Author: Festus Adeloye

A retired Army Major, Joe Ajayi, who was kidnapped at his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu local government area of Kogi State few weeks ago, has died in the kidnappers’ den despite payment of N10 million ransom for his release. Major Ajayi was kidnapped on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from his residence around 11:30pm by gunmen who shot sporadically. It was gathered that the initial demands of N50 million ransom by his abductors lingered for long when the family could not pay; this resulted in his health deteriorating as he had no means of getting his medication. The kidnappers informed the…

Actress Jumoke George has received an outpouring of support from Nigerians after sharing her emotional struggles. Following her interview with Biola Bayo, kind-hearted  Nigerians gifted her a four-bedroom duplex, an SUV, and a plot of land. Biola Bayo expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed, making the veteran actress’s dream a reality. Biola wrote: “Today, we present a 4-bedroom duplex, an SUV and a plot of land from @ayokmagproperties1 @ayokmag to @jumoke_george “Thank you to everyone who made this dream a reality. I’m grateful. “This wouldn’t have happened without your contributions. Thank you, everyone.. Thank you to @royalhugssurprise for your support always”.…

The Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, Aliyu Audu, has resigned from his position. Audu’s resignation is contained in a letter dated June 8, 2025, and submitted through the office of the president’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. In the letter, Audu said he refuses to be a tool for turning Nigeria into a one-party state, while adding that the present administration still has his support. “If we now begin to silence or crush opposition simply because we have the upper hand, then we are no different from the very system we once criticised under Obasanjo…

Al Nassr striker, Cristiano Ronaldo will not be leaving the Saudi Pro League club when his current contract expires at the end of June. Ronaldo has been linked with a move away from Al Nassr, fuelled by his “this chapter is over” post on Instagram barely an hour after scoring in the club’s final game of the season in May. He was most recently linked with Al Hilal, who will be participating in the upcoming Club World Cup, but shot down the rumour. However, football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated in an X post on Monday that the Portugal captain is ready to…

President Bola Tinubu, this afternoon, told the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, he was no longer angry with him and that “all his sins” had been forgiven. This development came about after the president met with members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), who came to plead on behalf of the governor, and others who might have erred in the sight of the president. Chairman of the GAC, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, who welcomed the president to Lagos, said it was obvious he was unhappy with some persons in the state, especially the governor, and, therefore pleaded for mercy. Responding, the…

The 2025 Ojude Oba festival has kicked off in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, bringing together people from all walks of life.  This annual celebration, which dates back to the 19th century, is a revered tradition where the people of Ijebu pay homage to their monarch, the Awujale of Ijebuland. The festival’s origins are rooted in the Muslim community’s gratitude to the Awujale for allowing them to practice their faith freely. During the festival, various age groups, known as ‘regberegbe’, showcase vibrant displays of traditional attire, while horse-riding competitions and rich cultural performances add to the excitement. The event showcases the community’s heritage…

The Federal Government has announced Thursday, June 12, as a public holiday to mark the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations. Mrs Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, stated on Sunday in Abuja. According to Ajani, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, declared the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government and congratulated Nigerians on 26 years of unbroken civil government. “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured. “The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is to address a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12 as part of activities marking the 2025 Democracy Day.  In an internal memo to members, Clerk to the House of Representatives, Yahaya Danzaria said the President is expected to arrive the National Assembly around12.00 noon. A statement by the spokesman of the House, Akintunde Rotimi on the President’s engagement reads: “The leadership and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives will participate in a special joint sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12, 2025, to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day celebration. “This…

Coco Gauff won the first French Open title of her career by fighting back to beat the world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, in a rollercoaster final played in testing conditions. American second seed Gauff claimed a 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-4 victory after a tense battle between the WTA Tour’s two leading players. It is the second Grand Slam victory of the 21-year-old’s career, adding to the US Open title she won in 2023, also by beating Belarus’ Sabalenka. Gauff recovered from a difficult start where she trailed by a double break, eventually finding her rhythm and benefiting from a huge…

Singer Darey Art Alade and wife, Deola have shared their car caught fire on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. According to Deola on Instagram, the driver escaped safely and no life was lost. The couple expressed gratitude for the protection and perspective they gained from the incident. The couple in a joint post on Instagram said they chose to share their experience not to seek sympathy but to remind others that material possessions can be replaced, but lives cannot. They encouraged those navigating sudden loss to find strength in the ability to rebuild and begin again. Deola wrote: “Yesterday, around…