From Anjorin Adeloye, Ibadan

The Oyo State Government has announced the second edition of the International Tourism Summit Oyo State (ITSOyoState2025), following the success of last year’s inaugural event.The 2025 edition will be held in July at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, and is poised to be a game-changer for tourism investment in Nigeria.

This year’s summit is not just a celebration of culture, it is a strategic investors’ gathering designed to present some high-impact tourism investment destinations to both local and international investors. The goal is to unlock public-private partnerships, secure long-term investments, and reposition Oyo State as Nigeria’s model for tourism-led economic transformation.With participation from foreign embassies, international and domestic tourism operators, financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector, ITSOyoState2025 will feature:An exclusive Investment Roundtable where viable, government-backed tourism projects will be pitched directly to investors.Site visits to three heritage-rich destinations, including royal palaces and ecotourism hubs, providing first-hand exposure to investment-ready opportunities.A showcase of Oyo State’s renewed infrastructure, safety record, and regulatory environment, which are already driving increased tourist traffic and investor interest.Cultural exhibitions and curated networking opportunities to foster meaningful collaborations across sectors.Speaking on the significance of the summit, the organisers noted that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has deliberately positioned tourism as a pillar for diversifying the state’s economy. The state’s revamped road network, improved security architecture, streamlined policies, and digital investor support systems now make it one of the most attractive destinations for tourism investment in West Africa.A seven-member planning committee has been inaugurated, chaired by Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism. Other members include Hon. Akinola Ojo, Commissioner for Finance; Dr Debo Akande, Executive Adviser (Agribusiness, International Cooperation and Development); Dr Morohunkola Thomas, Director General, Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED); Tilewa Folami, Director General, Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA), Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media); Lolade Ajibola, Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties) and Abigail Anaba, Chief Experience Officer, Slvr Wlf Digitale Ltd

From Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

A Member representing Orhionmwon East in the Edo House of Assembly, Osamwonyi Atu yesterday, emerged as Deputy Speaker of the House.Atu, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emergence followed resignation by the former Deputy Speaker, Maria Oligbi-EdekoConsequent upon Oligbi-Edoko’s resignation, the House Majority Leader, Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC-Esan West) moved that all the entitlement due to the office of the Deputy Speaker should be accorded her.

The motion was seconded by the minority leader Charity Airobarueghian (PDP Ovia North East 1, just as the motion was supported by other lawyers through voice votes.Meanwhile, the former Deputy Speaker who was elected on the platform of the PPD to represent Esan North-East Constituency II said she took the decision voluntarily due to the minority status of her party in the Assembly.The former Deputy Speaker added that she decided to step outside to allow justice, fairness, and equity resign supreme at the House.She thanked the leaders and members of the PDP for finding her worthy to represent her constituency in the Assembly.Lawmakers in the House took turns to shower accolades on Oligbi-Edeko following the announcement of her resignation.They praised her unwavering dedication, passion for public service, and the high level of integrity she consistently demonstrated throughout her tenure.Many of the lawmakers described her as a committed leader whose contributions left a lasting impact on the legislative process during her tenure as deputy speaker.

From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

Police operatives of the Enugu State Command attached to the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad on May 15, at about 10:30AM, recovered two firearms, one expended and two live rounds of ammunition from a 24-year-old male suspect, Ejike Emmanuel Chinonso, identified as a native doctor.

The Police public relations officer Enugu State command headquarters, Daniel Ndukwe in a statement said that the exhibits, recovered from his shrine located at Ugwuochie-Iwollo in Ezeagu Local Government Area, include one locally made pistol, one revolver pistol, one expended and one live . 38 special calibre ammunition, and one live cartridge. The recovery followed the suspect’s confessional statements after his earlier arrest, as well as a subsequent raid on the shrine by the operatives. The suspect confessed to being a member of the Black Axe confraternity. He will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations. The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has commended the operatives for their efforts and urged them to sustain the momentum, ensuring that Enugu State remains uninhabitable for unrepentant criminals. He also calls on the public to remain supportive of the Command’s efforts.