Newsline Online News Portal

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MONTHLY CONGRESS OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS, NUJ, ONDO STATE COUNCIL, HELD ON THE 28TH AUGUST, 2025 AT THE PRESS CENTRE, ALAGBAKA, AKURE The Congress, presided over by the State Chairman of the union, Prince Leke Adegbite, and was well attended by members from across all chapels. After critical deliberations, the following decisions were taken; 2. That while applauding efforts of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's administration at improving facilities at OSRC Media Group, the NUJ Congress calls for urgent employment of fresh staff at the state owned media organizations (OSRC, The Hope newspaper and the State Ministry of Information. 3. That the Congress frowns at the casualization of staff by both government and private media organizations as well as non- payment of staff by some private media organizations, saying such acts run contrary to the labour laws. 4. That the Congress again calls for upgrading of obsolete equipment and re...

The Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the state to close ranks, intensify mobilization, and canvass more supporters in preparation for the 2027 general election in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Governor Aiyedatiwa made the appeal on Friday, August 29 2025, during an APC stakeholders’ meeting held in Akure, where he also briefed party leaders on his administration’s achievements and development plans for the state. The governor noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative was deliberately designed to strengthen the grassroots base of the APC, with a target of registering at least one thousand new members in every ward across Ondo State. “This is our party, and it is our collective responsibility to make it stronger. The Renewed Hope Initiative has been structured to build the party from the grassroots, and our target is nothing less than one thousand new members per ward. We must mobili...

A Professor of Yoruba Language and Dialectology, Temitope Olumuyiwa, will, on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, deliver the 47th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. His lecture is entitled “Changing the Change: Yoruba Language and Dialectology in a Changing Society”. In a statement issued by the Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event.  The lecture will take place in the University Multipurpose Hall, commencing at 2:00 p.m., with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m. Prof. Olumuyiwa earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Yoruba Studies in 1988 from the former Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University); a Master’s degree in Yoruba Language in 1991 from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State; and a Ph.D. in Yoruba Language in 2006 from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko. He jo...

Former presidential candidate and Shepherd Superintendent of the Household of God Church, Rev Chris Okotie, in a  terse statement circulated in the media on Wednesday, reacted to the ongoing political realignment  ahead of the 2027 polls: “The political pendulum now swings within the axis of permutation and punditry. The set alarm will trigger an unprecedented frenzy that culminates in stupefying bedlam!”

  By Our Correspondent  The Kajola community in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State is in shock and mourning following the alleged murder of a 28-year-old man, Ifeanyi Otu, by a suspected drug baron, Eze Amadi, popularly known as Lecturer. Newsline NG  learnt that the suspect allegedly tortured Ifeanyi to death at his residence and concealed his body inside a water drum. It was also gathered that the suspect's attempt to dispose of the corpse using a motorcycle was foiled by residents, leading to his arrest. The incident, which occurred on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Adeyalo Street, Kajola, has left the area gripped with fear. Residents who spoke, expressed shock about the death of the victim According to them, “Nobody knows what transpired between them, but we do hear a crying person every night when being tortured.” The victim's father, Mr. Michael Agwu Otu, described the news of his son's death as a devastating blow to his family. "I was at home when I receiv...

A Professor of Toxicology and Environmental Biochemistry, Professor Augustine Olusola, has called for stringent and concerted efforts against food adulteration, which he said causes chronic diseases affecting the liver, kidneys, blood, and reproductive tissues.  He also affirmed the efficacy of local herbs while advocating stricter tests, validation, and regulation of herbal concoctions with the same rigour applied to synthetic drugs. Prof. Olusola made this known while delivering the 46th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, on Tuesday, 26 August 2025.  The lecture was entitled From a Biochemist to a Toxicologist: My Odyssey. To mitigate the rising cases of food adulteration, Prof. Olusola recommended measures such as stronger enforcement of food safety standards, increased public health education, greater support for compliant producers, continuous research and monitoring, and strict penalties for offenders. He said, Agencies like NAFDAC and SON mu...

The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered a case of self-kidnapping involving one Mrs. Sanmori Taiwo, a 42-year-old woman, and her husband, Pastor Sanmori Olubumi Joshua, aged 62 years, both residents of Road 5, Power Line, Ondo City. On the 23rd of August, 2025, between the hours of 4:00pm and 5:00pm, Mrs. Taiwo deliberately isolated herself in a separate room in their residence and conspired with her husband to stage her own abduction. The husband subsequently placed calls to relatives using her mobile phone number, falsely claiming that she had been kidnapped by unknown gunmen who were demanding the sum of Ten Million Naira (₦10,000,000) as ransom. Suspicious of the claims, one of the relatives, Mr. Fasegha O. Joseph, through a written petition, reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police CP Adebowale Lawal psc+, mnips who directed the command Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS).  Acting swiftly on the report, an investigation team from the command anti-kidnapping squad...

The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered a case of self-kidnapping involving one Mrs. Sanmori Taiwo, a 42-year-old woman, and her husband, Pastor Sanmori Olubumi Joshua, aged 62 years, both residents of Road 5, Power Line, Ondo City. On the 23rd of August, 2025, between the hours of 4:00pm and 5:00pm, Mrs. Taiwo deliberately isolated herself in a separate room in their residence and conspired with her husband to stage her own abduction. The husband subsequently placed calls to relatives using her mobile phone number, falsely claiming that she had been kidnapped by unknown gunmen who were demanding the sum of Ten Million Naira (₦10,000,000) as ransom. Suspicious of the claims, one of the relatives, Mr. Fasegha O. Joseph, through a written petition, reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police CP Adebowale Lawal psc+, mnips who directed the command Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS).  Acting swiftly on the report, an investigation team from the command anti-kidnapping squad...

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, says his administration will continue to provide the enabling environment to attract foreign investments to boost the state's economy.  The Governor made this known on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, during his visit to the United States Embassy in Abuja, where he engaged officials on investment opportunities available in Ondo State. He said the State will warmly welcome investors from the United States for the development of strategic economic projects in the state, including the proposed deep sea port, petrochemical hub, and refinery located within the state’s free trade zone, as well as agriculture and agribusiness. Governor Aiyedatiwa said the deep sea port project, when actualized, would ease the congestion at the Apapa and Tin Can ports in Lagos, noting that Ondo State’s location on the coastline makes it a viable alternative for international maritime trade. The Governor, who presented to the U.S. officials the investment ...

By Kayode Afolabi, Akure The families of Engr G.O & Mrs  J.F Daramola and Chief M.A & Mrs E.M Olawuwo cordially invite friends, family, and well-wishers to the joyous celebration of the union between their beloved children, Kehinde Olawuwo and Oluwabusola Daramola  The wedding ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 by 12 pm. The wedding ceremony promises to be a grand affair, with the reception to follow at the prestigious Regency Castle, located at 137 Ikotun Idimu Road, Arida Bus Stop, Ikotun, Lagos.  The venue is expected to be transformed into a haven of love, joy, and celebration as friends and family gather to witness the union of the two beloved individuals. In a bid to add a touch of elegance and uniformity to the occasion, the families have specified a dress code for the event. The bride's family has chosen lilac as their attire color, while the groom's family has opted for wine. This thoughtful gesture is expected to create a visual...

The Ondo State Government has announced a ban on graduation ceremonies for nursery pupils and JSS 3 students in the state.  The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, made this known at a stakeholders' meeting with proprietors and proprietresses of private schools across the 18 local government areas. According to Ajibefun, the state government will no longer tolerate practices that undermine standards in education.  Newsline NG learnt that the new reforms in the education sector have sparked heated debate among stakeholders in the state. The reforms include: - Re-accreditation of all private schools in the state, which will begin soon - A six-month grace period for unregistered/illegal schools are to regularize or face closure - Ban on underage admissions and use of unapproved/foreign curricula - Prohibition of elaborate graduation parties for nursery and JSS 3 pupils - Restriction on excursions without clearance due to security concerns...

The Ondo State Government has been called upon to give Okitipupa Division a modern sports arena, sited at Okitipupa township, to curb youth restiveness and discover new talents in the area. The division comprises the four Local Government Areas of Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje and Ese-Odo. The calls were made at the weekend during the grand finale of the maiden edition of Aduro Football competition held at the Government Field, Okitipupa. Those who made the calls includes the Okitipupa Local Government Chairman, Honourable Andrew Soga Ogunsakin, the Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Obatuga Adetoye, the Laragunsin of Iyansan, His Royal Highness, Oba Akinyomi Olasehinde as well as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Tony Aduro Foundation, sponsor of the competition, Dr. Anthony Aduro. Oba Adetoye recalled that many talents, especially in the soccer game have been raised in the area in the past, lamenting the deplorable state of the Government Field constructed a...

A Voice, A Legacy and  A Diamond Worthy of  Celebration! Today, Sunday, 24th August 2025, the Public Relations family of NYSC Ondo State proudly celebrates one of its brightest lights, Mr. Simeon Kehinde Bankole, on the joyous occasion of his 60th birthday and his graceful exit from active public service as our esteemed Head Public Relations Unit. For years, Mr. Bankole, fondly called “Small Boy” has been the golden voice and dignified face of NYSC Ondo, shaping narratives, strengthening partnerships and giving life to the vision of the Scheme through his unmatched professionalism and unwavering commitment.  He is not just a PRO, he is a storyteller, a bridge-builder and a mentor who has lifted many within and outside the scheme and  PR circle. As he marks this diamond milestone and transitions into a well-deserved retirement, we, his colleagues and mentees in the Public Relations Unit, join the entire NYSC family to celebrate a man of honour, wisdom and grace. May t...

The Ayadi of Ore Kingdom and President General Isese Worldwide, High Chief Tope Ijiniga, has celebrated his birthday in style, surrounded by loved ones, dignitaries, and well-wishers.  Despite the odds, Chief Ijiniga has remained a prominent figure and strong pillar in Ore Kingdom, holding various notable positions both at home and abroad. As the current President General Isese Worldwide, Chief Ijiniga has been a trusted community leader, dedicating his life to the well-being and prosperity of the people around him.  He has held various positions, including the Ayadi of Ore Kingdom, a highly respected traditional title, and has been actively involved in community development and market activities. The birthday celebrations of Chief Ijiniga have been described as a testament to his enduring legacy and the impact he's had on Ore Kingdom.  Recognizing his dedication to the well-being and prosperity of the people, tributes poured in from dignitaries present at the low-key gat...

The Ayadi of Ore Kingdom and President General Isese Worldwide, High Chief Tope Ijiniga, has celebrated his birthday in style, surrounded by loved ones, dignitaries, and well-wishers.  Despite the odds, Chief Ijiniga has remained a prominent figure and strong pillar in Ore Kingdom, holding various notable positions both at home and abroad. As the current President General Isese Worldwide, Chief Ijiniga has been a trusted community leader, dedicating his life to the well-being and prosperity of the people around him.  He has held various positions, including the Ayadi of Ore Kingdom, a highly respected traditional title, and has been actively involved in community development and market activities. He's an Oba logun worldwide as Well as Asiwaju of Re -Formed Ogboni Fraternity (ROF) in the Zone  The birthday celebrations of Chief Ijiniga have been described as a testament to his enduring legacy and the impact he's had on Ore Kingdom.  Recognizin...

A professor of Toxicology and Environmental Biochemistry of the Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Augustine Olusola, will, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, deliver the 46th Inaugural of the Institution, titled, “From a Biochemist to a Toxicologist: My Odyssey”. The Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin.), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, said, in a statement, that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event.  The lecture will take place in the University Multipurpose Hall, commencing at 2:00 pm, with guests urged to be seated by 1:30 pm.   Prof. Olusola earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, a Master’s degree in Biochemistry, and bagged a Ph.D in Biochemistry {Biochemical Toxicology} all from University of Benin, Benin City, Edo Sate, in 1998, 2003, and 2010, respectively.   Joining the services of AAUA in 2001 as a Graduate Assistant, Olusola soared through th...

By Olalekan Olu, Akure  Popular Gospel musician in Ondo State, Fadahun Oluwasiji Abel, popularly known as Abel Praise, has felicitated with Comrade Sunday Oluwole Adeleye, the NLC Vice President in Ondo State and National President of the NCSU, on his birthday.  In a heartfelt message signed by his Media Aide, Temitope Precious, Abel Praise expressed his joy and appreciation for the celebrant's impact on his musical band. Abel Praise spoke highly of Comrade Adeleye's support for his musical endeavors, saying that the celebrant has been a source of inspiration and encouragement. "Your support for my musical band has been immense, and I am grateful for your contributions to the growth of gospel music in Ondo State The gospel musician also appreciated Comrade Adeleye's leadership skills, saying that he has been a guiding light in the labor union.  "Your leadership has been a blessing to the labor union, and I am confident that you will continue to make a positive imp...

The Oloja of Alagbado community, Mr. Olowoniyi Damilola, has expressed gratitude to the Governor of Ondo State for his timely intervention in resolving farming disputes between SAO Farms and local farmers. Newsline NG learnt that dispute had caused tension in the community, but the governor's intervention has brought relief to the farmers. In a statement made available to our correspondent, Mr. Olowoniyi Damilola appreciated the governor's concern and support towards resolving the matter. "We are grateful for your concern and support towards the resolutions of the matters, the farmers are relieved that the dispute has been resolved, and they can now focus on their farming activities. The Oloja of Alagbado also appreciated the chairman and management of SAO Farms for their understanding and show of love to the farmers. "We also appreciate the chairman and management of SAO Farms for their understanding and show of love to us, the farmers, this gesture has helped to eas...

By Gabriel Sunday Afolayan Barely three weeks to Igogo Ekiti Day celebrations,  the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr. Williams Mobolaji Afolabi, has expressed profound gratitude to members of various subcommittees for efforts already put in place for the success of the programme .  Speaking recently at an activity audit session with committee members, the retired Permanent Secretary in Ekiti State  expressed optimism that members' dedication, hard work and commitment so far  "is an indication that the 2025 outing will record huge success".  Afolabi noted that given the state of preparedness, the fiesta, slated for Saturday 6th September, promises to be spectacular, particularly with the 50th anniversary celebrations of Igogo Ekiti Commercial High School falling within the same week.  "I am overwhelmed by the level of commitment and enthusiasm displayed by each subcommittee. Your collective efforts will undoubtedly make this year's festiv...

The Oloja of Alagbado community, Mr. Olowoniyi Damilola, has expressed gratitude to the Governor of Ondo State for his timely intervention in resolving farming disputes between SAO Farms and local farmers. Newsline NG  learnt that dispute had caused tension in the community, but the governor's intervention has brought relief to the farmers. In a statement made available to our correspondent, Mr. Olowoniyi Damilola appreciated the governor's concern and support towards resolving the matter. "We are grateful for your concern and support towards the resolutions of the matters, the farmers are relieved that the dispute has been resolved, and they can now focus on their farming activities. The Oloja of Alagbado also appreciated the chairman and management of SAO Farms for their understanding and show of love to the farmers. "We also appreciate the chairman and management of SAO Farms for their understanding and show of love to us, the farmers, this gesture has ...

The Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and security of members of the National Youth Service Corps serving in the state. The governor gave the assurance through the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Orientation Course held on Tuesday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko. According to him, “the state remains committed to youth empowerment, development, and welfare. We assure you of a peaceful and conducive environment to carry out your national service and make meaningful contributions.” Governor Aiyedatiwa, however, urged the corps members to remain law-abiding, security-conscious and conduct themselves in ways that reflect positively on their families, institutions, and the NYSC scheme. He reminded them that they are ambassadors of unity, peace and development, and therefore must...

The Cherubim and Seraphim Church Worldwide has announced the release of a Centenary Album as part of activities to commemorate its 100th anniversary, honouring the enduring legacy of its founder, Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase. The five-track album is designed to celebrate the church’s spiritual journey, its role as the first indigenous spiritual church in Africa, and its prophetic mission which has shaped Christianity across the continent for a century. All the songs were composed and arranged by Very Rev’d David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi (Aremolekun), who serves as the initiator of the project. The tracks, which include Ogo T’Orimolade Fihan, E Wa Ni Irepo, Olorun Emi, Ajihbunah and Awa L’eri Kan, were specially crafted to reflect the church’s history of divine encounters, resilience, and evangelistic zeal. The project brings together some of Nigeria’s most celebrated gospel voices, including Queen Busola Oke (Eleyele), Prophet Ojo Owolafe (Ajidara), Prophet Oluwalofunmilomobi (AFNA), Eva...

By Our Correspondent  The Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, has expressed his gratitude to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support of the scholarship scheme.  According to him, "the governor's approval of the 2023/2024 OSOPADEC bursary scheme has demonstrated his commitment to promoting educational development in the oil-producing regions of the state. "The OSOPADEC scholarship scheme has benefited 4,873 students from Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas, with a total of ₦286.7 million earmarked for disbursement.  He emphasized that the bursary disbursement reflects the governor's commitment to students' academic advancement and overall welfare. "The scheme is designed to provide financial relief to students from oil-producing communities, helping to ease the economic burden of higher education. "The governor's commitment to education is evident in the state governme...

The Cherubim and Seraphim Church Worldwide has announced the release of a Centenary Album as part of activities to commemorate its 100th anniversary, honouring the enduring legacy of its founder, Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase. The five-track album is designed to celebrate the church’s spiritual journey, its role as the first indigenous spiritual church in Africa, and its prophetic mission which has shaped Christianity across the continent for a century. All the songs were composed and arranged by Very Rev’d David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi (Aremolekun), who serves as the initiator of the project. The tracks, which include Ogo T’Orimolade Fihan, E Wa Ni Irepo, Olorun Emi, Ajihbunah and Awa L’eri Kan, were specially crafted to reflect the church’s history of divine encounters, resilience, and evangelistic zeal. The project brings together some of Nigeria’s most celebrated gospel voices, including Queen Busola Oke (Eleyele), Prophet Ojo Owolafe (Ajidara), Prophet Oluwalofunmilomobi...

By Our Correspondent  The Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, has expressed his gratitude to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support of the scholarship scheme.  According to him, "the governor's approval of the 2023/2024 OSOPADEC bursary scheme has demonstrated his commitment to promoting educational development in the oil-producing regions of the state. "The OSOPADEC scholarship scheme has benefited 4,873 students from Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas, with a total of ₦286.7 million earmarked for disbursement.  He emphasized that the bursary disbursement reflects the governor's commitment to students' academic advancement and overall welfare. "The scheme is designed to provide financial relief to students from oil-producing communities, helping to ease the economic burden of higher education. "The governor's commitment to education is evident in the st...

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Lanre Fayemi, has strongly dismissed as misleading and baseless, a statement signed by the Chairman of Ifaki Ward 2, Mr. Sule Rasak Owolafe, claiming ignorance of his membership status in the party. Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Hon. Fayemi described the Ward Chairman’s position as an “aberration and a product of undue political pressure” allegedly orchestrated by loyalists of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to discredit him ahead of the party’s governorship primaries. In a show of transparency, Hon. Fayemi publicly displayed his APC membership card and the official ward register, bearing his registration number EK/DEK/08/12402, as proof of his long-standing membership. He further challenged Mr. Owolafe to publish the full APC register of Ifaki Ward 2 if he genuinely stands by his claims. “As a bonafide member of the APC, I reserve the constitutional right to support any aspirant of my choice in the forthcoming governorship prima...

A moment of honor and divine recognition as a vessel of God, now conferred with a Doctorate degree, stands as a beacon of faith and excellence. Igniting the Fire of Revival celebrates not just the achievement, but the unwavering dedication to kingdom impact. The Camp Co-Ordinator of Christ Apostolic Church, Babalola Memorial International Miracle Camp Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Prophet Ayo Daniel  has been honoured and decorated with Doctor of Divinity (D.D) by Bible University of United State of America for his selfless service and contribution to the propagation and growth of the gospel. The Doctoral award was conferred on him during the grand finale of the just concluded one week annual August Special held at Christ Apostolic Church, Goshen Land Prayer City, Kaduna, in Kaduna State. The event took place this afternoon ,15th of August 2025 during the open air crusade in the presence of eminent personalities. Presenting the award, Rev. Dr. Banjo Ajao of First Baptist C...