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PHOTOS: New Era In Furupagha-Ebijaw As Okpururu 1 Receives Staff Of Office

Published

3 weeks ago

December 22, 2025

It was an atmosphere of excitement and display of culture and unity in Ebijaw community, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, as the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, formally presented Instrument of Appointment and Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty (Pere), Meus Tunde Ditoru-Muje, Opu-Ugo, Okpururu 1, the Ibediowei of Furupagha-Ebijaw Kingdom.

The ceremony, which attracted government officials, traditional rulers and royal fathers from within and outside the local government, also had in attendance the Ibe and Amaokosuowei (oldest man in the kingdom), Pa Emmanuel Odushu, and dignitaries from the over 17 communities under the kingdom.

In his speech, Governor Aiyedatiwa reminded the new King that he is a father to all the people in his domain, and that he should: “bear in mind that the responsibility to lead the kingdom to a greater level of social and economic progress now lies squarely on your shoulders.”

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, while reminding traditional rulers in the state that the government will not tolerate any chieftaincy appointments by traditional ruler without the state government’s approval particularly in disputed territories, prayed God to “help your Royal Majesty to succeed in this new task of traditional leadership.”

Earlier, in his welcome speech, Odigbo Local Government Council Executive Chairman, Hon. Adegoroye Taiwo, while urging the Pere and “his Traditional Chiefs to work in promoting peaceful coexistence, harmony, and enduring development in your respective domains,” appealed to HRM to “carry everyone along, have the heart of forgiveness. As a traditional ruler everyone belongs to you. So work with them.”

In his speech, the Okpururu 1 thanked the governor and the state government for recognising the Furupagha-Ebijaw traditional throne for the first time after decades, noting that “this singular act has wiped away decades of longing, restored the dignity of our people, and written our name boldly in the annals of history.”

“For the first time since the founding of this kingdom by our forefathers, our traditional institution has been formally recognised by the Government of Ondo State with the presentation of a Staff of Office.

“By this recognition, your administration has demonstrated fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for tradition. You have listened to the voice of history, justice, and the aspirations of our people, and for this, we shall remain eternally grateful.”

HRM, pledged to “rule with wisdom, fairness, and transparency, to promote peace and unity among our people, and to work closely with the government at all levels to advance development, security, and prosperity in our land.”

The Pere, while acknowledging that the “Staff of Office is not merely a symbol of authority; it is a symbol of identity, unity, and hope,” said “It affirms our heritage, strengthens our cultural values, and reinforces the role of the traditional institution as a partner in governance, peace-building, and grassroots development.”

He assured the governor of ruling with “utmost humility, fear of God, and total commitment to service.”

He called on sons and daughters of the kingdom “to rally together, put aside differences, and join hands with the traditional institution and government to move our community forward,” stressing that “this achievement belongs to all of us.”

The Pere seized the occasion to draw the attention of the governor to challenges such as unavailable of motorable roads, lack of electricity and potable water, and perennial flooding and erosion in communities under the kingdom.

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NAF Launches Attack On Terrorists In Borno

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

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.

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.”

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.”

“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.

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Lagos Parks To Close For Maintenance – State Govt

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

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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PAP Sends Additional 34 Foreign Post-graduate Scholarship Beneficiaries To UK Varsities

Published

2 days ago

January 9, 2026

Editor

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.

“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.

“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.

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.