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Thousands participate in Walk for Osun

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Thousands of Osun devotees, indigenes, groups, associations and ethnic nationalities at the weekend trooped out in their large numbers to participate in the Walk for Osun, a carnival procession of stakeholders in Osogbo to herald the 2019 Osun Osogbo festival. 

Leading the walk from Better life –  Ahmadiya – Oja Oba junction –  Obate – Sabo junction – Balogun Agoro – Isale Aro – Jolayemi – Isale Osun to the Ataoja palace, the Governor of Osun State, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola said that the state government would provide adequate security during the celebration of the festival, assuring that the government will continue to continue to support and enhance the quality of Osun Osogbo and bring in more people to participate.

Mr. Oyetola disclosed that record shown that the festival attracts different people from near, far and wide and in the diaspora, noting that the government has brought new tourist product, Karaole Odua which will be used to bring Yorubas in the diaspora to Yorubaland so that they will come home to know their source.

The governor, who was represented by the Supervisor in charge of the Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism Ministry, Dr Obawale Adebisi, said, “our effort is to plan strategically to bring them (Yorubas) home on annual basis between 10-21th of August during the celebration of Osun Osogbo Festival. It will enhance the quality of Osun Osogbo and bring in more people to partake. “

The governor reiterated that he would drive the state economy with tourism and his administration would continue to take active part in the annual Osun Osogbo festival and other festivals, stating, “what we are doing today is to ensure that we give necessary support to the community and we also get maximum support in return for government programmes and policies.

“The festival every year brings millions of Naira to Nigeria. Though not directly to the purse of the state government but we are planning on capturing more data and register participants so that it can bring in revenue to the purse of the state government,” Governor Oyetola said.

In his address while receiving the participants of the walk at the palace, the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, said that the insinuation that Osun deity had been sold was fallacy, explaining that the Walk for Osun was to create awareness for the people that the Osun Osogbo festival 2019 was around the corner.

According to Oba Oyetunji, “usually, the celebration of Osun Osogbo festival commences by cleaning of the town calledIwopopo whereby citizens of Osogbo and tourists gather to do the task. But this one is a special occasion, special in the sense that it is awareness to the public that the alleged stolen spirit of Osun is fallacy. Osun deity remains there and we started this year’s own with Walk For Osun, where everyone regardless of the ethnic group came to me and we moved round Osogbo to tell people that Osun remains where she is.

“Osun Osogbo is a very significant festival. There is the involvement of UNESCO, which has made the site a World Heritage one. This places Osun Osogbo on the world map as a tourism destination and the federal, state and local government have shown enthusiasm in promoting Osun Festival. The state government is nearer to me and the celebration of the festival is not done only done by the Ataoja, its custodian, and its people but in collaboration with the Osun State Government and they have been upright,” he added.

Speaking, the Managing Consultant of the firm managing and marketing the festival, Mr. Toye Arulogun commended the Federal and the State governments for their relentless efforts of improving on the security situation in the country, pointing out that the insecurity was not terribly bad as being painted.

Arulogun said that the Walk for Osun was an element of contemporary that was introduced the celebration of the festival in 2019, explaining, “today, thousands of people walked with us to herald the celebration of 2019 Osun Osogbo festival. The walk signifies peace and unity between different ethnic groups. What we are bringing in is an element of contemporary, as we cannot do anything about the tradition.

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Oseni mourns ex-Oyo lawmaker Akeem ‘Able’, says Oyo APC has lost loyal progressive

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The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has mourned the death of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo, popularly known as Able, describing his demise as a painful loss to the progressive family.

Oladipupo, who represented Ibadan North-West Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, was widely regarded as a grassroots politician and committed party loyalist until his passing.

Oseni, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency and the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, said the late politician’s death had created a vacuum within the party and among those who benefitted from his unwavering commitment to public service.

In a condolence statement issued on Monday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the federal lawmaker described the late Oladipupo as a dependable progressive, humble political actor and loyal party stalwart whose impact would remain indelible.

He said the deceased dedicated his life to serving humanity, strengthening the progressive movement and supporting the aspirations of many at the grassroots.

Oseni said, “The death of Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo (Able) came to me as a rude shock. Oyo State and the progressive family have indeed lost a committed, loyal and selfless leader whose passion for service, humility and dedication to the people stood him out.

“He was not just a politician but a bridge-builder, a dependable ally and a grassroots mobiliser who believed strongly in the ideals of our great party. His contributions to the growth of the APC in Oyo State and his service to humanity will remain unforgettable.”

The APC senatorial candidate noted that the late former lawmaker remained steadfast in promoting peace, unity and political development, adding that his simplicity and accessibility endeared him to many across political divides.

According to Oseni, the late politician’s legacy of service and sacrifice would continue to inspire younger politicians and party faithful.

He, however, urged members of the APC, associates and family members of the deceased to take solace in the remarkable life he lived and the positive impact he made during his lifetime.

Oseni also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the painful loss.

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National Issues

Tinubu vows intelligence-led rescue of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers

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President Bola Tinubu on Monday assured residents of Oyo State that ongoing efforts to rescue abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area would be intelligence-driven, coordinated and sustained.

The President said the Federal Government would deploy every lawful means, including kinetic and non-kinetic measures, to ensure the safe return of the victims abducted during the May 15, 2026 attack in Esiele and Yawota communities.

“Our rescue efforts will be intelligence-led, careful, coordinated, and sustained. We will deploy every lawful tool available, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to ensure our children and teachers are safely returned home,” Tinubu stated in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday.

The President also expressed sorrow over the killing of a school teacher during the abduction and extended condolences to his wife, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and the bereaved family.

“I also extend my deepest condolences to Mrs Mary Oyedokun, the wife of the late school teacher and her family. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his family will not be abandoned,” he said.

Tinubu stressed that children should never be exposed to the trauma of abduction, noting that no parent should endure the pain associated with such incidents.

“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” the President added.

He assured affected communities that efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers would remain sustained and intelligence-driven.

The statement comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in schools and rural communities following the abduction, which prompted the Federal Government to dispatch a high-powered delegation to the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

The delegation included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alongside other senior government and security officials.

Tinubu further disclosed that he had approved additional security measures, including the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts towards the safe return of the victims.

“I have also directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers,” he stated.

The President also revealed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, was mobilising 1,000 forest guards to improve surveillance in forest corridors frequently exploited by criminal elements.

According to him, the initiative would be complemented by broader operational measures aimed at strengthening rescue operations and preventing future attacks.

Tinubu added that a request for the establishment of a military base in the affected area was receiving urgent consideration as part of efforts to bolster security.

Authorities have continued rescue operations amid rising concerns over the safety of schools and rural settlements, insisting that efforts remain focused on securing the release of the abducted victims and preventing a recurrence.

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Metro

FUTO Student Killed Over Alleged N13,500 Theft, Three Undergraduates Arrested

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The Imo State Police Command has arrested three students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), over the alleged killing of a 21-year-old undergraduate, Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus, following accusations that he stole N13,500.

The victim, a 100-level Cyber Security student and member of the university’s Man O’ War organisation, reportedly died after he was allegedly assaulted by fellow members of the group.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement, saying preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was allegedly restrained and severely assaulted, resulting in fatal injuries.

According to the police, the suspects are Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21; Kelechi Gospel Ikenna, 24; and Obioma Anastasia, 21, all 500-level students of the institution.

Okoye said the victim was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, after the incident but was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

He said, “Preliminary investigation reveals that the deceased, a 100-level student of Cyber Security and a member of the Man O’ War organisation in FUTO, was allegedly subjected to severe assault by some members of the organisation following an accusation of theft involving the sum of N13,500.

“Initial findings indicate that the deceased was allegedly restrained and assaulted, resulting in critical injuries.

He was subsequently rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.”

The police spokesman disclosed that the arrests were made on the directive of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Garba Bosso, shortly after the incident was reported.

He added that relevant evidence had been recovered, while the victim’s remains had been deposited in a morgue pending autopsy.

Okoye further stated that the commissioner had ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri for a comprehensive investigation.

Bosso, according to the statement, directed investigators to identify and question all persons linked to the incident, warning that anyone found culpable would face prosecution.

The police commissioner assured the deceased’s family, the university community and residents of a thorough and professional investigation, insisting that no suspect would be shielded regardless of status.

He urged residents to remain calm while investigations continue, reiterating the command’s commitment to ensuring justice for the deceased.

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