NEWS
We Succeeded Where Our Opponents Never Gave Us A Chance – Adeleke
. . . Adeleke Will Do Second Term – Olowu Of Iwoland
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has attributed the achievements recorded by his administration in 2023 to divine guidance, saying his government’s recorded successes trumped the expectations of his political opponents.
This was even as the paramount ruler of Iwoland, Oba (Dr) Adewale Akanbi (Telu 1) declared that Sen Adeleke would be reelected for a second term in office.
The traditional ruler made this statement at the Inter-religious service on Tuesday, at the state secretariat to usher in the government and the state into the new year.
At the same event, Gov Adeleke voiced his opinion, giving God glory for guiding his administration thus far.
The Governor said he “directly experienced divine guidance in making state decisions”, which count for the remarkable success attained so far.
“My dear people of faith, I have personal confessions to make. In the last one year, I directly experienced divine guidance in making state decisions.
“On several occasions, God almighty was my instructor in deciding on key issues. When I told you I govern with the fear of God, it is not a joke.
“Our leadership is a product of divine plan and manifestation,” he noted.
“The signs are everywhere even for our political opponents to see. I will share some of the examples for you all. When I assumed the governorship of our dear state, many serious problems existed. Such issues appeared to have defied all solutions. My predecessor deliberately added petrol to the fire by laying several bobby traps before he left office. Nobody expects solutions from us.
“But because we have a God who does not fail his beloved ones, doors open where none exist. The governance space witnessed policy innovations and implementation which provide answers to knotty state policy questions. Because we have a God who props up his favoured and chosen ones, our government successfully reset the button of the state public service, frontaly addressed workers’ welfare, put a smile on the faces of pensioners, restored local governance, implemented infra agenda and set the tone for sustainable governance.
“Through God and people of goodwill, we succeeded where opponents never gave us a chance. We break jinx in critical areas and prove that Osun people can experience good governance despite all odds. Our government has manifested what many denied- that a God led administration is a condition for successful leadership in state governance.”
Governor Adeleke appreciated workers and the people of Osun state for the support for his administration, urging them “to continue to maintain cohesion, love and support for your government under my leadership. Let us continue to seek the face of God across the faiths for the success of our collective project.
“To our royal fathers and religious leaders, God is answering your prayers over me and my team. Do not relent in your prayers and guidance for us.
“As I noted in my new year message, we have grand ambition to take Osun to greater heights. I trust that with God and people, we shall achieve our lofty goals and agenda for our dear state.”
Adeleke Will Do Second Term in Office” -Oluwo of Iwoland Declares
While giving his remark at the event, the Oluwo of Iwoland said, “We appreciate the Governor for the commendable job being done in the state. They’re all applaudable.
“Governor Adeleke is the driver of the Osun government, and by this, it is imperative for everyone regardless of political divides in the state to continue to support the administration to succeed.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke, I’m declaring on behalf of other traditional rulers in the state that we’re fully in support of your government and its continuation for a second term in office”, the Oluwo of Iwoland declared at the event.
The monarch thereafter pleaded for better welfare for the traditional institution in the state even while acknowledging that the Governor has been doing his best for the institution so far.
Prayers were offered for the progress of the state, economic advancement, peace, tranquility, political stability, security, and divine wisdom for the Governor in continuing to govern the state.
The Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, SSG, Hon Teslim Igbalaye, Speaker of the State Assembly, Honourable Adewale Egbedun, the Deputy Minority leader of the Senate, Akogun Lere Oyewumi, the State PDP Chairman, Hon Sunday Bisi, Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, Timi of Ede, Orangun of Ila and Ataoja of Osogbo, are among other notable traditional rulers at the event including political functionaries.
NEWS
Kano Businessman’s Daughter Kidnapped After ₦8m Ransom Payment
In a shocking incident on Sunday morning, unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers invaded the home of Alhaji Auwal, a prominent businessman, in Garo Town, Kabo Local Government Area of Kano State.
The gunmen, estimated to be around 10 in number, forced their way into the residence, breaking down a door to gain entry.
An anonymous source revealed that the attackers were heavily armed, with three carrying firearms and the rest wielding other weapons.
READ MORE: Tinubu Urges Stakeholders To Join Forces To Restart Oil Production In Ogoniland
They quickly gathered the entire family in one room, instilling fear and panic in the household.
According to the source, Alhaji Auwal pleaded with the assailants to spare his family and agreed to meet their demands.
The kidnappers, who were determined to extort money, received ₦8 million from the family.
Despite this payment, the gunmen took the businessman’s eldest daughter, Zainab, a secondary school graduate, before fleeing the scene.
The whereabouts of Zainab remain unknown, and as of now, the kidnappers have not contacted the family.
This abduction comes just 48 hours after the tragic kidnapping and subsequent murder of former Gombe State Permanent Secretary, Atiku Mu’azu, who was killed by gunmen after a ₦10 million ransom was paid.
The two incidents have left the residents of Kano in shock and fear, prompting calls for increased security measures in the area.
Attempts to reach the spokesperson for the Kano Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna, for comment were unsuccessful as his phone remained unreachable.
Authorities have yet to make any official statements regarding the investigation.
International News
Colombia Blocks US Deportation Flights Over Migrant Treatment
In a bold move, Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared on Sunday that he would not allow US deportation flights carrying Colombian migrants to access his country’s airspace.
The left-wing leader took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his strong stance, stating, “The United States cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals. I forbid entry to our territory to US planes carrying Colombian migrants.”
Petro made it clear that such flights would only be accepted once Washington established a protocol to ensure the “dignified treatment” of deported migrants.
READ MORE: How Trump Plans To Grow American Economy By $1 Trillion Daily
The president later confirmed in a separate post that he had already turned back US military planes that were en route with Colombian migrants on board, although he did not provide further specifics on the matter.
While AFP sought confirmation from US authorities regarding the blockade of deportation flights, no immediate response was forthcoming.
Petro’s statements come just a day after Brazil’s government voiced similar outrage over the treatment of deported Brazilians.
Brazil condemned the US administration under President Donald Trump, citing instances where Brazilian migrants were deported while handcuffed on flights, describing it as a “flagrant disregard” for their basic rights.
In his remarks, Petro emphasized that he would be open to allowing civilian US flights to transport deported migrants as long as they were not subjected to treatment “like criminals,” signaling a broader call for humane treatment of migrants under international deportation policies.
NEWS
Four Dead, Many Injured As Explosion Rocks Niger State Mining Site
An explosion at a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegun Local Government Area of Niger State, claimed the lives of four individuals and left several others injured on Sunday morning.
The blast occurred as miners resumed operations, sending shockwaves through the community.
While the exact cause of the explosion remains undetermined, local residents have pointed to the poor handling of explosive devices by mining companies as a possible factor.
READ MORE: Thisday Awards: Diana Ross Arrives In Nigeria
The incident has sparked concerns about safety practices within the mining sector.
Community sources confirmed the recovery of four bodies, but authorities fear the death toll could rise.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the blast and assess the full extent of the damage.
One resident, Aminu, described the chaos that followed the explosion. “The sound was so loud that many of us thought it came from the hydroelectricity dam nearby. People panicked and ran into the bush for safety,” he recounted.
Another community member highlighted the potential role of mining operations in the tragedy.
“Mining companies here frequently use explosives during their activities, and this seems like an operational issue, not something related to terrorism,” the resident said, dismissing concerns about a security threat in the area.
As of the time of reporting, neither the state government nor security agencies have released an official statement regarding the explosion.