North Korea fired ballistic missiles into the sea on Sunday, accelerating its missile launches amid Iran war tensions and talk of possible meetings with the U.S. and South Korea.
Pyongyang’s intense missile activity – this was the fourth such launch this month and the seventh of the year – is meant to display its self-defence capabilities while gaining international leverage, some experts said.
“The missile launches may be a way of showing that – unlike Iran – we have self-defense capabilities,” said South Korean former presidential security adviser Kim Ki-jung.
“The North also appears to be exerting pressure preemptively and make a show of force before engaging in dialogue with the United States and South Korea,” he said.
The seven-week-old U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, which has as one aim the curbing of Tehran’s nuclear program, could reinforce Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions, experts and former South Korean officials say.
U.S. President Donald Trump, preparing for a summit in China next month, and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have repeatedly expressed interest in holding talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. There are no publicly known plans for any meetings.
Lee recently conveyed regret to the North for drone incursions from the South, receiving rare praise from Pyongyang.
Sunday’s missiles were fired from near the city of Sinpo on North Korea’s east coast toward the sea around 6:10 a.m. and flew about 140 km, South Korea’s military said in a statement.
Japan’s government posted on social media that the missiles were believed to have fallen near the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, and no incursion into Japan’s exclusive economic zone had been confirmed.
South Korea’s presidential Blue House convened an emergency security meeting, calling the launches a provocation that violated U.N. Security Council resolutions, according to media reports. It urged Pyongyang to “stop the provocative acts”.
It was not clear what kind of ballistic missiles were fired, but Sinpo has submarines and equipment for test-firing submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The North last fired a ballistic missile from a submarine in May 2022, and it flew as far as 600 km.
North Korea has made “very serious” advances in its ability to turn out nuclear weapons, with the probable addition of a new uranium enrichment facility, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said on Wednesday.
In late March, North Korean leader Kim said Pyongyang’s status as a nuclear-armed state was irreversible and expanding a “self-defensive nuclear deterrent” was essential to national security. (JapanToday)
A humanoid robot that won a half-marathon race for robots in Beijing on Sunday ran faster than the human world record in a show of China’s technological leaps.
The winner from Honor, a Chinese smartphone maker, completed the 21-kilometer (13-mile) race in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, according to a WeChat post by the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, also known as Beijing E-Town, where the race kicked off.
That was faster than the human world record holder, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, who finished the same distance in about 57 minutes in March at the Lisbon road race.
The performance by the robot marked a significant step forward from last year’s inaugural race, during which the winning robot finished in 2 hours, 40 minutes and 42 seconds.
But the race wasn’t without hiccups — one robot fell flat at the start line, another bumped into a barrier.
Beijing E-Town said about 40% of the robots navigated the course autonomously, while the others were remotely controlled.
State media outlet Global Times reported that a separate, remotely-controlled robot from Honor was the first to cross the finish line in 48 minutes and 19 seconds. But it said the winning one used autonomous navigation and received the championship under the event’s weighted scoring rules.
State broadcaster CCTV reported that the runners-up, which were also from Honor and used autonomous navigation, finished the race in about 51 minutes and 53 minutes respectively. A robot served as a traffic officer to direct the participants with its arm gestures and voice, CCTV added.
In China, technology has evolved into an area of competition with the U.S. with national security implications. Beijing’s latest five-year plan vows to “target the frontiers of science and technology.” Speeding up the development of products like humanoid robots and their applications is part of the 2026-2030 plan for the world’s second-largest economy.
London-based technology research and advisory group Omdia recently ranked three Chinese companies — AGIBOT, Unitree Robotics and UBTech Robotics Corp. — as the only first-tier vendors in its global assessment for shipment numbers for general-purpose embodied intelligent robots.
They all shipped more than 1,000 units of the robots last year, with the first two companies shipping more than 5,000 units, the report said. (JapanToday)
Matheus Cunha fired Manchester United towards the Champions League with a 1-0 win at Chelsea on Saturday, while Tottenham remain in the relegation zone after twice blowing the lead to draw with Brighton.
Chelsea failed to take advantage of a United defence ravaged by injury and suspension as a fourth straight league defeat for the Blues left their Champions League hopes in ruins.
United have missed out on the riches of Europe’s elite competition for the past two seasons but are closing in on a return thanks to an upturn in fortunes under Michael Carrick.
Cunha swept home Bruno Fernandes’ cross just before half-time to open up a 10-point gap between the Red Devils in third and Chelsea in sixth.
At the other end of the table, Spurs sank ever closer to dropping out of the top flight for the first time in nearly 50 years.
In Roberto De Zerbi’s first home game in charge, Tottenham were heading for their first win in 15 league matches until Georginio Rutter’s strike five minutes into stoppage time.
Pedro Porro’s header was quickly cancelled out by Kaoru Mitoma’s spectacular volley in first-half stoppage time.
Xavi Simons’ stunning strike 13 minutes from time sparked an outpouring of joy around the state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Yet, the home fans were silenced in added time when Jan Paul van Hecke outmuscled Kevin Danso and squared for Rutter to blast high into the net.
Spurs edge to within one point of West Ham in the battle for survival.
But the Hammers have a game in hand and could stretch that advantage when they travel to Crystal Palace on Monday.
“Everyone of us knows it’s a tough moment, it’s a difficult situation, but we have another five games, 15 points,” said De Zerbi. “And this team is able to win five games in a row.”
Brighton’s equaliser also saved Wolves from being officially relegated.
But their eight-year stay in the top flight is coming to an end after a 3-0 defeat at Leeds.
Fresh from a first league win away at fierce rivals Manchester United since 1981, Leeds all but secured their top-flight status.
Two goals in two first-half minutes from James Justin and Noah Okafor put the home side in control before Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty in stoppage time rounded off the scoring.
Tottenham’s woeful campaign has been compounded by an impressive return to the top flight by Sunderland and Leeds, to buck the trend of recent seasons.
For the past two years all three promoted sides have gone straight back down.
However, Daniel Farke’s men not only look set for survival, but could reach a first FA Cup final since 1973 should they beat Chelsea in next weekend’s semi-finals.
Bournemouth piled more pressure on Newcastle manager Eddie Howe with a 2-1 win at St James’ Park.
The Cherries showed no ill effects from the news that Andoni Iraola will depart as boss at the end of the season.
Marcus Tavernier and Adrien Truffert struck for the visitors to extend their unbeaten Premier League run to 13 matches.
Bournemouth climb to eighth and within four points of the Champions League places.
Newcastle, by contrast, remain in 14th with their hopes of European football next season all but over.
Brentford missed the chance to leapfrog Chelsea into the top six after being held to a 0-0 draw by west London rivals Fulham.
Leaders Arsenal travel to Manchester City in a clash that could decide the destiny of the title race on Sunday.
The Gunners hold a six-point lead, but City have a game in hand and home advantage when the top two clash at the Etihad Stadium. (JapanToday)
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026, with Nigerian music legends Fela Kuti and Sade Adu among the globally recognised artists being inducted for their lasting influence on music and culture.
The announcement, made on April 13, 2026, revealed a wide-ranging list of inductees across multiple categories, including Performers, Early Influence Award recipients, Musical Excellence honourees, and a special Ahmet Ertegun Award. The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14, 2026, in Los Angeles, California, and will later be broadcast on ABC and Disney+.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is regarded as one of the highest honours in the global music industry, recognising artists whose work has significantly shaped the evolution of rock and popular music across generations, while also serving as a museum that preserves and documents global music history.
In the Performer category, Sade joins a diverse lineup that includes Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan, reflecting the Hall of Fame’s recognition of artists who have shaped rock, soul, R&B, and alternative music across decades.
Sade, whose full band identity blends jazz, soul, and R&B influences, is celebrated for a timeless catalogue that has sold millions of records worldwide. The group’s music is widely regarded for its emotional depth and signature sound, which has remained influential across generations.
In the Early Influence category, Fela Kuti is honoured alongside Celia Cruz, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons, recognising pioneers whose work reshaped musical direction and cultural expression globally.
Fela Kuti is described by the Hall of Fame as a revolutionary figure who fused jazz, West African rhythms, and soul to pioneer Afrobeat, while using music as a tool for political expression and social commentary.
Born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti in 1938, he rose to prominence after forming his band Koola Lobitos in London and later developing Afrobeat after exposure to African American jazz, funk, and civil rights-era influences in the United States.
He is credited with transforming music into a vehicle for resistance, with works such as Expensive Shit and Water No Get Enemy reflecting both artistic innovation and political criticism.
The Hall of Fame noted that despite being jailed and widely criticised during his lifetime for anti-government messaging, Fela Kuti remains one of the most influential African musicians in global history.
Other honourees in the Musical Excellence category include Rick Rubin, Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Linda Creed, recognised for shaping modern music production and songwriting.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame stated that eligibility requires artists to have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior, with selections made by industry professionals, historians, and past inductees.
The 2026 class has been described as one of the most diverse in the institution’s history, reflecting its continued expansion beyond rock into global, cross-genre musical recognition. (AriseNews)
Pope Leo XIV has criticised foreigners who exploit the wealth of Africa for profit during his visit to a conflict-hit region of Cameroon.
It is one of several forthright remarks he has made over the last day, including blasting those who spend billions on wars and telling Cameroon’s government to root out corruption for peace to prevail.
He has spent the day in Bamenda, a city at the centre of Cameroon’s brutal and long-running separatist rebellion.
Internal problems were exacerbated by outsiders who “in the name of profit, continue to lay their hands on the African continent to exploit and plunder it”, he told an estimated 20,000 worshippers at a Mass at Bamenda Airport.
Earlier, joyful crowds sang, drummed and waved flags to welcome the leader of the Catholic Church, who arrived under military escort in a bullet-proof white vehicle.
Ahead of his visit, Anglophone separatists had announced a period of “safe travel passage”.
The Pope’s first stop was at a peace meeting in Bamenda held at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral about the nearly 10-year insurgency in Cameroon’s two English-speaking regions that has left at least 6,000 people dead and many more forced from their homes.
“Those who rob your land of its resources generally invest much of the profit in weapons, thus perpetuating an endless cycle of destabilisation and death,” said the 70-year-old Pope.
Since 2017, those seeking to create a breakaway state in Cameroon’s Anglophone region have been fighting government forces.
They are angered by what they see as the marginalisation of Cameroon’s English-speaking minority by the Francophone-dominated government.
Religious leaders and victims of the Anglophone conflict took turns to share the impact of the fighting with the Pope.
A Muslim leader decried the killing of members of the Mbororo indigenous community, looting of cattle and other items.
A nun revealed details of her kidnap by separatist fighters, highlighting the severity of the conflict.
Another man shared how he was forced to flee his home.
The Pope commended their work and said it was a model for the whole world: “Let us thank God that this crisis has not degenerated into a religious war.”
Commentators say the Pope has been unusually blunt in his speeches in Cameroon.
On Wednesday at the presidential palace in the capital, Yaoundé, he gave pointed advice to the government during at address also attended by President Paul Biya.
“In order for peace and justice to prevail, the chains of corruption – which disfigure authority and strip it of its credibility – must be broken,” he said. (BBC)
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) headquarters in Abuja, declaring that no serious nation could attain lasting prosperity with a weak and fragmented revenue system.
Speaking at the official event, Tinubu said the commissioning went beyond the physical unveiling of the building, marking a pivotal step in the administration’s fiscal reforms aimed at restoring public trust and building an economy rooted in discipline and equity.
“No serious nation can achieve lasting prosperity on a weak and fragmented revenue system. No government can demand trust from its citizens when taxation is opaque, inefficient or unjust,” Tinubu declared.
He said his administration had taken bold steps to overhaul the tax system, simplifying processes, eliminating distortions, and fostering a transparent, investment-friendly environment.
“That is why this administration took the bold decision to embark on far-reaching tax and fiscal reforms, reforms designed to simplify our system, eliminate distortions and create a fair, transparent and investment-friendly environment,” the president said.
Tinubu said the early outcomes of these reforms were already evident, including improved fiscal stability and stronger investor confidence.
“Our direction is clear: a revenue system that rewards enterprise, supports growth and ensures that every contribution to the national purse is matched by feasible value for people. The early results are encouraging, fantastic,” he said, thanking NRS Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji for his role.
He described the new headquarters as a symbol of professionalism and accountability. “The building is more than concrete and steel; it is a symbol of a new standard of professionalism, transparency, efficiency and service. It reflects our result that institutions must rise to meet the demand of reforms and the expectations of the Nigerian people,” Tinubu said.
The president urged the NRS to prioritise trust-building and fairness.
“We must thank Nigerian people for enduring and persevering, for their resilience to date and to the Nigerian Revenue Service, you must embody this new ethos. It must not only collect revenue, it must build trust, it must ensure fairness,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed his inaugural pledge as a covenant with Nigerians. “On my inauguration day, I made a solemn pledge that we would move Nigeria from the dimness of uncertainty into the clear light of renewed hope. I committed that, that we will confront structural weaknesses, restore fairness and build an economy anchored on discipline, equity and opportunity. Today, I stand before you to reaffirm that these words were not rhetoric. They were a covenant with the Nigerian people,” he said.
He concluded by commissioning the building, saying, “We are facing reform, we have chosen discipline, we have chosen progress, we have chosen development, prosperity and inclusiveness, and we will stay this course, steadfast and focused, until promise of Nigeria is matched by the performance of its institutions and the prosperity of its people. To the glory of God Almighty and to the benefit of Nigerians at home and abroad, I hereby declare this building and the God blessed public of Nigeria and the tax collector,” Tinubu said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his goodwill message, described the event as a testament to divine favour and visionary governance.
He celebrated the transformation of Nigeria’s revenue system under Tinubu in Lagos, from monthly collections of N4 billion to over N69 billion, attributing it to the president’s foresight.
“This is wonderful in the sight of God and this is wonderful in the sight of man. And of course, they say, whatever is done on earth, is also done in heaven. I’m very sure that this is the case. It’s also being celebrated in heaven,” Akpabio began.
He recalled his endorsement during the primaries, emphasising Tinubu’s unique vision.
“Your Excellency the President, when we were coming into office, during the primaries and the convention, I made a statement that We’re going to elect a candidate who has good sight and vision. And that sight and that vision enabled him to take the revenue service in legal sense from N4 billion a month in Lagos. So what we are having today is over N69 billion. And of course, I said can we do the same for Nigeria? If elected. Thank God, Nigerians believed me and elected you,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President highlighted state-level progress and Tinubu’s commitment to true federalism.
“Today, Mr President, you have sent me to commission many projects in states of the Federation. And one of those that we first commissioned was the lithium factory in Nasarawa State… Consistently you’ve shown that you do not only believe in democracy, but you believe in true federalism. That every money that goes into the Federation account, has a shine in our constitution,” he stated.
Akpabio celebrated NRS gains amid global oil disruptions and commended Tinubu’s personnel choices.
“Nigeria today even with the closure of the Hormuz Strait… we have not had 2, 3, 4, 5 kilometers of fuel line… You have a knack for picking good people… Dr Zacch, congratulations.”
Akpabio envisioned the NRS as a symbol of self-reliance. “Imagine this edifice, rising in the heart of our nation’s capital… No nation can endure if it depends only on what is given to it… The National Assembly must continue to stand firmly behind this president… Let us not say that you came to open a door that will work only through your administration, but you have opened a chapter that will bring total responsibility.”
Akpabio urged fiscal prudence on inherited debts.
“I get worried when I read that you have made numerous debts, including ways and means of worth N33 trillion… In the future of Nigeria, we cannot ignore others’ past mistakes.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, in his goodwill message, said the NRS headquarters symbolised Nigeria’s commitment to institutional discipline.
“Institutions reveal themselves not only through laws or leadership but also through the systems they sustain over time. This building invites a different kind of reflection. It is not simply about scale or design. It is about whether Nigeria now possesses the institutional discipline to convert authority into consistent outcomes,” Abbas said.
He praised the Tinubu administration’s fiscal reforms for their courage and clarity.
“The fiscal reform programme initiated under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu required not only technical clarity but political courage. It required a willingness to confront structural weaknesses that had accumulated over time and to make decisions whose benefits would not be immediate but whose necessity was clear,” the Speaker said.
Abbas highlighted the challenges of the old system and the impact of the 2025 Tax Reform Acts. (Sun)
President Bola Tinubu has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, authorising an aggregate expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion for the current fiscal year.
He also signed a separate bill extending the implementation period of the 2025 budget from March 31 to June 30, 2026.
The budget allocates ₦4.799 trillion for statutory transfers and ₦15.8 trillion for debt service.
It further sets aside ₦15.4 trillion for recurrent expenditure and ₦32.2 trillion for capital expenditure through the Development Fund.
The presidency made the disclosure in a statement signed by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Friday.
The statement read, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, which provides for an aggregate expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion. He has also signed the bill extending the implementation period for the 2025 budget from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
“The N68.32 trillion budget for this year earmarks N4.799 trillion for statutory transfers and N15.8 trillion for debt service. It allocates N15.4 trillion to recurrent expenditure and N32.2 trillion to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure.
“With capital expenditure accounting for about 50 per cent, the 2026 budget underscores the administration’s continued commitment to economic stability, national security, infrastructure development, and inclusive growth.
“The allocations reflect a strategic balance between statutory obligations, debt servicing, recurrent expenditure, and capital investments critical to driving productivity and improving the quality of life for Nigerians,” it added.
The 2026 Appropriation Act took effect on April 1, with the Federal Government commencing full implementation in line with what the presidency describes as the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu also assented to the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which extends the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act by three months to June 30.
The presidency said the extension would ensure the full utilisation of appropriated funds, particularly for critical infrastructure projects at advanced stages of implementation.
“The extension will ensure the full and effective utilisation of appropriated funds, particularly for critical infrastructure and development projects that are at advanced stages of implementation across the country.
“It will enable Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to consolidate ongoing works, enhance project completion rates, and maximise value for public expenditure,” the statement read.
Tinubu directed MDAs to ensure disciplined, transparent, and efficient utilisation of allocated resources, with strong emphasis on value for money and timely project delivery.
He commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly for what the presidency described as their “diligence, cooperation, and patriotism in expeditiously considering and passing the budget.”
“The President reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration between the Executive and Legislative arms of government in advancing national development objectives,” the statement noted.
Tinubu also assured Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to deepen fiscal reforms and boost revenue generation.
“He further assured Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to deepen fiscal reforms, enhance revenue generation, and prioritise investments that will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen social protection mechanisms,” the statement read.
The budget, titled “The Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” was originally presented to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 19, 2025, at a proposed sum of ₦58.47 trillion.
It passed second reading in the House of Representatives on January 29, 2026, before going through further legislative scrutiny and emerging at ₦68.32 trillion at the point of assent.
During the second reading debate in January, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere had urged lawmakers to support the proposal, pointing to a projected 3.98 per cent economic growth rate for 2026, a projected drop in inflation to 14.45 per cent, improved revenues, and foreign direct investment growth.
He also cited a stabilisation of the naira at around ₦1,400 to the dollar and a rise in Nigeria’s external reserves to a seven-year high of approximately $47 billion.
When Tinubu presented the bill to lawmakers in December, he described it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s reform journey, acknowledging the pressures the process had placed on households and businesses while insisting the sacrifices were necessary.
“The path of reform is seldom smooth, but it is the surest route to lasting stability and shared prosperity,” he told the joint session. (Punch)
South African opposition leader Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of firing a rifle into the air at a political rally.
A magistrate’s court delivered the ruling on Thursday, sentencing the 45 years old politician over a 2018 incident at a stadium in Eastern Cape province, where he discharged a weapon in a public place.
Malema, a prominent figure in South African politics, was convicted last year on multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and reckless discharge of a weapon. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His legal team swiftly applied for leave to appeal the sentence shortly after it was delivered in a court in KuGompo City, formerly known as East London.
If upheld after the appeals process, the sentence could disqualify Malema from holding public office, dealing a significant blow to his Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party.
The EFF, currently the fourth-largest party in parliament, has built a strong following among young South Africans, particularly those frustrated by persistent inequality since the end of apartheid in 1994.
Authorities say the case marks a significant moment in enforcing firearm laws, as the country continues to grapple with public safety concerns. (AriseNews)
The family of late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO) Abiola has congratulated Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, on his emergence as the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State for the 2027 governorship election.
The family also commended the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and other leaders of the party for their roles in ensuring a peaceful and united consensus process that led to the emergence of the candidate.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the Head of the MKO Abiola family and first son of the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Olamilekan Abiola, described Yayi’s emergence as well-deserved, noting that it reflects his leadership capacity, political experience, and commitment to public service.
According to him “We sincerely congratulate Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi on his emergence as the APC flagbearer in Ogun State. This milestone is well-deserved and a clear reflection of his dedication, experience, and service to the people.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Abiola Family Youth Wing, Saheed Abiola, described the development as a positive step for the state, saying that Yayi’s emergence reflects the trust reposed in him by party stakeholders.
“We congratulate Senator Yayi on this important milestone. His emergence shows the confidence the party and its leaders have in his ability to lead and deliver,” he said.
He added that the family remains optimistic that the development would further strengthen democracy and promote inclusive governance in Ogun State. (Guardian)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ogun State, Monday, adopted the senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, popularly called Yayi, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The decision to field the lawmaker as the party’s governorship flag bearer was announced at the state strategic caucus meeting presided over by the state chairman of the party, Chief Yemi Sanusi and held at the party secretariat, Abeokuta.
The meeting had in attendance Gov Dapo Abiodun, former governors; Chief Olusegun Osoba, Sen Ibikunle Amosun as well as Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
Others at the meeting included Sen Iyabo Obasanjo, Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka representing Imeko/Yewa North federal constituency and also a governorship aspirant, Senator Solomon Adeola and other serving and past members of both the state and National Assembly among others.
Abiodun reportedly announced Adeola as the party consensus governorship candidate and urged other governorship aspirants to rally round the senator and allow the party interest to supercede any other interest.
The announcement of the senator as the party’s governorship consensus candidate drew wild jubilation among party members as they began shouting Yayi ni jo, Yayi ni jare
In his acceptance speech, Adeola thanked the party members for giving him the opportunity to be the ruling party’s candidate pledging not to let the party down
He said, “Now is all the sacrifices that my brothers have put together to ensure this day come to pass I believe in oneness and the unity of our dear states and Ogun West by extension I know the vision for this state I know how passionate and how central this state is to the federal republic of Nigeria
” As far as maintaining our status aside being the most fastest growing economy in Nigeria all effort that have been put in place to ensure that we reposition this state and takes our pride of place in the community of states in this country is well recognized
“Your excellency my dear leaders that are here I want to assure sir I will not let you down I promise to keep the flag flying I promise to retain and maintain the unity peace and progress that has taken place in Ogun state for the last three years and beyond I can assure you I will not derail
“I will not derail the ship I’m about to take over I will make sure that it does not derail and by the special grace of God I will do my best, my utmost best to keep every member of our great party together to keep all the state together and to ensure that irrespective of our political alignment, we are one big irrevisable family
“Going forward from today your excellency and all the leaders of the party I want to assure you that a new Ogun state is born and everything that need to be done to keep us together, to keep us as one in the indivisible entity so that we can take Ogun state to the promise land and to the next level we all desire”
While welcoming the party leaders to the meeting, the party chairman, Yemi Sanusi said that the meeting was called to preserve the unity of the party both before, during and after the primaries.
He underscored the need for the party to have rancour primaries hence the need for the strategic caucus meeting to carry everyone along and ensure that the party is not divided ahead of the 2027 election. (ThisDay)
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