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

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

(PHOTOS) Four Killed In Multi-Vehicle Crash Along Soka Axis Of Ibadan-Lagos Expressway

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(PHOTOS) Four Killed In Multi-Vehicle Crash Along Soka Axis Of Ibadan-Lagos Expressway

  Tragedy struck on Tuesday along the Soka axis of the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway as a horrific accident involving multiple vehicles claimed four lives and left several others injured. The crash, which occurred in the early hours of the day, involved four trailers, four commercial Micra cars, and a Toyota Camry. Eyewitnesses said the chain-reaction collision began when a trailer collided with another trailer attempting to reverse out of an abandoned filling station near Soka. The impact caused three other trailers following closely behind to ram into the vehicles ahead, crushing several cars in the process. One of the Micra vehicles was completely flattened, killing all four occupants, including the driver. Among the victims was a woman who had boarded the Micra with her husband from Sanyo, just one stop before the crash site. The woman died instantly, while her husband, who was seated in the front passenger seat, survived with minor injuries. Officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) promptly arrived at the scene, evacuating the bodies and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment. This incident brings the total number of fatal accidents recorded on that stretch of the expressway to six so far this year, raising renewed concerns about road safety and enforcement in the area.

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.

Ibadan-Based PR Expert,Olamide Adeniji To Mark Birthday With Prison Inmates 

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  IBADAN – In a moving demonstration of compassion and commitment to social responsibility, Ibadan-based Public Relations expert Olamide Adeniji chose to celebrate his June 24, 2025 birthday among inmates of the Agodi Correctional Center. Born in 1985, in Ibadan, South West Local Government Area of Oyo State, Olamide Adeniji is known for his annual tradition of sharing his birthday with the underprivileged, underscoring his belief in the inherent potential and dignity of all individuals. This year’s celebration, according to Olamide, an Information and Public Releations officer, will involve feeding about 200 inmates, donation of clothes, packs of soft drinks, and a variety of toiletries, all worth hundreds of thousands. “These donations are part of a sustained effort to improve living conditions within the facility,” Olamide said. According to Mr. Adeniji, his annual birthday celebration has attracted public interest not just for its charitable spirit, but also as a testament to the collective power of community support in fostering hope, reform, and positive transformation for those seeking a second chance at life. Olamide Adeniji, a senior officer in the Oyo state civil service, is a public speaker, a news editor, a social media influencer, and an event compere. He currently works as the media officer to the Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran and some other top government functionaries.

US Urges China To Stop Iran From Shutting Key Trade Route 

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  US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, urged China on Sunday to help deter Iran from shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial trade route, following American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. “I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that because they heavily depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil,” Rubio said on Fox News. Analysts have said Iran may opt to retaliate to Washington’s early Sunday attack by shutting the Strait, a waterway through which one-fifth of global oil output passes. “If they do that, it will be another terrible mistake. It’s economic suicide for them if they do it, and we retain options to deal with that,” Rubio added. “But other countries should be looking at that as well, it would hurt other countries’ economies a lot worse than ours. It would be, I think, a massive escalation that would merit a response. Not just by us but from others,” he said. Meanwhile, Iran has threatened bases used by the US military, with an advisor to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saying they will be considered a “legitimate target for our armed forces.” However, it remains to be seen whether the US strikes will push Tehran to de-escalate the conflict or to widen it further. China has joined Russia and a chorus of Arab states in condemning the US attacks, saying that they “escalate tensions in the Middle East.”   AFP

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

Suicide Bomber Kills 10 At Borno Food Joint

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  A suicide bomber, on Friday, killed over 10 persons and injured scores at a local food joint in the Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred around 10pm. Confirming the bomb blast, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, told PUNCH Online on Saturday that over 10 people had died, while an investigation is currently ongoing to ascertain the actual number of casualties. “Yesterday, around 22:00 in Konduga, just unfortunately, somebody invaded a gathering with a bomb, killing over 10 persons,” he said. Daso confirmed that an investigation into the incident had commenced to uncover details behind the attack. “Investigation is ongoing to ascertain what actually or really happened. The detail is still scanty,” the PPRO added. Local sources, however, confirmed to our correspondent that the suicide bomber was burnt beyond recognition, while several others who were injured have been taken to the hospital. “It is a busy joint where people come together, buy food and eat. There are passersby and others. “Everything was going normal until a loud sound was heard. It was a devastating moment. Many people died,” a local source confirmed.

Four killed, Homes Destroyed As Gunmen Attack Osun Community

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  Four people were confirmed dead on Friday as suspected gunmen attacked Ido Ayegunle, a settlement near Esa Oke town in Osun State. The assailants also razed buildings in the community and destroyed residents’ properties during the attack. It was not immediately clear who carried out the attack, but the Obanla of Ido Ayegunle, Ibironke Adebusuyi, alleged in an interview with PUNCH Online that the assailants came from Esa Oke. The people of Esa Oke and Ido Ayegunle have been at loggerheads since January, following the appointment of Prince Oluwatimileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle by the Osun State Government. Commenting on the latest attack, Adebusuyi said the attackers covered their faces. He further said, “Our people were in the community yesterday, going about their normal activities when hoodlums numbering about 100 invaded our community. They started shooting. They covered their faces but we could recognise some of them. “They came from the Esa Oke axis, arriving on motorcycles around 10 am They surrounded our community and killed four people in a brutal manner. They cut the head off one of them and the wrist of another. “After killing them, they threw their bodies inside a well and used big stones and slabs to cover them. All those killed were from Ido Ayegunle. We are still looking for two people, but four have been confirmed dead. Their remains are at Wesley Guild Hospital morgue in Ilesa.” He urged the state government to ensure those responsible for the attack are brought to justice. The Owamiran of Esa Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, when contacted, dismissed the allegations, saying those accusing his community should provide proof. “I know nothing about the incident,” Oba Adediran said. Meanwhile, Oba Adediran was sighted at the premises of the Osun Command headquarters of the Nigeria Police in Osogbo on Friday. Sources said that during the visit to the command headquarters, the royal father met the State Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Gotan, to discuss issues relating to the crises in the area. Giving an update on the security situation in Ido Ayegunle, Abiodun Ojelabi, the police spokesperson in the state, said the crisis was caused by a disagreement over boundaries. He confirmed the death of four people. “It is a continuation of the previous clash; the people have not relented. As of yesterday (Thursday), when it happened, the police swung into action. Our men went to the scene, but the perpetrators fled when they saw the police. “The CP visited the place today; we have just returned. Four people were killed in the clash. Those deaths were probably caused by the delay before they were taken to the hospital. “Some houses were burnt, and properties including bikes, generators, and streetlights were damaged. Nobody has been arrested yet, but we have recovered some items that could help in our investigation. We are on it, and by God’s grace, those responsible will face the full wrath of the law. Our men are on the ground; the DPO, Area Commander, and tactical team are present,” Ojelabi said.

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.

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