Diaspora Association to Host Fundraising Gala for Ijebu Igbo Community Health Centres

The Association of Ijebu Igbo Descendants in North America (AIID-NA) will hold a two-day Gala and Fundraising Event in Maryland, United States, bringing together sons and daughters of Ijebu Igbo from across the United States and Canada.

The event, scheduled for July 10 and 11, 2026, will be chaired by Dr. Olusegun Asekun, a prominent lawyer, philanthropist and indigene of Ijebu Igbo.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba, the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, will be represented by the Mayegun of Ijebu Igbo, Dr. Babatunde Rowaiye.

Speaking to Row Radio, the President of AIID-NA and the Odofin-Elect of Ijebu Igbo, Otunba Dr. Thomas Osinowo, said the gala is expected to raise funds for the construction of a state-of-the-art Community Health Centre in Ijebu Igbo.

He noted that the association has provided comprehensive free healthcare services annually to the people of Ijebu North over the last two years, describing the programme as a huge success. He added that the association hopes to sustain the initiative while creating greater awareness on the importance of good health and healthy living.

Other prominent personalities expected at the event include the Special Guest of Honour, Omooba M. Adekoya, Chief Executive Officer of Wosam Arena and the Ogbeni Oja of Ago-Iwoye, as well as the Chief Launcher, Dr. Olufemi Olawale, Chief Executive Officer of Oasis Health Ventures, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, alongside several other distinguished guests.

Used Vehicle Imports Jump to N250bn as Government Tightens Regulations

Nigeria’s expenditure on imported used vehicles climbed sharply to N249.84 billion in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a significant increase despite the Federal Government’s stricter regulatory measures on automobile imports.

According to figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics report for Q1 2026, the country imported pre-owned diesel and semi-diesel vehicles with engine capacities exceeding 2,500cc valued at N249.84 billion. This represents a 91.92 per cent rise compared to the N113.36 billion recorded during the same period in 2025.

The surge comes as authorities intensify enforcement of a newly introduced mandatory vehicle certification policy aimed at strengthening oversight of imported automobiles entering the country.

The report identified the United States as Nigeria’s leading supplier of used vehicles, accounting for imports worth N217.56 billion, which constituted approximately 87 per cent of the total value recorded in the quarter.

Other countries that contributed to Nigeria’s used vehicle imports include the United Arab Emirates with N10.32 billion, Canada with N8.72 billion, Italy with N6.64 billion, and China with N6.60 billion.

Industry observers say the continued demand for fairly used vehicles highlights the growing preference for affordable transportation options amid prevailing economic challenges.

Tragedy Strikes Ijebu Igbo as Mother and Son, Man Found Dead In Home

Tragedy strikes the Egbe Subair area of Ijebu Igbo following the shocking discovery of a Mother, her boyfriend and son found dead inside their residence on Wednesday morning.

Information gathered from the scene, revealed that the man, popularly called shanko and the woman were reportedly found dead inside the toilet, while her son was discovered lifeless in a room within the house.

According to preliminary reports circulating within the community, the family may have been poisoned.

Although authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of death, there may have been a struggle before their deaths, due to the level damaged items found at the scene.

The tragic incident has caused widespread heartbreak and attention in the area, with concerned residents gathering around as the news spread all over town.

Police officers and other security personnel were seen at the scene on Wednesday morning, carrying out investigations and gathering evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

As of the time of filing this report, officials have yet to release a formal statement regarding the cause of the incident or the identities of the deceased.

Cross River dismisses report of new COVID-19 cases

The Cross River Government has dismissed reports alleging 10 new COVID-19 symptomatic cases, describing the claim as misleading and inaccurate, while reaffirming that only one confirmed case exists in the state.

The rebuttal followed publications claiming the state had identified additional persons showing COVID-19 symptoms, raising concerns among residents about a possible resurgence of infections across communities.

Dr Henry Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health, earlier confirmed a COVID-19 case involving a Chinese national working in the state, who was currently receiving treatment and responding well.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Calabar, Ayuk clarified that as of April 23, 2026, Cross River had only one confirmed COVID-19 case and no new confirmed or suspected cases recorded.

He explained that the 10 individuals referenced in the report were contacts traced from the single confirmed case, noting that contact tracing remained a standard public health response to contain potential spread.

According to him, the individuals are not symptomatic and do not meet the criteria for suspected cases, adding that they are currently under home isolation and monitored daily by health officials.

Ayuk emphasised that the isolation measure was purely precautionary and should not be interpreted as evidence of new infections, reiterating that the state had not recorded any additional COVID-19 cases.

Environmental Officials Visit Ogun School Over Suspected Chemical Leak

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, alongside the general manager of the State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Kehinde Bello, on Tuesday visited Our Lady of Apostle Primary School in Ijebu-Ode following a suspected chemical leak in the area.

Last week Wednesday, a strange chemical smell was perceived in the school premises, shortly after the assembly session making it difficult for many students and staff to breathe.

This resulted to the admission of 30 students and two teachers at the State General Hospital, Ijebu Ode.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Dapo Abiodun ordered the immediate closure and full investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Tuesday’s visit was part of the state government response to assess the situation and ensure the safety of students, staff, and residents within the affected environment.

During the inspection, Kehinde Bello also visited a neighbouring school, Sacred Heart Catholic College, to evaluate the impact of the incident and reassure the school authorities of the government’s swift intervention.