The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • ADC is coalition of failures, APC Southwest tells Nigerians

    ADC is coalition of failures, APC Southwest tells Nigerians

    Ahead of 2027 general election,  Southwest Zonal Executive Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Nigerians to reject the coalition of opposition figures now operating under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    The zonal leadership said members of the coalition ‘’have nothing to offer” the country, describing them as “failed politicians” who had been tested with power in the past, but left no meaningful achievements.

    Speaking with reporters in Akure,  Ondo State capital, after their meeting, the APC Southwest Zonal Chairman, Isaacs Kekemeke, said those in the coalition had been tested with power in the past, but disappointed Nigerians with nothing to show for their existence in power.

    “This coalition of politicians cannot win against the coalition of Nigerian people who know that what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing now is the best for our country.

    “They are people who have been tested and have failed. If people have been tested and have failed over time, then it will be terrible for Nigerians to abandon someone (like Tinubu), who is setting Nigeria on the path to greatness. 

    “They are a committee of people who have failed in time past and in the very recent past. They are people who have not been able to accredit themselves credibly well in the areas that they have been asked to work. They are people who have nothing to show,” he added.

    Read Also: APC appoints youth committee chair for by-election

    Kekemeke challenged the coalition members to present their track record, urging Nigerians to disregard their antics of coming back to power in 2027.

    “Let this coalition tell us what they achieved when they were in power and what they plan to do differently now. If you look at their past records, they are very undesirable,” he said.

    The APC zonal chairman expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be unbeatable in the 2027 polls.

    He said Southwest APC leadership had concluded arrangements to recruit canvassers for Tinubu across 2,000 electoral wards in the six states of the region.

    According to him, the canvassers will be tasked with taking the president’s socio-economic policies and achievements directly to the grassroots.

    “A committee has been set up to work out the modalities. Apart from overseeing party activities across the zone, it will strategise for President Tinubu’s second term bid. As the president’s home zone, we must lead the crusade for his re-election,” Kekemeke said.

  • AbdulRazaq gets report on ending farmers-herders clashes

    AbdulRazaq gets report on ending farmers-herders clashes

    • ’Rise in Kwara IGR, ICT capable of improving good governance’

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq yesterday received the result of the geospatial mapping conducted as guide to address the causes of farmer-herder clashes in the state

    The governor also took delivery of extension materials for livestock productivity enhancement.

    The state government had engaged the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano, to carry out the exercise, under the Kwara’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.

    At the presentation ceremony in Ilorin, the governor hailed the research directorate of the university for their dedication and professionalism throughout the exercise, pledging the government’s  determination to implement the findings to the letter.

    Read Also: Abdulrazaq inspects ongoing rural roads, says govt committed to inclusive growth, access to market

    Former Executive Chairman of Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS), Prof. Muritala Awodun, has said a proper application of the rise in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue and digital infrastructure also known as Information Communication Technology (ICT), would improve the level of governance in the state.

    Awodun spoke as a guest on Sobi FM in Ilorin, when he analysed the 2025 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index (PSPI) with a particular focus on Kwara State.

    The state performance index report was conducted by Phillips Consulting across the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.

  • Nigeria’s population can be a viable asset if properly managed, says Oyebanji

    Nigeria’s population can be a viable asset if properly managed, says Oyebanji

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has said Nigeria’s huge population could be converted into a positively impactful national asset if policy formulators designed an effective economic framework that catered to all citizens.

    The governor spoke yesterday in Ado-Ekiti at a sensitisation seminar on National Population Policy (NPP) on Sustainable Development, organised by Ekiti State Bureau of Statistics, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government Affairs and the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN).

    It brought together chairmen of local governments, security agencies, traditional rulers and religious leaders to discuss the importance of population planning.

    Oyebanji, represented by his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, stressed the need for policies that were responsive to fertility and mortality rates, migration and emigration, quality of life and overall sustainable development.

    He said population growth could be advantageous or otherwise, depending on how it was planned for, adding that “with effective planning and policies, Nigeria can harness potential of its population to drive growth and development.’’

    Read Also: Ekiti 2026: 130 groups endorse Oyebanji

    The governor said his administration had through ingenious decision making, facilitated improved standard of living, reduced poverty, inequality, boosted health care, ensured environmental protection and promoted social inclusion.

    He said other areas where his policies had made remarkable impacts in the lives of the populace were exposure of productive population to innovation and promotion of sustainable development goals.

    Ekiti State Statistician-General, Mrs Dasola Ojo, said accurate population data was mandatory for any state to help in economic and socio political planning for the citizens.

    She said with accurate population data, a state government could effectively plan for the security of lives and property and ensured even distribution of public amenities across geographical areas.

    The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, Kwamoti Laori, said time had come for the country to start planning about having accurate population data, adding that no nation could achieve development ‘’without this deft policy.’’

  • Adelabu: I’ve built house before ministerial appointment

    Adelabu: I’ve built house before ministerial appointment

    Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu has refuted a report by a media outfit alleging that he has built a mansion within two years of his appointment.

    He said the house was completed before he was appointed as a minister.

    A statement by Adelabu’s media aide, Mr. Femi Awogboro, described the report as false, mischievous and misleading, calculated to tarnish the reputation of the minister.

    He clarified that the building project began in November 2021 and was completed by August 2023, a month before his appointment as a minister of Power.

    Read Also: Nigerians will enjoy uninterrupted power supply before Tinubu leaves office -Adelabu

    According to the minister, he has long been recognised as a prominent investor in real estate, agriculture and hospitality with visible projects across Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    He noted that he had lived in the same location since 2010, when he built and publicly unveiled the original structure during his career as a senior banking and finance executive.

    The current property, he said, was simply a redevelopment of the old house, undertaken 12 years later to accommodate the increased demands of his political engagements.

    Adelabu, however, called on the media outlet to “immediately retract this false and misleading report”, warning that failure to do so could compel him to pursue legal action.

  • Governorship aspirant’s full scholarship for 20 Osun students

    Governorship aspirant’s full scholarship for 20 Osun students

    The Chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC and a governorship aspirant, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, has awarded full scholarships to 20 students to study in any federal higher institution.

    Ogunbiyi, a governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, said the scholarship was for the students to study in any federal tertiary institution in Nigeria.

    The aspirant, during a visit to the palace of Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, who is also the proprietor of Abolarin College, noted that the visit formed part of his consultation tour to party chieftains and ward executives in Ifedayo area, where he also sought royal blessings for his 2026 governorship ambition in Osun State.

    Read Also: Top UTME scorer, others get scholarship, named Warri brand ambassadors

    He said: “The scholarship will be funded through Arubiewe Educational Foundation, which has been running similar programmes for years.

    “Only a few weeks earlier, I extended a similar gesture to the best graduating students of Lanreleke Sports Academy, Ileogbo.’’

    Ogunbiyi said education remained a  solution to addressing societal challenges and reducing vices.

    Oba Abolarin thanked Dr. Ogunbiyi for his philanthropic gesture, describing him as “a humble and silent philanthropist, who has positively impacted many lives.”  

  • BAOSA poised to transform school with N1b devt fund

    BAOSA poised to transform school with N1b devt fund

    • Set for 170th anniversary celebration

    Baptist Academy Old Students’ Association (BAOSA) has restated its long-term commitment to the development of its alma mater.

    Speaking at a news conference to announce activities lined up for Baptist Academy’s 170th anniversary slated for October, BAOSA President, Mr Olumide Ajomale, said the association was poised to launch long-term developmental projects within the school, using funds from the N1billion BAOSA Infrastructure Development Fund (BIDF).

    He said alumni class sets had also initiated  building renovations, the provision of solar lights and lawn tennis courts, the renovation of the dining hall, scholarship funds and learning resources to improve educational experience for pupils.

    Ajomale said the 170th anniversary with the theme: “Legacy, Excellence, and Community,” comprises spiritual, educational, cultural and philanthropic engagements, which include symbolic tree planting exercise within the school grounds, a historical physical and virtual exhibition, a medical outreach, an inter-set football competition, a legacy debate for schools and a landmark anniversary lecture on October 15.

    Read Also: BAOSA officers unveil plan to create culture of excellence

    He said the programme would culminate in a BAOSA Reunion Dinner and Awards Night, where 170 distinguished alumni would be honoured, adding that international commemorative events had been  planned in Abuja, London and Houston to engage alumni globally.

    He described the school founded in 1855 by the Southern Baptist Convention, as not just one of the oldest educational institutions in Nigeria, but also a pillar of values-driven, holistic education in the nation’s history.

    Ajomale urged stakeholders to recommit to the school’s core values of Christian discipline, academic excellence and service.

    He thanked BAOSA leadership, planning committee and partners who are bringing the anniversary vision to reality, stressing that Baptist Academy lives on through its impact.

  • Lagos Pacific Lions Club empowers female inmates with skills training

    Lagos Pacific Lions Club empowers female inmates with skills training

    The Lagos Pacific Lions Club, District 404B2, on Wednesday, August 14, 2025, organized an entrepreneurship training program for inmates at the Female Custodial Facility, Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos, as part of efforts to support rehabilitation and reintegration of incarcerated women.

    The initiative, held to mark International Youth Day, focused on practical skill acquisition such as soap making, cake baking, and facial makeup. 

    Beneficiaries were also provided with starter kits to enable them practice and sustain the skills after their release.

    Speaking at the event, the President of Lagos Pacific Lions Club, Lion Nasir Ekundayo Lateefat, said the program was designed to give hope to inmates preparing to return to society.

    “We are here to empower the inmates in our own little way. Lion is all about service, and this month we dedicated our activity to the youth. For those about to regain their freedom, this training will help them start afresh and live meaningful lives,” she stated.

    She further disclosed that similar empowerment activities would be extended to other correctional facilities in Lagos, including Oregun and Ikeja.

    Read Also: Lions Club installs new district governor

    Also speaking, the Club’s Secretary, Lion Kolade Vijennayin zunnon, advised young people to avoid lifestyles that could lead them into conflict with the law.

     “Prison is not a place anyone should experience. Youths need to be careful with the kind of friends they keep and ensure they live responsibly,” he cautioned.

    On her part, Lion Fausat Olabisi Edu, Charter President of the Club, explained that the training would serve as a lifeline for inmates who often face stigma and limited job opportunities after incarceration.

    “We want them to be useful to themselves after leaving here. The knowledge gained today, coupled with the items provided, will help them start something and rebuild their lives,” she said.

    The Superintendent of Corrections and Principal of the facility’s school, Torty Helen, praised the initiative, describing it as a vital contribution to rehabilitation.

     “The training is very impactful because many ex-inmates face rejection from employers. With these skills, they can be self-reliant. We also appreciate the practical support, such as the soap ingredients, makeup kits, and baking equipment, which will enable them to continue practicing,” Ellen noted.

    The Lagos Pacific Lions Club reiterated its commitment to extending similar projects to other vulnerable groups, stressing that equipping people with skills remains a sustainable way to reduce crime and build stronger communities.

  • Alaafin visits Speaker, IGP in Abuja

    Alaafin visits Speaker, IGP in Abuja

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has visited Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abass and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in Abuja. 

    The monarch was accompanied by wife, Abiwumi Owoade and Prince Akeem Adeyemi, member representing Oyo federal constituency and Alhaji AbdulWasiu Adebisi, among others.

    The meetings also had in attendance the Ataoja of Osogbo, the Olu of Ilaro, the Oloro of Oro, the Olusin of Ijora Isin, other federal lawmakers, and the coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the South-West geo-political zone, DIG Adebowale Williams. 

    During the visit to the speaker  briefed the monarch about bills and motions that have been sponsored and raised in support of monarchs in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Speaker felicitates Alaafin at 50

    According to Abass, who described the engagement with Oba Owoade as warm, engaging, and deeply enriching, revealed that in 2025, the green chamber has supported monarchs and would continue to do so. 

    He added that a bill to give role to monarchs is currently enjoying legislative attention, noting that they would give it speedy passage.

    The IGP, while addressing the monarch and others, emphasized the important role traditional institutions play in ensuring the safety and security of communities and the Nation at large. 

    He further assured the traditional rulers of robust collaboration between the Police Force and traditional institutions towards ensuring inclusivity at various grassroot levels of their community towards achieving sustainable peace and development.

  • Coalition commends NCC’s rural internet expansion for driving development, investment

    Coalition commends NCC’s rural internet expansion for driving development, investment

    The Coalition for Inclusive Digital Growth (CIDG) has commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for its sweeping rural broadband expansion and infrastructure rollout, describing it as a major driver of economic growth, social inclusion, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s underserved communities.

    In a statement signed by its President, Peter Ezza, and issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the CIDG said the NCC under the leadership of Dr. Aminu Maida, its Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), has demonstrated rare foresight in ensuring that digital transformation is not limited to urban areas but reaches deep into rural and remote communities.

    Ezza noted that the NCC’s recent policies and projects ranging from the licensing of more infrastructure companies to the deployment of additional base transceiver stations have significantly closed the connectivity gap in several parts of the country where residents previously had little or no access to reliable internet services.

    “Connectivity is no longer a luxury; it is the foundation of modern economic activity. By expanding broadband access to rural and underserved areas, the NCC has empowered millions of Nigerians to participate in the digital economy, access online education, improve agricultural productivity through real-time information, and connect to broader markets. This is the kind of regulatory leadership that drives sustainable development,” Ezza said.

    The CIDG also praised the Commission for its ability to attract massive investments into the telecoms sector despite global economic headwinds. 

    The coalition cited recent figures indicating that the sector has consistently drawn multi-billion-dollar commitments from both local and foreign investors, thanks in large part to a stable and forward-looking regulatory environment fostered by the NCC.

    “Investors will always go where there is predictability, security, and growth potential. The NCC has provided a clear policy direction, created incentives for network expansion, and upheld industry standards that make Nigeria an attractive destination for telecoms and tech investments,” he added.

    Beyond infrastructure, the coalition applauded the NCC’s ongoing regulatory reforms, which it said have not only modernised the telecoms framework but also prepared the sector for future demands, including 5G deployment, emerging technologies, and the increasing convergence of telecoms, fintech, and e-commerce.

    According to the statement, the NCC’s initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity readiness and consumer protection have been equally important. 

    Ezza said that by equipping users with knowledge about online safety, enforcing data protection rules, and ensuring that service providers meet quality benchmarks, the Commission has boosted public trust in the digital ecosystem.

    He pointed out that in many rural communities, where cyber awareness is traditionally low, NCC-led consumer outreach campaigns have improved understanding of online risks and encouraged safer digital practices. This, he argued, is a critical factor in ensuring that new internet users are not only connected but also protected.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints board members for NCC, USPF

    The CIDG maintained that the ripple effects of rural broadband penetration are already visible in increased entrepreneurial activities, expansion of e-commerce in local markets, improved access to health information, and stronger linkages between rural economies and national value chains.

    “Every new base station in a rural community is not just a tower; it is a beacon of opportunity. We have seen young people start businesses online, farmers check commodity prices before selling, and health workers use telemedicine platforms to save lives. These are the tangible, life-changing impacts of the NCC’s rural connectivity drive,” Ezza noted.

    The coalition urged the Commission to maintain the current momentum, stressing that sustained investment in rural connectivity would be essential to achieving Nigeria’s targets for inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and global competitiveness.

    “With the right support and continued commitment, the NCC can ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in the digital age,” the statement added

  • Gov aspirant endorses Oyekunke for Ibadan North Bye-election

    Gov aspirant endorses Oyekunke for Ibadan North Bye-election

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship hopeful in Oyo State, Chief Niyi Aborisade, has endorsed candidate of the party in Saturday’s Bye-Election in Ibadan North federal constituency, Fola Oyekunle.

    Aborisade, a human rights activist and United Kingdom-trained lawyer, declared that Oyekunle is heading for an overwhelming victory in the bye-election scheduled for Saturday. 

    A statement by the Niyi Aborisade Media Office, predicted emphatic win for Oyekunle at the polls.

    “I am endorsing Hon. Fola Oyekunle of the PDP to win the election in Ibadan North. We are coasting home to victory. We are unstoppable,” it reads. 

    He attributed his confidence to Oyekunle’s early and robust campaign, the solid backing of PDP leaders, and the party’s entrenched political structure in Oyo State.

    “All the PDP structures and machinery are behind him. PDP bigwigs are solidly in support. Oyo State is impregnable for any other party.”

    Aborisade dismissed the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a fractured force in Oyo, citing internal divisions, a lack of visible campaign activity, and the absence of key party figures in the buildup to the election.

    The Ibadan North bye-election is expected to be a major test of political strength ahead of the 2027 general elections, with PDP strategists expressing optimism and APC grappling with internal challenges.