The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Edo monarchs drop ‘HRH’ appellation, adopt ‘HRM’

    Edo monarchs drop ‘HRH’ appellation, adopt ‘HRM’

    Traditional rulers in Edo State, especially those in Edo Central Senatorial District, have dropped ‘His Royal Highness’ (HRH) appellation and adopted ‘His Royal Majesty’ (HRM).

    Before now, only the Oba of Benin is referred to as ‘His Royal Majesty’ in the state.

    There was outcry when Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, in a statement, referred to the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella as HRM, instead of HRH.

    Read Also: LP has no candidate in Edo by-election, says INEC

    The adoption of HRM by other traditional rulers is being viewed as an affront to the Oba of Benin.

    Monarchs in Edo Central were referred to as HRM when they were introduced to candidates who visited them for royal blessing.

  • OSOBAN targets N200m for seminary sanitation project

    OSOBAN targets N200m for seminary sanitation project

    The Oke-Are Seminary Old Boys Association of Nigeria (OSOBAN) is embarking on a N200 million fundraising campaign to build modern sanitary facilities at St. Theresa’s Catholic Minor Seminary, Oke-Are, Ibadan.

    As part of the association’s fundraising drive, this year’s OSOBAN Summit and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of its Lagos branch is scheduled to hold on Thursday, September 4, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja, Lagos.

    It will be presided over by Archbishop Alfred-Adewale Martins, with support from Archbishop Felix Alaba Job, Bishop Felix Ajakaye, and other prominent clerics.

    In addition to the fundraising, the national old boys association is planning its AGM scheduled for October, which will feature the unveiling of a Roll of Honour plaque at the seminary in Ibadan.

    Read Also: Mechanic jailed 6 months for stealing auto parts from seminary

    Speaking during a visit to the Vintage Press, head office of The Nation newspapers in Lagos, the Chairman of the Lagos Branch Planning Committee, Mr. Segun Ogunade, said the project was birthed from the urgent need to revamp the school’s decaying sanitation infrastructure and give back to an institution that had produced revered clergy and notable lay professionals for over a century.

    “We are trying to raise as much as N200 million,” he said. “Some say it’s ambitious, but many agree that it is doable.

    This school was founded in 1901 and has trained priests who serve not only in Nigeria but also across West Africa—Cameroon, Sierra Leone, you name it. But when you see the state of the conveniences in the school today, you’ll agree something must be done urgently. That’s why we, the old students, are rising to the occasion,” Ogunade said.

    He emphasised the historic importance of the seminary, noting that it is the alma mater of numerous Catholic leaders, including Cardinal Anthony Okojie, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, and Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo.

    “St. Theresa’s Catholic Minor Seminary is not just a secondary school; it’s a priestly formation ground. When we went there, we believed we’d all become reverend fathers. While some of us went on to become priests, others became laymen, but we all carry the same foundation of discipline and service,” he said.

    According to the association’s secretary, Mr. Patrick Oyewunmi, the plaque will honour past and present contributors to the growth of the Catholic Church and the seminary.

  • Lagos empowers over 30,000 infive years, says Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos empowers over 30,000 infive years, says Sanwo-Olu

    • By Eniola Akinwande

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday said the state had empowered over 30,000 women and youths in its 19 skills acquisition centres in five years.

    He made this known at a graduation held for 5,309 students who graduated from the 2024/2025 session of its skills acquisition programmes under the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty (WAPA).

    He said the state’s skills acquisition programmes were initiated to support young entrepreneurs with the needed skills and tools to start their businesses.

    Sanwo-Olu identified entrepreneurship as one of the major means to tackle and alleviate poverty in the society.

    The students were trained in diverse skills such as vulcanising, welding and aluminium fabrication.

    Others are carpentry, photography, barbing, catering, hairdressing and bead and hat making,  gele tying and makeup artistry, among others.

    They also received start-up tools and certificates.

    He said: “This graduation ceremony is a gathering of vision and immense potential for the graduates of our skill centres across the state. It also highlights our commitment as a government to engage our youths and most especially women, with skills to turn their life around for good.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu inaugurates network of roads, hospital in Badagry

    “Over 30,000 students have graduated in the last five to six years from the 19 skill acquisition centres across the state and we remain committed to engage more,” he said.

    He urged the students to make use of the skills and equipment they had received to change the narrative and be worthy ambassadors of the state.

    The governor commended the ministry for impacting the lives of the vulnerable in the society through their various activities.

    “You have acquired practical life changing skills and with the right tools that you received, you can rise above poverty and difficulty,” he said.

    Also Speaking, wife of the state governor, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, advised the beneficiaries to see the empowerment as the beginning of fresh brighter future.

    Sanwo-Olu said their perseverance during the training should be a symbol of hope to forge ahead in their chosen skills.

    “Learning is a continuous thing, so retrain yourself and set goals to evaluate your performance every five years.

    “Create value with the skills you have all acquired; plan and remain proactive to grow with the trends,” she said.

    Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, commended the beneficiaries for their resilience and hard work. She said the training they had received would prepare them for  future.

     She said the ministry’s inclusive developmental projects aligned with the THEMES agenda of the state to uplift vulnerable women and youths at the grassroots.

    Mrs Dada said: ”These individuals, through dedication, resilience and hard work, have completed their training in various vocational and entrepreneurial skills preparing them to become job creators and employers of labour. This figure is more than just a statistic. It represents 5,309 new opportunities for economic growth, community uplift and poverty alleviation across our state. It is a testament to the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development and the empowerment of every segment of our society, especially women, youth and the vulnerable.”

  • Oba Olakulehin goes home today

    Oba Olakulehin goes home today

    The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will be buried today, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports yesterday.

    It is expected that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State will lead dignitaries across the country to St. Peter’s Church, Aremo, Ibadan, for the funeral service of the 43rd Olubadan.

    According to the Olubadan Palace Press Secretary, Chief Solomon Ayoade, a book presentation in honour of the late Olubadan would also be held today.

    Read Also: Adieu, Oba Olakulehin (1935-2025)

    He said the presentation of the book, titled “How Not to Be a King”, would be held during the funeral reception at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

    “The book presentation was initially penned down to mark Oba Olakulehin’s 90th birthday and his coronation anniversary, but Kabiyesi’s demise on July 7 was responsible for the postponement,” Ayoade said.

    According to him, the book x-rays the life and times of Olakulehin.

    “It also features personal reflections and testimonies from family members, friends, associates, and members of the Olubadan Advisory Council,” he said.

    The palace press secretary added that the late Olubadan was known for his commitment to the unity and progress of Ibadanland.

    NAN reports that, as a build-up to the funeral, various activities are currently taking place at the late Olubadan’s residence in Alalubosa GRA, Aleshiloye, and the Central Palace in Oke Aremo.

  • Oyebanji: we’ve spent N50b on agribusiness in three years

    Oyebanji: we’ve spent N50b on agribusiness in three years

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has said his administration has spent over N50billion on agribusiness in the last three years.

    He said his vision was to turn Ekiti State into the food basket of the nation through a well-structured food supply system and mechanism that would ensure food security as well as improve access to cheap food commodities.

    The governor spoke during the inauguration of ‘Ounje Ekiti Retail Outlet’ and ‘Ilu Eye Aggregation Hub’ in Ado-Ekiti.

    The ‘Ilu Eye Agregation Hub’, a registered company, buys food commodities from farmers in the state and stores, while the ‘Ounje Ekiti Retail Outlet’ is to sell the food items to citizens at affordable prices.

    Governor Oyebanji reiterated the determination of his administration to ensure unbridled chains of distribution of major food items to the citizens all year round.

    He said the major concern of his administration was to fulfil the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on urgent need to grow the state out of hunger and poverty by ensuring all food items consumed in Ekiti were produced within the state.

    Read Also: We’ve spent N50bn on agribusiness in three years, says Oyebanji

    Oyebanji said the initiative was a strategic step towards addressing challenges in the agriculture sector, reducing adverse losses in effective food storage and inefficient market leakages.

    He added that the effort was part of the recommendation of the Ekiti State Food Security Committee, which was constituted to improve food supplies in the state.

    Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, praised the governor for his efforts aimed at igniting development in the state, especially in the agriculture sector.

    He said the two projects being inaugurated signified the state’s journey to an affordable food system, as the initiative would encourage farmers ‘’who now have ready markets for their commodities.’’

    Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr Akintunde Oyebode, also commended Governor Oyebanji for placing high premium on agriculture development.

  • Navy dismantles 71 illegal refining sites

    Navy dismantles 71 illegal refining sites

    The Nigerian Navy deactivated 71 Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) and seized over 400,000 litres of stolen crude oil last month.

    In a statement, the Director of Information, Commodore Aiweyor Adams-Aliu, said the successes were recorded by Operation Delta Sanity.

    The Air Component, Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), also  hit terrorists who had converged on the foot of Asola Hills in Yankuzo Ward of Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State for a wedding and killed many of them.

    According to the Navy, last month’s operations led to the discovery and deactivation of 120 dugout pits and illegal refinery camps across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states.

    “The coordinated raids resulted in the seizure of about 411,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 87,825 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 72,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 21,900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS),” Adams-Aliu stated.

    Giving a breakdown of the successes, he said on July 4, Naval personnel uncovered and destroyed six illegal refinery sites around Ogba, Egbema, and Ndoni communities in Rivers State. These sites, he said, contained about 66,000 litres of crude oil and 40,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.

    “On July 12, another illegal refinery site with over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil was deactivated in Otegele, Delta State. On July 14, three suspected smugglers were intercepted in Akwa Ibom State aboard a wooden boat loaded with about 2,500 litres of PMS, reportedly headed for Cameroon.

    In Warri Southwest, Delta State, the troops uncovered an underground reservoir and  pits holding over 7,000 litres of crude oil,” he said.

    The Navy made discoveries made almost daily in various communities in Biseni, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State where its personnel deactivated two illegal refinery sites with about 200,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products. And seven metal ovens, six storage pits, and a massive pond containing more than 250,000 litres of crude oil, said the DINFO.

    Read Also: Navy destroys eight illegal refining sites in Delta

    Similar discoveries were made in Obodo Omadino, Oteghele, and Christian Village areas of Delta State.

    “These significant successes underscore the resilience of the Navy under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to eradicate crude oil theft and contribute to improving Nigeria’s oil production,” Commodore Adams-Aliu added.

    Also, the Air Component, Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), has  hit terrorists who had converged on the foot of Asola Hills in Yankuzo Ward of Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State for a wedding.

    The Army said the airstrikes targeted an assembly of terrorists from the Faskari and Kankara axis of Katsina State, as well as various parts of Zamfara.

    Many terrorists died, while others sustained injuries who were evacuated by their colleagues to Yankuzo village for treatment.

    Troops of 1 Brigade under Sector 2 OPFY launched a follow-up and fought through an ambush laid along the route to the village.

    In a statement, the OPFY Media Information Officer Devid Adewusi said the two separate operations eliminated no fewer than 30 terrorists.

    “Locals and other reliable sources from the area have confirmed that no fewer than 30 terrorists were neutralized during the air interdiction by the Air Component of OPFY and the follow-up operations by ground troops,’’ Adewusi added.

    In addition, four terrorist collaborators from Kunchin Kalgo village in Tsafe Local Government Area were critically injured.

    The successful interdiction has brought  relief to residents of Yankuzo, Tsafe, and neighbouring communities, who have suffered repeated terrorist harassment in recent times.

    The OPFY reassures the people of Zamfara and Northwest of its continued commitment to ensuring peace and security in the zone.

  • ASCON trains 120 Lagos directors in service delivery

    ASCON trains 120 Lagos directors in service delivery

    Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) has begun a high-impact training programme for 120 directors of Administration and Human Resources from the Lagos State Public Service.

    The capacity-building initiative is focused on enhancing performance and driving excellence in service delivery across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    Delivering a keynote address, the Director General of ASCON, Mrs. Funke Adepoju, described the initiative as timely and transformative.

    She hailed Lagos State Government for what she termed “a bold and historic investment in human capital.”

    “The decision to retool 120 of the state’s finest directors at ASCON is a flagship example of how deliberate investment in people can catalyse institutional transformation. This cadre holds immense strategic potential in advancing governance reforms,” she said.

    Mrs Adepoju noted that the five pillars of the training – Strategic Planning, Talent Management, Performance Management, Employee Relations and Learning & Development – are not mere concepts, but critical tools for driving reform, accountability and innovation.

    “These pillars are enablers of change. Your departments are not on the periphery – you manage the people who execute government mandates. Your effectiveness is directly tied to service delivery outcomes,” she emphasised.

    She said the programme had been carefully curated to be immersive, practical and competence-based, designed to equip the directors not just with knowledge, but also with demonstrable leadership skills to navigate an evolving governance landscape.

    Read Also: ASCON to retool faculty, upskill personnel

    Themed: ‘Retooling for Excellence: The Strategic Role of Administration and Human Resource Managers – Focusing on the 5 Pillars of HR in the Lagos State Public Service’, the programme is aimed at reinforcing the backbone of the public service.

    Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, represented by Mrs. Aina Ololade, permanent secretary, Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, said the training reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to continuous professional development of its workforce.

    “This programme is a testament to our administration’s vision of a dynamic, efficient and people-centred civil service,” he said.

    Permanent Secretary, Public Service, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, urged participants to embrace the opportunity to lead with renewed purpose.

    “This is the time to reengineer the system. This is the time to rise and build the Lagos of our collective dreams,” she said.

    Participants described the training as timely and impactful.

    HR Manager at the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Oladipupo,

    thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the opportunity.

    “We are grateful for the governor’s vision and support. This training will strengthen our capacity to lead change in our MDAs,” he said.

    Mr. Bamidele Eniayejuni, ASCON director of Studies, said the programme was designed to equip the directors with the tools needed to thrive in a fast-changing public sector environment.

  • Southwest PDP appoints interim committee for Ekiti branch

    Southwest PDP appoints interim committee for Ekiti branch

    Southwest chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed an interim committee to oversee the party’s affairs in Ekiti State.

    In a statement issued at the end of its meeting yesterday by the party’s Zonal Secretary, Olumuyiwa Obanewa, Southwest PDP said the decision was made in accordance with the party’s constitution and in concurrence with National Working Committee (NWC) and Southwest PDP Governors.

    The interim committee is headed by the Southwest PDP Publicity Secretary, Chief Sanya Atofarati as chairman, Mrs Lanre Fajuyi (secretary) and Chief Adeola Ogunrinde.

    The statement said the party also constituted a five-member fact-finding panel to assess the current state of the party in Ekiti State and submit a detailed report to the party’s NWC.

    Read Also: 2027: Shun zoning, field candidate with national appeal, Wudilawa tells PDP

    The fact-finding committee is chaired by Olumuyiwa Obanewa. Other members include Seyi Bamidele, Benson Amuwa, Mrs. Oluwakemi Bello and Chief Tunji Adeyemo.

    The party directed the committees to assume office immediately and begin groundwork in anticipation of the arrival of national interface committee from the PDP national secretariat.

    The PDP Southwest lauded the outgoing Ekiti State caretaker committee led by Chief Dare Adeleke, for their dedication and efforts in repositioning the party in Ekiti State.

    The party restated its commitment to unity, justice and internal democracy, as it strengthens its structures across the zone in preparation for future electoral successes.

  • Gunmen kill two, abduct three in Kwara

    Gunmen kill two, abduct three in Kwara

    About five armed men have killed two travellers and abducted three persons. in Ganmu village, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    The police listed the deceased as Alhaji Abdulrazak Ewenla, a native of Ajia village, and Jimoh Audu from Ganmu while those abducted are Kazeem Ajide, Wahidi, and Mufutau.

    Spokesperson of the state Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, however, dismissed a viral video on social media, stating that the village had been abandoned.

    Read Also:Kwara PDP loses members to APC, ADC

    She said: “The Kwara State Police Command is aware of a viral video making rounds on social media purporting that residents of a village in Ganmu Ahileri, near Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area, have abandoned the community due to incessant bandit attacks — portraying the area as a ‘ghost town.’

    “The command states that the information is misleading and aimed at creating unnecessary panic and fear among citizens.

    “While it is true that an unfortunate criminal incident occurred on 31st July 2025, where some unknown armed men attacked travelers in Ganmu village, resulting in the death of two victims and the kidnap of three others, the command has since taken prompt and decisive action.

    “The victims were travelling from Lagos to Babanla when they experienced a flat tire near Ganmu village. .

    “Upon receipt of the report, tactical operatives, including a combined team of police personnel, the military and local vigilantes, were immediately deployed to the scene. 

    “Contrary to claims in the viral video, the armed security presence in the area — as seen in the clip — represents the coordinated deployment of law enforcement agents to restore confidence, maintain public safety, and ensure the rescue of kidnapped victims.

    “This effort has since restored normalcy to the area.

    “The command wishes to assure the public that investigations are ongoing, and every effort is being made to rescue the abductees unhurt and apprehend the perpetrators.”

  • EFCC, police in tussle over suspects

    EFCC, police in tussle over suspects

    A dispute may be brewing between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Police over the custody of two suspects arrested in connection with a reported glitch in a microfinance bank.

    The suspects, Illesanmi Olaniyi and Ishola Maruf, were first arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja on March 17, last year, and later granted  administrative bai.

    Their lawyer, Khadijah Bayern, said two vehicles- a Toyota Hilux and a Toyota RAV4-  with documents, goods and other personal items were seized during the initial police investigation. The seized items, she noted, were still in police custody, with a forfeiture case in court.

    However, Bayern has petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), accusing the EFCC of re-arresting her clients on the same matter currently being handled by the police and already before a court.

    In the petition titled Double Jeopardy and Intimidation, Bayern alleged that the suspects have been held in EFCC custody for over 12 days without bail.

    Read Also: EFCC, Police in tussle over suspects

    She urged the AGF to intervene, saying multiple arrests by various agencies on the same issue could frustrate the legal process.

    In a separate letter dated July 29, this year, another lawyer representing the suspects also wrote to the Director of EFCC’s Special Duty Section 2 (SDC2), requesting flexibility in the bail.

    The counsel asked the Commission to accept civil servants on Grade Level 14 or 15 as sureties, instead of higher-level officers earlier required.

    The letter also drew attention to the medical conditions of the suspects, claiming they suffer from a cardiovascular ailment that requires regular medication.

    The legal team assured the EFCC of its cooperation with the investigation and urged the agency to consider the request in the interest of justice and fairness.

    EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale said the agency’s operations are based on actionable intelligence and petitions.

    “There is no way the commission will deploy its resources to the investigation of a matter the police is handling if there are no fresh angles being investigated. 

    “As for the detention of suspects, we can lawfully hold a suspect beyond the statutory 48 hours by obtaining a Remand Warrant from the Magistrates’ Court.

    “Please know that the EFCC does not harass or intimidate anyone.  We operate within the ambit of the law in all that we do,” he said.