On Tuesday, the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Social Investment Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative, distributed Fifty Million Naira (₦50,000,000) to 250 elderly men and women from all 25 Local Government Areas in Delta State.

The distribution, which took place simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, was conducted at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Asaba, where beneficiaries from various political affiliations were present.

Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, the wife of Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented Senator Tinubu at the event.

She announced that the Governor supported the First Lady’s initiative by providing 250 bags of rice, while she herself offered free medical check-ups and medications for the elderly participants.

In her speech, Senator Tinubu expressed her enthusiasm for the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), which is centered around the theme “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Lifestyle.” She emphasized that this program is aimed at enhancing the well-being of senior citizens annually.

Senator Tinubu highlighted that the initiative seeks to assist 250 vulnerable seniors aged 65 and over from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including veterans associated with the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association.

Furthermore, she mentioned that the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative decided to increase the financial support for the second edition of the program from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000, to provide additional aid to elderly citizens during this festive season.

The First Lady noted that the total amount disbursed nationwide is One Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira (₦1,900,000,000), with each beneficiary receiving ₦200,000.

She wished the senior citizens a joyful holiday and a prosperous 2025 while encouraging them to prioritize their health through regular exercise and a balanced diet.

In her welcome address, conveyed by the Deputy Governor’s wife, Lady Catherine Onyeme, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori expressed gratitude to Senator Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Initiative team for their generous scheme. She remarked, “This thoughtful gesture will significantly contribute to nation-building.”

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Sunny Onyejose, a stalwart of the APC, extended his appreciation to the First Lady for her kindness and commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife for their additional humanitarian contributions to the initiative.

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has lamented that the northern part of the country is grossly lagging behind in terms of development particularly in education and agriculture, causing the region to suffer significantly.

Sanusi said this on Saturday at the 50th anniversary of the visit of the founder of Faidha Tijjaniyya in West Africa, Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass, in Jos, Plateau State.

The Emir, who was the guest speaker at the event, said the North had failed to capitalise on its huge population, noting that significant percentage of people from the region are mostly agrarian farmers who lack the requisite knowledge on modern agricultural technology.

He urged stakeholders in the North to invest in education and agriculture for the betterment of the region and its people, adding that the north must wake up.

Delivering a lecture on the imperative of harmonious coexistence in a multi-ethnic/religious setting, the Emir recalled that 50 years ago, late Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass, visited Nigeria from Senegal on the invitation of the then former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, to foster peaceful coexistence among the Muslims and non-Muslims in the then Benue-Plateau State.

He added that his grandfather, Muhammadu Sanusi I, received Sheikh Nyass under the permission of the then Governor of Benue-Plateau State, J. D Gomwalk.

While commending the present administration in the state for its support and commitment towards activities of Muslim community, Sanusi urged Muslims in the state to complement the efforts of the state governor to achieve sustainable peace and development.

Agidigbo FM, a prominent private radio station, has disclaimed involvement in the ill-fated children’s festive party that tragically resulted in multiple deaths on Wednesday morning in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

The tragedy which struck on Wednesday morning at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan when a stampede occurred during a children’s Christmas party.

The station’s management clarified they were not sponsors or organisers of the event, contrary to initial reports. It identified the organiser as WINGS (Women In Need Of Guidance and Support), whose founder is Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

Eyewitnesses report that many children were trampled in the chaos, with several others injured and currently receiving treatment at the University College Hospital in Ibadan.

The exact number of fatalities and injuries is still unknown, but the incident has sent shockwaves through the community.

Reacting in a press statement shared via his personal X profile, Governor Seyi Makinde also confirmed the multiple deaths during the stampede as reported by SaharaReporters.

He added that the organisers of the event had been arrested and that an investigation was ongoing to unravel the cause of the tragedy.

Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, was a key organiser of the tragic children’s festive party. Additionally, Agidigbo 88.7 FM, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, had actively promoted the event in the days leading up to the devastating incident.

A press statement signed by Olayinka Abdul Wahab, Director of Programmes at Agidigbo FM on Wednesday evening, however, denied the involvement of Oriyomi and its organisation in the planning of the event.

The statement reads: “This is to inform the general public that the management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, received the news of the tragedy that heralded the children’s fun fair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, organized by the WINGS foundation with great shock and wholeheartedly commiserate with the families involved.

“Amidst the tragedy, the news making the rounds says that Agidigbo FM is the organizer of the children’s funfair. However, the management wishes to state that Agidigbo FM is not the organizer of the event but one of the media outfits used to promote the event.

“Upon receiving the notice that a mammoth crowd had assembled before 5 am this morning at the venue, Agidigbo FM, the people’s voice, used all media strategies to sensitize the populace with jingles and public service announcements, from that time that people should stop going to the venue of the funfair.

“The organizers of the event also did all they could to ensure that the tragedy was curtailed by deploying security apparatus, medical officials, and other relevant agencies to come to the aid of those affected by this tragic event.