The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Abiodun secures FG’s approval for Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port

    Abiodun secures FG’s approval for Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port

    Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has secured the approval of the Federal Government for the proposed establishment of the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port along the Epe/Mojoda Expressway, Ijebu-Ode.

    This official approval for the project followed the quest by Abiodun to deliver several projects as enduring legacies of his administration.

    The project, to be sited on 130 hectares of land allocated by the Ogun State Government, followed a request by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to Governor Abiodun.

    The allocation, granted on an ex-gratis basis, reflects the Governor’s unwavering commitment to supporting national infrastructure and creating enabling environments for trade and investment.

    Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor,  Tayo Mabeweje,  who made this known to newsmen on Friday, said the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port will decongest the Lagos Port System, serve as a cargo consolidation and distribution hub for the South-West region and enhance Ogun State’s competitiveness in trade and logistics when completed.

    Read Also: Abiodun tasks kingmakers on level playing ground for Awujale contestants

    Mabeweje added that it will increase national Gross Domestic Product (GDP); strengthen the Ogun State Industrial Hub initiative; create jobs and unlock new economic opportunities in addition to enhancing the aesthetic and infrastructural value to Ijebu-Ode and its environs.

    This milestone comes on the heels of another major infrastructural success — the Gateway International Airport recently received its official certification from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), positioning Ogun State firmly on Nigeria’s aviation map and boosting its appeal as a destination for global trade, investment, and tourism.

    Speaking earlier on the approval, Governor Abiodun affirmed that “the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port and the Gateway International Airport are critical enablers of industrialization and regional competitiveness. Together, they will transform Ogun State into a logistics and economic powerhouse, creating prosperity for our people and opportunities for Nigeria at large.”

     The governor noted that with the Kajola Inland Dry Port already secured for the Ogun Central Industrial Cluster and now the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port for the Eastern corridor, Ogun State was strategically balancing industrial growth across its three Senatorial Districts, ensuring equity and sustainable development.

     These achievements stand as shining testaments to Governor Abiodun’s visionary leadership and his administration’s unrelenting drive to deliver modern infrastructure, attract investment, and unlock prosperity for all,” he said.

  • Over 300,000 Ondo artisans endorse Tinubu for 2027 re-election

    Over 300,000 Ondo artisans endorse Tinubu for 2027 re-election

    Over 300,000 registered members of the artisan associations in Ondo State have declared their support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The endorsement came from a coalition of associations, including the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN), Nigerian Union of Tailors (NUT), Association of Nigeria Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), and Real Estate Managers (REM), Ondo State chapter.

    Speaking on behalf of the artisans during their visit to the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) in Akure, Comrade Daisi Komolafe expressed their unwavering support for the continuation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Komolafe said the decision to endorse Tinubu stemmed from his commitment to good policies and programmes that also promote economic empowerment, especially for the informal sectors.

    He also lauded the minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whom he described as a “wonder-boy” for bringing on board various initiatives under President Tinubu to set the country on positive global stage.

    “So, our conviction to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unshakable. What we are witnessing today in terms of transformation and restoration of hope is second to none.

    “The artisan movement is representing over 367,000 supporters across Ondo State and are committed to going beyond Ondo State to spread this message,” Komolafe said.

    Read Also: Tinubu, APC, Oborevwori, Idahosa, others celebrate Okpebholo at 55

    He added that the artisans have appointed coordinators across the three senatorial districts of the state: Prince Oyesola (North), Comrade Ife Morgan (Central), and Mr. Ismaila Akorede (South), to strengthen grassroots mobilisation.

    Komolafe hailed President Tinubu for positioning Ondo indigenes in strategic places, citing the appointment of Adesina Akinyemi from Ondo town as National Coordinator of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

    He, however, expressed their readiness to key into the sensitisation drive of AMG, stressing that their support was not just symbolic but backed by a solid grassroots base.

    In his remarks, Director General of AMG, Muyiwa Asagunla, appreciated the group of artisans for their visit, noting that the support group in the state is a movement birthed by Tunji-Ojo (BTO), to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

  • Normalcy returns after police, youths clash in Lagos

    Normalcy returns after police, youths clash in Lagos

    Normalcy has returned after a clash between some youths and police officers at Elemoro in the Lekki area of the state, the spokesperson of Lagos Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, has said.

     Hundeyin, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) in a statement on Friday in Lagos, said that the incident occurred in Onosa community in the Elemoro area.

    “Today Aug. 29, six officers from Elemoro Division while on routine patrol encountered an irate (sic) mob.

    “In the course of ensuring their own safety, the officers used their firearms, resulting in three individuals sustaining injuries.

    “The injured persons were taken to hospital for medical attention, ” he said.

    Read Also: Police restore calm after shooting incident in Lagos community

    Hundeyin said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, promptly responded to the incident by personally leading a detachment of officers to the scene.

    “The swift intervention led to the removal of all barricades, restoring the free-flow of traffic in the area.

    “CP Jimoh also visited the Onosa community and engaged with youth and community leaders in the area to de-escalate tension and embrace peace.

    “He extended an invitation to the youth leaders for continued dialogue to address concerns and prevent future occurrences, ” Hundeyin said.

    Hundeyin said that the policemen involved in the shooting had been taken into custody as investigations into the incident had begun.

    “The command is committed to a thorough and transparent inquiry to establish the facts surrounding the event.

    “Normalcy has been restored to the area and significant police presence remain in place to ensure the sustenance of the restored peace and order, ” he said.

    Hundeyin urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and refrain from actions that could disrupt public peace.

  • Neighbours raise the alarm over construction site on Saka Tinubu

    Neighbours raise the alarm over construction site on Saka Tinubu

    Occupiers of buildings around a construction site on 28 Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, have sent a “save our soul” message  to the Lagos State Government over the threat posed to their lives and property by the new building.

    The multi-floor construction, supervised by Diplomat Homes Limited, they alleged, has not adopted safety standards at the site, thereby causing damage to cars and other properties parked in offices in adjoining compounds around the building. 

    Read Also: Nasarawa Assembly raises alarm over rising kidnapping cases

    Residents said the developers of the new property, allegedly owned by a top traditional ruler in the South West, failed to provide adequate safety measures such as barricades, safety nets and protective structures, which are required when building next to other properties. 

    They claimed this has led to boulders and planks falling off the building into other compounds, causing damage to walls, windows, ceilings, and cars. 

    They expressed fears that falling planks and pebbles could harm innocent people in the other premises and even lead to death. 

    The residents called on the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), which supervises the construction of new buildings and Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, to take action on the lack of safety measures at the site to avoid loss of lives and property.

  • Coalition slams Osun speaker over stalled renovation of Assembly projects 

    Coalition slams Osun speaker over stalled renovation of Assembly projects 

    A coalition of civil society organisations has called on the Osun State House of Assembly to expedite the renovation of its gate and lawmakers’ quarters, which have been stalled for two years.

    Speaking during the group’s monthly state-of-the-state address on Friday, the Executive Director of The Osun Masterminds (TOM), Professor Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, described the delay as insensitive and urged lawmakers to show greater responsibility in projects that enhance the state’s image.

    He said the Assembly should focus on initiatives that would make Osun State more attractive and better positioned for development.

    Also speaking, Comrade Ayo Ologun expressed concern over the prolonged delay, noting that the Assembly gate has remained under construction for two years.

    Read Also: ‘Oyo Assembly’s N300billion loan approval in order’

    “Gate and fence construction is one of the simplest projects to complete, but it has lingered unnecessarily, leaving the place as an eyesore,” he said.

    “Unfortunately, the assembly complex is close to the State Secretariat which make it look so disgracing for us all. It is the entrance of the state capital. This is lack of responsibility on the legislative arm part led by Adewale Egbedun.”

    “The neglect of the renovation of the lawmakers quarters, they woke up one morning and remove the roof of all the quarters only to leave them since over two years.”

    The coalition also used the opportunity to encourage Governor Ademola Adeleke to embrace alternative disputes resolution to resolve the ongoing local government imbroglio which had resulted to seizure of the allocation since February 2025. 

  • Don’t procrastinate on pre-registration exercise for PVCs, Peller urges 

    Don’t procrastinate on pre-registration exercise for PVCs, Peller urges 

    The Ayedero of Yorubaland, Hon. Shina Peller, has called on Nigerians, particularly the people of Oyo North Senatorial District and Oyo state, to do away with procrastinating the required pre-registration exercise for collection of Permanent Voter Card (PVC).

    Peller made the plea in a statement on Friday with a video, where he reminded Nigerians that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially launched the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in preparation for the 2027 general election.

    “Today, I bring you an important message regarding our democratic rights and responsibilities,” Peller stated, while urging Nigerians to promptly undergo the required pre-registration exercise for the collection of PVC.

    Emphasising how powerful PVC is to electorate, Shina Peller explained that it is a vital tool through which the masses can make their voice heard in a democratic setting particularly as the 2027 elections timeline gets closer. 

    Read Also: 37,169 PVCs unclaimed in Bauchi – INEC

    “The CVR is not just for those who are voting for the first time; it is also open to anyone aged 18 and above who needs to register as a new voter, as well as those looking to collect, transfer or replace their PVCs,” Peller informed.

    Furthermore, the former federal lawmaker stressed how crucial it is for every eligible Nigerian to participate in the electoral process, adding that PVC is a tool required to enable them select the leaders who will shape the future of the nation across all levels of government.

    “I cannot stress enough how crucial it is for each and every one of you to participate in this process; your vote matters, and it is a vital tool in ensuring that we have leaders who truly represent our interests and aspirations,” the Oke Ogun-born businessman cum politician remarked.

    Concluding, he urged all eligible Nigerians to take a moment to complete their registration online via INEC portal, https://cvr.inecnigeria.org/pvc, adding that their participation is essential for a stronger, more united Nigeria.

  • NYCN eulogises Peller on 4th anniversary as Ayedero of Yorubaland

    NYCN eulogises Peller on 4th anniversary as Ayedero of Yorubaland

    The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has described a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Shina Peller, as a partner in the youth struggle and a motivator when the path seems unclear for young ones. 

    A goodwill message by the NYCN president, Comrade Solomon Adodo on Friday, congratulated Peller on the fourth anniversary of his conferment as the Ayedero of Yorubaland.

    Adodo noted that the chieftaincy title conferred on Peller in August 2021 by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adéyẹmí III, was more than a decoration but a call to responsibility – promoting peace and nurturing harmony in Yorubaland and beyond. 

    The NYCN president added that in the last four years, Ayedero Peller has performed incredibly in carrying out this burden of responsibility with courage citing Ayedero National Peace tour as one his great and impactful initiative.

    “When the late Alaafin of Oyo conferred this title on you in August 2021, it was more than a decoration, it was a call to responsibility, to guard the peace, nurture harmony and give hope in times of uncertainty,” the statement read in part. 

    Adodo continued: “Four years on, you have not only carried that burden with courage, but have broadened its meaning for a generation watching closely.”

    Furthermore, Adodo explained that through Ayedero Peace Tour, Peller was able to visit Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger and other states battered by insecurity, engage traditional rulers, security agencies and youth leaders with a view to promoting peace in the affected region.

    While acknowledging Peller’s profound investment in young Nigerians through the Lead Generation Initiative (LGI), Adodo stated that thousands of Nigerian youths across the country are equipped with required trainings on leadership, governance, active citizenship and strategic communication. 

    Adodo praised Peller’s efforts, noting that he is not merely creating followers but actively cultivating a new generation of responsible leaders ready to tackle the challenges facing their country. “That is not politics; it is nation-building,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of fostering a sense of responsibility among youth.

    Read Also: Will Shina Peller stage a comeback in 2027?

    In 2022, NYCN pronounced and decorated Hon. Peller as its Life Patron. In 2023, NYCN, Arewa Youth Forum (AYF), Nigeria Youth Alternative Council (NYAC), Nigerian Youth in Politics and others announced him as the Grand Commander of the Nigerian Youth (GCNY).

    Parts of the statement read: “Just as profound is your investment in young Nigerians through the Lead Generation Initiative (LGI). By equipping thousands with knowledge of leadership, governance, active citizenship, and communication, you are building not just followers but a new class of leaders—youth who can think, act, and take responsibility. That is not politics; it is nation-building.

    “For us in NYCN, you are not merely a title holder. You are a partner in the youth struggle, a motivator when the path seems unclear, and a living reassurance that public life can still be anchored on service. That is why we stand proud in honoring you—not with flattery but with gratitude and conviction—as our Life Patron and Grand Commander of the Nigerian Youth.

    “As you celebrate this 4th anniversary, Ayedero, we celebrate not just you but the hope and example you represent. May God strengthen you for greater tasks ahead, and may your steps continue to inspire a generation determined to see Nigeria rise. Congratulations once again.”

  • ADC expands grassroots structures in Ekiti

    ADC expands grassroots structures in Ekiti

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ekiti State has reaffirmed its unstoppable momentum, growing strength and deepening grassroots reach through a high-powered stakeholders’ engagement that convened influential political leaders, visionary aspirants, dynamic women mobilisers, and strategic representatives from all the 16 Local Government Areas of Ekiti State.

    The meeting coordinated by Prof. Olusola Eleka, former Deputy Governor and State Coordinator of ADC in Ekiti State, marked a historic moment of recomposition and reconfiguration of leadership across all 16 LGAs.

    Eleka underscored that ADC’s renewed grassroots agenda remains the ultimate key to rebuilding trust and confidence among the people of Ekiti State.

    “The ADC is not only expanding in numbers but also in credibility, influence, and acceptance. Our strategy is rooted in genuine grassroots engagement, unwavering unity among leaders, and issue-driven politics.

    “With the resilient structures we are building across all 16 LGAs, ADC will not just participate in elections , it will emerge as the people’s platform and the authentic alternative for good governance in Ekiti State,” Eleka affirmed.

    Read Also: Atiku, ADC differ on CVR online registration figures

    Otunba Olumuyiwa Babalola, a foremost ADC Governorship aspirant, seasoned diplomat and international development expert, delivered a powerful charge on the imperative of unity, stressing that the ADC is growing stronger by the day and represents a true movement for transformational change.

    “ADC is not just another political party; it is a genuine people-driven movement for change in Ekiti. We are building formidable structures that will challenge the failures of the past, foster inclusiveness, empower women and youth, and deliver governance that reflects the authentic will of the people,” Babalola asserted.

    Ambassador Dare Bejide, another governorship aspirant, projected ADC as the credible third force, a strong political alternative poised to dismantle the status quo and offer Ekiti people a leadership founded on accountability, service, and sustainable development.

    Ekiti ADC Chairman, Hon. Ilesanmi Omolayo, applauded the bold and strategic decision of the Committee to recompose and reconfigure party executives in strict alignment with the guidelines of the National Headquarters.

    He further reiterated the party’s unshakable resolve to strengthen grassroots structures that guarantee inclusiveness, transparency, and effective mobilisation across the state.

    The gathering also featured former Ekiti Speaker Gboyega Aribisogan; Hon. Afolabi Akanni, Hon. Ilesanmi Ogidi, Chief Kayode Ogunjobi, a governorship aspirant, the State Women Leader, and several other respected leaders, alongside dedicated delegates representing all 16 LGAs.

    The stakeholders resolved to sustain massive grassroots mobilisation, deepen unity among party leaders and aspirants, and reinforce ADC’s position as the credible political alternative in Ekiti State.

  • Lawmaker to Ekiti residents: take advantage of government’s free healthcare programmes

    Lawmaker to Ekiti residents: take advantage of government’s free healthcare programmes

    Ekiti lawmaker Hakeem Jamiu has urged residents of the state, particularly the elderly and young parents, to take advantage of the government’s free healthcare programmes to improve their wellbeing.

    Jamiu, representing Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency II in the Ekti State House of Assembly, spoke in Igbemo-Ekiti during a free medical outreach he organised as part of activities to mark his 60th birthday.

    The former deputy speaker noted that the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led government had made adequate provisions for the residents to access free medical care in public health facilities.

    He said: “Healthcare delivery is free for residents aged 65 and above, an initiative introduced under the administration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi and sustained by the present government. Similarly, children between ages 0 and 5 also enjoy free healthcare.

    “What is needed now is more sensitisation and enlightenment so that people can take advantage of these opportunities, which are available in their towns and villages.”

    READ ALSO: Exemplary Olatunjis

    The lawmaker also appealed to the people of his constituency to keep supporting the governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that the governor has been delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

    He said: “We have a governor who is doing well, and in the spirit of continuity, I urge my constituents to keep supporting him.

    “What we are doing here today may be tied to my birthday, but it is also in line with Governor Oyebanji’s free health mission, with medical personnel from Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) on ground to attend to our people.”

    He said the outreach was part of his constituency engagement and a way of giving back to society.

    “Health is wealth, and I am delighted at the large turnout today. I believe this will further complement the government’s efforts in caring for our people,” he added.

    Leading the medical team, Dr. Oluwatobi Owolabi, said that about 200 residents, benefitted from the outreach, adding that patients with critical conditions would be referred to general or tertiary hospitals for further treatment.

    Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Mr. Ibukun Fasagba and Mrs. Funmilayo Ibitoye, commended the lawmaker for the gesture, which they described as a demonstration of Jamiu’s commitment to the welfare of constituents.

     “What Hon. Jamiu has done today shows that he genuinely has the interest of his people at heart. God will bless him with long life and good health,” Fasagba said.

  • 2027: APC governorship aspirant criticises Makinde’s ₦300 billion loan

    2027: APC governorship aspirant criticises Makinde’s ₦300 billion loan

    An aspirant for the Oyo State governorship ticket under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Wasiu Abiola, has described the ₦300 billion loan recently approved by the Oyo State House of Assembly as a “campaign paycheck” for Governor Seyi Makinde.

    Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday after paying a condolence visit to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, over the loss of his mother, Dr. Abiola criticised the process leading to the loan approval, calling it unconstitutional and an “insult to the collective intelligence” of Oyo residents.

    “Why would an assembly recall itself from recess to pass a loan whose purpose was not in the best interest of the Oyo State people?” he questioned.

    He urged lawmakers to prioritise the welfare of their constituents, insisting there was no justification for such a massive loan when states are experiencing increased federal allocations.

    “Money received by Oyo State from the federation accounts has tripled. The people of Oyo State should reject this act of Mr. Governor,” Abiola noted.

    Dr. Abiola further alleged that Governor Makinde’s loan plans were politically motivated, saying, “It is no longer hidden that Governor Seyi Makinde is interested in contesting for the presidential ticket of the PDP in 2027. This ₦300 billion loan is a fund he hopes to channel to that aspiration”.

    Read Also: Delta APC endorses Tinubu, Oborevwori for re-election

    The APC chieftain also condemned what he called the “inhumane” policies of the Makinde-led administration regarding Gbagi Market, while accusing the government of dispossessing rightful stall owners and reselling spaces to the highest bidders.

    “How can a stall of less than one square meter be charged ₦4 million? This is condemnable, and this practice must stop immediately.

    “Bola Ige International Market has been a place of calm and blessings for our mothers and fathers who engage mostly in selling clothes. Why would a governor turn the market into a place of pain and sorrow?” he questioned.

    Recall that the loan was approved on August 19 and finalised on August 26, 2025, during an emergency plenary session held while the House was on its six-week recess, a move that drew criticism from some lawmakers, who described the approval process as flawed.

    The House, however, responded that due notification of the emergency sitting was sent to all lawmakers.

    It further justified the loan, explaining that ₦149 billion was allocated to refinance an existing facility with a commercial bank, while ₦151 billion represented a new request to fund infrastructure projects and contractors’ financing.