.

ADEBARE URGES UNITY, PROGRESS IN NEW MONTH MESSAGE TO ILE-OLUJI/OKEIGBO RESIDENTS The Executive Chairman of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area in Ondo State, Adeboye Adebare, has extended warm wishes to residents as a new month begins, calling for unity, resilience, and sustained commitment to community development. In a goodwill message addressed to citizens, Hon. Adebare expressed optimism that the new month would usher in renewed hope, measurable progress, and fresh opportunities for families and businesses across the local government area. He encouraged residents to continue fostering peace, cooperation, and mutual respect in order to strengthen ongoing development efforts. According to him, building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous local government requires collective responsibility and active participation from all stakeholders. The Chairman also commended citizens for their resilience and continued support, noting that their cooperation remains central to the admini...

FANS GRIEVE AS ABEGBODU TWINS’ TAIWO PASSES AWAY Lagos, Nigeria — The gospel music community and fans of the popular Nigerian duo, the Adegbodu Twins, have been thrown into mourning following the confirmed death of Taiwo Adegbodu. The sad announcement was made on the Adegbodu Twins Fan Page on Facebook in the early hours of Sunday, 1 March 2026. In an emotional post shared on the page, a message attributed to Taiwo’s twin brother and partner in ministry expressed deep sorrow and disbelief over the loss. “Taiwo, why will you leave me and your kids without notification? My heart is bleeding… God why? This is too much for me to bear!” the post read, highlighting the shock and grief within the family and among close associates. The Adegbodu Twins, comprising Amos Taiwo Adegbodu and his twin brother Samuel Kehinde Adegbodu, are renowned figures in Nigeria’s gospel music scene. They have spent over two decades ministering through music, blending traditional Yoruba elements with contemporary ...

MASS CASUALTIES REPORTED AS U.S.–ISRAELI STRIKES HIT 24 IRANIAN PROVINCES At least 201 people have reportedly been killed and 747 others injured following coordinated military strikes attributed to the United States and Israel across multiple locations in Iran. Preliminary reports indicate that the strikes affected 24 provinces, though independent verification of the casualty figures and the full scope of damage remains ongoing. Iranian authorities are said to be assessing the impact, while emergency response teams continue rescue and medical operations in affected areas. Officials in Tehran have condemned the attacks, describing them as a violation of sovereignty. However, as of the time of filing this report, there has been no comprehensive official statement detailing the specific targets or confirming the casualty breakdown. Neither Washington nor Tel Aviv has issued a full operational briefing publicly clarifying the objectives or confirming the reported figures. Military analysts...

IRGC COMMANDER MOHAMMAD PAKPOUR REPORTED DEAD AMID REGIONAL ESCALATION Reports circulating on social media on Saturday claim that United States forces, acting in coordination with Israel, have carried out airstrikes that allegedly killed Mohammad Pakpour, a senior commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from the United States Department of Defense, the Israel Defense Forces, or Iranian authorities regarding the reported death. Mohammad Pakpour is known as a high-ranking commander within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a powerful branch of Iran’s armed forces that oversees both conventional and asymmetric military operations. The IRGC has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States government since 2019, a move that significantly heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. While unverified claims online assert that Pakpour was responsible for actions res...

IKALE INDIGENE URGE PRINCE ADEFOLAYEMI ADEKANMI KENNYKUMA TO ANSWER CALL FOR HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RACE A group of concerned indigenes from Ikale land has publicly appealed to Prince Adefolayemi Adekanmi, popularly known as Kennykuma, to consider contesting for the House of Representatives seat representing Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency. In a statement made available to Opima RealNews, the group described the current political climate as one that requires individuals with integrity, compassion, and a proven record of community service. They noted that individuals with consistent philanthropic engagement and grassroots involvement are increasingly rare in public service. According to the statement, Prince Adekanmi’s longstanding involvement in humanitarian and community development initiatives has positioned him as a credible figure capable of contributing meaningfully to legislative representation at the federal level. The group highlighted what they described as his leadersh...

FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC BAUCHI WARNS STUDENTS AGAINST CLOSE INTERACTIONS DURING RAMADAN The management of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi has cautioned male and female students against being seen together in secluded areas during the ongoing Ramadan fasting period, warning that violators may face disciplinary measures, including being compelled to marry under institutional regulations. The directive, which has circulated within the institution, is part of measures aimed at maintaining moral standards and discipline during the holy month of Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. According to information available to Opima RealNews, the polytechnic’s management emphasized that students should conduct themselves in accordance with the values associated with Ramadan. The advisory reportedly targets situations where male and female students are found together in what authorities describe as “compromising” or inappropriate circumstances within campus pr...

AFUED REGISTRAR, SDE DIRECTOR JOIN DHDEI TO HONOUR STUDENT AT SKILLS CERTIFICATION CEREMONY In a ceremony highlighting the importance of vocational skills and youth empowerment, the Dakiz Human Development and Empowerment Initiative (DHDEI) held a beneficiary certification event in honour of Miss Oladele Justinah, a 200-level student of Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo State. Miss Oladele successfully completed professional training in hairdressing and hair installation at no cost under the DHDEI empowerment programme. The initiative is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills alongside their formal academic pursuits, enhancing their capacity for self-reliance and income generation. Her training was undertaken at Presh Empire under the mentorship of Akinkunowo Precious OreOfe, whose guidance and professional support were acknowledged as instrumental to the beneficiary’s successful completion of the programme. The event ...

25 OSUN PDP LAWMAKERS DEFECT TO NEW POLITICAL PARTY No fewer than 25 lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State have defected to the Accord Party, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. Details surrounding the circumstances of the defection were still emerging at the time of filing this report. However, party sources confirmed that the lawmakers formally announced their decision to leave the PDP and align with the Accord Party. The development is expected to have implications for party dynamics within the state legislature and could influence upcoming political activities in Osun State. Efforts to obtain official statements from both parties were ongoing as of press time. More details will be provided as events unfold.

AIYEDATIWA DEPLOYS 10 AMBULANCES, SECURITY VEHICLES TO STRENGTHEN HEALTHCARE AND SAFETY IN ONDO Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has commissioned 10 ambulances, received 10 patrol vehicles for security agencies, and presented official cars to newly appointed Permanent Secretaries as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery, enhance security operations and strengthen public service efficiency in Ondo State. The presentation ceremony took place on Friday at the Government House in Akure, where the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to practical interventions that directly impact residents. He stated that effective healthcare delivery goes beyond policy pronouncements and the construction of hospital buildings, stressing that access to quality drugs and prompt transportation to medical facilities are critical components of a functional health system. According to the governor, the state’s pharmaceutical framework has been reinforced to ensure the supply of genuine...

POLICE HALT NIGHT WORSHIP IN ONDO AFTER ABDUCTION OF SIX CHURCH MEMBERS The Ondo State Police Command has directed religious leaders across Ondo State to temporarily suspend night worship services following rising security concerns and the recent abduction of six worshippers in Owo Local Government Area. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adebowale Lawal, announced the directive on Friday in Akure while briefing journalists on the February 25 kidnapping incident at a Celestial Church in Uso, along the Uso/Owo Expressway. According to the police, the worshippers were abducted during a midnight church service. One victim has since been rescued, while an informant allegedly linked to the crime has been arrested. Investigations are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims. Security sources indicated that the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦100 million. However, the police commissioner clarified that the command had not received any official communication regarding ra...

FINTIRI DUMPS PDP, DECLARES FOR APC IN MAJOR POLITICAL SHAKE-UP IN ADAMAWA Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political development in the state and the broader national landscape. The governor announced his defection during a statewide broadcast on Friday morning, confirming that he moved to the ruling party alongside members of his cabinet and other key PDP officials in the state. According to Fintiri, the decision was taken after extensive consultations and was guided by what he described as the “developmental interest” of the people of Adamawa State. He stated that aligning with the APC at the federal level would enhance cooperation and improve access to federal support for critical infrastructure and social development projects. The governor emphasized that governance and service delivery remain his primary focus, adding that the political transition ...

INEC FIXES NEW DATES FOR PRESIDENTIAL, NASS, GOVERNORSHIP AND STATE ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has scheduled the 2027 general elections, fixing January 16, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly polls, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027. The announcement sets the stage for political parties and stakeholders to begin early preparations ahead of the next electoral cycle. The Presidential election will determine Nigeria’s next Head of State, while the National Assembly elections will fill seats in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Three weeks later, voters across the states will return to the polls to elect Governors and members of their respective State Houses of Assembly. atOptions = { 'key' : '6a456f805cb80f63fe82d7da49934911', 'format' : 'iframe', 'height' : 90, 'width'...

AKINGBASO REJECTS LINKS TO IDANRE VIOLENCE, DESCRIBES CLAIMS AS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED Hon. Festus Olanrewaju Akingbaso, popularly known as Fessywest, has dismissed allegations linking him to the recent violent incident in Idanre, describing the claims as false, unfounded, and politically driven. In an official response made available to Opima RealNews, the lawmaker denied assertions circulating in some quarters that he sponsored the unrest reportedly involving members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). According to the statement, the clash was said to have occurred among individuals within the transport union, raising questions about how his name became associated with the matter. The statement emphasized that Hon. Akingbaso is not a member of the NURTW and does not interfere in the union’s internal affairs. It described attempts to link him to the incident as political mischief aimed at tarnishing his reputation. The response further noted that the event in quest...

OWIE REJECTS VIOLENCE ALLEGATIONS, ACCUSES APC OF POLITICAL SMEAR IN EDO Former Chief Whip of the Senate, Rowland Owie, has strongly denied allegations linking him to the disruption of a political gathering in Benin City, describing the claims as false and politically motivated. In a statement made available to journalists in Edo State, the senior member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) dismissed reports suggesting he was involved in attacks targeting former Edo State Governor John Odigie-Oyegun, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Labour Party governorship candidate Olumide Akpata. The allegations reportedly followed a political meeting held at the party secretariat in Benin City. According to Senator Owie, he was present at the event as a keynote speaker and was addressing party members and invited guests when security operatives alerted organisers to a potential security threat around the venue. He stated that the meeting, which had been proceeding peacefully...

INSIDE EGBETOKUN’S EXIT: POLICY CLASHES, VIP SECURITY ROW AND PRESS FREEDOM CONTROVERSY EMERGE The resignation of former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has continued to attract national attention, as emerging details from informed sources point to policy disagreements and administrative concerns that may have shaped the development. While the Presidency officially stated that Mr Egbetokun stepped down for family reasons, multiple sources familiar with internal deliberations indicated that deeper institutional issues preceded his departure. Among the key matters reportedly linked to the development is the ongoing debate over the creation of state police. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently advocated for decentralised policing as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening internal security across the country. At the National Dialogue on State Policing in April 2024, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restructuring the Nigeria Police F...

YOUTH ASSEMBLY OF NIGERIA URGES GOV AIYEDATIWA TO TAKE URGENT ACTION OVER RISING INSECURITY IN ONDO The Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Ondo State Chapter, has issued an urgent appeal to the Ondo State Government over what it described as a disturbing rise in insecurity and kidnapping across the state. In a statement signed by its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Isaiah Oyawale, the youth body expressed deep concern over recent security incidents, including reported kidnapping cases in Eleyowo and Ilu Abo, the killing of a traditional ruler in Agamo Village, and the latest occurrence in Uso, Owo. The group noted that the incidents have generated fear and uncertainty among residents, stressing that beyond statistics, the developments represent painful experiences for affected families and communities. The Youth Assembly specifically called on the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to intensify efforts aimed at addressing the growing security challenges. According to the statement, t...

ABDUCTED COUPLE REGAINS FREEDOM AFTER ₦10.6 MILLION RANSOM AS FAMILY RAISES SECURITY CONCERNS IN ONDO A couple abducted earlier this month in Ondo State have regained their freedom after days in captivity, following the payment of ransom, family sources have confirmed. Mr. Shakirudeen Ganiyu Adewale and his wife, Mrs. Ife Adewale, were kidnapped on February 20, 2025, at Ilu Abo in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State. The news of their release was confirmed today, Wednesday, February 25, 2025, according to details made available to Opima RealNews. A family member, Mr. Hammed Fatai, who identified himself as a cousin to one of the victims, told Opima RealNews that he personally delivered the ransom demanded by the abductors to secure the couple’s freedom. According to him, a total of ₦5.3 million was paid for each victim, bringing the overall ransom to ₦10.6 million. Mr. Fatai disclosed that negotiations were conducted through an individual he described as the leader of the k...

VIDEO REVEALS CHURCH ENVIRONMENT AS POLICE CONFIRM ATTACK ON USO COMMUNITY Residents of Uso community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State are counting their losses following a violent attack by suspected gunmen that disrupted activities and left the area in panic. The incident, which occurred recently, reportedly sent shockwaves across the agrarian town as gunshots forced residents to flee for safety. While full details of casualties are still being compiled, community sources confirmed that several persons were affected during the attack. A video made available to Opima RealNews by Ob Sugar shows the environment of the church premises after the incident. The footage captures visible signs of distress within the church surroundings, with residents seen assessing the situation in the aftermath of the attack. The video has since heightened concerns among locals about security around worship centres and public gatherings. The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the incident...

FIVE WORSHIPPERS ABDUCTED DURING CHURCH SERVICE IN ONDO COMMUNITY Five worshippers have been reportedly abducted by gunmen during a church service in Uso, a community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State. The incident occurred on Tuesday at a church located in Uso, which lies along the busy Akure–Owo highway. According to community sources, suspected kidnappers invaded the church premises during a service and forcefully took away five individuals. One of the victims was said to have escaped from the abductors shortly after the attack. However, details surrounding the circumstances of the escape were not immediately available. As of the time of filing this report, the identity of the church and the full details of the victims remain unclear. Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement regarding the development. Residents in the area have expressed concern over rising security challenges along major highways in the state, particularly in communities bordering fores...

OMOGUNSOYE CONGRATULATES AIYEDATIWA ON ONE YEAR OF STEWARDSHIP IN ONDO Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has marked one year in office, drawing commendations from political stakeholders and residents across the state. In a goodwill message released to commemorate the milestone, Otunba Wole Omogunsoye, Ph.D., aspirant for the Ondo State House of Assembly (Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Constituency), described the past year as a period defined by dedication to governance, continuity in leadership, and commitment to the stability and development of the state. He noted that leadership comes with significant responsibility and stated that Governor Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated focus and resolve in steering the affairs of Ondo State over the past twelve months. Omogunsoye expressed optimism about the state’s future, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts toward economic growth, unity, and inclusive development. He also offered prayers for wisdom and strength for the governor as he co...

GUNMEN ATTACK PETER OBI, ODIGIE-OYEGUN, ADC LEADERS DURING POLITICAL EVENT IN EDO Former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, were reportedly attacked by armed men during a political engagement in Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday. The incident was disclosed in a statement by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide and former campaign spokesman to Mr. Obi. According to the statement, the attack occurred shortly after a political event marking the formal declaration of Mr. Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Tanko alleged that armed individuals trailed the political figures from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Odigie-Oyegun, where gunshots were reportedly fired at the gate and several vehicles within the premises were damaged. Images and videos circulating online showed shattered windscreens of sport utility vehicles and visibl...

EGBETOKUN RESIGNATION DETAILS EMERGE AMID PRESIDENCY CONFIRMATION The Presidency has confirmed the resignation of Mr. Kayode Egbetokun as Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), stating that he voluntarily stepped down due to personal reasons requiring his full attention. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the former police chief submitted a letter of resignation on Monday, citing family matters as the basis for his decision. “The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention,” the presidential aide said. However, senior sources within the Presidency indicated that Mr. Egbetokun was invited to a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday evening, where discussions reportedly led to his exit from office. According to officials familiar with the development, the meeting was not routine. Observers at the State House confirmed that the forme...

PRESIDENT TINUBU URGES GOVERNORS TO REMEMBER THE POOR, EMPOWER THE UNDERPRIVILEGED Abuja, February 24, 2026 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on governors and religious leaders across Nigeria to prioritize the welfare of the poor and underprivileged, urging policies that directly impact grassroots communities. Speaking at the Presidential Villa on Monday during the breaking of an interfaith fast with governors, President Tinubu highlighted the simultaneous periods of Ramadan and Lent as an opportunity to foster compassion and unity. The President said, “It is a joy and great honour to be with you again this year. To give thanks to the Almighty God for sparing our lives and keeping us together to see another Ramadan. A great Ramadan that coincides with that of the Christian faith, Lent. You know what it means: discipline, sacrifice, faith, resilience, and strong determination to continue to bridge together, pray together, and love one another. For the humility, self-restraint, lo...

TESCOM COMMITS TO TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN TEACHER TRAINING IN LAGOS The Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has reaffirmed its dedication to equipping teachers across the state with cutting-edge skills aimed at enhancing classroom innovation and fostering educational excellence. TESCOM Chairman, Victoria Peregrino, told the News Agency of Nigeria that transforming teachers remains central to securing Lagos State’s educational future and driving socio-economic progress. She emphasised that deliberate efforts are underway to retool teachers with digital competence, learner-centred methodologies, and innovative pedagogical practices suitable for 21st-century learning environments. “At TESCOM, we are deliberately retooling our teachers with digital competence, innovative pedagogy, and learner-centred methodologies essential for 21st-century education,” Peregrino said. She noted that the commission had established structured capacity-building programs focusing on technology integrati...

OGUN STATE COMMENCES BLOOD TESTS FOR 500 RESIDENTS FOLLOWING LEAD CONTAMINATION CONCERNS The Ogun State Government has initiated a comprehensive health audit of residents in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area, following reports of potential lead exposure in the community. Over 500 residents have had blood samples collected to determine Blood Lead Levels (BLLs) in a scientifically structured assessment. The Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, disclosed that the audit is part of a broader initiative directed by Governor Dapo Abiodun to ensure an independent, transparent, and credible evaluation. The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has been engaged to conduct the study impartially. “Shortly after the reports emerged, both the Ministries of Health and Environment visited the communities to allay fears and outline a clear monitoring, evaluation, and response framework,” Dr Coker stated. She added that environmental audits were conducted, and factories identified as potent...