Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a seven-day ultimatum to former Deputy Governor Godwins Omobayo to return government property and assets in his possession.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said his administration observed that several official items, including vehicles, documents and other state-owned assets assigned to Omobayo were yet to be surrendered to the appropriate authorities, despite multiple formal reminders.
The statement said assets acquired or utilised in the course of public service remained the property of the state and must be returned upon cessation of office.
It said the continued retention of such property by any individual constituted a breach of public trust and an unlawful possession of state assets.
The statement added: “Failure to comply within the stipulated period will compel the government to direct the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to effect his arrest and ensure immediate recovery of all state assets still in his possession through lawful means.
“Edo State Government remains committed to accountability, due process and protection of public property.
“No individual, regardless of former position or political affiliation, will be permitted to unlawfully appropriate or retain assets belonging to the people of Edo State.
“The government urges Mr. Omobayo to respect this directive and avoid actions that can invite consequences or further embarrassment.”
Responding, Omobayo said the matter was before a competent court.
He said he received all entitlements, including his November salary.
All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has begun revalidation to register members ahead of 2026 governorship election.
The Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, who hosted the 12-member revalidation team and state co-ordinators led by Mr John Malumi, the deputy director, Elections Management (Organising Department), enjoined the party chairmen in the local governments and area office in Modakeke to assist the team during the exercise.
He said it was imperative for the party’s stakeholders to join hands with the visiting team for a desired result.
Lawal, represented by the state Secretary of the party, Alhaji Alao Kamoru, told the visiting membership validation team that the party had put everything in place for them, in order to make the programme a success.
Malumi told the APC state Working Committee and the chairmen of the party in the local governments that the exercise was not about registration of new members into the party, but rather to work on the existing members.
Seeking the cooperation of the party chairmen in the local government, he said members of the party must be financial members and that they all had the right to vote and be voted for.
He said: “Credible members of the party must pay N200 per month for one year each and they have the right to contest for any position.
“Some members have left the party; some are dead, while others have just joined. We have a mechanism of authenticating if any member of our party has paid.
“The ward secretaries, ward organising secretaries and similar officers of the party at the local government level will have crucial roles to play in the party’s membership revalidation.”
He said the exercise, which started on October 20, would end on the 31st, in line with the APC National Headquarters’ outline for the 2026 Osun State governorship primary election.
Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) has inaugurated its women’s wing in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, with a call for unity, mobilisation and grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The state Women Coordinator of AMG and former commissioner, Yetunde Adeyanju, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the group and hailed the women for their steadfastness and courage despite intimidation and harassment.
She said the purpose of the gathering was to sensitise women across the state on the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, emphasising that Ondo State women must take the lead in mobilising massive support for his victory.
Adeyanju lauded President Tinubu for his developmental projects in Ondo State and across the country, as well as his empowerment initiatives that had positively impacted women through federal schemes.
She also commended the Minister of Interior and convener of AMG, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his people-oriented leadership and continuous support for women in Ondo State.
She described him as “a minister with a human face, ever willing to listen and always ready to help.”
She said his stabilising role in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State could not be overemphasised.
The women offered prayers for the minister’s continued success in office and in all his endeavours.
Adeyanju reaffirms that as the AMG state women coordinator, her mandate is to ensure every woman in Ondo State votes for the APC and President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
She said AMG women’s wing would intensify its campaigns across the nooks and crannies of the state, with ward-level meetings and grassroots engagements to guarantee overwhelming victory for the President.
The women’s gathering unanimously endorsed President Tinubu’s re-election bid, pledging total commitment to the cause.
In their remarks, several speakers praised the Minister of Interior for his steadfastness in strengthening APC in Ondo State, noting that through his influence and grassroots connections, many individuals from opposition parties had joined APC.
The Director General of AMG, Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla, hailed the state women coordinator and the entire women’s structure for their passion and loyalty to the AMG movement. He conveyed greetings from the convener, Dr. Tunji-Ojo, reiterating that AMG was birthed to propagate the achievements of President Tinubu and ensure his overwhelming re-election victory in 2027.
The event was attended by prominent members of the AMG, including the Chairman, Leaders Council, Senator Yele Omogunwa; Ondo State Commissioner at Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Otito Atikase; Deputy DG, Ondo South, Afolabi Iwalewa and AMG Secretary, Corporal Nanaopri, among others.
Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has begun tree-planting campaign in Ondo State, as part of efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability across Niger Delta.
The initiative, aimed at ensuring a greener environment, had earlier been launched in Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Edo states in partnership with the Foundation for Sustainable Development Options (FOSDO), an environmental solutions non-governmental organisation.
This development comes amid reports of several coastal communities, particularly in southern Nigeria, being devastated by gully erosion.
Speaking yesterday at a one-day sensitisation workshop and tree-planting event held in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with the theme: “Reawakening the Practice of Tree Planting”, the Acting State Director of NDDC, Dr. Asonye Victor-Ngozi, said the initiative became necessary in view of the severe ecological impact of erosion across Niger Delta communities.
He noted that the campaign underscored the commission’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, describing the exercise as a practical demonstration of NDDC’s dedication to safeguard the environment.
“Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide emissions, mitigating greenhouse effects, improving air and water quality, and sustaining biodiversity,” he said.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FOSDO, Dr. Anthony Chovwen, lauded NDDC for funding and supporting tree-planting campaigns across the nine Niger Delta states.
Represented by Ms. Abigail Bokoyeibo, the FOSDO Ondo State programme director, Chovwen said the region was not immune to the effects of climate change, adding that the campaign aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability.
“Through this collaboration, we have conducted sensitisation programmes and environmental education projects, reaching more than 1,000 young people in secondary and primary schools across Niger Delta,” she said.
Delivering a keynote address, Dr. Menakai Kekwaru, an environmental zoologist from the University of Port Harcourt, highlighted the growing threat of climate change caused by human activities that increased carbon emissions and heated the planet.
Dr. Michael Rotimi Olujugba, a lecturer at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, emphasised the vital role of trees in sustaining life and reducing noise pollution.
He urged all tiers of government to implement policies promoting afforestation, noting that “anyone who cuts down a tree should be mandated to plant three new ones.”
The event featured practical tree-planting sessions involving students from participating schools, including Community Primary School, Kofawa; Caring Heart Mega School; Ilaje High School and Community Grammar School, Igbokoda.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, will lead other dignitaries to the annual celebration of Uponna Olosi in Osi-Ekiti on Saturday.
Activities to mark the weeklong event began on Monday with a football competition among quarters in the ancient town. A sum will be won. It is sponsored by the late Chief Dayo Ogboja family and others.
A symposium with the theme: “Osi-Ekiti Community Development and Economic Growth”, will hold tomorrow. It will feature Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, Oba Steve Adegboyega Alabi, who will declare the talk open, with Prof. Dele Ilesanmi and Prince Sunday Robinson as speakers.
On Friday, the Osi-Ekiti monarch will visit quarters in the town.
Chief host, ACM Oludare Fadogba, who is the president of Osi Progressive Union (OPU), enjoined indigenes to attend the event.
President/CEO, Garbykem Global Resources, Kolawole Ajiboye, is the chairman of the day, while the National President, Construction & Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Dr. Ayodeji Adeyemo, is the co-chairman.
Members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State yesterday held a solidarity march to back the governorship aspiration of the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji (AMBO) and re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The supporters converged on Osogbo City Stadium and marched through Ayetoro, Igbona, Olounkoro, Old-Garage, Orisunbare, Ola-Iya, Fakunle, to Ogo-Oluwa, which covered five kilometres before they stopped at Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office.
They described the NIWA boss as the best aspirant, who had the capacity to deliver victory for the party if given the governorship ticket for the 2026 election.
Former Speaker of House of Assembly Timothy Owoeye said the walk was not just a show of strength for Oyebamiji, but also a reaffirmation that APC remained the party to beat in Osun.
He hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and performance, saying his achievements had rekindled faith in the party across the country.
“This Unity Walk is to tell Osun people that APC is united and ready for 2026. Asiwaju Oyebamiji stands out as a competent, tested and trusted aspirant with a track record of performance as a two-time commissioner and as managing director of Osun Investment Company Limited,” Owoeye said.
Addressing reporters, a former commissioner under the administration of ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Adebayo Adeleke, said the large turnout of APC members to support Oyebamiji was a testament that he was loved by all ahead of December 13 primary.
“It is obvious that Oyebamiji is an aspirant to beat in the APC primary election. We are happy for this large turnout. We are ready and prepared for the primary election. There is no aspirant in APC that is not competent. They are all competent. But what we are saying is Bola Oyebamiji is above all when it comes to APC. He is more acceptable, a gentleman, knowledgeable and a financial expert. He is the one that can strengthen the economic situation of Osun State.”
Kehinde Ayantunji, special adviser to former Governor Oyetola, lauded President Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande and Oyetola for their continued support for the APC since 2022.
He said their efforts had strengthened the party and rekindled public trust.
…reaffirms commitment to Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.
The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) has inaugurated its Women’s Wing in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, with a strong call for unity, mobilisation, and grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking at the event, the State Women Coordinator of AMG and former Commissioner, Hon. Yetunde Adeyanju, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the group and commended the women for their steadfastness and courage despite intimidation and harassment.
She stated that the purpose of the gathering was to sensitise women across the state on the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, emphasising that the women of Ondo State must take the lead in mobilising massive support for his victory.
Hon. Adeyanju lauded President Tinubu for his numerous developmental projects in Ondo State and across the country, as well as his empowerment initiatives that have positively impacted women through various federal schemes.
She also commended the Minister of Interior and convener of AMG, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his people-oriented leadership and continuous support for women in Ondo State. She described him as “a Minister with a human face, ever willing to listen and always ready to help,” adding that his stabilising role within the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State cannot be overemphasised.
The women, in unison, offered prayers for the Minister’s continued success in office and in all his endeavours.
Hon. Adeyanju reaffirmed that as the AMG State Women Coordinator, her mandate is to ensure that every woman in Ondo State votes for the APC and President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. She disclosed that the AMG Women’s Wing would intensify its campaigns across the nooks and crannies of the State, with ward-level meetings and grassroots engagements to guarantee overwhelming victory for the President.
The women’s gathering unanimously endorsed President Tinubu’s re-election bid, pledging total commitment to the cause.
In their remarks, several speakers at the event commended the Minister of Interior for his steadfastness in strengthening the APC in Ondo State, noting that through his influence and grassroots connections, many individuals from opposition parties have joined the APC. They said, “At a time when some are busy setting up new political movements to lure members away, BTO has ensured that APC members are comfortable where they are and is bringing new members into the fold in droves.”
In his address, the Director General of AMG, Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla, applauded the State Women Coordinator and the entire women’s structure for their passion and loyalty to the AMG movement. He conveyed greetings from the convener, Dr. Tunji-Ojo, reiterating that AMG was birthed to propagate the achievements of President Tinubu and ensure his overwhelming re-election victory in 2027.
He recalled that Ondo State delivered 63.86% of votes for President Tinubu in the 2023 election, expressing confidence that through sustained mobilisation and dedication, the figure would rise to over 90% in 2027.
According to him, “AMG was not established for rhetoric but for results, and that is why since its inauguration in 2024, we have not relented in our grassroots mobilisation across all senatorial districts.”
The event was graced by prominent members of the AMG, including the Chairman, Leaders Council, Senator Yele Omogunwa; Ondo State Commissioner at the NDDC, Hon. Otito Atikase; Deputy DG, Ondo South, Hon. Afolabi Iwalewa; and AMG Secretary, Hon. Corporal Nanaopri Esq., among others.
Also in attendance were coordinators and stakeholders from all six local government areas of Ondo South Senatorial District, alongside party leaders, community women, and loyal supporters of President Tinubu’s mandate.
Ace broadcaster, Yeye Sola Yusuff, has tasked citizens of Oyo State, home and abroad, to support Oloye Saheed Oladele, the first Baámèkó of Ibadanland, and Oyo APC guber aspirant, in his bid to revamp and reposition the state for better development come 2027.
The ace broadcaster made the plea recently during a virtual event marking the unveiling of the Saheed Oladele Support Foundation’s website.
Oloye Oladele unveiled the website as a channel to drive his guber aspiration.
Yeye Yusuff asserted that Oladele is a vibrant youth who has contributed immensely to the educational and civic development of many young people within and beyond Oyo State, using his advanced educational institute, Erudite Schools.
In her words, “Saheed Oladele is a young, newbreed politician who has veered off the old, corrupt way political trade is being done in Nigeria, having embraced integrity and accountability which he considers pivotal to true development of the state. So, if every member of his team plays their part, and eschew corruption and distractions, true development of Oyo State will be on an upward trajectory in no distant time.
Another prominent guest at the virtual website unveiling, Ms Oluwatoyin Oluranti, who is the coordinator for Saheed Oladele Support Group, USA, described Baàmẹ̀kọ́ as a kind, gentle responsible youth, who is well travelled and has a truthful agenda for Oyo masses.
The unveiled website features a brief introduction to Oloye Oladele’s personality, his sterling academic achievements, his award-winning exploits through Erudite Group of Schools and beyond, and his goals for Oyo State and its people.
The website, www.saheedoladelefoundation.org, also has other interesting content which includes five things visitors to the website need to know about Oloye Saheed Oladele as a guber aspirant, testimonials about him from important personalities, his developmental blueprint for Oyo State and a link for donation towards his 2027 governorship project.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment towards empowering youths in areas of education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, and creative industries, among others.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made this known in Abuja on Monday during a press conference ahead of the 2025 national youth day scheduled to commence on November 27 to 28, 2025,
Olawande, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Muhammed Abdullahi, said the youth day will bring together youths across Nigeria.
The minister said that youths must be drivers of Nigeria’s economic transformation, technological advancement, and cultural renaissance.
He said: “It is a timely reminder that the future of Africa lies in the hands of our youth, a generation that is more connected, more informed, and more capable than ever.
“As we stand at the crossroads of economic transformation, technological advancement, and cultural renaissance, our youth are not just participants in change, they are the actual drivers.
“As a government, we reaffirm our commitment to youth empowerment through investments in education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, the creative industries, and civic engagement. We are working hand-in-hand with regional partners and international stakeholders to ensure that our youth have access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive.
“Let me also use this opportunity to call on private sector leaders, development agencies, and civil society to intensify their support for youth-led initiatives. The time has come for a truly Pan-African youth agenda one that transcends borders and leverages our shared aspirations.
“To Nigerian youths and youth leaders from across Africa that will be attending this event, I look forward to seeing you all in Abuja. Your voices matter. Your ideas count. Your dreams are valid. The Nigerian and African dream of prosperity, peace, and unity cannot be realised without you.”
The National Youth Festival in Nigeria is centred around the National Youth Conference 2025, a fully funded initiative by the Federal Government to empower young Nigerians.
The conference aims to provide a platform for young leaders, innovators, and change-makers to network, engage in discussions, share ideas, and contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future.
The Community Integrity Heritage Support Initiative (CIHSI) is set to collaborate with Oyo State Government to boost community security, entrench integrity in governance, and revive Yoruba cultural values.
Speaking at a sensitisation rally across strategic locations in Ibadan, the National Coordinator of the organisation, Engr. Akinbolade Adeniponye, said the organisation was founded to provide community-driven solutionis that align with government’s development priorities.
Adeniponye described security as a shared responsibility, noting that Governor Makinde’s administration has demonstrated commitment to safeguarding lives and property through increased logistics support, improved illumination across public areas, and the deployment of security patrol vehicles.
He stated that CIHSI’s intervention frameworks are built on two strategic pillars: integrity governance and heritage promotion.
According to him, integrity governance focuses on expanding employment and enterprise opportunities at the grassroots, while the heritage component seeks to restore the moral and cultural values that have shaped the Yoruba civilisation.
Adeniponye argued that countries that embed cultural values into public governance, including China, Japan, Singapore, and India, continue to sustain development progress and social cohesion.
He announced that CIHSI would soon launch the Yoruba Heritage Renaissance, a programme expected to lead to the establishment of the Yoruba Heritage Council.
He noted that the council, would promote cultural education, language preservation, and community-based empowerment through institutionalised structures.
“The organisation also plans to set up Community Governance Centres to strengthen surveillance, monitoring, and rapid response capabilities at the local level beyond traditional community development associations.
“The role of communities in ensuring safety cannot be undermined. When crimes occur, the community is the first contact. Strengthening their capacity for intelligence, record keeping, and swift response is essential to safer neighbourhoods. This is the foundation of our collaboration with the government.”
He urged residents to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies, remarking that sustainable security and good governance can only thrive where citizens are actively engaged.
Governor Seyi Makinde, while receiving members of the group through his Executive Assistant on Security Matters, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd), who commended CIHSI for complementing the state’s efforts in sustaining peace and security.
Odukoya said the state government has invested massively in modern security infrastructure, insisting that the administration remains committed to making Oyo one of the safest and most prosperous states in the country.
“We urge residents to report any suspicious activity through the 615 emergency line or other approved channels.”
At the Olubadan’s Palace, Chief Kola Balogun, who represented Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, received the delegation and applauded the initiative. He assured the group of the palace’s support toward achieving its stated goals.
