The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • FG to deliver 800 housing units in 2026

    FG to deliver 800 housing units in 2026

    The Federal Government has reiterated its plan to deliver 800 housing units across the country in 2026, with Ekiti State listed among the beneficiaries of the Federal Housing Authority’s nationwide construction programme.

    The Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Oyetunde Ojo, disclosed this on Sunday at the opening of the third edition of the agency’s three-day annual retreat themed ‘Consolidating on the gains of positive reforms’.

    Ojo noted that groundwork for the Ekiti component of the 800-unit housing project would commence in February as part of efforts to actualise President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He said that the initiative was aimed at making decent and affordable housing accessible to Nigerians across income levels.

    He explained that land had already been secured for the project in Ekiti and urged interested residents to apply through the authority’s official website to benefit from the scheme.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu inaugurates 233 housing units in Ajah

    According to him, the retreat was designed to reposition the authority for effective housing delivery, align staff with its mandate, and fine-tune strategies for large-scale construction and sales.

    Ojo noted that FHA’s core mandate remained housing provision, adding that experts from across the housing value chain, including engineers, planners, legal practitioners, academics, and marketers, were brought together to ensure the sustainability and affordability of the projects.

    The FHA boss also revealed that about 400 housing units under the Bwari Housing Project in Abuja were over 80 per cent completed and expected to be commissioned in the first quarter of the year.

    He added that about 70 per cent of the Abuja units were allocated to individuals in the informal sector, including artisans and self-employed persons, to promote inclusivity beyond civil servants.

    Ojo encouraged Nigerians interested in owning FHA houses to apply early through the authority’s website or zonal offices nationwide, noting that early applications would aid proper screening and inclusion during the construction phase.

    Also speaking, the Managing Director of FHA Mortgage Bank Limited, Mr Atiku Hayatuddeen, assured Nigerians of the bank’s readiness to support the delivery of quality and affordable housing units nationwide.

  • Oyo police investigate handwritten threat note in Ikoyi-Ile community

    Oyo police investigate handwritten threat note in Ikoyi-Ile community

    The Oyo State Police Command on Sunday confirmed receiving credible information about a handwritten note, written in both Yoruba and English, allegedly left in front of a residential building in Ikoyi-Ile, Orire Local Government Area.

    The note was said to have been authored by suspected bandits, warning of a planned attack on the community.

    The Command assured the public that all leads are being thoroughly pursued and that anyone found responsible will face decisive action under the law.

    Deputy Superintendent of Police Ayanlade Olayinka, the State Police spokesperson, said that upon receiving the report, Commissioner of Police Femi Haruna immediately activated the Command’s intelligence, tactical, and operational response systems.

    Olayinka added that the State Intelligence Department, working closely with tactical units, has begun intensive debriefing of individuals connected to the note’s discovery.

    Read Also: NSCDC working assiduously to tackle illegal mining, other crimes in Oyo – PRO

    Operational teams have also been deployed and strategically positioned within Ikoyi-Ile and surrounding areas to prevent any potential incident.

    He said, “As part of deliberate and visible security actions, armed patrols, stop-and-search operations, intelligence surveillance, and strategic area domination have been significantly reinforced.

    “Police personnel are currently on 24-hour high alert, with sustained ground presence to deny criminal elements any opportunity to operate or exploit the situation.

    “The Area Command has equally been directed to maintain constant supervision and continuous patrol coverage across the affected axis.”

    He added that the Police Command has launched a thorough and intelligence-driven investigation into the origin, authenticity, and intent of the said note.

    “The Command wishes to state unequivocally that every lead is being pursued, and no effort will be spared in uncovering the truth behind this threat and ensuring that any individuals or groups found responsible are decisively dealt with in accordance with the law.

    “The Command wishes to strongly and categorically reassure the good people of Ikoyi-Ile and residents across Oyo State that there is no cause for panic.

    “Robust security measures have been fully activated and are already in place to safeguard lives and property.

    “Residents will continue to observe increased police visibility, patrol presence, and security engagements, all aimed at guaranteeing peace and public safety.

    “Furthermore, the Oyo State Police Command is working in close coordination with other security agencies and community security stakeholders, ensuring a unified and proactive security posture across the State.

    “Members of the public are encouraged to go about their lawful daily activities without fear, while remaining security-conscious.

    “The Command urges citizens to promptly report any suspicious persons, movements, or activities through the nearest police station, security post, or established emergency channels, as timely information remains critical to preventive policing.

    “The Oyo State Police Command remains resolute in its mandate and assures the public that criminal threats of any nature will not be allowed to thrive in Oyo State,” he added.

  • APC: Membership e-registration, revalidation yet to commence in Oyo

    APC: Membership e-registration, revalidation yet to commence in Oyo

    As the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) continues its e-registration and revalidation of members nationwide, the Oyo State chapter of the party on Sunday said it has yet to join the fray.

    Speaking with The Nation when contacted on Sunday, the state publicity secretary, Olawale Sadare, attributed the delay in the commencement of the exercise in the state to what he described as logistics challenges. 

    He, however, assured that the party in the state will set the ball rolling very soon, assuring that the exercise will be a huge success.

    He also assured that the party will soon address the members of the media community to give an update on the situation.

    Sadare said, “The Exercise has not commenced in Oyo state yet due to some logistics challenges.  But very soon, we will set the ball rolling, and it will be a huge success.

    “We will address the press very soon.”

    The Nation reports that the party had in the last one week being touring the entire state on a unity rally and mass mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu. 

    The tour, facilitated by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors team, led by Senator Teslim Folarin, had party stakeholders in attendance at the various locations where it was held. 

    The rally, which moved round the seven geopolitical zones and fourteen federal constituencies in the state, was to mobilize grassroots support for the president and the APC ahead of next year’s polls.

    Some of the leaders and stakeholders who attended the various meetings include: Pharm. Olayide Abas (State Chairman), Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Chief Alake Adeyemo, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari, Sen. Sarafadeen Alli, Sen. Yunus Akintunde, Sen. Ayoade Adeseun, Chief Sunday Dare, Sen. Hosea Agboola, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Chief Akin Oke, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, Hon. Olamiju on Alao-Akala, Dr. Akin Onigbinde SAN, Hon. Olagunju Ojo, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, among others.

  • Youths demand fairness in selection of candidate for Ado-Odo/Ota House of Reps seat

    Youths demand fairness in selection of candidate for Ado-Odo/Ota House of Reps seat

    The Ota–Awori Youth Movement, a coalition of traditional and non-traditional youth groups have raised concerns in years of exclusion,  imbalance and marginalisation of Ota indigene from major political positions despite its demographic and electoral dominance

    The aggrieved youths cited years of exclusion and imbalance that have left Ota politically marginalised despite its demographic and electoral dominance, demanding an immediate return to equity and fairness in the political representation of the Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, insisting that the House of Representatives seat must rotate to the Ota axis in 2027.

    The group raised the demand at a press conference held at the Ancient Ota Community Town Hall, Ijamido, citing years of exclusion and imbalance that have left Ota politically marginalised despite its demographic and electoral dominance.

    They described Ado-Odo/Ota as one of Ogun State’s most strategic constituencies—defined by its industrial strength, cosmopolitan population, and rich Awori heritage, noting that there was a rotational understanding between Ota and Ado/Igbesa state constituencies, designed to promote fairness and peaceful coexistence.

    They lamented that this understanding has been repeatedly violated, resulting in a political configuration that has consistently favoured the Ado/Igbesa axis at the expense of Ota.

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    The movement stressed that Ota State Constituency I remains the largest and most populated constituency within the federal constituency, with the highest concentration of registered voters and electoral strength. According to the youths, by every democratic measure—population, voter registration, economic activity, and political participation—Ota constitutes the backbone of the Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, making its prolonged exclusion from federal representation unjustifiable.

    A review of representation since 1999 shows that Ota has occupied the House of Representatives seat for only two terms in 28 years, while the Ado/Igbesa axis has dominated the position. The group noted that current Continuous Voter Registration figures, which indicate 8,628 eligible voters in Ota compared to 672 in Ado/Igbesa, further expose the imbalance and reinforce the call for urgent correction.

    According to the Ota–Awori Youth Movement, the sustained marginalisation of Ota has weakened its political influence, slowed infrastructural and socio-economic development, and limited access to federal projects and opportunities. The imbalance, they argued, has also hindered the emergence of strong political leadership from Ota, fostered unhealthy rivalry, and weakened accountability within the constituency.

    The youths emphasised that federal legislative representation offers strategic advantages, including national exposure, access to federal resources, and influence over policy direction—benefits which Ota has been systematically denied despite its numerical strength and economic relevance.

    While reaffirming their non-partisan identity, the youths declared they would no longer remain silent in the face of sustained injustice. They demanded that all political parties and stakeholders respect the rotational principle by zoning the 2027 House of Representatives seat to the Ota axis.

    In furtherance of this position, the group announced the unanimous endorsement of High Chief Olanrewaju Bashorun (Larrybash) as their preferred candidate for the 2027 election. They described Larrybash as a tested, credible, and unifying leader, whose extensive service within the traditional and community leadership structures of the Ota Awori Kingdom reflects integrity, competence, and deep grassroots connection.

    According to the youths, Larrybash’s broad acceptance across youth groups, elders, religious communities, and traditional institutions—combined with his strong advocacy for youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and social cohesion—positions him as the candidate capable of restoring balance, equity, and purposeful representation to the Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency.

    They pledged to mobilise massive voter turnout, commit resources, and engage peacefully and democratically in support of High Chief Olanrewaju Bashorun (Larrybash) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections, ensuring that the voice of Ota is firmly heard. The group, however, warned that failure to address its legitimate demands for fairness and equity would compel Ota–Awori youths to collectively support any political party aligned with their interests, regardless of party affiliation.

  • Suspected bandits allegedly drop notice of planned attack in Oyo community

    Suspected bandits allegedly drop notice of planned attack in Oyo community

    Indigenes and residents of Ikoyi-Ile community, Oriire local government area, Oyo State, are now living in fear and anxiety, even as tension is growing.

    This is because suspected bandits have sent a notice of the plan to attack the community ahead of time.

    Ikoyi-Ile is one of the towns in the Oriire local government area, the same local government area where five people were killed a few days ago.

    The Nation reports that some gunmen suspected to be bandits had opened fire and killed five forest guards at the old Oyo National Park located at Oloka village in Oriire local government area on Tuesday.

    In the latest development, suspected bandits have allegedly informed the residents that they will attack the town on Tuesday, 20 January this year.

    The information, it was gathered, was contained in two different notes allegedly written by the bandits.

    READ ALSO; Obi’s defection sets teeth on edge

    The two notes were said to have been dropped at the front and back of a building in the town.

    One of the handwritten notes in the Yoruba language, which bore no address nor signature, reads, “Lati Odo Bandit”.

    It reads: “Lati Odo Bandit, A o wa ni January 20th, 2026. E duro de wa ati pe ki e mu ra fun wa le. A wa lati wa fun yin ni ibanuje ni orilede yin. Ni Ikoyi-Ile Ile Oyo State. E mu ra le fun wa.”

    The second note reads: “Bandit information. See, now, for three days we work for you. We told you that in Ikoyi – Ile is the government that sent us. Wait for us.

    It has not been confirmed whether these notes emanated from suspected bandits or not.

    But a source in the town said the information has caused a lot of panic among the residents of the town.

    The spokesman of Oyo State Police command, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the individual who allegedly discovered the said note is currently undergoing debriefing, adding that the Command has launched a full-scale investigation to determine the origin and intent of the note.

    Ayanlade said: “The individual who allegedly discovered the said note is currently undergoing debriefing, while the Command has launched a full-scale investigation to determine the origin and intent of the note. The Command appreciates members of the public for their continued cooperation.”

  • Lawyer petitions IGP over assault, intimidation of junior colleague by police DPO in Ondo

    Lawyer petitions IGP over assault, intimidation of junior colleague by police DPO in Ondo

    A human rights lawyer, Tope Temokun, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other top police authorities over alleged assault, intimidation, and obstruction of justice by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ore Division in Ondo State, Moses Adeduro, during the lawful discharge of a lawyer’s professional duties.

    In separate petitions on Friday addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, and other relevant oversight bodies, Temokun accused the DPO of abuse of office and conduct unbecoming of a senior law enforcement officer.

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    The petition, signed by Tope Temokun, Esq., Principal Counsel of the firm, arose from an incident said to have occurred on January 8, 2026, when one of the firm’s lawyers, Adedotun Emmanuel Adegoroye, Esq., was allegedly assaulted and intimidated at the Ore Divisional Police Headquarters while representing a client.

    According to the law firm, Adegoroye had accompanied one Mrs. Stella Oluwasegun, Managing Director of Niret Marketing Product Company Limited, to the Ore Police Station to report a case of stealing and criminal conversion of company goods valued at about N20.4 million.

    The firm said the complaint followed the discovery that some employees of the company, allegedly acting in concert with a supplier’s staff and a driver, had unlawfully removed and sold company goods.

  • 2027: Ex-lawmaker mobilises support for Tinubu’s re-election in Ogun

    2027: Ex-lawmaker mobilises support for Tinubu’s re-election in Ogun

    A former member of the House of Representatives who represented Abeokuta North/ Obafemi-Owode/ Odeda Federal Constituency in Ogun State, Jelili Kayode Amusan, has started mobilising support for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

    The event, which was held at Amusan’s residence in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, Ogun State, attracted members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the state’s 20 local government areas of the state.

    At the event, Amusan explained that the purpose of the meeting was to formally mobilise grassroots support for President Tinubu under what he described as the ‘PBAT Movement,’ stating that the President’s performance across key sectors of the economy justified continuity in office beyond 2027.

    According to him, Nigeria’s economy was on the verge of collapse before President Tinubu assumed office, noting that the reforms introduced by Tinubu’s administration were already yielding positive results despite the initial challenges.

    READ ALSO; Obi’s defection sets teeth on edge

    Amusan expressed confidence that the 2027 general election would be an easy ride and contest for the President, citing the wave of defections into the APC from opposition parties at both state and national levels.

    “We have more than two-thirds majority of both the National Assembly and the state governors so far. So, where is the opposition? Those who are supposed to be opposing the APC are already joining us. I don’t think there is anything like opposition in Nigeria any longer,” he said.

    Amusan urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the Tinubu-led administration, acknowledging that while the ongoing reforms may be painful, they were necessary for long-term joy and national prosperity.

  • Civil society groups defend Komolafe, dismiss allegations against ex-NUPRC chief

    Civil society groups defend Komolafe, dismiss allegations against ex-NUPRC chief

    A coalition of registered civil society organisations in Nigeria has dismissed allegations of asset manipulation and revenue concealment levelled against the immediate past Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, describing the claims as “baseless, contrived and malicious.”

    The coalition, speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, said the allegations were being promoted by “faceless interests” whose illicit revenue channels were disrupted by reforms implemented under Komolafe’s four-year leadership at the commission.

    Addressing journalists, the group said the briefing was convened to “set the records straight” and counter what it described as deliberate attempts to distort facts and discredit the achievements recorded at NUPRC during Komolafe’s tenure.

    The statement was signed by Dr Wisdom Ohalete and Alhaji Nurudeen Abdulmaleek on behalf of the coalition.

    “It is important to state that Engr. Komolafe exited office voluntarily and honourably, with his integrity intact,” the coalition said, adding that his time in office was marked by transparency, accountability and measurable institutional reforms in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.

    The coalition highlighted what it described as ten verifiable milestones achieved under Komolafe’s leadership. These include the introduction of regulatory frameworks such as the Upstream Measurement Regulations and the Advanced Cargo Declaration Regulations, which it said strengthened hydrocarbon accounting and revenue assurance.

    According to the group, Nigeria’s crude oil production recovered to an average of 1.68 million barrels per day during the period, peaking at about 1.8 million barrels per day in July 2025, while crude oil theft reportedly declined by over 90 per cent, from about 102,900 barrels per day in 2021 to roughly 9,600 barrels per day by September 2025.

    The coalition also cited the approval of 79 Field Development Plans with an estimated investment value of nearly $40 billion, the introduction of the Regulatory Action Plan to implement the Petroleum Industry Act, and the enforcement of the “Drill or Drop” policy to optimise oil and gas assets.

    Other achievements listed include renewed exploration activities through large-scale seismic data acquisition, the drilling and completion of 306 development wells between 2022 and 2025, and the full digitisation of licensing rounds, which the group said earned commendation from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

    On gas development and sustainability, the coalition said NUPRC completed the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, strengthened host community development through remittances to Host Community Development Trusts, and deployed environmental, social and governance (ESG) tools such as Host Comply. It also noted Nigeria’s role in regional regulatory cooperation through the establishment of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF).

    The civil society groups further alleged that certain interests within the oil sector had mobilised “mushroom civil society groups” to stage protests in Abuja, Lagos and London in a bid to tarnish Komolafe’s reputation and trigger investigations by anti-graft agencies.

    “We urge the public to disregard these malicious distortions and stand by the truth, facts and documented achievements,” the coalition said.

  • Oluyole council ‘ll triple votes for Tinubu in 2027, ex-chairman pledges

    Oluyole council ‘ll triple votes for Tinubu in 2027, ex-chairman pledges

    A former Chairman of Oluyole local government Area of Oyo State Kehinde Olaosebikan has pledged that the Council area will triple its votes for President Bola Tinubu and ensure that all the APC candidates win convincingly in the local government in 2027. 

    Olaosebikan spoke with journalists at the APC unity rallyy at Olomi Area of Oluyole Local Government on Friday.

    He said:”Politics is local. And I want to say that in addition to the mammoth crowd you see here today, we are working assiduously to see that more eligible voters register, that more registered voters collect their voters’ cards and most importantly at the appropriate time we will ensure that overwhelming numbers of voters cast their votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the APC candidates in 2027.

    “The party executives and leaders in the local government are totally committed to ensuring that we improve drastically on our performances in the 2023 elections.’’ 

    Already, Olaosebikan, the Convener of PBAT-KO Grassroots Movement, Oluyole disclosed that APC in Oluyole has been immensely grown in numbers and quality as most of the political heavyweights, respected community leaders, and traditional rulers in the area are now with the party.

    According to him, the Movement with its headquarters in CICU Building, Olomi, Olojuoro Road, Ibadan, has been moving around the 229 polling units in the ten wards of the local government, was in Gbaleasun village the remotest part of the local government area just a few days ago to mobilise and sensitise the real grassroots people on the continuous voters’ registration exercise and the ongoing APC membership registration exercise. 

    He maintained that no efforts would be spared in giving President Tinubu and all the APC candidates the maximum votes possible in the 2027 elections. 

    Speaking on unity and cohesion in the party, Olaosebikan noted that “APC  is now more than ever united, stronger and working in unison to deliver momentously to the party,  unprecedentedly in all the forthcoming elections.”

    The two-time local government boss noted that the APC chairman in the local government, Alhaji Waheed Akinleye, his executives, and all the leaders have been very successful in their efforts towards attaining total unity in the local government. 

    Olaosebikan, who was the South West Zonal Coordinator, Media and Publicity for the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) and Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee for Tinubu/ Shettima Campaign for Oyo State in 2023, commended the Renewed Hope Ambassador for Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin, and all the party leaders across the state for embarking on the Unity rally stating that the rally was yielding great fruits.

    “With this massive turnout, you know it’s already yielding great fruits. APC is the main party in Oyo State, and in Oluyole, we are making it the only functional party.,” he stated. 

  • Adegoke hails NRS boss on birthday

    Adegoke hails NRS boss on birthday

    Chief Gbite Adegoke, also known as ‘GMA’ has felicitated with the Chairman of Nigerian Revenue Services (NRS), Dr. Zaccheus Adedeji, on his birthday.

    He described Adedeji as a pride of Ogbomosoland and a worthy national asset.

    A statement by Adegoke lauded the NRS boss exemplary leadership and outstanding performance at the helm of the nation’s revenue administration, noting that his achievements continue to project Ogbomosho positively on the national stage.

    According to him, Adedeji’s rise in public service is anchored on competence, discipline and integrity, the qualities, he said, are deeply rooted in the values of Ogbomosho people.

    He said Adedeji has not only distinguished himself professionally, but has also become a symbol of hope and inspiration to the younger generation. He has made Ogbomosoland proud.”

    Adegoke commended the NRS boss for his commitment to national development and prudent management of public resources, adding that his leadership has strengthened confidence in the country’s revenue system.

    He prayed for good health, renewed strength and greater accomplishments for Adedeji as he marks another year, expressing confidence that he will continue to render impactful service to Nigeria and remain a rallying point for progress in his hometown.