News
PHOTOS: We’re repositioning Ogun as Nigeria’s leading destination for culture, tourism – Gov Abiodun
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Saturday said his administration has taken bold steps to reposition the state as Nigeria’s leading destination for cultural and creative tourism.
Governor Abiodun, while reiterating his commitment to making tourism a key driver of inclusive growth and economic diversification, disclosed that beyond physical infrastructure, it is focusing strongly on inclusivity and empowerment.
He made this known at the 48th edition of World Tourism Day, themed “Tourism for Sustainable Transformation” and held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, emphasised the training and skill-building initiatives for women and youth involved in tourism-related endeavours, especially Adire manufacturing, which, according to him, has received international recognition on global fashion runways.
He said, “In line with this, our administration has taken bold steps to reposition Ogun State as Nigeria’s leading destination for cultural and creative tourism. We have renovated and expanded the Olumo Rock Tourist Complex, transforming it into a world-class site with modern infrastructure, improved safety, and creative spaces such as the Nike Arts Gallery.
“Beyond physical infrastructure, we have committed to inclusivity and empowerment. Our youth and women are being trained for tourism-related opportunities; our cultural industries, particularly Adire, are now recognized on global fashion runways; and our creative economy is being nurtured to tell Ogun’s story in ways that resonate both locally and internationally.”
The governor declared the 2025 celebration open, calling on all citizens, cultural custodians, entrepreneurs, and partners to join hands in preserving, promoting, and globalizing the treasures of the state.
Delivering the United Nations Secretary-General’s message at the event, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Fagbayi, emphasized that tourism remains a powerful engine of opportunity, capable of creating jobs, strengthening human connections, and driving inclusive change.
He insisted that tourism must be inclusive, equitable, and green if it is to truly fulfill its promise of sustainable transformation.
“The transformation of the iconic Olumo Rock Tourist Centre remains one of the most remarkable achievements of the present administration. All hands must be on deck to create jobs and improve the living standards of our people through tourism,” Fagbayi said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Adebola Basibo-Odoru, assured that the government would keep collaborating closely with stakeholders to make sure that tourism continues to be a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth throughout the state.
Some of the dignitaries in attendance included the National President, Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria, Adetunji Fadina; Chairman, Ogun State House Committee on Arts, Culture & Tourism, Hon. Kaka Segun; Permanent Secretary, Ogun Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Qudus Yusuf; Dr. Harrison Edo, the Coordinator, UNIFECS Programmes, Obafemi Awolowo University, Sango-Ota Study Centre; among others.
FOLLOW US ON:
The Nigeria Police Force has demoted a corporal to the rank of constable for engaging in unauthorised VIP escort duties, in violation of directives issued by the Inspector-General of Police and President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the force disclosed that CPL Suleiman Musa (F/No: 517077), attached to 45 PMF, was found escorting a VIP without the required clearance. His action was deemed a breach of the strict enforcement measures put in place to end the indiscriminate deployment of police personnel for such assignments.
According to the statement, the disciplinary action serves as a warning to other officers and reinforces the need for full compliance with operational guidelines.
The force also noted that the incident raises questions about how the unauthorised assignment came about and whether the officer acted alone.
FOLLOW US ON:
Tragedy struck across three local government areas of Kano State as five people, including a 10-year-old girl, lost their lives in separate incidents involving a well collapse, a fall into a well, and a house fire.
The spokesperson of the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incidents in a statement issued on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
The first incident occurred in Badume Kanawa Village, Bichi Local Government Area, where three people d!ed while attempting to re-dig a well.
According to Abdullahi, the rope supporting one of the victims, identified as Sa’idu Gada, 65, snapped while he was working inside the well.
In a desperate attempt to save him, his son, Sani Isyaku, 20, entered the well but also became trapped. A third man, Yakubu Abdullahi, 60, followed with the hope of rescuing both, but he too was unable to make it out.
Fire Service personnel rescued the trio in an unconscious state, but they were later confirmed d3ad.
Their remains were handed over to DSP Kabiru Iliyasu of the Badume Police Division.
In another incident in Danbatta Local Government Area, a 10-year-old boy, Hassan Iliyasu Haruna, fell into a well and d!ed before help could reach him.
The third tragedy occurred in Badawa Layin Day in Nassarawa Local Government Area, where a 10-year-old girl d!ed in a house fire on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
Fire Service officials said the blaze engulfed a section of a residential building, destroying two bedrooms. The girl was rescued unconscious but was later confirmed d3ad.
Speaking on the incidents, the Director of the Fire Service, Sani Anas, urged residents to avoid entering wells during emergencies, warning that such actions often result in additional casualties rather than successful rescues.
He advised the public to immediately call emergency responders when accidents occur, stressing that trained personnel are better equipped to handle such situations safely.
FOLLOW US ON:
Nigerian Army troops of Joint Task Force Sector One, Operation Udo Ka (OPUK), in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation at Orokam Forest, a border area linking Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation was conducted on Friday at about 1:30 p.m., following credible intelligence from locals indicating the presence of a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the forest.
Troops deployed in Udenu LGA swiftly mobilised to the location alongside vigilante personnel of the Neighbourhood Watch.
While approaching the hideout, the criminals opened fire on the troops. The joint team responded with a high volume of fire, forcing the kidnappers to flee in disarray and abandon the kidnapped victims.
14 abducted persons, who were returning from a burial ceremony over the weekend before being kidnapped, were rescued unhurt.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted from two separate communities Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA, Enugu State, and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA, Benue State.
The victims were subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Udenu Division, for onward reunification with their families.
The troops expended 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the engagement and returned to base at about 7:21 p.m. without any incident.
Troops had intensified monitoring of the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
FOLLOW US ON:
PHOTOS: Police demote officer for unauthorised VIP escort duty
PHOTOS: Father, son, three others d!e in Kano well collapse and fire incident
PHOTOS: Troops rescue 14 kidnapped victims in Benue forest
‘Sleeping Prince’ of Saudi Arabia dies after 20 years in coma
How A Class Of 24 Students Produced 2 Presidents, 4 Governors, 2 Ministers, 4 Emirs, 3 Justices, 4 Ambassadors and Other Influential Leaders
Why Do You Continue To Lie Against Your Motherland? Presidency Calls Out Kemi Badenoch
-
News10 hours agoTalon safe as loyalist forces regain control after brief coup scare
-
News11 hours agoECOWAS condemns attempted coup in Benin, issues warning
-
News10 hours ago
PHOTOS: Nigeria Air Force Hails Pilots Who Ejected From Crashed Jet For Bravery
-
Crime10 hours ago
PHOTOS: NDLEA Seizes Over 7.6 Million Tramadol Pills, 76 Tonnes Of Cannabis In Nationwide Raids
-
Business10 hours ago
VIDEO: Stop Buying Rolls-Royce, Use The Money To Build Industries Instead – Dangote Tells Wealthy Nigerians
-
News11 hours ago
Benin govt provides fresh update on coup, says plotters on run, some arrested
-
Lifestyle10 hours ago
I Have Never Been Asked For S€x For Roles – Nigerian Actress, Bisola Aiyeola Opens Up
-
News11 hours ago
Attempted Coup in Benin Republic as military attacks President Talon’s residence, seizes national TV
