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The Physical Planning Unit of the Oyo State Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, has commended Fendini Group for setting new standard in estate development.

This followed high-level delegation inspection visit to Rayfield Gardens City Estate in Ibadan, an estate developed by Fendini Group.

The team led by the Director of Physical Planning, Dr. Oladiran Olaide, who undertook extensive tour of the estate expressed delight at the scale of development, meticulous layout, and commitements to strict adherence to approved building plans and physical planning regulation.

Oladiran said, ‘The government will continue to support developers who follow due process. The safety and well-being of residents remain paramount, and we urge all subscribers to continue to build strictly according to approved standards.’

In his remark, the Chief Executive Officer of Fendini Group, Prince Adelaja Adeoye described Rayfield Gardens City as a flagship Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project between Fendini Group and the Oyo State Government, facilitated by the Oyo State Investment Public Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA).

He said, ‘This partnership demands collective responsibility from all stakeholders to eliminate any risk to lives or the environment.’

He praised the investor-friendly policies of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, highlighting seamless and digitized approval processes introduced by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

‘The digitization of title searches and building approvals has made transactions transparent, fast, and reliable. It is phasing out sharp practices and building unprecedented trust in the real estate sector. Oyo State is now the most attractive destination for genuine investors who want their investments protected.’

Adeoye also revealed that Fendini Group has created a dedicated, streamlined approval support system for all subscribers to ensure they comply effortlessly with regulatory requirements.

‘We will continue to partner with all revelant MDA’s of government to ensure that the right things are done in line with the vision of the State on quality and sustainable housing projects, while all subscribers to our various developments are guided to adhere to government policies.’

Earlier in November, at the Scale-Up Conference held at Ibadan Business School, Prince Adeoye had called for the consistent use of high-quality materials and strict observance of building codes as non-negotiable pillars for safe and sustainable cities.

With rapid construction progress and strong regulatory backing, Rayfield Gardens City is emerging as the gold standard for modern, secure, and sustainable residential communities in Oyo State, further strengthening public-private collaboration in the housing sector.

Operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, have seized a container carrying 300 rounds of 9mm ammunition concealed in a Nissan Frontier pickup truck.

The consignment also contained two Toyota Sienna vans, one SCION XA vehicle, 24 bags of foreign rice, seven bales of used clothes, cartons of vegetable oil and household items, Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Margaret Ochalla, said yesterday.

The AIG, who displayed the items at a news conference, said five suspects were arrested in connection with the contraband items, including the driver, Nelson Peretei.

According to a statement by the spokesperson for the command, Assistant Superintendent of Police Aminat Mayegun, investigators traced the shipment to a United States-based sender, Mrs Maria Adeyemi, who allegedly failed to declare the ammunition and other contraband in the bill of lading.

A man, who claimed to be a retired U.S. Marine Colonel, Sunny Nwadiri, also attempted to claim ownership of the ammunition but could not provide verifiable details, the FCID alleged.

‘Preliminary findings showed that the contraband and ammunition were deliberately concealed to evade security checks at the port. ‘Further investigations underway. The FCID is working with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Department of State Services (DSS) to trace the source of the ammunition, its intended destination, and possible links to wider criminal networks,’ the department added.

It said detectives also dismantled an alleged online movie piracy syndicate, arresting a ringleader who unlawfully uploaded movies on TikTok and shared them to viewers on Whatsapp for a fee.

‘Acting on a petition from FilmOne Entertainment Limited, operatives arrested a suspect who unlawfully uploaded the movie ”Owambe Thieves” on TikTok on August 23, 2025. He charged viewers N1,000 for access to the pirated film and distributed full copies via WhatsApp.’

‘Investigations showed he sourced the movie from an illegal website and had been involved in the piracy of several Nollywood titles, including ”Farmers Bride”, ”Thinline” and ”Alakada Bad” and ”Bourjee”.

‘A forensic analysis of two seized iPhones uncovered lists of buyers and pirated movies shared through WhatsApp and Telegram. The suspect’s OPay account showed inflows and outflows totalling about N7.6 million over two months, believed to be proceeds of piracy and cyber fraud. He has been arraigned in court,’ the statement added.

According to Mayegun, AIG Ochalla reaffirmed the department’s commitment to tackling cybercrime, protecting intellectual property, and combating arms trafficking, urging the public to continue providing credible information to support policing efforts.’

On a cold morning in October, Ibrahim Muhammad, a 300-Level Sociology student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), made his way to Ajia Alimo road in Sokoto market to begin his journey home. With a worried but determined expression, he climbed onto the back of a moving trailer heading towards Kwara State.

Since his first year in the university, Ibrahim has always struggled to afford transport fare between Sokoto and his hometown. Before discovering that he could travel with just N5,000 by hitching a ride on a trailer, he used to spend N20,000 and above on transportation alone.

‘We don’t do this because we want to,’ Ibrahim said, gripping his bag tightly. ‘But with transport fare now having tripled, this is the only way to reach Ilorin. The buses are just too expensive. We either risk it or stay stranded.’

Ibrahim’s experience is not unique. Samsudeen Wadud, a 200-Level Engineering student, shared a similar story. When he heard that the bus fare to Ibadan had risen to between N22,000 and N25,000, he knew he couldn’t afford it. His parents had sent him N15,000, which was not even enough for the trip to his state.

‘When a friend told me about using trailers for just N5,000. I didn’t think twice; I gladly said yes,’ he recalled.

Before the fuel subsidy removal, travelling from Sokoto to Kwara, Oyo, or Lagos State through Niger and Kontagora was relatively affordable. Then, students could board commercial buses for between N8,000 and N10,000 depending on the season.

But since the subsidy removal, petrol prices have tripled, and fares have sharply increased, which now cost between N22,000 and N25,000. For many students, especially those from low-income families, travelling home by trailer has become the only option left.

Same path, different mindset

For some students, the trailer journey is not just about cost, it’s about safety. Muhammad Ridwan, a Master’s student at UDUS, said he now finds peace in travelling by trailer, not just because it is cheaper, but because he believes it is safer.

‘I’ve been using trailers for a long time. I’ve never had an accident, never been robbed or kidnapped,’ he said. ‘Look at the recent attacks on students passing through Niger State, they target buses. Trailers are actually safer for me if I must say.’

Ridwan’s fear is not exaggerated. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 51.8 million cases of crime were recorded in Nigeria alone between May 2023 and April 2024, which reflects a sorry state of security. The NB report also revealed that an estimated 2.2 million kidnapping incidents occurred within the same period, with victims’ families paying an average ransom of N2.7 million per case, totaling more than N2.2 trillion in ransom payments.

The North-West region recorded the highest number of kidnapping cases at 1.4 million. This is followed by the North-Central region which recorded 317,837, while the South-East region had the least at 110,432.

Students being kidnapped on Nigerian roads is not a new trend. In 2024, at least students from the University of Maiduguri were abducted by gunmen in Benue State while they were going for a medical conference.

Similarly, in October 2025, Basheerah Ojedeyi, a newly inducted Radiography graduate of UDUS, was abducted in Niger State and spent weeks in captivity before her release after a huge ransom payment.

Beyond the price: A torturous journey

What begins as a cost-saving decision often turns into a nightmare for many student commuters. Samsudeen Wadud recalled how his trailer, loaded with cows, rams, and other goods, became unbearable during the journey.

‘It was not the best way to go home, but it was better than staying at school,’ he said. ‘Just a few hours into the trip, the smell of animal urine and faeces filled the air. I vomited several times. I don’t think I’ll ever board a trailer again.’

Another student, Abdulraheem Habib, shared a similar experience. Despite swearing never to travel that way again, he later did so due to financial hardship.

‘When it rains, I’m soaked,’ he said. ‘When it’s sunny, the metal burns my skin. You can’t even stop to ease yourself, you only find a way to ease yourself when the trailer is on the move. It’s a terrible experience.’

Abdulraheem also recalled one frightening incident: ‘We were on a trailer going to Kontagora when one of the tyres burst. The driver didn’t stop. Everyone screamed. I thought it was the end. But during the next holiday, I still found myself climbing another one. What can I do?’

Crossing the Auna River: A journey of fear

For Ibrahim Muhammad, the most terrifying part of his journey is crossing the Auna-Salka-Ibeto route in Niger State, where a collapsed bridge forces travellers to use an old ferry.

‘It was terrifying,’ he said. ‘The ferry was rusty and shaking. There were no life jackets, and the engine sounded weak. I just held onto the metal and prayed to survive.’

‘Every wave felt like danger. At one point, my hand slipped, and someone had to pull me back. That day, I saw death. I questioned why I agreed to travel this way.’

A Sign of Economic Desperation

A transportation expert, Mr. Yusuf Adewale, described the situation as ‘a tragic reflection of national decay.’

‘When students, the country’s future, are forced to ride trailers meant for goods, it’s not just a safety issue; it’s an indictment of governance and infrastructure failure,’ he said.

He added that the situation mirrors a broader pattern of neglect in rural transport systems across northern Nigeria. ‘Communities in Niger, Kebbi, and Sokoto still depend on unsafe trucks and ferries for mobility,’ Adewale explained. ‘It shows the deep gap between urban transport development and rural accessibility.’

He warned that if the situation is not addressed urgently, lives will continue to be lost.

There is need for the government at all levels to provide more funds for education, the Vice Chancellor, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, Prof. Lanre Olaniyan, has said.

He gave the suggestion at the 30th anniversary lecture of the Trinity International College, Ofada, Ogun State at the weekend. The event had as its theme: ”A legacy of excellence: 30 years of learning, leadership and lifelong connections”.

Olaniyan, who spoke on sub-theme, ”Reimagining education for a new generation: Strategies engineering lifelong learners”, however, argued that there was no way education could be free at all levels, despite the stand of the constitution on the matter.

He lamented that 82 million of Nigerians do not have access to education, despite the efforts of the government to provide education. While regretting the lack of access to education, he said only 15 per cent of Nigerians get admission to tertiary institutions yearly.

The don said the Federal Government was yet to meet the target set by the United Nations for Nigeria on education, while local and state governments are struggling to fund primary and secondary education, their areas of statutory concentration.

Chairman/Vice Chancellor, Trinity University, Prof. Clement O. O. Kolawole, sought better welfare for teachers to enable them to perform better.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, praised the school for three decades of transformative service to education, describing the institution as ‘a beacon of hope’ and a model for holistic learning in the state.

Arigbabu praised the school for producing graduates who have distinguished themselves globally as doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

He noted the institution’s consistent achievements, including its impressive performance this year in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

He said Trinity’s alignment with Ogun State’s education agenda, which is ‘Quality Education for All: Every Child, Every Opportunity’-makes it a key contributor to the state’s development.

Chairman of Trinity Group, Pastor Samuel Olatunji,described recent abductions of pupils as a reflection of Nigeria’s deteriorating value system.

He emphasised that the school continues to strengthen its security systems, constantly reviewing structures and urging the government to do more to safeguard lives.

World Diabetes Day may have come and gone, but for residents of Bolorunduro, Owena, Fagbo, Kajola, and surrounding villages in Ondo East Local Government of Ondo State, the memory lingers like a warm glow. On that day, quality healthcare-often an unreachable luxury-arrived at their doorstep through a free medical outreach organised by the youth-led Medical Aid and Advocacy for the Vulnerables Foundation (MAAVF).

Founded three years ago by Dr. Modesire Akinbogun, then just 18, and her co-founder Mofeoluwa Akinbogun, now a medical student at the University of Wisconsin, MAAVF has quickly grown from a small idea into a force for good. With more than ten medical outreaches and over 3,000 beneficiaries so far, the organisation remains steadfast in its mission to expand healthcare access to underserved Nigerian communities.

Rural healthcare in Ondo faces stark challenges: few facilities, scarce health workers, and unaffordable treatment. Fully aware of these realities, Dr. Modesire and her team left Akure on World Diabetes Day for Bolorunduro, a 35-minute journey. Days earlier, radio jingles had invited villagers, who responded enthusiastically, trooping to the Civic Centre for what many described as a rare opportunity.

Partnering with medical students from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, the team screened all participants, dispensed medications, offered consultations, and arranged referrals for critical cases. ‘We are here to commemorate World Diabetes Day with a free outreach focusing on early detection,’ Dr. Modesire explained. ‘This isn’t just a one-day programme. Patients with dangerously high blood sugar will receive continuous care, including medications and tests for at least six months.’

Funding for the outreach comes largely from donors, particularly her parents, Prof. Tolulope and Dr. Olubukola Akinbogun, as well as supportive partners and community elders. Past outreaches revealed startling realities: many participants had dangerously high blood sugar without knowing it, while others could not afford treatment. One patient supported last year died before follow-up, a loss that shaped this year’s strategy. ‘This programme is intentional-carefully planned and driven by passion and purpose,’ she said.

The outreach extended beyond medical care. Secondary school students were invited as ‘change agents’, receiving health education on diabetes, encouraged to share knowledge with their families, and given motivational talks on career aspirations. ‘Many students here drop out, believing education has no future. We want to challenge that mindset,’ Dr. Modesire said. An essay competition with cash prizes-N150,000 for first place, N100,000 for second, and N75,000 for third-was also announced to raise diabetes awareness. This year, MAAVF aims to reach up to 500 people. Bolorunduro was chosen for its central location, surrounded by multiple villages, ensuring broad access. Follow-up programmes in schools and communities are planned to sustain the momentum.

For Prof. Tolulope Akinbogun, the initiative reflects both charity and cultural grounding. ‘We are here to give back. Ignorance is a big disease, and many die for lack of knowledge. Detecting diabetes early should be seen as an opportunity, not a death sentence,’ he said. The Executive Chairman of Ondo East LGA, Fola Joshua Ogunduyilemi, described the programme as ‘laudable and humanitarian,’ promising government support for patients needing follow-up care. Prof. Sunday Robert Ogunduyile, former Vice Chancellor of OAUSTECH, commended the turnout and urged communities to embrace such initiatives while calling on government to address the ongoing healthcare workforce crisis exacerbated by the ‘japa’ phenomenon.

A pro-citizens advocacy organisation has condemned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for what it described as an opportunistic and inflammatory commentary on Nigeria’s current security challenges.

The group said the opposition party was exploiting the grief of victims’ families and the anxieties of citizens to score cheap political points rather than contribute meaningfully to national security reforms.

The Citizens for Secure Nation (CSN), a civil society coalition focused on public safety and democratic accountability, issued the rebuttal in Kaduna on Thursday.

Its president, Alhaji Musa Danladi Maikawa, said the ADC’s latest remarks were designed to undermine public confidence in ongoing security operations and to cast the federal government as complicit in the violence affecting communities in parts of the country.

Maikawa said the ADC had crossed a troubling line by making sweeping allegations without evidence, adding that public discourse on security must be anchored on facts and national interest.

He noted that while Nigerians have legitimate frustrations about banditry, kidnapping and the protection of schools, no political actor should inflame tensions or erode trust in institutions at a time when security agencies are under intense pressure to stabilise affected regions.

‘We cannot allow a political party to weaponise the pain of grieving families for narrow advantage. Our country is going through a difficult period and what we need is constructive engagement, not reckless commentary that undermines the morale of security personnel risking their lives every day,’ Maikawa said.

He said the ADC’s portrayal of recent rescue operations was unfair to the military, police and intelligence services who have ‘intensified coordinated action across multiple theatres.’

The coalition added that attempts to portray government efforts as clandestine or conspiratorial were unhelpful and capable of discouraging local cooperation with authorities.

‘There is no justification for painting security forces as collaborators with terrorists. Such rhetoric is dangerous. It casts suspicion on agencies that citizens rely on for protection and gives oxygen to extremist propaganda. Even more worrisome is that these claims are being made without a shred of verifiable proof,’ Maikawa warned.

He also faulted the ADC’s criticism of school closure decisions, saying the measures were temporary safety steps taken after assessments by security and education authorities on specific high-risk areas.

He added that federal and state governments were implementing a phased security reinforcement plan around vulnerable schools to enable safe reopening.

‘It is irresponsible to suggest that government is surrendering to terrorists simply because it has taken precautionary action to prevent children from being harmed. Countries across the world shut down facilities when credible threats arise. What matters is that the closures are temporary and that security is being scaled up so teaching can resume,’ Maikawa declared.

Maikawa urged opposition parties to exercise restraint and demonstrate patriotic responsibility when commenting on national security.

He said Nigeria’s fight against violent groups demands unity, intelligence sharing, and a public communication environment free of misinformation and alarmism.

‘The lives of citizens should never be used as political currency. We call on the ADC and others to channel their energy into supporting reforms, strengthening community-security collaboration, and advancing serious proposals that help protect our people,’ he said.

Maikawa added that the coalition would continue to monitor public statements by political actors and challenge narratives that deepen fear or distort the complexity of security efforts.

The Zamfara State Zakkat and Endowment Board has facilitated the settlement of debts and subsequent release of 909 inmates over the last two years under the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal.

This was made known by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Habib Muhammad Balarabe, during the 2025 End-of-Year Activities held at the Board’s premises, Bypass, Gusau.

According to him, the Board secured the freedom of 473 inmates last year and, this year, released N67,204,700 in settlement of debts owed by 436 inmates, bringing the total beneficiaries to 909 within two years.

In addition, 200 women small-scale business owners received ?50,000 each to strengthen their enterprises.

The board also presented starter packs to 100 women who completed a three-week poultry production training program to help them start their own businesses.

Furthermore, mini-computers were donated to orphans who underwent computer literacy training as part of the event.

Represented by the First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal, Governor of Zamfara state, Dr Dauda Lawal, expressed great pleasure to witness the impactful work of the Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board.

Heavenly Mother’s Crusader Ministries is to empower widows and offer free healthcare services at its Open Air Crusade.at Ikotun, Lagos.

The event, with theme: ‘Eternal Excellency,’ will combine spiritual revival with practical community support, targeting widows and those requiring medical attention.

The crusade will feature a free medical care. The Widow’s Mite Empowerment initiative will provide financial assistance, food, and essential items to widows.

The ministries said the initiative reflects a commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and promoting self-reliance.

Head, Prophetess Kikelomo Olowofela, said the programmes are central to the ministry’s mandate. ‘A key part of our mission is to care for the needy and provide support to the community.

The Free Medical Care and the Widow’s Mite initiatives are practical ways we can serve both spiritual and physical needs,’ she said.

A spokesperson for HMCM’s Outreach Directorate emphasised the broader purpose of the event. ‘Excellency, in the eyes of God, is not just about spiritual wealth; it is about extending compassion and practical help to our neighbours. We believe the message of ‘Eternal Excellency’ must be grounded in immediate, actionable relief.’

Egypt international Ramadan Sobhi, who helped Pyramids win their first CAF Champions League title last season and previously played in the English Premier League, has been banned for four years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for an anti-doping rule violation, Egypt’s anti-doping authority has

‘We have received an official letter confirming Ramadan Sobhi’s four-year suspension in a doping case,’ Hazem Khamis, head of the Egyptian Anti-Doping Organisation, told reporters.

Sobhi’s suspension stems from allegations of doping and sample tampering, the body said.

Sobhi has not yet commented on the sanction. His lawyer was quoted by local media saying that an appeal to the Swiss Federal Court was being prepared.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the initial lifting of Sobhi’s provisional suspension, which had briefly allowed him to return to play, before the case was referred to CAS.

The 28-year-old remains in custody in a separate case. A Giza criminal court has ordered his detention pending trial over allegations of academic fraud, including forging documents and paying someone to sit exams on his behalf at a tourism and hotels institute. Sobhi has denied wrongdoing and the next hearing is scheduled for December 30.

Sobhi, who has played 37 times for Egypt, began his career at Al-Ahly before moving to England in 2016, where he played for Stoke City and Huddersfield Town.

He joined Pyramids in 2020 and played a key role in their continental triumph last term.

Oyo State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Babatunde Adeniyi as the chairman of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).

Also confirmed are Chief Kunmi Agboola, Mr. Olanrewaju Emmanuel, Mr. Sunday Falana, Remi Ayoade, Mr. Olatunde Theophilus, Mrs. Adebayo Muriana and Mr. Babatunde Ige as members of the commission.

Their appointments were confirmed during plenary. The session was presided over by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin.

This was followed after the House adopted recommendations in the screening report presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Special Duties and Deputy Speaker, Muhammed Fadeyi.

The report indicated that the chairman and members responded to the questions put to them satisfactorily. They were found to be worthy of the appointments.