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The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) on Thursday held an expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, Ondo State, bringing together key structures of the organisation across the State.

The meeting comprised members of the State Executive Committee, executives of the AMG Leaders Council, all local government coordinators, and federal constituency coordinators.

Held at the AMG Secretariat in Akure, the meeting was convened to appraise the activities of the group over the past one year and to deliberate on modalities for reaching out to the people of Ondo State during the yuletide season.

Addressing the gathering, the Director-General of AMG, Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla, commended stakeholders for their commitment and resilience in advancing the ideals of the group. He urged them to remain united, disciplined, and people-focused, noting that sustained grassroots engagement remains critical to the success of the organisation.

Asagunla assured members of the unwavering support of the Convener of AMG and Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stating that the minister remains deeply committed to improving the welfare of the people and strengthening the group as a vehicle for mobilising support for the programmes and policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the President’s re-election in 2027.

In his address, the Chairman of the AMG Leaders Council and former Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Senator Yele Omogunwa, charged members to place service above politics and to ensure that the group’s activities continue to reflect compassion, inclusion, and genuine concern for the wellbeing of the people. He emphasised that AMG must remain a rallying point for progressive engagement and responsible leadership.

A major highlight of the meeting was the commissioning of four newly branded Toyota Sienna buses to enhance the mobilisation and operational capacity of the organisation. The vehicles were distributed across strategic units of the group, with one allocated to Ondo North Senatorial District, one for secretariat operations, one for the office of the Director-General, and one for the media team and special duties.

Responding on behalf of the recipients, the Deputy Director-General (North), Hon. Oloruntogbe Augustine, expressed profound appreciation to the leadership of the group and the Honourable Minister of Interior for the gesture. He pledged, on behalf of all beneficiaries, total commitment to the objectives of AMG and to the mobilisation drive for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. He also eulogised the leadership qualities, generosity, and people-oriented vision of Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The meeting further assured that the people of Ondo State would feel the benevolence of the Honourable Minister during the Christmas season, as plans are in place for a Christmas feast and the distribution of gifts across the state.

Representatives of various AMG structures and affiliated groups across the state were present at the meeting, reinforcing the broad-based nature and growing strength of the organisation.

A tragic incident has reportedly occurred in Oka Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, where a young man identified as Good Emiju was knocked down by the convoy of the Ondo State Governor.

According to accounts from the community, the incident happened while the Governor’s convoy was returning to Akure from a Thanksgiving tour. Emiju was said to have sustained critical injuries and was immediately rushed to the General Hospital in Oka Akoko. However, due to the poor condition of the hospital and its inability to handle the emergency, he was later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.

Sources disclosed that the victim was pronounced dead on arrival at the FMC, Owo. He was subsequently buried, with reports indicating that the burial took place quietly with the involvement and consent of the family.

As at the time of filing this report, the Ondo State Government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, a development that has continued to generate concern and public discussion within Oka Akoko and beyond. Residents and political stakeholders have raised questions over the circumstances surrounding the accident and the absence of public communication from the government.

The incident has also reignited debate over the state of public healthcare facilities in rural communities, particularly the inability of the Oka General Hospital to adequately respond to emergency cases. Many residents described the situation as a reflection of the broader challenges facing the state’s healthcare system.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Ondo State has called on the state government to provide a clear and transparent account of what transpired and to ensure that justice is done. The party also urged the authorities to investigate the conduct of the convoy and the emergency response following the accident.

The death of Good Emiju has left the Oka Akoko community in mourning, with many residents calling for accountability and renewed attention to road safety and public infrastructure across the state.

Precious Olofinyoku has emerged winner of the Youth Advocate Peace Icon of the Year at the Lead Awards 4.0 organised by Laurel Leaf Communications, a recognition that underscores her growing influence in youth advocacy and peacebuilding.

The award was presented at a well attended ceremony held under the theme Honouring the Unsung Heroes of Ondo, which attracted youth leaders, civil society actors and key stakeholders from across the state. Her emergence followed weeks of public voting and assessment.

Reacting to the honour, Olofinyoku described the award as deeply meaningful and beyond words, saying it reaffirmed the power of consistency, dialogue and inclusive engagement in building a better society. She dedicated the recognition to young people who believe in peace and positive change, noting that advocacy for peace remains a collective responsibility.

She expressed gratitude to Almighty God and to the organisers of the Lead Awards for their commitment to celebrating impact, leadership and service, while thanking the platform for amplifying the message of peace. Olofinyoku also appreciated her godfather, the Minister of Interior, Hon Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, as well as partners, supporters, the individual who nominated her and members of the public who voted, describing their encouragement and prayers as her source of strength.

Olofinyoku clinched the honour from a highly competitive nominee list widely regarded as one of the strongest in recent years. Other nominees included Blessing James Akeju, Yemi Fasipe, Daniel Dare Dabo, Akogun Seyi Olaniyi popularly known as Sy Mighty, Omotayo Oluwanike also known as Ajebor Lawyer, and Tomilola Olamidun Emiola.

She said the award was not an end but a renewed call to do more, reaffirming her commitment to promoting peace, empowering young people and contributing meaningfully to nation building.

The Lead Awards continues to celebrate individuals whose contributions promote social cohesion and positive change, with Olofinyoku’s recognition further spotlighting the role of youth leadership in Nigeria’s peace building efforts.

The Tola Awosika Foundation (TAF) has announced the return of its annual Children’s Christmas Party, one of the most anticipated festive events in Ondo State, with this year’s edition scheduled for December 28, 2025.

In a statement issued by TA Media, the Foundation said the Christmas party, which has become a unifying platform for children across different backgrounds, will once again light up the holiday season with fun, laughter and activities designed to promote inclusion and belonging.

According to the organisers, the 2025 edition will host children from Ondo East and Ondo West Local Government Areas, offering them a memorable day filled with entertainment and educational opportunities.

The statement noted that this year’s programme will feature a lineup of activities including a Kids’ Talent Showcase, Costume Parade, Bouncing Castles, Games, Gift Box Raffles, and several other engaging attractions aimed at inspiring creativity and spreading festive cheer.

In furtherance of its commitment to uplifting young lives, the Foundation will also award academic grants and scholarships to hundreds of indigent children within the two LGAs.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Lande Event Center, High Chief Olabanji Akingbile Way, Sabo Road, Ondo, beginning at 12:00 p.m. prompt.

The Foundation called on parents, guardians, community stakeholders and the general public to join in creating “magical memories” for children and promoting the spirit of love and generosity this Christmas.

Former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele, has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of Ayomiposi Ojajuni, a Nigerian Law School student at the Yola Campus whose passing has stirred grief and outrage across the country.

In an open letter addressed to the Nigerian Law School authorities, Akindele described Ayomiposi’s death as tragic and painful, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain shrouded in unacceptable silence. She said the news was brought to her attention with deep grief and unanswered questions, echoing the concerns of family, colleagues and Nigerians who have demanded clarity.

The late student, a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State, was described as a vibrant and brilliant young man full of promise and committed to building a career in Nigeria’s justice system. Akindele noted that his life had already been touched by tragedy as he reportedly lost a family member just four months ago, a development she said should have prompted closer attention to his emotional wellbeing.

Speaking as a mother, a stakeholder in his home state of Ondo and a concerned citizen of Nigeria, Akindele said she stands with the Government of Ondo State, his family, his community and every parent who entrusts their child to the nation’s educational institutions. She stressed that the public deserves clear answers on what happened to Ayomiposi, what caused his death and whether he received any support from the institution during the period of vulnerability that preceded the tragedy.

The former Speaker posed a series of questions to the Law School management, asking whether the institution was aware of his recent bereavement, whether adequate attention was paid to his mental health and whether any form of negligence, mistreatment or overwhelming emotional or physical stress contributed to his death. She also questioned whether he had been subjected to undue pressure, harsh treatment or any action that could be deemed cruel or unusual in a way that may have precipitated his demise.

Akindele insisted that no Nigerian student should leave home for an academic institution only to be returned to their parents as a corpse without full accountability. She emphasized that Ayomiposi was a brilliant and gentle young man who looked forward to a bright future and did not go to the Nigerian Law School to die. According to her, the truth must be uncovered and both immediate and remote causes of his death must be fully brought to light.

On behalf of well meaning Nigerians and mothers across the country, she called for a full and open investigation and a public disclosure of all findings. She stressed that the nation owes Ayomiposi the truth, owes his parents closure and owes the Nigerian youth a safer and more supportive education system.

Akindele urged authorities not to fail the young man twice, stating that he must not be failed in life and must certainly not be failed in death.

The Nigerian Law School has yet to issue an official response to the concerns raised.

…Demands Probe, Reforms to Protect Students’ Mental Health

The family of Ayo Ojajuni, a Nigerian Law School student who died on December 6, 2025, has accused the management of the institution’s Yola campus of insensitivity and actions they believe contributed to the tragic incident.

In a statement signed by Barr. Segun Odidi, who spoke on behalf of the bereaved family, the school was blamed for what the family described as an “inhumane and callous” handling of a disciplinary issue involving the deceased.

According to the statement, Ayo had been queried over a misunderstanding with a porter, despite already apologizing. A panel was reportedly set up by the school, but the family alleges that neither Ayo nor his mother whose phone number the school already had was informed of the panel’s outcome but they can call her to break the news of the unfortunate death of her son.

Instead, the family claims that on the morning of December 6, 2025, moments before Ayo was to sit for his exam, the law school publicly announced that he had been barred from participating.

“This came as a shock to him because he was never communicated with about any decision taken by the panel,” the statement reads.

The family said the incident worsened Ayo’s fragile emotional state, coming just four months after he lost his father. They added that Ayo had even missed his father’s burial because of pressure from the law school.

Barr. Odidi ,who is a younger brother to the mother of the deceased condemned what he described as a long-standing culture of insensitivity in the Nigerian Law School system, said:

“Why is the law school so cruel? Why can’t they inform students of decisions that affect them? Why wait until exam day to break such news to Ayo? This is unacceptable and inhumane.”

The family’s account sharply contradicts the version given by the Nigeria Police, Yola Command, which claimed that Ayo left the examination hall, returned in a commercial tricycle, and scaled the school fence before allegedly ingesting a poisonous substance.

The family insists the police narrative is illogical and suggests an attempt to “cover up the truth.”

“How can someone who ingested poison scale a fence? Why is the Nigerian Law School trying to cover up using the police to dish out a wrong narrative? What are they trying to hide? We demand answers and justice for Ayo,” the statement added.

Calling for a full-scale investigation, the family demanded reforms in the Nigerian Law School system to prioritize students’ mental health and well-being.

 “We will not rest until justice is served and no other family suffers the pain and anguish we are experiencing,” they said.

The family appealed to members of the public, civil society organisations, and rights groups to support their quest for justice and help push for reforms across all Nigerian Law School campuses.

…Demands Probe, Reforms to Protect Students’ Mental Health

The family of Ayo Ojajuni, a Nigerian Law School student who died on December 6, 2025, has accused the management of the institution’s Yola campus of insensitivity and actions they believe contributed to the tragic incident.

In a statement signed by Barr. Segun Odidi, who spoke on behalf of the bereaved family, the school was blamed for what the family described as an “inhumane and callous” handling of a disciplinary issue involving the deceased.

According to the statement, Ayo had been queried over a misunderstanding with a porter, despite already apologizing. A panel was reportedly set up by the school, but the family alleges that neither Ayo nor his mother whose phone number the school already had was informed of the panel’s outcome but they can call her to break the news of the unfortunate death of her son.

Instead, the family claims that on the morning of December 6, 2025, moments before Ayo was to sit for his exam, the law school publicly announced that he had been barred from participating.

“This came as a shock to him because he was never communicated with about any decision taken by the panel,” the statement reads.

The family said the incident worsened Ayo’s fragile emotional state, coming just four months after he lost his father. They added that Ayo had even missed his father’s burial because of pressure from the law school.

Barr. Odidi ,who is a younger brother to the mother of the deceased condemned what he described as a long-standing culture of insensitivity in the Nigerian Law School system, said:

“Why is the law school so cruel? Why can’t they inform students of decisions that affect them? Why wait until exam day to break such news to Ayo? This is unacceptable and inhumane.”

The family’s account sharply contradicts the version given by the Nigeria Police, Yola Command, which claimed that Ayo left the examination hall, returned in a commercial tricycle, and scaled the school fence before allegedly ingesting a poisonous substance.

The family insists the police narrative is illogical and suggests an attempt to “cover up the truth.”

“How can someone who ingested poison scale a fence? Why is the Nigerian Law School trying to cover up using the police to dish out a wrong narrative? What are they trying to hide? We demand answers and justice for Ayo,” the statement added.

Calling for a full-scale investigation, the family demanded reforms in the Nigerian Law School system to prioritize students’ mental health and well-being.

 “We will not rest until justice is served and no other family suffers the pain and anguish we are experiencing,” they said.

The family appealed to members of the public, civil society organisations, and rights groups to support their quest for justice and help push for reforms across all Nigerian Law School campuses.

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, has confirmed that a Nigerian Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft was forced to land in Burkina Faso after entering the country’s airspace without authorisation.

In a joint statement issued on Monday, the three military-led nations said the aircraft, carrying 11 Nigerian military personnel, was intercepted and diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso airport following what was described as an “in-flight emergency” while operating in Burkinabe airspace without prior clearance.

The AES emphasised that the Nigerian aircraft had not obtained the required overflight permission, constituting a violation of Burkina Faso’s sovereignty.

The statement did not disclose the current status or location of the 11 crew members and passengers on board.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Air Force nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an official response to the incident.