FROM PROMISE TO ACTION: BIMBO ADEKANMBI RETURNS TO ORANYAN MARKET WITH MATERIALS TRADERS ACTUALLY NEED

A promise made in the aftermath of a disaster can easily become just another headline. For families and traders who have lost their means of livelihood, words of sympathy are important—but what matters even more is what comes after the cameras leave and the attention fades.

At Oranyan Market in Ibadan, affected traders are now seeing something tangible.

Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi has returned to the market to fulfil the commitment she made following the devastating fire incident that affected traders and destroyed valuable shops, goods and properties. True to her word, she has provided planks, wood, nails and other essential building materials to support the affected traders as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their businesses and restoring their livelihoods.

For the traders, this is more than a donation. It is a message of hope.

The fire may have taken away years of hard work and investments in a matter of hours, but the determination to rebuild remains strong. In moments like this, practical intervention can make a significant difference. Providing materials that can immediately be used for reconstruction means affected traders can begin taking concrete steps towards getting their businesses back on their feet.

This intervention also reflects an important principle of leadership: listening to people and responding to their actual needs.

Rather than offering support that may have little immediate impact, Adekanmbi's intervention is focused on materials that can be put to work immediately. Planks, wood, nails and other building supplies may appear simple, but for a trader whose shop has been destroyed, they represent the foundation upon which a new beginning can be built.

It is a practical demonstration that compassion must go beyond words.

When Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi visited the affected traders in the aftermath of the fire, she made a commitment to stand with them. Today, that commitment has moved from words to action.

Leadership is not only about making promises when people are watching. It is about remembering those promises and showing up when the excitement has passed. It is about understanding that behind every destroyed shop is a family, a source of income, employees, customers and years of sacrifice.

For the traders of Oranyan Market, rebuilding will not happen overnight. There is still a long road ahead, and more support will undoubtedly be needed. But every plank delivered, every nail provided and every structure rebuilt represents one more step away from the devastation of the fire and one step closer to normalcy.

BREAKING: Uber pulls out of Nigeria

Ride-hailing company, Uber, has shut down its operations in Nigeria.

In a statement, the company, which came into Nigeria in 2014, said its exit is effective from September 2, 2026.

“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria, effective September 2, 2026,”

“We are writing to share some difficult news. After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026.”

“Since we first launched in Lagos in 2014, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your daily life connecting you with independent transportation providers.

“Whether it was a morning commute, a ride to see loved ones, or exploring the city, thank you for trusting the platform to connect you to a driver to get you there safely. We know this may cause disruption to your routine, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.”

Uber said said its plan is to support drivers, riders and local team members through the transition

2027: APM urges Tinubu to step down over alleged drug-related case

Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race over what it described as unresolved allegations arising from a drug-related case linked to him in the United States.

The party said that Tinubu’s reported legal challenge against the release of documents allegedly held by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had heightened public interest in the matter.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Abubakar, APM expressed confidence that the United States judicial system would determine the case strictly on the basis of the law and available evidence.

The party alleged that Tinubu’s lawyers had approached the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on August 28, 2026, seeking to block a summary judgment and prevent the release of documents which APM claimed could be damaging to the President.

APM said the attempt to restrict disclosure of the documents raised questions about the President’s concerns over their possible contents and implications, particularly ahead of the 2027 election.

“If, indeed, President Tinubu’s lawyers were convinced of his innocence, they should have boldly used this case as an opportunity to help their client clear his name once and for all, rather than seeking to suppress evidence,” the party said.

It added that the invocation of privacy concerns and the possible impact of the documents on Nigerian politics showed the importance of resolving the controversy before the country goes to the polls.

The party further cited Section 137(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that a person shall not be qualified for election to the office of President if he is under a sentence of imprisonment or fine for an offence involving dishonesty or fraud.

APM, however, did not establish that Tinubu has been convicted of any such offence, but argued that the allegations and pending legal proceedings warranted full public scrutiny.

The party said Nigerians had a legitimate interest in the records of anyone seeking to occupy the highest political office in the country, particularly an incumbent President seeking another term.

“President Tinubu currently presides over the affairs of more than 200 million Nigerians. His past and present actions are, therefore, matters of legitimate public interest, particularly as the nation heads toward the 2027 presidential election,” it said.

APM insisted that political status should not place anyone beyond the reach of the law, urging the U.S. court to allow the facts and evidence to determine the matter.

The party cited the case of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted by a U.S. federal jury in Manhattan in March 2024 on drug-related charges, as evidence that political office should not shield public officials from accountability.

It said: “As a political party committed to democracy, justice, and the rule of law, our position is straightforward: let the facts be established, let the evidence be tested, and let justice take its course.”

APM consequently called on Tinubu to step aside from the 2027 contest, arguing that his withdrawal would save the country from what it described as unnecessary political embarrassment and controversy.

“We, therefore, counsel President Tinubu to spare the nation the pain, cost, and embarrassment of this situation by stepping down from the race,” the party said.

The opposition party also challenged other presidential aspirants to submit themselves to public scrutiny, saying candidates for the presidency must be prepared to answer questions concerning their past and present records.

JUST IN: PDP chieftain Dan Orbih is dead

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Chief Daniel Osi Orbih, is dead.

In a statement announcing the passing, the family said it was made “with profound sadness and a heavy heart but in total submission to the will of the almighty God.”

The statement was signed by Francis Udukhomoi Orbih, Esq., for the Orbih family.

Orbih, an ally of the Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, reportedly died on Monday, 31st August 2026.

According to the statement, the late Orbih is survived by his wife, Mrs. Florence Orbih; his children, Ms. Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Dr. Mildred Omonemi Orbih; his brothers and sisters; as well as other members of the extended family.

The family, in the statement, appealed to relatives, friends and well-wishers to hold them up in prayers as they come to terms with the loss.

At this difficult time, we ask family members, friends and well-wishers to remember the entire family in their prayers as we mourn this painful loss,” the statement read, adding that further details, including funeral arrangements, would be announced in due course.

Oyo 2027: Team Ibo Nation Welcomes DG Youth Mobilisation, Declares Support for Bimadek & Governor Seyi Makinde

The momentum for youth mobilisation and grassroots engagement received another boost as Team Ibo Nation warmly welcomed the Director-General, Youth Mobilisation, Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa, during a strategic engagement at Akinfewa School, Egbeda, Ibadan.

The gathering, held as a show of solidarity and political support, brought together members and supporters of Team Ibo Nation who used the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to the political vision of Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi (Bimadek) and Governor Seyi Makinde.

The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm, unity and renewed determination as the group expressed its readiness to contribute actively to grassroots mobilisation and the political process ahead of 2027.

The Team Ibo Nation delegation described Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa as a strong voice for youth engagement and mobilisation, commending his efforts toward bringing young people together and creating a platform for meaningful participation in the political affairs of Oyo State.

Speaking during the engagement, the group declared its support for Bimadek, expressing confidence in her capacity to provide purposeful leadership and build on the progress being recorded in the state. They equally reaffirmed their support for Governor Seyi Makinde, recognising his administration’s development efforts and commitment to the people of Oyo State.

The visit also highlighted the importance of grassroots participation, with Team Ibo Nation stressing that political success is strengthened when communities, youths and grassroots stakeholders are carried along.

Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa appreciated Team Ibo Nation for the warm reception and show of solidarity. He commended the group for its commitment and encouraged members to remain united, organised and focused as youth mobilisation continues across the state.

The engagement was courtesy of Hon. Ibraheem Olaosebikan, whose initiative and support contributed to the successful gathering and provided another platform for stakeholders and young people to connect, deliberate and strengthen the mobilisation network.

The gathering at Akinfewa School, Egbeda, further demonstrated the growing importance of youth and grassroots engagement in shaping the political conversation in Oyo State.

The message from Team Ibo Nation was loud and clear: the grassroots are organised, the youths are mobilising, and the support for Bimadek and Governor Seyi Makinde continues to gain momentum.