The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • ‘Reverse order ‘

    ‘Reverse order ‘

    A human rights group, the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), has urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to rescind his order stopping the newly sworn in council chairmen from appointing Secretary to Local Governments (SLGs) and Supervisory Councillors, among others.

    HURMA’s Executive Director, Comrade Buna Olaitan and Head Legal, Lekan Alabi, made the plea in a letter sent to the governor.

    The group said such order was in conflict with the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, which granted local governments ‘full administrative autonomy’.

    HURMA’s letter to the governor was titled: “Re: Appointment of Political Office Holders: A Call to Reverse Directive of Restrictions on Local Govt and LCDAs from Appointing Political Office Holders and Grant Full Administrative Autonomy”.

    The letter said: “We write to urgently request the reversal of the recent directive by your authority directing all newly sworn in chairmen of the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) to suspend the appointment of political office holders, including supervisors, special advisers and senior special assistants.

    Read Also: House seeks reopening of closed land border, laments revenue loss

    “This was contained in an official circular dated July 31, 2025, with reference number MLG/LGA/C.27/S./VOL.XIV/496, wherein the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, conveyed the directive in line with your directive during the recent swearing-in.

    “According to the widely published circular, only the appointment of Chief of Staff is permitted and chairmen who might have made the political appointments beyond the Chief of Staff were instructed to reverse their action till further directives.

    “Our office considered the above directive recently given to all local governments in the state as contradictory to the earlier Lagos government statement that ‘local government in the state have long operated with full financial and administrative independence, even before the Supreme Court’s July 2024 decision reinforcing local government autonomy nationwide’.

    “This, therefore, calls for an immediate reversal for the general good of all.

    “Nigeria practises a constitutional democracy whereby governments derive their powers from the constitution.

    “May we draw your attention to the fact that the chairmen were duly elected by the people. Their existence is not at the pleasure of your office.”

    HURMA said inasmuch as the Federal Government ‘’doesn’t intervene in the exercise of power of your office despite the huge monthly allocation being received from the centre, we find it awkward and clumsy that your authority is directing a democratically- elected government on how the government is to be run.’’

    “Lagos is supposed to be a model state and hallmark of democratic governance, not only in Nigeria, but also in Africa.

    “The local government should be allowed full independence in administering the local areas without any hindrance.

    ‘’As a public spirited organisation, we may necessarily institute an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to challenge the undemocratic directive to the local governments,” the group said.

  • Amaechi’s delusions of grandeur are laughable, says Lagos APC

    Amaechi’s delusions of grandeur are laughable, says Lagos APC

    Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted with a mixture of disbelief and amusement to the recent statement credited to Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, in which he boasted that he knows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “weaknesses” and will defeat him if given the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Lagos APC in a statement by its spokesman, Seye Oladejo,

    said: ‘’This outburst is nothing more than the desperate rant of a political relic struggling to stay relevant in a political terrain that has long moved past him.

    ‘’For the record, Rotimi Amaechi lacks the pedigree, the structure, the national appeal and the political capital to challenge Asiwaju Tinubu—on any platform, under any condition, in any era.

    Read Also: Group urges caution over Amaechi’s remarks, calls for investigation

    ‘’The idea that he can unseat a sitting president—elected by a clear majority and widely respected across geopolitical zones—using a fringe party like the ADC, is laughable at best and pitiful at worst. Mr. Amaechi, who couldn’t even deliver his unit or command loyalty within his own party structure during the last election cycle, now wants Nigerians to take him seriously as a contender? Nigerians are not fools.

    ‘’What Mr. Amaechi calls “knowing Tinubu’s weaknesses” is nothing but the bitterness of a man whose own political journey has been riddled with betrayal, controversy and decline. While President Tinubu has built leaders, institutions and a legacy of performance, Amaechi’s name has become synonymous with political infighting, disloyalty and personal ambition at the expense of collective progress.

    ‘’Let us be clear: The APC in Lagos and across Nigeria remains solidly behind President Tinubu. No amount of petty media noise, childish provocation, or attention-seeking from expired political actors will change that reality.

    ‘’If Mr. Amaechi feels compelled to contest under the ADC, he is free to test his strength. But he should also brace for the crushing defeat that will inevitably expose just how little support he truly commands.

    ‘’We urge Nigerians to disregard these infantile claims and remain focused on the important task of nation-building under the competent, visionary leadership of President Tinubu.’’

  • Support Oyo zone to produce next Gov-Adeniyi

    Support Oyo zone to produce next Gov-Adeniyi

    A chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) and former council chairman in Oyo State, Hon. Remi Adeniyi, otherwise known as ‘Pico’ has urged residents to support Oyo Federal Constituency to produce the next Governor in 2027.

    Speaking while featuring on an Ibadan- based radio station, Adeniyi said Oyo federal constituency has never produced Governor from the history of Old and new Oyo State.

    According to him, it is important for all political stakeholders in the state to allow other zones in the state particularly Oyo zone to produce Governor in 2027 for equity, justice and fairness.

    He attributed many deficits in infrastructure in some parts of the state to political zoning and marginalisation of other zones. 

    When asked if there is any aspirant from the zone who can favourably contest the governorship seats, Adeniyi said there are many competent sons and daughters of Oyo capable among whom is Olaoluwa Peter Abidemi popularly called ‘OPA’. 

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    He described Olaoluwa as an experienced public administrator, a successful accountant, a fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountant of professional data analyst and philanthropist. 

    He said Olaoluwa has contributed immensely to the development of his birthplace, Afijio local government and Oyo State in general.

    According to him: “Olaoluwa Peter Abidemi, popularly called OPA, has lived in virtually major towns in the state. He has worked in many parts of the country and outside of the country, which made him an experience governorship aspirant.

    “Let me appeal to leaders and members of our party to support our zone in bringing on board a governor of Oyo zone indigene come 2027, for equity, fairness, and justice.”

  • Nigerian River yields compounds with drug potential

    Nigerian River yields compounds with drug potential

    …Study highlights country’s untapped role in global drug discovery

    Scientists have discovered chemical compounds with potential biomedical value in a river in Kwara State, underscoring Nigeria’s growing importance in global drug discovery efforts.

    The breakthrough, published in Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry, details how researchers isolated unknown bioactive molecules, named pseudomonins D–G, from Pseudomonas sp. UIAU-6B, a bacterium found in sediment from Oyun River in Ilorin.

    The study showed that micro-organisms in Nigeria’s river systems could hold the key to developing new drugs against deadly diseases.

    The research was conducted by a team from University of Aberdeen and University of St Andrews in Scotland, with Nigerian scientists from University of Ilorin and Federal University of Lafia.

    Dr. Emmanuel Oluwabusola, a Chemistry graduate from the University of Ilorin and now a senior research fellow in the Marine Biodiscovery Centre in Aberdeen, said the discovery shows how local ecosystems can contribute to solving global health challenges.

    “Extreme or stressed environments often drive micro-organisms to produce distinctive metabolites,” he said. “By studying organisms that adapt to harsh local conditions, we uncover compounds that may hold biomedical potential.”

    According to the researchers, the compounds were analysed at Marine Biodiscovery Centre, University of Aberdeen, using advanced laboratory tools.

    Some molecules showed modest antiparasitic activity against Leishmania major and Trypanosoma brucei, parasites responsible for leishmaniasis and African sleeping sickness, two neglected tropical diseases. Others showed chemical structures that could inspire future drug development.

    Read Also: APC’s Ukachukwu weeps over burning of APC supporter’s building

    The study builds on earlier work published in 2021 on the same bacterial strain, which identified new antimicrobial compounds. Together, the findings underscore the pharmaceutical promise hidden in Nigeria’s underexplored natural habitats.

    Dr Adedotun Adefolalu, now a researcher at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, USA, said the discovery proves Nigeria’s ecosystems are fertile ground for scientific breakthroughs.

    “Our rivers and soils may appear ordinary, but they host microbial communities with extraordinary biochemical capabilities,” he said. “With adequate support, Nigeria could contribute significantly to global drug discovery.”

    The project was coordinated by Prof. Marcel Jaspars, Director of the Marine Biodiscovery Centre, and partly funded by Nigeria’s Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). It highlights how international collaboration can turn local biodiversity into tools for global health improvement.

    Experts say the findings should spur more government and private-sector investment in bioprospecting and environmental microbiology, fields that could make Nigeria a key player in the global fight against antibiotic resistance and parasitic diseases.

    As the world races to find new treatments, scientists say the answers may lie beneath Nigeria’s rivers, quiet, overlooked ecosystems now proving to be hidden pharmacies waiting to be explored.

  • Seven things to know about Nigeria’s youngest chief

    Seven things to know about Nigeria’s youngest chief

    Chief Olamilekan Israel Adebayo, 

    Highly regarded as the youngest chief in Nigeria, Chief Olamilekan Israel Adebayo was crowned chief of the Sọlu Alade Kingdom, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, at just five. Now aged 9,  he is making waves with his mastery of Yoruba culture.

    Here are seven things to Know about the youngest chief in Nigeria:

    1. Age at Coronation: He was crowned chief at five years old

    2. Current Age: He is now 9 years old

    Read Also: Nigeria has lost a patriot in Audu Ogbeh — Tinubu

    3. Title: Chief of Sọlu Alade Kingdom, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

    4. Nickname: Adigun Olowe Yoruba (“an encyclopedia of Yoruba proverbs”).

    5. Yoruba Proverbs Mastery: He’s mastered over 500 Yoruba proverbs with English translations

    6. Education: He is a primary 1 student from Fiditi in Afijio local Government of Oyo State.

    7. Cultural significance: Chiefs play key roles in Yoruba governance and cultural preservation.

  • Foundation’s solar borehole boosts clean water access for Ibadan community

    Foundation’s solar borehole boosts clean water access for Ibadan community

    The BATN Foundation has commissioned a 20,000-litre solar-powered borehole in Ifelodun Muslim Area of Oluyole Local Government, Ibadan, providing over 5,000 residents with sustainable access to clean water.

    Unveiled at a well-attended ceremony last week, the facility, the Board Director of BATN Foundation, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, said, marks a significant milestone in the Foundation’s ongoing drive to improve rural infrastructure and align with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) — clean water and sanitation for all.

    Equipped with five water dispensing taps, a management kiosk, four 300W solar panels, and a submersible pump, the system, she explained is designed for long-term durability. It also includes a manual hand pump for backup during periods of low sunlight — a move praised for ensuring reliability even in unpredictable weather.

    “Water is life. Access to clean, safe water is not a luxury; it is a fundamental human right. This project represents our belief that no one should be left behind, especially when it comes to the most basic human need,” Erewa-Meggison said.

    She added that the initiative was part of a broader vision to foster health and dignity through renewable, community-focused interventions. 

    “This borehole is one of over 110 solar-powered facilities we have constructed across Nigeria, impacting thousands of rural households with safe, renewable water access. It’s not just about water; it’s about dignity, it’s about public health, and it’s about creating opportunities for people to thrive.”

    Government representatives hailed the intervention as a model for addressing rural challenges. The Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Seun Ashamu, described the project as “a vital example of how public-private partnerships can fill infrastructure gaps in climate-sensitive sectors like water.”

    Also speaking, Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, commended the Foundation for its thoughtful choice of location. 

    “This is a transformative gesture that meets both immediate and future water needs of our people. It will relieve women and children from the hardship of walking long distances in search of water,” he said.

    Residents of the Ifelodun Muslim Area turned out in large numbers to witness the symbolic ribbon-cutting and water flow demonstration, hailing the intervention as “life-changing.”

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    Beyond water infrastructure, the Foundation, Erewa-Meggison noted, is making bold strides in agriculture and rural empowerment. In 2024 alone, it trained and equipped 200 smallholder vegetable farmers in Akufo and Ajeja communities on sustainable dry-season farming, contributing to its record of empowering over 330,000 farmers across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.

    “The goal is to strengthen the entire ecosystem around rural development. By giving people the tools, whether water or agricultural inputs, we’re enabling productivity, health, and self-reliance,” she noted.

    The ceremony concluded with a message of responsibility and sustainability as the Foundation’s Board Director urged the community members, stating, “Sustainability begins with stewardship. Protect it. Preserve it. Pass it on.” 

    With the commissioning of the project, the BATN Foundation reaffirmed its dedication to bridging the rural infrastructure gap in the country through sustainable, community-driven solutions.

  • Ibadan North Bye-Election: PDP has nothing to offer, says APC

    Ibadan North Bye-Election: PDP has nothing to offer, says APC

    Ahead of the August 16 Bye-Election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Oyo State has flagged-off campaign for its candidate, Adewale Olatunji, popularly known as ‘Murphy’, alleging the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has nothing to offer them.

    The party said voting for its candidate will consolidate what it described as the good works of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    The event, held at the popular Bodija International Market, attracted Minister for Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; a lawmaker, who is also son of late Alaafin of Oyo, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi; brother to late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Wasiu Ajimobi and former ALGON chairman in Oyo state, Hon. Abass Aleshinloye among others.

    The seat became vacant following the death of Hon. Olaide Akinremi ‘Jagaban’, a member of the party. 

    Adelabu described the Bye-Election as strategic and important, urging electorates across the federal constituency to come out en mass and vote for APC candidate in the Saturday’s election.

    Read Also: ADC is a rootless split, no threat to APC in 2027 — Gov Sule

    He said: “This election is not just about Murphy, it is about Tinubu and the Yoruba’s, let us all vote for continuity of the good work late Akinremi has done, let vote for APC candidate to uphold Akinremi’s unprecedented strides.

    “APC owned Ibadan North, APC owned Oyo State and Nigeria at large, don’t fight PDP, speak with your votes.”

    Adelabu said APC in the state is more united ever than before, urging all the electorates across the federal constituency to show PDP that Oyo State belong to the progressives.

    Oyo APC chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abass said candidate of the party will win with support of electorates across the federal constituency.

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  • Oba Olakulehin gets military honour as Makinde,COAS, family members, others bid farewell

    Oba Olakulehin gets military honour as Makinde,COAS, family members, others bid farewell

    • Cleric slams politicians over desperation for 2027

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, his deputy, Bayo Lawal, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, members of the Olubadan-in-Council led by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) led by the President General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, top government functionaries, family, and friends from all walks of life, on Friday, bid farewell to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

    The late monarch, a retired officer of the Nigerian Army, was laid to rest in full military honour at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, and buried at the church cemetery within the church compound.

    The COAS was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ojoo, Major General Obinna Onubogun. High point of the military burial was the firing of gunshots signalling the departure of the late soldier and the presentation of the Nigerian flag to the next of kin.

    The cleric condemned the haste with which politicians are showing desperation about the 2027 General elections, saying those promising to spend only one term in office are only showing the height of their desperation.

    Read Also: Oba Olakulehin goes home today

    Delivering his sermon to round off the weeklong burial activities, the Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province and the Bishop, Ibadan North (Anglican) Diocese, Right Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, urged the people to be mindful of the life they live, noting that on the last day all mortals will give account of their stewardship.

    Referring to I Thessalonians 4: 13 – 14, the Cleric said the passing of the monarch is a significant loss to Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria as a whole.

    He said: “… Oba Olakulehin has left this world of thriving wickedness and the Church militant, and he is now at rest in the Church triumphant.

  • Ondo: Abductors of AAUA worker demand N7m

    Ondo: Abductors of AAUA worker demand N7m

    Five days after his abduction, the abductors of a staff member of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State, Omoniyi Eleyinmi, have now made contact with his family members, demanding seven million naira as ransom for his freedom.

    It will be recalled that Eleyinmi, a faculty officer in the department of education at the state-owned university, was abducted on Monday night while returning to his Supare-Akoko residence from his duty post in Akungba.

    He was ambushed and seized by the gunmen who fired sporadically as he stepped down from a commercial motorcycle, which he rode home from the office.

    A family source, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, revealed on Friday that the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million but reduced it to N7 million after a series of negotiations.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Police confirm abduction of AAUA senior staff in Ondo

    He hinted that the kidnappers on Wednesday allowed Eleyinmi’s wife to speak with him briefly to confirm he was alive.

    In a swift development, the AAUA Alumni Association – of which Eleyinmi is a member – has launched an appeal for donations to raise the ransom.

    The association’s Global Publicity Secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin, urged members and Nigerians to donate within 24 hours to secure his release, providing a Polaris Bank account for contributions.

    The statement read in part: “Distinguished Alumni, I am sure that the majority of you must have heard the news of the kidnapping of one of us, Niyi Eleyinmi, who is the Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Education, AAUA.

    “Eleyinmi was kidnapped on Monday, and the kidnappers have demanded a sum of seven million Naira (₦7,000,000). It is on this note that I want to passionately appeal to you to donate towards securing the safe release of Niyi from his captors.

    “We have just 24 hours to raise the aforementioned sum. Kindly make your donation into the account below:

    Polaris Bank 1011167606 Akinwande Joyce Morenikeji. May God help us as we donate.”

  • Prevail on those withholding Osun LG fund—Ataoja begs Tinubu

    Prevail on those withholding Osun LG fund—Ataoja begs Tinubu

    The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the prolonged withholding of 30 local government statutory monthly allocation in Osun State.

    Speaking during the grand finale of the 2025 Osun-Osogbo festival at the groove, Oba Olanipekun said the continuous withholding of LGA fund may ground the state, which will not augur well.

    He said the traditional council in the state must play a significant role to ensure the end of the imbroglio at the councils, noting that “we must all go to Abuja over this matter to see President Tinubu.”

     “Some traditional rulers have approached me on what to do with the withheld LG fund. I don’t want to be too forward.

    Read Also: 2027 Presidency: Wike, Fayose, Adebutu incur wrath of PDP pro-Jonathan big shots …for endorsing Tinubu

    “I expected our leader of the Traditional Council to summon a meeting which would be attended by us. I won’t jump the gun, because I am greatly concerned. I am the father of SSG, Governor, some traditional rulers are the fathers of the deputy governor and Chief of Staff…they should call us, the traditional rulers, we are the fathers of those in government, our leader should summon us all to go to Abuja, if we get there, I know what to say because Osun can’t be relegated to the back.

    “Those of you close to the president and advising him should tell him to prevail on those holding Osun LG allocation to release it for the state, and when it is time for the election, call on me and I will deliver for you.”

    He added that the Osun River goddess has endorsed Tinubu for a second term, and he will emerge victorious in 2027 against all odds.

    He said: “During the 16-eyed-lanterned event, Osun goddess has adopted Tinubu and will deliver Osun State in 2027, there is no need to be afraid.”