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.
The Asin of Oka, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sir Pius Omiyejola Akande, ANIVS, KSJI Ajagbakuku 1 has commiserated with the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu over the death of his Mother, Evangelist Grace Akeredolu who departed the sinful world on Thursday.
The traditional ruler in a statement personally signed urged the Governor to take heart and draws from the fact that her Mother lived a fulfilled and eventful life.
The Asin of Oka noted that death is inevitable and observed that Mama Evangelist Grace Akeredolu devoted her resources and time to the training of her children and left a footprint that is adorable and worthy of emulation.
He described Evangelist Grace Akeredolu as a loving, dutiful and prayerful mother who was loved by her children and family members.
Mama Grace Akeredolu was a peace loving and caring mother who dedicated her entire life to the service of God and the benefit of humanity.
The statement added that Mama came, saw and conquered, and left worthy children and grandchildren behind, therefore her exit on earth, though painful should rather be celebrated.
He prayed God to grant Mr Governor and the entire family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The traditional ruler expressed his deepest condolences to the government and people of Ondo State and the Akeredolu family of Owo.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has continued to receive dignitaries and sympathisers from far and near over the death of his mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu (JP).
The Governor’s mother died yesterday at her Kopindogba residence in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Receiving the delegation of Olowo-in-Council in Ibadan on Friday, Governor Akeredolu appreciated the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye for sending his chiefs to pay condolence visit to him.
The Governor disclosed that his mother will be buried in Owo.
He noted that the late Lady Evangelist Akeredolu was more of Owo despite hailing from Igbotu in Ese-Odo local government area of Ondo State.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Chief Amos Aladesawe extended the condolences of the Olowo of Owo to the Governor.
“We bring greetings from the Olowo of Owo. He said we should extend his heartfelt condolences. And also congratulate you for surviving your mother. He said he’s with you in the spirit”, Aladesawe said.
Richard Olatunde Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. September 16, 2022.
The current crisis hitting Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is a strong pointer to the fact that all is not well with the apex football ruling body, President of Ologbese Global Sports Management, Otunba Dele Ologbese has said.
Ologbese said the current situation in the Federation is a sign that the centre can no longer hold, saying the leadership has been completely incapacitated in utilizing its internal settlements mechanisms in redressing impasse within its fold amicably.
According to the Former Vice Chairman of Ondo State Football Association (FA) , “We were always told that football matters shouldn’t and can never be taken to court and what’s in vogue is incessant court cases standing as stumbling blocks to Federation’s pathways to success.
“What are the grouse of stakeholders who seek legal options in achieving their goals at all times and why are they out to destabilize NFF activities at every given opportunities?.
“Who are hoodlums under aegis of Nigeria Football Stakeholders threatening to unleash mayhems on NFF officials, electoral officers and observers at NFF Electoral Congress in Benin City on Saturday, September 30, 2022 for one reason or the other or are these miscreants capitalizing on the country’s weak security architectures in wrecking havoc?.
Why is Federation’s leadership adamant in amending the statutes or rules towards enlarging Congress’s memberships as canvassed by the Federal Government towards including other relevant stakeholders for sake of equity, fair play and justice?.
What legacy is outgoing NFF President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick leaving behind in his eight years crisis ridden tenure since he had folded his arms doing nothing practically in addressing floodgates of litigations tormenting NFF all this while towards achieving smooth transition?.”
Nothing should stop the forthcoming Electoral Congress slated for September 30, 2022 in Benin City.
He advised that aggrieved individuals in the crisis should toe path of honour and dignity by sheathing their swords with a view to allowing elections hold on scheduled date towards paving way for new sets of executives with new and vibrant ideas to pilot affairs of the Federation for another four years.
As much as tenure of current Federation’s Executives cannot be unnecessarily extended except by Congress, efforts should be intensified in resolving subsisting matter out of court in the next few days as anything less than this could lead to ban of Nigeria from football activities by FIFA.
A stint in time save nine an adage goes.
Recalled that earlier, a Federal High Court in Abuja, restrained the Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare, and President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick from conducting the NFF executive election scheduled for Sept. 30 in Edo.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling on an ex-parte motion moved by counsel for the claimants, Celsus Ukpong, ordered the Minister, Mr Pinnik or any person, acting on their instruction, to maintain a status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
“Counsel for the claimants informed the court that the defendants are taking action that will adversely affect the subject matter of this case.
“Parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante pending final order of this court,” he ruled.
Justice Ekwo then reverted the matter to Oct. 31 for hearing.
The motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1376/2021, Harrison Jalla, Chief Victor Rumson Baribote, Austin Popo and National Association of Nigerian Footballers (NANF) are 1st to 4th claimants respectively.
In the application dated and filed on Sept. 2, NFF, Pinnick and the minister are 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.
In the motion, the claimants’ sought an interim order restraining the defendants, his agent, employees, staff, officials or electoral committee from organising or conducting any election into any executive office of the NFF pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
In the affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by Fayenengigha Jacob, a lawyer in the chamber of Ukpong, he said the defendants had been served with processes in the case and that NFF and Pinnick had entered appearance in the matter, while the minister, though served with court papers, he had not entered appearance.
Jacob averred that one of the complaints in the matter was the undemocratic manner in which the NFF was being constituted resulting in depriving the majority of the stakeholders and members of the NFF from having a say or contributing to the development of football in Nigeria.
According to him, the glory of Nigeria football has nosedived as a result of its undemocratic manner of the leadership of the said body.
He said the complainants were deliberately excluded from the last congress held in Lagos for no just reason.
“That the claimant had legitimately call on the leadership of the said body to set machinery in motion to amend the 2010 NFF statute that was manipulated to deprive the majority of the NFF members such as the Professional Football Association, the league, the coaches body and the players from participating in any election let alone of winning same.
“That the said leadership of the NFF, the 2nd defendant (Pinnick), his agents, privies refused or neglected to allow the due process to take place in amending the said 2010 NFF statute,” he said
Jacob said while this matter is still pending in court the defendants are going ahead to announce and purportedly try to organise and conduct an election of the said body in September, 2022.
He said the defendants had been served with the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction to restrain them from conducting any election into the executive offices of NFF until after the hearing and determination of the substance matter,
According to him, while the motion on notice for interlocutory order restraining the defendants from disturbing the res in the matter, the defendants have drawn out a time table and set up an electoral committee to conduct an election to the offices in question on Friday 30th September, 2022 in Benin City Edo State.
He said the substance of the matter would be defeated should the said election slated for September goes ahead and without hearing of the pending motions and substantive matter.
Ondo state governor Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has ordered the immediate employment of more health workers to boost health care services in the state.
The governor made this known when he played host to the executive members of the Nigeria medical association NMA Ondo state chapter on Tuesday.
Governor Akeredolu said government was looking into other critical challenges facing the health sector with the aim of finding solutions .
He further disclosed that the ongoing construction work at UNIMED facility in Akure and Ondo town would soon be completed with Procurement of more equipment and payment of outstanding allowances of medical practitioners.
Earlier , the chairman NMA Ondo state chapter Dr Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe applauded the governor for being proactive in the area of security and improved infrastructure .
Dr Adeyemi-Osowe sought more collaboration between government to address brain drain among health workers.
…describes her as a devoted and down-to-earth Christian
Secretary to Ondo State Government, Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu, has described the death of Mother to Ondo State Governor, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu as shocking and a colossal loss to the Akeredolus’, christendom and the State, in general.
Princess Odu, in a statement made available to newsmen, said Mama Grace Akeredolu was a peace loving and caring mother who dedicated her entire life to the service of God and the benefit of humanity.
The SSG who noted that death is inevitable and dealing with it not easy, observed that Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu devoted her resources and time to the training of her children and left a footprint that is adorable and worthy of emulation.
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? But thanks be to God who gave Mama the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
“My deepest sympathy goes to our own Governor, his siblings and the entire Akeredolus’. I pray the Lord will console you. I wish you peace, courage and comfort at this trying period.” She stated.
The Secretary to the State Government also prayed the Lord grant the Governor, his siblings, the entire family and friends the fortitude to bear the loss.
•Says Contributory Health Insurance Scheme Will Rebrand The State Health Sector
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday said he is proud of the achievements recorded by his administration in the health sector.
The Governor declared that the health sector in the state fared better under his administration since he assumed office in 2017.
Governor Akeredolu spoke in his office while receiving the new leadership of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Ondo State Chapter, led by the Chairman, Dr. Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe.
The Governor stressed that the Mother and Child hospitals were only two before his administration came on board.
He said the hospitals were extended to seven across the three senatorial districts of the state by his government.
Governor Akeredolu also said the University of Medical Sciences had no accredited courses until when his administration facilitated the accreditation of many courses in the institution.
According to the Governor, there were dearth of equipment in the various hospitals in the state before his government intervened.
Governor Akeredolu noted that his administration is also constructing 250-bed facilities both at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospitals (UNIMEDTH) in Akure and Ondo town, respectively.
He further stated that more health workers including doctors and nurses have been employed by the Hospital Management Board, UNIMEDTH and the Primary Health Care Development Agency.
“When we came in, there were many things that were lacking but are now put in place. Will it be denied that when we came on board, the State Specialist hospital we met in Akure was not the same today. We are putting a 250-bedder both in Akure and Ondo,” Akeredolu added.
The Governor called on the NMA leadership to help propagate the state Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, adding that it will rebrand the state health sector and position it for optimum performance.
Earlier, the NMA chairman, Dr. Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe, described the recruitment done by the Akeredolu administration at the Primary Healthcare Development Agency as the single most largest employment done at the agency since the creation of the state.
He said: “I will like to appreciate you for the security measures embraced by your administration to ensure peace in the State. Also, we appreciate you for the massive infrastructure in the state. We can see the road construction across the length and breadth of Ondo State. And this is in accordance with the REDEEMED Agenda of your administration.
“I will also commend you for the now monthly salaries that we get. Also, the massive employment done last year into this body and it cut across Doctors, Pharmacists, committed extension workers, committed officers and other health workers.”
Richard Olatunde Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. September 13, 2022.
The Ondo State Football arena is on the verge of been thrown into crisis as the state government has perfected plans to sell off Sunshine Stars Football Club.
A competent source disclosed that the state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy, Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa have put machineries in motion to sell off the football club set up by former Military Administrator of the State, Col. Ahmed Usman in 1995.
“It should be noted that, since the birth of the football club in Ondo State no Governor both military and Civilian have ever plan to sell the state the club, why now?”
The source added that the sales of Owena Whales has been placed in the hands of Ondo State Information Technology Agency’s Chairman, Mr Olumbe Akinkugbe, an ICT expert who established the first tripartite tech hub in Africa and who assiduously is coordinating bids of interested foreign entrepreneurs.
The total sale off of the club was against the Public Private Partnership (PPP) idea muted by the government few weeks ago when he dissolved interim management committee headed by his deputy.
According to the statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde on August 4, 2022; “Mr Governor ordered the dissolution of the Ondo State Football Agency’s Interim Committee headed by Deputy Governor and put management of the Agency under direct supervision of the State Commissioner of Sports in line with extant laws that sets up the Agency pending constitution of a proper Board. It also directed that efforts be intensified within one year to find a suitable investor to take over the Sunshine Stars FC on a Public Private Partnership, PPP arrangement. “
A football Stakeholder and facilitator of Ondofootballstakeholders Forum Otunba Dele Ologbese in chat with newsmen said It’s unfortunate that in the last few days plans were in the offing towards outright sale of the club despite total rejection of the idea by stakeholders.
He added that “it’s mind blogging, that the state government is executing selfish idea without putting the common interests of Ondo State people into consideration. Despite all assurances that the Club, which is Ondo State peoples” pride, treasure and heritage” wouldn’t be sold.
Ologbese asked ; Who are the people advising Mr Governor wrongly in taking this rash decision?
He said :”Is it not Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu we all knew was highly passionate football personality who heads youths wing of 3SC Supporters Club in early 80s in Ibadan and made invaluable contributions towards the sector in the country or how come he’s no longer interested in growth and development of game of football in Ondo State?.”
The current administration has not built a stadium at the State’s capital, while the old one built many years ago is yearning for serious attention!.
“What legacies would Governor Akeredolu would be remembered for after his exit from government in two years time if he sells the club and refuses to build Olympic size stadium like the international stadium Goodwill Akpabio built in Akwa Ibom which is the pride of the nation?.
“We are surprised that the sales of the club is being vigorously pursued without caution and we have absolute believe the action would have negative affects on state’s intimidating soccer record and also affect the image of Governor Akeredolu as sports loving Governor in Nigeria.
“It would further demonstrate to entire world the incapability of Ondo State Government in managing ordinary football club which are effectively managed for profit in other states.
“Let me reiterated again that the highly passionate and enthusiastic football stakeholders of Ondo State are seriously opposed to propose arrangement in selling the club including all its assets whose valuations are coordinated by the Deputy Governor.
“Ologbese advised that the sector is money spinning if right attitudes and approaches are explored by Government. Sunshine Stars FC can be transformed into a high class revenue yielding outfit like Enyimba FC, Enugu Rangers, Lobi Stars and host of others if it pursues players marketing packages with vigour and right professionals put in place towards driving the initiative effectively and efficiently.”
“It’s all about determination and high degree focus. If experts in players marketing are hired by Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA)Board after its inauguration in few days time and necessary tools are placed before them, Sunshine Stars FC would record more successes and it would break even financially without unnecessarily depending on government’s fundings at all times.
He disclosed that stakeholders have the identities of those misleading Mr Governor in taking some of these unpleasant decisions, we are appealing to these unpatriotic people to refrain from all actions that could plunge the state’s football sector into unmitigated disaster.
•Appeals To Christians Over APC’s Muslim/Muslim Ticket
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has advised that the struggle for the President of Nigeria to come from the Southern part of the country in 2023 should not be in vain.
Governor Akeredolu, who is the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, said the North can not retain power after spending eight years in office.
The Governor spoke on Sunday at the 40th Holy Ghost Convention Dinner of The Sword of the Spirit Ministries held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Agbawo, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Governor Akeredolu explained that he led his colleagues in the Southern Governors’ Forum to demand a Southern Presidency despite stiff opposition from some quarters.
He called on the people not to throw away the chances of producing the next President, particularly from the Southwest where Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu hails from.
Arakunrin Akeredolu described Tinubu as the best choice, adding that he has the experience and courage to tackle the challenges facing the country.
On the Muslim/Muslim ticket, the Governor pleaded with Christians to look beyond religion and focus on the competency of the Presidential candidate.
While stressing that the buck stops on the President’s table, the Governor added that what is important is to have a Southern President come 2023.
He said: ”I discussed with Bishop Francis Wale Oke that presidency must come to the South. Take it or leave it, it is the minimum we can get. It must come to the South. The North cannot produce President for eight years and still want to retain it for another eight years. It is not going to work.
“That is why under the Southern Governors’ Forum, where, luckily, God made me the chairman, we kept harmering on that. It must come to the South. And when it also got to our party in APC, we fought that it must come to the South.
“Luckily, it did not only come to South, it came to the South West. Now, where do we stand? I understand our feelings because I’m one of you. I am a Christian. All of us here are worried. What will be our gain, and that, why is my party, the APC throwing up a Muslim/Muslim ticket.
“It has been a real issue for all us. Even members of the party, it has been an issue for us. We have debated it, fought it and we have done so many things on it. I have always said to people, my fight was for Southern President.
“Now it has come to the South West, will I now throw the baby away with the bathwater? Can I, in all honesty, do it? Should I, in all honesty, do it?
“We call it a matter of coincidence. It is a matter of conscience. All of us are here, why don’t we look at it from one angle. The buck stops on the table of the President. Do we have a capable hand who can manage the affairs if given the opportunity? Do you have a man who is bold enough to challenge incursion into our land? That is it.
“All of us here have lived together for years and we didn’t allow religion to bring fight among us. We have Muslims in our families and there is no fight. We have many leaders in Yoruba land who have both Muslims and Christians in their families and there is no fight.
“So, we want to appeal to our people that this is our time. I want to appeal to all our senior Pastors and General Overseers to help talk to their followers. We politicians can only do little. This is our time, please don’t be angry.”
Earlier, the Founder, The Sword of the Spirit Ministries, who is also the President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, specially appreciated God for His good works and the journey so far.
Richard Olatunde Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. September 12, 2022.
As the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Electoral Congress draws nearer, the Chairman of Akoko South West Football Association, Otunba Dele Ologbese has called on football stakeholders across Ondo State and the country at large to throw their weight behind Otunba Dele Ajayi who is vying for the position of the 1st Vice President of the NFF body.
The Chairman of Ologbese Global Sports Management charge all and sundry in the round leather game in the state to use their connection with God and people outside the state to mobilise for the emergence of Otunba Dele Ajayi.
The former Vice Chairman of Ondo State FA in a chat with newsmen said, we have no option than to support Otunba Dele Ajayi whom he described as a quintessential Nigeria Sports personality, saying he had done very well in taking the game of football to greater heights through resilience and strong advocacy.
He added that Otunba Dele Ajayi brought rapid development to grassroots football in the state, with many programs ranging from training of hundreds of grassroots football coaches from the South West states.
He added that Ajayi will ensure the relevance of Ondo State in the scheme of things in Nigeria’s football space, saying he will fill the void which has caused the state monumental losses in the past.
“With Ajayi as 1st vice Chairman of the NFF, he will facilitate FIFA goal project to Ondo State, upgrading of Ondo State referees to FIFA badged, appointment of Ondo State indegenes into CAF, FIFA, NFF important committees and others”.
According to the former Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA)Secretary, “Dele Ajayi has sponsored and organised first of its kind football clinic by inviting Nigeria U 20 coach, Lada Bosso and other national coaches, under which more than two of the son of the soil were not only invited to Nigeria under – 20, but featured in the U – 20 competition.”
Bet9ja League is currently ongoing across the 18 Local Governments of the state, to this end, I enjoin all the stakeholders in Ondo State to rally round Otunba Dele Ajayi to win the forthcoming election.
“When he was a former Executive member of NFF, we all fell the impact, now he is eyeing NFF 1st Vice President’s post which would enable him help promote and develop national football distinctively, which Ondo State will be the ultimate beneficiary.”
“We have absolute confidence that Otunba Dele Ajayi would add values to Nigeria’s football based on his antecedents and pedigrees as a knowledgeable and experienced technocrat and being a former NFF Executive Member.”
By the special grace of the Almighty God and through our fervent prayers and other supports, Dele Ajayi will emerge victorious as NFF 1st Vice President.
At this point in time, your tremendous home support in actualization of this lofty dream and aspiration of Dele Ajayi must be achieved, thereby subscribing to the cliche, that “charity begins at home”, he stated.
~ Sews new uniforms for the scholarship beneficiaries
~ distributes writing materials to 105 pupils
The candidate of All Progressives Congress ,(APC) for Ondo State House of Assembly, Ilaje Constituency II, Princess Fayemi Olawumi officially declared her 2022 Free Summer Lesson closed at one of the three centers in Ilaje Local Government of Ondo state. The school, Zion C&S Primary School, Oke-Ipare was flooded with the children’s excitement as they completed their free summer coaching.
It was recalled that on Monday 15th of August, 2022, the Free Summer Lesson was disclosed open by Comrade Abayomi Goodluck, the Headteacher of the school who also doubles as the coordinator of the Free Summer Lesson in Ilaje Local Government.
Princess Olawumi Fayemi appreciated the teachers who took their precious time to coach the pupils, and also thanked the parents for releasing their wards during the holiday for the lesson.
She awarded one year scholarships to the best two pupils (male and female) per class, and sewed them new uniforms attached with school writing materials. Princess Fayemi added that she would pay the Common Entrance Examination fees of the primary six pupils among the beneficiaries, when it’s time to register for the primary six placement examination.
She distributed writing materials to other 96 pupils that attended the Free Summer Lesson.
Chief Orofin G.A, the Baale of Oke-Ipare, in his few words, said that it was the first time in the history of Zion C&S Primary School, Oke-Ipare that such Free Summer Lesson would hold.
Chief Orofin added that Princess Fayemi Olawumi had established her footprint in Oke-Ipare, and that she would never be forgotten. “You will forever be in our memory “, he said.
Mr Ikuepamitan Akindele (Dona), the PTA chairman of the school, said that Comrade Abayomi Goodluck, the Headteacher of the school had taken a bold step to develop the pupils and the school at large by making the school lovely and lively for the pupils to attend. Infact, he had made life to return to our school, chairman added.
Comrade Abayomi Goodluck, the headteacher of the school, appreciated EJALISTIC and Princess Fayemi Olawumi for considering the pupils of Zion C&S Primary School Oke-Ipare this great opportunity.
The programme that was held in Zion Movement C&S church auditorium had in attendance; Chief Orofin G.A, Mr. Ikuepamitan Akindele (Dona), Mr Tawose Peter, Com Lebi Ijisemi, Mr. Ikuejurojo Zion, Gen. Cher. Ikuejurojo Mordecai, Mrs Orofin B.A, parents, pupils and others.
Exclusive Reporters 