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OAU VC: Give Peace A Chance, Oyetola Appeals To Protesting Ife Citizens

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Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has appealed to citizens of Ile-Ife who are protesting the choice of the new Vice-Chancellor for the Obafemi Awolowo University to give peace a chance and stop the protest forthwith.

Some Ife indigenes invaded the varsity’s campus with charms and other fetish objects on Monday protesting the announcement of Prof. Adebayo Bamire as the 12th substantive Vice-Chancellor of OAU.

The protesters argued that an Ife indigene should have been appointed.

The closed the institution’s gates to prevent staff, students, and other stakeholders from either going into or leaving the University.

The protesters, who initially blocked the main gate of the University on the first day and threatened staff and students to stay away from campus, allegedly became violent the second day as they beat up workers, particularly the staff of the Security Unit, and vandalised their office at the Main Gate.

In a statement by Governor Oyetola’s Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, on Tuesday evening, he noted that Ivory Towers anywhere in the world are sacred institutions and everything must be done to accord them that dignity.

He noted that though the state has no role in the choice of who becomes the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, being a Federal institution, he has responsibility for the safety and security of the institution and its workers as the host Governor.

To this end, he urged all protesting citizens to exercise restraint and allow peace to reign.

He further said : “It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of concern that I call on the good people of Ile-Ife, especially those protesting over the choice of a new Vice Chancellor for Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, to stop further protest and give peace a chance.

“By their nature and functionality, universities are rules- and convention-based conservative institutions premised on academic and governance autonomy.

“If we have any reason to believe that these rules are circumvented, there are laid-down procedures to remedy such situations rather than resorting to self-help. We are known for peace in Osun. We must therefore not do anything to tarnish that enviable reputation,” Oyetola added.

Last Thursday, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Owelle Oscar Idoko, announced Professor of Agricultural Economics, Prof Banire, as its substantive new Vice-Chancellor.

 

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FG Announces Thursday, Friday As Public Holidays For Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Thursday, 19th March and Friday, 20th March, as public holidays to mark the celebration of which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the minister extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the fasting period.

Ajani said the Minister urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which were emphasised during the holy month.

He also called on all Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, unity, and prosperity of the nation.

While wishing the Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the Minister encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society.

“The federal government remains committed to fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians,” the statement added.

While wishing Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, the minister encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society.

The statement added, “The Federal Government remains committed to fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.”

 

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JUST IN: Soludo Takes Oath For Final Four-Year Term

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Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo and his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim, have officially been sworn in for a second term in office.

The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, was attended by a host of high-profile dignitaries, including; Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.

Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was elected for a second term in the Nov. 8, 2025 off-cycle governorship poll in the state.

He took the oath of office alongside his deputy at about 11:05 am.

The Chief Judge of the State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, administered the oaths of office and allegiance to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the duo.

Both the governor and his deputy were accompanied by their wives and members of their families.

The programme began on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with an interdenominational service at the International Convention Centre. The event marked the end of Soludo’s first tenure and included prayers for a successful second term.

Details shortly…

 

 

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President Tinubu, First Lady Begin Historic UK State Visit

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President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, has departed Abuja for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom, marking the first such trip by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.

Tinubu is set to become the first Nigerian president hosted at Windsor Castle by the British monarch. More details on this visit can be found on official government channels.

Their flight left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 10: 00 am on Tuesday.

They were seen off at the airport by a delegation led by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, service chiefs; Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, among others.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday disclosed that the President and the First Lady would be guests of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19.

President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom share a deep history of ties and a special bond. The purpose of this visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for collaboration on issues such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange,” the statement read.

The visit will feature a state banquet hosted by the Royal Family in honour of the Nigerian guests, and private discussions between the King and the President.

Their Majesties will invite President Tinubu and the First Lady to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria.

The King and the President will also meet with organizations engaged in interfaith dialogue, both nationally and internationally.

President Tinubu will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, which will lead to expanded bilateral engagement between senior officials of both countries.

The meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.

The President will witness the signing of a landmark £746 million financing deal between the UK Export Finance and the Nigerian Ports Authority and Federal Ministry of Finance to support the refurbishment of two major national maritime infrastructure — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

The President will also be the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing modern arts and culture, and will attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community.

Members of the President’s entourage include Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.

Others are Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; and Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

Also on the trip are Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.); National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.

The last Nigerian state visit to the United Kingdom was in 1989 when President Ibrahim Babangida visited during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the state visit.

 

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