The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Osun Osogbo: Babayemi advocates preservation of Yoruba cultural artifacts

    Osun Osogbo: Babayemi advocates preservation of Yoruba cultural artifacts

    A governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, has called for the preservation of cultural artefacts and relics of the Yoruba race in Nigeria.

    Such a move, Babayemi contended, would help to secure the future of the race, especially in the area of the Yoruba language, which he lamented was gradually going into extinction.

    He emphasized that consistent celebration of cultural festivals in Yoruba land would keep the consciousness of their historical backgrounds alive,a development he added, would always assist in fostering unity among the people.

    In a release by his media office, Babayemi congratulated the people of the state, especially the indigenes of Osogbo, on the celebration of this year’s annual Osun Osogbo Festival.

    “Our culture is our identity and our selling point; we must all strive to protect and preserve. It’s our common ancestry heritage which separates us from others, and this we must keep jealously. We need a conscious cultural rebirth that will help to re-engineer and inculcate an enduring belief in our younger generations. More importantly, the celebration of our various cultures links us with the past to foster our unity today and tomorrow.

    Read Also: Osun govt urges mothers to prioritise infants over husbands in breastfeeding campaign

    “It’s a money-spinning venture. Culture and tourism are basically what sustain most countries in the world today, but unfortunately, we are not paying much attention to them. We should endeavour to look at this direction because of its inherent benefits.

    “Osun Osogbo Festival, like others in different parts of Yoruba-speaking states, filled with different artefacts and relics, has ensured we continue to occupy global space for the good of our areas and the people. This, we must not allow to become a thing of the past in our annals,” he further cautioned.

    Also, Babayemi appealed to traditional rulers and stakeholders to always evolve engagements that would continue to promote the Yoruba ethos, pleading further that efforts be made to ensure that the language did not die as a result of the intrusion of foreign cultures.

    While congratulating the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, and the people of the ancient town on this year’s celebration, the governorship aspirant implored government at all levels in the country to use culture and tourism to generate more funds for the development of the nation.

  • Group hails Adeola at 56

    Group hails Adeola at 56

    A socio-political group, the Ogun Visionaries For Senator Yayi, has felicitated with Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as he celebrates his 56th birthday.

    In a statement issued on Friday by the Director General of the group, Hon. Leye Odunjo, he described Adeola, popularly called Yayi, as an illustrious son of Ogun State, who is ever committed to the reformation of the State and Nigeria.

    The group thanked Yayi for his outstanding transformation of the entire Ogun West and the State in general, his people-oriented law-making, and contributions to the development of Ogun West, the State, and Nigeria in general.

    The group described the senator as a thoroughbred politician, an epitome of humility, a game changer, and a lover of the people, while urging him to sustain his contributions to humanity.

    The statement noted that Adeola has brought his political experience to bear on the various constituency projects spread across the state.

    Read Also: Fola Adeola, Ozekhome, ministers to lead dialogue at AIHS 2025

    The statement read in part: “Senator, Chief Solomon Olamilekan Adeola has continued to blaze the trail by providing and offering leadership at various levels of governance, the maverick Senator has continued to serve his people well without relenting”.

    “He has continued to provide sound and relevant legislation at different times, and we thank you for always being there for us”.

    ”Over the years, you have carved a niche for yourself by dint of hard work and discipline, maintaining a charismatic and unblemished leadership style that has endeared you to many Ogun  West residents, the entire State, and Nigerians in general”.

    “You (Adeola) have exhibited absolute leadership traits of a man committed to doing things differently, as it is in developed and organised climes,” the statement added.

  • School proprietor urges outgoing students to pursue excellence

    School proprietor urges outgoing students to pursue excellence

    The chairman of the De Dynamic Private School, Ota, Ogun State, Lion Jide Bello, has urged the outgoing senior secondary (SS3) students of the school to seek excellence in their educational pursuits and life goals.

    Bello made the call on Wednesday during the 2025 valedictory service held at the De Dynamic Comprehensive College premises.

    ”It is with immense joy and gratitude that I stand before you today to warmly welcome every one of you to this special occasion — the Valedictory Service for the Class of 2025. Today, we gather not just to mark the end of an academic journey, but to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of our dear graduating students.

    Read Also: UNN alumnus donates borehole to school

    ”This year’s theme, ‘Empowered to Excel, Destined for Greatness,” captures the very essence of what De Dynamic Private School stands for. Our mission has always been clear — to empower our students with sound knowledge, strong values, and the skills needed to succeed in life and contribute meaningfully to society.

    ”To our graduating students, this moment is a testimony to your hard work, discipline, and resilience. You came, you saw, and indeed, you are leaving empowered. But beyond academic excellence, you have been equipped with character, confidence, and clarity — qualities that will guide you through the many opportunities and challenges ahead.

  • Lagos Country Club aligns with good governance- President

    Lagos Country Club aligns with good governance- President

    Lagos Country Club (LCC) has no political party or candidate of choice but only aligns itself with good governance, the president,  Seyi Adewunmi, has said.

    Adewunmi, who is the 25th president of the Club, made the statement at the club’s 76th anniversary gala night.

    He assured that the club will support any candidate or party that is willing to provide good governance for the common benefit of everybody in the society. “We are not aligning to any political party; we are only aligning to good governance,” he said.

    He noted that the founding fathers of the Lagos Country Club envisioned a club that would exist endlessly, meaning that one management will succeed another till eternity.

    “In doing that, it has guided a lot of things that the club has done, starting from acquiring the location. This club used to be a corner where pilots used to hang out when they wanted to fly out of Nigeria. Eventually, they got this place as a permanent location. And ever since then, it has become a beehive of activities ranging from sporting activities to social events and a very fantastic platform for networking. So, it is quite strategic and the founding fathers thought well ahead of time to be able to achieve this,” he said.

    On his advice to those coming after him, he said: “First, they should join the club, try to understand and learn the norms, processes, and procedures of the club before they can aspire to serve at the level of president, because we learn a lot of things.

    There are so many unwritten codes that you need to learn. You must learn to entrench the culture of the club. For example, this is a family club, and once you join, your wife and children automatically become members of the club. So, you may not find all of those things written anywhere, but they are entrenched in our culture as a family club.”

    Speaking about measures in place to sustain the vision of the founding fathers, he said the club ensures that the club has a functional constitution.

    Read Also: Lagos completes first phase of Ogudu-Ifako Bridge rehabilitation

    “Once you have a solid constitution, it guides the behaviours, the conduct, and the activities of everything that we do around here. So, the constitution is supreme to every single member of the club.”

    Also, Chairman, Board of Trustees LCC, Aare Kola Oyefeso, noted that with over 15,000 nominal members, a few hiccups are expected but stated that the club had outgrown such challenges.

    “There are no challenges that are beyond the club. Over the past 76 years, there have been tremendous developments,” he said.

    He said the club has grown exponentially. “When we joined the club 47 years ago, there was only one section and that was the bar, but today, we have 11 sections and there is no game that is not in the club,” he said.

    He noted that the club’s contributions to the country’s economy are unquantifiable. “We have professionals from every field of human endeavours. We have several industrialists here. We don’t blow our trumpet, but our members have contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy,” he said.

    To keep the club going, he stated that members must maintain the constitution of the club, which is the grundnorm that everybody must subscribe to.

    On what should be done to sustain the club’s achievements, he also said: “Whatever we have done to raise the club to this standard, we must continue with it. We must continue to encourage members to obey the rules and regulations of the club.”

  • Rotary Club donates furniture, sanitary items to primary health centre

    Rotary Club donates furniture, sanitary items to primary health centre

    The Rotary Club of Alakuko, under District 9111 Nigeria, has donated durable wooden benches and essential hygiene items to the Abule Titun Primary Health Centre in Alakuko, Lagos State.

    According to the club, the donation was made to support and celebrate Rotary International’s Maternal and Child Health Month and the International Breastfeeding Week, in order to enhance the comfort and dignity of nursing mothers accessing healthcare services at the facility.

    The club noted that the iron-reinforced wooden benches will replace worn-out plastic chairs and ensure nursing mothers have a safe and comfortable space for breastfeeding and postnatal care.

    The club also distributed sanitary pads, washing detergents, and packs of yoghurt to support the health and nutrition of nursing mothers.

    Speaking at the event, the Club’s president, Oludare Oyegbola, said:  “We discovered that the plastic chairs were no longer durable, so we decided to donate sturdy benches that will allow mothers to breastfeed their babies with ease and comfort,” he said.

    He explained that maternal and child health is one of Rotary International’s core focus areas, with July dedicated to this purpose, highlighting the organization’s global efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations.

    Read Also: Rotary Club donates to health centre

    The immediate Past President of the club, Idowu Makinde, praised the execution of the project, describing it as “an applaudable gesture” that reflects the club’s dedication to community service. He also commended the Lagos State Government for its ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure, while urging further expansion across local wards.

    The club’s President-elect, Saheed Olaogun, encouraged hospital staff and beneficiaries to care for the donated items, pledging continued support for primary healthcare centers in the community.

    Receiving the donations, the hospital’s Matron, Mrs. Bosede Oladipupo, expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club for its consistent support over the years. She emphasized the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, noting its critical role in child development and maternal bonding.

    “Mothers should understand that exclusive breastfeeding is not just a health recommendation—it’s a foundation for a healthier future,” she said.

  • Ataoja urges Tinubu’s Intervention in Osun LG allocation crisis

    Ataoja urges Tinubu’s Intervention in Osun LG allocation crisis

    The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the lingering crisis over the control of local governments in Osun State and the continued withholding of allocations to 30 councils.

    Speaking during the grand finale of the 2025 Osun-Osogbo Festival held at the sacred grove, the monarch warned that the prolonged withholding of local government funds could cripple the state’s development.

    Oba Olanipekun emphasised the need for the state’s traditional council to play a proactive role in resolving the crisis, suggesting a collective visit to the President in Abuja.

    Read Also: Former Delta gov Okowa applauds Tinubu’s economic reforms

    “Some traditional rulers have approached me on what to do about the withheld LG funds. I don’t want to be too forward, but we must all go to Abuja over this matter to see President Tinubu,” he said.

    “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.”

  • Fishermen urge Tinubu to intervene in release of $3.5bn Bonga oil spill compensation 

    Fishermen urge Tinubu to intervene in release of $3.5bn Bonga oil spill compensation 

    Members of the Artisan Fishermen Association of Nigeria in the Niger Delta have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in ensuring the release of the $3.5 billion compensation awarded against Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) for the 2011 Bonga oil spill.

    They urged the President to prevail on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to disburse the funds, lamenting that despite Shell’s payment of the penalty to the agency, the affected communities have yet to benefit.

    The plea comes barely a month after the group first sought presidential intervention over the $3.6 billion awarded for damages caused by the spill, which devastated farmlands, fishing waters, and livelihoods across the Niger Delta.

    In an open letter on Friday, obtained by The Nation in Akure, Ondo State, the fishermen recalled that in 2012, NOSDRA imposed a total liability of $3.6 billion on Shell for negligence.

    The letter was jointly signed by state coordinators and community representatives, including Samuel Ayadi (Akwa Ibom), Elizabeth Egbe (Bayelsa), Alfred Kuroko (Delta), Alexander Mesogboriwon (Ondo), Alabo Comrade Oris Otto (Rivers), Jeremiah Omagbemi, Olaniyeye Jeje, and Durojaiye Erukubami.

    Copies were also sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, NOSDRA Director-General Chukwuemeka Woke, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

    The group noted that the spill contaminated kilometres of fishing coastline in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Ondo States, forcing thousands out of business and plunging many into extreme poverty.

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    “It is common knowledge that this money has since been paid to NOSDRA. It is however, very disturbing to note that the affected artisan fishermen and communities on whose behalf the Agency is acting is left to bear the brunt of environmental neglect, economic deprivation and allowed to continue to wallow in abject poverty which has occasioned the death of so many since the incidence.

    “Efforts made to get the attention of government and its agents and agencies to the plight of the affected Nigerians had yielded no dividends over the years. We cannot however remain silent as holding back and refusing to release the penalty paid by Shell as compensation amounts to insensitivity on the part of government and its agents to the economic and environmental concerns of the affected people and the area.

    “Our Father and President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu has severally reaffirmed the vital role and significance of the Niger Delta in Nigeria’s economic growth, describing the region as “the goose that lays the golden egg”. We also know that human capital development is very dear to the heart of Mr. President,” they said. 

    The concerned fishermen pleaded with President Tinubu to use his ‘good office to come to their aid’ by directing the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation and EFCC to ensure fairness in the application of the money paid by shell. 

    The group said their appeal aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his recognition of the Niger Delta as “the goose that lays the golden egg” in Nigeria’s economy.

    “We ask Your Excellency to – to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the sources and application of the money paid by Shell and to order and compel the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and NOSDRA for the immediate release of the $3.6b as compensation of $1.8b for environmental damages and economic losses and $1.8b as a punitive measure.

    “We remain committed to the economic and social development of the Nation and support the efforts of your administration in nation-building.”

    Recall that the 2011 Bonga offshore oil spill, caused by equipment failure at Shell’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, discharged an estimated 40,000 barrels (6.4 million litres) of crude oil into the Atlantic Ocean. 

    The slick spread across the coastline, destroying marine ecosystems and crippling fishing activities.

    Over the years, the incident has fuelled economic devastation, food insecurity, and social unrest in the affected states. 

    Following the disaster, NOSDRA ordered fishermen to pull out of the polluted rivers – a directive that many say marked the beginning of their prolonged hardship.

  • Beyond Oyo: PaceSetter set to harmonise with Kwara

    Beyond Oyo: PaceSetter set to harmonise with Kwara

    Pacesetter Transport Service (PTS), the Oyo State-owned transport company, is set to expand its operations beyond the southwest region, as plans are underway to begin interstate passenger services from Ibadan to Ilorin, Lagos and Abuja, using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses.

    This was the outcome of a meeting held today in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, between the Chairman and Sole Administrator of Pacesetter Transport Services, Hon. Dr. Dikko Salami, and the Kwara State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Aliyu Kora Sabi.

    Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Dikko Salami said the engagement was part of efforts to deepen regional cooperation and ensure safer, affordable, and environmentally friendly transport for Nigerians.

    “We are expanding the Pacesetter routes beyond Oyo. We have successfully operated CNG buses from Ibadan to Lagos and Abuja. Now we are bringing that same energy to Kwara.

    The plan is to move passengers from Ibadan to Ilorin, Ilorin to Abuja, Ilorin to Lagos and back. This meeting was to agree on how to make it smooth,” Dr. Dikko said.

    Read Also: Oyo First Lady distributes food items to nursing mothers

    He disclosed that both states discussed pickup and drop-off points, designated terminals, and the safety and monitoring systems in place for the buses. “Our buses are already equipped with cameras and GPS tracking. The passengers’ safety is a priority. We also talked about how to ensure that fares remain affordable for the public,” he added.

    On his part, Hon. Aliyu Kora Sabi welcomed the collaboration and described it as timely. He noted that the move will not only ease transportation between the two states but also create economic opportunities for the people.

    “This partnership is a welcome development. It means cheaper, safer, and more reliable transportation for our people. It also opens up employment opportunities and strengthens the bond between both states,” the commissioner said.

    Present at the meeting were key officials from both sides, including the SSA on Transport, SSA on Security, the Kwara State Governor, PS Ministry of Transport and directors from Pacesetter covering Human Resources, Finance, ICT and others.

  • Enugu debunks tax misinformation, clarifies policies

    Enugu debunks tax misinformation, clarifies policies

    The Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) has dismissed viral social media claims about arbitrary taxation in the state as “false and misleading.”

    The agency also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to lawful, transparent tax administration and outlined reforms to streamline collections, especially in the informal sector.

    Speaking during a media briefing in Enugu, chairman of the ESIRS, Mr. Emmanuel Nnamani, clarified that all taxes in Enugu State were guided by the Personal Income Tax Act, explaining that formal employees pay through the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system, while those in the informal sector were assessed directly.

    Nnamani disclosed that before Governor Peter Mbah assumed office in 2023, 99% of informal sector players—including market traders and transport operators—were not paying taxes due to interference by “non-state actors”.

    To address this, he explained that a consolidated ₦36,000 annual levy was introduced for market traders, covering sanitation, signage, and business premises charges, while street vendors were made to pay ₦30,000 annually, with transport operators using a daily ticketing system.

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    According to him, although the law prescribes penalties for non-compliance, the state has adopted a softer ₦3,000 flat sanction to encourage compliance.

    He disclosed that a tax calculator tool was now available on the agency’s website to help residents compute their obligations.

    Answering questions on the assertions by a cross section of landlords linking high rent and cost of living to ‘high taxes’, Nnamani dismissed the claims, attributing the situation instead to housing shortages and demand-driven inflation. 

    He said government housing projects are underway to ease pressure.

    He also explained that current high prices of construction materials are due to increased demand from state infrastructure projects, adding that prices would stabilise as projects near completion.

    Nnamani concluded that Enugu’s tax regime aligns with federal laws and national standards, saying, “We apply the law fairly, not to compete, but to help our people prosper.”

  • Oke-Ogun leaders back Aborisade’s gov ambition

    Oke-Ogun leaders back Aborisade’s gov ambition

    The governorship aspiration of Human Right lawyer, Chief Niyi Aborisade has received a major boost with political leaders and stakeholders across the 10 local government areas of Oke-Ogun pleading support. 

    A statement by the Niyi Aborisade Media Office explained the endorsement came during a joint meeting with top leaders of the region, after series of consultation visits by Aborisade, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State to each of the local government areas.

    The statement said the Oke-Ogun leaders, after extensive deliberations, expressed unanimous commitment to work collectively towards the rrealisation of Chief Aborisade’s ambition to become the next Governor.

    “There was a rousing and resounding welcome in Oke Ogun. We toured all the 10 local government areas and the jubilant party faithful and residents received us warmly.

    “The leaders promised to work assiduously for the victory of Chief Niyi Aborisade in 2027. They pledged to deliver their councils for the actualisation of the governorship project.”

    Oke-Ogun, a region long considered strategic in Oyo State’s political calculus, is poised to play a decisive role in the 2027 election.