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 Reported Attack on Ipele Police Station, Ondo State  On New Year's Eve (December 31, 2025), social media reports emerged claiming that the Ipele Divisional Police Headquarters in Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State, was attacked by a group of armed men, estimated at 20–30 in number. - Eyewitness accounts on X (formerly Twitter) described heavy gunfire, the use of explosives (possibly dynamite), and the station being set ablaze. - Videos circulated showing flames engulfing the building, with residents reportedly fleeing into hiding. - Some posts labeled the attackers as "terrorists" or "bandits," raising fears of broader insecurity. - No immediate casualties were mentioned in these initial reports. The provided text appears to be a purported official press release from the Ondo State Police Command, dated 1st January 2026 (noting the minor typo from "December"), signed by DSP Abayomi Jimoh (Police Public Relations Officer). It: - Confirms the attack ...

 No Recent Reports of Michelle Obama Commenting on Melania Trump's Outreach Washington, D.C. — December 31, 2025 A review of major news sources and recent interviews shows no confirmation of new statements from former First Lady Michelle Obama expressing surprise over a lack of outreach from Melania Trump regarding advice on the role of First Lady. Comments attributed to Michelle Obama on this topic date back to 2018, during promotion of her memoir "Becoming." In an ABC News interview at that time, she noted that her predecessor, Laura Bush, had offered guidance, and she extended the same to Melania Trump, but no further contact occurred on that offer. Both former First Ladies have occasionally referenced their interactions in public discussions over the years, including transitions and public roles. Michelle Obama has emphasized traditions of support during handovers, while Melania Trump has highlighted independence in navigating the position. Recent news involving the ...

 Breaking: Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Approves N3m End-of-Year Gift for OSAWA Members Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, has approved a N3 million end-of-year gift for members of the Ondo South Advancement & Welfare Consultative Association (OSAWA). The gesture, announced on the association's WhatsApp platform on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, is aimed at spreading joy and support to members.   Senator Jimoh, who has just been confirmed as Ambassador designate by the National Assembly, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's nomination, stated that the gift will be shared as follows: - N1 million for first-time beneficiaries of his gifts - N1 million for women - N1 million for others, with a minimum of N50,000 per recipient This gesture is consistent with Senator Jimoh's long-standing commitment to the welfare of his constituents.  He has previously made similar gestures and facilitated federal job employment ...

 Hon. Wellington Adebawo Ensures Safety at Ojaoba Market, Akure On Tuesday, 31st December 2025, Hon. Prince Wellington Oriade Adebawo, Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Emergency Response and Safety Enforcement, paid a visit to the Arakale Market in Akure and the bustling Oja-Oba market to ensure safety and orderliness along the busy road. Upon arrival at the Oja-Oba market, Hon. Adebawo convened with task force officers from the office of the Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Special Duty, led by Head, Mr. John Major, and coordinated efforts to regulate vehicular movements and maintain safety within the market. The visit highlights the SA's dedication to ensuring public safety and security throughout Ondo State. Ongoing efforts are in place to maintain order and safety within the market.

 No Arrest Warrant Issued Against Ondo Women Affairs Commissioner, Official Checks Confirm There is no verified report confirming that any court in Ondo State has issued an arrest warrant against Dr. Seun Osamaye, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, contrary to claims circulating on social media and some blogs. Comprehensive checks across major Nigerian news platforms, official judiciary records, and security-related reports show no evidence linking Dr. Osamaye to allegations of assault on a magistrate. Dr. Osamaye, who was appointed earlier in 2025 by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has remained active in state-led initiatives focusing on women’s empowerment, child protection, and the fight against gender-based violence. While recent judicial activities in Ondo State include remand orders, police investigations, and court proceedings involving other individuals, none of these cases involve the Women Affairs Commissioner. Disclaimer: This report is based...

 Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).  He announced his defection in Enugu on Wednesday , December 31, 2025, stating it's aimed at transforming and rescuing Nigeria ahead of the 2027 election.  Obi emphasized his commitment to resisting election rigging by lawful means. The defection comes after months of speculation, with Obi citing the need for a strong opposition platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He's been part of the ADC coalition and plans to contest the 2027 presidential ticket.  Notable politicians joining Obi include Senators Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Enyinnaya Abaribe. However, Obi has since clarified he didn't "officially join" ADC, stating he's already part of the coalition. He emphasized collective effort with other opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

 O’DATIWA U-17 Soccer Tournament Ends on a High Note as Gov. Aiyedatiwa Champions Grassroots Sports in Ondo Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria —  The O’DATIWA Under-17 Football Competition concluded with fanfare on Monday at Akure Sports Stadium, highlighting Ondo State’s growing commitment to grassroots sports development. Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa used the event to reaffirm his administration’s focus on empowering youths through sports, describing it as a key tool for social re-engineering, economic empowerment, and mental and physical growth. Addressing the crowd, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised the importance of engaging youths meaningfully and providing career pathways in sports for national development. “As you are all aware, the youth constitute a significant proportion of our population. It is therefore intentional that the policy thrust of this administration’s ‘OUR EASE’ Agenda focuses on youth and sports development,” he stated. He added that initiatives like ...

 NUC Approves Undergraduate Programmes for University of Fortune, Igbotako Igbotako, Ondo State, Nigeria —  The National Universities Commission (NUC) has officially approved the commencement of multiple undergraduate degree programmes at the University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State, a private institution founded by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim. The approval was conveyed in a formal letter dated December 29, 2025, signed by Abubakar M. Girei, Acting Director of Academic Planning, on behalf of the NUC Executive Secretary. With this clearance, the university is authorised to admit students and begin academic activities from the 2025/2026 academic session. According to the NUC, the University of Fortune successfully met all statutory and academic requirements necessary for programme approval. A total admission quota of 800 students has been granted across the appr oved programmes. The commission has also directed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to include the ins...

 New Tax Laws Will Commence On January 1, 2026 As Planned- Tinubu The new tax laws, including those that took effect on June 26, 2025, and the remaining acts scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, will continue as planned. These reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for our country. The tax laws are not designed to raise taxes, but rather to support a structural reset, drive harmonisation, and protect dignity while strengthening the social contract. I urge all stakeholders to support the implementation phase, which is now firmly in the delivery stage. Our administration is aware of the public discourse surrounding alleged changes to some provisions of the recently enacted tax laws. No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process. Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures. I emphasise our administratio...

 Hon. Prince Wellington Oriade Adebawo: A Symbol of Selfless Service, Emergency Leadership, and Grassroots Impact in Ondo State Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria — Honourable Prince Wellington Oriade Adebawo has emerged as one of Ondo State’s most visible and proactive public servants, distinguished by his swift emergency response, people-centered leadership, and unwavering commitment to grassroots safety and welfare. Serving as Special Assistant to the Governor on Emergency Response under Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Prince Adebawo has consistently demonstrated hands-on leadership during crises, often arriving at emergency scenes ahead of formal response teams. His approach has earned him respect among security agencies, community leaders, and residents across the state. In his capacity, Prince Adebawo plays a critical role in coordinating rescue and relief operations, particularly during road traffic accidents and environmental emergencies.  On several occasions, he has pers...