news
‘I’ll reject ministerial appointment if offered – Uzor Kalu

Senator-elect and former Abia State governor, Dr. Orji Uzor
Kalu, has declared that he will reject a ministerial position if he were
offered one.
Kalu said this at the second annual lecture of Freedom Online, an online
newspaper.
The former Abia governor, who was elected on the platform of the ruling All
Progressives Congress (APC), was chairman of the lecture.
He said: “I will not accept a ministerial position if I were offered one. I am
the elected representative for Abia North senatorial district.”
Kalu further noted that even though he is elected to represent Abia North, his
representation will cover the entire country because his oath of office will be
to serve the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I have just been elected to the Senate. I’ve not even been sworn in. Don’t
worry yourself; my vibrancy will always be felt by the people I represent. I
will give the people quality representation. When I was governor, I represented
the people of Abia state to the best of my ability.
“This time I am not going to represent only the people of Abia North, but the
people of Nigeria, which oath I am going to take.
“I am not going to be taking an oath that I am senator of Abia North, I am
going to take an oath of office as senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
So, even in Elewe, I am going to represent them as well as I represent the
people of Abia North.”
Kalu also reiterated he will contest for the position of Deputy Senate
President, because equity demands that all the major tribes of the country are
represented in the leadership of the Ninth National Assembly.
“It doesn’t matter if I’m the one there, what matters is that, in constituting
the leadership, all the major ethnic groups would be represented. It is fair, I
am not asking this for anything else, I am asking it for equity justice and
fair play. Even this one they are saying we did not vote for APC; President
Muhammadu Buhari has not said it. It is only some people in the media that are
saying it,” Kalu added.
He, however, said he will respect and abide by the decision of the party on the
matter.
“I still hope that the party will be gracious enough to zone the positions. I
don’t want to go against the party. It will not be a healthy relationship
between me and the party and the party and other people. We are capable of
going to war, but, it is not good to always go to war. I want the party to zone
the offices; they can say we are giving North East the position of Senate
president, we are giving South East position of Speaker; we have given South
East deputy senate president, we have given North Central deputy speaker and so
on and we will have peace,” Kalu further added.
Kalu, who was also awarded with a plaque for his support towards the lecture
,said the only way Nigeria will make progress is when the private sector drives
the economy.
Introducing the lecture’s theme: ‘Fixing the Economy: Less Politics, More
Substance’, Kalu said government has no business doing business, but should
concentrate on policy formulation as it cannot play the role of policy
formulation and implementation at the same time.
He added: “I see our economy as an economy that needs to be expanded.
Government has no business doing business. You cannot do policy formulation and
implementation at the same time. It doesn’t matter if it is one person buying,
what matters is that things are made to work.”
Former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who was guest of honour
disagreed with Kalu on restructuring.
Said Daniel: “Everybody agrees that we need change. Our people have become
poorer and there is no hope under the current system. We are setting the stage
for corruption with the structure we are running. The democratic system we are
running cannot guarantee good governance.”
In his remarks, Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media Mr. Femi Adesina,
commended the media organisation for the choice of lecture. He said Buhari is
worried by Nigerians’ habit of playing politics with every issue in the country
and hoped the lecture would enlighten them.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. Gabriel Akinadewo, publisher of Freedom
Online said Nigeria is in need of change.
“Nigeria has a four-year cycle of elections, but, pitiably, there is no
four-year cycle of development. The world is moving forward and Nigeria has no
choice than to move in the right direction,” Akinadewo said.
society
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, 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.
news
HRH Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye Ascends the Throne of Agunjin Land
A new dawn breaks over Agunjin — a moment etched in gold in the annals of history — as the crown of the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Dynasty returns to its rightful home. With this homecoming, the living legacy of Agunjin’s royal heritage is renewed, strengthened, and destined to shine for generations to come.
The proud sons and daughters of Agunjin welcome His Royal Highness, Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye, Ariwajoye III of Agunjin Land, with joy, reverence, and boundless hope for the future.
A distinguished Nigerian based in New York, Oba Adekeye is a dynamic and accomplished professional whose illustrious career spans cinematography, international trade, and hospitality. Born into the revered Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family of Agunjin, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, His Royal Highness now carries forward an ancestral legacy steeped in honor, dignity, and purpose.
The new Oba Adekeye is the proud nephew of the late Oba Jimoh Ajide Adekeye and the grandson of Oba Alade Adekeye — custodians of Agunjin’s noble traditions whose names remain deeply woven into the history of the land.
As the Yoruba say,
“Adé kì í wọ́ lórí aláìní orí.” — The crown does not rest on a head without destiny.”
His Royal Highness wears the crown not as a mere ornament, but as a solemn trust from his ancestors to his people.
The Adekeye Royal Family extends profound gratitude to: His Excellency, H.E.AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Chaiman GFON, Sadauna Ngeri of Ilorin, Executive Governor of Kwara State; The Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Emir of Ilorin; The Chairman, Igbomina Traditional Rulers Forum, Oba (Barr.) Alh. Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase Ipo; The Chairman, Ifelodun Traditional Council, HRM Oba (Dr.) Alhaji Ahmed Awuni Babalola Arepo III, Elese of Igbaja; The Ifelodun Traditional Council Members and the Kwara State Traditional Council.
Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Bata, and to the Executive Chairman, Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Femi Yusuf, for their steadfast commitment to upholding historical truths and safeguarding the cherished traditions of Agunjin.
As the newly crowned Ariwajoye III, Oba Adekeye brings decades of professionalism, global exposure, and deep cultural pride to his reign. His vision is noble and unwavering — to champion sustainable development across the Agunjin district, preserve the rich traditions of the land, and unite his people both at home and in the diaspora under one banner of progress, peace, and pride.
In the words of an old royal proverb, “When the king builds bridges, the people will cross to a better tomorrow.” Ariwajoye III now stands as that bridge — connecting the heritage of the past with the promise of the future.
Long live Ariwajoye III. Long live the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family. Long live Agunjin Land.
Prince Oluwatoyin Adekeye For the Family
news
From Ejigbo to the World: How Primate Ayodele’s Prophecies Shape Public Debate
Primate ELIJAH AYODELE: The Seer, And the Country That Listens
By Femi Oyewale
Ejigbo, Lagos — When Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele steps onto the pulpit of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church each week, he does more than preach: he convenes a national conversation. For decades, the clergy has issued blunt, often headline-grabbing prophecies about presidents, markets, and disasters — pronouncements that are dutifully copied, debated, and digested across Nigerian newsrooms, social media, and political corridors.
Primate Ayodele is best known for two things: the regular release of New Year’s and seasonal “warnings to the nation,” and a large, loyal following that amplifies those warnings into national discourse. He publishes annual prophecy booklets, holds prayer mountain conventions where journalists are invited, and maintains active social media channels that spread his messages quickly beyond his church gates. In July 2025, he launched a compendium of his prophecies titled “Warnings to the Nations,” an event covered by national outlets, which Ayodele used to restate concerns about security, governance, and international affairs.
Ayodele’s prophecies have touched on lightning-rod topics: election outcomes, the health or fate of public figures, infrastructure failures, and international crises. Nigerian and regional press have repeatedly published lists of his “fulfilled” predictions — from political upsets to tragic accidents — and his followers point to these as proof of his accuracy. Media roundups in recent years credited him with dozens of prophecies he argued had been realised in 2023 and 2024, and his annual prophetic rollouts continue to attract wide attention.
Impact beyond prediction: politics, policy, and public mood
The practical effect of Ayodele’s ministry is not limited to whether a prophecy comes to pass. In Nigeria’s politicised and religiously engaged public sphere, a prominent seer can:
• Move conversations in electoral seasons; politicians, commentators, and voters listen when he names likely winners or warns about risks to candidates, and his claims sometimes become part of campaign narratives.
• Shape popular expectations — warnings about economic hardship, insecurity, ty or public health influence how congregations and communities prepare and react.
• Exert soft pressure on leaders — high-profile admonitions directed at governors or ministers often prompt responses from the accused or their allies, creating a feedback loop between pulpit pronouncements and political actors.
Philanthropy and institution building
Ayodele’s public profile extends into philanthropy and church development. He runs INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church from Oke-Afa, Lagos, and his ministry periodically organises humanitarian outreach, scholarships, and hospital visits — activities he frames as evidence that prophetic ministry must be accompanied by concrete acts of charity. Church events such as extended “17-day appreciation” outreaches and scholarship programmes have been widely reported and help cement his appeal among congregants who value spiritual counsel paired with material support.
What makes him unique
Several features set Ayodele apart from other public religious figures in Nigeria:
1. Productivity and documentation. He releases extensive, numbered lists of prophecies and compiles them into booklets — a tactic that makes his predictions easy to track (and for supporters to tally as “fulfilled”).
2. A blend of national and international focus. His pronouncements frequently move beyond parochial concerns to name international actors and events, which broadens his media footprint.
3. Media-savvy presentation. From staged press events to active social accounts, Ayodele understands how to turn a prophecy into a viral story that will be picked up by blogs, newspapers, and TV.
The public verdict: faith, influence, and skepticism
To millions of Nigerians — and to his core following — Primate Ayodele remains a pastor-prophet whose warnings must be taken seriously. To others, he is a media personality whose relevance depends as much on spectacle and circulatory power as on supernatural insight. What is indisputable is his role in magnifying the religious dimension of national life: when he speaks, politicians, congregants, and newsrooms listen. That attention, in turn, helps determine which social and political questions become urgent in public debate.
Looking ahead
As Nigeria heads into another cycle of elections and economic challenges, Ayodele’s annual pronouncements will almost certainly return to the front pages. Whether they are read as sober warnings, political interventions, or performative theology, they will continue to shape conversations about destiny, leadership, and the kinds of risks a deeply religious nation believes it must prepare for.
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