Category: PM News

The Wasimi community in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State marked a historic moment on Saturday, 8 November 2025, as Dr Freeman Osonuga and Mrs. Damilola Osonuga were formally installed as the Asiwaju Baaloro and Yeye Asiwaju Baaloro of Wasimi Land.

The installation was performed by Oba Sufian Adisa Sunday Jolaosho Soludero Ilufemiloye I, during the second anniversary celebration of his ascension as the Olu of Wasimi Land.

The colourful ceremony, held at the Baptist Central Nursery and Primary School playground, drew traditional rulers, community leaders, residents and invited guests from across Ogun State. It featured prayers, cultural displays and goodwill visits from neighbouring monarchs.

Prominent royal fathers in attendance included Oba Abdulfatai Akamo, Olu of Itori; Oba Abdul Rasaq Famuyiwa, Onipapa of Papalatoro; and Oba Mathew Ajibulu, Olu Onigbedun.

They were joined by respected chiefs such as High Chief Dr Rotimi Olasode Martins, the Jagunmolu of Owu Kingdom, and Chief Ademola Lawal, the Akogun of Epe.

In his remarks, Dr Osonuga described the installation as a call to service rather than a ceremonial honour.

“I see this title as work, not recognition alone. It is a reminder that community leadership requires consistency and a willingness to support the people,” he said.

He noted that his long-standing relationship with the Wasimi community made the decision to accept the title an easy one, adding that he hoped to contribute meaningfully to local development.

“Our traditional system remains one of the strongest structures for grassroots development. When the palace calls you to serve, it is an opportunity to contribute to stability and growth. I intend to play my part,” he added.

Dr Osonuga also pledged to support community-led initiatives, especially those involving young people.

“Many of the challenges communities face today require collaboration. I hope to work closely with Kabiyesi and other stakeholders to strengthen areas where residents need support.”

He expressed gratitude to the royal fathers present, saying their attendance underscored the value of unity among communities.

“The presence of our royal fathers today shows that communities thrive when leaders work together. Development is not achieved through isolation.”

In his address, Oba Jolaosho said the titles reflected the community’s confidence in the Osonugas’ ability to add value to local affairs.

He urged them to work closely with the palace and residents in promoting the aspirations of the people.

“We believe they will support the growth and progress of Wasimi. Their contributions over the years made this honour fitting,” the monarch stated.

Women leaders and youth representatives also praised the installation of Mrs Damilola Osonuga as Yeye Asiwaju Baaloro, describing it as a strengthening of female representation in community leadership.

Cultural performances and a reception followed the installation ceremony. Palace officials said the choice of honourees came after consultations and was influenced by their charitable efforts in the community.

The monarch’s anniversary celebrations will continue with outreach visits to community groups and review meetings on ongoing development projects.

For residents, the dual celebration of the king’s coronation anniversary and the installation of new leaders made the day a major milestone in Wasimi’s evolving traditional governance.

By Jethro Ibileke

The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Osamwonyi Evbaguehita Atu, has sparked public outrage and condemnation after pledging a cash reward of 300,000 to Ehimare Erewele, for allegedly assaulting a government critic, Albert Obaze, in the United Kingdom. The State representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Patrick Aisowieren, and the Acting Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Gabriel Iduseri, also pledged 500,000 and 300,000 respectively to the assailant. It would be recalled that Obaze, a popular social media influencer known for his critical commentary on governance and developments in Edo, was reportedly confronted and assaulted by Erewele, popularly known as “Double Chief,” during a livestream in the UK. The trio of Atu, Aisowieren and Iduseri were seen in a viral video exchanging banter with the attacker while making the monetary pledges and commending him for the assault, a development that has drawn widespread criticism. Concerned citizens lamented that the gestures amount to promoting hostility and normalising violence. A resident, Iyesurobo Victor, said public officials ought to exemplify tolerance, not encourage aggression. According to him, “Leaders should be examples of restraint and promoters of peace, not sponsors of aggression. Such behaviour from public office holders undermines the dignity of leadership and raises questions about the values being promoted by those in authority. “If individuals can openly fund an act of assault on another, what stops them from influencing elections through questionable means?”

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has given his thoughts ahead of tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash between Chelsea and Barcelona, predicting that the Blues will come out on top with a 2-1 victory.

Chelsea welcome the LaLiga giants to Stamford Bridge as they continue their Champions League campaign under manager Enzo Maresca. The London side go into the match with confidence after securing a solid Premier League win over Burnley at the weekend.

Barcelona also head into the encounter in good form. Hansi Flick’s men produced an impressive performance in their last league game, thrashing Athletic Club 4-0 at the Camp Nou. Despite that strong showing, Leboeuf believes Chelsea have what it takes to beat them.

Speaking to OLBG about his prediction, Leboeuf said:

“Being positive, I think Chelsea will win 2-1. Barcelona are playing a very high defensive line, and to me, that is a risky and unnecessary approach. I honestly don’t understand Hansi Flick’s tactics in that regard.

“As a defender, I would refuse to play in such a system. If you make us defend that high up the pitch, you expose us too much. I’d rather sit on the bench than be made to look foolish.”

The former World Cup winner suggested that Chelsea can take advantage of Barcelona’s defensive strategy, especially with their pace in attack, which could create dangerous opportunities behind Baraa’s backline.

With both teams in good form, tonight’s match promises to deliver excitement, intensity, and possibly the turning point in their Champions League journey.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as the Renewed Hope Ambassador, a new role designed to amplify the administration’s reform agenda ahead of the national launch of the Federal Government’s Ward Development Programme.

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, also makes Uzodimma the Director-General for Party Outreach, Engagement and Mobilisation, placing him at the centre of nationwide political messaging and grassroots mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the governor will work closely with APC leaders and governors to “evangelise the Tinubu administration’s programme.”

Uzodimma, who also chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, will be expected to “ensure harmony, inclusiveness and strategic coordination across all levels of the party,” while mobilising and engaging citizens. APC governors will serve alongside him as Ambassadors of Hope, the statement added.

President Tinubu charged him to ensure that Nigerians “are aware of and understand the administration’s achievements,” particularly reforms introduced since taking office in May 2023.

The Presidency outlined several gains under the Tinubu administration, noting that reforms were “already yielding positive outcomes for the Nigerian economy.”

Inflation, previously at record highs, has reportedly fallen for seven consecutive months to 16.05% in October, aAccording to the statement. It also claimed that the naira has stabilised while foreign reserves have risen to over $46 billion, up from the $32 billion inherited in 2023.

The Presidency said investor confidence has returned, with increased foreign direct and portfolio inflows, especially in the oil and gas sector.

It also highlighted strong stock market performance, growing diversification into solid minerals, and the enrolment of over 700,000 students under the new educational loan programme.

Other improvements highlighted include a faster passport processing timeline, with Nigerians now able to obtain travel passports in “no longer than one week.”

Uzodimma’s new role is expected to spearhead a nationwide communication effort to reinforce the administration’s “Renewed Hope” message. The Ward Development Programme, scheduled for launch soon, is seen as a critical component of the next phase of grassroots development and mobilisation.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that Uzodimma and his fellow APC governors will vigorously promote the administration’s achievements and milestones across all states.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has maintained that the Department of State Services (DSS) unlawfully entered its Abuja office on September 9, 2024. The rights group dismissed claims suggesting that its deputy director “admitted to no invasion” as false.

In a statement on Tuesday, SERAP said, “We stand by our statements on oath, statements of defence, and the correct court proceedings on Monday, November 24, 2025, confirming that DSS unlawfully invaded SERAP’s office on September 9, 2024.”

DSS officials had entered SERAP’s office, requesting to see the organisation’s directors, but later claimed they were conducting a routine investigation. The Service also filed a N5 billion defamation suit against SERAP, under the names of DSS officials Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, alleging that the rights group’s claims damaged their reputations.

SERAP said reports of the November 24 court hearing contained inaccuracies that misrepresented what transpired in court. The organisation stressed that its legal team, including five senior lawyers from Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), was fully present during the hearing.

“The use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) by Nigerian authorities against citizens and organisations peacefully exercising their rights is unconstitutional and violates Nigeria’s international human rights obligations,” SERAP added. “These authoritarian practices will surely fail.”

The Embassy of France in Nigeria has officially launched the FEF “Bilingual and Competitive” Project, a two-year initiative aimed at strengthening the employability and global mobility of Nigerian graduates through French language proficiency.

According to the Embassy, the project, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs through the French Embassy Fund (FEF), was developed following a nationwide assessment and consultations with universities, students, educators, and businesses. The findings highlighted the strategic importance of French as a tool for professional development and international engagement.

The Embassy stated that the initiative would combine advanced language training with career-oriented programmes, including the creation of a Master’s programme in French for Specific Purposes. This programme is designed to link French learning to professional fields such as business, diplomacy, medicine, and technology, providing students with skills that directly enhance their career prospects.

Officials further explained that the project would establish French Resource and Employability Centres across participating universities. These centres are intended to provide modern teaching materials, digital resources, workshops, and teacher-training programmes to strengthen both language skills and employability.

The Embassy reported that advocacy efforts would also form a central part of the initiative, promoting bilingualism as a driver of innovation, job creation, and stronger partnerships between academia and industry.

The GAF (Groupe des Ambassadeurs Francophones), which brings together the 33 francophone embassies represented in Nigeria, reaffirmed its collective support for the FEF ‘Bilingual and Competitive’ initiative through the voice of its president, the Ambassador of Tunisia. For the GAF, this project is a powerful opportunity to support Nigerian youth and to strengthen the bridges between Nigeria and the wider Francophone world.

The first cohort of beneficiary universities has been announced. Twelve “Gold Level” universities, including the University of Abuja, Rivers State University, Kaduna State University, University of Ilorin, Lagos State University, and Obafemi Awolowo University, will receive comprehensive support to establish full French Resource Centres. Nine “Silver Level” universities, such as the University of Ibadan, University of Port Harcourt, Ahmadu Bello University, and University of Calabar, will receive support to strengthen their French departments and clubs.

The Embassy highlighted that the expected impact of the project includes enhanced teaching practices in French, improved employability for graduates with internationally recognized French certifications, wider use of French in professional and academic environments, and contributions to reducing youth unemployment and brain drain.

Representatives emphasized that the launch reflects France’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment, educational innovation, and gender equality in Nigeria, and aims to cultivate a bilingual, professionally agile generation ready to engage with global opportunities.

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora in Niger State has released the complete list of 265 students and teachers from St. Mary’s School, Papiri, who remain abducted following last week’s attack.

Gunmen stormed the school on November 21, initially abducting 315 people, including 303 students and 12 staff members.

According to the diocese, 50 of the students have since escaped, while 239 pupils from the nursery and primary sections, 14 secondary school students, and all 12 teachers are still in captivity. The names of those still held have been officially published by the diocese.

Security agencies continue to work on the safe release of the remaining victims as the community and parents await updates. The Catholic Diocese emphasized the importance of tracking the whereabouts of the abducted students and staff to ensure their swift return.

Teachers and non-academic staff

1.Bitrus Yohanna 2.Cyril Bagudu 3.Mercy Yohanna 4.Justina Yakubu 5.Terry Francis 6.Emmanuel Ibrahim 7.Godwin James 8.Lydia Andrew 9.Hannatu Bulus 10.Yohanna Daniel Dogonyaro 11.Agnes Joseph 12.Anna Terry

Secondary school students

1.Amos kiloybas 2.Onah Benedict 3.Bulus Ezra 4.Anthony Linus 5.Dauda Zacharia 6.Bulus Gustave 7.Ejeh Mathew 8.Iliya John 9.Joshua Philip 10.Samaila Habila 11.Simon Christopher 12.Yohanna Cephas 13.Christopher Justice 14.Samuel Michael

Nursery and primary school pupils

1.Natherniel Andrew 2.Shalom Terry 3.Ajikovi Andrew 4.Zacharia Sabastine 5.John Lois 6.Yohanna Veronica 7.Emmanuel Ibrahim 8.Ayuba Linus 9.Bulus Christopher 10.Ibrahim Micah 11.Joshua Dogara 12.Marcus Stephen 13.Samuel Peter 14.Simon Wisdom 15.Yahaya Vincent 16.Yakubu Yahaya 17.Yohanna Micah 18.Ibrahim Agnes 19.Musa Celestina 20.Timothy Rejoice 21.Serah James 22.Tanko Bitrus 23.Christopher Yunusa 24.Julius Dimas 25.Godwin Sunday 26.Joseph Samuel 27.Silas Timothy 28.Habila Bulus 29.Anthony Godwin 30.Alheri Sunday 31.Lovina Samuel 32.Naomi Zacharia 33.Goodness Elisha 34.Habiba Sunday 35.Redeemer Iliya 36.Joy Ibrahim 37.Rejoice Luka 38.Sarah Luka 39.Samson Luka 40.Amos Gabriel 41.Ayuba Josiah 42.Bitrus Linus 43.Bulus Ayuba 44.Hanna Daniel 45.Ezekiel Shedrack 46.Peter Julius 47.Yakubu Joseph 48.Philip Iliya 49.Juliet Alex 50.Patricia Ayuba 51.Ishaya Libiya 52.Simon Iliya 53.Theresa Ibrahim 54.Veronica Michael 55.Patience Musa 56.Victoria Sunday 57.Gloria Yohanna 58.Veronica Iliya 59.Pius Yakubu 60.Lois Samaila 61.Nagode Augustine 62.Abednego Ishaya 63.Ayuba Blessed 64.Emmanuel Cleopas 65.Emmanuel Godwin 66.Emmanuel Dauda 67.Emmanuel Habila 68.Jonathan Ishaku 69.Michael Augustine 70.Michael Sunday 71.Mathew Nathaniel 72.Samuel Philip 73.Yohanna Ezra 74.Yohanna Samson 75.Yusuf Samson 76.Yakubu Stephen 77.Yakubu Caleb 78.Yakubu Andrew 79.Yakubu Pius 80.Yohanna Caleb 81.Habila Alheri 82.Musa Helina 83.Okoye Praise 84.Patrick Felicity 85.Samaila Blessing 86.Samaila Lois 87.Samuel Stephen 88.Yunusa Margret 89.Dauda Samaila 90.Anthony Maikai 91.Habila Micah 92.Ishaku Mathew 93.Joshua Nicodemus 94.Musa Yusuf 95.Yakubu Lazarus 96.Ayuba Zafaniya 97.Luka Musa 98.Ishaku Anthony 99.Yohanna Lawrence 100.Michael Friday 101.Yohanna Benjamin 102.Anthony Philip 103.Ezekiel Yahaya 104.Samaila Jonathan 105.Yohanna Emmanuel 106.Yohanna Jonathan 107.Philip Ishaya 108.Emmanuela Amos 109.Benedicta Anthony 110.Murna Ezra 111.Christiana Nuhu 112.Blessing Musa 113.Rose Peter 114.Biskila Yahaya 115.Hope Johnson 116.Anthony Simon 117.Bitrus Cephas 118.Ezekiel Shedrack 119.Ishaku Samuel 120.Joshua Gabriel 121.Joshua habila 122.Miachael Imirya 123.Nuhu Eli 124.Sunday Philip 125.Timothy Isah 126.Yusuf Joel 127.Samson James 128.Habila S. Cephas 129.Mathew Yahaya 130.Mercy Daniel 131.Patience Ezekiel 132.Rose Iliya 133.Rejoice Joshua 134.Rita Markus 135.Clementina Oluwasegun 136.Blessing Paul 137.Fibi Samuel 138.Grace Sunday 139.Roseline Markus 140.Musa Nehemiah 141.Yohanna Dominic 142.Divine Yohanna 143.Musa Shedrack 144.Samson Sarah 145.Dominic Sabina 146.Ishaya Jonathan 147.Daniel Anthony 148.Njikonge Joseph 149.Ezekiel Francis 150.Isah Julius 151.Ishaya Sunday 152.Luka Ebenezer 153.Luka Samaila 154.Markus Peter 155.Samuel Joseph 156.Iliya Paul 157.Madubueze Favour 158.Theresa Zacharia 159.Rebecca Bulus 160.Justina Daniel 161.Saraya Ezekiel 162.Grace Irmiya 163.Jannet Ishaku 164.Naomi James 165.Jannet John 166.Veronica Luka 167.Grace Mathew 168.Happy Samaila 169.Faith Yohanna 170.Victoria Yohanna 171.Agnes Yusuf 172.Isa Julius 173.Moses Simon 174.Cikarfe Timothy 175.Ezra Jonathan 176.Irmiya Habila 177.Iliya Dominic 178.Magaji Mathew 179.Amos Istifanus 180.Chime Onyeaka 181.Daniel Lawrence 182.Ezekiel Cleopas 183.Joel Philip 184.Nuhu Genesis 185.Peshe Yakubu 186.Peter Irmiya 187.Yakubu Omega 188.Yohanna Linus 189.Felicia Andrew 190.Eunice Bitrus 191.Victoria Bulus 192.Onyebuchi Chime 193.Felistina Dauda 194.Rejoice Emmanuel 195.Jessica Ishaku 196.Sabina Ibrahim 197.Blessing Luka 198.Paulina Peter 199.Felicia Musa 200.Grace Yakubu 201.Lawrence Yohanna 202.Esther Yusuf 203.Chikumachi Peter Jagaba 204.Amos Yahaya 205.Ayuba Zacharia 206.Bulus Saminu 207.Jeremiah Ezra 208.Isah Jemilu 209.Samuel Pius 210.Samuel Stephen 211.Iliya Dominic 212.Donald Yusuf 213.Agnes Amos 214.Grace Emmanuel 215.Blessing Joshua 216.Suzanna Musa 217.Dorcas Mathew 218.Patience Yusuf 219.Mary Yohanna 220.Ruth Yakubu 221.Goodness Daniel 222.Lois Emmanuel 223.Biskila Peter 224.Daniel Caleb 225.Emmanuel Amos 226.Emmanuel Joseph 227.Ishaya James 228.Ishaya Shedrack 229.Nufi Nathan 230.Yohanna Christopher 231.Yohanna Prosper 232.Nwaolisa Chijioke 233.Mathar Iliya 234.Happy Jeremiah 235.Precious Okoye 236.Ketura Sunday 237.Salomi Sunday 238.Susan Zacharia 239.Florence Michael

Nigerian media personality Ariyike Owolagba, popularly known as Ariyiike Dimples, has opened up on a church experience that made her quit going to church.

While speaking during an episode of the Open Up podcast, Ariyiike revealed that she has stopped going to church for three years.

The actress explained that she was judged by her choice of dressing by an elder in the church. She added that the experience made her feel unwelcomed and judged by the community.

“In my community church, you see only elderly people. You barely see the young ones. The young ones have gone to other churches. It was too serious. Yes, you can have your doctrines, but there is a way you can simplify it for young people and take them in without judging them. The reason I stopped going to church was because I wore a pencil skirt to church and an elderly woman said I will go to hell fire. I was shocked and felt wrongly judged so I stopped going to church for 3 years. And thankfully, I was already out of my parents’ house,” she said.

Ariyiike also recalled that the elder in question took the issue a step further by reporting her to her father. She added that that she avoided the community church to avoid drama and judgement.

“The woman reported me to my dad. I had to take picture of the skirt and send to my mum to prove that I wasn’t dressing indecently. But my dad believed in the ideology of a community raising a child. So, I chose to avoid the community church so that they won’t see me,” she recalled.

The actress, however, stated that her decision to quit going to church did not affect her faith in God.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has arrived in Kebbi State on an official visit aimed at strengthening security collaboration and assessing police operations in the state.

During the visit, the IGP is expected to meet with the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, to discuss ongoing security challenges and explore areas requiring additional federal support.

He will also address officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, where he is likely to speak on operational discipline, community policing, and the force’s evolving security strategies.

Egbetokun’s visit comes as the police intensify efforts to tackle banditry, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes affecting parts of the North-West.

Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has renewed his call for a non-kinetic solution to Nigeria’s insecurity, insisting that many armed groups are willing to surrender their weapons if properly engaged.

He made this known on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he argued that dialogue and negotiation should be prioritised over an exclusively military approach.

Gumi questioned why the government continues to rely mainly on force when, aAccording to him, several fighters are prepared to embrace peace.

He noted that even globally, major military powers have struggled against guerrilla-style conflicts. “We have people who are ready to put down their arms, so why do you always decide it has to be kinetic?” he asked.

“Even America could not succeed in Afghanistan, and Israel could not succeed in a small strip of land. Our army is not designed for guerrilla warfare; no army is designed for the kind of people we are facing now.”

When asked whether individuals who show remorse should be reintegrated, he explained the difference between communal conflict and personal criminality.

He said that communal clashes are complex because entire communities may be involved, making prosecution difficult.

He recalled that after the Nigerian civil war, despite atrocities and massive casualties, those responsible were eventually pardoned because the conflict was communal in nature.

However, he stressed that individual crimes, such as one person killing another, must still be addressed through the law.

Gumi also stated that he would support a pardon for the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, if Kanu expresses genuine remorse and a willingness to pursue peace.