Over 500 small-scale business owners in Oyo State, on Monday, benefited from the Women Economic Empowerment Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the Wife of Nigeria’s President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The empowerment, according to Mrs. Tnubu, was about supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of women traders and small-scale business owners who wake up each day determined to provide for their families, educate their children, and uplift their communities.
Speaking at the event held in Ibadan, the President’s wife, who was represented by the wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, stated that the empowerment was not a loan, but a grant and a seed of renewed hope to help beneficiaries to recapitalise their existing businesses.
She said, “It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation.
“I thank the Tony Elumelu Foundation, who donated One Billion Naira to the Renewed Hope Initiative, to directly support 18,500 women across the Nation.
“Five hundred women from each of the 36 states and the FCT will be receiving N50,000 each to strengthen and recapitalise their existing small businesses.
“I thank the Tony Elumelu Foundation once again for this support. May this act of generosity inspire many more across our nation.”
In her remark, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, thanked RHI for the empowerment.
She, however, urged beneficiaries of the empowerment to use it judiciously and not to see it as a token towards their financial turnaround.
Stakeholders in the Ogun State technology ecosystem have urged the governor, Dapo Abiodun, to establish a dedicated Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, arguing that only a formal, institutional focus can transform the state’s promising digital talent and infrastructure into sustainable economic growth.
The Ogun tech community, a coalition of technology professionals, startups, innovation hubs, and digital advocates across the state, said the delay in establishing an ICT-focused ministry is undermining Ogun’s ability to leverage federal digital initiatives and take advantage of national policies such as the Nigeria Startup Act.
The group urged the state government to rename the existing Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to the Ministry of Education and establish a new Ministry of ICT that would focus exclusively on the digital transformation of the state.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its president, Durosinmi Adekunle, the group said that despite Ogun State producing two leading tech policy figures, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who is Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, who is Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, the state has not turned this advantage into real progress locally.
“Ogun State has the innovators, the talent, and the national representation to lead Nigeria’s digital economy. What is missing is the institutional structure to harness these opportunities.
“A Ministry of ICT will allow Ogun State to align with federal initiatives, implement crucial policies like the Startup Act, and fully develop Silicon Hill—our own Silicon Valley—to nurture globally competitive tech talent,” Durosinmi said in the statement.
The group expressed concern that without a clear administrative and policy framework driven by a dedicated ICT ministry, Ogun would continue to lose out on critical programmes, funding, and partnerships being rolled out at the national level.
The tech community noted that several states are already positioning themselves as tech hubs through proactive government structures, while Ogun, once considered a natural contender, is at risk of being left behind.
Referencing the creation of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy by the Federal Government, the Ogun tech community argued that states need to follow suit if they are to tap into the benefits of Nigeria’s digital transformation strategy.
The community stressed that many national digital initiatives are structured in ways that require direct state-level institutional collaboration, something Ogun currently lacks.
The statement added, “There is a growing digital gap, and if we don’t address it urgently, the state will be left out of the future of work, digital entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment.”
The call comes amid rising agitation among Nigeria’s tech ecosystem for stronger state-level policy implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act, which was signed into law in 2022 to promote innovation, provide tax incentives, and support young startups across the country.
Ogun tech stakeholders argued that the absence of a dedicated ministry has made it difficult for the state to take advantage of these opportunities.
The community emphasised that a Ministry of ICT would not only serve as a channel for federal policies and donor support but also drive homegrown initiatives that could transform education, governance, health, agriculture, and job creation in the state through technology.
The group reiterated its readiness to support the government in developing the blueprint for the ministry, promising full collaboration from stakeholders across the ICT value chain in Ogun State.
“We are calling on His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to take decisive action. The time to act is now. Ogun cannot afford to watch other states take the lead in digital governance while we lag behind,” the statement concluded.
A new travel and tour company, Ijoba Travels LTD, has entered Nigeria’s tourism scene with a bold promise to deliver curated experiences that combine culture, adventure, and community.
Inspired by the popular storytelling brand ‘Adventures of Ijoba’, the company says it will officially debut in October with a special domestic tour to Obudu, Cross River State, and Enugu. The trip, themed around Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, is designed to celebrate cultural immersion while promoting local tourism.
According to the company, this first trip is only a launchpad. Ijoba Travels plans to expand internationally with packages to Thailand, Malaysia, and Qatar in the coming months, targeting Nigerians eager for global exposure as well as foreigners seeking curated access to Nigeria’s heritage.
“Ijoba Travels is not just about tourism; it’s about creating meaningful connections, and curating memories that transcend time”, the founders said in a statement.
Nigeria’s tourism industry has long struggled with poor infrastructure, insecurity, and underinvestment, leaving much of the country’s cultural and natural heritage underexplored. Stakeholders argue that fresh private-sector initiatives such as Ijoba Travels could help bridge the gap by repackaging Nigeria as a destination worth experiencing.
With its positioning at the “intersection of culture, adventure, and community,” Ijoba Travels is betting on a rising middle-class appetite for travel and a growing diaspora interest in homegrown experiences. Whether it can navigate the country’s fragile travel ecosystem remains to be seen, but the October Obudu-Enugu tour will mark its first test.
The Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi, on Monday, flagged off a youth empowerment initiative aimed at equipping young people in the community with modern, relevant skills.
According to a statement from the PLS Media Bureau, the programme is part of Sanusi’s campaign promise to prepare youths for today’s competitive environment.
He stressed that young people remain the driving force of every nation and must be meaningfully engaged to achieve their full potential.
The Skill Acquisition Programme will offer practical training, foster entrepreneurship, and promote self-reliance, while also contributing to economic growth and community development within Amuwo Odofin.
Sanusi noted that the initiative reflects his administration’s broader commitment to youth development, job creation, and sustainable empowerment.
…as group sets 80% vote target for President Tinubu in Ondo
A support group, Progressives Network for Tinubu (PNT), has called on critics to stop causing dissatisfaction between the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The group, which is supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections, said both Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo maintained a cordial relationship.
Speaking at a briefing with journalists in Akure on Monday, PNT’s director-general, Pastor Olumide Obadele, said there was ‘no love lost’ between the Ondo governor and the federal minister.
Obadele blamed “a few elements” claiming to be loyalists of both men for attempting to sow seeds of discord.
He warned against distractions that could derail the governor and the minister from their collective mission of galvanising support for Tinubu’s second-term bid.
“Let me tell you. There’s no love lost between the governor (Aiyedatiwa) and the minister (Tunji-Ojo). The governor is the leader of the party. We can’t contest that. I was at a stakeholders meeting where the governor spoke about the party operating as one, standing as one big family. And that’s what it is.
“The federal minister is in charge of the Ministry of the Interior, and he is doing his work, but when people come together to create confusion, it is wrong. So, it is one family. No love lost between the two of them, to the best of my knowledge.
“I’m not speaking as a politician. So, the governor is our governor. The minister is also our own, and the party is our party, and Ade Adetimehin is the chairman of our party,” he said.
He stressed that while Governor Aiyedatiwa is focused on party leadership in the state, Tunji-Ojo is dutifully discharging his responsibilities at the federal level.
Reiterating the group’s mission, Obadele said PNT is strategically positioned to deliver at least 80 per cent of Ondo State votes for President Tinubu in 2027 by mobilising grassroots and cross-party support.
He lauded President Tinubu for what he described as bold and transformative policies within just 27 months in office, citing the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira as landmark decisions.
“Our conviction to support President Tinubu for a second term stems from his ability to bring Nigeria to a turning point within a short period. Tinubu is not a trial-and-error leader—he knows his onions,” he added.
Obadele also acknowledged the “strategic and immeasurable support” of Minister Tunji-Ojo, describing his role as “unquantifiable.”
He, however, said that the group is not in competition with other support organisations but would complement them with fresh energy and methods.
On his part, PNT spokesman Ajayi Olusuyi insisted that those amplifying a supposed rift between the two leaders are only unsettled by their synergy.
“I was with the minister, and I know how he talked well about the state and the governor. He is for the development of the state. We want to assure you that there is no strained relationship between the minister and the governor,” he said.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has congratulated his wife, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, on the occasion of her birthday and her induction into the Nigerian Books of Record’s Hall of Fame.
The dual celebration, held at Admus Hotels in Osogbo, was graced by top government officials and traditional rulers, including the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi; the Ishi Ubom of Ishi Ubomiri, Imo State, Eze Emma Saint-George Ekeh; and the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal.
In his tribute, Governor Adeleke described his wife as a “dependable partner and supporter of his governance legacies,” noting that her life exemplifies joy, grace, and divine blessings.
“I rejoice with my dear wife, Amb. Erelu Ngozi, on her birthday. She is a pillar of support and a beautiful mother. Her empowerment programmes and projects have touched countless lives both locally and nationally,” the Governor said.
He also praised her induction into the Nigerian Books of Record as “a national honour that reflects the depth of her impact, character, and contributions.”
He urged her to intensify her efforts in supporting the poor and less privileged.
Erelu Adeleke, a United Nations Peace Ambassador and the Erelu Soludero of Erinmo-Ijesa, has made remarkable strides in philanthropy through the Esther Adeleke Humanitarian Foundation, which has empowered many in Osun State and beyond.
She has received numerous awards for her humanitarian work.
Neglect of tradition led to jailed monarch’s emergence, Says Apetu Heir
Prince Laboye Ayoola, an heir to the Apetu throne of Ipetumodu, has blamed the disregard for tradition and custom by kingmakers, government, and ruling houses for the emergence of the embattled monarch, Oba Joseph Oloyede, who is currently serving a 56-month prison sentence in the United States over $4.2 million fraud.
Oba Oloyede, who holds dual citizenship, was arrested in May 2024 during a visit to the US over a COVID-19 support fund fraud and later convicted by US District Judge Christopher A. Boyko.
In an exclusive interview with The Nation on Sunday, Prince Ayoola from the Aribile Ruling House accused stakeholders of prioritising wealth over tradition, lamenting that Ifa consultation was abandoned during the selection process.
He revealed that the form fee for the stool was raised from N50,000 to N500,000, while contestants were also compelled to acquire government land worth N12 million.
According to him, Oba Oloyede was favoured for his wealth and never subjected himself to key traditional rites, including consultations at sacred shrines.
“We believed that part of what caused this embarrassment for our community is the disregard for tradition by kingmakers, government, and ruling houses. Oba Oloyede was considered because of his wealth. He only came home to contest the stool and kept shuttling between Nigeria and the US until his arrest,” Ayoola said.
He further alleged that the monarch demolished the ancient palace and desecrated the land by removing the corpses of past kings to build a new one, acts which he described as sacrilegious.
The prince urged that Oba Oloyede’s successor must be chosen strictly through Ifa oracle consultation, regardless of the candidate’s financial status.
“Even if Ifa picks a poor man, that is who should be made king,” he stressed.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has condoled with the family of the late retired Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, as well as the government and people of Edo State over Arase’s passing.
In a statement issued in Ibadan on Sunday, Makinde described Arase’s death as a huge loss to the nation, noting that he was one of the most resourceful retired police chiefs whose wealth of experience remained invaluable to Nigeria.
The governor recalled his personal relationship with Arase dating back to his tenure as IGP, adding that Oyo State also benefitted greatly from his counsel and expertise.
Currently on leave after handing over to the Deputy Governor, now Acting Governor, Makinde prayed for Arase’s eternal rest and for divine protection over his family and loved ones.
Makinde said: “I have just heard about the death of my big brother, IGP Solomon Arase (rtd).
“I condole with his family, the people and government of Edo State and the Inspector-General of Police, on this great loss.
“Retired IGP Arase’s death will leave a huge vacuum in the security sector, as he was one of the finest police officers in his days of active service and one of the retired Police Chiefs with experience and expertise that could have been useful to Nigeria in years to come.
“My relationship with him dates back to many years ago and his experience and expertise had proved useful to us in Oyo State at different points.
“It is my prayer that God grants him a place in paradise and gives his family and friends the fortitude to bear this loss.”
The Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland and Oyo APC guber aspirant, Oloye Saheed Oladele, has received a special recognition award as the political personality of the year in Oyo State.
The special recognition award was conferred on Oloye Oladele by Top Notch Businesses and Professionals Forum during a legacy honorary award dinner 2025 organised by the forum at Mauve 21 Event Centre, Ibadan
The award was in recognition of Oloye Oladele’s exemplary inclusive politics, which stands him out from other politicians in Oyo State.
The TNNBP Legacy Honorary Award is dedicated to recognise, honour, celebrate, network and connect eminent persons who are making good impacts and building enduring legacies in areas of endeavours that boost Nigeria’s political, social and economic landscapes.
While reacting to the award, the Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland expressed profound appreciation to the organisers for honouring him with such recognition.
He stated that the award would challenge him to do more for the people of Oyo State in terms of playing politics for the benefit of the people.
He said further that it was commendable that no monetary request was attached to the Award despite that the event was colourful.
Oloye Oladele received the award alongside Mr Taiwo Iterogba, Zonal Director, NTA Ibadan Network Centre, Media Personality of the year in Oyo State; Medupin Abiodun Augustine, CEO, Dupine Properties, Real Estate Personality of the year in Oyo State; and Dr Tinu Smith, CEO, Datina Design, Fashion Personality of the year in Oyo State.
…begins registration of 1000 grassroots canvassers for Tinubu in 203 wards, 18 LGAs
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has asked members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to unite, intensify grassroots mobilization, and canvass more supporters in preparation for the 2027 general elections in support of President Bola Tinubu.
The governor made the appeal during the weekend at an expansive stakeholders’ meeting of the party in Akure, where he also briefed party leaders on his administration’s developmental achievements and ongoing plans.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Tinubu is deliberately designed to strengthen the grassroots base of the APC with a target of registering at least 1,000 new members in each ward across of the state.
“This is our party, and it is our collective responsibility to make it stronger. The Renewed Hope Initiative has been structured to build the party from the grassroots, and our target is nothing less than one thousand new members per ward.
“We must mobilize, we must organize, and we must be consistent in our engagements. Regular stakeholders meetings such as this are meant to keep us united, informed, and ready for the future,” he said.
On his administration’s development strides, the governor disclosed that efforts were ongoing to attract major investors into the state to revamp the economy.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a cement factory, a fertilizer plant, and a petrochemical industry in Ondo State. These are strategic projects that will create jobs and boost the state’s economy.
“I want to assure our people that all our ongoing infrastructural projects, including those inherited by this administration, will be completed.
“In addition, we are taking steps to assume responsibility for some federal roads in order to ease the burden on our people. Beyond the Ikare-Akungba Akoko, Idanre-Akure, and Okitipupa-Igbokoda road projects that are already in motion, we will not hesitate to intervene in other critical road corridors to enhance connectivity,” the governor added.
In his remarks, the State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, commended governor Aiyedatiwa for convening the meeting and for sustaining regular interaction with party stakeholders.
Adetimehin also emphasized the need for leaders and members to return to the grassroots to consolidate the party’s strength.
“We must all go back to our wards and local governments and redouble our efforts. This is our party, and there is no other party for us apart from the APC. Unity and commitment at the grassroots are critical if we want to sustain our dominance. Come rain, come shine, our identity remains APC, and we must carry that banner with pride.
“There is no division in our party. The government and the party remain one. Members of the party must conduct themselves in a way that respects the supremacy of the party,” he said.
The Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Victor Olabimtan, reaffirmed that the APC remained united and indivisible in his constituency.
“In our area, the APC is one. There are no factions, no divisions. We are solidly behind the governor and the party leadership, and we will continue to work in unity to ensure our strength is felt across the state,” Mr Olabimtan said.
Lauding governor Aiyedatiwa’s performance in the state, the Director, Corporate Services of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde described the governor’s developmental strides as visible across all 18 local government areas of the state.
“Mr Governor [Aiyedatiwa] you have done well, and you are still doing well. Your developmental initiatives can be seen across the entire state. The only thing left is to encourage you to do even more.
While the last presidential election was successful, we believe that with more work and greater mobilization, the APC can achieve an even higher margin of victory in 2027,” Abegunde declared.
Other leaders who spoke at the meeting, including High Chief Jamiu Ekungba and Chief Agboola Kelly, lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa’s for the regular engagement of party leaders and members.
The meeting was attended by top political leaders, including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, among other prominent stakeholders.
