The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • DAM Initiative showcases emerging talents in dance, art, music in Lagos

    DAM Initiative showcases emerging talents in dance, art, music in Lagos

    The Dance, Art and Music (DAM) Initiative, a Lagos-based street talent discovery platform, has held the second edition of its talent discovery event, DAM Project 2.0, at Gisajec College, Afromedia, Ojo, Lagos.

    The event provided a platform for young people to express themselves through performing and visual arts, including dance, music, and drawing, while promoting creativity, confidence, and skills development among emerging talents in Lagos communities.

    Speaking at the event, the convener, Sunday Iniobong Stephen, said more than 60 participants took part in the competition across the Dance, Music, and Art categories.

    According to him, Osuocha Dalinton emerged winner of the Dance category, with Unlimited Praise and Anunobi Miracle finishing as first and second runners-up, respectively. In the Music category, Triumph claimed the top prize, while Unlimited Prize and Benny Guesh emerged as first and second runners-up. The Art category was won by Gold Orema, followed by Favor Chilasa and Ubuikejohn as first and second runners-up.

    Iniobong said winners received cash prizes of ₦20,000 for first place, ₦10,000 for first runner-up, and ₦5,000 for second runner-up. He added that first-place winners were presented with prize boards, while certificates of participation were issued to all contestants.

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    He noted that the credibility of the event was reinforced by the involvement of industry professionals who served as judges. Barrister Ademoye Dorothy Ugonwa, a lawyer and Chairperson of the Guild of Nigerian Dancers, judged the Dance category.

    The Art category was handled by Mr Dotun Oluwa, Acting Head of Department, Fine Art and Applied Education at the Lagos State University of Education, while the Music category was judged by Mr Nwachukwu Jeremiah Ugonna, a music director, producer, and coach.

    The event also featured performances by guest musicians NG (Onyeukwu) and Obanla A1 Sound.

    Iniobong said the programme contributed to the discovery of new talents and strengthened grassroots creative engagement within the Afromedia community.

    DAM Project 2.0 was organised by Inistic Multimedia Company, with support from partner organisations including Africa Food Store, One 18 Suit Hotel Ariviah, INKY and Series, among others.

  • NEITI vows to support check of illicit financial flow in solid minerals sector

    NEITI vows to support check of illicit financial flow in solid minerals sector

    The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) on Wednesday vowed to work with other stakeholders in the solid minerals sector to check illicit financial flows into the sector.

    Executive Secretary, Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, made the pledge at the Public Presentation of Research Report and Policy Dialogue on addressing Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) in Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector held in Abuja.

    He said the African Union estimates that Nigeria accounts for thirty-five percent of all illicit flows from Africa. Revealing that ninety-three percent of these illicit flows occur through the extractive industry.

    Adar said the agency and partners must continue to generate reliable data for policymakers, noting that the research directly addresses one of the most pressing governance challenges facing not only Nigeria’s extractive sector but the entire economy.

    He commended the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice for undertaking the timely and evidence-based study, in collaboration with NEITI and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

    “This is why I commend your effort and commitment in this project. I want to reassure you of NEITI’s institutional support and partnership to ensure that transparency, accountability, and data-driven reforms remain at the heart of Nigeria’s solid minerals development agenda.

    “The research aims to present key findings and policy recommendations on illicit financial flows in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, provide a national platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue, identify critical policy, legal, and institutional reforms to strengthen transparency and accountability, and promote synergy for coordinated anti-Illicit Financial Flows actions. These objectives align closely with NEITI’s mandate to promote transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s extractive resources,” the NEITI boss said.

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    According to him, the report also underscores the limited integration of solid minerals data across government institutions, including mining regulators, revenue authorities, and border agencies.

    “This weakness reduces the effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement and weakens the state’s ability to detect and prevent illicit financial practices,” he added.

    He said the relevance of the research was further reinforced by Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the 2023 EITI Standard, which places stronger emphasis on addressing corruption risks and illicit financial flows in extractive industries.

    Adar said the Standard calls for enhanced transparency across the entire extractive value chain, including license allocation, beneficial ownership disclosure, production and export data, revenue collection, and inter-agency data sharing.

    “In particular, the 2023 EITI Standard recognises that transparency is a critical tool for exposing the structural weaknesses and opacity that enable illicit financial flows. It encourages countries to use EITI disclosures to identify risks, inform reforms, and strengthen collaboration among oversight institutions.

    “NEITI has continued to align its reporting and policy engagement with these requirements, especially in the solid minerals sector, where governance gaps remain pronounced,” he concluded.

    Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerian Financial Intelligent Unit (NFIU), Hafsat Bakari, commended the NEITI, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, ANEEJ, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for convening this timely engagement and for the rigorous work that underpins the research.

    Bakari, who was represented by the Chief Operating Officer, Law Enforcement, Support and Coordination Sector, Dr (Mrs) Biola Shotunde, said Illicit financial flows continue to undermine revenue mobilisation, governance, and development outcomes, particularly in resource-rich economies such as Nigeria.

    In the solid minerals sector, she said these risks are amplified by structural and operational vulnerabilities that expose the sector to abuse by criminal actors and facilitate the laundering of illicit proceeds.

    She maintained that as the central and coordinating agency for AML/CFT/CPF in Nigeria, the NFIU emphasises the importance of embedding Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing, and Counter-Proliferation Financing measures across the entire solid minerals value chain.

    “From licensing and production to trading, exports, and payments, AML/CFT/CPF controls must be fully integrated to enable the early identification, tracking, and disruption of illicit financial flows,” she added.

    Achieving this, according to her, requires more than intent. “It calls for targeted policy reforms, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, capacity building, timely intelligence sharing, improved data systems, and the systematic deployment of parallel financial investigations alongside traditional enforcement actions.

    “There is also a clear need to deepen understanding of predicate offences linked to the sector, including corruption, tax evasion, terrorist financing, environmental crimes such as illegal mining, and arms trafficking,” she said.

  • NIESV advocates land policy reforms to drive investment, revenue in Abuja

    NIESV advocates land policy reforms to drive investment, revenue in Abuja

    The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has called on the federal government to reform Abuja’s land governance framework.

    NIESV warned that weak coordination, poor titling systems, and fragmented land administration continue to undermine investor confidence and limit land-based revenue generation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The call was made at the 32nd Annual Johnwood Ekpenyong Memorial Lecture held in Abuja, where policymakers, professionals, and industry stakeholders examined the theme: “From Compliance to Competitiveness: Positioning Abuja Land Governance Framework for Investment Confidence and Revenue Growth.”

    Delivering the memorial lecture, the Immediate Past President of NIESV, Johnbull Osarume, said land governance must move beyond regulatory compliance to become a market-supporting infrastructure capable of unlocking capital and driving sustainable economic growth.

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    “Land governance is no longer just about managing land; it is about managing confidence. Where land systems are weak, confidence is lost, and investment will not come,” he said.

    A major recommendation from the lecture was the creation of an integrated land governance architecture for the FCT.

    According to Osarume, fragmentation across land-related agencies creates uncertainty, delays, and inconsistencies that discourage investment.

    He proposed that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, in collaboration with relevant departments and agencies, should issue a harmonisation directive establishing unified data standards, workflows, and service timelines across land-related institutions.

    The speaker also recommended the establishment of a Land Governance Coordination Council to oversee inter-agency compliance and dispute resolution, alongside the deployment of a single digital land governance portal to streamline applications, tracking, and service delivery across the FCT.

    The lecture further urged the Federal Government to transform Abuja’s land records into a fully automated, end-to-end digital land market, covering allocation, titling, valuation, consent processes, and payments within guaranteed service timelines.

    Key proposals included mandating digital workflows for land transactions, integrating cadastral, planning, and valuation data into a real-time land market intelligence system, and enforcing automated payment platforms with audit trails to eliminate inefficiencies.

    “Digitisation would reposition land as a viable asset for economic productivity rather than a dormant resource,” Osarume noted.

    Another focus of the lecture was the formalisation of peri-urban land holdings around Abuja, where large industrial and estate lands remain unattractive to investors due to unclear titles.

    In his remarks, the President of the Institution, Victor Alonge, recommended simplified, low-cost titling frameworks, area-based registration, and phased documentation processes to integrate these areas into planning and revenue systems.

    “Over 90 per cent of land in Nigeria remains unregistered. Such land is dead capital and cannot be leveraged for credit or investment,” he said.

    He called for the formal integration of estate surveyors and valuers into land policy design and governance, insisting that professional expertise and ethical standards are essential for credible land administration.

    Drawing comparisons with cities such as Singapore, Kigali, and Riyadh, Alonge highlighted how efficient land systems support urban growth, revenue mobilisation, and investor confidence, noting that Abuja’s land-based revenue potential remains largely untapped.

    Alonge said the Johnwood Ekpenyong Memorial Lecture, now in its 32nd edition, was instituted to honour the founding president of NIESV and to sustain the relevance of estate surveying and valuation to national development.

  • Tinubu, Obasanjo, Mimiko, Fasoranti, others bag Ondo golden jubilee awards

    Tinubu, Obasanjo, Mimiko, Fasoranti, others bag Ondo golden jubilee awards

    President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, and other eminent sons and daughters of Ondo state have been honoured with special awards as part of activities marking the state’s 50th anniversary.

    They were honoured at the Gala and Award Night alongside elder statesman and foremost leader of the Pan-Yoruba social political group, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Oba Olu Falae, and 67 distinguished personalities for their contributions to the growth and development of the Sunshine State and the country.

    The Gala and Award Night, held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, climaxed the day’s celebrations for the golden jubilee.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the event as a night of legacy, excellence, and recognition of service, noting that the awards reflected the collective sacrifices and achievements recorded by the state in the last five decades.

    “The daytime celebrations at the Ondo State Sports Complex captured the mass spirit of our people and renewed our determination for a more prosperous state.

    “Tonight is devoted to honouring those whose lives have brought distinction to Ondo State and contributed meaningfully to national development,” he added.

    The governor said the awards were not ceremonial tokens but expressions of gratitude to individuals whose discipline, character, and sustained service had strengthened institutions and inspired progress.

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    According to him, the anniversary should not only celebrate the past but also provide direction for the future through stronger institutions, economic diversification, social cohesion, and greater opportunities for young people.

    Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Mimiko, Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami; former deputy governors Omolade Oluwateru, Ali Olanusi, Lasisi Oluboyo, and Alfred Agboola Ajayi; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Justices Olusegun Odusola and Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju; Major Gen. Olu Bajowa (retd.); Vice Admiral Akintunde Aduwo; Oba Falae; and music legend King Sunny Ade.

    Other honourees included Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, Engr. Bernard Aliu, Prof. Oluyinka Olutoye, Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oloyelogun, Mrs Mobalaji Osomo, High Chief Johnson Fagbemi, Asiwaju Oluyemi Ogunyemi, Dr Amos Akingba, Chief Michael Ade Ojo, Engr. Emmanuel Adewunmi, Prof. Anthony Adegulugbe, Pa Oyekan Arije, Engr. Funsho Kupolokun, Chief Sunday Ehindero, Chief Joseph Sanusi, Chief Solomon Oladunni, Chief Pius Akinyelure, AVM Kola Ademuwagun, Oba Samuel Egunjobi, and Madam Winifred Adefolahan Awosika, among others.

    Posthumous honours were also conferred on late leaders who made significant impacts on the state and the nation, including former Head of State Gen. Murtala Mohammed; former governors Michael Adekunle Ajasin, Bamidele Olumilua, Adebayo Adefarati, Olusegun Agagu, and Rotimi Akeredolu; jurists Justices Akinola Aguda and Gladys Olateru-Olagbegi; rights activist Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN); Pastor T.B. Joshua; and several senior military officers.

    In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Golden Jubilee Committee, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, said Ondo State had witnessed a remarkable transformation in infrastructure and human capital development since its creation.

    Also speaking, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Adewusi, commended the governor and his wife for their leadership and support for the anniversary activities.

    Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, said the jubilee focused on youth engagement, disclosing that an essay competition for young people aged 20 to 25 attracted 118 entries within five days, with 10 shortlisted and three selected for prizes.

    He, however, added that a formal charter would be signed by key state officials and sealed as a covenant to guide Ondo State’s development over the next 20 years.

  • Lagos Police arrest two robbery suspects, recover firearms

    Lagos Police arrest two robbery suspects, recover firearms

    The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms and ammunition in separate intelligence-led operations.

    The suspects were arrested in Ajegunle and Ojo areas of the state, a statement by spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said Wednesday night.

    She said their arrests followed actionable intelligence on the activities of suspected criminals terrorising residents and commuters in the affected areas.

    According to the statement, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Team, Thunder Blast, apprehended 27-year-old Waheed Orelope in Ajegunle after receiving reports that hoodlums were using commercial motorcycles to rob unsuspecting members of the public.

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    “During preliminary investigation, one locally made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from the suspect,” the police said.

    In a similar operation, the surveillance team of the Ojo Division arrested another suspect, Wasiu Shonibare, 29, at the Iyana Iba Under Bridge following reports that suspected hoodlums had taken over the area, posing a threat to commuters and residents.

    The police said a locally made pistol was recovered from Shonibare at the point of arrest.

    Both suspects, she said, were in custody while investigations continue to determine their level of involvement and track down other members of the suspected criminal gang.

    Adebisi said the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive policing and the protection of lives and property across the state.

    He urged residents to support the police by providing timely and credible information through the command’s emergency lines.

  • 2027 election won’t stall infrastructure projects in FCT – Wike

    2027 election won’t stall infrastructure projects in FCT – Wike

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, assured that political activities ahead of the next general elections will not hinder the pace of infrastructure development in the nation’s capital.

    Wike gave the assurance while briefing journalists after conducting a routine inspection of ongoing projects across Abuja.

    Responding to questions on potential political distractions, the minister stressed that service delivery remains the administration’s top priority, reaffirming his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the infrastructure targets of the FCT Administration.

    He said, “Politics is different; you have to serve the people. Politics has its own time. The work will continue to go on. Politics is not going to affect it. If you say so, the Area Council elections are coming up in the next few weeks. Are we not doing our work? It doesn’t affect us. What is important is for us to pay the contractor. From time to time, too, we will come and see for ourselves. So, the politics of 2027 will not affect our job. The only way it will affect is that people will be happy and see that the Renewed Hope Agenda is real.”

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    The minister also provided updates on key projects inspected during the tour, including the Collector Road C01 within the Institute and Research District. The road links Baze University, the Body of Benchers, Nile University, and the Wupa Train Station of the Abuja Light Rail.

    Wike disclosed that substantial progress has been recorded on the project, adding that the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), has committed to completing the road by May 2026, positioning it for possible inauguration during President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

    He further revealed that the Annex Building of the Body of Benchers has reached 80 per cent completion, expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work.

    Speaking on the access road connecting Bill Clinton Drive to the Tungan Madaki community, Wike explained that the 7-kilometre road, which includes a four-span bridge, forms part of a compensation arrangement for the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. He added that the project is scheduled for completion and handover by the second week of June 2026.

    To further enhance connectivity, the minister said he has directed the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to collaborate with CCECC on a design to extend the Tungan Madaki access road to connect with the Zuba Road corridor.

    “We are opening up other areas. You can imagine what the people here suffer during the rainy season; it’s unimaginable,” Wike said.

    “I have directed the Executive Secretary to liaise with the company, CCECC, to see how we can link it up to Zuba road. I’ve directed them to bring the design, and that again is about 7 kilometres. There is nothing we cannot do as far as this administration is concerned to give the people what they deserve, the best.”

  • Taskforce warns uniformed personnel against operating Okada on restricted routes

    Taskforce warns uniformed personnel against operating Okada on restricted routes

    The chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, has warned uniformed personnel against operating commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, on highways and other restricted routes across the state.

    Akerele gave the warning during an ongoing clean-up enforcement operation aimed at ridding Lagos of commercial motorcycles operating on prohibited routes.

    Addressing uniformed personnel who visited his office to appeal for the release of impounded motorcycles seized during enforcement, the Taskforce chairman urged them to comply with extant traffic and environmental laws or risk prosecution.

    “I am not wicked, but I am also not weak, and I do not want to be perceived as a weak leader,” he said.

    He noted that it sends a wrong signal when security personnel, who are expected to enforce the law, are found violating it.

    “As security operatives, we understand the need for you to get to your duty posts on time. However, whatever means you adopt to get there must fall within the ambit of the law. If you are properly dressed in your official uniform and not carrying passengers, your colleagues may exercise discretion to avoid arrest,” he said.

    He urged them to adhere to professional standards and refrain from engaging in activities capable of tarnishing the image of their respective agencies.

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    “It is embarrassing to the State and the nation to see military, paramilitary, and police personnel using uniforms worn by distinguished veterans as immunity to evade arrest by operating commercial motorcycles, especially when they are expected to be combating criminal activities within their jurisdictions,” he added.

    The Taskforce, however, said it has intensified its clean-up enforcement operations across the state.

    Areas visited during the latest operation include Ikoyi, Abraham Adesanya Junction, Ogombo, Coastal Road, Ajah, Falomo, and Marina, where some Okada operators were allegedly found violating traffic regulations and constituting a nuisance on highways and newly constructed coastal roads.

    The agency said a total of 124 motorcycles were confiscated between January 31 and the time of filing this report.

    It added that all confiscated motorcycles would be forfeited to the state government through the courts in line with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.

  • Kidnappers demand N260m for abducted children in Edo

    Kidnappers demand N260m for abducted children in Edo

    Kidnappers have demanded the sum of N260m as ransom to release four children abducted at Eko-Abeku-Iyowa road, within Evboneka community, Ovia North-East local government area.

    The children were said to have been abducted on Monday at about 5 pm while returning from school.

    Other victims that were abducted alongside the children were a nursing mother and her two younger sisters.

    Father of some of the victims, Festus Bamidele, said the abductors released the nursing mother and her small baby after a heavy rainfall.

    He said three other victims of pre-kg classes were also rescued by security operatives.

    Bamidele said the victims remaining with the kidnappers were two of his children, his younger sister, and a sister-in-law.

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    He said the kidnappers have contacted the family and are demanding the sum of ₦260 million ransom.

    Edo Police Spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and said five of the victims were rescued while four were taken away.

    “The command, in collaboration with hunters and vigilantes, has launched an intensive bush combing exercise for the kidnappers, with efforts ongoing to rescue the remaining victims.”

    Meanwhile, operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested two suspected kidnappers while on patrol along the Auchi–Igarra Highway, Edo North.

     Ikoedem said the suspects were identified as members of a kidnapping syndicate.

    The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command has recorded significant successes in the fight against kidnapping through proactive patrols and sustained intelligence-led operations in Igarra and its environs, in line with the crime-fighting strategies of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc.

    “On 28 January 2026 at about 13:30hrs, operatives of the Igarra Area Command, while on duty at their traditional nipping point along the Auchi–Igarra Highway, arrested two suspected kidnappers identified as Muhammed Muamadu Haru ‘M’, aged 35 years, and Abubakar Muhammed Haruna ‘M’, aged 25 years.

    “The suspects were identified by a vigilante member as members of a kidnapping syndicate during an exchange of fire in one of the joint Bush Combing rescue operations.

    “Upon recognition, the suspects attempted to escape into the bush but were quickly intercepted and arrested. Investigation is still in progress.

    “In a related development on Monday, 2 February 2026, at about 17:00hrs, a convoy of motorcycle patrol teams from the Igarra Area Command foiled a kidnapping operation along the Auchi–Igarra Express Road. The patrol team intercepted three suspected kidnappers who were about to block the road.

    “The suspects fled into the forest after a hot chase, abandoning items suspected to be logistics for criminal operations, including food items, mobile phones, jack knives, and other personal effects. Sustained bush-combing of the area is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”

  • Firm secures massive land for Nigeria’s first snow city park in Ibadan

    Firm secures massive land for Nigeria’s first snow city park in Ibadan

    Rest Realty has finalised the acquisition and signing of a landmark land deal covering one million square metres, paving the way for the development of Nigeria’s first Snow City Park.

    The project, which will be located in Ibadan, Oyo State, is expected to establish a pioneering tourism and lifestyle city in the country.

    The Snow City Park is designed to serve as a major tourism destination, attracting both domestic and international visitors while reshaping leisure, entertainment, and urban development in Nigeria. Rest Realty disclosed that the project is projected to attract at least one million tourists annually, positioning Ibadan as an emerging destination on Africa’s tourism landscape.

    Speaking on the vision driving the initiative, the Founder of Rest Realty, Stephen Akorede, said the project is aimed at redefining traditional real estate development in Nigeria.

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    Akorede noted that his more than four-year residency in Dubai exposed him to innovative urban planning, strategic infrastructure development, and global best practices, which influenced his perspective on how deliberate and visionary projects can transform cities and communities.

    “This land acquisition is our first step into what will become a multi-billion-naira development. We are stepping forward to do what many believe is impossible, because meaningful development requires courage, innovation, and a clear vision,” Akorede said.

    He added that beyond the Snow City Park itself, the proposed city will feature a comprehensive mix of residential and commercial infrastructure. Plans include residential homes for over 1,000 residents, office spaces, schools, a massive central park, investor lounges, a dedicated tech founders’ lounge, and a structured residents’ identification system designed to enhance security and efficient city management.

    He assured investors of the project’s strong economic prospects, noting that its design and tourism-driven model are expected to deliver substantial value.

    Projections, according to the company, indicate the potential for significant investment growth within 24 months of development milestones.

  • Two Ondo varsity students drowned during hotel pool party

    Two Ondo varsity students drowned during hotel pool party

    …police quiz hotel manager, launches probe

    Two undergraduate students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, have died after reportedly drowning in a hotel swimming pool during a party organised for newly matriculated students.

    The victims were identified as Adegbola Blessing, 19, and Oludere Opeyemi, 22. They were said to have drowned during a swimming pool party hosted by the hotel to celebrate newly admitted students.

    The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday in Akure, the state capital.

    Abayomi said the incident was first reported at the Akungba Divisional Police Headquarters by the hotel’s pool manager, identified simply as Shittu.

    “On the 29th of January, 2026, a report was received at the Akungba Divisional Police Headquarters from one Shittu, male, the pool manager of University Lounge and Hotel, Akungba-Akoko, regarding an unfortunate incident that occurred during a swimming pool party organized by the hotel for newly matriculated students.

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    “According to the report, at about 2000hrs on the same date, one Adegbola Blessing, male, aged 19 years, was discovered unconscious inside the hotel’s swimming pool. He was immediately rescued by the pool manager and administered first aid. The victim reportedly regained consciousness, was able to stand, and was subsequently taken home by his friends.

    “Shortly thereafter, another individual, Oludere Opeyemi, male, aged 22 years, was also discovered unconscious in the swimming pool. He was promptly rescued and rushed to the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, where he was later confirmed dead by medical personnel,” he said in the statement.

    Abayomi added, “Following the report, operatives of the Akungba Divisional Police Station were promptly deployed to the scene on the night of the incident to commence investigation. Meanwhile, the hotel manager, Ayomide Badejo, a female, and the pool manager were invited for questioning as part of the preliminary investigation.

    “Further developments occurred in the early hours of 30th January, 2026, at about 0700hrs, when the first victim, Adegbola Blessing, was reported to have also passed on. Consequently, the case was transferred to the Command’s Monitoring Unit for discreet, thorough, and comprehensive investigation.”

    He revealed that the remains of the deceased persons have been deposited at the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko morgue for an autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation process.

    Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, called on hotel owners and operators across the state to prioritise guest safety by installing functional safety equipment, ensuring proper supervision around swimming pools, and enforcing safety regulations to prevent avoidable incidents.

    Adebowale, however, assured residents that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be fully investigated and any culpability established, appealing to the public to remain calm and avoid speculation while investigations continue.