The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • ‘I remain man of peace, lover of Ekiti people’

    ‘I remain man of peace, lover of Ekiti people’

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress( APC) in Ekiti state, Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, has stated that he remains a man of peace and lover of Ekiti people despite the false narratives being peddled against him in a section of the media by some unnamed persons.

    Speaking to newsmen, Ojo, who is also the Pro- Chancellor of the University of Nigeria(UNN), Nsukka said: “My primary purpose on earth is to always put smiles on the faces of every one that comes across me, or that I meet or have connections with, It was the main reason I went into politics in Ekiti State despite how well and humongous my business is. I am always pumping more resources and expanding my philanthropic project and scholarship schemes to cut across every nook and cranny of Ekiti State, Nigeria, and beyond”.

     “Even though I don’t flaunt or boast about my connection with President Bola Tinubu which has spanned over 30 years, the President was my benefactor who helped me gain employment with Mobil oil company then by directing one Mr. Abe Adigun of the Human Resources department to employ me and that was how my career in the oil sector started.

    READ ALSO: 10 African countries without an operational national airline

    “The infrastructural, social, economic, and even mental development of the people of my beautiful State Ekiti, most especially the youth, is a collective responsibility of all of us that must not be politically affiliated.

    “It is appalling that some jealous and wicked elements that hide under various names and associations are maligning the brand name ‘Kayode Ojo” because they want political sympathy and favour from the people they never looked after nor cared for despite all the resources available to them.”

    Ojo added: “We will not trade words with them or respond to their lies from the pit of hell, which they have been peddling and circulating all over the place, which is their stock in trade. We will just once again appeal to our people to remain steadily unshaken till the end.”

  • Makinde, Delana, Marhino, others eulogise late Zard’s virtues

    Makinde, Delana, Marhino, others eulogise late Zard’s virtues

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged privileged Nigerians to emulate the entrepreneurship spirit of a renowned industrialist and philanthropist, Chief (Dr) Raymond Zard, who gave all to create wealth and lift many out of poverty.

    The governor stated that without intensive production, skills acquisition, knowledge-based initiatives, and development of entrepreneurs, which Zard stood for, natural resources alone cannot take Nigeria out of poverty.

    Makinde stated this at the weekend during the one-year remembrance held in honour of the late industrialist, and Chairman of Zard Group of Companies, at his Iyaganku residence in Ibadan.

    Chief Raymond Zard, the Babalaje of Ibadanland, a naturalised Nigerian, died last year at 86.

     Makinde, along with other eminent Nigerians, eulogised the renowned industrialist and philanthropist, describing him as the ” Ray of hope. “

    Governor Makinde noted that the late Babalaje of Ibadanland contributed immensely to the economic development of Oyo State, especially Ibadanland, during his lifetime.

    READ ALSO: 10 African countries without an operational national airline

    He said:  “I have been hearing about Chief Raymond Zard for quite a while, but I did not have the opportunity to meet him until I became the governor, and it was a chance meeting. My childhood friend, Demola Ajibike, got in touch with me after I became governor and said he wanted to dedicate a hall building in honour of Baba. I said, well, I would come there. At least, it would be an opportunity for me to meet this great man whom I had been hearing about.

    “I met him on the road here, full of energy. Before that meeting, I was in Akure as the Governor-elect. I was coming back to Ibadan, and the portion of the road between Akure and Ilesha stood out. I remembered when that road was constructed during President Goodluck Jonathan’s time.

    “So, I started asking questions. Who constructed this road? And some people said it was KOPEK. I said where is KOPEK? They said the construction company is based in Ibadan. And then they linked the company to Baba. So, I was eager to meet with him and ask him. Since that day, there have been no regrets that I met him

    “We cannot talk about infrastructural development in Oyo State without mentioning KOPEK. They have bent backwards, accommodated us, and they have been very professional.

    “I have about maybe two or three lessons, which I learned from my interaction with Baba. You know, I listen to our people when they say Nigeria has natural resources, so we don’t have any business with poverty. But natural resources alone can never take anyone anywhere.”

    In his remarks, the founder of Educate Trust, Dr. Tony Marhino, described late Babalaje of Ibadanland as an amazing meteor which shatters and scatters into a million stars, touching and illuminating the lives of many people.

    Speaking further on Chief Raymond Zard’s sense of philanthropy, Marhino said: ” And Uncle Ray shared more than his fortune. He shared his home. He shared his possession. He shared his mind, intellect, and he offered so much to so many people beyond financial assistance.  And I’m not sure that he is replaceable.”

    In an emotion-laden eulogy,  Mr. Camile Zard, the son of late Chief Raymond Zard, described his father as a pillar of support, saying: ” My father left behind a huge void that no one can ever fill. My father was truly irreplaceable.”

    According to him, my father worked tirelessly,  with unmatched commitment and dedication,  alongside his brothers, William Zard, Maurice Zard, and Elie Zard to hold and preserve the Zard family name and values in Nigeria. Together, they built a legacy that will endure for generations to come. “

    Among eminent Nigerians who gathered to remember the virtues of the late philanthropist are the Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese,  Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin; Chief and Mrs. Akin Delana SAN;  Mr. Sean Alakija; Dr. Tony Marhino; Senator Sharafadeen Alli;  Professor and Mrs. Ben Emikpe; Professor Mrs. Oyin Olurin; Dr. and Mrs D.O.Ladipo; Mr. Yomi Salami; Professor and Mrs. Timi Tayo; the Managing Director, Kopek Construction Limited, and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Issam Feghali;  Mrs. Dele Ige; Dr and Mrs. Femi Ogunlusi; Mr. and Mrs. Camile Zard; the Managing Director of Zartech Limited;  and his wife, Mr. and Mrs Eliaz, Mrs. Dele Ige, and Professor and Mrs. Olatoye Ojo; Mr. and Mrs. Fisan Bankale and Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan,  and wife, Professor and Mrs. K.O. Adebowale.

  • Ogun secures conviction of three young ritual killers

    Ogun secures conviction of three young ritual killers

    Ogun State Ministry of Justice has secured the conviction of three ritual killers in the Kugba axis of Abeokuta, the state capital.

    A release by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Mr. Oluwasina  Ogungbade, SAN, identified the convicts as Mustakeem Balogun, Soliudeen Majekodunmi and Lukmon Abdulgafar.

    The three are to face the full wrath of the law owing to their gruesome act of killing a teenager, Sofia Okeowo, for ritual purposes.

    READ ALSO: 10 African countries without an operational national airline

    The government noted that the conviction would curtail, if not completely eradicate, the unwholesome practice of ritual killings in the state.

    The dastardly act of the convicts, which occurred on January 28, 2022, saw Mustakeem Balogun lure 16-year-old Sofia to have canal knowledge of her and later strangled her.

    The Commissioner further stated that the current administration’s determination not to give any room for crime to thrive promoted the state efforts towards securing the conviction of the three criminals, so as to serve as deterrent to other ritual killers.

    Mustakeem Balogun and Soliudeen Majekodunmi were sentenced to death by hanging, while Lukmon  Abdulgafar received a life sentence.

  • Lagos LGA Polls: Bambam backs APC candidates in Apapa

    Lagos LGA Polls: Bambam backs APC candidates in Apapa

    Shortly before  Lagos local government elections, Hon Bamidele Atoyebi aka Bambam, has fired up political momentum in Apapa, delivering campaign materials and financial support to APC candidates in his constituency reaffirming commitment to grassroots politics.

    ‎Speaking during a brief visit to his ward on Friday, Hon. Bambam stated that his gesture was part of a longstanding tradition of supporting his constituency, especially during crucial electoral periods.

    ‎“I came to my ward against tomorrow as my usual gesture to support my people, we’ve been doing it, so I have to also do it specifically to motivate my constituency in Apapa Ward 1 and Apapa Iganmu, which is Constituency 2.” he said.

    ‎He noted the support included funds and campaign materials to help mobilise party supporters and ensure a coordinated strategy going into the polls.

    ‎“We donated money and campaign materials to strategize against tomorrow,” he added.

    While addressing newsmen, Bambam emphasised that his intervention was carried out in his capacity as the convener of the BAT Ideological Group a platform rooted in the principles of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    He explained that the gesture was not only to support the APC ahead of the elections but also to underscore the importance of electing leaders who will bring good governance to the grassroots.

    “As convener of the BAT Ideological Group, we align with the President’s vision of progressive governance,” he noted. “The president believes in delivering people-centered leadership. With funds being disbursed directly to local councils, he expects to be elected chairmen and council officials to make judicious use of resources for legacy infrastructure and people-oriented projects that bring government closer to the people.”

    Breaking down the financial support, Hon. Bambam said: “We donated ₦500,000 to each constituency chairman. Constituency 1 Chairman received ₦500,000, same as Constituency 2. We also gave ₦250,000 to all the councillors in Constituency 1, since they are five.in number, each got ₦50,000. For Constituency 2, where there are seven councillors, we donated ₦350,000. Each also received ₦50,000.”

    About 20,000 campaign materials from T.shirt to cap, to sticker, to banners among others were also donated.

    ‎Party supporters said the gesture is timely and motivating as the APC looks to maintain its grip on local councils across the state.

    ‎The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has confirmed that all is set for the polls, with security agencies on alert.

    ‎The elections are expected to be keenly contested, with the APC looking to retain its dominance across the 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

  • Ex-Kogi CPS Muhammed called to bar, pledges justice-driven legal advocacy

    Ex-Kogi CPS Muhammed called to bar, pledges justice-driven legal advocacy

    Onogwu Isah Muhammed, former chief press secretary to the governor of Kogi State, has vowed to use his call to the Nigerian Bar as a platform for justice sector reform, describing the milestone as the beginning of a lifelong mission to defend the vulnerable and advocate for systemic change.

    In a statement on Friday, Muhammed recounted how personal experiences with injustice, rights abuses, and legal delays stirred a desire to be part of a solution.

    He said, “I studied law not just for personal achievement, but because I was driven by something deeper; my experience of witnessing injustice, abuse of rights, and the devastating consequences of weak legal systems.”

    Recalling his early fascination with landmark court rulings, Isah said judicial pronouncements once carried unshakable finality and moral authority.

    “At that time, the decisions of our courts were trusted and revered. One could liken the pronouncements of the court to Roma locuta, causa finita est — Rome has spoken; the matter is settled,” he noted.

    He, however, decried the present state of the judiciary, warning that public distrust, alleged political interference, contradictory judgments, and corruption are eroding its credibility.

    “A poorly reasoned or blatantly biased judgment from the court does more than harm the litigants before it. 

    “It inflicts deep and lasting damage on the national psyche. These are not just problems — they are national emergencies,” he warned.

    Muhammed, who also holds credentials as a certified public policy analyst and public relations expert, said he plans to use his legal training to drive reform across key areas, including criminal justice, civic legal education, and policy advocacy.

    Referencing his experience during an externship programme, he detailed a visit to a detention centre where he encountered detainees being held without charge — a violation of the constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

    “One particular inmate, who had spent three months in detention, said he was arrested while going to buy suya and was never informed of the reason for his arrest,” he recalled.

    With his admission as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Muhammed said he is committed to championing responsive legal frameworks, protecting indigent citizens, and ensuring justice becomes a living standard for all.

    “The legal robe I am licensed to wear henceforth is not the end of a journey — it is the beginning of a calling. A calling to be a voice. A defender. A reformer. A servant,” he declared.

    He also paid tribute to those who supported his journey, including former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello, whom he described as “the wind beneath my wings,” former Kogi deputy governor, Chief Edward Onoja, senior advocate Mohammed Sani Ibrahim, and Dr. Folashade Arike, among others.

    “May the Nigerian Bar continue to rise, and may justice once again become the standard by which we govern and are governed,” he concluded.

  • OYACA chair reaffirms commitment to human dignity in anti-corruption fight

    OYACA chair reaffirms commitment to human dignity in anti-corruption fight

    The Chairman of the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA), Hon. Justice Eni Esan (rtd.), has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to upholding human dignity while combating corruption across the state.

    Speaking at the 2025 African Anti-Corruption Day held at the agency’s boardroom in Ibadan on Friday, Justice Esan emphasized that OYACA does not compromise the rights of individuals, stating that it is against the agency’s practice to reveal the identities of petitioners. She added that all suspects are taken to court without bias and their cases prosecuted with strict adherence to fairness and equity.

    Delivering the keynote lecture at the event, Prof. Segun Adedeji addressed the theme: “Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption.”

    He echoed the importance of protecting the rights of all parties involved—victims, witnesses, and suspects alike.

    Justice Esan concluded by stressing that justice, integrity, and respect for human rights remain at the core of OYACA’s operations, ensuring the anti-corruption war is conducted within the bounds of legality and humanity.

    “Prevention measures should prioritise inclusivity, social justice and equitable access to public resources, ensuring that there is no group marginalised due to corruption.

    “Investigations into corruption should be conducted with fairness, integrity and full respect for the rights of all persons involved, whether victims, witnesses or suspects.

    “Prosecutions of offenders must be carried out impartially and in compliance with the rule of law, with safeguards against abuse of power, political persecution or selective justice.

    Read Also: Alaafin: Makinde harassing us with OYACA, Oyomesi alleges, drags Gov to Court

    “In the Oyo State Anti–Corruption Agency, we are intentional about ensuring that we uphold human dignity in our investigation procedures and dealings with people, thereby complying with the provisions of Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which provides for the dignity of human persons.

    “In cases where suspects are to be prosecuted, they are taken to court unfettered, and the cases are prosecuted with due regard to fairness and equity.

    “It is pertinent to note that OYACA receives petitions from anonymous sources which do not disclose their identities. Also, as part of its commitment to protecting human dignity, our Agency does not engage in media trials, considering that the persons being investigated may be exonerated from the allegations at the end.”

    She listed recent achievements of OYACA to include forcing a contractor of Oyo State Water Corporation to supply 360 metric tonnes of aluminum sulphate for Asejire Central Store, for which he had been paid but failed to deliver and another contractor handling a Mini Grid Energy project at Orisunmibare community in Ogbomoso South Local government, who failed to perform his obligations after being paid but was compelled by OYACA to transfer all project materials like batteries, inverter system, battery racks among others to the custody of Oyo State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources at Ibadan.

    The Guest Speaker, Prof. Segun Adedeji, explained that corruption undermines the dignity of individuals and communities, thereby eroding trust, fostering injustice and widening socioeconomic inequality. He called for the promotion of human dignity in African countries’ efforts at eradicating corruption.

    Present at the event were members of the OYACA board, which includes Dr. Oyebade Oyedepo FCA, Deaconess Esther Olopade and Mr. Ibrahim Tijani Esq., while members of management include Pastor Dr. Folasade Ajibade, Director ICT, Mr Tajudeen Azeez, Director Finance and Administration, as well as Mr Wasiu Alimi.

  • Tinubu laying new foundation for Nigeria’s progress – APC chieftain

    Tinubu laying new foundation for Nigeria’s progress – APC chieftain

    Olufemi Bakare, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Tinubu Mandate Group (TMG), has called on Nigerians to remain patient with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the President is tackling the root problems that have hindered the country’s development for decades.

    Speaking with journalists on Friday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Bakare highlighted that the various socio-economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration are in the best interest of the people and are beginning to show positive signs.

    He added that President Tinubu is laying a new foundation for economic accountability and national restructuring, assuring that Nigerians would soon begin to reap the benefits of the ongoing policy implementations.

    “The pains we are feeling right now are just comparable to the pain of womanhood when a child is to be born. The minute that a child is born, you will see laughter on the face of the mother.

    “We are passing through that childbirth pain. This is what Tinubu is trying to do. It is a new dimension of politics. It is a fundamental economic restructuring of Nigeria. It is a situation of putting together the disequilibrium in the economy of Nigeria.

    “President Tinubu is putting a new foundation of accountability, of restructuring the economy in a way that people will see. You can see a lot of these governors now. They have a lot of money to do things,” he said.

    Read Also: 2027: Artisans back Tinubu, Oborevwori for second term

    Reacting to the ongoing coalition led by Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the APC chieftain said that the opposition leaders were behind the current mess and challenges the country is facing.

    Bakare stated that the opposition figures who converged to wrest power from President Tinubu would soon fail.

    He added that the proponents of the coalition, which has now adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to contest in the 2027 election, were out to actualise their selfish interests.

    “You will be alive when these people will be fighting themselves because President Bola Tinubu meant well for Nigeria.

    “These are the people who have destroyed the soul and the sources, who have looted the resources of Nigeria. Tiinubu came to the rescue.

    “He (Tinubu) is a master strategist. Asiwaju is a man who plans. We have had presidents before who were just given that position they didn’t bargain for. But this is a man who has been planning, who has been labouring, who has been yearning to see that the situation of Nigeria is changed for better.”

  • LASPA warns against destruction of parking signages

    LASPA warns against destruction of parking signages

    The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has charged residents to desist from the indiscriminate destruction of the various road signages installed for the effective management and parking control in the State.

    ‎The General Manager, LASPA, Mrs Adebisi Adelabu, gave the warning during a chat with reporters, noting that some of the road signages erected across the State for an improved parking culture as well as the safety and benefit of motorists are been vandalized.

    ‎She informed that the signages which are strategically installed across the State at different road locations are used in regulating parking activities, ensuring traffic flow and enhancing public safety.

    ‎Adelabu further emphasized that the signages are part of public infrastructure meant to enhance model parking, stressing that it is a criminal offense for any individual or groups to temper with any of the parking infrastructure and signages. 

    She noted that chapter 17, section 35 of the Criminal Law Code of Nigeria, states that “Unlawful interference with property, Any person who unlawfully disconnects, removes, tampers, meddles with or in any manner interferes with the use of any private or public property commits a felony and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for three (3) years”

    Read Also: ‎LASPA set to regulate Valet Parking

    According to her, vandalisation of parking signages poses a threat to public safety, disrupts the smooth flow of traffic, and creates inconvenience for motorists seeking parking spaces. 

    She said: “LASPA condemns totally in the strongest terms the destruction of the State Parking signages and would not hesitate to take necessary legal measures to ensure perpetrators are brought to book.

    “LASPA is committed to improving the state’s parking infrastructures and would soon be deploring more road parking signages across various areas in the State and called on members of the public to take responsibility for the infrastructures in their area.

    “Anyone with useful information regarding vandalism or suspicious activities involving parking infrastructure should contact LASPA at 02-01-2275230 or 02-01-2275231, or visit our website at (www.laspa.lg.gov.ng).”

  • Akeredolu: Group insists on coroner inquest, threatens legal action against Ondo Govt

    Akeredolu: Group insists on coroner inquest, threatens legal action against Ondo Govt

    Sunshine League of Professionals has declared support for the coroner inquest set up by Ondo State Government to investigate the death of former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

    The group in a statement by its Chairman, Dr. Bayo Akinrimisi, said the government is acting in the public interest.

    The group said it is regrettable that some individuals have falsely implied that the state government has a personal agenda against those connected to the late governor.

    It said, “We wish to respond to the editorial published by The Nation under the aforementioned title.

    “While we respect every citizen’s right to voice their opinions, we find it troubling and disappointing that such a serious matter as the passing of a sitting governor has been politicized and misrepresented in public discourse.

    “To clarify, the recent statement from the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State regarding several petitions for a coroner’s inquest into the death of former Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, was a constitutional and administrative response to public concern—nothing more.

    “It is regrettable that some individuals have falsely implied that the current Governor or Attorney General has a personal agenda against those connected to the late Governor.

    “We, as citizens of Ondo State, are committed to ensuring that our government acts responsibly.

    Read Also: Let Akeredolu rest in peace

    “The Ondo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, must ensure to uphold the rule of law and transparency. We hold the late Arakunrin Akeredolu in high regard, honoring his legacy in both words and actions.

    “However, a government elected by the people must not overlook lawful petitions from its citizens. Acknowledging and evaluating such requests is both a legal obligation and a duty of any responsible government.

    “It is therefore unfair and misleading to reduce our genuine concerns to a mere political dispute or a personal vendetta.

    “The calls for a coroner’s inquest arise from public interest and deserve to be treated with the seriousness and impartiality they warrant.

    “Should the state government find the request for a coroner’s inquest to be reasonable, we expect it to be conducted lawfully, transparently, and respectfully.”

    According to the group, it will go to court if the state government fails to yield to the public request.

    “There is no need for any individual, group, or media outlet to incite unnecessary alarm or public anxiety over a process that is entirely civil and lawful.

    “The people of Ondo State deserve mature, factual, and responsible dialogue, especially regarding the loss of a leader. Our government should focus on healing, development, and unity, rather than political distractions.

    “If the current administration fails to address this call, we may have no choice but to seek legal recourse to compel the Ondo State Government to act appropriately.

    “Let it be clear: the pursuit of truth and clarity will remain free from political influence, and there is no reason to fear the truth.”

  • Oyo govt to sanction illegal billboards owners

    Oyo govt to sanction illegal billboards owners

    Oyo State Signage and Advertising Agency (OYSAA) is set to embark on an aggressive debt recovery by removing unauthorised, illegal, and debtor-advertising structures.

    Its Director-General, Oludolapo Esho Ajanaku, announced yesterday.

    He underscored the imminent enforcement, citing that most outdoor advertising practitioners were yet to fulfill their obligations on revalidation and debt reconciliation.

    He explained that a series of unauthorised electronics and outdoors announcements were being displayed, urging duly registered third party practitioners to complete their revalidation latest by today, and have their debt reconciliation by July 28 or face sanctions.

    READ ALSO: Nurses, midwives give FG 15-day ultimatum, threaten nationwide strike

    He admonished the business owners with signage to complete their registrations with the agency by visiting its office.

    He said: “OYSAA will not condone any illegal billboard on the streets and would soon embark on aggressive enforcement by clampdown on any advertising practitioners structures who fail to comply with the rules and regulations of the agency.

    “It would be recalled that Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, OYSAA, embarked on a revalidation exercise to streamline regulatory oversight, enhance transparency, and accountability to improve the efficiency of the agency’s service delivery and create a more business-friendly advertising environment in the Pacesetter state,”