Aiguobasinmwin Movement Declares Josephine Ebhaguejezele Ineligible For Iyeki Title Under Benin Tradition

Aiguobasinmwin Movement Declares Josephine Ebhaguejezele Ineligible For Iyeki Title Under Benin Tradition

The Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide has dismissed the inauguration of Josephine Ebhaguejezele as Iyaloja (Iyeki) in Edo State, insisting that she is unqualified under Benin customs to occupy the revered position. In a statement signed by its President, Iyamu Osaro, and Secretary-General, Osayuki-Osa Benson, the organisation described the Iyeki as an age-old cultural institution of the Benin Kingdom that cannot be reshaped by politics or individual ambitions. The group explained that the title is strictly reserved for Benin women who are elected by fellow traders across markets, after which the apex Iyeki is formally presented to the Oba of Benin for royal blessings and spiritual rites. “It is worthy to note that for anyone to be eligible for the position of Iyeki, one must be a Benin woman,” the statement declared. Citing the pronouncement of Oba Ewuare II, the movement urged the public to disregard the reported inauguration, stressing that Ebhaguejezele “lacks the eligibility of becoming Iyeki because she is not a Benin woman.” The group further warned against political interference in cultural matters, insisting that the Iyeki remains a custodian of Benin traditions and “cannot be changed by politicians or anybody.” It also called on Benin women to immediately begin the process of selecting their Iyeki in line with custom, ahead of her eventual presentation to the royal palace.  

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Oluremi Tinubu Flags Off N2.55 Billion Sanitary Pad Project For Rural Schoolgirls

Oluremi Tinubu Launches N2.55 Billion Sanitary Pad Project For Rural Schoolgirls

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has rolled out a major intervention programme to provide 370,000 sanitary pads to schoolgirls in rural communities across Nigeria, an initiative worth N2.55 billion under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). The project, titled Flow with Confidence, began with a simultaneous launch in Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kebbi, and Lagos States. Other states and the FCT will follow once their consignments arrive. Speaking through Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Tinubu said the initiative is designed to tackle the challenge of girls missing school because they cannot afford sanitary products. “It is unacceptable that our girls are forced to skip school or turn to unsafe alternatives during their menstrual cycle,” she said. “This intervention is meant to change that reality and give them confidence to pursue their education without interruption.” According to the First Lady, every state and the FCT will receive 10,000 packs of disposable pads, distributed through governors’ wives and RHI coordinators. She stressed that the pads, sourced from Uniglory Nigeria Limited in Ikorodu, Lagos, are free and must not be sold. Mrs. Tinubu also appealed to local government chairmen, corporate organisations, traditional rulers, and community leaders to take ownership of the project, ensure transparency, and extend its reach to more girls in need. “At RHI, we believe no girl should ever have to choose between her dignity and her education,” she added. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Lagos, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, applauded the programme, noting that it reflects the First Lady’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of schoolgirls, especially those at the grassroots.

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Former Senator Ishaku Abbo Accused of Raping 13-Year-Old Girl, Attempting Assault on Her 16-Year-Old Sister in Abuja

A petition by D.I. Aiyedun & Co. to the Inspector General of Police accuses former Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo of raping 13-year-old Khadija Muhammad and attempting to rape her 16-year-old sister, Fatima Muhammad, in Abuja. Additionally, Abbo is alleged to have criminally intimidated the two minors and their parents. Addressed to the IGP and the Deputy Commissioner of Police – Gender at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), the petition outlines severe allegations of abuse and trauma inflicted by Abbo and his associates. The main incident occurred on June 29, 2025, at Abbo’s home in Katampe Extension, Abuja. The petition claims 17-year-old Nafisa Mohammed Chigli lured Khadija to the residence, where Abbo allegedly overpowered her, applied baby oil, and attempted forced penetration. He reportedly used a white cloth to clean himself afterward. Khadija reported the assault to her father, who took no action. Similarly, Fatima was allegedly enticed to Abbo’s residence by Zara Muhammad Chigli. Abbo attempted to assault her, but she escaped before the act was completed. The petition highlights this as evidence of a recurring predatory pattern.Prompted by the petition, Abbo turned himself in to the FCID in Abuja. The girls’ parents reported to SaharaReporters that former Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed “Binani” visited them, urging silence on the issue. They also alleged Abbo sent money to the girls’ father to suppress the matter. As of the latest report, Abbo remained in FCID custody.

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Olubadan Of Ibadanland Clears Air On Peter Obi, Says “He Is My Brother And Friend”

Olubadan Of Ibadanland Says “Am I Not His Brother and Friend?” While Quashing Rift Rumours With Peter Obi

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has dismissed claims of any tension between himself and former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Speculation arose after Obi congratulated Oba Ladoja on his installation as the 44th Olubadan, referring to him as “my dear brother.” Critics, including Oriyomi Hamzat, Reno Omokri, and Lere Olayinka, argued that such a phrase was inappropriate when addressing a traditional monarch. In a phone interview confirmed by Prof. Pius Abioje, Oba Ladoja clarified there was no ill feeling. “No, who said that? Why should I be angry with Peter Obi calling me his brother and friend? Am I not his brother and friend?” he said. Peter Obi had congratulated the Olubadan on 26 September 2025, describing him as “my dear brother, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I,” a gesture he said reflected goodwill and respect. Oba Ladoja’s response confirms he was not offended, reaffirming the friendly relationship between the two leaders and putting rumours of discord to rest.  

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Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Orders Dissolution Of All State Boards And Commissions

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dissolved all statutory and non-statutory boards and commissions in the state with immediate effect. The Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, announced the decision on Thursday in Uyo, explaining that it was made under the Statutory Boards (Special Provisions) Law, 2023. “The governor wishes members of the dissolved boards and commissions success in their future endeavours and commends them for their contributions to advancing the ARISE agenda,” Uwah said. Chairpersons of the affected agencies have been instructed to hand over all government property in their possession to the most senior officer in their respective organisations. Governor Eno had earlier hinted at the move during a media briefing marking the 37th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State in 2024, assuring that commissioners and board members would not be caught off guard. He also announced plans to hold a valedictory session to honor their service and contributions to the state’s development.  

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Remi Tinubu Honored As Warrior Queen Of Akko Emirate In Gombe State

Remi Tinubu Honored As Warrior Queen Of Akko Emirate In Gombe State

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, has been named Sarauniyar Yaki (Warrior Queen) of Akko Emirate in Gombe State. The Lamido Akko, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Atiku, bestowed the title on Thursday in recognition of her tireless efforts to protect the vulnerable and champion the welfare of women and children across the country. During her two-day working visit, the First Lady will also inaugurate the Renewed Hope Initiative’s ‘Flow With Confidence’ programme, a landmark menstrual health project that provides schoolgirls with disposable sanitary pads to improve hygiene and reduce absenteeism. After receiving the honor, Mrs. Tinubu described it as both inspiring and humbling. She promised to strengthen her interventions for the girl-child, especially in education and health, and called on traditional leaders to support her initiatives and help expand their reach to local communities. The ceremony in Akko Emirate was attended by Gombe State Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, Chief Whip of the House of Representatives Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, and other prominent dignitaries.  

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Two Planes Collide in New York With One Wing Ripped Off

Two Delta Air Lines planes have collided on a taxiway at LaGuardia Airport in New York on Wednesday night. A “low-speed collision” took place between one plane arriving from Charlotte, North Carolina, and another that was scheduled to depart for Roanoke in Virginia. The crash between Endeavor Air Flight 5047 and Endeavor Flight 5155 – Endeavour is a subsidiary of Delta – took place just before 10 pm Eastern Time, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey told The Independent.   One flight attendant injured her knee in the collision and was later taken to the hospital after being treated by medics at the scene, according to the Port Authority. The pilot of 5047 radioed the ground controller in audio, which was recorded by the website LiveATC.net, according to CNN. “We have two CRJs on (taxiway) M that collided. Their right wing clipped our nose and the cockpit wind screens.”   “Delta will work with all relevant authorities to review what occurred, as the safety of our customers and people comes before all else. We apologize to our customers for the experience,” Delta said. The Federal Aviation Administration has told The Independent that it is investigating the incident.   There were 32 people on board Flight 5155, including 28 passengers and four crewmembers, while Flight 5047 contained 61 people, including 57 passengers and four crewmembers.   A video published by CBS shows a pilot telling passengers over the intercom that it “seems as though there’s an aircraft that collided with us”. “There was no impact to airport operations,” the Port Authority told other outlets. Delta Air Lines said in a statement to other outlets: “Delta teams at our New York-LaGuardia hub are working to ensure our customers are taken care of after two Delta Connection aircraft operated by Endeavor Air were involved in a low-speed collision during taxi.

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NARD Orders Resident Doctors To End 24-Hour Shifts Amid Dangerous Workload

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has raised alarm over Nigeria’s doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:9,083, describing it as far below international standards. In a statement released on the country’s 65th Independence Day, NARD announced that, effective October 1, 2025, resident doctors nationwide will no longer take continuous calls exceeding 24 hours. Signed by NARD President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim, the statement highlighted the extreme pressures faced by doctors. “With over 240 million people and only around 11,000 resident doctors, Nigeria falls far short of global best practice,” NARD said. The association revealed that resident doctors work an average of 106.5 hours weekly, while surgical residents endure more than 122.7 hours, amounting to four to five 24-hour call shifts each week. “This excessive workload jeopardizes patient care and the health of doctors, increasing the risk of medical errors and placing severe mental, physical, and psychological strain on medical professionals,” the statement read. NARD also warned of the human cost, saying, “Resident doctors often sacrifice their health—and sometimes their lives—in service to patients. Early-career doctors have tragically died. Who then cares for their families? How many more lives must be lost before urgent action is taken?” The new directive mandates a call-free period after each 24-hour shift, a step NARD described as essential for doctors’ wellbeing and in line with the Hippocratic Oath.  

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