Oriontimes

  By Abioye Tosin Lawrence Ekiti and Osun are neighbors, yet their political markets tell two very different tales. Like twin towns with the same surname but different destinies, one is alive with bargaining voices while the other looks like a bazaar after fire, its walls standing, its stalls intact, but its energy consumed by smoke and ash. In Ekiti, politics has rhythm. The market is awake, traders sharpening their tongues as much as their cutlasses. Governor Biodun Oyebanji, popularly called BAO, moves about like a returning buyer whose last trade left the sellers satisfied. His gestures are measured, his face familiar, and his presence carries the air of someone who knows both the price of yam and the cost of salt. The whispers in the crowd are clear: he is likely to return to the stall for another round of shopping. But Osun tells another story. If Ekiti’s politics blossoms, Osun’s appears to be in hibernation. The tempo is low, as if the drummer has misplaced his sticks. Her...

  The member representing Ijesa North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, has congratulated two distinguished Osun leaders, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye and Rt. Hon. Rafiu Adejare Bello, as they celebrate their birthdays. Hon. Oke, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, described both men as patriotic statesmen whose contributions to democracy and governance remain enduring. He lauded Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, immediate past Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, on the occasion of his 53rd birthday, noting his exemplary leadership, courage, and commitment to legislative excellence. Similarly, he celebrated Rt. Hon. Rafiu Adejare Bello, a former Speaker of the Osun Assembly and Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Mexico, on his 64th birthday. Oke commended Bello’s statesmanship and diplomatic service, which strengthened both Osun and Nigeria’s democratic image. “Both leaders embody sacrifice, humility, and a commitment to the peopl...

  Former U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed a surprising spiritual motivation behind his efforts to broker peace in Ukraine: he wants to improve his chances of getting into heaven. During a phone interview with Fox & Friends on August 19, Trump openly admitted he was concerned about his eternal prospects. “I want to try and get to heaven, if possible,” Trump said. “I’m hearing I’m not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole. But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons.” The former president went on to frame his push for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war not only as a political or diplomatic mission, but also as a moral and spiritual calling. He argued that saving lives, “thousands every week,” in his words, would count heavily in his favor before God. Trump has repeatedly vowed that, if re-elected, he could end the war “in 24 hours” by forcing Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into negotiations. Whil...

  In a country blessed with natural wealth, vibrant culture, and an energetic population, the Nigerian youth remains at the center of both promise and paradox. Despite their talents, resilience, and creativity, many young people continue to grapple with challenges that make stability and success difficult to attain. Amb. Frank Albert Jnr, through his ongoing work, Why Nigerian Youths Struggle for Balance, explores the deep-seated issues that define the reality of Nigerian youths today. From unemployment and drug abuse to political exclusion, poor education, insecurity, and societal pressures, the book seeks to uncover the root causes of imbalance while pointing to possible pathways for transformation. More than a social commentary, the book is a call to action,  urging policymakers, community leaders, and the youths themselves to rethink their role in building a Nigeria where young people can thrive without being weighed down by systemic failures. With rich analysis, thought-...

  On Thursday, His Excellency President Adama Barrow presided over the farewell ceremony for the Senegalese ECOMIG contingent at the State House. The President commended the battalion for successfully completing their two-year mission in The Gambia and expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS Heads of State for their support. He also acknowledged the leadership of the Senegalese President, His Excellency Basiru Diomaye Faye, and his ongoing efforts in strengthening brotherly Senegalo-Gambian relations. The Battalion Commander, Captain Amacodou Faye expressed gratitude to His Excellency President Barrow and his government for their hospitality and continuous support throughout the mission, acknowledging The Gambia as a welcoming home for the battalion. As their service is etched in the country’s history, President Barrow encouraged the team to carry forward their dedication upon their return and wished them success in their future endeavors. The departing officers received certificates fro...

 By Abioye Tosin Lawrence  Tinubu’s Gifts to Falcons and Tigress Raise Questions, While Illiterate Artists and Content Creators Reap Rewards We are gathered here, not to celebrate, but to reflect on a bitter truth. A system that buries heroes in shame, a word that's heavy, and capture exactly what is wrong with us as a people. Not long ago, President Tinubu rewarded the Super Falcons and the Tigress. A noble gesture, yes. But it forces us to ask: why were such huge gifts doled out? Let us remember some names. Christian Chukwu- the great “Chairman,” captain of the Super Eagles that won our first-ever Nations Cup in 1980. A man who carried the green-white-green with discipline and pride. Yet in his later years, he battled illness without the dignity he deserved. Yisa Sofoluwe- the dependable defender of the 1980s, a rock at the back. When death came for him, he faced it without help, with little attention from the same country he once defended. Ganiyu Akanni - another talent of ...

Reports reaching OrionTimes from Demsa, Adamawa State, indicate that Innocent Godiya, the administrator of the popular Facebook page Adamawa Gist, has been arrested under controversial circumstances. According to sources, the arrest did not follow due legal process and is being described by many as an abduction allegedly ordered by the Demsa Local Government Chairman. Report gathered indicted that Godiya was hurriedly taken before a court and subsequently remanded in prison without legal representation, raising questions about the integrity of the process. The development has sparked outrage among residents, activists, and members of the online community, who argue that this is not only an assault on one individual but a dangerous precedent that threatens justice, fairness, and press freedom in Adamawa State. Prominent media influencers and bloggers across the state have condemned the action, warning that silencing dissent through intimidation is a slippery slope towards authoritarian...

  Winners in the ongoing “Recharge and Win Bonanza” organised by Nigeria's leading fintech company, Palmpay in conjunction with technology company, Globacom, have expressed joy and happiness for winning prizes in the promo. The winners which came from different parts of the country commended the company for initiating the promo which targets Glo subscribers who recharge their lines from their Palmpay accounts. At the commencement of the promo, Palmpay and Globacom had disclosed that “Customers who make Glo transactions through the PalmPay app will stand a chance to win prizes such as the iPhone 15 Pro, Infinix Hot 40, and many other exciting items”. The winners later emerged from the draws for several gift items and prizes were presented in different locations. One of the winners is Osogbo, Osun State – based Basirat, Mayowa Opatunji, who won Infinix Hot 40 phone.  Basirat, a student at the Ekiti State University outreach at the Osun State College of Education, Ila Orangun stu...

  The Honourable member representing Ijesa North Federal Constituency, Rep. Oluwole Oke, has called for a united and bipartisan approach to voter registration in the constituency, stressing that collective mobilisation is essential to showcase the electoral strength of Ijesa North. Speaking on the ongoing voter registration exercise, Oke urged community stakeholders, including Traditional Rulers, Chiefs, Religious leaders, and Community Leaders, to actively engage citizens and ensure maximum participation in the process.f “We have the strength to garner over 100,000 votes,” the lawmaker said. “Voter mobilisation should be seen beyond party lines. At this stage, we must act as one constituency, not as political camps. Electioneering and campaigns are different phases; but now, unity is key to registering our people.” He maintained that demonstrating strong numbers at the voter registration stage would not only secure Ijesa North’s rightful place in the political landscape but also s...

  The lawmaker representing Ijesa North Federal Constituency, Hon. Oluwole Oke, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on the passing of his beloved mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda, who died at the age of 83. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Hon. Oke described the late Mama Lydia as a virtuous woman whose legacy of love, and discipline is evident in the lives of her children. He urged Prof. Yilwatda and the entire Yilwatda family to take solace in the impactful life Mama Lydia lived, noting that her memory will continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration.  “On behalf of the good people of Ijesa North Federal Constituency, I commiserate with our National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on the loss of his dear mother. Mama Lydia lived a fulfilled life and left behind enduring legacies of hard work, and compassion. May God grant her eternal rest and comfort the family she has left beh...