Oriontimes

  Residents of Oye Ekiti were thrown into fear and confusion following reports of heavy gunfire allegedly linked to suspected bandits around the environment of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti on Saturday evening. According to information gathered, multiple gunshots were reportedly heard within the area, forcing residents and students into panic as uncertainty surrounded the situation. A source familiar with the development, while speaking on phone, allegedly confirmed that armed men were “spraying bullets” around the vicinity before the call was abruptly disconnected, further heightening fears over the unfolding incident. As of the time of filing this report, authorities were yet to release an official statement regarding the attack, while details surrounding possible casualties, arrests, or the exact location of the incident remain unclear. The development has triggered anxiety among students, parents, and residents, especially amid growing concerns over insecurity across parts o...

  The debate over whether some university courses should be scrapped in Nigeria deserves more depth than emotional reactions or sweeping conclusions. On one side, the Federal Government appears driven by a practical concern: employability. In an era shaped by artificial intelligence, digital economies, data science, renewable energy, and global competitiveness, policymakers argue that universities must produce graduates whose skills match labour market demands. The concern is not entirely misplaced. Nigeria faces a rising unemployment challenge, and there is increasing pressure on institutions to justify the relevance of programmes in relation to economic realities. Yet, the counterargument by ASUU also raises legitimate concerns. Universities are not designed merely to serve immediate labour market needs; they are institutions for building knowledge, culture, ethics, identity, and critical thinking. A nation cannot thrive on technical competence alone while neglecting disciplines ...

  CONNYSA DG says monetised politics, failed leadership and exclusion of grassroots youths are deepening frustration and insecurity across the country. The Director-General of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Safety and Security Affairs (CONNYSA), Ambassador Ade Mario, has lamented the rising cost of politics in Nigeria, declaring that contesting for elective office has become nearly impossible for ordinary citizens without wealth or powerful connections. Speaking during a hard-hitting interview on OrionTimes while discussing the topic, “Is Nigeria Losing Its Youth to Crime Because of Failed Leadership or Failed Values?” Amb. Ade Mario said the country’s political process has gradually shut out competent but financially disadvantaged Nigerians. According to him, except an individual is prepared to “sell family inheritance,” participating in elections in Nigeria has become an expensive venture dominated by money, influence and recommendations from political elites. He maintained t...

The Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, has reiterated the importance of collaboration, unity, and mutual respect among security agencies in ensuring effective security operations across Osun State. Speaking during separate courtesy visits to the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Corps Commander stated that the visits formed part of deliberate efforts by the Osun Amotekun Corps management to engage all security stakeholders and strengthen operational synergy for the protection of lives and property. During the visit to the Comptroller of Correctional Service, CC Rotimi Oluwadele, High Chief Omoyele expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to his team and stressed that security remains a collective responsibility that requires strategic partnership and understanding among agencies. According to him, collaboration remains the key to successful security operations, adding that while disagr...

  The Lagos division of Appeal Court, has quashed the conviction and 17-year jail-term imposed by Justice Ismail ijelu of an Ikeja Special Offences Court, Lagos, on a businesswoman, Oluremi Phillips, holding that the allegations against her arose from a purely civil transaction and did not disclose any criminal offence. In a lead judgment delivered virtually via Zoom on Thursday, by Justice Yargata Nimpar, the appellate court allowed Phillips’ appeal and set aside the Justice Ijelu's judgment which had earlier convicted her on several counts of stealing and issuance of dud cheques. The appellate court judgment was delivered after Phillips had already served the jail term imposed by the lower court. Justice Nimpar held that after reviewing the submissions of counsel and the issues formulated for determination, the court found that the dispute between the parties stemmed from a commercial transaction that lacked any criminal element. “This was essentially a civil transaction without ...

Tension reportedly erupted during the ongoing Agege Federal Constituency primary election following reports that Hon. Oluwaseyi Kazeem Sarumi allegedly physically attacked electoral officials supervising the exercise, leading to the disruption and eventual cancellation of the election process. According to reports from the venue of the primary election, the incident occurred after a phase of the ongoing exercise reportedly did not favour Hon. Sarumi. Witnesses alleged that the aspirant became aggressive and personally led an attack on officials assigned to conduct and supervise the electoral process. Among those reportedly attacked were an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Oyebiyi Toluwanimi, and the party’s Returning Officer, Mrs. Adeola Olusi. Eyewitnesses described the incident as not only an assault on electoral officers but also an attack on women carrying out official democratic responsibilities. Sources at the venue alleged that the attack wa...