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BATOGD Movement Storms Ijebu-East, Empowers Thousands of Supporters

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BATOGD Movement Storms Ijebu-East, Empowers Thousands of Supporters

The BATOGD Movement, a political initiative led by the Senator representing Ogun-East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has once again visited Ijebu-East Local Government Area, where it empowered thousands of loyalists and emphasized the need to strengthen the movement at the grassroots level.

Addressing supporters during the event, Senator Daniel described the ongoing MIDCAR Tour as more than a political rally. According to him, it serves as a listening and feedback session to engage constituents, assess collective progress, and highlight ongoing efforts and federal policies designed to bring tangible benefits to communities across the senatorial district.

He noted that several empowerment programmes had already been implemented across Ogun East, including interest-free microcredit schemes, skills acquisition training, and the distribution of start-up kits and capital to support small-scale businesses.

Adding that the team has facilitated the installation of a solar-powered borehole in Igbaga, Ijebu-Imushin, to provide safe and sustainable water for the community. Asserting that over 4,000 people across the senatorial district, including from Ijebu-East have also benefited from its eye-care services which include surgeries, free eyeglasses, and other medical interventions.

Daniel stressed further that the BATOGD Movement Community Assessment and Review Tour was designed to ensure that citizens clearly understand how government activities directly impact their lives.

“The presence of the BATOGD Movement at the grassroots level sets the stage for the re-election of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections; while the essence of these empowerment initiatives is to give back to deserving people across all wards”.

Speaking on the development prospects of Ijebu-East, the former governor reaffirmed his commitment to unlocking the region’s potential, noting its abundance of natural resources.

“I share in the pains of our people here in Ijebu-East over the state of underdevelopment, this area should be thriving in wealth and prosperity, given the immense natural resources God has blessed it with, resources capable of sustaining an entire nation.

During my time as Governor of Ogun State, we discovered that Ogun-East has the largest deposit of bitumen in Nigeria. Our vision then was to create a new city dedicated to bitumen mining and exploration, with the goal of boosting economic growth and improving livelihoods in the region.”

Senator Daniel reiterated his administration’s commitment to making the Ijebu-East Bitumen Exploration and Processing Project a symbol of Nigeria’s industrial renaissance.

“Our goal is to transform Ijebu-East into a beacon of development where natural wealth translates directly into opportunities for our youth, infrastructure for our communities, and prosperity for our people,” he concluded.

In his remarks, the Oloko of Ijebu-Imushin, Oba Stephen A. Onafowokan commended Senator Daniel for his unwavering support and numerous contributions to grassroots development, both during his tenure as Governor and now as a Senator.

The royal father also acknowledged Daniel’s consistent advocacy for the creation of Ijebu State, describing his role as “top-notch,” while offering prayers for his continued success.

The event was graced by several royal fathers, including the Olowu of Owu Ijebu Oba Adeshina, Oba Kasali, the Moyegeso of Itele-Ijebu, the Ogirimadagbo of Ilodo Oba Ajede; and the Elesugbon of Esugbon Ijebu, Oba Titi Hassan, alongside numerous party leaders and followers.

– Oluseun ODUNEYE

Ola Oresanya, Antar Laniyan, Ogun NUJ Secretary Shine at Southwest Legendary Awards

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Ola Oresanya, Antar Laniyan, Ogun NUJ Secretary Shine at Southwest Legendary Awards

It was an evening of colour, culture, and celebration as notable personalities from across the Southwest gathered for the prestigious Southwest Recognition and Excellence Awards, a night that blended glamour with greatness.

The event, which brought together distinguished figures from media, entertainment, governance, and traditional institutions, celebrated individuals who have made remarkable impacts in their various fields.

The atmosphere was electric as environmental icon Dr Ola Oresanya and celebrated Nollywood Legend Antar Laniyan, were represented at the occasion with, drawing cheers from the appreciative audience.

In his welcome address, the convener of the event, Comrade Gbadebo, expressed deep gratitude to all attendees and partners who contributed to the success of the programme.

He emphasized that the event was designed not only to recognize excellence but also to inspire a renewed spirit of dedication and service across the Southwest.

“We are here to celebrate commitment, passion, and excellence,” Gbadebo said.

“These awardees represent the true spirit of the Southwest—resilient, creative, and visionary.

Tonight, we honour them not just for what they have done, but for the future they continue to shape.”

The evening reached its peak with the presentation of awards to outstanding individuals who have distinguished themselves in their professions and communities.

Among those honored were Otunba Akindele, for his philanthropic endeavours; Yeye Oba Bolaji Akinmulero, for her leadership and community service; and the Ogun NUJ Secretary, Bunmi Adigun , for excellence in journalism and advocacy.

Their awards were received with heartfelt applause and standing ovations from guests who admired their dedication and achievements.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Yeye Oba Bolaji Akinmulero expressed gratitude to the organisers for recognising their collective efforts.

“We are honoured to be celebrated among our people,” she said. “This recognition is not just a reward for what we have done, but a reminder to continue being ambassadors of excellence and positive change. We thank the convener and his team for creating this noble platform that encourages us all to do more.”

The event was chaired by Hon Mobolaji Ogunlende the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, who commended the organisers for sustaining a culture of recognition that uplifts individuals and strengthens regional unity.

In his goodwill message, he noted that honouring achievers across diverse sectors was a vital way to inspire young people to pursue greatness with integrity and purpose.

He urged the awardees to continue mentoring the younger generation, adding that such gatherings were essential for nurturing the next wave of leaders.

As the curtains drew on the night of elegance and celebration, the organisers promised an even more memorable experience in the next edition. Convener Gbadebo assured guests that plans were already underway to expand the scope of the awards to include more categories and collaborations across the Southwest states. “Next year will be bigger, better, and more inspiring,” he said with confidence. “We will continue to celebrate those who make us proud and push the boundaries of excellence.” With that promise, the 2025 Southwest Recognition and Excellence Awards came to a close—leaving behind memories of glamour, unity, and a renewed commitment to greatness.

Mama Rainbow Marks 60 Years in the Entertainment Industry

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Mama Rainbow Marks 60 Years in the Entertainment Industry

Veteran Nollywood actress, Idowu Phillips, popularly known as Mama Rainbow, is celebrating 60 years on stage.

In an Instagram post, the 83-year-old actress shared stunning photos from her latest photoshoot, expressing gratitude for the grace, passion, and dedication that have defined her long and successful career.

Mama Rainbow also appreciated her creative team, including her director, dress designer, makeup artist, and hairstylist, for helping her bring her vision to life.

She wrote, “60 Years on Stage | 83rd Pictures. What a journey it has been — 60 years of grace, passion, and dedication on stage, captured beautifully in my 83rd pictures. None of this would have been possible without an amazing team that brought this vision to life.”

As she marks the milestone, fans, colleagues, and admirers have joined in celebrating her remarkable contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Gov Makinde Urges Umahi to Disclose Cost of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Assessment

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Gov Makinde Urges Umahi to Disclose Cost of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Assessment

By ‘Yanju Uwala

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reacted to the heated exchange that unfolded live on television between Minister of Works, David Umahi and Arise TV presenter Rufai Oseni on Tuesday.

The governor, also weighed in on the cost of the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project that was approved by President Bola Tinubu.

Makinde, who spoke at an event in a viral video on Friday, said there was no need for the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to be “dancing around the cost” of the project.

Oseni had requested the minister to analyse the cost of the project, kilometre by kilometre.

The request didn’t sit well with Umahi, who declared himself “professor” of practice in engineering while elaborating that the costs of the road in kilometres are not the same and would be too complicated for the journalist to understand.

He said, “These are elementary questions. And it makes no sense (sic). A process is ongoing, payment has been made, and you are saying, ‘how has this money been utilised?. The money is meant for the project, and it will be paid according to the work done.

“When a certificate is generated, and it is approved through a process in the Ministry of Works, it will then be given to the funders, who will, in turn, check if the works were done. How can you be asking for cost of kilometre? The prices are different. The next kilometre is different from the next kilometre.

“Keep quiet and stop saying what you don’t know. I’m a professor in this field. You don’t understand anything. I understand engineering very well. You have no knowledge of what you ask. You have no knowledge of what you’re asking.”

Oseni, who also refused to back down, responded, “Minister, it’s alright, keep dignifying yourself, and let the world know who you truly are.”

However, justifying the journalist’s question to the minister, Makinde said, “They asked a minister how much is the coastal road is, and then you (Umahi) are dancing around and going to say that no, the next kilometre is different from the next kilometres. Then what is the average cost?

“When we did the Oyo to Iseyin road then, it was about N9.99 billion, almost N10 billion. About 34 or 35 kilometres, average cost is about N238 million per kilometre.

“But when we did Iseyin to Ogbomoso, that was 76 kilometres, it was about N43 billion, average cost is about N500 million per kilometre. And we had two bridges, one over the Ogun river and then one at Ogbomoso end.”

In a report gathered by National Reports last year, the Federal Government announced the commencement of construction work on the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which spans nine states and includes two spurs leading to the northern states.

Umahi made the announcement during the official handover of the first phase of the project, made up of 47.47 kilometers of dual carriageway, to Hitech Construction Company Limited, and which is to be constructed in concrete pavement.

This was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser (Media), Uchenna Orji.

According to him, the Minister who was in company with the Federal Ministry of Works’ Controller in charge of Lagos State, Mrs O. I. Kesha, emphasised the need for all contractors handling Federal Government’s road projects to deliver within a record time, noting that the government would not allow variation arising from delays or slow pace of work once mobilisation had been done.

Super Eagles Players Pledge to Secure World Cup Qualification

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Super Eagles Players Pledge to Secure World Cup Qualification

As  the Super Eagles prepare to take on  the Crocodiles of  Lesotho in  tomorrow’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, key members of the squad have expressed determination to secure victory and get their campaign back on track.

The quartet of captain Wilfred Troost-Ekong , Wilfred Ndidi. Terem Moffi and Calvin Bassey, told NFFTv that   the Super  Eagles will  ride their  luck and grind the much-needed  wins  in their two  remaining matches to boost their chances nicking  the Mundial ticket at all cost.

Midfielder Ndidi stressed the importance of the fixture, noting that the team is fully aware of the stakes.

“We know where we are at the moment. These two games are very crucial. We shall first focus on Lesotho before the one with Benin Republic,” the Besiktas’ man said.

Defender Bassey  who scored a vital equaliser for the Super Eagles in the 1-1 away draw to Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Match day 8,  emphasized the need for composure and unity as the team looks to bounce back from recent setbacks.

 “We have to remain calm and do what we know how to do best. This is not the first time we shall be in this tough moment,” the hard-working Fulham defender noted confidently.

Speaking in the same vein, OGC Nice  crafty striker Moffi echoed similar optimism, assuring that the players remain focused on their responsibilities on the pitch.

“We are confident about qualifying for the World Cup. We have to do our part. We shall do our part and hopefully results from other games are in our favour,” he stated.

Concluding, William Troost-Ekong reaffirmed the squad’s fighting spirit, insisting that the Super Eagles are ready to give their all for qualification.

We are going to fight until we achieve our aim,” the experienced defender declared.

Currently in Polokwane, South Africa, where they will face Lesotho tomorrow,  the Super Eagles  will  wrap up their  qualifiers at home in Uyo against Cheetahs of Benin .Both matches are expected to play a pivotal role in determining Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes.