The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Oba Elerinmo congratulates Osun First Lady on birthday, hall of fame induction

    Oba Elerinmo congratulates Osun First Lady on birthday, hall of fame induction

    His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi JP, the Arowotawaya II, Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa in Osun State, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the wife of the state governor, Erelu Amb. Ngozi Abeni Adeleke, on her recent milestone celebration.

    Erelu Adeleke marked her birthday on August 28, 2025, at the Admus Event Centre, Ede Road, Osogbo, in the presence of a large gathering. 

    The occasion also featured her induction into the Hall of Fame by the Nigerian Books of Record Research Institute, in recognition of her humanitarian contributions — a double honour befitting her impact.

    In his goodwill message, Oba Arowotawaya II praised the First Lady’s virtues, describing her as a compassionate wife and a strong supporter of her husband’s leadership vision, whose legacy and influence continue to touch many lives.

    He said, “A hearty cheers and a happy birthday to a kind-hearted and compassionate wife of our dear Governor who has made it her business to look after others in need.

    “The manner in which you selflessly look after the welfare of others shows how truly special you are. 

    “Never one to evade any opportunity to help others, always going the extra mile to ensure problems are solved.

    “As Erelu Asoludero of Erinmo-Ijesa Kingdom, you have been a source of support, comfort, and inspiration to me personally and to my domain Erinmo. 

    “On this special day, may your heart be filled with the same joy and love you so generously give to others. 

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    “May the lines continue to fall in pleasant places for you. May you never lack any good thing that your heart desires. May the abundant grace of God Almighty continue to abide with you now and forevermore.

    “May you live long and live well with overflowing good health, peace, and countless beautiful moments in Jesus mighty name Amen,”  HRM Oba (Dr) Michael Odunayo Adeagbo AJAYI JP, FIADRN, FICMN, FIIM, Arowotawaya II, The Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa Kingdom.

    Kabiyesi Elerinmo who spoke with newsmen on the heels of the occasion, said that Erelu Asoludero which Ambassador Ngozi Adeleke holds as a traditional title from his domain means somebody who makes life easier for those under selfless sacrifices.

    “You will see through all her activities that she is always making effort to support the needy, underprivileged and to promote good neighbourliness and peace among people. In all situation, she is very active, supporting youths, women, the downtrodden and assisting all with empowerment.

    “On this occasion of her birthday, I am happy for her. Interestingly, on her birthday, she also went to hospitals to celebrate with nursing mothers who just had babies that day. She is known in Osun as mother of triplet because she is  always supporting and adopting triplets anytime triplets are born.

    “I am wishing her long life, many more years of active duty and selfless services to the people, and also, her very supportive roles to her husband as a governor. I wish her well and I pray that she will use this to do a lot more for the people of Osun and others,” said Elerinmo.

  • Police arrest hotel worker over alleged N11m gold chain theft in Ondo

    Police arrest hotel worker over alleged N11m gold chain theft in Ondo

    The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a hotel staff member, Temitope Ajayi, for allegedly stealing a gold chain valued at N11 million from a guest in Akure.

    Ajayi, who works at a popular hotel in the Alagbaka area of the state, was said to have committed the offence on June 22, 2025.

    He was among 100 suspects apprehended in August for various crimes, including murder, kidnapping, robbery, cultism, drug offences, and theft.

    Confirming the arrest on Sunday, Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, said the suspect is in custody and assisting the command with information to recover the stolen property

    In a separate case, the Commissioner revealed that another suspect, Gbenga Segun Ojo, allegedly stole a gold necklace worth N5,155,000 and sold it to Garuba Jubril for N3,084,000. Both men have since been arrested.

    Meanwhile, an 87-year-old community leader, Chief Kogbona, was also arrested for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to a robbery gang. His arrest followed the capture of three suspects — Adeife Adewumi, Matthew Johnson, and Diisu Sunday — accused of murdering a 25-year-old motorcyclist, Nwike Sabbat, in Ondo town before making away with his motorcycle.

    “Recovered exhibits included two cut-to-size barrel guns, one live cartridge, one expended cartridge, and 10 live cartridges allegedly traced to Chief Kogbona,” he noted.

    The police also arrested a suspected fraudster who allegedly duped a victim of N10 million under the pretence of selling scrap materials in Akure.

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    CP Lawal also explained that the suspect confessed to the crime and implicated an accomplice based in Lagos.

    “The command has since frozen the illicit funds and is pursuing the accomplice,” he said.

    In another breakthrough, the police boss said his officers in Ikare-Akoko apprehended two suspected kidnappers identified as Mohammadu Usman (25) and Mohammed Idrisa (27) – while three others were neutralised during an operation.

    The suspects confessed and were identified by their victim.

    CP Lawal reiterated the command’s commitment to making the state unsafe for criminals.

    “These arrests serve as a stern warning to fraudsters, robbers, and kidnappers that the Ondo State Police Command will not tolerate crime in any form. We remain resolute in safeguarding lives and property in the state,” he said.

  • Ex-commissioner hails Tinubu on massive road projects in Ondo

    Ex-commissioner hails Tinubu on massive road projects in Ondo

    A Former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Ondo State, Gbenga Olaniyi, has hailed the Federal Government over the ongoing dualisation of major federal roads leading to Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    Olaniyi, who is also a former Chairman of Akure South Local Government in the state, said the initiative was a strong pointer to President Bola Tinubu’s determination to transform the nation’s road networks and reposition the economy through infrastructural renewal.

    He explained that the roads in question had over the years become death traps for motorists and commuters, stressing that their rehabilitation and expansion into dual carriageways would bring great relief to residents of Akure and adjoining communities.

    According to Olaniyi, the dualisation project is not just about easing vehicular movement but also about laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth in the state capital.

     He said: “This dualisation project is a landmark initiative that will transform the face of Akure and its environs.

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    “We must give credit to the Federal Government for responding to the cries of our people.

    “This will not only open up the state capital to more investment opportunities but also reduce accidents on these busy routes.

    “It will also facilitate trade and movement of agricultural produce from rural communities into the city, boosting commerce and livelihood.”

    Olaniyi, who is also the coordinator for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Akure Federal Constituency, maintained that the development is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, which places emphasis on economic prosperity through infrastructural expansion.

     He cited such roads that connect Akure to other neighbouring states currently undergoing federal government dualisation as Akure to Benin, Edo State; Akure to Ibadan, Oyo state; Akure to Lagos through Ondo-Ore, and Akure to Ado, the Ekiti State capital.

    He added: “The people of Ondo State must continue to support this administration because the dividend of democracy is already manifesting.

    “If these projects are sustained, in another few years, Akure will become a model capital city in Nigeria.”

     While urging contractors handling the dualisation to ensure quality delivery, Olaniyi appealed to communities along the project corridors to cooperate fully and avoid actions that could frustrate progress.

     Olaniyi, who currently the coordinator for Grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu (GMT) in the area, stressed that Akure, being a gateway to several neighbouring states, deserves modern road infrastructure that would position it as a central hub for commerce, politics and cultural exchanges in the South-West.

    The GMT, according to him, is being powered by the Minister of Interior, Mr. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo.

     He said: “Since President Bola Tinubu has started the huge projects, he is sure footed to complete them and that’s one of the reasons we need him to continue in 2027.”

  • 2025 IYC: Abiodun tasks cooperative stakeholders on poverty reduction

    2025 IYC: Abiodun tasks cooperative stakeholders on poverty reduction

    Governor Dapo Abiodun has tasked cooperatives leaders, members, regulators and policymakers to embrace sustainable business models toward reducing poverty, enhancing food security, creating jobs and promoting inclusive growth.

    Abiodun gave the charge during the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives celebration organised by the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives in conjunction with the Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited (OGSCOFED), held at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium, Kuto Abeokuta.

    The governor noted that beyond economic empowerment, cooperative societies can promote social solidarity, provide community with a sense of ownership, and reduce inequality across the societies.

    Represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor also noted that the theme of the 2025 celebration ‘Cooperatives Build A Better World’, was not only apt but also inspiring, said it underscored the enduring relevance of the cooperative business model in addressing global challenges and accelerating progress towards sustainable development goals, adding that the day was a reminder of the power of collective action and enduring strength of communities.

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    He said: “This day reminds us all of the power of collective action and enduring strength of community. Over the years, Cooperatives Societies have proven to be a veritable vehicle for driving sustainable, social, and economic development across communities. As the international labour organisation once affirmed, Cooperatives are people-centred enterprises owned, controlled, and run by and for their members to realise their social, common goal, social and cultural needs, and aspirations.

    “I want to charge all stakeholders, leaders, members, regulators, and policy makers to remain true to the founding principle of cooperatives while embracing modern realities. With the right leadership, innovation, and collaboration, cooperative will continue to serve as an effective tools for reducing poverty, enhancing food security, creating jobs, and promoting inclusive growth.”

    Also speaking, Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Ademola Balogun, described the day as an opportunity to recognise the immeasurable contributions of cooperative enterprise model to human and socio-economic development, saying they continue to stand as a pillar of peace, job creation, wealth generation, and people-centered empowerment.

    On his part, President of the Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, while appreciating the State government’s efforts to improve the sector, called for the provision of one billion naira revolving loan to boost financing for small businesses and individuals, as well as other initiatives that would further enhance the growth of cooperatives in the State.

    On behalf of others at the event, the President, Federal Medical Centre United Staff Cooperative Society Limited, Dr. Olusanjo Olugbenga, and his counterpart from Osuolale Cooperative Society, Ita Oshin, Mrs. Olayinka Adeosun both appreciated the State government for the various initiatives aimed at improving Cooperative movement in the state.

  • Police nab suspected cultists during students’ union week celebration in Osun institution

    Police nab suspected cultists during students’ union week celebration in Osun institution

    The Osun State Police Command has arrested suspected cultists during a celebration of Student Union week in an institution of the state.

     The Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi in a statement on Saturday confirmed that two suspects named Taiwo Oluwatobi (29yrs) and Oluwabusuyi Ajayi (29yrs) were arrested following an intelligence.

     He said: “On 21/8/2025 at about 6:30PM, during the student union week in one of the higher institutions in the State, upon intelligence led and pro-active policing, the Anti-cultism unit of the Command arrested Oluwatobi and Ajayi. They confessed to be member of Aiye confraternity and Buccaneer confraternity (Alora) respectively.”

    Similarly, he said the Anti-Cultism Unit also arrested four hoodlums suspected to be members of Aiye confraternity terrorising the residents of Okuku town and environs.

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    “In another development, upon information received that, some armed hoodlums suspected to be members of Eiye confraternity led by one Gafari, Police detectives from Anti-cultism unit of the Command swung into action and moved to the scene, on sighting the security operatives, the suspects fled the scene.

    “Our men recovered one cut to size single barrel gun, one cut to size double barrel gun, five sharp cutlasses, one axe and three lives cartridges from their hideouts in Osogbo while efforts are on top gear to arrest the fleeing hoodlums.”

    He noted that the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan, encouraged students to focus on their education, as the law will not spare anyone involved in cultism.

  • Oyo lawmaker lifts constituents with N6m

    Oyo lawmaker lifts constituents with N6m

    At least 120 constituents have benefitted from a N6million empowerment programme organized by a lawmaker representing Oluyole constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Waheed Akintayo popularly called ‘Ilumoka’.

    At the event which was well attended by other lawmakers, People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) chieftains in the state, local and ward levels, Akintayo commissioned two newly renovated classrooms at Olunde Community Primary School, which was in a state of disrepair.

     Akintayo, who is the chairman of House Committee on media, ICT and public affairs also distributed security gadgets to personnel of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria at Olunde community, to boost security of lives and property in the area.

    Speaking shortly after the symbolic presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries, Akintayo said one hundred and twenty constituents got fifty thousand naira each to support their businesses and make life more meaningful for them.

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    He expressed hope that turn over from the money, if used judiciously, would build a sustainable source of income that would feed their families and make them to contribute meaningfully to the socioeconomic development of Oyo state.

    “For our people who are market men and women, operating at a small scale level, we deemed it fit to give them cash, in other to support their businesses. I believe if they use it judiciously, they can make more money to cater for their families.

     “As a lawmaker, our primary assignment is to make laws, but then, as I am performing my legislative duties with different motions I have pushed at plenary, I deemed it necessary to also empower our people who had given us their mandate to represent them.

  • 2027: Oyo APC aspirant Kareem floats N5m loan scheme for artisans, traders

    2027: Oyo APC aspirant Kareem floats N5m loan scheme for artisans, traders

    Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, an aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem, has floated a ₦5 million non-interest loan scheme for traders, artisans, and small business owners in the state.

    The financial scheme, which will benefit members and supporters of his AKK political structure, was designed to strengthen grassroots enterprises and encourage political participation.

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    In a statement issued on Thursday, Kareem said the loan would be available to applicants who meet three conditions: possession of a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) or proof of registration, attendance at least two AKK meetings, and participation in one APC ward meeting.

    He explained that the criteria were deliberately introduced to link economic empowerment with democratic responsibility.

    “The PVC is the strongest tool citizens have to shape governance, and it is central to building a participatory democracy,” Kareem said.

  • ASUU LASUSTECH chapter restates commitment to revatalisation of public varsity

    ASUU LASUSTECH chapter restates commitment to revatalisation of public varsity

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology ( LASUSTECH ) chapter has restated its commitment to the revatalisation of public university system,.

    Speaking during a press conference held at the Ikorodu campus of LASUSTECH, the ASUU chapter led by its chairperson, Comrade Yisa Oluwatoyin Anthonio reaffirmed its resolute commitment to rescuing Nigeria’s public university system from collapse.

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    According to Anthonio, the union noted that its struggle transcends salary disputes, focusing instead on securing the future of higher education as a cornerstone of national development.

     Anthonio explained that ASUU’s prolonged battle, spanning over a decade, emanated from the Federal Government’s failure to implement the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement.

    ”This pivotal accord addresses critical issues, including fair remuneration, adequate funding for research and infrastructure, and the preservation of university autonomy and academic freedom.

  • OPC gifts N5m startup capital to members

    OPC gifts N5m startup capital to members

    No fewer than 50 members of the Odua People’s Congress Reformed (OPC-R) on Wednesday received N100, 000 each as startup capital as business empowerment.

    The empowerment was held in Lagos during which the National President, of OPC-R, Chief Dare Adesope restated his commitment to the uplift of the economic status of members of group.

    ”I am not just a security advocate, but a man deeply committed to uplifting lives and creating real change where it matters most. Over the years, I have witnessed the struggles of our people — mothers who work hard but earn too little, youths with dreams but no tools, and families burdened by economic hardship. This is why I have made it my life’s mission to empower our members, not just with words, but with real support — in skills, resources, and opportunity.

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     ”Today, we reaffirm that commitment. Through our initiatives, this is the 3rd episode of the empowerment as we started it in Lagos. We aim to equip more individuals with vocational training, startup support, health access, and community-building projects — to ease their burdens and restore hope.”

     He added: ”However, true progress can not be achieved alone. I therefore use this moment to call on the government, private sector leaders, and all stakeholders to partner with us. Together, we can amplify impact. We can reach more people. We can move from survival to sustainability. Let us stop waiting for change. Let us be the change — together.”

  • Hoodlums kill two in Kwara

    Hoodlums kill two in Kwara

    Armed robbers on Thursday attacked the residence of one Oyetoyan Dare, a businessman in Kwara state.

    The hoodlums allegedly shot dead the private security guard of the businessman, named Wale Ajiboye.

    The unfortunate incident happened along Rore-Aradun highway, Ifelodun local government area of the state.

    In a separate incident, the hoodlums also killed a driver conveying farm produce from Osun state.

    Confirming the incident, spokesperson of the state police command Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said that the incident occurred along Rore/Arandun highway, Irepodun LGA.

    “Armed hoodlums attacked the residence which his private guard, Mr. Wale Ajiboye aged 40 was fatally shot while resisting their attempt to gain entry into the residence.

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    “In a related development, the same gang ambushed a vehicle conveying farm produce from Ora in Osun state; the driver Mr. Taiye Yebi aged 38, who was unaware of the robbery incident, while driving pass was fatally shot, another passenger sustained minor injury.

    “Police operatives responded and recovered expended and live ammunition from the scene. The corpses of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital morgue while investigations are ongoing.

    “The command has ordered a discreet investigation and reinforced patrols within the area to forestall recurrence. The command reassures the public that normalcy has been restored, and perpetrators will be apprehended.”