Ibadan, the ancient city of warriors and traditions, is preparing for a historic moment as former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, is set to ascend the revered throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Governor Seyi Makinde has approved Ladoja’s nomination as the 44th Olubadan, with the coronation scheduled for September 26 at Mapo Hall, Oja-Oba, a symbolic landmark in the heart of the city.

The confirmation came after a meeting between the state government delegation, members of the Olubadan Advisory Council, and Ladoja himself on Wednesday, August 20.

Speaking on the development, Ladoja’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, described the governor’s approval as “a fulfillment of tradition and the will of Ibadan people.”

Ladoja, who served as Oyo State governor from 2003 to 2007, returned to Ibadan earlier this week after weeks away from home. His nomination on August 4 followed the passing of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on July 7.

For many residents, the coronation will not only mark the continuation of an unbroken line of Ibadan monarchs but also a reunion of politics and tradition — as the city watches one of its most influential sons step into royal shoes.

Twelve people have been confirmed dead in a lone truck crash at Samawa Village, Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State, along the Zaria–Kano Highway, in the early hours of Friday, August 15, 2025.

The accident involved a DAF trailer with registration number KMC 931 ZE, which was loaded with Ajinomoto spices and passengers. Preliminary investigation by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) revealed that the crash was caused by a mechanical fault after the trailer’s cab hook broke, leading to loss of control.

Nineteen people were involved in the accident. Twelve died, five sustained injuries, while two escaped unhurt. The corpses have been deposited at Nasarawa Hospital Mortuary, and the injured are receiving treatment at Kura General Hospital.

Reacting to the incident, FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, described the crash as avoidable and attributed it to poor maintenance and the use of mechanically unsafe vehicles. He warned transport operators against carrying passengers, goods, and animals in the same truck, adding that stiffer sanctions would be imposed on violators.

Mohammed also urged haulage companies to embrace fleet renewal and routine maintenance to reduce avoidable fatalities. He stressed that the Corps would intensify enforcement against speed violations, overloading, and poor vehicle standards, especially among truck owners.

The Corps reiterated that road safety is a shared responsibility and called on stakeholders to support efforts to end preventable crashes.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Friday empowered 500 women in Ekiti State with ₦50,000 each under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme.

Represented by the wife of the Ekiti State governor, Olayemi Oyebanji, Mrs Tinubu said the Women Economic Empowerment Programme was organised in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation. She explained that the funds were grants, not loans, aimed at recapitalising beneficiaries’ existing businesses.

She disclosed that the foundation donated ₦1 billion to the RHI to directly support 18,500 women nationwide, with 500 women from each of the 36 states and the FCT receiving ₦50,000 each.

Ekiti State Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye said the gesture would significantly assist women, especially in the current economic climate.

A representative of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Moyosade Fakunle, assured that the programme would be continuous, and those not selected in this round would benefit in future phases.

Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude and called for more initiatives to ease the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.