Oriontimes

An American Airlines passenger plane collided with an Army helicopter before crashing in the Potomac River yesterday evening near Washington, D.C., the authorities said. All takeoffs and landings were halted at Ronald Reagan National Airport nearby. Dozens of people were reported to have been on the flight, but there was no immediate information about casualties.

The Osun State Executive Council has approved the appointment of Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi, a United Kingdom based IT engineer as the Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle in Obokun local government of Osun state. The new king who studied Office and Information Management at Lead City University Ibadan, Nigeria before his sojourn abroad, is an entrepreneur and business owner who invested in the hospitality and the agricultural industry. Other approved new kings are Prince Emmanuel Adesokan Ayoola as the Oluwaro of Iwaro in Ife North Local Government Area and Prince Kazeem Deji Ogungbe as Oniwata of Iwata in Irewole Local Government. The Council further approves the elevation of Baale Owajigbo of Ejigbo-Orangun; Baale Owamagbon of Ila, Baale Owafaye of Obalogbo-Ila (Ila Traditional Council); Baale Osi Okero-Ife, Baale Mayowa Ifegunle-Ife; Olu of Apatalami-Ife; Baale Ayede Temidire Town; Baale Akingbade of Ayetutu Ipoye-Ife (Ife Traditional Council). Other elevations include the Looyin o...

FewChore Finance Company Limited, a leading CBN-licensed financial institution, has announced a groundbreaking ₦500 million pledge to support creative entrepreneurs in Osun State under the Osun SDG Creatives initiative. The announcement was made on the first day of the maiden edition of the Osun SDGs Creative Conference, which hosted over 500 participants in-person and attracted twice that number virtually. Speaking at the event, Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed his excitement at the initiative that offers platform to celebrate creativity, innovation, and the immense potential of Osun people. Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nurturing the creative economy and its vital role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, adding that “Creativity and innovation are critical to building a sustainable future, and Osun State is ready to lead this charge”. The Governor urged participants to seize this moment of the conference to work togethe...

Trump’s return to the White House has plunged Europe’s business leaders and policymakers into a precarious era, and officials have been bracing for it. The European Commission, the European Union’s executive arm formed a never-officially-announced group, sometimes referred to as a “Trump task force,” that spent much of 2024 working on possible responses to changes to American trade and foreign policy, reported by NYT. There is almost no aspect of European policy that Trump does not seem poised to upend. He is threatening to impose sweeping tariffs and is pressing for much heftier European spending on defense. Two of his first acts as president were to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization. How he will adjust America’s stance toward Ukraine is one of the biggest questions.

Israeli security forces began a military operation yesterday in Jenin, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Eight people were killed and dozens injured within hours, the Palestinian health ministry reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said the operation was aimed at “eradicating terrorism.” Israeli forces moved in shortly after Trump rescinded sanctions against Jewish extremists and settlers accused of violence against Palestinians. Trump’s move came even as Jewish extremists raided and set fires in Palestinian villages to protest the cease-fire in Gaza, Israeli and Palestinian officials said. The head of Israel’s military said he would step down over the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack.

President Trump's Border Czar, Tom Homan, has confirmed that targeted raids on individuals residing illegally in the United States have commenced nationwide. This operation is in line with executive orders issued on Day 1 of President Trump's administration, which focus on enhancing border security and enforcing existing immigration laws. The raids are expected to target specific individuals identified by immigration authorities. Further details on the scope and duration of the operation have not been disclosed.

The Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo has dismissed a lawsuit filed by sacked local government chairmen on Monday, 20 January 2025. This development comes ahead of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for 22 February. The case, filed by chairmen elected during the APC-led administration, sought to restrain the state government from conducting new local government elections and distributing federal allocations. The court, however, ruled against the claimants, allowing the elections to proceed as planned. Presiding over the matter, the judge emphasised the importance of adhering to the rule of law. “This decision reflects the judiciary’s commitment to upholding lawful governance and rejecting unfounded claims,” the judge stated during the ruling. In addition to dismissing the suit, the court imposed penalties on the claimants and their counsel. A fine of ₦1 million was levied against the lawyer representing the claimants, while the claimants themselves were colle...

Oke-Odo Muslim Community in Owode Area of Osogbo, Osun State Capital have appealed to the general public especially muslims for donations (monetarily or materially) to complete the ongoing central mosque building project. The appeal was made in January 2025 by the leadership of various Ratibi-Mosques in the Oke-Odo community in Owode where hundreds of Muslims are expected to gather at the only Central Mosque for Jumat Service when completed. While speaking separately with the OsunReporters TV Correspondent, representatives of the mosque building committee, Alfa Soliu Ajisefini and Alfa Raheem Ismail confirmed that N15 million is needed to complete the 200 capacity central mosque, calling for individuals, philanthropists or organizations for donations in cash or materials. The committee noted that Oke-Odo muslim community has generated N700,000 out of the N15 million needed for the project. Watch Video of the mosque via link below 👇 https://youtu.be/uACVqzu0DdQ?si=_ugd1mU1...

John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will embark on a day’s working visit to The Gambia tomorrow at 11:45 A.M., Oriontimes reports. President Barrow will receive the visiting Head of State at the Banjul International Airport and later host him at a State luncheon. The two Heads of State will hold a tete-a-tete meeting to discuss ways to further strengthen The Gambia-Ghana bilateral relations.

Nigeria is becoming the global fashion capital, as a group called Arobayo Obinrin Adimula Ijesa Land launches a completely new fashion trend that makes the competitors look old in comparison. The group had previously participated in the popular carnival "IJESA UNITY DAY" on December 13th and 22nd, 2024. The event was attended by the age range of women from forty to fifty.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state has called on leaders of Ghana and Nigeria to extend the close partnership between the two countries to subnational levels for mutually beneficial outcomes. The State Governor issued the statement after a close door meeting with President Mahama at his residence in Accra, praising the historical relationship between the two countries as deserving of further elevation. “We congratulate our brother, president Mahama on his assumption of office. We hail President Bola Tinubu on his great outing at the inauguration. On this auspicious occasion, we seek the relationship between the two nations to be taken to the level of subnational partnership. “The Ghana-Nigeria Commission should specially encourage state - regional governments cooperations. This will help our two nations to attain further developmental cooperation. “We rejoice with the people of Ghana and we look forward to new opportunities with regional and local governments across Ghana. Osun...

Many Nigerian musicians are recognizing that money and popularity aren't enough; having a strong background and power are equally crucial aspects.These two factors are what distinguishes hip-hop artist David Adeleke, better known as Davido, from others. I had listened to both Davido and Wizkid's music, and I think they are both fantastic. But what distinguishes David Adeleke (Davido), is his desire to make Nigeria a better place and his affection for his fellow Nigerians. He once traversed the country to help those who had less privilege. In 2021, the artist donated about ₦200 million after disclosing his bank account details on Twitter. In July 2023, he stated that the charity had provided over 200 million to orphanages around the country, benefiting 13,818 youngsters. So, if someone like Davido speaks about Nigeria, I believe people should listen to him. Has he held any post in Nigeria? Does he have a track record of plundering public funds, unlike many who have brou...

Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued stern warning to youth groups behind recent attacks on the Ajeniju of Hallelujah, Oba Jelil Olaiya and the burning of his palace, directing security agencies to fish out those behind the dastardly acts. The Governor who frowned at resorting to self help by some elements within the Ido Osun community said he has directed the Commissioner of Police to secure the troubled areas and arrest the ringleaders of the violent actions. The Governor who has spoken with the Ajeniju of Hallelujah who is presently recuperating from the attacks, also further directed the Olojudo of Ido Osun, Oba Olayinka Oyetunde Ishola to call his rampaging youth to order amidst ongoing law enforcement. According to the Governor, resorting to violence to resolve communal disputes is unacceptable and those found wanting will face the full wrath of the law. “Aside from law enforcement, I have further directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Dos...

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has disclosed that the state government will Subsidise the cost of petrol to farmers in communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency. The announcement was made on Friday evening in Bama town when he flagged off the distribution of farm inputs to more than 5,000 farmers hitherto displaced by Boko Haram insurgents. According to the Zulum, a litre of petrol sold between N1,000 and N1,200 in Maiduguri will be subsidised to the farmers for N600. This is aimed at cushion the financial implications faced by farmers in communities that have suffered economic and infrastructural destruction due to years of conflict. Zulum remarked that a similar initiative implemented in Damasak, Mobar Local Government Area, last year had significantly increased food production and improved livelihoods.

Officials in South Korea abandoned an attempt to take President Yoon Suk Yeol in for questioning over insurrection charges earlier today after a standoff inside the president’s residence that lasted several hours. Thousands of his supporters had camped outside and were attempting to stop officials from reaching the president’s residence. “We determined that it has become impossible to serve the warrant because of the prolonged standoff” with the president’s personal security team, the investigators said in a brief statement, calling Yoon’s refusal to comply “deeply regrettable.” They said they would decide later on whether or when to try again to detain him. The attempt was the latest effort by officials to hold Yoon accountable for his short-lived declaration of martial law last month that plunged the country into a political crisis. Yoon has vowed to contest the charges, and his lawyer filed an injunction to challenge the validity of the detention warrant. The Corruption In...

Bourbon Street in New Orleans began operation yesterday, a day after a U.S. Army veteran plowed a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers, killing at least 14 people. People cautiously trickled back into the French Quarter, live bands resumed playing at their usual corners and mourners stopped by a makeshift memorial adorned with flowers and Mardi Gras beads. Investigators said yesterday that the assailant, Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, had acted alone. Jabbar, who died in a gunfight with the police, had said in a video he posted online that he had joined the Islamic State group. “He was 100 percent inspired by ISIS,” Christopher Raia, an official with the F.B.I.’s counterterrorism division, said at a news conference. “We’re confident, at this point, that there are no accomplices,” Raia said. The authorities said that they had conducted hundreds of interviews and reviews of the attacker’s calls, social media accounts and electronic devices. The F.B.I. has found no definit...

It was a galore of mass endorsement for the second term of office for Governor Ademola Adeleke and adoration of God at the 2025 annual inter-religious prayer held yesterday, 2nd January, at the Government Secretariat. The event, attended by top religious leaders, leading traditional rulers and workers of the Osun state government witnessed several cycles of prayers for the Governor, his team and the entire state for delivery of good governance beyond 2026 to 2030. One after the other, leading Muslim and Islamic leaders rolled out the many good things happening to Osun state under Governor Adeleke and followed it up with fervent prayers to God for continuity of Adeleke governorship beyond 2026. The President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Osun state, Sheikh Musa Animasahun who led other religious leaders declared that the good delivery of services by Governor Adeleke has ordained him by God for second term, urging mass support for continuation of better life in Osun state. The ...

Ukraine refused yesterday to renew an agreement that allowed the country’s territory to be used as a corridor for Russian gas to travel to Europe, according to officials in both countries, NYT reports. The move is part of a broader campaign by Ukraine and its Western allies to undermine the ability of Russia to fund its war effort, but there are risks. Moscow could retaliate by bombing Ukraine’s pipelines, a vast network that has been largely spared over the past three years of conflict. Europe was prepared for the move, so analysts expect little effect on gas prices there. Hungary, Austria and several Balkan countries still use Russian gas delivered through Ukraine, but experts say that existing stockpiles and alternative supplies should prevent cuts to electricity and heating in those countries. Slovakia, which is still heavily dependent on Russian gas, threatened to retaliate against Ukraine.

No fewer than 15 people died and dozens more were injured in the early hours of New Year’s Day when a driver rammed a pickup truck into revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans — the deadliest act of mass murder in the U.S. in more than a year. The suspect, a 42-year-old Army veteran from Texas, was identified by the F.B.I. as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar. He died in a shootout with the police. Jabbar, a lifelong resident of Texas, served several years in the Army and was honorably discharged. He recently converted to Islam and began behaving erratically, according to his ex-wife’s husband. An Islamic State flag, weapons and a potential explosive device were found in the truck that officials say he used in the attack. Officials said they were also investigating other potential bombs found in the French Quarter

.....Nigeria must enact an unexplained wealth legislation to fight corruption "Unexplained wealth laws, also known as unexplained wealth orders (UWOs), are civil investigative tools that allow authorities to seize and dispose of property that may have been obtained unlawfully. They are used in the UK and other jurisdictions, including Gibraltar, to help combat money laundering and serious crime." Last year, as a pro bono project, myself and a team of lawyers drafted a Bill and a Presidential Executive Order on the subject matter of Unexplained Wealth. The Bill was submitted to the National Assembly sponsored by a Member of the House of Representatives. The Presidential Executive Order was submitted to a certain Senator for onward transmission to the Presidency. Till today, nothing concrete or tangible has come out of these efforts. Whenever I travel to any foreign country, I come face-to-face with the negative consequences of Nigeria's reputation as a leading de...

His Royal Majesty, Oba Ahmed Adekunle Oyelude Makama CON, Tegbosun III, Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, has commended the resilience, unity, and patriotism of Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security Agencies. The popular monarch, in his new year complementary wishes reads; "As we step into the year 2025, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Nigerians and commend the resilience, unity, and patriotism that continue to bind us as a people. " This is a time for reflection, renewed hope, and collective resolve to move our great nation forward. I wish to express profound gratitude to the gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security Agencies. Your unwavering commitment to the defense of our sovereignty and the security of our people remains a beacon of hope. I urge all Nigerians to continue supporting and appreciating the sacrifices of our military. Together, we can build a safer and more prosperous nation. As the mantle of leadership rests firmly on H...