Oriontimes

 A Ghanaian man popularly referred to as “ Ebo Noah ,” who captured global attention after videos of him constructing a massive ark went viral earlier this year, has offered explanations after his much-publicised doomsday prophecy failed to materialise. Ebo rose to international prominence in August after claiming he received a divine revelation warning of a catastrophic rainfall that would begin on December 25 and last for three years, ultimately leading to the destruction of the world. The prophecy, he said, compelled him to embark on the construction of what he called the Ebo Noah Ark . According to Ebo, the ark project was carried out under direct divine instruction, with repeated calls for repentance and spiritual readiness directed at the public. His claims sparked widespread debate across social media platforms, drawing reactions ranging from curiosity and support to scepticism and outright criticism. However, as December 25 came and went without the predicted rainfall,...

  The Chairman of the Osun Amotekun Corps Board , Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Wale Abbas (Rtd), has extended warm felicitations to Christians across Osun State on the occasion of the 2025 Christmas celebration . In his goodwill message, AIG Abbas described Christmas as a season that embodies love, sacrifice, peace, and unity, urging Christians to reflect on these enduring values as they mark the birth of Jesus Christ. He noted that the lessons of Christmas are essential to fostering harmony and peaceful coexistence in society. The Amotekun Board Chairman encouraged Christians to celebrate the festive season with moderation, responsibility, and respect for the law, emphasizing that safety and security remain a collective responsibility of all residents. AIG Abbas also called on Christians to remember law enforcement officers and security personnel in their prayers, acknowledging their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, especiall...

  By Abioye Tosin Lawrence | Community & Development Correspondent In a deliberate move to ease the burden of the season on vulnerable households, the Youth Reformers Initiative , in collaboration with Aminat Ajibola’s Relief Foundation , has rolled out a Christmas Food Bank outreach across strategic communities in Osun State , bringing hope directly to the doorsteps of those who need it most. The outreach covered key locations including Ojo , Alasan and Ara towns in Egbedore Local Government Area , as well as Igbon Town and the Sangan Area in Ejigbo , reflecting a carefully planned grassroots approach rather than a symbolic city-centred gesture. On the eve of Christmas , beneficiaries received cartons thoughtfully packed with essential food items aimed at sustaining families through the festive period and beyond. Each carton contained rice, beans, cassava flakes (garri), noodles, palm oil, groundnut oil, tomato paste, and chicken-flavoured seasonings , a practical mix de...

  Brigadier General Biodun Bashir Adewinmbi on Monday inaugurated the Adewinmbi–AMBO Solidarity Cooperative Loan Scheme , an empowerment initiative aimed at supporting women, youths, traders and small business owners across Osun West Senatorial District . The inauguration, held at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat, Oke Gada, Ede , also served as a platform to mobilise support for Adewinmbi’s Osun West senatorial ambition and the governorship campaign of Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji . Addressing party faithful, traditional and community leaders, and political stakeholders from Ede North and other parts of Osun West, Adewinmbi described the scheme as a strategic intervention to promote economic inclusion and grassroots development. He said the cooperative loan programme was designed to provide affordable financing for market women, artisans, traders and enterprising youths, noting that access to capital remains a major challenge for small-scale businesses in the district. “...

  By Oriontimes Sports Desk | December 24, 2025 In a pulsating Carabao Cup quarter-final clash at Emirates Stadium , Arsenal delivered an electrifying performance that left Crystal Palace reeling. The Eagles , famed for their soaring attacks, found themselves grounded as Arsenal’s relentless pressure and late-game heroics proved too much to handle. After a dramatic 1–1 draw in regular time, the match was decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout , where Arsenal edged through 8–7, sending the home crowd into jubilation and leaving the Palace contingent stunned. The “ Palace bird ,” so often a symbol of resilience, couldn’t withstand the voltage of Arsenal’s thunderous display. Arsenal now march confidently into the semifinals, while Crystal Palace must regroup and recover from a shocking encounter at the Emirates .

  By Abioye Tosin Lawrence Governors across Nigeria often parade flyovers, roundabouts, and new government complexes as the hallmark of their administration’s success. Yet, no matter how many roads are paved or schools renovated, there exists a select league of state offices whose performance or lack thereof can make a governor a celebrated hero or a cautionary tale. These are the sensitive offices where humanity, service, and diligence intersect, and where failure resonates directly with the people. When these offices falter, public trust evaporates faster than the State Information Ministry ’s press releases after a scandal. * Ministry of Health Hospitals, emergency services , and disease control form the frontline of governance. A collapsed healthcare system can turn public sympathy into outrage overnight. If people die waiting for treatment or drugs are scarce, the governor hears about it loudly, repeatedly, and on social media. * Ministry of Education Parents and students c...

  By Oriontimes Foreign Desk Belgium has announced its decision to join South Africa ’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), further intensifying international legal scrutiny over Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The Belgian government confirmed that it will formally intervene in the case, aligning itself with South Africa’s application filed under the 1948 Genocide Convention . South Africa accuses Israel of committing acts of genocide against Palestinians during its ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip—allegations Israel has strongly denied. Belgium’s move follows similar actions by several countries that have either expressed support for South Africa’s case or initiated legal steps to intervene at the ICJ. As a signatory to the Genocide Convention, Belgium stated that it has a legal obligation to help uphold international humanitarian law and prevent acts that could amount to genocide. Legal experts say Belgium’s intervention cou...