The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Ondo federal lawmaker pledges to prioritise security of constituents 

    Ondo federal lawmaker pledges to prioritise security of constituents 

    …lays foundation for police area command in Iwaro Oka, donates van to police 

    The federal lawmaker representing Akoko South-East/South-West Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Hon. Adegboye Adefarati has reiterated that the security of his constituents remains the top priority of his representation at the National Assembly.

    Speaking on Friday at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Police Area Command Office Phase I at Iwaro Oka, in Akoko, Adefarati noted that no meaningful development could be achieved without adequate security.

    “As we lay the foundation for this critical infrastructure, let me reaffirm our commitment to supporting our security agencies and working together to build a safer, more prosperous constituency for all,” he declared.

    The federal lawmaker commended security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, for their relentless efforts in tackling crime across the Akoko region. 

    READ ALSO: Alleged terrorism: ‘You have case to answer,’ Court tells Nnamdi Kanu 

    He also lauded the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, for reducing crime to the barest minimum in the area.

    Adefarati, who described the project as a product of community-driven demand, hailed the Iwaro Oka community leaders for championing the initiative. 

    “Security is not just a matter for the police; rather, it is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of every citizen,” he said.

    He recalled that a high-powered delegation of Iwaro leaders had visited him last year to present the project as a pressing need of their town. 

    “As your representative, my reply was concise and precise: ‘Consider it done.’ Today, we are laying its foundation, and we will complete this first phase in a short period,” he assured.

    In further support of policing in the area, Adefarati also donated a brand-new Toyota Hilux van to the Akungba Akoko Police Station to enhance patrols and response time to security threats.

    Beyond security, the lawmaker highlighted other constituency projects he has facilitated to include: Construction of a modern block of six classrooms at Etioro High School, Supare-Akoko, Drilling of 26 boreholes across the 26 wards of the constituency, Dualisation of Akungba–Ikare road and degradation of Okerigbo hill motion. 

    Others included: Procurement of 1,000 bags of fertilizer for farmers. Facilitation of Green Farm to AUD Grammar School, Akungba-Akoko. Construction of solar-powered boreholes at the Police College, Isua-Akoko, and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, among others. 

    Hon. Adefarati stressed that these interventions reflect his resolve to not only strengthen security but also improve education, infrastructure, and agriculture in the constituency.

  • Olubadan: New Ladoja new photos go public

    Olubadan: New Ladoja new photos go public

    As the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja hit crescendo today, new photographs of the monarch have been made public.

    Apparently fresh from the photo studio, a source said the new photographs were taken in preparations for the coronation as well as to replace many of the old photos of the monarch on social media.

    The photographs captured the monarch is different positions and outfits, wearing good looks amid smile.

  • Afenifere urges probe into Senator Natasha’s allegations against Akpabio 

    Afenifere urges probe into Senator Natasha’s allegations against Akpabio 

    Prominent Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has called on the Nigerian Senate and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to determine whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan made false claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    While commending the Senate’s decision to lift Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension, Afenifere stressed that her allegations of sexual harassment must not be dismissed without judicial scrutiny.

    In a statement on Thursday, the group’s National Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, said the recall reinforced adherence to the rule of law but insisted that the gravity of the allegations required thorough investigation by relevant security agencies, both locally and internationally.

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    The group further recalled Akpoti-Uduaghan’s past case involving false sexual harassment claims against former presidential aide Reno Omokri, for which damages were awarded in an out-of-court settlement.

    Afenifere criticised the senator’s decision to take her claims to international media outlets such as BBC, CNN, Sky News, and Deutsche Welle, saying it cast Nigeria in a negative light. 

    It also raised questions about her participation in an Inter-Parliamentary Union session in New York, noting that attendance at such meetings is strictly by nomination.

    “If Natasha truly participated in the IPU meeting without due nomination, then it simply revealed her manipulation of our public institutions for pecuniary ends,” the group said.

  • Ibadan royals, top celebrities to grace Olubadan’s coronation after-party at The Patio

    Ibadan royals, top celebrities to grace Olubadan’s coronation after-party at The Patio

    As part of the grand finale of the weeklong coronation events for the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, The Patio, Bashorun, will host the official coronation after party on Friday, September 26, 2025.

    In a statement released by the organisers, the celebration was described as an evening designed to blend Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage with modern elegance.

    “History is being made and we are celebrating in style. On Friday we are witnessing the crown of our new Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, a moment that will echo through the ages. And where better to celebrate this historic milestone than at The Patio, where luxury meets fashion,” the statement read.

    The official after party will serve as the closing highlight of a week of colourful activities that began with traditional rites and prayers, cultural displays, and a coronation lecture delivered by renowned historian, Prof. Toyin Falola, at the University of Ibadan. The main enthronement ceremony itself is scheduled to take place earlier in the day at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, amid tight security and nationwide attention.

    The coronation after party at The Patio is expected to draw a star-studded crowd, including political leaders, business moguls, cultural icons, and celebrities. Entertainment figures and prominent Ibadan indigenes in the diaspora are also expected to grace the after-party.

    The organisers hinted that guests should expect a blend of traditional music, highlife, and contemporary performances, reflecting both the prestige of Ibadan’s throne and the vibrancy of its people.

    The Patio, known for its luxury ambience and style, is positioning the event as a once-in-a-generation celebration, closing a historic chapter in Ibadan’s cultural and political life with glamour.

  • Foundation hails elevation of Osobia of Makun-omi to first-class status

    Foundation hails elevation of Osobia of Makun-omi to first-class status

    The Olatunde Awonuga Foundation has congratulated His Royal Majesty, Oba Kazeem Adeshina Salami (Ilufemiloba I), Osobia of Makun-Omi Kingdom, on the historic upgrade of the Osobia stool to First-Class Obaship status by the Ogun State Government.

    The elevation, approved by Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, is described as a landmark achievement in traditional leadership, highlighting the monarch’s contributions to socio-economic growth, cultural preservation, and peaceful coexistence in Makun-Omi, Ogun Waterside, and the wider Ijebu nation.

    The Foundation commended Kabiyesi Ilufemiloba I for his strides in infrastructural development, youth empowerment, community harmony, and promotion of Yoruba cultural heritage.

    It noted that the upgrade not only celebrates his personal achievements but also strengthens the voice of Ogun Waterside people within the state’s traditional and governance structures.

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    In a statement, Hon. Olatunde Ilias Awonuga, founder of the Foundation, praised Governor Abiodun for the decision, describing it as proof of his administration’s commitment to empowering traditional institutions and fostering inclusive growth across Ogun State.

    “Kabiyesi’s elevation is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his people and the timeless values of integrity, service, and cultural pride. His reign mirrors the enduring legacy of honor and principled leadership exemplified by great monarchs such as the late Awujale of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, of blessed memory. Oba Salami’s commitment to the advancement of the Yoruba race and alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, further cements his place as a transformative leader in our time,” Awonuga said.

    The Foundation joined the people of Makun-Omi, the Waterside community, and well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond in celebrating what it described as an extraordinary milestone for the kingdom and its revered monarch.

  • Olubadan: Your reign will usher in economic prosperity, Lagelu ICAN congratulates Ladoja

    Olubadan: Your reign will usher in economic prosperity, Lagelu ICAN congratulates Ladoja

    The Lagelu & District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has congratulated Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja on his ascension as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    Oba Ladoja, a respected statesman and former governor of Oyo State, will be formally crowned tomorrow, Friday, September 26, 2025.

    The coronation, expected to usher in a new era for Ibadanland, the political hub of the Southwest, is set to attract top dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and other eminent personalities from across the country.

    In a congratulatory message, Chairman of the Lagelu & District Society of ICAN, Chief Mrs. Omokemi Oladipo (FCA), expressed confidence that Oba Ladoja’s reign would open a new chapter of economic growth and prosperity for the ancient city.

    “It is both a privilege and a delight to congratulate the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. Your Majesty’s life has been marked by excellence and versatility. 

    “From engineering to agriculture, shipping to banking, manufacturing to transportation, you have not only participated, but you have led with vision and distinction.”

    Read Also: Ibori felicitates Ladoja on 81st birthday, Olubadan coronation

    She further noted that Oba Ladoja’s extensive business acumen and global exposure will undoubtedly serve as invaluable assets in driving development across Ibadanland.

    “You are a first-class engineer, a renowned farmer whose produce feeds many regions of the country, a shipping magnate, and a respected figure in Nigeria’s business landscape. 

    “Your ascension brings with it a wealth of experience that we believe will benefit the people of Ibadan immensely,” she added.

    “On behalf of the entire members of the Lagelu and District Society of ICAN, I say congratulations, Kabiyesi. Long may you reign in peace, wisdom, and prosperity.”

  • Ibori felicitates Ladoja on 81st birthday, Olubadan coronation

    Ibori felicitates Ladoja on 81st birthday, Olubadan coronation

    Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, has extended warm felicitations to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on the occasion of his 81st birthday, which comes up on Thursday.

    In a statement personally signed, Ibori also congratulated Ladoja on his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, scheduled to hold in the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, September 26.

    Describing Ladoja’s life as one of grace divinely orchestrated by God for the service of humanity, Ibori noted that the former Oyo State governor remained a man of principle and unwavering dedication to justice.

    “On behalf of my family, I congratulate His Excellency, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on the auspicious occasion of his 81st birthday as well as his coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland,” Ibori stated.

    Read Also: Emergence of Ladoja will modernise Ibadan – Prof Falola

    “Ladoja’s story is that of a man favoured by God. A highly principled statesman, he is a dogged fighter for justice, equity and fairness. In all his political travails, he was patient but resolute in his determination to prevail. His coronation is a reminder of his commitment to the truth in the sacred tradition and process.”

    Ibori prayed that Oba Ladoja’s reign would usher in peace, progress, and development—not only for Ibadanland, but also for the entire South-West and Nigeria as a whole.

  • Oyo govt to conduct confirmation exams for 643 junior officers

    Oyo govt to conduct confirmation exams for 643 junior officers

    Oyo State Government has fixed September 30 for the conduct of confirmation examination for 643 junior officers.

    Those involved include: clerical assistants, clerical officers, store attendants, store keepers, judiciary workers and other allied cadres.

    The exam is scheduled to take place at  Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan.

    Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, said the junior officers were expected to participate in the examination.

    He said the confirmation examination would assess the officers’ understanding of the Public Service Rules 1 & 2 (2013), Financial Regulations and Current Affairs.

    READ ALSO: Priscilla Ojo, son reunite with Juma Jux in Tanzania

    The commissioner noted that the examination was a key part of the state government’s broader agenda to promote professionalism, discipline and capacity building within the public service.

    “This exercise is a vital step in ensuring efficiency, accountability and meaningful career progression in the civil service,” he said.

    Adelabu urged eligible officers to prepare and ensure punctuality on the day of the examination.

  • Ogun govt on Daniel’s road project: we won’t compromise standards

    Ogun govt on Daniel’s road project: we won’t compromise standards

    There is nothing unusual in Ogun State Government’s insistence on strict technical standards for the Paddy Arikawe Oye-Igbimo Road in Sagamu.

    The road is a constituency project proposed by Ogun East Senator Gbenga Daniel.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media & Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, the government clarified that the requirements given to the contractor are the same standards applied to all road projects in the state and are designed to protect public safety.

    The statement added that any push by any contractor to lower these standards amounts to a blatant attempt to compromise public safety and is dead on arrival.

    It further described as a name-dropping pile of garbage, a report allegedly from Daniel’s media team titled: “Dapo Abiodun takes on Tinubu over standard of road constructed in Ogun” calling it a hastily assembled fabrication driven by desperation and ulterior motives.

    The statement challenged the authors “to present evidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is carrying out a 260-metre road project anywhere in Ogun State, expressing surprise that Daniel’s team seemed to assume Nigerians cannot distinguish between road projects approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and those initiated by individual federal lawmakers as constituency projects.

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    It added that the government discovered the drainage and concrete pavement design failed to meet Ministry of Works standards only after the contractor submitted the project drawings.

    Following this, it said, it made its observations known to the contractor through a letter dated 22nd September 2025, asking it to make necessary corrections and re-submit for approval accordingly.

    The statement reads: “It is pertinent to state that whenever Ogun State Government wants to work on any FG road, it is statutory and mandatory that we must get necessary clearance from the Federal Ministry of Works and this had been the practice since the beginning of the previous administration.

    “In line with this, the Federal Government also requests for our drawings, specification and any other documents relating to the projects which we have always obliged them before they give us the approval to commence such projects.

    “Likewise, whenever the Federal Government wants to work on Ogun State Projects, they follow the normal procedure by informing the Ogun State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, attaching the necessary documents related to such roads.

    “They have always followed this process to avoid clashes or duplication of road projects among other reasons, therefore, Paddy Arikawe Oye Igbimo road should not be an exception.

    “It should be noted that the contractor did not inform the Ministry before he commenced work. His action negates the normal due process which ought to be followed before commencing work on the state road.

    “He was therefore informed through letter Ref. No. AD. 1198/48, dated 17th September, 2025 to formally inform the Ministry about the concerned project and seek necessary approval.”

    The statement added that after going through the documents submitted by the contractor, the government discovered that the contractor intends to construct 300m out of the entire stretch of 3000m, which represents 10% of the whole project, but the Ogun State Ministry of Works had earlier carried out palliative work up to the stone base level on some parts of this project, while the design work for the entire stretch is already at the final stage of execution.

    The statement further reads: “The directive by the Ogun State Ministry of Works is not an “interference” in a federal initiative, as mischievously alleged, but a responsible and necessary step, rooted in his constitutional duty to safeguard the interests of the people of Ogun State.

    “The Ogun State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure identified clear technical shortcomings in the contractor’s proposal, and dragging Mr. President into this matter is a needless distraction.

    “Pray, what does the Presidency have to do with a contractor’s failure to meet acceptable technical standards? This is simply an old-fashioned ploy by the OGD media team to divert attention from the substance of the issues raised.

    “How can anyone describe the Ogun State Government’s insistence on higher grade concrete, stronger stone base layers, reinforced tensile strength, and full compliance with Federal Ministry of Works standards as political if not for sinister motives?

    “The Ogun State government will not compromise on quality, nor will it allow substandard projects to be executed within the State. The people of Ogun deserve roads that stand the test of time, not propaganda-driven distractions.

    “The antics of the OGD media team will not succeed. The facts remain clear, and the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun remains committed to transparency, accountability, and lasting development for all.”

  • Tinubu’s tax reforms good step in right direction, says NBA Chairman

    Tinubu’s tax reforms good step in right direction, says NBA Chairman

    The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Epe Branch, Dr. S. O. Jimoh, has urged Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing tax reforms, describing them as an imperfect but necessary step toward fixing Nigeria’s chaotic tax system.

    Speaking in an interview with journalists, Dr. Jimoh admitted that the reforms have sparked concerns but maintained that the government’s harmonisation agenda offers a pathway to clarity and fairness in the long run.

    “I am not saying what the government is doing is perfect, but it is a step in the right direction,” he said. 

    “Our tax system is too complex and cumbersome, and the new laws are aimed at streamlining the process and making it easier for both taxpayers and businesses to understand.”

    Jimoh explained that Nigeria’s tax regime has long been plagued by overlapping levies at federal, state, and local government levels, leaving businesses discouraged and compliance weak. He said the current reforms are not about creating more taxes, but about consolidating them into a framework that is less confusing and more transparent.

    “There is no system where there won’t be an element of multiple taxation,” he noted. “The important thing is that once the new framework is fully operational, those lapses will be identified and corrected.”

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    While acknowledging that public skepticism is valid, the NBA chairman stressed that no reform starts out perfectly. According to him, the ongoing changes should be seen as a foundation that will evolve over time.

    “When you have a system that is too complicated, people lose faith in it. Businesses want certainty and clarity. That is what this reform seeks to provide. Loopholes will emerge, but they will also be corrected along the way,” he said.

    Dr. Jimoh emphasised that taxation must serve as a tool for development rather than a burden on citizens. He argued that by broadening the tax base instead of simply raising rates, the reforms would ultimately improve compliance, boost government revenue, and create a more business-friendly environment.

    He also called on professional bodies, civil society, and the private sector to engage constructively with government to refine the system. “As lawyers, our role goes beyond interpreting the law; we must ensure it is applied fairly and without abuse,” he added.

    Jimoh reminded Nigerians that the reform process is a journey. “No reform is perfect from the start. What matters is that the government has recognised the problem and is addressing it. Over time, the system will stabilise, and the benefits will become clear,” he said