Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said residents of the state have started giving him affectionate nicknames, describing the change in public reception as a source of joy.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The governor disclosed that his nickname has changed from “Akpako Rescue” to “Okpe’s Baby”, noting that people now welcome him warmly whenever he moves around the state.

reports that Okpebholo made the remarks during a live broadcast shared by ITV and Radio on Saturday, while recounting his experience walking along Sapele Road.

“I was on Sapele Road yesterday. They have even changed my name from Akpako Rescue to Okpe’s Baby. These things give me joy because I walk freely on the street; instead of throwing pure water at me, they are giving me sweet names,” he said.

The governor also expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu, attributing his support for the President to the economic reforms introduced by his administration.

Speaking at a meeting with supporters, Okpebholo said the reforms were beginning to produce positive results, particularly in the prices of commodities and developments in the foreign exchange market.

“Why do I have confidence to talk about Mr President? It’s because of many reforms this man has put in place that is yielding fruit for this country,” he said.

He urged business owners and members of the public to assess the changes in the economy since Tinubu assumed office.

Okpebholo said people involved in business, those who shop at supermarkets and individuals who purchase foreign currencies could observe the developments.

“If you cast your mind back to those that are businessmen here, or women, or those that have friends that are into business, or you that go to supermarkets anyway, or buying dollars, you will know what I mean,” he added.

The governor further argued that the exchange rate had become relatively stable, claiming that the naira had strengthened against the dollar.

He contrasted the situation with the popular belief that prices of goods in Nigeria only rise and rarely come down.

“Those days we used to say something, prices that go up in Nigeria never come down. But you can see prices of dollars coming down gradually, and it’s not going back up,” he said.

The Katsina State Government has dismissed reports alleging that the violence in Yankara, Faskari Local Government Area, was connected to Governor Dikko Radda’s Tinubu-Dikko 2027 campaign activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The government described the reports linking the governor and his campaign to the incident as false and misleading.

According to the state government, preliminary findings suggested that the violence followed a disagreement between participants in a Maulud procession and security personnel over the designated route for the procession.

It explained that the disagreement caused confusion along a public street in Yankara but had no connection with Radda’s campaign activities or the Tinubu-Dikko campaign rally held in Faskari.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, the government said Radda had travelled through Yankara without any incident on his way to Faskari.

Mohammed added that the governor later paid a courtesy visit to the District Head’s Palace, where he was received by the district head and other traditional rulers.

The statement further disclosed that Radda visited the Faskari Local Government Secretariat to inspect ongoing renovation work at the facility and the council chambers before proceeding to the campaign rally.

At the rally, the governor interacted with residents and supporters.

The state government called on relevant security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident and establish exactly what happened. It also urged the authorities to identify those responsible and take appropriate action where necessary.

Additionally, residents were advised to remain calm, preserve peace and avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary tension in the state.

Earlier reports indicated that violence broke out in Yankara on Saturday after suspected hoodlums allegedly attacked supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), leaving several people injured and a campaign vehicle burnt.

Witnesses quoted by Channels Television said the attackers reportedly ambushed APC supporters travelling to attend Radda’s campaign rally in Faskari.

The incident disrupted movement along the major road and reportedly threw residents into panic.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has appointed Professor Amadike Ugbogu as the new Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The appointment was announced on Saturday in a statement signed by the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Agwu Agwu.

Ugbogu is expected to take on the responsibility of addressing challenges within the university and improving its academic standards, following the governor’s directive to reposition the institution as one of the leading universities in Nigeria and Africa.

According to the statement, the appointment takes immediate effect, while the new Vice-Chancellor is scheduled to officially assume office on November 1, 2026.

The decision followed a recommendation by the university’s Governing Council at its 161st regular meeting held on October 29, 2026.

Ugbogu is a Professor of Biochemistry.

Following the appointment, Otti charged the new Vice-Chancellor to tackle the challenges confronting the institution and implement measures that would strengthen its academic performance.

The governor also urged him to work towards making Abia State University a leading institution not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.

Sanwo-Olu Recounts How Hamzat Stepped Down For Him In 2018

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has revealed that leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) persuaded his deputy, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, to withdraw from the 2018 governorship contest to allow him to emerge as the party’s candidate.

Sanwo-Olu made the disclosure on Friday while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the presentation of Hamzat’s governorship manifesto at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre, in Iganmu, Lagos.

The governor explained that Hamzat had been interested in becoming governor and possessed the experience, political backing and public service record to pursue the ambition.

However, he said party leaders eventually asked Hamzat to step aside in his favour, a request the deputy governor accepted.

Sanwo-Olu recalled: “In September 2018, Femi Hamzat wanted to be Governor of Lagos State. He had earned the right to want it. He had been in public service for thirteen years by then, under Asiwaju and under Fashola, and he had the record, the mind and the support to make his case. He was in the race, and he was in it to win.

“Then the leaders of our party asked him to step aside. For me.”

According to Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat accepted the decision, shook his hand and agreed to become his running mate approximately five weeks later.

The governor said he had never forgotten the gesture, describing Hamzat’s decision as a demonstration of loyalty, political maturity and commitment to the interests of Lagos State.