FOB BADAGRY HANDS OVER SEIZED CONTRABAND ITEMS TO NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE IN LINE WITH EXTANT REGULATIONS

In its continued drive to curb smuggling and other forms of illegality across Nigeria’s maritime and border environment, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry today handed over a total of 525 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command and 60 bags of the same commodity to the NCS Western Marine Command.

All the handed-over items were intercepted during a series of targeted, intelligence-led operations conducted by personnel of the Base in recent weeks. These successful interceptions form part of the Nigerian Navy’s sustained efforts to enforce Federal Government directives against smuggling and other acts of economic sabotage within the nation’s maritime environment and adjoining land borders.

Speaking during the handover, the Commanding Officer, Captain (NN) B. O. Omotayo, ably represented by the Base Executive Officer, reaffirmed the Base’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a secure, lawful, and economically viable maritime domain. He emphasized that the operations were carried out in strict compliance with the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedures (HSOP) for Arrest and Handover, as well as extant regulations guiding inter-agency collaboration.

Captain Omotayo further assured that FOB Badagry would continue to intensify surveillance and patrol activities across its Area of Operations to deter smugglers and other perpetrators of maritime and border-related crimes. He reiterated that the Forward Operating Base remains resolutely committed to achieving the strategic and operational objectives of the Nigerian Navy, in line with the directives and vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Abbass.

The Nigerian Navy, through FOB Badagry, continues to demonstrate professionalism, effective inter-agency synergy, and operational excellence in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and border environment.

Adenike Ayole Haastrup Foundation Set to Distribute Food Items to the Less Privileged

 

By Seyifunmi Odunuga

The Adenike Ayole Haastrup Foundation (AAHF), led by Nike Haastrup, will distribute food items to those in need on December 23rd at Fagba, Lagos State. The foundation, established by the royal family member from Ilesa, Osun State, aims to provide educational support, medical outreach, and empowerment programs.

Nike Haastrup credits her husband for inspiring her philanthropic work, saying he encourages giving and sharing with the less privileged. The foundation's initiatives include scholarships, back-to-school materials, medical outreach, and providing relief materials to vulnerable families.

Beneficiaries have praised Adenike Ayole Haastrup for her good deeds, wishing her continued blessings.

Arrive Early To Examination Centers, Comport Yourselves – Oyo Head of Service Urges Civil/Public Servants

Ibadan, Nigeria – December 15, 2025  

The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, has called on all Civil and Public Servants to arrive early and conduct themselves responsibly at the designated centres for the upcoming Confirmation, Promotion, and Advancement Examinations across the State.  

This message was delivered on her behalf by the Permanent Secretary, Service Matters, Alh. Taiwo Niran Mustapha, during a briefing with monitoring teams comprising Permanent Secretaries and other senior officials at the Head of Service Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan.  

Alh. Mustapha, representing the Head of Service, emphasized that Governor Seyi Makinde approved the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the examinations, in line with Section 6, Rule 060101 of the State Public Service Rules I of 2013. For the first time, the examinations will be conducted simultaneously across seven zones to ensure accessibility and fairness:  

- Ibadan I  

- Ibadan II  

- Eruwa  

- Oyo  

- Ogbomoso  

- Iseyin  

- Saki  

 *Logistics and Candidate Clearance* 

The Committee has inspected all centres and confirmed their suitability. Each classroom will host 60 candidates per invigilator, with halls permitted under the same ratio to ensure orderliness and effective monitoring.  

Special clearance desks have been established in all zones to resolve issues such as:  

- Name mismatches  

- Lack of evidence of payment  

- Late registration  

Candidates whose names are missing despite timely registration are advised to proceed to their centres with supporting documentation. Only those with verifiable evidence of payment and registration will be cleared to sit for the examination.  

 *Inclusivity for Visually Impaired Candidates* 

In collaboration with the Agency for Disability, Braille question papers have been produced for 82 visually impaired candidates registered across the zones. The Head of Service, through her representative, expressed gratitude to the Director General of the Agency for this vital support.  

 *Supervision and Monitoring* 

To guarantee transparency and credibility, the examinations will be coordinated through four layers of oversight:  

1. Invigilators  

2. Supervisors  

3. Chief Supervisors  

4. Monitoring Teams  

Examination materials will be distributed to Monitoring Teams for onward transmission to Chief Supervisors in each zone. Completed scripts will be returned to the Office of the Head of Service for collation and processing.  

 *Appreciation and Call to Duty* 

On behalf of Mrs. Oni, Mr. Mustapha expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, FNSE, DSc, GSSRS, for providing an enabling environment for the Public Service, and to Labour Leaders in Oyo State for their unwavering commitment to excellence.  

He urged all participants and stakeholders to cooperate, relate harmoniously, and discharge their duties diligently to achieve the best possible outcomes.  

Finally, the Head of Service, through her representative, wished all candidates success in the examinations.  

Signed:  

Abiodun Atilola  

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

Oyo Gov't Schedules Friday for 2025 Conversion Examination for Junior Officers

....As Application Form Closes on Monday

The Oyo State Government has announced that more than 250 junior officers will sit for the 2025 Conversion Examination for Clerical and Allied Staff.

The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, disclosed that the examination is scheduled for Friday, 19th December , 2025, at  Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan, commencing at 9:00 a.m.

According to the Commissioner, Officers eligible to participate in the exercise include Clerical Assistants, Clerical Officers, Stores Attendants, Stores Keepers, Judiciary staff and other allied personnel who have duly applied for the conversion.

Prof. Adelabu noted that examination slips will be issued only to candidates who have correctly completed and submitted their application forms on or before Monday,15 th December , 2025. He cautioned that applicants who fail to meet this requirement will not be allowed to participate in the examination.

He further stated that any candidate who does not properly complete the attendance register will not be recognized as having taken part in the examination, stressing the need for strict compliance with all examination procedures.

The Commissioner advised candidates to arrive early and maintain orderly conduct to ensure a smooth and hitch-free examination process.

RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE WILL NOT WILL BE COMPROMISED - LADOJA

There will be religious freedom and tolerance in Ibadanland where all the religious adherents will be allowed to practice their religions without fear of molestation, intimidation and persecution as in the days of our fore fathers

The assurance was given by His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa1) when the worshippers of Egungun Eleriko paid him courtesy visit at Olubadan palace Oke Aremo, Ibadan on Monday 

The assurance was contained in the press release issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga during the courtesy visit 

" I welcome you to Olubadan Palace like other religious practitioners as a father of all religions.

"I need your prayers for the success of my reign, to sustain me, promote peaceful eaceful co - existence, rapid economic recovery and security of life and property in Ibadanland 

Earlier in her speech, the leader of Eleriko masquerade Iyalode Atiba said it had been their practice from the time immemorial to pray and support any Olubadan on the throne 

She promised to give Oba Ladoja all the necessary support, adding that the reign of the paramount ruler would witness unprecedented peace, religious harmony, protection of the residents and economic prosperity in Ibadanland 

Present at the program were Aseyin of Iseyin Oba (Dr ) Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri 111, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland , masquerade leaders and followers 

Prophet Godwin Ikuru Urges Nigerians to Support Locally Made Imose Phones

Lagos, Nigeria — The founder of Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry, Prophet Godwin Ikuru, has called on Nigerians to support indigenous manufacturing following his visit to the headquarters of Imose Phone, a Nigerian-owned mobile device company.

Prophet Ikuru met with the chairman of Imose Phone and commended the company for producing quality mobile phones and tablets in Nigeria. He described the devices as durable and competitive, noting that they can stand alongside foreign brands in terms of performance and reliability.

Speaking during the visit, the cleric emphasized the importance of patronizing locally made products, particularly during the Christmas season. He urged Nigerians to support Imose Phone by purchasing Nigerian-made devices, adding that such support would help strengthen the nation’s economy and encourage technological growth.

The prophet also highlighted that the chairman of Imose Phone is an indigene of Edo State, describing the achievement as a source of pride and an example of what Nigerian entrepreneurs can accomplish when supported.

Prophet Ikuru revealed that he had toured the company’s office and is currently using one of the firm’s tablet devices, which he said has proven to be efficient and user-friendly.

In his remarks, he offered prayers for the continued success and expansion of Imose Phone, as well as for Nigeria’s overall progress. He expressed hope that the country would celebrate more achievements driven by homegrown businesses.

He concluded by appealing to Nigerians nationwide to visit markets and outlets to purchase Nigerian-made phones, stressing that sustained support for local manufacturers is vital for national development.

YOU ARE SOLDIERS OF CHRIST - ALADEKUGBE TOLD THE NEW KNIGHTS

The Archbishop of Ibadan  Ecclesiastical Province, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion and the Lord Bishop of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese,  His Grace , the Most Rev'd Williams Oluwarotimi Aladekugbe gave the charge during the Knighthood Investiture  of the Order of Saint Christopher KSC )

The Knighthood Investiture service took place at the Cathedral of St Peter Anglican church, Aremo, Ibadan on Sunday

According to Archbishop Aladekugbe, the ultimate success of the knighthood of Saint Christopher depends on how much  the people conferred with knighthood sacrifice freely and constantly give in service to God, the church and society 

In his sermon at the service, the Guest Preacher, the Rt. Rev'd Peter Rotimi Oludipe, the Lord Bishop of Ijebu Anglican Diocese with reference to 1 Peter chapter 2 admonisshed the new Knights to be good example for others to follow in thought , words and deeds , they should be promoters of peace, unity, progress  and bridge builders 

In his words," Be loyal to your Bishop, your province , contribute meaningfully to God's works , do away with any act that can tanish the image of our Lord Jesus Christ,be a good  Christian role model to win souls for Christ", the Clergy concluded 

The new Knights pledged to defend and propagate the faith of the universal church of Christ and show by living example the belief in the Christian faith, to be a defender of truth and justice and promoter of peace and harmony amongst people and the church,to undertake physical development that will enhance the growth of the church, sponsoring seminars, retreats, mission and evangelism among others 

Speaking on behalf of other new Knights, Sir Williams Adesoji Oluwarotimi Mni appreciated the Lord Bishop of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese for having them considered for the conferrement of the Nighthood of the order of Saint Christopher (KSC ) and once again promised that their investiture is a call to service and that they would keep the pledges made

It would be recalled that Saint Christopher was the strong man who earned his living by carrying travellers across a river.On one occasion ,he carried a small boy whose weight caused him to bow under the burden. It was said that the boy was none other than Christ and His weight was that of the entire world, hence the name Christopher -  Christ Carrier who became the Patron Saints of all who travel by Air, Land and Sea and who in all their travel seek to be carriers of Christ, His church and gospel 

Dignitaries from all the walks of life graced the occasion , they included both serving and retired Bishops and their wives, Clergies and their wives, traditional rulers, political leaders, business tycoons,and well - wishers