NEWS
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu: A Stalwart Leader Remembered
The Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has passed away at the age of 67 in Germany, succumbing to a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.
The announcement, made by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, follows several hours of circulating rumors.
Akeredolu, affectionately known as Aketi, was a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, having served as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association and secured two terms as the Governor of Ondo State.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 21, 1956, in Owo, Ondo State, Akeredolu’s educational journey included stints at Government School, Owo; Aquinas College, Akure; Loyola College, Ibadan; and Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro. He obtained his LLB degree from the University of Ife in 1977, subsequently being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.
Personal Life and Family
A devout Christian, Akeredolu had a Chapel of Epiphany dedicated at his Owo residence. Born to Reverend J. Ola Akeredolu and Lady Evangelist Grace B. Akeredolu, he served as the Chancellor of the Cathedral of St. Andrews Church, Owo. His family included his wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and four children.
Political and Professional Journey
Akeredolu’s multifaceted career spanned legal practice, advocacy, and political leadership. He served as the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Bar Association Ibadan branch, Ondo State’s attorney general, and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association. Notably, he was awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger in October 2022.
Significant Achievements
Governor Akeredolu’s legacy includes pivotal contributions to security, infrastructure, and the economy. He played a key role in establishing the Regional Security Network, Amotekun, addressing security concerns in the region. Additionally, his administration focused on infrastructure development, with projects like the dualisation of Oke-Alabojuto Road and the reconstruction of Emure to Owo Road.
In the economic sphere, Akeredolu’s tenure witnessed the establishment of the Ondo-Linyil Industrial Hub, promotion of agribusiness, and initiatives empowering farmers and youth.
As Ondo State mourns the loss of its leader, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s impact on the political landscape and commitment to progress will be remembered for years to come.
NEWS
NCDMB Sponsored Oracle Primavera P6 Training Underway In Rivers State
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched a 5-day Hands-on Oracle Primavera P6 Training in Rivers State, targeting 50 participants.
The training, being executed by Mathnebi Nig. Ltd, commenced today, March 16th and will run until Friday, March 20th.
The intensive hands-on program aims to equip participants with practical skills in project management using Oracle Primavera P6, enhancing their capabilities in the energy and construction sectors.
The NCDMB’s sponsorship of the training underscores its commitment to boosting local capacity and driving Nigeria’s economic growth through skills development.
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The training is expected to benefit participants and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s project management landscape.
NEWS
Tinubu Swears in Taiwo Oyedele as Finance Minister
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Mr. Taiwo Oyedele as Nigeria’s new Minister of State for Finance at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The swearing-in ceremony took place shortly after the Senate confirmed Oyedele’s nomination last Wednesday.
Oyedele, 50, from Ikaram, Akoko in Ondo State, brings over two decades of experience in fiscal policy and tax administration.
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He previously chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, which overhauled Nigeria’s tax system, introducing zero income tax for Nigerians earning N800,000 or less and exemptions for small businesses with turnovers below N50 million.
During his Senate screening, Oyedele described his appointment as “a call to serve at a critical time when Nigeria faces significant fiscal challenges and remarkable opportunities.”
He replaces Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
Oyedele also spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, held executive programs at top global institutions including the London School of Economics and Harvard Kennedy School, and currently serves as a professor at Babcock University.
The minister’s appointment signals a continued focus on implementing the Tax Reform Acts, which took effect on January 1, 2026, and aim to simplify Nigeria’s tax system while boosting economic growth.
NEWS
JUST IN: Panic on Abuja–Kaduna Rail as Train Derails, Passengers Injured
Passengers were thrown into panic on Monday after a train operating along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor derailed, leaving several passengers injured and disrupting services on the busy route.
The train, which was travelling from Kaduna to Abuja, reportedly failed to reach its destination as scheduled after the incident occurred along the rail line linking both cities.
According to passengers on board, the incident happened suddenly, sending shock through the coaches as the train came to an abrupt halt.
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Some passengers said they heard a loud bang before the train jolted violently, throwing several occupants off their seats.
Eyewitnesses said the sudden impact caused confusion inside the train compartments, with some passengers sustaining cuts and bruises after hitting seats and metal fittings.
Initial reports suggested that the Abuja-bound train might have collided with another train along the corridor, forcing rail operations to pause temporarily while authorities assessed the situation.
A source within the Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed the incident but declined to give full details, noting that he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter.
One of the passengers, Sada Malumfashi, shared his experience on social media shortly after leaving the train.
He described the moment as frightening, stating that the loud sound and sudden stop caused many passengers to be flung from their seats.
He said the train remained stationary for about 30 minutes before the journey resumed slowly toward Kubwa, located on the outskirts of Abuja.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Callistus Unyimadu, confirmed the development and said an official statement would be issued.
Authorities are yet to disclose the exact cause of the derailment or the full extent of injuries as investigations continue.





