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By Olatunde Ajayi

A member of House of Representatives, Remi Oseni has pledged to mobilise one million votes in Oyo State for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Oseni who is representing Ibarapa East/Ido in the House of Representatives made the promise on Sunday in Ibadan Oyo State while announcing his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat.

The lawmaker said his senate bid would further strengthen the president’s support base as it was anchored on consolidating grassroots support for the his re-election.

He added that Oyo must play a decisive role in returning Tinubu to office.

According to Oseni, the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president was in line with the vision and aspirations of his group, “Remi Oseni Community of Friends” (ROKOF), a value-driven movement for transformation at the grassroots.

He said that ROKOF had penetrated all the 33 local governments area in the state, making the target of delivering one million votes for the president more realistic.

“The mission of the ROKOF support group is quite simple: first, to rally support behind the re-election bid of the president in 2027. The second is to assist the APC in regaining power in the state in 2027.

“ROKOF seeks to provide a broader and equal political platform for our youth, women and professional members in our community and to empower our members to win elective positions in 2027.

“My commitment and loyalty to Mr President and the Renewed Hope Agenda remain unwavering, non-negotiable and sacrosanct.

“The re-election of the President remains my ultimate project ahead of the 2027 general election.

“Today, I state it clearly and unapologetically that the President is my ultimate political project. I am fully committed to mobilising all available structures and support across every segment of our society to ensure his re-election,” Oseni said.

He said that his membership of the House of Representatives has enabled him serve as a bridge of hope beyond his federal constituency to the entire people of Oyo State, working regardless of religion, tribe or status.

Oseni said that he had advocated for several policies, raised several motions, facilitated federal projects to his constituency and contributed to debates that serve the interests of the people as a member of the House of Representatives.

“I have not been a silent advocate in the National Assembly. I have been actively involved, contributed relevant motions, and championed progressive ideas.

“I want to win next year’s 2027 Oyo South Senatorial election for justice, better schools, quality education, scholarships, better jobs, healthcare for all and to create opportunities for youths and women through empowerment and entrepreneurial development.

“For me, politics has never been about personal growth. It has always been about service, sacrifice, and the creation of a better society for everyone.

“Since the beginning of my political journey in 2018, I have remained steadfast in my conviction that politics is a calling for service and not self-enrichment.

“My mission in life has always been very clear, that is, to utilise my God-given resources, talents, and opportunities to make life more meaningful and more enjoyable for ordinary citizens.

“I have served well and I am prepared to serve more,” he said.

The senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sen. Sharafadeen Alli, described Oseni as the best candidate to represent Oyo South Senatorial District in 2027.

He said that this was due to his brilliant performance as rep. member for Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency.

Alli, an APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State for the 2027 election, called for massive votes for President Bola Tinubu.

He said that APC members in the state must work hard in unity of purpose so as to reclaim government back for the party in Oyo State.

(NAN)

By Fabian Ekeruche

Three persons escaped death when a 40-foot containerised truck fell on car at Daleko Bridge inward Isolo through swift intervention of emergency responders, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has said.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Olawale Afolabi, Head, Public Affairs, LASEMA, made available on Monday in Lagos.

According to the statement, the incident, which occurred on April 26, involved a 40-foot containerised truck and a Toyota Camry with registration number BDJ-263SX.

The statement said LASEMA’s Eagle Response Team, on arrival at the scene, discovered that the container detached from a tow truck while ascending the bridge due to a mechanical fault traced to a broken turntable.

It said the container fell sideways onto the Toyota Camry, leading to a temporary shutdown of vehicular movement on the bridge.

The agency, however, said no life was lost and no injuries were recorded, as the three occupants of the car escaped unhurt.

It said emergency responders, including officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Nigerian Army, immediately carried out traffic diversion to prevent secondary incidents.

LASEMA added that recovery operations commenced with the deployment of its heavy-duty crane alongside a private crane.

“As of 1:48 a.m. on April 27, the fallen container had been restored to an upright position.

“However, due to damage to the truck’s chassis, the container remains unstable and is being held in place while its contents are being transloaded into another truck,” the agency said.

The statement quoted the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, as commending the coordinated response of all agencies involved.

Oke-Osanyitolu urged truck owners and logistics operators to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles to prevent avoidable accidents.

He also appealed to motorists to cooperate with traffic officials and make use of alternative routes pending full restoration of traffic on the bridge.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to report emergencies through the toll-free numbers 767 and 112.

A governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the education sector as part of efforts to build a better future for the next generation.

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Ajadi said his administration, if elected in 2027, would focus on harnessing grassroots talents while providing support for vulnerable and underprivileged children.

He announced plans to launch a “Back-to-School Initiative” on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, across the seven geopolitical zones of the state, in commemoration of the 2025/2026 third term resumption.

According to him, the programme aims to support over 200 vulnerable pupils with school uniforms, socks, sandals, and other educational materials.

Ajadi noted that the initiative would complement ongoing efforts by the administration of Seyi Makinde in addressing the challenge of out-of-school children.

The initiative, he added, is being implemented in partnership with the Catch Them Young Campaign Initiative to ensure that support reaches pupils in government-owned primary schools across the state.

In Ibadan, the first phase of the programme will cover selected schools, including Ode Aje Primary School, Kumapayi Primary School, Olodo; IDC Primary School, Odo-Ona; L. A Special School, Gate; and St. Luke’s Demonstration Basic School, Molete.

Ajadi further disclosed that the initiative would be extended to other zones of the state in the coming weeks.

The Lagos State Safety Commission has called for a shift in workplace safety standards to include mental wellbeing, as Lagos joined the global community to mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Director-General of the Commission, Lanre Mojola, said the 2026 commemoration underscores the urgent need to expand safety frameworks beyond physical protection to address psychosocial risks in the workplace.

In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Adewunmi Okoh, Mojola described the annual observance as a crucial platform for governments, employers and workers to reinforce commitments to safer and healthier work environments.

He noted that despite increased awareness, work-related accidents and occupational illnesses remain a significant global concern, requiring continuous action and innovation.

According to him, this year’s theme, “Good Psychosocial Working Environments: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organisations,” places emphasis on tackling workplace stressors linked to job design and organisational culture.

Mojola explained that factors such as excessive workload, poor communication, lack of support and weak reward systems contribute to psychosocial hazards, which can negatively affect both employee wellbeing and productivity.

He urged organisations to adopt a more people-centred approach, stressing that workers should be treated as partners rather than mere resources.

“Workplace safety must go beyond physical measures to include mental wellbeing, clear roles, manageable workloads and a supportive organisational culture,” he said.

The Safety Commission boss advocated flexible work arrangements and respect for work-life boundaries, warning against practices that compel employees to remain engaged outside official working hours.

He also called for the introduction of Employee Assistance Programmes, counselling services and stress management initiatives to help prevent burnout and improve overall performance.

Mojola reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening safety culture through the adoption of modern tools and proactive strategies aimed at reducing workplace incidents.

He urged stakeholders to use the occasion to reassess existing safety protocols and invest in systems that protect lives while enhancing productivity.

According to him, achieving safe and healthy workplaces requires collective responsibility, sustained commitment and continuous learning.

The annual observance, championed globally by the International Labour Organization and the United Nations, continues to spotlight evolving workplace risks, with increasing attention on mental health and psychosocial wellbeing as critical components of occupational safety.

Questions have emerged over the circumstances surrounding the international transfer of Nigerian striker Paul Ebere Onuachu from Togo to Europe, with allegations that due process may not have been followed.

Veteran sports journalist Segun Adenuga has claimed he facilitated the player’s early career move to a Togolese academy but has since lost contact with him.

Adenuga said he first spotted Onuachu in 2008 during a street football competition in Lagos and, impressed by his talent, decided to support his football ambitions.

He subsequently arranged for the player to join Liberty Sports Academy, securing an invitation and personally taking him to Togo.

According to Adenuga, the player was enrolled on a 24-month development programme but left the academy after 21 months without completing the agreed term.

He further alleged that neither he nor the academy has had any communication with the striker since his departure, adding that attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful.

The situation reportedly escalated when Onuachu later surfaced in Europe, playing for Danish side FC Midtjylland before moving on to KRC Genk.

The academy’s director, Tchakala Tchanile, in a protest letter dated November 16, 2021, alleged that the player was transferred without proper clearance from the academy. The letter called for an investigation into those responsible for what it described as an “illegal transfer.”

Adenuga also raised concerns over the issuance of the player’s International Transfer Certificate (ITC), questioning how the move to Europe was completed without official records from the Nigeria Football Federation.

He noted that the federation reportedly expressed lack of records regarding the transfer, further deepening the controversy.

Under FIFA regulations, clubs involved in a player’s development are entitled to compensation, a provision Adenuga said may have been breached in this case.

The development has reignited broader concerns about undocumented transfers of young African players to Europe and the enforcement of international football regulations.

A former presidential hopeful, Stanley Osifo, has stepped forward to seek the All Progressives Congress ticket for the 2027 election, signalling a possible intra-party contest despite mounting support for President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Osifo confirmed he would obtain the party’s nomination and expression of interest forms, priced at 100 million, ahead of the primaries.

His move comes as party leaders rally behind Tinubu. All 22 APC governors have already endorsed the president as their preferred candidate, a position that has steadily gained traction since May 2025.

Osifo, however, rejected suggestions that his ambition is being backed by Tinubu.

He said, “It is not strange to hear people say Tinubu is the one sponsoring me. Even when I wanted to run against Buhari in 2019, I was told the current president was bankrolling me.

“I can categorically tell you as I stand before you today that I have never benefited one Kobo from him. Thank God Asiwaju is still alive till today. If anybody has proof, let them show the world. So, I am not worried about such an insinuation.

“I am declaring interest and running for this ticket because of the strong conviction that I have. I have not been found wanting in any area or sanctioned for doing anything related to anti-party activities.”

He argued that endorsements by party stakeholders do not determine the eventual flagbearer, stressing that party rules and the constitution allow any qualified aspirant to contest.

“I am not against the governors or party leaders endorsing anybody. I am not out to fight anybody but we all have a constitutional right to pursue our ambitions.

“Again, there is no part of our party constitution that says that if anyone is endorsed, he automatically becomes the candidate of the party. There is no such law, even in the Nigerian constitution that highlights endorsement as a pathway to becoming a candidate.

“The party constitution clearly states that an aspirant can come out and run. INEC law also mandates an aspirant to vie for the ticket of any political office he qualifies for,” he stressed.

The APC has scheduled its presidential primary for 15 to 16 May. The nomination form costs 70 million, while the expression of interest form is 30 million.

Osifo’s declaration introduces a competitive edge to the race, even as allies of the president continue to push for a consensus candidacy.

Commissioner says 15 pupils already rescued

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Kogi Government has confirmed abduction of 23 pupils and wife of the proprietor of Dahallukitab Group of School located in an isolated area of Zariagi, along the Kabba Junction axis of Lokoja, the state capital.

However, 15 of the abducted pupils have been rescued, Kingsley Femi FanwoKogi Commissioner for Information and Communications said while confirming the incident in a statement on Monday.

According to him, gunmen stormed the school and abducted the pupils and wife of the proprietor at the unregistered orphanage and school facility late on Sunday April 26, 2026.

He said upon receiving the report, security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State, in collaboration with other security operatives, swiftly mobilized to the scene.

The prompt and coordinated response, Fanwo said led to the successful rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils.

He added that intensive operations are ongoing to secure the safe return of the remaining 8 victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

“The Kogi State Government commends the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the Police and other security agencies for rising decisively to the occasion,” the Kogi Commissioner said.

Fanwo added that preliminary findings indicated that the facility was operating illegally in a remote, bushy environment without registration with the State Government and the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies.

He therefore warned proprietor of such facilities to ensure that they are registered with government.

“While the Government remains fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims, it is important to stress that the operation of orphanages, schools, and similar institutions in isolated and vulnerable locations, without proper registration and notification to relevant authorities, poses serious security risks, especially in the current security climate.

“The Government strongly discourages such practices and reiterates the need for strict compliance with regulatory and safety protocols. All operators of such facilities are advised to engage with appropriate government agencies to ensure proper oversight, security assessment, and protection.

“The Kogi State Government reassures citizens of its uncompromising commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state. Security operations remain active, and every effort is being made to bring this situation under control,” Fanwo said while adding that further updates on the incident will be communicated as necessary.

By Victor Okoye

Emmanuel Benard and Victoria Uduak on Sunday emerged top winners in the men’s and women’s categories at the Akalaka Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event in Abuja.

Sixteen fighters thrilled fans at the Akalaka Spirit of the Warrior showdown at the 21 Arena, National Council for Arts and Culture.

The fight night tagged ‘Battle of Gwarinpa’, featured bouts in featherweight, bantamweight, lightweight, and strawweight divisions.

The headline bout saw Emmanuel ‘Knockout Machine’ Benard face Yakubu “Black Scorpion” Solomon.

The co-main event featured Victoria ‘The Hunter’ Uduak against Blessing “Chibok Girl” Shettima.

Benard won the best male fighter award after defeating Solomon by unanimous decision in the -61kg bantamweight bout, adjudged the best fight of the night.

Benard attributed his victory to discipline, strategy, and experience against a determined opponent.

“I stayed focused and trusted my training. My opponent was strong, but strategy made the difference,” he said.

He dedicated the win to his coach and fans who travelled from Lagos.

Uduak won the best female fighter, defeating Shettima by first-round technical knockout (TKO) in the 65kg featherweight division.

Nasirudeen Abdulkareem defeated Sunday George by first-round TKO in the men’s 61kg bantamweight category.

Balikis Quadri beat Cynthia Philips with a rear naked choke in the second round of the women’s -53kg strawweight division.

Michael Dawodu defeated Destiny Ekpo via second-round TKO in the men’s 66kg featherweight division.

Joseph James and David Ezekiel recorded a draw in the men’s 70kg lightweight category after scoring 74 points each.

Christopher Swande submitted Cornelius Godpower via triangle choke in the men’s 60kg bantamweight category.

Peter Onuh defeated Goodluck Opara by first-round TKO in the men’s 67kg featherweight division.

President of Akalaka, Dr Ebere Benard, said the event promotes youth development and discipline.

He said MMA helps redirect youths from social vices to productive ventures.

Benard, also Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF) Youth Development Director, said the platform discovers and nurtures talent.

He said the initiative provides exposure and opportunities for fighters to compete at higher levels.

Benard urged youths to reflect deeply on life and self-awareness.

He said martial arts promote honour, restraint, discipline, and peace beyond competition.

He decried insecurity and violence, calling for collective action.

“These challenges affect families and communities,” he said.

He urged leaders to embrace dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. “If fighters show respect, nations can choose peace over conflict,” he said.

He called for unity and humanity above division. “The greatest victory is over anger, chaos, and hatred,” he said.

Idowu Olusareyo, CEO of Option A International, sponsor of the event, commended the organisers for promoting grassroots sports.

He said the event provided a platform for emerging Nigerian MMA athletes. He noted it was Akalaka’s third MMA outing in Abuja.

“There is huge talent in Nigeria. Supporting such events gives fighters needed exposure,” he said.

Abubakar Marwa of Marwa Self Defence, a technical partner, lauded the success of the fight night and the excitement it brought to the city of Abuja.

(NAN)

By Tolulope Oke

Human rights lawyer and political activist Deji Adeyanju has described President Bola Tinubu as a formidable political operator, saying the president has mastered the art of winning elections and controlling power.

Adeyanju, a known critic of Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, made the remarks during an appearance on the Honest Bunch Podcast, where he said the president remains a difficult opponent to defeat, even in a free and fair contest.

During the podcast, Adeyanju praised Tinubu’s political acumen, saying that despite the fierce opposition to his administration, Tinubu possesses a unique ability to maintain control over Nigeria’s political landscape.

“Jagaban knows how to win, even in a free and fair election,” Adeyanju stated. He further acknowledged the president’s remarkable ability to dominate the political field, pointing out that “32 governors are working for him,” and even politicians like Alex Otti are loyal to him.

“Jagaban is above everybody,” Adeyanju added, emphasizing that Tinubu’s network of supporters and allies, especially within the APC, makes him an overwhelming force in Nigerian politics.

Adeyanju also pointed to Tinubu’s ability to build alliances, saying the president’s political machine is unparalleled. He admitted that the APC holds a commanding position, and that the only party that could possibly mount a serious challenge to the APC’s dominance is the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has opened up on the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, saying the late military ruler’s death exposed a dangerous level of security complacency within the government at the time.

Obasanjo, who succeeded Murtala after the failed coup of February 13, 1976, said the tragedy might not have happened in the manner it did if the leadership had taken security more seriously.

Speaking during an interview on News Central TV, the former president blamed what he described as “naivety” for the relaxed security arrangement around Murtala.

According to Obasanjo, Murtala was a bold and confident leader who believed he was doing the right thing for Nigeria and therefore had nothing to fear.

But Obasanjo said that belief became a costly mistake.

He recalled that Murtala moved around Lagos with little concern for personal security, even driving himself as military Head of State.

Obasanjo said he had warned Murtala about the danger of such exposure, but the late leader did not treat the matter with the seriousness it deserved.

“Murtala would not have been killed the way he was killed if not for our naivety,” Obasanjo said.

He added that the leadership at the time wrongly assumed that because they were working in the interest of the country, no one would move against them.

“Our belief was that he was doing what was right. So what did we need to fear?” Obasanjo said.

The former president explained that the government was not expecting the level of conspiracy that later unfolded. According to him, the relaxed attitude toward security created an opening that the coup plotters exploited.

Murtala was assassinated in Lagos during a failed coup led by soldiers opposed to his regime. His death abruptly ended a government that had promised sweeping reforms and a transition to civilian rule.

Obasanjo said the incident became a brutal lesson for the military leadership, forcing them to rethink how national leaders should be protected.

He noted that courage in leadership must never be confused with carelessness, especially in a country where power struggles can turn deadly.

The former president’s comments revive memories of one of Nigeria’s most dramatic political assassinations and raise fresh questions about how leaders balance public confidence with personal security