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Dear Youth of Ondo State,

The time has come for us to take action, to let our voices be heard, and to shape the future of our state. The upcoming gubernatorial election is a critical moment for Ondo State, and every single vote counts. As the youth, we are the heartbeat of this state, and it is our responsibility to protect its values, dreams, and development.

We urge every young person in Ondo to come out and vote. Your vote is your voice, and it’s your right. By voting, you are making a powerful statement about the kind of leadership you believe in and the future you envision for Ondo State. Let’s show up in numbers and demonstrate that the youth are ready to lead and be part of the change we want to see.

I urge us all not to sell our vote but vote for our conscience and the change we all desired.

At the same time, we call on all youths to shun political violence. Violence has no place in the electoral process. It destroys communities, divides us, and stains the very essence of democracy. Let’s remember that we are brothers and sisters, bound by our love for this state and its people. Political differences should not make us enemies.

Our future depends on peace and progress, not on violence and division. Let us stand together, unified in our commitment to a fair, free, and peaceful election. Let’s make Ondo State a shining example of what a peaceful, youth-led democratic process looks like.

Your vote is your power—use it wisely. Together, we can make Ondo State better, stronger, and more prosperous for all.

Thank you.

E-signed by;
Comr. Afe Adegboyega E.
Coordinator, Ondo State Youth Network

Victor Osimhen etched his name in Nigerian football history by equaling the legendary Segun Odegbami’s goalscoring record as the Super Eagles secured their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The 24-year-old Galatasaray striker delivered a stellar performance in the decisive match, scoring a crucial goal that sent Nigeria through to the tournament’s finals.

Osimhen’s equalizing goal, reminiscent of Odegbami’s peak moments in Nigerian football, was instrumental in ensuring Nigeria’s place in the competition. This milestone brings Osimhen level with Odegbami’s national team record, a testament to his consistency and prowess on the field. His form has been a source of inspiration for the Super Eagles, bringing renewed hope of clinching their fourth AFCON title in Morocco.

Nigeria’s qualification adds another chapter to their storied AFCON history, where they have lifted the trophy three times and secured several runner-up positions. With Osimhen leading the line, fans are optimistic about a memorable campaign in Morocco, hoping the Super Eagles will end their title drought since the 2013 triumph.

The upcoming 2025 AFCON tournament promises fierce competition, but with players like Osimhen and a determined squad, Nigeria appears ready to make a formidable showing. Football enthusiasts nationwide eagerly await the clash of Africa’s best teams, with the Super Eagles once again flying high among the continent’s elite.

As Ondo State gears up for its November 16 governorship election, tension has emerged between the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. Wike, addressing the ongoing campaign, expressed doubts about Makinde’s intensive efforts to rally support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Ondo, Agboola Ajayi. Wike, a member of the PDP, conveyed his scepticism, reportedly saying, “I pity my friend Seyi… he is doing all he can; I don’t know how it will work,” implying that Makinde might be overexerting himself in a challenging political climate.

This comment stirred responses from groups like the Ondo Freedom Movement, which accused Wike of attempting to undermine Makinde’s pro-democracy initiatives. The coalition argued that Makinde’s push for a fair electoral process was essential to ensuring the people’s votes were respected. They voiced concerns over potential manipulation attempts and rallied support for both Makinde’s role and the PDP’s candidate​.

Makinde has also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold neutrality by replacing the current Resident Electoral Commissioner, whom he believes has ties to Ondo State. Makinde insists this change is crucial to preventing bias and maintaining election integrity​.

The Federal Government of Nigeria approved a proposed budget of N47.9 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, following discussions in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu on November 14, 2024. This budget framework was part of the newly approved Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 2025-2027, prepared by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Key projections in the budget include an oil benchmark set at $75 per barrel, with a daily oil production target of 2.06 million barrels. The government anticipates significant economic challenges with the exchange rate pegged at N1,400 to the US dollar. Despite these challenges, the 2025 budget aims for a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 4.6 per cent, emphasizing sustainable economic reforms in both exchange rate policy and petroleum market deregulation​.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu explained that the budget would include N9.22 trillion in new borrowing to address the fiscal deficit, demonstrating the government’s commitment to achieving revenue growth and economic stability through various fiscal strategies. Additionally, new provisions for development commissions were approved to support regional development initiatives.

This budget is expected to be formally presented to the National Assembly in the coming days, highlighting the Tinubu administration’s priority on economic recovery through proactive fiscal and market reforms.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face off against the Republic of Benin today, November 14, in a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier held at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan. Scheduled for an 8 p.m. Nigerian time kick-off, this match represents a key step toward securing a spot in the AFCON tournament set to take place in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026​.

With captain William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and star striker Victor Osimhen leading the squad, the Super Eagles are in good form and poised for a strong showing. The coach will be counting on these key players to deliver a high-intensity performance against Benin, known for their resilience, especially at home​.

The match will be officiated by Senegalese referee Issa Sy, supported by assistant referees Djibril Camara and Nouha Bangoura. This team of experienced officials is expected to uphold fair play standards for the high-stakes qualifier, which is crucial in determining Nigeria’s path to the AFCON​.

Following this encounter, the Super Eagles will return to Uyo for their final Group D qualifier against Rwanda on November 18. With both matches essential for AFCON qualification, Nigeria is eager to conclude their campaign successfully and enter the tournament with momentum​.

At a campaign rally held in Akure on November 13, 2024, Vice President Kashim Shettima led the All Progressives Congress (APC) efforts to rally support for Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election. Shettima emphasized that a vote for the APC would secure ongoing development and progress in Ondo State, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the region. He urged citizens to support the APC to ensure sustained advancement, mentioning recent federal approvals for projects such as a teaching hospital in Akure, highlighting tinubu’s dedication to the state​
In his remarks, Shettima invoked the legacies of past Ondo leaders, urging the people to honour their vision by supporting a party focused on development. He framed the choice as one between continuity and “reactionary” alternatives, encouraging residents to turn out in large numbers to ensure the APC’s success in the region. The rally, held at the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, featured notable APC figures including Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other party leaders​.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for the APC’s support and pledged further development efforts if re-elected. He reiterated his loyalty to the late Rotimi Akeredolu and assured residents of continued progress. The rally underscored the APC’s intent to secure a decisive win across all local government areas, with other party leaders calling on attendees to vote peacefully and decisively​.

Hon. Akindele Adeniyi met with the people of Iju in Akure North Local Government Area today, where he delivered a powerful message of encouragement and unity. He urged the community to remain resilient and unwavering in their commitment to Ayedatiwa in the governorship election set for Saturday, November 16th. Adeniyi emphasized the importance of this election and the opportunity it presents for the people to shape the future of Ondo State.

During his address, Adeniyi acknowledged the challenges and struggles faced by the people of Iju, recognizing the hard work and dedication that had gone into supporting Ayedatiwa’s campaign. He expressed his admiration for their commitment, even in the face of adversity, and urged them to stay strong and steadfast. “Your loyalty and resilience are what will make a difference on election day,” he said, encouraging them to see the bigger picture.

Famous News was present at the event, capturing the passionate speeches and enthusiasm of the crowd. Adeniyi’s message of hope and determination resonated with many attendees, who were seen nodding in agreement and cheering in support. The media coverage highlighted the significance of Adeniyi’s call to action and the pivotal role that Iju’s residents could play in the upcoming election.

Adeniyi concluded by reiterating the importance of unity and collective effort. He reminded the people that, through their continued support, they could bring about positive change for the entire community. “Together, we can ensure a brighter future for our children and generations to come,” he declared, leaving the crowd inspired and ready to make their voices heard on November 16th.

In a recent Stakeholders’ Meeting at the Dome in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday, November 7, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process. He announced that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would be deployed at polling units for voter accreditation and result uploads to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

Prof. Yakubu shared that the Commission has accredited 111 domestic and international observer organizations, deploying 3,554 observers, alongside over 100 media organizations with 700 personnel, including 129 female journalists. He noted that all accreditation tags and election duty vehicle stickers have been prepared and will be available for collection at the INEC State office in Akure.

Highlighting the final steps before Election Day, Prof. Yakubu stated that only two activities remain: the conclusion of campaigns by midnight on Thursday, November 14, and the election itself.

On pre-election initiatives, he informed stakeholders that INEC had conducted voter registration and ensured the availability of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for collection. Detailed information on the collected and uncollected PVCs across the state’s 3,933 polling units has been published on the INEC website, allowing voters to verify their status and polling locations.

He also provided a demographic breakdown of the 2,053,061 registered voters in the state by local government area, gender, age, occupation, and disability status. Additionally, he confirmed the availability of a comprehensive list of candidates, including those added by court order, underscoring INEC’s commitment to transparency.

Security preparations were another key point, as Prof. Yakubu assured stakeholders that INEC, in collaboration with security agencies, has implemented comprehensive measures to protect voters, INEC personnel, observers, and media representatives at all polling and collation centers. He mentioned that the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities have provided assurances of a safe environment, enabling unhindered participation in the election.

Regarding the technological aspects, Prof. Yakubu highlighted that a mock accreditation exercise conducted across 12 polling units within six local government areas was successful. This test confirmed the BVAS system’s reliability, and results from the exercise were uploaded to the IReV portal, further demonstrating INEC’s readiness for the upcoming election.

In a recent interaction with Famous News, Oluwole Fanibuyan, the Akure North SWAGA Coordinator for the All Progressives Congress (APC), rallied all SWAGA members in the region to intensify their efforts for Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa’s re-election bid. Fanibuyan, who is passionate about the APC’s mission under the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), encouraged overall commitment from members in the crucial days leading up to the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.

Fanibuyan, who operates under the leadership of Honourable Ifedayo Abegunde, popularly known as “ABENA,” emphasized the need for unity and dedication as members campaign vigorously for Ayedatiwa. He described Ayedatiwa as a formidable leader who stands out among all other candidates in the race, noting that his record of service and vision make him the best choice for Ondo State.

He expressed confidence in Ayedatiwa’s ability to lead Ondo to greater heights, highlighting that the governor’s initiatives have already laid a strong foundation for sustainable development. Fanibuyan urged Akure North SWAGA members to go above and beyond, mobilizing communities and emphasizing Ayedatiwa’s achievements to secure victory at the polls.

With just less than 11 days until the election, Fanibuyan’s message is clear: the dedication of each member is vital to ensuring that Ayedatiwa remains in office and continues his work in advancing the state’s progress.

Baltasar Ebang Engonga, director general of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), is under investigation after explicit videos allegedly featuring him were discovered on his computer.

The videos reportedly show Engonga in compromising situations with multiple partners, including family members and a person connected to the country’s president. Over 400 videos have been found on Engonga’s computer, showing him engaged in intimate acts with numerous partners at various locations, including his office, hotels, and public restrooms. Authorities were initially investigating Engonga for fraud when the videos were discovered.

The attorney general’s office, led by Anatolio Nzang Nguema, is now examining how the videos were leaked and whether Engonga’s actions pose a public health risk. “If proven, he could face charges for endangering public health,” said a spokesperson from the attorney general’s office, according to media reports.

The videos reportedly feature individuals including the official’s brother’s wife, a cousin, and a relative of the president of Equatorial Guinea.

”While reports indicate all encounters were consensual, the content has sparked debate on social media.

The scandal has led to widespread controversy in Equatorial Guinea, prompting a response from Vice President Teodoro Nguema. In a post on social media platform X, he reminded government officials that “ministries are solely for administrative work.” He added that stricter controls would be implemented and that officials found violating these rules could face dismissal.

Engonga, who is married with six children, is a prominent figure at ANIF, responsible for investigating financial crimes and combating corruption. The leaked videos have cast a shadow over his professional life and ignited public debate about the conduct of public officials.