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Funmi Ogun Slams Ekiti Govt Over ‘Deceptive’ Free Education Policy and Fee Hike

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Former State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Ogun Funmilayo Theresa, widely known as OFT, has publicly criticized the state government, accusing it of promoting a deceptive free education policy.

In a statement released on Sunday by her Special Adviser on Media, Oladimeji Atenibiaje, Funmi Ogun expressed her displeasure with the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, claiming that the supposed free education program is misleading and not reflective of the true situation on the ground.

Ogun argued that, despite the government’s claims of free education, both primary and secondary schools in the state are still demanding exorbitant fees from parents and students.

She questioned the validity of the free education policy, stating, “What Governor Biodun Oyebanji proclaimed as free education when he assumed office was deceptive.

As we speak, the primary and secondary schools are still charging obnoxious fees. Where is the free education they are talking about?”

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A key issue raised by Ogun was the recent decision to increase boarding fees in secondary schools, effective from the 2024/2025 academic session.

She criticized the upward review, particularly in light of Nigeria’s current economic challenges, arguing that the timing of such an increase demonstrates a lack of sensitivity on the part of the state government.

Ogun, a former commissioner and PDP governorship aspirant, noted that the new fees would place undue financial burdens on struggling families.

According to a circular issued by the Ekiti State Ministry of Education, the boarding fees for secondary school students were raised to N90,000, with an additional facility fee of N10,000, bringing the total to N100,000.

Ogun pointed out that this amount exceeds the fees charged by some federal universities in Nigeria, questioning how secondary school students could be asked to pay such a steep price.

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“This is rather insensitive. Some federal universities in Nigeria are not even paying above N100,000.

How come a mere secondary school is being made to pay such a huge amount?” she said.

“This shows that the free education policy was a fluke and a deception that holds no water.”

Funmi Ogun urged Governor Oyebanji to be more transparent and honest with the people of Ekiti State, emphasizing that the government should stop presenting a false narrative about its education policy.

“As a government, you can’t afford to be deceiving the people. People are paying, and the government is flaunting free education all over the place. This is unacceptable,” she asserted.

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Turning to the political landscape, Ogun also spoke about her party’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 governorship election.

She revealed that efforts are underway to foster reconciliation and mobilization within the PDP, with the aim of strengthening the party and enhancing its appeal to the electorate.

“The party has set up a caretaker committee that will oversee operations until democratically elected structures are in place.

Our main objectives now are reconciliation and mobilization to ensure that our party is strong, united, and ready to win the confidence of the people in the next election,” she said.


 

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Lawyer Sues Tinubu’s Government ₦500bn Over KWAM-1 and Comfort Emmanson Aviation Cases

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The Federal Government has been dragged before the court in a dramatic new case that puts Nigeria’s aviation industry under the spotlight. Public interest lawyer Ayodele Ademiluyi is suing the government, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), demanding ₦500 billion in damages for what he describes as gross injustice and mismanagement.

The suit comes after two separate airport controversies that has trended. On one hand, Ms. Comfort Emmanson was swiftly prosecuted and penalized for allegedly disrupting a flight. On the other hand, Fuji legend KWAM 1 was accused of stopping a plane mid-air but walked away without any arrest or trial. To make matters worse, he was later appointed as a brand ambassador for the aviation sector.

Ademiluyi argues this double standard makes a mockery of justice and shows how deeply flawed the system has become.

In his filing, Ademiluyi is asking the court to:

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  • Order the government and aviation regulators to take decisive action against KWAM 1 and others involved.
  • Award ₦500 billion in damages against the Federal Government, the NCAA, Ibom Air, ValueJet, and other listed respondents.
  • Push for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s aviation sector, which he says has been crippled by selective justice and impunity.

Speaking on the case, Ademiluyi warned that Nigeria cannot afford to run an aviation sector where rules only apply to the powerless.

“When a woman is jailed for disrupting a flight but a powerful man can stop a plane and get rewarded for it, what message are we sending?” he asked. He stressed that the matter goes beyond individuals and touches on the integrity of governance in the country.


 

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British Airways Denies Over 50 Passengers from Boarding Abuja to London Flight

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There was confusion and anger at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after more than 50 passengers were stopped from boarding a British Airways flight to London. Many of them had valid tickets and had already checked in, but were told at the gate that there was no space on the aircraft.

The incident has been linked to overbooking, a practice where airlines sell more tickets than available seats in anticipation of no-shows. While it’s common in the aviation industry, it often sparks outrage when paying customers are left stranded. Some passengers described the experience as humiliating, saying there was little explanation from the airline and no immediate assistance provided.

Travel experts note that passengers in such situations may be entitled to compensation and care, especially on long international routes. In Europe, for example, airlines are required to provide meals, hotel accommodation if needed, and financial payouts when passengers are denied boarding without consent. Although Nigeria operates outside the EU, campaigners argue that foreign carriers flying in and out of the country should still respect global standards.

Recently, British Airways has faced growing criticism in Nigeria.

Travellers have raised concerns about repeated delays, sudden cancellations, and what some describe as poor handling of customers. A local law firm even threatened legal action against the airline earlier this year over claims of “inhuman treatment” of Nigerian passengers. The aviation regulator in Abuja has also opened inquiries into the airline’s operations.

Airlines defend overbooking as a way of keeping fares affordable, but for passengers who end up missing flights, the impact can be financially draining and emotionally exhausting. Families miss connections, business travellers lose opportunities, and tourists are left stranded far from their destinations.

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For now, the stranded Abuja passengers are demanding answers and proper compensation. The incident has once again raised bigger questions about how international airlines treat Nigerian travellers, and whether regulators need to step in more firmly to protect passenger rights.


 

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Primate Elijah Ayodele Says Two Aspirants Could Stop Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election

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Primate Elijah Ayodele, the head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Lagos, has said that two presidential hopefuls could prevent President Bola Tinubu from winning a second term in 2027. He shared this in a recent video.

According to Ayodele, these two candidates have the power to shake up the political scene and change the outcome of the election. He hinted that their actions could influence both the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition parties, making the race more unpredictable.

The 2027 election is shaping up to be a major moment in Nigeria’s democracy. Tinubu, who became president in 2023, is expected to run for a second term, but the political landscape is already crowded with coalitions and alliances. Among them, the African Democratic Congress is reportedly positioning itself as a strong challenger, with figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi forming partnerships that could affect the balance of power.

While some people take his words seriously and others are skeptical. As 2027 approaches, Nigerians will be watching closely to see if these aspirants can truly change the course of the election.


 

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