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‘I am not going back to PDP’ – Akpabio debunks rumours

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South-South women mount pressure on Akpabio

Former Governor of oil-rich Akwa Ibom and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Godswill Obot Akpabio has denied allegations that he called his party evil and was considering returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a press release on Thursday night, signed by his Special Assistant on media, Anietie Ekong, Senator Akpabio disclosed that he had no regret whatsoever for the decision he took as a nationalist to join the APC.

He e-echoed his earlier stand that he was rigged out of the race for re-election as Senator but will reclaim his mandate at the tribunal.

The statement reads:

“The attention of the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON has been drawn to a malevolent quote dripping with malice and falsehood attributed to him in the social media thus: ‘I was a Commissioner for eight years and Governor for eight years under PDP, but now I have only spent three months and I am finished politically, what type of evil party is this?’

“We wish to state without fear of contradiction that this is the concoction by whoever authored it. The assertion is factually inaccurate.

“Chief Godswill Akpabio never served as a Commissioner for eight years so he could never have so claimed nor could he have described his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) as ‘evil party.’

“Distinguished Senator Akpabio has no regret whatsoever for the decision he took as a nationalist to join the All Progressives Congress and lend his support to President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he sees as an upright leader with the interest of the generality of the Nigerian people, especially the masses at heart.

“Given similar circumstances and situations, Senator Akpabio would still take the same decision over and over again. He has no apology for his resolve.

“As the National Coordinator of the Presidential Support Committee and the South-South Director of the Presidential Campaign Council during the last general elections, Senator Akpabio is proud to have worked with other Progressives for the re-election of President Buhari. He remains a committed member of the APC and will join hands and work with the President in any way to move the country forward.

“There is no gainsaying that Senator Akpabio was rigged out of the race for re-election as Senator to represent the good people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District. He’s presently at the Election Petition Tribunal to reclaim his stolen mandate and has the support of his party, the APC. He has implicit confidence in the judiciary to restore his mandate.

“The quote attributed to him is the handiwork of political jobbers and mischief–makers, who in recent times have elevated political propaganda to high art.

“The general public should discountenance these shenanigans trying, albeit unsuccessfully, to malign the integrity of Senator Akpabio.”

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Lagos Govt. unveils 72-hour Cultural Weekend, pushes for economic growth

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The Lagos State Government, in its continued effort to promote cultural heritage and deepen tourism footprints, has concluded plans to host the Lagos Cultural Weekend.

A three-day cultural extravaganza, scheduled to take place across multiple strategic locations, including the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Freedom Park, National Theatre, Badagry Heritage Museum, Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, and Tafawa Balewa Square, from November 14th to November 16th, 2025.

This weekend-long celebration will spotlight the richness of Nigeria’s traditions through curated events that blend history, culture, and local artistry.

Speaking on the initiative, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, noted that the event is a key part of a broader framework of the Lagos Cultural Mission.

“We aim to use the Lagos Cultural Weekend as a true reflection of Lagos culture, a herescope for tourists and visitors from across the globe to witness just how rich our culture is.

“The three days will be a cultural baptism, a deep, meaningful introduction to who we are. As a government, we now understand prioritising cultural representation as a driver for economic growth.

”On the initiative’s impact, the Special Adviser explained that it goes beyond showcasing culture, but investing in cultural artisans, talented enthusiasts, and key stakeholders to foster real engagement and growth.“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration values collaboration and inclusiveness, which is why we want to work closely with Lagosians who truly understand our culture to help us achieve these goals.

“From the historians, to creatives, curators, artisans, culinary experts, performers, fashion designers, community leaders, and traditional institutions, we need them to join us in making a lasting impact.“So that, in the end, our guests and friends from many nations will carry home an authentic story of Lagos and enriched cultural literacy,” Mr. Aregbe said.

Attendees will enjoy array of activities, including live music performances, DIY sessions, contemporary art exhibitions, traditional dance showcases, fashion shows, culinary tastings, and craft demonstrations.

Also lined up are symposiums and cultural lectures designed for tourists and enthusiasts who wish to dive deeper into the Lagos cultural identity.

The weekend will be animated by diverse local performance groups representing the rich ethnic landscape of Lagos, with a special emphasis on language, literature, and indigenous storytelling.

Lagos Cultural Weekend 2025 reaffirms the state’s commitment to building a thriving creative economy while celebrating the depth of Nigerian traditions.

Through strategic partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and community engagement, this initiative will set a new benchmark for inclusive cultural programming in Lagos and Africa at large.

Lagos Cultural Mission….Preserving Our Heritage, Advancing The Future

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Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory

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Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory

Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory

 

 

The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

 

 

In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”

 

 

He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.

 

 

“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.

 

 

While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.

 

 

The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.

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Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84

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Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84

Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84

 

Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.

Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84

Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.

 

According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.

 

He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.

” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.

All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.

 

Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.

 

His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.

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