News
Oba Of Benin Releases Mother’s Funeral Programme 49 Years After Death

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Sunday released programmes for the funeral rites of his mother, 49 years after her transition.
Report that the Benin monarch who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City, said the funeral rites were delayed because the tradition and customs of the Kingdom forbade the crown Prince (Edaiken) to perform the rites until he has been crowned the Oba.
The statement signed by Frank Irabor, Secretary, the Benin Traditional Council, BTC, said the Oba had on November 21, 2021 conferred posthumously the title of Iyoba on his mother, Iyoba Omo N’ Ikuoyemwen, Iyoba Ewuare II.
Irabor said the funeral rites would commence on February 15, 2025 and end on March 27, 2025.
READ ALSO: Oba Of Benin Faults LP Candidate Akpata’s ‘Son Of The Palace’ Claim
He said during the Ekasa ceremony, which is the second part of the funeral rites, the use of traditional coral beads in the Palace and in the kingdom would be suspended.
Parts of the statement read: “In keeping with Benin customs and tradition, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, will by the grace of God and, the royal ancestors perform in a private royal family ceremony, the funeral rites of his dear beloved mother, IYOBA OMO N’IKUOYEMWEN, IYOBA EWUARE II, who transited to eternal glory forty-nine years ago.
“For clarification purpose, in accordance with the Benin customs and tradition, the royal funeral rites could not be performed until the Edaiken (Crown Prince) ascends the throne, and crowned the OBA that the Oba had to first posthumously confer the title of Iyoba on his mother, and thereafter performs the funeral rites, hence the reason why it is taking place now.
“It will be recalled that His Royal Majesty conferred the Iyoba title posthumously on his dear mother on Sunday, 21st November, 2021.
READ ALSO: Oba Of Benin Accuses EFCC Of Corruption
“The first part of the ceremony will last for fourteen days. The second part begins with Ekasa immediately the first part ends. This will be the official mourning period.
“The ceremony will begin on 15th February, 2025 and ends on Friday, 28th February, 2025. The venue is Eguae Iyoba N’Uselu by 5 Junction, Benin City.
“Ekasa group will commence their ceremony on 1st March, 2025 till 27th March, 2025. The performance which will end on the last day, 27th March, 2025, would take place in the Palace of the Oba of Benin.
“From the 15th, February, 2025, when the ceremony will begin, traditional coral beads will not be used in the Palace and in the Kingdom until the end of Ekasa ceremony which is March 27, 2025.
“The whole of this period is declared the mourning period in the Kingdom”, Irabor said.
News
NAF Launches Attack On Terrorists In Borno

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, operating as part of the joint task force of Operation Hadin Kai, has carried out a coordinated air interdiction at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle, Borno State.
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, the air strikes successfully paved the way for ground troops.
He explained that the operation was based on actionable intelligence from multiple sources, which confirmed the presence of terrorists, their structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.
Ejodame stated that NAF air assets were deployed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to target identified threats.
READ ALSO:NAF Hits Bandit Logistics Hub, Neutralises Many In Zamfara
The operation aimed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlefield for ground forces, all while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting civilians.
He added, “The Identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location.”
“Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation.”
Speaking on the mission, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said, “The success of the mission reflects the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.”
READ ALSO:NAF Hits Bandit Logistics Hub, Neutralises Many In Zamfara
Aneke further emphasized that the operation highlighted the service’s commitment to providing precise and decisive air power in support of ground forces.
In his words, “We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide. Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven.”
“Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.”
READ ALSO:NAF Announces Two-hour Road Closure In Abuja For 10km Walk
“The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled.”
He further noted that the operation showcased NAF’s aggressive stance, precision employment of airpower, and dedication to sustained joint operations.
Aneke added that such missions play a crucial role in enabling ground troops to maintain momentum and deliver decisive outcomes against terrorist networks threatening lives, property, and Nigeria’s national security.
News
Lagos Parks To Close For Maintenance – State Govt

The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK, has announced that all public parks under its management across the state will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance and upgrades.
In a statement released on January 9 and shared via its official platforms early Saturday, LASPARK said, “All parks under our management will be closed to the public from January 12 to January 31, 2026.
“This follows increased visitor activity during the recent festive season.”
The agency listed several popular recreational spots that will be affected, including “Ndubisi Kanu Park, Alausa JJT Park, Dr. Finnih Abayomi Park in Oregun, and all other LASPARK-managed parks across Lagos State.”
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Explaining the reason for the closure, LASPARK added, “The temporary shutdown is necessary to carry out essential landscaping, facility repairs, and general upgrades to ensure that our parks remain safe, clean, and enjoyable for residents and visitors.”
The agency also stressed that the exercise aligns with its broader mandate, noting, “This maintenance programme is part of our commitment to providing well-maintained green spaces that promote relaxation, wellness, and environmental sustainability.”
LASPARK assured residents that “all parks will reopen at the end of the maintenance period.”
News
PAP Sends Additional 34 Foreign Post-graduate Scholarship Beneficiaries To UK Varsities

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed an additional 34 foreign post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries to various universities in the United Kingdom for the 2025-2026 academic year.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri by Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator, PAP.
According to the statement, the scholars’ programmes include data science, fintech analytics, cyber security, international energy law and policy, construction project management, public health, agri-food technology, electrical and petroleum engineering, among others.
The statement added that more foreign post-graduate scholars will be sent to UK universities in the current academic session.
“In December 2025, nine students, who were the first set of offshore post-graduate scholarship developments by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic year, graduated from their various programmes in UK universities.
READ ALSO:PAP Scholarship Scheme Vehicle For Better Future For Niger Delta —Otuaro
“Otuaro has deployed over 9000 students to universities within and outside Nigeria for different industry-relevant programmes since he assumed office in March 2024,” the statement partly reads.
Speaking at the pre-departure orientation programme for the scholars at the PAP headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday, Otuaro said that the large-scale deployment was aimed at making the Niger Delta a knowledge-driven region.
He said that his leadership reinvigorated the programme to give it a new momentum in service delivery to the people of the region based on the mandate of President Bola Tinubu.
Otuaro said, “We are sending all of you for post-graduate studies in various universities in the United Kingdom.
“The PAP now has a new momentum and direction because of the repositioning and broad reforms that we carried out in line with the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
READ ALSO:Otuaro Tasks Media On Objective Reportage
“The objective behind the huge scholarships deployment is to ensure that we develop the needed human capital to transform the Niger Delta and generate knowledge-wealth.
“We want to develop relevant manpower in critical disciplines for our region and by extension, the country, because you are expected to contribute your quota to national development after successful graduation.”
The PAP boss, who was represented at the event by his Technical Assistant, Mr Edgar Biu, advised the scholars to study hard to achieve academic excellence in their various fields of research.
According to him, the scholars have an obligation to justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education and future.
READ ALSO:I’m Not Distracted By Anti-Niger Delta Elements, Says PAP Boss, Otuaro
He reiterated his warning that beneficiaries should not take for granted the opportunity to further their academic pursuits in the interest of the Niger Delta and indeed the country.
Otuaro expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his “enormous interest and support for the Programme”, particularly the approval of an upward review of the programme’s budget from N65billion to N150billion.
He also expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his impeccable guidance and supervision of the programme’s initiatives.
Otuaro, therefore, cautioned the scholars to obey their host country’s laws and the rules and regulations of their various institutions, stressing that they are ambassadors of Nigeria, the Niger Delta and their communities and families.
Highpoint of the orientation programme was the presentation of laptops to the scholars to help them in their studies.
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