Author: Abimbola Ogunaike

Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), on Saturday, 11 July, 2026  announced that it received with immense joy the news of the release of the teachers and learners who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, reports thegazellenews.com. The union described their freedom as a victory for humanity and a source of renewed confidence for the education sector. This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the union, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Olukayode Salami and made available to newsmen. According to the union, said the safe return…

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged wealthy Nigerians to channel part of their wealth into charitable foundations to help the country’s most vulnerable. She spoke at the launch of the North Central National Community Food Bank in Lokoja. Senator Oluremi Tinubu appealed to wealthy Nigerians particularly figures in the entertainment industry—to back sustained philanthropic efforts. “We have a lot of wealthy people. But our priorities are different. And I think it’s high time we started helping those who need help in the country,” she said. The First Lady cited international examples of entertainers who combine careers with…

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-nominating Vice President Kashim Shettima as the All Progressives Congress (APC) vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, describing the decision as a demonstration of gratitude and recognition of loyalty. In a statement issued on Saturday, 11 July, 2026, and signed by its National Chairman, Isaac Abrak, the group said the President’s decision reflected a leadership style that values faithfulness, sacrifice and commitment. According to the NCYP, Shettima remained steadfast in his support for Tinubu from the build-up to the 2023 presidential election through the implementation of…

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the full operationalisation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, warning that inadequate funding and an incomplete administrative structure are hindering the ministry’s ability to deliver on its mandate. In a statement issued on Saturday, 11 July, 2026, by its National President, Hon. Khalil Bello, the association commended President Tinubu for establishing the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee and creating the Ministry of Livestock Development, describing the move as a landmark decision that rekindled hope among millions of pastoralists across the country. KACRAN…

Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./GTE. (SOJA) has praised the successful rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a significant boost in the fight against kidnapping while urging authorities to sustain security reforms across the country. In a statement issued on Saturday, 11 July, 2026 and signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Jimoh, the human rights and justice advocacy organisation commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for what it described as their professionalism, courage and…

By David Akoji The recent safe rescue of the kidnapped teachers and pupils from Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State offers Nigerians renewed hope that the country’s security architecture is evolving beyond conventional methods. While many security successes often remain unknown to the public, this operation has provided a rare glimpse into the power of intelligence led policing and inter-agency collaboration. For years, the fight against kidnapping has largely been viewed through the lens of armed confrontation. Although military strength remains indispensable, the Orire operation demonstrates that intelligence, strategic planning, patience, and psychological operations can be equally decisive in…

By Adetutu Audu The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has commenced the evacuation of occupants and the removal of a highly distressed building located within Akinyele Busstop, Abesan Estate, Lagos, following reports that the structure had become unsafe for habitation. The Agency disclosed that the emergency intervention was initiated after a concerned resident alerted LASBCA through its toll-free line, reporting visible signs of severe structural distress and expressing fears over the safety of occupants and neighbouring residents. Upon receiving the report, officials of the Agency swiftly deployed a team of structural experts and enforcement officers to the location for…

By Femi Aremu For every political party, the period immediately after a keenly contested primary election is often a defining moment. It is a time when leaders and aspirants are expected to subordinate personal interests to the collective  goal of winning the general election. Unfortunately, the recent protest by the so-called aggrieved governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State points in the opposite direction.  A careful look at the protest reveals that it is less about protecting democracy and more about advancing the  personal ambition of a particular aspirant who has enjoyed enormous goodwill and opportunities within the APC. Few politicians in Oyo State have been as privileged. He was appointed Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and, more recently, served as a minister under the APC administration—appointments many loyal party members could only dream of despite remaining steadfast through difficult  times.  It is therefore surprising that rather than accepting the outcome of a transparent primary, he has chosen a path capable of deepening divisions within the party. History should not be forgotten so quickly. In 2019, the same aspirant emerged as the APC governorship candidate despite stiff opposition from more than ten other aspirants, many of whom were equally qualified and had invested heavily in the party. Those aspirants accepted the party’s decision in the overall interest of the APC. They did not resort to public protests capable of portraying the party as fractured. Politics cannot always produce a favourable outcome for one individual. Democracy is about competition, and every contest produces both winners and losers. Those who celebrate victory must also learn to accept defeat with dignity. To do otherwise is to undermine the very democratic principles they claim to defend. More importantly, the aspirant’s political history raises legitimate questions about his commitment to collective party interest. When circumstances did not favour him in 2023, he left the APC. Such actions hardly portray the character of a committed team player. Political parties thrive on loyalty, consistency and sacrifice, not on convenience. The APC in Oyo State has now spoken through its members, Sarafadeen Alli has emerged as the party’s flag bearer. Whether everyone agrees with the outcome is no longer the issue. The responsibility of every loyal member is to close ranks, support the candidate and focus on the larger objective of returning the APC to power in Oyo State. Encouraging protests and creating public spectacles after a primary election only strengthens the opposition  and weakens the confidence of party supporters. Internal disagreements should be resolved through established party mechanisms rather than through actions that project disunity.  The stakes are simply too high. The APC cannot afford another four years—or worse, eight years—outside government in Oyo State. Remaining in opposition carries enormous political and organisational costs. It also denies thousands of loyal party members, who stood by the APC through difficult periods, the opportunity to contribute to governance and benefit from the dividends of their sacrifices. This is precisely why party loyalty should matter. Those who remained with the APC through its most challenging moments deserve consideration and respect. Their commitment should not be overshadowed by the ambitions of individuals who have repeatedly placed personal aspirations above party cohesion. At this critical juncture, the choice before APC leaders and members is clear. They can either continue to dwell on the outcome of the primary or unite behind the party’s candidate and prepare for the task ahead. History has repeatedly shown that divided parties rarely win elections. The time for protest has passed. The time for reconciliation, unity and purposeful mobilisation has begun.  Personal disappointment must never be allowed to destroy the collective dream of reclaiming Oyo State for the APC. That dream is bigger than any individual ambition, and it deserves the commitment of every true party faithful.  Aremu writes for the Oyo APC Stakeholders’ Forum

Head Coach of Super Falcons of Nigeria , Justine Madugu, has selected a team of 25 players, including Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, undisputed Africa’s best goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, midfielder Jennifer Echegini and forward Asisat Oshoala, to defend Nigeria’s Women Africa Cup of Nations title at the upcoming 14th edition in Morocco, 26th July – 16th August 2026. A notable absentee in the list is versatile and experienced defender, Ashleigh Plumptre who had scored multiple goals in the Saudi League even as a defender. Surprisingly, veteran striker, Francisca Ordega whose career has been on the decline was picked. There…

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the successful rescue of the victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a testament to the President’s unwavering resolve to rid the country of criminal elements. Governor Abiodun said the successful rescue of the victims, unharmed, validates President Tinubu’s assurance that every effort would be made to secure their freedom and bring the perpetrators to justice. The Governor noted that the arrest of some of the kidnappers and the neutralisation of others during the rescue operation sends a strong…