Fola Badmus

PRESIDENT TINUBU'S EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION

Tinubu Orders Security Overhaul Declares Enough Is Enough

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a complete overhaul of the country’s security strategies, with a strong directive to immediately address the escalating violence in Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states. During a high-level meeting with service chiefs at the State House in Abuja, the President condemned the continued killing of innocent Nigerians and declared, “Enough is enough.” National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who briefed journalists after the meeting, revealed that the President had received detailed reports on recent attacks, death tolls, and destruction of properties in the affected states. He added that Tinubu had been actively monitoring the situation, even during his recent trip abroad, issuing instructions and demanding swift action. The meeting, which lasted several hours, involved exhaustive briefings from security agencies and led to fresh directives aimed at restoring peace. Ribadu explained that President Tinubu emphasized the need to engage more with local authorities, including state governments and community leaders, as a more effective way to address insecurity. “We need to work with communities, local governments, and governors,” Ribadu said, noting that the President had already sent officials to assess the situation on the ground in the most affected states and had now called for intensified collaboration at all levels. The NSA described the President as deeply concerned and resolute in his commitment to end the violence. He stressed that the attackers often target civilians in ungoverned areas using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), making it imperative for both federal and grassroots stakeholders to act in unison. “We are working to ensure peace is restored,” Ribadu affirmed.

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Nottingham Forest Trials For 3 Nigerian Players

Nottingham Forest, currently sitting fourth in the English Premier League table with 60 points, is set to give three Nigerian players from Unicorns Football Club of Ilorin a chance to shine. Left winger Olamide Sunday Olasehinde, central defender Sulyman Kehinde Quadri, and midfielder Sanni Sukanmi Adebayo have arrived in the UK for a two-week trial with the club. Unicorns FC CEO Victor Awoniyi expressed his excitement about the trials and plans to utilise this opportunity to showcase the country’s abundant football talents. The trio’s trial is part of a larger trend, with Unicorns FC having successfully sent no fewer than nine players abroad in the last one year. Secretary of the team, Suleiman Atunrase accompanied the players during their stay in the UK, allowing them to focus on the game. This opportunity comes as English football continues to attract top talents worldwide. Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi who expressed delight at the opportunity, said representing Nigeria in major international tournaments, such as the Under-15 and Under-17 World Cup, was a pivotal moment in his career. He, however, recognised that many young talents in Nigeria are not as fortunate. “With Nigeria’s vast pool of talented individuals, making it to the national team is a remarkable achievement. “By creating opportunities for these young talents, we are not only giving them a chance to showcase their skills but also making their dreams a reality,” Awoniyi said. He further explained that providing platforms for young talents to develop and grow is essential in nurturing the next generation of football stars. “It’s a privilege to be part of initiatives that help young players achieve their goals and pursue their passions,” Awoniyi added. He concluded by saying arrangements are also in top gear to send more players across Europe for a chance to achieve their dreams.

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Portable Acquires Ford Ranger Platinum SUV

Controversial Nigerian musician, Habeeb Okikiola Badmus popularly known as Portable has taken delivery of a new Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), Ford Platinum. The artist revealed on social media on Wednesday that the new fleet is an addition to his garage. “Open the car. Yeah,” Portable screamed as his fans cheer him. “Platinum or what is it called? “I bought it from the money Uncle, Daddy Burna Boy sent to me and I added some money to it. “I thank God oooo.” Recalled Portable bought a new Chevrolet SUV after his tour of USA and also the Governor of Ogun State Government gifting him N2million. Portable reportedly has five children from different women, including a son with Nollywood actress Akinyanju Omobolarinde.

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FG Releases ₦50bn to Clear ASUU, Varsity Staff Earned Allowances

FG Releases ₦50bn to Clear ASUU Varsity Staff Earned Allowances

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, on Wednesday, announced the release of N50 billion by the Federal Government to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities for the settlement of earned allowances, as promised by President Bola Tinubu. This development was disclosed in a statement titled “FG Releases N50bn Earned Allowances to Varsity Unions, Tinubu Reaffirms Education Priority”, issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education. Boriowo stated that the move “stands as yet another testament to Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector. It reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transitionthe nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and human capital.” According to the Minister, “This intervention is not just a financial transaction—it is a reaffirmation of our President’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them. “By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education.” The Minister expressed President Tinubu’s heartfelt appreciation to both academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across Nigeria’s federal institutions. “Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history—a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community,” the statement added. The President reiterated: “The youth are the heartbeat of our country. Their future is extremely important to me and my administration. Keeping our children in school is not negotiable. It is my commitment that strikes in our institutions will soon become a thing of the past.” Recall that university-based academic unions have been at loggerheads with past governments over the failure to release earned allowances, among other demands.

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APC Welcomes Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Okowa Others to Party

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed excitement over the decision of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party. In a statement issued by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the APC welcomed not only Governor Oborevwori but also former Delta Governor and 2023 PDP vice presidential candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as well as several senior government officials, state lawmakers, local government chairmen, councilors, and PDP members across the state. The APC assured the defectors of full support and integration within the party, describing their entry as a strategic boost that positions Delta State to play a vital role in the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the prosperity of Deltans and Nigerians at large.

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Lagos State Allocates ₦14.9 Billion to Subsidize Public Transport Amid Economic Hardship

Lagos State Allocates ₦14.9 Billion to Subsidize Public Transport Amid Economic Hardship

As part of measures to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship in the country, the Lagos State government on Tuesday revealed that it has subsidised the public transport fare with N14.9bn to ease commuters’ burden. This was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, during the 2025 ministerial briefing to mark the second year of the second term of the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, led administration in office held at the state government Secretariat located in Alausa, Ikeja area of the state. Flanked at the briefing by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Special Advisers to the Governor on Transportation and Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, among others, Osiyemi said the State Government established the Lagos Bus Service Limited (LBSL) to save commuters’ time and money and enhance socioeconomic development of the state. Osiyemi said, “LBSL moved 60,882,000 passengers from May 2019 to February 2025. LBSL currently moves over 42,266 passengers daily, averaging 1000 daily bus trips. “LBSL average fare for February was N542.66 while informal public transport fare was N1,097.73. “Since inception, the LBSL average fare has been N261.67 cheaper than the average fares in Lagos. LBSL has implicitly subsidised fares for the Lagosians transported to an estimated sum of N14.9 billion.” The commissioner further explained, “LBSL Driving School produced an additional 144 drivers for 3,537 certified high-capacity bus drivers as of 18 March 2025. He added, “Public transport is safer than private cars in terms of accident rates and severity. Public transport enhances the overall safety and security of passengers. Public transport moves more people with fewer vehicles. Reduces Congestion — Public transport reduces traffic congestion and travel time.” Harping on the state government’s bus reform initiative through the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority, LAMATA, Osiyemi disclosed that an additional three rolling stocks are expected in May to enhance service delivery with the increasing number of passengers on the Blue Line Rail. He said, “The State Governor inaugurated the Blue Line Rail in the state in December 2022. The first phase of the infrastructure works for the rail project (Marina to Mile 2) has commenced operation. “The Blue Line is one of seven Lagos metro rail lines, spanning from Marina to Okokomaiko. The first phase has already commenced with commercial passenger operations and has transported more than two million passengers. “The full Line is 27km from Marina to Okokomaiko. Construction of phase 2 from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko started in December and is expected to carry 500,000 passengers daily.”

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Osimhen Fires Galatasaray Reaches to Turkish Cup Final

Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen delivered a stellar performance for Galatasaray, scoring one goal and providing an assist in their emphatic 5-1 victory over Konyaspor in the Turkish Cup semifinal clash at the Konya Buyuksehir Belediye Stadium. Osimhen, who has been a key figure for Galatasaray this season, spearheaded their attack as they aimed to secure a coveted spot in the Turkish Cup final. The 26-year-old forward wasted no time in making his mark, opening the scoring in the 26th minute. He demonstrated his aerial prowess by rising highest to meet a well-delivered cross from teammate Dries Mertens, powerfully heading the ball into the net to give Galatasaray a 1-0 lead. Osimhen had another opportunity to extend the lead in the 32nd minute, but Konyaspor goalkeeper Deniz Ertas pulled off a fine save to deny the Nigerian. However, Ertas was unable to prevent Lucas Torreira from doubling Galatasaray’s advantage just before halftime, with the Uruguayan midfielder finding the back of the net in the 43rd minute to make it 2-0. Galatasaray continued their dominance after the break, and just two minutes into the second half, Osimhen turned provider. He displayed excellent vision and technique to play a precise pass to Roland Sallai, whose subsequent shot took a deflection before finding the back of the net, extending Galatasaray’s lead to 3-0. Konyaspor briefly offered a glimmer of hope when Pedrinho pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute, reducing the deficit to 3-1. However, Galatasaray quickly extinguished any hopes of a comeback, striking twice more through Sallai and Yusuf Demir to seal a comprehensive 5-1 victory. Osimhen’s overall contribution to Galatasaray’s dominant performance was significant. Throughout the match, he registered an impressive three successful dribbles, had six attempts on goal, created two key passes for his teammates, and won seven of his eleven duels. Galatasaray now await the outcome of the other Turkish Cup semifinal between Trabzonspor and Goztepe on Thursday to discover their opponents in the final. While the Lions may harbor hopes of facing Goztepe, perceived as potentially easier opposition, Victor Osimhen’s consistent form suggests he will be a crucial asset for Galatasaray regardless of who they face. Having not lifted the Turkish Cup trophy since 2018, Galatasaray will be determined to go all the way this season, and with Osimhen leading their attack, their chances of success look promising.

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Delta Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori Decamps to APC

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has reportedly dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He was said to have defected alongside his commissioners. This was revealed after a high-level, closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday evening. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Festus Ahon, said the decision came after “wide consultations with political stakeholders and in the interest of Delta’s long-term development.” Oborevwori was elected in 2023 under the PDP platform. Senator James Manager, who addressed the press after a meeting of the PDP stakeholders in Government House, said a formal declaration would be made on Monday. He said that the governor’s defection to the ruling party was in the interest and the overall development of Delta state. Mr Manager said the entire PDP structure in the state had collapsed to the APC. Present at the briefing were Governor Oborevwori, the immediate past governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guor and other PDP stalwarts.

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