Oriontimes

  Pro-Palestinian demonstrators on college campuses across the U.S. clashed with police officers yesterday and drew crackdowns from administrators. Hundreds of officers in riot gear last night arrested demonstrators who had occupied a building at Columbia University’s campus in Manhattan. The university had said earlier that it would expel students who did so. Officers also pepper-sprayed protesters to keep them from taking over a building at the City College of New York; officials at Portland State University shut down the campus after students broke into a library; and protesters stormed a barricade at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Elsewhere, there were signs that disruptions were waning. Police officers put an end to an eight-day occupation of an administration building at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. At Brown University, demonstrators agreed to dismantle their encampment after administrators said they would vote on divesting funds from c...

  Barely some days ago, The Executive Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, declared the Constitution of a Panel of Judges to decide the outcome of a logo contest he had ordered earlier. The move by the Governor has been described as a way of rebranding and carving better image in the comity of States, reported by Oriontimes. Osun citizens wanted excellent branding that will adequately represent her identity and project the limitless potential of the State. Work was set up, with a collective resolve to pick the best of the logo designs, thereby serving the interest of the people and promoting inclusiveness in critical government decisions. Vital conditions which the ideal logo must meet were set out by the committee, These are: 1. Creativity, reflected in how much the design deploys innovation in the presentation of its ideas. 2. Uniqueness, reflected in how much it differs from any existing State Government logo in the country. 3. Symbolism, reflected in h...

  A looming assault on a city in the Sudanese region of Darfur, where genocidal violence killed as many as 300,000 people two decades ago, has prompted warnings from U.N. and U.S. officials who fear that mass bloodshed may be imminent. El Fasher is the last city held by Sudan’s military in Darfur and the latest flashpoint in a year-old civil war between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group that Sudan’s military nurtured and that became a bitter rival. If the R.S.F. were to seize El Fasher, the group could control about a third of Sudan, with the country split into rival fiefs. But experts said that an assault on El Fasher would be risky for the R.S.F., and many Western and Arab officials hope that international pressure can persuade both sides to back down.

  This is to inform the general public, that after a keenly-contested Logo Competition, which commenced from the 18th and terminated on the 26th of April, a final winner of the Osun State New Logo Competition has emerged. Recall that the State Government named a panel of judges on the 26th of April, to review the entries and nominate the best top three, which was later increased to five, from over three hundred submissions. The panel of Judges, which includes veteran broadcaster, Olusola Ajala, Chairman,brand specialist, Dayo Oderinu, Senior Bureaucrat, Moshood Suleiman Secretary, ICT and brand consultant Segun Yedupe, and ace graphic artist, Kazeem Olalekan, has now completed its job. With the emergence of the final 5 top best Logos, His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke will unveil the best Logo at the 2nd edition of IPADE IMOLE, at the palace of the Owa of Ijeshaland, today 30th April. Mr Governor has also expressed his appreciation to the 5-man panel of Judges, which was sad...

  US President Joe Biden didn't waste time. Just minutes into his speech at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner Saturday, Biden launched into the issues dominating the 2024 election, including his age and former President Donald Trump's hush-money trial in New York. While he rarely mentioned Trump by name early in his presidency, Biden has aggressively taunted him as of late and kept it going Saturday. "Age is the only thing we have in common," Biden, 81, said of Trump, 77. "My vice-president actually endorses me," he said, referring to former vice-president Mike Pence's decision not to endorse Trump. Biden also used his speech at the dinner to warn about his political opponent's threats on democracy - increasingly a focus of his message to voters. "Focus on what's actually at stake," he said. "The stakes couldn't be higher." The century-old event, often referred to as Washington's "nerd prom...

  Issuing a stern warning to the West, Russian officials have asserted that any attempt to seize frozen Russian assets will be met with a severe response, promising "endless" legal challenges and tit-for-tat measures,  Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, said on Sunday that Russia would contest any such actions through legal means, promising retaliatory measures in kind. Zakharova conveyed Russia's firm stance, stating unequivocally that Russian territories, particularly those annexed from Ukraine, were not up for negotiation. "Our motherland is not for sale," Zakharova wrote on the Telegram messaging app. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has prompted the United States and its allies to impose sanctions, including the freezing of approximately $300 billion of Russian assets predominantly held in European financial institutions. Dmitry Medvedev, a senior security official and ally of President Vladimir Putin, also warned ...

   .....we are investing in technology to ensure transparency and accelerate performance President Bola Tinubu says his administration is investing in technology that is tailored towards ensuring transparency and accountability in government and accelerating public-sector performance and service delivery to the Nigerian people. Speaking during a meeting with Microsoft Founder and Philanthropist, Mr. Bill Gates, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, President Tinubu said technology is a potent weapon against corruption and financial impropriety in public service. Emphasizing his unwavering commitment to deliver reliable technology that will support a national consumer credit system and many other critical new government interventions for all Nigerians, the President said resistance is often expected when efforts are made to strengthen systems and forestall malfeasance. "Technology is the enemy of fraud, corruption, and ...

  The publisher of Oriontimes has congratulated Pastor Toluwani Joseph, on his occasion of birthday celebration. In a congratulatory text, "Mr Tioluwani was described as an hard fighter, "crossing the hurdles of life with faith to this present age with testimonies of your greater achievements on the land of the living is a grace. We appreciate your truthfulness and being a very dependable person." You portrayed light and in no time the light shall shine so bright as we prayed that your new turn brings forth blessings, happiness and peace of mind.  On this occasion of your celebration, we felicitate with you and we're using today as a reminder to let you know your importance as we wish you a longer life and greatness. Happy birthday from us and have a brilliant celebrations.

  Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke will flag off the dualisation of Ilesa Akure expressway Junction - Brewery - Ereja/Palace Square, Ilesa on Tuesday, 30th April, 2024 before the commencement of the second edition of IPADE Imole.  Also, the flag off of the construction of Lagere Junction flyover, Ile Ife will be done by the Governor as part of the infrastructure plan of his administration.  The full details of the projects including the length of the road, cost and duration of the construction will be disclosed by the Governor at the venue of the flag off.  Making the flag off announcement earlier today, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Dr. B.T. Salam assured the people of Ijesaland and Ile Ife that the infrastructure plan of the current administration under Governor Adeleke is all inclusive and will touch every region in the state.  “The flag off of the Ilesa Akure expressway Junction - Brewery - Ereja/Palace Square dual...

  ......says, former presidents have some degree of immunity  The Supreme Court’s conservative majority appeared ready yesterday to rule that former presidents have some degree of immunity from criminal prosecution, which could further delay the criminal case against Donald Trump on charges that he plotted to subvert the 2020 election. Such a ruling would most likely send the case back to the trial court, ordering it to draw distinctions between official and private conduct. Though there was seeming consensus among the justices that the criminal case could eventually go forward based on Trump’s private actions, the additional proceedings could make it hard to conduct the trial before the 2024 election in November. If Trump wins the White House, he can order the Justice Department to drop the charges against him.

  New York’s highest court overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 conviction on felony sex crime charges, a reversal that horrified many of the women whose decision to speak out against Weinstein, a prominent Hollywood producer, accelerated the #MeToo movement. The court said that the trial judge who presided over the sex crimes case made a critical error by allowing prosecutors to call as witnesses several women who testified that Weinstein had assaulted them, even though none of those allegations had led to charges. Weinstein is still not a free man. He is facing a 16-year sentence in California, and Manhattan’s district attorney said through a spokeswoman that he planned to retry the 2020 case.

  U.S. Army engineers yesterday began building a floating pier off the coast of Gaza that could help relief workers deliver up to two million meals a day, Defense Department officials said. The pier is meant to allow humanitarian aid to bypass Israeli restrictions on land convoys into the besieged strip. But aid workers and defense officials said that the maritime project is not an adequate substitute for more overland aid. Defense officials expected the project to be completed early next month. Experts have said that famine is likely to set in within Gaza by the end of May.

  After weeks of delays, negotiations and distractions, Israel appeared to hint this week that its assault of Rafah was all but inevitable. Israeli warplanes bombed Rafah this week, and an Israeli official said that if an invasion began, civilians would be relocated to a safe zone on the Mediterranean coast. Israel insists that invading Rafah, a southern city where more than a million Gazans are sheltering, is necessary to eliminate the militants hiding in a network of tunnels there and to ensure the release of hostages. The U.S. has pushed back against Israel conducting a major military operation there without a detailed plan to protect civilians. At the moment, Hamas is bottled up in southern Gaza, heavy fighting has mostly subsided, a cease-fire remains possible and delaying helps placate American officials who are against the invasion. Some analysts have even suggested that Israel may never invade Rafah and that the threat is merely leverage against Hamas during negotiations. B...

     President Biden signed a long-delayed $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan yesterday, saying that weapons would be bound for Ukraine “within hours.” “It’s going to make the world safer,” Biden said. “And it continues America’s leadership in the world.” Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky who is the chamber’s minority leader, was crucial to helping the aid pass after months of congressional gridlock because of isolationist Republicans. The package also includes $1 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza and $15 billion in military aid for Israel. Biden reiterated that his commitment to Israel was “ironclad,” even though there is a growing backlash to American support for Israeli forces in Gaza.

The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly last night to approve a long-stalled $95.3 billion package of aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending it to President Biden for his signature and ending months of uncertainty about whether the U.S. would continue to back Kyiv against Russian aggression. The legislation had nearly been derailed because of right-wing opposition. The vast majority of senators in both parties supported the package, and Senate leaders regarded its passage as a triumph, particularly given the opposition to aid for Ukraine that had built up in the House. Ukraine is running short of the munitions it needs to fight and had grown desperate for the aid to pass.  What this aid means, in the most simple terms, is guns and bullets, Times reports. “But beyond that, “what this has done is provided a much-needed boost for the morale of both Ukrainian soldiers on the front and civilians living under the threat of near-nightly Russian drone and missile bombardments.” The much-n...

  Donald Trump had a dismal day in court yesterday; the judge presiding over his criminal trial in New York City told a defense lawyer that he was “losing all credibility,” and a key witness described what prosecutors called a conspiracy to influence the 2016 presidential election. The witness, David Pecker, the longtime publisher of The National Enquirer, detailed a crucial 2015 meeting with Trump and Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, during which, prosecutors claimed, they hatched a plot to conceal sex scandals looming over Trump’s campaign. Pecker’s testimony followed a bruising hearing for Trump and his legal team. In the hearing, the prosecution urged the judge to hold Trump in contempt for repeated attacks on witnesses and jurors that they said had violated a gag order. The judge did not issue an immediate ruling.

  Governor Ademola Adeleke today hosted the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu to a rousing welcome for the launching of Alternative High Schools for Girls, commending the First Lady's years of dedicated public service. Addressing the dignitaries at the turning of sod at Oke Dio, Ayepe, Osogbo, Governor Adeleke affirmed his happiness hosting “a woman of virtue, an Amazon who is a political pillar of our dear President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “Your antecedents and your passion for public service are known to some of us. We have worked with you at close quarters and I can confirm that you are one of the best of sisterhood in the country.  “As your colleague in the Senate In those days, I can affirm your deep love for Nigeria, your commitment to national human development and your particular interest in the welfare of under-privil egded Nigerians. I am therefore not surprised when you assumed office and you unveiled several initiatives in support of girl children a...

    Britain’s Conservative government finally won passage of its Rwanda deportation bill, enshrining a law that human-rights campaigners say is inhumane, immigration experts say is unworkable and legal critics say has corroded the country’s reputation for rule of law. The legislation is designed to allow the government to put some asylum seekers on one-way flights to Rwanda, where they would have their claims processed.   If they were then granted refugee status, they would be resettled in Rwanda, not Britain. But any deportation attempts are likely to encounter further legal challenges, making it unlikely that large numbers of asylum seekers will eRwanda sent to Rwanda. Flights will also depend on there being an aircraft available to transport migrants in the wake of difficulties finding an airline willing to charter flights. But Mr Sunak said an airfield is “on stand-by” and commercial charter planes have been booked “for specific slots”. According to The Times, Downing...

Prophet David Adebisi, has narrated his experience shortly after the launching of Heaven on Earth Global Ministry, "What I have forseen about the assignment given to me is a rapid development" though, we started April 7, 200/24. We're witnessing improvement everyday to the glory of God. I stayed at home for good six years on this commission, preparing my feet and empowering myself for this great task. I have divers experience concern this commission. It all started eighteen years ago under my boss, I had background knowledge about different churches and places. I served as a pastor for over like nine churches before finally gained feet. According to Prophet David, I served under Timi Osukoya Telemi, for about 2years and 90days, I then moved to Instant Miracle Tabernacle (IMT), under apostle Sola Olaleye, I was an assistant pastor at Deeper Life for 2years before i shifted my ground to The Light of The World Bible Church in Lagos, Nigeria. Headed by reverend Oriyomi.  I sp...

  Over two months ago, Moses of Olugbeku Family, in Efon Alaaye, ran away with hard-earned money of 12 Nigerians in Burkina-Faso. It could be recalled that Moses Anifowose was on his heel, after news of his atrocious crimes went viral, but the family members who doesn't want their names broadcast pleaded on behalf of Moses, promised to get back, refund the affected victims. Report confirmed that the WhatsApp number ( +234 813 641 4056) which one of the family members (name witheld) used to communicate with one of the affected vitims is no longer active, thereby raising a doubt that the families faked promises to ensuring Moses matter is swept under the carpet. Moses Anifowose, was alleged of collecting back the registration money of numerous Nigerians invited to Burkina-Faso to the tone of 12million naira, after payment has been made into account of the house leader, Gbenga Adeniyi Lawrence (Doctor )who took after Moses as leader. Moses, who was appointed leader of the networking b...

In what looks like good news for the people of Nigeria and the government of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, the organiser of Agritech Nigeria has decided to bring the second edition of the International Agriculture Technology Exhibition and Investment Summit to Osogbo, the Osun state capital. Agritech Nigeria is an international platform that combines investment and economic connection with exhibition to bring both local and foreign investors together and make available sustainable technology that can be used to drive agriculture development. Agritech Nigeria trade mark is owned by Fesco Agalu Nigeria Limited, a company registered under Nigeria law in 1993. The first edition tagged Agritech Nigeria Osun 2019, was held in Osun State from 26-28 March 2019, and it attracted no fewer than 23 accredited foreign ambassadors and high commissioners in Nigeria with local and foreign manufacturers and investors, United Nations agencies, Federal and state government agencies, ministries ...

  In the struggle for credible conduct of the 2026 gubernatorial election in Osun state, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) in the State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, has unveiled plans to engage all registered political parties and electorates as major stakeholders in any election.   Agboke made this known on Thursday while receiving members of the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) led by its chairman, Mukhtar Ajelogbon at the state headquarters of the electoral umpire. While acknowledging the role of digital media especially Osun Online Publishers Association in promoting the commission's activities in Osun and beyond, Agboke said there is need for the Commission to continue in engaging the stakeholders ahead of election. He stated that the Commission will engage all political parties ahead of the 2026 guber election, noting that the commission will be moving from one political party office to the other for sensitization...

Since I took office, we’ve created a record 15 million new jobs, And, folks, unemployment hasn’t been this low for this long in over 50 years, says U.S. President Joe Biden. The president, who's seeking re-election made a strong assertion on Biden/Harris platform, "After Donald Trump left office with the worst jobs record since the Great Depression, Our administration is building economy from the bottom up and middle out – and making enormous progress." Nearly 15 million new jobs, unemployment below 4% for two full years – the longest stretch in half a century, inflation falling, and wages, wealth, and employment are higher now than they were before the pandemic.  While we’ve made enormous progress, President Biden understands that middle-class life is too expensive right now. That is why laws to lower prescription drug costs, health care premiums, and energy costs were passed. We will keep working every day to lower the cost of living, because he knows there is more work...

  The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has said Nigerians’ deep-seated resentment for officers is affecting security in the country. The PCRC disclosed that the hatred towards police by Nigerians mitigates against tackling the perennial security crisis that plagues the nation, saying the situation is unsettling. The National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Mogaji Olaniyan made this known while addressing newsmen during the 40th celebration ceremony of the Committee held in Abeokuta, the state capital. Olaniyan lamented the widespread hatred, saying the PCRC is enhancing a permanent relationship between members of the community and the police in order to end the ugly narrative.

  ...... By Tioluwani Joseph, Correspondent at Oriontimes THE Osun Online Publishers Association, OOPA, has congratulated the immediate Vice Chairman of the Association and the Publisher of Orionframe, Comrade Abioye Tosin Lawrence on the occasion of his birthday anniversary, April 19th, 2024.  In a congratulatory message by the Publicity Secretary, Comrade Yusuf Idowu described Abioye as an astute comrade and a professional Journalist who always stands for the truth.  The association extolled Abioye's sincere humbleness and passion for his work, truthfulness, and strong sense of integrity which set him apart.  “On behalf of the association and the good people of Osun, We wish you, Journalist per excellence and the people comrade, a very wonderful Happy birthday. “Today, we honor both your wonderful existence on earth and your extraordinary contributions towards raising the standards of journalism and protecting the rights of people in the society.  “On this occ...

  In the realm of ink and paper, where stories come alive, Stands a comrade noble, with passion that thrives.  Tosin Abioye, a journalist by trade, With words that enlighten, never fade. An activist's heart beats within his chest, Fighting for justice, he never rests.  A scholar of wisdom, seeking truth's light, In knowledge and learning, his spirit takes flight. But beyond the pages, in God's loving grace, Tosin Abioye finds his sacred place.  A true Christian soul, with love that's pure, Spreading kindness and compassion for sure. A lover of sport, with spirit untamed, In the field of play, his heart is aflame. With every victory and every defeat, He finds lessons profound, his journey complete.  On this day of celebration, we honor you, Tosin, dear friend, with wishes so true. May your path be illuminated, every step of the way, Guided by God's hand, come what may.  May your words inspire change, in hearts near and far. As you shine your light Like a rad...

  Juror 1 works in sales. Juror 2 likes hiking. Juror 3 does not follow the news closely. They are a quarter of the 12 New Yorkers who will serve on the jury for the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president, which could shape the nation’s political and legal landscapes for generations.  The judge ordered that their identities be kept confidential. Some alternates remain to be chosen tomorrow, and opening statements are expected on Monday.

  Police in Brazil have detained a woman suspected of wheeling a dead man, who she said was her uncle, to a bank to withdraw a four-figure loan. According to CNN, Footage of the woman’s encounter with the bank has generated a nationwide discussion in Brazil after going viral on social media. It appears to show the woman at the counter of a Rio de Janeiro branch of Itau Bank, propping up the head of an elderly man in a wheelchair and trying to get his hand to clasp a pen. According to police, she was attempting to take out a loan equivalent to $3,000, which had already been approved by the bank but still needed the elderly man’s sign-off. But the elderly man in the video – filmed by a bank attendant – remains unresponsive. His arm is limp and his head keeps falling back as she speaks to him. “Uncle, are you listening?” she asks him. “You need to sign. If you don’t sign, there’s no way. I can’t sign for you, it has to be you. What I can do, I do.” “Sign it so you don’t give me any mo...

Serie A club Juventus must pay Cristiano Ronaldo $9.7 million euros, worth approximately $10.4 million, after losing a legal battle regarding wages deferred during the COVID-19 pandemic, Daily Mail gathered. The club will have to pay that sum plus interest. The dispute involved 19.8 million euros, worth more than $21 million, that Ronaldo agreed to defer during the pandemic, according to Archs. The Italian police seized a document in which Juventus agreed to pay Ronaldo that amount. Juventus argued the document was no longer valid, as Ronaldo pursued the matter only after he left the club in 2021, according to Raimondo de Magistris of TuttoSport. An Italian arbitration tribunal ruled Ronaldo partially responsible and mandated Juventus to pay back just half of the salary promised, according to Guidi and Cohen. Juventus will have to pay the money out of the club's current budget because the team did not set aside funds in case of losing, Archs noted. The case involving in Ronaldo is ...

Governor Ademola Adeleke has assented to a bill adopting a new logo for Osun state, describing the new symbol as a signal of new rebirth for Osun state. “I am elated to sign this new Logo into law as a signal of rebirth of our dear State. The new logo is significant because it rhymes and meaningfully represents our historic anthem, our values and tradition. “ The new logo is also an educational resource material for our younger generation as it contains symbols of our landmarks, strengths, resources and history. The logo is also a tool to market the state at home and abroad.  “It is my honour and privilege to introduce the new logo as the symbol of our state. This announcement will herald a new life of prosperity, abundance and sustainability for our people and admirers. Also, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Adewale Egbedun described the new logo as “ meaningful and representative of our people, our heritage and potentials. “I congratulate Mr Gover...

Cubana Chief Priest, the nightlife promoter, has arrived at the federal high court in Lagos for his trial on allegations bordering on naira abuse. Cubana was driven to the court around 8:45 am on Wednesday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives under armed police escorts. The anti-graft agency on Tuesday filed a three-count charge against the social media celebrity. The nightlife promoter, born Pascal Okechukwu, is accused of spraying and tampering with the naira at a social event — contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007. Cubana will be arraigned before Kehinde Ogundare, the judge. The social media celebrity is well known for his luxurious lifestyle. Cubana is also known for his affiliation with Davido, the Afrobeats singer.

  Speaker Mike Johnson said that he planned to advance a long-stalled national security spending package this week to aid Israel, Ukraine and other U.S. allies, coupled with a bill to mollify conservatives opposed to backing Kyiv. Johnson, a Republican, has agonized for weeks over whether and how to advance critical aid for Ukraine over stiff resistance from the far right faction of his conference. His announcement was the first concrete indication that he had chosen a path forward. That path appears complex. Johnson said he would cobble together a legislative package that roughly mirrors the $95 billion aid bill the Senate passed two months ago, albeit in pieces. Lawmakers would vote separately on aid for Israel, Ukraine and allies like Taiwan, and then on another measure containing policies popular among Republicans. It is not clear whether the convoluted strategy will succeed in the House, where Johnson has a tenuous hold on his caucus and a slim majority. Republicans could try ...

  Israel showed signs that it would not quickly retaliate  for the hundreds of exploding drones and missiles that Iran fired at it over the weekend, nearly all of which Israel and its allies intercepted. Israel’s war cabinet met yesterday without deciding when or how to respond to the assault. But officials said they would relax restrictions on large gatherings and educational activities, a possible indication that they did not expect an immediate escalation. Iran’s attack, in retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed seven Iranian military commanders in Syria, represented a moment of great risk, because it was the first time it had directly struck Israel in the two nations’ long shadow war. But it caused little damage, largely because Iran had telegraphed its intentions well in advance. “The matter can be deemed concluded,” Iran’s mission to the U.N. said in a statement yesterday. “However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response wil...

  President Bola Tinubu has called for unity of purpose and more collaboration between the federal government, state governors, and members of the National Assembly to achieve national development goals. The President made the appeal while receiving state governors and the leadership of the National Assembly in Lagos on Friday. Led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the delegation included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, among others.  Speaking on behalf of the President, Vice-President Shettima expressed optimism about Nigeria's economic resurgence and called for collective efforts to propel the nation forward.  He urged unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve shared prosperity and promised a brighter future for the nation under President Tinubu's guidance. "Let us unite, rally around our leader, and...