Author: Friday Omosola

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has made it mandatory for all local government (LG) chairmen to hold citizens’ engagement forums before preparing their annual budgets. He said the directive is aimed at ensuring that local government projects and initiatives directly address the needs and priorities of the grassroots communities, mirroring the participatory budget process already in place at the state level. Oyebanji issued the mandate yesterday during a Town Hall Meeting and Citizens’ Engagement session with people from the Ekiti North and Ekiti Central Senatorial Districts, held in Otun Ekiti and Ijero Ekiti, respectively. READ ALSO: Oyebanji expresses confidence in…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today at the UN Headquarters during the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA80). The meeting focused on Nigeria’s quest for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and strengthening collaboration across multiple sectors. Shettima stressed the need for greater support from the global body, stating that the UN must “support Nigeria even more so that we achieve more,” particularly as the nation “is aspiring to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council.” READ ALSO: UNGA 80: Shettima to deliver Tinubu’s national statement today The…

The Osun State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has refuted recent reports claiming its members are on a three-day warning strike. The union’s Chairman, Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran, clarified on Thursday that their industrial action is an indefinite strike that remains in effect. READ ALSO: JUSUN calls off strike, to return to duty Wednesday In a statement, Adeniran described the reports as “false, baseless, and maliciously designed to undermine our legitimate struggle.” He urged JUSUN members and stakeholders to remain vigilant and united in their pursuit of justice and fairness. To reinforce its resolve, the JUSUN State…

The Lagos State Government initiated the demolition of unauthorised and unsafe buildings at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo on Thursday. The operation was a collaborative effort involving several state agencies, including the Ministry of Physical Planning, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, and the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency. READ ALSO: Lagos govt seeks investors for waste-to-energy, waste-to-wealth projects Jubril Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed the exercise on social media, stating that the action was taken to enforce physical planning laws and restore order. The targeted structures included those built without necessary…

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has inaugurated a pilot scheme for an Agricultural Mechanisation Outgrower Programme, an initiative designed to reclaim the state’s position as Nigeria’s food basket. The governor in a statement by Tersoo Kula, his Chief Press Secretary on Thursday said the programme, which was launched at the Bureau for Agricultural Development and Mechanisation headquarters, is a collaboration between the state government, Mass International, and SABASPAC International, operating under the Benue Agribusiness and Mechanisation Centre (BAMC). Alia, represented by his deputy Sam Ode, launched the scheme. The pilot phase will provide 10 farm clusters, consisting of approximately 300…

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has initiated preparations for the 2026 budget by holding town hall meetings across the state’s three senatorial districts. The move is part of his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, with a primary focus on improving infrastructure and strengthening security. Addressing stakeholders in the Ekiti South Senatorial District, Oyebanji urged residents to maintain peace to ensure continued development. READ ALSO: Oyebanji expresses confidence in APC ahead of Ekiti governorship primary election He credited the success of his administration to the strong cooperation he has received from all National Assembly and State House of Assembly members from…

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has delivered a strong message to world leaders at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80). He warned that the global body must undergo significant reforms or face becoming irrelevant in a world where major events are increasingly bypassing its influence. The President’s address delivered yesterday was critical of the UN’s perceived inaction, citing ongoing conflicts and human suffering, particularly in the Middle East, as “stains on our collective humanity.” READ ALSO: Tinubu honours Ogoni four, pledges revival of Ogoniland He stated that the organisation’s credibility is undermined by…

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has cast doubt on the claim by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) that it has disbursed over ₦1 trillion to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) since 2015. In a statement posted on his X page on Wednesday, Obi said his personal investigations and interactions with small business owners across the country revealed that most are unaware of the DBN’s existence or any such disbursements. READ ALSO: Peter Obi criticises national priorities in response to Oluremi Tinubu’s birthday appeal The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, argued that if a sum of…

The Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan reopened on Wednesday, receiving its first aircraft since its closure in March 2025 for upgrades to international standards. In a statement posted on its X page, the Oyo State Government confirmed that the presidential advance team’s flight landed at 9:14 a.m., marking a major milestone in the airport’s modernisation. READ ALSO: Ibadan markets to close in honour of Olubadan coronation The successful landing demonstrated that the facility is now fully equipped to handle high-profile flights and confirmed its readiness for the arrival of President Bola Tinubu on Friday, 26 September 2025. Tinubu is scheduled to…

All markets in Ibadan will be closed on Friday, September 26, 2025, in observance of the coronation of Oba Rasheed Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. This directive, issued by the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Asiwasi Yekeen Abass, is a sign of respect for the newly installed monarch. The shutdown will affect all trading activities across the eleven local government areas of Ibadan, including markets in the city centre and its environs. In a statement, Abass congratulated Ladoja on behalf of the entire trading community and its leadership. He expressed hope that the new monarch’s reign would be…