ORANYAN MARKET FIRE: Odidiomo Moves To Support Affected Traders, Promises Stronger Advocacy

In the aftermath of the devastating midnight fire that ravaged parts of Oranyan Market in Ibadan, I visited the market today to see the situation for myself and stand in solidarity with the traders who have been badly affected.

The scene was heartbreaking. Shops that once represented years of sacrifice, determination, and investment were reduced to ruins, while goods painstakingly gathered for businesses were lost in a matter of hours. For many of the affected traders, this is not simply a loss of property; it is a serious blow to their livelihoods and the welfare of their families.

During my visit, I engaged with the victims, listened carefully to their experiences, and assessed the extent of the damage. Their stories reinforced the need for urgent attention and meaningful support as they begin the process of rebuilding their businesses and lives.

I deeply sympathise with every trader and family affected by this unfortunate incident. At moments like this, leadership must go beyond words. It must involve presence, compassion, advocacy, and a genuine commitment to finding solutions.

I will continue to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to explore possible interventions that can support the affected traders during this difficult period. I will equally continue to advocate for stronger fire-prevention measures, improved emergency response systems, and safer market environments across our communities.

Our people should never have to face moments of crisis alone. Representation means standing with them in difficult times, listening to their concerns, and working tirelessly toward solutions. 

May God strengthen the affected traders, restore what has been lost, and grant everyone involved the courage and resources to rebuild. Oranyan will rise again.

2027: Peter Obi most popular opposition candidate — NDC

 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has said its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, remains the most popular opposition candidate capable of leading a proposed coalition to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, stated this while reacting to efforts by the G100, a group seeking to facilitate the emergence of a single presidential candidate among opposition parties ahead of the election.

Director said the NDC had been approached by the group and was not opposed to its proposal, but insisted that the candidate chosen to lead the opposition coalition should be the “brightest, best and most popular” among the presidential contenders. According to him, the NDC believes Peter Obi meets those criteria.

“The G100 has approached the NDC and we are not opposed to their suggestions. However, we are of the opinion that the brightest, best and most popular candidate in the opposition should lead the coalition, and that is our presidential candidate, Peter Obi,” he said.

He added that the NDC expected the G100 to act in the broader interest of Nigerians as discussions continue over the possibility of presenting a single opposition candidate against the incumbent.

“We want to believe that the G100 is working in the interests of Nigerians. At the end of the day, it is the electorate that would determine who leads them,” Director said.

The development comes amid growing efforts by opposition groups and political parties to explore a possible alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The proposed arrangement is aimed at bringing opposition presidential candidates together to consider the possibility of presenting a single candidate against President Tinubu, who is seeking another term in office.

While discussions around opposition unity continue, the NDC’s position is that popularity and acceptability among voters should be key considerations in determining who ultimately leads any proposed coalition.

Veteran Nollywood Actor Ogogo is Dead

Veteran Nigerian actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has reportedly died.

The news of the actor’s death was announced by ace journalist Femi Davies.

The development comes days after Hassan’s daughter raised concerns about her father’s health in a post shared on social media.

Reports circulating online claim that the actor had been battling cancer before his death. However, details surrounding his illness and death have yet to be independently confirmed.

Hassan was a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry, particularly known for his roles in Yoruba-language films. His career spanned several decades, earning him a strong following among film lovers.

His reported death has since sparked an outpouring of grief among colleagues, fans and other members of the entertainment industry.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Oyo 2027: Odidiomo Engages Representatives Across 9 LGAs, Listens to People’s Priorities Ahead of 2027

Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo, has continued his grassroots engagement across Oyo South Senatorial District, holding a productive and heartfelt interaction with representatives from the nine Local Government Areas that make up the senatorial district.

The engagement provided an opportunity for representatives from the various LGAs to speak directly about the issues affecting their communities, as well as their expectations and priorities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Rather than simply speaking to the people, Odidiomo used the gathering as an avenue to listen—to hear firsthand the concerns, aspirations and ideas coming from communities across Oyo South.

The discussions touched on the importance of effective representation, youth opportunities, economic empowerment, infrastructure, education, community development and other issues that remain important to residents across the senatorial district.

For Odidiomo, meaningful leadership begins with understanding the people. By engaging representatives from all nine LGAs, the meeting reinforced the importance of grassroots participation in shaping the direction of Oyo South.

The interaction also demonstrated the value of creating a platform where community representatives can freely express their expectations and contribute ideas toward building a more responsive and inclusive political agenda.

As 2027 approaches, engagements of this nature are expected to become increasingly important as political stakeholders connect with citizens and communities across the district.

Speaking through the engagement, Odidiomo reaffirmed the importance of maintaining an open channel between leadership and the people, stressing that the voices of constituents must remain central to any conversation about the future of Oyo South.

The meeting was not merely another political gathering; it was an opportunity for listening, reflection and renewed commitment to grassroots representation.

With representatives from the nine LGAs bringing their perspectives to the table, the message was clear: the people of Oyo South want leadership that listens, understands their realities and remains connected to them.

From the nine LGAs to one senatorial district, the conversation continues. Oyo South is speaking—and Odidiomo is listening.

Ooni, other South-West monarchs to meet Igboho over regional security

South-West traditional rulers, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, are set to meet with Yoruba nation activist and founder of Iru Ekun Security Network, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, to discuss security in the region.

The meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State, today (Friday), will be hosted by the Owa Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole.

A statement forwarded to The PUNCH in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Friday by Igboho’s media office indicated that the stakeholders’ meeting would discuss critical issues, including security in Yorubaland and how to sustain the prevailing peace and communal stability in the South-West region.

The statement read, “This crucial meeting to be graced by all monarchs from Oyo, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, and parts of Kwara State will be presided over by the Co-Chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who also doubles as the Permanent Chairman of Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council.

“This stakeholders’ meeting will dwell extensively on the measures aimed at ensuring effective security of the South-West and synergy with local security initiative such as Iru Ekun Security Network in order to protect Yorubaland, most especially rural communities against any breach.

“The meeting will also discuss extensively on the active involvement of traditional rulers in local security, bearing in mind their closeness to the grassroots and their critical roles in the prevention of crisis and management of disputes between Yoruba ethnic nationalities and other tribes in South-West communities.

“While commending the enormous support of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Service, Nigeria Police, and other security agencies to Iru Ekun Security Network, we want to assure that we will continue to cooperate with all stakeholders in the security sector to sustain prevailing peace and safety in the region.

“We want to specifically appreciate the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (retd), the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, Director-General of DSS, Adeola Ajayi, and other heads of paramilitary agencies for their visible efforts, which had culminated in drastic reduction of cases of insecurity and other criminalities in Nigeria.”