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Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing Edo North senatorial District, has said that a widely circulated video appearing to show him massaging a woman’s feet aboard a private jet is a “fabrication created using artificial intelligence (AI)’.

The controversial video, which surfaced on social media on Tuesday, depicts a man resembling the former Edo state governor engaging in a lighthearted conversation with a woman, massaging her feet as they rest on his lap.

The woman was initially misidentified as Lara Fortes, the wife of the senator representing Edo north district.

It was later reported that the woman in the video is Leshaan Dagama, a South African lifestyle influencer and adult content creator.

Reports also alleged that Dagama originally posted the video on her TikTok account but deleted it shortly thereafter.

The footage has sparked backlash against the senator, with many Nigerians on social media criticising his alleged conduct amid the country’s severe economic hardship.

Others used the opportunity to mock his recent controversial statement in which he claimed some citizens were now complaining that “food prices are becoming too cheap”.

In response, Oseni Momodu, Oshiomhole’s media aide, issued a statement, rejecting the video’s authenticity.

The aide described it as a “poorly crafted AI-generated video,” asserting it does not depict a real event.

The statement faulted the circulation of the video by some online platforms and accused them of sharing unverified content.

It described the circulation of the video as cyberbullying and said steps had been taken to identify those responsible for producing and publishing it.

The statement urged the public to verify content before sharing allegations against public officials.

Dagama also addressed the controversy on her Instagram story, redirecting the public’s anger toward the senator.

“Your senator is the problem. Go be mad at him not me,” she wrote

Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has praised the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a critical stabiliser of Nigeria’s energy system, amid the state-owned oil company’s challenges in operating its government-owned refineries and meeting domestic fuel demand.

Ojulari, who spoke during a fireside chat titled“Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future” at the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2026 on Wednesday in Abuja, said the existence of a functional local refinery provided NNPC with much-needed “breathing space” amid intense pressure to maintain fuel supply continuity.

He said the Dangote Refinery has been a major relief for Nigeria’s fuel supply, urging Nigerians to appreciate its impact regardless of personal views about its owner, noting that the plant’s operations had drawn applause from participants at the event.

“Thank God for Dangote Refinery. Thank God. Whether you love Dangote, you hate him, say whatever you want to say, Nigerians should thank God for Dangote,” Ojulari said, drawing applause from the audience.

According to him, the coming on stream of the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery marked a major relief for Nigeria at a time when legacy state-owned refineries were still struggling to deliver at scale.

Ojulari stressed that beyond capacity, the refinery’s local ownership was equally significant for national energy security.

“Thank God he’s a Nigerian. He’s not someone from another continent or another planet. Despite everything, that gave us an opportunity because we have a refinery that is working,” he said.

While acknowledging that the refinery does not yet meet Nigeria’s full domestic fuel demand, the NNPC boss said its operations have significantly reduced vulnerability in the supply chain.

“Yes, it may not meet our full needs, but it gives us a breathing space. And luckily, we are shareholders in that refinery as well,” he noted.

Ojulari’s remarks signal a notable shift from years of tension between NNPC and the Dangote Group, which had previously clashed over issues ranging from crude supply terms and regulatory approvals to pricing and market-dominance concerns.

Under past leadership, the relationship was often characterised by public disagreements and mutual suspicion, with Dangote accusing state institutions of frustrating the refinery project. At the same time, regulators insisted on enforcing market and quality standards.

However, Ojulari said the current NNPC leadership has adopted a more pragmatic approach anchored on collaboration rather than confrontation.

“So we said, what’s the hurry? We have a refinery that is working. It’s not owned by NNPC, but it’s a Nigerian refinery, built in Nigeria, working in Nigeria,” he said.

He disclosed that NNPC has since engaged directly with Dangote to develop a framework for cooperation aligned with the Petroleum Industry Act.

“Our strategy is to collaborate with the Dangote Refinery and maximise the value delivered to Nigerians. That was our first strategy. We had a meeting with Alhaji Dangote, explained our institutional responsibilities, and we agreed on the pathway towards deeper collaboration while maintaining our role as NNPC,” Ojulari explained.

By Yeye Adenike Fashawe

A golden jubilee is traditionally a time to reflect on progress, honour achievements, and project hope for the future. Yet, for many residents today, the celebration comes with mixed feelings.

Across towns and communities, the same questions echo: Has economic growth truly touched the lives of ordinary people? Have government policies reflected genuine empathy for the daily struggles of families, traders, workers, and youths seeking opportunities?

While milestones are being commemorated, many citizens still grapple with rising living costs, limited job prospects, and infrastructure that demands urgent attention.

Development is not measured only by ceremonies and slogans, but by improved living standards and inclusive prosperity. Leadership, at its core, must feel the pulse of the people and respond decisively.

This anniversary presents more than a celebration — it is a mirror. A moment for the present administration to reassess priorities, reconnect with citizens’ realities, and recommit to purposeful governance.

Empathy-driven leadership and strategic economic planning are no longer optional; they are necessities.
As we look to the future, one crucial step toward better governance is expanding the space for women in leadership. Women remain powerful drivers of community development, economic growth, and social stability, yet their representation in decision-making remains limited.

A truly progressive Ondo State must intentionally create more room for women to participate fully in governance — not as tokens, but as key partners in shaping policy and progress.

Ondo State has abundant human and natural resources. With the right vision and genuine political will, the next chapter can still be one of transformation.

But that journey begins with listening, acknowledging shortcomings, and acting boldly.

At 50, Ondo deserves not only to celebrate its past, but to demand a future where progress is visible, opportunity is accessible, governance truly serves the people — and women have their rightful seat at the table.