The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Seyi Tinubu gets installed as Okanlòmo of Eyọ Ọba Alakẹtẹ Pupa, Laba Ẹkun 

    Seyi Tinubu gets installed as Okanlòmo of Eyọ Ọba Alakẹtẹ Pupa, Laba Ẹkun 

    • …Sanwo-Olu commissions Eyo Monument at the John Randle Centre
    • …LASG diverts traffic for Eyo festival

    Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, was on Friday, December 26 installed as the Okanlòmo of Eyọ Ọba Alakẹtẹ Pupa, Laba Ẹkun. 

    This installation comes ahead of the Saturday, December 27 Eyo festival in Lagos. 

    The Eyo Festival, which was last held in 2017, is known for its iconic white-clad masquerades and vibrant display of chants, dance and cultural symbolism.

    Considered a cultural treasure of the Lagos people, it is one of the most recognisable traditional events in the country, and this year’s edition is expected to draw both local and international attention.

    Congratulating Seyi, Sanwo-Olu on his verified X page (formerly Twitter) said: “I warmly congratulate Barrister Oluwaseyi Tinubu @STinubu on his installation as the Okanlòmo of Eyọ Ọba Alakẹtẹ Pupa, Laba Ẹkun.

    “This honour reflects service, character, and commitment to our culture and people.

    “I wish him continued strength and clarity as he carries the responsibilities and expectations that come with this new role.”

    Also, Sanwo-Olu, on Friday commissioned the Eyo Monument at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, located in the Onikan area of Lagos Island.

    The Lagos State Government had on Wednesday issued a travel advisory announcing widespread traffic restrictions on Lagos Island.

    In a travel advisory shared on the government’s social media handles, residents and motorists were urged to plan their travels ahead, as vehicular movement would be partially restricted in the Lagos Island area.

    “Vehicular movement on major Lagos Island streets, especially along the procession routes, will be restricted or fully closed to allow the traditional Eyo procession to move safely,” the notice read.

    Consequently, the government listed major routes on the Island that will be temporarily closed to traffic.

    They include Third Mainland Bridge exit to Adeniji Adele Road; Adeniji Adele ramps inward and outward, Oyebanji; and Adeniji Adele inward to Third Mainland (Church Bus Stop).

    “Descending the Simpson Bridge to Sura from Osborne; outward Sura inward Osborne by Simpson Bridge; outward Sura inward Obalende Bridge; and Third Mainland exit to Sura.”

    Other areas to be affected include Obalende, CMS, Marina, Apogbon and Idumota.

    Commuters were therefore advised to use alternative routes. “Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, as LASTMA officials will be deployed to all diversion points for a seamless flow of traffic,” the notice added.

    According to the Lagos State Government, the nearly 40-foot-high monument is “a powerful symbol of Lagos’ heritage” and is expected to provide “a major boost to the state’s cultural tourism drive,” serving both educational and tourism purposes while contributing to the economic and cultural development of the state.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the monument represents the essence of Lagos culture and identity, adding that its location within the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, makes it “a fitting landmark for preserving and showcasing Yoruba art, history and tradition.”

    He said the monument would provide a space “where visitors can learn, take photographs and share the history of the state.”

    Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the installation of the Eyo monument reinforces Lagos’ commitment to protecting its cultural assets while positioning the state as a global destination for arts and heritage tourism.

    He commended the curator of the monument, Dotun Popoola, for his craftsmanship and intellectual depth, describing the work as “a reflection of Nigerian creativity and excellence,” and noting that the project demonstrates how indigenous talent can be harnessed to interpret and preserve history through art.

  • Banditry will be defeated in 2026, Akpabio assures Nigerians

    Banditry will be defeated in 2026, Akpabio assures Nigerians

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed optimism that banditry and other security challenges confronting the country will be defeated in 2026 and beyond, urging Nigerians to work collectively towards a more peaceful and equitable nation.

    Akpabio called on citizens to set aside their differences, embrace peace and foster unity within their families, states and the country at large, stressing that national development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.

    He made the appeal during a prayer and fasting service organised in honour of the Akpabio family at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Ukana Ikot Ntuen, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

    In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, the Senate President was quoted as saying: “I want to wish all Nigerians a very prosperous and peaceful new year. I want to assure all Nigerians that the new year will usher in renewed peace in our country.”

    Waxing philosophical, Akpabio said: “For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten son to be born as a man so as to redeem mankind. By the reason of the birth of Jesus Christ, Nigerians will be redeemed from banditry and insurgency in the new year and beyond.”

    The Senate President urged Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliations, to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the fight against banditry and insurgency, expressing confidence that renewed collaboration with international partners would ensure the defeat of insecurity.

    He also underscored the critical role of the family in promoting peace and progress, noting that unity remains the foundation of collective success.

    In her remarks, the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, encouraged family members to support one another selflessly, set aside personal biases and live together in love.

    The family head of the Greater Akpabio Family, Chief Ekan Akpabio, urged members to continue supporting Senator Akpabio as a worthy ambassador of the family, Essien Udim Local Government Area and Akwa Ibom State.

    Chief Akpabio further appealed to family members holding political positions to remain connected to their roots and prioritise the welfare of their relatives.

    The annual prayer and fasting service, held every December 26, provides an opportunity for the Akpabio family to express gratitude to God for His sustenance throughout the year, while offering prayers for peace and unity in Nigeria.

  • Stakeholders demand prosecution of interior minister’s blackmailers

    Stakeholders demand prosecution of interior minister’s blackmailers

    • …issues 7-day ultimatum

    Stakeholders under the aegis of the Niger Delta Rights Advocates (NDRA) have called for the prosecution of individuals allegedly blackmailing the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

    The group issued a seven-day ultimatum, demanding that those making allegations against the minister substantiate their claims with credible evidence or face legal action.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, NDRA spokesperson, Mr. Darlington Nwauju, described the allegations as malicious, defamatory and politically motivated, warning that unproven accusations pose a serious threat to democratic accountability and individual reputations.

    Nwauju challenged the accusers to publicly present verifiable proof of the forgery allegations, stressing that claims made without evidence amount to defamation under the law.

    “He that alleges must show proof,” he said, adding that the continued circulation of unsubstantiated claims was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and damage the image of the Interior Minister.

    According to Nwauju, a Mr. Isaiah Davies Ijele from Kogi State is at the centre of what he described as a coordinated smear campaign against Dr. Tunji-Ojo.

    He alleged that Ijele operates through multiple unregistered organisations purportedly created solely to target the minister. Among the groups listed were Accountability Front for Justice and Good Governance, National Youth Reform Coalition, Civil Action Network for Transparency, Police Integrity Movement, Nigeria Integrity Movement, Integrity and Transparency Alliance, and Centre for Leadership Legacy.

    Nwauju claimed the organisations lack verifiable track records, identifiable trustees or evidence of sustained civil society engagement, describing them as “briefcase organisations” allegedly formed to give credibility to repeated petitions against public officials.

    He further referenced a petition dated October 17, 2025, with reference number AFJGG/CC/001, reportedly submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Presidency, alleging that investigations showed the organisations behind the petition were linked to the same individual and had no history of advocacy work.

    “We want to confirm to the press today that the arrowhead of these malicious and defamatory allegations against Dr. Tunji-Ojo is one individual who is the president, founder and proprietor of these unregistered groups,” Nwauju stated.

    Addressing the substance of the allegations, Nwauju said independent investigations showed that Dr. Tunji-Ojo was duly remobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2019. 

    He, however, said his discharge certificate was reportedly omitted due to an administrative lapse during processing.

    Nwauju said that the minister formally requested the issuance of his discharge certificate from NYSC management on October 18, 2022, and subsequently received it on February 28, 2023.

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    He said the facts were corroborated by investigative reports published by Premium Times using information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, which, according to him, clarified the circumstances surrounding the certificate.

    Describing the continued allegations as extortionate and politically motivated, the he issued a seven-day ultimatum, effective from December 25, 2025, for the accusers to publish credible evidence supporting their claims.

     Nwauju said his organisation would be compelled to petition relevant authorities to investigate and prosecute those involved for defamation and attempted extortion.

    He strongly defended Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s performance in office, describing him as one of the most effective ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

    According to Nwauju, the Ministry of Interior under Tunji-Ojo’s leadership has recorded significant improvements in service delivery, personnel welfare, and job creation across paramilitary agencies.

    He claimed that more than 75,000 personnel had been promoted within two years, while about 30,000 young Nigerians had secured pensionable employment — a development he said marked a clear departure from past recruitment practices.

    Nwauju referenced previous mass recruitment exercises in agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, which he said were poorly managed and allegedly led to tragic loss of lives across the country.

    “This minister has changed that very ugly narrative. We cannot afford to sacrifice one of our best on the altar of sponsored media campaigns or abandon him to the ferocious attacks of enemies of excellence and sterling performance.”

  • Shettima visits Borno blast survivors, vows end to insecurity

    Shettima visits Borno blast survivors, vows end to insecurity

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured residents of Borno State and Nigerians nationwide that the Federal Government remains resolute in its duty to protect lives and property, following the bomb explosion at Gamboru Market in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

    Shettima, who visited survivors of the attack receiving treatment at the Muhammadu Buhari Trauma Centre on Friday, conveyed the sympathy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to the victims.

    Speaking in Maiduguri after meeting the injured, Senator Shettima described the attack as senseless violence and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to end insecurity in Borno State and across the country.

    “We are here on behalf of the President to sympathise with the victims and to reassure the good people of Borno State and indeed the entire nation, that the government remains unwavering in its commitment to secure the lives and property of our citizens,” the Vice President said.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President, Shettima added “by the grace of God, this madness will soon be brought to an end.”

    Visibly moved by the condition of those on admission, the Vice President also commended Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, for his sustained efforts in addressing security and humanitarian challenges in the state, assuring that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen collaboration with the state to achieve lasting peace.

    “The Governor of Borno has been working round the clock to complement the efforts of the Federal Government. I sincerely appreciate his commitment,” VP Shettima said.

    Emphasising national unity in the face of adversity, he added: “Most importantly, we are united in victory as well as in challenges. We are one nation, tied to a common destiny.”

    Briefing the Vice President during the visit, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital disclosed that 14 patients were admitted following the blast, with one patient dying shortly after arrival.

    According to him, seven victims remain on admission, including one in critical condition at the intensive care unit, while five others have been treated and discharged.

  • Why House repealed, re-enacted 2024, 2025 Appropriation Acts, by Agbese 

    Why House repealed, re-enacted 2024, 2025 Appropriation Acts, by Agbese 

    The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese has said the recent decision by the House to repeal and re-enact the 2024 and 2025 Appropriation Acts was driven by the need to align Nigeria’s budgeting framework with global best practices, enhance transparency, and ease implementation challenges.

    Speaking in an interview on Friday, Agbese said the lawmakers took the step to strengthen accountability at all levels of government while reducing the oversight burden that typically trails budget execution.

    According to him, the repeal and re-enactment will help streamline the country’s fiscal process by ensuring a more coherent and predictable funding structure.

    “Basically, it is to align the nation’s budgeting system with global and international best practices. It is also to ensure transparency and accountability at all levels, and to lessen the burden of oversight during implementation,” Agbese said.

    He noted that the decision would also pave the way for a single national budget cycle after March 31, 2026, a move he described as critical to seamless execution by the Executive arm.

    Agbese commended the Hon. Abubakar Bichi-led House Committee on Appropriations for their diligent and prompt work on the re-enactment bill transmitted to the House by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He said the committee’s promptness paved way for the eventual consideration and passage of the bill before the lawmakers proceeded on their Christmas and New Year holidays.

    According to him, the work of the committee has further helped in addressing the issue of running multiple budgets in the country.

    He said running of multiple budgets will lead to fiscal confusion and dissipation of government’s finances in the execution of multiple projects, leading to poor outcome.

    The lawmaker observed that the abysmally low performance of the 2025 capital budget was due to the running of multiple budgets.

    “By adopting a single budget after March 31, 2026, the Executive will be able to execute the budget without much hassle. When there is a single funding system, it becomes easier to manage cash flow and ensure timely releases,” he added.

    Agbese commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing leadership that supports fiscal reforms, describing the President’s commitment to budget discipline and economic stability as reassuring.

    His commendation was in response to the recent commitment made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that running of multiple budgets would end by March 31, 2026.

    President Tinubu during presentation of the 2026 budget announced that the era of multiple budget implementations in Nigeria will come to an end by March 2026, stating that from April, the country will operate a single budget anchored on a unified revenue cycle.

    According to the President, the reform is aimed at addressing long-standing challenges such as abandoned projects, unpaid contractual obligations and overlapping budgets inherited across different administrations.

    “This is research, a very hard one. Avoiding abandoned projects, unpaid contractual obligations and running multiple budgets, both inherited and of fulfilled mandates, is a problem staring the nation.

    “So we are terminating the habit of running through a budget on one inflow. By March 31, 2026, all capital liabilities from previous years will be fully funded and closed. No overlaps, no excuses and no rollover cultures,” he said.

    He described Tinubu as a listening leader, adding that his commitment to end multiple budgets was in response to calls by lawmakers and other experts who have spoken against the running of multiple budgets which often lead to fiscal indiscipline.

    The lawmaker also passed a vote of confidence on the President’s economic team, particularly the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, praising them for taking the time to develop a budget framework that reflects Nigeria’s economic realities.

    “We want to commend the economic team, especially the budget and planning ministry, for putting together a budget plan that reflects the nation’s reality and the economic interests of the various segments of our society,” he said.

    Agbese stressed that the House remains committed to reforms that will strengthen public finance management, improve service delivery, and restore public confidence in the budgeting process.

  • Tambuwal calls for calm in Sokoto communities over reported US–Nigeria airstrikes

    Tambuwal calls for calm in Sokoto communities over reported US–Nigeria airstrikes

    Former Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has appealed for peace and calm among communities affected by the recent airstrikes reportedly carried out by the United States in collaboration with Nigerian authorities in parts of the state.

    The appeal followed reports of panic in Jabo town, Tambuwal Local Government Area, where residents were said to have been thrown into confusion on Thursday night after the military operation.

    The airstrikes were reportedly part of a broader counterterrorism campaign announced by former United States President, Donald Trump, aimed at neutralising terrorist groups responsible for insecurity in Nigeria.

    Tambuwal welcomed the cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism in the North, describing it as a necessary step towards restoring peace and stability in the region.

    In a statement, the former governor said he had taken note of reports concerning the airstrike conducted under the ongoing counterterrorism collaboration between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States.

    He urged residents of affected communities to remain calm and law-abiding while relevant authorities work to clarify the circumstances surrounding the operation.

    Tambuwal assured the people of Sokoto South that he was actively engaging with security agencies to obtain full details of the incident and to ensure that all necessary safeguards were observed.

    He stressed that counterterrorism operations are targeted at criminal and terrorist elements threatening public safety, not innocent civilians who are themselves victims of insecurity, adding that the protection of civilian lives remains central to all legitimate security actions.

    The former governor also commended the courage and professionalism of Nigerian military and security personnel, noting that they continue to work tirelessly, often in collaboration with international partners, under difficult conditions to combat terrorism and banditry.

    According to him, their sacrifices and commitment to restoring peace deserve the full support and cooperation of the public.

    Tambuwal further called on community leaders, traditional institutions and residents to work closely with security agencies by sharing credible information and resisting misinformation capable of heightening fear or tension.

    He urged unity, vigilance and support for lawful security efforts, expressing confidence that collective resolve would help defeat terrorism and secure lasting peace in Sokoto State and across Nigeria.

  • Textile, garment entrepreneurs seek policy review to revive struggling industry

    Textile, garment entrepreneurs seek policy review to revive struggling industry

    Textile and garment business owners have called on the Federal Government to review policies guiding the sector, citing persistent challenges such as rampant smuggling, poor power infrastructure, high production costs and inadequate investment despite the industry’s strong job-creation potential.

    The call was made by the Chief Executive Officer of CNDaniels Couture, Nnamdi Daniel, at the company’s end-of-year party in Abuja, themed “Canvas of Culture: Ancestors Are Watching, GLAM Trad.”

    Daniel said urgent policy intervention was needed to revive the textile and garment sector, noting that local production is currently insufficient to meet the needs of industry players.

    According to him, foreign smugglers, particularly from countries like China, are making more profits than Nigerian garment producers by copying local designs, reproducing them abroad and reintroducing them into the Nigerian market at cheaper prices, despite their inferior quality.

    “What Nigeria produces in textiles is not enough for the industry. We need a policy review because criminals from other countries steal our products, reprint them abroad and bring them back to sell cheaply. Even though the quality is far below what we produce locally, they still dominate the market,” he said.

    Speaking on efforts to promote made-in-Nigeria products, Daniel announced an upcoming partnership between CNDaniels Couture and the British Council, scheduled for the early part of 2026. He said the initiative would kick off in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt before expanding to other parts of the country, with the aim of promoting African culture and encouraging the consistent use of Nigerian fabrics.

    “The show happening today is a mock presentation of what we intend to do during our partnership with the British Council in early 2026,” he explained.

    Daniel stressed the need to promote Nigerian culture through fashion, warning that many people are gradually forgetting indigenous fabrics and cultural heritage due to the increasing westernisation of fashion.

    “Our culture needs to be promoted through clothing. People are forgetting what our fabrics look like and what our heritage represents. Our fashion has been westernised, and this is not good for us as Africans. The Glam Trad concept is designed to showcase fashion that can be explained in an African way,” he said.

    He added that while many textile factories remain dormant, some indigenous fabrics such as Adire, Akwete and other locally produced textiles are still thriving and in high demand, describing them as rich Nigerian fabrics that deserve greater support and investment.

  • Barau receives NNPP chieftains as two defect to APC in Kano

    Barau receives NNPP chieftains as two defect to APC in Kano

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has received two prominent members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the Kwankwasiyya Movement into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The defectors are Hon. Umar Bala Haruna, Special Assistant to the Governor of Kano State in the Office of the Head of Service, and Hon. Muhammad Hussaini, Organising Secretary of the NNPP in Bichi Ward, Bichi Local Government Area of the state.

    Haruna, who also announced his defection to the APC, disclosed that he had resigned his appointment as Special Assistant to the Governor, citing his commitment to integrity, accountability and respect for democratic values. 

    In a resignation letter dated December 22, 2025, and addressed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf through the Secretary to the State Government, Haruna, who was appointed in September 2023, formally conveyed his decision to step down.

    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Malam Ismail Mudashir, said the two NNPP/Kwankwasiyya Movement chieftains announced their defection during a recent courtesy visit to Senator Barau in Abuja.

    According to the statement, the defectors expressed satisfaction with what they described as the excellent leadership style and people-oriented initiatives of the Deputy Senate President, whom they referred to as an icon and a beacon of hope for Kano State.

    In his response, Senator Barau welcomed the new entrants into the APC, describing their decision as a clear indication of the growing confidence of Nigerians in the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The Deputy Senate President, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, said the NNPP’s influence in Kano State was waning in the face of increasing support for the APC.

    “You are welcome on board to the people’s party, APC. You have joined at a time when our people are lining up to be part of our movement to restore the glorious days of Kano, where government works for all and not just a few individuals and their families. Under our watch, by the grace of God, Kano will bounce back for the good of all,” Senator Barau said.

  • NIWA, Lufredha Academy conclude workshop in Delta, others

    NIWA, Lufredha Academy conclude workshop in Delta, others

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in collaboration with one of its leading consultant, Lufredha Maritime Academy, has concluded a three-day training workshop for boat operators at various designated centres across the geo-political zones.

    The intensive training workshop sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy at NIWA Warri premises from Monday, December 22 to Thursday, December 24 attracted participants drawn from Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

    While the first and second day of the training was channeled on theoretical training, the last day witnessed practical and fitness activities which included firefighting drills, Marine operations, sea trials, Ropes tying, practical application of rules of the road among others.

    The training workshop was climaxed with the issuance of certificates to the participants who passed all the stages of the rigorous exercise and met all the specified requirements needed as prerequisite for certification as a tested and trusted boat drivers and skippers.

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    Managing Director of Lufredha Maritime Academy, Engr. Rosemary Tonlagha, emphasised the importance of training and re-training of boat operators as panacea to minimising the rates of boat mishaps on the nation’s waterways to guarantee the safety of lives and property e within the maritime space.

    She applauded the management of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and that of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), for the approval and sponsorship of this year’s workshop, noting that its only through such a sustainable training program can the issue of increasing boat accidents be reduced.

    According to her: “The training that is ongoing is actually on safety of boat operators and how boat operators are supposed to be trained and licensed, basically to ensure that the level of mishap that has been in water should be brought to minimal or to zero level that’s the major one we are trying to achieve.

    “They say faith comes by hearing and hearing the word. So the more you hear the more it gets to you, so that’s the reason why the ministry of Blue Economy Transport and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), collaborated together to see how this can be achieved.

    “The essence is to ensure that boat operators are actually being trained not just here in Warri as a major central place, we equally have people from Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom and Calabar are all centered here for the training to ensure that all the boat operators are trained and equipped for this engagement.

    “The truth is that we all look at the safety of the roads and pay less attention to the operators on the water, so that’s the reason why this training is coming up to see how enforcement can be achieved, how people can be monitored properly to ensure that mishaps reduce, lives are saved because both on the land and in the waters there are people that ply these means of transportation.

    “So we are trying to see that after these people are well trained, license will be given to them and they will be knowledgeable enough. They will be equipped with enough knowledge that will help them to carry out their job functions and as such reducing the risk commonly associated with avoidable mishaps on the nation’s waterways.

    “Majorly, we want to appreciate the Minister of Blue Economy and Transportation for this initiative to sponsor these people, because It is actually a big one. It is something that many of them have been striving to get themselves trained.

    “So we would like to really say a big thank you to him for this great job that he has done and also the Managing Director of the National inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for his efforts and support that have been impactful.

    “We also want to appreciate the General Manager, Marine Department of NIWA. It has been great work with him and we want to really appreciate him for his commitment to this training.

    The Area Manager, NIWA Warri office, Engr. Rufus Oladimeji, also commended Minister of Blue Economy and Transportation and the Managing Director of NIWA, for their commitment in ensuring that this year’s training workshop was a huge success across the country.

    He was particularly grateful that the training of boat operators in the country which had become an annual event was a huge success this year and expressed optimism that subsequent years would be better and they hope to consolidate on the progress and impacts so far made.

    Participants at the workshop including High Chief Steady Olomi from Bayelsa, Bronson Enos from Akwa-Ibom and Captain Eweye Kingsley, a Marine Instructor, expressed satisfaction with the training program and hope to advantage of what they have learnt to practice whenever they are behind the wheel on any boat journey.

  • Ibadan served as temporary capital of Owu Kingdom after its dispersal – Olugbode 

    Ibadan served as temporary capital of Owu Kingdom after its dispersal – Olugbode 

    The Mogaji Olugbode and the Traditional Head of Owu Descendants in Ibadanland, Chief Tesleem Abiodun Olugbode has declared that Ibadan served as the temporary capital of Owu Kingdom after the dispersal more than two centuries ago. 

    Olugbode made this declaration while speaking at the Odun Omo Olowu Ibadan 2025.

    The event was attended by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, who was represented by Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Monsuru Arulogun, Balogun of Owu Kingdom, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Oba (Dr) Hammed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Oba (Professor) Saka Adelola Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta and HRM Olowu of Owu Ikosi Lagos State, Alayeluwa Oba Nelson Obayomi Aderemi Ogunlari Ogundalu 1

    Others are Chairman of the occasion, Prince Kayode Dosumu, President General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Elegbeda of Egbeda, Oba Abduljelil Adegboyega Sani. 

    It was reported that Odun Olowu is a cultural festival among Owu descendants who had settled in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital since the last two hundred years. 

    It was learnt that there are about 300 family compounds from Owu in Ibadan. 

    According to the available historical accounts, Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode, a warrior who hailed from Owu was the 7th traditional ruler in Ibadan and reigned for thirteen (13) years, between 1851-1864. 

    Baale Oyesile Olugbode was the one who introduced the Otun Olubadan line as part of the two lines in the Olubadan Chieftaincy arrangements. 

    This year’s celebration which attracted families and descendants of Owu in Ibadan was held at the frontage of Baaale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode palace in Ita Baale area of Ibadan on Saturday. 

    Olugbode while addressing the gathering, declared that Ibadan served as the temporary capital of Owu Kingdom after the dispersal and witnessed a significant influx of Owu people, who became well integrated with the heterogeneous population of Ibadanland. 

    He noted that Ibadan was the first major settlement encountered by Owu migrants. 

    He maintained that the festival serves as a reunion platform that brings together Owu descendants in Ibadanland, at home and in the diaspora, to celebrate their rich heritage, foster unity, and deliberate on issues that will advance the progress and development of Owu Kingdom.

    He said, “It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of honour that I warmly welcome you all to this year’s Odun Omo Olowu celebration in Ibadanland. As history records, Ibadan was the first major settlement encountered by Owu migrants and served as the temporary capital of Owu Kingdom after the dispersal. Ibadan witnessed a significant influx of Owu people, who became well integrated with the heterogeneous population of Ibadanland.

    “This festival therefore serves as a reunion platform that brings together Owu descendants in Ibadanland, at home and in the diaspora, to celebrate our rich heritage, foster unity, and deliberate on issues that will advance the progress and development of Owu Kingdom.

    “Today, we are highly honoured by the presence of many distinguished Owu personalities who have come from far and near to celebrate with us. I wish to specially appreciate our amiable, energetic, and visionary father, our living legend, Ogbogbodu, Ebora Owu, the Balogun of Owu Kingdom, His Excellency Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, GCFR, for his unwavering support for Owu people in Ibadanland and indeed the entire Owu Kingdom”.