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INEC TO PUBLISH NAMES, CREDENTIALS OF 2027 PRESIDENTIAL, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CANDIDATES TODAY The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will publish the personal particulars, academic credentials, and other documents submitted by candidates contesting the 2027 Presidential, Senate, and House of Representatives elections on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The publication is in accordance with the Commission's revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, which earmarks August 1 for the display of the personal particulars of candidates seeking election into the Presidency and the National Assembly. The display of candidates' credentials is a statutory process designed to promote transparency and provide members of the public, political parties, and other stakeholders the opportunity to examine the information submitted by candidates ahead of the elections. Interested Nigerians will be able to inspect the published docum...

HUAWEI, NCCE JOIN FORCES TO ADVANCE AI AND DIGITAL EDUCATION IN NIGERIA Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives and accelerating digital education across Nigeria. The agreement was signed on Thursday during the third Huawei Education Summit 2026 held in Abuja, bringing together education regulators, university administrators, state government officials and technology experts to explore strategies for preparing Nigerian graduates and institutions for an increasingly digital and AI-driven global economy. Speaking at the summit, Deputy Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Nigeria, Mr. Jim Zhang, said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity and smart learning have transformed industries, making it essential for educational institutions to embrace innovation. According to Zhang, ...

OSUN GOVERNORSHIP POLL WILL BE DECIDED BY VOTES, NOT VIOLENCE – INEC CHAIR The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured residents of Osun State that the winner of the August 15, 2026 governorship election will emerge through a free, fair and credible electoral process. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, on Friday, Amupitan said the outcome of the election would be determined by the votes of the people rather than violence. He described the forthcoming governorship poll as a significant electoral exercise that would serve as a key test ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections. "The decision of who becomes the governor should not be decided by bullet but by the will of the people through their votes. We are committed to ensuring that this is achieved, and the good people of Osun State will make the decision," Amupitan said. The INEC chairman acknowledged concerns over...

PICKING ATIKU AS MY RUNNING MATE WAS MY BIGGEST MISTAKE – OBASANJO Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described his decision to choose former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the biggest mistake he made during his time in office. Obasanjo made the remark on Friday during a fireside chat with veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, at the unveiling of Charly Boy’s foundation and memoir, 999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, in Lagos. Speaking on mistakes made while serving as Nigeria’s president, Obasanjo said no leader could claim to have governed without making errors. However, he singled out his choice of vice president as the decision he most regretted. According to him, if he had known Atiku Abubakar as well then as he came to know him later, he would not have selected him as his deputy. When asked by Charly Boy to identify his greatest mistake in government, Oba...

GOVERNOR AIYEDATIWA APPOINTS THREE NEW TUTORS-GENERAL FOR ONDO PUBLIC SCHOOLS Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointment of three new Tutors-General to oversee public schools across the state's three senatorial districts. According to a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the appointments take immediate effect. The newly appointed Tutors-General are Mr. Iwaluwa Austin Olusola for Ondo South Senatorial District, Dr. Jogbodo Bosede for Ondo Central Senatorial District, and Mr. Fasawe Toluwalase Abayomi for Ondo North Senatorial District. The appointments are expected to strengthen the administration and supervision of public schools across the state as part of the government's efforts to improve the quality of education. The statement confirmed that all three appointments became effective immediately.

UNILAG FACES ONLINE CRITICISM OVER SINGER FOLA'S OUTFIT AT FINAL-YEAR PROJECT DEFENCE The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has come under intense social media scrutiny following the appearance of Nigerian singer Folarin Odunlami, popularly known as Fola, at his final-year project defence in an outfit that sparked widespread debate online. Photos and videos circulating on social media showed the Afrobeats and Afro-R&B artiste arriving on campus in a Cadillac Escalade dressed in baggy trousers, a shirt, a scarf and accessories for his project defence in the Department of Economics Education, Faculty of Education. The images generated mixed reactions on X (formerly Twitter), with many users questioning whether the university had overlooked its dress code because of the singer's celebrity status. Several social media users claimed that other students had previously been denied access to project defence sessions for failing to meet the institution's expected dress standards. How...

HOW MIKEL ARTETA LED ARSENAL TO HISTORIC PREMIER LEAGUE GLORY AFTER 22-YEAR WAIT Arsenal's return to the top of English football after 22 years has been credited to a long-term rebuilding project built on patience, leadership, culture, and unity under manager Mikel Arteta. The club's official behind-the-scenes feature detailed how Arteta, club owners Stan and Josh Kroenke, sporting director Andrea Berta, the players, and supporters combined efforts to end the club's Premier League title drought. Reflecting on the achievement, Arteta said witnessing captain Martin Ødegaard lift the Premier League trophy was even more rewarding than he had imagined. "It was much better. I was just looking at the players' faces, how much it means to them, and to see them gathering together and lifting it. It was incredible," the Arsenal manager said. The triumph sparked massive celebrations across North London and around the world. The club said about one million supporters gathe...

ONLY SIX GOALKEEPERS HAVE SCORED IN PREMIER LEAGUE HISTORY Scoring goals is traditionally the responsibility of outfield players, making goals by goalkeepers one of the rarest achievements in football. Since the Premier League was established in 1992, only six goalkeepers have found the back of the net. The first goalkeeper to achieve the feat was Danish legend Peter Schmeichel, who scored for Aston Villa against Everton in October 2001. Although Aston Villa lost the match 3-2, Schmeichel made history as the first goalkeeper to score in the Premier League. In February 2004, Brad Friedel joined the exclusive list after scoring for Blackburn Rovers against Charlton Athletic. His late goal, however, was not enough to prevent Blackburn from suffering a 3-2 defeat. Paul Robinson became the third goalkeeper to score in the competition in 2007. The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper netted with a long free-kick that bounced over Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster. Everton's Tim Howard made histo...

HON. AJAYI MICHAEL ABAYOMI URGES RESIDENTS TO PRIORITISE SAFETY The Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Environment in the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Legislative House, Hon. Ajayi Michael Abayomi, has appealed to residents of Okeigbo and surrounding communities to prioritise their safety as flooding continues to affect parts of the area. Hon. Ajayi, who represents Okeigbo Ward 1 in the Legislative House, made the appeal during a visit to the Olorunsogo–Awopeju Road, where he assessed the impact of the flooding and expressed sympathy to families affected by the situation. He advised residents to avoid walking or driving through flooded roads, remain vigilant, and take necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property. The lawmaker also urged parents and guardians to keep children away from floodwaters due to the associated safety and health risks. According to him, residents should cooperate with relevant authorities and adhere to safety advisories as efforts continue to addres...

TRUTH AND ACCOUNTABILITY MUST REMAIN THE FOUNDATION OF GOVERNANCE A former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State on Special Interest, Apostle Temitope Olowofoyekun Dadeowo, has emphasized the need for truth, integrity, and accountability in governance, warning against what he described as misleading narratives capable of eroding public confidence in government. In a statement titled "The Price of Political Deception: Why Truth, Integrity, and Accountability Must Guide Governance," Dadeowo argued that politics should remain focused on legitimate leadership, responsible representation, and service to the people rather than personal interests. According to him, politics and governance are built on the pillars of power, legitimacy, and authority, which should be exercised in ways that promote economic development, responsible leadership, and the welfare of citizens. He expressed concern that personal ambition has increasingly overshadowed these core principles. ...

AKINOLA SEGUN CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH MESSAGE OF PEACE, HOPE AND DEVELOPMENT FOR ILE-OLUJI As he marked his birthday, Akinola Segun, a proud son of Odolua in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, has used the occasion to celebrate his roots while calling on young people to embrace peace, shun social vices, and contribute meaningfully to the development of their community. In a heartfelt birthday message, Akinola described Ile-Oluji as more than his place of birth, saying the town remains the foundation upon which his values and character were built. According to him, Odolua represents history, culture, and community, where he learned the importance of respecting elders, sharing with others, resolving conflicts peacefully, and living a life of discipline and integrity. He noted that although his connection to Ile-Oluji is through his maternal lineage, the town remains his ancestral root and will always hold a special place in his heart. Addressing the youth, Akinola urged them to reject cultism, i...

ONDO TOWN TO BENEFIT AS STATE GOVERNMENT BEGINS EMERGENCY DRAINAGE REHABILITATION TO CURB FLOODING The Ondo State Government has commenced the immediate channelisation and rehabilitation of critical waterways and drainage corridors in Ondo Town (Ondo West Local Government Area) following recent flooding that affected parts of the state. The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, disclosed that he led a team of engineers and technical experts to the affected area to begin the intervention in line with the directive of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. According to the commissioner, the exercise is aimed not only at addressing the immediate impact of the flooding but also at preventing future occurrences through comprehensive drainage improvement and waterway restoration. He explained that the ongoing intervention includes identifying flood-prone locations, mapping critical watercourses, removing obstructions, restoring blocked drainage channels, and improving the capacity of w...

DSS DETAINS CREW AFTER PRIVATE JET LANDS ON ROAD NEAR ASABA AIRPORT — KEYAMO The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has described the unauthorised landing of a foreign-registered private jet on a concrete road near Asaba Airport as a serious security breach, confirming that the pilots and crew are in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) as investigations continue. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, Keyamo said the aircraft had received clearance from the control tower to land on the airport runway but instead landed on a concrete road outside the airport perimeter. According to the minister, the incident occurred on June 10 and has no connection with the airport's navigational facilities, as the control tower properly guided the aircraft for landing. "The private jet incident was a security breach, and we are treating it as such. The pilots and crew are still in DSS custody undergoing rigorous questi...

AYEDATIWA'S LEADERSHIP REFLECTS TECHNOCRATIC COMPETENCE AND COMMITMENT TO GOVERNANCE, SAYS EBIWANNO Barrister Lade Ebiwanno has described Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as a leader whose blend of technocratic competence, political experience, and commitment to transformative governance has positioned him as a significant figure in the state's development. In a statement, Ebiwanno said Governor Aiyedatiwa's background, leadership pedigree, and professional accomplishments before entering politics have equipped him with the capacity to understand both the demands of governance and the aspirations of the people. According to him, the governor has consistently demonstrated calmness, composure, and discipline in handling the responsibilities of public office, earning the respect and admiration of many supporters. He noted that Aiyedatiwa's approach to leadership reflects the belief that authority is strengthened by character, integrity, accountability, a...

INEC WARNS TROUBLEMAKERS, VOWS TO CRACK DOWN ON VOTE BUYING AHEAD OF OSUN GOVERNORSHIP POLL The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election or engage in vote buying will face the full weight of the law. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), gave the warning on Thursday in Osogbo during the signing of the National Peace Committee's Peace Accord by the 14 political parties participating in the election, alongside security agencies, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders. According to the commission, 11 of the 13 activities on the election timetable have been completed, with the end of campaigns on August 13 and election day remaining. Amupitan stressed that INEC would not allow violence or intimidation to undermine the democratic process. "We will not allow the democratic will of the people to be subverted by fear or force. Insecurity is a direct assault on the san...

DAVIDO OPENS UP ON WHY HE DOWNSIZED HIS ENTOURAGE Award-winning Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has revealed why he no longer moves with a large entourage, saying his marriage, family responsibilities, and career priorities have reshaped his lifestyle. Speaking in an interview with Vibe Magazine, the singer explained that he now prefers to keep a smaller circle around him compared to the early years of his career. According to Davido, living with his wife and children has made it impractical to accommodate the large gatherings that once surrounded him. "Now I live with the kids and my wife. I can't have 100 people in my house like before," he said. The music star, however, clarified that reducing the number of people around him does not mean he has abandoned his longtime friends. He said he has helped many of them become financially independent by supporting their businesses and other ventures. Davido noted that he encourages those around him t...

AIYEDATIWA APPOINTS DR. MANN ALI AS ONDO CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointment of Dr. Mann Ali as the new Chairman of the Ondo State Civil Service Commission. The governor also appointed Mr. Michael Oshodi as a member of the commission, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan. The statement explained that both appointees are former Permanent Secretaries in the Ondo State Public Service and will fill vacancies created following the expiration of the five-year tenure of the former Chairman, Mr. Ajose Kudehinbu, and another commission member in June 2026. Announcing the appointments, the state government said the decision forms part of efforts to ensure continuity and effective administration within the state's civil service. It added that the appointments are subject to confirmation by a resolution of the Ondo State House of Asse...

TINUBU URGES GOVERNORS TO PRIORITISE ROAD PROJECTS OVER UNNECESSARY FLYOVERS President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged state governors across Nigeria to focus on expanding road networks rather than constructing flyovers in areas with minimal traffic, saying improved connectivity would enhance economic development and strengthen security operations. The President made the remarks on Thursday while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to Tinubu, state governments now receive significantly higher allocations from the Federation Account than in previous years, noting that many states currently receive four to five times their former allocations. He said the increased revenue should be invested in projects that directly improve the quality of life for citizens. "They should do more instead of building flyovers where there is no significant traffic. Build roads and art...

ODHA LEADER HON. OSHATI CELEBRATES LAWMAKER OLAJIDE OGUNTODU ON 50TH BIRTHDAY The Leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Chief Olatunji Oshati (Maxima), has congratulated his colleague and member representing Akure South Constituency I, Hon. Olajide Oguntodu, on the occasion of his 50th birthday. In a goodwill message issued on Thursday, Hon. Oshati described the celebrant as a dedicated, courageous, and committed legislator whose contributions to lawmaking and the development of Ondo State have earned him respect among his colleagues and constituents. He noted that reaching the milestone age of 50 is a significant achievement that calls for gratitude and celebration, expressing confidence that Hon. Oguntodu would continue to contribute meaningfully to public service. Hon. Oshati also commended the former Minority Leader of the House for his leadership and steadfast representation of his constituency, stating that his commitment to speaking on issues affecting the people ...

TOPE LIBERTY CARES DEFENDS AIYEDATIWA, QUESTIONS STATISENSE GOVERNANCE RANKING Tope Liberty Cares has defended the administration of Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, following a report attributed to StatiSense and published by The Guardian, which reportedly ranked the state among the country's low-performing governments. In a press statement signed by Olowofoyekun Temitope Dadeowo, the group said while governments should remain open to public scrutiny and constructive criticism, any assessment of governance should be transparent, evidence-based, and supported by verifiable facts. According to the statement, no human-led government is without challenges, stressing that governance should not be judged solely by a numerical score whose methodology has not been fully explained to the public. The group argued that residents of Ondo State have witnessed developments across several sectors under the Aiyedatiwa administration, citing claims of reduced domestic debt, ...

THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF YOUTHS IN BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE Ile-Oluji is a community blessed with a rich cultural heritage, fertile land, industrious people, and a longstanding tradition of peace and unity. However, like many communities across Nigeria, it continues to face challenges such as unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and the growing menace of social vices, particularly cultism and thuggery. The responsibility for changing this narrative does not rest solely with the government. As the future leaders and the most active segment of society, the youths of Ile-Oluji have a critical role to play in shaping the community's future. Sustainable development begins with the collective efforts of the people. The first step towards meaningful development is choosing peace over violence. Cultism and thuggery may create a false sense of belonging or influence, but their long-term effects are devastating. They destroy lives, create fear, divide families, discourage investment, and ...

ROTIMI AKINWAMIDE VISITS AIYEDATIWA, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ILE-OLUJI/OKEIGBO “This Victory Belongs to Every Supporter and the Good People of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Constituency,” Akinwamide Declares. Hon. Rotimi Ade Akinwamide, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ondo State House of Assembly representing Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Constituency, has paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, alongside members of his family, following his emergence as the party's candidate for the 2027 general election. The visit, according to Akinwamide, was to formally express gratitude to the governor for his leadership and to appreciate God, his family, the APC, and supporters for their roles in his successful emergence as the party's flagbearer. Speaking after the visit, the APC candidate described Governor Aiyedatiwa as a leader committed to justice, internal democracy, peace, and the continued development of Ondo State. He commended the govern...

AJISAFE'S ADABA FM COMMENTS DRIVEN BY POLITICS, GOVERNOR AIYEDATIWA SHOULD NOT BE BLAMED FOR DECADES OF CHALLENGES — TOPE LIBERTY CARES Tope Liberty Cares has responded to comments made by Barrister Ajisafe during an interview on Adaba FM, describing the remarks as politically motivated and arguing that it is unfair to hold Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa solely responsible for challenges that have developed over several administrations in Ondo State. In a statement signed by Olowofoyekun Temitope Dadeowo, popularly known as Tope Liberty Cares, the group said the state's infrastructural deficits, economic concerns, and governance issues were inherited over many years and could not reasonably be expected to be resolved within the relatively short period Governor Aiyedatiwa has been in office. The statement maintained that the governor's administration has made noticeable progress in key sectors, including road infrastructure, workers' welfare, education, healthcar...