Compiled by Egalitarian Voice
1. Historic Coronation in Ibadan: Oba Ladoja Crowned 44th Olubadan
History was made in Ibadan on Friday as former Governor of Oyo State and serving Senator, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, was officially crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The colourful coronation ceremony, held at the historic Mapo Hall, attracted dignitaries across the nation. Governor Seyi Makinde presented the staff of office to the new monarch, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other eminent personalities graced the occasion. The event has been described as a new dawn for Ibadan’s traditional institution.
2. Bandits Kill Worshippers Inside Zamfara Mosque
Tragedy struck in Yandoto village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Friday morning when armed bandits invaded a mosque during early morning prayers. At least five worshippers were shot dead in the gruesome attack.
The incident has thrown the community into mourning, while security forces have been placed on red alert in the area. Residents have renewed calls for stronger action against the escalating wave of insecurity in the North-West.
3. Crisis Rocks Dangote Refinery as Workers Sacked
Fresh reports have confirmed that Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa’s largest private refinery, has terminated the appointment of many of its staff amid an ongoing faceoff with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
The development has raised fears of potential disruption in the refinery’s operations and increased tensions in the nation’s oil and gas sector.
4. Tinubu Speaks on Hardship: ‘Economic Pain is Like Surgery’
President Bola Tinubu on Friday admitted that Nigerians are experiencing serious hardship due to the impact of his government’s economic reforms.
Speaking at the coronation of the new Olubadan, Tinubu likened the hardship to the pain from an economic surgery, insisting that the country’s economy is “recovering from crisis” and has already “turned the corner.” He thanked Nigerians for their perseverance and assured that “a bright light is at the end of the tunnel.”
5. Police Foil Smuggling of 103 Jerrycans of Petrol
The Nigeria Police Force has intercepted 103 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) allegedly being smuggled out of Nigeria into Cameroon and the Benin Republic.
According to Force PRO, Benjamin Hundeyin, the operation was part of the police’s sustained efforts to clamp down on economic saboteurs and criminal gangs operating along Nigeria’s borders.
6. Mining Pit Collapses, Traps Miners in Zamfara
A major disaster occurred in Kadauri community, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, as several artisanal miners were trapped following the collapse of mining pits.
The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Bala Ahmad, confirmed the tragic incident on Friday. Rescue operations were still ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
7. Customs Announce Relief for Manufacturers
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced new relief measures to support the nation’s productive sector. Under the new policy, manufacturers will be exempted from paying the 4% Free On Board (FOB) levy on raw materials, spare parts, and selected machinery.
The decision was jointly announced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye, in a communique released Friday.
8. ADC Coalition: Obidient Movement Will Shape 2027 Elections
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Coalition has stated that the Obidient Movement will remain a decisive force in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Arise TV, Chille Igbawua, a chieftain of the party, dismissed suggestions that Peter Obi is detached from the movement. He emphasized that many Obidient members are already integrated into the coalition’s leadership structures.
9. Benue Police Deny Killing of Robbery Suspect in Custody
The Benue State Police Command has denied reports that its operatives killed a suspected armed robber, Philip Kpentuman, who died while in custody.
In a statement issued in Makurdi on Friday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, explained that the Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, has ordered an autopsy to determine the true cause of death.
10. New Olubadan Demands Creation of Ibadan State
In one of his first official declarations as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider the creation of Ibadan State.
Reality of Life: The Story of Governor Seyi Makinde and Senator Oba Ladoja || By Segun Akinlabi
Speaking shortly after receiving his staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde, the monarch said Ibadan, with its population, economic base, and political influence, deserves to be recognized as a state before 2027.
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