Oriontimes

 "Nigeria We Hail Thee " During Today's Sitting After President Tinubu Signed Into Law Bill To Revert To The Old National Anthem. NATIONAL ANTHEM  ●Nigeria we hail thee Our own dear native land Though tribes and tongue may differ In brotherhood we stand Nigerians all, are proud to serve Our sovereign Motherland. ●Our flag shall be a symbol That truth and justice reign In peace or battle honour'd, And this we count as gain, To hand on to our children A banner without stain. ●O God of all creation Grant this our one request. Help us to build a nation Where no man is oppressed And so with peace and plenty Nigeria may be blessed.

The Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Barrister Hashim Abioye has called for a true State Independent Electoral body with full financial autonomy, reported by Orionframe. Abioye, in his remarks while receiving the delegates of the Online Publishers Association (OOPA), led by its frontier able man, Mukhtar Ajelogbon, in friendly visit on Tuesday in office at Testing Ground, Osogbo, the Osun State capital, welcomed and applauded OOPA Excos for being outstanding in the digital media, he narrated that, agitation for the scrapping of the State Electoral Commissions due to the bastardization of the system at a time Nigerians are craving for restructuring and true federalism, should be used to support and bolster the state electoral Commissions that is closer to the grassroots. Abioye, further proposed that the state electoral umpire should be indipendent and centralized under the Independent Electoral Commission, (INEC) According to him, "We are cravi...

  Thirty years ago, South Africans cast their ballots in the country’s first free and fair election. Today, as they head to the polls, the African National Congress may lose its outright majority for the first time since then.  A new generation of voters do not have the lived experience of apartheid, and they blame the A.N.C. for joblessness, rampant crime and an economy blighted by electricity blackouts.  Voter turnout fell below 50 percent for the first time in 2021, reported by the NYT. ccording to NYT.  

  Presidential Aspirant in the last general elections, Chief CBN Onwuasoanya Ezendigbo, has condemned the Sit at home ordered as the whole world were celebrating the children day. The Founder of Better Nigeria For Better People, in a statement made available to Oriontimes said, At this era of civilisation, I wonder how we are still in this mess in south east. With all our level of education and advancement in commerce and skills, some criminals are taking us backwards to an era of primitive.  "As Nigeria and rest of the world are celebrating Children day with joy and happiness, "what we are experiencing in the south east is another round of Sit at home imposed by IPOB, denying every child the right to exist and enjoy childhood in good spirit of happiness.  These people hiding behind IPOB and perpetrating all sort of terroism against igbo people.  Therefore, it must be fulminated by all men of conscience. IPOB are hopeless and useless criminals. They don't deserve mer...

  Hamas fired a barrage of rockets yesterday afternoon, setting off air-raid sirens in the Tel Aviv area for the first time since at least late January.The attack showed that the group retained some long-range missile capabilities. The Israeli military said that at least eight rockets were launched from the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where Israeli forces have been advancing, "There were no immediate reports of major damage. Israel’s emergency service said that two women were lightly wounded as they fled to a bomb shelter." Hours after the Hamas rocket attack, an Israeli airstrike on a makeshift tent camp for displaced Palestinians killed at least 35 people, said the Gaza Health Ministry.  The Israeli military said that its operation was aimed at a Hamas compound.  Officials said that negotiations could restart in the next week, after a meeting in Paris among U.S. and Israeli intelligence chiefs and Qatar’s prime minister.

  More than 48 hours after a landslide struck a densely populated region of Papua New Guinea with boulders the size of shipping containers, a U.N. official in the country said that at least 670 people were estimated to have died. The landslide occurred around 3 a.m. on Friday, when many residents were asleep.  As of Sunday afternoon, land was still sliding, rocks were falling, and the soil was cracking from increased pressure and running groundwater, hampering search-and-rescue efforts and forcing residents from their homes.

  As I rejoice with my friend on his birthday celebration, memory brings me back to the days of struggle when I barely execute anything without the involvement of my great ally. Swiss, was very talented in drawing the map of the streets we have to captured, he brings on the desk a new blueprint as a co-founder of Global Voice Of The Young Generation. He was so very active more than some allies they both ran for presidential seat during the college struggles. Swiss, was the only man whom God shew a great vision about what's unknown unto many people as we both worked together. His ambition was priceless, so high, and he beliefs it could only be actualize in one God. But today, it's a testimony that he's using his God given powers to work for Almighty creation. After his NYSC, I saw transformation in his life, he came to me directly in Osogbo, Nigeria from service. My friend was so lean as a result of fasting and prayers, he changed his narratives, broke the chain which makes ...

  At the Facebook Meet Up 2024, participants were tasked to build a network, and accrued value to themselves as the theme for this year edition, tagged; "Network, Learn and Engage".  A program powered by Epic Essence Events of the Department of Mass Communication Fountain university, Osogbo, held on Tuesday, 21st of May at the university Hall, in Osun state capital. The speakers at the event charged the students to keep networking, learning and engaging for a better positioning in life, as value matters, one of the panelists Mr Taoheed Alimi, PRO fountain University said. "Networking is to form relationships with those who'll help get you to where you want to go, and the earlier you start building up your network, the better. That's why it's important to start networking in school — before you're even ready to enter the workforce."  "Endeavor to learn a basic skill that will help you to thrive in this world, And be consistent in whatever you do...

 " to hold June 23rd - 25th in Osun" - FTAN    Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), has confirmed that Osun State will host the regional Odua Festival 2024. This was made known by the Southwest Vice President of Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Tunde Kolade during the Southwest stakeholders meeting held in Osogbo on Tuesday. Addressing the gentlemen of the press, Tunde Kolade explained that Osun will host ODUFEST 2024 in Osogbo where all states in the Southwest will be in attendance, noting that this will improve tourism infrastructure, and foster collaborations that drive growth and development in Osun state. "We are here today in preparation for the upcoming Oodua Festival2024. Osun is lucky to play host to other Southwestern states to promote Yoruba culture. "Odua Festival will be held between 23rd and 25th of June, 2024 to treasure cultural events that showcase the rich traditions and customs of our people," FTAN Vice ...

  Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, has requested arrest warrants for the leaders of Israel and Hamas, including Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, on charges of “war crimes and crimes against humanity.” The request, in connection with the war in Gaza and the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, was a strong rebuke that equates Netanyahu with Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s leader within Gaza.  “Today we once again underline that international law and the laws of armed conflict apply to all,” Khan said in his statement. “No foot soldier, no commander, no civilian leader, no one can act with impunity.” The warrants are largely symbolic. The court’s jurisdiction is not recognized in Israel or Gaza, and it could be months before judges decide whether to issue the warrants. But if they are issued, the leaders could be arrested if they travel to one of the court’s 124 member nations, which include most European countries but not the U.S. Speaking at a cel...

  A deadly helicopter crash that killed the Iranian president and foreign minister on Sunday resulted from “technical failure,” Iranian state news media reported.  The deaths of President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian have left Iran without two influential leaders at a particularly tumultuous political moment. But experts said they expected little change in its foreign or domestic policies. Iran’s long-simmering shadow war with Israel burst out into the open after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, and the countries have traded direct attacks in recent months. The supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said there would be “no disruption” to the government’s work. Iran’s first vice president, Mohammad Mokhber, would assume the role of acting president and must organize elections for a new president within 50 days, Ayatollah Khamenei added. But Raisi’s death complicates a difficult search for the next ruler.  Within hours of confirmation of Raisi's d...

  Woman, 82 years old was seen abandoned for many years by her 5 children, the cause of her languish in a condition whereby she sleeps under a leaking roof  is still unknown. In a post shared by prophet David Adebisi of Heaven on Earth Global Ministry, who was on evangelism mission alongside his church members at Ijaye, Lagos, Nigeria. on Sunday, 19th May, 2024. He wrote on his Facebook timeline; This is an 82 years old woman abandoned for many years and we've not seen her children, she cannot walk and to eat is hard... She said she had five children but none of them is with her. "Whenever the rain fall, it falls on her because her room is leaking. Please, anything you can do to help her plz do.  ACC NO, (2039119489) UBA Bank details Adeoye Tunde damilare.). Phone number prophet David Adebisi (08133248414) for confirmation.

  President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran was killed along with the country’s foreign minister in a helicopter crash yesterday in the country’s mountainous northwest, According state news media, leaving the country without two of its most prominent figures at a time of heightened foreign tensions and domestic discontent.  Raisi, 63, was a conservative Shiite Muslim cleric who violently crushed dissent and was a devoted upholder of religious rule in the country.  He was a protégé of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and was widely viewed as a possible successor.   “There will be no disruption in the country’s operation,” Khamenei said in an address on state television. “Senior officials are doing their work and I have advised them on the necessary points, and all of the country’s operation will carry on smoothly and orderly.”

  A helicopter carrying Iran President, Ebrahim Raisi and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, has been involved in an accident, that country's state media reports. Reports say the helicopter - one of three travelling in a convoy - made a "hard landing" after it got into difficulties in heavy fog in the north of the country. Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said rescuers were still trying to reach the site due to the difficult weather conditions. Details shortly...

People across African nations who are victims of being swindled have begin to fi ghting back the reconfiguration process which has led many to loss of properties, hard-earned money and relationship of their beloved friends and families in QNET business. The fact is that the QNET agents in Africa continue to packaging the multilevel marketing business with innumerous lies to believe the business is the most paying in the world. The case of QNET fraud in Burkina-Faso is still fresh as most lodges were emptied after truth about the business was later revealed, some leaders of the lodges were unable to leave with their luggages, after an investigative reporter spent 3 months  delving into how people's life's are being ruined. They collected many people's money in millions for registraion while many prospects languished in foreign land, some had to contact back their families for help to return back home. Some victims in Africa have been protesting against the multilevel marketi...

  Robert Fico, Slovakia’s prime minister, was shot five times and critically wounded yesterday, the most serious attack on a European leader in decades.  Officials said the attack appeared to have been an assassination attempt and was politically motivated. The police said a suspect had been detained. Fico was rushed to a nearby hospital and then airlifted to another hospital for emergency surgery. Hours later, the deputy prime minister, Tomas Taraba, told reporters that Fico’s life was no longer in danger and that he expected the prime minister to survive. Videos from the scene showed the gunman shooting Fico in Banikov Square, in the center of the town of Handlova. The attacker stood with other people behind a barrier before shooting Fico at close range as he greeted them. Who is Robert Fico? The 59-year-old politician is serving his third term. He has aligned with the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban, in opposing aid to Ukraine and has strong ties to Russia’s leader, ...

  Israelis gathered across the country yesterday for the first national day of mourning for victims of war or terrorist attacks since the Hamas-led Oct. 7 assault.  Protesters disrupted several ceremonies and heckled Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, as they demanded that government officials do more to secure the release of hostages. The protests underscored the strength of the anguish over the war in the Gaza Strip, the fate of hostages taken on Oct. 7 and domestic politics. According to The New York Times, About 240 people were abducted by Hamas in the attacks, and the Israeli government has so far secured the release of more than 100. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes yesterday shook the northern and southern ends of the territory, with the military saying it had struck more than 120 targets over the past 24 hours.  Ground troops also engaged Hamas fighters in several locations, the Israeli military said. Amid the fighting, tens of thousands of civilians fled, seeking...

  The Permanent Secretary, Management and Staff of Local Government Staff Pension Bureau, Osun State, celebrate Governor Ademola Adeleke, the people’s governor and Asiwaju of Edeland, as he marks his 64th birthday today, describing him as a torchbearer with exceptional capacity for leadership. The PS, Mr Ibrahim Akibu also congratulates Governor Adeleke on the conferment of the exalted and culturally symbolic title and office of Asiwaju of Edeland today. According to Mr Ibrahim Akibu, Governor Adeleke is a pleasant, generous and accommodating personality; a visionary administrator and compassionate leader who continues to demonstrate that the essence of leadership is in ensuring the happiness and wellbeing of the people at all times. His words: "As a democratically elected Governor of Osun State, Asiwaju Ademola Adeleke remains steadfast in applying his resources, intellect, skills and connection in serving the interest of the masses and propagating the unity, stability and develo...

       . Adeleke vows to be a frontliner (Asiwaju) of development and growth  Osun State Governor, Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke was on Monday, May 13, 2024  conferred with the Chieftancy title of Asiwaju Of Edeland by the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal. In a grand ceremony held at the Ede Palace, Osun State, the Asiwaju Of Ede vowed to be a frontliner (Asiwaju) of development and growth for Edeland and Osun State as a whole. According to him; "I vow to be a frontliner (Asiwaju) of development and growth for Edeland and Osun State as a whole. "I will carry the light of positive transformation from towns to villages and from cities to rural areas across our dear State. "To all Asiwaju title holders of various towns in Osun State, I welcome myself into your midst. "On a lighter mood, I believe you are eager to receive me not just as the Asiwaju of Edeland but as the Asiwaju of Osun State, he said.  It will be recalled that former Governor o...

    Spain’s governing Socialist Party triumphed yesterday as the winner of regional elections in Catalonia but did not clinch enough seats to govern alone.  The vote had been widely seen as a litmus test for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s polarizing amnesty measure for separatists. The Socialists now most likely face weeks of bargaining and possibly a repeat election. But for the first time in years, they may be able to form a regional government led by an anti-independence party.

  Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, business magnates Aliko Dangote and Folorunso Alakija, among others, are expected to grace the traditional chieftaincy installation of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as the Asiwaju of Ede land tomorrow, Monday,  13th of May, 2024. Speaking at a press conference at the Timi of Ede’s palace on Sunday, Senator Olalere Oy ewumi, chairman of the central planning committee for the installation, revealed that Ademola Adeleke’s elder brother, Isiaka, held the position until his death in 2017. Oyewumi stated: “The conferment of the title of Asiwaju of Ede on Governor Ademola Adeleke by the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, is in recognition of his significant contributions to the growth and development of Ede land and Osun State as a whole. It also acknowledges the immense contributions of the entire Adeleke dynasty to the progress of Ede, Osun State, and Nigeria.” Other dignitaries includes the Ooni ...

  Investigators of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 arrested sixty-four suspected internet fraudsters in Osun State. The suspected cybercriminals were arrested in Ede, Osun State following actionable intelligence on their suspicious fraudulent activities in their environs. Items recovered from them include 18 exotic vehicles, 18 laptops, 112 mobile phones, three Play Station games, five motorcycles and other incriminating documents among others. They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has declined the plea made by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, to vacate the arrest warrant issued against him by the court. The judge emphasized that Bello’s refusal to appear for arraignment in a criminal charge constituted contempt of court, thus disqualifying him from any leniency or special treatment. In his ruling delivered on Friday, the court asserted that Bello’s persistent evasion of arraignment demonstrated a lack of respect for the legal process, stating that he cannot dictate terms to the court from the comfort of his own space. Additionally, the court dismissed Bello’s argument challenging the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to hear the criminal charges against him. Justice Nwite maintained that Bello must first present himself for arraignment and have his plea recorded before pursuing any legal motions. Bello had contended that the arrest warrant was unnecessary, citing his legal representative’s acce...

  The Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has flagged off N14 billion flyover bridge project in Lagere to the Iremo area of Ile-Ife. On Tuesday, May 7th, 2024 at the flag-off at Lagere, Governor Adeleke said that the project would be completed in twelve (12) months as he charged the contractor, Messrs Sammya Nigeria Limited to partner with the host community for the successful execution of the bridge. According to him, “We are flagging off the flyover bridge at Lagere Junction as well as the commencement of 55 kilometres of roads across the 30 local governments and the area office. “After compliance with the due process and procurement laws, the flyover bridge is awarded to Messrs Sammya Nigeria Limited at a total project cost of N14,938,924,771.45.“ Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr Idowu Bello, explained that the flyover will take off at Lagere and land at Iremo Road with dualised carriageway. He noted that the flyover is designe...

  The government of Osun has rebuffed what it termed as a rumor by the Nation Newspaper, alleging that Governor Ademola Adeleke has taken a loan of over Ten Billion Naira.  In a statement signed by Mallam Olawale Rasheed,Spokesperson to Governor, and made available to Oriontimes, "We strongly affirm that the story is not true." Governor Adeleke has not at any point since assuming office taken any loan either through a resolution of the State Executive Council or that of the State House of Assembly. The ongoing multi-billion naira infrastructure projects across Osun state have no loan components. They are all being financed through state resources. The dualisation of roads, the overhead bridges,the school and health centres upgrades, and several roads projects are being funded through special project account created by the State Government. What the newspaper report referred to as loans taken by Governor Adeleke were World Bank Development financing which were inherited from t...

  In order to curtail the impact of fuel  subsidy, the Aaraj Empowerment Foundation, founded by Engineer Kehinde Raji, often known as AARAJ, has provided approximately N150 million for business people and women in Osun state.  Engineer Raji, disclosed this on Saturday, 4th of May, 2024. during the 4th Edition of Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) Media Parley, barring that his organization released this much money to improve the state economy and lessen the suffering of the people.  He claimed that a major impediment in the nationwide increase in the cost of goods was the Federal Government's elimination of the subsidy.  "Those with N50,000 or N100,000 for their business can no longer purchase N15,000 worth of items, which is why millions of naira were injected in January and before to that. "We have provided nano traders with 20 to 30 million, and we recently provided another to help ease their suffering through the business support fund. We give newly g...

  It's not farfetch to say that Moses Anifowose was birthed from a family that doesn't care, respect human being,they confirmed his atrocious crimes in Burkina-Faso and calmed down innumerous victims for recompense but failed. They must be dealing with wrong person among many people, how could such a greedy human being decide to ruin the careers of so many people, assuming he betrayed his Ekiti and Efon Alaaye people, he totally messed up with wrong person from other state which must be strongly responded to by any far-rights. If we run ten years or lifelong advert on him, I think it will be a case to be handled by the international community, he's not wiser than the universe and the family has just stepped into a case whereby life will be bent across their necks. As a comrade of history, I warned him severally and prevented people from harassing him despite we learnt he had used hard-earned money of people, those who borrowed loans, those who sold their properties. He'...

  Members of the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) have been extolled for  their active duties  in  promoting peace in the state and beyond through professionalism. The state Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Umar Abba, gave the commendation on Friday while receiving the front runners of Osun Online Media Publishers Association led by its Chairman, Mukhtar Ajelogbon, at the command' Headquarters in Osogbo, Osun State capital. The Police Chief gave nod to the Online Publishers for backing the Police in its tasks in combating against criminals and the spread of fake news in the state. CP Umar Abba assured the association of maintaining the already existing relationship and the Command's support for the press as they are known to be the mirror of the society. Earlier, Chairman of OOPA, Mukhtar Ajelogbon, welcomed the Police boss to the state, he lauded the Commissioner and his team for their commitment to fighting criminality in the state, assuring the CP of the ...

  Osun Online Publishers Association, (OOPA) set to hold its 4th edition of Media Parley with ENGR KEHINDE RAJI (AARAJ) Founder, Aaraj Empowerment Foundation. The Media Parley will be held on Saturday, the 4th of May 2024, in Osogbo, Osun state capital, at 4:00pm. This was contained in a statement signed by Ismail Kolapo and Yusuf Idowu, Media Parley Committee Chairman and Secretary respectively.  The programme will be streamed live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069458236740&mibextid=ZbWKwL) for the world to watch and contribute via same platform. "The Media Parley with the theme; DIGGING INTO POLITICS, GOVERNANCE AND DIVIDENDS" is aimed at bringing public servants, stakeholders in development of Osun and aspiring political office holders to narrate what they have done for the people, what they intend doing and so."

  The U.S. accused Russia of violating a global ban on chemical weapons by using them against Ukrainian troops. The State Department said in a statement that Russia had used chloropicrin, a “choking agent” widely used during World War I, as well as tear gas. Both of them are prohibited during warfare under the Chemical Weapons Convention, an arms control treaty ratified by more than 150 countries, including Russia. Attacking with the chemicals was “not an isolated incident,” and they were probably used to drive Ukrainian forces out of fortified positions, the State Department said. The Ukrainian authorities have reported about 1,400 cases of suspected chemical weapons use by Russia since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. The officials said that the rate has accelerated as Moscow has pressed ahead with attacks along the front lines.

  Police officers arrived on college campuses across the U.S., and scores of pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had erected encampments and seized buildings were arrested. Officers last night ordered protesters to leave their encampment at the University of California, Los Angeles, or face arrest. A stream of students left the encampment after the warning, but hundreds remained inside, putting on helmets, masks and goggles as dozens of officers waited nearby. The night before, violent clashes erupted when a group of about 200 counterprotesters stormed the encampment, pepper-spraying protesters and trying to demolish barricades. The two groups fought until officers quieted the unrest around 3:30 in the morning. In New York City, police officers in riot gear arrested demonstrators at Fordham University’s Manhattan campus, the third university in the city, after Columbia and the City College of New York, to face mass arrests in 24 hours. Despite more than 1,300 arrests of protesters ac...

  Voters in England and Wales go to the polls today to elect mayors and local council members, in what will inevitably be seen as a barometer for Britain’s coming general elections. Given the Conservative Party’s dire poll numbers and the sour public mood, storm clouds are already forming. The question is not whether the Tories will lose seats to the Labour Party — that is a foregone conclusion among pollsters — but whether the losses will exceed expectations.  A professor of politics at the London School of Economics suggested that if the Conservatives, who are defending 985 seats in England, can hold their losses to fewer than about 500 seats, the party faithful will probably accept the setback. But steeper losses, he said, could set off a spasm of panic and even put Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s job in jeopardy.

  Former Arsenal goal keeper, Jens Lehmann heaped praises on gunners Coach, Mikel Arteta, said has done a great job but was very disappointed with how the team lost to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. 'Afterwards, they showed a great reaction beating Chelsea and Tottenham. But to be a big club, you have to win trophies,' added Lehmann, who was part of the 'Invincibles' side that went unbeaten in 2003-04 when Arsenal last won the Premier League. 'They're very different to us (Invincibles) in their approach - much more cautious and slower with the ball. Physically, they run a lot more and have more high-intensity runs but they don't play faster than us because we were a one-touch team. They all take three, four touches at a time. And if you're too cautious in football, you can't win trophies. Most of the time, the bravest teams win the league. I would love them to win the title but that has cost them in certain games,' said Lehmann. 'It...

  The judge presiding over Donald Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan held him in contempt, fining the former president $9,000 for repeatedly violating a gag order and warning that he could go to jail if he kept attacking witnesses and jurors. Prosecutors have alerted the judge, Juan Merchan, to four new potential violations, which will be discussed at another hearing on Thursday morning. The court also heard testimony from Keith Davidson, a Beverly Hills lawyer who detailed how he had worked out hush-money payments for his clients, a Playboy model and a porn star, who were trying to sell their claims about sexual encounters with Trump.