I rejoice with Tunji Bello, as my dependable friend, brother and long-standing ally in the progressive movement, attains 65 on July 1. Tunji and I were engaged in the progressive struggle for more than three decades. In Nigeria’s struggle for democracy through the 90s, the era of military dictatorship, to the present time of civil rule, only a few people truly compare to Tunji in terms of his unflinching fidelity to progressive ideals — whether as a fearless journalist with a moral conscience standing up to brutal military juntas, or as a stellar public servant committed to diligence and excellence.…
Author: Khadijah Olowode
First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has disclosed that since the flag off of the National Community Food Bank Programme in Borno State in April, 560 beneficiaries have enrolled while 468 vulnerable children have been reached. Describing this as an impressive start, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said the success of the programme depends on sustained collaboration. “We must work together to build a transparent, accountable, and efficient food bank system that reaches vulnerable households across Nigeria. “I therefore call on individuals, organisations, institutions, and development partners across the North-West Zone to support and actively participate in this initiative as we…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against criticism over insecurity, saying the President has fulfilled his responsibility as Commander-in-Chief by issuing directives to the nation’s security chiefs. Speaking during a church programme, Adeboye said he disagreed with those accusing Tinubu of not doing enough to address the country’s security challenges. “I don’t support those who are saying President Tinubu has not done enough,” he said. “When the Commander-in-Chief has given instructions to his subordinates, he has done his best. You don’t expect him to…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola Veteran Yoruba actor and filmmaker, Pastor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as “Elegbeje Ado,” is dead, reports thegazellenews.com Thegazellenews.com reports further that the Nollywood icon died on Monday, 29 June, 2026, after a brief illness, according to a statement announcing his passing. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Pastor Taiwo Adeshina (Elegbeje Ado), a beloved Nollywood legend, who passed away after a brief illness on June 29, 2026,” the statement said. Adeshina was widely recognised for his immense contributions to the Yoruba movie industry, where he built a reputation as one of the…
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his Lagos State counterpart, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for their decisive response to the menace of banditry and kidnapping in both states. The organisation also lauded the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as well as the Commissioners of Police in Ogun and Lagos States, Bode Ojajuni and Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, for their coordinated efforts in tackling criminal activities along the Ogbere-Sagamu-Ore corridor. In a letter titled “Afenifere Commends Security Chiefs and Governors for Decisive Action Against Banditry and Kidnapping on the Ogbere-Sagamu-Ore Road”, signed by its National…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved 27 major road projects valued at over N3.9 trillion across 15 states of the federation, in what the Federal Government described as a significant investment in critical infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity, boosting economic activities and accelerating national development. The approvals, announced by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, cover projects in Adamawa, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Yobe States. Umahi also disclosed that the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway, valued at N137 billion, has been completed,…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The Federal Government has unveiled the Digital National Education Management Information System (DNEMIS), a unified digital platform designed to track every school, learner, teacher and public investment in Nigeria’s education sector, in a move aimed at strengthening planning, transparency, accountability and service delivery. The platform will be officially launched Wednesday, 1 July, 2026, alongside the Public DNEMIS Portal and the inauguration of DNEMIS State Implementation Teams. The initiative is a major component of the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI), one of the flagship reforms under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) being championed by the…
By Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq. Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, should please forgive them. She should forgive those who deliberately removed her statement from its proper context, twisted her words and circulated misleading interpretations merely to harvest applause on social media. The First Lady did not declare that ₦50,000 would transform every Nigerian into a wealthy entrepreneur. Neither did she suggest that the grant was sufficient to establish a factory, open a supermarket or build a multinational company. Her message was simple: a determined person can begin or strengthen a modest trade with a relatively small amount of capital rather than…
New identity signals bold expansion as landmark investment accelerates affordable, high-speed connectivity for millions of Nigerians. Nigeria’s digital economy is set for a major boost as ISAT Group unveiled a new corporate identity and announced a strategic alliance with Afro Mobile, ahead of its Q3 2026 commercial launch. The partnership is underpinned by Afro Mobile’s acquisition of a 40% equity stake in ISAT Group and a US$3 billion financing package structured by Equiline Finance, positioning the alliance among the largest indigenous broadband investment initiatives in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. The rebranding marks ISAT Group’s evolution into a next-generation digital connectivity company…
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola The Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC) has congratulated Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, on the occasion of their birthdays, describing them as exemplary leaders whose contributions have continued to strengthen governance and democratic development in Lagos State and Nigeria. In separate goodwill messages issued by the Secretary of the body, Alhaji Mutiu Are, the apex advisory body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State celebrated the two leaders for their dedication to public service, progressive…