News
I Lost More Than A Governor, Olawande
The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande has expressed grief over the death of Governor of Ondo state Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Gov. Akeredolu was the governor of Ondo State until his death on Wednesday following a battle with prostate cancer.
In a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Maryam Umar Yusuf, Mr Ayodele Olawande said he lost more than a governor as Akeredolu was his adviser and guardian.
According to the statement, at the wee hours of Wednesday, the bell tolled for a father figure, an adviser, a counselor, and a guardian, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN).
“Arakunrin was much more than the governor of my state. He was in the class of people who were very dear to me. He cared for me so deeply and took a special and unexplainable liking towards me. Even in the most challenging and difficult period, Arakunrin always expressed his concerns over my personal well-being, often wrapping such jokes about me getting married. It is such a regret now that I would not have a chance to do that, which he had often spoken about in his presence.
“I have always held the belief that none of us stands alone in this world and that the death of any of us affects all of us. Indeed, this is one death that affects me so significantly, especially considering the strength and courage I draw from the exemplary life of Arakunrin. This is why even in death, his legacy of principled politics and fight for justice, which he pursued through his practice of the law, and his commitment to defending the truth would remain a guiding compass throughout my public service life.
“Today, we do not mourn Arakunrin; instead, we celebrate his life of achievement and impact. We celebrate the rich life of a man who showed us, through the force of his character, that fair and transparent success is possible. His life achievements, as Ondo State Attorney General, as president of the Nigerian Bar Association and governor of Ondo state, were glaring testimonies to his well-charted life.
“During this period, I stand in prayers with Mummy, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and my dear brother and friend, Babajide Akeredolu. I pray God accepts Daddy’s return, repose his beautiful soul, and watches over his legacy.”
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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