The Ogun State Government has announced plans to relocate the illegal motor park and eradicate street trading at the Sango Tollgate, the border point between Ogun and Lagos States, as part of measures to curb the incessant road accidents recorded in the area.
Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya, made this known during an inspection visit to the Sango Tollgate alongside officials of the Ministry of Environment, the Ogun State Waste Management Authority, OGWAMA, and the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, added that the relocation and enforcement exercise is expected to commence in the coming days.
Dr Oresanya said the visit was aimed at finding a lasting solution to the frequent accidents occurring around the busy border corridor, saying Governor Dapo Abiodun had directed the ministry to investigate the situation and recommend measures to prevent further loss of lives.
The Commissioner noted that after reviewing the situation with relevant government officials and stakeholders, the state government resolved to relocate the illegal motor park and remove street traders who had operated in the area for about twenty-five years.
Dr Oresanya explained that the affected operators would be relocated to recognised, better-organised locations away from the tollgate axis.
The commissioner added that to prevent interstate buses and traders from returning to the area, the state government in collaboration with the local government would construct barricades on both sides of the tollgate, added that the Ogun State Waste Management Authority would carry out a comprehensive clean-up of the area.
Popular comedian, skit maker and social media influencer, Samuel Perry, popularly known as Broda Shaggy, has been hospitalised after he was allegedly shot in the Sango-Ota area of Ogun State.
The Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the development, noting that the police had been alerted by the hospital.
It was gathered that the incident occurred under the Sango-Ota bridge.
Although the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, a police source who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the matter said the content creator sustained the gunshot injury while filming a comedy skit at the location.
According to newsmen, Broda Shaggy was immediately rushed to the Hospital in the Alakuko area of Lagos State, where he received initial treatment.
“He was shooting a skit under the Sango-Ota Bridge when he sustained a gunshot injury. We don’t have details on how it happened yet, but his crew members who were present quickly rushed him to the hospital,” the source said.
The source added that medical personnel at the hospital administered first aid upon his arrival.
However, journalist revealed that he was later referred to another Hospital in the Government Residential Area, Ikeja, where he is currently recuperating.
Efforts by our correspondent to reach both hospitals were unsuccessful, as calls made to the contact numbers listed on their social media pages did not connect. A text message sent to them had yet to be replied to as of the time of filing this report.
“The hospital contacted the police to report that a gunshot victim had been brought to their facility. Detectives and a patrol team were immediately mobilised to the hospital, where they discovered that the victim was a skit maker and social media influencer popularly known as Broda Shaggy.
“He was seen on a stretcher with an injury to his thigh. The location of the incident is in Sango-Ota and not within our jurisdiction, but the investigation is ongoing,” she said.
When contacted for further clarification, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the incident had not been reported to the police in the state.
“The incident was alleged to have occurred in Ogun State, but it was not reported,” he said.
Broda Shaggy’s manager, Olufemi Oguntamu, also known as Penzaar, did not respond to calls made to his phone. A text message sent to him had yet to be replied to as of the time of filing this report.
Recalled, in October 2024, a popular content creator, Afeez Ojesanmi, popularly known as Salo, was reportedly robbed of his jewellery and shot around the Lekki axis of Lagos State.
US central command ( Centcom) says four of six crew aboard a US military refuelling aircraft have died after it crashed in western Iraq.
Rescue efforts continue after the loss of the KC-135, it said, having earlier said neither hostile nor friendly fire were involved in the downing of the aircraft.
The tanker had been involved in ongoing US operations against Iran, and was one of two aircraft involved in the incident. The second landed safely.
The Boeing-manufactured aircraft are capable of refuelling planes midair and typically play a major role in US military operations. They were used extensively in the first Gulf War to extend the range of fighter jets and bombers.
Centcom said the incident occurred around 14:00 ET (19:00 GMT) on Thursday and that the circumstances of the crash were now under investigation.
It added that the identities of the personnel who had been killed were being withheld for 24 hours so their next of kin could be notified.
The KC-135 usually has a crew of at least a pilot, a co-pilot and a boom operator responsible for controlling the refuelling arm of the aircraft.
Centcom earlier described the crash as happening over friendly airspace – but this is a region of Iraq where pro-Iranian militias operate. Iran’s military claimed on state TV that an allied group had targeted the plane with a missile.
Since the outbreak of the US-Israel war with Iran, seven US soldiers have been confirmed as having been killed in the conflict.
The US military has now lost at least four aircraft during the current war.
Earlier this month, three F-15s were shot down in “an apparent friendly fire incident” over Kuwait, officials said. All six crew members were able to safely eject.
Boeing manufactured the KC-135 Stratotanker for the US military in the 1950s and early 1960s.
It has been a backbone to the US military’s air refuelling fleet, and allow combat aircraft to carry out longer missions without needing to land.
A – 40- year old woman, Mutiat Olateju has appealed to the Ogun State Government and well meaning Nigerians for support after giving birth to a set of quadruplets at the Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta.
Olateju made the appeal while speaking with journalists at the hospital, after she delivered the babies through surgery at the tertiary health facility.
The mother, who already had five children said the development came as a surprise to the family as earlier medical scans did not indicate she was carrying four babies, explained that the first scan showed one baby while a later scan suggested she was expecting twins.
The new mother appealed for assistance, saying caring for the newborns alongside her other children would be a daunting task, therefore called on the Ogun State Government and well-meaning Nigerians to support the family in raising the babies.
Her husband, Oluwaseun Olateju, who hails from Atan in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, also appealed for support, noting that the responsibility of raising nine children would place a heavy financial burden on the family.
Meanwhile, a Consultant Gynaecologist at the hospital, Dr Taofeek Ogunfunmilayo, said the babies were delivered at 32 weeks and are receiving care at the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit.
He added that the mother is stable while the premature babies are under close monitoring, with two in relatively stable condition and the other two requiring intensive medical attention.
The theatre community of the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, thrilled audiences with a compelling stage performance titled “Ajọṣe,” a play that highlights the importance of togetherness, empathy, and mutual understanding.
The stage performance titled “Ajose,” packaged by a non-governmental, NGO in partnership with the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, told the story of family, rape, unsafe abortion, denied access to quality healthcare, and the communication gap between parents and children, featuring a talented cast.
Speaking at the end of the performance, Head of Department Dr. Adéníyì Oluwadamilare described “Ajọṣe” as a collective effort aimed at finding solutions to social challenges and encouraging students to speak up about issues affecting them.
He urged parents to monitor their children and ensure that their use of social media and the internet adds value to their academic performance.
Also speaking, the co-ordinator of NGO, Mr Dámilolá shodiya noted that the essence of the programme was to help find solutions to problems without condemnation or judging people, to prevent unsafe abortion depression and suicidal action.
He advised the students to utilize the message of the performance in all their endeavours, spread the message to other students on campus, and urged people to always support one another.
Speaking on the lessons learnt from the play, some of the students, Mr Faruq Elebiju and Olokojobi Odunayo, stressed the need for people, especially youths, to always speak out whenever they are in trouble.
They also advised parents to stay close to their children to prevent them from being misled by strangers.
Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a resolution on the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development Regulations and Building and Construction Code, 2025.
The passage of the resolution followed the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Lands and Housing by the Committee Chairman, Mr Damilola Soneye, recommending the approval of the Ogun State Building and Construction Code, 2025 alongside amendments to related regulations including the Building Production Management Regulation, Planning and Development Permit Regulations, Slum Regeneration Regulation, Outdoor Physical Furniture Regulations and Layout and Land Subdivision Regulation.
The motion for the adoption of the committee’s report was moved by Mr Damilola Soneye seconded by Mr Samisudeen Lawal, while Mr Ademola Adeniran later moved the motion converting the report into a resolution of the House.
Meanwhile, the State House of Assembly has invited the political head alongside the Management Staff of the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB to a meeting at noon, 13th March, 2026, following the presentation of the Minority Leader, Mr Lukman Adeleye, who reported that some primary school teachers in his Odogbolu State constituency were yet to receive their December, 2025 salary.
No fewer than nine senators from different political parties formally announced their defection to the African Democratic Congress on Thursday, further reshaping the political configuration of the Senate.
Those who declared for the party include the lawmaker representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal; his Abia South counterpart, Enyinnaya Abaribe; Binos Yaroe (Adamawa South); Victor Umeh (Anambra Central); Tony Nwoye (Anambra North); Lawal Usman (Kaduna Central); Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South); Austin Akobundu (Abia Central); and Ireti Kingibe (Federal Capital Territory).
Their letters of defection were read on the floor of the Senate during Thursday’s plenary by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
In his letter, Nwoye attributed his decision to internal crises within the Labour Party.
“I wish to tender my resignation amid the ongoing multiple litigations within the Labour Party, which have significantly affected the cohesion and stability of the party.
“Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest esteem and regards,” Nwoye’s defection read.
Reacting after reading the letters, Akpabio welcomed the lawmakers to their new political platform but dismissed suggestions that the ruling All Progressives Congress was responsible for the wave of defections.
He said, “Deputy Senate President and Leader of the Senate, I hope you noticed that I have read (defections) from three different political parties now. So, you cannot accuse the ruling party of tampering with its leadership. Here, we have APGA, Labour, SDP, and all of them.
“So, all of them have a problem. They’ve not been able to put their parties together. So, the APC cannot be blamed for this.
“They are all out to ensure that we have what you call a minority status in this chamber, and I am very proud of them.”
The latest defections further underscore the continuing political realignments in the 10th Senate, where lawmakers have repeatedly switched party allegiances amid internal disputes within several opposition parties.
As of Thursday, the APC retains a dominant majority with 87 senators, while the Peoples Democratic Party has dwindled to seven members.
The ADC, boosted by the latest defections, now has seven senators in the chamber.
Other minority parties include the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), each of which has one senator, bringing the total membership of the Senate to 106.
The World Health Organisation has raised a fresh alarm over the humanitarian toll of the ongoing military offensive by the United States and Israel against Iran, revealing that over 1,800 people have been killed and 12,500 others injured in less than two weeks.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a statement shared on his X handle on Wednesday, warned that health systems across the Middle East are under “immense strain” and on the verge of total collapse.
The conflict, which escalated sharply on February 28 following a massive joint US-Israeli strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials, has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.
According to the WHO chief, the reported toll from the conflict shows that Iran has suffered more than 1,300 deaths and about 9,000 injuries, Lebanon has recorded at least 570 deaths and around 1,400 injuries, and Israel has seen 15 deaths and approximately 2,142 injuries.
The displacement crisis is equally dire, with over 100,000 Iranians and up to 700,000 Lebanese citizens forced to flee their homes. Many are now living in deteriorating conditions with limited access to clean water and sanitation, raising fears of a massive disease outbreak among women and children.
Tedros noted that healthcare infrastructure is increasingly becoming a target in the theatre of war.
Since the start of the offensive, the WHO has documented 25 attacks on health facilities in Lebanon, 18 attacks in Iran, and two attacks in Israel.
“These attacks not only claim lives but also deprive communities of critical care when they need it most,” the WHO chief stressed, calling on all parties to respect international law and protect civilians.
The war began after the White House justified its strikes on major Iranian cities, including Tehran, by citing missile and nuclear threats.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has since launched retaliatory strikes targeting Israeli sites and US military bases in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Despite the White House’s claims of a “precision” operation, the WHO reports suggest indiscriminate impact on the region’s most vulnerable populations.
“The urgency for action is critical to prevent the collapse of already fragile health systems,” Tedros warned, as he called for unimpeded humanitarian access and immediate de-escalation.
Britain will impose airspace restrictions and deploy armed police officers in Windsor next week as President Bola Tinubu arrives for a state visit hosted by King Charles III.
President Tinubu is expected to begin the visit in the company of his wife Oluremi Tinubu on Wednesday, March 18, with a reception at Windsor Castle.
Thames Valley Police in a statement on its website on Wednesday, said it is working with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other security partners.
The force said airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle, which are in place permanently throughout the year, would be extended on Wednesday, March 18, to cover the period from 7am to 11.59pm.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said the air restrictions formed part of a broader security operation for the visit.
“The air restrictions are just one part of our robust security operation for the state visit of Nigerian President Tinubu next week, with many measures you will see and others you will not..
“As a force, we have a vast amount of experience in policing Royal events in Windsor and significant planning, and preparation has gone into this event,” Hall said.
He said the force would take a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions, warning that any breach would constitute a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could lead to arrest.
“We will be taking a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions; anyone who breaches them will be committing a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could be arrested.”
The police chief said officers with specialist capabilities, including search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing, and armed units, would be deployed across Windsor, alongside neighbourhood policing and Project Servator resources.
“We will also be deploying numerous police officers to Windsor with specialist capabilities, including our search teams, Mounted Section, Roads Policing and armed units, while our neighbourhood and Project Servator resources will also be on the ground engaging with the public,” he said.
The authorities will also deploy an extensive closed-circuit television network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and other undisclosed security measures for the event.
Hall said, “We will also be using the extensive CCTV network in Windsor, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation barriers, and many other security measures that you may not be able to see to make sure the event runs safely.”
He urged members of the public to support the security operation by remaining vigilant.
“The public plays a critical role to support us so we encourage them to report any suspicious activity or anything that does not seem quite right by calling 101 or speaking to one of our officers. If there is an immediate threat or emergency, then call 999,” Hall added.
Road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from Tuesday, March 17, with possible temporary disruption to roads in and around Windsor during the visit.
Thames Valley Police said it was being supported by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the flight restrictions. Persons with legitimate reasons for drone flying were directed to email [email protected].
A renowned businessman in Osun State, Chief Yusuf Amuda Lawal, also known as Obelawo, has died.
In a statement by the Head of the Lawal Obelawo family, Mrs Bolanle Obelawo-Adedimeji described him as a prominent figure known for his leadership, integrity and commitment to service to humanity.
The statement described him as a distinguished personality whose impact was felt not only within his family and community but also across Nigeria and parts of West Africa.
Late Chief Obelawo was born on May 20, 1930, in Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria.
The Ejigbo-born businessman, was based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where he was the country’s construction giant.
Some commercial mini-bus drivers in Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday, staged a protest over the recent hike in petroleum prices.
The drivers, who converged on the Olaiya Flyover, Osogbo, prevented other mini-bus drivers from conveying passengers during the protest.
Radio Nigeria reports that the protest, which occurred between 8 and 10 o’clock in the morning, caused gridlock at Olaiya, Oja Oba and Ota Efun areas of the State.
One of the drivers, Mr Ajayi Fatai, said all their earnings were being spent on fuel.
Mr Fatai said the protest was to raise awareness on the need to review transport fares and for commuters to bear with them.
Another protesting driver, Mr Mufutau Ajani, said the government’s daily ticket charges were also an issue affecting their operation, therefore, introducing a new transport fare was the only way to cushion the effects of the fuel price increase on their business.
Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Sesan Oyedele said that a meeting would be held with the representatives of the drivers and the union to find a lasting solution to the issue.
The Committee of Management, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station, has paid a courtesy visit to the Federal Road Safety Corps, Oyo State Sector Command, with a view to strengthening collaboration on effective road safety campaigns.
The Zonal Director of the corporation, Mr Olufemi Fulani, who led other members of the management team, said the visit would chart a new course for institutional synergy between the two federal organizations.
Mr. Fulani noted that Radio Nigeria, widely regarded as the cradle of Nigerian broadcasting, remains a powerful platform for driving social change in the country.
He stated that the activities and road safety campaigns deserve wider publicity that would reach more people across the state.
According to Mr. Fulani, the corporation was ready to collaborate closely with the FRSC by providing adequate platforms to educate motorists and the general public on the importance of road safety.
Responding, the Oyo State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mrs Rosemary Alo, while congratulating Mr Fulani on his appointment, acknowledged the important role of the media in promoting traffic management and road safety awareness.
Mrs. Alo assured the management of Radio Nigeria of the command’s support, promising that the station would be actively involved in its sensitization and public enlightenment activities.
She, however, warned motorists against patronizing middlemen in obtaining a driver’s licence, adding that they should process their documents only through designated FRSC offices or the official FRSC portal to avoid obtaining fake documents.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has adjourned indefinitely the case involving the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over its elective national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, which produced Dr Kabiru Turaki as the substantive National Chairman of the party.
The court also granted the parties leave to resolve the dispute amicably outside the courtroom.
Presiding over the sitting, a three-member panel led by Justice Biobele Georgewill stated that if the parties fail to reach a settlement, they are free to return to the court for further proceedings.
During the sitting, the justices advised counsel to properly guide their clients in order to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
The court also urged the lawyers to be mindful of time, particularly in view of the recently released electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Meanwhile, all counsel in their various submissions aligned with the position of the court on the matter.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja had recently invalidated the PDP elective convention held in Ibadan, which produced Kabiru Turaki, SAN, as the party’s National Chairman.
Also, Justice Ladiran Akintola of an Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan had validated the party’s convention held in Ibadan.
The Oyo State Police Command has ordered a thorough investigation into allegations of unprofessional conduct by operatives attached to the Jobele Police Division in Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State.
A statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, says the directive was issued by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Femi Haruna, following a protest that disrupted movement along the Ibadan–Oyo Expressway on Tuesday.
The statement explains that the Assistant Superintendent of Police who led the patrol team and the Divisional Police Officer of the station have been issued queries, while an Inspector linked to the incident has been detained pending the outcome of the investigation.
Some residents had on Tuesday staged a protest at the Jobele axis of the highway, blocking both human and vehicular movement to express anger over rising cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
The protesters alleged that suspected kidnappers recently invaded a community in Jobele and attempted to abduct a woman, who escaped by scaling a fence but sustained a deep machete cut on her hand during the attack.
Radio Nigeria gathered that the community has recorded several kidnapping incidents in recent times.
Residents also claimed they apprehended a suspect allegedly found with a gun and other dangerous weapons and handed him over to the police, but later discovered that the suspect had been released almost immediately, a development that triggered the protest.
Four student leaders in Ogun State have been remanded at the Oba Correctional Centre, Abeokuta, over alleged assault, harassment and destruction of property valued at millions of naira.
The defendants, Hezakiah Adelola, General Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Chapter, Kamil Iseoluwa, Ibikunle Idris and Folorusho Jacob Olugbenga, were arraigned before an Isabo Magistrate Court on a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, assault, harassment and destruction of property.
According to court documents, the defendants allegedly assaulted and harassed Kehinde Tejuosho and Lekan Olubodun on different occasions, while also damaging their properties.
The four defendants however pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Presiding Magistrate, M.K. Araba granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of one million naira with conditions, and ordered that they be remanded at the Oba Correctional Centre pending the perfection of their bail terms.
The case was adjourned till April 13, 2026 for further hearing.
Oyo State Governor, Mr ‘Seyi Makinde has sworn-in newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the state’s Civil/Public Service, charging them to demonstrate loyalty and commitment to the state and to discharge their duties effectively.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Secretariat, Ibadan, Governor Makinde charged the seventeen new Permanent Secretaries, to run their offices with probity and transparency.
He noted that their appointment followed due process, where competence and merit, rather than undue interference, took centre stage.
The new Permanent Secretaries include eight for the mainstream; four from the Education sector, comprising an Inspector-General of Education and three Tutors-General; three from the local government sector; one from the House of Assembly Service Commission and the Auditor-General for the state.
The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence has announced that RFA Lyme Bay is being prepared for possible deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean.
In a statement, an MOD spokesperson said: “As part of prudent planning, we have taken the decision to bring RFA Lyme Bay to heightened readiness as a precaution, should she be needed to assist in maritime tasks in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
RFA Lyme Bay, currently in Gibraltar, is a landing ship equipped with medical facilities.
The UK is also deploying the warship HMS Dragon to the region.
Defence Secretary John Healey said on Monday that HMS Dragon would depart Portsmouth in the coming days.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sympathy to the family, associates, and admirers of renowned football administrator and former Super Eagles head coach, Chief Festus Onigbinde, following his passing.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended condolences to the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, professional colleagues, and football fans nationwide.
He commended the Modakeke High Chief for his immense contributions to grassroots football development and the strengthening of football administration in Nigeria.
The President also acknowledged Chief Onigbinde’s historic leadership, which saw Nigeria reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984 and later guided the Super Eagles to the FIFA World Cup in 2002, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan.
Similarly, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, Mr Philips Shuaibu, described Chief Onigbinde as a symbol of discipline, insight, and football intelligence.
Reacting to his death, Mr Shuaibu noted that the late coach left a lasting legacy in Nigerian sports.
Chief Festus Onigbinde, the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles, passed away on Monday at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State, following a brief illness.
Among his notable achievements, he led Nigeria to a silver medal at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team narrowly lost to Cameroon in the final, and became the first Nigerian coach to guide the team to the FIFA World Cup.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Iran that violations of Turkish airspace “cannot be justified,” adding that attacks on countries in the region help no one.
In a phone call with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, Mr Erdogan said Turkey is seeking diplomatic avenues to help bring the ongoing war to an end.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, President Erdogan stated: “Despite our sincere warnings, extremely wrong and provocative steps continue to be taken that will jeopardise Turkey’s friendship.”
The comments follow Nato air defences intercepting a second Iranian ballistic missile that entered Turkish airspace on Monday.
Turkey, which maintains Nato’s second-largest army, shares a long and historically stable border with Iran, stretching over 500 years.
No other Nato member has the same level of engagement with the remnants of the Iranian regime.
Analysts note that President Erdogan is positioning Turkey as a mediator in regional conflicts, as he has previously done in Ukraine, Gaza, and other theatres.
The Oyo State Government has urged farmers in the state to closely monitor weather forecasts and climate information to ensure a productive farming season.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, made the call during the flag-off of the 2026 Farming Season, the public presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction Programme, and the launch of the 50 per cent Tractorisation Subsidy under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) Programme at the Local Government Service Commission Auditorium, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Mr Olaleye said the seasonal climate prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) provides crucial information on rainfall patterns, the onset and cessation of the rainy season, dry spells and temperature variations.
According to him, parts of Oyo State are expected to experience varying dry spell conditions during the 2026 farming season, stressing the need for farmers to follow weather advisories and agricultural extension guidance to minimise climate-related risks.
“Today’s sensitisation on weather forecasting formally marks the commencement of another agricultural planting season calendar Our primary objective is to equip our farmers with essential knowledge regarding weather predictions that will significantly influence agricultural production throughout the state, thereby ensuring they are well-prepared for a productive and successful planting season”
“Complementing this effort, I am pleased to formally flag off the 50% Tractorisation Subsidy Programme under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative, and to share with you the progress, impact, and future direction of this transformative programme.”
The commissioner described agriculture as the backbone of the Oyo State economy, noting that it employs thousands of smallholder farmers and contributes significantly to food supply and rural livelihoods.
“However, land preparation has traditionally been labour intensive, time-consuming, and costly-limiting productivity, reducing farm sizes, and constraining food output. To address these challenges, the Government of Oyo State introduced the 50% Tractorisation Subsidy Programme, under which the State Government subsidises 50% of the cost of land ploughing, making mechanised farming more accessible, affordable, and efficient for our farmers.”
“The objectives of this programme are clear: to reduce the cost of land preparation for farmers; to promote mechanised farming for increased productivity and higher yields; to improve the income of smallholder farmers; and to encourage the adoption of modern agricultural practices through strengthened extension of support services.”
Also speaking, the Oyo State Contact Person of NiMet, Mr Emmanuel Udoh, warned farmers against being misled by early rainfall, saying the first rain of the year does not necessarily mark the beginning of the planting season.
Mr Udoh advised farmers to wait until soil moisture reaches about 50 per cent before planting.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Abosede Owoeye, expressed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with NiMet and other relevant agencies to ensure that climate information reaches grassroots farmers in a clear, timely and actionable format.
Festus Onigbinde was one of the most influential figures in the development of modern football in Nigeria and a respected technical authority in African football.
Renowned as a tactician, educator and sports administrator, his career spanned several decades, during which he contributed significantly to the growth of football in Nigeria and across the continent.
International Soccer – Friendly – Paraguay vs Nigeria, March 26, 2002 Adegboye Onigbinde, Nigeria Coach (Photo by Adam Davy/EMPICS via Getty Images)
Born in 1937, Onigbinde began his involvement in football as a player before transitioning into coaching, where he built a reputation for discipline, tactical organisation and emphasis on youth development.
His coaching career was closely associated with Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most successful football teams.
Under his leadership, the club became a dominant force in Nigerian football and earned continental recognition, helping to elevate the profile of club football in the country.
Onigbinde’s most historic contribution came when he became the first indigenous Nigerian to coach the national team, Nigeria national football team, serving between 1983 and 1984 at a time when foreign coaches largely dominated the role.
His appointment marked a turning point for local coaching development in Nigeria.
Nearly two decades later, he returned to the national team and led Nigeria to qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan, marking his second tenure as Super Eagles coach.
Though the team did not progress beyond the group stage, his tenure emphasised discipline, technical organisation and the promotion of domestic players.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Portrait of Nigerian national soccer team coach Festus Adeboye Onigbinde, taken 26 March 2002 at Loftus Road stadium in London before the start of the friendly soccer match against Paraguay ahead of the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan. (Odd Andersen/AFP via Getty Images)
Beyond the touchline, Onigbinde played a significant role in football governance and technical development at continental and global levels.
He served as a Technical Instructor and Coaching Educator for the Confederation of African Football (CAF), where he was involved in training and mentoring football coaches across Africa.
He was also appointed as a member of the Technical Study Group of FIFA, a body responsible for analysing matches and providing technical insights during major international tournaments.
In addition, he served as a CAF Technical Committee member, contributing to policy discussions and development strategies for football on the continent.
Within Nigeria, Onigbinde also played advisory roles in sports administration and was widely respected as a football scholar who advocated structured planning, technical education for coaches and stronger grassroots development.
Outside football administration, he remained active in community leadership and traditional institutions as a High Chief of Modakeke in Osun State, combining his influence in sports with community service and youth development.
Throughout his lifetime, Festus Onigbinde remained a strong advocate for professionalism, discipline and indigenous expertise in football management.
His legacy endures as one of the pioneers who helped lay the technical and administrative foundations of Nigerian football and contributed to the broader development of the game in Africa.
Career Dateline: Major Achievements of Festus Onigbinde
1937 – Born in Nigeria; later rose to become one of the country’s most influential football tacticians and administrators.
1970s – Began building his reputation in Nigerian club football as a coach and technical strategist, particularly with Shooting Stars Sports Club, helping the club establish itself as a dominant force in Nigerian football.
1983–1984 – Appointed first indigenous coach of the Nigeria national football team, breaking the long-standing reliance on expatriate coaches and marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s football history.
1980s–1990s – Served in various technical and advisory capacities in Nigerian football, mentoring coaches and advocating for the development of structured grassroots programmes and local technical expertise.
1990s – Became a Technical Instructor for the Confederation of African Football (CAF), training and mentoring football coaches across Africa and contributing to coaching education programmes on the continent.
1990s – Appointed member of the Technical Committee of Confederation of African Football, contributing to policy discussions and technical development strategies for African football.
Late 1990s–2000s – Served as a member of the Technical Study Group of FIFA, where he participated in the technical analysis of international tournaments and helped shape coaching insights and tactical studies used globally.
2001–2002 – Reappointed coach of the Nigeria national football team and successfully guided Nigeria to qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan.
2000s – Continued to serve as a respected football educator, technical analyst, and sports administrator, advocating professionalism, long-term planning and grassroots football development in Nigeria.
Later Years – Recognised as a High Chief of Modakeke, Osun State, combining traditional leadership with youth and sports development advocacy.
Legacy
Festus Onigbinde is remembered as:
Nigeria’s first indigenous Super Eagles coach
A CAF coaching instructor and football educator
A member of FIFA’s Technical Study Group
A mentor to generations of African coaches
One of the pioneers of indigenous football management in Nigeria
His contributions helped establish the credibility of Nigerian coaches and strengthened technical development within African football.
Former Super Eagles coach, Festus Onigbinde, is dead.
A statement signed by a family member, Mrs Bolade Adesuyi, announced the passing of the widely respected football tactician.
According to the statement, Onigbinde died at the age of 88 after a brief illness at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State.
The family described the late coach, who also managed Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, as an outstanding football administrator who made remarkable contributions to the development of football and community growth.
The statement read in part: “We announce the passing of this great man, a Modakeke high chief, the 1st indigenous Nigerian Super Eagles football coach, father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed unto the great beyond a couple of minutes ago.”
Festus Onigbinde was Nigeria’s first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles, having handled the national team between 1983 and 1984.
Association of Women Town Planners, Oyo State Chapter, has sought collaboration with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station to educate the public on the procedure of lands and property acquisition as well as planning.
The indication emerged when executive members of the association, paid a courtesy call on the Zonal Director of FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station, Mr Olufemi Fulani.
Led by the Chairperson of the Association, Mrs Ibiyinka Oladiran explained that collaborating with the station would enable the body to achieve its objectives.
Mrs Oladiran congratulated the new Zonal Director, FRCN,lbadan, on his appointment saying the association believed in the power of Radio Nigeria as a credible broadcasting platform.
Responding, the Zonal Director, FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station, Mr Olufemi Fulani,who appreciated the Women’s Forum for the visit, pledged that the station’s readiness to support the association’s mandate.
Mr Fulani urged the Association to sustain its good name in the society, irrespective of the challenges facing the profession, saying the Association should not hesitate to bring any of its sponsored programmes to the station.
Highpoint of the visit was presentation of gift by the Association of Women Town Planners to the Zonal Director, FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council, has congratulated women across the globe on the occasion of International Women’s Day, commending their resilience, courage and invaluable contributions to societal development.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Council, Mr. Akeem Abas, and the Secretary, Temidayo Adu, the union described the day as a significant moment to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on the need to strengthen gender equality in all sectors of society.
The Council particularly saluted women journalists who continue to demonstrate exceptional commitment to the profession despite the challenges associated with balancing demanding newsroom responsibilities with their other feminine and family roles.
According to the statement, women in the media have remained undaunted in the discharge of their duties, contributing meaningfully to nation building through responsible journalism, advocacy and the promotion of truth and accountability.
Oyo NUJ noted that the courage, professionalism and determination displayed by female journalists have helped in shaping public discourse and amplifying voices on issues affecting women, children and other vulnerable groups in society.
The union also acknowledged the sacrifices made by women journalists who work tirelessly in newsrooms, on the field and across different media platforms to ensure that citizens remain informed and enlightened.
While celebrating their achievements, the Council called for greater support, equal opportunities and improved welfare for women in the media industry, stressing that empowering women journalists would further strengthen the practice of journalism in the country.
The NUJ, Oyo State Council therefore encouraged women to remain steadfast and committed to excellence, while urging society to continue to recognise and support the critical roles women play in journalism and national development.
