Exclusive Reporters are committed to delivering credible, insightful, and impactful stories that matter. We go beyond headlines to bring our readers exclusive reports, in-depth analysis and human-interest stories that shape conversations and inspire change.
At ExclusiveStory. News, journalism is more than reporting; it’s about truth, balance, and responsibility. Our team of dedicated reporters, writers, and editors works tirelessly to uncover facts, amplify voices, and shed light on issues that affect everyday lives across Nigeria and beyond.
From politics to business, aviation, governance, lifestyle, and social development, we strive to inform, educate, and engage our audience with accuracy, speed, and integrity.
Our Mission:
To uphold the highest standards of journalism by providing exclusive, factual, and unbiased news that empowers readers and promotes transparency in society.
Our Vision:
To be one of Nigeria’s most trusted online news sources, where truth meets exclusivity, and every story makes an impact.
.. .describes him as a worthy son the state should be proud of
The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has described his main challenger in the last two governorship elections, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN as a worthy son the State should be proud of.
Beside describing Jegede’s virtue of humility as legendary, Governor Akeredolu says notwithstanding the last two political outings in which they were both the major players, their bonds of friendship, brotherliness and professionalism remain very strong.
“It is without doubt that Tayo remains an appreciable figure in our dear State. His palpable passion for the State is incurable even as he remains one worthy son we should all be proud of in Ondo State.
“Between Tayo and I, there have been two keenly contested governorship elections which to the Glory of God, have both come my way. In spite of this, our friendship, brotherliness and professional bonds have remained strong and largely unaffected.
“In all these, our shared commonality and virtues have played a big role. But above all, Tayo’s legendary humility deserves a huge commendation.
“As Tayo clocks 60, it is our profound prayer for God to keep him in good, sound health and increased wisdom to achieve his heart desires. On behalf of my Adorable Betty and the good people of Ondo State, I congratulate my dear brother, learned friend and worthy compatriot.
“CONGRATULATIONS. All honour, glory and adoration belong to the Lord for seeing you to this enviable age. Asodunmodun, àsosùmòsù, igba odun odun kan. Age gracefully!”.
Signed
Olabode Richard Olatunde Chief Press Secretary To the Governor of Ondo State
A district head in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue state, Utambe Adzer, has been allegedly held by soldiers of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) who took him into custody early hours of Saturday after reportedly finding some weapons at his palace.
Our correspondent gathered that the soldiers also allegedly uncovered another set of arms and ammunition at the palace of the former’s counterpart, the district head of Lumbuv, Chief Teran Kwaghbo in same Ukum area.
It was learnt that while Adzer was taken into custody by the soldiers, Kwaghbo escaped arrest but his palace according to the residents of the area was allegedly torched by the soldiers.
Witnesses from the area alleged that weapons were uncovered in both palaces during the raid carried out by the soldiers in the monarchs’ homes between Friday night and Saturday morning respectively.
A witness claimed that he first saw the soldiers around the palace of the first monarch on Friday night and that weapons were brought out of the house while the royal father was led away by the military personnel, adding that by Saturday morning, the second monarch’s palace was besieged by the soldiers.
The Sankera axis, comprising Ukum, Kastina-Ala and Logo, had suffered severely from the activities of armed bandits and communal clashes for a long period now.
The criminalities in the axis had been blamed on armed bandits suspected to be loyal to the late Benue’s criminal kingpin, Terwase Akwaza popularly known as ‘Gana.’
Meanwhile, the new Force Commander of OPWS, Brigadier General Clement Apere, could not be reached for comments on the matter.
Apere’s predecessor, Major General Adeyemi Yekini, had however often referred our correspondent to the Information Unit of the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Residents of Eyin-Apata community in Ajipowo Akure, have called on Ondo State government to come to their aid by urgently constructing a standard bridge and road for easy access in and out of the area.
Many residents of the Eyin Apata community could not leave their homes on Thursday, April 22,2021 for many hours as the only bridge that provides access for them was overflown with water following an early morning downpour.
The situation made the bridge and its link road impassable for many hours while foot paths around it were equally flooded.
Some of the residents in separate interviews said the bridge was built through communal effort many years ago and it is no longer have the capacity for the river which keeps expanding yearly.
One of them, Mrs Dunni Adebisi lamented that most children in the community do not go to school anytime it rains heavily because flood often takes over the only access to the area.
Another resident, Mr Solomon Oluwagbemi noted that the situation poses great danger to the lives of residents as the road is often flooded during rainy season.
Also speaking on the situation, Mr. Isaac Temidayo, said, “it Is high time the only bridge in Eyin-Apata, Ajipowo area is to be rebuilt and its road to be constructed now that the rains have fully set in”.
The residents unanimously called on government to rescue the community from the problem of perennial flooding.
The Head of Circulation, Owena Press Limited, publisher of The Hope Newspaper, Mr Arowolo Afolabi, also known as Baba Aro, has been described as a complete gentleman who is understanding in term of human relation
The Editor of The Hope Newspaper, Mr. Akindele Adubuola, gave this description while wishing him a Happy birthday and also bowing out of service.
Adubuola said, “He is someone I look forward to meet, everyday for his kind human nature.
“We’ve been working together for over 20 years, and ever since then, I have never heard him having a disagreement with another person just for a day.
The Editor, therefore, on behalf of the entire Staff and Management of Owena Press Limited, Publishers of The Hope Newspaper, wish him a belated birthday.
In the same vein, Former Chairman, Vendors Association of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, Prince Olateju Kenny Adesina, who also wish the celebrant a special and excellent birthday, described him has one of the experience and the oldest one the Association have, working in a Newspaper industry presently.
“In Akure I usually called him brother Aro because l passed through him when l was working with vanguard Newspaper and later got transfer to Akure, he is a tolerating and disciplined man.
“Whenever the Association had any misunderstanding he usually come to rescue us.
Earlier, the celebrity, Mr Arowolo Folorunsho Afolabi, popularly known as, “Baba Aro” while speaking on his retirement, thanked God for everything he has done for him from the Genesis of his life to where he is today.
Narrating the journey so far with our correspondent, Arowolo said, “though the journey was rough, full of ups and downs but one with God is a majority. “I thank God for what he has done for me for the past 60yrs.”
Mrs Afolabi, wife to the celebrity wished her husband a happy birthday, described him as a man of integrity, peace and trustworthy with free mind to people, not a betrayal and having delight in other people’s progress.
Meanwhile, other staff members wished him a Happy birthday at 60,even as he retires from the service of Owena Press Limited.
Below are the Excerpt;
Mrs Agbede, (Staff at The Hope Newspaper)
Chief Aro as I fondly call him is a humble man, gentle , generous, amiable, respectful to everybody who come across him, very accommodating. He is a cheerful giver , for over 25yrs of working together I didn’t see him having grudges with anybody, always smiling.
“I pray that God in His own Mercy will give him long life to reaps the fruits of his good labour with good health, Long life sir Igba Odun Odun kan ni o”.
Femi Atolagbe (Staff at The Hope Newspaper)
“Baba Aro as fondly called is a father to all, very accommodating, peace maker. He is a good Adviser, mentor to me personally, the saying that problem shared is half solve fit into baba perfectly, because when u get to him with any problem after his admonishing it will look as if you have no problem. I learnt a lot from him, I wish him Happy Birthday. “
Kayode Olabanji, (Staff at The Hope Newspaper)
Baba Aro as fondly called, is a man of dignity, he does not discriminate, despite his position and age, he will not use that to oppress you, he worked diligently.
He communicates with you like you are age mates, and plays with everybody. He will never support anyone plotting bad against you. He would cautioned you for a wrong done and advised you on the way forward.
His words of encouragement had enhanced and kept me going with a record of success even more than expectations. I do appreciate him for the fatherly roles he has played in my life. Despite the fact that we met at The Hope Newspapers, it like we have knew each other longtime ago.
No doubt, he posses the role of a good father and a good leader
I wish him long life and prosperity in good health in Jesus Name. He shall live to eat very well the fruit of his labour in the Mighty Name of God. Happy 60th birthday to our Daddy.
Adeniyi Ayodele Noah, Chairman all sales representative.
Aro as we all fondly call him is an honest, friendly, amiable man, down to heart and frankly on issues ,
Aro is a man of the people , in those days he love play around with his pairs where he was given a nickname AKAMO EKUN, which is still appreciate up to date when he meet some of good old friends.
He is a good family man you always see him in company of his wife and children He is a good elderly man always firm when issue are brought to him at any level highly respected by all and sundry
I wish him the best as he turned another year congratulations sir
Dr Charles Israel Afolabi, President, Fire Academy Nigeria
Firstly I have to thank God that it is a journey he started well and ending well, Arowolo has being my sibling and i know him to be highly intelligent young man and very proactive in all his endeavours, and that is why he is able to take the journey so far and now that he is ending it now, obviously, i give thanks to God for being with him through out the service, and also wish him a belated birthday with longlife and prosperity.
Adeoye Oluwatoyin, (Staff of the Hope Newspaper)
My oga is an easy going man, fun to be with, very generous and kind and man of his words , may God almighty be with him to have full peace for his retirement in Jesus name and wishing hin happy birthday
Saheed Ibrahim (Staff of The Hope Newspaper)
He is a gentleman to the core and a good leader per excellence.
You can never hear anything about he quarrelling with anyone, he does his job and always at peace with everyone.
With a gentle smile, he greets you warmly whenever he sees you. He is such a good man, I wish him happy birthday to him.
Arowolo, joined Owena Press Limited, Publishers of The Hope Newspaper in August 1, 1997 as a Circulation officer and later got promoted to Head of Circulation where he bowed out of service.
The Ondo born man was happily married and blessed with four wonderful children among which is Omo’ba Kayode Afolabi, the Publisher of Newsline Online News.
The National Orientation Agency, Ondo State Directorate has directed the good people of Ondo State to come out en-masse to clean their surroundings during this month Environmental Sanitation Exercise slated for Saturday 24th April 2021.
The exercise holds between the hours of 7:00am and 10:00am with full restriction of both vehicular and human movements.
The directive is contained in a press statement made available to newsmen by the Ondo state NOA Acting Director, Mrs Olawumi Famuyiwa through the Agency PRO, Ralph Oguntibeju.
NOA reiterated that the task of making our environment clean is the responsibility of all citizens, resident in the state.
She enjoined the people to guide against unwholesome practices of indiscriminate dumping of refuse to volatile area, as it could constitute environmental health hazard to the overall well-being of citizenry especially now that we are gradually moving into raining season.
Mrs Famuyiwa charged stakeholders in the environmental Sanitation project to braze up to the challenge of making this month edition a huge success.
She warned those who are in the habit of contravening the provision of the extant law of the exercise to desist as anyone caught by law enforcement agents during the exercise would be prosecuted except for people on essential services emergencies duty.
The armed bandits who kidnapped students of Greenfield University, have shot dead three of the abducted students.
The armed bandits had on Tuesday night kidnapped an unspecified number of students at the institution located at Kasarami village off Kaduna-Abuja Road in Chikun LGA.
The remains of the three students were found today (Friday), in Kwanan Bature village, a location close to the university and have been evacuated to a mortuary by the Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan and Force Commander, Operation Thunder Strike, Lt.Col. MH Abdullahi.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai has condemned the killing of the three students as sheer wickedness, inhumanity and an outright desecration of human lives by vile entities.
He went on to say that the armed bandits represent the worst of humankind and must be fought at all cost for the violent wickedness they represent.
A farmer popularly known as Alaga Olayemi has been kidnapped by seven unknown gunmen at Oke Onigbin ,Isin local government area of Kwara state.
It was gathered that the victim alongside some of his aides were ambushed by their attackers while on their way home from a maize farm.
It was learnt that the two aides after some confrontation with the kidnappers managed to escaped being abducted but sustained some matchete cut injuries while their boss was whisked away to an unknown destination.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations officer, Kwara State Command, Ajayi Okasanmi said the anti Kidnapping team of the command and hunters are already on the search on top of the situation with a view to securing his release.
University of Medical Sciences, UNIMED, Ondo will continue to enjoy government’s support towards ensuring that it achieves the goal of providing world class health care services to people of the state.
The Acting Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa gave the assurance while playing host to the management of UNIMED led by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Adesegun Fatusi.
The Acting Governor thanked the management of the institution for its contributions to development of the health sector.
Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the efforts being made by the university which have led to establishment of some other medical facilities in other states of the federation.
Earlier, the Vice chancellor of UNIMED, Professor Adesegun Fatusi noted that the love which the people have for the Akeredolu administration manifested in his victories both at poll for his reelection and election tribunal.
While commending the administration for its support so far, Professor Fatusi said the institution will not relent in delivering qualitative health care services to the people of Ondo state.
University of Medical Sciences, UNIMED, Ondo will continue to enjoy government’s support towards ensuring that it achieves the goal of providing world class health care services to people of the state.
The Acting Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa gave the assurance while playing host to the management of UNIMED led by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Adesegun Fatusi.
The Acting Governor thanked the management of the institution for its contributions to development of the health sector.
Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the efforts being made by the university which have led to establishment of some other medical facilities in other states of the federation.
Earlier, the Vice chancellor of UNIMED, Professor Adesegun Fatusi noted that the love which the people have for the Akeredolu administration manifested in his victories both at poll for his reelection and election tribunal.
While commending the administration for its support so far, Professor Fatusi said the institution will not relent in delivering qualitative health care services to the people of Ondo state.
Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has promised that the State will continue to support National Association of Ondo State Students ( NAOSS ).
This promised was made yesterday when the national leadership of NAOSS led by their President, Comrade Kikiowo Ayoade paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor in his office.
While welcoming them, the Deputy Governor declared that, youths are the foundation of any society.
“Their energies, inventiveness, character and orientation define the pace of development and security of a nation”. he said.
Aiyedatiwa further posited that through the creative talents of the youths and their labour power, a nation would make a giant strides in economic development and socio-political attainments.
He equally informed that, in order to further harness the peculiar talents of the youths in the State, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, has prioritised youth empowerment in the State’s 2021 budget.
And that, the budget was carefully designed to meet the aspirations of the teeming youths by focusing on sectors with job creating potential like agriculture, construction and technology, he said.
The Deputy Governor equally assured NAOSS that the requests they made in the letter submitted by them would be look into and the needful would be done.
In their own response, NAOSS commended Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s administration particularly in the area of payment of 2021 WASC senior school examination fees in Ondo State.
Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson, Press Secretary to the Governor (Office of the Deputy Governor).