The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Ex-lawmakers seek police protection

    Ex-lawmakers seek police protection

    Former lawmakers in Oyo State, under the aegis of Oyo State Progressives Ex-Parliamentarians, have urged Inspector General of Police and other security agents to provide protection for a member of Oyo State House of Assembly, Ibraheem Shittu, representing Saki West State Constituency.

    They said the step became necessary to protect the lawmaker from being attacked by politicians, who were not happy with him for exposing the N300 billion loan purported approved by the assembly for Governor Seyi Makinde.

    The ex-legislators include Sikiru Alli, John Olaleru, former Speakers of the assembly; Olagunju Ojo, Asimiyu Alarape,

    Mogaji Adigun, Ahmed Murphy, Elder Adegboyega Abioye, Fatai Salaam, Afeez Adeleke, D. A. Lawal, Dr. Mathew Oyedokun, Hazmat Ogunsola, a member from the Third Republic, Mrs. Ramata Okemakinde and others.

    Speaking at an emergency meeting in Ibadan, the Chairman of the forum, Ibrahim Bolomope, said they were constrained to address the matter because of the concern of the loan to the people of Oyo State, particularly Shittu.

    READ ALSO: Of envy and short memory in Ekiti politics

    He said: “We members of Oyo State Progressives Ex-Parliamentarians consisting of former members of Oyo State House of Assembly have met and deliberated on the revelation made by  Shittu Ibrahim representing Saki West State Constituency.

    “We looked into the fact of the matter, its merit and demerit and came to the conclusion that we have to applaud Shittu for representing the state very well, not just his own constituency. As former lawmakers, we know the House of Assembly can approve loans for the executive, but when they are doing that they must follow the rules of the game.

    “In this instance, the house cannot sit and approve loan for the governor without having a two third majority of members of the assembly at the sitting for fiscal matters or in some instances, at least they must have a simple majority of the members of the house.

    “Now, our concern and from our experience as former lawmakers, when somebody comes out to reveal the truth, especially in our environment where truth is difficult to get by, anybody that says the truth is prone to danger.

    “This is the reason we call on the Inspector General of Police and other sister security agents to provide security for our brother and colleague, Shittu and others that share a similar view with him in the assembly.

    “We believe if this is done, security agencies would have proved to Nigerians that people that have information that will expose the ills and corruption in the society that will assist the common man will have the courage to come out and inform the public.”

  • Oyo approves over N113bn for roads, infrastructure projects

    Oyo approves over N113bn for roads, infrastructure projects

    Oyo State Government on Tuesday approved another batch of road projects to the tune of over N113billion,l to be funded from the N300billion loan recently approved by the House of Assembly. 

    The approvals were given at the weekly State Executive Council meeting at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State. 

    Briefing the press shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner for Works and Public Transport, Mojeed Mogbonjubola said the new approvals covers both new and ongoing projects across various parts of the state.

    He gave the approved road projects and the cost to include the: Asphaltic Reconstruction/Rehabilitation of 13.6km Ojoo Interchange-IITA-Moniya Junction Akinyele Interchange with Spurs to New Oyo Expressway, Ibadan at a cost of N63,611,154,690.82K

    Others are: Continuity of Thermoplastic road marking, kerbs painting and limited patching on state roads in Ibadan metropolis through direct labour intervention of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to the tune of N444,796,631.50. The first tranch, according to the Commissioner i covers from SDP- All Motors and Airport Road with its adjoining road.

    He further stated that the dualisation of 6.2km Ajia Junction (Ibadan/Ife Interchange) to Nigeria Air Force Base Base Road was also approved at a cost of N17,187,255,757.07k. 

    Also, the approved project include: reconstruction and rehabilitation of Okaka Junction – Otu Igbojaye – KAP Village Road (30km) and Construction of Bridges over Otu and Ofiki rivers at a cost of N26,482,664,312.33k

    Additionally, the expansion of scope of work on the reconstruction/rehabilitation of Apete – Awotan -Akufo Road (12km) and rigid pavement construction of Akufo Farm Settlement Road (2.2km) at a cost of N1,935,629,520.32K was approved by the Council.

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    The Asphaltic construction of Isaba-Ogundoyin Road, Eruwa (0.75km) and Lanlate Garage Junction – Local Government Junction – Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic Oke Ola Junction Road, Eruwa (1.90km) was also approved to a tune of N4,146,068,573.56K.

    The government also approved the planting of economic trees along both sides of 32km Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Circular Road (Phase 1) for a cost of N108,044, 103.50K.

    Mogbonjubola also disclosed that the Council at the meeting also approved the sum of N110million for the camping and gosting of the Under-20 Female National Football Team in preparation for the Women’s World Cup Qualifying match between Nigeria and Rwanda in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    He however assured that the approved projects would be completed within the next 12 to 18 months to help enhance socio-economic investment of the state.

    Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Akin-Funmilayo Williams, while reiterating the state commitment to improving endearing legacies, said the 35,000 tree seedlings have been funded to be planted around the Tech-U Junction-Badeku Area of first segment of the Ibadan Circular Road to help increase oxygenation and environmental beauty on the road.

    Speaking on the recently approved N300bn loan which is raising dust, especially from the opposition APC, the Commissioner said not a single “fresh loan” but rather comprises two components with a part to be used to refinance an existing loan facility, aiming to replace an older, more expensive loan with a new facility on better terms, thereby reducing the state’s repayment burden.

    He said, the other part is to finance some of the the newly approved road projects amongst others.

  • Yoruba Youth Assembly inducts Femi Oke into hall of fame

    Yoruba Youth Assembly inducts Femi Oke into hall of fame

    The Yoruba Youth Assembly (YYA), the umbrella body of Yoruba youth groups worldwide, has honoured Ambassador Dr. Femi Oke, Chief Executive Officer of Landblaze Limited, with induction into its prestigious Hall of Fame. 

    He was decorated as the Yoruba Youth Humanitarian Icon of the Year 2024, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to humanitarian services and societal development.

    Presenting the award, leaders of the Assembly commended Dr. Oke for his remarkable track record in the real estate sector, where his transparent dealings and delivery of verified properties across the Southwest have earned him widespread trust and commendation. 

    They noted that after careful research and consultations, his impact stood out as exemplary, particularly in empowering communities and creating sustainable opportunities for young people.

    Read Also: Ladoja urges Yoruba monarchs on unity

    The Assembly further expressed their willingness to partner with Dr. Oke in future projects, pledging their continuous support for his vision of societal growth and youth empowerment.

    In his acceptance speech, Ambassador Dr. Oke expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Yoruba Youth Assembly for the recognition. 

    He described the award as a call to even greater service, reaffirming his commitment to advancing humanitarian causes, supporting youth-driven initiatives, and upholding transparency in all his business engagements.

    “I am deeply honoured by this recognition,” he said. “This is not just about me, but about the many young people whose lives can be transformed when we all commit to building with integrity and vision. Together, we can continue to shape a better future for our communities.”

    The event was marked by applause, commendations, and words of solidarity, as the Assembly celebrated Dr. Oke’s achievements and emphasized the importance of leaders who combine business excellence with a heart for humanity.

  • Nigeria needs feasible housing policy to tackle deficit – Adeoye

    Nigeria needs feasible housing policy to tackle deficit – Adeoye

    The President and Chief Executive Officer of Fendini Group, Prince Laja Adeoye, has called for the formulation of a strong and feasible housing policy to tackle Nigeria’s persistent housing deficit and promote affordable housing nationwide.

    Adeoye, who described the country’s current housing policy as obsolete, stressed the need for pragmatic approaches and well-structured strategies to effectively address the sector’s challenges.

    Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, he noted that the housing sector holds immense potential as a driver of economic recovery, empowerment of citizens, and reduction of unemployment.

    He urged governments at all levels to work with professional bodies, the built environment sector, and research institutions to develop home-grown, efficient, and sustainable housing solutions.

    “It is essential to develop strategies that are tailored to Nigeria’s unique circumstances,” Adeoye said.

    Reaffirming his company’s commitment, he highlighted Fendini’s flagship project, Rayfield Gardens City Estate in Ibadan, as a model for affordable luxury housing.

    Read Also: Housing key to Nigeria’s industrial growth, others, says minister

    He also advocated for the adoption of local building materials, lamenting the widespread apathy that has hindered their acceptance.

    Commending Governor Seyi Makinde for his leadership, Adeoye praised the Oyo State Government’s housing initiatives, describing them as commendable steps toward addressing the deficit.

    “We express gratitude to the Oyo State Government for the opportunity to develop the Rayfield Gardens City Estate. The government has been instrumental in creating an enabling environment, and we are working tirelessly to meet project deadlines.

    “We Aim to Create a Distinct Living Experience” – Fendini CEO on Rayfield Gardens City, Ibadan’s Emerging Elite Estate

    He has also unveiled a bold vision for Rayfield Gardens City, a rapidly developing elite residential estate in Ibadan that is set to redefine luxury and sustainable living in Nigeria’s real estate sector.

    “We aimed to create a distinct living experience, blending modern architecture with functional infrastructure, affordability, and accessibility along the Ibadan-Iwo Road,” Adeoye said, highlighting the innovative approach behind the estate.”

  • Oyo Commissioner hails firm’s playhouse for children

    Oyo Commissioner hails firm’s playhouse for children

    Oyo Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, has commended the founder of ‘Kiddly Space Inclusive Playhouse’, Mrs Mobolaji Idowu, for investing in initiative that provides safe place for children to express emotions, develop self-awareness and their creativity in the state.

    Speaking during the official opening of Kiddly Space Indoor Playhouse in Ibadan, Balogun said the facility was in line with specifications and safe regulations for kiddies playhouse in Oyo State.

    She expressed readiness of the State Government to work closely with management of the firm to ensure that the standard is sustained for benefits of children across the state.

    She said: “There is  provision for healthcare professionals. There are provisions to ensure that the safety and welfare of our children is guaranteed. 

    Read Also: Top five legendary Nollywood actors whose children became movie stars

    “In addition to that, there is ample provision for children, not just regular children, even children with special needs, to enhance their psychomotor skills, their cognitive skills.”

    Idowu lamented that support systems for parents and families in Nigeria are still at a developing stage, making parents more often stretched, and children, especially those with special needs not having spaces where they can truly belong.

    She noted that society must rise to create inclusive spaces where all children, regardless of ability, can thrive together. 

    She said society must recognize that every child has a gift to share, if only given the right environment, and children with unique needs deserve to be seen, not hidden. 

    She reiterated that every child deserves a safe, inclusive place to learn, play and shine while their parents also enjoy peace of mind to focus on other aspects of life and rest when necessary.

    “Kiddly Space is not just for children with special needs. It is for all children. But at its heart, Kiddly champions inclusion, a place 

    “My own son, who is on the autism spectrum, has been my greatest teacher. Through him, God showed me that every child is unique, every child is special, and every child deserves a safe, inclusive place to learn, play, and shine. 

    “But beyond childcare, Kiddly is a solution. We want to be that relief to the parent who needs a break. We want to be that trusted space where children can grow without limits. We want to be that community that proves inclusion is not a theory but a lifestyle.

    Co-Senior Pastor, HarvestHouse Christian Centre, Pst(Mrs) Adeola Eboda, said Kiddly Space could be described as a dream that has been realized and an answer to a great problem in the society. 

    “As an educationist, I work with children. And at times, parents bring children that are neuro-divergent to our organization.

    “And because we don’t have the facility, most of the time, I don’t have where to refer them to. But to know that this is an all-inclusive facility that allows for children, both children that are on the spectrum and that are not on the spectrum to come here, it’s a big thing. 

    “Many parents ask themselves several questions. Where do I get this child? Where can I put this child? Who or which facility can accommodate my child? Especially children with neuro-divergence. But this is an answer to a big problem in our society.

    “It’s a big win for our society, for our state, and for our country in general, “she said.

    A parent, Mrs Ihuoma Jesuyomi, noted that it would be difficult to separate play from children overall development.

    “Children are suppose to be encouraged to play regularly because play is therapeutic, this is another big development in Ibadan.”

  • SWAGA denies calling for Edun’s resignation

    SWAGA denies calling for Edun’s resignation

    ‘We endorse Tinubu’s economic reforms’

    The Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) has denied calling for the resignation of the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun.

    The group said in a statement by its National Secretary, Bosun Oladele, that those asking the minister to resign are mischievous and devilish opposition elements shopping for credible platform to use in attacking him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He said they are making a futile attempt to rubbish the giant strides of the President and his economic and finance team.

    Oladele said the administration has stabilized the economy in record time, despite odious national challenges. 

    He said, “The statement by an unknown and faceless Otunba Adedayo Adewole who claimed to be President of SWAGA circulating on social media is a poorly executed attempt to paint SWAGA black and portray the group as engaging in destructive criticism of a government, which SWAGA helped to install since 2020 while naysayers were clueless and busy sleeping.  

    “Let is be on record that SWAGA has no president in its organization’s structure and we are not ready to start appointing a “president” to lead our group. 

    READ ALSO: TUC threatens nationwide strike over 5% petroleum tax

    “There is only one SWAGA and it is headed by Sen. Dayo Adeyeye, the current Chairman of Governing Board of Nigerian Ports Authority. We challenge the Otunba Adewole and his own group to be bold enough to identify themselves and come out in public if they belong to SWAGA at all.”

    Oladele added, “We, as a group, are in full support of the reforms that President Tinubu has introduced in our taxation, economy, finance and fiscal policies and we stand proud to say that these were the qualities we identified in his leadership and started preaching to Nigerians and we remain proud that we were right.

    “It is only a fool that will not recognize that our Naira is now stable, the percentage of revenue in debt servicing has reduced to 50% from 90%, foreign reserve has climbed up to $41 Billion, the revenue target in 2025 budget has been met in August, diplomacy and foreign relations policy of Nigeria is redirected already and yielding investment inflows. 

    “We, in SWAGA are convinced that Nigeria, its finances and economy are in safe hands and we have been emboldened to start the Second round of our mobilization for Mr. President in SWAGA 2.0.

    “We encourage the President to lead his team and put Nigeria on the path of growth and development in line with his renewed hope agenda”.

  • N300bn loan: Oyo ex-lawmakers call for protection of whistle-blower

    N300bn loan: Oyo ex-lawmakers call for protection of whistle-blower

    The Forum of former lawmakers in Oyo State, under the aegis of Oyo State Progressives ex-parliamentarians, has called on the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to protect Hon. Ibraheem Shittu, the lawmaker representing Saki West constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly.

    The forum said the call became necessary following threats allegedly directed at Shittu by disgruntled politicians angered by his revelation that the Assembly approved a ₦300 billion loan for Governor Seyi Makinde.

    Similarly, the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) staged a peaceful protest, condemning what it described as the victimisation of Shittu.

    Speaking after an emergency meeting in Ibadan, Chairman of the forum, Hon. Ibrahim Bolomope, said they were compelled to intervene because of the implications of the loan on the people of Oyo State and the safety of their colleague.

    The forum further alleged that despite increased federal allocations under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Governor Makinde has continued to rely heavily on loans since 2019, with little impact on infrastructure or the welfare of citizens.

    Bolomope said, “We members of Oyo State Progressives ex-Parliamentarians, consisting of former Honourable members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, have met and deliberated upon the revelation made by Hon. Shittu Ibrahim from Saki West State constituency.

    “We looked into the fact of the matter, its merit and demerit, and we conclude that we have to applaud Hon. Shittu for representing the state very well, not just his own constituency.

    “As former lawmakers, we know that the House of Assembly could approve loans for the executive, but when they are doing that, they must follow the rules of the game.

    “In this instance, the House cannot sit and approve a loan for the Governor without having a two-thirds majority of members of the House at the sitting for fiscal matters, or in some instances, at least they must have a simple majority of the members of the House.

    “From the available records, this is not the first loan that the House has approved for the Seyi Makinde-led government. The Oyo State government has taken various loans, which include 100 billion naira in 2020, in 2021-2022 additional 50 Billion Loan, in 2023, 150 billion naira in a recent report of plan for another humongous 300 billion naira loan.

    “If we take the increase in the allocations accrued to the State Governments into consideration, we will discover that it is not right for the Oyo State government under Engr. Seyi Makinde is to take a loan again.

    “Similarly, Governor Seyi Makinde’s colleague Governors like Hope Uzodinma has confirmed that has confirmed that with the rate of the allocation his state is receiving every month, he has been able to clear the backlog of debts inherited from the previous administrations and was able to increase the minimum wage of workers in his state to 104,000 naira.

    “Now, our concern and from our experiences as former lawmakers, when somebody comes out to reveal the truth, especially in our environment where truth is difficult to get by, anybody who says the truth is prone to danger.

    “This is the reason why we call on the Inspector General of Police and other sister security agencies in the country to provide adequate security for our own brother and colleague, Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, and others who share a similar view with him in the assembly.

    But the APC protest, which started in the early hours of Monday at the APC secretariat located in the Oke Ado area of Ibadan, had in attendance the chairman of the party, Alhaji Olayide Abas, and other members of the party.

    Read Also: Oyo ex-lawmakers seek Police protection for Assembly member over N300b loan saga

    APC noted that the lawmaker has been receiving threat messages as a result of the alarm he raised.

    The party noted that it organised the rally to ensure that nothing happens to the lawmaker.

    Oyo APC chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas, while addressing journalists, noted that the protest was organised to show love to the lawmaker and ensure that he is protected

    He said the party organised the rally to show that it is solidly behind the lawmaker.

    Abas said, “We are here to show our support to him for taking a bold step to stand against the loan. We are behind him.

    “We are here to tell the governor that he should not send Oyo State to a perpetual loan collector. We are not satisfied with what is happening. What has the governor done with the previous loans?

    “I have the protest letter here. He should not be victimised. The process to take over Oyo State has started.”

  • Adeleke settles rift between deputy, PDP leaders 

    Adeleke settles rift between deputy, PDP leaders 

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has resolved the feud between his deputy, Kola Adewusi and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The leaders had passed a vote of no confidence in him for alleged anti-party activities.

    The Nation recalls that PDP leaders and members of the party from Ife Federal Constituency, led by the Financial Secretary, Prince Adesoji Adegoke, ex-Deputy Speaker, Ropo Oyewole, two commissioners, Dipo Eluwole, Biyi Odunlade and 35 others, reached the agreement after their meeting last Monday.

    A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed that Adeleke had resolved the differences, urging stakeholders to beware of agents of division engineered by the opposition.

    Read Also: FG approves $300 as Nigeria’s official De Minimis threshold

    The statement said: “At a high powered reconciliation meeting attended by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Deputy Senate Minority Leader Lere Oyewumi, state Chairman of the party, Sunday Bisi; Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Kazeem Akinleye; Chairman of the Commissioners’ Forum, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa and other party stalwarts, the family feud was declared resolved, with a resolution to forget and forgive for victory next year.’’

    Governor Adeleke, rounding off the meeting, described the recent disagreement as a product of communication gap and deliberate efforts by some external forces to sow seeds of discord within the party.

    He lauded the leaders for their openness and brotherhood.

    “Throughout this meeting today, I see Ile Ife PDP as very united. I listen to all the leaders here and I see clearly a communication gap among the leaders. There is also a strong sign of an outsider plot to divide Ife PDP.

    “Now that we have seen the root of the matter, I urge us to get back to work. Our administration has done so much for Ife land and we are still going to do more.

    “Ile Ife is a PDP territory. Go back and sustain the tempo. I commend the elders and leaders, the senatorial leader, the local party chairmen, the elected party chairmen, party chiefs and operatives. Go back and continue working for victory for the party,” the governor told the party chiefs.

    The Chairman, Bisi, described the incident leading to a vote of no confidence as a family affair, saying “all parties have demonstrated true love for the party.

    “We are glad that all issues have been ironed out. It is the resolution of this meeting that all statutory meetings for party mobilisation should reconvene and all party members and leaders should frown at any act capable of misinterpretation,” the party chairman told the meeting.

  • ‘Hosting IATF shows Lagos’ strength as economic hub’

    ‘Hosting IATF shows Lagos’ strength as economic hub’

    Lagos State will host the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) – the continent’s premier trade and investment event.

    The nomination was done by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with African Union and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reacting to the nomination in Algiers, Algeria, at the weekend, said the choice of Lagos underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic integration and the state’s status as a major commercial and financial hub.

    He said: “We are excited about the choice of Lagos for the 2027 edition of this important fair. But we are not surprised because it reflects our resilience, strength and commitment to the Greater Lagos journey as illustrated by our T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda. We are striving towards making Lagos a global financial hub and this will boost our efforts.

    “We have just successfully hosted GITEX, the global tech expo and, in a few days, we will be hosting the spectacular E1 electric boat race, the first in Africa, which will put us in the company of leading cities such as Monaco, Jeddah and others. We keep making history. It is the Spirit of Lagos at work.”

    Governor Sanwo-Olu also described the nomination as a vivid acknowledgment of the state’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has impacted Nigeria’s economy positively.

    “It is a lot of work. I assure all would-be participants that we will have a great outing here in Africa’s most populous city, the continent’s second largest city economy. Lagos is indeed proud of this honour. On behalf of the government and the great people of Lagos, I thank the organisers for bestowing this honour on us,” he said.

    Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada-Ambrose, noted that the IATF, held every two years, was to promote intra-African trade and accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA. She described the nomination as a proud moment for Lagos and for Nigeria.

    “The opportunity is a strategic milestone for Nigeria and West Africa in boosting continental trade integration.

    “Hosting the IATF 2027 positions us at the forefront of Africa’s trade future, and reaffirms our commitment to fostering regional collaboration, investment and innovation.

    Read Also: FG pledges to strengthen trade integration, expand industrial capacity

    It is particularly in line with the Lagos State Development Plan 2052 being implemented by the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration. We are ready to welcome Africa and the world to our vibrant city.

    “With a population of over 23 million, strategic coastal access, and a diverse, entrepreneurial economy, Lagos offers the ideal setting for trade, dialogue and business partnerships that will shape the future of Africa. The fair is expected to attract over 1,600 exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, and generate billions of dollars in trade and investment deals.”

    The commissioner listed key highlights of Lagos’ nomination to include strategic economic position – Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, with Lagos as its economic nerve centre; gateway to West Africa – the city offers unmatched access to West African markets, with a rapidly modernising infrastructure and international connectivity; and commitment to AfCFTA – hosting the IATF 2027 will accelerate Nigeria’s efforts in deepening intra-African trade and positioning local industries for continental competitiveness.

    Mrs. Bada-Ambrose also affirmed that the choice of Lagos reflected Africa’s confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and Lagos State’s readiness to deliver an impactful event that would leave a legacy beyond 2027.

    “Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Federal Government, Afreximbank, the African Union (AU), and the AfCFTA Secretariat, will begin preparations to deliver a world-class trade fair, with infrastructure development, logistics, security and hospitality among top priorities.

    “As Africa continues to build towards an integrated, borderless trade environment, IATF 2027 in Lagos will serve as a defining platform to unlock new markets, strengthen business ties, and drive sustainable growth across the continent,” she added.

    Mrs. Bada-Ambrose is leading the first delegation of 20 of the 253 SMEs trained under the Lagos State Export Readiness Programme (LASERP), approved by Governor Sanwo-Olu, to this year’s edition of IATF in Algiers.

  • Bishop Okonkwo a national treasure, says Abiodun

    Bishop Okonkwo a national treasure, says Abiodun

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has described the Founder and Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr. Mike Okonkwo, as a national treasure worthy of celebration, ‘’because his life has been a blessing far beyond the pulpit.’’

    Prince Abiodun spoke at the thanksgiving service for the 80th birthday celebration of Bishop Okonkwo, held at the TREM national headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos.

    Governor Abiodun, represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said: ‘’The celebration of this unique milestone in the life of the man of God is a demonstration of the respect that is not only accorded to spiritual fathers in the state, but also to an elder statesman who embodies outstanding personality, courage and impeccable character.’’

    He added: ‘’The celebrant is an icon, a father in faith, a bridge builder and a true servant of God, with proof of a life lived purposefully and faithfully.

    Read Also: FG approves $300 as Nigeria’s official De Minimis threshold

    “Today, we celebrate his age and the remarkable legacy he has built. Bishop Okonkwo’s contributions to faith and community development echo across generations. Through The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, he has built more than churches; he has built people, raised leaders and fostered hope across generations. His voice has consistently championed integrity, unity and righteousness in a nation in need of such a moral compass.”

    Abiodun said the programmes under the leadership of Bishop Okonkwo had uplifted the underserved, offered hope to the hopeless and provided opportunities for countless individuals to realise their potential.

    He added that his commitment to the spiritual and physical well-being of the communities was a testament to his character and love for humanity.

    He promised continuous support, recognition and identification with notable philanthropists for their contributions to the continued growth and development of humanity and the successful implementation of the “Building Our Future Together” agenda of his administration.