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By Kayode Afolabi   Christ Embassy, Scarborough is set to celebrate Canada Day tomorrow with a fun-filled event tagged "Preaching the full gospel in the year of completeness. "The theme of the event is "Reach out world," and it promises to be an exciting day of activities and fellowship. The event will take place on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025, at 38 Metropolitan Road, Toronto, Ontario. Members and guests are invited to join in the celebration, which will begin at 11 am. One of the highlights of the event will be a soccer match between the men, providing an opportunity for friendly competition and bonding. Other activities will include a BBQ, face painting, and kiddies' games, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy. A photo booth will also be available, allowing attendees to capture memories of the special day. Additionally, there will be a relay race for women, promoting teamwork and sportsmanship. The event will also feature music and worship se...

By Olu Kay, Owo   The youth fellowship of Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain of Fulfillment, Owo, celebrated its mid-year thanksgiving service today.  The event was a resounding success, with members coming together to express their gratitude to God for His mercies and blessings. The service featured inspiring messages from God's word, special music, and praise worship sessions. The youths were filled with joy and gratitude as they celebrated this special occasion. In a powerful sermon on the topic "For His Mercy Endureth", Evang. JK Omole,  emphasized the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving in the life of a Christian. Using various scriptures, Evang. Omole showed how God's mercy and faithfulness are evident in the lives of His people.  He encouraged the congregation to continue trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness. The sermon was well-received by the congregation, who were visibly moved by the message. Many attendees expressed gratitude for the inspiri...

The Director General, National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General OO Nafiu has encouraged Corps members mobilised to Oyo State for the one year mandatory national service to take the bull by the horn and take the nation to a greater future as the survival of Nigeria rest on their shoulders .  He gave this word of encouragement while addressing the 2025 Batch A Stream 2 Corps members during his working visit to the NYSC Oyo State Permanent Orientation camp, Iseyin. The DG, who was enthusiastically received by the Corps members, congratulated them for fulfilling all the conditions that qualified them for national service. He described national service as a clarion call that needed to be answered with high sense of patriotism, commitment and dedication. The NYSC Boss enjoined the Corps members to join hands and play active role in nation  building, stating that no place can be like home and no foreigner will build our country for us. He emphasized the importance of the role N...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan  The Chief Judge (CJ) of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, has released 97 inmates from the Agodi Correctional Facility in Ibadan on health and compassionate grounds. The CJ, represented by Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, freed the inmates during a prison visit to the facility on Wednesday. The 97 inmates, including four females, who had been awaiting trial, had their cases, mainly of capital offences, reviewed before their release. Many, who were freed on health conditions, battled with epilepsy, asthma, liver problems, among others. Yerima emphasised that the aim was to decongest the prison, which, she said, was already overstretched. “The facility here was originally designed to accommodate about 360 inmates, but today, they have up to 1,400 inmates,” she said. She enjoined them to make the most of the opportunity by not returning to their past mistakes and engaging in skills acquisition to better their lives. “Not all the g...

The leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ondo State Branch has suspended an indefinite strike embarked on by judiciary workers in last three weeks. These followed the intervention by the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa Details shortly…..

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the payment of three months arrears of salary being owed the staff of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.  Governor Aiyedatiwa on Monday gave the approval for the payment of the three months salary arrears following his intervention in the labour dispute between the management and staff of the institution.  Meanwhile, the Governor on Monday met with the leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Ondo State branch, to resolve the issues that led to the strike action of the union. The judiciary workers had embarked on an indefinite strike action on June 13, 2025 over what they called rhe failure of the State Government to implement parts of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) granting financial autonomy to the state judiciary. After a lengthy discussion on the lingering issues, particularly on the implementation of the financial autonomy, the Governor directed the setting up of a committee to work out the mo...

The Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has met with the leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ondo State Branch and other key stakeholders as part of efforts to suspend the indefinite strike embarked on by judiciary workers. JUSUN had declared the strike three weeks ago to press for the immediate implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on May 20, 2015, regarding the release of funds to the Ondo State judiciary by the State Government in line with judiciary financial autonomy. Speaking with newsmen on Monday, the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, confirmed the Governor’s meeting with the stakeholders held on Monday 23rd June, 2025, where it was agreed that JUSUN should suspend the industrial action for further negotiations. Ajulo said the state government was awaiting the JUSUN to suspend the strike after an agreement with Governor Aiyedatiwa. Ajulo said, “the ongoing strike by the Judiciary St...

The National Productivity Centre (NPC), an agency under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, delivered an enlightening lecture on the importance of productivity in personal and national development. The lecture, held at the NYSC Oyo Permanent Orientation Camp, Iseyin, for 2025 Batch A Stream 2 Corps Members was facilitated by Mr. Sulaiman Abdulmajid, who spoke on the topic “Productivity.” Mr. Abdulmajid introduced the National Productivity Centre as a federal agency headquartered in Abuja, with the mandate to promote productivity consciousness and improvement across all sectors of the Nigerian economy. In his presentation, he explained that productivity has multiple perspectives. From the social perspective, he defined productivity as the continuous effort to become better than one was the day before. He encouraged Corps Members to adopt daily productivity habits such as maintaining checklists and applying a scale of preference to prioritize tasks efficiently. He also discuss...

  The Akoko Youth Intellectual Movement wholeheartedly endorses Senator Pastor Jide Ipinshagba for a second term as the senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District.  His remarkable achievements and dedication to the welfare of our people make him the ideal candidate to build on the progress made so far. A Leader Who Delivers Senator Ipinshagba has consistently demonstrated his commitment to our community through various initiatives. Some of his notable achievements include providing free medical outreaches to over 6,000 residents, educational support through bursaries for 1,000 students, agricultural support with fertilizer distribution to farmers, and relief materials to rainstorm victims and palliatives to communities. A Visionary for Our Future As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, Senator Ipinshagba has showcased his ability to prioritize efficiency and transparency in national projects. His leadership in this role has been instrumental in ...

The Ondo State Security Network, also known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested the prime suspect in the killing of Nelson Adepoyigi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 5 Chairman in Ose Local Government Area.  Newsline NG  recalled that Adepoyigi was kidnapped last month from his residence in Ifon and later shot dead in the forest after his abductors collected a ransom. The Corps Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the arrest while parading 32 other suspected criminals in Akure.  According to Adeleye, the prime suspect has confessed to the crime and is cooperating with the Amotekun Corps to facilitate the arrest of other suspects linked to the murder. Further details later  Source: Sunshinetruth  

In view of the public reactions generated by the demolition of the Memorial Park supposedly built in honour of the June 5th, 2022 murderous attack victims at St Francis Catholic church in Owo, the Palace wish to say unequivocally that the request for this action was at the instance of His Imperial Majesty, Olowo of Owo and the entire good people of the kingdom. It must be made clear that the decision to site the structure in that particular location was resisted by the Olowo-in-Council and frowned upon by the people of the community when it was being conceived by the Government of the late Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON. All advice to the late Governor that celebrating the dead in any guise around the palace is not in conformity with the age-long culture and traditions of Owo was defiantly dismissed.  Even at a time a protest was made by concerned Owo youths and stakeholders to that effect which the then Governor disregarded. The above position of the palace is vindi...

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Renowned Youth leader, comrade Orisamoluwa Adekunle has commended governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state over the renomination of Dr. Banji Ajaka for a Commissioner position. Adekunle, in a statement released on Sunday also appreciated the governor on behalf of other concerned indegene of the Ilaje nation, while pledging to sustain support and loyalty to the Aiyedatiwa administration. Below is the statement as obtained by Nigerian Cable News online unedited; Dr. Banji Ajaka's Commissioners Nomination: An Appreciation To His Excellency, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, The Executive Governor of Ondo  State. I have considered it important to, on behalf of other concerned Ilaje indigene, show my deep appreciation to His Excellency, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, over the commissioner nomination of Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka This thoughtful decision showcases your administration's commitment to inclusivity, merit, and community repre...

The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has bagged a Lifetime Achievement Award on Media Empowerment by the national body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.  The award was bestowed on him on Saturday, at the 70th anniversary of the Union and book presentation held at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre, in Abuja. A former President of the NUJ, who represented Kogi West Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly, Senator Smart Adeyemi, received the prestigious award on behalf of the former governor.  The honour, according to the President of the Nigeria Union Journalists, who signed former Governor Bello's letter of nomination, alongside his Deputy, Mrs. Abimbola Oyetunde, was in recognition of the former Governor's outstanding contributions to the welfare of journalists, especially in Kogi State, under his watch. "We also acknowledge your immense contributions to journalism through the GYB Annual Workshop For Correspondents and Editors,"...

The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has bagged a Lifetime Achievement Award on Media Empowerment by the national body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.  The award was bestowed on him on Saturday, at the 70th anniversary of the Union and book presentation held at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre, in Abuja. A former President of the NUJ, who represented Kogi West Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly, Senator Smart Adeyemi, received the prestigious award on behalf of the former governor.  The honour, according to the President of the Nigeria Union Journalists, who signed former Governor Bello's letter of nomination, alongside his Deputy, Mrs. Abimbola Oyetunde, was in recognition of the former Governor's outstanding contributions to the welfare of journalists, especially in Kogi State, under his watch. "We also acknowledge your immense contributions to journalism through the GYB Annual Workshop For Correspondents and Editors,"...

Ondo State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring peace, infrastructure development, and grassroots governance across all parts of the state. This assurance was given during a press briefing held after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa in Akure. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, while addressing the media, said the Council discussed key security concerns and resolved to begin the process of repealing certain laws relating to kidnapping in the state. Ajulo noted that kidnapping and cultism have become major threats to safety and public order, adding that strengthening relevant legal frameworks would help deter such crimes and improve the overall security landscape.  He disclosed that proposals would soon be transmitted to the House of Assembly for necessary legislative action, including sentencing convicted kidnappers to death. Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on ...

By ROTIMI DUROJAIYE  Very early on Wednesday, 18th June, 2025, I woke up to a message on some WhatsApp groups, saying that there would be no formal celebration of the 50th birthday anniversary of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. He would rather prefer to mark it privately, at his Abuja residence, as the day coincided with the birthday of one of his daughters, the message said.  At first, I wondered why he wouldn't want to celebrate such a milestone, but then some comments on the groups mentioned the mood of the nation, particularly the sad Benue crisis, among others. I was in Abuja for an advanced training programme and had an engagement around Asokoro, not far from the former Governor's residence.  Whenever people talked about his residence, I always thought of Wuse Zone 4.  So when I saw the crowd and the very long queue of vehicles, I asked my bolt driver what was going on and he said they were all going to Yahaya Bello's house.  "Toda...

Members of the Ondo State Muslim community have protested at the Area 17 Zonal Office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) along Reuben Fasoranti Road, Akure, to express their displeasure over the recent assault on Muslim families in Oke-Agbe Akoko. Speaking on behalf of the community and other stakeholders, Alhaji Abdulazeez Surajudeen Folayemi, a prominent representative of the Muslim community, condemned the incident in strong terms and demanded that justice be served. He called for appropriate legal action to deter similar acts in the future. He also rejected what he described as a “so-called settlement” between the parties involved, insisting that it was baseless and unacceptable to the Muslim leadership in Ondo State.  “The proposed settlement holds no water and should be thrown into the trash bin,” Alhaji Folayemi said firmly. Addressing the protesters, the AIG Zonal Commander Ajani Musibau Owolabi  assured the delegation that the matter would be handled c...

The newly appointed Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, has pledged sweeping reforms aimed at revitalizing the Commission’s infrastructure, operations, and economic viability. During separate inspection tours of the Commission’s main office complex and the long-abandoned OSOPADEC Guesthouse in Akure, Poroye outlined an ambitious vision that includes a comprehensive office upgrade, full automation of operations, and the complete reconstruction of the Guesthouse within a year. At the Commission’s headquarters, Poroye expressed dismay over the deteriorated condition of the facilities and emphasized the urgent need for modernization.  “OSOPADEC deserves to have one of the best offices in the state. You should walk into this place and feel a sense of pride and belonging,” he said. “We cannot effectively serve our communities if our own working conditions are substandard.” Accompanied by key leadership members, includi...

Amid a deepening financial scandal, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is reportedly planning a lavish retreat abroad for its top management team, raising fresh concerns about accountability and insensitivity to public outrage. Earlier this week, the Senate issued a one-week ultimatum to the NNPCL to reconcile discrepancies in its financial records totaling over ₦210 trillion from 2017 to 2023. The directive came from the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, which is currently scrutinizing the audited financial statements of the company. During a session in Abuja on Wednesday, the committee—chaired by Senator Aliyu Wadada—met with a delegation led by NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Dapo Segun. Lawmakers raised concerns over numerous inconsistencies in the documents presented by the company, including conflicting financial figures. A key area of concern was how National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), a subsidiary of NNPCL, reportedly declare...

Amid a deepening financial scandal, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is reportedly planning a lavish retreat abroad for its top management team, raising fresh concerns about accountability and insensitivity to public outrage. Earlier this week, the Senate issued a one-week ultimatum to the NNPCL to reconcile discrepancies in its financial records totaling over ₦210 trillion from 2017 to 2023. The directive came from the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, which is currently scrutinizing the audited financial statements of the company. During a session in Abuja on Wednesday, the committee—chaired by Senator Aliyu Wadada—met with a delegation led by NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Dapo Segun. Lawmakers raised concerns over numerous inconsistencies in the documents presented by the company, including conflicting financial figures. A key area of concern was how National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), a subsidiary of NNPCL, reportedly declare...

Amid a deepening financial scandal, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is reportedly planning a lavish retreat abroad for its top management team, raising fresh concerns about accountability and insensitivity to public outrage. Earlier this week, the Senate issued a one-week ultimatum to the NNPCL to reconcile discrepancies in its financial records totaling over ₦210 trillion from 2017 to 2023. The directive came from the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, which is currently scrutinizing the audited financial statements of the company. During a session in Abuja on Wednesday, the committee—chaired by Senator Aliyu Wadada—met with a delegation led by NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Dapo Segun. Lawmakers raised concerns over numerous inconsistencies in the documents presented by the company, including conflicting financial figures. A key area of concern was how National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), a subsidiary of NNPCL, reportedly declare...

  A seasoned scholar in Educational Management, Prof. Akinrotimi Oyetakin, has raised alarm over the growing mismatch between the rising costs of tertiary education and the dwindling funding commitments from both government and stakeholders, describing the situation as a dangerous financial disequilibrium. Prof. Oyetakin expressed the concerns while delivering the 42nd Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, titled, “Cost Explosion and Expenditure Implosion of Tertiary Education: Equilibrium Heresies in Motion”. He observed that while Nigeria has continued to invest in education, the efforts remain grossly insufficient in matching the financial demands of modern-day tertiary education, emphasising that sustaining quality education demands a collective financial commitment guided by the principles of fiscal justice and benefiter-pay ideology. Prof. Oyetakin said, “There are no free meals anywhere in the world. Free education, in its real sense, is not free. S...

The Directorate of Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, recently hosted the second quarterly zonal meeting of SIWES Directors and Coordinators from tertiary institutions in Ondo and Ekiti States. At the meeting, held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, the Acting Rector, Mr. Olorunwa Simon Adegun, highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration in addressing societal challenges. He emphasized the vital role of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in providing practical training for students, noting that need-based tertiary education can spur productivity and development. The Director of SIWES, QS Dr. Olumuyiwa Alabi, lauded the ITF for its support and commitment to the success of SIWES, ensuring quality industrial exposure for students. He also appreciated the Acting Rector's support for the institution's SIWES Directorate. The representative of the ITF Area Manager, Akure, Mrs. Grace Ajagbe, thanked the Management for host...

The Directorate of Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, recently hosted the second quarterly zonal meeting of SIWES Directors and Coordinators from tertiary institutions in Ondo and Ekiti States. At the meeting, held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, the Acting Rector, Mr. Olorunwa Simon Adegun, highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration in addressing societal challenges. He emphasized the vital role of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in providing practical training for students, noting that need-based tertiary education can spur productivity and development. The Director of SIWES, QS Dr. Olumuyiwa Alabi, lauded the ITF for its support and commitment to the success of SIWES, ensuring quality industrial exposure for students. He also appreciated the Acting Rector's support for the institution's SIWES Directorate. The representative of the ITF Area Manager, Akure, Mrs. Grace Ajagbe, thanked the Management for host...

The Oyo state government has reiterated his commitment to ensuring welfare and adequate security of corps members on national service across the state. The Oyo state Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, stated this at the swearing in ceremony of 2025 Batch A Stream 2 corps members held at the NYSC permanent orientation camp Iseyin. The Governor who was represented by the Director of youth development, Ministry of youth and sports, Alhaja Kudirat Mustapha, noted that improved security machinery and welfare packages for corps members were in place to make them comfortable in their service year and as well retain its status as highest paying state in the federation. Earlier in an address of welcome, the Oyo State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr. Peters Kayode charged the corps members to take the orientation course seriously so as to be better equipped for the one year mandatory national service. Over two thousand corps members took the oat of allegiance administered by the chief Judge of Oyo state, ...

The Acting Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Mr. Simon Olorunwa Adegun, has congratulated Professor Igbekele Ajibefun and Mr. Laolu Akindolire on their nomination as commissioner-designates by the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. Mr. Adegun described the appointments as a well-deserved recognition of the appointees’ unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership capacity, and long-standing commitment to public service. “Both Prof. Ajibefun and Mr. Akindolire are distinguished sons of Ondo State whose careers reflect excellence and integrity,” Mr. Adegun stated. “Their appointments align perfectly with the forward-thinking vision of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration.” He further encouraged the appointees to bring their wealth of experience to bear in advancing the governor’s developmental blueprint, OUR EASE—a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing governance and improving the lives of citizens across all local government areas of the state. ...

In a strategic diplomatic engagement aimed at enhancing economic growth, technological transfer, and international cooperation, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner with global investors and entrepreneurs, particularly the Czech Republic, to unlock the state's vast economic potential. The Governor made this made this known while recieving the Ambassador of Czech Republic to Nigeria, Krejci Zdenek, in his office in Akure. The Governor also vowed that his administration will continue to provide an enabling environment for investors to come around to do their businesses with ease. He said: "We have to govern to provide stable political environment and conducive economic environment for the people to operate. We are providing a legal system that supports businesses and investments.  "Our arms are open to embrace new investors from within and outside Nigeria. We'll continue to do what we can do for our...