President Bola Tinubu, on Friday in Ibadan, Oyo State, said the economy of Nigeria has turned the corner for good, following the success of the economic reforms introduced by his administration over two years ago.
He assured Nigerians that they would soon begin to enjoy the fruits of the reforms and thanked them for their patience and support.
The President spoke at the coronation of his friend and political ally, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Sen) Abdul-Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
President Tinubu said the reforms have been successful because of the support, endurance and sacrifices of Nigerians.
“Today, I am honoured to bring the cheering news that our economy has turned around and there is now light at the end of the tunnel,” the President stated.
The President commended the Olubadan of Ibadan for his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and for overcoming an illegal impeachment as a governor.
Tinubu and Ladoja
“Today is an exciting day for me, Kabiyesi. Happy birthday to you. It is also a happy day for you. As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is a great honour to witness this history unfold.
“All the things we started together with great expectations, and the history we shared are coming to pass. I pray that you will live long and be celebrated as one of the rare leaders in history to ascend the throne of your forefathers.Lagos property listings
Oba Ladoja
“I pray that God will grant you more years of joy, prosperity and relevance,” the President said.
President Tinubu said that the Olubadan of Ibadanland played a significant role in Nigeria’s political history, and had remained a pillar of hope through the experiences of impeachment, perseverance and resilience as a former governor of the state.Lagos property listings
He thanked all former and serving governors, and traditional rulers for attending the coronation.
Tinubu
“It is a joy and great excitement for us. I appreciate you all. As for me, this is homecoming,” he stated.
Governor Seyi Makinde presented the new Olubadan, a former governor of the state and a senator, with the staff of office and a certificate.
Governor Makinde said Oba Ladoja’s coronation has ended the disputes among families regarding who occupies traditional thrones.
“It is a great honour to celebrate the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. All sons and daughters of the state at home and in the diaspora are proud of this historic moment. We must uphold our tradition.
“I also want to say all challenges associated with the Ibadan traditional institution are now over, and put behind us. This means that the process is now sacrosanct,” the governor said.
The Governor thanked the President for taking the time to honour the traditional ruler and the people.
“There is no more rancour about the kingship in Ibadanland, ” the governor added.
Oba Ladoja said his ascension to the throne reflected the race of life and place of destiny.
“I accept not just the paraphernalia of office but also the responsibilities attached to it
“I want to sincerely appreciate my brother and friend, President Bola Tinubu, for honouring me and all the sons and daughters of Ibadanland with his visit here today.
“It is not by power, influence, connection or money that we are here today. I appreciate God for taking me to the finishing line from the starting point as the Mogaji of the all-inclusive Arusa family, Isale Osi, Ibadan, in 1992 till date,” he added.
The Olubadan noted that he would uphold the trust the Olubadan Council members and kingmakers reposed in him while thanking the governor for ratifying his selection.
Some of the dignitaries at the event included the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji; and the Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Adeleke. The former Governors were Donald Duke of Cross River, Olagunsoye Oyinola of Osun State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, and Senator Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State.
President Tinubu was accompanied to the event by Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Zacch Adedeji.
The Sultan of Sokoto and co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Alhaji Sa’ad Muhammad Abubakar III, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, were also at the ceremony.
Veteran Yoruba broadcaster and comic actor, Timothy Agboola, widely known as Ereke Ni Shop, has died after battling an illness.
It was reports that the entertainer passed away on Wednesday at a private hospital in Lagos after reportedly being sick for a long time.
Agboola built a strong reputation in Yoruba broadcasting and comedy.
Over the years, he became popular for programmes that mixed humour with storytelling while also promoting Yoruba culture and traditions.
Many listeners saw him as someone who loved his heritage and proudly represented Ijesa culture through his work.
Following the announcement of his death, many colleagues, friends and fans began sharing messages of condolence on social media.
One of his associates, Idris Shogbola, was among those who first shared the sad news online while mourning the loss of the veteran broadcaster.
“May the soul of our boss rest in peace. Pa Timothy Agboola ‘Ereke ni Shop’. Baba Oloye Repete… A broadcaster, actor, comedian. May God Almighty give you eternal rest in peace. Amen. Ereke ni Shop sun re o,” he wrote.
Agboola gained wide attention through his unique storytelling style and lively comedy.
His radio shows often combined humour with social observations about daily life, which made him popular among many Yoruba listeners.
During his long career in the entertainment industry, he worked with several well-known entertainers, including Baba Alajeju.
Some of his comedy performances date back to the 1970s when he was already becoming known for his lively stage presence.
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that he is always concerned about the welfare of the masses.
He disclosed that he reads about happenings in the country every morning before leaving home.
Tinubu stated this during an interfaith breaking of fast with senior journalists and media executives at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He said that he was a little bit stubborn at the beginning of his administration.
The president also stated that his administration has opened up on the principles of true federalism to the extent that local governments now get direct allocation from the Federal Government.
He said, “There’s no morning that I ever leave my house without going through the newspapers. It’s an addiction. I read all of you.
“It might not be in full detail, but headline, the one that would hit me and the ones that won’t.
“At the beginning of this administration, I was just a little bit stubborn, looking at opportunities to correct things and make life more easier for the downtrodden.”
Meanwhile, Tinubu has stated that improving Nigeria is a collective responsibility.
He asserted that the country’s development cannot be the sole responsibility of the federal government and urged the media to hold states and local governments accountable.
The President stated this on Friday when he hosted media executives and proprietors at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu cited increased financial autonomy for the lower tiers of government and urged the media to extend the same level of scrutiny they apply to his government to the local and state administrations.
“We’ve opened up the principle of federalism to the extent that local governments are now getting their money. But how they use it is in your hands,” Tinubu said.
“So don’t bombard me alone; look at the local government too. Yes, we can complain it’s not enough; we can complain we are not where we should be. But we have to manage what we have to sustain today, survive tomorrow, and make progress.
“Today, there is no state that is borrowing to pay the salaries of employees,” he told the gathering.
“Yes, we can complain that it’s not enough. We can complain we are not where we should be, but we have to manage what we have to sustain today, survive tomorrow, and make progress,” he added.
The ex-Lagos State governor reiterated his commitment to doing the job with dedication.
“And I promise you, the job that I continue to do is dedication, patriotic dedication to improve Nigeria. It’s all in our hands; it’s a collective responsibility,” he said.
United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has alleged that a shooter who attacked Old Dominion University in Virginia met with members of the extremist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Nigeria before carrying out the incident.
Moore made the allegation on his 𝕏 account on Saturday, in response to the attack.
It was understands that the attacker, Bailor Jalloh, a former Virginia National Guard member and convicted supporter of ISIS, entered a classroom filled with Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) students and opened fire.
According to the FBI, the gunman shouted “Allahu Akbar”, Arabic for “God is greater”, before shooting at students inside Constant Hall.
The classroom quickly descended into chaos as terrified students scrambled for safety.
However, several ROTC students bravely confronted the gunman and ultimately subdued him, preventing what authorities believe could have been a far deadlier massacre.
Reacting to the development, the lawmaker claimed that the suspect was earlier imprisoned but was released before the attack despite alleged ties to the terrorist group.
“The radical Islamic terrorist who attacked Old Dominion yesterday was let out of prison early despite meeting with ISIL in Nigeria and seeking to aide and abet ISIL in carrying out an attack on our homeland,” Moore said.
The congressman criticised the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s release, describing the development as alarming and unacceptable.
“This is insane, and it MUST END! That’s why I’m introducing a bill to denaturalize and deport any naturalized citizen who seeks to commit a terrorist attack or aids and abets terrorism against the American people,” he said.