Ijebu Igbo Council of Elders Visits Area Commander, Reaffirms Commitment to Security

The Ijebu Igbo Council of Elders (I.C.E.) on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Area Commander of the Ijebu Igbo Police Area Command, ACP Bukoye Oye, to strengthen collaboration on security.

Welcoming the delegation, ACP Bukoye Oye expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of the cordial relationship between the police and the Ijebu Igbo community. He commended the Council of Elders for its consistent support and cooperation in promoting peace and public safety.

The Area Commander emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between traditional institutions and security agencies, noting that community participation remains essential to effective policing. He assured the elders that their experience and counsel would continue to be invaluable in addressing security concerns within the area.

ACP Bukoye Oye also expressed gratitude to the Convener of the Council, Prof. Francis Ayodele Ogunye, and other members for their unwavering commitment to the progress of the Police Area Command and the development of Ijebu Igbo. He pledged to maintain an open and productive relationship with the Council.

During the meeting, the delegation, led by the Council’s Secretary, Otunba Remi Ogunbanjo, alongside Mrs. Sola Sosanya, Assistant Secretary Otunba Wale Balogun, Chief Taiwo Adekoya Tijani, and Chief Yinka Odeseye (Tandeska), discussed the prevailing security challenges in Ijebu Igbo and explored practical measures to enhance community policing.

The visit ended with both the Ijebu Igbo Council of Elders and the Police Area Command reaffirming their commitment to working together to promote lasting peace, improve security, and support the continued development of the community.

Pastor Caleb Adewunmi Celebrates His Mother, Princess Olabisi Oreoluwa Adegoke-Dabiri, on Her 80th Birthday

Pastor Caleb Adewunmi of Dublin has paid glowing tribute to his beloved mother, Princess Olabisi Oreoluwa Adegoke-Dabiri (MOW), as she marked her 80th birthday, describing her as a virtuous woman whose life has been defined by faith, love, wisdom, and selfless service.

In his heartfelt goodwill message, Pastor Adewunmi expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his mother through eight remarkable decades. Quoting the popular Yoruba adage, “Oríṣà bí ìyá ò sí” (there is no deity like a mother), he noted that no earthly treasure compares to the love, sacrifices, prayers, and unwavering support of a Godly mother.

He also praised his mother, Princess Adegoke-Dabiri for her steadfast faith, exemplary character, and invaluable role in raising her children with strong moral and Christian values.

Princess Olabisi Oreoluwa Adegoke-Dabiri celebrated her 80th birthday on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Jesufunmi’s Place Event Centre and Guest House, Adeji Ogungbade, Ibadan. A thanksgiving service followed on Sunday at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Kukumada Ogungbade, Ibadan.

The celebration attracted family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers from within and outside Nigeria, who gathered to celebrate her remarkable life, honour her enduring legacy, and thank God for His faithfulness over the past 80 years.

Panic Over Student Safety in Ijebu-Igbo Amid Alleged Abduction Attempt

Residents of Ijebu-Igbo have expressed growing concern over the safety of schoolchildren following reports of another disturbing security incident involving a student.

According to reports, the student allegedly jumped from a moving commercial motorcycle to escape what was suspected to be an attempted abduction for ritual purposes. The incident has heightened fears among parents and members of the community over the safety of students commuting to and from school.

The latest development comes just weeks after another reported incident in which a commercial motorcyclist allegedly fled with a student’s school bag, raising fresh concerns about the activities of some motorcycle operators in the area.

Concerned residents are now calling on the Ogun State Government, the Chairman of Ijebu North Local Government, the Nigeria Police Force in Ijebu-Igbo, community leaders, vigilante groups, parents, and school authorities to take urgent steps to improve security.

They urged the relevant authorities to intensify security patrols, strengthen the regulation and monitoring of commercial motorcycle operators, and implement measures that will guarantee safe transportation routes for students.

Residents stressed that every child deserves to travel to and from school without fear, calling for swift action to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of lives and property in Ijebu-Igbo.

SS2 Student Dies Following Motorcycle Incident in Ijebu-Igbo

IJEBU-IGBO — Tragedy struck in Ijebu-Igbo on Tuesday as a 15-year-old Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) student of Beje Model Secondary School, identified as David, lost his life following a motorcycle-related incident near the school premises.

According to reports, the student was earlier sent home from school over outstanding school fees. While initial accounts circulating on social media claimed the debt was N1,000, the Police have clarified that the outstanding fee was N40,000 and urged members of the public to disregard contrary information.

Sources said David was returning home when he reportedly decided to head back to school, allegedly in an attempt to seek permission to remain in class despite the unpaid fees.

It was gathered that he later boarded a motorcycle alongside two other students who had also been asked to leave the school. Reports alleged that the motorcycle rider attempted to take the students away, raising suspicions among the occupants.

Witness accounts indicate that David struggled with the rider while the motorcycle was in motion. During the ensuing altercation, he reportedly fell from the motorcycle and sustained severe injuries, leading to unconsciousness.

Despite efforts to secure urgent medical attention, the student was later confirmed dead.

The incident has thrown the deceased’s family and the wider community into mourning. Tension reportedly rose in the area as some residents reacted angrily to the development. A teacher who reportedly attempted to pacify aggrieved individuals was allegedly assaulted during the unrest.

Authorities have stated that several aspects of the incident remain unclear. The matter has been reported to the Ijebu-Igbo Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, which has commenced investigations to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

Police authorities have appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information and allow investigators to establish the facts of the case.

Ijebu North Chairman Flags Off Asphalt Laying of WOSAM Arena Road, Adjoining Routes

The Executive Chairman of Ijebu North Local Government, Hon. Bolaji Odusanya, on Monday officially flagged off the asphalt laying of the WOSAM Arena Road and other adjoining roads in Ago-Iwoye, marking another milestone in the council’s ongoing infrastructure development drive.

Residents and community leaders who witnessed the flag-off expressed appreciation to the council chairman for prioritising road development, stating that the project would ease movement and contribute to the socio-economic growth of Ago-Iwoye.

The asphalt laying of the WOSAM Arena Road and adjoining routes is expected to significantly improve access to key areas within the town upon completion.

I coined out this

Andu Congratulates Adegunwa-Balogun on APC Deputy Governorship Ticket

A prominent indigene of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, Mr. Demola Andu, popularly known as “The Bridge,” has congratulated Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun on her emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.

In a congratulatory message, Andu described Adegunwa-Balogun’s nomination as a significant milestone for the state and a positive step toward achieving greater development and progress in Ogun.

The diaspora-based Nigerian and grandson of the late Ibiade businessman, Alhaji Andu, said the APC made the right choice by selecting Adegunwa-Balogun, noting that her wealth of experience, leadership qualities, and professional accomplishments would serve as valuable assets to the governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

According to him, the Yayi/Adegunwa-Balogun ticket has the potential to deliver impactful governance and accelerate socio-economic development across the state if elected in 2027.

Andu described Adegunwa-Balogun as an accomplished leader whose emergence has inspired renewed hope among residents, particularly women and young people who view her as a symbol of excellence and purposeful leadership.

He prayed for divine guidance, wisdom, and good health for the APC deputy governorship candidate as she prepares for the responsibilities ahead.

The Ogun Waterside indigene also urged residents of the state, especially those in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process by supporting APC candidates in future elections.

He expressed confidence that Adegunwa-Balogun’s emergence would usher in greater opportunities and quality service delivery for the people of Ogun State.

Borno Farmer Jailed 15 Years for Failing to Report Boko Haram Activities

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 55-year-old farmer, Ali Mustapha, to 15 years imprisonment for concealing information about the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in his community in Borno State.

Mustapha, a resident of Katara Village, was prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation after being held in custody since 2013.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge brought against him. Following his plea, Justice Binta Nyako convicted and sentenced him to 15 years in prison without the option of a fine.

In her ruling, the judge acknowledged the convict’s claim that there were no government officials or security agencies available in his remote community through whom he could have reported the insurgents’ activities.

Justice Nyako, however, held that the offence had been established and subsequently imposed the prison term. She further ordered that the sentence should take effect from 2013, the year Mustapha was arrested and remanded in custody.

Oyo Declares Tuesday Public Holiday

The Oyo State Government has declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a work-free day to mark the commencement of the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1448AH.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who noted that the state government recognises the significance of the Hijrah celebration to the Muslim community.

According to the commissioner, the public holiday is intended to enable Muslim faithful and other residents to reflect on the values and lessons associated with the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad.

Oyelade urged residents of the state to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, unity and continued development in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

He also called on citizens to embrace the spirit of brotherhood, tolerance and mutual understanding while working together for the progress and prosperity of the state and the nation.

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.

IJEBULAND SET FOR 2026 AGEMO FESTIVAL

Preparations are in top gear for the 2026 Agemo Festival in Ijebuland, with organisers announcing that this year’s celebrations will commence on July 4 and continue on July 5, 2026.

The opening phase of the revered cultural event will feature the traditional movement of Agemo masquerades from various Ijebu communities to Imosan-Ijebu, the historic meeting point where key festival rites are observed.

As part of the annual procession, the masquerades are expected to pass through several towns and major roads across Ogun State, including the Epe/Oke-Owa, Isiwo, Omu/Ala/Egbe/Ejinrin, Erunwon/Oke-Aje, and Ijebu-Imushin/Ilese/Army Barracks routes, as well as sections of the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

Festival authorities identified the recognised procession corridors as Epe-Ijebu-Ode, Isiwo-Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Imushin-Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye-Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu-Ijebu-Ode, Lagos Garage-Ijebu-Ode, Ibadan Road/Ibadan Garage-Ijebu-Ode, and Okun-Owa-Ijebu-Ode routes.

The Erinlu Roundabout in Ijebu-Ode has been designated as the central convergence point before the masquerades proceed to Imosan-Ijebu.

Motorists and residents have been advised to anticipate temporary traffic disruptions and diversions along affected routes during the procession. Members of the public are urged to cooperate with security personnel and festival officials to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.

Organisers also reminded residents to observe established cultural traditions associated with the festival. Women, in particular, have been advised to take note of customary guidelines and plan their movements accordingly from noon on the festival days.

Widely regarded as one of the most important cultural festivals in Yorubaland, the Agemo Festival continues to showcase the rich heritage, customs, and unity of the Ijebu people while attracting widespread attention from visitors and cultural enthusiasts.