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Former Ondo State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, is set to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state.
The Ondo State chapter of the ADC announced that Jegede would be received into the party at a ceremony scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2026, at NEPA Park, Akure, by 11:00 a.m.
Jegede, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, contested the state governorship election on the platform of the PDP in 2016 and 2020.
His planned move to the ADC follows his resignation from the PDP in August. Jegede had confirmed his resignation but said at the time that he would announce his next political move later.
In a statement signed by the ADC Ondo State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Remi Ofakunrin, the party described Jegede’s entry as a development that would add to ongoing political realignments in the state and the country.
The party said Jegede’s experience in law, public service and politics would contribute to its efforts to expand its political base and promote what it described as a broad-based movement for national renewal.
According to the ADC, the reception would also provide an opportunity for its members, supporters, political associates, civil society actors, community leaders, youths and women to identify with the party.
The party used the occasion to highlight concerns over the country’s socioeconomic challenges, including rising food and transportation costs, unemployment, insecurity and pressure on household incomes.
It also restated its position that government should pursue policies aimed at reducing the cost of living and improving citizens’ purchasing power.
The ADC further referenced its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who it said had proposed a targeted petrol subsidy alongside greater emphasis on domestic refining and petroleum production.
The party said its objective was to build a political platform focused on issues including insecurity, poverty, unemployment, education and energy costs.
Jegede’s political movement to the ADC comes amid wider realignments involving opposition politicians in Ondo State. In 2025, the Guardian reported that Jegede and other PDP figures were associated with the emerging ADC coalition in the state, although subsequent reports indicated that Jegede had remained in the PDP at that time.
His formal entry into the ADC now follows his August resignation from the PDP.
The ADC said the Thursday event would formally welcome Jegede and his supporters into the party.
Venue: NEPA Park, Akure Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026 Time: 11:00 a.m.
…commission targets staff wellness, unity, improved service delivery
The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has commenced a monthly fitness exercise aimed at promoting staff wellness, strengthening team spirit and enhancing service delivery.
The maiden edition of the initiative was held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Commission’s premises, with staff from various departments participating in the exercise.
The programme featured warm-up exercises, aerobics, light cardio, stretching, team-building activities and health awareness sessions, led by a professional trainer, Mr Kayode Isijola.
The exercise provided an opportunity for staff to engage in physical activity while fostering interaction, unity and a shared commitment to healthier living.
Speaking with newsmen, the Director of Tourism and Sports Development, Mrs Esther Sanni, said the initiative was designed to promote staff wellness, strengthen unity among employees and ultimately improve service delivery.
Sanni commended the staff for their impressive turnout and punctuality, which she said contributed to the success of the maiden edition.
She said, “The exercise is aimed at promoting staff wellness, fostering unity among staff and enhancing better service delivery. All staff came out in their numbers, and we recorded a huge success. People also came out punctually, which was very encouraging.”
Also speaking, the Deputy Director, Legal Services, Barrister Boyemiyenghan Gbamila, described the exercise as refreshing and energising, commending the Executive Chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye, for introducing the initiative.
“The fitness exercise was superb. It was refreshing and energising, and we really enjoyed it. I participated actively from the beginning to the end. It is certainly worth repeating,” Gbamila said.
He expressed appreciation to the executive chairman for the initiative and prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom and protection upon him.
The exercise was attended by members of the Commission’s top management, including the Executive Director, Finance, Mallam Mallon Adekunle Ogbaro; Executive Director, Projects, Dr Olujimi Kufo; Principal Secretary to the Chairman, Dr Henry Babatunde; and Special Assistant to the Chairman on Community Affairs, Pastor Ishola Omoyele, among other senior officials.
..as student engagement, youth leadership take centre stage
The City Boy Movement has inaugurated its Ondo State chapter as part of efforts to strengthen youth engagement, promote unity and encourage young people’s participation in leadership and community development.
The inauguration ceremony was preceded by the arrival in the state of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Comrade Asefon Sunday Dayo, who was received by Hon. Adeoluwa Peter Ogundeyi, Coordinator, Southwest Media Strategic Committee, Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement.
Ogundeyi, who described the visit as an honour and privilege, said the engagement provided an opportunity to witness Asefon’s continued commitment to meaningful student engagement and youth leadership.
He commended the presidential aide’s accessibility, composure and concern for Nigerian students, noting that his approach to listening and engaging with young people demonstrated the importance of giving students a voice in matters affecting them.
According to him, the inauguration was aimed at consolidating the movement’s presence in Ondo State, fostering unity and creating platforms for young people to contribute to leadership, service and community development.
Ogundeyi further expressed his readiness to support effective communication, strategic media engagement and stronger connections with students and young people across the Southwest.
He welcomed Asefon to Ondo State and appreciated his commitment to student engagement.
The Chairman of the Ondo State Sports Council, Hon. Oladimeji Abimbola, has expressed his readiness to support the fourth edition of the Adu Unity Football Competition.
Abimbola stated this while receiving members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Adu Unity Football Competition in his office in Akure, the state capital.
“We started the maiden edition together and, since then, I have been supportive of the competition,” he said. He commended the sponsor of the competition, Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu, popularly known as Cubana, for his consistency in promoting grassroots football.
Abimbola added that sports, particularly football, remain among the best tools for keeping young people away from social vices.
“On behalf of the Ondo State Sports Council, I assure the Local Organising Committee of the Adu Unity Football Competition of our support. We are going to support the successful organisation of the competition,” he said. He advised the organisers to expand the competition across all 18 local government areas of the state.
According to him, Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu has expanded the competition beyond the Ondo Central Senatorial District, making it necessary for all 18 local government areas to be represented.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Raymond Abdulsalam, thanked Abimbola for receiving the committee and congratulated him on his appointment as Chairman of the Ondo State Sports Council.
“This is our fourth year of coming here to seek the support of the council. Three General Managers have hosted us, and now that we have you as the Chairman, we have no doubt in our minds that this year’s edition will be successful.
“You are one of us, and you have shown this through the warm reception you have given us,” Abdulsalam said.
According to him, this year’s competition will be the fourth edition and has been consistently sponsored by Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu (Cubana).
“Our plan is to make this year’s competition an improved edition of the previous three editions by ensuring that all 18 local government areas participate,” he said.
Abdulsalam noted that sports development should not be left to the government alone, stressing the importance of private-sector involvement in identifying and nurturing talents at the grassroots.
“We cannot leave sports development at the doorstep of the government alone.
That is why Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu (Cubana) is joining hands with the government to discover the hidden talents that abound at the grassroots,” he said.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Chairman’s portrait in his office.
The Ondo State Government has denied reports circulating on social media that an aide to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa was arrested over alleged possession of illicit drugs and firearms.
The government described the report and accompanying image as misleading, clarifying that the young man identified in the report is not an aide to the governor and does not hold any political appointment in the present administration.
The clarification was contained in a disclaimer issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan.
The statement urged the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that due process was followed in accordance with the law.
The government’s clarification followed the circulation of the report and image identifying the suspect as an “Ondo Governor’s Aide.”
…drumming banned, roads to palace closed for seven days
The Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Land, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, will on Wednesday commence his annual traditional Ulefunta leave.
The seven-day traditional observance will run from Wednesday, September 16, to Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Adeyeye Michael.
According to the statement, residents are expected to observe certain traditional restrictions during the period, including a ban on the beating of drums within Akure main town.
It added that all roads leading to the Deji’s Palace would be closed throughout the period, advising motorists and other road users to make use of adjoining routes.
Markets, shops and stalls located around the palace will also remain closed during the observance.
The statement urged residents to comply with the directives and continue their lawful activities without fear.
It explained that the period of seclusion would allow the monarch to pray and seek the good and peace of Akure Land, Ondo State and Nigeria.
The Federal Government has announced the expansion of its National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) to Oyo, Enugu and Kebbi states as part of efforts to equip Nigerian youths with practical skills and promote economic empowerment.
The initiative, being implemented through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE), is aimed at lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within 10 years through economic growth and targeted social protection.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on TVEE, Dr Abiola Arogundade, said the programme was a central pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Arogundade emphasised the administration’s belief that Nigerian youths were not the problem facing the country but a key part of the solution to its challenges.
Abuja pilot
The NPRGS commenced its pioneer cohort in Abuja on June 30, 2025, with an intensive 10-day training programme in cybersecurity, web development and solar energy installation upscaling.
According to Arogundade, the pilot phase recorded significant success, with participants acquiring practical, marketable skills, including website development and digital security fundamentals.
The graduates also received laptops and certificates of completion.
The Abuja phase attracted more than 7,000 applications, indicating strong public interest in the programme.
National expansion
Building on the Abuja pilot, the programme is being expanded across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, with each zone hosting 200 trainees for training sessions lasting between 10 days and two weeks.
The skills offered in each state are selected based on local market demand, relevance and the preferences of participants.
The initial nationwide phase is expected to benefit 1,200 Nigerian youths.
In Oyo State, representing the South-West zone, training is scheduled to begin on September 28, 2026, and will run daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for two weeks.
Participants will be trained in:
Graphics and artificial intelligence (AI) design
Makeup
Fashion designing
In Enugu State, one of the six designated training hubs in the South-East zone, participants will receive training in:
Makeup
Solar energy installation, including panel installation, maintenance and off-grid solutions
Fashion designing
In Kebbi State, representing the North-West zone, the training areas are:
Graphics and artificial intelligence (AI) design
Fashion designing
Agriculture, specifically yoghurt making, dairy processing, packaging and small-scale agribusiness
The programme provides each participant with a complete training kit to take home upon completion.
The kits include laptops for graphics and AI trainees, fully equipped makeup kits, sewing machines and starter kits for fashion designing trainees, and fermentation kits for participants in yoghurt making.
The NPRGS is designed to equip youths with practical and marketable skills, reduce unemployment and underemployment, promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance, and contribute to the Federal Government’s poverty reduction target.
OSSAP-TVEE called on state governments, traditional rulers, community leaders and the private sector to partner with the Federal Government as the programme expands to more states across the country.
Concludes high-level engagements on trade, investment, technology, stronger Nigeria-India ties
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India.
During the visit, Shettima participated in high-level sessions at the summit and held bilateral engagements focused on advancing Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic interests.
A major highlight of the visit was his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where both leaders discussed opportunities to renew crude oil trade and strengthen cooperation in investment, pharmaceuticals, defence, digital technology, fintech, renewable energy and other strategic sectors.
The Vice President also met with the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, where he reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for multilateralism and the promotion of a more inclusive global economic order.
At the summit, Shettima delivered President Tinubu’s message advocating reforms of global governance and international financial institutions.
He also positioned Nigeria as a gateway to Africa’s expanding market under the African Continental Free Trade Area, highlighting the country’s strategic role in regional trade and investment.
Nigeria further used the summit to deepen its engagement with BRICS member and partner countries in areas including agriculture, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, energy and human-capital development.
The Vice President’s return marks the conclusion of the high-level diplomatic and economic engagements undertaken during the visit to India.
The Ondo State Police Command has rescued two kidnap victims and arrested three suspected kidnappers following a gun battle in a forest along the Ifira–Idoani axis in Isua-Akoko.
The command also recovered N1.5 million suspected ransom proceeds during the operation.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu.
According to the statement, the operation began on Friday, September 11, following credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers hiding in the forest were planning to emerge to collect ransom.
Acting on the intelligence, operatives of Isua Division, in collaboration with personnel of the Ondo State Security Network, also known as Amotekun, and Agbe-Koya, launched a coordinated rescue and ambush operation in the forest.
The security operatives, who positioned themselves along the suspected route, maintained surveillance for several hours before the kidnappers, numbering about four and armed with firearms, emerged at about 11:30 p.m.
The suspects reportedly opened fire after sighting the security operatives, prompting the team to tactically repel the attack and rescue the two victims, identified as Mr Owolabi Patrick and Asoto Dada, unhurt.
The statement added that the security operatives recovered N1.5 million suspected to have been brought for ransom payment during the encounter.
It said the suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries and escaped into the forest.
However, following sustained follow-up operations and credible intelligence, the suspects were sighted along Idoani Road at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 13.
The police subsequently arrested three suspects, two of whom had sustained gunshot injuries to their legs.
The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Abubakar, Ibrahim Abubakar and Oseni Abubakar, all residents of the Akunnu area.
The command said the rescued victims later visited the police station and positively identified the arrested suspects as the persons who abducted them.
A Bajaj motorcycle earlier recovered by the police was also identified by the victims as being connected to the criminal operation. The motorcycle remains in police custody as investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police commended the officers and men of Isua Division, as well as the personnel of Amotekun and Agbe-Koya, for their courage, professionalism and effective collaboration.
CP Ohagwu has ordered the transfer of the case to the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Akure for discreet investigation, with a view to uncovering the full criminal network and bringing all those connected with the operation to justice.
The command reiterated its determination to deny criminal elements access to forests and other hideouts in the state, assuring residents that intelligence-led operations against kidnappers and other criminals would be sustained.
…There’ll be no space for transnational drug cartels in Nigeria, Marwa vows
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled yet another industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory and arrested a Mexican drug kingpin who was attempting to flee the country through the Lagos airport, in a fresh operation that further exposes the desperation by transnational cartels to infiltrate Nigeria’s forests and rural communities.
Briefing the media on the latest development in Lagos on Tuesday 15th September 2026, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the breakthrough follows months of painstaking investigation into a wider criminal network behind a string of clandestine drug laboratories uncovered in parts of the country this year.
Marwa who was represented by the Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, recalled that operatives had earlier this year arrested three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerian collaborators at a forest hideout in Ogun State on Saturday, 16th May 2026, and, on 17th June, arrested another Mexican national alongside four Nigerian collaborators at a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory hidden in a forested part of Tapa village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State, where field tests confirmed large quantities of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals.
Investigations by the Agency’s Special Operations Unit (SOU) into the Oyo State arrest led operatives to establish that the 56-year-old Mexican Methamphetamine expert, Jose Villa Ochoa arrested at the forest lab had been recruited into Nigeria by a Mexican kingpin Arturo Carrera Loaiza. Working with international partners, NDLEA investigators obtained a photograph of Loaiza, which the arrested suspect positively identified as the man who recruited and moved him into Nigeria. Intelligence further showed that Loaiza entered Nigeria on 10th June 2026, alongside another Mexican national, Jose Ceballos Perez. According to the Agency, “On 19th August 2026, our operatives tracked down and arrested Arturo Carrera Loaiza attempting to flee the country through the Lagos airport. During interrogation, he claimed he had been invited to Nigeria by a Nigerian contact, identified only as “Henry,” under the guise of a restaurant business venture, and denied any knowledge of methamphetamine manufacturing or involvement with the Tapa village laboratory. “However, our findings told a different story.
Investigators recovered images of Arturo dressed in a blue laboratory coat, standing amid equipment consistent with methamphetamine production. Analysis of the location metadata embedded in these images led our operatives to a property undergoing construction at Isiata Ugoni Okposi, Ebonyi State.
“On 30th August 2026, our operatives moved on the Ebonyi State property, linked to one John Samuel Ivo Okike. Interviews with persons found at the site, including the site engineer and a caretaker, revealed the erection of a suspicious temporary structure over the septic tank area at the rear of the building, and persistent strong chemical odours emanating from the premises.
“A CCTV memory card recovered from the property proved decisive. Forensic review of the footage showed a foreign national in a blue laboratory coat on the premises, matching the image of Arturo Carrera Loaiza earlier recovered, as well as repeated appearances by John Samuel Ivo Okike. Critically, the footage captured, at about 9:00 p.m. on 21st August 2026, the movement of chemicals and laboratory equipment out of the property, with John Samuel Ivo Okike seen directing the operation alongside others assisting in the relocation.
“Acting on further intelligence from a confidential source, operatives traced the relocated materials to an isolated house in a neighbouring community, kept under the custody of one Nwanja Obasi. A raid on this location led to the recovery of a substantial cache of methamphetamine-related chemicals, equipment and paraphernalia, including: “A dehydrator containing a white cloth sieve embedded with loose methamphetamine, and three additional empty dehydrators; 442.8 kg of Acetone, 37.1 kg of Toluene, a 20 kg mixture of Acetone/Bromobenzene, 1.7 kg of Ethanol, 5.1 kg of Chloride Salt, 31.5 kg of Hydrochloric acid, 200 kg of P2B, and 1 kg of Tartaric acid; Condensing units, a condenser head, a condenser, and a fabricated reaction pot. Additional equipment including an access pump, weighing scales, mixers, drums, gas burners, gloves, and a blue laboratory coat matching the one recovered at the John Samuel property.
“This recovery, taken together with the CCTV evidence, other forensic evidence and eyewitness accounts, has significantly strengthened the case against all persons connected to this network.”
Speaking on the capacity and capability of the Agency under his leadership to root out every element of transnational drug cartels looking for a foothold in the country, Marwa warned that Nigeria will never become a safe haven for merchants of death.
“Let me be unequivocal, Nigeria will not be allowed to become a haven for transnational drug cartels seeking to relocate their laboratories from other jurisdictions into our forests and rural communities. The arrest of Arturo Carrera Loaiza and the dismantling of the Ebonyi State facility, coming so soon after the Ogun and Oyo State operations, demonstrate that this Agency’s intelligence and forensic capabilities are more than a match for these syndicates, however sophisticated they may believe themselves to be”, he stated.
The NDLEA boss commended the officers of the Special Operations Unit, Strike Force, Forensics and the Oyo, Ogun and Ebonyi State Commands for their diligence, professionalism and courage in the discharge of their responsibilities in the three spectacular operations. He vowed that the Agency would continue pursuing every lead until the full network, its financiers and local enablers are brought to justice.
