Welcome

Author: Promise Odejide

  • Tinubu Says Cabals Benefiting From Subsidy, Forex Deals Want Him Dead

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said some powerful interests affected by his administration’s economic reforms are unhappy and allegedly wishing him dead over the removal of petrol subsidy and foreign exchange reforms.

    The President made the remark on Wednesday during the launch of “The NADECO Story,” a book written by Chief Ayo Opadokun in Lagos.

    Tinubu was represented at the event by former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba.

    Tinubu Speaks On Subsidy, Forex Reforms

    According to Osoba, Tinubu said individuals who benefited from foreign exchange round-tripping and fuel subsidy payments were resisting his administration’s reforms.

    “As for security, he says, I should let you know, that he is aware that there is a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace of this country by people whom he knew he had offended by canceling multiple exchange rates and by canceling oil subsidies,” Osoba said.

    “He said those cabals who are doing round-tripping will wish him dead any time, but he is determined that if that is the only thing he would do, he would make sure he rearranges the economy.”

    Osoba added that the President insisted he would continue with the reforms despite pressure from affected interests.

    Economy And Security Major Focus

    Tinubu reportedly described the economy and security as the two biggest challenges currently facing his administration.

    Osoba said the President expressed concern over worsening insecurity and the gradual spread of attacks into parts of the South-West region.

    “You all can see now that the security situation is now moving gradually into the South-West zone,” he said.

    The President also defended his foreign exchange reforms, arguing that the gap between the official and parallel market rates had significantly reduced.

    According to him, predictions that the naira would crash to ₦2,000 per dollar had not materialised.

    “You all can see that the difference between the parallel market and official market exchange rate is virtually zero now,” Osoba quoted Tinubu as saying.

    Tinubu Promises More Reforms

    Osoba further disclosed that Tinubu promised to revisit some political reforms demanded by pro-democracy actors if re-elected for a second term.

    The President also acknowledged the contributions of NADECO members and democracy activists to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

    “He is ever grateful for what all of you have done to bring this country to where we are today,” Osoba said.

    The event attracted several prominent Nigerians including Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, Rashidi Ladoja, Olisa Agbakoba and Joke Silva.

  • Tinubu Appoints 39-Year-Old Professor Segun Aina as New JAMB Registrar

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), succeeding Professor Is-haq Oloyede whose tenure expires on July 31, 2026.

    The appointment makes Aina, who is currently 39 years old, the youngest registrar in the history of the examination body.

    The announcement was confirmed in a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

    Youngest JAMB Registrar Emerges

    Professor Aina, a computer engineering expert and systems specialist, is expected to officially assume office after the expiration of Oloyede’s second tenure.

    He is a professor of computer engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and has over 15 years of experience in digital infrastructure, examination systems, and institutional reforms.

    According to the presidency, Tinubu expects him to build on the reforms and achievements recorded under the outgoing registrar.

    “President Tinubu expects Professor Aina to bring to bear his vast experience, knowledge and practical insight into the operations of the Board to take the critical educational organisation beyond the laudable heights achieved by his predecessor,” the statement said.

    Academic And Professional Background

    Aina studied Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom where he obtained a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

    He also earned a Master’s degree in Internet Computing and Network Security as well as a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University.

    The new registrar also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.

    He reportedly began his relationship with JAMB during his National Youth Service year, where he gained early experience in admissions and examination systems.

    Experience In Education Technology

    Over the years, Aina has consulted for major examination bodies including NECO and NABTEB, advising on ICT systems, examination integrity, and digital reforms.

    He has also worked with federal and state governments on institutional transformation and policy design.

    The professor is a member of several professional organisations including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, COREN, IEEE, and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

    Oloyede’s Tenure Ends

    Professor Is-haq Oloyede, who has led JAMB since 2016, is widely credited with introducing major reforms in the board’s operations, particularly in revenue transparency, CBT examination systems, and admission processes.

    His tenure officially ends on July 31, 2026, after completing two terms in office.

  • “APC Will Suffer” — ‘Radical Brother’ Explodes After Losing Oyo Primary, Fires at Senator Alli

    Former Oyo State lawmaker, Olusegun Olaleye, popularly known as “Radical Brother,” has stirred reactions online after launching into an emotional outburst following his defeat in the All Progressives Congress House of Assembly primary election.

    Olaleye, a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ibadan North II Constituency, was seen in a viral video openly attacking the APC and Senator Sharafadeen Alli after losing the party’s ticket.

    The video, which surfaced online on Wednesday, showed the politician angrily addressing people around him while making several gestures and expressing frustration over the outcome of the primary election.

    Tension After APC Primary Defeat

    Reports claimed Olaleye was first spotted at the APC secretariat in Oke Ado, Ibadan, before he was later seen around the residence of former Oyo State governor, Rashidi Ladoja.

    During the outburst, he reportedly declared that Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s political future had ended while also warning that the APC would face consequences over the primary process.

    The former lawmaker was heard making several remarks believed to be directed at party leaders and individuals involved in the exercise.

    Video Sparks Reactions Online

    The development quickly triggered reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians debating the level of tension and internal crisis within the Oyo APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Some users mocked the former lawmaker over the public display, while others alleged that frustrations from party primaries often expose deeper disagreements within political camps.

    The viral clip also reignited conversations around alleged irregularities, imposition, and power struggles during party primaries across different states.

    Political Battle Ahead of 2027

    Olaleye, who previously served two terms in the Oyo State House of Assembly, has remained active in Oyo politics and was seeking another return to the Assembly under the APC platform.

    The incident comes as political alignments continue ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State, where Senator Sharafadeen Alli has emerged as one of the prominent figures within the opposition party.

    As of the time of filing this report, neither the Oyo APC leadership nor Senator Alli had officially reacted to the viral video.

  • Aston Villa Crush Freiburg to Win First Europa League Title in 43 Years

    Aston Villa have been crowned 2025/26 UEFA Europa League champions after a dominant 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg in Wednesday’s final in Istanbul.

    The Premier League side delivered a clinical performance at Beşiktaş Stadium, sealing their first Europa League title and first major European trophy since 1982.

    Tielemans, Buendía and Rogers seal victory

    Villa took control of the final before halftime after Youri Tielemans opened the scoring in the 41st minute.

    Emiliano Buendía doubled the lead deep into first-half stoppage time, giving the English side full momentum heading into the break.

    Morgan Rogers added the third goal in the 58th minute to complete a comfortable victory for Unai Emery’s men.

    Tielemans was later named Player of the Match following his commanding display in midfield.

    Historic night for Aston Villa

    The triumph marks Aston Villa’s first UEFA Cup or Europa League title and their first major European success since lifting the European Cup in 1982.

    It also further strengthens the reputation of manager Unai Emery, who has now won the Europa League five times during his managerial career.

    Villa’s victory caps an impressive season that also secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

    Freiburg fall short in first European final

    For Freiburg, the defeat ended a remarkable European journey that saw the German side reach their first-ever continental final.

    Despite impressive victories over several European opponents during the competition, they struggled to break down Villa’s organised defence and attacking efficiency in the final.

    The result has sparked celebrations among Villa supporters, with many describing it as the club’s return to Europe’s elite stage after decades away from major continental success.

  • Otedola Commits $100m Stake in Dangote Refinery Amid Billion-Dollar IPO Plan

    Business mogul and Chairman of First HoldCo, Femi Otedola, has announced plans to invest $100 million in Dangote Refinery, marking a fresh boost to the multibillion-dollar energy project.

    Otedola made the disclosure on Wednesday after leading a delegation of top executives from First HoldCo on a visit to the refinery owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

    The investment is part of a broader private placement exercise targeting about $2 billion ahead of the refinery’s eventual public listing.

    “Personal commitment to Dangote project”

    Otedola said his decision followed repeated engagements with Dangote and a personal interest in supporting the refinery’s expansion and long-term vision.

    He noted that his investment would come through allocated shares in the ongoing private placement, describing it as a strategic shift of his portfolio.

    According to him, “From a personal note, I’ve appealed to him. I’ve been here with him 25 times, so my compensation is he’s going to allocate to me shares worth $100 million in the private placement.”

    He also revealed that proceeds from the sale of his stake in Geregu Power would be redirected into the refinery investment.

    Dangote Refinery IPO plans gather momentum

    The development comes as Dangote Refinery prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO), which could see up to 10 percent of the company floated on the market.

    Reports suggest the refinery could be valued at as much as $5 billion during listing, with projections pushing overall valuation toward $50 billion.

    Dangote has previously stated that the IPO is aimed at widening ownership and allowing more Africans participate in the continent’s industrial growth.

    Strategic push for energy investment

    Otedola’s latest move adds to growing investor confidence in the refinery, which is regarded as one of the largest single-train refineries in the world.

    Analysts say the investment signals renewed momentum in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector and could attract more high-net-worth participation ahead of the listing.

  • Family of Slain Oyo Teacher Michael Oyedokun Breaks Silence, Reveals He Died Without a Child After Abduction

    The family of Michael Oyedokun, one of the schoolteachers abducted during the recent attacks in Oyo State, has described his killing as a devastating and irreplaceable loss, revealing that he died without a child after over a decade of marriage.

    Oyedokun was among several teachers seized by armed bandits during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, which left multiple communities in shock and fear.

    He was later killed after being held captive, in an incident that has continued to generate outrage across the country.

    Abduction during school attacks

    The late teacher was reportedly abducted alongside his colleagues from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, during the attack on Friday.

    Other affected schools included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso.

    The attacks also claimed the lives of an assistant headmaster, Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist, deepening the tragedy.

    Following the incident, the Oyo State Government ordered the closure of schools across four local government areas while security agencies intensified rescue efforts for other victims.

    Disturbing video intensified fears

    A disturbing video allegedly released by the attackers later surfaced online, showing Oyedokun tied up and forced to speak before he was killed, sparking widespread condemnation and fear over the safety of remaining abductees.

    The circulation of the footage has also renewed calls for tighter control of graphic content on social media.

    “A calm and peaceful man” — Family speaks

    Speaking on behalf of the family, Ebeni Adediran described the late teacher as a calm, humble and dedicated educator who spent over two decades in the teaching profession.

    “He was a calm person and he did not like violence,” he said.

    Adediran explained that Oyedokun had worked in different parts of Oyo State before being transferred back to his community last year, where he remained closely connected with his family.

    “He was very accommodating and since he came back to our community, he always visited his parents regularly,” he added.

    Pain over childlessness

    The family also revealed the most painful part of the tragedy was that Oyedokun died without leaving behind a child after more than 10 years of marriage.

    “And the most painful part is that he did not leave any child behind,” Adediran said.

    “He had a wife but they did not have any child after more than 10 years of marriage.”

    The family said his death has created a deep void, describing the loss as one that cannot be replaced.

  • Amaechi Says He Will End Identity-Based Politics if Elected President

    Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said he would end identity-based politics in Nigeria if elected President, insisting that governance must be based on citizenship rather than ethnicity or religion.

    The former Rivers State governor made the remarks in a video, where he criticised what he described as deepening divisions in Nigeria’s political system, saying they continue to shape elections and weaken national unity.

    “Citizens first, not tribe or religion”

    Amaechi said Nigerians should be treated equally regardless of background, adding that leadership should not be defined by ethnic or religious identity.

    “If I become President, there will not be this issue. There will be citizenship first and foremost, citizens of Nigeria,” he said.

    He argued that politicians often rely on ethnic and religious sentiments to mobilise voters, a trend he said must change.

    “All these, I’m from the West, North or East, and they are calling people to vote for you based on religion,” he added.

    Federal character under scrutiny

    The former governor also questioned the effectiveness of the federal character principle, saying it was designed to promote fairness but has in some cases contributed to inefficiency in governance.

    He suggested that Nigeria must rethink structural arrangements that encourage division instead of unity.

    “If it is because the system is unfair, one way to manage the system is to say give shares to areas,” he said.

    Linking insecurity to unemployment

    Amaechi also linked insecurity in the country to unemployment and weak governance systems, arguing that crime reduces when people are meaningfully engaged.

    “If everybody is employed… you won’t have time to rob,” he said.

    “You are at work by 6am and close by 6pm; you are too tired to carry a gun,” he added.

    Call for merit-based leadership

    He urged Nigerians to focus on competence and track record when choosing leaders, rather than identity-based considerations.

    Amaechi said Nigeria must move towards a system where performance, not ethnicity or religion, determines leadership selection.

  • Tiwa Savage Opens Up on Why She Misses Don Jazzy, Mavin Records After Exit

    Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has spoken candidly about the emotional support she enjoyed while signed to Mavin Records, admitting she did not fully appreciate it until after leaving the label.

    The singer made the revelation during a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast hosted by Joey Akan, where she reflected on the difference between local and foreign record labels.

    “I Didn’t Appreciate It Until I Left”

    According to Tiwa Savage, being under Mavin Records gave her access to emotional support from label boss Don Jazzy and fellow artists whenever she faced online controversies or personal struggles.

    She explained that during difficult moments, she often found comfort among members of the label.

    “Who you signed to is very important and I didn’t appreciate it until after I left Mavin,” she said.

    “Whenever there’s a controversy online I’d run to Don Jazzy’s room, sit on the floor or bed with other Mavin acts and we would talk about it. I would cry if I had to cry and we would get through it.”

    Singer Speaks on Foreign Labels

    Tiwa Savage also opened up about her experience after leaving Mavin Records in 2019 to sign with Universal Music Group.

    According to her, foreign labels often focus more on business and less on the emotional wellbeing of artists.

    “But being with a foreign label, they don’t really care about your personal stuff. So, I can’t really go to the Empire office and cry. I miss that part of it,” she added.

    The singer stressed that upcoming artists should be careful about the kind of label they sign with, warning that some companies only see artists as profit-making machines.

    Mavin Still Feels Like Family

    Despite exiting the label years ago, Tiwa Savage has repeatedly maintained that Mavin Records still feels like family to her.

    Her comments have sparked reactions online, with many fans praising Don Jazzy for creating what they described as a supportive environment for artists under the label.

  • Desmond Elliot Withdraws From APC Primary After Drama at Lagos Venue

    Lawmaker and Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot has officially withdrawn from the APC Lagos House of Assembly primary for Surulere 1 following tension and controversy at the polling venue.

    Elliot announced his withdrawal on Wednesday after arriving at the Paddington Mini Stadium alongside his supporters and political associates.

    Supporters allegedly denied entry

    Speaking to journalists at the venue, the lawmaker alleged that several of his supporters were prevented from gaining access to the polling area despite repeated appeals to electoral officials.

    According to him, attempts to resolve the situation peacefully were unsuccessful, leading to growing tension around the exercise.

    The election was eventually disrupted as protests broke out over the alleged exclusion of some party members from the process.

    Desmond speaks on withdrawal

    In a video that later surfaced online, Elliot said he decided to step down from the race to avoid violence and protect lives.

    “I want to officially announce my withdrawal from this particular race, good luck, thank you, and God bless you,” he said.

    His supporters were also seen leaving the venue peacefully alongside him.

    Fresh controversy after apology to Gbajabiamila

    The development comes hours after Elliot publicly apologised to Femi Gbajabiamila during an interview on TVC’s Your View.

    The apology followed recent comments by Gbajabiamila, who revealed that President Bola Tinubu nearly sanctioned him over intelligence reports linking Elliot to the Lagos Assembly speakership crisis involving Mudashiru Obasa.

    Gbajabiamila stated that he denied the allegation at the time.

    Tension rocks APC primary venue

    Wednesday’s primary election was eventually stalled as tensions escalated at the venue over complaints of intimidation and alleged exclusion of party loyalists.

    Elliot maintained that he would not allow any political contest to lead to violence or loss of lives.

  • Onisa of Esin Ele Invokes Gods After Oyo School Horror

    The Onisa of Esin Ele in Oyo State, Muraina Mutairo, has invoked traditional gods following the recent attack on schools and the abduction of pupils, students and teachers in Aholo-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area.

    The traditional ruler was seen in a viral video performing traditional rites while calling on the gods to go after those responsible for the attack and ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.

    Traditional Ruler Performs Rites

    During the gathering attended by residents of the community, Mutairo reportedly declared that the attackers would face severe consequences if the kidnapped victims were not returned safely.

    The incident comes days after gunmen invaded schools in the area and abducted several pupils, students and teachers, throwing the community into panic.

    The attack has continued to trigger outrage and fear across Oyo State and beyond, as concerns grow over worsening insecurity in parts of the country.

    Beheaded Teacher’s Photos Emerge

    Meanwhile, photos of one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedekun, have surfaced online following reports of his death.

    Oyedekun was reportedly beheaded by the attackers in a disturbing video that circulated widely on social media earlier this week.

    The footage sparked grief and condemnation nationwide, with many Nigerians calling on the government to strengthen security and protect vulnerable communities.

    Family Appeals Over Viral Video

    Amid the spread of the graphic footage, a family member identified as Adesewa Oladosu appealed to Nigerians to stop sharing the video of the teacher’s killing.

    In an emotional Facebook post, she described the continued circulation of the footage as deeply traumatising for the family, especially the deceased’s children and relatives.

    She urged the public to use only officially approved family photographs whenever discussing the incident online.

    The development has also reignited conversations around the psychological impact of violent content shared on social media during national tragedies.