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IBADAN EXPLOSION: FG Awaits Forensic Investigation on Actual Cause of Tragic Incident

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals is waiting for the outcome of forensic investigation ordered to ascertain the actual cause of the tragic explosion that rocked Ibadan, Oyo State capital last week.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu, placed a telephone call to Oyo State Governor, immediately after the tragic incident, in the presence of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake to commiserate with Governor Seyi Makinde, victims, and the good people of Oyo state.
Thereafter, the Minister issued a statement of condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and other victims. The Minister also commended Oyo State Government for mobilising relief response.
The Ministry also deployed Mine Inspectorate officers to the scene of the explosion to join other security agencies to unravel the cause of the explosion.
The Federal Government is now waiting for the outcome of forensic investigations that will determine the real cause of the blast, the explosives type that triggered it and the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident that led to loss of lives and properties.
Alongside the press statement personally signed by Dr. Alake to convey his deepest sympathies to the people of Oyo State, he has also being at the forefront of working with the security agencies to unearth the cause and put mechanisms in place to avert a recurrence.
Last week Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council meeting, President Bola Tinubu took a step to holistically address insecurity around our nation’s natural resources by constituting an inter-ministerial committee led by Dr. Alake to come up with a blueprint to effectively and efficiently secure solid minerals, forests, and marine economy, which constitutes Nigeria’s natural resources.
The committee held a maiden meeting last Friday and has been working round the clock to draw up strategies of achieving the presidential mandate. In the coming days, there will be an expanded meeting with heads of security agencies, which will assist the committee in getting the requisite inputs that will guide it in turning in a robust report to the President.
The Minister assures Nigerians that the Federal Government is committed to addressing challenges from the root, hence its resolve to await the outcome of painstaking forensic investigations on the Ibadan explosion before making a definite pronouncement.
The honourable Minister believes that in sensitive situations like this, the security agencies should be allowed to do their job, as against acting on speculations. That way, the people are better informed, culprits can be brought to book, and concerted efforts can be put in place to avoid a recurrence.
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Hon Rotimi Olowo, Chief Zebrudaya alias 4.30, and other top Nigerians for Virtuous Widows Int’l Foundation Awards
Ambassador Ifenyinwa Benice Egbosiuba, the Founder and International President, informed journalists in Lagos that the awards will be presented during an empowerment seminar scheduled for November 22, 2025.

• Ambassador Ifenyinwa Benice Egbosiuba, Founder/International President, addressed the widows during one of their outreach programmes, recently.
The Virtuous Widows International Foundation, a local non-governmental organisation focused on empowering Nigerian widows nationwide, has finalised plans to honour prominent Nigerians with prestigious awards in recognition of their services to humanity, particularly for indigent widows and the less privileged in society.
Ambassador Ifenyinwa Benice Egbosiuba, the Founder and International President, informed journalists in Lagos that the awards will be presented during an empowerment seminar scheduled for November 22, 2025.
The theme of the seminar is “Come, Let’s Build Together,” and it will take place at the auditorium of Queens College, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos.
“During the event, we will recognise men and women who have a passion for helping widows,” she stated.
“We have identified several individuals who will receive awards to appreciate their support, belief in our mission, and understanding of the challenges faced by Nigerian widows.”
When asked about the notable figures receiving the awards, Mrs Toyin Badmus, the NGO’s Vice President, revealed that one of the honorees is Honourable Rotimi Olowo from Somolu Local Government in Lagos State. She emphasised that Hon. Olowo is passionate about assisting the less privileged.
During his tenure as a House of Assembly member representing Somolu, he empowered numerous people and helped thousands of youths, many of whom might have otherwise become vagabonds.
“He provided buses and tricycles for them to operate, giving them meaningful lives,” she explained.
“He has also reached out to physically challenged individuals, touching the lives of women, orphans, and widows.
He has proven himself to be committed to humanitarian service, which is why we have deemed him worthy of this award.
“Another personality on the list is Dr Hamza Al-Mustapha, who has been a strong supporter of the foundation.
“Our board of directors has also selected Chief Chika Okpala (alias ZB 4.30) for his role in the memorable defunct television comedy series ‘New Masquerade’ on NTA.
In the 70s and 80s, he brought joy to many viewers across the country through this program.”
Additionally, Dr Mrs. Oyindamola Obabori, the current principal of Queens College, Yaba, Lagos, will be honoured.
“She has made significant contributions in her capacity, particularly in training young girls at Queens College.
As we know, training women empowers the entire nation, and her leadership has produced many successful individuals.
“Chief (Dr.) Alexander Chika Okafor of Chikason Group of Companies will also receive the prestigious award.
For 17 years, he has consistently uplifted people’s spirits through his philanthropic activities.
Regarding the membership strength of the NGO, Mrs Badmus shared that it started with just nine members and gradually grew to 11, then 21, and 200 at its inception.
“Today, if there are seven million widows in Nigeria, I have five million under our umbrella as members. They come out in large numbers wherever I go, unless I do not call them.
Our membership spans across Nigeria and extends to countries like Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cotonou, Senegal, and Tanzania, all seeking to establish chapters.
However, as the saying goes, ‘charity begins at home’; I have not yet completed outreach in all 36 states of Nigeria due to the challenges of insecurity.”
News
Fubara in closed-door meeting with Wike and Loyalists in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara met with his predecessor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday in Port Harcourt for a closed-door discussion. The meeting, held at the residence of elder statesman Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, included several political leaders loyal to Wike and lasted into the early hours of Sunday.
The gathering came shortly after a valedictory session on Wednesday for members of the dissolved Rivers State cabinet, during which Governor Fubara directed commissioners and appointees affected by the Supreme Court ruling on the state’s political crisis to step aside. Eight others unaffected by the ruling have since resumed their duties.
Although the meeting’s specifics were not disclosed, sources indicate that Fubara and Wike are aligning efforts to uphold the peace accord brokered by President Bola Tinubu during the recent six-month emergency rule in Rivers State.
News
Former President Jonathan’s Comments on Boko Haram Were Misrepresented
The point Dr. Jonathan sought to make was that Boko Haram, in its characteristic deceit, often invoked the names of respected public figures to sow confusion, exploit political divisions, and undermine public confidence in government.

The attention of the Office of Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that Dr. Jonathan alleged that Boko Haram nominated the late President Muhammadu Buhari, to represent them in dialogue with the Federal Government, and therefore this made him somehow complicit in the Boko Haram crisis.
In a statement signed by Ikechukwu Eze Special Adviser to the Former President (Media and Public Affairs), he clarified that the former President’s comments were grossly misrepresented.
According to the statement, at no time did Dr. Jonathan suggested, implied , or insinuated that President Buhari had any connection with Boko Haram or that he supported the group in any form.
Dr. Jonathan’s remarks, made in the course of a broader discussion on Nigeria’s security challenges, were meant to illustrate the deviousness and manipulative strategies employed by Boko Haram in their early years.
His reference was to a well-documented episode when various individuals and factions falsely claimed to represent the terrorist group and purported to name prominent Nigerians as possible mediators: without those individuals’ knowledge or consent.
The point Dr. Jonathan sought to make was that Boko Haram, in its characteristic deceit, often invoked the names of respected public figures to sow confusion, exploit political divisions, and undermine public confidence in government.
His comments were therefore an illustration of the group’s duplicity, not an accusation against the late former president or any individual for that matter.
The former president’s position was that if indeed Buhari was their choice negotiator, why didn’t Boko Haram expeditiously bring their evil terrorist agenda to an end when the retired General became president?
For the avoidance of doubt, Dr. Jonathan recognizes that President Muhammadu Buhari, like every patriotic Nigerian, stood firmly against terrorism and was himself a target of Boko Haram violence. Both men, during their respective tenures, shared a common commitment to restoring peace and stability to Nigeria.
The Office of the Former President therefore urges the public to disregard any misinterpretation of his remarks.
Dr. Jonathan remains committed to peace, unity, and the strengthening of democratic values in Nigeria.
He believes that the nation’s progress depends on a truthful understanding of its challenges, not on the distortion of facts for political or sensational purposes.
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