The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Ex-lawmaker: stop negative remarks on Nigeria, Tinubu

    Ex-lawmaker: stop negative remarks on Nigeria, Tinubu

    Former lawmaker in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, of All Progressives Congress (APC), has cautioned critics and opposition members against making unguarded remarks about Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu-led government.

    Oyintiloye, member of defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), in a statement yesterday said comments against Nigeria and Tinubu were ‘unpatriotic acts’.

    He noted that persistent humiliation of the country by Nigerians abroad and those here, especially high-profile personalities, through unguided utterances, was painting the country in bad light.

    He said although the constitution provided for freedom of speech, “this must not be seen as opportunity to use uncultured words against the country and its leadership.”

    He advised that criticism of government policies and programmes should be done with civility and decorum when “calling attention of the leadership of the country to issues deserving their attention.”

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    ‘’Nigeria’s global image is suffering negative effects due to unguided and unsubstantiated allegations by critics and the opposition against Tinubu’s led administration.

    “No doubt we are going through challenges which the administration is addressing.

    “But making unguarded remarks about our country by Nigerians abroad is affecting the image of the country negatively, and this is not good.

    “Many living in the country are also guilty of this. No matter the challenges, our leaders must be accorded respect and dignity because they are our representatives. The way and manner we portray our country and its leadership is a reflection of how our nationality is being treated in the world.”

    He said: “Those behind such acts should remember Internet will never forget whatever remarks they make…’’

     At the appropriate time, they may be the victim of whatever negative remarks made against the country and her people.

    “We should imbibe the culture of Americans who will always say ‘God Bless America’ no matter the situation they find themselves. We must desist from pulling down our country and its leadership across the globe.

    “Disparaging our country and its leadership will do no one good, but with prayers and positive collective efforts, we will overcome.”

  • First Lady is special guest at college Kingsweek

    First Lady is special guest at college Kingsweek

    First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will be the special guest of honour at King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA) 116th Founders Day, Kingsweek 2025, in Lagos.

    With the theme: “The King’s College Legacy: Honouring the past, empowering the future,’’ the event holds from September 15 and 21, to celebrate the institution’s legacy and chart a vision for its future.

    Addressing reporters, President, Dr Leke Oshunnuyi, described the theme as apt.

    He noted that the highlight of the week is the 116th annual Founder’s Day Lecture/Annual Dinner, on Saturday, at Metropolitan Club, Lagos.

    “The lecture is a platform for thought leadership, reflection and inspiration. Senator Oluremi Tinubu has been invited to attend as special guest of honour, underscoring importance of this milestone in the life of the college and nation.’’

     He said the week begins September 16, with a virtual conference, where members in diaspora, with local participants, would discuss “Artificial Intelligence and the future of education in Nigeria’’.

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    He said the virtual event, to be moderated by an old student, Moses Nasamu, will feature panellists: Dr Azeez Sanusi, on “Reimaging teaching and learning: The role of AI in Nigeria classrooms”; Mr Zeze Peters, on “Bridging educational inequality through AI-driven tools and access”; and Prof Emmanuel Agu, on “Policy, ethics, and capacity building: Preparing Nigeria’s education sector for an AI-Powered future.”

    On Friday, a Jumat Service will hold at the college annex mosque, Victoria Island, Lagos. The service is an opportunity for Muslim alumni, students and friends to join in prayers for the institution’s growth. Also on Friday, is the KCOBA variety night of thrills at Turaka, Ebony Life Place, Victoria Island.

    He said on Saturday, the Inter-House Soccer competition and fiesta will take place at the main campus sport field. The celebrations close with a thanksgiving service on Sunday at Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina.

    Keynote address will be delivered by Prof Hakeem Belo-Osagie, professor at Harvard Business School, former president of KCOBA. He will reflect on the college’s role in shaping Nigeria’s leadership and the link between education, national development and philanthropy.

    A panel of speakers will follow, including: Ani Charles Bassey-Eyo, on “Historical significance of King’s College in shaping Nigeria’s leadership”; Adeniyi Odejobi, on “The role of alumni in sustaining excellence”; Sir Gbolahan Olayomi, on “Education reform and innovation for future readiness”; and Dr Olusoji Akinyele, on “The King’s College vision for the next century.”.

    The lecture will set the tone for conversations around alumni engagement and the sustainability of the school.

    Speaking on significance of Kingsweek 2025, the president said: “King’s College has been a pillar of excellence for over a century. The 116th anniversary is a reminder of our duty as Old Boys to safeguard its legacy, invest in its future and ensure it continues to produce leaders for Nigeria and beyond. We are honoured by the participation of the First Lady and invite Old Boys, friends and well-wishers to join us in making the Kingsweek  memorable.’’

    Present at the briefing include Simsi Topah-Mayaki (Sports Secretary); Tony Epelle (Ex Officio Member); Moses Nasamu (Assistant General Secretary); Dr. Leke Oshunnuyi (President, King’s College Old Boys’ Association); Wole Eperokun (Social Secretary); Dr. Chukwuemeka Azinge (CEO, KCOBA Secretariat); Ehizogie Iyeomoan (Administrative Officer, KCOBA Secretariat).

  • PWDs ‘should harness talents’ for national development

    PWDs ‘should harness talents’ for national development

    Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) have been urged to focus on their abilities rather than their challenges to contribute to the nation’s development.

    President of Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria (MAVIN), Alhaji Abdul Wasi’ Salaudeen, said this while delivering an address at Ability Expo and Talent Hunt Exhibition, organised by Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) in Lagos.

    Speaking on “Disability is Not an Inability”, Salaudeen, represented by Miss Habeebah Abdul-Waheed, stressed that talent alone is not enough for success in life.

    He noted many gifted individuals fail to reach their potential due to lack of exposure, support, and opportunities.

     “Every human being is created for a purpose. Each of us is born with a gift, a skill, or a talen…”he said.

    He urged governments to empower PWDs and foster an inclusive society. Salaudeen lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his efforts to improve their welfare

    Read Also: PWDs seek support for inclusion in Ondo budgetary allocations

    The MAVIN president appealed to Nigerians to support initiatives promoting affordable education, mentorship, and empowerment for PWDs, thereby enabling them add value and creativity to society.

    Head of Administration at LASODA, Mrs. Sonubi Omolade, said the exhibition was to shift public perception from disability to ability.

    “This initiative is part of Lagos State’s inclusive policies, which ensure persons with disabilities are fully integrated into society,” she explained.

    Director of Social Development and Integration, Kilani Akeem, said the exhibition is evidence of the state’s commitment to inclusion.

    The event featured displays of crafts, artworks, branded bags, soaps, and other products created by PWDs, as well as dance competitions.

  • Sanusi lauds British for tolerance, diversity at mosque fund raiser

    Sanusi lauds British for tolerance, diversity at mosque fund raiser

    Emir of Kano, Dr. Lamido Sanusi II, has lauded the British for their tolerance, maturity, and diversity in allowing people of all faith to live in peace and harmony.

    Dr. Sanusi spoke in London at the fundraising for Old Kent Road Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre, at East London Mosque, by Muslim Association of Nigeria in Unuted Kingdom, with the theme: “The Mosque as a Beacon of Light: Promoting Positive Integration for a Brighter Future.”

    The emir, who chaired the event, lauded the association for its vision of hope for Muslim Ummah and humanity.

    He said the British have shown that Islam is a religion of peace creating an environment for diversity, tolerance, love, respect, and harmonious co-existence.

    Dr. Sanusi stressed: “We appreciate and congratulate the British for their tolerance. This project stands as a symbol of hope for Muslim Ummah and humanity in the heart of London, inspiring generations.”

    The emir noted that mosques are not only for prayers but also for fostering social values, knowledge, and morals that benefit society where people are reminded of Allah’s words of peace, love, and harmony.

    Read Also: Kano Emirate congratulates Emir Sanusi II on PhD award

    Sanusi noted that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) welcomed Christian brothers and sisters into the mosque. He described the mosque as a place of tolerance and unity where values of Muslims are preserved.

    Special Guest of Honour, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, said: “I greet our Muslim brothers and sisters for this Old Kent Road Mosque project. I must thank the organisers for putting this together.”

    Hamzat stressed that in the last three decades, Old Kent Road Mosque has become not just a place of worship for Nigerians and others in London, but also a beacon of hope, unity, and social interaction.

    He described the event as marking 30 years of an institution embodying the true spirit of Islam, fostering community cohesion, nurturing faith, and serving humanity. He noted that the mosque’s role extends beyond prayers to include counselling, engagement, and educational programmes.

    He noted that rebuilding and expanding the mosque into a six-storey facility creates more space for spiritual growth and development..

    Guest Speaker, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, registrar of JAMB, represented by Dr. Hassan Oloyede, hailed the body for the vision to rebuild the mosque and cultural centre.

    He noted that the mosque is not merely a building of brick and mortar but a symbol of faith, identity and community.

    He said the mosque serves as centre for education and knowledge. In the contemporary era, he said, its educational role is more critical, and mosques must reclaim this through structural educational programmes for all ages.

    He recommended Quranic and Arabic classes for children, study circles (Halaqas) for youth and adults on Islamic jurisprudence, theology and history, and pre-marital and family counseling workshops. By doing so, he said, the mosque would remain the primary source of authentic religious knowledge, protecting the community from ignorance and misinformation.

    Earlier, in his welcome address, the chief host and President of the Muslim Association of Nigeria UK (MAN UK), Alhaji Abdul Jeleel Oladejo, welcomed everyone to the historic gathering.

    Alhaji Oladejo noted that the mosque is not just a structure but a legacy of transformation rebuilding a long-standing center into a modern six-storey multipurpose facility that will serve the community in new and greater ways.

    He emphasized that the Old Kent Road Mosque project is about building a future where children can thrive, youths can find purpose, elders feel honored, and the entire community is spiritually and socially uplifted for the sake of Almighty Allah, with benefits in this life and the hereafter.

    Other notable speakers at the gathering included Prof. Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad, Founder and Dean of the Cambridge Muslim College; Councilor Yasmine Dar, former Lord Mayor of Manchester City Council; Dr. Muhammad Wajid Akhter, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB); Dr. Taofeeq Abdul Salam; Shaykh Yusuf Kamara; and Alhaja Ramatalahi Faruq Onikijipa, who all lent their voices in support of this beacon of hope in the cause of Almighty Allah to see the completion of the Mosque before 2026 Ramadan.

  • Ogun gets approval to establish Court of Appeal, says Abiodun

    Ogun gets approval to establish Court of Appeal, says Abiodun

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has revealed that the Federal Government has approved the establishment of the Court of Appeal in Abeokuta, the capital.

    Prince Abiodun made the revelation at a special church thanksgiving to mark the 2025/2026 legal year, held at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.

    He said the establishment of the appellate court would bring justice closer, ensure quick dispensation and help take the load off the Ibadan Division.

    He said: “We have finally received the formal approval for the establishment of the Ogun State division of the Federal Court of Appeal in Abeokuta.

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    “This is indeed a landmark achievement of an initiative proudly and aggressively championed by our administration to bring justice closer to our people and to ease the heavy caseload currently on the Ibadan division.

    “As a government, we recognise that justice is the foundation of every prosperous society, and we appreciate the fact that Ogun State judiciary has not only maintained its independence, but has also taken commendable strides towards improving access to justice, reducing case backlogs and embracing reforms.”

    The governor said justice could not thrive without integrity, impartiality and courage, admonishing the judicial officers to renew their dedication to a system where the scales of justice remained balanced, the most vulnerable voices heard, and where it provided an opportunity for every man, woman and child to be protected by the law.

    Acknowledging that a strong, independent and upright judiciary provides a pathway to good governance, economic development and social stability, Governor Abiodun said as a responsive and responsible administration, it appreciated the place of the judiciary in entrenching the ideals and practices of democracy.

    “Our administration will continue to provide the necessary support and resources to enhance judicial efficiency and uphold the integrity of the legal system in our dear state.

    “We will continue to prioritise the welfare and accommodation of judicial officers by making adequate housing arrangements and providing other essential support for our judges and other judicial workers, who may be posted to serve in Ogun State division of the Court of Appeal,” he said.

    He lauded the state Chief Judge for repositioning the judiciary through impactful reforms and the judicial officers for maintaining the state’s position as the beacon of the legal profession in the country.

    In a sermon, the Bishop of Ijebuland South/West Diocese, the Rt. Rev’d Babatunde Ogunbanwo, described the judiciary as the most powerful arm of government that gives or takes life, dethrones or enthrones kings, as well as sacks elected officers or brings those who lost elections to power.

    He urged judges to always act justly by being fair to all manners of people, irrespective of their social or economic status, noting that society will only thrive when justice reigns.

    The clergyman reminded judicial officers about the place of mercy while dispensing justice, saying it is imperative to be firm with the law but to have a heart of compassion, as justice without mercy could be cruel.

    While calling on the judiciary to be bold and ready to confront the negativities of the system, Bishop Ogunbanwo urged them to make fairness their watchword and allow their conscience to speak louder, knowing that they will give an account of their stewardship to God, the ultimate Judge.

    The Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Mosumola Dipeolu, read the only Bible passage taken from Colossians 3:8-17.

  • Why Carter Bridge must give way, by Federal Controller of Works

    Why Carter Bridge must give way, by Federal Controller of Works

    Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Kehinde Olukorode, has given an assessment of Carter Bridge, declaring that the historic structure has outlived its usefulness and can no longer be relied upon for safe transportation.

    Speaking on a television programme, Olukorode, an engineer, said the bridge, one of the three major links between Lagos Island and Mainland, had reached the end of its serviceable life.

    “This bridge is one of the oldest in Lagos. It was built before the independence of Nigeria and for many years, there was no intentional programme of maintenance. The honourable minister has been very clear. Carter Bridge is irredeemable. It has now attained its ultimate serviceability state,” she said.

    She said while visible repairs were being carried out above the water line, the real danger lied beneath.

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    “The government awarded a maintenance contract last year to address what can be seen on the surface. You can see some of the patches already done. But when we went under, we discovered serious structural issues. The honourable minister said it is like a person without legs and you are busy patching the hips. That is the reality with Carter Bridge,” she explained.

    According to her, years of neglect, the activities of illegal dredgers and miners, and the reckless parking of heavy-duty trucks on the bridge have worsened its condition.

    “Bridges are not designed to carry static loads. They are designed for dynamic loads, which means moving traffic. When you turn a bridge into a truck park, you weaken it. This is part of the challenges we are facing today,” she added.

    On the cost of rehabilitation, Olukorode recalled the minister’s position. “The honourable minister has said rehabilitation will cost about three billion naira. If you compare that to the cost of building a new bridge, there is very little difference. This is why government is carefully considering the option of building a new one,” she said.

    She revealed that two independent marine engineers had already submitted reports confirming the poor state of the bridge, while a third consultant had been engaged to provide further assessment.

    “The honourable minister personally went on the water to see things for himself. He spent hours there, but the tide was too high. He promised to return. The reports before us show clearly that this bridge needs urgent attention,” she said.

    Carter Bridge, along with Eko and Third Mainland bridges, has for decades been central to traffic management in Lagos.

    Built in the colonial period, it was the first bridge to connect the Mainland to the Island, making it a vital artery for trade, commuting and the city’s growth.

    Olukorode assured residents that government would not allow Lagos to be cut off.

    “When a new bridge comes, it does not have to follow the same alignment as Carter Bridge. The old structure can still be in use, but at reduced capacity, just as we saw with the Second Niger Bridge. Government is proactive and realistic. The goal is to guarantee safety and also preserve the smooth flow of movement in Lagos,” she said.

    With the bridge now weakened by age and overuse, Lagosians are awaiting Federal Government’s final decision on whether Carter Bridge will be replaced or permanently decommissioned.

  • APC, Oyo Assembly bicker over alleged plot to victimise lawmaker

    APC, Oyo Assembly bicker over alleged plot to victimise lawmaker

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State yesterday engaged the House of Assembly in a war of words over an alleged plan to victimise its (APC’s) lawmaker, Ibrahim Shittu, representing Saki West State Constituency.

    APC in a statement by its spokesman, Olawale Sadare, saluted the people of Saki town, who, it said, demonstrated rare courage by speaking against an alleged fraudulent loan and the condemnation of Shittu by the leadership of the state legislative arm and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The statement said: “We have uncovered a number of plans by some individuals who are close to Governor Seyi Makinde to get back at a member of the State Assembly on an assumption that he blew the whistle over the latest N300billion loan and alerted the public, but the truth of the matter is that the said lawmaker only responded to an inquiry made by his party (APC). It was indeed the leadership of his party who asked about his involvement in the controversial approval given by the legislative arm.

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    “Now that Governor Makinde’s men have found an enemy in the three consistent APC members in the House, they are doing everything possible to frustrate them. Part of the plans is to mobilise thugs to the entrance of the assembly complex on Tuesday (today) with a view to unleashing them on the APC lawmakers, especially Shittu, who has been marked for physical assault and public harassment.

    “Also, plans have been concluded by the leadership of the House to accuse Shittu of breaching some rules upon which he would be made to face a kangaroo panel and handed an indefinite suspension from the assembly complex. These satanic plans and many more are being sponsored by some unscrupulous elements around the governor, who profit from the sharp practices which the current administration has perpetrated since 2019.

    “It is on this note that we call on personalities within and outside the state to prevail on Governor Makinde to halt every plan being put in place by his agents, who are desperate to shut the mouth of the opposition in the state.’’

    Responding to the allegation, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Media, Public Affairs and ICT, Waheed Akintayo, described the allegations as false and mischievous.

    He said the assembly found it imperative to respond to allegations, not merely to counter the APC’s attempt to blackmail and arm-twist the legislative arm through its defective pre-emptive tactics, but because it owed the people of the state the truth.

    “It is our duty to provide accurate context and facts, and to set the record straight.

    “As a responsible legislative institution with a consistent track record of peaceful and orderly conduct since 2019, we find it both laughable and regrettable that Oyo APC will descend to such depths of desperation. It is characteristic of their political playbook, one that has become commonplace in APC-controlled states to fabricate claims of thuggery and intimidation.

    “Let it be categorically stated that there is no plot, real or imagined, to victimise  Shittu or any other lawmaker. Oyo State House of Assembly remains a bastion of democracy, where all members, regardless of party affiliation, are treated with respect, fairness and afforded the freedom to express their views.’’

  • It’s Kwara North’s turn for governor, say APC elders

    It’s Kwara North’s turn for governor, say APC elders

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Caucus in Kwara State has said it’s the turn of the Northern Senatorial District to govern the state.

    It, therefore, wholeheartedly threw its weight behind the quest of the region to produce the 2027 governorship slot in the interest of fair play, equity and justice.

    Sandwiched by other members, group leader, Kunle Sulyman, said Kwara Central and Kwara South had spent 20 years and eight years as governor.

    Suleiman, a lawyer, addressed reporters in Ilorin.

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    He said: “You may wish to recall that on Monday, November 21, 2022, at this same venue, this caucus addressed the press and made its stand known on the issue of zoning arrangements for the APC governorship candidature that the then incumbent, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq from Kwara Central, be allowed to have another shot to complete two terms of eight years, which would make Kwara Central Senatorial District to have spent 20 years all together as chief executive of the state, while Kwara South Senatorial District has also produced governor for eight years.

    “In the same vein, we posit that it is in the interest of fair play, equity and justice that we members of Kwara APC Elders Caucus, unanimously agreed that the next governorship candidate of our great party should emerge from Kwara North Senatorial District.”

    Kwara APC Elders Caucus, who hailed Governor AbdulRazaq for making them proud thus far with his great performances across the state, also commended the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the way and manner he had set Nigeria on a recovery course from her dwindling economy.

    Listing the governor’s developmental achievements across parts of the state, the elders regretted that “some of these achievements have evoked some negative comments and reactions from some members of the opposition political parties.

    “It is obvious that every developmental policy, programme and project may pose initial but temporary discomfort”.

    The elders said developmental efforts of the government in the capital city were in line with the Urban Renewal Project, under the New Ilorin City Master Plan.

    “Therefore, we will like to advise opposition parties to display a sense of patriotism by supporting and joining hands with the laudable programmes of this administration for the progress of Kwara State.”

    The APC chieftains urged Kwara residents and indigenes affected by the ongoing urban renewal drive of the governor to seek redress in court and other related government agencies, rather than be used by the opposition to foment crises.

  • Chief Imam has not been appointed for Oyo, says Alaafin

    Chief Imam has not been appointed for Oyo, says Alaafin

    The palace of the Alaafin of Oyo has denied the selection of a new Chief Imam for the ancient town.

    Calling on people, particularly the Muslim faithful, to remain calm and disregard such insinuations, the palace said selection of a new Chief Imam of Oyo was undergoing due process and wider consultations with the Alaafin.

    In a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch urged the people to remain calm and peaceful, assuring them that the rightful choice would be made in due course.

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    The statement said: “The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to wild speculations milling round that a new Chief Imam has been appointed for Oyo.

    “The good people of Oyo and the public are advised to disregard such unfounded, baseless and wicked information, as no candidate has been chosen for the number one Islamic seat in Oyo town.

    “The selection of a new Chief Imam of Oyo is undergoing due process and wider consultations and the Alaafin and Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom has urged the people to remain peaceful, as the rightful choice will be made in due course.

    “It should also be noted that only His Imperial Majesty has the exclusive preserve to appoint a new Chief Imam for the town.”

  • Aiyedatiwa urged to upgrade Ondo Township Stadium

    Aiyedatiwa urged to upgrade Ondo Township Stadium

    A socio-economic group, Ekimogun Roundtable, has called on Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to upgrade and modernise Ondo Township Stadium.

    It said the once-proud facility had fallen into disrepair and no longer met modern sporting requirements.

    In a letter to the governor, signed yesterday by the group’s Acting Secretary, Ms. Christiana Ayodele, Ekimogun Roundtable lamented that the 1,000-capacity stadium had suffered years of neglect and abandonment, leaving it unfit to host local and international matches.

    The group stressed that the stadium lacked basic modern facilities required to prepare athletes and contingents for national and international tournaments.

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    “Sports remain a vital tool for youth empowerment, talent discovery, economic stimulation and community development. This situation not only limits opportunities for our youths, but also undermines the potential of sports as a driver of tourism and investment in the community,” it said.

    The group urged the Aiyedatiwa-led administration to embark on a holistic modernisation programme that would bring the stadium up to CAF and FIFA standards.

    The plan, it noted, must include an international-standard pitch and Olympic-grade athletics tracks, modern facilities for tennis, volleyball, handball, swimming and table tennis, installation of floodlights, electronic scoreboards and advanced media centres for live international broadcasts, renovated spectator stands, VIP areas and standard changing rooms and multipurpose indoor sports halls.

    The group further proposed the establishment of a sports village, complete with hostels, gymnasiums and recreational spaces, to attract training camps and boost sporting tourism in Ondo.

    According to Ekimogun Roundtable, such an upgrade would position Ondo as a viable host for National Sports Festivals, CAF qualifiers, international friendlies and other major competitions, while also creating jobs, reducing youth restiveness and enhancing the state’s reputation as a hub of sporting excellence.

    While acknowledging past interventions by well-meaning individuals, the group insisted that only a government-led initiative could guarantee the stadium’s revival.

    It dismissed recent claims by Abiola Makinde, the member representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, that he had ordered a “total renovation” of the facility.

    The group described Makinde’s claim as political and misleading, clarifying that his intervention only covered pavilion roofing and painting, replacement of plastic seats, provision of 20 solar streetlights and minor pitch repairs.

    “These palliatives fall far short of CAF and FIFA benchmarks and should not be mistaken for the expected modernisation,” it said.