Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Arrays of beautifully adorned men, women, youths, and cultural enthusiasts from all walks of life on Friday thronged the ancient town of Ijebu-Ode for the 2026 Ojude-Oba Festival, transforming the city into a vibrant panorama of colour, glamour, heritage, and tradition.

The annual cultural celebration came alive with spectacular horse-riding processions, richly embroidered attires, rhythmic traditional music, and elegant displays by the Regberegbe groups, reaffirming Ojude-Oba’s status as one of Africa’s most iconic cultural festivals.

Visitors, tourists, dignitaries, and sons and daughters of Ijebuland from across Nigeria and the diaspora gathered to witness the colourful spectacle, which combined tradition, fashion, unity, and cultural pride in grand style.

Speaking at the event, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described Ojude-Oba as a powerful symbol of peaceful coexistence, communal harmony, and cultural sophistication.

Governor Abiodun said his administration has deliberately positioned the festival as a flagship of Ogun State’s tourism development agenda in order to harness its enormous cultural and economic potential.

According to him, the state government is collaborating with critical stakeholders to further expand the festival’s global visibility while preserving the authentic heritage and traditions of the Ijebu people.

“We are building a state that honours its heritage because culture is not only our identity, but also a source of social cohesion and economic opportunity,” the governor said.

“This is why we have positioned Ojude-Oba as a flagship within our tourism development agenda. Today, the economic impact of the festival is visible everywhere as hotels are fully occupied, businesses are flourishing, artisans are engaged, and our youths are being productively empowered.”

Governor Abiodun noted that the 2026 edition of the festival carries deep historical significance as it is the first celebration since the passing of the revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

He paid glowing tribute to the late monarch, describing him as an institution whose 65-year reign transformed traditional leadership and elevated Ijebuland culturally, socially, and politically.

“This year’s Ojude-Oba Festival carries profound significance. It is the first celebration since the glorious transition of our revered monarch, Oba Sikiru Adetona, whose remarkable reign shaped and transformed the institution of traditional rulership in Nigeria,” he stated.

The governor said the late Awujale made it clear before his transition that nothing should hinder the celebration of Ojude-Oba, stressing that the festival must continue to thrive as a sacred cultural institution that unites generations.

Abiodun commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for standing with the people of Ijebuland during the transition period following the monarch’s demise, saying the President’s support helped sustain peace, continuity, and stability in the land.

He also called on Nigerians to remember victims of insecurity across the country, offering prayers for families affected by banditry and violence.

The governor praised the organisers, the Regberegbe groups, and the people of Ijebuland for preserving the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom and ensuring the successful hosting of the festival despite the transition period.

According to him, Ojude-Oba has evolved from a post-Eid homage-paying gathering into one of Africa’s most admired cultural festivals embraced by people of different faiths, backgrounds, and generations.

“Today, Ojude-Oba stands as a symbol of unity, honour, continuity, and cultural pride where visitors from across the world gather to witness the splendour of our traditions, the elegance of our attire, and the discipline of the age-grade groups,” he added.

Governor Abiodun further stated that the festival reflects the philosophy of his administration’s “Building Our Future Together” agenda through strategic investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and tourism development.

He urged the younger generation to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage handed down by their forebears, stressing that culture must continue to evolve without losing its essence.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Ojude-Oba Planning Committee, Chief Olu Okubadejo, described the festival as a celebration of unity and continuity that provides an avenue for all sons and daughters of Ijebuland to reconnect with their roots and celebrate their identity.

He noted that this year’s edition was particularly emotional and historic as it marked the first Ojude-Oba celebration since the demise of Oba Sikiru Adetona, whose reign brought honour and global recognition to Ijebuland.

Among dignitaries present at the event were the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hajia Hannatu Musa Musawa; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaq Kunle Salako; former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; traditional rulers; captains of industry; religious leaders; and other distinguished guests.

Culture, colours, heritage dazzle at 2026 Ojude-Oba festival as Abiodun celebrates unity

A 19-year-old blogger, Nurenorue John Surpruchi, was on Friday arraigned at the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly defaming United Bank for Africa (UBA) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tony Elumelu through cyberstalking. Surpruchi appeared before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Alagoa on a four-count charge bordering on cyberstalking, bullying, and defamation instituted by the Directorate of […]

The post Court remands blogger over alleged cyberstalking of Elumelu appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, Federal Polytechnic Ngodo Isuochi Chapter Abia State, has threatened to drag the management of the institution to anti-graft agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, over suspected channeling of borehole project funds into a personal account.

This was part of the six resolutions reached at the end of the union’s congress which was communicated to the management through the Rector of the institution, Dr. Paul-Darlington Ibezim Ndubuisi, in a petition signed by the Chairman of the union Comrade Ador Osondu and the secretary, Comrade Onyeneke Ejike on Friday.

The union called on management to as a matter of urgency commission an independent audit of the borehole project funds and furnish it with a full financial statement noting that failure to do so will compel it to formally petition the ICPC, EFCC, and other relevant authorities.

The letter read, “The Congress of this Union has passed a resolution strongly condemning the alleged diversion or transfer of funds approved and earmarked for the construction and installation of a borehole facility at this institution into a personal account. If substantiated, this conduct represents a flagrant breach of public financial management principles and constitutes a criminal offence under extant Nigerian statutes.

“The Union demands that Management immediately commission an independent audit of the borehole project funds and furnish the Union with a full financial statement. Failure to do so will compel the Union to formally petition the ICPC, EFCC, and other relevant authorities.”

The union also expressed reservations over management’s alleged non-implementation of staff welfare and statutory obligations such as, refusal to facilitate National Housing Fund (NHF) Staff Sensitization and Enrolment; refusal to facilitate National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Enrolment for staff.

Other concerns raised include: Non-Remittance of Union Check-Off Dues from February 2026 to Date, alleged diversion of staff welfare packages for 2023, 2024 and 2025; absence of essential drugs and medical supplies in the Polytechnic health centre.

They, therefore, gave the management a 21-day ultimatum to address the six issues raised or risk an industrial action adding that they were open to negotiations and dialogue within the time-frame.

“We demand that management takes immediate and concrete steps to resolve all the above issues within 21 days of receiving this letter. Failure to comply will compel the Union to activate all lawful trade union mechanisms to press home our demands, including industrial action.”

ASUP threatens to drag poly management to EFCC, ICPC over alleged funds diversion

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oke-Ogun community in Abeokuta North Local Government area of Ogun State, Ifekayode Akinbode, has asserted that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state has resorted to blackmail and divisive propaganda due to fears of imminent electoral defeat.

According to him, the party is descending into panic mode ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Akinbode, in a statement issued on Friday, opined that recent comments made by the spokesperson of the Ladi Adebutu Campaign Organisation against Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, is “reckless, divisive and desperation-driven”.

Recall that spokesperson of LADO, Afolabi Orekoya, on Wednesday insisted that the 2027 governorship election should not be handed over to a stranger, questioning Yayi’s origin.

He described Yayi as someone unfamiliar with the state’s political and social history.

Reacting, Akinbode stated that the attack on Yayi’s identity and ancestry clearly showed that the PDP was already troubled by the growing popularity and widespread acceptance the senator enjoys across Ogun State.

The statement reads, “The PDP is clearly operating in fear and confusion because they can already see the overwhelming acceptance, grassroots connection and political strength Senator Yayi enjoys across Ogun State, especially in Ogun West and beyond.

“Their latest outburst is nothing but a failed attempt at blackmail and distraction ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

“Many members of the PDP are already abandoning Adebutu because they can see the quality of leadership, political maturity and developmental vision Senator Yayi represents. The reality is that people naturally identify with leadership that inspires confidence, performance and capacity,” he stated.

The APC chieftain maintained that Senator Adeola remains a bonafide son of Ogun State whose roots and contributions to the state are well known to the people, stressing that no amount of political propaganda could alter established facts.

He accused the PDP of abandoning issue-based politics in favour of personal attacks and ethnic sentiments because of its inability to convince Ogun residents to trust the opposition party again.

“It is unfortunate that instead of presenting meaningful ideas and explaining why the PDP failed to win the confidence of the electorate in previous elections, they have chosen the path of personal attacks and divisive politics,” he stated.

He noted tha the ruling party remained focused on consolidating the developmental strides of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration and would not be distracted by what he called “the noise of a PDP already suffering from fear of defeat in 2027″.

He advised the opposition party to prepare for the polls rather than engaging in media attacks against political opponents.

“Elections are won by the people, not through media propaganda or attempts to question the identity of political opponents,” Akinbode added.

Ogun 2027: APC chieftain accuses PDP of blackmail, propaganda over fear of defeat

Paulinus Okon has been named Nigeria National League, NNL, side Akwa United player of the season, DAILY POST reports.

The midfielder helped the Promise Keepers finish second in NNL Conference A during the 2025-26 campaign. 

He scored four goals for the club during the season.

Okon was rewarded with a sum of N1 million as an appreciation.

Meanwhile, Micheal Okenwa won the top scorer award with five goals.

He was also rewarded with N1.5million for his efforts.

Yannick Menegbe was also honoured with the most assists award for his contributions in attack.

Akwa United narrowly missed out on promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, after finishing behind the conference leaders, Sporting Lagos.

NNL: Okon named Akwa United’s Player of the Season

Dr Esther Nkem Okereke has emerged as the presidential candidate of the National Rescue Mission, NRM.

Okereke emerged through a consensus agreement brokered by the leaders of the party.

National Chairman of the party, Prince Dr Chinedu Obi said that a rescued Nigeria is possible and that a prosperous Nigeria is achievable.

Obi noted that Nigeria possesses vast mineral resources, fertile agricultural land,  strategic geographical positioning, energetic youth populations,  entrepreneurial citizens and immense human capital.  

He observed that despite these advantages, millions remain trapped in poverty.

According to him, the paradox of Nigeria is that a nation so rich has produced so many poor people, adding that Okereke has the ability to return the nation to its former glory.

“For years, global reports repeatedly  described Nigeria as the poverty capital of the world, a title no nation should wear with comfort and no leadership should accept with resignation.

“We shall transform education by restoring standards, improving access, strengthening technical and vocational training, investing in  research  and  innovation,  and  preparing  our  youth  for  a competitive global economy.  

“We  shall reform healthcare by prioritizing  primary healthcare systems,  strengthening  health insurance coverage, investing in medical personnel, and ensuring that quality healthcare becomes a right rather than a privilege,” he said.

In her acceptance speech, the Okereke said that when the story of Nigeria’s rebirth is finally written, history will remember that at a moment of national despair, ordinary citizens chose courage over fear, unity over division, hope over cynicism, and progress over stagnation.

She said, “Future generations will look back at this defining moment; they will say that when Nigeria stood at the edge of despair, a people arose with courage, unity, faith, and determination and rescued their nation.

“I deliberately chose the NRM a political party established to confront and rectify the systemic crises of governance in Nigeria.

“At the core of the NRM’s ideology is the deliberate and multi-dimensional concept of ‘rescue.’ Far from being a mere populist slogan, ‘rescue’ is conceptualized as an urgent, interventionist necessity, a political and socio-economic salvage operation required to pull Nigeria back from the brink of institutional collapse, economic stagnation, and widespread insecurity caused by decades of bad governance.

“The NRM positions itself as a generational vanguard. By mobilizing the youth, championing ethical leadership, and advocating for structural re-engineering, the movement seeks to transition Nigeria from a state of survival to one of sustainable development.

“The NRM ideology are on all fours with my vision and mission which ultimately, is the motivation for my candidature in the Presidential election as a veritable partner to achieve the project ‘Rescue Nigeria’.”

2027: Female aspirant, Nkem Okereke emerges NRM presidential candidate

Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries has warned Nigerians against voting the wrong President in 2027.

Ibiyeomie warned that the United States dollar might rise to N2000 for one naira if Nigerians vote for the wrong President in 2027.

Addressing his members in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the clergyman urged Nigerians to vote for somebody with vision.

He said: “Naira was one hundred and something seven years ago now it’s N1,610, if you make the mistake it will be N2000.

“If you make the mistake of voting the wrong person in 2027, Dollar will move to N2000 for 1 Dollar.

“Vote for someone with a vision for Nigeria, all these parties you are calling have all failed. Look for somebody with a vision.

“Remain in your party but vote any man that has a vision otherwise you will come back to tell me we are regretting.

“Don’t make the mistake again, vote individuals who have something to offer, all parties have failed. When one party doesn’t favour them they jump to another, they jump like prostitutes from here to there.

“If you collect money you are Esau, he sold his birthright, when you share money it’s in the hands of a few but a man of vision turns the life of everyone.”

Vote wrong President, dollar will jump to 2000 – Pastor Ibiyeomie warns Nigerians

The disciplinary committee of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos State has suspended former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Bode George and 23 other members over alleged anti-party activities.

This is contained in a statement by the committee chairman, Elder Kayode Ogunbiyi, and secretary, Barrister Desmond Agbo, on Friday.

The committee noted that the action became necessary following what it described as repeated conduct capable of causing disaffection within the party.

According to the committee, the resolution was reached at a meeting held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, where petitions against several party leaders and members were reviewed, particularly allegations bordering on anti-party activities and violations of the PDP constitution.

The committee equally revealed that it revisited previous disciplinary action taken against Chief Olabode George by the party’s National Executive Committee, NEC, stressing that he remains suspended as earlier pronounced.

It said cases involving members accused of defecting to other political parties or engaging in unauthorised collaborations against the PDP were also considered.

Among those affected by the suspension are Chief (Mrs.) Aduke Maina, Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, Mr. Laja Adeoye, Capt. Tunji Shele, Chief Sunday Olaifa, Mr. Gbenga Adegbesan, Hon. Rita Orji, H.E. Mrs. Kofoworola Bucknor, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo-Oshodi, and Mrs. Idera Sodipo.

Others include Prince Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, Hon. Bode Ogundipe, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, Dr. (Mrs.) Roli George, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, Mr. Adeyemi Moyegun, Chief Taiwo Kuye, Mrs. Coker, Hon. Setonji Koshoedo, Alhaji Muritala Ashorobi, Mr. Dare, Dr. Amos Alabi Fawole, and Hon. Olumuyiwa Owodara Richard.

The disciplinary committee stated that all affected members are barred from participating in any PDP activities in Lagos State and can no longer represent the party in any capacity.

It further warned that legal action could be taken against any of the suspended members who continue to act in a manner contrary to the interests of the party.

“Our committee has recommended strict legal procedures be instituted against any of the suspended persons who continue to act contrary to the interests of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos State,” the statement added.

PDP faction suspends Bode George over ‘anti-party activities’

A food microbiologist at the Federal Polytechnic, Idah Kogi State, Dr. Michael Ukwuru, has warned Nigerians against consuming spoilt tomatoes, black-stained onions and poorly preserved grains.

According to Ukwuru, the practice could expose people to cancer-causing toxins.

His warning follows reports of increased demands for spoilt tomatoes by Nigerians due to economic hardship and surge in the cost of tomatoes in markets. His warning also aligned with that of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LSCPA), and a health influencer, Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, who recently urged members of the public to desist from consuming spoilt tomatoes.

A few months ago, concerns were raised over tomato infestations in Kano State, one of Nigeria’s major tomato-producing hubs, where pest attacks destroyed several farms and triggered fears of nationwide shortages and rising prices.

Findings by THE WHISTLER at Orange Market in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, revealed that tomato prices surged by over 400 per cent within one week, worsening pressure on traders and consumers already battling economic hardship

Traders attributed the increase to seasonal scarcity, rising transportation costs, fuel prices, and recent pest attacks affecting tomato-producing states.

The food microbiologist who spoke to THE WHISTLER, urged the public to prioritise their health despite the reasons behind the high demand for spoilt tomatoes.

He explained that fungi growing on spoilt foods produce aflatoxins and other harmful mycotoxins capable of causing liver cancer and other serious health complications.

“Talking about mold infestation of tomato and onion, it is very true that consuming them could lead to liver cancer. The black stains often seen on onions and the whitish molds found on spoilt tomatoes are signs of fungal contamination caused largely by poor storage conditions.

“These molds produce aflatoxins, and apart from aflatoxins, there are other toxins produced by molds, but these aflatoxins can be very dangerous to health when consumed along with food. Most of them can survive the temperature of the cooking, get consumed and go into the blood stream,” he stated.

He further warned that washing or cooking affected onions or tomatoes does not remove the danger because the fungi penetrate deep into the food.

“When molds stay on the surface, they produce hyphae. These hyphae are collectively called mycelium, they penetrate into the onion releasing the toxins inside the onion,” he explained.

Ukwuru added that cutting away visibly affected portions does not address the problem, as some mycotoxins are heat-stable and can survive normal cooking temperatures.

“The heat required to cook your food cannot destroy the toxins. After cooking, the toxins remain potent,” he warned.

Speaking further, he said moist and poorly ventilated storage environments encourage mold growth on onions, tomatoes and several staple foods including maize, rice, millet, beans and groundnuts.

“If they are stored and the storage condition is not proper, definitely it will attract mold growth. And when it attracts mold growth, then it is likely to attract toxin production,” he said.

The microbiologist also warned against feeding mold-infested grains to animals, stressing that toxins could be transferred to humans through meat and dairy consumption.

“Animals infested with these toxins could be killed for consumption, and human beings that consume the meat of these animals can also have these toxins transferred onto them because they are heat stable and could not be destroyed by heat,” he added.

Ukwuru urged consumers to store food crops in dry and properly ventilated places, while avoiding plastic bags that trap moisture. He also called on food regulatory and consumer protection agencies to intensify monitoring of open markets and sanction traders selling contaminated food items.

He said awareness on proper food preservation remains critical in reducing health risks associated with mold-infested foods.

Eating Spoilt Foods Can Cause Liver Cancer — Expert is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The principal of Community High School, Esiele in Oyo State, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has raised fresh alarm from captivity, saying the kidnappers have selected one of the abductees for execution after an alleged failed rescue operation by security operatives. Mrs. Alamu, who appeared in a new viral video appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and […]

The post VIDEO: Our kidnappers have chosen next person to kill, abducted Oyo principal cries out appeared first on Tribune Online.