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Kogi LG APC Chairman Dies After Reconciliation Meeting

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  The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi State, Aliyu Momoh Ezzu, has confirmed the death of the party’s Ijumu Local Government Area chairman, Oyewole Mayowa Solomon, shortly after a reconciliation meeting in the area. Ezzu confirmed Solomon’s death in a condolence message on Friday, describing the late party chairman as a committed party member whose contributions to the growth and unity of the APC in Ijumu Local Government Area would not be forgotten. Solomon reportedly slumped during a party reconciliation meeting held in Iyara, the headquarters of Ijumu LGA, on Friday. His death was subsequently confirmed by the Kogi APC chairman, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss and commiserated with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the people of Ijumu Local Government Area, the deceased’s family, friends and members of the APC. “His sudden death has sent shock and sadness across the APC family in Ijumu Local Government and Kogi State,” the statement issued on behalf of Ezzu read. The Kogi APC chairman described Solomon as a committed party leader who contributed to the growth and unity of the party in the local government. He prayed to God to grant the deceased’s family and the entire APC family the strength to bear the loss. Ezzu also urged party members and supporters to remain calm and united during the period of mourning. The circumstances surrounding Solomon’s death were earlier reported by AIT Online, which said the APC chairman slumped while a reconciliation meeting was ongoing at the Iyara Town Hall. According to the report, confusion and panic followed his sudden collapse among political leaders and delegates present at the meeting. Solomon was reportedly rushed to a medical facility in neighbouring Kabba, where he was pronounced dead. The exact cause of his death has yet to be officially disclosed. The reconciliation meeting was said to have been convened to harmonise political interests, reconcile factions, resolve internal disagreements and foster unity among APC stakeholders in Ijumu ahead of future political activities. According to AIT Online, the initiative was convened by a former chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Funsho Olumoko, following a mandate from the Ijumu Consultative Forum. The reconciliation effort reportedly followed an earlier meeting in Iyara where APC stakeholders in the local government endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ododo for their second terms. However, a previous session of the meeting was reportedly marred by disagreements over local government leadership, leading to a walkout by Solomon and some government officials. Friday’s meeting was therefore said to have been convened to bridge the divisions and bring together selected political leaders, local government and ward executives, women and youth leaders, as well as government appointees from the 15 wards of Ijumu Local Government Area. Meanwhile, the APC executives in Ijumu LGA have also mourned the late party chairman. In a condolence message signed by the party’s General Secretary, Joshua Monday Oshatoba, the executives described Solomon’s death as sudden, painful and devastating. “The news of his passing has left us devastated and speechless. He was a committed party leader who served with dedication, courage, and a strong sense of responsibility,” the message read. The local party executives said his death was a great loss not only to his immediate family but also to the APC, Ijumu Local Government and the entire Ijumu community.

Osimhen Moves Up to Third on Galatasaray’s All-Time Foreign Goalscorers’ List

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  Victor Osimhen has risen to third on Galatasaray’s all-time foreign goalscorers’ chart following another outstanding display for the Turkish champions. The Nigeria international scored twice as Galatasaray defeated Erzurum FK 4-0 on Friday night, taking his tally for the club to 62 goals in 76 appearances. According to Turkish sports outlet, A Spor, on X on Friday, Osimhen’s brace saw him overtake former Czech Republic international Milan Baros, who scored 61 goals during his spell with the Istanbul giants. The 27-year-old has also registered 16 assists since joining Galatasaray. Only two players now stand ahead of Osimhen on the club’s foreign scorers list. Argentine striker Mauro Icardi leads with 77 goals, while Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi is second with 72. Osimhen is also enjoying a remarkable start to the new Süper Lig season. His two goals against Erzurum FK took his tally to at least four goals across Galatasaray’s opening two league matches, making him the first player since Brazilian striker Mario Jardel in the 2000/01 season to achieve the feat. The latest milestone further highlights Osimhen’s growing importance at Galatasaray, where he has already established himself among the club’s most prolific foreign scorers.

2027: Ondo Will Deliver Massive Votes for Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa Pledges

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  Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pledged that the state will deliver overwhelming support and massive votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Aiyedatiwa stated this on Friday in a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, when he received the leadership of the Ondo State chapter of the City Boy Movement, a pro-Tinubu political group, at the Governor’s Office in Akure. The group, led by its state coordinators, Oluwafemi Ayejusunle and Tomide Akinribido, visited the governor to brief him on its activities, structure and grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group also sought the governor’s support and the collaboration of the of the state government for its activities in Ondo. Aiyedatiwa commended the group for its commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress and its advocacy for the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu. The governor said Ondo had declared its full support for Tinubu’s re-election, citing his proclamation of “Ondo For Tinubu 2027”. He said the achievements of his administration in infrastructure, job creation, youth employment and empowerment would help to secure more support for Tinubu in the state. “Our people are seeing and feeling the impact of good governance. From road projects to health, education, and empowerment, we are building a foundation that makes it easy to sell the Renewed Hope message in Ondo State,” Aiyedatiwa said. The governor said the benefits of his administration’s programmes would translate into votes for Tinubu in the 2027 election. “Every action we take that impacts the people positively is a vote for the president. Every of the 6,000 jobs we have created is a vote for the president. Every road we build attract votes for the president. Every political appointment we make has multiplier effects that translate to more votes for the president,” he said. He added, “The President’s vision aligns with what we are doing here, and our people will reward that with their votes in 2027.” Aiyedatiwa assured the City Boy Movement and other support groups working for Tinubu’s re-election that his administration would support their activities. He said all groups campaigning for the President in Ondo would be carried along and given the necessary backing to succeed. Earlier, Ayejusunle thanked the governor for what he described as his exemplary leadership and for aligning the state with Tinubu’s administration. He said the group would intensify grassroots sensitisation to mobilise support for Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti; and Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye.

Jigawa ADC Supports Atiku’s Call for Fuel Subsidy Restoration

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  The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State has thrown its support behind the party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his promise to restore fuel subsidies if elected president. In a statement signed by the ADC Jigawa State Deputy Chairman, Ambassador Nuraddeen Jidawa, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Dutse, the state capital, the party said the proposal was necessary to ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians. The party linked the current economic crisis to the removal of petrol subsidy by the Federal Government in 2023, saying the decision led to increases in the cost of transportation, food and other essential commodities. “Given the hardship Nigerians are going through, Atiku’s plan to restore fuel subsidy is timely and people-centred,” the statement said. Jidawa described Atiku as a leader with integrity, maturity and deep democratic experience. “I am confident that Atiku will fulfil the promises he makes to Nigerians,” he said. He said Atiku’s proposed subsidy framework would focus on targeted and accountable support, adding that “the plan would prioritise domestic fuel production to reduce waste and corruption in the system.” “This shows the ADC’s commitment to finding practical solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges,” Jidawa said. He urged Nigerians, particularly voters across the country, to vote for ADC candidates at all levels in the 2027 general elections. “This is about rescuing the country from economic hardship, rebuilding our institutions and restoring hope to Nigerians,” he said.

La Liga: Rodri to Miss Elche Opener, Barcelona Coach Confirms

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  Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that new signing Rodri will miss the Spanish champions’ La Liga opening fixture against Elche on Sunday. The former Manchester City midfielder may, however, be able to take part in their second match, against Athletic Bilbao, on Thursday. “He’s very concentrated, focused, our plan is that he will arrive on Monday with the team,” Flick told reporters on Saturday. “This is the plan. He’s a fantastic player, a leader, and his personality is very great.” Barca signed the Spanish World Cup winner for a fee which could rise to 76.5 million euros ($89 million) to bolster their midfield. However after Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres departed, the club are still looking for a striker in the transfer market. Flick did not reveal who would start up front at Elche but praised the pre-season form of Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim, after the 18-year-old notched four goals in friendlies. “Hamza is having a really great pre-season,” said Flick. “He’s a number nine, he’s young, and he has a lot of potential, and also he scored goals. This is the important thing when you’re playing in this position, and he made a great job.” New arrivals Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, both wingers, can also play through the middle as false nines along with Raphinha and Dani Olmo. Flick said full-back Joao Cancelo, signed this week, was available for Barcelona’s trip to the Martinez Valero stadium. “He’s ready to play. He has unbelievable technique and a lot of passion,” added Flick. AFP

Wike: Adeleke Is One of Us, But Tinubu Is Our Leader

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  FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has described Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as a member of his political camp, while stressing that both of them and their supporters ultimately belong to President Bola Tinubu. Wike made the statement on Friday while speaking with journalists during an inspection exercise in Abuja, as he commented on Adeleke’s recent visits to him and President Tinubu amid political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections. The FCT minister said the 2027 presidential election would be characterised by extensive political alliances, insisting that more politicians and groups would join the coalition supporting Tinubu. Wike said some members of the African Democratic Congress were attempting to claim credit for Adeleke’s electoral victory, but argued that the governor was now fully aligned with Tinubu. He said, “I told you that the 2027 election would be the most in-depth election. I have told ADC who are talking about, oh, they helped Adeleke to win, they just wanted to go ahead and harvest what they never planted, you know.” According to Wike, Adeleke’s decision to visit Tinubu and himself showed where the Osun governor’s political allegiance lay. He said, “So, Adeleke is fully supporting Mr President.” Wike added that the political realignment was still unfolding, saying Nigerians should expect more groups to join the alliance supporting the President. He said, “And so, we went to bed last night and encouraged ourselves to continue. And the next few weeks, watch what is going to happen. You will see a larger rainbow coalition in this country supporting Mr President.” The former Rivers State governor also dismissed suggestions that the 2027 political contest had already been settled. He said, “You will see more. And that’s why I said, the election is not concluded. It’s not concluded.” Wike then took a swipe at former presidential candidate and publisher, Dele Momodu, over his reported support for the ADC and Adeleke. He said, “I don’t know where Dele Momodu will be now. Every time you see him on television, he was born in Ife thinking that will make Adeleke come to your side.” Wike concluded by asserting Adeleke’s allegiance to his political camp and their collective loyalty to Tinubu. “Adeleke belongs to us, and we all belong to Mr President. Thank you, brother,” he said. Wike’s comments came a day after Adeleke visited him in Abuja and presented his Certificate of Return to the FCT minister. The visit followed Adeleke’s meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. The Independent National Electoral Commission had on Wednesday presented Adeleke with his Certificate of Return following his victory in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election. Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes. ADC candidate Najeem Salaam came third with 17,180 votes. Adeleke’s victory has heightened political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties and political blocs seeking alliances and realignments. Wike had earlier said he would have been in Osun State during the election if Tinubu wanted the APC candidate, Oyebamiji, to win at all costs. The FCT minister’s latest remarks further fuelled speculation about the growing political realignment involving Adeleke, Wike and the Tinubu camp.

FG Declares Tuesday Public Holiday to Mark Eid-ul-Mawlid

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  The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday in commemoration of this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani. Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora on the occasion, urging Nigerians to reflect on the values of compassion, humility and service associated with the life of the Prophet Muhammad. “Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others. “These are qualities our nation needs now more than ever, and I encourage every Nigerian, not just our Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them,”he said. The minister also called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace and national cohesion, stressing that maintaining unity remained a collective responsibility. He urged citizens to celebrate the occasion with restraint and mutual respect, while wishing the Muslim community a joyous and peaceful Eid. Tunji-Ojo further reaffirmed the commitment of the present administration to protecting lives and property and ensuring the sustenance of peace across the country.

La Liga: Yamal a very Good Player, but I Won’t Sign Him — Mourinho

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  Real Madrid coach José Mourinho has acknowledged Lamine Yamal’s exceptional talent but dismissed any possibility of bringing the Barcelona winger to the club. Asked about Yamal, Mourinho said the youngster is “a very good player” but made it clear that he would not pursue a move for him. Fabrizio Romano quoted the Portuguese on X on Thursday as saying: “I won’t sign him. We already have the best players.”Yamal has established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world football, attracting widespread praise for his ability and performances despite his young age. However, Mourinho’s comments underline his confidence in the players already available to him. For the Portuguese coach, there appears to be no need to look elsewhere when he believes his current squad already has the quality required to compete at the highest level. Speaking about Diomande’s signing, Mourinho revealed that although he did not specifically request the signing of Yan Diomande, he was keen to have the young winger at his club.“No, I did not ask, but I wanted him. He’s a great player who can play on both sides,” he said. Mourinho’s comments highlight his admiration for Diomande’s versatility and attacking qualities. The ability to operate on either flank makes the player an attractive option for a coach looking for flexibility in his attacking setup. Madrid will play their opening league fixture away to Espanyol on Saturday, August 22, at the RCDE Stadium

Nigerian Dies After Being Detained at Indian Railway Station

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  A Nigerian citizen has died following his detention and questioning by officials of the Railway Protection Force at Surat Railway Station in India, prompting the Government Railway Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The man, whose identity was not disclosed, was travelling from Mumbai to Delhi on the Golden Temple Express when he was detained at Surat following an alleged altercation with fellow passengers, according to a report by The Indian Express on Thursday. Police said the incident began on August 17 after a passenger contacted the railway helpline, 139, to report that the Nigerian national and another passenger were allegedly fighting near one of the train’s gates. The Nigerian allegedly sprayed a fire extinguisher at co-passengers during the altercation while the train was travelling between Vapi and Surat stations, police sources said. He was subsequently detained at Surat and taken to the RPF office for questioning, where he reportedly collapsed. He was rushed to the Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research Hospital, “where doctors declared him dead on arrival.” The Surat GRP has registered a case of “accidental death”, while the post-mortem examination conducted on August 18 was awaiting its report as of Wednesday evening, according to the report. Western Railway Superintendent of Police, Abhay Soni, said preliminary findings indicated that the deceased was a Nigerian national who lived in Vasai, Mumbai. “After primary investigations, it is believed that the deceased was a Nigerian national. When Surat RPF caught him, he didn’t have any of his identity cards with him,” Soni told The Indian Express. Soni also disclosed that the man had previously been arrested twice by police in Mumbai in connection with cocaine trafficking cases. “He lived in Vasai (Mumbai) and was arrested twice by Malwani and Malad police in Mumbai for drug (cocaine) trafficking cases in 2018,” he said. The police officer said the purpose of the Nigerian’s trip to Delhi remained under investigation and confirmed that he had boarded the train from Borivali in Mumbai. Soni said the GRP had commenced an inquiry into the death, with statements expected from officers involved in the detention and those present at the RPF office. “We have started an inquiry. Statements from the police officials who caught him and those present at the police station will be taken. We are also waiting for the autopsy report,” he said. The investigation into the death is being conducted by Deputy Superintendent of Police D H Gaur.

BREAKING: Gunshots Reported in Osogbo as Hoodlums Allegedly Attack Adeleke’s Convoy

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  Suspected hoodlums on Wednesday reportedly attacked the convoy of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke shortly after he left the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, resulting in an exchange of gunfire between the attackers and the governor’s security operatives. The shooting, which lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes, occurred shortly after Adeleke left the palace hall where he had met with the monarch. Adeleke had arrived at the Ataoja’s palace at about 3:15 pm in a motorcade of about 20 vehicles after leaving the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osogbo, where he received his Certificate of Return following his re-election. An eyewitness, who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said Adeleke and his entourage were received by Oyetunji, where the governor reportedly presented his Certificate of Return to the monarch. The eyewitness said trouble started as the meeting was winding down after the monarch had offered prayers. According to her, Adeleke had already left the hall through an exit reserved for the monarch and his wives when the shooting started. She said, “He was already in the bus that brought him and his close aides to the palace when we started hearing heavy gunshots. Those that attacked had come in an unregistered Sienna space bus through the Ita Olokan area of Osogbo. “The shooting lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes before the governor’s convoy eventually left the palace. The governor’s security men and those hoodlums exchanged gunshots. Those hoodlums later fled the scene.” A trader near the palace, identified simply as Munirat, said the assailants might have learnt of Adeleke’s visit and waited for his arrival. She said, “We suspected that those hoodlums heard about Adeleke’s visit and had been waiting for him. They came in a Sienna space bus. They even damaged the main gate to the palace. They shot at the palace main gate, but the security men pushed them back. “We all ran away and left our wares. They also engaged the governor near the Osogbo Central Mosque before they fled towards Ita Olokan along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.” The incident caused panic in the area as traders and other residents reportedly fled their businesses and sought safety during the shooting. When contacted, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the attack. Alimi said the governor’s security personnel successfully repelled the assailants and that no casualty was recorded They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security repelled them. They attacked the governor’s convoy at Ataoja’s palace. No casualty,” he said. As of 4:45 pm, when our correspondent left the scene, sporadic gunshots were still being heard around the area, while several business owners had hurriedly shut their shops for fear of being caught in the violence.

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