‎Makinde Drags Wike As PDP Holds Southern Zoning Meeting In Lagos ‎

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‎IBADAN  –  THE Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, sent what appeared to be a subtle dig at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, declaring that he does not “go low with anyone who decides to go into the gutters.” ‎Makinde made the remark while addressing journalists shortly after the Southern Zoning Consultative Summit of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held on Thursday in Lagos. ‎The meeting, which attracted the Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Senator Adolphus Wabara, chairman of the party’s National Zoning Committee and Bayelsa state governor, Douyo Diri, Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun state, Peter Mba of Enugu represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, former Osun governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Chief Bode George, and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu. ‎Others include 12 of the 17 PDP National Assembly members and key stakeholders of the party from across the southern states. The summit was aimed at fostering unity and charting the course for the party ahead of the forthcoming party’s national congress. ‎Responding to questions on threats of division within the party and attacks from aggrieved members, Makinde hinted at the party’s leadership style, indirectly shading Minister Nyesom Wike. ‎“Personally, when people go low or go into the gutters, I don’t go with them. Some people are not going into the gutters. We will reach out to them. That is democracy. ‎“I can disagree with people, but there shouldn’t be anything personal here. It should be about what we are giving to Nigerians because they are watching,” Makinde stated. ‎The Oyo governor added that despite challenges, recent elections had shown that the PDP remained a formidable force. ‎“In all our states, they showed last Saturday that PDP is not dead. In most other places of the 12 states, PDP came second. It is an indication to us that if we continue to work hard, we can reclaim the confidence of Nigerians,” he said. ‎The zoning consultative meeting comes just days before the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the PDP scheduled for Monday, where critical decisions are expected to be taken on the party’s future. ‎Governor Makinde, who also reeled out the calibre of party’s national and zonal leaders, stressed that the summit reflected the seriousness of the party to rebuild with a view to providing a more formidable opposition for the ruling party ahead of the next general election. ‎Fielding questions from journalists over another purported meeting of southern PDP stakeholders, Governor Makinde said: “Governor Ademola Adeleke is here. ‎“He came back into the,  country this morning and went straight to address some governance issues before joining us. Governor Douye Diri is also here. Governor Peter Mbah, who could not make it physically, sent his deputy governor. ‎“You have the chairman of the Board of Trustees here. You also have at least 12 of the 17 members of the zoning committee from the South. ‎“In each zone, there are representatives of senators, House of Representatives members, and BOT members. So, this shows wide representation.” ‎The governor, however, admitted that political meetings hardly achieve 100 percent attendance but emphasized that “consultation means you keep reaching out, you keep engaging.” He assured that critical party stakeholders not in attendance at the Lagos meeting would be reached out to. ‎When asked about discussions on zoning of the PDP presidential ticket to the South, Makinde said the party was not yet at that stage. ‎“We haven’t even gotten there. We need to have a party first before you start talking about presidential candidates. If we don’t have a party, anything you are trying to do will fall flat. ‎“Our efforts right now are directed towards having a vibrant and united PDP that Nigerians will be proud of and believe in again,” he said. ‎

I’m Not In Supremacy Battle With Any Monarch – Alaafin

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The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Thursday, disclosed that he is not in a supremacy battle with any monarch either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe. He made this disclosure in a statement released by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The fresh battle between the Alaafin, Oba Owoade and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, started last Monday after the Alaafin faulted the Ooni’s decision to confer the title of Okanlomo of Oduwa on a businessman, Dotun Sanusi, during the unveiling of an indigenous social media network- 2geda, at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan, at the weekend. The statement explained that Alaafin is a veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, and has always taken into consideration the safety and welfare of his subjects at all times. It added that the monarch relied heavily on the will and wishes of his subjects. Durojaiye said he (Alaafin) would never compromise tradition, culture and development of his people for a pot of porridge. He said the monarch operates a government that is judged by its result, as prosperity, security and well-being of the people dictated his popularity both in the palace and in the empire at large. The statement reads in part, “Why Alaafin does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any Oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe? These immortal words of Alexander Graham Bell – The most successful men in the end are those whose success is the result of steady accretion. “It is the man who carefully advances step by step, with his mind becoming wider and wider, and progressively be able to grasp any theme or situation -persevering in what he knows to be practical, and concentrating his thought upon it, who is bound to succeed in the greatest degree” – sum up the life voyage of Owoade, an indomitable monarch with an unequalled passion for the great good of all. “He (Alaafin) is a veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, and has always taken into consideration the safety and welfare of his subjects and will never compromise tradition, culture and development of his people for a pot of porridge. The history has been so kind and friendly to Alaafin Owoade publicity since he ascended the throne of his forefathers, as he does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe. “Alaafin combines humility with royalty to meet the modern-day demands. Kabiyesi (the king who no one questions). Iku Baba Yeye (The one who commands death/he who is parent to death). Alashe (He who wields authority). Ekeji Orisha (Second-in-command to the gods). The Alaafin was inducted into the mysteries of various gods like Ifa, Sango etc to be the direct representative of these deities on earth.” The statement added, “At the hallowed ground of the Yoruba ancient shrine, as Owoade made a covenant with illustrious Yoruba ancestors that he would defend, protect and add glamour to the Yoruba norms and tradition. Oduduwa’s Principal minister and grandson, Oranmiyan (Because Oduduwa begot Okanbi, (an only child and Okanbi begot Oranmiyan, among others, namely Ila-Orangun, Oni-Sabe, Olu-Popo, Ala-Ketu, Oba-Benin) founded the city of Oyo when prolonged drought struck Ile-Ife as a result of people’s emigration. “Oyo simply rose to prominence through wealth gained from trade and its military skills. It was the largest West African empire, the most important and authoritative of all the early Yoruba principalities. More so, the British, as it was in their tradition, recognised lineage as meaningful supremacy and legitimacy, preferring to sign the Treaty of Cessation with the Alaafin as the Superior Head of the Yoruba Nation. “In politics also, he is concerned about the sanctity of his position, and whatever happens on the welfare of his people. Customs and all traditional practices of today in government, religion and economic life have had distance, and possibly age-long origins which were based on valid and accepted tenets that emerged from the synthesis and aggregated experience of a particular society. “One of such societies is the ancient city of Oyo, reputed for cultural resources that are of rich non-material and material attributes and transmitted through generations. Moreover, the precepts and concepts of Alaafin’s administration have continued to support and nurture the people’s ancient culture and sophisticated civilisation from time immemorial. “The basic concept of government was monarchy with a rigid adherence to the monolithic Oduduwa dynasty and of the paternal line.”

China Set To Unveil First Pregnancy Robot With Artificial Womb

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China is on the verge of unveiling a humanoid robot capable of hosting a fully functioning artificial womb, in what could be a revolutionary step for reproductive science. The project, spearheaded by Kaiwa Technology in Guangzhou, is slated for a 2026 debut, Indian Times reports on Monday. The project lead, Zhang Qifeng, revealed at the World Robot Conference in Beijing that the scientific foundation is already solid, with the next stage focused on integrating the artificial womb into a humanoid robot for “interactive pregnancy.” Artificial wombs are not entirely new. They replicate the uterine environment with synthetic amniotic fluid and an umbilical-like tube for nutrient and oxygen delivery. In 2017, US scientists kept premature lambs alive for weeks in such “biobags,” proving the concept’s viability. What makes Kaiwa’s effort groundbreaking is its goal of creating a robot that can manage the entire process from fertilisation to full-term birth. The solution is expected to cost about 100,000 yuan (£11,000), far cheaper than conventional surrogacy, making it a potentially disruptive alternative amid rising infertility rates, particularly in China.  

Japan Hosts Tinubu, Other African Leaders At TICAD Conference

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Japan hosted African leaders on Wednesday for a three-day development conference, offering itself as an alternative to China as the continent reels from a debt crisis exacerbated by Western aid cuts, conflict and climate change. Attendees at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) included Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, William Ruto of Kenya and UN head Antonio Guterres. “The debt and liquidity crisis on the African continent is worsening the challenging socio-economic environment and constraining the fiscal space for governments to cast a safety net over its citizens,” Ramaphosa’s office said in a statement. China has invested heavily in Africa over the past decade, with its companies there signing deals worth hundreds of billions of dollars to finance shipping ports, railways, roads and other projects under Beijing’s Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative. But new lending is drying up, and developing countries are now grappling with a “tidal wave” of debt to both Beijing and international private creditors, the Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank, said in May. African countries have also seen Western aid slashed, in particular through President Donald Trump’s dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). TICAD was expected to touch on possible future free-trade deals between Japan and African nations, loan guarantees and investment incentives for Japanese firms, local media reported. However, Japan’s biggest business lobby, Keidanren, warned that Tokyo must work to win the trust of developing nations. “By actively contributing to solving the social issues faced by countries in the Global South, Japan must be chosen as a trustworthy partner,” Keidanren said in a policy recommendation in June. Africa presents opportunities with its young population and natural resources, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters on Tuesday. “We will be discussing how we may leverage these human and material resources as a source of vitality and connect them to Japan’s growth and the prosperity of the world,” he said. “Rather than focusing on our own needs, we want to carefully identify the needs of our partners and earn their trust, thereby fulfilling our role as a nation,” Ishiba said. Ishiba was set to propose at the conference — the ninth since 1993 — an “economic zone” encompassing the Indian Ocean region and Africa, Kyodo News reported. Japan will pledge to cultivate 30,000 artificial intelligence experts over the next three years to promote industrial digitalisation and job creation, Kyodo said. AFP  

Monsoon Rains Kill Over 400 In Pakistan, Sweep Away Villages

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More than 20 people have died on Wednesday in a torrential spell of monsoon rain in Pakistan, where downpours have swept away entire villages over the last week, killing more than 400. Eleven people died in the touristic northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan and 10 others in Karachi, the financial capital in the south, due to urban flooding that caused house collapses and electrocution, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said. Schools remained closed in the city of more than 20 million, as the meteorological department predicted more rain till Saturday. Amir Hyder Laghari, chief meteorologist of the Sindh province, blamed “weak infrastructure” for the flooding in big cities. As Karachi’s crumbling pipes and sewer system struggled to cope with the downpours, rush-hour drivers were caught in rising waters late Tuesday, and multiple neighbourhoods experienced power cuts. By Wednesday morning, the water had receded, an AFP photographer reported. Between 40 and 50 houses had been400 damaged in two districts, provincial disaster official Muhammad Younis said. “Another (rain) spell is to start by the end of the month,” NDMA chairman Inam Haider Malik. More than 350 people have died in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a mountainous northern province bordering Afghanistan, since last Thursday. Authorities and the army are searching for dozens missing in villages that were hit by landslides and heavy rain. – ‘Children are scared’ – The floods interrupted communication networks and phone lines in flooded areas, while excavators worked to remove debris clogging drainage channels. “We have established relief camps where we are providing medical assistance. We are also giving dry rations and tents to all the people,” army Colonel Irfan Afridi told AFP in Buner district, where more than 220 people were killed. Authorities have warned that the rains will continue until mid-September. “The children are scared. They say we cannot sleep at night due to fear,” said Anjum Anwar, a medical camp official in Buner. “The flood… has destroyed our entire settlements.” Landslides and flash floods are common during the monsoon season, which typically begins in June and lasts until the end of September. This year, nearly 750 people have died since the season started, according to authorities. Pakistan is among the world’s most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change and is increasingly facing extreme weather events. Monsoon floods submerged one-third of Pakistan in 2022, resulting in approximately 1,700 deaths. AFP

Makinde Receives UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Certificate for Sango Festival

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‎Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has received the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Certificate for Sango Festival, Oyo. The certificate presentation was sequel to the festival making it to the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity upon the proposal made by Nigeria. The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, had presented the certificate to Oyo State Government on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the grand finale of the year 2025 World Sango Festival in Oyo town. Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, who received the certificate on behalf of the state, presented same to the state governor during the Oyo State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.‎ While presenting the certificate to the governor, Dr Olatubosun lauded him for his commitment and unwavering support to all cultural and tourism activities in the state, which eventually paid off and turned Sango Festival into an international event. ‎The commissioner added, “After the inscription dated 5th December, 2023, Oyo State and Oyo town had the maiden edition of the World Sango Festival in August, 2024 in a grand style with attendance of people from all walks of life as well as envoys from various countries and embassies, and the just concluded 2025 World Sango festival was not an exemption, as there was an improvement on the year 2024 edition.” Responding, Governor Makinde expressed his appreciation to the commissioner and his team, saying that their efforts culminated in the recognition of the festival by UNESCO.

“It Takes Grace of God To Ascend The Throne, It Is A Bumpy Road – Ladoja

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  IBADAN – THE Olubadan-elect of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has broken his silence on his ascension to the ancient stool, describing his journey as “bumpy, filled with trials, and only made possible by the grace of God.” The former Oyo State governor said he was overwhelmed with shock when he received news of the passing of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, noting that he never imagined destiny would call him to the throne at this time. The Olubadan-elect also paid glowing tributes to his predecessor, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, describing him as a leader who upheld tradition with dignity. He commiserated with family of the late Olubadan, the entire Olubadan in-council, and the Ibadan land praying for God to repose the soul of the departed. Addressing a crowd of well wishers who thronged his Ondo Street private residence at Bodija in Ibadan on Monday August 18, upon his arrival to the city from Lagos, Oba Ladoja recalled his over three-decade journey through the traditional hierarchy of Ibadan chieftaincy, which uniquely requires aspirants to climb 36 carefully arranged steps, beginning from Jagun Olubadan. Earlier upon his arrival in Ibadan from his two month trip outside of the state since the demise of the late Olubadan, Oba Ladoja headed straight to his family House in Isale-Osi, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area where according to him, the journey to the throne all began. In his words: “The road to the throne was indeed bumpy. Many of those who were with me and also stood by me when I became Jagun Balogun Olubadan are no longer alive today. It has been a journey of patience, perseverance, and the grace of God,” he said. Oba Ladoja became Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland on October 1, 1993, shortly before his election as a senator representing Oyo South in the National Assembly. From there, he steadily rose through the ranks of the Balogun line, a process that has taken him more than 31 years before emerging as the Olubadan-elect. He explained that while the system is predictable in structure, the timing of ascension is never in the hands of any man. “When I heard about the transition of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, I was shocked and not ready at the time. It hit me with rude shock because I had envisaged that our king would still reign for another five to ten years but I was again confronted with the reality that the next turn was unavoidably mine. “Even though our system is structured and predictable, the timing is never ours. Only God decides. When I arrived, it was where the journey all began that I went for prayers. “And when I arrived there, I remembered many of those that were there with me on that day on 1st of October, 1993. I remember that Late MKO Abiola was present because he was in the mix of being called president-elect or not, Late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu was there, my late father and mother were also present. “Governor Kolapo Ishola, Dr Rahimi, Adebayo Akala were all there because he was the one that cover the palace when I became Jagun. My very good friend who we both became Jagun same day, Eyinadebimpe were in attendance. My friend Jimoh Aliu, Folake Aremu popularly known as ‘Orisabunmi’, and many other notable theater actors were there. “So, in my reflection, I asked God why I’ve been preserved in good health, then I realized I’m yet to complete my mission and God’s purpose for my life on earth. Therefore, I’m eternally grateful to God for his grace. “There were also many coincidences because I was born in 1944 and I’m the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan. So, I’m grateful to everyone,” Oba Ladoja narrated. He particularly expressed gratitude to the Olubadan in-council for their official nomination to become the next king, saying “if they didn’t approve my nomination, what can I do? All the 10-man Olubadan in-council gave their unanimous approval, and I want to assure them that our relationship will grow better.” He asserted that God has destined them all to work together. He assured that now he is fully back and will commence engaging with relevant government and traditional authorities including the Governor, Oluwo and Araba of Ibadan as well as others to determine how to go about the process of coronation. He prayed that his time on the throne shall witness unprecedented prosperity, peace, and economic development. In his final remarks, Oba Ladoja appealed to Ibadan sons and daughters at home and abroad, as well as residents of the ancient city, to uphold him in their prayers for God’s guidance. “I seek your prayers for God’s wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to guide me in the discharge of this sacred duty as the new Olubadan. It is a huge responsibility, and I pray for divine direction to lead Ibadanland with fairness, peace, and progress,” he said. Aare Egbe Omobalogun of Ibadanland, Chief Taofeek Adegoke, said the reign of Ladoja as Olubadan of Ibadanland will witness tremendous progress. He said, “It is going to be a period when Ibadan will witness remarkable development during his tenure. We are happy that he is back, and we pray that God will grant him the strength and wisdom to lead both Ibadan and Oyo State aright.” Chief Adeola Oloko, the Media Aide to Ladoja while speaking with Naijanewshub online Newspapers Reporter who was on ground to monitor the event said, “We are all aware that he has not been around, but today he returned to Ibadan to a very warm embrace by his people. He addressed us, assuring that his reign will foster cooperation among all members of the Olubadan-in-Council. He promised that his leadership will be one of unity and progress, and that the council will enjoy his full cooperation as he moves Ibadan forward. “The next step is the coronation rites. We will have to consult all relevant stakeholders, the Araba of Ibadanland, the Afobajes, and of course, His … Read more

Isese Day: Oyo Declares Wednesday Work-free Day

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IBADAN – THE Oyo State Government has declared Wednesday, 20 August, 2025, as a work-free day. Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike K. Adeyemo, in a circular letter dated 18th August, 2025, indicated that the governor approved the work-free day to mark the Isese Day Celebration. According to the circular, the governor urged all citizens in the state to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the state in particular and the country in general.

Aare Segelu Congratulates Don, Commends Makinde, Electorates on Ibadan North By-election Victory

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‍ Governorship hopeful and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Aare Olayinka Segelu, has congratulated Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, the PDP candidate who emerged victorious in the Saturday, August 16, by-election for Ibadan North Federal Constituency. Oyekunle, popularly known as DoN, defeated his closest rival, Hon. Adewale Olatunji Murphy of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and four other contenders. According to the official results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oyekunle polled 18,404 votes, while APC’s Murphy garnered 8,312 votes. Other candidates in the race included Dexter Femi Akin-Alamu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Olabisi Olajumoke Odususi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hammed Badmus of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Islamiyat Oluwatoyin Abdulkadir of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The by-election, which recorded 217,980 registered voters across 12 wards and 512 polling units, became necessary following the passing of Hon. Musiliudeen Olaide Akinremi, popularly known as Jagaban, on July 10, 2024. Reacting to the outcome, Segelu, who is also a Germany-based businessman commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his leadership and strategic role in the PDP’s victory. “I want to commend the effort of our leader, Governor Oluwaseyi Makinde. He took the best decision, and the outcome of the election has clearly shown the strength of our party. We won with a margin of over 10,000 votes, and that is a significant achievement. I truly commend his leadership, which continues to prove his worth and gives us something to look forward to,” he said. Segelu also congratulated Oyekunle, expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver. “To the member-elect, Folajimi Oyekunle, popularly known as DoN, I say congratulations. He is not new in the system, and I believe he will do his best to sustain the victory we are celebrating today,” he added. The PDP stalwart equally applauded the constituents of Ibadan North, noting their determination to elect a true representative. “They have demonstrated their capacity and made it clear that they desire true representation. They have voted for their choice, DoN, who has now been declared the winner. Let us all hope and work together to ensure that the people enjoy the true dividends of democracy,” Segelu stated.

Many Feared Dead In Sokoto Boat Accident

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  Sokoto State has been thrown into mourning following a tragic boat accident that claimed several lives at Kojiyo Ward in Goronyo Local Government Area on Sunday. The ill-fated boat, which was conveying dozens of passengers across the river, reportedly capsized midway, resulting in multiple casualties and loss of property. A source who simply identified himself as Abubakar said many passengers drowned, while others are still missing as search and rescue operations continue. The exact number of victims is yet to be officially confirmed. “This is indeed a great tragedy for our community,” a resident told our correspondent, describing the atmosphere in Kojiyo as tense and sorrowful. Although official figures are still awaited, prayers have been offered for the souls of the deceased, while sympathisers continue to visit bereaved families. When contacted, an official of the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident. “I just heard about the incident. Both NEMA and SEMA teams are already mobilising to the scene and will release an official statement soon,” the source said. Authorities have assured all that further updates will be made available as rescue efforts intensify. Punch

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