As a boy during the political processes that led to the advent of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, my father, a progressive local businessman and politician, would take me to political meetings and gatherings. He understood the importance of grassroots involvement in politics and governance and wanted his only son to be fully and duly involved, even if it meant nibbling away on Okin or Pako biscuits at that age. So, when Alliance for Democracy(AD) took over the six Southwest States in Nigeria in 1999, my father was the happiest man on earth. Years later before his glorious demise, he told me…
Author: Adeboye
By Abisayo Busari-Akinnadeju 2027 Presidential Candidate, Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) There is something Ondo people understand about a child who is raised well. They watch her go. They watch where she goes and what she does when she gets there. They watch whether she carries herself in a way that makes the place that raised her stand taller. They watch whether she remembers. I remember the radio station that gave me a microphone before I was old enough to understand what a platform meant. I remember performing Yoruba poetry on Ondo State Radiovision Corporation and other platforms from the…
Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State have adopted consensus candidates for the Oyo North Senatorial District as well as federal and selected state constituencies ahead of the 2027 general elections. The resolution was reached at a strategic meeting held in Ibadan, attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, the state party chairman and other prominent leaders from the Oke-Ogun axis. Party insiders said the consensus arrangement was designed to foster unity, reduce internal disputes and strengthen the party’s chances of retaining and expanding its foothold in the zone. For the Oyo North Senatorial District, stakeholders settled for businessman and…
MTN Nigeria has halted its airtime and data advance service, Xtratime, in compliance with new regulatory directives issued by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. The telecommunications firm disclosed this in a notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday, explaining that the suspension was necessary to align with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025. Xtratime enables prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data with repayment deducted from subsequent recharges. In the filing signed by the Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, MTN stated that the service now falls within the category of digital lending, thereby…
A United States-based surgeon, Thomas Shaknovsky, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter following the death of a 70-year-old patient during a surgical procedure in Florida. A grand jury in Walton County indicted the 44-year-old doctor on Monday over the August 2024 incident involving William Bryan, who died after undergoing what was intended to be a spleen-removal operation. Bryan had reportedly visited a hospital in Miramar Beach after experiencing severe pain while at his property. Medical checks indicated an enlarged spleen, prompting the recommendation for surgery. Prosecutors alleged that the surgeon persuaded the patient to proceed with the operation despite his…
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the 2027 presidential election will mark his final attempt at seeking Nigeria’s highest office. Atiku made the declaration on Wednesday during an interview on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television. “The 2027 election will be my last outing,” he stated. The former presidential candidate, who has contested for the presidency since 1992, spoke amid questions over his repeated bids and advancing age. Responding to why Nigerians should still consider him for the presidency, Atiku said the country’s challenges stem largely from leadership deficiencies, insisting he possesses the experience required to address them.…
Dr Shehu Mohammed, Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has called on Nigerians with integrity to join the special marshal group to reduce road crashes in the country. Mohammed made the call at the 2026 Special Marshals’ National Retreat held on Wednesday in Akure with the theme: Repositioning Special Marshals For Professionalism, Strategic Partnership And Enhanced Service Delivery. The corps marshal, represented by Mr Abiodun Akinlade, Deputy Corps Marshal in-charge of Training, Abuja, said the integrity of the special marshalls would enhance the services of the corps on the highways. Mohammed, who said the retreat was a strategic platform…
…Govt to support local hunters, establish security posts in troubled areas Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to stamp out insecurity in Imafon, Igushin and Ilado communities in Akure North Local Government Area, pledging decisive action against criminal elements operating in the axis. The governor made the declaration during a familiarisation and condolence visit to the palace of the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, following a series of violent attacks within the communities. Expressing sympathy with the bereaved families, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that measures were already being intensified to restore calm…
Troops operating in Borno State have apprehended a 15-year-old suspect over his alleged involvement in recent attacks on Benisheik and Ngamdu communities. Security sources disclosed that the suspect, identified as Tijjani, was arrested on Sunday during ongoing military operations targeting insurgent activities in Ngamdu and surrounding areas. According to the sources, the teenager was taken into custody following intensified operations against fighters linked to Boko Haram and allied insurgent groups operating in the region. During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to participating in the attacks carried out on Thursday in the affected communities, which have witnessed repeated assaults in…
The Federal Government on Saturday released a list of 48 individuals and organisations allegedly involved in financing terrorism in Nigeria. The list was published by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, detailing names of persons and entities suspected to be linked to terrorist activities across the country. According to the committee, some of those listed are believed to have affiliations with proscribed groups, including the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ansaru and the Islamic State West Africa Province. The disclosure is part of ongoing efforts by the government to clamp down on the funding networks sustaining terrorism and related crimes in Nigeria. Further…