The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • ALGON chief : why we’re still in office

    ALGON chief : why we’re still in office

    The Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Abiodun Idowu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has explained why the reinstated council executives are still occupying office despite the statutory expiration of their tenure last October.

    The ALGON chairman, speaking with The Nation yesterday, said their continued stay was backed by law and pending legal processes they initiated at the Federal High Court, Osogbo to determine their tenure.

    It will be recalled that the APC executives were elected into office in October 2022, but were later sacked by a Federal High Court. Subsequently, Governor Ademola Adeleke removed them from office via Executive Order in November, hinging his decision on the court verdict.

    The Court of Appeal on February 10, 2025 purportedly reinstated them in office and since, the APC executives have been in control of the councils.

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    Idowu said statutorily their tenure should end in October 2025, but Governor Adeleke interrupted their tenure for over two years, after which Appeal Court reinstated them in office and the verdict was never challenged in Supreme Court to date.

    He noted that they were expected to start counting the days of their tenure in office from the day Appeal Court verdict ousted Adeleke’s Executive Order and upheld their election.

    The ALGON boss, who is the chairman of Ifedayo Local Government, said: “We are in court, we are not requesting for tenure elongation and we’ve started correcting people on that. What we request for is tenure determination. We are not begging for any extension, but to determine whether our tenure ends in October or not because we started our term in office on February 10, 2025.

    “Adeleke used Executive Order to sack us from office, instead of waiting for us to exhaust legal means to determine the matter.

    “When he (Adeleke) was elected as the governor, but later sacked by the tribunal, was he forcefully removed from office? He was given free hands to exhaust legal means till Supreme Court. But he denied us that privilege.”

    Responding to a question about a pending court matter, he said: “Our case is still in court to determine our tenure. The matter is coming up on February 3. If the matter goes otherwise, we are still going to exhaust our legal avenue to the Supreme Court.”

  • Ekiti indigenes in Kwara seek relevance

    Ekiti indigenes in Kwara seek relevance

    Ekiti indigenes in Ekiti and Oke-Ero local government areas of Kwara State at the weekend pushed for fair, equitable and just representation in the 2027 National Assembly election.

    They claimed that for about 28 years, the two local governments had not been represented in the House of Representatives.

    The political exclusion, according to them, had denied their communities a voice at the federal level.

    The indigenes spoke in Osi, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state during a town hall meeting.

    The meeting drew leaders across political parties, traditional rulers, youths, women groups, government officials and members of the media.

    The gathering emphasised the need for the two local governments of Isin and Irepodun to concede the House of Representatives seat of Ekiti/Oke-Ero/Irepodun/Isin Federal Constituency to an Ekiti indigene.

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    The National President, Organisation of Kwara Ekiti Indigenes, Prof. James Omotosho, represented by his deputy, Chief Ayobola Samuel, said the agitation stemmed from a quest for justice and equitable development, rather than bitterness.

    “We are here out of love for our constituency and respect for democratic values. A society can only thrive when groups feel seen, heard and fairly treated,” he said.

    Omotosho said for about 28 years, the House of Representatives seat had been dominated by the Igbomina ethnic group, leaving Kwara Ekiti communities without an opportunity to present their candidate.

    Assistant National Vice President of the organisation, Prince Michael Ogunleye, said the meeting was intended to foster dialogue and reflection, rather than confrontation.

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant, Dr. Kehinde Bankole, described grassroots politics as an essential investment for development.

    “For over 20 years, this district has had little or no assistance from government. If you are not involved, decisions will always be taken without you,” Bankole said.

    A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant, Dr Idowu Audu, also supported the initiative, highlighting the importance of cross-party cooperation.

    “When we come together, regardless of party, we can achieve a lot,” said Mr. Femi Awe, Audu’s representative.

  • Dateline 2027: Anatomy of an unworkable coalition

    Dateline 2027: Anatomy of an unworkable coalition

    Lagos State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it has observed with keen interest, the renewed theatrics in opposition circles, particularly the much-advertised ‘coalition talks’ being peddled as a grand strategy ahead of 2027 general election.

    The party in a statement in Ogba by its spokesman, Seye Oladejo, said: ‘’Beneath the noise and contrived optimism, however, lies a fragile contraption wobbling under the weight of personal ambitions, mutual distrust and irreconcilable contradictions.

    ‘’What is being marketed as a coalition is, in reality, a congregation of serial presidential aspirants, each unwilling to subordinate ego to collective purpose. From the outset, this assemblage has lacked ideological glue, moral cohesion, or a shared vision for Nigeria-beyond a desperate fixation on power. Coalitions thrive on compromise; this one suffocates under entitlement.

    ‘’Recent public posturing has further exposed the fault lines. Pre-conditions, ultimatums and thinly veiled threats have replaced dialogue and consensus. When leading figures openly demand guaranteed presidential or vice-presidential tickets before “alignment,” it becomes clear that this is not a partnership, but a transactional bargain destined to collapse at first contact with reality.

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    ‘’Indeed, the latest development from the opposition stable is both revealing and instructive. We now hear appeals to supporters and sympathisers of various aspirants to refrain from attacking one another while simultaneously promoting their respective interests. This is a classic case of a house divided against itself-where internal hostility has become so intense that public pleas for restraint are issued even before any meaningful structure is formed. A coalition that must beg its own followers for peace has already conceded defeat to its internal chaos.

    ‘’The presence of multiple power centres within the same tent-each convinced of its own inevitability-renders the project unsustainable. History is unkind to coalitions built on convenience rather than conviction, on arithmetic rather than ideology. Nigeria has seen this movie before, and the ending is always the same: fragmentation, recrimination and implosion.

    ‘’In contrast, the APC remains a tested platform with a proven capacity to manage diversity, resolve internal differences through established democratic processes, and present a coherent governance agenda. While the opposition rehearses discord and manufactures outrage, the APC is focused on governance, reforms and consolidating the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    ‘’Let it be said clearly: 2027 will not be decided by press conferences, social media theatrics, or hastily assembled alliances of convenience. Nigerians will choose stability over chaos, performance over propaganda, and a party with a clear sense of direction over a motley crew united only by fear of political irrelevance.

    ‘’As the countdown to 2027 continues, the question before the opposition is no longer whether to form a coalition, but whether such a coalition can survive its own contradictions. The signs are unmistakable: what looms is not a formidable alternative, but an impending implosion.’’

  • APC chieftain celebrates Ondo at 50

    APC chieftain celebrates Ondo at 50

    A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Dr. Akinola Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa, has congratulated the government and people of Ondo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of the state created in 1976, and hailed their visionary contributions to building a solid foundation for economic growth, infrastructure development and social progress.

    He emphasised the remarkable achievements recorded since the state’s inception, spanning military and democratic eras, particularly from 1999 to the present day.

    “From its creation in 1976 through to the current democratic dispensation, Ondo State has recorded tremendous progress in physical and human development achievements that fill every indigene with pride and deep gratitude to Almighty God,” he said.

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    The APC stalwart pointed to key milestones, including the building of roads linking communities across the state, establishment of essential social infrastructure to meet citizens’ needs, and the steadfast preservation of unity amid diversity.

    “Through these decades, we have built roads to connect our communities, established vital social infrastructure to serve our people, and most importantly, upheld our rich diversity with pride while safeguarding our unity against all challenges,” he said.

    Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa underlined the collective role played by every segment of the society in the state’s journey.

    “I congratulate all indigenes of Ondo State, men and women, young and old, rural and urban on the individual and collective contributions each has made to this remarkable progress.’’

    He recognised the efforts of past and present leaders, including all former governors and the incumbent, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for their dedication to advancing the state’s development agenda.

    Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa said a brighter future awaited the state.

    “As we look ahead to this next stage of our march of progress, I urge the good people of Ondo State to uphold the ideals of mutual love, peace, tolerance and determination, which are preconditions for a modernised state,” the statement said.

  • ‘We must restore dignity’

    ‘We must restore dignity’

    A businessman and a philanthropist, Otunba Muraina Banjoko, has declared that his mission to the National Assembly to represent Ogun Central Senatorial District in the forthcoming 2027 elections is to restore the dignity of the district through purposeful representation.

    Speaking on the challenges confronting the district yesterday at a legislative roundtable with select reporters, Banjoko noted that communities across Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Obafemi-Owode, Odeda, Ifo and Ewekoro local governments continue to grapple with poor infrastructure, inadequate health care facilities, youth unemployment and limited access to social services.

    He said: ‘’These social challenges have eroded the welfare of the people and slowed development in Ogun Central.’’

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    According to him, “effective representation at the National Assembly is vital to reversing this trend. We must restore the dignity of Ogun Central by ensuring our people have access to quality education, health care, relevant infrastructure and opportunities for economic empowerment.”

    He pledged to leverage development-driven policies to attract federal projects, strengthen local industries and create jobs for the teeming youth population.

    He said if given the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and elected to the Senate, he would champion legislation that prioritised social welfare and empowerment of constituents“.

  • Makinde turning emergency opposition mouthpiece, says Fayose

    Makinde turning emergency opposition mouthpiece, says Fayose

    Ekiti State former governor Ayodele Fayose has said Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is turning to an emergency opposition mouthpiece.

    Fayose in a statement yesterday in Lagos said: ‘’Makinde’s derogatory comment against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s birthday has further confirmed that he got a cold shoulder from the President during his last visit to the Villa.

    ‘’Like I made public, in his attempt to do a damage control on his public speech against the President, Makinde met the shock of his political life when he visited Asiwaju Tinubu last week.

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    ‘’It is now obvious that after getting that cold shoulder from the President, Makinde must have realised that end of road has come in terms of reconciliation between him and the President. This is moreso that Asiwaju made it clear that as far as Oyo State is concerned, he will support his party’s candidates in 2027.

    ‘’The emergency opposition mouthpiece Makinde is trying albeit unsuccessfully to turn himself to is an aftermath of the response he got from the President last week, which I made public.

    ‘’Furthermore, it has vindicated me because if Makinde had gotten a soft-landing that he expected from the President, he (Makinde) wouldn’t have gone to make that statement, condemning the administration of President Tinubu, by calling the President a dictator while praising the Buhari administration.

    ‘’With these assurances too, the APC in Oyo State should now wake up and slug it out with Makinde’s candidate, which he will field under the ADC, knowing that PDP won’t be open for him to use.’’

  • Lagos to drive efficiency, reduce waste

    Lagos to drive efficiency, reduce waste

    Public procurement has been identified as a critical driver of economic growth and social development, with experts stressing that sustainability must take centre stage in government spending decisions.

    In furtherance of this objective, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LSPPA) has concluded a two-day retreat for officers in the procurement professional cadre, aimed at strengthening sustainable procurement practices across public service.

    The retreat, with the theme: ‘Public Procurement in Lagos State: From Strategic Planning to Sustainability – The Road Map’, was held in Ikeja, and brought together procurement officers from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    The Director-General of LSPPA, Mr. Fatai Onafowote, described public procurement as a strategic component of the economy, noting that when properly managed, it could deliver far-reaching economic, environmental and social benefits.

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    He said prevailing resource limitations demanded more strategic decision-making to maximise value for money, stressing that procurement professionals must llace greater emphasis on sustainability, particularly environmental sustainability and the long-term viability of procurement systems and processes.

    “The retreat was designed to reposition the agency and its officers for greater efficiency, accountability and improved service delivery,” Onafowote said. “Procurement practices must evolve to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and address public expectations for transparency and innovation.”

    He urged participants to re-strategise their existing approaches, embrace innovative procurement methods and address public scepticism, noting that sustainability should be deliberately integrated into everyday procurement activities.

    Onafowote assured participants that the sessions were structured to be practical and result-oriented, with the expectation that each officer would return to duty with clear, actionable takeaways that could be immediately applied in their MDAs.

    The Director of Monitoring and Compliance at the Agency, Mrs. Bola Adeniran, encouraged procurement officers to upgrade their skills and adopt modern strategies that would enhance their relevance and effectiveness in the public service.

    She emphasised the need for procurement professionals to embrace technology, uphold excellence and create added value for the profession as a contribution to sustainable economic growth in Lagos State.

    The Head of Procurement Department, Mr. Subair Akintunde, described procurement officers as critical leaders and champions of sustainability within government.

    He said the retreat was organised to re-strategise procurement practices, reinforce commitment to sustainable procurement and deepen understanding of the environmental and social implications of procurement decisions.

    Akintunde added that procurement officers must seek innovative ways to improve efficiency within their MDAs, while safeguarding environmental protection and serving the broader interests of government and society.

    One of the facilitators, Mrs. Cima Sholotan of Harleyreed, challenged participants to take ownership of their professional environment and  consider the social impact of procurement decisions.

    Mr. Ajenifuja Olajide, procurement officer at the Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressed the need for procurement practitioners to align their daily activities with the 17 sustainable development goals, noting that harmonising procurement practices with global sustainability targets would help make Lagos State more resilient and future-ready.

  • Body seeks compulsory, free education

    Body seeks compulsory, free education

    Student Christian Movement (SCM) Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to make education across the country free and compulsory, to allow Nigerians have access to quality education.

    It said education remained one of the most powerful tools for personal development, social transformation and national growth.

    Speaking in Ibadan at a news conference to mark this year’s International Day of Education tagged: ‘Students against Corruption Drive (SACD)’, SCM National President, Dr. Adebayo Kolade, said education was not merely a privilege, but also fundamental human rights and foundation upon which peaceful, productive and prosperous societies were built.

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    Kolade, who said government must confront the realities facing education, lamented that over time, the cost of enrolling students in public schools had become high and alarming, which continued to exclude children from low income households and undermine principle of equal access to education.

    He urged the government to take steps to make education free, accessible and inclusive for every child.

    He said: “We urge relevant ministries, agencies and stakeholders to review the existing policies, address systematic barriers and do the needful to ensure no child is denied education due to financial constraints.

    “We implore the government to go beyond making basic education free, by making it compulsory. We are aware that in some parts of Nigeria, parents still refuse to send their children to school despite that education is free.

    “We enjoin the government to make denying children basic education an offence against the state. Parents who refuse to enrol their children in schools should be arrested and prosecuted.”

  • NABTEB releases date for TVET exam

    NABTEB releases date for TVET exam

    The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has released the date for the conduct of this year’s National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) into technical colleges across the country.

    Enrolment into Federal Technical Colleges surged last year by over 300 per cent after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced mouth-watering incentives for students interested in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

    Among the incentives are free tuition, free feeding, free accommodation and the payment of a monthly stipend of N22,500 to every student.

    Speaking at the board’s headquarters in Benin City, the Edo State capital, NABTEB’s Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, said the entrance examination will be conducted on Saturday, June 6, at approved examination centres across the country.

    Mohammed said registration for the examination into Federal Technical Colleges would begin today and close on Sunday, May 24.

    Reaffirming the readiness and institutional capacity to deliver a smooth, transparent, and hitch-free registration process, the NABTEB boss said TVET remained a critical pillar of Nigeria’s education and skills development agenda.

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    He said the board has put in place comprehensive administrative and technological measures to ensure that prospective candidates, parents, guardians, and school administrators experience a user-friendly and stress-free registration process.

    Mohammed added: “These measures are designed to eliminate bottlenecks, enhance access nationwide, and uphold the highest standards of examination integrity.

    “In furtherance of this objective, NABTEB has approved an extended registration timeline spanning four months, a deliberate policy decision intended to allow adequate preparation time for candidates, while minimising congestion on the registration platform.

    “The policy decision will also reduce financial and logistical pressure on parents and guardians and enable schools to properly guide candidates through the registration process.”

    The NABTEB boss warned against the use of unauthorised agents, cyber cafés, or third-party platforms for registration.

  • Oyo at 50 celebrations begin today

    Oyo at 50 celebrations begin today

    Activities marking the 50th anniversary of Oyo State’s creation will begin today.

    The opening ceremony is scheduled to be held at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, according to the 50 Anniversary Committee Chairman, Saheed Akinade-Fijabi.

    Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde is expected to deliver a welcome address at the ceremony, which will feature drum performance, documentary presentation on the state, goodwill messages and a poetry session.

    Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976 by the General Murtala Muhammed administration.

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    The anniversary event will continue on Tuesday with ceremonies across the 33 local government areas of the state with a medical outreach programme and an open air film show.

    The committee stated that while the medical outreach will take place across the state, the film show, which will be anchored by Kunle Afolayan, will take place at the Cultural Centre, Mokola, Ibadan; Oyo Town Hall, Oyo; Ogbomoso Township Stadium, Ogbomoso: Eruwa Grammar School, Eruwa; Saki Town Hall and Iseyin District Grammar School, Iseyin.

     The notice of events also stated that there will be a Carnival/Local Government Parade on Wednesday, January 28, from the historic Mapo Hall to the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, with residents dressed in “Oyo at 50” ankara materials.

    There will also be a march past at the stadium, with the governor expected to address the carnival procession.

    Other activities include the Oyo at 50 dymposium, with Prof. Olu Ajakaiye as the lead discussant, on Thursday, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, as well as an exhibition of Arts and Artefacts at the same venue and a fashion runway/miming.

    Other major highlights of the event include a Golf Tee-off on Friday, a Concert/Youth Gathering on Saturday and presentation of educational materials on Monday.

    The closing ceremony of the anniversary will take place on Tuesday, February 3, with a cocktail, an airshow and an award dinner, where former Governors of the state will be honoured as well as outstanding Oyo State indigenes and residents, who will be given merit awards and inducted into the Oyo State Hall of Fame.

    A statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the air show will continue on February 4.