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Taliban supreme leader, Akhundzada makes first public appearance

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This undated file photo handout released by the Afghan Taliban undated handout photograph released by the Afghan Taliban on May 25, 2016 shows, according to the Afghan Taliban, the new Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada posing for a photograph at an undisclosed location. STR / Afghan Taliban / AFP

Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada addressed supporters in the southern city of Kandahar, officials announced Sunday, his first public appearance since taking control of the group in 2016.

Akhundzada has been the spiritual chief of the Islamist movement since 2016 but has remained a reclusive figure, even after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan.

His low profile has fed speculation about his role in the new Taliban government, formed after the group took control of Kabul in mid-August — and even rumours of his death.

On Saturday, he visited the Darul Uloom Hakimah madrassa to “speak to his brave soldiers and disciples”, according to the introduction to an audio recording circulated by Taliban social media accounts.

“May God reward the oppressed people of Afghanistan who fought the infidels and the oppressors for 20 years,” Akhundzada said, in the recording. “My intention here is to pray for you and you pray for me”.

In the 10-minute recording, he prays for the Taliban martyrs, wounded fighters and the success of officials involved in the “big test” of rebuilding what they call the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

“Let’s pray that we come out of this big test successfully. May Allah help us stay strong,” he said.

There was tight security at the event and no photographs or video have emerged.

Akhundzada is referred to as “Amirul Momineen”, commander of the faithful, the rank conferred on the late Taliban founder Mullah Omar by his supporters.

Akhundzada is thought to have been selected to serve more as a spiritual figurehead than a military commander, but his unusually public statements will fuel speculation that he now plans to take a more central role in leading the new government.

Unifying Figure

Akhundzada rose from low-profile religious figure to leader of the Taliban in a swift transition of power after a 2016 US drone strike killed his predecessor, Mullah Akhtar Mansour.

After being appointed leader, he secured the backing of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri, who showered the cleric with praise — calling him “the emir of the faithful”.

This endorsement by Osama bin Laden’s heir helped seal his jihadist credentials with the Taliban’s long-time allies.

Akhundzada was tasked with unifying a Taliban movement that briefly fractured during the bitter power struggle after Akhtar’s assassination, and the revelation that the leadership had hidden the death of their founder Mullah Omar for years.

His public profile has largely been limited to the release of messages during Islamic holidays, and Akhundzada is believed to spend most of his time in Kandahar, the main city in the Taliban’s southern Afghan heartland.

His last message was on September 7, when he told the newly appointed Taliban government in Kabul to uphold sharia law as they govern Afghanistan.

Last week, Mullah Yussef Wafa, the Taliban governor of Kandahar and a close ally of Akhundzada, told AFP he was in regular contact with his mysterious chief.

“We have regular meetings with him about the control of the situation in Afghanistan and how to make a good government,” he said in an interview.

“As he is our teacher, and everyone’s teacher, we are trying to learn something from him,” he added.

“He gives advice to every leader of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and we are following his rules, advice, and if we have a progressive government in the future it’s because of his advice.”

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‎LAF Foundation Founder, Adisa Marks Birthday with Food Outreach in Oyo

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‎Founder of the LAF Foundation, Dr. Olalekan Adisa, has  celebrated his birthday by distributing food items to residents across Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, reaffirming his commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society.

The outreach, which attracted beneficiaries from different communities within the council area, was organised to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship confronting many households. Residents, including the elderly, widows, and low-income earners, received bags of rice and other food items from the foundation.

‎According to Adisa, his birthday was an opportunity to appreciate God by extending love and kindness to people in need rather than holding elaborate celebrations.

He said: “Every birthday reminds me that life is meaningful only when it positively impacts others. Today is not just about celebrating another year; it is about sharing God’s blessings with those around us. If we all make helping others a habit, our communities will become stronger and more united.”

The scholar noted that the LAF Foundation would continue to champion humanitarian interventions aimed at improving the welfare of the less privileged through education support, health initiatives, youth empowerment and community development programmes.

‎In his words, “The economic realities demand that those who have the capacity should lend a helping hand. This gesture may seem small, but for many families, it will make a significant difference. Our commitment to humanity remains unwavering.”

‎Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the foundation for the timely intervention, describing the gesture as a source of relief. They commended Adisa for consistently identifying with ordinary people and prayed for greater strength and resources for him to sustain the initiative.

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‎Oseni hails Dotun Sanusi’s elevation as Gbonka Olubadan, says honour well deserved

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‎The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general election and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated foremost businessman and philanthropist, Chief Dotun Sanusi, on his elevation to the prestigious chieftaincy title of Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing the honour as a fitting reward for a life devoted to service, compassion and the development of humanity.

‎Oseni, in a statement issued on Friday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said the elevation was a well-deserved recognition of Chief Sanusi’s outstanding contributions to the socio-economic growth of Ibadanland and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of countless people through philanthropy, enterprise and community development.

‎The federal lawmaker noted that Chief Sanusi has, over the years, distinguished himself as an exceptional son of Ibadan whose investments, humanitarian interventions and unwavering support for the less privileged have continued to leave lasting footprints across Oyo State and beyond.

‎He said the latest elevation in the revered Olubadan traditional succession line was not merely a recognition of status, but a celebration of character, integrity and purposeful leadership, adding that Chief Sanusi has consistently demonstrated that genuine greatness is measured by the number of lives positively impacted.

‎According to the chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the respected industrialist has earned the admiration of many through his humility, generosity and unwavering commitment to the progress of his people, stressing that his contributions to education, healthcare, youth empowerment and economic development have continued to strengthen communities and inspire hope.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, I heartily congratulate my distinguished  brother and friend, Chief Dotun Sanusi, on his well-deserved elevation as the Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland. This honour is not only a recognition of your place in the revered Olubadan traditional institution, but also a celebration of your remarkable life of service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to humanity,” Oseni said.

‎He added: “You have consistently shown that true leadership is about touching lives, creating opportunities and giving hope to others. Your philanthropy has restored dignity to many families, empowered young people, supported education and strengthened communities. It is gratifying to see these noble contributions being recognised through this prestigious elevation. I am confident that you will continue to serve Ibadanland with the same humility, wisdom and sense of responsibility that have always defined your public life.”

‎Oseni also commended the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Olubadan-in-Council for preserving the time-honoured succession tradition, describing the institution as one of the enduring symbols of stability, unity and cultural heritage in Yorubaland.

‎He expressed confidence that Chief Sanusi’s elevation would further strengthen the traditional institution while inspiring a new generation of leaders to embrace selfless service, integrity and genuine commitment to community development.

The APC senatorial candidate prayed for God’s continued guidance, sound health and greater wisdom for the new Gbonka Olubadan as he ascends to higher responsibilities, expressing optimism that his new status would open another remarkable chapter of impactful service to Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

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Oriire Rescue: SWEGOP Seeks Stronger Security in Border Communities

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The South West Guild of Online Publishers has urged the Federal and Oyo State governments to strengthen security in border communities following the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The guild said the successful rescue of the victims, who regained their freedom on Friday after spending months in captivity, should mark a turning point in efforts to secure vulnerable communities and prevent similar attacks.

In a statement issued on Sunday and jointly signed by its Chairman, Bisi Oladele, and Public Relations Officer, Remi Oladoye, SWEGOP commended President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the security agencies for what it described as their commitment and coordinated efforts that led to the victims’ rescue.

The guild described the operation as proof that strong political will, intelligence-driven operations and effective collaboration among security agencies can deliver positive results in the fight against insecurity.

It also praised the gallantry, resilience and professionalism of the military and other security personnel involved in the operation, noting that their sacrifices had restored hope to the rescued victims, their families and residents of Oyo State.

While celebrating the successful rescue, SWEGOP sympathised with the families of security personnel and civilians who lost their lives during the ordeal, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased.

The publishers observed that recent abductions across parts of the country revealed a disturbing pattern of attacks on border communities, where inadequate security presence, poor road networks, weak telecommunications infrastructure and easy escape routes into neighbouring countries have continued to expose residents to criminal activities.

It, therefore, called on governments at all levels to sustain the level of cooperation demonstrated during the rescue operation by strengthening collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other critical stakeholders to improve the safety of residents.

The guild further urged both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to deepen investments in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, rapid response mechanisms and community policing to guarantee the safety of schools and ensure that children can learn without fear.

SWEGOP reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting peace, public safety and the protection of lives and property across the South-West and the country.

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