The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Osun local government workers set to resume Monday

    Osun local government workers set to resume Monday

    • NULGE kicks
    • APC reinstated chairmen may conduct staff auditing for salary payment

    Following the release of six months withheld allocation of Osun Local Government Areas (LGAs), council workers, who have been on strike since February, have fixed Monday for resumption. 

    The Nation recalls that the workers have stayed off duty since February, as elected council chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were laying claim to the control of the secretariat, following the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

    The development led to Federal Government withholding the allocation to the councils. Offices of the Minister of Finance, Attorney-General of the Federation, Accountant General and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recognised the APC reinstated chairmen, directing them to open accounts for the 30 councils, to which the allocation was later released.

    Amid the development, council workers under the auspices of Association of Concerned Local Government Workers of Osun State, led by Comrade Adedayo Adekunle, addressing reporters alongside scores of council workers across the state in Osogbo yesterday, said they were ready to resume on October 6.

    He described the strike earlier declared by the leadership of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) as needless, ‘’because the seven months strike has resulted in the death of our colleagues.’’

    Read Also: Nigeria secures AfDB commitment for agric expansion as SAPZ rolls out to 24 states

    He said: “This is best time for autonomy, but some disgruntled elements under the disguise of comrades are working against it. The excuse of insecurity given for strike is not tenable; we are landlords of the council secretariat. The ongoing legal actions should not make us to abscond from our duty posts, yet receiving salary from the state government. The strike is unwarranted.”

    Adekunle said workers, who failed to resume duty, risked degradation and job loss, ‘’as the reinstated chairmen of APC may conduct staff auditing after their resumption on Monday, to ascertain the actual workers before paying them salary forthwith.’’

    He urged the reinstated chairmen to prioritise the welfare of council workers, noting that the union would continue to fight for the right of its members any day and time despite resumption.

    NULGE, through the state Publicity Secretary, David Owoeye, in a statement, kicked against the planned resumption of workers, saying: “We have not ordered any worker to resume duty. Our safety is paramount.”

  • Stronger state agencies key to building resilient Nigeria, says Sanwo-Olu

    Stronger state agencies key to building resilient Nigeria, says Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for stronger collaboration among state emergency management agencies (SEMAs), to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness and response to disasters.

    He made the call at the maiden national State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) conference held in Ikeja, Lagos.

    Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the summit’s theme: ‘Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria’, underscored the need for coordinated strategies to confront floods, epidemics, fires, industrial accidents and the growing threat of climate change.

    He said resilience at the national level depended on how prepared state-level agencies were to manage emergencies.

    Highlighting Lagos’ own interventions, the governor said his administration had upgraded Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) with new rescue equipment, digital monitoring tools, improved toll-free emergency lines and a mobile app with GPS tracking.

    He also listed the establishment of a Simulation Centre for scenario-based training, expansion of Lagos Response Unit (LRU), with modern ambulances and fire trucks synchronisation of hospital management services with emergency response to monitor availability of bed spaces and closest facility to offer needed care to victims, as well as partnerships with international agencies and grassroots volunteer networks.

    Sanwo-Olu recalled LASEMA’s swift response during last year’s flash floods and a recent building collapse in Mushin, saying the outcomes demonstrated the value of preparedness, coordination and technology-driven response.

    Read Also: Nigeria secures AfDB commitment for agric expansion as SAPZ rolls out to 24 states

    “Emergencies require more than just a reaction; they call for preparedness. The true strength of our nation lies in our shared readiness and unity when facing challenges,” he said.

    Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, hailed Lagos for its pioneering efforts in deploying technology, decentralising response units and building resilient communities.

    She noted that emergency management must move from being reactive to predictive, preventive and participatory.

    Umar said NEMA would continue to strengthen early warning systems, improve data management and expand grassroots capacity building in collaboration with state agencies, private sector partners and communities.

    She stressed the need for effective policy creation, urging states to identify their peculiarities and take steps to address them, rather than seeing SEMA as a palliative agency.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Olugbenga Oyerinde, noted it was the first time leaders of SEMAs of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FTC), federal institutions, private sector leaders, international partners and frontline responders would gather under one roof to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against emergencies and disasters.

    He said the conference marked a historic shift from a culture of reaction to a new era of readiness, recovery and resilience.

    “When sub-national agencies are strong, Nigeria is strong. The recent loss of lives to avoidable disasters underscores the urgency of convening experts to identify solutions and prevent future tragedies.

    “Over the next two days, participants will engage in keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions and a large-scale simulation exercise to test coordination in real time.

    “Lagos State Government commends the private sector, civil society and international partners for their support. Disaster management is a collective responsibility that requires inclusiveness and relentless commitment to protect lives and build safer communities,” he added.

    Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, during an interview with reporters, said the agency had concluded plans for the unveiling of its institute tomorrow, adding that the first intakes would commence training by December.

  • Lagos unveils 2025 Public Service Week

    Lagos unveils 2025 Public Service Week

    • HoS Agoro pledges smarter, tech-driven workforce

    Lagos State Government has unveiled activities for the 2025 Public Service Week, restating its commitment to harnessing technology to build a smarter, more agile and globally-competitive workforce.

    Speaking yesterday at a news briefing at the Public Service Office, Alausa, Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Bode Agoro, said the celebration would appreciate workers’ contributions and underline the administration’s focus on digital transformation.

    He added: “The event is projected to appreciate and celebrate our ever-dedicated and committed public servants for their contributions and efforts towards the attainment of good governance and efficient service delivery.”

    Agoro said the theme of the week, ‘Deepening Technology for a Smart and Agile Public Service’, reflected the determination of the government to deploy technology as a tool for transparency, efficiency and citizen engagement.

    He hailed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for leading a digital transformation agenda that had prioritised investments in infrastructure and capacity development.

    Read Also: Nigeria secures AfDB commitment for agric expansion as SAPZ rolls out to 24 states

    The week-long celebration will begin today with health screening for civil servants at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa  and a special Jumat Service at Alausa Secretariat Mosque.

    A Walk-for-Fitness will take place tomorrow in Ikeja, while an interdenominational thanksgiving service will follow at Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, on Sunday.

    On October 6, donations from ministries, organisations and individuals will be presented to orphanages and charity homes, alongside continued health screenings for public servants.

    On October 7, officers who have served Lagos State for over 30 years will be honoured during the Long Service Merit Award Ceremony. There will be public lecture on October 8 on the theme of the celebration, as well as recognition of outstanding officers.

    A variety show tagged: ‘Alausa Goes White,’ will hold on October 9, where public servants are expected to appear in white attire, while showcasing their talents at the seventh edition of Alausa’s Got Talent series. The celebration will climax with a luncheon with Governor Sanwo-Olu, during which recipients of the Outstanding Officers Award will have the opportunity to meet the governor.

    Agoro praised the dedication of civil servants, describing them as “crucial to driving national development and addressing complex challenges confronting the nation.”

  • Ex-Ekiti governor Oni, others extol Adeniran

    Ex-Ekiti governor Oni, others extol Adeniran

    Family, friends and well-wishers have gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, to celebrate the 80th birthday of former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran.

    The event was attended by former governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, ex-Nigerian ambassador to Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farombi, and others.

    A friend of the celebrant, Dr. Olu Agunloye, who said he had been with the celebrant for over 50 years, described Adeniran as an astute scholar, whose impact could not be quantified.

    He said: “I’m happy to associate with him, I derive a lot of inspiration from him. He is one of the productive persons I’ve ever met in my life. We have both worked with Bola Ige, Wole Soyinka, Femi Johnson, Bola Akinyemi and others. He is worthy to emulate.”

    One of the daughters of the celebrant, Banke Akinsola, said: “I thank God for the life of my dad, for sparing him till his 80th birthday. He is a philanthropist, who always opens his door to everyone who needs his help.

    Read Also: Nigeria secures AfDB commitment for agric expansion as SAPZ rolls out to 24 states

    “I’m glad to celebrate and honour him today. His character and loving heart are worthy to be emulated. He is a disciplinarian, who has no tolerance for laziness. He has been inspiring me over the years and he will continue to inspire me.”

    The celebrant expressed gratitude to God for His grace and mercy, saying despite all odds, he was able to attain 80.

    He said: “I am grateful to God, because it is by his grace, despite all odds that I made it. Not only that He has granted me the grace to witness my 80th birthday, but He also ensures I have lived a meaningful life. I wouldn’t have been here today if not for God. He has been very faithful to me.’’

    Adeniran, who urged Nigerians to move closer to God and follow His instructions, said: “Let’s appreciate what God has done for Nigeria. The nation is blessed with human and materials resources. It’s now left to us to show God that we appreciate what He has done for us through our commitment to him and the society.

    “We need to transform the lives of Nigerians, for a better society. The younger generations should wake up. It is their future that is being wasted if the nation is not doing well.’’

  • Ondo State Government reassures communities on road rehabilitation

    Ondo State Government reassures communities on road rehabilitation

    Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku and the Majority Leader in the House of Assembly, Olatunji Oshati, have appealed to the protesting youths of Ireakari Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to remain calm and hopeful.  They assured them that government had not neglected them.

    The commissioner said Ireakari axis was mentioned at the last State Executive Council meeting under the Operation Emergency Road Construction programme, and expressed confidence that the roads in Idoani, Idogun, Imeri and Afo communities would soon be attended to as a matter of urgency.

    Ajanaku said the state and federal roads serving the communities, including Ipele-Idoani-Isua Road and Oba-Ikun-Afo Road had been brought to government’s attention.

    He said remedial works and major interventions would begin as soon as the rainy season subsided.

    Read Also: Nigeria secures AfDB commitment for agric expansion as SAPZ rolls out to 24 states

    He said the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would never abandon any part of the state in its developmental agenda, adding that ‘Our Ease Agenda’ remained a guiding principle to ensure every citizen enjoyed the dividends of democracy. “The government of Dr. Aiyedatiwa is responsive and people-oriented. I want to assure our people in Ireakari that they have not been forgotten. Their concerns are already on the table, and as soon as weather permits, the road rehabilitation programme will extend to their axis,” Ajanaku said.

    On behalf of the state government, he urged youths to remain peaceful and continue to engage constructively with government, stressing that their sacrifices and patience would soon yield positive result.

  • Oyebanji unveils giant strides, wins award

    Oyebanji unveils giant strides, wins award

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has unveiled his giant strides and developmental growth since he came into the saddle.  He said his administration was committed to making Ekiti the new investment destination.

    The governor said his government had undertaken a combination of transformative policy decisions and pushed critical infrastructure development to a new height.

    He made this known at the 13th edition of the MARKETING EDGE EDGE awards and dinner held in Lagos. He won the 2025 Grand Prix at the awards.

    On advertising development and its relevance to economic growth, Oyebanji said advertising remained a powerful catalyst for economic growth because of its role in stimulating consumer demand for goods and services across the world.

    The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, disclosed in his key note speech that the “world over, advertising remains a powerful catalyst for economic growth, stimulating consumer demand for goods and services, fostering competition among businesses, driving mass production and in the process, lowering costs and prices, and creating jobs.’’

    He said: “From advanced economies to emerging markets, the marketing communication industry plays a critical role in shaping commerce and consumer behaviour. In Nigeria, the marketing communications industry has been even more pivotal to national growth and development.

    “Over the years, practitioners have projected the country’s image and supported the visibility of local businesses, helping to attract investments and position brands for competitiveness. From its humble beginning, advertising in Nigeria has grown into a multi-billion-naira industry.”

    Read Also: Nigeria secures AfDB commitment for agric expansion as SAPZ rolls out to 24 states

    Oyebanji noted that “Nigeria’s advertising market was valued at N605.2 billion in 2023, with projections pointing to N893 billion by 2028, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.7 per cent since 2018. This trajectory highlights the sector’s resilience and its contribution to the broader economy. The figure will be much higher if we factor in public relations, corporate sponsorships, social media influencing and a host of below-the-line marketing spending.”

    MARKETING EDGE publisher and the chief organiser of the annual award, Mr. John Ajayi, thanking the Nigerian business community and the marketing and advertising sub-sector of the national economy for their years of support, patronage and acceptability, noted: “Every year, we gather to celebrate brands and advertising excellence; you always add colour and grandeur to it by making it a festival of brands and ideas.

    “Without you, this event would not have been this colourful and memorable. Ours have become one of the most anticipated events in the social calendar of the Nigerian integrated marketing communications eco-system.

    “We are gathered here to celebrate the achievements of some of the most successful brands, creative agencies, public service and political brand personalities, talented and dedicated personalities and professionals of distinction and honour across borders.

    “These outstanding personalities, brands, services, businesses and personalities have made significant contributions in different sectors of the economy, and we are grateful for their consistency, hard work and dedication that continue to impact every facet of our national growth and development.”

  • Lagos begins public service week celebration 2025

    Lagos begins public service week celebration 2025

    Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to driving digital transformation by investing in digital infrastructure and capacity development, aiming to keep the state’s public service globally competitive.

    A statement by Head, Public Affairs, Debo Adeniji disclosed that the State Head of Service, Bode Agoro emphasised that technology plays a vital role in enhancing service delivery, fostering innovation, and building a responsive Public Service. 

    He highlighted its importance, given the critical role Public Servants play in implementing government policies and programmes that directly affect citizens’ lives.

    Agoro said the choice of the THEME of this year’s celebration- “Deepening Technology for a Smart and Agile Public Service.” is to celebrate the commitment, professionalism, and dedication demonstrated by Public Servants.

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    He noted that the theme also aligns with the State Government’s commitment to leveraging technology to promote transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness within the Lagos State Public Service.

    ”This commitment has enabled us to streamline processes, improve data-driven decision-making and enhance citizen engagement”.

    Agoro said the State Government’s investment in digital training for Public Servants would continue in order to ensure they remain relevant in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. 

    He also stressed that the state would continue to leverage technology to enhance citizens’ participation in governance and getting the required feedback to improve on the service delivery to the residents.

     ”We celebrate this year’s Public Service Week, to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of our Public Servants, recognizing that a viable Public Service is crucial to driving national development and addressing most of the complex challenges confronting us as a nation” Agoro added.

    ”In appreciating the numerous contributions of our Public Servants, series of activities have been lined up to commemorate this year’s Public Service Week Celebration that begins on Friday, 3rd October, 2025” Agoro said.

    ”We will kick-off the week at 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. with Health Screening at Adeyemo-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, where staff will have the opportunity to run various health tests such as Hypertension; Diabetes; Hepatitis B; Eye and Dental; HIV; Breast Cancer; Cervical Cancer; Prostate Cancer.

    Also, a Special Jumat Service will hold on the same day at the Alausa Secretariat Community Central Mosque at 1:00 p.m.

    ”The Walk-for-Fitness for all Public Servants would hold on Saturday, at 7:00 a.m. The walk will commence from Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium through Ikeja, Allen Round-About and back to Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium” 

    On Sunday, 5th October, 2025, the Inter-Denominational Thanksgiving Service will hold at the Chapel of Christ the Light, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja by 10:00 a.m. prompt.

    On Monday, 6th October, 2025, various gifts items donated by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Private Sector Organizations, Private Individuals and Public Servants will be presented to Orphanages/ Charity Homes at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while the Health Screening for all Public Servants continues at the same venue.

    The Long Service Merit Award Ceremony, where Officers who have served the State meritoriously for 30 years and above will be recognize, appreciated and celebrated for their dedication, resilience and commitment to effective and efficient service delivery in the State Public Service comes up on Tuesday, 7th October, 2025. The event will start at 9:00 a.m.

    The Public Lecture where the theme of the celebration “Deepening Technology for a Smart and Agile Public Service” will be dissected, will hold alongside Recognition of Outstanding Officers on Wednesday, 8th October, 2025 at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    Variety Show, Alausa’s Got Talent Series VII tagged “Sparkle in White White United Service”, where Public Servants will have the opportunity to showcase their innate talents, will hold on Thursday, 9th October, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., also at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja. 

    Agoro said the event promised to be fun with participants guaranteed to win lots of fantastic prizes, with on that day, Civil Servants are expected to dress in white attires.

    He said the climax of the event which is the Luncheon with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, where recipients of the Outstanding Officers Award in both the Senior and Junior categories for Y2025 will have the opportunity of meeting with the Governor.

    The Head of Service expressed gratitude to the sponsors, corporate partners, and individuals who contributed various gifts and donations toward the event. 

    He also called for continued support and cooperation from all Public Servants to make the celebration truly memorable.

  • Eight Osun monarch threaten Oluwo over ‘false’ accusation against Ooni

    Eight Osun monarch threaten Oluwo over ‘false’ accusation against Ooni

    Eight traditional rulers in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State on Thursday threatened legal action against Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi. 

    They also ssued 21-day ultimatum to the monarch to withdraw the alleged false accusation against Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. 

    The monarchs, including the Alasipa of Asipa, Oba Mufutau Oyekanmi; Olulamokun of Yakoyo, Oba Mesharch Oyediran, Alakinlaalu of Akinlaalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, among others, under the aegis of Origbo Meje Obas, led by the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Adesoji, flayed the allegation by Oluwo that Oba Ogunwusi attempted to poison him in a viral video on social media. 

    Oba Adesoji held that Oluwo’s conduct amounted to insult and gross disrespect to the sacred throne of Oduduwa, describing his allegations against Ooni as criminal defamation and unbecoming of a traditional ruler.

    He recalled the activities of Oluwo in the past, which led to his suspension from the meetings of the Osun State Council of Obas after assaulting the Agbowu of Ogbaagba during a peace meeting. 

    He insisted that the recent outbursts of the Oluwo were aimed at ridiculing the institution of traditional leadership in Yorubaland, warning that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated.

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    His words: “Oluwo has 21 days to write to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to substantiate his allegations or retract them publicly. Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to take legal action against him at the expiration of this ultimatum.” 

    The monarchs noted that the Ooni of Ife remains the head of all traditional rulers in Yorubaland, describing the Oluwo’s continued outbursts as attempts to gain undue attention. 

    They stressed that no amount of unruly conduct from the Oluwo of Iwo would diminish the supremacy of the sacred stool of Oduduwa.

  • Nigeria @65: Economy regaining strength under Tinubu, says Lagos lawmaker

    Nigeria @65: Economy regaining strength under Tinubu, says Lagos lawmaker

    As Nigeria marks its 65th birthday, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, has praised Nigerians for their resilience, urging them to sustain their trust for the government of President Bola Tinubu to continue to meet the yearnings of the people.

    In a statement by his media office on Wednesday in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Adewale, who represents Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I, said Nigeria was going into its 66th year better than most of the years since Independence.

    According to him, the administration at the centre has successfully put the country on the right footing as the citizens would soon begin to see the results of the positive changes that have been brought to the economy.

    “The President has further rekindled our spirits with the Independence Day address in which he reeled out the achievements of his administration in just two years and a few months.

    READ ALSO: Renewing fight against out-of-school children, poor girl-child education

    “Globally-respected economic analysts and experts have confirmed that we are moving in the right direction.

    “We have left the most challenging face of economic growth. We are seeing steady improvements in the GDP of the country while inflation continues to drop. These are beautiful signals that our country is on the right path,” Adewale said.

    While urging Nigerians to keep supporting the Federal Government, he tasked the state governors to engage more in people-oriented programmes and policies as well as improve on infrastructure.

    “This is one of the best ways they can justify the allocations to the states which have increased tremendously under President Tinubu’s administration,” he added.

  • APC chieftain seeks accountable representation in government

    APC chieftain seeks accountable representation in government

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Olaniyan Taiwo, has called for accountable representation in government.

    He rejoiced with people of Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola and Iwajowa local government areas of Oyo State as they joined fellow Nigerians to mark the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

    A statement by Olaniyan noted that as Nigeria marked her 65th independence anniversary, it is vital to acknowledge the progress made so far and challenges facing people, particularly, communities within the four local governments.

    According to him, there is need for people in the four council areas to put up collective efforts required to build a stronger and developed Constituency, so as to complement efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in building a better nation.

    READ ALSO: Renewing fight against out-of-school children, poor girl-child education

    Olaniyan charged people in the communities, Oke Ogun and Oyo North to genuinely support President Tinubu and ensure they rallied round him to another victory in 2027, which according to him will be in appreciation to the dividend of democracy the President has given them.

    He said: “Let us maintain our faith with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at national rebirth, economic transformation and collective prosperity.”

    He urged people in the four local government areas to develop spirit of working together towards a brighter future for themselves and yet unborn generation.

    Olaniyan declared readiness to support efforts of people in the communities irrespective of their status towards achieving a prosperous and developed Constituency where they can thrive and reach their full potential.