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My attention has been drawn to recent statements made by former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, regarding the 2027 presidential elections and his sudden interest in “japa” (emigration) after being out of office for less than four years . Let it be made clear: Rotimi Amaechi’s recent outbursts are nothing but the desperate antics of a politician eager to return to power at any cost. During his tenure as Governor and as a two-term Minister, Amaechi never once raised the issue of “japa” or the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad. It is only now, after losing relevance in the corridors of power, that he has suddenly discovered the plight of the people and is using it as a tool for political gain. This hypocrisy is evident. Amaechi’s newfound advocacy is not born out of genuine concern, but rather a calculated attempt to deceive Nigerians and position himself for another shot at power. Nigerians must not be s...

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...

In a NAN (News Agency of Nigeria) report dated 6th February 2025 and titled ‘FG seeks reversal of mother tongue policy in primary schools’ (accessible, e.g., at https://guardian.ng/features/education/fg-seeks-reversal-of-mother-tongue-policy-in-primary-schools/), the current Minister of State for Education is said to have proposed to the National Council on Education (NCE) the reversal of the current mother tongue policy in Primary Schools. In the report, the current Minister of Education, too, is said to have also proposed to NEC that Early Education, Primary Education, and Secondary School Education should all be integrated, such that pupils would now be able to complete their preuniversity education and be ready to enter the nation’s universities at the age of 16 What the Minister of State is reported to have said, it turns out, contains only generalisations and not a single tenable reason at all for why the mother tongue policy in Primary Schools should be reversed. In point of fac...

By Olabode Akinwale, Akure  When, on the 30th of December 2024, the Ondo State Governor was signing the 2025 state appropriation bill into law at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Akure, the state capital, he was very emphatic about his intentions for the good people of the state . The Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on the occasion, described the 2025 budget as the “Budget of Recovery.” This is a bold and strategic step in rebuilding the state’s economy and addressing critical socio-economic challenges. The budget, totalling N698.659 billion, allocates N438.622 billion (62.06%) to capital expenditure and N265.037 billion (37.94%) to recurrent expenditure. However, since the online publication of the budget details, which is a novel idea by the Aiyedatiwa-led government, some people who appear not to be adequately educated on matters of governance, budgeting, and its execution have been misinforming the public about some of the budgetary heads and allocations. A bu...

Oka-Akoko in the Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State came alive on Saturday, October 26, 2024, as the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial  Majesty Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi CFR, Ojaja II, made a historic visit to the ancient town. This royal courtesy visit to the Olubaka, Oba Dr. Adebori Adeleye, OON, highlighted the longstanding ties between Ife and Oka-Akoko. The arrival of the Arole Oodua and his white-clad entourage added a vibrant air to Oka land, with colorful cultural displays and performances lining the path from Iwaro Junction to the Olubaka’s Palace. The Ooni demonstrated humility, making a brief stop in the town center to acknowledge residents who had waited for hours, showing gratitude for their warm welcome before continuing to the palace. Reflecting on the purpose of his visit, the Ooni explained that it was driven by his strong bond with the Olubaka, as well as a desire to celebrate their shared heritage.  “The Oka people are descendants of Oduduwa, and...

  By Ibidapo Balogun    That the former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, alias White Lion, is a crafty, devious and dodgy character is an under statement. Those who know him know that he is more ignominious than that when a proper character sketch of him is drawn. His character traits are easily discernible in an encounter with him.  This is unmistakable. As governor of the Confluence State of Kogi for eight years, Yahaya Bello’s carriage, conduct, actions and inactions exemplified a despicable character trait. He ruled over the hapless people of Kogi State with a iron hand. He trampled upon them and their rights.  He oppressed them and dipped his hands in the till as he wished. He silenced the opposition and the people only to turn round to present himself as the oppressed, the innocent one.  When he was done with them, he imposed his cousin, his lackey, on the state as governor the same crooked and oppressive manner he had emerged their ...

By Smart Origbo For unsavoury reasons, the story of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello has literally seized the media space in the country, week-in, week-out.  The hide -and seek game between Bello and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), blew open a forthnight ago when the anti-graft agency decided to “catch” Bello right in his house at the Wuse district in Abuja.  The agency had barricaded the street forbidding even residents from entering or exiting the street. The planned arrest turned a fiasco as the sitting Kogi State governor, Governor Usman Ododo was alleged to have nestled Yahaya Bello into his car and driven him out of the vicinity, basking in the immunity that covers him and even his car.   Ever since then, the polity had been agog with the issue of Bello. Opinions have been divided whether or not the former Kogi governor is the sinner or the one sinned against.  The way the EFCC has presented Yahaya Bello to th...

By Smart Origbo For unsavoury reasons, the story of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello has literally seized the media space in the country, week-in, week-out.  The hide -and seek game between Bello and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), blew open a forthnight ago when the anti-graft agency decided to “catch” Bello right in his house at the Wuse district in Abuja.  The agency had barricaded the street forbidding even residents from entering or exiting the street. The planned arrest turned a fiasco as the sitting Kogi State governor, Governor Usman Ododo was alleged to have nestled Yahaya Bello into his car and driven him out of the vicinity, basking in the immunity that covers him and even his car.   Ever since then, the polity had been agog with the issue of Bello. Opinions have been divided whether or not the former Kogi governor is the sinner or the one sinned against.  The way the EFCC has presented Yahaya Bello to th...

By Sunday Afolayan I was at the junction of the Government Housing Corporation Estate, Otapete, Owo on Wednesday 21/02/2024, when the body of the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, was being conveyed from the capital in a see-through ambulance.  A couple of vehicles, mostly from the pool of the state government followed in a long convoy. The scene,  as expected, was solemn. Everyone on the convoy wore sombre and doleful look. A thought flashed across my mind that made me reflect on the other side of life:   so this man called Aketi - the "talk and do Governor", in spite of his audacity and boldness, could no longer talk or do! I felt that if Akeredolu, the fearless fighter like the lightening thunder (omo aja bi arira oke) could lay this lifeless in his casket without being able to talk and do, then those of us still living should draw a lesson that life is, in deed, short and transient.  Only God deserves that attrib...

To all aborigines, disgruntled, angry, disenfranchised, and unpatronized members of the party, especially those who have been politically injured by the cabals of the last administration, we extend a heartfelt invitation to return to the fold of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.  Our party stands as a beacon of hope and a healing ground where all our aspirations can manifest. The winds of change have swept through our state, and under the leadership of the new governor, concerted efforts are being made to right the wrongs of the past. It is with this spirit of restoration and progress that I urge all those who have felt marginalized or neglected to reclaim their place within the APC family. The APC in Ondo State remains steadfast in its commitment to inclusivity, fairness, and the empowerment of its members. We recognize the grievances that have been harbored and the injustices that have been endured. However, we firmly believe that our party is the vehicle through...

I was shocked beyond imagination when I heard over the news, sponsored by some individuals on an FM station in Akure, that 100s of youths from across three (3) senatorial districts of Ondo State protested in support of the Impeachment of the Deputy Governor, H. E. Lucky Aiyedatiwa. It's so sad that at this jet age, some uninformed youths will be paid to stage a protest in support of the move of certain selfish and greedy individual who has further impoverished and mortgaged their future for piece meal. Sincerely speaking, if one were to be realistic, he will know that Ondo is fast becoming one of the worst states in the South West.  One would ordinarily expect that with the income from the FGN to this state including being an oil producing state, coupled with the revenue we have, that Ondo State will be one of the best in the South West. Unfortunately, the likes of Ekiti and Osun that are not oil producing states are still fairing better than  Our State. Education is in comato...

By Amb Maxwell Adeyeri, Director General, APC National Youths and Women Tasks Force In the vibrant political landscape of Ondo State, there exists a man whose name reverberates through the corridors of power and echoes within the hearts of many - Chief Alex Oluremi Ajipe. To describe him as a mere politician would be an understatement; he is a symbol of dedication, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Chief Ajipe's journey in the realm of politics has been nothing short of remarkable. It is a journey that has seen him rise through the ranks, navigating challenges, and emerging as a guiding light for our great party, the APC. Today, we delve into the life and achievements of this extraordinary individual, whose contributions have been instrumental in shaping the political landscape of Ondo State. In the world of politics, loyalty is a rare and treasured virtue. Chief Ajipe embodies this virtue in its purest form. His allegiance to ...

  By Ewatomilola Emiola. As the populace is fast becoming disillusioned with politics due to its murky nature coupled with the horrible antecedents of politicians who had steered affairs of the nation, the trust on these politicians have been obliterated in the minds of many. The ones freely entrusted with powers based on rhetoric or who firmly hold the grip of leadership through ostensive demagogue worsen the situation through their lackluster performances amidst avalanche of resources provided to turn around the fortunes of some poverty stricken voters who were caught in the noose of the tall talk.  Without a modicum of doubt, no elixir yet to correct the warped notion about politicians who enriched themselves with tax payers' money at the expense of the masses. The somewhat taciturn young man in his unsual ways, stormed the political space despite the incontrovertible fact that politics is not seen in his gene. He took people aback with unprecedented achievements in the elo...

1. Security Concerns: The political instability resulting from the coup in Niger Republic could lead to a spillover of violence and insecurity across the border into Nigeria. This could provide an opportunity for extremist groups, such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, to exploit the situation and intensify their activities. The increased threat from these groups could disrupt peace and security in Nigeria, particularly in the northeastern regions . 2. Refugee Influx: If the political situation in Niger Republic deteriorates further, there is a possibility of an influx of refugees into Nigeria. Niger Republic has experienced internal conflicts and displacement in the past, and a coup could exacerbate these issues. Nigeria already hosts a significant number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from its own conflicts, and an additional influx of refugees would strain resources and infrastructure, affecting access to basic services. 3. Regional Instability: Nigeria plays a crucial role in region...

By Ojochide Samuel Now, one needs to question the credentials this man called Muritala Ajaka has to qualify him to contest for the governorship of a state in Nigeria beyond his reliance on fruitless propaganda since the beginning of this election season .  If he is not shouting that they want to assassinate him, he is defending well established criminals in a state that has produced world acclaimed professionals across all fields. He and his managers have not, for once, tried to market what they have to offer the people of the state other than this ignoble dance around ethnic jingoism and character assassination without substance.  I was one of those that bought the wide misinformation in the past about Yahaya Bello, the Governor of the state, until I saw proof without being told, that he had actually achieved far more in the state, in terms of development, than had been achieved in over a decade before him.  For a long time too, Kogi State has not been at the centre of p...

.... says it is a tool of disharmony and disunity Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, the First Lady of Ondo State, has indeed come under heavy media attacks and smear campaigns in recent times. However, it is important to note that she is well within her rights to celebrate her 70th birthday, as it is a significant milestone in anyone's life. Furthermore, her status as a breast cancer survivor who has overcome great adversity only adds to the importance of this celebration. Unfortunately, some individuals have chosen to attack Mrs. Akeredolu simply for wanting to celebrate her special day. It is important to remember that everyone deserves to celebrate their life and achievements, regardless of their position or status. Mrs. Akeredolu has been a strong advocate for women's health and empowerment, and her survival and resilience in the face of breast cancer are an inspiration to many. In addition, Mrs. Akeredolu's bold and unapologetic approach to pursuing her beliefs and defending her f...

As political gladiators gear up for the race for the number one helmsman in Ondo State government, It is imperative to delve into the chronicles of the most outstanding aspirant, Mr Wale Akinterinwa. WA, as he is fondly called by his numerous supporters, admirers and the politically conscious people in general, is the most outstanding aspirant among the contenders for the highly coveted office. He possesses the requirements in attributes and political resume which make him stand tallest. Wale Akinterinwa is a corporate finance professional with strong Finance and Accounting background with over thirty years of excellent managerial and strategic leadership, mentoring, experience and entrepreneurial prowess in investment banking, project finance management, real estate development, and public sector engagement. Over the years, he has demonstrated remarkable success in implementing strategic initiatives in and with private and public sectors with substantive result of improving their fina...