Author: Ayobami Ogungbemi

The Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, is taking decisive steps to prevent building collapses and improve land management across the state. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Akin-Funmilayo, during the Omituntun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Briefing held in Ibadan. Strengthening Building Regulations to Save Lives Speaking to journalists, Mr. Akin-Funmilayo reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to tighten enforcement of building codes and regulations across Oyo State. He urged developers, builders, and homeowners to secure proper approvals before beginning construction to avoid tragedies linked to building collapses. “We are committed to protecting…

Almost a year after ascending the revered throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has passed away, leaving the historic city in mourning. The monarch was officially crowned on July 12, 2024, during a grand ceremony at Mapo Hall, where Governor Seyi Makinde presented him with the staff of office. The event, attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors, traditional rulers, ministers, and industry leaders, marked a momentous chapter in Ibadan’s royal heritage. Oba Olakulehin became only the second Olubadan to reside in a government-built palace, following Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike, who lived in the palace at Oja’ba.…

Football fever gripped Hong Kong on Monday as die-hard fans lined up for hours to experience the opening of the CR7 Life Museum, a first-of-its-kind Cristiano Ronaldo exhibition outside his native Portugal. Held at a luxury shopping mall, the event drew more than 100 people even before doors opened. The 12,000-square-foot exhibition showcases Ronaldo’s legendary career—from his time at Manchester United and Real Madrid to his current journey with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The space is filled with his personal trophies, iconic jerseys, and life-size statues, including one frozen mid-air in his signature celebration pose and another clad in…

Nigeria has secured support from Saint Lucia to develop its community tourism programme. The Caribbean nation will offer expertise, training, and standards to improve Nigeria’s grassroots tourism and hospitality sector. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Saint Lucia. Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, signed the deal alongside Saint Lucia’s Minister of Tourism, Dr. Ernest Hilaire. What the Partnership Covers The MoU focuses on three main areas: A Strategic Win for Both Sides According to Musawa, “Nigeria shines in film, music, and storytelling. Saint Lucia…

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling flooding. It is restoring drainage rights-of-way and building stronger infrastructure across the city. 4.2km Drainage Project in Progress Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known during a tour of a 4.2km drainage project in Ikeja and Kosofe.He said the project, awarded in 2024, will be completed in phases. The Sheraton to Ojota stretch is already 45% done.The entire project should be ready in 24 months. New System to Channel Water The 25-meter trapezoidal drain will carry water under the new Maryland bridge.Wahab noted that residents have…

Nigeria’s shot at qualifying both 4x100m relay teams for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo has dimmed. The Netherlands posted a blazing 37.87s at the European Team Championships in Madrid, breaking national and championship records. Before this, both nations shared the 15th spot with 38.20s. That time was enough for one of the last two time-based qualifying slots. But the Dutch leap now drops Nigeria to 16th—the final provisional spot. Dutch Team Shines in Madrid The Dutch quartet—Nsikak Ekpo, Taymir Burnet, Xavi Mo-Ajok, and Elvis Afrifa—executed clean baton changes. They won ahead of Germany (38.27s) and Great Britain (38.33s),…

Birth Safe Nigeria has launched a major initiative to combat maternal deaths across the country. The organization will train 1,000 nurses and midwives in emergency obstetric care across five states. Five States Targeted in Life-Saving Training The training will begin in Lagos, then move to Kano, Rivers, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The initiative runs under the Train One to Reach Many (TORM) programme. Emergency Skills to Improve Pregnancy Outcomes Dr. Idara Umoette, the founder, explained that the training will help nurses identify and manage birth emergencies quickly. The goal is to improve pregnancy outcomes for over 250,000…

Minna, Niger State – Tragedy struck in the Tunga area of Minna on Tuesday after a heavy downpour led to the discovery of two children’s bodies, including a nine-year-old girl, in a drainage channel. The devastating incident occurred following torrential rains that flooded several parts of the city, overwhelming drainage systems and causing dangerous water levels. Girl Swept Away While Returning from Market According to eyewitness reports, the young girl had been sent to Tunga Market—approximately two kilometres from her residence—to buy soup ingredients. She was accompanied by her 11-year-old elder brother. Despite taking an umbrella, the rain intensified shortly…

Legendary Nigerian musician Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has publicly apologised to his wife, Natasha Idibia, their children, and his loyal fan base following widespread criticism over a recent statement about male sexuality and monogamy. During a podcast interview that quickly went viral, 2Baba sparked outrage by claiming that men are not naturally built to remain sexually committed to one woman. His comments, seen by many as an attempt to justify infidelity, ignited a flurry of reactions on social media. “A man is not built to sexually be with one woman. A man can love one woman die, but…

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is united again. He described the outcome of the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting as a win for the PDP and Nigeria’s democracy. Tensions Defused Despite Police Disruption The meeting held as planned, despite a police disruption at the PDP National Secretariat the day before. Party leaders gathered and agreed to work together. They resolved to put aside their differences and focus on peace. A Turning Point for the PDP In a statement issued after the meeting, Saraki said the gathering could have gone either…