Metro

Makinde Presents Staff Of Office To New Oyo Monarch

Published

1 year ago

July 9, 2024

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday, presented staff of office and instrument of office to the newly crowned Elempe of Tapa, Oba Titiloye Oyekanmi.

The event took place at the Elempale Community High School in the town.

Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, emphasized the importance of Elempe’s role in promoting unity, peace, and development in the community.

He commended the selection process that led to Oba Oyekanmi’s ascension to the throne as a testament to the community’s commitment to tradition, transparency, and the rule of law.

The governor advised the new monarch to collaborate with the government in addressing pressing issues, including security and economic development.

Makinde said, “I charge you, Oba Oyekanmi, to embrace the responsibilities that come with this exalted position.

“I implore you to work closely with the government to address the pressing needs of this community, including education, healthcare, security, and economic development.”

He also stressed the need for the monarch to tackle kidnapping, banditry, and land grabbing that has plagued the community, calling for the Elempe’s cooperation and support in eradicating these menaces.

“As you begin your reign, I remind you that leadership is a sacred trust that requires wisdom, compassion, and integrity. Your reign should be characterised by grace, humility, and a deep commitment to the well-being of all,” he advised.

The governor, therefore, praised the community for its support throughout the selection process and underscored the importance of maintaining the traditional values and principles of the Elempe lineage.

“The selection process that led to Oba Oyekanmi’s ascension to the throne was a testament to our commitment to tradition, transparency, and the rule of law. This is a great day for Tapa and for all those who believe in the enduring power of our customs and traditions,” he added.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Oyekanmi thanked God and Makinde for the gesture.

“This event of today is unprecedented in our community. What we are witnessing here today is a testimony of your commitment to the sanctity and preservation of our traditions and ethos, on the one hand, and your unflinching regard for those vested with upholding of our customs and culture.

“Tapa Land under my watch will witness tremendous development, peace and unparalleled growth in the name of God, the very King who governs the affairs of men with truth and without bias. This instrument of office will further accentuate the place of our great land in the comity of communities,” he promised.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, said the event served as a pivotal moment in the chronicles of Tapa, signifying the passage of authority and leadership to a new era under the reign of our revered Oba.

Metro

Seven Journalists On Their Way To Colleague’s Marriage, FG Reacts

Published

6 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic death of seven journalists who were confirmed killed in a lone road crash in the Gombe South area of Gombe State on Monday.

The incident occurred on Monday evening as the journalists were returning from a wedding ceremony in the Gombe South Senatorial District. They were said to have traveled in solidarity with a colleague from the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, who was getting married.

According to preliminary information from the Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Samson Kaura, the crash was fatal.

The Minister described the tragedy as a heartbreaking loss to the media community and the nation, noting that the journalists were committed voices who informed the public with courage, integrity, and professionalism.

“This is a harrowing moment. Nigeria has lost dedicated voices who informed, educated, and stood for truth. Their passing is a heavy blow to us all,” he said.

The Minister extended his condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Gombe State Council, and especially to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. He prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the painful loss.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. May Almighty God grant them comfort and grant the souls of the departed eternal rest,” he added.

“We stand in solidarity with the NUJ and the entire media community at this difficult time. We must continue to work together to improve safety measures for those who serve the nation daily,” he said.

He assured that the Federal Government stands with the bereaved families and the media community during this moment of grief. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.

Metro

VIDEO: Chaos As Last-minute Shoppers Overwhelm Lagos Balogun Market

Published

6 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

Large crowds on Tuesday overwhelmed Balogun Market on Lagos Island as residents trooped out in their numbers for last-minute year-end shopping, crippling movement around the commercial hub.

A viral video making the rounds online showed extreme congestion within and around the market, with traders and shoppers barely able to move as they jostled for limited space in one of Lagos’ busiest trading centres.

The footage captured scenes of tightly packed walkways and stalled human traffic, as buyers scrambled to complete end-of-year purchases ranging from clothes and shoes to household items.

The gridlock is largely being blamed on Nigerians’ long-standing culture of last-minute shopping, often described as “panic buying,” where many delay festive purchases until the final days of the year.

Balogun Market, known for its wholesale and retail activities, traditionally experiences a spike in patronage toward the end of the year.

As of the time of reporting, no incidents had been confirmed, though the situation highlights the recurring challenge of overcrowding during peak festive periods in Lagos.

Watch the video below:

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐀𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭-𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐦 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭
Credit: X | dammiedammie
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— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) December 30, 2025

Metro

JUST IN: Court Orders Remand Of Ex-AGF Malami, Son, Wife In Kuje Prison

Published

8 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

The Federal High Court In Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of the Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of their bail application.

The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, also ordered the remand of his co-dedendants, his son, Abubakar Malami, and one of his wives Bashir Asabe.

Justice Nwite made the order after taking arguments from the defence team led by Joseph Daudu (SAN) and the prosecution counsel Ekele Iheneacho (SAN).

Malami and his co-defendants are facing a 16-count money laundering charge preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The EFCC alleges that the defendants conspired at various times to conceal, retain and disguise the proceeds of unlawful activities running into several billions of naira.

According to the charge, the alleged offences span several years and include the use of companies and bank accounts to launder funds, the retention of cash as collateral for loans, and the acquisition of high-value properties in Abuja, Kano and other locations.

The commission further alleges that some of the offences were committed while Malami was serving as Attorney-General of the Federation, in breach of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, as amended, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.