Today’s Headlines: Tinubu Arrives in Saudi Arabia for Umrah;Ondo Approves State Burial for Fasoranti

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, the lesser Hajj, in Makkah. He is expected to pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and development during the religious visit and return to the country next week. He was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Saudi Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.

Before departing Abuja, Tinubu commissioned five newly acquired Nigerian Air Force helicopters to strengthen military operations against terrorism and other security threats. The aircraft comprise two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three Augusta 109 Trekker B helicopters. He also inaugurated the newly constructed Presidential Air Fleet hangar at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has established a committee to organise a state burial for late Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100. The committee, chaired by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, will work with the deceased’s family and Afenifere leadership to coordinate the funeral arrangements.

The state government said the decision to grant Fasoranti a state burial was in recognition of his contributions to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria. The committee is expected to organise a dignified farewell that reflects his years of service, wisdom and leadership.

The Department of State Services (DSS) in Ogun State has reportedly invited three leaders of the Fusengbuwa ruling house over the alleged sale of expression-of-interest forms to princes seeking to become the next Awujale of Ijebuland. The leaders are Chairman Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, Deputy Chairman Otunba Dokun Ajidagba and Vice Chairman Professor Fassy Yusuf. While Yusuf confirmed receiving the invitation but said he was in Abuja for a Supreme Court matter, Ajidagba questioned the timing, noting that the succession dispute was already before the courts. The DSS had yet to officially confirm the invitations or the allegations.

The dispute follows the suspension of the Awujale succession process in January 2026, after 95 aspirants reportedly emerged from the ruling house. The three leaders have challenged the suspension in court, seeking to compel the Ogun State Government to allow the selection process to continue. Security agencies had previously summoned ruling house leaders and kingmakers over alleged bribery and financial inducement, while Owoyemi has denied wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has assured the people of Ijebuland that a new Awujale will emerge before May 29, 2027, promising a peaceful and acceptable succession process.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled an empowerment package worth approximately ₦11.99 billion for elderly citizens and persons with disabilities across participating senatorial districts. Under the initiative, each district will receive ₦110 million, divided equally between two programmes, with 250 beneficiaries in each category receiving ₦200,000. She directed All Progressives Congress senatorial candidates to coordinate the distribution, stressing that assistance must reach vulnerable Nigerians regardless of political affiliation.

The Renewed Hope Initiative programmes will provide ₦55 million each for persons with disabilities and elderly citizens in every participating district. The financial support scheme for persons with disabilities is scheduled for December 3, 2026, while the elderly support programme will take place on December 17. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other political leaders commended the initiative, urging candidates to ensure transparent distribution and fair selection of beneficiaries without discrimination based on political affiliation, ethnicity or religion.

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