Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, has confirmed that Reno Omokri played a key role in the appointment of Segun Showunmi as the spokesperson to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2018 presidential campaign.
Speaking in a phone interview with journalists, Metuh recalled how the decision unfolded.
“It was in 2018, when I was still actively involved in politics. Reno reached out to me, asking for a recommendation for Atiku’s media team,” Metuh said. “I initially thought of Deji Adeyanju, but he had already left the PDP. So I suggested Segun Showunmi instead.”
Metuh said he asked Showunmi to contact Omokri directly, which he did.
“That was it. I made the connection, and everything moved forward from there.”
He emphasized that there was no confusion surrounding the process.
“There is no controversy about how Segun got the role. It was straightforward.”
Metuh added that, to his knowledge, neither Omokri nor Showunmi remains an active PDP member, saying:
“So really, there’s no need for anyone to stir up drama.”
Omokri, a former aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, had earlier shared the backstory in a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast and reiterated the details in a Facebook post. According to him, he not only received Showunmi’s CV after Metuh’s recommendation but also personally negotiated his salary over a call from California before informing Atiku.
“If I’m anything at all, I’m a meticulous record keeper,” Omokri wrote. “Segun later returned to thank Metuh for the recommendation. I have no interest in controversy, but I won’t hesitate to share documented evidence if anyone chooses to deny the facts.”
The confirmation from Metuh appears to put the matter to rest, solidifying the behind-the-scenes account of how Showunmi joined Atiku Abubakar’s media campaign team in 2018.
The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has disowned comments made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, regarding the party’s communication with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of its upcoming 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Ologunagba had stated at a press conference that the PDP was not obligated to formally notify INEC of its NEC meetings, including the one scheduled for June 30, asserting that such communication was only necessary for conventions, congresses, or primaries.
However, in a strongly worded statement personally signed and released in Abuja, Damagum described Ologunagba’s position as unauthorised and not reflective of the party’s leadership.
“Let me clearly state that Ologunagba’s comments were made without the approval of the National Working Committee (NWC). They are his personal opinions and do not represent the official position of the PDP,” Damagum said.
He described the development as shocking and unfortunate, especially given the sensitivity of the matter and the need for internal consultation. He also disclosed that the party leadership would be meeting with INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and other stakeholders to address the commission’s concerns.
INEC had, in a letter dated June 13, responded to a prior invitation sent by Damagum on May 30, informing the PDP that the notice for the NEC meeting was invalid because it was not jointly signed by both the national chairman and the national secretary—as required by Part 2(12)3 of its 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
While reaffirming the PDP’s commitment to internal democracy, Damagum emphasised that due process must guide all party actions.
“Our strength lies in unity, discipline, and coordination. We remain committed to holding the 100th NEC meeting in full compliance with our constitution and democratic principles.”
Following the backlash, Ologunagba later admitted that his comments were premature and made without due consultation, particularly in light of a scheduled leadership meeting set for Tuesday, June 24. He expressed appreciation to party members for their vigilance and assured the public of a transparent resolution of internal issues.
Despite the tension, preparations for the June 30 NEC meeting remain ongoing.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has arrested a 45-year-old vehicle spare part dealer, Alhaji Ganiyu Kehinde, for allegedly engaging in acts of homosexuality and the defilement of two teenage boys in lpata-Oloje area of Ilorin.
The incident was reported at the Gender Unit of the Command on the 14th of April, 2025, by the parents of the victims and concerned members of the community, who alleged that the suspect had been involved in repeated homosexual acts with two teenage boys (names withheld), aged 15 and 19.”
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect lured the victims with monetary gifts, giving them ₦500 on separate occasions after having carnal knowledge with them.”
The victims further disclosed that the suspect sexually assaulted them through anal intercourse multiple times, both at his residence and in an uncompleted building located in Oko-Olowo area, Ilorin.
The victims are currently undergoing medical and psychological assessments to support their recovery and the ongoing investigation.
While the suspect denied all allegations of sexual penetration, he admitted allowing the boys to sleep on his chest, describing the interaction as harmless.
The suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the ongoing investigation, in accordance with legal provisions, ROYAL NEWS has gathered.
The Kwara Nscdc Boss, Dr Umar JG mohammed emphasized that Sexual abuse, particularly against minors, is a grievous offense and a direct attack on the moral fabric of our society. We are determined to ensure that justice is served, and that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are brought to book.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to protecting the rights and safety of children, youth, and other vulnerable groups in the society.
Late Christopher Jemitola
Major General Christopher Jemitola, the former Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo is dead.
He served Olusegun Obasanjo as ADC with rank of Colonel from 2003 to 2007, ROYAL NEWS reports.
Jemitola, who later retired as the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) in the Nigerian Army died on Thursday after he reportedly slumped at the IBB Golf Course in Abuja.
Sources close to his family confirmed that he was quickly rushed to the hospital but was declared dead upon arrival.
The late General was at several times, the Corp Commander Nigerian Army Signals, Nigeria’s Defence Adviser to Brazil and Director of Army Public Relations.
The deceased hailed from Ososo in Akoko Edo Local government area of Edo State.
Entrance to Adekunle Family compound, Oke-Kangan, Gamno, Kwara State. PHOTO CREDIT: ROYAL NEWS ONLINE CREW
Africa is rich with many with cultures and traditions that are dated back to centuries and it is generally believed that Snake is associated with fear due to its dangerous nature to human existence.
In modern- day practices, SNAKE traditions continue to captivate and intrigue us. So, in this feature story, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of snake tradition in Kwara State, North-Central, Nigeria, to discover their worth, uniqueness and powerful tradition.
Recall that in the United State of America, especially in the South-Western part, there is a native tradition of snake dancing, whereby citizens will dress up in different snakes attires to celebrate; also, in West Africa, the snake is revered as a symbol of fertility and prosperity.
The Fon people of Benin Republic worship the snake goddess, who is believed to have the power to grant wealth and protection. Also in Egypt, the Cobra, with its raised hod, was a sign of protection and divine power.
While snake is dangerous/poisonous to man and other living things, it is been worshipped by some clan but the people of Olororo Compound Ganmo, Ifelodun Local Government Area in Kwara State sees the Snake as their great Ancenstor that should not be harmed or killed.
Ganmo is a community located a short distance from Ilorin, Kwara State. It is located along the Ilorin-Ajasse-Ipo Road and just about 10km from the Ilorin City Centre.
They cherish and preserve the culture till today despite the current era of civilization and digitalisation of virtually of human existence because they see their heritage as awesome, great and un-ending traditions.
In an exclusive interview by ROYAL NEWS Crew, a woman in her early 70s, Alhaja Falilatu also known as Iya Badia, said snake is their great grandfather, which has been paying them homage, protecting them before the advent of both Islam and Christianity. Bunmi Umar with Alhaja Falilatu, (Iya Badia) during her visit to Olororo compound. PHOTO CREDIT: ROYAL NEWS ONLINE CREW
She said: “Snake usually visit new born baby by staying beside him/her for some minutes for seven days but if the snake notice the mother is panicking or afraid, it will leave the baby side earlier without causing any harm unless the baby is a bastard.
“The mother will never have any background knowledge or clue before the creature visit expect the brides happens to be from that town / descendant. Infact, the snake paid me a visit recently when I returned from Lagos.”
While sharing an ugly incident, Iya Badia disclosed that one of her neighbours from Asaka compound came to inform her about some youths attacking a snake, stressing that, “I went there to fight with them but I later explained and pleaded with them to always leave or ignore the snake anytime it is coming towards my home that it will never hurt or harm them.”
She vowed that none of the children from their household will ever killed snake when they went hunting adding that, “No member of our household will neither stone nor eat snake talk less of using the pot used in preparing meals.”
While eulogizing the snake, Iya Badia always say, “My father, cobra, mighty with stylish moments, cobra that cares for its kids, when you are not around, python was made to head, Uhmm, haa, death don’t kill, sickness do not strike us”.
Speaking further, she said: “When a new bride first experience in our household, she became unconscious five times and screaming when snake came to pay visit to her newly born baby because their husband will never inform them before the snake visit them.
“There is no where you are living that the snake will not pay you a visit unless you are not the real child of Olororo compound either physically or spiritually. I’m from snake offspring and I got married to another snake descendant that is why I am not afraid nor scared.
According to an eye witness, Mallam Abdulrahman Fasasi said Adekunle compound have high regards for snakes because they believe that it is their Ancenstor and testified that snake usually paid homage to their new generations for some specific days and the popular snake that do come is COBRA.
Another person, who seek anonymous due to her religious status attested that the snake usually appear physically to male children of Adekunle family especially to the new born baby and their mother alone. It will NEVER appear to a girl-child of Olororo household once she left their family house to her own husband dynasty but will only be appearing to her in the dream even if you are aboard, it will pay you a visit.
In addition, Mr. Thaoban; a brother to another new bride who got married to the family said, he got to know about the tradition from her elder sister and described her experience as an un-forgetful one as the sister ran away from her own new born baby when she was delivered of her first baby and almost divorce her husband.
“This tradition can not be overlooked or underrated because it will serve as a warning for their wives to avoid adultery, which will result to illegitimate child and bring shame to the family”, he said.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has again raised its benchmark lending rate by 0.25 percent.
ROYAL NEWS reports that the increament is from 27.50 per cent to 27.25 per cent.
This marks the sixth interest rate hike this year, resulting in a cumulative increase of 875 basis points.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the bank stated that its unanimous decision was aimed at maintaining price stability.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso disclosed this while addressing journalists at the end of a two-day MPC meeting held in Abuja.
The benchmark rate is the standard interest rate set by central banks, used to guide lending rates and influence economic activities, inflation, and financial stability.
The central bank also retained the asymmetric corridor around the MPR +500 to -100 basis points.
Mr Cardoso said the committee voted to retain the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 50 per cent for commercial banks, while maintaining the CRR of merchant banks at 16 per cent.
The committee also voted to retain the liquidity ratio at 30 per cent.
Wahab Egbewole SAN
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, joined other scholars from Nigeria, some African and European countries at a brainstorming session to fashion a better future for education and development in the continent through digital revolution.
While declaring open the Conference organised by the African Networks of Economics of Learning, Innovation and Competence Building Systems (AFRICALICS), themed “The Africa We Want: Leveraging Innovation and Digital Transformation”, Prof. Egbewole urged the participants to design the road map that would take Africa to that destination.
Egbewole who is also the Secretary General of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU), promised that the Conference would find the University of Ilorin a worthy partner in its journey of taking Africa to its dream destination.
In his address at the event, the Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who was represented by the Director of Artificial Intelligence Unit of the Ministry, Dr. Olubunmi Ajala, noted that the Federal Government is determined to make Nigeria competitive in the Digital Age.
The Minister revealed that while it had taken Nigeria 20 years to lay fibre optics of a 30-kilometre distance, the current government is laying the foundation to complete 90 kilometres of fibre optics while also embarking on the largest digital talent hunt ever known in the world with the 3MTT programme in which the third cohort of 90,000 participants has just kicked off.
In his address, the President of AFRICALICS, Prof. Daniel Kitaw, pointed out that Africa must innovate for itself and embrace trading, banking, digital literacy and partnerships to bridge the digital divide. He noted that even the most marginalised societies can be equipped with digital skills and infrastructure.
Prof. Kitaw also called on African governments to make policies that support innovation and tehnology.
On her part, the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr. Kemi Omotesho, said that the time is right for Africa to turn its dream of progress into tangible reality.
She appreciated the University of Ilorin for hosting the Conference without external funds
The Keynote Speaker, Prof. William Siyanbola, who addressed the gathering virtually, called for a coordinated approach that integrates technology and innovation in Africa’s development strategy.
Dr. Umar J.G Muhammed
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State, Dr. Umar J.G. Muhammed has reiterated the Corps’ commitment to ensuring the safety of farmers and boosting food security in the state.
This is he said is line with the mandate given to the Agro Rangers Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which is to boost food security by providing protection to farmers against malicious destruction of their farmlands, as well as addressing farmer-herder clashes, ROYAL NEWS has gathered.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday in Ilorin, Commandant Umar disclosed that the Agro Rangers Unit has resolved one hundred and ninety-six (196) cases of farmer-herder conflicts over the past one year
He stated that “the Agro Rangers personnel have been trained and certified in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, allowing them to effectively mediate conflicts between itinerant herders and sedentary farmers across all 16 local government areas. These efforts have significantly reduced farmer-herder and other communal clashes in the state.”
He further stressed that the Agro Rangers have been providing security to state-owned, corporate, and individual farmers, as well as protecting farmlands across the state snd cited the strategic deployment of NSCDC personnel at Shonga Farm in Edu Local Government Area as a key example of their commitment.
“Peasant farmers and agro-allied industries in the state are supported through continuous surveillance and routine patrols of agrarian communities”, Dr. Umar added.
The NSCDC therefore reaffirmed the Corps’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding the agricultural sector, ensuring the protection of both farmers and their investments, and promoting sustainable growth within the state.
HRH Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFRThe Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, has expressed sadness over the demise of Hajia Aminat Modupe Ibrahim.
In a condolence message issued by his spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir commiserates with the former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, CFR and his children over the unfortunate incidence.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari described Hajia Modupe’s death as a rude shock, unfortunate and regretable but in total submission to the Will of Almighty Allah.
He also sends his hearty condolence to the aged mother of the deceased and the entire Ori-Okoh family, consoling them to find solace in the fact that Hajia Modupe lived her life and died as a pious Muslim, supportive wife and loving mother to all.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari therefore prays Almighty Allah to forgive her shortcomings, accept her good deeds and admit her into Al-janatul firdaos.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, has welcome the admission of the Ubandoma of Ilorin, Dr. AbdulKadir Salman Solagberu into the fold of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) with excitement.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, noted that the appointment is a confirmation of the cleric’s laudable contributions to Islamic knowledge and dawwah activities in Nigeria.
The Emir further described Dr. AbdulKadir as a committed Kwara State citizen and proud Nigeria who has over the years remained steadfast with clear vision for grassroot development for youths and facilitation of different religion-based projects for community development to the glory of Almighty Allah amd benefit of mankind.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari however urged him not to relent in his efforts towards promoting and propagating the teachings of Holy Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which is the hallamrk of his over 30years Islamic Institute, Darul Kitab College of Arabic and Islamic Studies located at Gaa-Akanbi area, Ilorin.
