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Political tensions in Osun State intensified on Wednesday as the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Imole Campaign Council exchanged accusations following separate incidents that claimed lives and left several people injured ahead of the governorship election.

The latest exchanges came after the death of an Accord Party member, Ajayi Aderogba, popularly known as Rogba, in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area, on Tuesday, and a separate road accident involving APC supporters travelling for a political rally in Ede on Wednesday.

A member of the House of Representatives and Director-General of the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council, Oluwole Oke, rejected allegations linking him and the APC to Aderogba’s killing during preparations for a political event supporting Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second-term bid.

The accusation was first made by the spokesperson for the Adeleke Campaign Organisation and Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who alleged that Oke had attempted to frustrate the political programme in Esa-Oke and was connected to the incident that led to Aderogba’s death.

Responding through his media aide, Tunde Omolebi-Sunday, Oke described the allegations as false, premature and unsupported by evidence, insisting that neither he nor the APC had any involvement in the killing.

“Such conclusions, made without any credible investigation or report from security agencies, are not only premature but deeply irresponsible. Oke and the APC had no connection whatsoever to the death and urged security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation,” the statement said.

The lawmaker also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and called on residents and political actors to allow investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, the Imole Campaign Council issued a separate statement mourning APC supporters involved in a truck accident on their way to a rally in Ede, describing the development as tragic and extending sympathies to the bereaved families and injured victims.

The council said it was “profoundly saddened” by reports that a truck allegedly suffered brake failure and rammed into a procession of APC supporters, resulting in one fatality and leaving several others receiving treatment in hospital.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of the departed and everyone touched by the loss. The council wishes those injured a speedy recovery and prays against a recurrence of such incidents,” it stated.

However, the council criticised the conduct of the APC campaign organisation after the accident, alleging that party leaders continued political activities despite the loss of lives.

It also referenced allegations previously made against Oke regarding the death of the Accord Party member in Esa-Oke.

APC, Adeleke campaign council clash over death, rally accident in Osun

The Kwara State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr Onifade Joshua, has said that the scheme’s temporary

The post Kwara safe for corps members — NYSC boss appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended Chief Mike Ozekhome from the rank of Senior Advocate of

The post JUST IN: LPPC suspends Mike Ozekhome from parading self as SAN appeared first on Tribune Online.

…Expands National Food Banks To Tackle Malnutrition

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has declared that no Nigerian child should go hungry during the unveiling of new measures under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to expand National Food Banks, nutrition support programmes and community interventions for vulnerable families across the country.

Speaking at the second-quarter meeting with wives of state governors at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, the First Lady said the initiative is aimed at tackling child malnutrition at the grassroots while providing support for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

She disclosed that following the inauguration of the National Food Bank Programme in Abuja on February 17, 2026, and its rollout in the North-East geopolitical zone in April, the initiative would be extended to other regions across the country.

In a statement by Senior Special Assistant Media to the First Lady, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs Tinubu urged governors’ wives to remain vigilant in identifying and supporting malnourished children in their states.

“Our children are not supposed to be going hungry. Whenever you see a malnourished child, ensure that the child receives proper care,” she said.

She further stated that the food banks are being strategically located close to primary healthcare centres to enable families access nutrition support alongside medical services.

She also explained that lactating mothers, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups would benefit from food items and nutritional supplements provided through the programme.

According to her, the initiative is receiving support from development partners and institutions, including the Bank of Agriculture, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Dangote Group and the National Population Commission.

The First Lady said the collaboration would help strengthen and sustain food banks across the states, while calling on governors’ wives to champion the establishment of more centres in their respective states.

“It is now left for the first ladies to take it upon themselves and make sure that the states have more food banks because our children are not supposed to be going hungry,” she said.

She further stated that the food bank project forms part of a broader social investment agenda under the Renewed Hope Initiative, which also covers education, scholarships, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability programmes.

She also stressed that the administration’s interventions are designed to create lasting benefits for future generations.

Mrs Tinubu also appealed for greater support and donations to the National Food Bank Drive, which is domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, she described her role and that of governors’ wives as supportive, noting that the Renewed Hope Initiative was established to complement government efforts and ensure that benefits reach communities across the country.

She acknowledged that some of the administration’s policies, including fuel subsidy removal, have been challenging but maintained that they were necessary to secure long-term economic gains.

The First Lady further urged young Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship and explore opportunities in small and medium-scale enterprises rather than relying solely on government jobs.

She also highlighted progress recorded in agriculture, empowerment and social investment programmes, while encouraging Nigerians to promote local culture, agricultural products and indigenous businesses.

According to her, the Renewed Hope Initiative has, within three years, impacted tens of thousands of beneficiaries nationwide through grants, empowerment schemes and other support programmes.

No Child Should Go Hungry, Says Remi Tinubu is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Vatican’s liturgy office, the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, on Tuesday, rejected a request by German Catholic bishops to allow laypeople to preach sermons during Mass.

Bishop Heiner Wilmer, president of the German Bishops’ Conference, was notified of the decision in a Vatican letter dated June 17, 2026.

The letter denied a request for special permission originally submitted by the German bishops on March 30.

According to an official press release from the Dicastery, the reservation of the homily to a priest or deacon is not a mere disciplinary norm but derives from the very nature of the liturgy.

The Vatican clarified that the homily forms an integral part of the Liturgy of the Word and is intrinsically linked to the proclamation of the Gospel.

It constitutes an exercise of the munus docendi (teaching office) which is sacramentally entrusted exclusively to ordained ministers through the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

The document further emphasized that the proclamation of the Word within a liturgical celebration is inseparable from the sacramental mission and unity that binds the Word and the Sacrament together during Mass.

Rather than altering this practice, the Dicastery stressed the importance of promoting the ongoing formation of ordained ministers to ensure homilies remain spiritually and pastorally effective.

While the request for lay homilies during Mass was denied, the Vatican recalled that the Church’s current discipline already provides numerous approved avenues for lay faithful to proclaim the Word and preach.

However, the press release noted that such lay preaching must remain strictly outside the homily and outside the main celebration of the Eucharist, in full accordance with existing canon law.

Vatican Rejects German Bishops’ Request For Lay Homilies is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), on Wednesday received his Certificate of Return as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 Benue State governorship election.

The certificate was presented at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, following his emergence as the party’s flagbearer for the poll.

Aondoakaa was accompanied by his running mate, Dr. Oyije Ochaekiti Ogbenjuwa, alongside top PDP leaders and stakeholders from Benue State.

Speaking shortly after receiving the certificate, the senior advocate thanked the leadership and members of the PDP for entrusting him with the party’s ticket.

He pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by working towards uniting the party and mobilizing support ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

“I will not take this mandate for granted. Together, we will build a stronger and more united PDP capable of reclaiming Benue State in 2027,” he said.

The event also saw the presentation of a Certificate of Return to former First Lady of Benue State, Dr. Eunice Ortom, who emerged as the PDP senatorial candidate for Benue North-West Senatorial District (Zone B).

Aondoakaa and Ortom were among several PDP candidates from across the country who received their certificates of return during the ceremony.

Ex-AGF Aondoakaa receives PDP certificate of Return for 2027 Benue governorship race

Foremost constitutional lawyer and human rights crusader, Professor Mike Ozekhome, has been relieved of the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.

Ozekhome, a professor of law, was suspended from the SAN rank by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) at its 173rd General Meeting.

A statement by the LPPC, signed by its Secretary, Mr. Kabiru Eniola Akanbi, explained that the action was taken against Ozekhome pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the SAN Rank and matters pertaining to the rank.

Akanbi, who also doubles as the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, further stated that the action is pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC.

According to the statement, the suspension of Ozekhome is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity and prestige of the SAN rank.

The LPPC has therefore barred Ozekhome from parading himself as, or otherwise holding himself out to be, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings.

According to the statement, “The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity and discipline within the legal profession and to ensuring that the rank of SAN continues to command public confidence and respect.”

BREAKING: LPPC suspends Mike Ozekhome’s SAN rank

Ekiti United is set to announce Jacob Vandi as their new head coach ahead of the 2026-27 Nigeria National League, NNL, season.

Vandi has been identified as a replacement for Idris Bolarinwa, who recently left the club.

Bolarinwa left the club after guiding Ekiti United to third position in the NNL Conference B last season.

The club is expected to unveil Vandi in the coming days as they prepare for the new campaign.

Bolarinwa’s exit came as a surprise to supporters of the club after he led the team to one of its position in the table in recent years.

The new coach will be tasked with building on last season’s performance as Ekiti United target promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

NNL: Ekiti United set to name Vandi new head coach 

Clinton Jephta has completed a permanent transfer to Finnish side FC Inter Turku after a successful loan spell at the club.

Jephta joined the Veikkausliiga club from Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, side Niger Tornadoes.

The former Flying Eagles winger signed a contract until 2028.

Jephta registered two goals with four assists during his loan spell with Inter Turku.

The move marks Jephta’s first full transfer to Europe as he continues his development in Finland’s top-flight.

Jephta a member of the Flying Eagles squad to the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

Transfer: Jephta joins Finnish club FC Inter Turku on permanent deal after successful loan spell

The maiden edition of the 2026 South-East Amateur Boxing Championship was officially declared open in Abia State amid renewed calls for the revival of boxing across the South-East region and a strong commitment to grassroots sports development.

The championship, which attracted athletes, coaches, officials, and sports stakeholders from the five South-East states, was described as a landmark initiative aimed at discovering new talents, restoring the region’s boxing heritage, and creating opportunities for young athletes to excel at national and international levels.

Declaring the championship open, the Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwobilor Ananaba, hailed the tournament as a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to develop grassroots sports and empower young people through athletics.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome everyone to the maiden edition of the South-East Amateur Boxing Championship taking place here in Abia State,” Ananaba said.

“This championship marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to develop grassroots sports and provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents.”

The Commissioner commended the Abia State Boxing Association and South-East boxing stakeholders for their commitment to the growth of the sport, noting that their dedication made the championship a reality.

He also expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Chioma Otti for his unwavering support of sports development in the state.

“His administration has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to grassroots sports development, talent discovery, athlete empowerment, and the provision of opportunities for young people to excel,” he said.

According to Ananaba, sports remain a powerful instrument for youth engagement, social inclusion, economic empowerment, and regional integration.

“This championship is another testament to the Governor’s belief that sports remain a powerful tool for youth engagement, social inclusion, economic empowerment, and regional unity,” he stated.

Addressing the participating athletes, the Commissioner urged them to compete with discipline and respect for the rules of the sport.

“As you step into the ring, remember that true sportsmanship is not only about winning but also about discipline, respect, courage, and fair play.

“Compete with determination, uphold the rules of the game, and make your states, coaches, and families proud,” he said

He further encouraged participants to use the championship as an avenue for learning, self-improvement, and building friendships across the region.

The Commissioner officially declared the championship open, wishing all athletes a successful, injury-free, and rewarding competition.

In his remarks, the South-East Representative on the Board of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Mr. Nnamdi Oji, represented by sports consultant Mr. Paul Ngadiuba, lamented the decline of boxing in the South-East and expressed optimism that the championship would mark the beginning of a new era for the sport.

“Originally, boxing has not fared well with us for some years now, unlike in the days of late Obisia Nwankpa, Ngozika and Ekwelu,” he said.

“Surprisingly, they have all fizzled out, and Abia State is taking up the responsibility to reignite and rejuvenate sports, especially boxing, in the South-East and beyond.”

Ngadiuba disclosed that the absence of South-East athletes at recent national boxing trials was one of the factors that inspired efforts to revive the sport in the region.

“It beats my imagination that at the last National Boxing Trials, no single South-Easterner was present in Lagos with the Nigeria Boxing Federation. I felt bad and I was touched,” he said.

He expressed confidence that future national and international competitions would witness stronger South-East representation.

“I believe that by the next event, whether it is the Commonwealth Games, the Olympics or the National Sports Festival, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra will be ably represented through what we are doing here.”

Ngadiuba appealed to participants to embrace unity and sportsmanship throughout the championship.

“What we are doing here is bringing boxing back to life. No fighting outside the ring, no rancour. Feel free, be kind and be nice to one another.”

Also speaking at the event, the South-East Zonal Sports Representative of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mr. Bernard Ezeama, commended Abia State for its consistency in hosting sporting events and investing in youth development.

“I’m really delighted with the way this sporting event is going on in Abia State and the response from the participating states,” Ezeama said.

He emphasized that boxing is a sport built on discipline and self-control.

“Boxing is a sport that is very exciting, but it requires discipline and self-control. That is the first thing every amateur boxer should understand.”

The NSC official described the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development as one of the most vibrant ministries in the state.

“I can say that this is one of the most vibrant ministries in Abia State because everybody is seeing the impact of what is going on.”

Ezeama also highlighted the state’s commitment to grassroots sports development and assured organizers of continued support from national sports authorities.

“Abia State is structured and backed up with a lot of things that will enhance grassroots sports development. At the national level, we will continue to encourage and support such initiatives.”

He described Abia as the centre of sporting excellence in the South-East and predicted that the championship would serve as a platform for discovering future champions.

“We are going to discover talents here today for further grooming, and we will not hesitate to support those talents.”

Recalling the state’s rich boxing heritage, Ezeama noted that Abia had produced some of Nigeria’s finest boxers, including the legendary Obisia Nwankpa.

“Abia inherited boxing excellence, and I believe this championship is taking it to a higher level,” he said.

Earlier, the Director of Sports in Abia State, *
Mr. Obioma George, described the championship as a crucial step towards restoring the glory of boxing in the South-East.

“Today, Abia is hosting the South-East Boxing Championship, one of the sports that is very important to the state and which we are determined to develop,” George said.

He paid tribute to boxing icon Obisia Nwankpa and praised Governor Alex Otti for directing a holistic approach to sports development.

“Our Governor directed that we should pursue the holistic development of sports, and gradually we are getting it right. Today, it is the turn of boxing.”

George expressed optimism that the championship would help reposition boxing in the region.

“I know that through today’s championship, boxers in the South-East will go back to basics and boxing in the region will get it right from now on,” he said.

Describing the tournament as a unique opportunity for young athletes, he stressed the importance of talent identification and development.

“Opportunity, they say, comes but once. Through this championship, talents will be identified, groomed and given the opportunity to go places,” he added.

He noted that successful athletes would not only achieve personal success but also contribute positively to society.

“Through boxing, they will fend for themselves, support their families and become responsible members of society,” he said.

George concluded by encouraging coaches and athletes to seize the moment and work towards a brighter future for boxing in the region.

THE WHISTLER also reports that the championship represents a major step in the effort to revive amateur boxing across the South-East, a region that once produced some of Nigeria’s most celebrated pugilists.

Stakeholders expressed confidence that the competition would serve as a foundation for talent discovery, athlete development, and increased regional participation in national and international tournaments.

With strong backing from the Abia State Government and growing collaboration among sports administrators across the South-East, the maiden championship is widely seen as the beginning of a new chapter in the resurgence of boxing in the region.

Abia Hosts Maiden South-East Amateur Boxing Championships is first published on The Whistler Newspaper