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Ex-presidential Spokesperson, Doyin Okupe, Is Dead

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The former Presidential spokesperson to former Presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Doyin Okupe, is dead.

Okupe, from Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government area of Ogun State, who was said to have been sick for some time, died in the early hours of Friday in Lagos at the age of 72.

The Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Jamiu Ashimi, confirmed the demise of the medical doctor turned politician to our Correspondent on Friday.

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Ashimi said, “I just confirmed the tragic news of the passing of Dr Doyin Okupe. May his soul rest in peace”.

READ ALSO: Top 5 Countries For Nigerians, Other Foreigners Looking To Start A Business Abroad

A friend to the late politician, Chief Michael Adesanya, the Asojuoba of Isara Remo, also in a phone conversation with our correspondent, said, “Dr Okupe has been confirmed to have died early Friday morning in Lagos”.

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Okupe was Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan.

He was also a former Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign.

However, his political journey was marked by controversies.

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In December 2022, Okupe stepped down from Obi’s campaign after being convicted of breaching some parts of the money laundering acts.

READ ALSO: Bandit Leader, Bello Turji Fines Helpless Sokoto Communities N22m Over Slain Colleague

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu presiding over the case found Okupe guilty of contravening sections 16(1)&(2) of the Money Laundering Act and accepting cash in excess of the threshold allowed under the Act without going through a financial institution.

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He later resigned from the Labour Party following the 2023 general election fallout and became a vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, frequently engaging in political debates and commentary.

Okupe was known for his bold political stance and unfiltered opinions. His ability to navigate Nigeria’s complex political landscape made him a respected political figure

He was a physician who co-founded Royal Cross Medical Centre and was the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention.

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The late politician was a former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State.

 

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Kingsley Aigbangbee: A Name Built On Grassroots Impact

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In communities across Edo State, development is often spoken of in promises, big words waiting for action. But every so often, a name emerges that shifts the conversation from expectations to evidence. In IGUOSHODIN–NEBUDIN In Ovia North East Local Government Area that name is Kingsley Aibangbee… a man whose work has quietly reshaped everyday life. His approach is rooted in a timeless philosophy once echoed by an American president: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

For Aibangbee, this message is more than a quote, it is a blueprint.
September 2023 marked a turning point for Orenolomi Secondary School. Once a tired structure with fading walls and empty classrooms, the school had become a symbol of abandonment. But that changed when Aibangbee stepped in. With no fanfare, no political stage, he reconstructed the school completely, restoring not just a building, but the future of hundreds of children.

READ ALSO:Alleged Cybercrime: Court Grants Sowore Bail

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Yet, for him, the work wasn’t finished. A school is only as strong as the people who keep it running. So he employed four teachers—paid directly from his own pocket—who remain on his payroll to this day. In an era where many wait for government intervention, his actions stood out as a reminder of what one individual can choose to do for the many.

But Aibangbee’s impact didn’t stop in the classroom.
Every student received free uniforms and writing materials a simple gesture that removed financial barriers for families and drew many children back to school. In homes where survival often competes with education, this support made all the difference.
Beyond education, the heartbeat of the community, its economy also felt his touch. A modern market now stands proudly in IGUOSHODIN–NEBUDI, built through his effort. What used to be makeshift stalls and risky trading corners has transformed into a structured, safer space where local traders can earn their living with dignity.

READ ALSO:US Senator Proposes Bill To End Dual Citizenship

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Across the community, the message is resounding, Kingsley Aibangbee isn’t waiting for government rescue, political promises, or applause. His story reflects a quiet revolution, one built on service, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief that true leadership begins where the people stand.

In every corner of IGUOSHODIN–NEBUDIN, in every classroom, every uniform, every stall in the new market… his actions echo the challenge of that famous American quote. Not what your “country can do for you but what you can do for your country”!!!!

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Edo Expresses Commitment To Ease Of Doing Business

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The Edo State government has expressed commitment to providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

The state Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, gave the assurance after a closed door meeting with representatives of Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Nigeria Limited, NewCross Exploration and Production Limited in Benin.

The deputy governor, who served as chairman of the state boundary committee, noted that this is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the SHINE Agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

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Idahosa, who said “it is part of the state’s strategy to create employment opportunities,” pointed out that it is in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo economic drive to turn the state into an investor friendly one.

READ ALSO:2027: I Will Resign If Tinubu Loses In Edo – Governor Okpebholo

He also emphasised meed to resolve the lingering disputes, saying the boundary committee is proactively looking into and settling areas of concern regarding the issue.

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All communities that are in the boundary line between Edo and Delta States where there are communal disputes, we want to assure them that we are doing everything within our power, using diplomatic and democratic means to make sure this is resolved amicably,” he assured.

The deputy governor noted that under the SHINE Agenda of this administration, much has been done in the area of infrastructural development.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo’s One Year Performance Outshines Some governors’ 8 Yrs, Says Idahosa

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This has made it possible to access roads to major companies, communities, and, ensuring the security of life and properties across the state by investing aggressively in security,” he stated.

On the outcome of the robust interface with the oil workers, Idahosa said through deliberations at the meeting, both parties successfully forged a headway.

He said this has resorted to the invitation of the Edo State Boundary Committee for an on the spot inspection of operation sites in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.

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He called on investors and multinational companies operating in Edo State to go about their businesses with ease as the Okpebholo led administration is investment friendly.

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Imansuangbon Donates To Benin IDPs, Charges Wealthy Nigerians To Advance Humanity

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Politician and philanthropist, Barr. Kenneth Imansuangbon on Wednesday charged political office holders and well-to-do Nigerians to use their position and wealth to advance humanity.

Imansuangbon gave the charge when he visited Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)housed by Home for the Needy Foundation, Benin, where he donated food items, drinks, cash, toiletries, etc to the children and women as part of his Christmas gifts to them.

Recall that last month the IDPs lamented hardship caused by the economic situation of the country, saying due to the economic hardship, a single meal where they used to cook 15 bags of rice has been reduced to 5.

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Rising to the occasion, the philanthropist said his love for humanity and in accordance with the teaching of the Holy Book drove him to give to the needy annually, adding that he has been doing it for the past 20 years.

READ ALSO:Tragedy For Borno IDPs As Fire Guts 200 Houses

Imansuangbon, who expressed displeasure over the current happenings in the country, said: “If the country is really working we will not find ourselves in this kind of situation. This is an embarrassment to the giant of Africa.”

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“If we teach ourselves love and humanity, then the country will be safer and better for everyone

“We are just a tool in the hand of God Almighty. Anywhere God has placed you, use it to advance humanity. You are in government? Get it at the back of your mind that you are not the first person to occupy the position, and you are not going to be the last.

“The way our country is today, I am not satisfied, this goes beyond Mr. President or the Senators, it is about realising that We all need to save our country. If the country is really working, we will not find ourselves in this kind of situation. This is an embarrassment to the giant of Africa.”

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READ ALSO:Imansuangbon Donates Food Items IDP In Edo, Sues For Honour For Humanitarian Workers

Imansuangbon, who is the proprietor of Pacesetter School, Abuja, expressed gratitude to students, staff members and parents of the school, saying the donations were from them.

“I’m here in Benin with the half of their donation. The children donated ₦1.5m cash, and I am here with the money. You can see these 70 bags of rice, 100 bags of noodles, bags of cane drinks, water, toiletry, etc, are from them. I am grateful to them for doing this for the past 20 years.”

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He, therefore, appealed to Governor Monday Okpehbolo to extend the hand of fellowship to the IDPs particularly on Christmas day.

Responding, coordinator of the camp, Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, while appreciating the donor, said: “He does this regularly not because he is a politician but because of his love for humanity. He is one of the few that comes here anytime, not an electioneering period alone, but anytime we are in need. He has been showing his love for the children for years, so I thank him.”

Folorunsho used the occasion to appeal to well-to-do Nigerians to come and assist the IDPs, stressing that until Imansuangbon came they (IDPs) had nothing to “eat for today.”

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