Category: PM News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May God please intervene.’

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nigeria’s military has listed killing of many terrorists, arrest of 450 suspects, and rescue of 180 kidnapped victims among the achievements of its troops involved in ongoing counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations nationwide in September.

Also, 39 terrorists voluntarily surrendered, while troops recovered 63 assorted arms, and 4,475 rounds of ammunition within the month, Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, stated this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Kangye listed some of the items recovered to include grenades, IED-making materials, communication gadgets, vehicles, motorcycles, and logistics supplies used in perpetrating crimes.

Giving breakdown of the operations, Kangye said in the North East, troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation HADIN KAI, had sustained momentum against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States.

He said the troops operations led to the elimination of several terrorists and the arrest of 21 collaborators, informants, and sympathisers, with a large cache of arms and ammunition in Konduga, Gwoza, Mafa, Monguno, Damboa, Biu, and Kukawa.

Kangye said the troops also dismantled terrorist camps, intercepted logistics networks, and supported the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

In the North West, Kangye said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out clearance and rescue operations in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kaduna States.

He added that troops killed many bandits and apprehended 46 suspects, including a wanted terrorist kingpin, Ali Saidu.

According to him, a total of 13 kidnapped victims were rescued during these operations, which also disrupted key bandit supply routes in Maradun, Isa, and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas.

‘Under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops responded to distress calls and conducted clearance operations in Plateau and Kaduna States, where several extremists were neutralised, 12 suspects arrested, and 4 kidnapped victims rescued.

‘Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised criminals and arrested six suspects in Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa States, and parts of the FCT, rescuing two kidnapped victims,’ he said.

In the South East, Kangye said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised terrorists and apprehended four others, with weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and improvised explosive devices recovered in Anambra and Imo States.

Kangye reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring peace and stability across all parts of the country, working closely with other security agencies and Hybrid Forces.

‘Our gallant troops will continue to sustain offensive operations and intelligence-driven missions until lasting peace is achieved in all troubled parts of Nigeria,’ he said.

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

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

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

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

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

The world oil market is facing a shock as OPEC plans to increase oil production. Oil prices fell again on Thursday, marking the fourth straight day of decline.

Brent crude dropped to its lowest level since early June, as traders worried about too much oil in the market.

Sources say OPEC+ may agree to raise production by as much as 500,000 barrels per day in November three times more than the increase for October. Saudi Arabia is reportedly leading this move to regain its share of the market.

Jorge Montepeque, Managing Director of Onyx Capital Group, said some banks, including Macquarie, are warning of a possible ‘super glut’ meaning there could be far more oil than needed, which is lowering market confidence.

Meanwhile, the finance ministers of the G7 countries said on Wednesday they plan to increase pressure on Russia by targeting those who keep buying Russian oil.

The United States also plans to give Ukraine intelligence to help with long-range missile strikes on Russian energy sites. According to officials, this will help Ukraine attack refineries, pipelines, and other key facilities to cut Russia’s oil revenue.

UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said there are renewed concerns that Russian oil supplies could be disrupted. However, he added that unless actual disruptions occur, the effect on oil prices will likely be small.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says a total of 16 officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria are to face military justice over alleged acts of indiscipline and breach of service regulations.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Saturday in Abuja.

Gusau said the officers were apprehended during a routine military exercise following investigations into various acts considered inconsistent with military discipline and service ethics.

According to him, findings revealed that some of the officers’ grievances were linked to perceived career stagnation arising from repeated failure in promotion examinations and other service-related issues.

‘Some of the apprehended officers had earlier been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial.

‘Their conduct was found incompatible with the standards of the military service,’ he said.

Gusau explained that upon conclusion of investigations, all indicted personnel would face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and established military justice procedures.

He said that the ongoing action was purely disciplinary and part of routine efforts to preserve order, discipline and professionalism in the armed forces.

He assured the public that the military remained committed to upholding its core values of loyalty, integrity, and constitutional obedience under democratic authority.

‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria will not tolerate any behaviour that undermines its cohesion or threatens its constitutional role.

The military remains fully committed to professionalism and the defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty,’ he added.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga says those who have condemned the Lagos-Calabar Highway currently being constructed will be ashamed of themselves when it is completed.

Onanuga implied that the highway, a flagship infrastructure project of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is already transforming commuting in Lagos.

In a post shared on Facebook, Onanuga described his recent experience traveling from Ajah to Isaac John Street in Ikeja, a journey that typically takes upwards of two hours during peak periods.

He said though construction is ongoing, the stretch from Ogombo to Ahmadu Bello Way has ‘greatly blessed users, slashing commuting time by more than 50 per cent.’

Onanuga wrote: ‘The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of President Bola Tinubu’s best gifts to Nigeria. Those who have condemned this historic project will be ashamed of themselves when the Tinubu administration completes the road. Though construction is ongoing, the stretch from Ogombo to Ahmadu Bello Way has greatly blessed users, slashing commuting time by more than 50 per cent.

‘On Friday morning, when I set out from Ajah to Isaac John in Ikeja, Google Maps first indicated the journey would last two and a half hours. But in a flash, it showed me an alternative route that will last just 70 minutes. I took the option and found myself on the Coastal Road. In less than 25 minutes, we arrived at the Ahmadu Bello end of the road. Except for the traffic snarl at the MRS fuel station caused by motorists queuing for Dangote petrol, the journey to Ikeja was smooth sailing.

‘We arrived in Ikeja in a record 65 minutes on a usually traffic-busy Friday. Blessed be the visioner and dreamer, and blessed be the contractors for the quality work on the road.’

The 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could be described as among the most ambitious infrastructure projects undertaken in Nigeria in recent years. When completed, it is expected to link Lagos with coastal cities in nine states, enhancing connectivity, boosting commerce, and easing congestion in key urban areas.

The Kogi Police Command and banks are in strong synergy to counter any emerging financial security threats in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the synergy followed a collaborative discussion the command had with the members of bankers forum on Friday in Lokoja.

The commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Miller Dantawaye said the move was meant to address security concerns and also in enhance preparation for high-risk periods like Christmas and Sallah.

He said that it also provided avenues for both parties to review and improve on existing security strategies to counter emerging security threats.

He emphasised the importance of installing and maintaining effective CCTV system in and around banking premises to provide continuous monitoring.

‘There’s need for preventive measures against potential threats and ensure safety during the yuletide period.

‘As a forum, you need to ensure adequate police escorts for cash -in- transit and a stronger police presence in banking areas.

‘Again, deployment of armed security guards to patrol the bank premises, creating a strong visual deterrent against criminal activities is vital, ‘ he said.

Dantawaye warned the forum against compromising the security in and around the banking sector.

According to him, there is need for improved collaboration between the Police and the bankers forum to create a more secured financial environment.

NAN reports that the meeting had in attendance, members of the command’s management team, and representative of bankers forum, who represented the collective interest of the banking industry in the state.

Beninese-French singer-songwriter and Grammy-award winning icon, Angélique Kidjo, has praised Nigerian Afrobeats star, Rema.

The singer lauded Rema for his global success, stating that he embodies the global takeover of the Afrobeats genre of music.

While speaking about the artist’s latest honor, the TIME 100 Next honors, Kidjo revealed her love for Rema’s song, stating that it reflects African originality.

‘I fell in love with Rema’s Calm Down. It has a unique flow and feel, not mimicking Western pop,’ Kidjo wrote. ‘It is rooted in Africa but also catchy and virtuosic. I love to sing it. The young Nigerian superstar has accomplished so much. Rema is the embodiment of the international success of Afrobeats. Thanks to artists like him, African music is at the forefront of global culture,’ she wrote on Instagram.

Rema in turn, responded to the praises with a comment on the post.

Gratitude Queen. I’m honored,’ he wrote.

Jumia, Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, has been recognised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) for its dedication to consumer rights and service excellence.

The company received the Consumer-Friendly Business Award at the maiden edition of the Consumer Service Week Awards 2025, held on Tuesday, September 30, at Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa, Ikeja.

The event, themed ‘Fairness, Transparency, and Trust: Strengthening Consumer Confidence in the Marketplace,’ celebrated organisations that promote ethical business practices and safeguard consumer confidence.

Jumia was honoured for its seamless shopping experience, transparent return and refund policies, and responsive customer support.

Marilyn Oruwari, COO of Jumia Nigeria, described the recognition as a validation of the company’s customer-first approach:

‘Everything begins with the customer, from building digital tools that make shopping safer to resolving issues swiftly and fairly. This award reflects our team’s passion for innovation and integrity.’

LASCOPA said the award was designed to encourage consumer-friendly practices while spotlighting companies that uphold fairness, trust, and accountability.

Over the years, Jumia has strengthened consumer protection through educational campaigns, efficient dispute resolution, and after-sales support-efforts that not only safeguard shoppers but also advance Nigeria’s digital economy.

Oruwari added that Jumia remains committed to leveraging technology and transparency to make everyday life easier for Nigerians.