Oyo State governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde has announced a cabinet reshuffle.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Governor Makinde relieved the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Kudirat Adeyemo of her appointment with immediate effect.
Professor Musibau Babatunde has been appointed as the new secretary to the state government.
The statement further said that Mr Seun Ashamu has been moved from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Also, Governor Makinde has announced his Senior Special Assistant on Public Works, Ademola Aderinto, as a commissioner-designate and would consequently be presented to the Oyo State House of Assembly for screening.
The statement also announced the appointment of Abiodun Adedoja as Special Adviser on Energy Security and Kolawole Akanmu as Senior Special Assistant on Budget and Economic Planning.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Osun State, has announced the commencement of the second phase of the Continuous Voters’ Registration exercise.
A statement by Osun INEC Public Relations Officer, Mr. Musa Olurode on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mutiu Agboke stated that the exercise would commence on the 5th of January 2026.
Mr. Agboke urged all eligible voters in Osun State to take advantage of the exercise, as registration is a constitutional requirement for participation in elections.
The statement reads “ the Commission hereby informs the general public that the second phase of the “Continuous Voters’ Registration” , CVR Exercise will commence on Monday, January 5, 2026 across the state.”
“This phase of the CVR is intended to provide an opportunity for eligible Nigerians who did not register during the first phase to do so. It is also open to citizens who have attained the age of 18, as well as registered voters who wish to apply for transfer of their PVCs, correction of personal details, or replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).” It adds
He expressed the readiness of the commission to conducting a transparent, credible, inclusive, and acceptable electoral process, in compliance with the Electoral Act and the commission’s guidelines.
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has made his first social media post since a fatal car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends and team members.
Joshua sustained minor injuries in the incident that killed his friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, on Monday, December 29, on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The 36-year-old boxer, who was discharged from the hospital on New Year’s Eve, returned to the United Kingdom on Saturday.
He made his first public comment since the accident in a post across his social media handle on Sunday.
The image, posted across his social media pages, showed the ex-heavyweight champion offering support and solidarity.
Both Sina and Latz will be laid to rest later on Sunday.
The Terenga Lions of Senegal became the first country to secure a place in the quarter finals of the 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Morocco with a comeback win over the Jediane Falcons of Sudan last Saturday.
Sudan had taken a shock lead in the first Round of 16 fixtures thanks to a Abdallah Yunis strike.
However, Pape Gueye equalised for Senegal in the 29th minute before scoring his second in first half stoppage time to give his country a 2-1 lead at the break.
Ibrahim Mbaye made it 3-1 in the 77th minute to complete the turn around for Senegal and send them to the quarter finals.
In the second round of 16 fixtures yesterday, 10-man Mali sent Tunisia packing after winning 3-2 on penalties to join Senegal in the quarter finals.
Firas Chaouat thought he had sent Tunisia to the quarter finals when he scored in the 88th minute, only for Lassine Sinayoko to convert from the spot in the 96th minute to make it 1-1 and drag the game to extra time.
After 120 minutes of play with nothing to separate both teams, it went to penalty shoot out and Mali came out on top to set up a quarter final clash with Senegal.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has commended the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, for its decision to resume duties on January 5, 2026, describing the move as patriotic and people-oriented. Governor Adeleke in a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, said the decision by local government workers represents a positive development for grassroots governance and service delivery across the state. He noted that the resumption of work would reinvigorate activities at the local government level and enhance social services for residents.
The Governor maintained that the resolve of the workers underscores the labour movement’s sensitivity to the yearnings and aspirations of the people, expressing optimism that the January 5 resumption would mark a new beginning for effective governance at the grassroots.
He emphasized that local government administration remained the most direct means of reaching citizens, adding that the decision by NULGE leadership reflects confidence in responsible and lawful leadership, also commended the Nigeria Police Force for its proactive steps in maintaining law and order at council secretariats across the state. Governor Adeleke reiterated his administration’s support for local government autonomy, describing the presidential decision on the matter as well-intentioned and aimed at deepening governance at the grassroots. He concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to peace, unity, and democratic principles, noting that only in a harmonious environment can the dividends of democracy be fully delivered to the people of Osun State.
The Janaza (funeral) prayer service for Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele, close friends of boxing star, Anthony Joshua, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
The bodies of Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele were repatriated to the United Kingdom following the fatal crash in Nigeria.
The service will begin at 10am at the London Central Mosque, 146 Park Road, London NW8 7RG.
A Saturday statement announcing the funeral, shared by Boxing King Media, disclosed this, saying: “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones.”
Ghami and Ayodele tragically died in a road crash in Nigeria late last year, on Monday December 29, 2025, where Joshua was also involved but escaped with minor injuries.
The accident occurred on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in the Makun area of Ogun State, when the Lexus SUV carrying Anthony Joshua collided with a stationary truck, killing his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and personal trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele, at the scene.
The funeral in London will allow family, friends, and the boxing community to pay their final respects.
Ogun State Government urges the residents of the state to disregard the misleading information in the public space in respect to the regulation of the transport sector in the State.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Gbenga Dairo in a statement in Abeokuta warned that any individual or group claiming Local Government authorization to regulate or recognize transport unions or operators was acting outside the law.
Mr Dairo explained that the regulation, licensing, approval, and oversight of transport operations including transport unions, associations, and informal transport operators do not fall within the statutory powers of Local Governments in Ogun State.
He noted that the regulation of the transport sector was the exclusive responsibility of the Ogun State Government, carried out through the Ministry of Transportation and other relevant State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
The Transportation Commissioner maintained that the local governments do not have the authority to register, approve, suspend, recognize transport unions or associations; regulate informal transport operators; issue operational permits; impose levies outside State-approved frameworks; or exercise supervisory or disciplinary control over transport stakeholders.
Reaffirming the commitment of the state government to order and professionalism, Mr Dairo said the ministry would take a firm action against misinformation and unlawful interference.
He urged the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Security Service and other stakeholders in the sector to engage only with duly authorized state institutions on all matters relating to transport regulation in the state.
US President Donald Trump says that Washington “successfully” carried out a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela, claiming that President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been captured and removed from the country.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
In a brief written statement, Trump said that the operation was conducted “in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement.”
He said additional details would be released later. He also announced that a news conference would be held at 11 a.m. at his Mar-a-Lago residence in the US state of Florida.
Meanwhile, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he anticipates no further action against Venezuela following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, says a Republican senator.
Mike Lee confirmed Venezuelan President Maduro’s arrest, to stand trial on criminal charges in the US, following a phone call with Rubio.
“He [Rubio] anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in US custody,” says Senator Lee.
Lee adds that the US strikes were “deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant”.
Earlier, Lee said in a post on X: “I look forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorisation for the use of military force.”
The long arm of the law has caught up with two persons suspected of being ritualists in Ile-Oluji town in Ondo State, as they were nabbed by the Police on December 27, 2025. The suspects were arrested after credible intelligence by operatives of the SWAT Tactical team, acting on a tip-off by a concerned citizen.
Public Relations Officer of Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who confirmed the incident on Saturday, narrated how the suspects were apprehended.
“The operation led to the arrest of two Suspects identified as Maria (female, 53 years) and Adewale (male, 28 years), while a10-year-old boy who was allegedly intended to be used for a ritual was successfully rescued. Meanwhile, the victim has been taken to a hospital for medical attention.”
Jimoh further explained how the two Suspects had planned to carry out their evil plan. “Preliminary investigations revealed that Maria conspired with her son, Adewale, to engage the services of an herbalist to use the victim for money ritual.”
He noted that the suspects are currently in police custody and have confessed to the crime.
DSP Jimoh added that they will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the incident, the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, warned parents to discourage their children from the “get-rich-quick” syndrome and to instill in them the values of hard work and integrity.
The Police Spokesperson appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police station.
The Niger State Government has approved the reopening of selected public and private schools across the state, effective Monday, January 12, 2026, following extensive security assessments and consultations with relevant security agencies.
This was made known in a press statement issued on Friday by the Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, signed by the Commissioner, Hadiza Mohammed.
According to the statement, the approval was granted by Governor Umaru Bago as part of efforts to ensure continuity of education while prioritising the safety of students, teachers, and school communities.
The government emphasised that only schools located in safe and secure areas will be allowed to resume academic activities.
The ministry noted that adequate security presence will be maintained in and around school premises through collaboration with security agencies to guarantee a safe learning environment.
In furtherance of transparency and effective coordination, the ministry announced that it will officially release the list of all public and private schools approved for reopening on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Schools cleared to resume are required to register all returning students immediately and submit comprehensive enrolment data to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education within one week of resumption.
The statement also directed Local Government Area Chairmen to ensure full compliance and provide necessary support within their jurisdictions.
The Niger State Government expressed appreciation to parents, school managers, and the general public for their patience, cooperation, and understanding during the period of school closure, stressing that the safety of students and teachers remain paramount.
All stakeholders were enjoined to strictly comply with the outlined directives in the collective interest of peace, safety, and sustainable educational development in the State.
Following the public holiday declared by government, in view of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, business activities are gradually picking up in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
As of Friday, January 2, there was noticeable movement across the city as families and friends who had traveled for the festive period began returning to their respective bases. Transport hubs recorded moderate activity, while some markets and offices operated at skeletal levels.
Findings revealed that, many residents are taking advantage of the remaining days of the holiday to conclude visits and prepare for the resumption of normal routines.
Full business activities are expected to resume on Monday, when schools, government offices, and other establishments reopen after the holiday break.
The gradual return to work is typical of the post-festive period, as households adjust from celebration to productivity, signaling a return to normal economic life in the state capital.
President Donald Trump said the United States will intervene if Iran shoots and kills protesters demonstrating against deteriorating economic conditions in the country.
“If Iran shots (sic) and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J.TRUMP,” he wrote on Truth Social on Friday.
Dozens of protesters took to the streets across several provinces of Iran this week, with some demonstrations which turned deadly.
Iranian officials issued a stern warning against US intervention in the country’s internal affairs. Ali Larijani, Iran’s national security chief, said on X that American interference would trigger “disruption across theentire region and the destruction of American interests.” Ali Shamkhani, a close adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, declared Iran’s national security a “red line.”
“Every hand of intervention that approaches Iranian security…will be cut off with a regrettable response,” Shamkhani said on X.
At least three people were killed and 17 others injured on Thursday evening when protesters stormed a police station in the city of Azna in Iran western Lorestan province, the state-affiliated.
According to report, the protesters clashed with police, threw stones at law enforcement personnel and set cars on fire, adding that, some armed “rioters took advantage” of a protest in the city.
On Thursday morning, at least two people were killed when dozens of protesters clashed with the police in Lordegan county of the southwest Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province.
It remained unclear if the casualties were among law enforcement authorities or protesters.
The first known death linked to the protests occurred on Wednesday night, when one member of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force was killed, and 13 others injured in the city of Kuhdasht in Lorestan province, per state-affiliated media. Fars News Agency showed a video of a member of the police force receiving treatment after allegedly being set on fire by protesters.
The Basij is often deployed by the regime to suppress protests.
Twenty people were arrested in the protests, the prosecutor of Kuhdasht said Thursday, according to state-affiliated news agency Tasnim.
Twenty people were arrested in the protests, the prosecutor of Kuhdasht said Thursday, according to state-affiliated news agency Tasnim.
In Tehran province’s Malard county, authorities arrested 30 people for “disrupting public disorder,” according to Fars. The agency cited a county official Mansour Saleki, who said those arrested were “abusing the legal right of citizens to protest”
Despite being so far limited, the protests marked the latest chapter in the growing discontent in Iran, as a population quietly reclaimed public spaces and personal freedoms through uncoordinated acts of defiance.
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that the driver of the Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle involved in the road traffic accident that affected Nigerian-British boxer, Anthony Joshua, is currently in police custody.
The Command said the the driver was being detained to enable the police carry out a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, Mr Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the investigation was aimed at establishing the cause of the accident and determining the level of culpability.
Mr Babaseyi gave an assurance that the investigation would be handled with professionalism and transparency, while appealing to members of the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as the process continues.
It would be recalled that British Former heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, had survived a fatal car accident in Ogun State, Nigeria, which claimed the lives of two British men travelling with him.
The crash occurred on Monday on the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu, when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck.
Eight people have been confirmed dead, while eleven others sustained injuries in a fatal accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, near the NASFAT Turn, outbound Lagos.
Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency TRACE, Public Relations Officer, Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, saying the crash occurred at 3::00pm.
According to Commander Akinbiyi, the accident involved an 18-seater commercial bus with registration number APP 943 XP and a truck with registration number AKM 547 YQ.
He explained that the driver of the 18-passenger bus was speeding when it rammed into an empty, bottled-laden truck while the truck driver was attempting to make a U-turn towards the Ibadan axis, adding that, twenty one people were involved in the crash, eight people lost their lives on the spot, including four males, two females, and two toddlers, while eleven people sustained varying degrees of injuries and two males were uninjured.
Commander Akinbiyi explained that the injured victims were taken to the State Hospital, Abeokuta, and FAMOBIS Hospital, as there was flow of traffic along the expressway after the evacuation.
Ekiti State has recorded its first rainfall of the year 2026.
The rain, which lasted for about an hour, was witnessed in towns such as Ifaki and Aramoko Ekiti, while light showers were also recorded in Ado Ekiti, Iworoko Ekiti and some other parts of the state.
Some residents who spoke on the development described the early rainfall as a positive sign, expressing optimism that the new year would be prosperous.
Others said the rain brought relief from the intense heat currently being experienced across the state.
Residents, however, expressed hope that the rainfall would continue in the coming weeks to support farming activities and improve agricultural productivity across Ekiti State.
The Chairman of Remo Stars Football Club, Mr Kunle Soname has proposed a structured, performance-based weekly reward system for referees as a way to restore credibility and improve standards in the domestic league.
Speaking with Journalists in Ikenne, Mr Soname expressed concern over the persistent officiating failures that had continue to undermine the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL,
He noted that the referees operated under enormous pressure with little motivation, inadequate welfare, and limited recognition for good performances which he said had contributed to inconsistent and controversial officiating.
He explained that in the proposed performance-based assessment system, referees would be independently evaluated after every match adding that Officials who demonstrate consistency, sound judgment, and strict adherence to the Laws of the Game would be rewarded, while repeated poor performances would attract corrective measures, including retraining.
Mr Soname also expressed concern over Nigeria’s declining presence on the continental refereeing stage, noting that the last time a Nigerian referee officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations was in Ghana in 2008.
He argued that poor welfare and irregular payment of match allowances make referees vulnerable to external influence, a long-standing concern in Nigerian football.
According to him, consistent incentives and prompt payments would allow officials to focus fully on professionalism and career development.
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has described 2026 as a year that will surpass 2025 in impact, opportunities and testimonies.
Pastor Adeboye stated this during the cross over service held at the Redemption city, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway.
According to him, there would be more opportunities, breakthroughs, victories and successes, with fewer failures than the outgone year.
He also assured people that many unfulfilled dreams would be achieved this year .
Giving prophecy on Nigeria, Pastor Adeboye emphatically said there would be a great reduction in hunger while small and medium-scale enterprises, SMEs would begin to experience growth and stability.
He further said there would be ” reversed JAPA ” as many Nigerians that have relocated to some developed nations of the world for better opportunities would come back home as the nation would have improved on every aspect.
Speaking on the International scene, Pastor Enoch Adeboye said the likelihood of a major global war in 2026 is lower than what it was in the previous year while there may be a few major hurricanes during the year in some parts of the world.
The General Officer Commanding, GOC, of the Nigerian army 2 division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian army towards sustaining its collaboration with other security sister agencies to rid the southwest states of drug abuse and crimes.
Major General Nnebeife made this known at a news briefing held at Adekunle Fajuyi cantonment, odogbo barrack Ibadan, Oyo State.
The GOC explained that the joint efforts of all the security agencies had reduced crimes in the region with a promise to intensify efforts at bringing it to the barest minimum.
Speaking on the recent attack on Eruku Community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, Major General Nnebeife said residents of the community have since returned to their homes, while the abducted had also been released.
The 2 division GOC further cautioned the public against spreading false reports so as not to put fear in the minds of other Nigerians especially those in the diaspora.
While commending journalists for disseminating activities of the Nigerian Army, Major General Nnebeife urged them to be objective in their reportage, urging them to always verify stories before publication.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has signed the ₦1.669 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, marking a major step in the state’s fiscal planning for the new year.
The Governor assented to the bill on Wednesday at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. The ceremony was witnessed by the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, principal officers and members of the Assembly, as well as members of the State Executive Council. Governor Abiodun had presented the Appropriation Bill, christened the “Budget of Sustainable Legacy,” to the House on December 3, 2025.
Speaking after signing the bill, the Governor announced that implementation would commence immediately after the holidays, assuring improved performance in revenue generation and expenditure.
He disclosed that the 2026 budget represents a 58 per cent increase over the 2025 budget of ₦1.054 trillion, describing it as a significant leap in Ogun State’s financial profile.
Governor Abiodun attributed the timely signing to the cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature, noting that passage of the budget before the end of the year would guarantee fiscal continuity, predictability and effective governance.
The Governor commended the Speaker and members of the House for their diligence, saying lawmakers thoroughly scrutinised the bill and engaged relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies despite the holiday period.
In his response, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, said the bill underwent rigorous legislative scrutiny to ensure it reflects the developmental priorities of the state. He added that the Assembly worked tirelessly to ensure the budget was passed and signed into law before the end of the year.
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has called on all residents of the state to continue to cooperate with the state government, perform their civic duties and remain united so as to build the future that everyone desires for the Pacesetter State.
In a new year broadcast, Governor Makinde noted that the state government alone could not build the state, calling for continued support from residents in terms of making the state productive, lawful and peaceful in order to achieve the vision of a better and greater Oyo State.
He appreciated the residents for their resilience, trust and support in 2025, noting that though the state and its residents were hard pressed on different fronts, they were not crushed.
The governor reeled out some of the achievements of the administration in the outgone year, including the commissioning of key infrastructure projects in Ibadan and the massive progress on the 110km Ibadan Circular Road project.
He equally pointed out how the state’s commitment to moving its economy from a consumptive one to a productive economy received a major boost through the Oyo State International Agribusiness Summit and the International Tourism Summit organised in the outgone year, adding that as a result of the government’s efforts, Oyo State enjoyed relative peace amid increased insecurity across the country.
The governor said that the outgone year tested the resolve of the state, but the New Year would reward its preparations, as several efforts, including the preparation and signing of the 2026 Budget of Economic Expansion have prepared the ground for the tremendous achievements and economic uplift that will be witnessed in the state in the New Year.
Governor Makinde said further: “ “This truth guided our work in government throughout the year 2025. In times of pressure, leadership must be calm, focused, and principled. Despite political distractions and national uncertainty, Oyo State remained steady.
Our institutions continued to function. Governance did not take a back seat. We strengthened democratic processes, upheld due process in public service, and stayed committed to transparency and accountability.
“We chose consistency over noise. Systems over shortcuts. Long-term stability over short-term praise. While the year tested us, it did not stop us from building.
“In 2025, we continued to invest in infrastructure that improves daily life and supports economic activity. The commissioning of key transport infrastructure in Ibadan was not just about movement, but about dignity, order, and productivity.
“We pushed forward on the 110 km Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road as a strategic economic corridor designed to unlock growth, attract investment, and create jobs for generations to come. Some people thought they could divide us by turning this developmental project into a tool to score cheap political points. But we remained resilient and focused on leading with empathy, we listened, we acted in line with what is in the best interests of the good people of Oyo State. Under pressure, we did not abandon our development agenda.”
Makinde added, “Also in the year 2025, we took decisive steps to strengthen our productive base. Through the Oyo State International Agribusiness Summit and ongoing agribusiness initiatives, we reinforced our belief that agriculture must move beyond subsistence to structured productivity. We are building systems that connect farmers to markets, processors to supply chains, and investors to opportunities.
“Our message has been clear: Oyo State is open for serious business, grounded in planning, value creation, and long-term sustainability.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated with Osun people on the advent of the year 2026, describing the new year as an era of victory and prosperity when citizens must engage in electoral vigilance and activism. In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke praised Almighty God for the successes and achievements of 2025 and prayed for more prosperous new year for all strata of Osun society. Describing 2025 as a challenging year for Osun state due to externally induced constraints, the Governor expressed optimism that 2026 will be a year of liberation from all obstacles impeding delivery of good governance and democratic dividends in Osun state. The Governor urged the people to pray fervently for Osun state for a successful, hitch-free electoral process.
He reassured the people of the state of his resolute determination to forge ahead with delivery of services and democratic dividends, promising and vowing to lead the people to another victory in the August 2026 polls.
Also, the Speaker , Osun State House of Assembly, Prince Adewale Egbedun has reiterated the unwavering commitment of the 8th Assembly, under his leadership, to the service of the people.
Prince Egbedun stated this in his New Year Message, through a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr . Olamide Tiamiyu.
He assured that the State Assembly remained dedicated to enacting people-oriented legislation, providing effective oversight and upholding the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance in the interest of residents .
The Speaker noted that the beginning of a new year should reflect collective hope for better things to come and resolve to build a more prosperous, peaceful and inclusive state for all.
Prince Egbedun lauded his colleagues for the confidence they have reposed in his leadership as the Speaker.
While lauding Residents of the state for their continued support, Prince Egbedun urged them to remain hopeful, law-abiding and to continue to support the government , as sustainable development and meaningful progress could only be achieved through collective effort, mutual understanding and shared responsibility.
This was the exhortation by the overseer of the living Faith Assembly (Winners’ Chapel International), Bishop David Oyedepo during the new year service.
Bishop Oyedepo noted that staying love with the word of God makes ones life a marble to everyone.
“”Romans 8: 28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. “he said prove me now, if I will not open the windows of heavens”.
Bishop Oyedepo maintained that only the love of God makes one victorious hence it is important to stay in love with him like never before.
“It is the love of God that makes you win without fighting”. “You have to engage Faith in the fight for victory, you don’t engage love, love is a self winning force. It procures victory without requiring your hand”. “You cannot allign with the truth and be trapped. operating by the truth guarantees unto Trumph”.
In another sermon, Pastor Ibironke Olumoye of the Glad Tidings Assembly, Ibadan, charged the congregation to be mindful of their relationships this year.
Pastor Olumoye encouraged the congregation to be selective in their relationships as some relationship can lead to destruction.
She said it was imperative to always ask God for direction before getting close to anyone. “Always ask God for direction in your relationships this year”. “sit down, ask God, who do I relate with, who do I cut off”.
She cited Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another, to emphasise the need for picking the right people in relationships.
Pastor Olumoye maintained that a relationship can make or mar an individual.
It is a brand new year, a year we have not seen before.
And the New Year deserves a “new you”, as the bible says, “You can’t put new wine in old wineskin, else the old wineskin will burst, and the wine would be wasted”, (Matthew 9:17 Paraphrased)
As we step into a New Year, one quiet but powerful resolution we should all consider is this: to become better listeners and more thoughtful thinkers.
Not louder. Not more reactive. Just better.
In a world that constantly pushes us to respond instantly, being able to listen critically has become a rare skill.
Yet, it is one of the most important habits we can carry into a new year.
Listening critically means going beyond the surface—being able to extract quality information regardless of how it was phrased, who said it, or whether it came wrapped in language we don’t like.
It means focusing on substance over tone and meaning over emotion.
One reason this is difficult is that many mindsets have quietly turned into walls instead of bridges.
Some belief systems, when taken to unhealthy extremes—whether toxic feminism or toxic masculinity—sink so deeply into people’s thinking that everything is interpreted through that single lens.
Conversations stop being conversations.
Every comment feels like an attack.
Every opposing view feels like a threat.
This is a terrible place to be mentally, and it is not a good posture to carry into a new year meant for growth.
The New Year should challenge us to relearn emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence is not about ignoring your feelings; it is about not letting your feelings control your reasoning.
It starts with the willingness to seek the truth, not just our truth.
Our truth is shaped by our experiences and biases, but truth itself is informed by facts, context, and evidence.
When truth becomes our anchor, our convictions become stronger, yet our minds remain open.
There is wisdom in the saying: “It is a mark of an educated mind to entertain an idea without accepting it.”
This is the mindset the New Year demands.
You can listen without agreeing.
You can examine an opinion without adopting it. You can relate with someone’s perspective without feeling triggered or invalidated.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Radio Nigeria, Ibadan Zonal Station
Becoming better in the New Year also means changing how we handle disagreements.
Instead of fighting opinions with raw emotions, we should learn to engage them with facts, data, figures, and real events—especially recent and verifiable ones.
This is why everyone, in some form, should learn basic data analysis or analytical thinking.
It trains the mind to ask better questions, to look for patterns, to separate assumptions from evidence, and to judge situations more fairly.
When you think this way, you become harder to manipulate and slower to anger.
You stop reacting and start reasoning.
The New Year is not just about new goals, new plans, or new opportunities.
It is about new mental habits.
Habits that allow us to listen more, judge less, and respond better.
If we can carry this posture into our conversations, relationships, workplaces, and online spaces, we won’t just be starting a new year—we’ll be becoming better people in it.
And that kind of growth is worth far more than any resolution we write down.
This is such a tragic and unfortunate incident, one that could have been avoided.
My heart goes out to him, and I pray for the grace for him to heal, as well as for the families of the departed.
May God comfort them all.
What I struggle to understand is why pointing out obvious failures in Nigeria is often labelled as being unpatriotic.
When tragic events occur, proper appraisal and honest reflection should follow; that is the mark of responsible leadership.
Making excuses or shifting blame helps no one.
Even if we assume the driver was speeding, are there no systems in the 21st century to manage speed limits on our major highways? Why was a truck parked by the roadside? Were caution signs placed for oncoming vehicles?
These are issues that fall squarely within the responsibilities of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC.
The aftermath of the accident was equally disturbing.
I watched a video where FRSC officials were walking around while corpses lay uncovered on the ground, as bystanders freely took photos and videos.
Don’t we have basic first-aid and emergency protocols for handling accident scenes? Why weren’t the bodies covered immediately, even before evacuation vehicles arrived? Where were the paramedics? Where were the ambulances? Why wasn’t there a swift emergency response?
Sadly, this scene is not unusual on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
That road has become a nightmare, constantly clogged with trailers and trucks.
This is where enforcement should be focused.
Too often, we see road safety officials harassing regular commuters instead of addressing the core safety issues they were established to manage.
I also strongly believe that all major highways should be equipped with surveillance cameras to monitor speed limits and improve accountability.
This is achievable and should be a priority for the government.
No one is trying to paint Nigeria in a bad light.
Many of us travel and see how systems and structures work elsewhere, even in African countries that are not considered “giants.”
It is simply wrong for those in leadership to withhold good governance.
With heavier taxes coming in 2026, Nigerians deserve transparency, accountability, and visible improvement.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Radio Nigeria Ibadan Zonal Station
Let us fix our schools, roads, hospitals, water, and power systems.
Let us build a Nigeria where basic amenities are accessible and functional.
I love this country, and I have never dreamed of living anywhere else.
Let’s do better.
Let’s make Nigeria work for its people. God bless Nigeria!
Atinuke Smith
Dr Tinu Smith is an award-winning Nigerian fashion designer and CEO of Datina Designs Fashion House and Fashion School, with over 30 years’ experience in Ibadan and Lagos.
She is a certified mentor, inspirational speaker, and happily married with two children.
