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Today, we celebrate not just the passage of time, but the legacy of a man whose life is woven into the very fabric of our community — Alhaji Akeem Osho. At 59, he stands tall as a beacon of service, leadership, and dedication.
From founding the Ifesowapo Youth Forum (IYF), Odigbo LG, to his impactful years with the Ore Development Committee at Olore Palace (2002–2007), Hon. Osho has consistently shown his passion for people and progress.
His public service journey is marked with humility and impact, having served as Personal Assistant to both the former Odigbo LG Chairman, Hon. Prince Olu Falolu, and the former Supervisor for Works, Hon. Abayomi Akinnbounje.
As former ACN/APC Publicity Secretary for Odigbo LG, and current State Chairman of OSIRIOS (Osun State Indigenes Residing in Ondo State), his influence continues to shape political mobilization and unity among Osun indigenes in Ondo.
Presently, Hon. Osho is a full-time member of the Ondo/Osun Disputed Border Area Committee, Managing Director of A OSHO NIG LTD, and Chairman of OSHO-LOWO AL-BARIKA Cooperative Society Ltd.
A man of vision, a politician to the core, and a grassroots mobilizer — Alhaji Akeem Osho deserves every bit of the celebration today.
Join us in honoring a trailblazer, a leader, and a man of the people. Happy 59th Birthday, Alhaji! May this new chapter be filled with more victories and fulfilled dreams!
Member representing Okitipupa Constituency II in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, has expressed deep appreciation to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering commitment to educational development across the state, particularly in Okitipupa Local Government Area.
Hon. Gbegudu lauded the Governor following the recent approval for the renovation of the female hostel at Unity Secondary School, Ode-Aye, and the construction of four classroom blocks at Ikoya Grammar School. He described the projects as a testament to the Governor’s dedication to improving educational infrastructure in line with his “Our Ease” (Odirorun) development agenda.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for prioritizing educational infrastructure across Ondo State, particularly in Okitipupa Local Government,” Gbegudu stated.
The lawmaker commended the Governor for living up to his campaign promises and urged for continued infrastructural and developmental projects in the area. He emphasized the importance of sustained investment in education for the overall growth of the constituency.
“While I appreciate Mr. Governor for these educational investments, I look forward in anticipation of further infrastructural and developmental projects in our constituency and across Okitipupa Local Government Area in no time,” he added.
Tragedy struck Okitipupa, the headquarters of Okitipupa Local Government Area in Ondo State, as Prince Ogo Omoge, grandson of the renowned late musician Comfort Omoge, was brutally murdered during a confrontation with a scavenger.
The incident occurred in the evening of April 17, 2025, along the Ayeka/Igodan-Igbokoda Expressway, plunging the community into grief and disbelief.
According to reports gathered, the altercation between Prince Omoge and the suspect escalated over an undisclosed issue. Eyewitnesses say the dispute turned violent when the scavenger drew a dagger and fatally slit Omoge’s throat. The victim was immediately rushed to the hospital, but doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival.
A source close to the scene, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as a sudden escalation of a seemingly minor disagreement. “It started as a small argument, but it quickly turned tragic. The attacker fled immediately after committing the act,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Command, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, stated that one suspect has been apprehended. “Yes, I can confirm the incident happened on April 17, 2025. One suspect is currently in custody,” he said.
In response to the shocking event, the Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, Hon. Andrew Ogunsakin, held an emergency meeting with key community stakeholders, including traditional rulers, youth leaders, and representatives of the Hausa/Fulani community. He confirmed that the suspect, identified as Machido Abubakar, was arrested through a joint effort involving residents and security agencies.
Ogunsakin commended the swift action of the security forces and reassured residents of the administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace and safety in the area.
Expressing his condolences to the bereaved family, the Chairman urged the community to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. “This is a moment of deep sorrow for us all. We must stand united and ensure peace prevails,” he said.
..as EXCO approves renovation of technical colleges, secondary schools
The Ondo State Executive Council led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the construction and dualisation of the main road linking Akure, the State capital, with Idanre.
This was one of the many projects approved during the EXCO meeting which held on the 16th of April, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Akure.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye, who briefed journalists after the meeting, said the approval covers the first phase of 10km of the road from the Arakale/Oke Aro Junction to KM 10 along Akure-Idanre road.
This came in fulfilment of the promise made by Governor Aiyedatiwa during his electioneering campaign last year to dualise the road.
Engr. Olawoye also disclosed that the EXCO approved the construction of buildings and renovation of all the technical colleges, Unity Secondary Schools and selected secondary schools across the State.
The projects approved by the EXCO include:
Renovation of male and female hostels at Unity Secondary School, Epinmi Akoko
Construction of 4 classroom blocks at A.U.D. Akungba Akoko
Renovation of SS1 block at Unity Secondary School, Owo
Renovation of male and female hostels at Unitt Secondary School, Owo
Construction of perimeter fence at Ejioba High School, Oba lle, Akure North LG
Renovation of 6 classroom blocks at African Church Comprehensive High School, Alagbaka, Akure
Construction of 4 classroom blocks at Idanre High School, Alade, Idanre.
Renovation of Science Laboratory block at Ekimogun Grammar School, Bolorunduro, Ondo
Construction of 4 classroom blocks at Ikoya Grammar School, Ikoya, Okitipupa LG
Renovation of female hostel at Unity Secondary School, Ode-Aye, Okitipupa LG
Construction of 4 classroom blocks at Community High School, Ode Mahin, Ilaje LG
Construction of 4 classroom blocks at Laje Grammar School, Atijire, Ilaje LG
Construction of 4 classroom blocks at Igi Moni Community Girls School, Ebutte-Ipare, Ilaje LG
Renovation of Selected Buildings/ New Constructions in all Technical Colleges in Ondo State (BATVE)
According to Engr. Olawoye, other projects approved by the EXCO include the construction of Omuro International Market at Ode – Ugbo, construction of concrete sedimentation tank at Aboto and construction of Concrete landing walkways in various locations in llaje and Ese Odo Local Govemment Areas.
Others include the Upgrading and Vertical Enhancement of Fasoranti Park, Alagbaka, Akure, Supply of Laboratory Equipment to the Quality Control Department of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and Construction of 32 terraced four-bedroom apartments at Alagbaka, Akure.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. April 18, 2025.
..as First Lady empowers thousands of women in Ondo State.
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has expressed deep appreciation to the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for choosing Ondo State as the host for the South-West regional launch of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
Speaking during the official launch ceremony held on Thursday, at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure, the Governor described the First Lady as a national treasure and mother of the nation, lauding her efforts to support nurses and midwives across the country.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of 10,000 professional kits—comprising scrubs and Crocs—to healthcare workers in the South-West zone of the country.
According to the Governor, “This thoughtful gesture will undoubtedly have a profound impact on maternal and child health in our region. It will boost the morale of our nurses and midwives and enhance the quality of care they provide.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa further emphasized the importance of investing in maternal and child health, noting that it yields significant returns in both health outcomes and economic productivity. He described the initiative as a “strategic intervention” that aligns closely with Ondo State’s health development goals.
The Governor also commended Senator Tinubu’s broader empowerment agenda, including her recent financial support to women traders, describing women’s empowerment as a critical driver of sustainable development.
He used the opportunity to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and social development, noting that several programmes have been implemented to support women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
The Governor also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and ongoing support for Ondo State through various federal government projects. He listed several federal interventions in the state, including the new Teaching Hospital for the Federal University of Technology, the upgrade of Adeyemi College of Education to a University of Education, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway passing through Ondo, the siting of a Nigerian Air Force Secondary School at Igbara-Oke and the dualisation of the Ore-Ondo-Akure road.
During the event, the First Lady, Mrs. Tinubu, explained that the Renewed Hope Initiative is designed to complement the efforts of the Federal Government in enhancing the well-being of Nigerians. She noted that other geo-political zones have already benefited from the programme, which aims to uplift communities and provide critical support where needed.
She emphasized that the distribution of professional kits is a way to appreciate and encourage nurses and midwives for their dedication and hard work.
In furtherance of women empowerment, she announced a N50million grant to be presented to the wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, to support rural women across the state.
Additionally, she disclosed that 200 women in the textile industry would be empowered as part of the initiative.
Mrs. Tinubu also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to women’s welfare and for ensuring female representation in his administration.
Earlier in her welcome address, the wife of the Governor of Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the choice of Ondo State as host, describing it as a clear demonstration of the First Lady’s motherly love and care.
She commended the RHI programme for its focus on distributing 10,000 professional kits to nurses and midwives and launching the Free to Shine campaign aimed at eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis.
Mrs. Aiyedatiwa also thanked the women of Ondo State for turning out in large numbers to honour the First Lady, stating that their presence added colour and dignity to the occasion.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, commended the First Lady for championing quality healthcare and acknowledged the valuable impact of the initiative in reducing maternal mortality and motivating health workers in Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, commended President Tinubu and his wife for the impactful programme in developing and implementing primary healthcare initiatives across Nigeria, with a focus on strengthening the healthcare system, promoting immunisation, and ensuring equitable access to essential health services.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Tinubu has called on traditional rulers to support her efforts in improving the well-being of women across the country.
She made this appeal during a meeting with the Ondo State Council of Obas, ahead of the launch of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) for the South-West region in Akure.
Appreciating the warm reception from the royal fathers, the First Lady noted that global health bodies, including the United Nations, are working toward eradicating certain diseases in Nigeria by 2030.
She also revealed plans to introduce a new programme tagged “Flow with Confidence”, which aims to distribute 10,000 sanitary pads per state to young girls, especially in rural communities.
Highlighting the government’s agricultural efforts, Mrs. Tinubu spoke about the Young Farmers’ Club and the women’s gardening initiative, which attracted a N400 billion intervention fund from the Ministry of Agriculture. Through this initiative, each state’s First Lady received a N68.9 million grant to support women farmers.
She added that the initiative also includes annual scholarships for students, including international opportunities in Belarus. In addition, the Alternative High School for Girls, targeted at teenage mothers offers education and childcare through on-site crèches. The program, already running in Osun State, will soon be launched in Ondo.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, represented by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, pledged the support and prayers of the traditional rulers for President Tinubu.
Oba Aladelusi also commended the First Lady for her unwavering support to the President, expressing confidence that her contributions would help the administration succeed.
Mrs. Tinubu later paid a courtesy visit to the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, at his residence.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. April 17, 2025.
The Ondo State Police Command has firmly denied reports suggesting that a vehicle in the convoy of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was involved in the tragic death of a young girl in Akure on Thursday.
The denial comes in response to a report published by Sahara Reporters, which claimed the incident occurred during the First Lady’s visit to Ondo State for an empowerment programme.
In an official statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayandade Olayinka Olushola, the command described the claims as “misleading and entirely baseless.” According to the police, investigations revealed that the fatal accident was caused by a hit-and-run driver in an unregistered white Lexus SUV, not by any vehicle in the First Lady’s motorcade.
The incident reportedly took place around the Oba Ile area of Akure. Eyewitnesses at the scene confirmed that a concerned citizen pursued the fleeing vehicle on a motorcycle, providing a clear account that absolved the First Lady’s convoy of any involvement.
In addition, the police corrected earlier reports which stated the victim was nine years old, confirming through her parents that she was actually seven at the time of her death.
The Commissioner of Police personally visited the bereaved family to offer condolences and assure them of a thorough investigation. He reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring justice is served and emphasized that no official vehicle from Senator Tinubu’s entourage was implicated in the incident.
The command also addressed a separate report by Sahara Reporters alleging a kidnapping incident in Ondo State. Police clarified that the event actually took place in Ugbogui, near Ohosu in Edo State, outside the jurisdiction of Ondo State.
Condemning the dissemination of false information, the police labeled the reports as “reckless and unprofessional,” warning that such actions could incite public fear and damage the credibility of media institutions. They called on Sahara Reporters to retract the inaccurate stories and issue a public apology to those affected.
The police command concluded by extending its condolences to the victim’s family and appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could assist in apprehending the hit-and-run driver.
…reassures on security, vows to name young person as youth commissioner
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has promised to deepen his administration’s efforts in empowering the youth and ensuring a safe, prosperous future for all citizens of the state.
Speaking during an interactive session with youth groups held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, on Tuesday, Governor Aiyedatiwa described young people as the backbone of the state’s development and vital to the success of any meaningful transformation.
Governor Aiyedatiwa presented to the youth his administration’s 7-point developmental agenda, tagged “Our Ease”, which focuses on order and security, rural and urban development, technological advancement, healthcare, power, infrastructure, and education.
According to him, the state government has already begun implementing impactful initiatives such as the payment of WAEC and NABTEB fees for students, scholarships and bursaries for undergraduates, the recruitment of over 2,000 teachers, and the renovation of educational facilities across the state.
“We have provided nano grant as business support to 5,000 youths, engaged 15,000 young people in labour-intensive public workforce programmes, and officially opened Youth Skill Centres across the state under the One-Youth-One-Skill Scheme,” he said.
Responding to issues raised by some representatives of the youth, Governor Aiyedatiwa promised to appoint a young person as Commissioner for Youth Affairs very soon while promising more employment and empowerment opportunities for young people in the State.
The Governor also expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support shown by the youth during the November 2024 governorship election, describing their contribution as instrumental to his electoral victory across the 18 local government areas of the state.
On the issue of security, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that his government is working closely with security agencies to rid the State of criminal elements, saying calm has gradually returned to the State.
He said: “We will not allow criminals to have comfort in our State. Right now, criminal elements who recently strayed into our forests and farmsteads are facing the heat. While we assure law-abiding citizens of protection, we shall continue to smoke out criminal elements that may threaten the peace and security of the State.”
The Governor urged the youth to take advantage of the administration’s policies and programmes and stay away from actions that could derail the development of the State.
“This administration is creating the enabling environment to project the state in good light to attract investors, while alluding to the fact that protest is part of democracy but only after dialogue and negotiations with appropriate government agencies have failed.
“Let us not dissipate our God-given talents and energies on negative tendencies. We must work together to promote peace, build community, and unleash your potential. We believe in you and are committed to supporting you,” he added
In his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Orioye Gbayisemore, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for prioritizing youth development and job creation in the State. He expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership and commended his commitment to improving the lives of young people.
Gbayisemore highlighted initiatives such as the payment of WAEC fees, scholarships, teachers’ recruitment, and the One Youth, One Skill scheme. He urged the youth to take ownership of the administration’s vision and play active roles in building a progressive Ondo State
During their separate remarks, stakeholders from the three senatorial districts, Mr. Abiola Obanoyen from the Northern District, Miss Yewande Omobomi from the Central District, and Mr. Jonathan Obatola from the Southern District, echoed similar sentiments as they commended the governor for his youth-friendly policies and unwavering commitment to youth welfare. However, they urged the governor to do more for young people so that they can continue to have a sense of belonging.
The Commander of the South West Security Agency (Amotekun) in Ondo State, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, briefed the gathering on the efforts of the agency in combating the security challenges in the State.
He emphasized that despite these challenges, Amotekun remains undeterred and is fully committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and residents, even at great personal risk to its personnel. He therefore called for collective action and collaborative efforts to address the security challenges facing the state.
Those in attendance at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; the APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa; the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of OSRC, Mr. Keneth Stevenson-Odusola, Local Government chairmen, and other top government officials.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. April 15, 2025.
The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured the people of the state of his government’s commitment to providing good healthcare for all, in line with the “OUR EASE” agenda of his administration.
The governor gave this assurance while declaring open the three-day non-residential sensitisation and technical workshop for stakeholders on the development of Ondo State HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan (SSP 2025-2027) on Monday in Akure.
Aiyedatiwa who was represented by his Special Adviser on Health, Professor Simidele Odimayo, stressed that all hands must be on deck to achieve the United Nations goal of ending HIV/AIDS scourge by 2030.
He said, “Our government places high premium on the health and living standard of our people. It is our avowed determination that everybody has access to quality healthcare and support. We shall leave no stone unturned until Ondo State becomes HIV/AIDS-competence and resilience, until the disease is no longer a threat to our collective wellbeing and survival.
“I am informed that 28,334 people are estimated to be living with HIV in the state while as at the April 2, 2025, 21,611 are currently on treatment. Most new infections being recorded are mostly among youths and adolescents. Against this backdrop, it has become rather imperative for all stakeholders to be unrelenting in their efforts at forestalling the spread of this epidemic.”
Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest track, “Tell Your Papa,” has recorded a remarkable milestone despite being banned by the National Broadcasting Commission.
The song, which criticises President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has gathered the attention of several Nigerians and has been making waves on social media.
According to the statistics on YouTube, ‘Tell Your Papa’ has 22,754 views on YouTube with 1,200 likes and the video numbers have since skyrocketed to 82,138 views and 2,600 likes, on YouTube too, indicating a surge in popularity amid the controversy.
On Spotify, the song has also reached a notable milestone with over 30,116 streams, indicating that Nigerians are still streaming the song despite the ban.
The NBC sparked criticism after it banned “Tell Your Papa” from airplay on April 10.
The commission cited a breach of broadcasting code, but, Eedris Abdulkareem responded by condemning the government for suppressing dissent and constructive criticism.
He likened the ban to the censorship of his iconic hit “Jaga Jaga” in 2004, accusing the current administration of being “insensitive and vindictive”.
Abdulkareem took to Instagram to express his views on the ban, stating, “It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed a big crime by the government.”
The ban was also faulted by the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, which predicted that the ban would be counterproductive and make people want to stream it more.
Similarly, in a statement on Sunday, Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka also condemned the NBC over the ban, describing it as a return to the culture of censorship and a threat to the right to free expression.
The Samakinwa area of Ondo town, the administrative center of Ondo West Local Government Area, was thrown into mourning on Monday following the tragic death of a nine-year-old girl named Testimony, who was reportedly mentally challenged.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire broke out around 4:00 p.m. in a four-bedroom apartment where the child was locked alone in one of the rooms by her guardian, who had gone to church at the time of the incident. The blaze, suspected to have been triggered by an electrical surge, quickly engulfed the building, destroying several properties.
Despite the desperate efforts of residents particularly youths in the area, Testimony could not be rescued as the room she was confined in was securely locked. By the time sympathisers broke through, she had been burned beyond recognition.
When reporters arrived at the scene, some residents were still attempting to recover personal belongings from parts of the building unaffected by the fire, while others gathered in clusters, visibly shaken and grieving. The charred remains of the girl were placed respectfully in a corner of the compound, as neighbors and occupants wept over the harrowing loss.
The Divisional Police Officer of Yaba Division, CSP Victor Olowolagba, led a team of officers to the scene and confirmed that four individuals had been invited for questioning. He assured the community of a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death.
The body of the deceased, who was said to have been ill for some time, was later evacuated to a yet-to-be-disclosed morgue.
Reacting to the incident, the Youth Leader of the area, Comrade Akinbinuade Akinyemi, expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy and lamented the increasing frequency of fire outbreaks in the community. He called for improved safety awareness and stronger preventive measures to avoid further loss of lives.