OONI COMMENDS TINUBU, OYO STATE GOVERNMENT, SECURITY AGENCIES OVER RELEASE OF ABDUCTED OYO PUPILS, TEACHERS

OONI COMMENDS TINUBU, OYO STATE GOVERNMENT, SECURITY AGENCIES OVER RELEASE OF ABDUCTED OYO PUPILS, TEACHERS

… CALLS FOR SUSTAINED COLLABORATION AGAINST INSECURITY 

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Oyo State Government and Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to a statement on Saturday signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) described the safe return of the victims after about 56 days in captivity as a significant relief to their families and a demonstration of the commitment of the Federal Government and security agencies towards protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians.

The Ooni praised the professionalism, bravery and dedication displayed by the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies involved in the rescue operation.

Ooni Ogunwusi also commended President Tinubu for providing the needed leadership and support that facilitated the successful operation, while appreciating the Oyo State Government, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the safe return of the victims.

He congratulated the parents, guardians and loved ones of the rescued pupils and teachers, noting that their reunion marks the end of a painful period of anxiety, prayers and uncertainty.

The Ooni said, “The successful rescue of the Oriire schoolchildren and teachers is a welcome development and a testament to what can be achieved when government institutions, security agencies and communities work together towards a common goal.

“I commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Oyo State Government and our gallant security personnel for their commitment and determination in ensuring that these innocent children and their teachers return safely to their families.

“The courage and professionalism demonstrated by our security agencies during this operation deserve commendation. Their efforts have restored hope and reaffirmed the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the security challenges facing our nation.”

The African foremost monarch, however, urged security agencies and relevant authorities not to relent in their efforts towards preventing future attacks, especially on schools and vulnerable communities across the country.

Ooni Ogunwusi stressed the need for stronger intelligence gathering, improved community engagement and continuous collaboration between security agencies and traditional institutions to build a safer Nigeria.

He noted that traditional rulers remain strategic partners in promoting peace and security, given their closeness to the people and their understanding of local environments.

While celebrating the successful rescue, the Ooni prayed for the quick recovery of the victims from the traumatic experience and expressed his condolences to families who lost loved ones during the unfortunate incident.

He called on Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that would aid efforts towards combating criminal activities and ensuring lasting peace across the country.

Signed:

Otunba Moses Olafare,

Director, Media and Public Affairs,

Ooni’s Palace,

Ile-Ife.

More details from Bayo Onanuga OON, CON

More details from Bayo Onanuga OON, CON

Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.

Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.

FULL LIST:US Publishes names and photos of 124 Nigerians to be deported for crimes.

FULL LIST: US Publishes Names and Photos of 124 Nigerians to be Deported for Crimes The United States has announced an updated deportation list featuring 124 Nigerians. This was disclosed in a statement on the website of the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday. The DHS claimed that these individuals have been placed on what it described as its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register. While the names and photos have been made public, the timeline for deportations remains undisclosed. However, the US immigration authorities explained that the deportations are part of ongoing immigration enforcement, stressing that those listed were convicted of serious crimes, but declined to provide details about the offences or when deportations would take place. The statement read, “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations – starting with the worst of the worst – including the illegal aliens you see here.” The website then listed, “Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau, Oriyomi Aloba.” Others are Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, Joseph Ogbara, Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Oyewole Balogun, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu, Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi and Omotayo Akinto. “Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Olayinka A. Jones, Theophilus Anwana, Aishatu Umaru, Henry Idiagbonya, Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Daro Kosin, Sakiru Ambali, Kamaludeen Giwa, Cyril Odogwu, Ifeanyi Echigeme, Kingsley Ibhadore, Suraj Tairu, Peter Equere, Dasola Abdulraheem, Adewale Aladekoba and Akeem Adeleke. “Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo, Dennis Ofuoma, Quazeem Adeyinka, Ifeanyi Okoro, Oluwaseun Kassim, Olumide Bankole Morakinyo, Abraham Ola Osoko, Oluchi Jennifer and Chibuzo Nwaonu.” The latest action is part of the sweeping immigration enforcement measures introduced by the administration of US President Donald Trump after his return to office on January 20, 2025. On his first day back in office, Trump signed a series of executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency and directing federal agencies to intensify border security and accelerate the removal of undocumented migrants. One of the orders, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, instructed immigration authorities to prioritise the arrest and deportation of removable migrants, particularly those considered threats to public safety and national security. Defending the policy, the DHS said the administration was delivering on Trump’s campaign promise to carry out mass deportations, beginning with what it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders. The department said officers of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement had been directed to intensify operations nationwide against non-citizens convicted of serious crimes. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has also defended the crackdown, saying the administration remained committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records in line with President Trump’s immigration agenda. Official US immigration data indicate that Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed crackdown began, followed by Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador, reflecting the administration’s focus on migrants from Latin America. The US has also expanded deportation flights to countries across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean as enforcement operations continue. Nigeria has also come under increased scrutiny by the Trump administration. In June, Washington imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening. (Elite Richard Isaac.)

I Was The One Who Exposed Gbajabiamila When He Stole $25,000 From A Client In Georgia—Sowore Alleges

I Was The One Who Exposed Gbajabiamila When He Stole $25,000 From A Client In Georgia—Sowore Alleges

Omoyele Sowore, the prominent human rights activist and leader of the African Action Congress, has addressed journalists regarding past professional allegations linked to Femi Gbajabiamila, the current Chief of Staff to the administration, during his legal career.

According to a video posted on the official YouTube channel of SYMFONI on Monday, July 6, 2026, while speaking to reporters outside the court location, he stated, “I was the one who exposed Gbajabiamila when he stole $25,000 from a client in Atlanta, Georgia, back when he was a lawyer, and his legal license was revoked as a result of that.”

The vocal political activist added that this high-ranking government appointee faced significant regulatory actions in the United States. He firmly emphasized that these deep-seated systemic infractions remain permanently recorded within contemporary history for accountability.

Sowore disclosed that a prominent public figure previously reached out to him with an explicit request to delete the sensitive investigative report. He boldly rejected the compromise, asserting his ultimate reporting responsibility is centered on preservation of historical truth.

The political campaigner strongly maintained that the public would remain completely unaware of these ethical violations if he had compromised his reporting standard. He noted that the ongoing judicial processes reveal desperate state attempts to suppress his voice.

He further declared that his persistent legal troubles and frequent state incarcerations are direct results of his unwavering stance against corruption. He vowed never to align with figures who continuously compromise the collective destiny of ordinary citizens.

In his concluding remarks, the legal and social reformer highlighted the supreme power of the collective public voice in challenging state impunity. He urged Nigerians to continuously resist oppressive intimidation tactics aimed at silencing critical societal overviews.

My Mother Died When I Was In School I Didn't See Anybody To Sponsor Me, So I Went To ODC-Portable

My Mother Died When I Was In School I Didn't See Anybody To Sponsor Me, So I Went To ODC-Portable

Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has revealed how the death of his mother disrupted his education, forcing him to change schools because there was no one left to pay his school fees.

The singer shared the emotional account during an interview on The Honest Bunch Podcast, on Monday, 6 July, 2026, where he reflected on the challenges he faced while growing up. Portable explained that his mother's death marked a turning point in his life, leaving him without the financial and emotional support he needed to continue his education without interruption.

Speaking about the difficult period, the controversial artiste said he had to make tough decisions after losing the person who had always cared for him and ensured his educational needs were met.

"My mother died when I was in school and I didn't see anybody to sponsor me again and the school fees was high so I went to ODC," Portable said.

According to the singer, the financial burden became too much after his mother's passing, making it impossible for him to remain in his former school. He said transferring to ODC became the only option available as he struggled to continue his education despite the hardship.

Portable's remarks provide further insight into the difficult childhood experiences that shaped his journey before he found fame in the Nigerian music industry. Over the years, the singer has spoken openly about his humble beginnings, often crediting his resilience and determination for helping him overcome numerous obstacles.