Oriontimes

    The stakeholders of Osogboland, under the revered leadership of His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Abidemi Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II, the Ataoja of Osogbo, have expressed profound appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR for the approval of the reconstruction of two critical road projects leading to Osogbo, namely the Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road and the Osogbo–Akoda–Gbongan Road. This was contained in an appreciation statement signed by the Asiwaju of Osogboland, Hon. Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe (Rtd), and made available to journalists in Osogbo on Thursday 7th May 2026. The stakeholders described the strategic road projects as immensely important to the economic growth and infrastructural development of Osogbo and its surrounding communities, noting that their reconstruction will significantly improve connectivity, ease transportation challenges, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. The people of Os...

  A dramatic political scene unfolded in Abuja as large groups of supporters reportedly gathered at the residence of former President Goodluck Jonathan, calling on him to return to active politics and contest the 2027 presidential election. The crowd, made up of various political interest groups and supporters, chanted slogans and displayed placards urging Jonathan to “come back and rescue Nigeria,” insisting that his leadership style remains a reference point in the country’s democratic journey. Eyewitness accounts described a charged atmosphere outside the former president’s residence, with security operatives maintaining order as the gathering swelled in size. The supporters expressed confidence that Jonathan remains one of the most unifying figures capable of stabilizing Nigeria’s political and economic landscape if he chooses to re-enter the race. Some of the demonstrators claimed their appeal was driven by growing public dissatisfaction with current socio-economic conditions,...

  The Israeli military has opened an investigation following a viral image circulating on social media that appears to show an Israeli soldier desecrating a statue of the Virgin Mary in the southern Lebanese town of Debel. The photograph, which has sparked widespread outrage online, allegedly shows the soldier engaging in conduct viewed by many as disrespectful to a revered Christian symbol. The incident has reignited tensions over reports of damage to religious icons in areas affected by ongoing military operations in southern Lebanon. This development comes amid growing scrutiny of earlier incidents in the same town, where Israeli soldiers were previously photographed damaging a crucifix. That earlier case prompted internal disciplinary action after the Israeli military confirmed the authenticity of the images and announced sanctions against the personnel involved. In response to the latest controversy, the Israeli military stated that it is treating the matter with “utmost serio...

  As outrage continues to swell across the football world, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has mounted a strong defense of the staggering ticket prices attached to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the soaring costs are a reflection of “market reality” rather than greed. Speaking during a global investment forum in California, Infantino argued that FIFA cannot ignore the commercial realities of hosting the biggest sporting event on earth in the United States, where entertainment and sports industries thrive on aggressive pricing systems. According to him, lowering official prices would only empower ticket scalpers to dominate the market and exploit desperate fans even further. Yet, for millions of ordinary football supporters around the world, the explanation has done little to calm growing frustration. The beautiful game, once celebrated as the people’s sport, now risks appearing increasingly fenced behind economic walls. Critics argue that the World Cup is drifting away fro...

  In a season that began with raised eyebrows and quiet skepticism, Arsenal have authored a statement that now echoes across Europe: this is no longer a team in transition, this is a team of arrival. For years, the conversation around Arsenal has been laced with doubt. Too young. Too soft. Not built for the brutality of elite European nights. And yet, as the dust settles on a historic UEFA Champions League campaign that carried them all the way to a final clash against Barcelona, those old narratives now sound hollow, outdated relics of a past Arsenal side that no longer exists. This was not luck. This was construction. From the group stages to the knockout rounds, Arsenal played with a clarity of purpose that blended tactical discipline with expressive attacking football. They did not merely survive Europe, they imposed themselves on it. Against seasoned continental sides, they showed maturity beyond their years, managing games with intelligence while striking with precision when ...

Outspoken Nigerian politician Dino Melaye has launched a scathing critique of former presidential candidate Peter Obi, questioning his resilience and capacity to lead Nigeria amid political turbulence. In a strongly worded statement, Melaye argued that Obi has consistently sidestepped the rigors of internal party struggles, raising doubts about his preparedness for the complexities of governing a nation as demanding as Nigeria. According to Melaye, “If he cannot face party tribulations and crisis, how does he intend to handle Nigeria? Nigeria’s challenges are far greater than internal party issues.” He went further, deploying a metaphor to underscore his point, suggesting that Obi “can only operate in an air-conditioned kitchen,” adding that “hot kitchens are not for him.” Melaye’s remarks also revisited Obi’s political trajectory, alleging that the former Anambra State governor has largely benefited from what he described as “free tickets” rather than emerging through competitive prim...

 Oriontimes News Desk| May 06, 2026 NJFP, the initiative of the federal Government funded by the European Union and Implemented by UNDP in Nigeria. In line with the youth-focused development agenda of the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State Ministry of Youth Affairs has partnered with the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) to broaden employment opportunities for young people across the state. Through the proactive leadership of the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Hon. Olagunju Moshood Olalekan, youths in Osun are being encouraged to take advantage of this transformative initiative designed to enhance employability and foster sustainable career growth. The programme, supported by the Federal Government in collaboration with development partners, provides Nigerian graduates with practical workplace experience through a fully paid one-year fellowship placement in reputable organisations across key sectors. *Eligibility Requirements* To qualify f...