Just In Archives - Page 2 of 5

JUST IN: Babangida’s Son Declines Tinubu’s Appointment as Chairman, Bank of Agriculture

July 21, 2025 by admin

Muhammed Babangida, son of former Nigerian military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has formally declined his recent appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture. In a letter dated July 21, 2025, and addressed to the President, Babangida expressed profound appreciation for the honour bestowed on him but stated that personal and professional considerations would not allow him to serve the role effectively. “It is a true privilege to be thought worthy of such a strategic role in advancing the nation’s agricultural and economic development,” he wrote. “After careful reflection and consultation, I have decided, with utmost respect, to decline the appointment.” The letter, which was signed and made public, emphasized Babangida’s continued support for the administration of President Tinubu and his commitment to contributing to national development through other avenues. “I remain fully committed to the vision of a prosperous and self-sufficient Nigeria under your leadership. I continue to hold your administration in the highest regard and stand ready to support national development in other ways where my expertise may be of service,” he added. The decision is seen by many observers as a significant gesture of personal principle, especially given the strategic importance of the Bank of Agriculture in the current administration’s economic diversification agenda. As of the time of filing this report, the presidency has not issued a formal reaction to the declined appointment.

JUST IN: PDP Meets With INEC Officials In Closed-Door Meeting

June 24, 2025 by admin

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission are currently holding a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Tuesday as preparations intensify ahead of the party’s upcoming National Executive Committee meeting. They both went into the closed-door meeting immediately after having a press meeting at the INEC headquarters. Though details of the discussions remain undisclosed, the meeting focuses on issues related to internal party processes, upcoming elections, and the status of the party’s leadership structure. Those present include the acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagum; INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu, PDP governors, top INEC officials, among others. Details later…. Punch

JUST IN: Two Hospitalised As Aircraft Crash-Lands In Ilorin

May 23, 2025 by admin

Two persons have been hospitalised after a Diamond training aircraft operated by the Aviation Training School in Ilorin crash-landed, The PUNCH has learned. The incidents, according to staff members of the aviation training school, occurred around 4:00 pm on Saturday. The unfortunate incident occurred during a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 at the Ilorin International Airport. A simulated instrument approach, often referred to as simulated instrument flight is a kind of flight where a pilot flies using only the aircraft’s instruments for navigation and control. In place of instrument meteorological conditions, the pilot wears a view-limiting device, such as an IFR hood or goggles, which restricts their view of the outside environment. While no death was recorded in the incident, the two occupants of the aircraft have been hospitalized. At the time of this report, the state of the victims’ health cannot be ascertained. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau through a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance,Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, said investigation has commenced into the root cause of the crash. The body of the accident investigation stated that the plane crashed during a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 at Ilorin International Airport. The aircraft was said to have veered off the runway and stopped on the grass verge. The NSIB added that “Two occupants were on board. Both sustained serious injuries and were swiftly evacuated to a medical facility, coordinated by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency. In response, the NSIB Go-Team is preparing to depart from Abuja to Ilorin to conduct on-site investigations. “The team will secure the site, collect physical evidence, interview witnesses, and retrieve operational data to establish the cause and contributing factors of the incident.” Speaking through the statement, the Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh, said, “Our thoughts are with the injured, and we commend the swift medical and emergency response. Now, our focus is on understanding exactly what went wrong. Every investigation is an opportunity to improve safety. We are deploying our team to Ilorin to ensure that no detail is overlooked.” The Bureau, however, urged the public and media to avoid speculation and to await verified updates from the authorities, “ as the NSIB remains committed to ensuring a thorough, independent, and professional investigation that supports ongoing efforts to enhance aviation safety in Nigeria.” Olajide added that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. Punch

JUST IN: Makinde Reshuffles Cabinet

May 5, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has carried out a cabinet reshuffle. The governor, in a letter signed by his Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, made this disclosure on Monday. According to the letter, the reshuffle will see the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Barr. Seun Ashamu, move to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, while the current Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, will move to the Ministry of Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport. The Commissioner for Public Works, Prof Dahud Shangodoyin, has been moved to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. Similarly, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Solihu Adelabu, has been moved to the Ministry of Establishments and Training, while the current Commissioner for Establishments, Hon Segun Olayiwola, will now man the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. The letter indicated that the movements are with immediate effect, as the governor charged the commissioners to continue to discharge their duties with utmost loyalty and commitment to the state.

Just In :NAF Strikes Insurgent Camps In Sambisa Forest, Kills Several Terrorists

April 17, 2025 by admin

The Nigerian Air Force on Thursday said two successful airstrikes conducted on insurgent strongholds in Borno State killed several terrorists. The service said the coordinated air interdiction missions, executed under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, targeted Kollaram and Arra—two locations long considered havens for terrorist activity in the Sambisa general area and the Southern Tumbuns. This was contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Thursday. Ejodame said the first strike occurred at about 5:30 a.m. in Kollaram after Intelligence and surveillance footage confirmed the presence of high-value terrorist commanders and active operational hubs, including structures fitted with solar panels used by the fighters. He said, “In a bold display of force and precision, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, executed two highly successful air interdiction missions on April 15, 2025, targeting terrorist strongholds in Borno State’s Sambisa general area and the Southern Tumbuns. “The first strike occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. in Kollaram, a known stronghold of insurgents. Intelligence reports, supported by surveillance footage, confirmed the presence of high-value terrorist commanders in the area. Several structures, some equipped with solar panels, were identified as active terrorist hubs. “Nigerian Air Force assets carried out a precision strike on the location, eliminating several fighters and disabling key infrastructure.” He added that later in the day, at around 3:55 p.m., NAF assets struck again in Arra, Sambisa. According to him, real-time visuals gathered from Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions revealed clusters of armed militants. “Precision-guided munitions were employed, resulting in the effective destruction of targets and disruption of the group’s operational capabilities. “These back-to-back missions are part of a sustained air campaign designed to erode terrorist capabilities, dismantle leadership structures, and eliminate sanctuaries across Nigeria,” Ejodame added. Punch

JUST IN: Refund N300m Confab Hosting Rights, Rivers Tells NBA

April 14, 2025 by admin

The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has replied to the Nigerian Bar Association regarding the reason for relocating its Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu State. Ibas faulted the reason cited by the NBA, describing it as misleading and uncharitable. The Sole Administrator stated this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday by his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, and sent to newsmen. He said while the NBA reserves the right to choose a venue for its conference, the association had yet to address the issue of the refund of the hosting rights paid by the state government for the conference. The statement partly reads, “While we respect the NBA’s right to choose its conference venues, we find it curious that the association—despite its “principled position”— didn’t address the refund of the N300 million already paid by the Rivers State Government for the hosting rights of the 2025 conference. “If the NBA truly stands on principle, it should demonstrate the same integrity by promptly returning these funds rather than benefiting from a state it now publicly discredits.” It added, “The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to the Nigeria Bar Association’s announcement dated 10th April 2025, relocating its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu. “We find the reasons cited for this decision—particularly the insinuation that the Sole Administrator’s actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law—to be misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming of an association that prides itself on upholding justice and fairness. “The NBA’s statement overlooks the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers State. “The declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes.” The Sole Administrator further said that Bola Tinubu, in exercising his constitutional authority, acted in the best interest of the state to restore stability. The statement continued, “The Sole Administrator’s mandate is clear: to oversee a transitional period that ensures the return of full democratic governance in line with the Constitution. “To suggest that this intervention ‘flouts the rule of law’ is not only incorrect but ignores the Supreme Court’s rulings that have validated key decisions made during this period. “In the event the NBA is not aware, may we refer the association to the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024 (Rivers State House of Assembly & Others vs. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) & Nine Others), where the apex court unequivocally ruled that any local government election conducted in violation of the Electoral Act is “unconstitutional, null, and void.” It said contrary to the NBA’s assertions, the Sole Administrator has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to the NBA, as a body of legal minds, should know better than to reduce a complex constitutional matter to political sensationalism. While appealing for constructive engagement, the statement said, “Rivers State is passing through a challenging but necessary phase in its democratic journey. “Rather than contributing to unnecessary tension, we expect the NBA—as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s democracy—to engage constructively, offering solutions instead of amplifying divisive narratives. “The Sole Administrator remains focused on his mandate to stabilize the state and facilitate a smooth return to full constitutional governance. We urge the NBA and other well-meaning Nigerians to support this process in the interest of peace and progress.” Punch

JUST IN: Portable Remanded In Kwara Prison Over Inability To Meet Bail Conditions

April 14, 2025 by admin

Controversial singer, Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has been remanded in the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, over his inability to meet stringent bail conditions imposed by an Upper Area Court in the state. This follows the singer’s appearance in court on Monday on the charges of defamation character levelled against him by veteran Fuji musician Akorede Saheed, aka Saheed Osupa. The ‘zazoo-zeh’ crooner, however, received bail of N1 million and other stringent bail conditions, including providing two sureties in like sum. According to the court’s directive, one of the sureties must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, while the other must be a property owner within a Government Reserved Area in Ilorin, supported by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

JUST IN: Ajimobi’s Eldest Child, Bisola Kola-Daisi Dies In UK

March 27, 2025 by admin

Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi, the first child of the immediate past governor of Oyo State, late Abiola Ajimobi is dead. It was gathered that Bisola who is married to Mr Kolapo Kola-Daisi died in the early hours of Thursday. She died at the age of 42. Our correspondent learnt that she died in the United Kingdom. Until her death, she was the Special Adviser to the Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu. The Special Adviser to the former governor, Mr Bolaji Tunji confirmed the incident to journalists in Ibadan on Thursday. Tunji said, “Yes. It has been confirmed”. •DAILY POST.

JUST IN: 24-hour Curfew Imposed As Osun Communal Clashes Escalate

March 22, 2025 by admin

The communal clashes involving Ifon and Ilobu communities escalated on Saturday, spreading to the Erin Osun community. The governor, Ademola Adeleke, has subsequently imposed a 24-hour curfew on the affected communities. Adeleke had initially imposed a 12-hour curfew in the wake of the communal clashes that had displaced many residents of Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun. Many of those displaced were observed on the streets of Okinni on Saturday, with some, especially northerners, coming out of the area in buses. A statement by the spokesperson to Osun Governor Olawale Rasheed, intimating measures to prevent further escalation, reads, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has stepped up conflict de-escalation moves on the Ifon-Ilobu conflict, imposing a 24-hour curfew, mobilising a joint security task force and hosting a peace deal between the two warring communities. “We assure the people of Ilobu and Ifon that I am committed to securing their lives and properties. I have updated the state’s presidency of development. We are on top of the situation. “Meanwhile, we seek to bring to the attention of the public that opposition elements are circulating old videos of communal conflicts in some parts of Osun state to spread false pictures of insecurity in Osun state. “While the ongoing conflict is regrettable and while all hands are on deck to stop the violence, we inform the public to take note of the activities of fake news merchants who are digging up old videos to discredit the state government. The videos being circulated of violence in other towns and villages in Osun are fake news and should be disregarded by the members of the public.”

JUST IN: Rivers Assembly Accuses Fubara, Deputy Of Misconduct, Issues Notice

March 17, 2025 by admin

The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a notice accusing the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, of alleged misconduct. The lawmakers justified their actions based on the Nigerian Constitution, according to the notice obtained by Channels Television. The notice read, “In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws, we the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of her office.” Details later…