The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • NIPOST raises alarm over courier companies, operators aiding smuggling of arms, drugs

    NIPOST raises alarm over courier companies, operators aiding smuggling of arms, drugs

    The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has raised the alarm over the trending activities of ‘courier operators’ ferrying dangerous weapons and illicit drugs in the country.

    The service also expressed concerns over the proliferation and infiltration of illegal courier operators and logistics companies across the major cities of the nation.

    Speaking during a stakeholder’s engagement held on Friday in Akure, General Manager of NIPOST’s Courier and Logistics Regulations Department in Ondo, Oludotun Sounde, revealed that the agency recently sealed off two illegal courier companies in Ondo state and confiscated motorcycles used by three others in recent raids.

    Sounde explained that the activities of the illegal courier companies were now posing a threat to national security and the economy.

    He lamented that many of the courier operators always worked out of car parks and private offices before luring unsuspecting Nigerians with ridiculously low prices.

    READ ALSO; How Nigeria’s security forces cut down notorious terror kingpins

    Sounde observed that the unlicensed courier services and companies are not only lacking the structure for safe delivery but also operating without any form of accountability.

    “They’re putting customers at risk of loss, theft, or abuse of their parcels. Using an illegal courier service is like going to a quack doctor. It could also cost you dearly.

    “One of the unlicensed operators was recently arrested for conveying firearms and hard drugs,” he said

    Describing the development as a “national red flag” that should not be ignored, he said every parcel handed over to an unlicensed courier could be a potential threat to national peace.

    To address the challenges, Sounde posited that every courier operator in the country must obtain operational licence from the Postmaster- General to guide and streamline the operation of the logistics companies.

    Sounde, however, appealed to the public to be wary of cheap, untraceable services, stressing that a properly regulated delivery system is key to safeguarding the nation’s security and fostering economic progress.

  • Customs seizes N172m cannabis in Ogun

    Customs seizes N172m cannabis in Ogun

    No fewer than 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa hidden in a truck have been seized by the operatives of Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Controller Godwin Otunla, has said.

     Otunla disclosed on Thursday during a press briefing held at the Idiroko Area Command.

    He said his men intercepted a truck loaded with 2,693 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 1.450kg with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N172,920,000.

    Otunla said: “On Sunday, 29 June 2025, at about 0005 hours, our operatives, during an intelligence-driven operation, intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number EPE-595-LA. The vehicle was driven by one Mr. William Asare, a 39-year-old Nigerian resident of Mobil, Challenge area, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    “Upon initial examination, the truck was suspected to be conveying prohibited items. Further inspection revealed that several parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana, had been ingeniously concealed within fabricated compartments, also referred to as a false bottom, of the truck.

    READ ALSO: Of Aregbesola’s hypocritical musings and Tinubuphobia

    “In accordance with Section 226 of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act, 2023, the truck was immediately moved to the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko for further investigation. A comprehensive physical examination revealed a total of 2,693 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 1.450kg.

    “Other enabling provisions of the NCS Act 2023 that guided this operation include Sections 6 and 250. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizure amounts to N172,920,000.

    “The successful interception of this large quantity of illicit drugs is a significant step in preventing the circulation of these harmful substances in our communities, especially among our youth, and in safeguarding national security.

    “I wish to reaffirm the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling and cross-border crimes.”

    “Gentlemen of the press, having secured the approval of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) and Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, I will now hand over the seized cannabis and the suspect to the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and necessary action.”

  • Osun, Kwara monarchs, 18 LGAs defend creation of Igbomina State before Senate committee

    Osun, Kwara monarchs, 18 LGAs defend creation of Igbomina State before Senate committee

    Traditional rulers, district heads, scholars, and other stakeholders in Osun and Kwara States on Friday advocated and defended the need to create Igbomina State before the Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 constitution.

    The advocacy was championed by the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun, who united 18 local government areas and three senatorial districts from the states that sponsored the proposal to create Igbomina state.

    The secretary of the Igbomina Creation Committee, Dr. Fatai Afolabi, in a statement after the defence before the Senate Committee in Lagos State, chaired by Senator Bamidele Opeyemi, disclosed that Professor Adeola Faleye and Dr. Hezekiah Oyedepo led the presentation for the Igbomina state proposal.

    “The agitation for an Igbomina State under one united administrative structure stands as one of the most enduring quests for self-determination in Nigeria’s post-colonial history, rooted in deep historical grievances and a profound desire to right colonial-era wrongs,” Afolabi said.

    READ ALSO: Of Aregbesola’s hypocritical musings and Tinubuphobia

    He noted that the struggle has spanned more than a century because the Igbomina is a distinct Yoruba sub-group, which once thrived in cultural and political unity alongside other northern Yoruba groups.

    He noted that the Igbomina people had united since the 19th century during the Fulani Jihad, when the expansion of the Ilorin Emirate into Igbomina territories introduced an alien governance system that clashed fundamentally with the indigenous Yoruba political structure.

    “By 1949, a landmark agreement between Igbomina leaders from the North and South proposed the creation of the Igbomina Parapo Native Administration, with Ila-Orangun — the seat of Orangun Fagbamila Ajagunla, a direct descendant of Oduduwa — as its headquarters. In August 1956, the Ila-Igbomina Union submitted a petition to the Governor of the Western Region.

    He said prominent Yoruba nationalists like R.A. Fani-Kayode, Chief O.N. Rewane, and A.O. Lawson, helped Igbomina’s advocacy on the matter in 1960, 1967, 2000, 2002, and 2005.

    “The document laid bare decades of marginalisation and made a compelling case for an Igbomina State, arguing that like the Ekiti, the Igbomina deserved to be united to fast-track development and restore a sense of wholeness.

    “They showcased the region’s economic viability: rich agricultural resources, mineral wealth, thriving human capital, and unique tourism treasures like the Esie Stone Images and Ayikunnugba Falls.”

  • JCI launches metropolitan business garage

    JCI launches metropolitan business garage

    JCI Lagos Metropolitan has unveiled the Metropolitan Business Garage (MBG) at Victoria Island. 

    President of JCI Lagos Metropolitan, JCIN Amb. Tobi Kuti, emphasised the importance of platforms like MBG in equipping young African entrepreneurs with the confidence and clarity to grow sustainable businesses.

    Chairperson of MBG, JCIN Amb. Kikelomo Owoyale, who unveiled the garage, spoke on the significance of the platform. 

    She said: “The structure, knowledge, funding and gender gaps are no longer imaginary tell tales.There is substantial data that supports them and MBG is set to address them.

     “Africa is no longer in its infancy. It’s time we recognise the power we hold and the role ecosystem-building plays in shaping history.”

    Owoyale, who is also the founder, SheFoundry Limited, urged everyone to contribute their quota to the growing ecosystem, adding that they have the capacity to birth global change. 

    Read Also: JCI Ibadan Elite trains nurses, matrons on prenatal reading, maternal communication

    She also said Africa is home to several unicorns and millions of thriving businesses and “together we can bridge the gaps and make the continent proud”.

    The event served as a starting point for a new platform committed to helping African founders build, pitch, and grow their ventures.

    Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Feyisayo Alayande, stated how the agency is  supporting the sector.

    At the fireside chat, moderated by Michelle Oluwaseyi Fayeun, featured Obinna Chukwujioke, the co-founder, Maplerad, who shared insights about building Africa’s financial infrastructure, working with regulators, and helping founders simplify cross-border payments.

    At the event were Iyanuoluwa Olubunmi of LAPO; Uchechigeme Asinobi of SheFoundry and Adewumi Oni, the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, LSETF

    Others were Tochukwu Stanley Isaiah and Michelle Oluwaseyi Fayeun.

    The MBG team include CEO, Funema VC, David Ogundeko; Oni; General Partner, Nubia Capital, Davidson Oturu; co-founder, GetEquit,Temitope Ekunkayo; CEO, Zeeh Africa (Fintech & Open Banking), David Adeleke; Startup and Tech lawyer, Olufunmilayo Ajetomobi; Operations Lead, SheFoundry Limited,Uchechigeme Asinobi; co-founder and COO, Roadrunner Mobility,Clement David and Founder and CEO, Innovia Labs, Durojaiye Philips 

    The programme  is moving into its next phase with the Accelerator this month, the Pitch & Mixer event next month, and a Mentorship programme from September to November.

  • Flood: SEMA issues alert to three Oyo LGAs, warns residents

    Flood: SEMA issues alert to three Oyo LGAs, warns residents

    The Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYOSEMA) has issued a flash flood alert for residents of Ibadan, particularly those living in Akinyele, Egbeda, and Oluyole Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    The agency urged residents in the areas to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential flooding.

    In a statement issued on Friday, SEMA’s administrative secretary, Mrs. Ojuolape Busari, said the Flood Early Warning System’s latest weather forecast indicates heavy rainfall is expected in the affected LGAs.

    Mrs. Busari, who noted that the agency works hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, advised that some areas could receive over 100mm (about 4 inches) of rain in the next 24 hours.

    Read Also: How we raised TB, flood risks awareness, by Oyo NOA

    Mrs. Busari highlighted that the heaviest rainfall is expected North-East of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the airport.

    She said, “The advice has become imperative to activate the concerned Local Government Authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate the risk of flooding and avoid loss of lives, displacement, and significant damage to property and infrastructure.”

    She added that areas around IITA (Akinyele), the airport (Egbeda), and the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN, Oluyole) will experience significant rainfall.

    She warned residents that flash floods could affect streets, with low-lying areas flooding rapidly.

    Mrs. Busari also added that roads may become difficult or impossible to use, stressing that heavy rain will make driving hazardous.

    She advised residents to avoid driving or walking through floodwaters, saying, “Turn around, don’t drown. If you live in a flood-prone area, be prepared to move to higher ground if instructed.”

  • Oyo partners FCMB to empower 1,000 youths with N1.5bn

    Oyo partners FCMB to empower 1,000 youths with N1.5bn

    The Oyo State Government has announced plans to support 1,000 young agropreneurs with a ₦1.5 billion fund in a renewed push to expand its agribusiness sector.

    The Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Executive Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Agribusiness and International Cooperation, Dr Debo Akande, made the disclosure on Monday during the Omituntun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Briefing held at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

    Akande revealed that the state has so far trained 5,020 youths in various aspects of agribusiness, noting that 1,000 of those with active enterprises are to benefit from a government-backed financing initiative in collaboration with First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

    He also stated that the Makinde-led administration has attracted over ₦46.6 billion in agribusiness investments and accessed nearly $170 million in international development and agribusiness funds. These efforts, he said, have brought in 14 major processing companies and triggered large-scale agricultural transformation.

    “We are seeing the impact of these investments. The Fasola Agribusiness Hub alone has attracted ₦17 billion from 14 agribusiness companies, cultivating over 950 hectares and processing crops such as cashew, cassava and tomato, alongside dairy production from close to 1,000 lactating cows,” he said.

    Dr Akande highlighted Fasola as Nigeria’s first designated Agricultural Transformation Centre, which has integrated approximately 8,200 smallholder farmers with investors to build a reliable supply chain.

    “Fourteen agribusinesses are currently operational at Fasola. Some are focused on crop cultivation, others on processing, and one is engaged in equipment leasing. These investors have already cultivated 950 hectares without any government input in inputs or labour. This is the essence of agribusiness,” he added.

    Read Also: FCMB opens new branch at Sangotedo

    He cited the success of commercial greenhouse tomato farming at Fasola, explaining that the produce is already supplying local markets, with the model proving viable year-round, regardless of rainfall.

    “This is the standard seen globally. Agriculture should not be seasonal. If we replicate this with 1,000 greenhouses, imagine the quantity of tomatoes we’ll produce and process all year long,” he said.

    Looking ahead, Akande disclosed that the state, with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), has awarded the contract for the construction of the Ijaiye Agribusiness Industrial Hub. Unlike Fasola, Ijaiye will host more than 40 medium to large-scale agribusiness firms, and construction is set to commence once contracts are finalised.

    He also noted that similar developments are planned for Eruwa, Oke-Ogun 1, Oke-Ogun 2, and Ogbomoso, each tailored to the comparative agricultural advantage of their regions.

    “There are already seven companies signed up for Ijaiye. This will become the central hub to which others feed. In Eruwa, we have a model similar to Fasola underway, and we’re already oversubscribed with investor interest,” Akande said.

    The state, he added, is also supporting 46,000 smallholder farmers through OYSADA, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Agric-Credit Corporation of Oyo State. Improved infrastructure, including key roads and feeder routes, has played a major role in enhancing agribusiness logistics and growth.

    He announced that the state has signed a partnership with France-based international food wholesaler Rungis-Semmaris to construct a wholesale produce market in Ijaiye. The facility, when completed, will serve as a central aggregation point for farm produce, reducing capital flight and ensuring that produce value remains within the state.

    “This development will stabilise food prices and ensure Oyo benefits directly from the infrastructure it has invested in. We are also focusing on a balanced approach, producing for both export and local consumption,” he explained.

    Dr Akande was joined at the briefing by Mr Badmus Kolawole, OYSADA Permanent Secretary, and Mr Kola Kazeem, State Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).

  • Don’t allow intruders in your marriages – APC chieftain counsels couples

    Don’t allow intruders in your marriages – APC chieftain counsels couples

    Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyo State Caucus in the United Kingdom, Hon. Adebayo Amusat-Gbenla, has urged couples to guard their marriages against external interference to maintain harmony in their unions.

    He gave the advice during the Nikkah ceremony of Dr. Mariam Adebusola Amusat-Gbenla, daughter of the Head of Public Relations at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Dr. Adeniyi Amusat-Gbenla, and Engineer Abdulrasaq Olatunbosun Ogunlana.

    The ceremony took place at the Home Science Building Seminar Room, IAR&T, Ibadan, and was officiated by the Chief Imam of Oluyole Estate and Environs Muslim Community, Sheikh Mudashiru Bada.

    Following the Nikkah, an engagement ceremony was conducted by officials of the Ibadan South West Local Government Area.

    Dignitaries at the event included Otunba Kareem Olubunmi Isola-Gbenla, Chairman of Gbenla Farms; former Head of Local Government Administration, Teslim Mudashiru; Executive Director, Centre for Disaster Risk and Crisis Reduction, Mr. Kolawole Amusat-Gbenla; and the bride’s mother, Mrs. Titilola Amusat-Gbenla.

    Read Also: APC Rep membership rises to 220 as party consolidates hold

    Speaking with journalists, Amusat-Gbenla emphasized the importance of keeping third parties out.

    He said, “We are here for the Nikkah ceremony of one of my daughters, Dr Mariam Adebusola Amusat-Gbenla. I am very happy today. 

    “Just like what I said in the hall, the couple should not allow intruders in their marriage. 

    “And they should be the keeper for each other and they should be prayerful”. 

  • Osun Govt seeks NOA partnership for grassroots climate change advocacy

    Osun Govt seeks NOA partnership for grassroots climate change advocacy

    The Osun State Government has expressed readiness to collaborate with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to enhance climate change awareness and advocacy at the grassroots level.

    This was disclosed by the Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on Renewable Energy, Funmiso Babarinde, during a Climate Equity programme held in Ede.

    The event was organised by the Youth in Agroecology and Restoration Network (YARN), NET HOPE, and Ushahidi, Kenya, in collaboration with community-based organisations, government ministries, farmers, and local leaders.

    Addressing participants, Babarinde stressed the need to integrate community voices into local climate policies and strengthen grassroots capacity for climate action.

    “I want to use this opportunity to call on NOA to work with the Federal Ministry of Information and the State Ministry of Information to design a framework for grassroots advocacy,” he said. “Climate change is no longer just a scientific concern—it is a reality affecting us all.”

    Read Also: Osun govt laments deterioration of mega schools

    He advocated for climate change messaging in local languages, training for media practitioners in climate reporting, and the inclusion of Nollywood and music industry figures in public campaigns for greater impact and sustainability.

    Babarinde also revealed that the Osun State Government has developed a policy framework and programmes aimed at engaging young people in climate advocacy and training across the state.

    “We hosted a stakeholders engagement workshop for the Africa Multilateral infrastructure and Climate Change summit, South West stakeholders roundtable summit on Renewable Energy, among other initiatives like distribution of Solar lanterns to School children especially in rural communities, to aid their education among so many interventions by the state government in the emerging sector.”

  • Ace broadcasters, traditional rulers, others grace Prince 89.7FM second anniversary

    Ace broadcasters, traditional rulers, others grace Prince 89.7FM second anniversary

    Ace broadcasters, religious leaders, traditional leaders, professionals, politicians, widows and fans were among those that graced the 2nd anniversary of Prince 89.7FM Ibadan.

    The radio station, founded in 2023 prior to the last general elections, has became prominent, owing to credible programming, societal empowerment and uplifting the less privileges in the society.

    The founder of Prince 89.7FM and Oruomeniwo Charity Foundation, Dr. Babatunde Balogun thanked his fans home and abroad, crediting continued competitiveness of the organization to them.

    The Lead City University Law graduate and motivational speaker, who explained his struggles before breaking the jinxed, said setting up of the radio station is financially challenging, saying no amount of funds can be use to have the kind of coverage and prominence the radio station is currently has if not for grace he enjoys.

    He said: “I am greatly indebted to plenty of people including my father and mentor in the media industry, my parents, particularly my mother “Alhaja”, Baba Olalomi Amole, Alhaji Abolade Salami, other veterans, and most importantly, the zonal Director of Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, Mrs Funmi Obisesan, who consistently monitored and encouraged me, to take off from online to terrestrial broadcasting.

    “The official take off from online to terrestrial broadcasting took me another three years after initial certification for operation.

    “There was absolutely nothing on us. All I can say is that grace spoke, it was grace that connected me to foreign and local sponsors, because as we speak, 400 million naira is not enough to set up a radio station in Nigeria.”

    The broadcaster and philanthropist, popularly known as Oruomeniowo, while applauding esteemed professionalism and dedication of his staff, pledged to remained selfless, resolute and dedicated to the development of the vulnerable, less privileged, women, and Nigeria as a whole

    The Sopen Lukale of Oke Sopen Ijebu Igbo in Ogun State, Oba Dr. Mufutau Yusuf, who was the chairman of the event, described Prince 89.7 FM as the glory of the world, urging the brand to remained focused, resolute and more committed to the development of humanity.

    General Overseer of Love of Christ Global Church, Prophet Dr. Olabode Odunayo, acknowledged positive performance of the founder of Oruomeniowo Foundation, Dr. Babatunde Balogun, warning him against overconfidence and spiritual slackness.

    In their separate goodwill messages, the Group Manager, Fresh FM Nigeria/International, Alhaji Abolade Salami, Acebroadcaster, Alhaji Olalomi Amole, Baba Ologbojo, YesFM Founder, Comrade Yemi Sonde, Associate Professor of Public Law, Leadcity University, Ibadan, Adedeji, Zonal Director, Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, Mrs Funmi Obisesan, Chief Executive officer, Unique Fertility, Ambassador Agboola, charged Balogun to remained humble, resilient and dedicated to societal development.

    The Head of Operations, Prince FM, Pastor Adewale Adeiwa, Mrs Boluwaji Ogunyemi-Jacobs and Head of Yoruba News, Akinsola Akintunde lauded the good virtues in their employer’s personality.

    Beneficiaries of empowerment at the event which include person with eyes impairment, widows, the ages, and youths expressed their delight, describing items giving to them as economic recalibration to their respective families.

    At the second Anniversary Event, 14 persons received a sum of N300,00, 20 persons went home with N1million, one person won a sum of N500 thousand, N60 thousand to one Mrs Adeleke.

    Other prizes included deep freezer, home appliances, foodstuffs, grinding machines, imported fabrics, customized radio sets, couch, 100 post-secondary scholarship slots to Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate, among others.

    Also, popular Fuji maestro, Abass Akande Obesere entertained guests and fans to their glare.

  • Ex-Ekiti councillors ask for entitlements

    Ex-Ekiti councillors ask for entitlements

    Former Ekiti State councillors, who served from 2022 to 2024, have urged the government to pay their entitlements.

    According to them, they served under Kayode Fayemi and incumbent Biodun Oyebanji administrations, but only those who served under Ayo Fayose have been paid.

    They urged Oyebanji to correct the anomaly, having given “time, commitment, and resources to the state and All Progressives Congress”.

    In a statement by “Concerned Former Councillors (2022–2024) Ekiti State”, they faulted ‘‘discriminatory treatment and a betrayal of the values of equity, fairness, and recognition that APC upholds.

    They accused the government of “failing to fulfil its obligations to former councillors who served during a critical period of governance”.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria oil rigs increase to 44, says NUPRC

    The statement reads: “This neglect sends a clear message that loyalty, service, and party dedication count for nothing under the current leadership.

    “Oyebanji’s disregard for committed APC members and public office holders, who served before the current administration, reveals a pattern of abandonment that has left the party fractured and demoralised at the grassroots level.

    “We call on the governor to do the needful: pay all outstanding entitlements to former councillors, who served from 2022 to 2024; stop the discriminatory treatment of public office holders based on the administration under which they served, and recognise and respect the role of grassroots politicians and loyal APC members, who are the backbone of the party’s structure in Ekiti State.

    “The future of our party and the trust of the people depend on how we treat those who have served.

    “Governor Oyebanji must act with fairness or risk the collapse of APC support in the state.”