Category: Nigerian Tribune

Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has directed the immediate removal of all Village and Ward Heads in Mallam-Fatori and ordered that the process for appointing new representatives to serve the returning population begin without delay.

The Governor made the pronouncement on Monday during a working visit to the border community, where he assessed the condition of public facilities and engaged directly with residents on their immediate needs.

The directive came amid renewed government efforts to rebuild Mallam-Fatori, a community heavily affected by years of insurgency and displacement.

The Governor expressed concern over the absence of Village and Ward Heads during his visit, describing it as unacceptable at a time when residents are returning, and communities are beginning the difficult task of rebuilding their lives.

According to him, ‘Traditional leaders have a critical role to play in stabilising communities emerging from conflict. Their presence is essential not only for maintaining communication between government and residents but also for strengthening community resilience and providing leadership as returnees settle into their ancestral homes.’

The Governor directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, to work closely with His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, to commence the process of appointing new Village and Ward Heads for Mallam-Fatori without delay.

Babagana Zulum emphasised that the new appointees must be persons of proven integrity, competence, commitment, and ingenuity capable of understanding the realities confronting residents and working with government and security agencies to restore stability and development.

Furthermore, the Governor pledged the accelerated reconstruction of critical public infrastructure in Mallam-Fatori, headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area, as part of efforts to support residents returning to communities liberated from insurgency.

He inspected destroyed schools, government buildings, and housing facilities across the town.

Mallam-Fatori, a war-ravaged border town, remains one of the communities hardest hit by years of insurgency, with dilapidated buildings, abandoned facilities, and damaged public infrastructure standing as visible reminders of a community whose development was interrupted by conflict.

At the end of the inspection, Babagana Zulum directed the immediate construction of an Islamiyya (Islamic) school, primary and secondary schools, as well as a hospital, to restore essential services and improve access to education and healthcare for residents.

‘Provision of basic amenities is critical to enabling returnees to rebuild their lives, restore livelihoods, and give their children a stronger foundation for the future,’ Babagana Zulum said.

The Governor also met with residents, as the engagement gave residents an opportunity to speak directly with government officials about the challenges confronting them and the support required to fully restore normal life.

At the headquarters of the 68 Battalion Nigerian Army, in Mallam-Fatori, Governor Zulum met with the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel D. Y. Chuwar, along with senior officers and troops deployed to the area.

He commended their courage, resilience, and commitment to maintaining security and facilitating the return of civilian life, and assured them of his administration’s continued support, particularly in providing essential needs to enhance their operational effectiveness.

The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; the member representing Abadam Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Jamna Bong; the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele; the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe; and other government officials.

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to release local government allocations directly to councils immediately after being sworn in as President in 2027.

In a statement signed by his official spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, Atiku said the move is necessary to uphold the rule of law and guarantee constitutional independence for all tiers of government.

‘Atiku Abubakar believes that Nigeria should be governed by the rule of law, and as President, he will uphold the rule of law and build a truly federal Nigeria where every tier of government enjoys the constitutional independence it deserves,’ the statement said.

Atiku faulted the current administration for failing to implement the Supreme Court ruling of July 2024, which ordered that local government funds be paid directly to local governments.

‘Atiku acknowledges that the Supreme Court had ruled in July 2024 that local government funds should be paid directly to local governments. Yet, the current administration of President Tinubu has failed to enforce this judgment, seemingly to avoid confronting the gluttonous APC State Governors who previously controlled these funds, as an enticement to them to use the Local Government funds to buy votes for Tinubu in 2027 presidential election,’ Okonkwo stated.

‘This is not the Nigeria we should accept.’

According to the statement, Atiku said direct funding of local governments would bring development closer to the people and strengthen security at the grassroots.

‘My administration will respect court judgments, protect local government autonomy, ensure that public funds reach the people for whom they are meant, and restore true federalism,’ Atiku was quoted as saying.

‘This move will ensure that development is brought to the grassroots, reduce poverty at the level of government nearest to the people, and guarantee financial independence to the local governments, which will increase their capacity to fight crimes and terrorism at that level.’

He added: ‘Nigeria must be governed by laws, not by political convenience.’

Atiku said his commitment to local government autonomy forms part of his broader agenda to make governance more accountable and responsive to citizens.

The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) has welcomed the decision by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, to suspend the prosecution of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, until after the 2027 presidential election.

The FDA described the DSS’ decision as a demonstration of commitment to democracy, due process, the rule of law and the integrity of the electoral process.

In a statement signed Tuesday by its Secretary, Comrade Daniel Elachi Omaga, and Co-convener, Comrade Isah Abubakar, the FDA said no presidential candidate should be placed at a procedural or institutional disadvantage because of pending criminal proceedings during an election period.

The group said the decision was consistent with regional and international democratic principles, including the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The FDA also commended Ajayi for what it described as his commitment to due process since assuming office in August 2024, citing the release of persons allegedly detained in error, payment of compensation to affected individuals, and reliance on judicial processes in politically sensitive cases.

It also praised the DSS under Ajayi for progress in combating terrorism and insurgency, including the arrest and prosecution of high-profile terrorist suspects.

The group stressed that suspending Sowore’s prosecution should not be interpreted as placing him above the law or terminating the case.

‘Rather, it represents a responsible exercise of institutional discretion to ensure the electoral process is not unnecessarily complicated by legal actions against a presidential candidate,’ the statement said.

According to the FDA, the prosecution could resume after the election in accordance with due process.

The group said deferring the case would help promote a level playing field and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

It urged institutions to remain impartial and ensure that Nigerians are allowed to choose their leaders freely and without fear or institutional influence.

ýThe Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has commenced a three-day statewide seminar aimed at strengthening the capacity of headteachers and principals of junior secondary schools on quality assurance practices and effective school administration.

ýThe seminar, held at St. James Caring Heart Mega Primary School, Akure, has its theme: ‘Improving the Capacity of School Leaders on Quality Assurance Procedures for Effective and Efficient School Administration.’

ýDeclaring the seminar open, the Permanent Secretary of ODSUBEB, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, said the programme was both timely and strategic, stressing that quality assurance remained fundamental to the effective management and continuous improvement of the education system.

ýShe explained that the seminar was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of quality assurance mechanisms and strengthen their capacity for effective self-monitoring and evaluation within their schools.

ýAccording to her, ‘Quality assurance ensures that set standards are not only met but sustained, that our schools remain centres of excellence, and that our learners are equipped with the knowledge, values and skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing world.’

ýThe Permanent Secretary described headteachers and junior secondary school principals as the frontline managers of the state’s schools, noting that they bear the critical responsibility of translating government policies and educational programmes into measurable learning outcomes.

ýShe emphasised that the success of the state’s education policies largely depended on the effectiveness, commitment and professionalism of school leaders.

ýThe Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the seminar would expose participants to contemporary approaches to school supervision, mentoring, record-keeping and data-driven decision-making.

ýShe said the programme was expected to equip school leaders with the necessary skills to effectively monitor teaching and learning standards, strengthen administrative processes and ensure compliance with established educational guidelines.

ýPrincess Bayo-Ilawole commended the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his continued support for the education sector through the implementation of the EASE Agenda.

ýShe particularly acknowledged the Governor’s commitment to the timely payment of counterpart funds, improvement of school infrastructure and enhancement of teachers’ welfare, describing these initiatives as evidence of his administration’s recognition of education as a critical driver of sustainable development.

ýShe urged the participants to take the seminar seriously by actively participating in the sessions, asking questions and sharing practical experiences with facilitators and fellow school leaders.

ýPrincess Bayo-Ilawole also challenged them to translate the knowledge gained during the programme into improved administrative practices and better learning outcomes in their respective schools.

ý’Knowledge acquired at this seminar must not end within these walls. It must reflect in your daily administrative practices and ultimately translate into improved teaching and learning outcomes in your various schools,’ she said.

ýShe therefore, reaffirmed ODSUBEB’s commitment to promoting quality, equity and inclusiveness in basic education across Ondo State, assuring stakeholders that the Board would continue to strengthen schools through regular capacity-building programmes, robust monitoring exercises and effective feedback mechanisms designed to promote continuous improvement and enhance the overall quality of the state’s education system.

ýThe State Coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mrs. Olanike Adams, emphasised the critical role of quality assurance in promoting effective school administration and improving educational outcomes across Ondo State.

ýShe said school leaders, particularly headteachers and principals, have a critical responsibility to ensure that established educational standards are properly understood and consistently implemented in their respective schools.

ýAccording to her, strengthening the capacity of school leaders in quality assurance procedures would enhance accountability, promote effective supervision and contribute to improved teaching and learning outcomes.

ýMrs. Adams commended ODSUBEB and other stakeholders for organising the training, describing it as an important initiative aimed at strengthening school leadership and administration across the state.

ýShe expressed confidence that the knowledge, skills and practical experiences acquired by participants during the programme would be translated into tangible improvements in school management and leadership.

ýOne of the resource persons Dr. Julius Adedoja of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja has outlined the key objectives of the capacity-building programme for headteachers and principals of junior secondary schools across Ondo State.

ýDr. Adedoja explained that the training was designed to equip school leaders with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in quality assurance principles, processes and procedures for effective school supervision.

ýAccording to him, the programme also seeks to strengthen the capacity of headteachers and principals to undertake effective internal supervision in their respective schools, in alignment with established quality assurance standards.

ýHe noted that another critical objective of the training was to guide participants on how to accurately and efficiently complete the School Self-Evaluation (SS-E) instrument, using relevant school data, indicators and other available evidence to assess the performance of their schools.

ýDr. Adedoja further disclosed that participants would receive hands-on training on the effective utilisation of findings from the School Self-Evaluation exercise to develop Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound (SMART) School Development Plans.

ýThe occasion was witnessed by the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Chairman of the Association of Primary School Health Workers of Nigeria (AUPSHON), Education Secretaries from across the Local Government Areas, and other key stakeholders in the education sector.

ýIn their separate remarks, the stakeholders commended and acknowledged the significant interventions of the present administration in the education sector, particularly its efforts towards improving school infrastructure, strengthening teachers’ welfare, enhancing capacity building, and creating an enabling environment for effective teaching and learning across

ýIn his remarks, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Chief Adesoji Okedusi, expressed his appreciation to the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the management of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB) for their continued support and commitment to strengthening quality assurance and improving the standard of basic education across the state.

ýHe assured the management of the commitment of the Monitoring and Evaluation Department to making effective use of the support provided to drive continuous improvement in teaching, learning and school administration across Ondo State.

ýAs part of efforts to enhance quality assurance and improve data collection and reporting, newly procured tablets were also distributed to Quality Assurance Desk Officers across the Local Government Areas of Ondo State.

ýThe distribution of the digital devices is expected to strengthen monitoring activities, facilitate timely reporting and improve data-driven decision-making in the administration of basic education across the state.

ýThe seminar brought together headteachers, principals of junior secondary schools, quality assurance officers and other key education stakeholders from across Ondo State.

ýThe initiative is expected to contribute significantly to strengthening school leadership, improving accountability and ensuring that educational standards are consistently maintained across public basic education institutions in the state.

VAR stands for Video Assistant Referee, which is an advancement in AI that helps to interpret more accurate gameplays in football. Despite its precise accuracy in analyzing and interpreting plays, it has also caused controversy in the football space because some experts do not agree with VAR’s calls.

Hence, VAR has impacted the goals markets and in-play betting. Because of this influence, it’s important to learn the angles in which VAR affects betting activities. Bettors have to consider how VAR could disallow goals and hinder their total goals wagers.

How Does VAR Work?

VAR spectates live football games and gathers data on the overall plays and players’ movements and decisions. The technology reviews and decides key decisions on the following in-game events:

Goals (such as offsides and handballs)

Penalty decisions.

Red card or yellow card incidents

Mistaken identity (uncovering the identity of the player to penalize them for a bad play).

Football bettors looking to follow matches and betting markets more closely can also explore sports bets available in Ireland before placing their wagers.

How VAR Impacts Football Betting

Believe it or not, the Premier League and other football tournaments that now utilize VAR are continually impacting football betting in different ways.

Delayed Settlements in Live Betting

Delayed settlements mainly happen concerning goals and cause influences in live betting. Hence, it could take longer to finalize VAR reviews. Let’s say that you bet that a team will be at over 2.5 goals when it hits the 85th minute in the fixture. If the current goal just made was disallowed after VAR review, this could put your bet at risk. Be extremely cautious with the live goals market as a late call from a VAR can alter the goal numbers outcome.

Increased Penalties and Red Cards

VAR has impacted how many red cards and other penalties are issued to players during fixtures. Hence, betting on goalscorers, total goals, and match outcomes has been significantly affected.

For example, teams with more of an attacking-style approach may be more prone to being issued penalties. This means that ‘penalty awarded’ bets may be the best way to go to optimize on this betting market.

Offside Goals and Disallowed Winners

VAR is now so advanced that it can examine plays and disallow certain goals if it was achieved while offsides. This can change the total number of goals scored for over/under bets.

For example, if a goal was deemed disallowed because it was made while on marginal offsides, this can affect both teams ‘ scores (BTTS) and total goals markets.

Emotional and Momentum Swings

Say that a team scored a goal, but then VAR rules it out as invalid. This could decrease team morale and momentum for the rest of the fixture. EIfkey players feel this emotional shift from all their hard work being deemed invalid, then they may lose the will and stamina to give it their all during the game.

These emotional and momentum swings can affect player prop bets related to goals and both teams to score bets.

Conclusion

Since that its clear now that VAR impacts football betting, one should reform strategies to have minimum impact.

A team of Nigerian researchers has developed an advanced computational framework that could improve renewable energy production from oil palm waste by combining anaerobic digestion experiments with artificial intelligence and optimisation technologies.

The study, published in Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, focused on converting oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB), one of the most abundant agricultural residues from the palm oil industry, into methane-rich biogas.

The research highlights how agricultural waste, often discarded or burned, can become a valuable resource for clean energy production, while supporting a circular bioeconomy.

Oil palm empty fruit bunches represent a major residue generated by palm oil processing. According to the study, large quantities of this lignocellulosic material are often burned or disposed of, creating environmental concerns and wasting potential bioenergy resources.

The researchers, led by a lecturer at the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, Dr Idowu Olugbenga Adewumi, explored anaerobic digestion as a sustainable method for converting OPEFB into methane, a valuable renewable energy source.

However, the complex structure of lignocellulosic biomass makes efficient conversion challenging because lignin can restrict microbial access to cellulose and hemicellulose.

To overcome the challenges, the researchers developed an integrated framework combining experimental measurements, machine learning, explainable artificial intelligence and evolutionary optimisation.

The research analysed operational factors including temperature, pH, organic loading rate, hydraulic retention time and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. The experiments produced 5,452 measured observations from laboratory-scale anaerobic digestion trials conducted between January and November 2025.

Methane yields recorded during the experiments ranged from 181.44 to 282.42 mL CH4 g?¹ VS, with an average yield of 231.89 ± 15.22 mL CH4 g?¹ VS.

The study found that temperature was the strongest predictor of methane production. Explainable artificial intelligence analysis showed temperature had the highest influence among the evaluated variables, followed by cellulose content.

The researchers explained that higher temperatures can enhance microbial activity, improve substrate breakdown and support methane-producing microorganisms.

Five predictive models were assessed in the study: Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR).

The results showed that Multiple Linear Regression achieved the strongest predictive performance with R² = 0.5513, RMSE of 10.14 mL CH4 g?¹ VS, MAE of 8.17 mL CH4 g?¹ VS and MAPE of 3.54%.

Using evolutionary optimisation algorithms, including Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimisation, the researchers identified conditions capable of maximising methane production.

The optimum conditions were predicted at a temperature of 54.87°C, pH 7.18, organic loading rate of 3.62 g VS L?¹ day?¹, hydraulic retention time of 28.41 days and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of 27.83.

Under these conditions, the model predicted maximum methane production of 281.84 mL CH4 g?¹ VS.

The researchers stated that the integrated framework provides a transparent decision-support system for improving anaerobic digestion efficiency and advancing sustainable waste-to-energy technologies.

The findings are particularly relevant for Nigeria, where agricultural residues from industries such as palm oil production represent a significant opportunity for renewable energy generation and environmental protection.

By combining biotechnology with artificial intelligence, the study demonstrates how digital technologies can support more efficient conversion of agricultural waste into valuable energy resources.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has lifted the freezing orders (Post-No-Debit) made against the bank accounts of four defendants linked to a 2023 N21 billion system glitch fraud case instituted by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on Monday, agreed with the legal team of the four defendants, led by Abbas Onoja Ochogwu of Lexlaw Solicitors and Attorneys, that the police suppressed material facts when it applied to freeze the affected accounts through an ex parte application.

The latest legal development is connected to a broader investigation and litigation involving banks and financial institutions, which aimed to reverse billions of naira allegedly withdrawn fraudulently from a Flutterwave account at Wema Bank.

The withdrawals reportedly occurred due to a system glitch between October 12 and 13, 2023, according to court documents sighted by newsmen in Abuja.

However, the four affected defendants, through their lawyers, filed a motion on notice, urging the court to vacate the ex parte order on the grounds of non-disclosure by the police as required by law, stressing that a similar court of coordinate jurisdiction had discharged the restrictions imposed on them.

Ruling on the matter, Justice Nwite held that orders made by a court are not permitted to stand where it is demonstrated that judicial discretion was exercised on a materially incomplete factual foundation.

The judge said, the circumstances disclosed in the present case, as highlighted by the defendants, justified the exercise of the court’s jurisdiction in reversing its previous orders.

‘The Court therefore finds that the failure to disclose the order of 2nd April 2026, which had discharged and lifted the restrictions affecting the Applicants’ accounts, constituted a material non-disclosure in the circumstances of the ex parte application.

‘The subsequent procurement of an order imposing substantially similar restrictions without first disclosing and addressing the earlier order cannot be permitted to stand,’ Justice Nwite ruled and accordingly resolved the issue for determination in favour of the 1st to 4th Defendants/Applicants.

The judge ruled that, ‘the ex-parte order made by the Court on 2nd June 2026 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1004/2026, together with all consequential directives issued pursuant thereto, is hereby set aside and vacated.’

Consequently, the judge ordered that all freezing orders, restrictions, Post-No-Debit instructions or other encumbrances imposed upon the accounts or properties of the 1st to 4th Defendants/Applicants pursuant to the said Order of 2nd June 2026 be discharged and set aside.

According to data from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), 9,633 erroneous transactions were conducted on the Flutterwave POS platform on October 12 and 13, 2023, by 814 Flutterwave POS agents during the system glitch.

According to NIBSS, Flutterwave’s total exposure at the time was estimated at N21.2 billion. However, Flutterwave worked with banks to restrict the affected accounts, successfully preserving N7.2 billion.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) had noted that his team eventually arrested some suspected POS agents involved in the fraudulent activities and commenced investigations and litigation against the suspects.

Before Justice Nwite, the police, through a counter-affidavit, had maintained that the four respondents ‘are among those whose account receive volumes of money from the incident that happened on the Flutterwave platform.’

However, the respondents’ lawyers argued in their processes that an earlier order unfreezing their accounts, as issued by Justice Liman, remained ‘valid’ and had not been appealed against and accused the police team of engaging in a grave abuse of judicial process and forum shopping.

ABOUT 800 students from Kabba/Bunu and Ijumu local government areas of Kogi State have benefited from the Sunday Steve Karimi Education Foundation/Tinubu Support Group bursary scheme between 2024 and 2025.

The senator representing Kogi West senatorial district, Sunday Karimi, disclosed this at a town hall meeting with constituents in Kabba, the headquarters of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

The meeting formed part of his ongoing consultations across the three federal constituencies in Kogi West, during which he has been presenting his scorecard.

Karimi said 1,000 students benefited from his scholarship scheme in Kogi West in 2024, while 3,000 students benefited in the state in 2025.

He explained that 800 students from Kabba/Bunu and Ijumu received N100,000 each under the bursary programme, with 150 beneficiaries from each local government in 2024 and 250 from each in 2025.

He said preparations were underway for the 2026 edition, stressing that the annual bursary scheme was funded by him, and not part of his constituency projects.

He highlighted other education interventions, including the construction of schools, a N10 million donation to the Anglican Church Nursing School, Iyara, and the construction of three blocks of classrooms at Odo-Ape St. Barnabas and Iluke.

On infrastructure, Karimi said he had provided solar-powered boreholes in several communities in Kabba/Bunu-Ijumu federal constituency to improve access to potable water.

He also said he facilitated about N2 billion for the rehabilitation of the Kabba-Egbe road and secured an additional N6 billion from the minister of works to facilitate the contractor’s return to the site after 11 years of abandonment.

The senator added that he funded the reconstruction of Pakuta bridge, which links Aiyegunle Gbede, Kiri Kingdom, Kupa North and South, and parts of Niger State.

The collapsed bridge had caused years of economic hardship and disconnected communities from neighbouring areas.

He said the ongoing construction of the Kabba-Ilorin road will improve transportation, boost economic activities and help reduce insecurity across the senatorial district.

On empowerment, Karimi said his office had facilitated the provision of transformers to communities and empowered 50 cooperative societies in the federal constituency.

The Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Moses Akinwande Ogundana, has commended the Heart of Gold Support and Care Initiative (HOGSCI) and the Patrick Ejedawe Empowerment Foundation (PEEF) for their commitment to humanitarian service, empowerment and community development.

The monarch spoke at an empowerment programme organised as part of the annual Ogun Onikoyi cultural festival in Ikoyi-Ekiti.

Oba Ogundana, who served as the Royal Father of the Day, at the HOGSCI/PEEF luncheon and fundraiser, advocated sustained efforts to empower youths, women and vulnerable members of the community.

He said such initiatives are essential to grassroots development, adding that he attended the event not only in his traditional capacity but also because he identified with programmes that improve lives and give hope to humanity.

‘As a traditional ruler, I consider it part of my responsibility to identify with genuine initiatives that seek to improve lives, strengthen families and contribute positively to society,’ he said.

The monarch said empowerment should go beyond the distribution of money or materials, adding that sustainable empowerment must provide people with knowledge, skills, opportunities, resources and confidence to become productive and self-reliant.

He called for stronger collaboration among government, traditional institutions, foundations, philanthropists, corporate organisations and other development partners.

Describing youths as one of Ikoyi-Ekiti’s greatest assets, Oba Ogundana urged them to take advantage of education, vocational training, technology and entrepreneurship.

He advised young people to prepare for available opportunities and aspire to become entrepreneurs, professionals, artisans, innovators and community leaders rather than rely solely on paid employment.

The monarch also commended HOGSCI and PEEF for supporting women, youths and vulnerable people, urging stakeholders to sustain initiatives that promote economic independence, skills development and sustainable livelihoods.

On the cultural festival, Oba Ogundana urged residents to preserve values inherited from their ancestors, including hard work, courage, honesty, communal living, respect and responsibility.

He said culture could also serve as a tool for economic development, identifying traditional arts and crafts, food, fashion, music, history and festivals as areas capable of creating jobs and attracting visitors to Ikoyi-Ekiti.

Ogundana called for stronger partnerships among the traditional institution, government, foundations, philanthropists, corporate organisations, individuals and members of the Ikoyi-Ekiti diaspora.

According to him, no single institution can achieve meaningful development alone, adding that the collaboration among HOGSCI, PEEF and the traditional institution demonstrated the impact of shared commitment.

Youths and women from Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Sunday, protested what they described as distortion of the traditional process for selecting the next Oloba of Oba-Ile.

The protesters, who carried placards and marched through the community, demanded that the traditional method of selecting the monarch, which involves consultation of the Ifa oracle, be upheld.

They said the six kingmakers traditionally supervise the process and are expected to abide by the outcome of the spiritual consultation rather, than conduct an election, which they described as alien to the community’s tradition.

The protesters alleged that the kingmakers had earlier agreed to uphold whoever emerged through the established traditional process among the aspirants to the vacant stool.

They claimed that after the Ifa oracle selected a successor in the presence of the kingmakers, some individuals allegedly took them to the council secretariat at Iju-Ita Ogbolu and compelled them to conduct an election.

They described the alleged election as contrary to the tradition of Oba-Ile and called for its outcome to be discarded.

The leader of the protesters, Pastor Omoboyede Fagoroye, said the demonstration was organised to appeal to the kingmakers not to present a wrong candidate as the next Oloba.

Fagoroye said the two ruling houses: Elegbejeogbo and Omodara, had conducted spiritual consultations and produced one candidate each, adding that the kingmakers should subject the candidates to further traditional consultation.

He also expressed displeasure over the alleged inclusion of a candidate who was not part of the initial selection process, insisting that the oracle should determine the next monarch.

The protesters urged the relevant authorities and stakeholders to intervene, warning that imposing a monarch through a process contrary to the customs of the community could create tension and threaten peace.

The regent of the community, Princess Foluke Agunbiade, appealed for calm and assured the protesters that the kingmakers will do justice in selecting a new monarch.

The protesters appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and security agencies to wade into the matter.

They urged the authorities to ensure that the controversy over the selection of the next Oloba does not disrupt the peace and stability enjoyed in Oba-Ile.