MAKINDE SAYS PDP BY-ELECTION VICTORY WILL PROVE PARTY’S STRENGTH

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will secure victory in the upcoming August 16 by-election for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency. Speaking at Bodija Market during the official campaign flag-off, Makinde said the win would reaffirm the PDP’s stronghold in the state. He described the party’s candidate, Mr. Folajimi Oyekunle, as a competent and trusted leader who will effectively represent the people in the House of Representatives.

The governor took the opportunity to thank residents for their continued support and urged eligible voters in the constituency to turn out en masse on election day. Let’s show once again that Ibadan North belongs to the PDP, Makinde said, rallying the crowd during the presentation of the party flag to Oyekunle.

Also speaking at the event, the Campaign Director-General, Mr. Ademola Omotosho, encouraged voters to mobilize their communities to back the PDP. He emphasized that a large voter turnout is crucial to ensure a landslide victory and continue the party’s development agenda in the state.

MAGODO RESIDENTS PROTEST ILLEGAL BUILDING ON FLOOD ZONE

Residents of Magodo GRA Phase 2 in Shangisha, Lagos, have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently halt a controversial construction project on a critical flood-control gorge. According to the community, the area—originally designated in the estate’s master plan as a natural stormwater channel—is now under threat, sparking fears of increased flooding, erosion, and possible damage to nearby homes.

Under the banner of the Magodo GRA Phase 2 Community Development Association, residents condemned the Lagos State Government’s alleged approval of the development, warning it violates both environmental standards and the estate’s original design. We’ve raised objections for years, but our concerns have been ignored. We’re now forced to alert the public to prevent a breakdown of law and order, said community chairman Niyi Odusi in a statement.

The residents described the wetland—which stretches from under Otedola Bridge to Agiliti, Mile 12, and Ikorodu—as a natural buffer that has historically protected areas like Ikeja, Ogba, and Alausa from devastating floods. They fear that the current excavation and construction will compromise this protective barrier, leading to severe consequences, especially during the rainy season.

Tensions escalated after the developer reportedly used armed security agents to demolish an uncompleted building on the land, allegedly as a cover to begin new construction. The residents claim this act caused health hazards and damage to nearby properties, while ignoring environmental safety. They added that the community had previously tarred the road to the site and planted vegetation to stabilize the area—efforts now being undone by reckless excavation.

Armed with drone footage and an independent Environmental Impact Assessment confirming the land’s unsuitability for construction, the residents accused government officials of prioritizing profit over public safety. Amending a master plan without proper consultation and assessment is irresponsible, they stated, warning that this development risks destroying decades of environmental conservation in Magodo.

PETROL NEARS 1,000 NAIRA PER LITRE AS MARKETERS, RETAILERS SHIFT BLAME

Petroleum product marketers and fuel retailers are pointing fingers at each other as the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) approaches 1,000 naira per litre across Nigeria.

According to a report, retail outlets operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) have raised fuel prices nationwide.

In cities such as Abuja, Nasarawa, and Kogi, the pump price surged by 65 naira, from 890 naira to 955 naira per litre. This sharp increase means that, Nigerians are paying significantly more to purchase petrol, adding pressure to already rising living costs.

PRESIDENT TINUBU REWARDS D’TIGRESS WITH CASH, HOMES, AND OON TITLES

In recognition of their historic achievement at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afro Basket, the Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, received a hero’s welcome as President Bola Tinubu announced a comprehensive reward package. Each player is to receive 100,000 dollars, while coaching and technical staff members will be awarded 50,000 dollars each. Additionally, all team members will be gifted a three-bedroom house and conferred with the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

The announcement was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a special ceremony held in their honour at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

Nigeria continued their reign as queens of African women’s basketball with a 78-64 win over Mali in Ivory Coast on Sunday. The victory sealed their fifth consecutive Afro Basket title—setting a new record on the continent. With this feat, they surpassed Senegal’s historic run of four straight titles from 1974 to 1981, becoming the first team to ever secure five championships in a row.

RASHIDI LADOJA NOMINATED AS 44TH OLUBADAN OF IBADANLAND

Former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, has been nominated as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The nomination was confirmed on Monday by the Olubadan-In-Council during a meeting at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan. The meeting was chaired by the Balogun Olubadan, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola.

The council unanimously endorsed Ladoja as the next Olubadan and will forward the resolution to Governor Seyi Makinde. The governor will set a date for the official presentation of the staff of office.

The coronation will be postponed due to the burial of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

UNITED STATES WARNS INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AGAINST VIOLATING VISA RULES

The United States has cautioned international students about the risks of breaching student visa conditions.

In a message posted via its official X handle, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria warned that students who drop out, miss classes, or leave their academic programmes without informing their schools could have their visas revoked and may become ineligible for future U.S. visas.

The mission urged all student visa holders to strictly follow visa terms and maintain their academic status to avoid immigration consequences.

13 ILLEGAL DIESEL DEALERS FINED 200,000 NAIRA EACH BY OYO TRIBUNAL

The Oyo State Environmental Mobile Court on Monday convicted 13 individuals for illegally selling diesel without permits around the Toll Gate area in Ibadan.

Presiding Judge Adio Jubreel ruled that each offender must pay a 200,000 naira fine or face five years in prison for violating environmental laws by engaging in unauthorized diesel sales.

The court noted that the unlicensed trade posed serious environmental and safety risks. Although the standard penalty is 5 million naira or jail time, the court imposed a reduced fine, citing the defendants’ status as first-time offenders and small-scale traders.

WAEC ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL RELEASE OF 2025 WASSCE RESULTS

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the 2025 WASSCE results for school candidates.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, August 4, WAEC announced that candidates can now check their results online via the Council’s official website.

At a press briefing in Lagos, WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, described the exam’s conduct as successful despite some challenges.

WAEC also revealed that 38.32% of candidates obtained credits and above in five subjects, including English and Mathematics.

YARADUA LEAVES APC, FAULTS PARTY OVER VIOLENCE, POVERTY

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Former senator and APC founding member, Abubakar Sadiq Yaradua, has resigned from the party, citing its failure to uphold its original mission. His resignation was conveyed in a letter to his ward chairman in Katsina, where he accused the APC of abandoning the masses.

The APC-led government was blamed for worsening insecurity and imposing harmful economic policies. Yaradua said the leadership had remained indifferent as citizens suffered violence and hardship.

He described APC leaders as “bandits in government” and said he could no longer support a party that had betrayed public trust.

Yaradua urged his supporters to join him in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he called a better alternative for all Nigerians.

INEC TO BEGIN NATIONWIDE VOTER REGISTRATION AUGUST 18

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the 2025 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will commence nationwide on August 18th.

In a statement posted on its official X handle, INEC said online pre-registration will open on the same day via its portal: cvr.inecnigeria.org.

Physical, in-person registration is scheduled to begin on August 25 across all INEC local government offices and designated registration centers nationwide