Soludo Urges South-East Youths To Join Armed Forces, End Self-Marginalisation

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has called on youths in the South-East to end what he described as deliberate self-marginalisation by enlisting in the Nigerian Armed Forces and taking active roles in national institutions. Soludo made the call in Awka during the wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day. Reflecting on the 56th anniversary of the end of the Nigerian Civil War, the governor described the conflict as avoidable and said the spirit of “no victor, no vanquished” must continue to define Nigeria’s unity. He said the event was organised to honour all Nigerians who lost their lives while serving the country, both during the civil war and in subsequent years. “We are remembering not just members of our armed forces who died during that needless war, but all those who paid the supreme price afterwards,” he said. “This is the time we have set aside as a nation to remember and to say: never again.” Soludo paid tribute to widows, widowers and families of fallen heroes, and commended serving military and security personnel, particularly those deployed in Anambra State, for their dedication to maintaining peace. Addressing the South-East directly, the governor expressed concern over the low number of Anambra indigenes within Nigeria’s security architecture, describing it as self-inflicted exclusion from national decision-making and influence. He urged young people to see military service as a legitimate avenue to contribute to the country and secure their place within it. “We must participate as co-owners of Project Nigeria,” he said, stressing that the civil war ended over five decades ago and that the region must fully reintegrate into all national structures. On the prevailing insecurity in the region, Soludo appealed to those engaged in violent agitation to abandon such actions and embrace peace. “The era of terror is over, and I call on our brothers in the bushes to come out,” he said. “We will help you to become useful citizens of the state. To Ndi Anambra and the rest of the South-East, this is the time to remind ourselves that the war has ended.” The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security commanders in Anambra State for their efforts, expressing confidence that the long-standing security challenges would soon be decisively addressed.

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Alaafin of Oyo Denies Consulting Or Endorsing Rotational Chairmanship Claimed by Governor Seyi Makinde

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has denied being consulted or approving the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin’s Palace responded to remarks attributed to Governor Seyi Makinde, who reportedly claimed he consulted the Alaafin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso before inaugurating Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, as chairman of the council. “The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to a statement credited to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, that he consulted with the three traditional rulers in the state on the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs,” the statement read. The Palace categorically denied the claim, stressing that no such consultation took place. “There was no time that His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, held any meeting with either the State Governor or any of the two traditional rulers mentioned on this issue,” it stated. It also made clear that the Alaafin did not endorse the proposed rotational arrangement. “The Alaafin did not tell the Governor nor make any categorical statement endorsing rotational chairmanship among the three traditional rulers in the state,” the Palace added. The statement emphasized that the Alaafin’s stance, alongside that of the Oyo community, had already been formally communicated to the governor. “The position of the Alaafin and the entire Oyo community on the issue of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs has been clearly enunciated in a memorandum delivered to His Excellency by the Oyo Council of Elders,” it concluded.

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Anu Adeleke’s Alleged Mother Breaks Silence, Accuses Davido Of Bullying And Insists Daughter Is Fighting For Her Identity

The woman behind the renewed paternity controversy involving Davido has issued a lengthy clarification, saying her decision to speak out was driven solely by concern for her daughter’s wellbeing. Using her daughter’s Instagram account, she identified herself as Ayo Labinjoh and firmly rejected being described as Davido’s baby mama or being labeled a prostitute. She said she has deliberately stayed away from public drama over the years to protect her daughter from emotional harm caused by constant online attacks and bullying. “Good evening, we are heading to bed now. First things first, my name is Ayo Labinjoh. I’m NOT Davido’s baby mama or a bitch. I am very protective of my daughter’s mental health after the level of bullying she went through for years. My daughter cried for days, fainted in school and went through psychotherapy.” According to her, the family had largely moved on from the issue until it resurfaced again, dragging her daughter back into public attention. She accused Davido of ignoring her for years while privately portraying her as a prostitute, a claim she strongly denied. “David Adeleke has largely ignored me for years because he thought he picked up a prostitute from GQClub in Ibadan. I was a waitress and not picked up on the streets. I come from a good home.” She went on to speak about her background and her late father, while also describing her daughter as intelligent, tech-savvy and highly protected from conversations about her family at school. She stressed that she keeps no friends and ensures no one discusses her daughter’s personal life with her. Labinjoh also challenged Davido’s claim that five DNA tests had been conducted. She alleged that the testing process was mishandled from the beginning and that the public had been misled about the number of tests done. “Dr Deji Adeleke took us to a LAB not a hospital where Anu’s blood was drawn in 2014 then discarded behind our backs and fake result was printed,” she claimed, adding that Nigerians were previously told two tests were done before the narrative later changed to five. She expressed shock that her daughter began trending again on social media, saying it followed renewed denials and insults from Davido. “To my shock she was trending on X because her dad needed to call me a bitch that he’s never met yet he subjected himself to a DNA test 5X?” Labinjoh further alleged that Davido contacted her daughter directly, accusing him of threatening and bullying the teenager through private messages. “My daughter is fighting for her identity. David chatted my daughter tonight threatening to lock me up, cursing Anu and repeatedly bullying her.” She concluded by insisting that the situation is not about financial gain but about her daughter’s right to know her identity. She said she plans to seek an independently supervised DNA test, possibly involving international authorities, to ensure transparency. “My daughter did not beg to be here… Bullying my daughter is WRONG.”

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Atiku Describes Son’s APC Move As Personal, Vows To Deliver Credible Alternative

Former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has commented on his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a matter of personal choice. In a statement shared on X, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.” He stressed that he respects individual conscience, adding, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.” Atiku also criticized the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.” He reaffirmed his commitment to offering Nigerians an alternative, stating, “I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and provide Nigerians with a credible option that brings relief, hope, and progress.”

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Olubadan Inaugurated As First Chairman Of New Oyo State Council Of Obas And Chiefs

Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated the new Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ibadan, unveiling a rotational chairmanship among three of the state’s leading traditional rulers. The ceremony, held at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, Ibadan, saw the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, appointed as the council’s first chairman for a two-year term. Notably absent from the event was the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, one of the state’s foremost monarchs. The inauguration follows the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the State House of Assembly, a law designed to strengthen traditional institutions in the state. Explaining the rotational chairmanship, Governor Makinde said, “I called the monarchs and proposed in the law that the chairmanship of the Council of Obas will rotate every two years. This is our tradition. But when we sit down, if we don’t resolve issues and do what is right and proper for our people, then we have failed. “So, I consulted my three fathers—the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland—and the agreement is that the rotation will start with Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadan. On that basis, I hereby pronounce the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs inaugurated.” Under the amended law, the council’s chairmanship will rotate every two years among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland. Oba Ladoja, a former Oyo State governor, became the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in September 2025 following the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

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Davido Blows Hot, Tells Alleged Daughter, Mother To Leave Him Alone After Multiple DNA Tests

Nigerian music superstar Davido has reacted angrily to a viral claim from a teenage girl alleging to be his daughter, who publicly requested a DNA test. Responding to a tweet from an influencer that read, “A daughter asking the father for a DNA test will really break and touch the father’s heart,” Davido wrote: “After 5 DNA tests … she Dey crase … her and her mom better leave me the fuck alone and go find her papa.” When a user asked if he knew the girl’s mother, the singer responded: “Never met the bitch … except when we went for the DNA … very stupid behavior. I will soon treat their FK … 5 fucking hospitals just to be clear … the mom needs to go to jail … I don’t blame the poor girl.” Davido later defended himself further, stating: “Yes, I chose 3 hospitals and they chose their own two hospitals … all came out negative. This is the last time I’m speaking on this nonsense.” The controversy arose after Anu Adeleke, the teenager claiming to be his daughter, requested a DNA test to confirm her parentage. Reports indicate that five separate tests have already been conducted, all reportedly negative, though her mother has disputed the results. The singer’s tweets have sparked heated debate online, with fans divided between supporting Davido’s strong response and criticizing his language and approach to the sensitive matter.

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L.A.X Gets Engaged To Long-Time Girlfriend In Romantic Garden Proposal

Nigerian singer L.A.X has officially taken his relationship to the next level after proposing to his long-time girlfriend in a romantic setting. The artiste shared a video capturing the special moment, showing the couple walking hand in hand into a beautifully decorated garden. His girlfriend turned heads in a red outfit, while L.A.X appeared calm and stylish in a grey shirt and trousers. As the walk continued, the mood shifted when the singer suddenly went down on one knee and brought out an engagement ring, sealing the emotional moment with a proposal. The video, which L.A.X posted online, has since drawn warm reactions from fans and colleagues, who flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages for the newly engaged couple.   View this post on Instagram  

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Fubara Orders Immediate Employment Of Fallen Servicemen’s Children In Rivers

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the immediate employment of children of fallen servicemen in the state. The directive was announced on Thursday during the Armed Forces Remembrance ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt, held to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Fubara said the move reflects the state government’s commitment to the Armed Forces, other security agencies, and the families of personnel who lost their lives in active service. He instructed the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, to ensure the directive is implemented without delay. “I want to emphasise that the Secretary to the State Government has been given marching orders to ensure the promised employment for the children of our veterans is immediately attended to. This is part of our socio-economic support for their families,” he said. The governor noted that Rivers State would continue to partner with military formations by providing logistical and welfare support to enhance their operational capacity. He paid tribute to troops deployed nationwide, particularly those fighting Boko Haram in the North-East, as well as personnel confronting banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central regions. He also acknowledged ongoing military operations in the South-East and South-South against pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and other security threats on land and at sea. Fubara honoured soldiers who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, international peacekeeping missions, and recent counter-insurgency operations. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for strengthening the military through improved welfare, modern equipment, and initiatives aimed at addressing internal security challenges. Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State chapter, Kuu Aminkipo Promise, praised the state government’s support, highlighting Governor Fubara’s ₦100 million donation to the 2026 Emblem Appeal Fund as reassurance to veterans, widows, and dependents of fallen heroes.

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