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BREAKING: FG Cancels N64bn Osun Airport Project Approval Over Relocation Dispute

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The Federal Government has pulled out of the foundation-laying ceremony for the proposed Osun State International Airport in Ede, following a request from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

This Nigeria news platform understands that the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, had planned the event for December 13, but the ministry has asked for a postponement until disputes surrounding the project are resolved.

The planned airport relocation from Ido-Osun to Ede, Adeleke’s hometown, has stirred controversy and tension.

A state government committee reported that the original site in Ido-Osun did not meet basic aviation requirements, prompting the move.

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In October 2017, the state government revived its intention to continue the project, but having entered a huge financial constraint, the Aregbesola administration opted for concession.

Later, before Aregbesola left office, the budgetary allocation for the airport project had swollen to N69bn. The PUNCH reliably gathered that about N12bn of Osun indigenes’ funds had been sunk into the construction site.

However, this decision has reignited a longstanding rivalry between the Ido community and Ede, with residents of the former protesting the relocation earlier this week.

The ministry’s request to delay the event came in a letter dated December 6, signed by the permanent secretary, Emmanuel Merinole, which was made available to The PUNCH on Tuesday.

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The letter reads, “I wish to refer to your letter Ref. No. S.12/19/1/Vol.VI/188 dated 21 November 2024 on the above subject and to respectfully request Your Excellency to suspend the foundation-laying ceremony of the Osun State International Airport until the issues regarding the petitions over the existing airstrip/airport are resolved and to harmonise the state’s efforts with that of the Federal Government.”

The letter also points out that the airstrip is a federal project included in the ministry’s 2024 budget, and the state’s plan to expand it to an international airport must align with federal objectives.

The statement added, “Your Excellency may wish to note that the airstrip is a federal project that is captured in the Ministry’s 2024 Appropriation. We also note that you have made arrangements to expand the airstrip to an international airport. In addition, there is a petition indicating there is an existing airstrip where funds have been expended and the need to use the site for the present airstrip instead of a new site.”

The letter emphasised the need for efficient use of public funds, stating, “The Federal Government is mandated to ensure judicious use of funds in order to curtail wastage of resources. As this Airstrip Project is a collaboration between the state and federal governments, it is important we are in sync before the project takes off.”

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The ministry urged the governor to postpone the ceremony.

Merinole stated, “Accordingly, Your Excellency is respectfully requested to reschedule the foundation-laying ceremony of the Osun State Airport pending the resolution of the petitions and selection of a mutually agreed date.”

Attempts to contact the state government’s chief press secretary, Olawale Rasheed, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages at the time of this report.

When contacted for further clarification, the media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, said the airport is currently cancelled following a litany of petitions that greeted the government’s continuation of the attempt to build the airport.

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Moshood said the government is also stopping the construction of the aerodrome over the discovery that the former government in the state got approval to cite the airport at a different location.

His words, “The airport has been cancelled for now because the previous administration got approval to site the airport in a particular location, and there can’t be two approvals at the same time.

“Meanwhile, we can’t deny the fact that we were carried along, but you know, sometimes it may be an oversight. Now there are petitions to that effect.”

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2027: Tinubu Can Be Shoved Aside If INEC Is Closely Monitored – Dele Momodu

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Ex-presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has said it is possible to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election if the opposition gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) close monitoring.

Momodu made the remark during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, stressing that removing President Tinubu from office is not impossible.

According to the politician, who recently announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the opposition needs candidates with the political strength and capacity to challenge the ruling party.

“I don’t know why people think it’s impossible that Asiwaju is not removable. Trust me, as long as we give INEC close marking, and that is why you need candidates who will be able to generate the firepower,” he said

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VP Shettima, Akpabio, Other Dignitaries Commemorate Armed Forces Remembrance

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade and Wreath-Laying Ceremony took place at the National Arcade in Abuja on Thursday

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, and other dignitaries attended the event.

Vice President Shettima at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, January 15, 2026
The dignitaries were led to the cenotaph in a solemn march by soldiers, where they laid a wreath in remembrance of the fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.

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Prayers were also conducted for the living and fallen heroes who fought gallantly for global peace and national integration.

The prayers were led by the Director of Chaplain Services (Protestants) Army, Colonel Rev. B.P. Nyam; followed by the Director of Air Force Islamic Affairs, Group Captain H. Idris; and finally, the Director of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Navy Captain Very Rev. Fr. R.C. Diala.

Following the prayers, a minute of silence was observed in honour of the fallen heroes, immediately followed by the firing of the artillery gun.

The wreath-laying ceremony, which involves the placing of flowers at a memorial site, then commenced at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

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Leading the wreath-laying ceremony was Vice President Kashim Shettima, who solemnly proceeded to lay the wreath, accompanied by the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya.

Next to lay wreaths were the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

Following them, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, laid her wreath, immediately succeeded by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Abbas Salaheeden, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cameroon.

The Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and the Inspector General of Police also participated in laying wreaths to honour the fallen heroes.

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The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) is observed annually on 15 January. It serves to honor veterans of World War I and II, as well as the Nigerian Civil War, and to commemorate the servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

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Armed Forces Remembrance Day: HoR minority caucus honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes, say “your sacrifices not forgotten”

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The House of Representatives Minority Caucus commemorate with Nigerians on 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, says their sacrifices cannot be forgotten.

This was contained in a commemorative message signed on behalf of the caucus leadership by the Minority Leader, Rep Kingsley Ogundu Chinda stating that:

“Today, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives joins the rest of the nation in solemn reflection as we honour the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism of the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces (past and present) who laid down their lives in defence of our country.

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“On this Armed Forces Remembrance Day, we remember with deep gratitude those who paid the ultimate price to preserve Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity, and democratic ideals.

“Their selfless service, often rendered in the face of grave danger and personal loss, remains a powerful reminder that our freedoms were hard-won and must never be taken for granted.

“We also salute our wounded heroes and veterans whose sacrifices did not end on the battlefield, as well as the families of fallen soldiers who continue to bear the pain of loss with quiet strength and dignity.

” Your resilience embodies the true spirit of national service, and the nation owes you an enduring debt of gratitude.

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“As a Caucus, we reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.

“This includes sustained advocacy for improved welfare packages, adequate equipment, mental health support, timely pensions, and the fulfilment of all statutory obligations owed to those who have served our nation with honour.

“At a time when our country continues to confront security challenges, we urge renewed national unity, responsible leadership, and collective resolve to support our Armed Forces, not only in words, but through concrete policies and actions that strengthen morale, accountability, and professionalism within the security sector.

“May the souls of our fallen heroes rest in perfect peace. May their sacrifices continue to inspire us to work tirelessly for a safer, more just, and more united Nigeria.

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“We remember. We honour. We will never forget.

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