Daily South Nigeria

Akure, Ondo – In a passionate appeal echoing the global call for sign language recognition, members of the deaf community in Ondo State have urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and key stakeholders to prioritize their welfare through targeted empowerment programs and inclusive employment opportunities. The plea came during the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Day of Sign Language and the 2nd Deaf Awareness Week Celebration, held at the Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Akure. Organized by the Ondo State Association of the Deaf (ODSAD), the event highlighted the ongoing struggles of hearing-impaired individuals in accessing education, jobs, and basic services, framing their demands as essential steps toward a more equitable society. "This is a clarion call for our voices—silent to some, but loud in resolve—to be heard," said Patricia Akinyemi, Chairperson of ODSAD, in a statement delivered through a Nigerian Sign Lan...

Agbarho, Delta – In a gut-wrenching spectacle of savagery that shatters any illusion of civilized society, an enraged mob in Agbarho community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, descended upon a woman accused of attempting to kidnap a 7-year-old boy on Wednesday afternoon, beating her into unconsciousness before dousing her with petrol and setting her ablaze in broad daylight. The inferno, captured in harrowing videos circulating online, reduced the unidentified victim – reportedly from nearby Ughelli town – to a charred corpse on a public street, her screams drowned out by the bloodthirsty cheers of her attackers. This grotesque act of "jungle justice," as it is euphemistically termed, is not justice at all – it is the barbaric unraveling of the rule of law, a descent into anarchy where presumption of guilt overrides due process, and human life is snuffed out on the altar of mob hysteria. The tragedy unfolded around midday, September 24, when th...

Ibadan, Oyo – The ancient city of Ibadan is poised for a momentous occasion as former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja prepares to be crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland tomorrow, Friday, September 26, 2025. The Oyo State Government, under Governor Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the event with unparalleled pomp, deploying over 2,000 security personnel and unveiling a weeklong program blending tradition, culture, and modernity. The coronation, set at the iconic Mapo Hall, marks a significant chapter in Ibadan's storied chieftaincy system, which follows a unique linear succession. Ladoja, 81, emerges as the new monarch following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7, 2025. Governor Makinde approved Ladoja's nomination during a courtesy visit to his Bodija residence on August 20, 2025, describing the ascension as "a journey guided by the wisdom of our ancestors." Makinde highlighted Ladoja's...

Calabar, Cross River – In a groundbreaking move to enhance educational record-keeping and tracking, the Government of Cross River State has announced that starting in 2026, every child from kindergarten to Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) will be assigned a unique index number. This initiative is part of a broader set of transformative education policy reforms unveiled on September 22, 2025, by the Ministry of Education aimed to revolutionize the educational landscape across both public and private primary and secondary schools in the state, ensuring a holistic implementation of improvements. The unique index number system is expected to streamline administrative processes, improve student monitoring, and provide a robust framework for educational data management. In addition to the index number initiative, the Ministry has introduced several other significant changes. All schools must strictly adhere to the approved academic calendar for opening and closing. Non-compliance ...

Benin, Edo – In a heartening display of compassion and fiscal responsibility, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the immediate release of the first tranche of a N4.6 billion settlement package to 714 disengaged staff from the Colleges of Education in Ekiadolor and Igueben. This pivotal intervention addresses the lingering hardships faced by these dedicated educators and administrators, who were unceremoniously sacked under controversial circumstances by the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki, leaving families in financial limbo and casting a shadow over the state's education sector. The disbursement, amounting to N1,164,507,285.17 for the initial phase, targets 682 pensioners from the College of Education, Ekiadolor, and 32 from its counterpart in Igueben. As part of a structured four-tranche plan, this payment adheres strictly to the provisions of Nigeria's Pension Act, ensuring that long-serving public servants receive the dignified exit the...

Akure, Ondo – In a renewed push to restore discipline and elevate the state's education sector, the Ondo State Government has issued a stern warning to students, urging them to cease roaming the streets during school hours. The directive comes amid intensified monitoring efforts just one week into the new 2025/2026 academic session, with officials vowing to enforce strict measures against truancy. The announcement was highlighted by Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, the state's Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, during ongoing school inspections in the Southern Senatorial District. Speaking on the first day of the session, Ajibefun emphasized the government's zero-tolerance policy, stating, “We will bring back the good old days; we will instill discipline in our schools. It is not negotiable. We won’t condone our students roaming the streets; any student caught after 8 a.m. will face the full wrath of the law.” He called on parents and guardi...