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(PHOTOS): Makinde Pledges To Boost Olunloyo’s Library With Digitization•••As Govt Holds Executive Session In Honour Of The Late Ex-gov

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(PHOTOS): Makinde Pledges To Boost Olunloyo’s Library With Digitization•••As Govt Holds Executive Session In Honour Of The Late Ex-gov

  IBADAN – Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, declared that the state government would preserve and digitise the library of a late former governor of the state, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo and make it a tourist attraction centre. Governor Makinde, who described the library as a treasure trove of knowledge capable of offering solutions to numerous challenges facing the country, said preserving the library is one of the ways of immortalising Dr Olunlolyo, who was the second elected governor of the old Oyo State comprising present day Oyo and Osun states. The governor stated this while paying his last respect to the late Dr Olunloyo, at the lying -in-state and executive session organised in his honour by the state government and held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. He added that the state government would also commission the Omololu Olunloyo Leisure Park at Alakia-Airport Area of Ibadan, which was named after the revered statesman in 2023. Recall that the state government equally named the 3 km Airport Road after the former governor. Makinde eulogised the late former governor for being one of his go-to persons on how to solve the problems of the state. He added that exploring the tourism potential of the library would also align with his administration’s focus on tourism development. He said: “I have lost a partner. Sometimes, he would tell me how some problems were solved before my time in the state. When people look at me and wonder how come Oyo State is so peaceful during my tenure, they don’t know that I go to these leaders and they analyse things for me and leave me to take the best decisions for the state. “We must give honour to whom it is due. This event is important; it is an avenue for us to give a befitting passage to an individual who gave a good part of his life to serve this state and country. “There are two things I need to let this gathering know. One is the fact that the Omololu Olunloyo Park is ready for commissioning and we will open it soon. Two, in most of my discussions with Baba, there was no way we would talk and wouldn’t get to the issue of his library. “So, I am making a public announcement now that the state would support the family to preserve and digitise that library. “It is a library where we can practically find solutions to a whole lot of challenges we are still faced with currently. We must preserve the library and ensure that when people visit Oyo State, the library becomes a tourist centre that we can showcase.” Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, described Dr Olunloyo as a towering intellectual with a strong commitment to public service. He said: “Today is a day of reflection on the life and time of Dr Omololu Olunloyo. Today does not call for grief, sorrow or lamentation. “In reflecting, we must put into perspective his contributions to life, our society and the world at large. “He was a towering intellectual who had a strong commitment to public service. He served our state at the highest level with distinction and rare brilliance. “We believe that he has left enough for us to tap into in order for us to make a good life. We have lost a colossus whose footprint would remain etched on the sands of time.” Speaking on behalf of the Olunloyo family, the first child of the deceased, Mrs Oluyemi Olunloyo-Buckner, described her late father as a politician of a rare genius and an exceptionally brilliant statesman whose contribution to Oyo State was huge. She added that he was a man that gave his children identity, heritage and love. Also in their separate orations, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima and the Acting Rector, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Dr Taiwo Lasisi, described Olunloyo as an embodiment of brilliance, with a profound commitment to public service. The event had in attendance the wife of a former governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; a former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governor, Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi; former Minister of Trades and Investment, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande, CON, as well as Chairman and Co-Chairman of Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese. Other government functionaries in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo; Oyo State Exco Members; service commanders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and family members, among other dignitaries.

Tinubu Concerned Over Opposition’s Lack Of Unity—Akpabio

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  The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has stated that President Bola Tinubu, is interested in a vibrant opposition, urging the main opposition People’s Democratic Party, and the Labour Party, to put their houses in order. Akpabio made the statement during the inauguration of Arterial Road N20 Interchange Bridges. Referencing the recent crisis in the PDP regarding the position of the National Secretary of the party, and the recent defection of Senator Neda Imasuen, Senate Committee Chairman on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, from the Labour Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, the Senate President said the President was saddened to see the opposition in disarray. “However you people got yourself into this confusion, try and get yourself out of it very quickly. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is interested in seeing a vibrant opposition. As a true democrat, we would like to see a very vibrant opposition in the country. It saddens him when he sees the way the opposition in Nigeria is in disarray. “Just before I came here to represent him (Tinubu), I received and read a letter from the Labour Party. So it’s not only PDP that is in disarray. Even the Labour Party is cracked. And people who are strong members of the Labour Party are angling to run Nigeria when they cannot put a small political party like that in order,” he said. Akpabio also stated that he wasn’t tired of receiving defectors to the APC, adding that the party’s doors were open. “Senator Neda Imasuen just decamped this afternoon from the Labour Party and moved from the left-hand side of the Senate to the right-hand side. So that took my time, Honourable Minister, I had to do that ritual. “I’m not tired. I’m happy to receive them because our doors are open in the All Progressive Congress. So congratulations to Imasuen, who has decided to leave the fractured Labour Party to join the APC,” Akpabio stated. In his address, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, faulted the PDP for waiting on directives from the Independent National Electoral Commission before implementing a Supreme Court judgment that affirmed Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary. Addressing the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, Wike argued that the issue of reinstating Anyanwu did not arise, noting that the Secretary was not an appointee of the Chairman, and has been working since his election. “I heard it when the acting National Chairman of PDP was directing the National Secretary to resume. The National Secretary is not your appointee. The National Secretary has been doing his work. So, you can’t call him to resume. “The National Secretary has been working and will continue to work. He doesn’t require anybody to direct him to resume work. “If it’s because of your ignorance of the law, too bad. The law does not recognize ignorance. That you’re ignorant of the law is not an excuse. I feel so bad when people can now move to INEC, for INEC to direct them to obey Supreme Court judgment, it’s most unfortunate,” he said. The FCT Minister rebuked Damagum, saying he won’t join those sabotaging themselves. He urged Damagum to seek guidance instead of acting out of ego or relying solely on allocations, adding that money isn’t the solution to every problem. “Continue to shoot yourself. I will not be a party of those who will shoot themselves. When you don’t know something, ask the right person. Not because of ego, not because of oh, I’m receiving monthly allocation. Money does not solve all the problems. “There’s nothing you can do about it. If you want to learn, come and meet us, we will teach you how to go about it,” Wike said.

Mid-term Retreat: Makinde Launches Performance Delivery Compact To Measure Results•••Says Oyo Admitted Into World Union Of Whole Markets (PHOTOS)

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Mid-term Retreat: Makinde Launches Performance Delivery Compact To Measure Results•••Says Oyo Admitted Into World Union Of Whole Markets (PHOTOS)

  IBADAN – Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has announced the launch of what he described as a Legacy Compact, also known as Oyo State’s Performance Delivery Compact, which will help the administration to measure results and successes in the next two years. The governor gave this indication on Monday, at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), venue of the 2025 Mid-Term Leadership Retreat organised by the Oyo State Government. According to the governor, the performance delivery compact will enable each Ministry, Department and Agency to identify three to five legacy deliverables that they can realistically complete before 2027; break the deliverables down into 6-month targets to see what will be delivered by January 2026, and what will be completed by May 2027; and ensure that each target is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. He added that the compact will also enable the MDAs to publish the commitments as their Oyo Legacy Pledge, be prepared to stand before the public and say: “this is what we promised, this is what we delivered” and also collaborate across ministries through Joint Compacts, especially where outcomes overlap — such as infrastructure and commerce, education and youth, tourism and environment. Governor Makinde, who spoke on the theme: “Reflecting on progress, refining priorities and re-firing for maximum impact and legacy,” noted that the performance compacts would guide resourcing, visibility, and decision-making for the remainder of the administration, adding that they would be monitored quarterly and reviewed at the state’s Legacy Retreat in 2026. He added that the administration has made remarkable achievements in the last two years of Omituntun 2.0, with successes in the economic sector where the state has been admitted into the World Union of Wholesale Markets courtesy of its partnership with Semmaris on the Ijaiye Food Wholesale Market, the ongoing upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport into an international airport and the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road, which first phase of 32km would be commissioned before the end of 2025. He added that the administration has recorded remarkable successes in the education sector, where it recruited 14,000 teaching and non-teaching staff, upgraded 105 classrooms with another 36 ongoing; in the health sector where 264 Primary Health Centres have been upgraded and in the infrastructure sector, where feeder and rural roads are receiving priority attention. Governor Makinde noted, however, that it was time to step back and evaluate the efforts with a view to energising MDAs to finish strong as the administration moves into its last two years in office. He said: “Let me formally welcome you to this retreat where we will be reflecting on the journey of Omituntun 2.0. We will be x-raying our activities through the lens of our Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023 to 2027. We are now halfway through this mandate and it is a good time to take a step back to ask ourselves: how far have we come, what remains to be done, and what must we do now to finish strong? “We began this journey not merely with promises, but with a vision—to shift from accelerated development to sustainable transformation. A vision that says: we do not only build for applause, we build for impact. Let us begin by acknowledging that there is much to be proud of. “Under the Economic pillar, Oyo State has made history. We became the first sub-national in Africa to gain admission into the World Union of Wholesale Markets. We secured a landmark partnership with Semmaris to establish Nigeria’s first Rungis-style wholesale agri-food market — a direct outcome of our agribusiness-first strategy. I want to again publicly thank Dr Debo Akande for his role in making this possible. “We commissioned the 11MW Independent Power Project, powering the State Secretariat 24/7 for the first time in 49 years. “We started the Circular Road and the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport upgrade, while paying attention to feeder roads starting from the Ibadan Zone and extending to other zones from this year. We have also commenced the rehabilitation of rural roads through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). “Significantly, we brought water to our people. Let me also thank Elias Adeojo for his role in this. He did the unexpected and is still working. Well done. “Our tourism vision is taking shape. We held the first tourism summit in 2024, which helped us to see what direction we wanted to go with tourism, and we are back this year with the second edition, where we will be making a clear call to investors and showing a shift in how we have been working in that sector. “In Education, we recruited over 14,000 new personnel — teaching and non-teaching — to close the gap in our classrooms. We’ve upgraded 105 schools in underserved areas and commenced work on 36 more. The focus is not just on structures, but also on curriculum reform, digital tools, and inclusion. “In Healthcare, we’ve extended the Omituntun Free Health Mission, reaching over 18,000 people this year alone, equipped 264 Primary Healthcare Centres, and improved health equity. Diseases like Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis have been eliminated in several LGAs — a first for our State. I acknowledge the work our Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, and the rest of the team are doing in this sector. God bless you. “In Security, we have grown Amotekun to about 2,500 personnel, equipped our forces, and invested in forest protection, rural security, and community intelligence. Our farmers are returning to their farms. Our people are safer today because we chose to act early. “I thank you all for all the work you have put in to make Omituntun 2.0 Part 1 a success. We are now moving to Part 2. This moment calls for honest reflection. Have we made progress? Yes. Are we where we need to be? Not yet. “Across our Roadmap, there remain gaps — not of vision, but of delivery. Projects that began with promise now need a final push; several critical road … Read more

International Widows’ Day: Oyo First Lady Salutes Widows’ Courage, Distributes Cash, Food Items (PHOTOS)

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International Widows’ Day: Oyo First Lady Salutes Widows’ Courage, Distributes Cash, Food Items (PHOTOS)

  IBADAN – Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. (Mrs.) Tamunominini Makinde, has said that the International Widows’ Day is not just a day to celebrate widows but a day to celebrate their courage. Mrs. Makinde disclosed this on Monday while hosting widows across the 33 local government areas of the state in her office, Agodi, Ibadan. The program was held to commemorate the 2025 International Widows’ Day. The event, which featured the distribution of food items, cash relief to thousands of widows as a gesture of love, compassion, and empowerment, had in attendance dignitaries from all works of life including wives of the Chairmen of the local governments, artisans, leaders of the market women, among others. At the event, Mrs. Makinde, who was represented by Hon. (Mrs) Bisi Oluranti Michael, member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ogbomoso North Constituency, appreciated the wife of the governor, emphasized the need to appreciate the strength of widows and to reaffirm government’s commitment to supporting them. “Today is not just a remembrance of loss,” she said, “but a celebration of courage. “Widows face not only the pain of losing their partners but also the risk of losing their dignity and social standing. As mothers, caretakers, and pillars of their homes, your courage is inspiring, and your pain is acknowledged. This day belongs to you.” Diya Ogunjimi, who represented the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun, urged the women to remain strong in the face of adversity. “We honour the memory of your loved ones and acknowledge your resilience. You are not alone, and we hope today brings renewed strength and encouragement,” she said. Also speaking, Mrs. Abiola Sanda, wife of the ALGON (Association of Local Governments of Nigeria) Chairman in Oyo State, who called on society to end all forms of stigmatization against widows. “If you cannot help a widow, at least do not stigmatize her,” she said. “Widows deserve dignity, not pity or suspicion.” Emotional testimonies were shared by beneficiaries like Mrs Tawakalitu Adam, who stated: “It is not easy to raise children and carry the cross alone, but gestures like this give us strength to carry on, we appreciate the wife of the giv for remembering us with material support” Also Mrs Motunrayo Salam, who encouraged fellow widows to stay hopeful: “It’s very painful to be a widow but with the help of God, we can carry on. So we appreciate our mother for gifting us on a day like this and also encouraging us with food items and cash support.” Dignitaries present at the event included several wives of local government chairmen from across the state, such as Mrs. Khadijah Salam (Oyo West), Mrs. Aisha Adeleke (Atiba), Mrs. Victoria Adegbite (Surulere), and Mrs. Olusola Adebimpe (Ibarapa East), among others. International Widows’ Day, marked annually on June 23, is observed to raise awareness about the struggles faced by widows globally and to advocate for their rights, protection, and inclusion.

Tinubu Was Key Player In June 12 Struggle, Alake Refutes Lamido’s Claim

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  The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has refuted claims made by a former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, regarding the roles of key political figures in the post-June 12, 1993 presidential election annulment struggle. Speaking on Arise TV on Sunday, Alake dismissed Lamido’s narrative as “hagiography and an attempt at revisionism,” asserting that President Bola Tinubu was a central and active participant from the beginning. PUNCH Online earlier reported that a former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu supported the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and was not part of the early pro-democracy resistance that followed. Reacting, Alake, an eyewitness to many of the events, began by recounting the sequence of events that led to the June 12 crisis. He noted that the initial shock to the nation was the suspension of election results on June 16, 1993, four days after the election. “Everybody knew MKO Abiola was coasting home to victory,” Alake stated, recalling a moment with MKO Abiola in his Ikeja, Lagos home where Abiola was settling debts, declaring, “He didn’t want to get into the presidency with debt.” The final blow, the total cancellation of the election results, came on June 23, plunging Nigeria into a political struggle. According to Alake, following the annulment announcement, Tinubu “threw his hat into the ring.” He provided a detailed account of Tinubu’s immediate involvement, including an instance where Tinubu facilitated air clearance for MKO Abiola’s aircraft to land in Katsina to commiserate with the Yar’Adua family, even as then-military President Ibrahim Babangida was also flying there. Alake emphasised that upon MKO Abiola’s return to Lagos after the cancellation announcement, it was Tinubu he immediately contacted to “start the preparations for the onslaught against that unjustified announcement.” Alake particularly challenged Lamido’s perceived absence in the early days of the protests. He asserted Tinubu’s role in the foundational stages of the pro-democracy movement. “I can tell you authoritatively because I was part and parcel of the protest, the planning and execution. “Tinubu was one of the funders and one of the organisers, one of the planners of all the protests, June, July 23, 24, 25 of 1993 against the annulment,” Alake stated directly, underscoring Tinubu’s commitment long before the Abacha regime came to power. The minister further recounted Tinubu’s involvement in the efforts to restore the June 12 mandate after General Sani Abacha assumed office on November 17, 1993. Alake revealed that Tinubu escorted MKO Abiola to meet with Abacha upon the latter’s assumption of office. “Asiwaju Tinubu was the one that escorted MKO to go and see Abacha to negotiate how Abacha would relinquish office and hand over to MKO,” Alake said, adding that he was a “living witness” to the crafting of this meeting the night before. Punch

World Sickle Cell Day: Oyo Govt Re-Affirms Commitment To Quality Healthcare Delivery …as Over 300 participants received free medications

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  On World Sickle Cell Day, Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality healthcare for its citizens, especially individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). World Sickle Cell Day, observed globally on June 19, serves as a vital platform for raising awareness and improving understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with sickle cell disease. Speaking at a sensitization event held at Ikolaba High School, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, explained the importance of early detection, enhanced access to medical care, and community awareness in reducing the burden of the disease. She emphasized that the state’s healthcare reforms are deeply rooted in the principles of universal health coverage and equity, ensuring that conditions such as SCD remain a consistent priority. The event, organized in collaboration with a Non-governmental Foundation, brought together patients, families, and students across the city. Dr. Ajetunmobi explained that the state government’s strategy for addressing Sickle Cell Disease includes strengthening newborn screening for early diagnosis, expanding access to vital medications such as hydroxyurea and folic acid, and integrating SCD clinics into all levels of healthcare from primary to tertiary facilities. She also stressed the need for accurate health data, which has led to the development of sickle cell disease registries to better understand and respond to disease trends. Ajetunmobi noted that these efforts reflect Governor Seyi Makinde’s broader vision for a robust and inclusive healthcare system in Oyo State. She added that under his administration, several transformative initiatives have been implemented, including the Omituntun Free Health Mission, which continues to provide comprehensive free healthcare across all 33 local government areas. Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi explained that the mission targets vulnerable groups such as children under five and the elderly, while also offering free surgical services. She hinted that more than 200 primary healthcare centres have been renovated, 150 others are currently undergoing upgrades, and over 3,000 health workers have been employed to improve service delivery. “Through the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), more than 400,000 residents now have access to affordable and consistent healthcare”. Ajetunmobi said. She urged citizens to take personal responsibility for their health by knowing their genotype, seeking early diagnosis, adhering to prescribed treatments, and embracing genetic counselling to make informed reproductive choices. The Commissioner also encouraged policymakers to maintain and increase support for sickle cell programmes across the state. Over 300 participants received free medications, and many also benefited from immediate health education and counselling services.

Oyo Gov’t, UNICEF Host High-Level Advocacy Meeting With S’west Information Ministries

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  In a landmark effort to advance children-centred advocacy and effective communication for childrens’s right actualization, Oyo State Government in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), convened an advocacy dialogue and capacity-building meeting with the Commissioners, Permanent Secretries and top officials from the Ministries of Information across the Southwest states of Nigeria. The event, themed “Scaling Results for Children Through Evidence-Based Social and Behavioural Change,” was held at Orchid Hotel, Ikota-Lekki, Lagos State. It brought together key stakeholders to explore strategic approaches to drive positive social change, promote children’s rights, and advance gender equity through effective communication practices and evidence-based policy alignment. Representing the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Oyo State, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, in his keynote address, emphasized that success would be measured not just by policies or meetings, but by real outcomes, well-nourished children, access to clean water and protection from vaccine-preventable diseases. According to Oyelade, “The wellbeing of women and children through three fundamental pillars of public health—Nutrition, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Immunization—are interlinked and vital to the survival, growth, and development of our communities.” He stressed the need for strategic communication, advocacy, and community engagement on social and behavioral change. “We must ensure our messages are clear, culturally relevant, and widely disseminated. We must amplify grassroots voices and empower programs that drive behavior change,” he said. “As Commissioner for Information, I am reminded of the power and responsibility that communication holds in the success of any public health intervention. Our communities can only benefit from nutrition programs if they are aware of them. Clean water and sanitation will only be effective when people understand and adopt good hygiene practices. Immunization will only reach its full potential if families trust and accept it.” Oyelade thanked UNICEF for its continued support through technical expertise and resources. He urged participants to be bold in ideas, open to collaboration, and relentless in their commitment to service. “Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient future for all,” he concluded. In his remarks, UNICEF’s Chief of Social and Behaviour Change, Abuja, Kshitiy Joshi, emphasized the urgency of rethinking communication as a tool for transformation “The world is changing everyday,” he declared. He highlighted the importance of data-driven, people-centered communication in shaping public attitudes and behaviors. “We must go beyond awareness to action—addressing deeply rooted norms, influencing behaviors, and ensuring that no child is left behind.” Joshi further noted that sustainable development for children cannot be achieved without the active involvement of Ministries of Information, who play a critical role in shaping public discourse and influencing societal behavior at scale. In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Oyo State, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, represented by Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Bukola Bakare, reiterated the meeting’s goal to improve the wellbeing of women and children and ensure that every child survives, thrives, and grows up in a safe and nurturing environment. “Essential family practices are simple yet powerful actions that families can take to improve children’s health, nutrition, and development,” he said. “From exclusive breastfeeding and handwashing with soap to proper home care for illnesses and timely immunizations, these practices, when consistently adopted, save lives and lay the foundation for a productive and healthy life.” In their separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Osun State, Barrister Kolapo Alimi; Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media and Communication, Hon. Kayode Akinmade; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Ekiti State, Prince Olusesan Alabi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Mr. Olunde Sogunle; and Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Ondo State, Mr. Olanrewaju Akarakiri, commended UNICEF’s strategic role in promoting inclusive communication and policy engagement that prioritizes the welfare of children and women. They described UNICEF as a trusted partner in progress, whose interventions have significantly impacted communities across the region. The representatives reaffirmed their states’ readiness to partner with UNICEF on future initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children and vulnerable populations in the Southwest.

LASTMA Accused Of Covering Up N70m Excavator Theft At Lagos Yard

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  The management of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has come under fire over an alleged attempt to cover up the theft of an impounded excavator worth about N70m by two members of staff. PUNCH Metro gathered from insiders on Thursday that the incident, which occurred on June 10, has thrown the agency into confusion, with several staff members accusing top management of shielding one of the suspects involved. According to insiders, who pleaded anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the case, the missing excavator had been parked at LASTMA’s headquarters for over a decade after it was reportedly impounded. However, the incident came to light after workers resumed work following the Sallah holiday and noticed the equipment was gone. “That excavator was impounded over 10 years ago,” a source familiar with the matter told PUNCH Metro on the condition of anonymity. The source added, “Such vehicles are only removed after proper documentation and approval. But when we returned from the Sallah break, we noticed it was no longer there.” The source explained that preliminary findings indicated that a PSP (Private Sector Participant) operator, who owns a tow truck, presented a signed document at the agency’s gate and was granted access to remove the excavator from the premises. “We found out that a PSP operator (name withheld) who owns a tow vehicle presented a paper at the gate that was signed by the second suspect.” “On seeing the paper, the PSP operator was allowed to take the equipment out of the LASTMA yard,” the source added. Further investigation allegedly revealed that the excavator, estimated to be worth at least N70m, was dismantled and sold off as scrap. While one of the suspects, who reportedly operates towing vehicles on behalf of LASTMA, was interrogated and detained, the second suspect, said to be the one who signed the release document, was neither arrested nor questioned. “It would be wrong to put all the blame on one person when the suspect who approved the theft was not arrested and detained. “We believe he’s being protected by powerful interests within the agency,” the source stated. When PUNCH Metro sought the reaction of the agency’s spokesperson, Taofeek Adebayo, on Thursday, he introduced an Assistant General Manager of LASTMA to our correspondent, but both officials declined to comment further on the incident and alleged cover-up. “What I will say is this: The (LASTMA) management will respond at the appropriate time. In my capacity, I cannot give you any information,” the unnamed AGM told our correspondent on Thursday. Pressed further on the agency’s silence, he simply responded, “We will get back to you,” before ending the call. He did not get back to our correspondent as of the time of filing this report. Although calls to the General Manager of LASTMA, Bakare Oki-Olalekan, went unanswered on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, Bolanle Ogunlola, told our correspondent that the agency was in the best position to address the allegation. “I think you should try to speak with the GM of LASTMA. He may have information about it,” Ogunlola advised.

Court Admits DSS Report Linking Kanu To #EndSARS Violence

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  A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has admitted into evidence a report by the Department of State Services allegedly linking the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to the killing of 186 police officers and the destruction of 164 police stations during the #EndSARS protests. Justice James Omotoso admitted the report during the resumed hearing in Kanu’s terrorism trial on Thursday. The report was tendered by the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), through the fifth prosecution witness (PW5) codenamed Mr EEE for security reasons. Led in evidence by Awomolo, the witness, a DSS operative, told the court that he was part of a team deployed to the South-East and other parts of the country to gather information and compile reports on the violence that erupted during the #EndSARS movement. “I know the defendant through the media. I have never met him face-to-face,” the witness said. EEE also said that his mandate was to collect records of the destruction of public property and the deaths of security personnel, allegedly incited by Kanu’s statements. The court admitted as exhibits a damage assessment report, death certificates of some security officers, and a certificate of compliance tendered through the witness by Awomolo. Although the defence lawyer objected to the admissibility of these documents, arguments were reserved for a later date. According to the witness, the violence led to the deaths of 186 police officers, 37 military personnel, and 10 DSS operatives. The witness further stated that 164 police stations and nine facilities belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission were destroyed across 17 states, including Lagos, Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, and Rivers, as a result of Kanu’s inciting messages. During cross-examination, counsel for the defence, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), challenged the credibility of the report and the basis for linking Kanu to the unrest. “You were not part of the investigation into the defendant himself, correct?” Ikpeazu asked. “I was tasked to investigate the destruction of public property based on the statements of the defendant. He gave instructions to IPOB members to kill officers,” EEE responded. Ikpeazu pressed further, questioning whether Kanu’s statements were directly tied to the #EndSARS protests or IPOB activities. He also inquired whether notable activist Aisha Yesufu, known for her role in the protests, was similarly investigated. “My assignment was not to investigate Biafra or individuals like Aisha Yesufu but to assess damage from the #EndSARS protest,” the witness replied. He added that while the protests were driven by “organic issues like police brutality,” they were “hijacked by subversive elements” who incited violence against the state. When pressed for details, the witness admitted he could not identify any specific page in the report directly attributing the deaths to IPOB members. “It is a voluminous document. There is no single caption that links deaths directly to IPOB on any page,” he said. Ikpeazu highlighted several deficiencies in the report, including a lack of dates on photographs, the absence of the witness’s signature, and missing details such as the names or towns of the deceased and the medical examiners. The witness admitted the report was certified in his capacity as secretary but was not personally signed by him. “You did not sign this report. In fact, none of the photographs show the dates they were taken,” Ikpeazu observed, suggesting the report was compiled after the commencement of the trial—a claim the witness denied. Meanwhile, the prosecution counsel, Chief Awomolo (SAN), stated that the prosecution had succeeded in presenting evidence relating to the case and urged the court to grant his prayers. The defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), entered a no-case submission, indicating they would proceed to address the court. The court granted each party 14 days to submit their arguments on the no-case submission and an additional two days for replies on points of law. Justice Omotoso adjourned the case to July 18 for the adoption of the no-case submission. Punch

Adekunle Gold Launches Free Health Insurance For 1,000 Sickle Cell Warriors In Lagos

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  In celebration of World Sickle Cell Day 2025, Nigerian Afropop star Adekunle Gold has unveiled a life-changing initiative through his charity, the Adekunle Gold Foundation. The project, named “5 STAR CARE,” offers free health insurance coverage to 1,000 individuals living with sickle cell disorder in Lagos State. The 5 STAR CARE program was officially announced by the music icon and sickle cell advocate, Adekunle Gold, on Wednesday, June 19, 2025. He described the initiative as a deeply personal mission inspired by his own journey with sickle cell disease. “Today is World Sickle Cell Day. This year, through the Adekunle Gold Foundation, we are launching a programme called 5 STAR CARE – a free health insurance scheme for 1,000 people living with sickle cell in Lagos, Nigeria,” Adekunle Gold shared via social media. The program is being implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) – two key stakeholders in healthcare and sickle cell awareness in Nigeria. “Our goal is simple,” he continued. “To ease the financial burden of managing sickle cell and help more people get the quality care they deserve without stress.” Adekunle Gold, born Adekunle Kosoko, has been an outspoken advocate for sickle cell awareness, often sharing his personal story of resilience and survival as someone living with the disorder. “As somebody who has walked this path, I know how powerful it is to have the right support,” he said. “This is just the beginning.” The 5 STAR CARE health insurance package aims to cover essential medical needs for beneficiaries, including consultations, medications, and crisis management services, ensuring access to consistent and affordable care for sickle cell patients who often face huge financial and emotional burdens. To apply for the free health insurance program, eligible individuals are encouraged to visit www.adekunlegoldfoundation.com/5starcare The launch of the initiative has sparked praise from fans, health advocates, and members of the sickle cell community nationwide, many of whom see it as a rare show of commitment from a celebrity to a cause that directly affects them. World Sickle Cell Day is observed annually on June 19 to raise awareness about the disease, promote early diagnosis, and support individuals and families affected by the inherited blood disorder. In Nigeria, which has the highest burden of sickle cell in the world, such initiatives are especially vital.

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