Oriontimes

 Gaza City –  A quiet afternoon along the Mediterranean turned into a scene of horror yesterday when an Israeli airstrike struck a beachfront café in Gaza City, killing more than two dozen Palestinians and wounding scores more, according to medical officials. The blast tore through the popular coastal hangout where families and young people had gathered to find a momentary reprieve from the ongoing conflict. The café, located near the remnants of a once-bustling fishing pier, was reduced to smoldering rubble within seconds of the explosion. Dr. Mohammad Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa Hospital—the largest medical facility still operating in Gaza—confirmed that over 30 bodies had been brought in following the strike, with more than 50 others being treated for injuries ranging from shrapnel wounds to severe burns. “It was one of the bloodiest scenes we have seen in recent days,” Dr. Abu Salmiya said. “These were mostly civilians. Some were children, some were elderly. They...

  Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State and member representing Ijesa North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has extended warm felicitations to the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, on the occasion of his birthday. In a goodwill message made available to journalists, Hon. Oke, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, described Senator Basiru as a visionary leader, patriotic statesman, and an indispensable pillar of the progressive movement in Nigeria. “Senator Ajibola Basiru is a man of exceptional intellect, purpose-driven leadership, and unshakable loyalty to our great party,” Hon. Oke said. “His enduring contributions to the consolidation of our democracy and to the organizational strength of the APC are worthy of commendation and emulation.” Highlighting Senator Basiru’s distinguished record of public service, Hon. Oke praised his perf...

  As Nigeria prepares for the next electoral cycle, a powerful voice from the National Assembly is sounding the alarm over a growing threat to the nation’s democratic integrity, the unchecked proliferation of political parties lacking electoral relevance. In a forceful policy statement delivered from Abuja, the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Oluwole Oke, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to assert its regulatory powers more decisively. He warned that the current climate of political opportunism is undermining public trust, wasting national resources, and clogging the judicial system with frivolous litigations. “It is time INEC took seriously its role not just as an election manager, but as the guardian of Nigeria’s democratic sanity,” Oke declared. “We are allowing the system to be gamed by political outfits that have no electoral traction, no structural presence, and no intention of genuinely participating in governance.” INEC’s D...

A thought came to me as I watched the empire of two generations dragging itself through the dust, still pointing fingers, still blaming the old guard, like children shouting at ghosts while the house collapses. I asked myself: Do we even count as men and women anymore? Men and women who once woke up with fire in their bones, who had dreams bigger than their compound walls, now reduced to watching their WiFi disconnect, not just from the network, but from history, from heritage, from hope itself. The red alert? The ember that once glowed in each of us now fades like a phone battery blinking at 1%, no charger in sight. The system is hot. The lights are out. And what do we say? "Make we just dey go. Life no hard pass like that. Time dey go." So we go. We drift. From birthday parties to burial ceremonies. From reposted quotes to recycled hashtags. From Sunday service to soft life. Meanwhile, the baton we are meant to carry? We dodge it with style. We pass it like it...

  In a move that has reignited fierce debate across the political spectrum, President Donald J. Trump has revived the controversial “Protecting American People Against Invasion” doctrine, an expansive, enforcement-heavy immigration policy framework that he first hinted at during his 2024 campaign. The doctrine, formalized under Executive Order 14159, invokes emergency powers to expand deportation authority, reduce asylum protections, penalize so-called “sanctuary cities,” and mobilize state and federal forces in immigration enforcement. The language of the executive order is stark: “The American people are under siege. It is the duty of their government to repel every unlawful entry as an act of invasion.” From Campaign Rhetoric to Executive Action During his re-election bid, Trump repeatedly vowed to launch what he called the “largest mass deportation operation in American history.” Critics at the time dismissed it as incendiary campaign bluster. But six months into his new term, ...

  European leaders across the political spectrum are adopting a tougher approach to undocumented migration, with some aiming to replicate Denmark’s “zero asylum seeker” model. E.U. officials are drafting new regulations that would facilitate the transfer of asylum seekers to third countries. According to preliminary data from Frontex, the E.U.’s border agency, migrant arrivals declined by approximately 20 percent in the first five months of 2025, continuing a sharp drop from last year. Meanwhile, deportations are gradually increasing. However, some migration routes—such as those from Libya to Greece—remain active and challenging. Background: This policy shift has been driven by growing voter backlash, which has bolstered nationalist, far-right, and populist parties. The reaction follows the influx of over a million asylum seekers—primarily Syrians, Iraqis, and Afghans—who arrived in Europe during the refugee crisis a decade ago.

Florida has officially enacted a controversial new law permitting the death penalty for adults convicted of sexually assaulting children under the age of 12. The law, known as House Bill 1297 (HB 1297), was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2023 and came into effect on October 1, 2023. Under the law, prosecutors can now pursue capital punishment in cases of child sexual battery. If at least eight members of a 12-person jury recommend the death sentence, a judge may impose it. If fewer than eight jurors agree, the offender will automatically receive life imprisonment. The legislation challenges a 2008 U.S. Supreme Court ruling (Kennedy v. Louisiana) that prohibits the death penalty for crimes that do not involve homicide. Florida's move is seen as a direct effort to provoke a reconsideration of that precedent, with DeSantis expressing hope that the current conservative-leaning Supreme Court may be willing to revisit the matter. “This is a crime that is so heinous, so vile, that...

In Gaza, the simple act of searching for food can now be fatal. Since the launch of a new Israeli-backed aid system last month, local health officials report that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed near distribution points, especially in southern Gaza.  The new aid centers, operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, have been described as “death traps” by Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the United Nations humanitarian office. “Gaza is the hungriest place on earth,” Laerke said. “Whatever little we manage to bring in is immediately swarmed and plundered. That’s the level of desperation we’re dealing with.” Chaos has also gripped other relief operations. In northern Gaza, where only a trickle of humanitarian aid manages to get through, U.N. and international aid trucks are being ransacked within minutes of entry, often before they can reach designated drop-off sites, according to eyewitnesses. Flour, rice, and basic supplies vanish in moments as starving residents descend on ...

.....Bello Wumi was exceptional A rare gem who balanced her gifts as a talented athlete and footballer without ever losing her grip on academic excellence. Even as she sprinted like an Olympian and raced the leather ball with the grace of Oshoala, she remained an outstanding scholar, focused, driven, and deeply committed to self-growth. Yesterday is now history, but the memories of all we did at our Alma Mater will continue to echo in our hearts. Among those memories, Mrs. Wumi stands out, not just for her athleticism or intellect, but for the way she embodies life after school. As we converge as alumni of the Class of 2006, we celebrate Mrs. Wumi not only for her time as a student, but also for her continued contributions, serving dutifully as a delegate member and later as Treasurer. Her efforts have left an indelible mark on our operations and on our collective spirit. We celebrate her today and extend warm wishes to her family, friends, and loved ones on this beautiful occasion. Mr...

The attention of the Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has been drawn to a press release issued by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), alleging acts of brutality, harassment, and politically motivated arrests purportedly carried out by operatives of the Corps under the leadership of our Commander, Chief (Dr.) Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele. In a statement signed by Yusuf Idowu Abass, Public Relations Officer Amotekun Corps read: "We categorically reject these claims as false, baseless, and politically motivated. The Amotekun Corps is a non-partisan, community-based security outfit established by law to protect lives and property across Osun State in collaboration with other security agencies. Our operations are guided strictly by the law, professionalism, and the collective interest of the people of Osun State without fear or favour." The attempt by APM to politicize security operations and malign the hard-earned integrity of Chief Omoyele is not only ...

Osun State, Nigeria  In a bold move reinforcing his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, Hon. Dr. Oluwole (Wole) Oke, member representing Ijesa North Federal Constituency, has once again demonstrated purposeful leadership by fully funding tuition and related fees for over 1,000 students across nine technical colleges in Osun State. True to his pledge, Hon. Oke covered tuition, enrolment, upkeep, and SIWES fees, ensuring that young, promising minds are not de nied access to technical education due to financial constraints. The scholarship, disbursed on June 25, 2025, marks a significant milestone in his long-term strategy to promote vocational skills and self-reliance among the youth. A Lifeline for Aspiring Technicians and Innovators The beneficiaries span a wide range of technical disciplines, including Electrical Engineering, Tailoring, Catering, Carpentry and Joinery, Fabrication and Welding, Business Studies, and Motor Vehicle Mechanics, with recipients drawn from techni...

As Muslims across Nigeria mark the beginning of Hijrah 1447, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State and Member of the House of Representatives for Ijesa North Federal Constituency, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah in his constituency, the state, and the nation at large. In a goodwill message issued through his media office, Hon. Oke, who also chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, described the Islamic New Year as a time of spiritual reflection, renewal, and deepened devotion. He encouraged Muslims to draw inspiration from the historic migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which symbolizes sacrifice, resilience, and steadfast faith in God. “Hijrah is not just a calendar event; it represents a journey of faith, hope, and commitment to higher ideals,” Hon. Oke noted. “As our Muslim brothers and sisters commemorate this sacred occasion, I urge them to continue embracing the...

By Abioye Tosin Lawrence .....warning to those who treat this nation like an ATM without limits For years, Nigerians have been taken for granted by service providers, manufacturers, and even those in public office. Our resilience has too often been misread as acceptance. Our silence interpreted as weakness. Our ability to endure hardship mistaken for passivity. But the recent development with DStv is a clear reminder that there’s a limit to how much the average Nigerian can take. DStv’s drastic 50% price cut, following the loss of over 1.4 million subscribers, is not an act of generosity, it’s an act of desperation. It is the direct consequence of years of exploitative pricing, poor customer engagement, and disregard for the economic realities facing millions. Nigerians didn't protest with placards. They simply walked away. They canceled subscriptions. They embraced alternatives. And that quiet resistance spoke louder than any outcry. But this is not just about DStv. It’s a message...

The Member representing Ijesa North Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, has extended warm felicitations to His Royal Majesty, Oba Emmanuel Adejoro Otebolaku Ogidan III (JP), the Owalare of Ilare-Ijesa, on the occasion of his birthday. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Hon. Oke praised the revered monarch for his impactful and visionary leadership, which he said has continued to foster peace, unity, and development across Ilare-Ijesa and its surrounding communities in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State. "On behalf of the good people of Ijesa North Federal Constituency, I heartily congratulate Kabiyesi, Oba Emmanuel Adejoro Otebolaku Ogidan III, on the celebration of his birthday. His reign has been defined by wisdom, humility, and an unwavering dedication to the growth and well-being of his people,” Hon. Oke said. The federal lawmaker, a native of the region, underscored the enduring relevance of traditiona...

Says delay in local government elections undermines rule of law and threatens democratic stability in the state The lawmaker representing Ijesa North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, has raised serious concerns over the prolonged delay in conducting local government elections in Osun State. In a direct challenge to the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Oke asked pointedly, “OSSIEC, when is our next local government election?” Speaking in the context of recent developments in Rivers State, where local government elections are underway following a decisive Supreme Court ruling, Oke drew a sharp contrast with the situation in Osun. He expressed regret that the state government and OSSIEC failed to appeal the February 10, 2025 Court of Appeal decision that reinstated council officials elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). “If the state government had pursued the matter up to the Supreme Court, like ...

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, has extended heartfelt birthday greetings to the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, on the occasion of his 63rd birthday. Hon. Oke, who represents Ijesa North Federal Constituency in Osun State, described Gbajabiamila as a distinguished statesman and a steadfast pillar of progressive politics in Nigeria. He praised his former colleague and leader in the Green Chamber for his unwavering dedication to national service and the deepening of democratic ideals. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Hon. Oke remarked:  “Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is more than a leader, he is a mentor, a bridge-builder, and a visionary strategist whose influence continues to shape the course of governance in our nation. His tenure as Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives laid a firm foundation for legislative excellence and national cohesion.” Oke further lauded G...

Elon Musk, one of the world’s most influential tech billionaires, has increasingly stepped into America’s political spotlight. From acquiring X (formerly Twitter) and championing free speech to criticizing regulatory overreach, Musk has positioned himself as a force in U.S. public discourse. But despite his wealth, influence, and global reach, one question often surfaces: Could Elon Musk ever run for President of the United States? The answer is simple—he can’t. Constitutional Limitations According to Article II of the U.S. Constitution, a presidential candidate must be: A natural-born citizen At least 35 years old A resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years Elon Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971. Though he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2002, the Constitution bars anyone not born a U.S. citizen from holding the office of President or Vice President. This restriction remains firm unless amended, something that has never successfully occurred despite past proposals...

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump claimed that tech billionaire Elon Musk lost 25% of his fortune—approximately $113 billion— while leading efforts to streamline the U.S. government and push for reforms in Washington. According to Trump, Musk’s financial hit came as a result of his outspoken advocacy for government efficiency, transparency, and free speech—efforts that have sometimes put him at odds with powerful interests.  “Elon Musk lost over $100 billion fighting for a better America,” Trump said. “He’s been working to streamline government operations, challenge censorship, and bring innovation to the public sphere—and he’s paid a price for it.” A Billionaire Under Pressure Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and owner of X (formerly Twitter), has long been involved in political discourse, often advocating for less government regulation, more free-market solutions, and a stronger emphasis on innovation over bureaucracy. His acquisition of Twitter in 2022 marked a tur...

Former President Donald Trump has renewed calls for congressional term limits as part of his broader plan to reform Washington. His proposal seeks to impose strict limits on how long members of Congress can serve: House of Representatives: A maximum of 6 years, or three two-year terms U.S. Senate: A maximum of 12 years, or two six-year terms Trump argues that term limits are essential to breaking the grip of career politicians and restoring power to the people. “Decades in Washington breed corruption,” he has said. “We need fresh voices and new energy.” The plan is part of Trump's longstanding "Drain the Swamp" agenda aimed at reducing entrenched political power and increasing accountability in Congress. A High Bar for Change While the idea of term limits enjoys strong support among many voters, enacting them is no simple task. Changing term limits for Congress would require a constitutional amendment, which demands: Approval by two-thirds of both the House and Senate Rat...

civilians on both sides are left to assess the damage  A tenuous ceasefire between Iran and Israel went into effect this week, bringing a halt—at least temporarily—to weeks of escalating hostilities that had threatened to spiral into a wider regional conflict. Despite the uneasy calm, both nations have emerged from the negotiations declaring victory, underscoring the deep mistrust and ongoing tension beneath the surface. Iranian officials hailed the truce as a validation of their military deterrence, pointing to the resilience of their allied militias and the survival of key infrastructure despite Israeli airstrikes. “Our enemies have seen our strength and backed down,” an Iranian Revolutionary Guard spokesperson stated. Meanwhile, Israeli leadership portrayed the ceasefire as a strategic win that curtailed Iranian aggression and safeguarded Israeli civilians. “We have sent a clear message: any threat to Israel will be met with decisive action,” said a senior Israeli defense offici...

Washington, D.C. — June 25, 2025 Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joined Senator Ron Wyden and members of the Catholic Sisters of the NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice on Capitol Hill today to voice strong opposition to the Republicans’ so-called “Big Ugly Bill.” The legislation, criticized by advocates as a sweeping assault on essential social programs, faces mounting pushback from faith leaders and progressive lawmakers alike. The Catholic Sisters, long known for their advocacy on behalf of the poor and marginalized, traveled to Washington to deliver a unified moral message: protecting human dignity must come before political expediency, Oriontimes reports. “It was an honor to join Senator Wyden in welcoming the Catholic Sisters of NETWORK Lobby to Capitol Hill as they spoke out against Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill,” said Speaker Emerita Pelosi. “Their moral clarity and compassion were a powerful reminder of our duty to defend our values and protect our most vulnerable.” The bill u...

The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying security measures around school environments in Osun State, with a renewed focus on integrating host communities and leveraging modern policing strategies. This assurance was made during a two-day Stakeholders’ Forum on School Security, held at the Local Government Service Commission, State Secretariat, Osogbo. Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, reiterated the administration’s unwavering dedication to creating a safe and secure learning environment for all students in the state. Highlighting the significance of collaborative efforts, Governor Adeleke called for strengthened synergy among educational authorities, community leaders, the police, and other security agencies to proactively prevent threats to schools. “Our state has maintained zero incidents of attacks on educational institutions—an achievement we must guard jealously,” he stated. “We are committed to sustaining this...

Osogbo, June 24, 2025  In a press conference held at 10:00 AM today, Hon. Awotunde Sharafadeen, Chairman of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs at the Osun State Ministry of Local Government, addressed the ongoing local government crisis in the state, issuing a stern warning to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Sharafadeen began by referencing the recent Court of Appeal ruling in Akure, which he said did not reinstate any former YES/NO chairmen, nor did it overturn previous decisions affirming the legitimacy of the current local government leadership. “The judgment was clear, it did not reinstate anyone. There is no legal basis for these impostors parading themselves as chairmen,” he said. He went on to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for upholding the rule of law and for his longstanding commitment to democratic principles in Nigeria.  “We thank our President, a true democrat who has refused to interfere with judic...

The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with the Trump administration in a significant deportation case, allowing federal authorities to deport migrants to third countries—even ones with which the migrants have no ties—while bypassing lower court rulings that sought to limit such actions. In a brief order, the Court stayed a federal judge’s decision that would have required the government to give migrants an opportunity to argue that they faced a risk of torture if deported to unfamiliar countries. The ruling effectively permits the administration, for now, to proceed with deporting certain individuals, including men currently detained at a U.S. military base in Djibouti, to nations such as South Sudan. The Supreme Court did not provide any explanation for its decision to pause the lower court's order. As is often the case in emergency rulings, the majority remained silent on its reasoning. However, the Court’s three liberal justices issued a detailed dissent, raising concerns about human...

UN Headquarters, New York – June 23, 2025 In a stark and emotional briefing before the UN Security Council, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous delivered a powerful appeal not to abandon Afghanistan’s women and girls, warning that their repression is deepening while the world’s attention drifts. “Afghan women have not given up. Nor can we. We must not look away,” Bahous said, urging immediate global action as she detailed a country where women’s rights have not only been rolled back but structurally erased. Nine months after her last briefing, Bahous painted a picture of accelerating deterioration: no restrictions have been reversed, and the repression of women has now solidified into law. “Repression has become more systematic and has calcified into structure and law,” she told the Council. A Humanitarian Crisis Overlooked The situation is unfolding amid broader global instability, including in Iran — home to over three million Afghan refugees. “The growing regional insecurity onl...

By Oracle of the grassroots  From the outset, Wole Oke has anchored his political journey on the principles of respect, discipline, and strategic thinking. He has consistently cautioned his supporters to avoid personal attacks, focusing instead on ideas, policies, and constructive engagement. In today’s often toxic political climate, Oke stands apart. He understands that leadership is not about shouting the loudest or pointing fingers, it’s about composure, clarity, and credibility. “If you're still blaming others, you're not ready to lead,” he often says. “Politics is a chessboard, not a playground for grievances.” Oke internalized this long before he earned public recognition. He built his base on trust, bringing people together across divides, ethnic, generational, ideological. Where others see opponents, he sees opportunity. Where others burn bridges, he builds them. His politics is not about vengeance or vanity; it’s about vision. And in that vision, mutual respect is not ...