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Crisis in Edo APC as Obaseki battles Oshiomhole

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The political war between godfather and godson which is currently rocking the Lagos State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved to Edo State as Governor Godwin Obaseki is allegedly working to dismantle the political structures of his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the incumbent National Chairman of the party.

According to Daily Independent report, while Oshiomhole is pushing for direct primaries as a means of selecting candidates in the forthcoming 2019 election, the Edo State chapter of the party has settled for a consensus arrangement where loyalists of Obaseki are being allegedly handpicked.

A party source in Benin said since the party opted for the consensus arrangement, majority of Oshiomhole’s foot soldiers who worked assiduously to ensure Obaseki’s emergence have been dropped from contesting.

The source who said it is an abnormality that of all states, Edo which is the home of the national chairman is going against his directive on direct primaries, adding that as a result of Obaseki’s alleged victimisation, many of the party leaders in Edo are moving to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to him, “What is happening in Edo right now is that Obaseki is fighting all Oshiomhole’s loyalists. He is trying to build his own political structures. For instance, Oshiomhole is talking about direct primaries in all APC states, but in his own state, the man he helped to become governor is defying him, saying he is doing consensus.

“In that consensus, he is targeting majority of Oshiomhole’s loyalists. He is picking his own loyalists as the consensus candidates and dropping the ones he doesn’t like. Unfortunately for him, many of the people he has picked are people who cannot win elections for APC. PDP is still very active in Edo State so we cannot afford to field people who are not popular.

“Obaseki, as we know, is not a politician but a technocrat and yet he is playing politics by moving furiously against the people who installed him. Instead of allowing politicians to handle the situation, he has arrogated all powers to himself in defiance to Oshiomhole.

“Because of his actions, most of the APC veterans in APC are defecting en masse to PDP. You will recall that a chieftain of the party, Chief Charles Idahosa, a few weeks ago announced that he is quitting politics until he was persuaded by Oshiomhole to change his mind.

Another chieftain of the party, who is not happy with the consensus arrangement, said, “As we speak, he is using police to fight Chief Francis Inegbeneki, accusing him of sponsoring Esan youths who stoned his convoy, meanwhile Inegbeneki has no business with what happened to him. The youths only pleaded with him to interact with them but he said he doesn’t have their time and entered his car. They became angry and started stoning his convoy.

“What he is doing now is that systematically he is trying to erase all Oshiomhole’s legacies. For instance, Oshiomhole built a state of the art Central Hospital and furnished it with equipment. President Muhammadu Buhari came to commission the hospital but two years after, Obaseki has refused to open that hospital.”

However, Chief Anselm Ojezua, the Edo State chairman of the party, denied the existence of any rift between Obaseki and his predecessor.

On why the party is opting for consensus arrangement instead of the direct method, he said, “It is not true. Most of them know what the constitution says. The constitution says we can do consensus, where consensus fails, we can go for primaries.

“If we want to go for primaries, we can either go for direct or indirect. At the moment in Edo, we have been favouring consensus but from what I can see, there are lots of purchase of forms. So we are going to encourage our leaders to still try to achieve consensus.

“But if they are not able to do it, we will go for primaries. We have been doing primaries before. It is not a one-man thing. In fact, it is not a decision for Oshiomhole or Obaseki to make. It is a party affair of Edo APC”, he said.

•Excerpted from a Daily Independent report

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Lagos Police Rescue 27 Foreigners from Alleged Kidnap, Arrest Couple for Online Vendor Abduction

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Lagos Police Rescue 27 Foreigners from Alleged Kidnap, Arrest Couple for Online Vendor Abduction

Lagos Police Rescue 27 Foreigners from Alleged Kidnap, Arrest Couple for Online Vendor Abduction

 

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have successfully rescued 27 foreigners who were allegedly kidnapped and confined in an apartment in the Isheri Oshun area of the state.

 

The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday, revealing that the rescue operation was initiated following a distress call received by the Complaint Response Unit from one of the victims.

 

According to Hundeyin, the victim reported that she and several others were being held against their will and were not allowed to leave the apartment. Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area was promptly contacted, leading to the swift intervention of the police.

 

“Somebody reached out to the Complaint Response Unit of the Lagos Police Command and complained that she had been kidnapped in an apartment and not allowed to leave. The CRU contacted the Divisional Police Officer covering the area, and upon getting to the apartment and breaking into it, a total number of 27 foreigners were found,” Hundeyin stated.

 

The rescued individuals comprised 18 males and nine females, with nationalities spanning Ghana and the Republic of Benin.

 

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had been lured into Nigeria under the false pretense of securing jobs. The police are currently investigating whether Lagos was their intended final destination or if they were being trafficked to another country.

 

“They are now safe and in our custody, while investigations continue to determine the full extent of the situation,” Hundeyin assured.

Couple Arrested for Kidnapping Online Vendor

In a related development, the Lagos State Police Command arrested a couple for allegedly kidnapping an online vendor who had gone to deliver a product in the Iyana Ishashi area of the state.

The incident was reported on Sunday by the victim, who recounted that she had been abducted upon attempting to make a delivery to a supposed customer.

“The victim received a request for a product and proceeded to the customer’s house in Iyana Ishashi. Upon arrival, the door was opened, and she was forcibly dragged inside by a man and a woman. The suspects were later identified as Emmanuel and Mazioma Okafor,” Hundeyin explained.

According to the police spokesperson, the suspects allegedly stripped the victim naked, assaulted her, and took explicit photographs. They then demanded a ransom of N2 million, threatening to leak the images if she failed to comply.

“She managed to pay N300,000 that day, which allowed her to regain her freedom. However, she was warned that if she did not pay the balance, her pictures would be released. The victim subsequently reported the incident to the police, leading to an immediate investigation,” Hundeyin said.

The couple was swiftly apprehended by the police, and an investigation is ongoing to ensure justice is served.

The Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding residents and urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

 

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Ariya Extra : Celebrating The Pioneering Voices of The Elite Women Musicians Club of Nigeria

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Ariya Extra : Celebrating The Pioneering Voices of The Elite Women Musicians Club of Nigeria

Ariya Extra : Celebrating The Pioneering Voices of The Elite Women Musicians Club of Nigeria

The Elite Women Musicians Club of Nigeria is proud to showcase some of its most outstanding members—talented artists who are redefining Nigeria’s musical landscape with passion and creativity.

Leading in Gospel music is Oluwayemisi Afonja Gbajoba, whose soul-stirring performances blend traditional Nigerian rhythms with modern gospel harmonies to inspire and uplift her audience.

 

In the realm of Islamic music, two remarkable voices stand out. Alhaja Raheemot Arike captivates with her spiritually uplifting vocals, while Alhaja Seidat Fatimo Aljafariyah brings a distinctive touch to her performances, resonating deeply with listeners and uniting communities through song.

 

The dynamic Fuji genre is brilliantly represented by Adepeju Aweni and Abebi Ayala. Both artists infuse their performances with vibrant energy and a deep commitment to preserving Fuji’s rich heritage, earning accolades from fans both locally and internationally.

 

Adding another unique sound to the mix is Queen Alimot Omowura, a standout in Apala music. Her expressive voice and engaging stage presence honor traditional Nigerian sounds while pushing creative boundaries.

Rounding out this impressive roster is Alhaja Azeezat Otibiya Reign, an Islamic singer whose harmonious blend of melody and spiritual depth continues to inspire audiences and elevate the art form.

This celebration would be incomplete without recognizing Alhaja Queen Isimot Abake Abiola (PQ1st), Omo Opeki, the esteemed President of the Elite Women Musicians Club of Nigeria. Her unwavering leadership and dedication have been instrumental in fostering unity and empowerment among female musicians.

 

We also acknowledge the contributions of Queen Ayotunde Balogun who is the life grand matron of the Elite Women Musicians Club of Nigeria, is another remarkable force in the industry, whose influence continues to elevate the status of women in Nigerian music.

 

Together, these artists embody the spirit of innovation and cultural pride that defines the Elite Women Musicians Club of Nigeria. Their diverse talents not only enrich their individual genres but also serve as a powerful testament to the club’s commitment to empowering female musicians and promoting Nigeria’s rich musical traditions on the global stage.

 

Stay tuned as we continue to share the inspiring journeys and groundbreaking performances of these pioneering voices.

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TM Foundation Launches Major Food and Welfare Distribution Drive in Nigeria

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TM Foundation Launches Major Food and Welfare Distribution Drive in Nigeria

TM Foundation Launches Major Food and Welfare Distribution Drive in Nigeria

 

 

 

 

In a powerful demonstration of humanitarian commitment, TM Foundation has embarked on a large-scale food distribution drive across Nigeria, alongside a crucial welfare initiative targeting young girls and students in Ogun State.

 

 

TM Foundation Launches Major Food and Welfare Distribution Drive in Nigeria

 

This transformative outreach took place at Igbore High School, Ilugun High School, Unity High School, and Salai Abiola Comprehensive High School from March 5th to 9th, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The initiative brought much-needed relief to hundreds of individuals facing economic hardship, reinforcing TM Foundation’s mission of compassion and community support.

 

 

 

Fighting Hunger: A Lifeline for Communities

 

TM Foundation Launches Major Food and Welfare Distribution Drive in Nigeria

 

With Nigeria grappling with rising food insecurity, TM Foundation’s intervention comes at a critical time. The foundation is distributing essential food items to underprivileged families, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive vital nourishment. This initiative aims to alleviate hunger, bringing hope and sustenance to struggling households across the region.

 

 

Empowering Young Girls: Sanitary Pad Distribution

 

TM Foundation Launches Major Food and Welfare Distribution Drive in Nigeria

 

Recognizing the urgent need to address menstrual hygiene challenges, TM Foundation has also launched a large-scale sanitary pad distribution campaign. Many young girls face difficulties accessing menstrual hygiene products, which can negatively impact their health, confidence, and education. By tackling period poverty, the foundation is fostering an environment where girls can focus on their studies without unnecessary obstacles.

 

 

Education for a Brighter Future: School Bag Donations

 

Furthering its commitment to empowering the next generation, TM Foundation has distributed school bags across four schools in Abeokuta. These essential supplies will provide students with the necessary resources to carry their educational materials, reinforcing the foundation’s dedication to fostering academic success and a brighter future for Nigerian youth.

 

 

A Call for Support and Solidarity

 

TM Foundation Launches Major Food and Welfare Distribution Drive in Nigeria

 

As TM Foundation continues its impactful initiatives, it calls on individuals, organizations, and stakeholders to support this noble cause. The foundation’s unwavering dedication to humanitarian service is transforming lives, and this latest drive stands as a testament to its mission of spreading hope and relief.

 

 

 

According to the Founder and CEO, Olatunde Mukaila Lawal, “TM Foundation is committed to bringing relief and support to communities in Nigeria. Through food distribution, sanitary pad donations, and educational support, we aim to make a lasting difference.”

 

 

 

Stay tuned as TM Foundation continues to change lives—one meal, one school bag, and one act of kindness at a time.

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