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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the appointment of Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson, popularly known as BOVAS, as the new Chancellor of Osun State University, UNIOSUN.

The appointment of Mrs. Samson as the third Chancellor of UNIOSUN was announced in a statement by Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, on Sunday in Osogbo.

Her appointment follows the completion of the tenure of the immediate past chancellor, Folorunso Alakija, whose service ended on March 18, 2026, after a decade in office.

The Osun State Government had earlier paid a courtesy visit to Alakija on May 8, 2026, expressing appreciation to her and her family for their contributions to the university’s development.

During the visit, Governor Adeleke commended the former chancellor’s impact, describing her tenure as a period marked by notable achievements and an enduring legacy.

He particularly highlighted the donation of the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital, describing it as a multi-billion-naira intervention that strengthened the institution’s infrastructure.

According to the statement: “Mrs. Samson, widely known as Mama BOVAS, is the founder of BOVAS Oil and Gas, a leading indigenous oil and gas firm.

“An indigene of Iree in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, she was born on December 5, 1949.

“Under her leadership alongside her husband, the company expanded from a single petroleum products service station to over 200 outlets nationwide, employing more than 2,000 Nigerians as of December 31, 2025.

“Mrs. Samson also owns the Texaco Petroleum franchise and became the first Nigerian to win the Texaco Latin America and West Africa Award for Best Overall Dealer in 1990.

“She reportedly recorded the highest sales performance across both West Africa and Latin America during the period.

“Her professional career includes service as Matron of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria at the NNPC/PPMC Satellite Depot in Ejigbo, Lagos, and Apata Depot in Ibadan, as well as membership of the Board of Trustees of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketing Association.

“She holds a Professional Diploma in Marketing and attended leadership programmes at Harvard Business School and IESE Business School in Barcelona.”

Remarking through the statement, Governor Adeleke said, “We recognise with appreciation your distinct effort to make life easy for consumers of petroleum products. We celebrate you as a symbol of decency, honesty, integrity, and humanity in our society.”

The governor also congratulated Mrs. Samson on behalf of the government and people of Osun State and urged her to bring her experience and leadership to bear in her new role at the university.

Adeleke appoints Victoria Samson as UNIOSUN Chancellor

Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, met with chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Omokri disclosed the encounter via his X handle on Sunday, writing, “Peter Obi and I exchanging warm greetings today at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in anticipation of President Tinubu’s reelection next year!”

In the video, Reno and Obi were seen exchanging handshakes, accompanied by slight laughter.

The brief airport encounter has sparked reactions online on X with some users slamming Omokri’s post saying it was intended as a form of mockery.

@T.G wrote “People should’nt be suprised with these kind of stunts. Progress has its own adversaries. Just like the character in GOT – little finger.”

@De General wrote “Correction please, you solicited for his greeting and you set up your camera thinking he would snub you so that you will take that to your gullible audience,once again PO proves he is too matured for your type.”

@Chief Onyeihenagarankeoma wrote “@renoomokri as one who prides himself as an omoluabi who is heavy on respect, asking “how are you” and tapping someone older than you on the shoulder…… What part of lukunmi heritage is that?”

@NDC War Room wrote “It must be nice meeting your mentor at the airport. I can see the excitement all over you.

Meanwhile, has Tinubu answered this question?”

@ugochukwu ernest wrote “Had it been the person of Obi Reno went to “greet” that way was a yoruba man, all hell would have been let lose lol.. Anyways, we know your motive behind the said “greetings”

@Josh40biDati wrote “See how you hurry to get handshake from incoming president.”

@VIIKTHOR UNEKWU AKOGZY wrote “Kaiii, alchemy of shame, shame of thrones, queen of shame, mortal shamebart, last shamebender, aguneshamebar, shame before flower, on your mandate we shall shame.”

Watch video

Peter Obi And I Exchanging Warm Greetings Today At Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport In Anticipation of President Tinubu’s Reelection Next Year! pic.twitter.com/TnByJ9WSFE

— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) May 10, 2026

Reno Omokri meets Peter Obi in Abuja [VIDEO]

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has expressed shock over the death of the President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State and Grand Chief Imam of Yewaland, Sheikh Sikirulai Babalola.

The governor spoke on Sunday during the burial ceremony of the late Islamic cleric held at Igan Alalade in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state.

Abiodun described the late Sheikh Babalola as a devoted Muslim and respected Islamic scholar who rose to the highest level of leadership within the Muslim community in the state.

According to the governor, the deceased not only served as the Grand Chief Imam of Yewaland but also as President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State, making him one of the most influential Islamic leaders in the state.

He further described the late cleric as a man of integrity, generosity and faith who left behind enduring legacies through his service to humanity and the Muslim community.

“I cannot find better words to describe him other than that he was a man of God and a good man,” the governor said.

Governor Abiodun added that Ogun State, known for its religious harmony and tolerance, had lost one of its foremost spiritual leaders, noting that the cleric’s death was a painful loss to both his family and the entire state.

He prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Kunle Salako, said the late Sheikh dedicated his life to the service of humanity through Islam.

“He was a very upright man who consistently defended the interest of Yewaland, even as a Muslim leader. He always looked out for the younger generation and served as a rallying point for many people in the land.

“His death, though coming at a ripe old age, is still a huge loss to us. We will greatly miss him, and we pray that Almighty Allah grants him Aljanah Firdaus,” Salako said.

In a brief lecture at the burial ceremony, the Head of the Department of Arabic Studies at the Federal College of Education Abeokuta, Dr. Raji Akano, urged people to make meaningful use of their lives while alive, stressing that death is inevitable for all humans.

Akano said the late Chief Imam had completed his earthly assignment and returned to his Creator, urging the living to lead impactful lives and remain conscious of the hereafter.

Late Sheikh Sikirulai Babalola died on Saturday at the age of 98.

Abiodun mourns death of Yewa Chief Imam at 98

Former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has blasted the 2027 elections timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

In a statement on Sunday, Olawepo-Hashim described the timetable it as impractical and insensitive to Nigeria’s political realities.

According to him, the electoral calendar did not provide sufficient time for political parties to conduct transparent primaries and other internal democratic processes.

He cautioned that the schedule could heighten political tension and destabilise political parties ahead of the elections if not reviewed.

The Kwara-born politician equally slammed INEC for fixing politically sensitive activities, including party primaries, around major religious events such as the Muslim Hajj exercise and Ileya celebrations.

“Combining election primaries with periods like Hajj and Ileya, which already carry security and mobility challenges, is unreasonable,” he said.

He noted that the periods already come with significant security and logistical challenges, warning that combining them with political activities could increase tension and create avoidable disruptions.

2027 election timetable: Impractical, insensitive to Nigeria’s political realities – Olawepo-Hashim blasts INEC 

Former Premier League assistant referee, Darren Cann, has said VAR’s decision to rule out Calum Wilson’s late goal against Arsenal, was the correct call.

The Gunners were heading to a 1-0 win, thanks to Leandro Trossard’s late goal, when Wilson forced the ball home.

Although the goal was awarded on the pitch, the referee was advised to review it on the on-field screen.

The goal was eventually ruled out and Arsenal went five points clear of Manchester City with two games left.

Cann, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “It is a foul by Pablo holding Raya’s arm and clearly impeding Raya.

“Also he is having his shirt pulled by Todibo as well.

“Unfortunately I know it is a shame for West Ham given the timing of the game, but it is a foul, that is the bottom line.

“The arm is across Raya from Pablo, but crucially he is holding Raya’s arm.

“He’s not going to punch the ball, he is trying to catch it. The fact he has an arm on the keeper means he can’t catch it and he is clearly impeded.”

EPL: Why VAR cancelled West Ham’s goal against – Ex-referee, Darren Cann

The Ogun State Government has joined dignitaries and admirers across Nigeria in celebrating elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

In a tribute personally signed by Governor Dapo Abiodun, the centenarian was described as a symbol of patriotism, democratic ideals and principled leadership whose contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution remain indelible.

The governor noted that Pa Fasoranti, born in Akure a century ago, had distinguished himself as a teacher, school administrator, politician and advocate of good governance.

Abiodun recalled that the elder statesman served as Commissioner for Finance in old Ondo State during the administration of late former governor, Michael Adekunle Ajasin, between 1979 and 1983, while also contributing immensely to educational development through the establishment of schools, including Omolere Nursery School and Akure High School extensions.

According to the governor, Pa Fasoranti remained one of Nigeria’s foremost voices for democracy, federalism and restructuring, having played active roles in the nation’s pro-democracy struggles alongside nationalist leaders such as Obafemi Awolowo.

He said the Afenifere leader endured persecution and hardship during the military era but remained steadfast in his conviction that democratic governance represented the best path for Nigeria’s growth and unity.

Governor Abiodun described the nonagenarian as “a national treasure” whose counsel and moral authority continue to inspire leaders across generations.

“The Government and People of Ogun State celebrate Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti at 100 and pray that Almighty God grants him many more fruitful years in good health and peace,” the statement read.

Pa Fasoranti clocks 100 on Sunday, with prominent political leaders, traditional rulers and associates expected to attend celebrations in his honour.

Ogun celebrates Afenifere leader, Pa Fasoranti, at 100

The spokesperson for the eight contending Kano Central Senatorial District aspirants, Usman Bala, has said that their decision to withdraw in favour of former Kano State Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, was the result of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s intervention and the deep respect they have for him.

Usman Bala noted that all eight aspirants unanimously agreed to the governor’s peace initiative, describing it as a wise and timely intervention that helped unite all contending interests towards a common goal.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who successfully resolved the lingering dispute surrounding the Kano Central Senatorial ticket, said the development has paved the way for Shekarau to emerge as the consensus candidate.

The breakthrough followed a high-level reconciliation meeting convened by Governor Yusuf in Abuja, where all aspirants and major stakeholders agreed to close ranks in the interest of unity, progress, and the political future of Kano State.

Following the Governor’s intervention, eight aspirants voluntarily withdrew their ambitions and threw their weight behind Senator Shekarau as the consensus flagbearer for Kano Central under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kano Central, regarded as Nigeria’s largest senatorial district, comprises 15 local government areas with a population estimated at over 10 million people, making the consensus arrangement a major political milestone with far-reaching implications for the state and the nation’s democratic process.

Governor Yusuf commended the aspirants for placing the collective interest of the people above personal ambition. He described their decision as a bold demonstration of maturity, sacrifice, and commitment to strengthening democratic values.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue promoting dialogue, inclusion, and consensus-building as vital tools for political stability and sustainable development.

He expressed confidence that the new understanding reached by all parties would further consolidate unity and strengthen Kano’s political influence at the national level.

In his response, Shekarau lauded the governor’s efforts in facilitating lasting peace among the aspirants.

He also expressed profound appreciation to the contenders for agreeing to throw their support behind him and other APC candidates in the best interest of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

We stepped down for Shekarau after Gov Yusuf’s intervention – Kano Senate aspirants

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFund), Architect Sonny Echono, has disclosed that four of the six proposed multi-purpose zonal laboratories across Nigeria will be equipped and become operational before 2027.

Echono made this known in Abuja over the weekend while receiving the report of the Advisory Committee on the Equipping of TETFund Multipurpose Zonal Laboratories.

The committee is chaired by Chris Maiyaki, a former acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.

The committee was inaugurated on February 17, 2026, with the mandate to advise TETFund on the most effective equipment for the six central multi-purpose laboratories located across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

Speaking during the presentation, Echono stated that the establishment of the laboratories had been a long-standing national aspiration, dating back over a decade.

He explained that progress was delayed after the government at the time opted to establish new universities instead of the proposed regional research facilities.

According to him, recent developments in science, technology, and public health have reinforced the urgent need for world-class laboratories that can support Nigeria’s industrial transformation and research ecosystem.

He said the country was in dire need of these facilities as engines of growth to stimulate industrial transformation and research.

“The flagship of these efforts is these multi-purpose laboratories. They will wipe away our sense of shame and restore our national pride,” he added.

Echono explained that the projects were being implemented in phases due to funding constraints.
Kano is among the first batch of institutions and will be ready to receive equipment before August this year.

Three other laboratories are expected to reach completion stages by February next year, bringing the number of operational facilities to four before 2027.

He said TETFund decided to synchronise the procurement and installation of equipment with the completion of the buildings to avoid commissioning empty structures.

“We thought it wise rather than wait and commission empty buildings, it was good to synchronise also the equipment phase so we will start the equipment procurement and installation from Kano, which is ready to receive them,” he said.

Echono also revealed that members of the advisory committee would continue to participate in the implementation process by verifying that supplied equipment met approved specifications and quality standards.

He added that the Fund was prepared to send some committee members for pre-shipment inspection to ensure the right quality was delivered.

Earlier, Maiyaki said the committee reviewed key policy documents, including earlier reports on the proposed laboratories, and conducted verification visits to the six host institutions.

The institutions are Bayero University Kano, Yakubu Gowon University, University of Lagos, University of Maiduguri, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and University of Port Harcourt.

Maiyaki noted that construction levels differed significantly across the sites.

He explained that Bayero University Kano recorded the most progress at about 80 per cent completion, while the University of Maiduguri and University of Nigeria facilities remained at early construction stages.

He warned against installing sophisticated scientific equipment in incomplete structures, saying such assets could suffer irreversible damage.

“The committee believes strongly that the equipment procurement and installation must be synchronised with the readiness of the buildings,” he stated.

Maiyaki said the facilities would significantly improve research output, postgraduate studies, innovation, and technological development in the country.

He added that the committee had developed a comprehensive multidisciplinary equipment list covering physical sciences, engineering, life sciences, computing, information technology, and specialised laboratory systems.

Kano, Three Others To Get TETfund Mega Labs Before 2027 is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Premier League has explained why Calum Wilson’s late goal for West Ham against Arsenal, was ruled out by VAR.

The Gunners were heading to a 1-0 win, thanks to Leandro Trossard’s late goal, when Wilson forced the ball home.

Although the goal was awarded on the pitch, the referee was advised to review it on the on-field screen.

The goal was eventually ruled out and Arsenal went five points clear of Manchester City with two games left.

A short statement from the Premier League match centre via X, read: “#WHUARS, external – 90+5’ VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to West Ham United. Referee announcement: “After review, West Ham number 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision is direct free kick.”

Premier League releases statement on West Ham’s cancelled goal against Arsenal

Two men were killed and four others injured after three gunmen opened fire on people socialising outside a tavern in Langlaagte, west of Johannesburg, early Sunday morning in South Africa.

South Africa’s Gauteng provincial police spokesperson, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, said more than 40 people were gathered outside the tavern drinking when the armed suspects approached and opened fire without warning.

The attack occurred around 3 a.m. Two men died at the scene from gunshot wounds, while four others were taken to hospital for treatment. The suspects fled immediately after the shooting.

“The suspects are unknown at this stage, and the motive for the attack is yet to be determined,” Sibeko said.

Police are investigating two counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder.

Authorities urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the Crime Stop Line on 08600 10111 or submit information through the MySAPS App.

South Africa records one of the highest homicide rates globally, with more than 26,000 murders reported in 2024. Taverns have frequently been targeted in mass shootings across the country.

The incident adds to growing concerns over gun violence in parts of the country.

In a separate case, five people were shot in two incidents in the Elsies River area earlier in the week, including a 39-year-old woman who was killed after being caught in crossfire during a shootout involving two vehicles.

Gun Attack In South Africa Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured is first published on The Whistler Newspaper