Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Rafiu Ajakaye, spokesperson to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency.

Ajakaye made the announcement in a short Yoruba video shared on his social media handles on Monday, where he appealed to leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to support his aspiration.

His declaration comes amid rising political activities and consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, as aspirants across Kwara State intensify engagements to secure party backing.

Ajakaye, who has served as Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRazaq since 2019, said his decision followed consultations with party stakeholders, elders, and opinion leaders within and outside the constituency.

“I am Rafiu Ajakaye, PhD. I am aspiring as a Member of the House of Representatives, National Assembly, Abuja, under the banner of the APC,” he said.

He noted that effective representation in the National Assembly would strengthen governance and improve the delivery of democratic dividends to constituents.

According to him, collaboration between lawmakers and the state government remains key to development.

“I will be a partner for public good and work closely with all stakeholders to align resources with public needs,” he said.

Ajakaye pledged to provide accountable and responsible representation if elected, while urging party leaders to support his ambition ahead of the APC primaries.

2027: Kwara Gov’s spokesman, Ajakaye declares Reps bid

A member of the House of Representatives, Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, has withdrawn from the Nasarawa State governorship race ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Nalaraba has instead declared for the Senate.

The lawmaker, who represents Awe, Keana and Doma Federal Constituency, announced his decision at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, over the weekend.

He said the move followed extensive consultations with party leaders, elders and supporters across the state.

“This decision is not borne out of fear or lack of capacity, but guided by wisdom, political maturity and the overall interest of our people,” he said.

Nalaraba disclosed that he will now contest for the Nasarawa South Senatorial seat, adding that the decision aligns with calls from stakeholders in the zone for him to serve at the upper legislative chamber.

According to him, his political structure already spans the 13 local government areas and 147 wards in the state, with several empowerment and community support initiatives already executed.

Nasarawa lawmaker dumps governorship bid, declares for Senate

The United States Central Command, CENTCOM, has debunked reports that one of its warships has been struck by two Iranian missiles.

CENTCOM made the rebuttal in a statement posted on X, noting that no US Navy ships have been struck.

According to CENTCOM, the US forces were supporting Project Freedom and enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Earlier, the Iranian military earlier claimed that it had prevented a US Navy destroyer from entering the Strait of Hormuz.

The semi-official Iranian news agency, Fars, said a vessel was hit by two missiles as it was sailing through the Strait of Hormuz in violation of traffic and shipping security.

“With the decisive and swift warning from the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the entry of enemy American Zionist destroyers into the Strait of Hormuz area was prevented,” the reported statement posted by the semi-official outlet linked with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps read.

US denies reports Iranian missiles struck Navy ship

Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George has reflected on his team’s comfortable home victory over Abia Warriors, DAILY POST reports.

Finidi’s side thrashed Abia Warriors 3-0 in a Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, matchday 36 encounter encounter at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Abia Warriors put up a resolute display at the back in the first half, but conceded thrice after the break.

Azeez Falolu scored the curtain raiser five minutes after the break.

Timothy Zachaaria, and Bello Babatunde later added two more goals for the hosts.

“It was a good game, I would say. In the first half, we didn’t create much. We only had one glaring chance that we missed — a glaring header. There was another chance but not as clear-cut as the first,” Finidi said after the game.

The Port Harcourt club will face Wikki Tourists in their next game at the New Jos Stadium this weekend.

NPFL: Finidi lauds Rivers United’s home win over Abia Warriors

Ogun State etched its name in Nigeria’s aviation history on Sunday night as the newly commissioned Gateway International Airport handled its first international flight, airlifting Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The milestone not only marked the commencement of Hajj operations in the state but also positioned Ogun as a rising force in regional and international air transport—emerging as the first departure point for Nigerian pilgrims in this year’s exercise.

The flight, operated by Max Air, departed Iperu at about 11:00 p.m. with 345 pilgrims—151 males and 194 females—alongside officials of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. After a 4,600-kilometre nonstop journey, the aircraft landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport around 4:15 a.m. Nigerian time.

Beyond the symbolic departure, the event was underscored by the successful handling of a large-capacity international aircraft—widely regarded as the biggest to have landed at the airport. The development signals the facility’s readiness to accommodate wide-body operations, reinforcing its compliance with global aviation standards and its capacity for long-haul international travel.

The airport, commissioned on April 4, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has transitioned swiftly from a newly unveiled project to a fully operational international gateway.

Speaking shortly before departure, Governor Dapo Abiodun described the inaugural flight as a defining moment in the state’s development trajectory.

“What we celebrate today goes far beyond the arrival and departure of an international aircraft; it is a testament to focus, determination, resilience, commitment, sacrifice and teamwork,” the governor said.

He noted that the successful operation reflects Ogun State’s growing infrastructure capacity and strategic ambition, positioning it as a hub for commerce, investment, and global connectivity—particularly given its proximity to Lagos.

Governor Abiodun expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for designating the airport as one of the centres for Hajj operations. He also charged the pilgrims to uphold the image of Nigeria by demonstrating discipline, integrity, and respect throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

In his remarks, NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, represented by Alhaji Olanrewaju Elegushi, said the new departure point would significantly ease logistics for pilgrims across the South-West by eliminating the need for long-distance travel to other airports.

He noted that Gateway International Airport stands out as the first state-owned facility in the region cleared for Hajj operations without limitations, attributing the achievement to its modern infrastructure and strict adherence to international aviation standards.

Traditional and religious leaders, including the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, and the Chief Imam of Gbagura, Prof. Emeritus Kamaldeen Balogun, described the project as transformative, noting that it has effectively removed the long-standing stress associated with international travel through Lagos.

The Amir Hajj 2026, Alhaji Shamsideen Apelogun, urged pilgrims to approach the exercise with a sense of responsibility, reminding them that they represent both Ogun State and Nigeria on the global stage.

On behalf of the pilgrims, Dr. Muritala Ejalonibu described the moment as historic, while several travellers expressed excitement at being among the first beneficiaries of the new international gateway.

Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, the pilgrims were received by Hajj officials, processed through immigration, and transported to their accommodations in Medina ahead of the commencement of Hajj rites.

Beyond the immediate success of the Hajj airlift, the development highlights a broader strategic achievement. By delivering its inaugural international flight, leading the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims for 2026, and successfully accommodating a wide-body aircraft, Ogun State has demonstrated both vision and execution.

The initiative of Governor Abiodun has not only transformed infrastructure into functionality but has also firmly positioned Ogun as an emerging aviation hub—opening new pathways for economic growth, investment, tourism, and global engagement.

With this milestone, Ogun State has moved decisively from ambition to reality, securing a strategic foothold in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.

Kayode Akinmade: Gateway International Airport officially goes global with historic Hajj flight

The National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has ratified the appointment of a 13-member Caretaker Committee headed by Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as chairman.

The decision was taken at the Makinde-backed 103rd NEC meeting held on Monday in Abuja, following a motion moved by the Edo State PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, and seconded by the party’s ex officio member, Clement Fagboyede.

Other members of the committee include Taofeek Arapaja, who was appointed National Secretary, as well as Daniel Ambrose, Hamza Abuya, Ihediwa, Isah Abubakar, Theophilus Dakashan, Ini Ememobong, Aribisala Adewale Idowu, Baru Shaffi, and Okechukwu Obiechina.

Details soon…

Makinde-Backed PDP Appoints Turaki As Interim National Chairman is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Maverick singer Seun Kuti has ruled out any possibility of reconciling with Afrobeats star Wizkid, declaring that their rift is permanent following comments made about his late father, Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.

The longstanding tension between the two artists began after Wizkid claimed he was greater than Fela in response to Seun’s call for fans to stop comparing the “Ojuelegba” crooner to the late music icon.

Speaking during a recent podcast interview, Seun made it clear that he has no intention of mending fences with the Starboy boss, stressing that disrespect toward his father remains unforgivable.

When asked by the host if he and Wizkid had resolved their differences, Seun responded firmly.

“It is on for life. I don’t have anything to say about him but it is on for life. You don’t say things about my dad and then it is fine. There is no coming back from that,” he said.

Seun’s remarks reaffirm the deep divide between both artistes, with the son of the Afrobeat pioneer maintaining that certain boundaries, particularly regarding his father’s legacy, cannot be crossed.

My Fight With Wizkid Is For Life – Seun Kuti is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Adamawa State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has constituted its State Executive Council, with Saidu Komsisiri as chairman.

Komsisiri is a former caretaker committee chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and hails from the same Jada Local Government Area as ADC foremost member, Atiku Abubakar.

The new exco has Joseph Kwatri as deputy chairman, while Isa Ahmad became the state secretary and Emmanuel Dominic the assistant secretary.

The 33-member council includes three vice-chairmen for the Central, Northern and Southern zones in the persons of Abubakar Ahmed, Yunusa Buwsngci and Mohammed Bobboi, respectively.

Announced as state treasurer of the NDC was Bala Jingi, with Danladi Daniel as his assistant, while Mustapha Birboduwomi became the financial secretary, with Musa Mairiga as assistant financial secretary.

It may be recalled that the fortunes of the NDC in Adamawa State received a significant boost last week when the foremost female politician in the state, Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani, joined it after defecting from the ADC.

The NDC now sees itself as Nigeria’s new political bride, poised to make exploits.

The new state chairman, Saidu Komsisiri, told newsmen that the party would ensure it holds its members together so that they can muster the necessary strength in number and unity of purpose to make an impact in 2027.

Adamawa NDC constitutes new exco, appoints ex-ADC leader chairman

Influencer Priscilla Ojo, daughter of Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, has spoken about her mother’s generosity and compassion, recounting how the actress opened her home to numerous children and even breastfed one of her relatives.

Speaking during an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Priscilla described her mother as deeply selfless, revealing that their home frequently served as a refuge for extended family members and others in need.

“Even more than 10, they were not just living with us. Sometimes I would wake up and see another child and I would ask, ‘Mummy, who is this? Why is she sharing my room?’” She said.

She recalled how, as a child, she often found it difficult to understand why her personal space was regularly shared with unfamiliar children.

“You know how kids like to rule their own space. I would ask, ‘Why is she on my bed?’ And my mum would say she is somebody’s auntie’s daughter,” she said.

Priscilla further highlighted the extent of her mother’s kindness, revealing that Iyabo once breastfed one of her cousins.

“She has a lot of children. She even breastfed one of my cousins. That is how golden her heart is,” she said.

According to Priscilla, her public remarks were also motivated by a desire to defend her mother during controversies surrounding her latest movie project.

“I wanted to be the one to speak up for my mum when there was backlash for her new movie. She’s always standing up for people, but when it was her turn, everyone was silent. I didn’t care if people would drag me. I just didn’t want her to feel empty,” she said.

She also reflected on her upbringing, praising Iyabo for successfully raising her and her brother as a single mother after her parents’ separation.

“My parents fell out of love, and my mum played the role of both parents very well. I didn’t feel like a father figure was missing,” she added.

My Mother Took In Over 10 Children, Breastfed Cousin — Priscilla Ojo is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Kano Pillars technical adviser, Mohammed Babaganaru, has expressed disappointment with his team’s defeat to Kun Khalifat FC.

The Sai Masu Gida suffered a 2-1 defeat to Kun Khalifat FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Sunday.

Nnorom Nmesoma and Ebetomame Oghenetega were on target for the home team, while Luis Dadong scored Pillars’ only goal of the game.

Babaganaru blamed loss of concentration for his team’s defeat.

“It was not the result we wanted despite our determination to get a victory in the game,” Babaganaru told Puyaka.

“They scored first and we equalised after which we conceded again, I think we lost the game to loss of concentration towards the end.

Kano Pillars dropped to 14th position on the league table with 45 points, two points above the relegation zone.

NPFL: Babaganaru rues Kano Pillars’ loss to Kun Khalifat FC