Five individuals, including a woman who recently arrived from the United Kingdom to attend a wedding ceremony, lost their lives in two different road accidents that occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Ijebu-Ode/Ore Expressway in Ogun State. LMSINT MEDIA learned on Tuesday that the first fatal crash happened at about 11:16 p.m. on Monday along the Ijebu-Imushin section of the Ijebu-Ode/Ore Expressway. According to the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Afolabi Odunsi, the accident involved a Toyota Hiace commercial bus and a MAN Diesel truck owned by Julius Berger. Odunsi stated that the truck had been under tow before the incident occurred, but the towing chain suddenly broke, causing the truck to remain immobile on the road. The bus, which was reportedly travelling at high speed, later crashed into the stationary vehicle. He explained that at approximately 23:16 hours, the white Toyota Hiace bus rammed into the blue MAN Diesel truck after the towing chain disconnected, leaving the truck stranded on the highway. He further disclosed that four passengers inside the bus, comprising two men and two women, died instantly, while no survivor was recorded from the vehicle. FRSC officials later moved the bodies from the scene and deposited them at the State Hospital morgue in Ijebu-Ode, while officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Imushin Division, took charge of the case for additional investigation. Reacting to the incident, the Ogun State Sector Commander, Akinwunmi Fasakin, advised motorists to strictly obey speed regulations, especially when travelling at night, and also ensure that towing equipment used on highways meets approved safety standards to avoid preventable accidents. In another tragic development on the same day, a woman who had just returned from the United Kingdom died in a separate crash along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at about 5:48 p.m. The spokesperson of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, revealed that the victim was inside a Toyota Camry car together with two other passengers when the driver collided with a moving truck close to Christopher University. According to eyewitness reports, the car was being driven at excessive speed before it rammed into the truck. Three occupants were involved in the accident, including one man and two women. One of the female passengers died, while the remaining two sustained various degrees of injuries. Akinbiyi added that the deceased was taken to the Redeemed Hospital morgue, whereas the injured victims were rushed to Famobis Hospital and Redeemed Hospital for medical treatment. Further findings revealed that the deceased woman and another female passenger had recently returned from the United Kingdom to attend a wedding ceremony in Abeokuta before the unfortunate incident occurred. While sympathising with the families of the victims, Akinbiyi stressed the importance of avoiding overspeeding and obeying all traffic rules while driving. He noted that despite continuous awareness campaigns and enforcement operations by the Ogun State Government, some motorists still ignore traffic regulations. According to him, reckless driving and excessive speed remain major causes of fatal accidents, adding that the agency will continue its enforcement activities to safeguard lives and property on public roads.
Residents of Gombe were thrown into sudden fear on Tuesday afternoon after a heavy-duty truck transporting sand crashed into the entrance gate of the Gombe State Government House, causing visible destruction to the newly installed structure. The unexpected accident reportedly occurred at about 12:55 p.m. and involved the main security gate that was recently constructed as part of the ongoing renovation work currently taking place at the Government House complex under the administration of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya. The entrance facility, according to reports, has not yet been officially commissioned since the upgrade project is still in progress. According to eyewitness accounts gathered at the scene, the truck appeared to lose control while approaching the Government House area before forcefully ramming into the large metal gate, which is believed to have cost millions of naira to build. One eyewitness, identified as Musa Abdullahi, a trader who was nearby at the time of the incident, explained that the vehicle was moving at noticeable speed before the driver suddenly lost control. He stated that he was standing across the road when he noticed the truck coming toward the gate unusually fast. Moments later, the driver was unable to maintain direction, causing the truck to veer off the road and crash directly into the entrance structure. Another observer, Ibrahim Sadiq, a commercial motorcycle operator who was also present in the area, said the situation could have resulted in serious casualties if people had been walking close to the gate when the crash happened. He explained that the event happened very quickly, causing panic among people nearby, as several individuals ran away immediately after noticing the truck moving uncontrollably toward the Government House entrance. Fortunately, no pedestrian was struck during the incident. A security personnel working around the Government House premises, who requested not to be identified, confirmed that the force of the collision caused serious damage to parts of the newly mounted gate. He stated that the entrance structure forms part of the ongoing modernization and renovation project currently being executed at the Government House, adding that the impact bent some sections of the metal frame and affected the installation. Preliminary information gathered from the scene suggested that the truck involved in the crash belongs to Tricata Nigeria Ltd., although officials were unable to immediately provide the vehicle registration number at the time of the report. The Director-General of Press Affairs at the Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, later confirmed the occurrence while assuring the public that no life was lost during the accident. He explained that the incident happened earlier in the day and expressed gratitude that the situation did not result in fatalities. He also confirmed that the driver of the truck sustained injuries during the collision and is currently receiving medical attention at a nearby health facility. The Gombe State Government House is presently undergoing large-scale renovation and rehabilitation work, which the current administration describes as part of long-term infrastructure development projects intended to upgrade government facilities across the state. Officials say the renovation includes structural improvements, security upgrades, and modernization of key buildings within the Government House complex.
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Stakeholders from the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and the BRACED Commission, which represents Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Edo States, have resolved to jointly examine investment prospects connected to the proposed 750-kilometre Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project. The strategic session took place at the DAWN Commission corporate headquarters located inside Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan, where delegates from South-West state governments, South-South representatives, and several institutional partners gathered to discuss long-term economic planning tied to the coastal corridor. During deliberations, participants explained that careful and coordinated development along the coastal road could transform the economic outlook of Nigeria. According to projections presented at the meeting, proper utilisation of the opportunities along the corridor may raise the country’s Gross Domestic Product from the present level of about $400 billion to a range between $1.4 trillion and $14 trillion within the next five decades. Need for structured development along the coastal corridor In his opening remarks, the Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, stated that the organisation brought together stakeholders from both South-West and South-South regions to design a clear framework for maximising the economic value of the coastal highway. He described the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road as the most extensive infrastructure initiative undertaken in Nigeria in more than six decades, stressing that such a project must be guided by organised planning to prevent the mistakes experienced in previous large-scale developments. Oyeleye explained that the commission invited Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo States alongside the BRACED member states because the highway corridor runs across these regions. According to him, only a coordinated strategy involving all affected states can guarantee that the economic potential of the road will be fully realised. He emphasised that collaboration should focus on the creation of industrial clusters, environmental conservation zones, tourism centres, and commercial hubs along the route so that the project will produce long-term economic benefits rather than unplanned expansion. The Director-General warned that past infrastructure projects in Nigeria suffered from poor coordination because states often worked independently without a shared development plan. He noted that global examples show that properly managed coastal highways usually become powerful drivers of industrial growth, tourism, and regional trade. Oyeleye added that planning must begin immediately instead of waiting until construction is completed. According to him, discussions are already ongoing on how Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo States can jointly design development zones that will operate as integrated economic corridors. He also disclosed that one of the expected outcomes of the meeting is the establishment of a joint supervisory body that will manage physical development, land use, and investment activities along the coastal route. Economic projection shows massive growth potential Delivering a lecture titled “Unlocking Economic Potentials of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway: Land Governance and Regional Alignment for the South-West Corridor,” the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Makaya Consult, Eko Atlantic City, Olawale Opayinka, said the coastal highway presents one of the biggest economic opportunities in Nigeria’s history. He explained that the highway stretches for more than 700 kilometres and provides a development corridor covering hundreds of square kilometres of land that can be used for housing, industry, tourism, agriculture, and logistics. Opayinka noted that Nigeria’s population is expected to grow significantly in the next fifty years, and if development along the corridor is properly coordinated, the enterprise value created along the route could range from $1.4 trillion at the minimum to about $14 trillion at the highest level. He stressed that these projections depend largely on cooperation among all the states connected to the road, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. According to him, failure by any of the states to follow a unified plan could weaken the entire project. He further explained that the coastal highway has the potential to change Nigeria’s economic position globally by expanding industrial capacity, encouraging foreign investment, and improving transportation efficiency. According to Opayinka, the opportunity created by the project could move Nigeria’s economy from its current level of under $400 billion to a multi-trillion-dollar economy within the next five decades if the development is properly managed. Call for proper planning and political commitment Also speaking at the meeting, the Director-General of the BRACED Commission, Joe Keshi, highlighted the importance of early planning, stating that the project should not follow the pattern of uncoordinated growth seen in many existing highways across the country. He explained that the meeting marked the beginning of a long-term discussion aimed at ensuring that development along the coastal road follows a structured plan similar to successful coastal infrastructure projects in other parts of the world. Keshi said it would be disappointing if such a major national infrastructure eventually suffers from the same lack of planning that affected previous projects. He therefore urged state governments to show strong political will in supporting a common development framework. According to him, the road itself is only the starting point, while the real economic benefit will come from the industries, tourism centres, housing estates, and commercial activities that will grow along the corridor. Stakeholders emphasise zoning, security and regional cooperation Other participants at the programme included Commissioners for Physical Planning and Urban Development from Ogun, Ondo, and Lagos States — Tunji Odunlami, Sunday Olajide, and Olayinka Abiodun — as well as the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Oluwasesan Fagbayi. They all stressed the need for strong cooperation among states to ensure that the project leads to organised economic expansion. Additional contributors such as Muyiwa Ige, the South-West Zonal Head of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Ololade Okeowo, Executive Director of Odu’a Investment Company Limited Yemi Ajao, retired Director of Federal Highways Folorunso Esan, and the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment Tajudeen Gaji also highlighted the importance of land management, security planning, and proper governance structures. They concluded that close collaboration between state governments, the Federal Government, and relevant agencies will be essential for unlocking the full economic value of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.
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Two Nigerian citizens living in Ireland, Francis Ogbuefi, aged 42, and Steven Silvester, aged 32, have received a combined prison sentence exceeding sixteen years after being convicted for their involvement in what authorities described as a complex international money-laundering and fraud operation valued at more than €6 million. Reports from Ireland’s national broadcaster confirmed that the arrests followed an extensive investigation carried out by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, which spent a long period tracking financial movements connected to the suspected criminal network. The investigation eventually led to the prosecution of both individuals after evidence linked them to a coordinated fraud structure operating across different countries. Ogbuefi, who resided on Clonard Road in Crumlin, Dublin, was handed a nine-year prison sentence, while Silvester, whose address was listed as The Paddocks, Morristown, Newbridge, County Kildare, received seven years and six months in prison. Authorities alleged that the two men travelled from Nigeria to Ireland with the intention of participating in organised financial crimes carried out through digital and banking channels. According to the report, the overall amount connected to the fraudulent activities reached approximately €6.17 million, making the case one of the notable financial crime prosecutions handled in recent years. During the court trial, both defendants denied the accusations brought against them, but the jury found them guilty after reviewing the evidence presented during proceedings held last month. Court records showed that the criminal activities involved multiple techniques, including romance scams, smishing operations, and other forms of online financial deception, with money being transferred through several bank accounts in order to disguise its origin. Investigators stated that the accounts were carefully managed and monitored to ensure that stolen funds could be received and moved without attracting immediate attention from financial institutions. Further testimony revealed that the accused individuals were responsible for arranging and supervising bank accounts used in the scheme. Evidence indicated that requests for account details were received from different parts of the world, many of which were traced to phone numbers connected to Nigeria, suggesting the operation involved collaborators outside Ireland. Digital information recovered from Ogbuefi’s mobile device reportedly contained detailed instructions about transaction limits, account requirements, and operational roles. Authorities also stated that he advised that certain bank accounts should be opened using Irish identities in order to reduce suspicion during transfers. Prosecutors told the court that Ogbuefi acted as a main communication link between members of the network located in Ireland and those operating abroad, helping to coordinate the movement of funds. Investigators also discovered a short instructional recording on his device which explained how the fraud activities were carried out, along with images that allegedly showed him supervising financial transactions and directing others involved in the scheme. According to the prosecution, Ogbuefi was believed to have taken about twenty percent of the proceeds generated from the illegal activities and claimed to have prior experience in similar operations. Additional information presented in court indicated that he originally entered Ireland on a student visa, while Silvester had previously lived in accommodation provided for asylum seekers before later becoming difficult to trace. During sentencing, Judge Martin Nolan described the case as highly organised and technically advanced, explaining that money-laundering networks often depend on gaining access to legitimate banking systems in order to hide stolen funds. The judge noted that the offenders appeared to have a strong knowledge of how financial institutions operate and frequently attempted to identify weaknesses that could be exploited. Although the offences were described as difficult to uncover, the court commended the work of investigators who followed financial trails and gathered detailed evidence that led to the convictions. The judge also acknowledged that neither of the men had previous criminal convictions and that family members had spoken positively about them, describing them as intelligent individuals who could potentially change their behaviour in the future. This case forms part of a wider trend involving fraud-related arrests of Nigerian nationals outside the country. Reports indicate that earlier this year more than one hundred Nigerians were detained in Ghana in connection with alleged cybercrime and other related offences, highlighting the increasing global attention on organised financial fraud.
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Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has formally expressed regret to citizens regarding the persistent and widespread electricity interruptions experienced across the country in recent weeks, admitting that the situation has placed significant pressure on families, businesses, and critical sectors of the national economy. While addressing journalists during a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, the minister acknowledged that the continuous blackout has made daily living more difficult, especially as the country faces extreme dry-season temperatures. The minister stated that he was offering an official apology on behalf of the Federal Government, noting that the temporary disruption has resulted in hardship for many Nigerians, particularly during the period of intense heat being felt nationwide. He explained that the outages have affected several areas of national life, including commercial activities, educational institutions, and industrial operations. According to him, the government did not intentionally allow the situation to occur, but certain circumstances beyond its direct control contributed to the current power shortage. Despite the ongoing difficulties, the minister assured the public that steps have already been taken to correct the problem and that improvement in electricity supply is expected soon. He revealed that a special committee has been created to address the challenges affecting generation and gas supply, adding that commitments have been received from gas suppliers to support restoration efforts. He further explained that repairs on damaged gas pipelines are currently in progress, and projections indicate that noticeable improvement in power availability should begin within about two weeks once the work is completed. The minister also mentioned that authorities already have a clear schedule for the completion of important repair works, including those involving facilities operated by Seplat Energy, which are expected to help restore adequate gas supply to power-generating stations. According to him, the government has set up a monitoring committee to ensure that gas-producing companies meet their domestic supply obligations, since failure to supply sufficient gas has been one of the major reasons electricity generation has remained below expected levels. He added that better payment arrangements are also being introduced to encourage gas suppliers to deliver more fuel to generating companies, which will in turn improve overall electricity output. Nigeria’s power sector depends largely on gas-fired plants, and the minister noted that interruptions in gas supply, maintenance of pipelines, and financial difficulties within the sector have all contributed to the present challenges being experienced nationwide. He admitted that these structural problems have affected stability in the electricity grid, but assured that government agencies and operators are working continuously to restore normal supply and strengthen the system. The minister stressed that efforts are ongoing around the clock to return the sector to the level of performance recorded in 2025, when the government received commendation from citizens for improved electricity delivery. He also restated the Federal Government’s objective of increasing national electricity generation to about 6,000 megawatts before the end of 2026, describing the current situation as only a temporary setback in the wider reform programme being implemented in the power sector. According to him, improvements are expected across generation, transmission, and distribution, and the government remains confident that the planned output target will be achieved, leading to better service for Nigerians. The minister concluded by saying that the administration is not only determined to restore previous performance but also to exceed earlier achievements, adding that if the country was able to deliver better electricity supply in the past year, then even greater results should be possible in the current year.
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Real Madrid star midfielder Jude Bellingham has revealed the two teammates he believes constantly motivate the squad whenever the team faces challenging situations. According to the England international, Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde are the players who regularly lift the spirit of the dressing room and lead the team forward during difficult moments. During the intense Madrid derby that ended in a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory for Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid, the Los Blancos midfielder spoke about the importance of leadership inside the squad. The match showed the fighting mentality of the team, especially after falling behind before turning the game around with determination and strong character. Jude Bellingham explained that the influence ofVinícius Júnior andFederico Valverde goes beyond scoring goals. He stated that their mindset, energy, and commitment help the entire team stay focused even when the situation becomes complicated. The England midfielder pointed out that both players showed their importance again in the derby clash. Their contributions helped Real Madrid recover from a difficult position, proving once more that experience, confidence, and determination are essential qualities in top-level football. Speaking after the match, Bellingham described how the two players always respond positively when the team is under pressure. Their reactions in tough moments often give confidence to other teammates, which makes a big difference in high-intensity games. “Fede and Vini always find a way to lift the team when things become difficult. They never hide in tough situations, and they help everyone stay strong. Fede shows a perfect attitude every time, while Vini teaches us how to respond after setbacks,” Bellingham said, according toMadrid Xtra. The performance against Atletico Madrid once again highlighted why Real Madrid remains one of the strongest teams in world football. The ability of certain players to motivate others during difficult moments is one of the key reasons the club continues to achieve success in both domestic and international competitions. Football analysts often note that teams with strong personalities inside the squad usually perform better under pressure. In Real Madrid’s case, players like Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde represent the type of mentality required to compete at the highest level..
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Former Premier League midfielder Jamie Redknapp has advised Mikel Arteta to consider alternative options on the right wing for Arsenal instead of relying on Bukayo Saka, following the club’s defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. According to the former England international, the current performances of the Arsenal winger have not been at the level expected this season, and tactical changes may be necessary to improve the team’s attacking strength on the right flank. Speaking during an analysis on Sky Sports, Redknapp explained that Saka has not consistently delivered the creativity and impact that Arsenal depend on in crucial matches throughout the campaign. He suggested that the coaching staff should begin to explore other options available in the squad, including the use of Noni Madueke and Max Dowman in the right-wing role, as both players have the ability to provide pace, direct attacking movement, and fresh energy in that position. Redknapp noted that Arsenal usually depend on their key players to step forward during important fixtures, but in recent matches, the level of influence from Saka has not been as strong as expected from one of the club’s main attacking threats. He added that the winger has previously been a decisive player for Arsenal in several big games, showing creativity, skill, and goal-scoring ability, but recently those qualities have not been visible at the same level, which could justify giving other players an opportunity. The pundit also pointed out that competition for the right-wing position is increasing within the squad, with Max Dowman pushing for more playing time while Noni Madueke is also capable of operating effectively on the right side of the attack. Redknapp further recommended that Arteta could experiment with Saka in a different attacking role in upcoming matches, including using him on the left wing at certain moments, especially if opponents continue to limit his effectiveness on the right. He concluded by stating that a positional change might help the England international regain confidence and form, as recent games have shown that he is finding it more difficult to overcome defenders when playing in his usual position.
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Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has revealed his surprise after England head coach Thomas Tuchel decided to leave out Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold while including Arsenal defender Ben White in the latest national team selection. The England manager recently announced his squad list ahead of the upcoming international friendly matches against Japan and Uruguay, but the absence of Alexander-Arnold quickly became one of the most talked-about decisions among football fans and analysts. Despite being one of the most recognized defenders currently playing for Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold’s name was missing from the squad list released by Tuchel, a move that many observers described as unexpected considering the player’s experience and quality at the highest level of football. Speaking during a discussion with Sky Sports, Sherwood openly admitted that he did not see the decision coming. According to him, the exclusion was surprising, especially when compared with the number of players that were included in the selection. Sherwood explained that Tuchel had called up a large group of players for the upcoming fixtures, yet Alexander-Arnold was still not part of the squad. He stated that while he was happy to see Ben White earn a place in the team, the absence of the Real Madrid defender raised questions. He further commented that the decision felt unusual from his perspective, adding that it is difficult to understand the reasoning behind it. However, Sherwood also acknowledged that the final choice always belongs to the manager, and Tuchel has the authority to select the players he believes are best suited for his tactical plans. The discussion surrounding the England squad continues to generate reactions across the football community, with supporters and pundits sharing different opinions about whether Alexander-Arnold should have been included ahead of the upcoming international matches. Such selection decisions often create debate, especially when well-known players are left out, and this situation has once again highlighted how competitive the England national team squad has become under Tuchel’s leadership.
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As preparations toward the 2027 general election gradually gather momentum, the political atmosphere in Ogun State, popularly known as the Gateway State, is already filled with intense ambitions and strategic alignments. Several political actors across different parties have begun positioning themselves for the governorship seat currently occupied by Dapo Abiodun. By 2027, Governor Abiodun will complete his constitutionally allowed two-term tenure of eight years, thereby creating an opportunity for a new administration to emerge at the Oke-Mosan seat of power in Abeokuta. Investigations revealed that more than fifteen aspirants from various political parties are already showing interest in contesting for the number one political office in Ogun State. Among these aspirants, four female politicians are making bold moves to rewrite history by becoming the first woman to govern the state — and possibly join the list of female governors in Nigeria’s political history. A Political Barrier Yet to Be Broken in Ogun State Ogun State has historically produced notable female leaders in different positions of authority. The state recorded one of the earliest milestones in women’s political participation with the emergence of late Titilayo Ajanaku, who became the first elected female local government chairman in Nigeria at the old Abeokuta Local Government. The state has also produced female Speakers in the House of Assembly and several Deputy Governors.Salimot Badiru served for eight years under Gbenga Daniel from 2003 to 2011.Yetunde Onanuga served under Ibikunle Amosun between 2015 and 2019.Currently, Noimot Salako-Oyedele is serving as Deputy Governor in the administration of Governor Abiodun. Despite these achievements, the governorship position has remained occupied by men since the creation of Ogun State in 1976. Political observers believe the 2027 election may present another opportunity to break this long-standing political barrier. Noimot Salako-Oyedele – The Deputy Governor With Strategic Advantage As the sitting Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele is considered one of the most strategically positioned aspirants ahead of the 2027 election. The civil engineer and real estate professional from Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area in Ogun West has not officially declared her candidacy, but campaign posters bearing the message “Ogun 2027 – Let the Good Works Continue” have already surfaced in different parts of the state. Supporters of the deputy governor have also begun mobilization campaigns, insisting she has the experience required to continue the current administration’s policies. Her chances may also receive support from the zoning sentiment in the state, as Ogun West Senatorial District has never produced a governor since the state was created in 1976. However, political analysts note that deputy governors in Nigeria often struggle to succeed their principals, a situation sometimes described as the “Deputy Governor succession challenge”. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello – The Return of a Strong Political Figure Former senator and daughter of former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo,Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello has returned to active politics after many years away from the political scene. She previously served as Commissioner for Health in Ogun State between 2003 and 2007 before being elected Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011. After losing her re-election bid in 2011, she relocated abroad and later built an academic career in the United States, where she attained the rank of professor. Her recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declaration of interest in the 2027 governorship race generated significant political reactions across the state. Her supporters describe her as a firm and experienced leader capable of bringing national-level exposure to state governance. She has repeatedly emphasized people-focused development, accountability, and inclusive governance as major priorities. According to her, governance should be a continuous process built on institutional memory, competence, and compassion, while women should play active roles in decision-making rather than only serving as campaign mobilizers. Modele Sarafa-Yusuf – Veteran Broadcaster With Long-Term Political Ambition Veteran journalist and former Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Governor Abiodun,Modele Sarafa-Yusuf has also declared interest in the 2027 governorship election. She previously resigned her advisory position to contest the party ticket in 2023, a move that political watchers interpreted as part of a long-term plan. Her intention to contest again was made public through an open letter addressed to members and leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, where she emphasized the need for stable leadership, unity, and continuity in governance. Sarafa-Yusuf stated that Ogun State is richly blessed with industry, culture, and intellectual strength, but progress can only be achieved through deliberate leadership built on trust and balance. She also noted that her ambition is not only personal but aimed at opening doors for future generations of women in politics, stressing that her aspiration is based on competence and capacity rather than symbolism. Dr. Bolaji Marie Odusina – From Medical Outreach to Political Mission United States-based physician and humanitarian,Bolaji Marie Odusina, has formally announced her intention to contest the 2027 Ogun governorship election. Popularly known as DeeDoc, she has gained recognition through years of free medical outreach programs across rural communities in Ogun State. Her declaration marks a transition from humanitarian missions to political service, with focus on healthcare reform, maternal health, and grassroots economic development. Citing data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey conducted by theNational Population Commission, she highlighted the urgent need to address maternal mortality and limited access to healthcare services in rural areas. She explained that her experiences as a pediatrician with over three decades of practice in Nigeria and the United States have exposed her to the realities faced by ordinary citizens, motivating her decision to enter politics. Political analysts, however, believe her success will depend on building a strong political structure, securing party support, and converting public goodwill into electoral strength.
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has clarified the reason behind his choice to start goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga ahead of David Raya during the Carabao Cup final clash with Manchester City. The encounter, which took place at Wembley Stadium, ended with Manchester City securing a 2-0 victory over Arsenal to lift the Carabao Cup trophy on Sunday night. Arsenal entered the decisive fixture with strong ambition, as the club remained competitive across multiple competitions and was still pursuing success on four different fronts. During the opening half, both sides maintained a cautious approach, carefully studying each other’s tactics without creating clear chances. The first forty-five minutes ended without any goal, as defensive discipline and midfield control prevented either team from finding the breakthrough. Shortly after the interval, the match shifted in favour of Manchester City. A costly mistake occurred when Arrizabalaga failed to properly secure the ball, allowing Nico O’Reilly to react quickly and head the ball into an unguarded net, giving City the advantage. Only a few minutes later, O’Reilly struck again with another header, doubling the lead and putting the result beyond doubt. The quick succession of goals ensured that Manchester City comfortably finished the match as winners. After the final whistle, Arteta faced questions regarding his selection decision, particularly why Arrizabalaga was chosen instead of Raya for such an important match. The Arsenal coach stood firmly by his decision and made it clear that he had no intention of reconsidering the call. According to Arteta, the selection was based on fairness, professionalism, and what he believed to be the correct decision for the squad. He stated that making a different choice would have been unjust to the player as well as to the rest of the team, emphasizing that every decision must remain honest and consistent with the values of the group. Despite the disappointment in the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal’s overall season position remains strong. The North London side currently holds a significant nine-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League standings and continues to compete in both the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup, keeping their hopes alive for major achievements before the season concludes. For more football competition details, visit the official website ofUEFA – https://www.uefa.com
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Former Liverpool defender and football analyst Jamie Carragher has pointed out what he believes was a costly mistake made by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during the Carabao Cup final clash against Manchester City. Arsenal suffered a frustrating 2-0 defeat against their strong rivals, missing the chance to win their first trophy of the 2025-26 campaign. The loss extended the club’s wait for silverware, leaving supporters disappointed after high expectations going into the final. Carragher shared his opinion on X, stating that Arteta made the wrong call by choosing Kepa Arrizabalaga ahead of the regular first-choice goalkeeper David Raya for such an important match. According to Carragher, the long period Arsenal has gone without lifting a trophy should have played a key role in the manager’s selection decisions, especially in a final where experience and form are critical. He wrote on X that selecting Kepa instead of Raya was a major error, adding that when a club has waited so long for success, the manager must always put the strongest possible lineup on the pitch in order to give fans the best chance of celebrating a trophy. Arteta, however, defended his decision after the match. The Arsenal boss explained that he felt it was fair to keep Kepa in goal because the Spanish goalkeeper had featured in every Carabao Cup game for the team during the season. Arteta insisted that rewarding players who helped the club reach the final is part of maintaining trust within the squad. The 31-year-old Kepa joined Arsenal during the summer transfer window to provide backup for Raya and has mainly been used in domestic cup competitions rather than league matches. During the final, Kepa’s performance became a major talking point. Around the hour mark, he failed to deal properly with a high cross delivered by Rayan Cherki, which allowed Nico O’Reilly to score and give Manchester City a crucial advantage. Statistics from the match showed that the former Chelsea goalkeeper did not register a single save, while Manchester City managed to score with both of their shots on target, making Arsenal’s defeat even more painful. In contrast, David Raya has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers this season. The Spanish international currently leads the Premier League clean-sheet standings with 15 shutouts, highlighting the strong form that made many fans question why he was left on the bench for such an important final. The result has sparked debate among supporters and analysts, with many agreeing that team selection in major finals can determine the outcome, especially when the margin for error is extremely small.
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Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has strongly criticized Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the coach made a controversial decision to start goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga instead of David Raya, a choice that ultimately went wrong during Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup Final played on Sunday. The selection raised eyebrows before kickoff, and the situation became worse after a costly mistake from Kepa contributed to Arsenal’s defeat. The error allowed City to take control of the match comfortably, as the team managed by Pep Guardiola dominated the encounter at Wembley Stadium. Young forward Nico O’Reilly scored twice in the game, securing the victory and ensuring that Manchester City lifted the trophy without much resistance from the Gunners. While speaking during match analysis on Sky Sports, Redknapp openly questioned Arteta’s decision-making, describing the goalkeeper selection as a serious miscalculation in such an important match. According to Redknapp, Raya has been Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper for a reason, and choosing the backup in a major final was a risky move that did not pay off. He stressed that when a club has waited for a long period to win silverware, the manager must rely on his strongest lineup instead of experimenting. Redknapp explained that the decision placed unnecessary pressure on the team and eventually affected the outcome of the game. He added that mistakes in finals often prove costly, and in this case, the gamble taken by Arteta ended up working against Arsenal at the worst possible moment. He concluded by saying that the choice will likely be remembered as one of the key reasons Arsenal failed to secure the trophy, as the team could not recover after conceding and never fully regained control of the match.
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Controversial Nigerian street-hop artist, Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, widely recognized by his stage name Portable, has issued a strong warning to Yoruba citizens, stating that anyone who refuses to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the forthcoming 2027 general election may face spiritual repercussions. In a video currently circulating online, the Zazu crooner openly declared that Yoruba individuals who oppose the reelection of the current president could attract curses and traditional punishment. His statement has generated reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians debating the role of entertainers in political campaigns. While speaking in the broadcast, Portable insisted that maintaining peace in Nigeria depends on supporting the present administration. According to him, voting against President Tinubu could bring instability to the country, which he claimed must be avoided at all cost. He further revealed that he has been officially engaged to promote the president’s political ambition. The singer alleged that he has already been provided with campaign materials by the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and will soon begin active campaigning across Yoruba communities. Portable stated in the video that the campaign activities would include public mobilization and distribution of food items to citizens as part of political outreach programs. He also mentioned that he would soon start moving from place to place to encourage people to support the president’s second-term ambition. According to his words: “We want peace in Nigeria, and we must protect that peace. Anyone who does not want conflict in this country should vote for Tinubu in the next election.Thunder and Ogun will deal with any Yoruba person who refuses. I have already been signed, they gave me APC clothes, and very soon I will begin sharing rice and vegetable oil.” The video has continued to spread online, drawing mixed reactions from supporters, critics, and political observers who believe that statements like this may increase tension ahead of the 2027 elections. Some commentators have also expressed concern about the use of traditional beliefs and threats in political discussions. Watch the video below. Video
