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By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan  The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have expressed worries over the living conditions of the Oriire abductees, slightly over five weeks after. The bishops, in a news conference held in Ibadan on Monday, demanded the abductees’ immediate and unconditional release. The province, comprising the Ibadan Archdiocese and the Ondo, Ilorin, Oyo, Ekiti, and Osogbo Dioceses, has the Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin as president and the Most Rev. Anselm Lawani as secretary. The bishops declared that the abductees had lived long enough, since May 15, under the harshest conditions, without a roof over their heads, for the government to act. They worried that they were with no good nutrition and completely exposed to the elements in the forest and in the hands of the most vicious and merciless criminals. The bishops described the murder of a teacher, a motorcycle rider and the beheading of another teacher in the forest as a barbaric ass...

The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) and the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC) have charted a new course for strategic partnership aimed at deepening public enlightenment, promoting sustainable development and attracting global attention to the environmental challenges confronting coastal communities in Ondo State . The renewed commitment was unveiled on Wednesday when the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of OSRC, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson, led the corporation’s management team on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, at the Commission’s headquarters in Akure. Speaking during the meeting, Prince Poroye described the media as a vital stakeholder in governance and development, stressing that transparency, accountability and effective communication remain indispensable tools for delivering meaningful impact to the people. He commended OSRC for its professionalism and remarkable growth, ...

The society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) Ondo state chapter of caretaker committee has again joined other associations in the state to give commendation to the ministry of Culture and Tourism for its efforts aimed at moving tourism to an enviable standard .     The chairman of the professional body mr kehinde Oluwatosin gave the commendation during their courtesy visit to the honourable commissioner for culture and tourism hon.Afolabi Adesoji in his office. Mr Oluwatosin who led the delegation of the body including the secretary Dr Ajayi expressed satisfaction with the professional standards in the ministry of culture and tourism lauding the directors of finance and administration, tourism and Arts.   In his response the commissioner honourable Afolabi Adesoji thanked the body for the visit and expressed his readiness to support the members to achieve success. Newsline NG gathered that the The society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) is the premier professional body for visual arti...

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...

Nollywood actor, Lanre Adediwura, has recounted leaving MultiChoice’s television series ‘Wura’ financially unstable and was only rescued by YouTube productions. Lanre made this known during an interview on TVC Entertainment, explaining why he declined an offer to reprise his role on the show. The thespian revealed that the series did not benefit him financially, noting that the production prevented him from securing other movie roles that could have advanced his career He said, “I came out of ‘Wura’, and I was spending more than I made. I came out poorer. For six months after ‘Wura’, I could have practically gone to a neighbour for Garri. It was YouTube that got me the stability. “The role gave me everything I wanted, yes, maybe the production itself did not give me what I wanted because everything promised was not fulfilled. This is the first time anyone has heard this from me. The role deprived me of other things I could have done. When I was negotiating, they told me I should not wo...

Youths across Nigeria have been urged to take up leadership roles in health governance as a critical step toward transforming the country’s healthcare system. The call was made at the NextGen Health Governance Conference, the final phase of the NextGen Health Governance Project organised by the Get Healthy Africa Initiative (GHAi) with support from the Nigeria Youth Future Fund. Speaking at the event, the Project Lead, Faysol Oluwakemi, said the initiative was designed to address the low level of youth participation in health policy and decision-making processes. He noted that many young people lack awareness of their rights and roles within the health system, stressing that empowering them with the right knowledge is key to fostering meaningful participation. According to him, the project began with capacity-building workshops where participants were trained on health systems and governance, followed by community-based fact-finding exercises to identify healthcare challenges at the gr...

A strategic stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State has reaffirmed Chief Nimbe Tawose as Chairman of Ilaje Constituency II, amid ongoing efforts to address leadership concerns within the party. The high-level meeting, which brought together party leaders, elders, and key stakeholders across Ilaje, was held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Akin's Hotel in Igbokoda. According to sources, the meeting was convened to deliberate on internal disagreements and explore ways to strengthen unity within the party ahead of future political activities. Following deliberations, participants expressed confidence in Tawose’s leadership, recognizing him as Chairman of Ilaje Constituency II. Some stakeholders noted his long-standing involvement in party affairs, stating that he has contributed to the structure over the past 10 years. Party chieftains who spoke at the meeting emphasized the need for cohesion, discipline, and respect for esta...

By Sunday Afolayan A respected clergyman, Rev. P. A. Daodu, has advised the newly appointed Acting Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo RUGIPO), Engr Dr Sunday Olorunwa Lawson, to prioritise staff welfare and use his office as a platform to positively impact lives. The counsel was given during a well attended thanksgiving service at the Assemblies of God Church, Idimepen, Ijebu Owo, on Sunday, where the cleric emphasised the importance of people-centred leadership in an academic institution. Rev. Daodu urged the Acting Rector to remain focused on his assignment and avoid distractions that could derail his administration, warning him against sycophants, noting that such influences often mislead leaders and create division within the rank and file of organisations. According to him, effective leadership requires discernment, sincerity, and a clear sense of purpose. Stressing the need for forgiveness, Daodu encouraged the RUGIPO boss to let go of possible past grievances and work with an...

The Odatiwa Progressive Movement(OPM) in Odigbo Local Government Area has formally endorsed two candidates for the Ondo State House of Assembly ahead of the forthcoming elections. At a well-attended gathering of party faithful and community stakeholders, the movement, under the leadership of Hon. Oladimeji Abimbola, threw its weight behind Dr. Tunji Rhema Moyero as the preferred candidate to represent Odigbo Constituency 1.  Similarly, the group endorsed Hon. Mrs. Grace Atoyebi for Odigbo Constituency 2. Speaking during the endorsement event, Hon. Abimbola described both candidates as credible, experienced, and committed to delivering quality representation to the people of Odigbo.  He noted that their track records and alignment with the developmental vision of the state government made them the ideal choices for the constituencies. “The movement carefully considered individuals with proven integrity, leadership capacity, and grassroots connection.  "Dr. Moyero and Hon. ...

Youths and students across Ondo North Senatorial District have held a massive solidarity walk in support of the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, PhD, ahead of the 2027 general elections.   The walk drew thousands of participants from tertiary institutions, youth groups, and community associations across the six local government areas of the district.  Organizers said it was designed to mobilize grassroots support and reaffirm confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and Senator Ipinsagba. Addressing participants during the walk, representatives of the Ondo North Youths and Students Coalition commended Senator Ipinsagba for prioritizing youth development, describing him as “a Senator who walks his talk.” They pledged to mobilize aggressively for the re-election of President Tinubu and Senator Ipinsagba in 2027. Speaking at the event, Senator Ipinsagba expressed gratitude for the overwhelming show of support from young people...

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan  A Public Health Physician, Dr Ifeoluwa Odedina, says Nigeria’s 2030 malaria elimination target may be unrealistic as cases and deaths have slightly increased . Odedina, Senior Registrar, Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, made the remark on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Ibadan. He spoke ahead of the 2026 World Malaria Day, themed “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must”. Odedina said according to WHO’s World Malaria Report, Nigeria recorded about 68,136,000 cases and 184,600 deaths in 2023. He added that in 2024, the country had an estimated 68,466,000 cases and about 184,800 deaths. “Figures for 2025 are not yet available,” he said. Odedina, also an Epidemiologist, noted that the data showed a slight increase in both cases and deaths. “The 2030 elimination target seeks to reduce malaria incidence by at least 90 per cent from the levels in 2015 by the year 2030. “...

Every administration with a strong record of transformation, economic growth, infrastructural development, and progress deserves another term to implement additional policies. This was the assertion of Thalis  Olonite Apalowo, Director General of the Ondo Youth Alliance for Tinubu, during Day 2 of the local government tour across Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Areas. The tour train arrived in Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo with the aim of creating awareness and sensitizing youths across the state on the impact of the economic policies of Bola Tinubu, as well as the importance of his re-election. The event brought together political, traditional, and religious leaders, youths, and other dignitaries from various walks of life. It also served as a platform to promote inclusiveness and bring government closer to the grassroots. In his remarks, Thalis Olonite Apalowo  welcomed party leaders and members, commending their commitment to the party and the group. He emphasi...

 A High Court in Lokoja has awarded N1billion in damages against Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a defamation suit filed by former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello. The order is contained in the Certified True Copy of the judgement, dated April 23 on Friday in Lokoja. The court held that based on the preponderance of evidence or balance of probabilities, judgment was entered in favour of the claimant. Justice Justice A. S. Ibrahim, while delivering his judgement in the suit marked, “HCL/16/2023”, held that upon the conclusion of the suit, the two issues formulated for determination were resolved in favour of the claimant. “The interview granted by the defendant on 4/11/2022 on Arise TV programme of ‘The Morning Show’ is defamatory to the claimant’s character and reputation. “The said interview of 4/11/2022 in which the defendant described the claimant as a murderer, killer, perpetrator of evil acts, and a terror to the people of Kogi State was without justification.” The court also gav...

  A renowned geologist, Professor Solomon Obaje, will deliver the 60th inaugural lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.  The lecture, which marks a significant milestone in the university’s academic calendar, is expected to draw scholars, students, and dignitaries from across the country.   Titled “Not Medicine, But Mission: From Disappointment to Discovery in Geoscience for National Development”, the lecture will take place at the University’s Multipurpose Hall. It is scheduled to begin at precisely 2 pm, and guests are expected to be seated by 1:30 pm. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee, Prof. Adebisi Daramola, confirmed in a statement that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will preside over the event.   Prof. Obaje began his academic journey in 1988, when he earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Geology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He obta...

The Regent of Ore Kingdom, High Chief Benjamin Akindele Aladenika Adaja, has reaffirmed his commitment to fostering unity and driving sustainable development across the community. He also unveiled a forward-looking agenda focused on economic growth, cultural preservation and improved security. The Regent made this known during an event held in Ore, Odigbo Local Government area of Ondo State, where he addressed community stakeholders, traditional leaders and residents on his priorities during his reign. Speaking on his vision, High Chief Adaja said his administration would prioritise peace, inclusive governance and sustainable development. He described Ore as a community with vast economic potential and assured that deliberate efforts would be made to attract investment, enhance infrastructure and empower young people. He emphasised that meaningful progress would depend on strong collaboration between government, private investors and the people of the community. On cultural matters, th...

Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has officially resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Reports indicate that the ex-governor recently held a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, fueling speculations about a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Mimiko conveyed his decision in a resignation letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 7 in Ondo West Local Government Area. In the letter, he stated, “I hereby tender my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective April 10, 2026, for strictly personal reasons. “As you are very much aware, I have somewhat distanced myself from party activities for some time. This stance afforded me a great deal of time to reflect and consult widely, upon which the decision to quit the PDP was taken.” He further emphasized his continued commitment to national development and democratic values. “I, however, assure you that I remain committed to the overall wel...

The Ondo State Government has launched a forensic component of the Transparency and Accountability Initiative (TAI) to strengthen accountability and curb corruption at the grassroots level. The State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, unveiled the initiative on Tuesday in Akure at an event organised by the Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Commission (SPFACC), in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, described the initiative as a “significant and well-considered step” towards deepening transparency and ensuring that public resources are managed with integrity. The governor said it was designed to institutionalise transparency, strengthen oversight and restore public confidence in governance, particularly at the local government level. He stressed that the programme goes beyond ceremonial intent,...

The Ondo State Football Club Owners Association has appointed Mr.Oluwafemi Timilehin Filegbe, Chief Executive Officer of FAM Guest House, Akure, as its Patron in recognition of his contributions to football development in the state . The appointment, announced in a statement signed by the State Chairman, Mr. Banjo Adepoju, acknowledges Timilehine’s role in promoting grassroots football and supporting the growth of club activities across Ondo State. According to the association, Timilehine has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing young football talents, many of whom have progressed to higher levels of the game. His continued support for football initiatives and club development earned him the recognition. “The association holds in high regard his immense contributions toward the growth and development of the football sector in Ondo State, particularly in grassroots player development,” the statement read. Timilehine’s inauguration as Patron is scheduled to take place on Tuesda...

Ondo Tantita Coordinator, Senior High Chief Idowu Asonja, has extended warm felicitations to a prominent legal luminary and politician, Chief Olusola Oke, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, describing him as a “golden star” whose life embodies integrity, excellence, and unwavering service to society . In a statement made available to Newsline NG, Asonja lauded Oke’s enduring contributions to the legal profession and public life, noting that his career has been marked by distinction, discipline, and a steadfast commitment to justice and good governance. He emphasized that attaining the age of 70 is not merely a celebration of longevity but a testament to a life of meaningful impact and legacy. According to Asonja, Oke has remained a source of inspiration to many, both within Ondo State and across Nigeria, through his exemplary leadership and principled stance on critical national issues. “A man of Chief Olusola Oke’s stature can rightly be described as a golden star,” Asonja stated. ...

Ondo Tantita Coordinator, Senior High Chief Idowu Asonja, has extended warm felicitations to a prominent legal luminary and politician, Chief Olusola Oke, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, describing him as a “golden star” whose life embodies integrity, excellence, and unwavering service to society. In a statement made available to Newsline NG, Asonja lauded Oke’s enduring contributions to the legal profession and public life, noting that his career has been marked by distinction, discipline, and a steadfast commitment to justice and good governance. He emphasized that attaining the age of 70 is not merely a celebration of longevity but a testament to a life of meaningful impact and legacy. According to Asonja, Oke has remained a source of inspiration to many, both within Ondo State and across Nigeria, through his exemplary leadership and principled stance on critical national issues. “A man of Chief Olusola Oke’s stature can rightly be described as a golden star,” Ason...