The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation and Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, on Saturday, said that it was not yet time to talk about the 2027 governorship race in the state.

Adeola said that he is currently preoccupied with delivering on his campaign promises as Senator representing the people of Ogun West and that the future would determine his next political move.

The third-term Senator disclosed this while speaking with journalists during the annual New Year thanksgiving service held on Saturday at the Unity Cathedral of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ogun Province Seven, Ilaro.

The lawmaker has been tipped as the topmost contender for the 2027 governorship race in the state.

Asked to confirm the media report suggesting that his next political move would be to succeed Dapo Abiodun after his term in 2027, Adeola explained, “I don’t think it is time for that now, we are still involved in trying to bring back the dividends of democracy to the people as senator elected for Ogun West.

“What we are here to do today is to appreciate the Almighty God for his support in the past years and to also celebrate the new year with my people for their support and cooperation as well, because they are the ones who put me in this office.

“So, in the future, we can start talking about that when the time is ripe to know if I am going forward or I am staying where I am, the future will determine all of that.”

The lawmaker described 2024 as very fantastic with all the developmental projects and empowerment programmes facilitated for the Senatorial district, assuring a more rewarding and responsive leadership in the new year.

Adeola said, “2025 will be another exciting year, our people should be expecting good things as far as my representation at the Senate is concerned in terms of developmental projects, in terms of empowering the people and in terms of contributing to national issues on the floor of the Senate so that we can build a virile and much more prosperous country.”

He called for more support for the “All Progressives Congress”-led administration in the country, saying that President Bola Tinubu is doing everything humanly possible to restore the country to the path of economic growth and that just very soon, “There will be light at the end of the tunnel.”

Adeola, while praising the faithfulness and support of the Almighty God for his family, however, donated the sum of N50m for the completion of the ongoing construction of Unity Cathedral of the RCCG, Ogun Province Seven, Ilaro.

Speaking on the theme of the annual New Year thanksgiving, “Grateful For His Faithfulness,” the Pastor-In-Charge of the RCCG, Ogun Province Seven, Pastor Johnson Olukolatimi, urged people to be appreciative of God’s loving kindness and tender mercies at all times.

Ministering from the book of 1st Thessalonians 5 vs 18, Pastor Olukolatimi said that as much as God expected people to be thankful unto him, He wants people to do that in righteousness, urging the people to shun sinful life in the new year and serve God in holiness for the betterment of the country.

Three Nigerian women arrested and prosecuted for alleged drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia have been acquitted and released.

In a statement on Sunday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson of the federal ministry of foreign affairs, said the women were released after “prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements” between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities.

The trio, identified as Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi, were arrested for alleged possession of a substance suspected to be cocaine while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Ebienfa said they were arrested and prosecuted on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and released after spending 10 months in detention.

“The arrest of the three women was a result of the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals, who were found in possession of 80 capsules of cocaine weighing 900.28 gm and 70 capsules of cocaine weighing 789.5 gm, respectively,” the statement reads.

“The women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abetting the trafficking of the banned substance found on the aforementioned arrested Nigerians.

“The ministry wishes to recall that the trio’s arrest attracted much attention in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

“Their successful release was achieved after prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements, which culminated in their discharge and acquittal, as well as subsequent handover to the consulate-general of Nigeria in Jeddah.

“The ladies were received by Amb. Muazam Nayaya, consul-general of Nigeria in Jeddah, who is currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families.”

A Nigerian socialite, Princess Kadijat Abike Adebisi Edionseri, popularly known as “Cash Madam,” is dead and her family has announced her burial.

According to the family, the businesswoman, who came into reckoning in the 60s, died on Sunday at the age of 89 during a brief illness.

A statement by her son, Dr. Adebayo Adebowale, confirmed that Edionseri died on Sunday.

Adebowale said in the statement that she will be buried on Monday (today) at 4pm at her home in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The statement said: “With deep gratitude to Allah for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Princess Kadijat Abike Adebisi Edionseri (née Elegbede), who returned to her Creator on 5th January 2025 at the age of 89, following a brief illness.

“Her life was a shining example of grace, dignity, and unwavering faith. Princess Edionseri touched the lives of many through her wisdom, kindness, and dedication to both her family and her community. She taught us the importance of love, resilience, and faith in Allah, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

“As we grieve this monumental loss, we also celebrate the remarkable life she lived. Her laughter, warmth, and the values she instilled will forever remain in our hearts, guiding us as we navigate life without her physical presence.

“The funeral will take place according to Islamic rites on Monday, 6th January 2025, at 4:00 PM at her residence in Abeokuta GRA. May Allah (SWT) forgive her shortcomings, grant her Jannatul Firdaus, and strengthen us all during this difficult time. Ameen.”