The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • ‘Only contractors can advise on usability of Ibadan airport’

    ‘Only contractors can advise on usability of Ibadan airport’

    • Kola Daisi my mentor, says Ladoja

    Oyo State Acting Governor Bayo Lawal has said only the contractors handling upgrading of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to an international airport can advise if the facility will be ready for use during the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan.

    He spoke while fielding questions from reporters after an inspection tour of the facility, as well as Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, Ibadan.

    The question became imperative in view of the expected high turnout of guests and visitors in Ibadan from within and outside the country during the coronation.

    Lawal said although he was aware that tests had been carried out on the facility to ensure the airport runway met international standard, it would not be right to pre-empt the contractors, adding that they would advise on the usability of the facility.

    READ ALSO: The INEC chairman as kingmaker

    He said: “I was told quite frankly that tests are being carried out regularly. The airport runway, at least they have carried out three tests and they met international standard.

    “So, it is not for me to offer an opinion, it’s for the experts to offer an opinion as to whether the facility will be ready for use during coronation or not. But we are hoping that if it is possible to make use of the runway in the next one month, so be it.’’

    Oba Ladoja has described the founder of Kola Daisi University, Ibadan, Bashorun Kola Daisi, as his mentor, whose life is worthy of emulation.

    Ladoja said this in a statement made available to reporters by his media aide, Mr Adeola Oloko, yesterday in Ibadan.

    According to the statement, Ladoja said this during a visit to the Ibadan-born business magnate to congratulate him on his 93 birthday.

    “We value your contributions to our socio-economic development. We value your academic exploits at our alma mater, Ibadan Boys High School, in 1951, to the London School of Economics.

    “The lives you have touched through your business investments and philanthropy are by no means negligible.

    “It is our prayer that you will live longer and longer to celebrate more years in the land of the living,” he said.

    The Olubadan-designate said apart from Bashorun Kola Daisi, people like Asiwaju Bode Amao, the late Dr Victor Olunloyo, the late High Chief Omowale Kuye, the late  Kareem Latunji and the late Otunba Subomi Balogun were also an inspiration, and very special to him.

    He further stated that humanity was blessed to have such a galaxy of stars.

    Responding, Bashorun Daisi expressed gratitude to the Olubadan-designate and his entourage for finding time out of his busy schedule to visit him.

    Flanked by his son, the Osi Olubadan-designate, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, the nonagenarian congratulated Oba Ladoja on his emergence as the 44th Olubadan, saying long life plays a very significant role in Ibadan chieftaincy system.

    He said he was proud to witness Oba Ladoja’s emergence as Olubadan, and congratulated Ibadan people on this great opportunity.

    He prayed God to give the royal father long life, wisdom, knowledge and understanding to discharge his obligations to the people.

  • ‘Ogun won’t interfere in Awujale’s selection process’

    ‘Ogun won’t interfere in Awujale’s selection process’

    Ogun State Government yesterday assured Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode that it would not allow intruders or outsiders to interfere in the process of selecting the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

    It said the ruling house had competent and capable hands (princes) to handle its internal matters pertaining to the next Awujale, adding that other ruling houses would not be allowed to meddle in the matter.

    The state government spoke through the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, during a visit to him at Itoro, Ijebu-Ode headquarters of the local government by elders of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, including three monarchs – the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Okuribido, Saderiren of Isonyin-Ijebu, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Salami and Onirete of Irete, Oba Abdul-Ganiyu Awokoya Yusuf.

    Alebiosu, responding to a formal request by Fusengbuwa Ruling House through the Olori-Ebi, Otunba Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, that the government should rein in other ruling houses from meddling in the matters of Fusengbuwa house, said “government won’t allow or encourage any unbecoming act.”

    READ ALSO: A way out for the North

    Noting that Ijebu-Ode is not a “banana republic,” the council chairman, who spoke virtually during the meeting where his Vice-Chairman, Titilayo Adeyemi, was in attendance, said he would convey the ruling house’s concerns to Governor Dapo Abiodun.

    Alebiosu said: “I heard you saying some other ruling houses are trying to interfere or meddle in the affairs of Fusengbuwa or engage in some kind of smear campaign. I want to assure you that government is on top of everything and we won’t allow or encourage any unbecoming act, this is not a banana republic.

    “So we won’t allow anything of such to happen, I will report back to the governor. We won’t allow any interloper, each ruling house has its turn and now it is the turn of Fusengbuwa, so no interloper will be allowed. Fusengbuwa has lots of capable people, so we will ensure the right thing is done. I will study your documents and get back to you when I am back in town.”

    Speaking earlier, Olori-Ebi of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Owoyemi, hailed Governor Abiodun for successfully setting up an administrative board of eminent and credible Ijebu-Ode high chiefs, to pilot and oversee the Awujale Palace affairs and responsibilities over the entire Ijebu people, pending the successful appointment and enthronement of the 59 Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land.

    The former President of Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) used the avenue to appeal to the government to convene an urgent meeting of three other Awujale ruling houses –  Fidipote, Gbelegbuwa and Anikilaya –  and prevail on them to leave members of Fusengbuwa Ruling House alone to resolve their differences by themselves.

  • Ekiti 2026: EFA calls for resourceful political engagement, issue-based campaign

    Ekiti 2026: EFA calls for resourceful political engagement, issue-based campaign

    As electioneering begins in Ekiti State ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election, a non-governmental, cross-generational organization, Ekiti Future Agenda (EFA), has called for resourceful political engagement and an issue-based electoral campaign.

    The organization, over the weekend, at the end of its spot assessment of projects executed by the current administration across the 16 local government areas of the state said, “in the face of the prevailing  electoral campaign dominated with misinformation and disinformation, such as spreading of  false or misleading information to influence voters, as well as campaign strategy that is focused on attacking opponents rather than promoting one’s own policies, there is urgent need for everyone that has genuine development of the state at heart to intervene.”

    According to the Convener of Ekiti Future Agenda, Adesina Adetola,  who spoke after the exercise, “It is appropriate to  look beyond propaganda,  character assassination, and politics enriched in polarization, such as  campaigns that exacerbate divisions and create hostility between different groups. It is high time to generally push for politics that promotes ideas and values.”

    Read Also: The Ekiti rescue mission: Why Ojo is the leader needed

    “Let’s add value and substance to the campaign strategies.  In this contemporary world, for our democracy to be at par with the developed nations, we should dwell less on mundane things, we should be discussing developmental agenda against the situation where the media spaces are dominated with junk and irrelevant conversations.” He said.

    Speaking further, Adetola, a socio-economic development strategist, said, @Our level in Ekiti should have gone beyond what we are witnessing in the electoral terrain at present. Some people will call it politics, but I will say it is a kindergarten adventure, a clear symptom of cluelessness in the polity. The opposition to the current government seems to be extremely docile. It dwells so much on caricature strategy, which is a minus to genuine ideas in democratic governance. We should not be practicing 19th-century democracy by now; electioneering has gone beyond that. It has become a major tool for societal advancement and public service innovation. It is a period to set an agenda and reappraise existing ones. It is not a time for false propaganda and junk narratives.’

    Meanwhile, it is good to note that over the years, Ekiti Future Agenda has initiated and executed some activities, projects, and interventions in Ekiti State. Typically, in giving back value to the State, these are in the form of advocacy, schemes, and education, which have become defining moments in the annals of the state’s development.

    In this vein, The Ekiti Future Agenda on Spot Assessment, titled -Seeing is Believing, which took the organization across the sixteen local government areas of the State, was primarily to evaluate the performance of the current administration of Governor Oyebanji while promoting good governance and transparency in political administration.

    The assignment saw the organization visiting different projects, both ongoing and completed, ranging from road infrastructure, health facilities, agricultural establishments, public buildings, sports development, youth engagement, among others. At the end of the exercise, the organization agreed that the governor had done well in fulfilling its campaign promises and also posited that the reward for good work is more work.

  • 2027: Time to break Ogun West’s 49-year jinx

    2027: Time to break Ogun West’s 49-year jinx

    • By Kayode Oladele 

    For nearly five decades, Ogun West has lived under a shadow. Since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, the governorship has rotated between Ogun Central and Ogun East, leaving the good people of Ogun West Senatorial District excluded from the top seat at Oke-Mosan. This glaring imbalance has hardened into what is now widely described as the Ogun West jinx.

    As the 2027 elections approach, the question is whether the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will finally summon the courage to break this cycle of marginalisation. The answer lies in the hands of the party machinery and leadership in the State. Perhaps also in the rising political momentum of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

    Few politicians in Ogun today command the breadth of popularity that Yayi enjoys. His political journey from Lagos State House of Assembly to the House of Representatives and the Senate has given him legislative experience, national visibility, and formidable grassroots networks. More importantly, his footprint in Ogun West is visible in real projects: roads, electrification, schools, health centres, portable water systems, empowerment for farmers and artisans, and scholarships for students.

    Unlike previous Ogun West aspirants, Yayi’s appeal is not confined to his senatorial district. From the Ijebu axis to the Egba heartland, his name resonates with ordinary citizens who see him as a pragmatic politician capable of bridging divides. Some even call him “talk and do Senator”. This broad appeal matters, because winning the governorship requires more than sectional sentiment, it requires state-wide acceptability.

    Complementing Gov. Abiodun, Advancing Renewed Hope Agenda. 

    Undoubtedly, Governor Dapo Abiodun has laid a solid developmental foundation. From road networks and industrial corridors to the Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport, ICT hubs, and youth empowerment, his administration has repositioned Ogun as one of Nigeria’s leading investment destinations. For this, he deserves great commendation.

    What makes the present moment unique is the synergy between Abiodun’s state-wide programs and Yayi’s Senatorial District interventions. Together, they amplify the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Already, Tinubu’s policies are yielding positive results, boosting infrastructure, agriculture, and job creation and Ogun is among the states where his popularity is surging by the day. As 2027 looms, it is apparently clear that Ogun will remain an APC stronghold, with President Tinubu overwhelmingly projected to win the state. 

    A Moral and Political Imperative

    Against this backdrop, the Ogun APC must answer a fundamental question: will it perpetuate 49 years of exclusion, or will it do the right thing by backing Ogun West for governor?

    The call is not only moral; it is political. No serious party can afford to alienate a bloc as significant as Ogun West. The sense of marginalisation has lingered far too long. Backing an Ogun West candidate, especially one with Yayi’s credentials and popularity, would therefore energise the base, unify the party, and send a strong message that APC stands for fairness, equity, and justice.

    The state leadership of the APC, led by Governor Abiodun, Chairman Yemi Sanusi, and other key actors, must act decisively. History will not be kind if the party ignores this moment.

    Ogun West has waited patiently for nearly half a century. The 2027 election provides the clearest chance yet to end this political injustice. In Senator Yayi, the APC has before it a candidate with the popularity, projects, and cross-state acceptability to finally break the jinx.

    The task before the APC leadership is simple but profound: zone the governorship ticket to Ogun West and rally the party behind it. Ogun. With popularity, projects, and cross-state appeal, Senator Yayi offers the clearest chance to finally shatter Ogun West’s political marginalization. Anything less would be a betrayal of equity and a clear assault on good conscience. Ogun’s future demands fairness. Ogun West’s time has come. And the APC must rise to the occasion.

    * Oladele is the acting chairman, Federal Character Commission (FCC)

  • Controversy over succession bid to Alaba of Abanla throne

    Controversy over succession bid to Alaba of Abanla throne

    The succession bid to Alaba of Abanla throne in the Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State has stirred up controversies among eligible contending families.

    The throne of Abanla became vacant when Oba Olabiyi Oladipo, joined his ancestors in August, 2024.

    Members of the Osayindina family have faulted reported plan to install Pa Totoola Oladipo as Alaba of Abanla.

    A statement by Osayindina family described the plan as gross violation of the State Chieftaincy law.

    The family said: “We, the honourable members of the family of Osanyindina of Abanla are bringing this to the notice of the general public and the relevant State Government that Pa Totoola Oladipo of Osanyindina cannot be made Alaba of Abanla on the fact that he is not the eldest son of the family. 

    “This matter transcends family affairs; it speaks to our collective integrity and values. We must uphold the traditions of our lineage.

    “The family’s commitment to transparency and justice is unwavering, and ensuring that they will not tolerate any action that tarnish their legacy.”

    While appealing to the public and the State Government, the family stressed that Totoola is not legitimately entitled to the throne.

    “He is not the eldest son in the family, a role that should be held by the eldest male lineage member, as has been the custom for over six decades.

    “We aim to safeguard our revered traditions and ensure that only individuals of integrity assume leadership roles within our community.”

    The family said it determined to maintain standards that have long been associated with the Alaba title, rejecting any candidate with questionable character or a checkered background.

    Read Also: Dethronement of US-jailed monarch imminent as Adeleke calls development ‘ugly’

    “As the narrative unfolds, this unfolding family drama could have broader implications for communal governance and the management of traditional titles in the state, inviting scrutiny from both legal and traditional institutions.

    “The Osanyindina family is poised to engage with stakeholders to reinforce their stance and uphold the traditions that have defined their lineage for generations.”

    Olubadan designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja had insisted on sanitising the process of appointing Baales and Mogajis in the 11 Local Government Areas of Ibadan metropolitan city.

    He also advised the appointed community heads to have a building in their respective domains as well pass nights there at least three to four times in a year.

    He said the era of diaspora Mogajis and Baales is over in Ibadan land, insisting: “You must have buildings in the compound that you are presiding over as Baale or Mogaji.

    “Also, the Olubadan-In-Council will not tolerate allegations of land grabbing and other vices traceable to some community heads.”

  • Tinubu’s aide, eminent personalities honour First-Class graduates

    Tinubu’s aide, eminent personalities honour First-Class graduates

    The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Strategy, Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman, Justice of the Supreme Court Habeeb Abiru, Founder/Principal Partner of MA Banire and Associates, Dr Muiz Banire, SAN, Senators Tokunbo Abiru and Shuaib Salis  and host of other eminent personalities have honoured First-Class Muslim Graduates.

    The reception, held at Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, was organized by the Muslim In National Development (MIND) Foundation

    Hajia Bala Usman hailed the graduates for their achievements and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their faith.

    “I am very proud of them for having been able to emerge best graduating students in their respective institutions. But going forward, they need much more than being first-class holders. I want them to create a culture of excellence and hold firmly to their deen,” she said.

    She called on MIND to develop a public database of first-class graduates to connect them with recruitment opportunities.

    “For example, if I am aware there is a recruitment going on and I have interest in speaking to someone, I know I can go to the MIND Foundation database and pull out first class graduates from engineering, chemistry and others. Creating the database and making it public is very important,” she noted

    Dr. Banire, SAN, the convener of the foundation, said that MIND will continue to identify, celebrate, position, protect and facilitate placement of exceptional Muslim graduates.

    He described the initiative as a platform for mentorship, networking, and professional guidance for outstanding Muslim graduates.

    Read Also: Shettima: Nigeria open for investment as Tinubu’s reforms gain traction

    “In the maiden edition, last year, we had about 106 graduates. This year, we are celebrating 87 First-Class Muslim Graduates. We brought them together to be mentored by people who we consider successful, to guide them in their future endeavours, assist them with placements into job opportunities, and connect them with relevant people in society,” he said.

    He added that the foundation intends to expand its reach by tracking more first-class graduates from institutions nationwide.

    Senator Salis, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber-security, urged the graduates to see their first-class degrees as a “key” to opportunities, rather than an end.

    According to him, achieving First Class Honours is inspiring and shows dedication, commitment, scholarship, and intellectual brilliance.

    He urged them not to stop learning, saying that intellectual brilliance alone is not enough.

    “You have the key, which is your first class. It is like a badge. When you move around and you have a badge, it is like a key. To a large extent, you can determine the door you want to use the key to open and what you want to do inside the space you have been granted access to,” he said.

    He congratulated graduates, saying a First Class degree should give new levels of thinking, opportunity identification, life purpose, and faith in Allah to pursue it.

    A Consultant Paediatrician at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr Muhammad Salisu, urged the honorees to anchor their lives and careers on faith, emotional intelligence, creative intelligence, moral integrity, and socio-cultural uprightness.

    He added that they were fortunate to have personalities ahead of them who had come to educate them and would continue to be available as guides in their life’s sojourn.

  • Foundation disburses N5b to 100,000 beneficiaries

    Foundation disburses N5b to 100,000 beneficiaries

    The Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF) announced that it has disbursed more than N5 billion in zakat and sadaqat within the past 25 years, touching the lives of over 100,000 beneficiaries directly and more than 600,000 indirectly across the country.

    The Executive Director of the foundation, Prince Sulayman Olagunju, stated this on Saturday in Lagos at the grand finale of the 2025 Zakat Distribution Ceremony (ZDC), where N296.6 million was distributed to 1,835 beneficiaries.

    Olagunju explained that the foundation has so far disbursed over N3 billion in zakat and over N2 billion in sadaqat, describing it as a testimony to the growth of the institution and the trust it has continued to enjoy from donors.

    He revealed that in the 2025 cycle alone, N653.2 million was shared among 2,821 beneficiaries across 28 states, making it one of the highest annual disbursements in the foundation’s history.

    “This final leg in Lagos reminds us that zakat is not just a transfer of wealth but the fulfillment of a divine trust. It restores dignity, hope, and opportunity,” he said.

    Read Also: Foundation ends 2025 summer lessons, awards scholarships in Kwara  

    According to him, empowerment, education, and medical support took the lion’s share of this year’s distribution, with N283.8 million going to 1,818 people for business start-ups and skills acquisition; N53.6 million to 611 students; and N51.3 million to 130 patients battling health challenges.

    He also highlighted the foundation’s impact programmes in four major pillars — education support, empowerment initiatives, community development, and welfare and relief — which include paying school fees for orphans, widow support schemes, free water projects in over 50 communities, food distribution, and house rent stipends for the elderly.

    Speaking on one of the foundation’s most innovative projects, the Business Plan Competition, Olagunju said N103 million has been disbursed in the past 10 years to 208 young entrepreneurs.

    Many of these businesses, he noted, have become sources of livelihood for others, proving that zakat can transform dependency into empowerment.

    Looking ahead, he said the Foundation would expand its reach beyond 28 states, scale up empowerment and education initiatives,strengthen medical interventions, and embrace partnerships that will multiply the impact of every contribution.

    He expressed appreciation to the donors, partners, staff, volunteers, and community leaders for sustaining the mission.

    He hailed the media team for amplifying the foundation’s work.

    Group Managing Director of Courteville Business Solutions Plc, Dr. Ismail Adebola Akindele, who chaired the occasion, lauded the foundation’s efforts, describing ZSF as the “biggest as far as I know in Nigeria.”

    He commended its year-round distribution model.

    According to him, Zakat institution is crucial to tackling poverty and promoting inclusive growth.

    “I am glad they are not waiting for Ramadan before they make the needy happy through the laudable initiative. When the need arises, they give so that it meets the needs.”

    Dr Akindele encouraged Muslims of means to contribute more actively, while cautioning against over-reliance on government.

    “I was told earlier today that in some other parts of Nigeria, the state governments contribute towards doing this. But I don’t think we should depend too heavily on the government. We who hold resources in trust must redistribute as much as possible,” Akindele said.

    Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf, commended the generosity of donors and the resilience of beneficiaries.

  • NASFAT: peaceful co-existence is prerequisite for meaningful progress

    NASFAT: peaceful co-existence is prerequisite for meaningful progress

    • Faith Ajiboye

    The Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Lagos Zone 1, has held its second yearly Special Joint Asalatu, bringing together members from 24 branches to pray for the nation

     A key highlight of the event was the launch of the NASFAT History Book, a fundraiser to support the society’s ongoing projects.

    During the event, Chairman of NASFAT Lagos Zone One, Alabi Mustapha, an engineer emphasised the dual role of prayer and proactive citizenship.

    “We have no other country except Nigeria. We have to support as much as possible to make sure the country becomes better for all of us,” he said.

    He stressed that while the government is doing its best, citizens must also support them through prayers and constructive actions.

    He identified peaceful coexistence as a prerequisite for any meaningful progress. “Without peace, nothing is achievable,” he said.

    Read Also: NASFAT hails Bashiru as Asiwaju Musulumi of Osun

    He detailed NASFAT’s efforts to boost the economy, citing the empowerment unit that trains members in entrepreneurship and provides them with the resources to become self-sufficient. “The society also holds quarterly conferences and workshops for artisans to improve their business management skills.”

    Mustapha shared an optimistic outlook on the nation’s economic future, pointing to recent increases in foreign reserves as a positive sign.

    He urged Nigerians to be patient and to focus on competence rather than religious affiliation when choosing leaders.

    “It’s about having people who have the capacity, knowledge to lead us,” he said.

    Vice Chairman of the Ikorodu Branch and Chairman of the Joint Asalatu, Alhaji Shokunbi Akanbi, highlighted the spiritual power of collective prayer, referencing a saying of the Holy Prophet that prayers offered in groups are more likely to be accepted.

    He noted that NASFAT is committed to fostering a prosperous Nigeria by combining faith-based guidance with tangible economic empowerment, proving that a strong community is built on both spiritual foundation and practical action.

    The Zonal Missioner, Muhammad Uthman Jaji, emphasized the importance of a balanced life, stating, “If you want to be successful in life economically, you must be prayerful.”

     To sustain your success, you must be prayerful.” He urged members to take both their economic and spiritual lives seriously, as the two are intertwined.

    Guest lecturer, Sheikh Jamiu Sanusi, reminded the congregation that true wealth is not measured by material possessions but by one’s faith and steadfastness in Islam.

    Sheikh Sanusi concluded his lecture with a prayer for the attendees, while Imam Jaji led the final prayers for peace, prosperity, and divine guidance for the nation.

  • Youths urged to embrace digital skill

    Youths urged to embrace digital skill

    Nigerian youths have been advised to expand their skill acquisition in digitisation and strive to take it far – for sustainable economic empowerment and self-reliance.

    Lagos District Amir of The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and the professions, Alhaji Abdul Kabir Baruwa made the call at the formal closing of four-week coding training, organised by Alimoso zone.

    Represented by the District Public Affairs Secretary, Tajudeen Balogun, Baruwa noted that as the Information and Technology (ICT) has been advanced by the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the training participants received was key, timely and has everlasting relevance.

    While noting that it was important for individuals to embrace and acclamatise with all digitisation tools, Balogun asserted that skills and knowledge acquired in the ICT sector attract many opportunities and fortunes.

    He urged the participants to forge ahead with the training, at different levels, so as to broaden their knowledge and attain empowerment for prosperous future and economic development.

    Read Also: Firm seeks urgent investment in Africa’s digital skills

    The District’s publicist tasked the participants to aspire for academic excellence and support it with digital skill acquisition.

    The Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Kamor Ogunfowora, said the training was introductory, assuring that the exercise would continue with AI and web designing.

    While thanking the facilitator, Dr Sakirudeen Olawale Abidekun and others, Ogunfowora, who is the Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on Physical Planning and Urban Development, said the training would be sustained and made available subsequently to the participants “pro bono”.

    He hinted that planning is underway to partner with international NGO with specialisation on ICT and related fields for training and mentoring of the youths.

  • ‘Give women greater opportunities in leadership, politics’

    ‘Give women greater opportunities in leadership, politics’

    Policy expert and social analyst, Abiola Akinpelu, has called for more women participation in politics.

     He noted the low rate of wimen in political positions.

     “In the 10th National Assembly, only 45 women occupy legislative seats of 991 seats in the 36 Houses of Assembly.

    ”The Senate has four women senators of 109 members.

    ”The House of Representatives has 15 women of 360.

    ”Nigeria has never elected a woman governor.

    According to him, women politicians face sexism, misogyny, limited access to funding and resources, societal expectations, stereotypes, violence, intimidation, and others.

    ”These challenges discourage women from pursuing political careers, perpetuating the under-representation of women in politics,” Akinpelu said.

    Stressing the need for change, he identified ways to address the imbalance.

    Read Also: Moppet founder wins women Agripreneurs award in Senegal

    He said: “It’s essential to encourage women to participate in politics, provide support and resources for them, promote gender-sensitive policies and practice and challenge societal norms and stereotypes.”

    He underscored the need to empower woman leadership in Lagos State.

    Akinpelu added: “The parties should consider fronting women candidates for key positions.

    ”Lagos State, in particular, could benefit from a woman.

    ”Some credible women to be considered include Islamiat Oyefusi, Oluranti Adebule, Oyinkansola Abayomi, Abike Dabiri, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, and Fola Sherifat Jaji.

    ”Others are Lateefat Okunnu, Abiola Dosunmu, Adejoke Ponle, Alimot Pelewura, Adebisi Susan, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, Omotayo Oduntan and Josephine Oluseyi Williams.

    ‎”By supporting female candidates, Nigeria can take a significant step towards achieving gender balance in politics and promoting inclusive leadership.

    ‎”The underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics is a pressing issue that requires attention and action.

    ‎”By empowering women to take on leadership roles, Nigeria can harness the talents and perspectives of its entire population.

    ‎”Let’s make it happen – let’s make the world know that Nigeria is committed to gender balance and inclusive politics.”

    ‎The policy expert noted that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has struggled to achieve gender parity in politics.

    ‎”Despite making up nearly half of the population, women remain significantly underrepresented in political positions,” he said.

    ‎He stressed the need for greater inclusivity and opportunities for women in leadership.