MORNING NEWS
THE HEADLINES
Here are the top stories making the headlines this morning
Ex-Ondo Governor Mimiko Joins APC
Gov Otu Raises Alarm Over Flooding, Seeks Federal Intervention
UPDATED: Makinde Declares For 2027 Presidency
Tinubu appoints DG for women development centre
China reaffirms one-China stance, warns against Taiwan moves in Nigeria
McFarlane Calls On Chelsea To Save Troubled Season With FA Cup Glory
Now the news in details
Former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, on Thursday officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mimiko, who governed Ondo State from 2009 to 2017, had resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in April before announcing his decision to join the ruling party.
The former governor made the announcement at the APC Ward 7 Secretariat in Ondo West Local Government Area of the state.
Welcoming Mimiko into the party, the Ondo State APC Chairman, Kolawole Babatunde, said the former governor’s defection would strengthen the party’s prospects in the state
Babatunde praised Mimiko’s leadership qualities and his contributions to the development of Ondo State and Nigeria, adding that the party and the state governor were pleased to receive him into the APC.
Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has raised concerns over the recurring flood disasters affecting the state, describing the situation as a growing ecological threat that requires urgent and coordinated intervention from all levels of government.
The governor said flooding had remained a painful and persistent challenge for many communities across Cross River State.
He recalled engaging relevant authorities as far back as 2019 on the need for proactive measures to mitigate the devastating effects of flooding, but lamented that the problem had persisted. He called on the Federal Government and relevant intervention agencies to accelerate work on critical flood-control infrastructure across the state, stressing that proper drainage systems and ecological remediation projects would significantly reduce the impact of flooding on residents.
The political landscape in Nigeria is taking a new shape as Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially declared his intention to run for the office of president in 2027. Makinde made the official declaration at the unity rally jointly organised by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All People’s Movement (APM) to formalise the alliance between the two parties. The event was held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday.
The governor called on opposition leaders to unite against what he described as a deliberate effort by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to redirect Nigeria to a one-party state. br>
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Adedayo Laniyi as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development for an initial term of four years. The appointment, which takes effect from April 18, 2026, was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana.
The appointment, which takes effect from April 18, 2026, is in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 (1) and (3) of the National Centre for Women Development (Amendment) Act, 2023,” the statement partly read.
While congratulating the new Director-General and members of the Governing Council, Tinubu wished them success in their respective roles. <
FOREIGN REPORT
The Chinese government has reiterated that Nigeria’s longstanding adherence to the one-China principle remains the foundation of diplomatic relations between both countries, while warning against what it described as attempts by Taiwan authorities to undermine bilateral ties.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the Media Salon themed “Understanding the One China Principle,” the Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Dong Hairong, said Nigeria had consistently upheld its commitment to the one-China policy since diplomatic relations were established between both countries in 1971.
According to the envoy, the political understanding between both countries has enabled relations to expand into what she described as a comprehensive strategic partnership with tangible economic and development outcomes.
SPORTS REPORT
Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane has urged his side to salvage their turbulent season by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Without a win in their last seven Premier League games, Chelsea are languishing in ninth place with virtually no chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
McFarlane is in his second spell as interim boss after stepping up from his under-21 coaching role to replace Enzo Maresca in January and Liam Rosenior three months later.
McFarlane believes ending that barren run would at least partially salve the wounds of a troubled campaign. Although McFarlane’s inexperience is undeniable, the 40-year-old led Chelsea to their semi-final win over Leeds at Wembley and emerged unscathed after pitting his wits with City boss Pep Guardiola in a 1-1 draw in the Premier League in January.
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Here are the top stories making the headlines this morning
Ex-Ondo Governor Mimiko Joins APC
Gov Otu Raises Alarm Over Flooding, Seeks Federal Intervention
UPDATED: Makinde Declares For 2027 Presidency
Tinubu appoints DG for women development centre
China reaffirms one-China stance, warns against Taiwan moves in Nigeria
McFarlane Calls On Chelsea To Save Troubled Season With FA Cup Glory
Now the news in details
Former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, on Thursday officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mimiko, who governed Ondo State from 2009 to 2017, had resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in April before announcing his decision to join the ruling party.
The former governor made the announcement at the APC Ward 7 Secretariat in Ondo West Local Government Area of the state.
Welcoming Mimiko into the party, the Ondo State APC Chairman, Kolawole Babatunde, said the former governor’s defection would strengthen the party’s prospects in the state
Babatunde praised Mimiko’s leadership qualities and his contributions to the development of Ondo State and Nigeria, adding that the party and the state governor were pleased to receive him into the APC.
Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has raised concerns over the recurring flood disasters affecting the state, describing the situation as a growing ecological threat that requires urgent and coordinated intervention from all levels of government.
The governor said flooding had remained a painful and persistent challenge for many communities across Cross River State.
He recalled engaging relevant authorities as far back as 2019 on the need for proactive measures to mitigate the devastating effects of flooding, but lamented that the problem had persisted. He called on the Federal Government and relevant intervention agencies to accelerate work on critical flood-control infrastructure across the state, stressing that proper drainage systems and ecological remediation projects would significantly reduce the impact of flooding on residents.
The political landscape in Nigeria is taking a new shape as Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially declared his intention to run for the office of president in 2027. Makinde made the official declaration at the unity rally jointly organised by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All People’s Movement (APM) to formalise the alliance between the two parties. The event was held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday.
The governor called on opposition leaders to unite against what he described as a deliberate effort by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to redirect Nigeria to a one-party state. br>
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Adedayo Laniyi as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development for an initial term of four years. The appointment, which takes effect from April 18, 2026, was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana.
The appointment, which takes effect from April 18, 2026, is in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 (1) and (3) of the National Centre for Women Development (Amendment) Act, 2023,” the statement partly read.
While congratulating the new Director-General and members of the Governing Council, Tinubu wished them success in their respective roles. <
FOREIGN REPORT
The Chinese government has reiterated that Nigeria’s longstanding adherence to the one-China principle remains the foundation of diplomatic relations between both countries, while warning against what it described as attempts by Taiwan authorities to undermine bilateral ties.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the Media Salon themed “Understanding the One China Principle,” the Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Dong Hairong, said Nigeria had consistently upheld its commitment to the one-China policy since diplomatic relations were established between both countries in 1971.
According to the envoy, the political understanding between both countries has enabled relations to expand into what she described as a comprehensive strategic partnership with tangible economic and development outcomes.
SPORTS REPORT
Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane has urged his side to salvage their turbulent season by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Without a win in their last seven Premier League games, Chelsea are languishing in ninth place with virtually no chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
McFarlane is in his second spell as interim boss after stepping up from his under-21 coaching role to replace Enzo Maresca in January and Liam Rosenior three months later.
McFarlane believes ending that barren run would at least partially salve the wounds of a troubled campaign. Although McFarlane’s inexperience is undeniable, the 40-year-old led Chelsea to their semi-final win over Leeds at Wembley and emerged unscathed after pitting his wits with City boss Pep Guardiola in a 1-1 draw in the Premier League in January.
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