Newsline Online News Portal

The May edition of the Flow Quiz Competition was successfully held on 30th May, 2026 at 11:30am at Glow 99.1FM, Ijapo Estate, Akure, Ondo State attracting participating schools from across the region in a highly competitive academic contest. The event was hosted by Oluwaseun Gabriel (O.G.) who maintained an engaging atmosphere throughout the programme, as students competed across different rounds of challenging quiz questions. At the end of the competition, Gomeq Academy emerged as the overall winner with 50 points, followed closely by Lewis Academy in second place with 45 points, while Accurate Pioneer College secured third position with 25 points. In recognition of their outstanding performance, cash prizes were awarded as follows: Gomeq Academy received ₦20,000 for first place, Lewis Academy received ₦10,000 for second place, and Accurate Pioneer College received ₦5,000 for third place. Speaking at the end of the competition, organizers praised the students for their impressive perf...

By Taiwo Gbamila, a writer, publisher and an author In the build-up to the 2027 presidential election in Nigeria, political loyalty is no longer measured by loud declarations, social media optics, or photo opportunities during party primaries. True commitment is reflected in strategic grassroots mobilization, sustained support structures, resource deployment, and unwavering dedication to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.  Across Ondo State and beyond, the name of Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo fondly called BTO continues to stand out in the consolidation of support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition. From political movements to grassroots networks and youth mobilization platforms, BTO has consistently remained the driving force behind several pro-Tinubu organizations, making visible impacts across communities in Ondo State and beyond. For instance, BTO is the one funding and sponsoring AMG BTO is the brain beh...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan  Accord National Secretary, Hon. Adebukola Ajaja, has won the Oyo State senatorial district primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections. Ajaja was declared the winner at the end of the Oyo State Accord Senate and House of Representatives primary election in Ibadan on Friday. She emerged with 10,675 votes, defeating two other aspirants: Oludare Owolabi, who had 4,361 votes, and Musibau Taofeek, with 3,357 votes. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the elections and collation of results were supervised by the party state executives and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Announcing the results, the state Secretary of the party, Hon. Olayinka Dairo, also announced Hon. Ademola Ojo as the Oyo North senatorial district consensus candidate. He declared Hon. Wale Ajani as the consensus candidate for the Oyo Central senatorial district. Hon. Abidemi Ismail Lawal emerged as the winner of the Ibadan North-East/So...

Prof. Timothy Ihinmoyan, Professor of Business Administration at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, has called on the government to prioritise entrepreneurial policies that encourage job creation, foster a sustainable business environment, drive economic growth, and improve the living standards of Nigerians . He made this call on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, while delivering the university's 63rd inaugural lecture titled, "Marketing and Consumers' Destiny: Spacing, Shaping and Strategies in the 21st Century," held at the University Multipurpose Hall. According to Prof. Ihinmoyan, Nigeria needs a government that promotes transparency and good governance to instil confidence in its citizens – a goal achievable only when disciplined and responsible leaders provide for the people's needs. Describing marketing as customer-centred, he stressed that production ultimately aims for customer satisfaction through high-quality goods and services that encourage re...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan The Child Protection Network Nigeria (CPNN), Oyo State Chapter, says rising insecurity and the continued captivity of abducted pupils and teachers have overshadowed this year’s national Children’s Day celebration. In a children’s day message signed by the Oyo State Coordinator of CPNN, Dr Rosemary Odigbo, the network extended warm greetings to children in Oyo state and across Nigeria. The organisation however, expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity affecting schools and communities, particularly lamenting the abductees still being held captive. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that gunmen on May 15, invaded the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. They attacked the Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, LA School Esinele, and Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, where an assistant head teacher and a commercial motorcyclist were killed. “This painful situation casts a shadow over this year’s children’s day celebration,” t...

The Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, has assured residents of the mandate areas that the long-awaited Aboto–Atijere Road project will be completed in December 2026. Poroye gave the assurance during an inspection visit to the ongoing project on Tuesday, stressing that both the Commission and the Ondo State Government remain committed to delivering the road despite earlier setbacks and challenges. According to him, the project has become a top priority because of its economic, social, and security significance to the oil-producing communities. “We thank God for strength. We thank God for passion. We thank God for energy. We had this strong determination that, regardless of the circumstances, the Aboto–Atijere Road will be delivered in December this year,” he said. The OSOPADEC Chairman recalled that the project, awarded in 2019 with an expected completion period of 24 months, suffered delays due t...

OSOPADEC BOARD, MANAGEMENT FELICITATE MUSLIMS The Management and Staff of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) heartily felicitate with Muslim faithful across Ondo State and Nigeria on the joyous occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration . The Commission urges Muslims to continue to uphold the timeless virtues of sacrifice, obedience, love, unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence which the sacred festival represents.  OSOPADEC also calls on Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayers and collective commitment towards the peace, progress and prosperity of Ondo State and tive nation atlarge.  The Board, Management and Staff of the Commission wish all Muslim faithful a peaceful, joyous and fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.  Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye  Executive Chairman, OSOPADEC 

A distinguished Professor of Social Ethics, Sunday Awoniyi, will address the societal consequences of corruption and leadership failure, as well as offer solutions, at the 64th inaugural lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria. The lecture, titled "The Wages of Corruption and Leadership Failure: Socio-Ethical Frameworks as Pathways to Social Transformation", is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the University Multipurpose Hall. It will begin at 2 pm, with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 pm. Prof. Awoniyi's academic journey began in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He earned a Master of Arts in the same field from the University of Ibadan in 1995, followed by a Master of Philosophy in 2007, and a Doctor of Philosophy in 2012 — all at the University of Ibadan. He joined Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko,  in 2001 as a Lecturer II in the Department of Religion and ...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan  The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, has felicitated Muslims on the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration. The Oyo State Chairman, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, also urged joint action for peace and security in a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday. In the spirit of the celebration, Ogundiya enjoined all to embrace mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in the state. “Our shared desire for peace, security and development calls us to rise above division and work together for the common good of our state and country,” he said. Ogundiya urged Nigerians to use the season to pray for divine intervention to address the insecurity issues in the country. He also called for prayers, specifically for the release of students and teachers who were recently abducted at Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and others across the country. “The sacred festival reminds us of the virtues of sacrifice, obe...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan   The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, has called on Nigerians to move beyond celebration and take urgent action for children facing abduction, trafficking, abuse, and deprivation . Badejo made the remark on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, in commemoration of Children’s day. NAN reports that Children’s Day is celebrated nationwide on May 27 annually with the 2026 theme as “Child Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.” The bishop said the day should be marked with prayer, sacrifice, fasting, weeping and concrete action for vulnerable children nationwide. He lamented that many Nigerian children could not celebrate due to violence, exploitation, neglect and unfortunate State which they found themselves in. “Please, pray, fast, weep, fight and act today for all children who are abducted, trafficked, abused and deprived,” Badejo urged. The Catholic Bishop described their...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan  The Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Monday cautioned governments at all levels to curb the invasion of communities by gunmen, lest the people resort to self-help. The branch’s Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Lawal, cautioned in a statement issued in Ibadan to address the abduction of teachers and students at Oriire Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that gunmen invaded two schools at Ahoro-Esinele community in the LGA on May 15, killing an assistant head teacher and a commercial motorcyclist. Lawal said if governments failed to act proactively to protect lives and property, the people would be forced to defend themselves against criminals strolling into their communities to perpetrate evil. “The ease with which criminals attack communities and escape justice should be a source of great concern to us all. “This is not the time to allow partisan politics to compel complacent inaction, compromis...

Third edition of the Ileya Football Unity Cup has kicked off in Akure, with Ijapo Ages Stars FC defeating Oluomo FC 7-1 in the opening match of the competition. In the second game, Car Park All Stars edged past Royal Goldwin Academy 1-0 in the competition sponsored by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande. The eight-team football tournament showcased impressive talents from the participating clubs, while spectators were thrilled by the football artistry displayed in both encounters. The participating teams are Ijapo Ages Stars FC, Car Park FC, Oluomo FC, Ebile FC, Dominion FC, Dirhamz FC, Obaile FC and Royal Goldwin Academy. Chief organiser of the competition, Robert Tolulope, commended the teams that featured in the opening matches. He disclosed that the previous two editions were successful and expressed optimism that this year’s edition would also be a success. “I have to thank and appreciate the sponsor, the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, for his co...

The attention of the palace of the Deji of Akure Land has been drawn to a rumour flying around that there will be a traditional curfew within and Akure metropolis today (by 9pm) We wish to state categorically that such information is untrue and does not emanate from the palace. We urge the general public to disregard such rumor which is meant to cause unnecessary panic and unrest among residents of Akure. We urge the public to go about their lawful duties and business without any iota of fear. The palace wishes to warn those who are in business of spreading fake news to desist from such forthwith or be prepared to face the consequences. Adeyeye Michael Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure Land. May 23rd, 2026

By Bamidele Eleniola, Ekiti  The Immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, Afuntade I, the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti. In a condolence message, Dr. Fayemi extended his heartfelt sympathies to the Government and people of Ekiti State, the Ilawe Royal Family, the immediate family of the late monarch, and the entire Ilawe-Ekiti community.  He described the monarch’s death as a monumental loss to Ekiti State and the nation at large. Dr. Fayemi noted that the late Alawe’s reign brought remarkable development to Ilawe-Ekiti and fostered unity among its people.  According to him, “the late Alawe’s dedication to preserving our cultural heritage, as well as his tireless efforts toward the growth and development of his community and Ekiti State, will be remembered for generations to come. The former governor further described Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi as an accomplished di...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan   Oyo State has pledged to sustain and scale family planning services after the Research on Scale-up of the Hormonal IUD in New and Emerging Markets (SHINE) Project dissemination in Ibadan on Friday. Dr Muideen Olatunji, the Executive Secretary (ES), Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board (OYOPHCB), made the assertion during the SHINE dissemination meeting in Ibadan. The programme was organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Health in collaboration with Society for Family Health (SFH) Nigeria and partners to disseminate findings of the project in the state. Olatunji said the project closeout did not end ownership and the state must keep leading and supporting the programme. He said Oyo had the human capital to run any system and stressed ongoing training as new officers joined with staff spreading across LGAs. Olatunji noted that reduced donor support forced the state to rethink sustainability and invest directly, starting with paying for family planning com...

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ondo State Council, Prince Leke Adegbite, has been honoured with a Leadership Award by the Social Sciences Students’ Association (SOSSA) of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) Adegbite received the award on Thursday 21st May, 2026 during a public lecture and leadership award series organised by the students’ body at the Nelson Mandela Hall of the institution. Adegbite's honour is recognition of providing quality leadership for journalists and the media industry in the state over the years without any blemish. The event, themed “Nigerian Security Challenge and Its Politics of Blame Game,” drew academics, traditional ruler, and prominent stakeholders. Represented by a journalist, Adeboye Ado, the NUJ Chairman urged students to remain committed to their studies and embrace hard work as a pathway to success. He appreciated the students for recognising his contributions and commended the university for producing graduates wh...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan   Most Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province and the Bishop, Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, has condemned the abduction of staff and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Aladekugbe in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Wednesday, called for the profiling of foreigners in the state to strengthen security. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen on Friday invaded the LGA, attacking the Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, LA School Esinele and Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, where an assistant head teacher and a commercial motorcyclist were killed. Aladekugbe described the abduction as “despicable and condemnable”, adding that the killing of one of the teachers was “ungodly, immoral and criminal”. “The news of the abduction of the staff and pupils of some schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and some citizens CRIN came to us as a rude ...

A renowned specialist in the field of Business Administration, Professor Timothy Ihinmoyan, is scheduled to deliver the 63rd inaugural lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The lecture, entitled “Marketing and Consumers' Destiny: Spacing, Shaping and Strategies in the 21st Century”, aims to explore how modern marketing influences consumer behaviour and the ways in which marketers can design strategies that focus on understanding and meeting consumer needs.  The inaugural lecture will take place at the University Multipurpose Hall at 2:00 pm, and guests are requested to be seated by 1:30 pm. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and Chairman of Ceremonies, Prof. Adebisi Daramola, disclosed in a statement that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event.  He noted that the inaugural lecture represents another significant milestone in the university’s continuous pursuit of academic excellence. Prof...

Akure-born coach Nike Ayeni has praised the Ondo State Football Agency for its support after guiding Sunshine Stars U19 to a historic Federation Cup campaign that has captured attention across Nigerian football. Ayeni, regarded as the only female coach currently managing a male football side in Ondo State, steered the youth team to its first state FA Cup success and qualification for the national Federation Cup Round of 64. Sunshine Stars U19 defeated Akure North United FC 1-0 to secure the state title before overcoming Adamimigo FC on penalties following a 1-1 draw.  The side then booked a place in the national competition with a convincing 3-1 play-off victory over Harmony FC. The team is now set for a high-profile Round of 64 clash against Nigeria Premier Football League side Niger Tornadoes FC. Speaking after the latest victory, Ayeni described the achievement as the product of discipline, preparation and collective belief. “This victory is not just about today; it is about the har...

There was tension at the Ondo State Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure on Sunday evening as suspected political thugs disrupted the announcement of the remaining results of the House of Representatives primaries conducted across the nine federal constituencies in the state on Saturday . It was earlier gathered that the Primary Election Committee announced winners in three federal constituencies on Saturday night. Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji emerged winner of the Akure South/Akure North Federal Constituency primary with 9,237 votes, while Dr. Olumuyiwa Daramola secured the APC ticket for Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency after polling 6,547 votes.  Also declared winner was the incumbent lawmaker representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency, Dr. Abiola Makinde, who garnered 10,847 votes However, results from six federal constituencies, including Akoko North East/North West, Akoko South East/South West, Owo/Ose, Idanre/Ifedore, Ilaje/Ese-Odo and Odigbo/Il...

  By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan   The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, has urged Nigerians to respect human faces and voices in communication against the “artificialisation of communication” driven by digital media and artificial intelligence. Badejo made the call while speaking at the 2026 World Communications Day, on Sunday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bishop’s message anchored on the speech delivered by Pope Leo XIV with the theme “Preserving Human Voices and Faces.” Pope Leo XIV is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City. Badejo said that the theme was based from the Pope's concern on the dwindling role of human faces and voices in modern day social relationships. He expressed concern that artificial intelligence and the digital media tend to veil, supplant and even substitute the faces and voices of human beings. “Authentic communication must promote communion with God and our fellow men and women. “Bad ...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan   The Child Protection Network Nigeria (CPNN), Oyo State Chapter, has condemned Friday’s attack by terrorists on schools  in the state, as it celebrates the International Day of the Boy Child. The association made the condemnation in a statement by its Coordinator, Dr Rosemary Odigbo, on Sunday in Ibadan. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that terrorists on motorbikes had attacked the Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School, all in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The association reaffirmed commitment to raising boys who would  become great and work against violence, abuse, social injustice, criminality and insecurity. The association condemned  the attack which  led to the killing of a teacher and abduction of  students, a principal, two vice-principals and three teachers. It described the incident as heartbreaking, saying that it was a direct attack on the rights, ...

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State wishes to inform the general public, and indeed House of Representatives aspirants, who are displeased with the primary process thus far, that the Primary Appeal Committee will be ready to entertain complaints today at the State Secretariat, along Olu Obasanjo Road, Akure. The party urges aspirants to take advantage of the availability of the Appeal Committee, put in place for the purpose of fair play and justice, to present their complaints. The committee will remain at the secretariat till all aspirants with cases have been attended to, in the interest of fairness and unity of the fold. Alex Kalejaye, State Secretary 17th May, 2026

Concerned leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Ileoluji/Okeigbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency have called on the National Chairman of the party, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to disregard a purported viral video allegedly orchestrated by certain individuals claiming that Mathew Oyerinmade (MATO) emerged winner of Saturday’s APC primary election. In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, the elder statesmen described the alleged declaration of results as false and an aberration of the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act.  They urged the national leadership of the ruling party to dismiss the claims in its entirety. Reaffirming their commitment to the principles of democracy and the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections, the leaders condemned the announcement of the Federal Constituency primary election results in Akure, the Ondo State capital. According to the group, Section 25, Sub-section 2(d) of the 2026 Electoral Act clearly stipulates that results for F...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan   The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has declared a warning strike over the assault of two doctors at the hospital’s Emergency Department. The association made this known on Saturday in a communique signed by its President and General Secretary, Dr Uthman Adedeji, and Dr Mary Awodiji, respectively. The communique, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, stated that the strike, which commenced on Friday, would end by 8.00 a.m. on Tuesday. According to the communique, the decision followed an Emergency General Meeting held at the ARD Lounge, UCH, Ibadan. It said the Emergency Department was thrown into chaos after one Mr Sarafa Oyenigba, a relative of a deceased patient, allegedly assaulted Dr Oladapo Olatunbosun and Dr Mololuwa Adebayo. It added that a Deputy Director of Nursing, security personnel, and the Service Manager were also assaulted. According to the association, Oyenigba...

Party members and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have described the House of Representatives direct primary election held across the state as peaceful, credible and seamless. The election, monitored in most local government areas of the state, witnessed orderly conduct in the 203 wards where the exercise took place. Some party members, leaders and aspirants commended the peaceful nature of the exercise, noting that the process reflected the political maturity and discipline of the people. They also praised the various mechanisms put in place by the leadership of the party to ensure a smooth and credible primary election. Speaking with journalists, Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Gbenga Fasua, said party members conducted themselves responsibly without violence or coercion, while voters freely expressed their opinions and preferences during the exercise. He noted that the turnout across the local government was massive and impressive, adding th...

The renowned late monarch, HRM Alaiyeluwa Rev. Oba Ajibola Oluyede, Ise Oluwa II, the late Alayede of Ayede Ogbese, has been posthumously honoured with the prestigious KMEN-Christopher Kolade Men in Leadership Award for Courageous Manhood in recognition of his exemplary leadership, integrity and impactful service to humanity. The award ceremony (held on Thursday, 14th May 2026) attracted eminent Christian leaders, ministers of the gospel, and dignitaries from far and wide who gathered in Lagos, Nigeria to celebrate the enduring legacy of the late royal father, whose life was widely described as a symbol of courage, humility, godliness, and visionary leadership. According to Rev. Remi Akano, Chief Vision Steward, Kingdom Men Global Network, the KMEN-Christopher Kolade Men in Leadership Award for Courageous Manhood was instituted to honour individuals who demonstrated uncommon character, moral excellence, and inspiring leadership qualities during their lifetime. HRM Rev. Oba Oluyede (an ...