The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 people detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State over suspected illegal mining.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the committee on Tuesday in Abuja, following a directive by President Bola Tinubu for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, while a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, will serve as secretary.

Other members are retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof Olayinka Buhari, a professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; and a representative of the Niger State Government.

Adron Homes and Properties is set to participate in the 11th Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State, as the company deepens its engagement with the ancient city and unveils plans for a Premium Estate development within the Ile-Ife domain.

The 2026 edition of the renowned cultural festival, themed “Culture Preservation Through Sustainable Tourism,” is expected to bring together traditional rulers, government representatives, corporate organisations, cultural stakeholders, tourists and the media for a celebration of Yoruba heritage and the cultural significance of Ile-Ife.

Ahead of the festival, Adron Homes made a strong appearance at the press conference and unveiling of the 2026 edition with a delegation comprising key members of its Western operations.

The delegation included Ogundapo Odunola, Deputy Managing Director, Western Super-Cluster; Johnson Olugbenga, Assistant Managing Director, Western Galaxy 1; and Shobowale Taiwo, Deputy Sales Manager, Livingspring World.

Their presence reflected the company’s growing development interests in Ile-Ife and its commitment to initiatives that connect real estate development with cultural heritage and community growth.

Speaking at the event, Seyi Oyekunle, Director General, Media, Branding & Corporate Communication, Adron Group, who represented the Managing Director of Adron Homes and Properties, Mrs Adenike Ajobo, said the company’s participation in the Olojo Festival was driven by its belief that cultural preservation and sustainable development could work hand in hand.

Oyekunle described the theme of the festival as timely, noting that culture remains an important part of identity and history, while sustainable tourism can create opportunities for employment, investment, entrepreneurship and community development.

He described Olojo as more than an annual cultural celebration, saying it represents the enduring connection between the past, present and future of Ile-Ife and its place in Yoruba civilisation.

According to him, Adron Group’s vision extends beyond conventional real estate development.

“At Adron Group, we are in the business of real estate, but our purpose is much bigger than the development of properties. We build homes. We build cities. We build communities,” he said.

A major highlight of the company’s participation was the unveiling of plans for the Adron Homes Premium Estate within the Ile-Ife domain.

Oyekunle expressed appreciation to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, for the confidence and approval granted to Adron Homes and Properties for the development.

He said the approval comes with a strong responsibility for the company to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ile-Ife while respecting the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

According to him, Adron Homes is prepared to deploy its experience, resources and development capacity towards delivering a project capable of creating value for residents and contributing to the growth of the community.

He described the Premium Estate as more than a property development, saying it presents an opportunity to attract investment, provide quality housing, stimulate local businesses and strengthen the connection between Ile-Ife and sons and daughters of Ifeland and Yorubaland across the world.

The Adron Group representative said the development could provide an avenue for people in the diaspora to reconnect with the Source by creating opportunities to “come home, invest home, build home and preserve home.”

He also called for greater development of Ile-Ife as a year-round tourism destination, stressing that the city’s tourism potential should extend beyond the annual Olojo Festival.

Oyekunle said sustainable tourism should translate into tangible economic opportunities for residents, particularly artisans, young people, entrepreneurs and operators within the hospitality sector.

He further urged young people to view Yoruba culture and heritage as potential sources of economic opportunity, noting that the sector could inspire careers and businesses across film, technology, fashion, music, arts and tourism.

The Olojo Festival press conference brought together traditional rulers, government representatives, corporate organisations, members of the Olojo Festival Committee, cultural stakeholders and media practitioners ahead of the 11th edition of the festival.

As Adron Homes prepares for its participation in the festival, the company’s Premium Estate plan adds a major real estate dimension to its engagement with Ile-Ife, reinforcing its vision of “Building Homes, Cities and Communities Across the Globe.”

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to lose talented defender Michael Kayode to the Italian senior team, report has indicated.

​Kayode has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League since last season. He joined Brentford from Fiorentina in 2025, and he has been a consistent performer ever since.

​Last season, he featured in 37 games, contributing one goal and one assist. He was a solid rock at the back and became famous for his long throws, which consistently caused trouble for opponents and led to goals for his club.

​However, Nigeria had taken notice of Kayode since his days at Fiorentina, and there have long been calls to draft him into the national team setup.

​The obstacle, however, has been that the 22-year-old currently plays for the Italian youth setup. Although he has Nigerian roots, he is eligible for Italy because he was born there and obtained his citizenship when he turned 18.

​Consequently, he has represented them at the Under-18, Under-19, and Under-21 levels. Still, there was hope that as long as he did not feature for the senior team, he would remain eligible to play for the Super Eagles.

​Those hopes are now set to be dashed, as he has been called up to the Italian senior team for the upcoming international break.

​They take on Belgium, Turkey, and France in their opening fixtures of the new UEFA Nations League, and if Kayode features in those games, under FIFA rules, he will no longer be eligible to play for Nigeria even if he later decides to switch allegiances.

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