Fola Badmus

Ekiti Governor Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Tourism Development

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming the state’s tourism destinations into globally recognized attractions. Speaking at the 7th edition of the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari held at Sagbonke Mountain in Efon Alaaye, the Governor described tourism as a key driver of economic growth with the potential to significantly boost the state’s revenue. Impressed by the natural beauty of Sagbonke Mountain—also known as the Mountain of Cloud—Governor Oyebanji called it a hidden treasure with immense global appeal. He directed relevant ministries and agencies to develop a comprehensive investment plan for the site, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between government, investors, and cultural custodians to unlock its full potential. The Governor encouraged stakeholders to partner with the government in turning Ekiti’s natural endowments into sustainable tourism assets. He expressed confidence that with coordinated efforts, Ekiti would soon rank among Nigeria’s top tourism destinations, citing Sagbonke Mountain as a symbol of the state’s untapped wealth. Director General of the Bureau of Tourism Development, Amb. Wale Ojo-Lanre, praised the Governor’s vision and commitment to revitalizing the tourism sector. He highlighted Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage, serene environment, and natural wonders as unique assets that, under the current administration’s leadership, could position the state as a must-visit destination for global travelers.

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aster: Senator Natasha distributes 600 bags of rice to constituents

Leeds United, Burnley Seal Promotion to Premier League

Leeds United and Burnley have earned promotion to the Premier League next season after crucial wins on Easter Monday. The Clarets overcame promotion rivals Sheffield United in the late kick-off. Leeds are back in the top flight for the first time in two years, while Burnley have returned at the first time of asking. Daniel Farke’s side were at their brilliant best earlier in the day, securing an emphatic 6-0 victory over Stoke City at Elland Road. Burnley also clinched their spot in England’s top-flight for the 2025/2026 campaign with a tight 2-1 win over fellow promotion rivals Sheffield United in the late kick-off. Both teams have earned promotion with two matches remaining, with Sheffield United forced to settle for a play-off spot.

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EFCC Seeks Deeper Collaboration with Police

The Director of Investigations, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Commander of the EFCC, CE Abdulkarim Chukkol has called for deeper collaboration between officers of the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force. He made the call in Abuja while on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, FCT Command, Saka Adewale Alao. Chukkol, who was accompanied on the visit by the Acting Director, Abuja Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Michael Wetkas said the essence of the visit was to smoothen any work-related friction or misconception that may arise between operational and tactical officers of both law enforcement agencies. He noted that the success stories of the EFCC over the years have a direct bearing with collaboration with the Police. While appreciating the CP for receiving him and his entourage, Chukkol said that though the journey ahead was arduous, he was certain the new CP was equal to the task going by his good track record. In his response, CP Alao appreciated the Director and his team for the visit, stating that, “interestingly, on record, you are the first from EFCC to visit the FCT Command”. He noted that the strength of law enforcement was in in synergy and strategic collaboration at different levels to effectively deal with crimes. He further assured the team of his collaboration. Alao further noted that ‘Nobody is an island. Where one’s knowledge and experience stops, that of the other person starts and that is why we will come together and become stronger and better’. Other members of the entourage include Assistant Commander of the EFCC , ACE I Husseini Seidu, ACE I Adenike Sanni, ACE II Aliyu Wali Abubakar, ACE II Olayinka Macauly, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Ngoundu Nguetar and Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE II Obinna Esinwa.

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Tinubu Returns From France Today – Presidency

President Bola Tinubu will return to Nigeria today from his work visit to France, the Presidency has said. The President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Monday. Tinubu left Nigeria on April 2, 2025, for Paris, France, on a short work visit. According to the Presidency, Tinubu used the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary. The President’s latest trip had been faulted by major opposition leaders who criticised him for being away despite the rising insecurity in the country, especially in Benue and Plateau states, where scores of residents have been killed in attacks on several communities. A former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, had asked President Bola Tinubu to end his trip to France and address the spate of insecurity in Nigeria. Atiku questioned Tinubu’s continued stay in the European country despite the spate of killings across Nigeria. “While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in the land of good governance, the country he governs is spiraling into chaos. Plateau has turned into a killing field — over 100 lives lost in relentless attacks,” his spokesman, Paul Ibe, said in a statement on April 17. Similarly, a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, urged Tinubu to suspend his France trip and urgently return to Nigeria to address the deteriorating security situation, particularly in Plateau and Benue states. He also said the primary duty of any government is securing the lives and property of its citizens, and one wondered why the type of retreat was going on in another country where peace had been secured by their leaders, “while blood continues to flow in our country”. “I am compelled at this time in our lives as a nation to call on our retreating President’s attention to the security challenges at home, which entail that he immediately suspend his ongoing retreat in a foreign land and come home to address the overwhelming security situation across the country.” “In the two weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria, especially in Plateau and Zamfara states. “I therefore urge Mr President to quickly suspend whatever he is doing in France and rush home to take responsibility by addressing these disturbing issues. That is the new Nigeria the nation seeks,” he said. But the Presidency noted that the Tinubu had maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.

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In Pope Francis’s Death, The Poor and Migrants Have Lost A Friend

Former President Muhammadu Buhari joins Christians all across the world in mourning the demise of the Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, who departed the earth on Easter Monday. In a reaction to the news of the death, the former President said Christians in Nigeria and all over the world would miss the exemplary leadership of the church by a Pope who served the poor and the weak, and cared much about migrants and refugees. “He was a Pope who strove to build a beneficial, complementary relationship between the followers of the world’s two greatest religions — Islam and Christianity. “Just hours before his demise, he made a call for an end to the war in Gaza. I hope Israel and Hamas will heed this call in final respect to the Pope who had the distinction of bringing climate change to the Vatican, and recognising the Palestinian State,” said the former President. The former President wishes for a new leader who will build on the inspiring legacies of Pope Francis.

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Tinubu Mourns The Passing of Pope Francis

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. President Tinubu stated this in an hearfelt massage penned to the Vaticans. “A humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions. His passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians. “His Holiness served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end. In 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten. “He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home—this Earth—is a gift we must protect for future generations. “He was an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity. In a time of division, he built bridges between faiths and the rich and the poor. “He was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, where he consistently spoke against economic injustice and ceaselessly prayed for peace and stability in troubled regions. “His encyclicals were not only doctrinal and seminal but also timely and relevant. Through his pastoral letters, the Pope offered spiritual clarity and hope in an increasingly complex world. He charted a path of renewal for all humanity through his words and deeds. “In my 2025 Easter Message, I joined the Christian faithful in thanksgiving for the convalescing Pontiff. I was happy to watch his appearance to deliver the traditional Easter Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Basilica. “Alas, the Lord called him home a day after, making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change. May the good Lord, whom he served with all his might, receive him into His eternal bosom. “As we mourn the late Pontiff, let us also celebrate his legacy. Let us honour him not with words alone but with action: by lifting those who are down, healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person. “On behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, I extend condolences to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and the Christian faithful. “May God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest.”

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Akwa Ibom Police Rescue 2 Day Old Baby Sold for ₦800,000

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested members of a suspected child trafficking syndicate and rescued a two-day-old baby allegedly sold for ₦800,000. The arrest was made during a routine patrol along the Nsit Atai/Oron Road, where officers intercepted a Mazda vehicle with three occupants—two women and a man—alongside the newborn. The vehicle’s occupants were unable to provide a credible explanation for being in possession of the infant. According to the police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, the two women, Nasikpo Sonia Labere and Inemesit Okin Akpan, confessed that they had been sent from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, by two individuals—identified as Waazor Godwin and Lilian Duru—to collect the baby from a woman named Grace Inyang in Oron. Their statements led police investigators to uncover more details about the illicit operation. Subsequent investigations resulted in the arrest of Alison Eduno, who allegedly facilitated the transaction. Police also apprehended the baby’s mother and grandmother, 20-year-old Blessing Walter and 55-year-old Grace Walter, respectively. Both women, residents of Oti Oron, confessed to selling the newborn for ₦800,000. The rescued baby has since been handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Uyo for care and protection while the investigation continues. All suspects involved are currently in police custody, as authorities work to dismantle the trafficking network.

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U20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Arrive in Cairo, to play Young Pharaohs in Friendly on Tuesday

Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles have arrived in the Egyptian capital city of Cairo as the seven-time African champions get set for 17th Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals starting in the North African country on Sunday. A delegation of 24 players and nine officials led by Head Coach, Aliyu Zubairu touched down at the Cairo International Airport aboard Egypt Air flight on Sunday evening. The team is lodged at Jewel Sports City and Aqua Resort, and are expected to have their first training session on Monday evening. Meanwhile, the Flying Eagles will square up to host nation, the Young Pharaohs of Egypt on Tuesday evening as part of their build-up to the Africa U20 Cup of Nations billed to take place 27th April – 18th May. The match is slated for 5pm local time (4pm Nigeria time) at the Cairo International Stadium. Nigeria get their campaign underway against Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Thursday 1st May. The Africa U20 Cup of Nations serves as a qualifying tournament for the FIFA U20 World Cup finals scheduled for 27th September – 19th October in Chile. All four semi-finalists at the tournament in Egypt will represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals.

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