters innovation across Nigeria.’

This Woman’s Work: A Tribute to Sarah Boulos

The phrase ‘This Woman’s Work’ echoes with a depth of meaning that transcends its origins as a song by English singer-songwriter and dancer, Kate Bush. It’s a testament to the tireless efforts, unwavering dedication, and unrelenting passion of women who pour their hearts and souls into their work. For Sarah Boulos, as you will come to learn, this phrase is more than just a title – it’s a reflection of her life’s mission driven by her faith in God. Interestingly, the song ‘This Woman’s Work’ has also been covered by Maxwell, American singer-songwriter and record producer, who was deeply moved by its emotional intensity. He performed it as a tribute to a young fan with cancer who had met him on stage, showcasing the song’s universal themes of love, loss, and vulnerability.

Twenty years ago, Sarah Boulos conceptualized a vision that would become the Society for Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN). What began in a garage has blossomed into a thriving institution, touching the lives of over 10,000 young people across four continents. SPAN’s impact extends far beyond the stage, empowering youth with confidence, creativity, and leadership skills that stay with them for a lifetime. Much like a perfectly executed ballet, where every plié and pirouette comes together in harmony, Sarah’s work has been a choreographed dance of passion, perseverance, and purpose.

What is this woman’s work? It’s the countless hours spent nurturing talent, mentoring young artists, and advocating for the importance of performing arts education. It’s the unwavering commitment to her vision, despite the challenges and setbacks that inevitably arise. As we celebrate Sarah’s achievements, we’re reminded that this woman’s work is not just about her – it’s about the countless lives she’s touched, the families she’s supported, and the communities she’s empowered. It’s about the young dancers, musicians, and actors who’ve found their voice, their passion, and their purpose through SPAN in the last twenty years.

What is this woman’s work? It is Sarah introducing us to eleven remarkable and courageous Debutantes and their inspiring story of love, loss, vulnerability and hope and asking us to open not just our hearts but our pockets to lend a helping hand.

The maiden edition of the Queen Esther Ball has come and gone, leaving behind a trail of glittering memories and a sense of pride that lingers on like the final reverberation of a cymbal. The event was a grand jeté of a night, a spectacular whirlwind of music, dance, and drama that left the high society guests in awe. And now, the final curtains have closed on the night’s event, the technical staff have dismantled the set, the lighting and sound equipment have been carefully packed away, and the costumes and props meticulously inventoried. But even as the physical traces of the event disappear, the spirit of the Queen Esther Ball remains, a testament to the hard work and dedication of Sarah and her formidable team.

As the SPAN community heaves a sigh of relief mixed with exhilaration, we catch a glimpse of Sarah Boulos, petite but indefatigable, her gown flowing behind her like a tutu in a grand ballet, her mane of hair softly cascading onto her shoulders like a lioness as she leads the procession into the next chapter for SPAN. She is not alone; her army has swelled in ranks, ready to continue the work, to pirouette into the future with grace and determination. Like a dancer spinning effortlessly across the stage, Sarah’s momentum is palpable, drawing us into the rhythm of her vision. Her work is a beautiful arabesque of hope, stretching across Nigeria, touching lives, and leaving a lasting impression.

This woman’s work is a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and passion. It’s a reminder that one person can indeed make a difference, and that the ripple effects of their work can be felt for generations to come. As we pay tribute to Sarah Boulos, we ask: What is this woman’s work? It’s the realization of a dream, the manifestation of a vision, and the embodiment of a legacy. It’s a celebration of the human spirit, in all its beauty and complexity. This woman’s work will continue to inspire, to educate, and to empower. And as we look to the future, we’re reminded that this woman’s work is far from over. The dance continues, and we are all invited to join in.

Ondo set for TSG inauguration, says ex-minister

All is set for the inauguration of the Ondo State chapter of Tinubu Support Group (TSG), former Minster of State for Transportation Ademola Adegoroye has said.

Speaking in Akure over the weekend, Adegoroye said the group is to be at the forefront of grassroots mobiliation for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, the aim of the group is to return the president with the highest margin of votes possible in Nigeria.

Adegoroye, who spoke at a well-attended TSG State Caucus meeting said, ‘The primary objective of Tinubu Support Group (TSG), is to champion the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through activities designed to unify and strengthen the APC, sensitize and mobilize voters, with the support, under the guidance and leadership Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as leader of the APC in Ondo State.

‘That is why the group is taking its time to bring into its fold all the major political gladiators in the state into the APC platform under the leadership of the governor.

‘We have decided to all work with the Governor to canvass, promote and mobilise for the re-election of President Asiwaju by propagating the laudable interventions of the President in Ondo State in particular and Nigeria in general.

‘Since the governor is at the forefront of such efforts, the TSG will be working under his guidance and leadership in the state.’

Adegoroye further said that ‘leaders and members of the APC, and indeed other parties, enamoured by the achievements of President Tinubu are all motivated to be part of the TSG and are being organised for an effective take-off of the group in Ondo State’.

#FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest grounds Abuja expressway

Serious traffic congestion brought the Kugbo-Nyanya Expressway to a standstill on Monday morning as tge #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest disrupted movement into the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The demonstration, organised by activist Omoyele Sowore, began around 7 am near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, with protesters demanding the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021 on terrorism charges.

According to NTA News, the gridlock was caused by parked vehicles and gatherings along the busy Abuja-Keffi highway, where commuter traffic mixed with protest-related activity.

‘Motorists heading into the FCT from the Kugbo/Nyanya axis report slow movement, with several lanes reportedly blocked by parked vehicles and protest-related activity, Historically this corridor has been vulnerable to disruptions: for example, heavy traffic and blocked lanes due to security checks during protests and security operations in the past,’ the station reported.

Motorists were also seen abandoning their vehicles while many commuters, particularly workers, resort to trekking from Nyanya, Mararaba, and Karu to reach the city centre.

Enugu roads deserted over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest

The city of Enugu witnessed an eerie calm on Monday as residents chose to stay indoors in quiet solidarity with the nationwide #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest rather than take to the streets.

The protest, convened by activist Omoyele Sowore, had called for mass demonstrations across the country to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

But in Enugu, participation took a different turn – a spontaneous sit-at-home.

Across the Coal City, normal activities were completely grounded. Schools, markets, and business premises remained under lock and key, while banks, shopping malls, and fuel stations did not open for the day.

Major roads such as Zik Avenue, Agbani Road, and Ogui Road were largely deserted, giving the city a ghostly look.

Even though some government offices opened for skeletal operations, attendance was abysmally low and only a few civil servants were seen on duty.

A tour of areas including Ogbete Main Market, New Haven, and Independence Layout revealed closed shops and empty streets, as commercial transporters and traders kept off the roads.

Many residents told our correspondent that their decision to stay home stemmed from fear of possible violence and a desire to show solidarity with protesters converging in Abuja, where the main demonstration was held.

‘We support the call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, but people here are afraid of being caught in any confrontation between protesters and security forces,’ a resident at Achara Layout who declined to give his name said.

Despite the near-total shutdown, the atmosphere in Enugu remained peaceful and orderly as of the time of filing this report.

There were no reports of violence or arrests, though security operatives were seen patrolling strategic parts of the city to forestall any breakdown of law and order.