The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Adeleke rebukes NBA, Supreme Court over Osun council crisis, autonomy verdict

    Adeleke rebukes NBA, Supreme Court over Osun council crisis, autonomy verdict

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday berated the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) for keeping mum over the ongoing control crisis on local government areas in the state.

    He also faulted the Supreme Court over the verdict granting local government financial autonomy.

    Adeleke, speaking in Osogbo, capital of Osun State at the commencement of 2025 NBA Law Week, berated NBA for keeping mum during the imbroglio of councils and failing to make a statement to the review and remark of Attorney-General of the Federation on Appeal Court and Federal High Court verdict on the council seat.

    The governor, represented by his Commissioner for Information,  Kolapo Alimi, said: “The NBA Osogbo chairman and other branches’ chairmen that are here, we have charge for you, we want you to be more proactive sir, anybody that is observing what is going on in Osun State today will know that we have imbroglio in our local governments and the issue we are discussing.”

    He said there are two Court of Appeal verdicts and two Federal High Court judgments, but NBA failed to make any statement as regard them.

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    “Part of our charge to the NBA, all the chairmen… as at that time, there is nothing wrong for the NBA to issue a statement.”

    He also lambasted NBA for its failure to defend the judges who wanted to hear the matter but were intimidated by politicians who accused them of bribery, tagging the action as Contempt Ex Facie Curiae.

    “The NBA needs to wake up. When you feel somebody wants to rubbish the judiciary, it is the duty of NBA to come out and speak against that kind of atrocity.”

    Earlier, the NBA Chairman, Osogbo branch, Olayemi Abiona Esq, in his address tasked his members to reflect on their roles in shaping a Nigeria where governance is equitable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.

  • Makinde gets kudos for infrastructural development

    Makinde gets kudos for infrastructural development

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Young Artists Art Hub, Mrs Olaide Moyet-Turner, has hailed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for infrastructural development in the state.

    She said the Makinde administration had put smiles on the faces of the citizens through infrastructural development.  

    Mrs Moyet-Turner has, however, begun empowerment for 1,000 students in arts and craftsmanship across three selected zones of the state.

    The empowerment, which will run for three months, started on March 5 in Iseyin, Oke-Ogun Zone.

    The award winning artist said she selected three zones (Oke-Ogun, Oyo and Ibadan) for grassroots development in arts and craftsmanship.

    READ ALSO: 20 trending YouTube blockbuster Nollywood movies with over 1 million views to watch

    Speaking with reporters, Moyet-Turner said her intention was to introduce young children into arts and craftsmanship for better entrepreneurial development.

    She said it was expedient talents were discovered at the grassroots, especially in schools, being the most formal agency of socialisation.

    Said she: “Although, I am yet to receive any local or international support, I will use my time, energy and funds for the development of children, who are the future of tomorrow.’’

    According to her, developed nations such as China created an enabling environment for talents development, which today has placed them above economically around the world.

    The award winning female young artist also empowered other 200 children in arts and crafts especially for the 2025 Children’s Day, at the National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan.

    Mrs Moyet-Turner believed introducing young children to arts and craftsmanship would help to increase reasoning and socio-economic contributions in their communities.

    She said art was the fountain for any professional, who wished for excellence in his or her chosen field or career.

    The empowerment will include provision of skills, start-up materials, guidance to beneficiary students, etc.

  • Lagos monarch commends Tinubu’s public awareness campaign on children’s safety

    Lagos monarch commends Tinubu’s public awareness campaign on children’s safety

    The traditional ruler of Otumara Community in Lagos Mainland Local Government, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye, has praised President Bola Tinubu for launching a new public awareness campaign aimed at promoting child safety and civic responsibility.

    The initiative, titled “See Something, Say Something, Do Something”, was unveiled during the President’s address on Children’s Day and is designed to foster a culture of vigilance and proactive protection of children across the country.

    Reacting to the campaign, Chief Kalejaiye described it as a timely move that goes beyond safeguarding children. 

    He noted that the initiative also encourages citizens to speak out against irregularities in governance, including abuse of office and corruption.

    READ ALSO: 20 trending YouTube blockbuster Nollywood movies with over 1 million views to watch

    “This campaign will not only protect our children but will also empower Nigerians to report wrongdoing wherever it occurs,” Kalejaiye said. “It’s a positive step towards building a more accountable and responsive society.”

    He said, “The “See something, Say Something and Do Something” campaign of the President is very crucial not only to protecting the children but also to enthroning good and corruption-free government and encourage citizens to report suspicious activities and insecurity in their communities. 

    “Our children are our future. They need to be protected against trafficking, bullying and other forms of degrading enterprise.

    I will also like to emphasise the importance of this initiative in promoting good governance and checking corruption. If our politicians and public officers are aware that they are been monitored, they won’t want to soil their hands in bad deeds. 

    “Corruption is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into our fabric as a nation and until it is curbed or brought down to the barest minimum, the country and its people will continue to suffer its consequence.

    “This is why I commend the president on this great initiative. But I also want to appeal to him to ensure its full implementation and not allow it to go in the way of other public awareness initiatives.”

    Kalejaiye also commended President Tinubu for his sterling performance in the last two years.

    He praised Tinubu for his investment in education particularly the Student Loan Scheme, infrastructure and other institutional reforms.

    He added, “The president has achieved remarkable progress in the last two years. These are visible in all sector of the economy. I commend him for this and I pray Nigerians experience more transformative stride under his watch in the second half of his tenure.”

  • NiMet HEDA strengthen collaboration to support smallholder farmers

    NiMet HEDA strengthen collaboration to support smallholder farmers

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has formalised its partnership with the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding agro-meteorological information delivery to smallholder farmers across Nigeria.

    The agreement builds on a collaboration that began in 2010 and marks a renewed commitment to providing timely, accessible climate data to rural communities.

    The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, Executive Secretary of HEDA Resource Centre, and Miss Tonye Dappa, Legal and Liaison Officer. Both expressed gratitude to NiMet’s DG/CEO, Professor Charles Anosike, for his leadership and support.

    Read Also: NiMet predicts three days of heavy downpour in 14 States

    Professor Anosike emphasized the importance of partnerships in bridging climate science and grassroots action, offering NiMet’s studio facilities to co-create educational climate content targeted at farmers.

    The partnership is expected to improve early warning systems, support climate-smart agriculture, and strengthen national resilience to climate change. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive access to vital weather and climate information.

  • Group rates Tinubu high on second anniversary, backs Ojo for Ekiti Gov poll

    Group rates Tinubu high on second anniversary, backs Ojo for Ekiti Gov poll

    The Tinubu National Think-Tank (TNT) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for what it described as remarkable progress in infrastructure development, food security, and shelter/security over the past two years.

    The National Coordinator, Amb. (Dr.) Adewale Adeogun, highlighted the administration’s achievements at a briefing. 

    The group also announced Engineer Kayode Ojo as its preferred candidate for next year’s Ekiti State governorship election. 

    According to Adeogun, the Federal Government has made significant strides in infrastructure development, including over 440 ongoing road projects nationwide and the construction of 2,700 km of superhighways.

    He noted that the administration has also addressed food security by tackling artificial price inflation and hoarding, making staple foods like garri more affordable for the poor.

    The TNT also noted improvements in security, with the military and other security forces making significant strides in combating insurgency and crude oil theft.

    “President Bola Tinubu and his team have achieved remarkable progress, akin to what we observe in countries like Dubai, particularly in infrastructural development,” Adeogun said. 

    “We currently have over 440 ongoing road projects nationwide, including constructing 2,700 km of superhighways. In the rail sector, the federal government plans to complete the 284-kilometre Kano-Jigawa-Katsina-Maradi Rail Project by 2026.

    Read Also: Tinubu saved Nigeria’s economy from collapse, says Kalu

    “Furthermore, President Tinubu has committed to finishing the Eastern Rail line that connects Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. Notably, the 62-kilometre Port Harcourt-Aba railway project has been completed and is now operational.

    “This will facilitate improved commerce, allowing Nigerians to efficiently transport goods from ports to land. Regarding food security, we must recall the national protests held over the high prices of staple foods like garri and rice.

    “On shelter and security, the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme aims to provide homes for low-income earners, the unemployed, vulnerable groups, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), encompassing both formal and informal sectors.

    “Security has also seen improvements. Numerous human rights and civil society organizations have acknowledged the enhanced state of security across the country. Terrorists, insurgents, and other criminal elements have faced intensified military operations, and we can confidently state that the security situation has improved over the past year.

    “The stay-at-home order in the South-East has faded, with residents feeling more at ease, similar to the North-East and North-West. The military and other security forces have made significant strides in combating insurgency in Nigeria.

    “In the fight against crude oil theft, our pipeline security forces have been relentless in pursuing oil thieves and economic saboteurs, significantly curtailing the activities of vandals, boosting oil production, and reducing theft.”

    Adeogun described Ojo as loyal, dedicated, and supportive of President Tinubu’s aspirations. 

    He added: “In our view, Engineer Kayode Ojo, in both his private and public lives, has proven to be loyal, dedicated, and supportive of the aspirations of our principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Gcfr over the years. His membership in this special group also gave us enough opportunity to assess him as a better option in Ekiti State.”

  • Former IGP Adamu hails Tinubu’s giant strides in two years

    Former IGP Adamu hails Tinubu’s giant strides in two years

    Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Abubakar Adamu, has commended President Bola Tinubu over the giant strides he has recorded during his two years in office.

    In his goodwill message to mark the second anniversary of Tinubu’s administration, the erstwhile top brass of the police force described the President’s leadership as highly impactful and transformative.

    He commended the strides made across key sectors and urged Nigerians to support the government’s reform efforts.

    Recall that President Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, has spent the last two years implementing wide-ranging reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The administration is credited with improvements in power supply, with generation rising to over 6,000 megawatts, and crude oil output increasing from 600,000 barrels per day to about 1.8 million.

    Economic indicators show steady progress. Inflation dropped from 34.8% to 24.48% by February 2025, GDP rose by 3.8%, the highest in five years, and debt servicing declined from 97% to 68%.

    The government also cleared $5 billion in outstanding foreign exchange obligations, just as revenue generation surpassed ₦9.1 trillion, while Nigeria’s trade surplus rose by 209.6% to ₦18.86 trillion in 2024.

    Federal allocations to states increased alongside the adoption of a unified foreign exchange system to strengthen economic stability.

    Read Also: Masari, Al-Makura, Adamu, others: we remain with Tinubu

    Social interventions have also been a key focus. The administration disbursed N45.6 billion in student loans across tertiary institutions, while ongoing reforms in the solid minerals sector are projected to unlock $700 billion in long-term revenue.

    Adamu praised the administration’s inclusive approach to governance, highlighting its achievements as clear evidence of a focused and determined leadership.

    He also expressed optimism that the next phase of the Tinubu presidency would deliver even more tangible results for the benefit of Nigerians.

  • Youth set to battle drug abuse with art at Ibadan creative show

    Youth set to battle drug abuse with art at Ibadan creative show

    In a powerful push against the growing issues of drug abuse, peer pressure, and negative influences among young people, Arts Drive Productions is launching a bold initiative, the All Star Alte Party (ASAP), a youth-focused creative showcase set for May 30, 2025, at Lead City University, Ibadan.

    The event, which blends music, visual arts, spoken word, and dance, aims to use creativity and culture as tools to combat social vices.

    Founder and show promoter, Oyelola Olawale Kush, says the goal is to provide a safe, vibrant space for self-expression and purpose-driven fun.

    “With ASAP, we’re not just curating another show,” Kush told reporters. “We are creating a space where young people can shine, through their talents, not through harmful distractions.”

    Kush explained that the idea is not just about entertainment, but about creating a movement of positive engagement. By offering a platform for expression, the show hopes to redirect energy from negative influences to creativity, passion, and productivity.

    The outdoor tennis court at Lead City University was intentionally chosen as the venue to reflect the open and inclusive spirit of the event. Organisers are optimistic that ASAP will not only entertain but also inspire young people to choose self-discovery over substance abuse.

    “We believe Nigerian youths are talented and resilient,” Kush added. “With the right platforms, they will choose their authentic voices over shortcuts or peer pressure.”

    Beyond the show itself, Kush pointed to deeper issues facing the entertainment industry in Nigeria, including poor funding, lack of institutional support, and declining live performance culture due to the rise of digital platforms.

    “The industry is struggling. Many young creatives can’t find real-life stages anymore,” he said. “ASAP is our answer, a platform built by us, for us, to nurture and showcase young talent.”

    ASAP is expected to attract students, creatives, and stakeholders from Ibadan and beyond. Organisers promise an evening of explosive talent, meaningful networking, and a loud message of hope and creativity.

  • Artist empowers 1,000 students in arts, craftsmanship in Oyo

    Artist empowers 1,000 students in arts, craftsmanship in Oyo

    The Chief Executive Officer, Young Artists Art Hub, Mrs Olaide Moyet-Turner has begun empowerment for 1,000 on arts and craftsmanship across three selected zones of Oyo State.

    The empowerment, which will run for three months, commenced on Wednesday March 5 in Iseyin, Oke-Ogun Zone of the State.

    The award winning artist noted that she  selected three zones of the state for grassroots development in arts and craftsmanship.

    The selected zones included Oke-Ogun, Oyo and Ibadan in Oyo State.

    Speaking with the newsmen, Mrs Moyet-Turner said her intention was to put young children into arts and craftsmanship for better entrepreneurial development in the state.

    The popular artist maintained that it is expedient talents are discovered at the grassroots especially in schools, being the most formal agency of socialization.

    She said:”Though, I am yet to receive any local and international supports, I will use my time, energy, funds for the development of children who are said to be the future of tomorrow.

    “Tomorrow is now, and everything possible must be done to affect positively the now generation for an enviable later tomorrow. I have started, and I believe soonest the yearly empowerment will increase beyond five thousand (5,000) yearly.”

    Read Also: Lagos empowers youths for job opportunities in waste management

    According to her, developed nations such as China, gave an enabling environment for talents development which today has placed them above economically around the world.

    Similarly, the award winning female young artist empowered other 200 children in arts and crafts specially for the 2025 Children’s Day Event at National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan

    Mrs Moyet-Turner believed introducing young children to arts and craftsmanship will help to increase reasoning, and socio-economic contributions in their respective communities, insisting that art is the fountain for any professional who wishes for outstanding and excellence in his chosen field or career.

    The empowerment, designed to cover 1,000 students in all, will include provision of skills, start-up materials, and guidance to beneficiary students and communities and spill through the month of June, 2025.

    She however commended the infrastructural development under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.

  • Navy extends medical outreach to indigents in Lagos

    Navy extends medical outreach to indigents in Lagos

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) has extended free medical services to highbrow Victoria Island and Okokomaiko, Lagos residents.

    The outreaches, which started Monday morning at Saka Tinubu and Ajangbadi, were organised by the Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL), and Western Naval Command (WNC) as part of activities to celebrate its 69th anniversary.

     Admiral Superintendent, NDL, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, said the initiative was in line with the Navy’s commitment to humanitarian efforts and improved public health.

    He said the outreach was being done by various commands and units across the country, adding that it was directed by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.

    READ ALSO: Neglected Lagos roads

    Services rendered included blood tests to check for common illnesses, eye screening, provision of eyeglasses, checking of blood pressure and provision of some drugs for basic treatment.

    “One of the missions of the CNS is to ensure that we reach out to our hosts and surrounding communities, to show goodwill and build good relationships with members of the public.

    “In this regard, medical outreach enables us to provide basic medical services, and if need be, referrals are necessary that will be handled by medical personnel.

    “This will enable them to provide sufficient service to those that patronise the outreach.

    “It is a free medical outreach which enables us to build strong community relations between the Nigerian Navy, and the surrounding general public.

    “We, from the Naval Dockyard, are privileged to support the programmes aimed at this year’s Navy Week to boost our medical outreach in Victoria Island,” he said.

    Last year, Shehu said, the outreach was conducted around the environs of the Oniru Palace but it was stretched further to support those that came to provide services for the residents.

    The Nation reports that about 500 persons benefited from the free medical services.

    Similarly, residents of Ajangbadi trooped out to participate in the free medical outreach conducted by the Western Naval Command in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital (NNRH), Ojo and the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA).

    Aside from the free consultations, issuance of drugs and referrals were necessary, the Navy held a health education session where residents were taught basic hygiene and how to promote better health practices.

     The outreach aimed to enhance civil-military relations and contribute to the overall well-being of underserved populations.

    Baale of Ajangbadi, Chief Wahab Hassan, described the initiative as timely and much-needed intervention that addressed long-standing health challenges in the area.

  • Mimiko hails Oyebanji’s transformative leadership

    Mimiko hails Oyebanji’s transformative leadership

    Former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has praised Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his impactful leadership and dedication to the state’s development.

    He said the state had witnessed progress under his leadership.

    Dr Mimiko, who gave the commendation during a visit to the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti, said Governor Oyebanji had combined competence and character to drive development.

    Speaking with reporters after the visit, Mimiko, who lauded the giant strides made by Oyebanji in infrastructure, education, health care and youth empowerment, noted that his rare blend of qualities had enabled him to implement impactful policies, foster unity among stakeholders and prioritise the welfare of the people.

    Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with Oyebanji, even before the creation of Ekiti State, Mimiko expressed satisfaction about the pace of progress in Ekiti, saying Oyebanji had shown preparedness for governance, having undergone the required tutelage and imbibed essential political values.

    READ ALSO: Celebrating President Tinubu’s remarkable two years in office

    He said: “Well, let me start by saying what I have seen in terms of outcomes, I am not disappointed. I feel good about it and like I said, Biodun Oyebanji is prepared for the job. He went through the required tutelage because apart from the technical competence, there is also the character.

    ‘’This is a man who is good in the head and is good in his heart and these have translated to the transformation we can see in the state.

    “Oyebanji has deployed his personality cachet, which is why every past governor in the state, irrespective of political persuasion, has endorsed him for second term. This speaks a lot about what he has been able to achieve and also his relationship with people. I am very proud of him.”

    Oyebanji, who thanked the former Ondo governor for the visit, described Mimiko as his political mentor and a leader who discovered his political talents.

    He said the visit was long anticipated.

    Oyebanji, recalling how Mimiko introduced him to politics and instilled in him values of honesty, competence and integrity, attributed much of his leadership style, including his simplicity and focus on people-centred governance, to the mentorship he received from Mimiko.

    Speaking about the ex-governor, Oyebanji said: “Mimiko is a mentor to me and I used to tell people that if Ekiti State was not created, I would have been a critical part of his government. I worked with him closely and I studied him. He was my first political contact and he instilled some values in me. Values of honesty, values of competence, of being satisfied with little, and values of living for the people were picked from him.”