Sowore Foundation Awards 250 Scholarships, Empowers 45 Artisans; Hosts 2026 #ComeToKiribo Festival in Ondo The Sowore Foundation, founded by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, has awarded scholarships to 250 students studying Medicine, Nursing, Law, and other disciplines, while also empowering 45 artisans and vulnerable individuals. The interventions coincided with the 2026 edition of the annual #ComeToKiribo Festival, held on January 1, 2026, in Kiribo, Ondo State. Speaking at the event, Sowore described the Kiribo Road Race as both symbolic and historic, noting that it is the first marathon race anywhere in the world held every year on January 1. Beyond celebration, the festival served as a platform for education, empowerment, and community development, drawing attention to grassroots support initiatives often missing from mainstream governance efforts. Question: Should community-driven initiatives like this play a bigger role where government support falls short? #ComeToKiribo #SoworeFoundation #OndoState #EducationAndEmpowerment

Police Arrest Three Suspected Human Traffickers in Ondo State The Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspected human traffickers in the state. The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, issued a strong warning to landlords, cautioning them against allowing their properties to be used for criminal activities. According to him, any landlord found to be negligent or complicit by renting out premises used for crimes such as human trafficking will face serious legal consequences. Question: Should landlords be held legally responsible for crimes committed inside their houses if they “claim” ignorance? #OndoState #HumanTrafficking #NigeriaNews #CrimeWatch

Ex-Ondo Governor Akeredolu’s Convoy Staff Demand Unpaid Allowances Nearly Two Years After His Passing Over 50 security and support personnel from the convoy of the late Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu have appealed to the state government for payment of outstanding Duty Tour Allowances (DTA) nearly two years after his tenure. The affected workers, including DSS operatives, police officers, Amotekun personnel, and official drivers, claim they served diligently during official assignments, including the governor’s medical trips, yet remain unpaid. They cite ethical and biblical principles, urging the government to investigate the pending allowances and ensure justice for those who served, some of whom passed away without receiving compensation. #OluwarotimiAkeredolu #UnpaidAllowances #OndoStateWorkersRights

Army Withdraws Soldiers From Ondo Tantita Coordinator After Allegations of Illegal Escort, Intimidation The Nigerian Army has ordered the immediate withdrawal of all soldiers allegedly serving as personal escorts to Chief Idowu Asonja, the Ondo State coordinator of Tantita Security Services. The directive, issued by the Chief of Army Staff, follows reports that soldiers accompanied Asonja to nightlife outings, palace confrontations, and political events without official approval. The decision comes amid rising tension in Okitipupa, where protesting Tantita workers accused Asonja of diverting salaries for two years and inflating payrolls with ghost names. Youths also alleged arson, assault, and disrespect toward traditional rulers, including the Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa. They demanded withdrawal of soldiers, relocation of Tantita’s office, a public apology to the monarch, and a full corruption probe. Evidence of alleged payroll fraud is set to be submitted to Tantita’s Delta headquarters. #OndoState #NigerianArmy #TantitaSecurity

Ondo Youth Brutalised by Naval Officers Battles for Life as Navy Redeploys Accused Commanding Officer Gbenga Omogbemi, an Ilaje youth brutally assaulted by naval personnel over an alleged theft of $9,000 belonging to Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, remains in critical condition despite earlier reports claiming he had died. The Nigerian Navy has since redeployed Captain Usman, who was accused of leading multiple violent operations in Ilaje communities, including destruction of property, arson, killings, harassment, and repeated sexual assaults. Residents say the officers invaded Obejedo, Obe-Adun, and Obe-Nla on October 19, destroying property worth millions and leaving several people missing. Community members insist the Navy fabricated claims of illegal refining, while activists defending the victims have reportedly been arrested. They are calling for a full investigation and justice. #OndoState #NigerianNavy #HumanRightsAbuse

Over 600 Homes Destroyed As Ocean Surge Devastates Ayetoro Community In Ondo More than 600 homes and key community structures have been destroyed in Ayetoro, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, as a worsening Atlantic Ocean surge continues to erode the coastline. A video shared by civic group MonITNG shows collapsed buildings, wiped-out streets, and desperate efforts by residents to shield the historic community palace with concrete barriers. Locals say the ocean has advanced to within five metres of the landmark. Residents accused authorities of neglect despite earlier federal warnings about rising sea levels. They called for urgent intervention, including coastal defenses and land reclamation, as schools, markets, churches, and farmlands have already been swept away, displacing hundreds of families. #Ayetoro #OndoState

AAUA Students’ Union Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum Over Killings in Akungba Community The Students’ Union of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the police and Ondo State Government following a spate of brutal killings involving its students. In a statement over the weekend, SUG President Salami Akeem (aka Ologbon) condemned what he called the “incessant and gruesome killings” of students, allegedly by indigenes of the host community. The most recent case involves a female student reportedly murdered by her boyfriend, an indigene of Akungba. Her decomposing body was found days later after neighbors detected a foul smell and forced the door open. The suspect is currently on the run, though his mother has been arrested. The union also recalled a previous incident where two kidnapped students were found murdered, with locals suspected in that case as well. The SUG has threatened mass protests if authorities fail to arrest and prosecute the culprits within 24 hours, saying the lives of students must be protected at all costs.#AAUA, #Akungba, #OndoState, #CampusSafety, #JusticeForAAUAStudents, #NigerianStudents,