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Naijanewshub Publisher Kazeem Awojoodu Celebrates Debo Akande’s Birthday, Hails Him as a Visionary Leader

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  Mr. Kazeem Awojoodu, the Publisher of Naijanewshub, has extended warm birthday greetings to Dr. Debo Akande, the Director General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Executive Adviser to the Governor on Agribusiness and International Cooperation. In his message, Mr. Awojoodu described Dr. Akande as a visionary leader whose dedication to agribusiness development and international collaboration has transformed Oyo State’s agricultural landscape. Highlighting Dr. Akande’s achievements, Mr. Awojoodu praised his efforts in empowering farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering international partnerships that enhance investment in the state’s agribusiness sector. “On this special day, we celebrate a man whose leadership, innovation, and commitment continue to inspire. Happy Birthday, Dr. Debo Akande! May your year ahead be filled with health, happiness, and continued success,” he said. He added, “Dr. Akande’s passion for agriculture goes beyond policy; it’s about creating real opportunities for ordinary farmers and young entrepreneurs. His vision has made Oyo State a reference point for agribusiness in Nigeria.” Mr. Awojoodu further remarked, “Leadership is measured by impact, and Dr. Akande has left an indelible mark. From modernizing agribusiness practices to attracting international investments, his efforts speak volumes.” Reflecting on Dr. Akande’s personal qualities, he said, “Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Akande is a man of integrity, humility, and compassion. It’s rare to find a leader who balances strategic thinking with genuine care for people, and he exemplifies that every day.”

El-Rufai Denies 2027 Presidential Comments, Calls Allegation Fake

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  The former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed as false a viral claim alleging that he stated which region of the country should produce the President in 2027. Reports making the rounds on social media claimed that the African Democratic Congress chieftain stated that it is the turn of the South to produce the president in 2027. The reports also suggested that El-Rufai may be backing the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, instead of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. In a statement issued on Monday via his official X handle, El-Rufai described the trending report as “untrue” despite its wide circulation. He clarified that at no time did he make such remarks in any of his speeches, media interviews or on his verified social media platforms. “My attention has been drawn to a trending fake news item alleging that I specified which region of the country should produce the president in 2027. “This claim is untrue, despite its virality. I did not make such a statement in any of my speeches, interviews or social media posts. I maintain verifiable social media platforms where I speak my mind and express my personal views directly. “It is also wrong and improper to attribute to me opinion articles written by other authors, even when I share such articles on my platforms as contributions to the national conversation. “These clarifications are crucial as we confront both irresponsible politicking and the deliberate misuse of social media for the spread of fake news. “The wilful attribution to me of claims I did not make by fake news platforms is no justification for treating such platforms with any seriousness.” He urged media professionals and the public to always verify information before publication or sharing, warning that society suffers when media leaders and influencers fail in this responsibility. El-Rufai also called on all stakeholders to act responsibly in order to curb the spread of fake news and irresponsible politicking. “In this age of turmoil and falsehood, the obligation to verify information before posting or publishing has become more important than ever. In this instance, it appears that some senior editors ignored this duty. “Society stands to lose when media leaders align with the most irresponsible actors on social media in what can only be described as the unedifying Olympics of fiction and fakery. Everyone must live up to their responsibility. “I wish to reiterate that no views should be attributed to me unless I have explicitly expressed them on my official social media platforms or during interviews with reputable media organisations,” the statement added.

JUST IN: Tinubu Meets Service Chiefs in Aso Rock

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President Bola Tinubu is holding a closed-door meeting with the Service Chiefs at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. Our correspondent observed that the meeting began about 06:01pm (local time) as the security chiefs arrived at the forecourt and were ushered into the President’s office. It is Tinubu’s first meeting with the military high command since he swore in General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the new Minister of Defence on December 4. Although the agenda of Monday’s meeting is not yet public, the engagement is coming as 115 students kidnapped from a Catholic boarding school in November remain in captivity. On November 26, Tinubu declared a national security emergency and ordered fresh recruitment into security agencies. He also ordered the withdrawal of all police personnel from VIPs The meeting also comes days after Nigeria’s Senate approved Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to Benin Republic following an attempted coup in the neighbou ring country.  

Accord Party disowns Imumolen, Backs Adeleke’s Candidacy

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  The National Coordinator of the Accord Party, Rev. Isaac Adeniyi, has distanced the party from a statement credited to its former presidential candidate, Chris Imumolen. On December 3, a faction of the Accord Party launched a legal action before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking to void the party’s forthcoming Osun State governorship primaries and to affirm the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem. The suit, filed on December 3, 202,5 and marked FCT/CV/4955/2025, was instituted by Oliver Bitrus, who listed the Accord Party, Mgbudem and the Independent National Electoral Commission as the first, second and third defendants. Bitrus, represented by counsel Daniel Edeachi, contends that Mgbudem and his deputy, Chief Okey Nwosu, were duly suspended by a faction of the party over alleged anti-party activities. He added that the faction subsequently appointed Prof. Chris Imumolen as a replacement, relying on a Federal High Court judgment they claim recognises him as the lawful national leader. Imumolen described the defection of the Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, as a “back door entry,” declaring it invalid. Imumolen faction of the party also conducted another primary, but the Independent National Electoral Commission accepted the result of the primary that threw up Adeleke. However, Adeniyi, in a statement in Benin on Monday, backed Adeleke’s candidacy while dissociating the party from the statements credited to Imumolen. The statement reads, “The Accord Party, attention has been drawn to a statement credited to one Chris Imumolen criticizing Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for defecting to our great party. “Accord disassociates our party from the reckless statements of the said Imumolen. Let it also be known that in trying to display his ignorance to challenge the legitimacy of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory at the Accord Party’s primary, Imomulen hurriedly went to organize a Kangaroo primary elsewhere in Osun State, unknown to the public, proclaiming himself as National Chairman and his disguised National Working Committee members. The actions of Imumolen are illegal, null and void. “The General public is warned not to associate themselves with Imumolen’s group as he and his group do not represent the party in any capacity whatsoever. We equallycall on the INEC to discountenance this group.” Adeniyi said the Accord Party commended INEC for recognising Adeleke as the legitimate candidate of the party. Adeniyi added, “Governor Ademola Adeleke was duly registered at his ward as a member of the Accord party, and he collected the nomination form. “The party’s primary was conducted and witnessed by INEC officials, as he was subsequently elected as Accord flag bearer. Also, the Accord constitution stipulates that the party ticket should be given to a sole candidate in the absence of any other contestants. “Finally, we congratulate Governor Adeleke for emerging as the Governorship candidate of the Accord party. Those sponsoring Imumolen know for sure that Governor Adeleke will emerge victorious in the forthcoming Osun Governorship election. “The other political parties should put their leaking umbrella and the scattered broom in Osun State in order. There is no killing the beetle, Imole is sure of victory.”

A Painful Loss: Makinde Mourns Death of Bayelsa Deputy Governor

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  The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday described the death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as a sad and painful loss to the state and to the Peoples Democratic Party. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, in Ibadan, the governor expressed his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Bayelsa State Government, the people of the state, and the PDP family. Ewhrudjakpo was pronounced dead after he suddenly collapsed at the Government House in Yenagoa on Thursday afternoon. Makinde prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of Ewhrudjakpo, whom he described as a loyal party man and a courageous democrat. He also prayed that God would grant the family and the people of the state the strength to bear the loss. “I received the news of the passing away of our brother and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Ewhrudjakpo, on Thursday. “His death is painful and it is a sad loss to the state he served till his last breath and to us in the PDP, as he was a faithful party man, who chose loyalty and commitment to democracy above personal gains. “I express my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Government and the good people of Bayelsa State and pray to God to grant repose to his soul. “I also pray that God will give his immediate family and the state the fortitude to bear the loss. “Good night, courageous democrat!” he stressed. The South-South Governors’ Forum and the Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday mourned Ewhrudjakpo’s passing. “…His Excellency, Governor Duoye Diri, who has lost a dependable ally. I also deeply commiserate with the family and friends of the deceased,” Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun was quoted as saying in a statement.

Students, Management Fume Over ‘Bandits Prank’ Filmed at Lagos Varsity

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  The Lagos State University community has reacted angrily to a viral prank video in which a group of young men dressed in costumes resembling extremist fighters stormed the campus, causing panic among students. The footage, uploaded on December 5 by Datreez Entertainment TV and titled “Bandits Prank on Lasuites”, showed individuals wearing turbans and desert-style clothing associated with terrorist groups. A behind-the-scenes clip captured them dressing up before jumping into a vehicle and driving chaotically into a crowd of students while a camera operator recorded reactions. Students were seen fleeing and expressing fear, coming at a period when school attacks in parts of Niger and Kebbi States have heightened public anxiety. Checks by PUNCH Online on Thursday showed that the controversial video had been removed from the creator’s page, which has over 3,400 followers and 164,000 likes, although it is still on a creator’s page who claims to be part of the group. In its place, an apology was published in a formal statement on Sunday, Datreez Entertainment International said the entire production was staged. According to the statement, “The content was strictly a social experiment created purely for entertainment purposes. “Every scene, action, and reaction captured in the video was fully staged, involving participants who were aware of the concept and voluntarily part of the production.” The group added that “no member of the public was placed in danger, harmed, or subjected to distress,” and it also apologised for its insensitivity, noting that “Nigeria is currently dealing with sensitive security challenges”. It stated, “We sincerely regret any anxiety, fear, or discomfort the video may have triggered. This was never our intention. “We tender our unreserved apology to the Management of Lagos State University.” The prank has triggered backlash among student content creators, many of whom said it had led to tightened restrictions on campus. On Tuesday, a popular student creator, Anuoluwapo, criticised the act in a video shared on TikTok. “This thing does not make sense. When I saw the video, I could not even continue watching it. “For days now, security officers have been seizing students’ phones and tripods. You cannot even create content freely again on campus. See what this has caused.” He added, “The school supports content creators, but this prank has taken us backwards. Normally, adults do not like content creation, but we the Gen Zs have been trying to make them see its importance. These people have spoiled things.” Other TikTok creators who study at LASU, including Tush Agbero and Temmytayo GP, also posted videos lamenting what they described as stricter monitoring of students on campus. PUNCH Online, however, could not independently confirm whether enforcement measures have formally been introduced. In a statement issued on Sunday, LASU dissociated itself from the recording and described it as unauthorised and unacceptable. “The University did not give any form of approval, authorisation, or endorsement for the recording of the said video,” the statement signed by the Deputy Registrar, Centre for Information and Public Relations, Mrs Thomas-Onashile Oluwayemisi, read. It added, “LASU strongly condemns acts or content that portray or suggest banditry, terrorism, or violent extremism. “The University does not support or encourage any prank that can incite fear, disrupt campus peace, or threaten the sense of safety of its students and staff.” The institution urged students to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to its security unit. LASU, known for its vibrant community of young content creators, has in recent years become a hub for online student-led productions. The prank has now fuelled conversations about the boundaries of creativity and safety on campus. Recall the University of Lagos Akoka, in October had prohibited the unauthorised use of its campus, including hostels and other facilities, for video production by skitmakers, filmmakers, and content creators. According to the management, they aim to protect the academic environment and preserve the institution’s image from misrepresentation in unregulated productions.

Segelu Applauds Akeem Abas, Describes New NUJ Chairman as a Model of Integrity and Quality Leadership

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  Governorship hopeful and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Hon. Olayinka Segelu, has congratulated the newly elected Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Comrade Akeem Babatunde Abas, describing his emergence as a symbol of integrity, competence, and quality leadership for the media community. In a statement issued by his media aide, Kazeem Awojoodu on Thursday, Segelu said Abas’ victory at the polls was not only well -deserved but also a reaffirmation of the confidence Oyo journalists have in his experience, temperament, and longstanding commitment to ethical reporting. According to him, “Comrade Akeem Abas stands out as a thoroughbred professional whose career in journalism has been marked by truth, balance, and public-interest reporting. His emergence is a strong affirmation that integrity still commands respect in our media space.” Segelu, who has been vocal about the central role of the media in strengthening democracy, noted that Abas’ ascent to the NUJ leadership comes at a crucial time for Oyo State and Nigeria, when the public increasingly relies on journalists for clarity, accountability, and responsible information-sharing. He said, “Journalists remain the backbone of democratic societies. Their work shapes public understanding and ensures leaders are accountable. With Abas at the helm, I am confident that the Oyo NUJ will experience a renewed era of vibrant, principled, and people-focused journalism.” The PDP chieftain also praised the entire NUJ Congress for conducting a peaceful, transparent, and credible election, commending all contestants for displaying maturity and sportsmanship throughout the process. He added, “The peaceful conduct of the election speaks volumes about the unity and professionalism within the Oyo NUJ. Everyone who contested contributed to strengthening internal democracy. What we have witnessed is a family choosing one of its finest to lead.” Segelu urged the new chairman to build on the achievements of the outgoing leadership, particularly in the areas of journalist welfare, press freedom, safety, and professional development. He pledged his continued support for initiatives that enhance responsible journalism and deepen collaboration between media institutions and public leaders. “As Oyo State charts a path toward progressive governance, the media must remain a strong, independent partner. I look forward to working with the new NUJ leadership in fostering transparency, civic engagement, and development across our state,” he stated. Segelu also extended his congratulations to the newly elected executive members of the union, wishing them a productive tenure and praying for wisdom and unity as they begin their leadership mandate. He concluded by expressing optimism that Comrade Akeem Abas will lead the Oyo NUJ into what he called “a bold new chapter of integrity-driven journalism and professional excellence.”

Olubadan to Elevate Makinde’s Brother, Eight Other Chiefs Friday

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  The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will on Friday elevate Governor Seyi Makinde’s elder brother, Olumuyiwa Makinde, and eight other chiefs in the Otun Olubadan line. Makinde, an Ibadan-based lawyer, will move from Aare Onibon to Gbonka Olubadan, while businessman and engineer Dotun Sanusi will be promoted from Ajia to Bada Olubadan. A statement by the Olubadan’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, on Wednesday said the ceremony will begin at 11 am at the Oke-Aremo Palace in Ibadan North Local Government Area, with members of the Olubadan-in-Council expected to attend. Oba Ladoja performed his first official traditional function on November 7, when he elevated five chiefs in the Olubadan line. Those elevated at the time included Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole-Foko, who became Otun Olubadan; Asipa Olubadan, Oba Kola Daisi, now Osi Olubadan; and Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, promoted to Asipa Olubadan. Others were Oba Muritala Akande, who moved from Ekarun to Ekerin Olubadan, and Chief Kola Babalola, who rose from Abese to Ekarun Olubadan. Oba Ladoja ascended the throne following the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90. According to Wednesday’s statement, House of Representatives member Akin Alabi will move from Jagun to Ajia Olubadan, while promotion from Mogaji to the competitive Jagun title has been suspended until further notice. The statement read, “The affected chiefs include an Ibadan-based lawyer and the state Governor’s elder brother, Olumuyiwa Makinde, who would be promoted from Aare Onibon to Gbonka Olubadan, while the renowned engineer and business titan, Dotun Sanusi, would be promoted from Ajia to Bada Olubadan. “Similarly, House of Representatives member, Akin Alabi, would be elevated from Jagun to Ajia Olubadan. “The promotion from Mogaji to the highly competitive Jagun Olubadan title would not hold until further notice. “The rest of the Chiefs due for promotion are as follows: Chief Dauda Gbadamosi from Aare Ago to Ayingun Olubadan; Chief William Akande from Lagunna to Aare Ago Olubadan, Chief Oluyinka Akande from Oota to Lagunna Olubadan, Chief Olufemi Ogunwale from Aare-egbe Omo to Oota Olubadan “Chief Wasiu Aderoju Alaadorin from Gbonka to Aare-egbe Omo Olubadan and Chief Abiola Anlamole from Badato Aare Onibon Olubadan.”  

Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Troops in Benin

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  The Senate has given its approval for President Bola Tinubu’s request to send Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of efforts to help restore calm and stability after last weekend’s attempted military takeover. The endorsement was announced on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, following a review of the president’s letter in the Committee of the Whole, in accordance with Section 5, Part II of the Constitution, Channels reports. Lawmakers voted unanimously to support the deployment, effectively granting parliamentary authorisation for the regional security mission. Akpabio hailed the resolution as timely, stressing that unrest in any neighbouring country could easily destabilise the wider region. “An injury to one is an injury to all,” he stated. He added that Nigeria has an obligation to stand with its partners under the Economic Community of West African States framework. The Senate is expected to immediately forward its formal approval to Tinubu. Tinubu, in his letter to the upper chamber, had requested permission for the deployment, noting that Nigeria bears a historic responsibility to assist Benin under existing ECOWAS security arrangements. He warned that the situation requires “urgent external intervention” to prevent further deterioration. The attempted coup in Benin occurred on Sunday when a faction of soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” appeared on national television to declare that they had resolved that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”. The move was swiftly contained, as Benin’s loyal military forces pushed back and reclaimed control. “The regular army is regaining control. The city (Cotonou) and the country are completely secure. It’s just a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The clean-up is progressing well,” sources close to Talon said. Following the failed takeover, ECOWAS announced plans to deploy its standby force. “After consultation among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, the Chair of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect,” the bloc stated. “The Regional Force shall be made up of troops from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and the Republic of Ghana. “The Force shall support the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin”

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