The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Huge crowd bid Ilorin Chief Imam farewell

    Huge crowd bid Ilorin Chief Imam farewell

    • Top politicians, clerics, among dignitaries at burial

    Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, top politicians and Kwara  State Government’s representatives yesterday attended the burial of Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu.

    The death of the revered cleric was confirmed on Monday.

    He died at the age of 75.

    Other dignitaries at the event included Imams from towns such as Offa, Ogbomosho and other clerics.

    Scores of other Muslim faithful converged on the forecourt of the palace of the Emir of Ilorin for the final burial rites of the late Chief Imam of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Council of Ulamah, Sheikh  Soliu. The funeral prayer was led by the Imam Imale of Ilorin, Sheikh Abdullahi Abdulhameed.

    The palace forecourt was filled up, as security operatives struggled to control the massive crowd that turned out to pay their last respects.

    Islamic scholars, traditional rulers and dignitaries from different walks of life extolled the virtues of the late Chief Imam, describing him as a deeply grounded Islamic scholar, whose impact transcended the Ilorin Emirate.

    Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Soliu devoted his life to Islamic scholarship, teaching and spiritual service to the Ilorin Emirate.

    READ ALSO: Tax reform: Lessons for national health financing

    Through decades of learning and mentorship, he rose to become one of the most influential religious leaders in the state.

    He was appointed the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate in 1983, a position he held for over four decades.

    Throughout his tenure, the late Chief Imam was widely respected for his profound knowledge of Islamic teachings, firm leadership, and consistent advocacy for peace, unity and religious tolerance among Muslims and the wider society.

  • Court summons Agodi Correctional doctor over Auxillary’s health status

    Court summons Agodi Correctional doctor over Auxillary’s health status

    An Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan on Tuesday summoned the medical doctor in Agodi Custodian centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service to appear before it tomorrow (Wednesday) over a matter that bothers on the health status of a former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURYW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi also known as Auxiliary.

    The hearing of the case involving Auxiliary was stalled on Tuesday due to his absence when the case came up in Court.

    It was gathered although the former Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS) was earlier in Court, he could not attend his session due to alleged health related issues.

    The Nation reports that the matter was adjourned to January 20 and 21 by the trial Judge, Justice Adetujoye, Presiding over Court 11, Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan.

    It was gathered that the Defendant had arrived the court earlier, looking fine and okay as other cases were been heard.

    The court rose for a few minutes before Auxiliary’s case was to come up. 

    READ ALSO; Jubilations as Alaafin moves to ancient palace

    However, while waiting for the court to resume, things took a different turn as it was noticed that the Correctional Centre officers who brought him in the morning and some people gathered around him with snippets filtering around that the former PMS boss was not feeling too well.

    A source, who was privy to the incident, told The Nation: “The matter was slated for 11AM but after some court sessions, the Court rose and came back around 12pm. However, before the Judge would resume into the session, we noticed that the Correctional Centre officers who brought him in the morning and some people gathered around him and we heard them saying Auxiliary is not feeling too well. 

    “Some people were pouring water on his head while some others were applying ‘aboniki’ balm on his legs. What we noticed was that, after some time, the Correctional Centre officers called their boss at Agodi, they brought their vehicle and he was assisted by officials of Correctional service, his children and friends and he was taken out of the court. 

    “But, what we were told was that, when he got outside, he actually walked with his legs to the car. It was shocking.”

    It was further gathered temper rose when the Judge came into the court and Defence (Auxiliary’s) Counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN said he learnt that Auxiliary was sick.

    Surprised, the Judge was said to have asked the Prosecutor if they were aware of the development. 

    Those who appeared for the State were O.S Tella, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, O.A Bolarinwa Senior State Counsel and F.F Gbadamosi.

    Responding, the Lead Prosecutor, O.S. Tella told the Judge what she knew about the whole incident that transpired in the open court. 

    The situation angered the Presiding judge who said even if they would take him (Auxiliary) out of the court, he was supposed to be told.

    The Court insisted that even if at all he (Auxiliary) was sick, one of the officials of the NCoS should have come to inform him of the real position of things.

    In their separate submissions before the court, the State Counsel and Defence Counsel could not give a tangible explanation of what actually happened, further angering the judge.

    Ruling, the Court adjourned the matter till tomorrow (Wednesday), noting that, by then the true situation about his health status would have been ascertained.

    The Court said if the Defendant was confirmed to be sick, the Court would pick another date for hearing of the matter.

  • Aiyedatiwa reaffirms commitment to women empowerment, graduates 200 trainees on skills acquisition in Ondo

    Aiyedatiwa reaffirms commitment to women empowerment, graduates 200 trainees on skills acquisition in Ondo

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to women empowerment and poverty reduction through sustained skills acquisition programmes across the 18 local government areas of the state.

    The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday at the graduation ceremony and presentation of empowerment materials to over 200 trainees of the O’Datiwa Skill-Up a Woman Initiative of the Ministry of Women Affairs Skills Acquisition Centre, held in Akure.

    The beneficiaries, who were mostly women, completed training in tailoring, catering, interior decoration, soap making, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

    Speaking at the event, Aiyedatiwa said his administration would continue to expand skills acquisition programmes, ensure regular monitoring of training centres and strengthen partnerships for apprenticeship and job placement across the state.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Olaide Adelami, described the ceremony as a celebration of transformation, noting that the graduands had moved from unemployment to becoming skilled, confident and economically empowered women ready to contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.

    “To this end, I am pleased to announce that each of our graduating trainees today will receive empowerment kits tailored to their skills. These include sewing machines, laptop computers, ovens, and mixers, as well as grants for those in soap making and interior decoration to help them establish their micro businesses,” he said.

    According to him, the empowerment materials and grants were not acts of charity but investments in the potential of the beneficiaries and the future of the state.

    “Going forward, this administration will continue to expand skills acquisition programmes, ensure regular monitoring of the training centres, and strengthen partnerships for apprenticeship and job placement. Our goal is simple: to reduce unemployment, eradicate poverty, and build a vibrant, self-reliant economy,” Aiyedatiwa added.

    He commended the graduands for their discipline, punctuality, and commitment throughout the training period, acknowledging the sacrifices many of them made to ensure regular attendance.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa approves N50m loan interest-free for widows of fallen heroes in Ondo

    The governor also lauded the trainers, facilitators, and supervisors at the centre for imparting not only vocational skills but also values such as hard work, dignity of labour, and excellence.

    He urged the beneficiaries to see the empowerment as a launchpad rather than an endpoint, challenging them to become job creators instead of job seekers, while also advising them to uphold ethical standards, maintain quality service delivery and continually improve their skills.

    “You have proven that our women are not lazy; they only need opportunity. Go out there, excel, and let your skills serve as instruments of development and peace in our Sunshine State,” he said.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, described the ceremony as a practical demonstration of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to women empowerment and inclusive economic growth.

    She said the graduation of the first batch of the 2025 Skill Acquisition Training was a testament to the administration’s resolve to transform lives and improve women’s livelihoods through concrete action.

    “From fashion designing and soap making to interior decoration, catering and ICT, these women are going home with sewing machines, laptops, mixers and, for some, cash start-up grants to make them financially independent,” Osamaye said.

    She disclosed that about 200 women selected from across the 18 local government areas benefited from the first batch, assuring that subsequent batches would be larger.

    “We have done about 200 now, and the next batch will be more than this. We are grateful to the Governor,” Osamaye added.

  • Ondo APC Aborigines intensify grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election

    Ondo APC Aborigines intensify grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election

    Leaders and elders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, under the platform of Ondo APC Aborigines, have stepped up grassroots mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The mobilisation follows the registration of over 100,000 digitally verified members across the state, barely two weeks after the commencement of the party’s nationwide membership e-registration exercise.

    The group made its position known on Tuesday during the inauguration of local government and ward coordinating committees for the Tinubu 2027 campaign in Odigbo and Ese Odo Local Government Areas.

    Speaking at the event, the convener of Ondo APC Aborigines, Mr Sola Iji, said the group was ready to harness the ongoing e-registration exercise to secure electoral victories for President Tinubu and other candidates of the APC in the 2027 polls.

    Iji, an ambassador-designate, urged party members to work closely with other APC leaders and stakeholders in their respective communities to ensure extensive voter mobilisation for the party

    “We respect the existing structures of the party and appreciate the efforts of other support groups canvassing for the re-election of President Tinubu.

    “We shall cooperate and collaborate with all stakeholders, not only to win Ondo State for the President but to maximise our returns at the polls,” he said.

    He also emphasised that the numerical strength and extensive grassroots network of the Aborigines would be deployed to reach voters across the length and breadth of the state.

    “Our numerical strength and network of canvassers at the polling unit level should work to our advantage in reaching out to voters in the nooks and crannies of Ondo State,” Iji added.

    Read Also: APC conflict resolution committee begins work ahead of 2027 polls

    The convener also urged members of the group to continually pray for leaders at all levels of government, seeking divine guidance and wisdom in governance.

    Cautioning members against engaging in activities capable of polarising the APC in the state, Iji urged them to embrace the ongoing e-registration exercise aimed at strengthening and consolidating the APC.

    Earlier, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, described Ondo APC Aborigines as critical stakeholders in the party, noting that their role was pivotal to strengthening the APC and mobilising support for President Tinubu’s re-election.

    Similarly, at the inauguration in Ese Odo Local Government Area, Famous Guntei commended members of the Aborigines for their resilience and commitment to the party.

    He, however, advised them to remain steadfast, unite with other APC stakeholders, and work tirelessly to secure a convincing victory for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

  • Crisis rocks Atiku’s coalition-backed ADC in Ondo as ‘self-acclaimed’ chairman demands reinstatement

    Crisis rocks Atiku’s coalition-backed ADC in Ondo as ‘self-acclaimed’ chairman demands reinstatement

    • …accuses party’s national chair of alleged constitutional breach
    • …He was suspended for anti-party activities, says spokesman

    The coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ondo state has been plunged into a leadership crisis following the demand by its suspended chairman, Olaide Ibraheem, for reinstatement as the authentic state chairman of the party.

    Ibraheem, who claimed he was duly elected through a valid state congress, has also threatened to drag the party’s national leadership, sponsored by opposition leader Atiku Abubakar, to court should his demand not be met.

    But the spokesman for the ADC in the state, Olurotimi Ebiola, has faulted Mr Ibraheem’s allegation, accusing him of anti-party activities.

    Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Akure, Ibraheem said he emerged as the state chairman of ADC during a congress held on October 7, 2020, which he noted was conducted in the presence of some security agencies.

    He argued that no other state congress had been held since his emergence, adding that he single-handedly funded the party’s activities in the state during his tenure due to the absence of political office holders or subventions from both the state and national level.

    According to him, the affairs of the party were run strictly in line with the ADC constitution.

    Read Also: Atiku vows to build strong ADC opposition in Bauchi

    Ibraheem alleged that he was removed from office on November 28, 2024, by the National Chairman of the party, Mr Raphael Nwosu, in what he described as an “embarrassing and unconstitutional manner.”

    He argued that the ADC constitution does not empower the National Chairman to remove a duly elected state chairman, accusing Nwosu of acting ultra vires by dissolving state and local government executives without due process.

    “The action violated the principle of party supremacy as enshrined in Article 2 of the party’s constitution,” he said.

    The embattled chairman said he initially refrained from making the matter public in the hope that party elders would intervene but lamented that no corrective steps had been taken.

    He further accused the national leadership of ignoring Article 18 of the party’s constitution by failing to convene a congress before taking actions capable of throwing the Ondo State chapter into crisis.

    Ibraheem warned that failure to reinstate him and other affected state and local government executives within 14 days would force them to explore other lawful means to seek redress.

    He called on the national leadership of the ADC to urgently restore constitutional order to prevent a deeper internal crisis in the state chapter.

    Reacting, the spokesman for the party in Ondo State, Olurotimi Eniola, dismissed Ibraheem’s claims, describing him as a former interim chairman who was expelled from the party for alleged anti-party activities.

    Eniola said Ibraheem no longer belonged to the ADC, adding that he lacked a valid membership card.

    “He was truly a former interim chairman, but he was expelled by the national leadership for anti-party activities. After that, he left the party, and since then, two chairmen have come and gone.

    “Up till now, he has not had a party membership card. If he wants to go to court, he is free to do so, but as far as the party is concerned, he is no longer a member,” Eniola said.

  • University Press raises alarm over book piracy, donates N12.5m books to Ondo govt

    University Press raises alarm over book piracy, donates N12.5m books to Ondo govt

    The University Press Plc has raised the alarm over the growing menace of book piracy in Nigeria, describing it as a major threat to the sustainability of the publishing industry and the affordability of educational materials.

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Samuel Kolawole, expressed the concern shortly after a courtesy visit by the management of the firm to Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the Governor’s Office in Akure.

    During the visit, the publishing firm donated 3,875 copies of books valued at over N12.5m to the Ondo State Government as part of efforts to support educational development in the state.

    Kolawole said that although piracy was a global challenge, weak enforcement of copyright laws had worsened the situation in Nigeria, making it difficult to curb the illegal reproduction and distribution of books.

    He noted that publishers were working both individually and collectively to address the challenge, adding that the Nigerian Publishers Association was collaborating with the Nigerian Copyright Commission to reduce piracy to the barest minimum.

    “We have been working as individual companies to fight piracy. Beyond that, we are working with the Nigerian Publishers Association and the Nigerian Copyright Commission to ensure that piracy is tackled and reduced significantly,” he said.

    Kolawole explained that piracy directly affected the cost of books, stressing that legitimate publishers bore the burden of authors’ royalties, production costs and taxes, unlike pirates who sold cheaper, illegally reproduced copies.

    “When pirates sell books at cheaper prices, they undermine original publishers. Ideally, the more copies publishers sell, the lower the cost of production and the cheaper books become for students. Unfortunately, piracy limits this,” he added.

    He called for stronger government support for the Nigerian Copyright Commission, saying adequate empowerment would enhance its capacity to combat piracy nationwide.

    Kolawole said the donated books, which cover Primary One to Senior Secondary School Three, were meant to complement the Aiyedatiwa administration’s efforts to improve education in the state, expressing optimism that the gesture would further strengthen collaboration between the company and the state government.

    Remarking, Aiyedatiwa lauded the University Press Plc for its commitment to educational development, noting that Ondo State had consistently patronised and recommended its books at both state and national levels.

    He said access to quality educational materials was critical to human capital development, particularly in a knowledge-driven global economy.

    “Major economies of the world are driven by knowledge, education, technology, and skills. University Press Plc is already contributing meaningfully to this process,” the governor said.

    Aiyedatiwa also applauded the firm for its focus on foundational education, describing its relationship with the state as mutually beneficial, and assured the company of the government’s continued support.

  • Osun Accord Party member denounces involvement in murder allegation 

    Osun Accord Party member denounces involvement in murder allegation 

    Olalekan Oyeyemi, a member of the Accord Party in Osun State, has denied any involvement in the killing of Mr Oyebamiji Kazeem, describing the allegation as a politically motivated attempt to damage his reputation.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by his Press Secretary, Adeola Abiodun, Oyeyemi dismissed the claim as “dirty politics,” insisting that he had no link to the incident.

    He said he was out of Osogbo on personal engagements when the murder occurred on Sunday, stressing that he was neither present at the scene nor connected to the crime in any way.

    Oyeyemi warned those spreading what he described as false allegations to desist, adding that he was prepared to pursue legal action against anyone found culpable.

    He further clarified that no member of the Accord Party was involved in the incident, rejecting rumours or insinuations linking the party or its members to the killing.

    “I wasn’t in the town on that particular day I was on a business trip but I was surprised someone mentioned my name for such incidents which is uncalled for.

    “I publicly denounced any alleged involvement in murder related accusations, as such claims are baseless and contrary to the party’s values.

    “I condemned the recent killings and distanced myself from any insinuations of complicity,” he said.

    Oyeyemi urged thorough investigation by the police saying that the culprit must not go unpunished.

    According to him, “The allegations of crime can damage my family name and my political credibility, that’s why  I denial the alleged crime.”

  • ‘Oyo narrowing down on criminals‘

    ‘Oyo narrowing down on criminals‘

    • Commissioner slams cartel collecting percentage to fast-track gratuity payment

    Oyo State Government has said it is aware of a cartel claiming to be government officials, extorting money from pensioners to fast-track payment of their gratuities.

    Describing the individuals as “unscrupulous elements”, the government, however, assured the citizens that it was narrowing down on them.

    To arrest the situation, the government said it was paying due diligence to the payment of gratuities to its retirees more than the previous administrations.

    Contacted by The Nation on how retirees were being made to part with certain percentages of their money in the guise of helping to fast-track the payment of gratuities, Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the cartel had been operating in the civil service, adding that government was narrowing down on them.

    He confirmed The Nation’s investigation, saying retired civil and public servants were being asked to pay five per cent to 10 per cent of their gratuities ‘’to these cartels to fast-track payments.’’

    READ ALSO: Let the truth speak in the Bauchi EFCC case

    Oyelade lamented that the malpractice had been unfortunately long-standing, saying the issue had persisted over the years, even during the tenure of former governor Lam Adesina, and had continued to affect unsuspecting pensioners to date. He stressed that despite warnings to pensioners to be cautious, some still fell victims to the schemes, noting that those behind the extortions and their accomplices know themselves.

    Oyelade said: “The attention of Oyo State Government has been drawn to the allegations that some pensioners in the state are being extorted by unscrupulous elements claiming to be government officials.

    “The state is paying due diligence to the payment of the gratuities for its retirees more than the previous administrations.

    “With the new monthly allocation, over 800 retirees will benefit each month, compared to just 250 beneficiaries in previous years.

    “A cartel has been operating within the civil service and government is narrowing down on the criminals.

    “Retired civil and public servants are being asked to pay five per cent to 10 per cent of their gratuities to these cartels to fast-track payments.

    “This malpractice is unfortunately long-standing. The issue has persisted over the years, even during the tenure of former governor Lam Adesina, and continues to affect unsuspecting pensioners till today.

    “Those behind the extortions and their accomplices know themselves. Despite repeated warnings to pensioners to be cautious, some still fall victims to these schemes.”

    Some retirees informed The Nation that the state government was yet to pay retirees their gratuities from 2014 to 2018.

    Sources said gratuities had been paid to those who retired since the beginning of the tenure of the current administration (2019 to date).

    Some retirees, however, alleged that only those who could part with between five per cent and 10 per cent of their gratuities had been paid, with some others stating otherwise.

    The Nation gathered that those yet to be paid included: doctors, nurses, core civil servants, public servants, teachers, principals, etc.

    The retirees alleged that a cartel was operating in the civil service at the state secretariat, who fronted for top officers to look for those ready to part with five per cent -10 per cent of their gratuity.

    They, however, hailed the governor for paying the monthly pension regularly.

    Reacting, Prince Oyelade said the illegal practices were not limited to state pensions, but also affected local government pensioners.

    Highlighting government’s efforts to improve pension disbursement, the commissioner recalled that gratuities were not paid between 2011and 2016 until the arrears were cleared by Governor Seyi Makinde.

    He said the governor had increased monthly gratuity release by 200 per cent, raising total allocations from N1 billion to N3 billion monthly.

    Oyelade said with the increase in allocation for the payment of gratuity, back-door payment was not required for the processing of gratuities or entitlements, urging retirees to follow the established system of monthly disbursement and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.

    “These illegal practices are not limited to state pensions, but also affect local government staff pensioners.

    “The government is making efforts to improve pension disbursement. Gratuities were not paid between 2011 and 2016 until the arrears were cleared by Governor  Makinde.

    “He has increased monthly gratuity release by 200 per cent, raising total allocations from N1 billion to N3 billion monthly; hence, no back-door payment is required for the processing of gratuities or entitlements.

    “We urge retirees to follow the established system of monthly disbursement and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities,” Oyelade added.

  • LASG supports 250 indigent residents with financial assistance

    LASG supports 250 indigent residents with financial assistance

    The Lagos State Government has extended financial support to another 250 indigent residents under the Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme, as part of efforts to enhance public confidence in governance and improve the welfare of vulnerable citizens.

    The cheques were presented at a ceremony held at the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Alausa, Ikeja.

    Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Tajudeen, said the initiative was designed to put smiles on the faces of indigent Lagosians and enable them to experience the dividends of democracy.

    He explained that the programme was established to improve the standard of living of vulnerable residents and conveyed the goodwill of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, to the beneficiaries.

    According to him, the present administration remains committed to the welfare and well-being of Lagosians, adding that 400 beneficiaries had received financial support last week, while an additional 250 were presented with cheques at the ceremony.

    Dr. Afolabi advised the beneficiaries to utilise the funds judiciously for productive ventures that would yield long-term benefits, warning against spending the support on non-essential needs.

    He also encouraged them to enrol in the Ilera-Eko Health Insurance Scheme of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), noting that the initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible healthcare for residents.

    Before the presentation of the cheques, beneficiaries were sensitised on various government policies and programmes of the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, aimed at deepening civic awareness and strengthening public participation in governance.

    The Permanent Secretary of the office, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore advised beneficiaries to promptly pay the cheques into their respective bank accounts to ensure timely access to the financial aid and address their immediate needs.

    The Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme is one of the social intervention initiatives of the Lagos State Government targeted at supporting indigent residents and promoting inclusive growth across the state.

  • LSSTF presents three operational vehicles to RRS

    LSSTF presents three operational vehicles to RRS

    The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr Ayo Ogunsan, has presented three new operational vehicles to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) as part of efforts to strengthen security operations in the state.

    The presentation took place at the LSSTF office, when the RRS Commander, CSP Shola Jejeloye, paid a courtesy visit.

    Ogunsan said the intervention was in line with the Trust Fund’s mandate to support security agencies in Lagos State with critical infrastructure to enhance efficiency, rapid response and crime prevention.

    He described the RRS as a key component of the state’s security architecture and commended the squad for its role in maintaining peace and public safety across Lagos.

    Ogunsan assured that the Trust Fund would consider the repair, refurbishment and rebranding of existing RRS operational vehicles, alongside other capacity building initiatives for security personnel.

    CSP Jejeloye lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and critical to effective policing.

    He said the provision of operational vehicles had improved response time and operational effectiveness, adding that the RRS remained committed to delivering on its mandate.