One of the most brilliant and resourceful Ilorin Ilorites, Alhaji LAK Jimoh, has this to say on Soyinka's disgusting missive;
How I wish that our response to Wole Soyinka was a bit more organized. Different groups should have been arranged to either issue Press Releases or call
Mashood Shittu Advocates Religious Harmony, National Unity at Offa Anglican Synod
The National Coordinator of the Kwankwaso National Network (KNN) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Asiwaju Mashood Shittu (AMS), has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting religious harmony, peaceful coexistence and community development, urging Nigerians to embrace unity irrespective of ethnic and religious differences.
Shittu made the call while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the Third Session of the Ninth Synod of the Diocese of Offa, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), held on Saturday at the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark, Offa, Kwara State.
The synod, themed "The Hypocrisy of Self-Righteousness: A Call to Humility and Love," brought together bishops, clergy, lay faithful and other dignitaries to deliberate on issues affecting the Church and society. The event also featured the launch of the Diocese's ₦100 million Endowment Fund.
In his address, Shittu described Nigeria's ethnic and religious diversity as a divine design that should be embraced rather than exploited to create division.
According to him, no individual has the right to question God's wisdom in creating people of different tribes and faiths, urging Nigerians to remain grateful to God while promoting peace, tolerance and mutual respect in their various communities.
The NDC chieftain identified Offa as one of Nigeria's enduring examples of peaceful religious coexistence, noting that the town has maintained a rich tradition of harmony despite attempts by some individuals to foment division for political interests.
He said successive generations of Offa indigenes have sustained the legacy of their forebears by living together peacefully, regardless of religious affiliation.
Recalling his childhood experiences, Shittu said Christians and Muslims in the community freely celebrated Christmas and Eid festivities together, describing such experiences as evidence of the enduring bond that continues to unite the people.
He commended both Christian and Muslim leaders for consistently preaching peace, justice and godliness, attributing the prevailing harmony in the community to their commitment to moral and spiritual leadership.
Shittu also called on political office holders to complement the efforts of religious institutions by promoting good governance, justice and inclusiveness, stressing that sustainable development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.
"A peaceful society is the foundation for economic growth and community development. Traders, artisans, professionals and every citizen can only thrive where there is peace," he said.
The politician further pledged to continue championing unity as a guiding principle of his public service and political engagements.
He also announced his financial support for the Diocese's development initiatives, including the newly launched Endowment Fund.
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NDC Gubernatorial candidate, Prof. Abdulmumeen Yinka Ajia delivered key note address via virtual during the 2026 Edition of Third Ajia Colloquium on Democracy and Good Governance organised by Kwara State NDC Gubernatorial candidate, Prof. Abdulmumeen Yinka Ajia held earlier today at NUJ Hall offs road, Ilorin.
Theme: A roundtable dialogue with Unemployed and Underemployed graduate on Jobs, Opportunity, and the Future of Kwara State.
JustEventOnline
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Women leader of Kwara NDC, Idayat Bola Hamzat; House of rep candidate for Oye Ekiti constituency of Ekiti state, Hon. Engr Rafael Owolabi; Kwara State Party Chairman of NDC, Alhaji Abdulfatahi Imam and Magaji Jalala, Mallam Akao Saheed Esq during the 2026 Edition of Third Ajia Colloquium on Democracy and Good Governance organised by Kwara State NDC Gubernatorial candidate, Prof. Abdulmumeen Yinka Ajia held earlier today at NUJ Hall offs road, Ilorin.
Theme: A roundtable dialogue with Unemployed and Underemployed graduate on Jobs, Opportunity, and the Future of Kwara State.
JustEventOnline
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"The politicians don't need our votes to get to power. Who do they need? The judges. That is why Nyesom Wike is building mansions for judges. That is why state governors are donating prados and land cruisers to judges across the states. That is why they're making sure judges are the best-paid people in Nigeria. Meanwhile, governors who cannot pay the minimum wage are feeding judges with the kind of money and emoluments you cannot add up." — @ChidiOdinkalu
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Faces of participants during the 2026 Edition of Third Ajia Colloquium on Democracy and Good Governance organised by Kwara State NDC Gubernatorial candidate, Prof. Abdulmumeen Yinka Ajia held earlier today at NUJ Hall offs road, Ilorin.
Theme: A roundtable dialogue with Unemployed and Underemployed graduate on Jobs, Opportunity, and the Future of Kwara State.
JustEventOnline
Oloro of Oro Joins Alaafin of Oyo in Royal Delegation to Brazil on Historic Yoruba Cultural Advocacy Mission
The Oloro of Oro and Paramount Ruler of Oro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, JP joined the Alaafin of Oyo Iku Baba Yeye, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade on a high-powered royal delegation to Bahia, Brazil in a landmark international mission aimed at preserving and strengthening global Yoruba heritage.
The strategic visit reaffirmed the traditional institution's foundational role as the custodian of culture, specifically targeting the deep-rooted Afro-Brazilian communities who maintain strong historic and spiritual affiliations with the ancient Oyo Empire.
Speaking on the essence of the historic transatlantic journey, Alaafin emphasized that cultural advocacy remains a primary mandate of the traditional stool. The mission was specifically designed to identify with, encourage, and spiritually reunite Brazilian practitioners of Yoruba traditions with their ancestral homeland.
Alaafin further revealed that the trip is part of a broader, ongoing global initiative. With plans already underway for the royal fathers to visit other nations across the diaspora where Yoruba populations reside, building a continuous bridge to reconnect them to their roots.
In attendance also were; Former Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Fransisco Carlos Soares Luz, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN).
A major anchor of the royal visit was an official invitation from the Universidade Federal da Bahia (Federal University of Bahia), which hosted the monarchs at its Faculty of Architecture and Rectorate in Salvador.
The traditional rulers were central figures at the prestigious 4th LASUCAS International Conference, themed “South-South Cooperation: The Roles of Nigeria and Brazil in Promoting Collaboration among Emerging Economies.” The high-level academic symposium was jointly organized by Lagos State University (LASU), the Center for Afro-Brazilian Studies (LASUCAS), the EtniCidades Research Group, the Federal University of Bahia (PPGAU), and the State University of Bahia.
A historic highlight of the conference was the official launch of the book, Oyo: The City of Yoruba Cultural Heritage. The publication is the product of an intensive technical and scientific cooperation involving: Federal University of Bahia, Royal Palace of Oyo, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka
The collaborative research and literary launch serve as a critical, formal step toward securing the official recognition of the ancient city of Oyo as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, further elevating Yoruba civilization on the global stage.
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"We have a civic responsibility as responsible citizens of our various nations. This church is today in 144 nations. So, endeavour to secure your permanent voter cards (PVC). You are men and women of the spirit. By your own personal conviction, you should know where to cast your vote. We are not passersby in our nation. We are bona fide citizens of the nation, and we have a right to participate in who governs us." — David Oyedepo, presiding bishop of Living Faith Church
Tears, Glowing Tributes as 95-Year-Old Mama Grace Bosede Akande is Laid to Rest in Isanlu
The remains of a retired Matron of St. Kizitos College, Isanlu, Reverend Mrs. Grace Bosede Akande, popularly known as Mama Matron, has been laid to rest in her hometown of Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, at the age of 95.
Family members, friends, church leaders, and well-wishers from across Nigeria gathered to bid her a final farewell, celebrating a woman remembered for her humility, generosity, unwavering faith in God, and lifelong service to humanity.
From the Wake-Keep/Service of Songs to the Lying-in-State, funeral service, thanksgiving, and reception, glowing tributes poured in for the revered matriarch, whose exemplary life touched generations.
Despite a brief rainfall during the Wake-Keep/Service of Songs, mourners remained steadfast as they honoured Mama G.B Akande with heartfelt prayers, hymns, and emotional tributes in celebration of a life devoted to God and humanity.
Ministers of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), led by Pastor Adewumi Emmanuel and the ECWA Isanlu DCC Chairman, Reverend G.O. Emmanuel, in separate sermons delivered in Yoruba at the Wake-Keep at Mama's residence and Thanksgiving Service held at Second ECWA Church, Oke-Gada, Isanlu, urged Christians to emulate Mama Akande's godly virtues, reminding worshippers that life is transient and should be lived in faithful service to God.
The ECWA Women's Choir, where Mama Akande served faithfully for many years, alongside the church's main choir, rendered soul-lifting gospel ministrations in honour of the late matriarch.
Residents of Isanlu and members of neighbouring communities also paid their last respects with colourful cultural displays, celebrating her impactful and fulfilled life.
Mama G.B Akande's children, led by her first child, Engr. Oloruntoba Akande, and Pastor Oladele Akande of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Lagos, described their mother as a loving mother, mentor, disciplinarian, and role model whose legacy of faith, love, and selflessness would remain evergreen.
Her first grandchild and multiple award-winning broadcast journalist, Comrade Olufemi Emmanuel Akobi, alongside others privileged to be nurtured under Mama G.B Akande's guidance during their formative years, described her as the embodiment of simplicity, generosity, discipline, and godliness, saying her enduring values would continue to inspire generations yet unborn.
Her great-grandchildren also paid glowing tributes, expressing gratitude for the invaluable lessons, love, and moral foundation she imparted throughout her lifetime.
Delivering the family's vote of thanks, her last daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Oluwatoyin Aremo, appreciated God for blessing Mama Akande with a long and fulfilled life. She also expressed profound gratitude to immediate and extended family members, the church, friends, and well-wishers for their overwhelming support, prayers, and show of love throughout the funeral ceremonies.
At the reception held at her residence, guests celebrated a life well spent with joyful music, warm fellowship, and heartfelt thanksgiving to God.
Reverend Mrs. Grace Bosede Akande is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Interestingly, Mama Grace Bosede Akande was born on a Sunday and also passed away on a Sunday, June 7, 2026, bringing to a close an inspiring 95-year journey marked by unwavering faith, selfless service, and an enduring legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of many.
NDLEA arrests South African woman with heroin at Abuja airport
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 38-year-old South African woman, Will Jessica Ann, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for attempting to traffic 5.75 kilograms of heroin.
The suspect was intercepted during the inward clearance of Qatar Airways flight QR 1433 from Doha.
"Fulani bandits are not Muslims; you won't find a mosque in their camps, and herdsmen also have no mosques in their settlements. I always speak the truth because I hear directly from God, and God speaks through me." — Oluwo of Iwo
Kwara PDP Hails Oyo Schoolchildren's Rescue, Faults AbdulRazaq Over Woro Abduction Victims
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the Oyo State Government and its people on the successful rescue of the 49 abducted schoolchildren and teachers who regained their freedom after spending 51 days in captivity.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the party's State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara and obtained by JUST EVENT ONLINE TV, the PDP described the rescue as the result of sustained public engagement, consistent media advocacy and what it called the responsive leadership of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
According to the opposition party, the Oyo rescue demonstrated the importance of government responsiveness to public concerns and collaboration with relevant security agencies in addressing insecurity.
The PDP, however, contrasted the development with the security situation in Kwara State, accusing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of failing to prioritise the rescue of residents abducted during the February 3, 2026 attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The party alleged that pregnant women, nursing mothers and children abducted during the attack have remained in captivity for several months, expressing concern over what it described as the government's inadequate response to the incident.
"Our party is worried that while Oyo people celebrate the return of their citizens, Kwara State is left mourning under a government that simply does not care. We cannot help but compare the Oyo success to the situation in Kwara, where innocent people abducted in Woro have remained in captivity since February 3, 2026," the statement said.
The PDP argued that the successful rescue operation in Oyo reflected Governor Makinde's commitment to making the security of the victims a priority through collaboration with the Federal Government and security agencies.
The opposition party also criticised the Kwara State Government's handling of public criticism, alleging that individuals and groups who raise concerns over insecurity are often treated as adversaries rather than partners in addressing the challenge.
It referenced previous protests by residents and relatives of kidnapping victims in parts of Kwara State, while contrasting the state's response with Governor Makinde's engagement with protesters in Oyo during the campaign for the release of the abducted schoolchildren.
The party commended the people of Oyo State, media organisations, civil society groups, and the Ratel Movement led by social media activist VeryDarkMan for sustaining advocacy efforts that, according to it, helped keep attention on the plight of the abducted victims until their release.
It further urged Governor AbdulRazaq to treat the Oyo experience as a lesson by intensifying efforts to secure the release of those abducted during the Woro attack and other kidnapping victims across the state.
The PDP also called on journalists, civil society organisations, academics and other stakeholders in Kwara State to continue demanding accountability and sustained action from government on the security situation.
FG approves N50,000 uniform exam fee for WAEC, NECO candidates from 2027
The federal government says it has approved N50,000 as the new examination fee for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) for secondary school candidates from 2027.
In a statement on June 18, issued by Adeniji Ibrahim, director of senior secondary education of the ministry of education, the approval followed a request by WAEC for an upward review of the fee for Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for candidates from 2027.