Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has dismissed the public backlash trailing her interaction with Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, describing the reactions as a “needless controversy.” In a statement posted on her Facebook page on Tuesday, Mrs Tinubu said critics often magnify trivial issues and create unnecessary distractions around leadership. “Those entrusted with leadership understand their duties and how to steer the affairs of society. More often, it is the followers and critics who scrutinise every step, amplify minor missteps, and turn them into needless controversy. Ọṣun lè tèǹtẹ̀ – Osun is ahead,” she wrote. The comments were her first public response to a viral video from the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. In the clip, Governor Adeleke paused briefly after singing during his remarks, after which Mrs Tinubu approached the podium, gestured to him, and whispered something to him — a moment that drew widespread debate online. The incident has since sparked mixed reactions. Akintunde Bello, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Adeleke on the Bureau of Social Services, criticised the First Lady’s gesture, describing it as inappropriate and insisting she should be cautioned. Similarly, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, condemned the act, calling it “bullying” and alleging that Mrs Tinubu had embarrassed the governor “before a global audience.” However, others defended the First Lady. Dayo Fashola, an aide to former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, described the exchange as “light-hearted,” saying it had been exaggerated by the public. A Facebook user, Oyetunji Ayoade, also defended her, arguing that she showed respect by personally approaching the governor. As of the time of filing this report, neither Governor Adeleke nor the Presidency has issued further comments, even as the incident continues to dominate social media conversations.

Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria also known as Shi’ite, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, has disclosed that the United States, US, created Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, ISIS. This was as El-Zakzaky said the US is funding the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, and ISIS. He disclosed this in a trending video while noting that politicians in government are responsible for insecurity in Nigeria. The Shi’ite leader wondered how cattle rearers suddenly acquired weapons and armoured vehicles in the bushes. He said: “The Insecurity Problem in Nigeria was created by politicians in power and If they want to stop it today, they would because they are the ones who engineered it. “How come those people who are known to be cattle rearers have guns in the bush? How come those people they call bandits have armoured vehicles in the bushes and they call them terrorists? “Where did this tankers comes from? From the earth or they moved through? Everybody knows that authorities are behind this insecurity, if they want to stop it today, they can stop it. ”By inviting the US which we know very clearly that they are behind all these insecurity, US created Boko Haram, US is funding Boko Haram, US created ISWAP, they created ISIS, and they confessed it openly. “They said that they would use terrorism to conquer Africa, now you expect them to bring the remedy to what they caused, what do you expect? Mass killings of people. “They will come to steal our resources, you will see them where there is gold, oil, gas, and other security resources. That is why you will see them protecting Christians in Zamfara and Katsina.”

The Sultan Of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad III, Has Blasted Faith Leaders For Not Being Honest With Nigerians Concerning The Insecurity Ravaging The Country. The Sultan, Who Is The Co-Chair Of The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, Stated This On Wednesday At The Second Tri-Annual Meeting Of NIREC In Abuja. He Warned That The Council Would Slip Into Irrelevance Except Faith Leaders Embrace Sincerity, Accountability And Honest Engagement. The Warning Of The Monarch Is Coming As The Christian Association Of Nigeria, CAN, Pressed For Stronger Action On Insecurity, While The Federal Government Dismissed Global Allegations Of Religious Persecution. According To Him, NIREC Had Drifted From Its Founding Purpose And Must Urgently Confront Internal Contradictions Weakening Its Credibility. “Many Years Ago, When I Walked In Here, The Atmosphere Was Very, Very Friendly And Loving. Anyone Seeing The Discussions And Chats Going On Then Would Immediately Know We Were In A Happy Mood. Now, Unless Something Is Wrong Somewhere, We Need To Ask Ourselves Some Questions,” The Royal Father Said.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, delivered a message on the necessity of severing compromising relationships during a sermon at the ongoing Holy Ghost Congress in Ogun State on Tuesday. Speaking on the theme, “Jonah Must Go,” Adeboye warned worshippers about the dangers of nurturing immoral thoughts and maintaining friendships or associations that could hinder spiritual growth. The cleric addressed the topic of maintaining boundaries with the opposite sex, revealing the strict personal policy he implemented after moving to the campground due to long working hours. “From the moment I got to this campground, from the moment I got to a stage where, at night, I still have to work, I ceased to have a female secretary. Some people think it is gender discrimination,” he explained. Adeboye justified this decision based on self-awareness and avoiding potential temptation, especially during late hours. “I know myself. I know who I was before Jesus saved my soul. I know the possibility of dangers, being left alone at night with people of the opposite sex,” he said. “If I were to get a secretary like the last one I had. She was a wonderful child of God. She’s saved, a very wonderful child of God. She was my secretary at Ebute Meta. “And when I got here, I knew I would still be in the office at 3 a.m., and I could imagine that after a long day’s work, we have seen the last visitor. And then my secretary comes in at 2 a.m. to say, ‘We are through now, sir. Is there any way I can help you? Like a cup of tea to relax.’ “At 2 am? Jonah must go,” he declared, emphasising the need to eliminate the opportunity for moral failure before it arises. Adeboye also shared cautionary tales from within his ministry to underscore his point. He recalled advising a young man of God from the North who confessed to being excited about Mondays just because he wanted to see his secretary. “Sack her. Pay whatever you have to pay,” Adeboye recalled advising the minister. The secretary was said to have reacted angrily, saying, “I know where you are coming from. You’ve gone to visit that stupid man you call your father.” “Not that I blame her,” Adeboye said. “My son says, ‘Call him stupid. Just go.’ Today is a great man of God. Why? Because Jonah must go.” In another example, Adeboye spoke of a minister pastoring a large church in America who refused the instruction to sack his secretary and was eventually “relieved” of his duties. He was said to have later married the secretary, only for the man to discover that four out of the five children the woman had belonged to the former pastor. “It wasn’t long before the lady chased the pastor out and became the owner of the pastor. God have mercy on pastors,” Adeboye said. The cleric stressed that achieving one’s divine destiny requires drastic action, saying, “There are things that we won’t do physically because we are afraid that if we are caught, the result won’t be good. But we dwell on them in our hearts. “You yourself, you know that there are certain relationships, one or two or more that you have to do something about and do something about them quickly before they destroy you. “Because the elders have a saying, stay away from a snake that has its head on. In other words, even if the snake appears to be dead until they cut off its head, stay away from it. You know, friends, quote and unquote, that when you are in their presence, you can’t think about God. Jonah must go.” Adeboye concluded by reassuring worshippers that fear of loss should not prevent them from cutting off unhealthy ties. “If I cut off this relationship, if I throw Jonah into the ocean… Leave the rest to God,” he urged. “Anything that can truncate your destiny, friendship that is not leading you closer to God. Everything that will not let you reach your goal, Jonah must go. “When you cut off this unhealthy relationship, you might be helping that fellow. Until they threw Jonah into the sea, he wasn’t going where God wanted him to go. Jonah must go,” he added.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has directed all Royal Highnesses in the land to ensure maximum security of lives and property around their domains and Oyo State at large. The Olubadan made the call in a press statement signed in Ibadan on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Olugbemiga. According to the statement, the Olubadan gave the charge in a meeting he held at his palace with members of the Olubadan-in-Council and the Association of Royal Highnesses of Ibadanland. The Imperial Majesty said that land grabbers, kidnappers, and other criminals could not carry out successful operations without insiders. “We are here principally to discuss the issues of insecurity, sustenance of traditional authority, and land land-grabbing menace that are giving us sleepless nights. You are installed as the Royal Highnesses to primarily protect the life and property of your subjects in your domains. “Don’t give excuses that you don’t know the hideouts of the kidnappers, land grabbers, and other criminals in Ibadanland. The aforementioned group of people couldn’t perform their atrocities without your knowledge and support. “I charge you all to give serious attention to how these atrocities can be reduced to the minimum, if not totally eradicated. “You will be held responsible for crimes committed by these unscrupulous elements you harbour in your areas of jurisdiction,” Ladoja warned. The Olubadan admonished the Royal Highnesses to take the message down to all Baales and Mogajis in their domains for full implementation. Ladoja frowned at the number of dilapidated buildings, turned by miscreants into their abodes, in the urban and rural areas of Ibadanland. He added that the idea of some traditional rulers abandoning their family compounds to settle down at their estates or in foreign countries would no longer be tolerated. Olubadan further stated that the traditional rulers have a duty to visit their family compounds and villages to rebuild them in consonance with the present Olubadan programme of urban renewal. Responding, Oba Adebowale Adeyemi, the Oniladuntan of Laduntan, who is the Chairman, Association of His Royal Highnesses in Ibadanland, reiterated members’ solidarity in building a new Ibadanland. He pleaded with his members to join hands to build a land where peace, security, and improved economic development would be guaranteed.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has emerged the governorship candidate of the Accord Party for next year’s governorship election. The election came as he is the sole candidate of the Accord Party in the governorship primary that was held on Wednesday in Osogbo. THENEWSCREDIT reports that no fewer than 150 delegates were accredited while five ballots were invalid making a total of 145 valid votes at the end of voting. The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Hajia Mariam Saleh represented by the Secretary, Abulazeez Salaudeen, while announcing the result, said Governor Adeleke pulled 145 votes to win the Osun Accord Party governorship ticket at the end of ballot counting exercise. According to her, the electoral committee had delivered on its mandate to ensure a free and fair governorship primary.” Saleh further stated that this was done after voting and counting witnessed by the agents and INEC representatives. The Accord Party national chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem presented the party flag and certificate to Governor Ademola Adeleke and charged him to continue with his good works even as he seeks a second term in office as governor under the banner of the party. Adeleke, while accepting the election result, thanked the Accord Party, the members and the electoral committee for deeming him fit to be their candidate for the 2026 election, urging all party members and electorates to vote for the Accord Party in the election. “I accept my nomination as candidate of Accord Party for the Osun 2026 governorship election. The confidence you repose in me will not be regretted. “My candidacy signals the success of the journey of development as it continues to shine across our state in the service of our people,” Governor Adeleke said. The governor reiterated that Osun State would never go back to the dark days after witnessing failed promises for a long time, adding that with his endorsement by the Accord Party, the opposition against the will of the people has been rejected.

An 18-year-old boy in Adamawa State has confessed to stealing soft drinks to mark his birthday. The boy, Aminu Abdulazeez of Bazza community in Michika LGA, said he carted away half crates of nutri milk and Dudu mineral brand respectively to celebrate his birthday with his friends. He landed in jail after he was trailed and apprehended while he was making further preparation for the event. Aminu made his confession to the Adamawa State Jail Delivery Committee which was on a review visit to where he was being held at the Mubi Correctional Centre. The Area Court I Bazza had sent him to the centre after finding him guilty and sentencing him to three months with option of a N40,000 fine. He had gone to the centre last month after failing to pay the fine. Reviewing his case, the Jail Delivery Committee, headed by the state Chief Judge, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman, reduced his three months of confinement to three months of community service. The committee ordered that he be taken back to Bazza to sweep public facility, a health centre or police station, for three months.

The Federal Government says no fewer than 10,326 Gender-Based Violence, GBV, cases were reported between January and September 2025, with 2,444 survivors receiving care in recovery centres. The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imam Suleiman-Ibrahim, made this known at the National Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, TF-GBV. It was organised by ActionAid and other development partners on Friday in Abuja. The dialogue was part of activities to mark the 2025 16 Days of Activism, with the theme: “UNiTE! End All Forms of Digital Violence against Women and Girls”. The minister was represented by Dr Adanna Steinacker, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health. She disclosed that 511 survivors were supported with livelihoods and empowerment interventions. “Though there was a decline in the 2024 National Demographic and Health Survey in sexual violence, physical violence, and intimate partner violence, yet one in three women experienced GBV during the same period. “However, across the country, violence against women, children and vulnerable groups remains a painful reality. “Technology-facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV) has remained largely unreported due to its complex nature”. The minister added that TF-GBV, which includes sex torture, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, online blackmail, and manipulation of digital platforms, has caused severe trauma and, in some cases, fatalities. She, however, said the Federal Government has concluded arrangements to relaunch the National Electronic Dashboard on Gender-Based Violence. According to her, the initiative is vital for tracking trends, identifying patterns, and improving case management and coordination nationwide. “The ministry will be prioritising the establishment of an Emergency GBV Response Fund, a ring-fenced mechanism to bridge funding gaps and guarantee operational stability for shelters, hotlines, emergency response and survivor rehabilitation.” Earlier, Mrs Cynthia Rowe, representative of the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, called for a national online gender safety policy to coordinate agencies and enforce content moderation standards. She further urged social media platforms to act swiftly by removing harmful content within 48 hours, deploying culturally aware moderation teams, and publishing transparency reports. Rowe also called for the establishment of digital abuse courts and digital protection orders, which would serve as one-stop reporting portals integrating police, legal aid, and psychosocial support. She stressed the need for mandatory gender-sensitive cybercrime training for law enforcement. Also, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said the dialogue aimed to strengthen national coordination, deepen understanding of TF-GBV in Nigeria. “It is also to identify legal and institutional gaps, and co-create a National Roadmap for prevention and response”. Mamedu emphasised that, through high-level remarks, thematic presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, participants would develop actionable solutions and build stronger partnerships. According to him, the initiative would secure commitments from government and other stakeholders to enhance protection, reporting, accountability, and digital safety for women and girls across the country.

A three-member family, including a father, mother and their young child, died in a devastating multi-vehicle collision early Wednesday on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority said. Two other victims sustained critical injuries in the accident. According to a statement issued on Wednesday by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, the accident occurred in the early hours near Secretariat, inward Otedola Bridge. The statement read, “The tragic accident instantly claimed the lives of three members of the same family: father, mother and their young child, while two other victims sustained critical injuries, underscoring the devastating consequences of reckless vehicular conduct.” The crash involved three vehicles — an Audi, a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Corolla — after a heavily loaded truck, reportedly speeding, rammed into one of the cars from behind. “The impact caused the vehicle to lose control, colliding with two additional moving vehicles, thereby triggering the fatal chain-reaction accident. “In a disturbing development, the truck driver absconded immediately from the scene with his vehicle, leaving the victims in peril and evading accountability for the fatal incident,” the statement added. LASTMA said its operatives, working with the Lagos State Ambulance Service, rescued the two critically injured victims from the wreckage and transported them to the Lagos State Emergency and Trauma Centre, Toll-Gate, for urgent medical attention. The three deceased were recovered and handed over to the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit. Security personnel from the Isheri Olowora Police Division and other agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, and Lagos Fire & Rescue Service, supported the rescue operation. LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the loss as “unbearable and irreplaceable” and urged motorists to avoid reckless driving, particularly speeding with heavily loaded trucks. He praised the coordinated response of all emergency agencies involved.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has dismissed public backlash over her interaction with Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, calling the reactions a “needless controversy.” In a statement posted on her Facebook page on Tuesday, Mrs Tinubu said critics often magnify minor issues and create distractions around leadership. She wrote: “Those entrusted with leadership understand their duties and how to steer the affairs of society. “More often, it is the followers and critics who scrutinise every step, amplify minor missteps, and turn them into needless controversy. Ọṣun lè tèǹtẹ̀ – Osun is ahead.” The comments followed a video clip from the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, which showed Adeleke pausing after breaking into a short song during his speech. Mrs Tinubu walked to the podium, gestured to him, and whispered to him — a moment that quickly went viral and drew sharp reactions online. The First Lady’s statement marks her first public response since the video circulated. Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on the Bureau of Social Services, Akintunde Bello, said the First Lady should be cautioned, insisting that her gesture toward an elected governor was inappropriate. Similarly, African Democratic Congress chieftain Dele Momodu criticised the act, describing it as bullying and alleging that Mrs Tinubu had “openly disgraced and embarrassed Adeleke before a global audience.” Some, however, believe that Mrs Tinubu’s action was justified. Dayo Fashola, an aide to a former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, on her verified Facebook page, said the interaction between the duo was lighthearted. “What transpired between Oluremi Tinubu and Adeleke was light‑hearted and isn’t as serious as people are making it seem,” Fashola wrote. Similarly, Facebook user Oyetunji Ayoade defended the First Lady, writing, “The highest respect the First Lady can give to Osun people is to stand up and inform him by herself, and she did.” Neither Governor Adeleke nor the Presidency has issued further comments, even as the incident continues to dominate social media discussions.