admin

[BREAKING] AFCON 2025: Super Eagles To Face Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania In Group C

by

  The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group C along with Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in the forthcoming African Nations Cup scheduled to hold from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026 in Morocco. The 2025 edition of the tournament will be the 35th edition of the competition. The Super Eagles will be looking to win its fourth AFCON title after losing out in the finals against host Ivory Coast in the last edition of the tournament. More details to come… Punch

Seeds Sector: Oyo Gov’t Harps on Revitalisation

by

  The Oyo State government has noted that the problems plaguing the agricultural sector has been that of low quality seeds, saying all hands must be on deck to revitalise the seeds sector for rich yields and harvest. This assertion was made by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, during a meeting with key stakeholders in the seed sector. Olaleye said quality seeds are the foundation of agricultural productivity and the cornerstone of farmer’s success. Barr. Olaleye added that if not addressed, low quality seeds will eventually defeat the quest to make agricultural production a major income earners. According to him, the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee and other stakeholders in agricultural sector had their first inaugural meeting to deliberate on how to discover and introduce improved seeds to farmers that would promote agricultural productivities. Recall that the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee (OYSSCC) was re-inuagurated on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 by the present government under the leadership of Engr seyi Makinde, comprising all stakeholders in agricultural sector and value chain, both public and private in the state saddle with responsibility of diversifying economy towards improving food security, job creation as well as to guide and determine the state’s total seeds requirement amongst others. He hinted that as Seed Coordinating Committee of Oyo State, there is need for every member of the committee to discharge their duties as expected in reshaping future of Seed sector which would enhance agricultural productivities and will in return brings about food security. According to the Commissioner, “quality seeds are the foundation of agricultural productivity and the cornerstone of our farmers’ success. As custodians of this critical sector, you have played an instrumental role in fostering innovation and ensuring our farmers have access to premium seeds” Barrister Olasunkanmi however commended Engr. Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership in agricultural development, saying that the initiatives have significantly enhanced the well-being of our farmers and citizens, particularly through the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) program launched in 2023. Stressing that the ongoing distribution of hybrid seeds which includes; tomato, bawa, tatase, rodo, okro, tete, and soko varieties along with liquid fertilizer to arable farmers across all the 33 Local Governments Area of the State, exemplifies his commitment. He therefore pledged friendly environment for the committee to perform their duties to obtain desirable results. In her welcome address, the Permanent, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye noted that the gathering represents a significant milestone in this present administration’s strategy to address food security challenges facing our state, stressing that Today’s inaugural meeting comes at a crucial time. According to her, recognizing that seed improvement is fundamental to agricultural development, we must act swiftly to enhance both crop and animal seed quality to boost agricultural production and agribusiness across the state.

Oyo Gov’t To Clamp Down On Street Trading

by

  The Oyo State government has announced its readiness to clamp down on the traders selling by the road sides and that serious steps were being taken to address street trading and other vices in the state. The Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, Honourable Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd.) stated this while participating in a radio program that highlights the activities, achievements and prospects of the Oyo State Government tagged ‘Oro Oyo’. Justice Aderemi charged citizens to embrace lawfulness, desist from the indecent act of display of wares in walkways and roadsides as this now attracts fines and penalties with immediate enforcement. ‘’We need to maintain a clean environment, orderliness, coordination and sustainability of the infrastructural architecture of the State in order to attract foreign and local investors for the social-economic development of our dear State” she added. Noting that it has become worrisome having to spend many hours in traffic caused by illegal display of wares by the roads thereby impeding traffic flow, coupled with the negative and harmful effects street trading is having on the lives of residents and State’s image at large. In her words, “Road side traders should get ready to face the full weight of the law and instant legal consequences” Speaking further, Justice Aderemi said enforcement team from OYRLEA in collaboration with the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources would be deployed to carry out an all-around operation on intense sensitization and awareness drive in major market areas like , Bodija, Sanngo, New Bola Ige, Oje, Gate, Dugbe, Challenge -Orita, Aleshinloye, Eleyele, Akobo-General Gas, Bashorun amongst others. Adding that town criers will move round with the team to create maximum awareness before enforcement would then take place. She maintained that it is now illegal to dump refuse on road medians, roundabouts, drainage channels and gutters. However, The enforcement of the order is not to cause panic or misconception among the traders conducting business in the affected areas but to ensure compliance, safety and a thriving environment that is law abiding and safe for all’ in her words.

We’ve Created Enabling Environment For Tech Companies To Thrive – Makinde

by

  IBADAN – Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has stated that his government has done a number of things to create an enabling environment for technology-oriented companies and others to thrive in the state. The governor stated this at the weekend while delivering a remark at the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) Summit 1.0 with the theme “The Rain of Transformation Is Upon Us: CEOs Arise,” held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Speaking at the summit, which was attended by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Governor Makinde, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Information Communication Technology, Mr Bayo Akande, said the government has undertaken several efforts towards making the state a conducive environment for technological innovations. He added that his administration has remained focused on creating and nurturing a supportive ecosystem for tech-driven initiatives. He said: “There are few things that the state government is doing such as creating an enabling environment for companies like RAIN to thrive. “This is very important and we have built institutes like Seyi Makinde Innovation and Technology Hub (SMITH), which helps in training students in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. “If you look at our tertiary institutions, we have brought in digital tools to unify our students’ information and management system, which enables companies like RAIN and others. “This is a discussion we are looking to have to then put some of their courses on platforms like this, which can give it a wider reach to citizens of Oyo State in partnership with RAIN. “Oyo State, as at a year ago, charged about N145 per linear meter. That’s in line with the NCC suggested rate. So, we are fully keyed into that to ease the cost of doing business for people who are trying to deliver infrastructure.” Earlier, the convener of the summit, Dr Olusola Ayoola, said that the RAIN summit was convened to bring innovators, entrepreneurs and youths together, saying: “The entrepreneurs are the ones that will pursue the commercial aspect of learning and development of our society while the young people are the ones that represent human capacity to develop such solutions. Olusola emphasised the importance of technology as a transformative force, stating that “technology is not just a tool; it is the backbone of our progress.” Dr. Ayoola called for partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders to harness technological advancements for national development. He articulated a vision where technology serves as a bridge to opportunities, saying that: “We must leverage our collective expertise to turn challenges into opportunities for our youths.”  

Ibadan Chiefs, ICPI, Others Condemn Prolonged Power Outage At UCH

by

  IBADAN – The traditional institution in Ibadanland, Chiefs, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), prominent sons and daughters of the ancient city, and other stakeholders has lamented unending power outrage at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. They alleged that many poor people were badly affected on daily basis as a result of power outage at critical units in the hospital, saying Ibadan people and entire people in the state are not happy with the situation. Recall that some patients at the hospital few months ago protested inadequate healthcare delivery as a result of power outrage in the hospital. Recently, students of University of Ibadan (UI) also showed their grievances and protested over the power outrage at the hospital. A statement by ICPI Coordinator on behalf of the stakeholders charged government and concern authorities to wade in and save the hospital, which according to them was an heritage not only to Ibadan but entire southwest and Nigeria as a whole from total collapsing. The stakeholders noted that Ibadan people and entire Oyo state owned 90% of patients at UCH, saying how many Ibadan people or people from Oyo state will have to die before the needful is done. The statement reads, “We are inaundated with the ongoing power outage at UCH, our investigation revealed that UCH are helpless because IBEDC took them from Band B to Band A, how will an hospital that was not able to meet it’s financial requireme being in B and will be to pay now that it has been upgraded to band A? where will they get money to pay? “Their bill monthly was increased from N20m to N40m, and its now N99m per month, where would they see such money? Was the same bill giving to other teaching hospitals across the country, shouldn’t be a concession IBEDC should be doing for teaching hospitals like UCH considering it’s service delivery in health sector? “All effort of UCH management on the issue has been frustrated by IBEDC, for now, UCH didn’t have enough fund to go into alternative power supply like solar and others. “Can we say President Tinubu is not kind enough to Ibadan by giving us Ibadan son as Minister for Power? Adelabu said he is making plan to savage this issues, how many people will have to die as a result of power outage at critical section of UCH? “Where is our political office holders in this matter, UCH has written several letters to the Governor of the state, to federal government and management of IBEDC on the issue to no avail . The management has contacted the Indigenous Group like Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and other Pressure groups, yet no result. “When will the Independent Power Project (IPP) by the state government take effect? How many people will have to die before the magic from the federal ministry of power begin. “Let’s IBEDC restore the light immediately, they shouldn’t allow poor people to die, our leaders and politicians know how to run abroad to seek for medical care whenever the need arises “Ibadan people are not happy, Mogajis are not happy, poor people are dying on daily basis, power must be restore to UCH now unconditionally.”

Aare Olayinka Segelu Commiserates With Governor Makinde Over Elder Brother’s Demise

by

  IBADAN – A Germany-based Ibadan-born businessman and politician of high repute, Hon Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, has commiserated with the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde over the demise of his elder brother, Engr Sunday Makinde. Hon. Segelu, a philanthropist and former Personal Assistant (PA) to ex-Speaker Dimeji Bankole, recently installed as Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland, in a statement, said: “As a gubernatorial aspirant under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, I, Aare Chief Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, extend my heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, and the entire Makinde family on the tragic loss of their elder brother, the late Engineer Sunday Makinde. “Engineer Sunday Makinde, who died on January 24, 2025, at the age of 65, will be remembered for his contributions to our state and his role as a beloved family member. The sudden nature of his departure leaves a profound void that will be felt by many. “In this trying time, I stand with Governor Makinde and his family, offering my deepest sympathies. May the memories of Engineer Sunday Makinde and his legacy of service provide solace to his loved ones, including his children and grandchildren. “Let us all come together to honor his life and contributions to society as we support the Makinde family through this period of grief. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Governor Makinde.”

74-year-Old Woman Burned Alive In Anambra

by

  The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspects, including a 21-year-old woman, for allegedly burning a 74-year-old wheelchair-bound woman to death in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state. Reports indicate that the suspects, after committing the heinous act, procured a casket and were about to bury the victim’s charred remains when security operatives intervened. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, with police operatives recovering the victim’s burnt remains, her wheelchair, and the casket on Sunday. This was confirmed by the spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement issued on Sunday. Ikenga said, “The Anambra State Police operatives serving at Abagana Divisional Police Headquarters on 26/1/2024 at about 9 a.m. arrested four suspects, including a 21-year-old lady, Chinenye Ekwenugo, from Ifitedunu, over the burning of a 74-year-old woman in a wheelchair at Abagana. “The three other suspects are Uzochukwu Okeke (47), Fidel Anayo (60), and Ikenna Anene (54), all from Abagana. “The operatives also recovered the burnt remains of the deceased, her wheelchair, and a casket. During interrogation, the suspect Chinenye confessed that her boyfriend, Ifeanyi Igwe, who is currently at large, and three others set the victim ablaze and arranged a casket to bury her before the police intervened.” Ikenga further disclosed that efforts are underway to apprehend the prime suspect, Ifeanyi Igwe, who is currently on the run. The body of the deceased has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy, while an investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the crime. “The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has called for calm and ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation. Further updates will be provided,” Ikenga stated. In a separate development, operatives of the Anti-Cult Unit of the Anambra State Police Command arrested a suspected cultist, Maduka Okoye, aged 25, at Enugwu Ukwu on Saturday following credible intelligence. Ikenga revealed that the operatives recovered three expended cartridges from a shooting scene in Ezichike Community, Abagana. “The suspect, Maduka Okoye, confessed to being a member of the ‘Baggars Confraternity’ and admitted he was drinking at a beer parlour with a friend when they came under attack by members of the rival ‘Axe Men Confraternity.’ “Police swiftly restored calm in the area, and Okoye is currently assisting the operatives in identifying and apprehending members of both rival cult groups, especially those directly involved in the shooting,” Ikenga added. The police assured residents of Anambra State of their continued commitment to maintaining law and order while urging citizens to provide useful information to aid ongoing investigations. Punch  

One Dead, Six Injured In Niger Dynamite Explosion

by

  The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that an explosion that rocked the Sabon Pegi area of the Mashegu Local Government Area of the state on Sunday was caused by dynamites stored in a residential building. According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the explosion led to the death of one Fatima Sadauki, while six others sustained injuries and were rushed to General Hospital Kainji, New Bussa, for medical attention. “The explosion of dynamites occurred in densely populated residential buildings in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area, on Sunday. “The suspected dynamites were stored in a residential house by one Yushau for a purported mining activity,” Abiodun stated. He further revealed that the incident affected about 12 houses in the area, causing significant damage to properties. In response to the tragic event, the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Shawulu Danmamman, has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion. This latest incident comes just a week after a fuel tanker explosion along the Dikko-Maje-Minna road, further raising concerns over public safety in the state.  

US-Based Nigerians Panic Over Trump’s Mass Deportation Threat

by

  Nigerians and other African illegal immigrants in the United States may be the next target for deportation by the American government. The fear of deportation has gripped many Nigerians who are illegally staying in the US, following President Donald Trump’s declaration of war against illegal immigration Trump on his inauguration day as the 47th President of the US signed a series of executive orders aimed at hardening immigration policies, including the stoppage of citizenship by birth for children of illegal immigrants. Trump has signed orders to declare a national emergency at the Mexico-US southern border, stating the deployment of more troops to the area as he threatened to deport “criminal aliens.” The US Justice Department threatened to prosecute local and state authorities that fail to comply with Trump’s immigration directives, which include a pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Following the directive, 538 illegal immigrants were deported from the United States on Thursday. Meanwhile, Trump’s Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, disclosed on her official X handle that ‘the largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway.’ The development has created anxiety amongst the Nigerian communities in the US, as many of them feared deportation. Some US-based Nigerians disclosed that the government would clamp down on Nigerian illegal immigrants after the deportation of Mexicans, Haitians, and Indians. Trump’s staunch supporter and Nigerian-American, Jacob Adegoke, said the current focus was on Mexicans and Haitians, while “The next will be Africans.” A Nigerian media entrepreneur, Obi-West Utchaychukwu, corroborated Adegoke’s statement saying Nigerians had been monitoring the situation but none had yet to be arrested. A lot of Nigerians had become cautious about their movement around the streets. A source in New York who identified as Adebayo for security reasons said, “There’s a lot of apprehension in the Nigerian community right now.” “While I haven’t personally witnessed any arrest, many undocumented Nigerian immigrants are deeply worried about the policies of the new government. My neighbour even called me yesterday, warning me to be cautious when going out, as there are reports of even people with valid papers being targeted by ICE.” In carrying out Trump’s deportation order, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have raided several establishments suspected of harbouring illegal immigrants and making arrests. Immigration officials raided a business in Newark on Wednesday, detaining an American military veteran and multiple undocumented residents. Confirming the incident, another source in New Jersey said, “The viral case of an American veteran being arrested alongside undocumented immigrants has only heightened the panic. However, the fact that some US states are challenging the executive orders is offering a bit of reassurance.” Also, a Nigerian immigration lawyer in Maryland spoke with Sunday PUNCH, saying, “For example, in Newark, New Jersey, they went to a frozen food store to search for illegal immigrants. “More Nigerians fall into that category. Again, people on student visas and similar kinds of visas hoping to transition into something more are also in this group.” Among those who can fall victims are unlawful immigrants with criminal records. Their criminal records may begin to haunt them. The source also revealed that those in the US with student visas and other schemes were also scared of deportation. Punch

EPL: Liverpool Rout Ipswich 4-1 As Arsenal Beat Wolves

by

  Cody Gakpo struck twice as Premier League leaders Liverpool thrashed Ipswich 4-1 to maintain their six-point lead over Arsenal, who survived Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card to snatch a 1-0 win at Wolves on Saturday. Arne Slot’s side cruised to their second successive league victory thanks to a first-half goal-spree at Anfield. Dominik Szoboszlai’s 11th-minute opener fizzed past Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton from Ibrahima Konate’s assist. Mohamed Salah doubled Liverpool’s advantage in the 35th minute with a fierce strike for his 23rd goal in all competitions this term. It was also the Egypt forward’s 100th Premier League goal at Anfield. Gakpo killed off Ipswich before half-time when he bundled home after Walton parried Szoboszlai’s shot in the 44th minute. The Dutch forward netted again in the 66th minute, heading past Walton from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross. Jacob Greaves’ stoppage-time diving header was little consolation for third-bottom Ipswich, who have conceded 10 goals in their last two league games. Liverpool’s 16th win from 22 league games this season keeps them on course for a first English title since 2020. The quadruple-chasing Reds have a game in hand on second-placed Arsenal, who left it late before keeping the pressure on the leaders. Arsenal, without ill captain Martin Odegaard, had Lewis-Skelly contentiously sent off for tripping Matt Doherty to stop a Wolves counter-attack in the 43rd minute. It was a cynical challenge, but Arsenal were furious, protesting that the tackle was too far from goal to warrant a red card. The Premier League Match Centre confirmed on social media that the 18-year-old defender was sent off for “serious foul play”. But Wolves were also reduced t0 10 men in the 70th minute when Joao Gomes earned a second booking for a foul on Jurrien Timber. And Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori won it for Arsenal in the 74th minute with a half-volley that went in off the far post. – Moyes celebrates milestone – Dango Ouattara hit a hat-trick as Bournemouth extended their club-record unbeaten run to dent Nottingham Forest’s top four charge with a 5-0 demolition at the Vitality Stadium. Andoni Iraola’s side are undefeated in their last 11 league games and up to sixth place after ending third-placed Forest’s own impressive run of eight top-flight matches without losing. Justin Kluivert struck for Bournemouth in the ninth minute for his sixth goal in his last four games. Ouattara increased Bournemouth’s lead in the 55th minute when he nodded in from Kluivert’s cross. The Burkina Faso winger bagged his second six minutes later and completed a memorable treble three minutes from full-time. There was still time for Antoine Semenyo to net in the final minutes as Bournemouth followed last weekend’s superb 4-1 win at Newcastle with their biggest victory this season. Alexander Isak starred as Newcastle moved into fourth place with a 3-1 win at bottom-of-the-table Southampton. Jan Bednarek put Southampton ahead in the 10th minute with a powerful header from James Bree’s cross. But Isak levelled from the penalty spot in the 26th minute after Joe Aribo fouled the in-form striker. Isak made it 11 goals from his last eight games, and 19 for the season when he finished a flowing move by converting Jacob Murphy’s 30th-minute pass. Anthony Gordon’s pass sent Sandro Tonali sprinting clear to bag Newcastle’s third goal in the 51st minute. Everton boss David Moyes celebrated becoming the third manager to reach 700 Premier League games with a 1-0 win at Brighton. Only Arsene Wenger at Arsenal and Alex Ferguson at Manchester United have managed more Premier League matches than Moyes, whose team earned their second consecutive victory to climb seven points clear of the relegation zone. Brighton defender Joel Veltman’s handball conceded a 42nd-minute penalty that Iliman Ndiaye slotted home. Troubled champions Manchester City host top-four rivals Chelsea in Saturday’s late game, with Pep Guardiola’s side looking for a win that would lift them into fourth place. AFP

Stay Informed. Stay Ahead

Get breaking news and top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Get the Morning Briefing

Tops stories from Nigeria delivered free to your inbox every day.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Your No 1 Trusted News Source 

Email info@citybuzz.com 

Web Citybuzznews.com

LEGAL

SECTIONS

©Copyright Citybuzz News. All rights reserved.