Tinubu launches military welfare fund, donates salaries as seed capital

By: Patience Ikuomola 

President Bola Tinubu has launched a military welfare fund, committing all his salaries since assuming office as seed capital for the initiative. He unveiled the fund on his 74th birthday, describing it as a support system for wounded soldiers and the families of fallen troops.

He directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, to open a dedicated account for the fund to ensure its proper administration.

The President explained that the scheme would provide direct financial assistance to military personnel injured in the line of duty, as well as widows, widowers and children of those who lost their lives while serving the country. 

He added that the fund was designed to complement existing insurance and welfare arrangements within the armed forces.

In a post on his official X account, Mr Tinubu called on state governors, members of the National Assembly, the private sector and other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute. 

He stressed that the initiative should not be viewed as charity, but as a shared national obligation to those safeguarding the country’s peace and security.

He also assured that details of the special account would be made public in due course, pledging transparency and accountability in the management of the fund.

Emphasising the sacrifices of the armed forces, the President declared: “This is not charity. It is duty. And we will fulfill it.”

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Aiyedatiwa begins ₦2.4bn gratuity payments to Ondo retirees

By: Patience Ikuomola 

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday commenced the disbursement of ₦2.4 billion in gratuities to retired public servants, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

Speaking at the Cocoa Conference Centre, the governor described the payment as a crucial move to restore dignity to pensioners and address long-standing arrears. 

He acknowledged the hardship many retirees had faced due to delayed benefits, stressing that retirement should offer comfort and stability, not anxiety.

“This is more than an administrative exercise; it is a moral responsibility to those who served the state with dedication,” he said, adding that his government would not politicise workers’ welfare. 

“Doing the right thing will always take precedence over convenience.”

Mr Aiyedatiwa revealed that the ₦2.4 billion had been approved to clear gratuity arrears for retirees from 2018 and 2019, despite competing financial pressures. 

He assured beneficiaries that plans were underway to settle outstanding payments as quickly as possible. 

He also encouraged senior citizens to enrol in the state’s subsidised health insurance scheme.

The Permanent Secretary of the Pension Transitional Department, Peter Akingbade, said 733 retirees would benefit from the exercise, including 391 from 2018 and 342 from 2019. 

He added that the government had earlier paid ₦1.01 billion in January 2026 to settle gratuities for retirees from 2015, 2016 and 2017 (Batch B).

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Adeleye Adebanjo, a 2018 retiree, expressed appreciation to the governor and prayed for his continued good health. 

Meanwhile, the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Johnson Osunyemi, praised the governor’s efforts, describing him as a “saviour of pensioners” in the state. 

He also noted that the administration had donated an 18-seater bus to the union in January.

The event drew several top government officials, including Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, who was represented by his deputy, Ololade Gbegudu; Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa; as well as members of the State Executive Council, permanent secretaries, political appointees and labour leaders.

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Tests, Exams Missed for Sports Won’t Hurt Students — Mayor'bless

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‎By Boluwatife Kehinde and Daniel Akinte

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‎Following his victory, Akanbi Oluwamayowa, popularly known as Mayor’bles, who was elected as the Sports Director of Adekunle Ajasin University for the 2025/2026 academic session under the Conservative Movement, shared his plans for his tenure and other key issues in an interview with ECHO Media.

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‎He secured 1,381 votes to defeat his opponent, Idowu Joshua, also known as Mastermind, who polled 1,327 votes.

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‎In his words, the 400-level student of the Sociology department, Mayor’bles, highlighted that athletes’ welfare will be a top priority, stressing the need to provide better support and improve their overall sporting experience in the university.

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‎He also addressed issues concerning female athletes, stating what they can expect under his leadership, among other things.

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The interview ultimately presents a clear picture of a tenure aimed at restructuring campus sports into a more supportive, accountable, and all-encompassing system.

‎What are the competitions lined up for the second semester? 

Well, we have the AAUA Freshers Cup, the AAUASU Game and the Unity Cup 2.0 coming up in the second semester.

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‎So, is the AAUASU Games a new competition?

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‎No, it is not new, but it hasn’t been held in the last few years. I want to bring it back.

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‎Is there any plan to continue the AAUA Sports Festival?

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‎I can’t guarantee that, but I can assure you that the 2.0 edition of the Unity Cup, which I started last semester, will hold.

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‎Is it just a football competition?

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‎The first edition was mainly football, but the second edition will cover major sports, if not all.

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‎What are the plans for female athletes on campus to give them more visibility?

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‎The idea is clear. Just like I said in my manifesto, I am not gender-biased. There are already plans in place for our female athletes during the Freshers Cup, AAUASU Games, and Unity Cup 2.0.

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‎As a Sports Director, what are the welfare plans for athletes representing the school?

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‎Welfare goes a long way. We plan to build a strong relationship with the Chief Head Coach and the Sports Unit. Also, we are seeking more sponsorship so athletes will not depend only on school funds.

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‎Is it true that athletes who miss tests because of competitions are not taken seriously by lecturers when they return? If yes, why? If not, what measures will be put in place?

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‎Any athlete who misses exams or tests because of competitions should reach out to the Sports Director. A complaint will be forwarded to Student Affairs so that proper action can be taken.

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‎What advice do you have for students who love sports but are afraid to participate because they don’t want to have a carryover?

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‎Academics should always come first. You must focus on your studies, because there is time for everything. There should be a proper balance between academics and sports.

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AAUA Students Lament Over Poor Organisation of SUG Election

By Similoluwa Ayibiowu and Olamide Iwala

Students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) have expressed dissatisfaction over the poor organisation of the 2026 Student Union Government (SUG) election. 

In an interview with Echo Media reporters, students who went out to vote described the process as disorganised and stressful.

A 400-level student of Economics department, Temiloluwa Opemipo, shared her experience at the election centre, noting that the exercise was disappointing.

According to her, the process lacked proper coordination, making it difficult for many students to vote smoothly.

Similarly, Obakpolor Adenike, a student of Allied Health Sciences, described the environment as chaotic.

“This place is too rowdy. It was so choked that I fainted. This is my third time of trying to go in. The election is very disorganised,” she said.

Catherina Oluketi, a 300-level student of the Biochemistry Department, also lamented the situation, “I have been here since morning and I have not been able to vote. The election was not properly planned; there is a lot of poor organisation,” she stated.

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Kiekie Emerges as AAUASU Vice President-Elect

By Boluwatife Kehinde

Kiekie, a candidate from the Faculty of Agriculture, secured 1,677 votes to defeat her opponent, Ella from the Faculty of Education, who polled 1,150 votes in the election.

The result was announced following the conclusion of voting during the 2026 AAUASU election held at the university’s designated voting centre.

Meanwhile, candidates who contested unopposed were also declared winners of their respective positions. They include Olasehinde Elijah (Assistant General Secretary), Adetunji Ayooluwatomi (Financial Secretary), Oluwafemi Olawanle (Treasurer), Agbooro Derek (Social Director), and Ayeyemi Gloria (Welfare Director).

The newly elected executives are expected to form part of the incoming student union administration for the 2025/2026 academic session.

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King Billz Tags 2026 AAUASU Election as Disorganized

By Echo Media Reporter

A former President of the Faculty of Social Sciences Students’ Association (SOSSA) at Adekunle Ajasin University, Ojo Cosmos, popularly known as King Billz, has described the 2026 Student Union Government election as chaotic and disorganized.

King Billz made this remark during a confrontation with the current Student Union President, Salami Akeem, popularly known as Ologbon, where he criticized the conduct of the election and called for order among students. 

While comparing previous elections with the just-concluded exercise, he stated that the 2024 AAUASU election was more structured and better organized than the 2026 edition.

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AAUA Decide ‘26: TomTom Wins PRO Seat

By Ayomide Oguntade

Omomowo Timileyin, popularly known as TomTom, has won the Public Relations Officer (PRO) seat in the 2026 Student Union Government election at Adekunle Ajasin University.

The election, which was held at the university’s CBT Centre, saw TomTom secure victory with 1,334 votes, defeating his opponent, Ademoluye Fisayo, popularly known as FizzyWealth, who polled 1,313 votes.

TomTom will serve in the administration of President-elect Folagbade Greatness Ayoola, who also emerged victorious in the presidential race during the same election.

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Mayor’bles Defeats Mastermind in AAUASU Election

By Boluwatife Kehinde

Akanbi Oluwamayowa, popularly known as Mayor’bles, has been elected as the Sports Director of the Student Union Government (SUG) at Adekunle Ajasin University for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Mayor’bles secured 1,381 votes to defeat his opponent, Idowu Joshua, popularly known as Mastermind, who polled 1,327 votes in the election.

The newly elected Sports Director is a 400-level Sociology student and previously served as the Sports Director of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The new SUG administration is expected to be inaugurated next week, marking the beginning of another leadership cycle in the university’s student union.

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AAUA Decide 26: Greatness Emerges as 23rd AAUASU President

By Gbonjubola Olanrewaju

Folagbede Greatness Ayoola, politically known as Greatness of AAUA, a student of the Department of Mass Communication, has emerged as the 23rd Students’ Union President of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.

The election was held at the university on Friday, March 13, 2025. The candidate secured victory after contesting against three other aspirants in what many students described as a competitive election. 

Greatness secured a total of 1142 votes to defeat the other contestants: Ogundana Oladele Innocent, known as Prince ( 1058 votes), Adisa Joshua, known as Pappi J ( 679 votes), and Akin-Ademola Emmanuel known as D’Real ( 83 votes)

The election process attracted significant attention within the university community, with students actively following the campaigns, debate and manifesto leading up to the voting day.

Following the announcement of the results, the president-elect’s supporters gathered to celebrate the victory fully hoping for the fulfillment of his pledge to prioritize the welfare and representation of students during his administration.

The 2026 student union election marks another transition in leadership at the university, as students look forward to a new administration expected to address key issues affecting the campus community.

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