Oriontimes

  By Abioye Tosin Lawrence There is a phrase that has quietly become a national reflex: “Nigeria has happened to me.” It slips easily into conversations after a failed system, an avoidable tragedy, or yet another moment of disappointment. What began as an expression of frustration has now evolved into something deeper: a shared belief that the country is something that acts upon its people, often negatively. But nations are not abstract forces. They do not “happen” on their own. What we call Nigeria is a complex reflection of leadership, institutions, and most importantly, its people. Yet, by constantly framing the country as an uncontrollable force, we subtly remove responsibility from both the system and ourselves. We now operate in an environment where insecurity feels unpredictable, where people move with caution as though danger is an ever-present shadow. In such a climate, trust erodes, and survival instincts take over a dangerous mindset forms: everyone for themselves. And w...

  In an open letter, the Atlético Madrid manager distanced the issue from any single country, stressing that it reflects a deeper, global concern. He described racism as a “worldwide social problem” following recent incidents of racist chants in football, urging a broader societal response beyond the sport.“Racism is a social and worldwide problem, it’s not from Spain, nor Argentina, nor Brazil, nor anywhere… it’s a social problem,” Simeone said. He also pointed to what he described as a long-term decline in societal values, linking the persistence of racism to a loss of respect across key institutions. “We lost respect several years ago, the respect we had for our parents, for teachers at school, for the police, for the coach… that all has got lost,” he added. Simeone called for collective responsibility in addressing the issue, emphasizing awareness and moral reorientation as essential steps toward change. “We all have to work on it, with the awareness and the realization that wi...

  GUSAU — April 3, 2026 Gunmen have reportedly attacked the convoy of Mouktar Lugga, Chief of Staff to the Zamfara State Governor, along the Funtua–Gusau highway. According to Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred on Thursday evening around 6:16 pm near Kucheri village, as the governor’s aide was returning to Gusau from an official engagement. Details surrounding the attack remain sketchy at the time of filing this report, with no official confirmation yet from the Zamfara State Government or security authorities. It is also unclear whether there were casualties or injuries resulting from the incident. Zamfara State has continued to grapple with security challenges, particularly along major highways where armed groups have carried out attacks in recent times. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to families affected by the recent deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba, located in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, assuring them that such a tragic incident will not occur again. The attack, reportedly carried out by suspected bandits on Sunday evening, targeted a popular bar in the community, leaving several people dead and many others injured. The incident has once again raised concerns over security challenges in parts of the country. Speaking during his visit to Jos on Thursday, President Tinubu sympathized deeply with grieving families, acknowledging the magnitude of their loss. “There is nothing I can give you, whether money in billions, but console you and promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” the president stated. He emphasized that no form of compensation can truly replace the lives lost, but reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and preventing a...

  Osogbo – April 2, 2026  Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has congratulated the newly inaugurated leadership of the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA), led by its Chairman, Mr. Lawrence Abioye. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the Governor charged the new executives to uphold professionalism, fairness, and ethical standards in the discharge of their duties, particularly as the state prepares for the forthcoming governorship election. Governor Adeleke emphasized the critical role of online publishers in shaping public discourse, urging the association to collaborate with the government in combating the spread of fake news. “I wish to congratulate the new leadership of the Osun Online Publishers Association led by its Chairman, Mr. Lawrence Abioye,” the statement read. “I urge the new executive of OOPA to ensure that members of the association remain professional and fair, especially as the Osun governorship election approaches. “Please w...

 Ile-Ife, Osun State — April 2, 2026 The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on Thursday witnessed a landmark moment in Nigeria’s academic and engineering landscape with the inauguration of the ₦150 million MicCom Memorial Endowment Fund for Engineering Development. The endowment, established by the Ponnle family, honours the enduring legacy of late engineering icons, Michael Ayantunde Ponnle and Comfort Olufunke Ponnle, whose contributions to indigenous manufacturing and engineering development in Nigeria remain widely celebrated. Held at the university’s Oduduwa Hall, the event drew dignitaries from government, academia, and industry, underscoring the significance of the initiative in shaping the future of engineering education in the country. Speaking at the inauguration, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, described the endowment as a strategic investment rather than a symbolic gesture, noting that the lives of the late Ponnles continue to inspire long after their pass...

Governor Ademola Adeleke has summoned the management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) over the persistent blackout affecting Osogbo and other major towns across Osun State, describing the situation as “unbearable for residents.” In a statement issued on Thursday, the governor expressed deep concern over worsening power supply, noting that field reports indicate severe disruptions to businesses and daily life. “I have received widespread complaints from all our major towns. Businesses are grinding to a halt. We cannot continue like this,” Adeleke said, adding that the IBEDC management has been invited for urgent consultations aimed at finding immediate and sustainable solutions. The governor acknowledged the capital-intensive nature of the power sector and its nationwide challenges but stressed that Osun State must not continue to bear the brunt. “As much as we recognise that this is a national issue, Osun is suffering greatly. We must work collaboratively with IBEDC t...