OYO KIDNAPPED PUPILS, TEACHERS REGAIN FREEDOM AFTER WEEKS IN CAPTIVITY

OYO KIDNAPPED PUPILS, TEACHERS REGAIN FREEDOM AFTER WEEKS IN CAPTIVITY

There is widespread relief across Oyo State following the release of the pupils and teachers who were abducted in Orire Local Government Area.

The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending weeks in captivity, bringing an end to the anxiety that had gripped their families, school communities, and concerned Nigerians.

The development was confirmed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.

"Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been freed by their abductors," Onanuga wrote.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities have yet to disclose the circumstances surrounding the victims' release, including whether any ransom was paid or if security operations led to their freedom.

The abduction, which occurred in recent weeks, had triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of schools and students. The successful release of the victims has been welcomed with relief, while many Nigerians await further details from the relevant authorities.

ETI-OSA EAST MAKES HISTORY AS HUNDREDS ATTEND LANDMARK PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED BYE-LAWS

ETI-OSA EAST MAKES HISTORY AS HUNDREDS ATTEND LANDMARK PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED BYE-LAWS

The Council Secretariat of Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area (LCDA) came alive on Thursday, 9th July, 2026, as hundreds of residents and stakeholders gathered for a historic Public Hearing on proposed local bye-laws, marking a significant milestone in participatory governance and grassroots democracy.

Organised by the 6th Legislative Council, the landmark event attracted an impressive turnout of traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, youth groups, business owners, civil society organisations, and residents, all united by a shared commitment to shaping laws that will drive development and improve governance across the LCDA.

Welcoming participants, the Executive Chairman of Eti-Osa East LCDA, Hon. Dr. Biliaminu Samsideen Agunbiade, described the public hearing as a demonstration of the council's commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and citizen-centred governance. He stressed that sustainable development can only be achieved when the people actively participate in the lawmaking process.

The Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Akindele Jamiu Babatunde, stressed the constitutional responsibility of local government legislators to enact people-oriented laws that respond to the everyday needs and aspirations of the grassroots.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the formal presentation of the proposed bye-laws by the Majority Leader, Hon. Memudat Yetunde Shelle-Kazeem, who officially commenced the working session by presenting the legislative framework to the Council Leader for deliberation.

The Council Clerk, Mr. Mohammed B. Alli, provided the technical framework for the exercise, explaining the objectives of the hearing and guiding participants through the legislative process.

The public hearing was expertly moderated by Mr. Bakare A.R., Chief Executive Officer of Favor-Bakky Resource, who also served as the guest speaker. In an engaging presentation, he educated participants on local government levies and rates, the responsibilities of revenue enforcement officers, and the importance of civic bye-laws in promoting public order and effective service delivery.

The interactive session provided residents and stakeholders with the opportunity to freely express their views, make recommendations, and submit memoranda, reinforcing the council's resolve to ensure that the final legislation reflects the genuine aspirations and interests of the people.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Deputy Majority Leader and Councillor representing Ward C (Addo), Hon. Awere Sikiru Olamilekan, applauded the remarkable turnout and commended participants for their patriotism and dedication to building a more progressive, orderly, and prosperous Eti-Osa East LCDA.

PRESIDENCY DISMISSES PETER OBI’S SAFETY CLAIMS, SAYS TINUBU GOVERNMENT NOT TARGETING OPPOSITION FIGURE

PRESIDENCY DISMISSES PETER OBI’S SAFETY CLAIMS, SAYS TINUBU GOVERNMENT NOT TARGETING OPPOSITION FIGURE

The Presidency has dismissed claims by the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, that his life is under threat and that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deliberately targeting him.

Reacting to Obi's recent remarks that the Federal Government was frustrating his activities and intimidating opposition figures, the Presidency described the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the claims were aimed at attracting public sympathy while diverting attention from challenges facing Obi's political platform.

According to Onanuga, Obi has developed a pattern of blaming the government for personal inconveniences, including an airport incident in which he alleged officials locked his vehicle. He argued that the situation may have resulted from a violation of parking regulations rather than any form of political persecution.

The presidential aide also addressed concerns surrounding Fidelity Bank Plc, in which he said Obi has a substantial interest, insisting that the bank has continued to perform well under the current administration's economic reforms.

He maintained that the Tinubu administration has no interest in targeting either Obi or the bank, stressing that the government remains focused on implementing reforms aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

Onanuga concluded that the Presidency would not be distracted by what he described as "self-serving narratives," insisting that the administration remains committed to governance and national development.

HEALTHCARE FOR ALL: OJOKORO COUNCIL CHAIR ENROLLS 1,000 RESIDENTS INTO LAGOS HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME

HEALTHCARE FOR ALL: OJOKORO COUNCIL CHAIR ENROLLS 1,000 RESIDENTS INTO LAGOS HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME

In a bold move to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare, the Executive Chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. (Barr.) Oluyemisi Adenike Rosiji, has successfully sponsored the enrollment of 1,000 residents into the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme (LASHMA).

The beneficiaries were enrolled during the Third Phase (Grand Finale) of the exercise held on Wednesday 8th July, bringing to a successful close the Council's three-phase health insurance intervention aimed at providing vulnerable residents with one year of uninterrupted access to healthcare services at accredited hospitals across Lagos State.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Rosiji reaffirmed her administration's commitment to prioritising the wellbeing of residents, stressing that access to quality healthcare should not be determined by one's financial status. She noted that beneficiaries from the first and second phases are already enjoying the benefits of the scheme and urged the new enrollees to make good use of the opportunity by embracing preventive healthcare and avoiding self-medication.

Earlier, the Vice Chairman and Supervisor for Health, Hon. Tunde Oyekunle, described the initiative as another demonstration of the administration's people-centred approach to governance and commended the Executive Chairman for investing in programmes that directly improve the lives of residents.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, who was represented by, Miss Tayo Adetoro, lauded the Council Chairman for supporting the State Government's universal health coverage agenda. She also educated beneficiaries on the benefits of the scheme, enrollment procedures, available healthcare packages, and customer support channels, while announcing plans to establish an enrollment desk within the LCDA to further improve access to health insurance services.

The event also featured an interactive session where participants received answers to questions on enrollment, hospital selection, and access to healthcare services under the scheme.

In his vote of thanks, the Council Manager, Dr. Idowu Banjoko, commended Hon. Rosiji for her unwavering commitment to the welfare of residents and staff, particularly the sponsorship of 400 temporary staff into the health insurance scheme.

  The programme attracted prominent stakeholders, including APC leaders, council legislators, traditional and religious leaders, CDC and CDAs executive market leaders, youth groups, women leaders, and residents from across the seven wards of Ojokoro LCDA. 

'I MIGHT NOT BE ALIVE TO CONTEST 2027 ELECTION' — PETER OBI ALLEGES INTIMIDATION

 

'I MIGHT NOT BE ALIVE TO CONTEST 2027 ELECTION' — PETER OBI ALLEGES INTIMIDATION

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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over what he described as persistent intimidation and frustration allegedly targeted at him and other opposition figures, saying there is no guarantee he will still be alive to contest the election.

Obi made the remarks during an interview on With Chude, hosted by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo.

Responding to a question on whether he could emerge as a candidate in the 2027 presidential race, Obi said, "Not even a candidate. I might not even be alive. Every single thing I do, this government is frustrating. There is even a possibility that, if they have the opportunity, I will not be alive."

He maintained that he was not making direct accusations but insisted that he regularly encountered actions he believed were designed to hinder his activities.

According to him, "It's not an accusation. I experience frustration every day. Things that should be normal are no longer normal, and you can see their hand in virtually everything."

The former Anambra State governor further alleged that members of the opposition were being singled out, claiming he had been denied privileges he was ordinarily entitled to.

Obi also recounted an incident at an airport where he said officials locked his vehicle while leaving others untouched, despite identifying himself. He added that some acquaintances now avoid greeting him publicly for fear of being associated with him, while others have reportedly asked him not to attend their family events to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

As of the time of his remarks, Obi did not present evidence to substantiate the allegations. The Federal Government had not issued an official response to the claims.

This version is concise, balanced, and written in a professional news style while clearly attributing all allegations to Peter Obi.