The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has officially declared his support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, widely known as “Yayi” for the 2027 Ogun State governorship race.

Olopade, an illustrious son of Ogun State and former Commissioner for Sports, has begun mobilizing youth across the state to back the senator’s bid to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Speaking in Abeokuta at a special interfaith prayer and declaration of support for the senator, Olopade noted that the administration’s deliberate inclusion of youths reflects a governance philosophy anchored on capacity building, generational transition, and structured opportunities.

He said the approach positions young people not as passive observers but as key drivers of development, adding that Ogun State requires such a leadership framework to sustain and build on the foundation laid by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Policy Development, Abiola Odetola, Olopade urged youths across the state to actively participate in politics, stressing that engagement is crucial to shaping the country’s future.

He identified a gap in the transition of young people from grassroots participation to higher leadership roles, expressing confidence that Adeola would replicate Tinubu’s empowerment model in Ogun State to ensure continuity and stability.

“Young people must not only be interested but actively involved in the political process. They must take centre stage with their ideas and intellect to drive positive change and good governance,” he said.

Olopade added that Tinubu’s leadership style—rooted in selfless service and compassionate governance—makes Adeola’s ambition a cause worthy of support among youths in Ogun State and beyond.

The event, organised by the Yayi Youth Vanguard under the theme “Consolidating a Brighter Future for Ogun Youth: Inclusiveness in Politics and Governance,” drew thousands of youths from the three senatorial districts.

Convener of the group, Olamide Lawal, said the initiative was aimed at awakening political consciousness among young people, stressing that active participation is key to influencing governance and development at the grassroots.

He urged youths to shun political apathy, noting that failure to engage strips them of the moral right to criticise poor governance.

Also speaking, Ogun State House of Assembly member representing Ipokia Constituency, Bisi Oyedele, described Adeola as a unifying figure in the push for Ogun West to produce the state’s next governor.

“As we approach 2027, Senator Adeola remains the face of Ogun West’s governorship aspiration. His track record and capacity for leadership are evident,” Oyedele said, citing his infrastructural projects across the district.

In his keynote address, Pastor Abiodun Sanyaolu emphasised the decisive role of youths in electoral outcomes, urging greater mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

While acknowledging other aspirants within the APC, Sanyaolu maintained that Adeola stands out as the most suitable candidate to succeed Governor Abiodun.

Earlier, State Coordinator of Yayi Youth Vanguard, Emmanuel Enitan Ojo, described the gathering as a symbol of unity, faith, and commitment to Ogun State’s progress, pledging to take the campaign across the state.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has announced the full restoration of passenger services on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor.

Following Monday’s operational disruption, Dr. Opeifa shared the update via his official X account on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, assuring the public that enhanced safety protocols and improved operational standards are now in place.

“Following the incident on Monday, 16th March 2026, normal train operations have been fully restored through the swift intervention of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

“Passengers can now confidently book tickets, as improved safety and operational measures have been implemented to ensure secure and comfortable journeys.

“We are also pleased to welcome passengers on the AKTS return trip from Rigasa, Kaduna State, yesterday, 17th March 2026, with the support of HRH (Alhaji) Ishaq Ibrahim Tanko, Hakimin Idu District Head, Abuja.

Train services are back to normal — safer and better.”

The NRC boss emphasised that the swift response of the corporation ensured minimal disruption, while reaffirming its commitment to passenger safety and service reliability.

The corporation also noted the successful resumption of the AKTS return trip from Rigasa in Kaduna State, signalling a return to normalcy for rail commuters along the corridor.

It was earlier reported that the incident occurred around 9:16 a.m. near Asham Station on a downward section of the Abuja–Kaduna rail line, involving train KA2, which had departed Rigasa and made a scheduled stop at Jere before continuing its journey.

After leaving Jere, where an additional rear locomotive had been attached, the locomotive became detached while the train was moving, rolled forward, and collided with the rear of the train, resulting in a serious operational occurrence.

The train, carrying 429 passengers along with crew and security personnel, recorded no fatalities, though some passengers were injured and received immediate medical attention before the train continued to Idu Station in Abuja.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) clarified that it did not seek a fresh order to extend the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Instead, the commission appeared in court to respond to an application filed by El-Rufai’s legal team seeking to overturn his current remand.

In a statement signed by John Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communication on Tuesday, the commission explained that it appeared in court on March 17, 2026, only for the hearing of an application filed by El-Rufai challenging the court order that renewed his remand.

According to the ICPC, the application was dated and filed on March 6, 2026, seeking to overturn the remand order earlier granted by the court on March 5.

During the proceedings, counsel to El-Rufai was served with the commission’s response to the application and subsequently requested an adjournment to study and respond to the filing.

“The lawyer subsequently requested an adjournment to respond to the Commission’s response. Consequently, the Magistrate adjourned the hearing of the application to 31st March 2026 to allow Mr. El-Rufai’s team sufficient time to react to our response,” the statement said.

The commission also outlined the timeline of the court-approved detention of the former governor, noting that the initial remand order allowed investigators 14 days to probe allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.

It added that upon the expiration of the initial order, the commission applied for an additional 14-day extension to conclude its investigations, which the court granted on March 5.

The ICPC further disclosed that an earlier attempt by El-Rufai’s legal team to set aside the remand order issued on February 19, 2026, was dismissed by the court on March 9.

“Mallam El-Rufai remains in the lawful custody of the ICPC under the remand order dated 5th March, 2026,” the commission stated.

The agency stressed that it was strictly complying with court directives, including the requirement to provide progress reports, and reiterated its commitment to due process.

“The ICPC conducts its duties with the highest professionalism and respect for the rule of law,” the statement added, noting that the detention was authorised by a court in accordance with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

The commission also cautioned against misinformation circulating in the media and on social media platforms.

“We urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on official updates from the Commission,” it said.