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Covid-19 reimbursement: Ogun dismisses fake news, berates masterminds

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Ogun: Yellow journalism and senseless propaganda of frustrated elements

Covid-19 reimbursement: Ogun dismisses fake news, berates masterminds

 

 

 

 

The Ogun State Government has described as blatant falsehood, a news report which claimed that the Federal Government refused to make COVID-19 reimbursement to the state because of pervasive corruption.

 

 

 

 

 

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Ogun State Governor, Mr. Kunle Somorin, the State Government said that contrary to the insinuations in the fake report, the Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery & Economic Stimulus (NG-Cares) programme is not a COVID-19 intervention but a post-COVID economic stimulus packaged for poor and vulnerable people in the society, as well as Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) that were most negatively affected by the pandemic in terms of disruptions to livelihoods and businesses respectively, adding that the states that had been reimbursed so far are only the first set of beneficiaries.

 

 

 

 

 

Somorin said the so-called bombshell report is mere comedy taken too far, as the authors decided to hold brief for the Federal Government without doing basic research.

 

 

 

 

 

Somorin added that the verification exercise is continuous and all eligible Ogun State Government post-COVID economic stimulus and related expenditures would be captured and adequately reimbursed in subsequent verification exercises, as each state of the Federation is eligible to receive up to $20m.

 

 

 

Covid-19 reimbursement: Ogun dismisses fake news, berates masterminds

 

 

 

Tracing the origins of the programme, Somorin said: “The NG-Cares Program, funded by the World Bank, was originally designed as a loan to the 36 states.

“However, given the level of investments and costs expended by Ogun State during the COVID-19 pandemic, including but not limited to investments in healthcare facilities and palliatives to ameliorate the suffering experienced by Ogun citizens at the time, and other subsequent socio-economic interventions such as Okowo-Dapo for women, employment of artisans for affordable housing construction, maintenance of public roads and planting materials palliatives for farmers, the Ogun State government decided not to take further loans.

“However, due to various engagements by the 36 states with the Federal Government and the World Bank on the need to re-structure the funding of the Program, the NG-Cares Program was recently changed to a Performance for Results (PfR) Grant program, and so the reimbursements to State Governments announced were the eligible expenses incurred and validated during the first verification exercise.”

According to him, at no time did the Ogun State Government lower the standards in its management of post Covid-19 intervention programmes, describing the authors of the report as political failures desperate for attention.

He added that the efforts of Ogun State, the first to record the index case in Nigeria, in the management of COVID-19 is second to none, adding that Ogun was the first to put a state-owned molecular laboratory in place during the pandemic, coupled with the various degrees of isolation centers in strategic locations of the state, including Olabisi Onabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital ( OOUTH), Sagamu, Model School Ikenne, General Hospital, Iberekodo, among other ones which were donated by private individuals.

According to him, the system put in place by the Prince Dapo Abiodun led government to manage the pandemic was inspected by the then Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control ( NCDC), Dr. Chike Ihekweazu and the Country Director of World Health Organisation( WHO), Dr. Fiona Braka, both of whom lauded the State Government for giving direction to other states on how to deal with the pandemic.

“Even the then Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunibe Mamora, during his visit to Abeokuta in March 2021, expressed satisfaction with the response activities of Ogun State to Covid-19, saying that the State has done excellently well.

Ogun State, it would be recalled won several awards for its proactiveness for the management of the pandemic and was adjudged the overall best performing State on Routine Immunisation (RI) and COVID-19 Vaccination by the
National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

“Governor Abiodun is a man known to be committed to putting a round peg in a round hole without giving room for anything less than the best.

Speaking on the distribution of palliatives during the pandemic, the statement debunked the allegation of corruption in the exercise saying: “The governor set up an inter-ministerial committee, which was a task force in charge of palliatives and enforcing compliance during and after the lockdown. The Secretary to the State Government was at no time in charge of procurement in relation to Covid-19 just as it is worthy of note that no political appointees took Covid-19 palliatives as his or her private items for personal use.

“The CACOVID items were distributed based on the instructions of the donors, and our papers are there as proofs of how the distributions were done.

“The naysayers only brought the figments of their imaginations to the public space to ridicule themselves. We therefore advise the public to ignore these lies as our government remains committed to transparency and accountability in the efforts to fulfil our avowed electoral promises,” he said.

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Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

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Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos By Ifeoma Ikem

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

A property dispute within the Omotayo-Ojo family has taken a dramatic turn following a controversial demolition exercise at a residential building in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State, which reportedly left tenants displaced and led to the detention of some police officers allegedly involved in the operation.

 

 

The property, located at 23B Loveall Street, Ikosi-Ketu, has been the subject of a prolonged ownership tussle since the death of its owner, Chief Oludola Omotayo Ojo, the Babaalaje of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, in 2019.
Residents said tension erupted when a group of individuals, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the premises and commenced demolition activities.

 

 

According to eyewitnesses, portions of the building were pulled down while tenants rushed to salvage their belongings from affected apartments.

 

 

The residents alleged that windows, doors and roofing sheets were damaged during the exercise, exposing parts of the building to the elements and causing significant losses to occupants.

 

 

At the centre of the dispute is Mrs Mojisola Omotayo Ojo Alolagbe, who claimed that the property was allocated to her by her late father during his lifetime as a source of financial support.

 

She alleged that some family members had persistently challenged her ownership claim despite ongoing legal proceedings relating to the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Alolagbe further claimed that the latest incident was part of a series of attempts to wrest control of the property, citing previous cases of alleged vandalism and partial demolition in November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.

 

 

The situation escalated further when reports emerged that police officers allegedly involved in the demolition were later apprehended and conveyed in a Black Maria vehicle over questions surrounding the legality of their participation in the operation.

 

Sources familiar with the matter said those behind the demolition had initially claimed to be acting on approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands. However, the authenticity and extent of such approval could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

 

 

The development has generated concern among residents and community members, who questioned the involvement of security personnel in what they described as a civil matter.

 

 

Some tenants, who said they had recently renewed their tenancy agreements, lamented the destruction of their property and appealed to the authorities for protection and possible compensation.

 

They also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, insisting that the rights of all parties involved should be protected.
Stakeholders have urged the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the judiciary to intervene and ensure that the dispute is resolved through lawful means to prevent further escalation.

 

 

The controversy has continued to draw public attention, raising concerns over property rights, estate administration and the role of law enforcement agencies in civil disputes.

 

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

 

 

 

 

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

 

 

 

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

 

 

 

 

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

 

 

 

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

 

 

 

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

 

 

 

 

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

 

 

 

 

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

 

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

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