The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Traditional rulers meet to prevent truancy in schools

    Traditional rulers meet to prevent truancy in schools

    How to prevent truancy and reduce the number of out-of-school children dominated the agenda of a meeting by Traditional Rulers  on May 15 at the Palace of Eburu of Ibaland, Osun state.

    The meeting was organised by Ooni Ojaja Program for Traditional Rulers Intervention on Truancy Prevention, School Enrolment and Engagement.

    The Director General of the Programme

    His Royal Majesty, Oba Professor Adekunle Adeogun- Okunoye Oyedeji 11,  Eburu of Ibaland, Professor  of Business Analytics and Information  Systems at Williams College of Business,Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio , USA, who hosted the Monarchs said the major task before the traditional rulers is truancy prevention, school enrolment and engagement. 

    He asked the traditional rulers to identify the problems in their domains and ensure that a child that is of school age is not just in school but remains there during school hours.

    ” It is not enough to get students to school. They need to have the support to stay in school and be engaged in learning,” Eburu of Ibaland who is  also the Pro – Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Atiba University, Oyo.Oyo State, said. 

    Read Also: Striking teachers and shut schools in Abuja

    The monarch gave progress report from their communities . Further discussions were held on  strategies for the success of the program which include  awareness and advocacy at state levels.

    Ooni Ojaja Program for Traditional Rulers Intervention on Truancy Prevention, School Enrolment and Engagement was inaugurated on 16th of October 2024 at the Palace  of Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II.

    The Program aims to reduce the incidence of truancy, perpetual late coming and drop out among the school aged children in all Yoruba Speaking states including Kogi and Kwara.

    The programme is collaborating with schools, parents and the communities to identify and address the root causes of truancy , late coming and dropout by providing supportive intervention and resources to ensure that every child has opportunity to succeed  .

    By addressing these issues the Program aims to reduce the number of out of school children, improve academic performance, curb insecurity and increase  the chances of successful transition into higher institutions and the workforce.

    The programme harnesses the influence and  authority of traditional rulers to address the issues because they are uniquely positioned to make positive impact on their communities due to their proximity and culture understanding.

    The monarch are Coordinators of the programme at State, Zone  and Local government levels.

    However at the local government level, two Royal Queens were made Coordinators.

    One of them is Olori Janet Afolabi, CNN award winning journalist and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, who also attended the meeting.

    She is the Coordinator for Isokan local government area of Osun State.

  • RETRACTION

    RETRACTION

    In the January 12, 2025, edition of The Nation, we published an interview with former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, titled ‘My problem with Chris Anyanwu’s book.’

    In the said interview, Ohakim made comments and claims touching on Senator Anyanwu’s family, political and professional accomplish- ments as well as her ties with past military regimes.

    The comments and claims made in the interview are entirely those of the former Imo governor. However, they were published without confirming their veracity.

    We hereby retract them.

    We apologise for any inconveniences and embarrassment the publication may have caused Senator Anyanwu.

    – Editor

  • Beere: Saki’s festival of pomp, culture, ceremony

    Beere: Saki’s festival of pomp, culture, ceremony

    Saki, an historic community in Oyo State, will throw its doors open to the world today as the nine-day yearly Beere Festival begins.

    Beere  Festival (Odun Oko) is more than just a cultural celebration. It is a living heritage, a tourism piece, a commercial showcase, and a symbol of unity and discipline that dates back to centuries.

     The festival is the living history of Saki’s cultural identity. It is named after the traditional thatching grass called Beere, a symbolic ritual rooted in the ancient architecture and governance system of Saki.

    The festival originated from the pragmatic leadership of past monarchs who, in a bid to protect the environment and preserve resources, placed rules on bush burning during the dry season. It is only after the lifting of the embargo by the Okere of Saki that the community is allowed to harvest Beere.

    The heart of the festival lies in its communal re-roofing of the palace, during which residents bring thatching grass to the Okere’s court, symbolising loyalty, service and unity. Once the palace is re-roofed, families can return home to do the same.

    Read Also: I stay hungry to remain on top– IK Osakioduwa

    As usual, the festival will span nine days of vibrant events. These include:

    Opening Ceremony with 21-gun salute to mark the official commencement.

    Oath-taking ceremony by traditional chiefs to reaffirm loyalty to the Okere.

    Royal processions and homage-paying by baales, high chiefs and traditional groups.

    Traditional dances, music and drumming showcasing Yoruba folklore.

    Queen’s Day Celebration, recognising the role of royal women in cultural continuity.

    Feasting and distribution of communal meals.

    Presentation of Beere by Chief Mayeloye as the community’s symbolic gift.

    Youth performances and cultural competitions.

  • ‘Don’t blame Tinubu for defections’

    ‘Don’t blame Tinubu for defections’

    A former lawmaker in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has warned Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties not to blame President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the defection of their members to the ruling party.

    Oyintiloye, who represented Obokun State Constituency on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), in a statement yesterday said rather than blame the President, members of the opposition parties should look inward and embrace internal democracy.

    He said the recent gales of defections were due to ideological persuasion and not any form of coercion as being speculated in some quarters.

    Oyintiloye said opposition parties were losing members because of long existing internal wrangling unattended to over the years in their fold.

    “Many defectors claimed they were sidelined, undermined, unfairly treated by their former parties, leaving them with no option but to switch to a party with sustainable transformation agenda.

    Read Also: Tinubu reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith dialogue in Vatican meeting

    “This season of political recalibration that is leading to growing number of politicians defecting en masse to the ruling APC is an indication that the party has shown courage of being capable to transform the country through the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the President.

    “President has shown commitment to prioritise national development and create a more viable platform. This is winning members into the APC fold,” he said.

    Oyintiloye predicted more defections from the opposition parties, especially PDP, warning that “PDP should not blame the President or APC for its lack of cohesion.”

    He dismissed insinuations in some quarters that the wave of defections of members of the opposition parties to APC could lead to one party system.

  • Oba Haastrup: becoming king never crossed my mind

    Oba Haastrup: becoming king never crossed my mind

    The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has said he never knew he would become king despite his contributions to human and physical development in Ijesaland.

    Oba Haastrup, whose coronation as the 41st Owa Obokun is billed for Friday, spoke in Ilesa over the weekend at a dinner programme, which signalled the beginning of the Friday ceremony.

    A statement yesterday by the Chairman, Media Committee for the Coronation, Shola Oshunkeye, quoted Oba Haastrup as saying: “All these times, in the past that I have been coming home to help my people, I always told them I was not doing all that to become the governor or kabiyesi (king). I was just doing what I was doing to make them happy and contribute my quota to humanity.

    Read Also: Haastrup wins 2025 USA global award

    “Becoming a king never crossed my mind, but doing good to the old, the young and the entire people. I never knew this day would come that I would become a king. I appreciate God Almighty and the good people of Ijesaland for giving me this grace to serve. I believe God will help me to succeed.”

    Oba Haastrup urged sons and daughters of Ijesaland at home and in the diaspora to support him to harness the potential embedded in the kingdom for the speedy and comprehensive development of the town.

    Oshunkeye said the Coronation Planning Committee Chairman, Prof. Wale Omole, former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, thanked members for making the coronation a success.

    The Ajirowa of Ijesaland, Alhaji Lateef Bakare, who is the vice chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, narrated the journey that led to the selection of Owa Haastrup as king, saying he observed the mandatory rites to the letter.

  • APC candidate vows to consolidate on incumbent’s achievements

    APC candidate vows to consolidate on incumbent’s achievements

    The chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Mr. Rauf Yemaren, has pledged to build on the achievements of his boss, Mr Joseph Gbenu, if elected into office.

    Yemaren, the vice chairman of the council, made the promise during a media chat with reporters at the weekend in Badagry.

    According to him, Gbenu’s leadership over the past eight years has set a high standard that deserves to be sustained and improved upon for the benefit of the people.

    “Gbenu has performed excellently in office, and I am privileged to have worked with him.

    “My agenda is clear: to consolidate on the foundation he has laid and take Badagry West to greater heights,” he said.

    On his area of concentration if elected, Yemaren said agriculture would be a cornerstone of his administration, promising strategic initiatives to support local farmers and food production.

    He also highlighted key areas of focus under his leadership, which included education, health care, youth and women empowerment through sustainable job creation, skill acquisition and infrastructure development.

    Read Also: 2027: Tinubu, APC will win by landslide, says Barau

    “Being a farmer myself, I understand the challenges in the sector, and I’m ready to tackle them head-on.

    “I will acquire many acres of land and engage youths in mechanised farming and ensure we become the food basket of Lagos State.

    “But beyond agriculture, my government will be people-centred, improving schools and health facilities, creating jobs and enhancing our roads and markets,” he said.

    The candidate expressed appreciation to party leaders and stakeholders for their support in his emergence as the APC candidate.

    He thanked Chief Joseph Bamgbose, the APC political leader in Badagry West, for his fatherly role and mentorship.

  • Lagos pioneers new model to reduce maternal mortality

    Lagos pioneers new model to reduce maternal mortality

    Lagos State has scored another first in perfection by reinforcing its position as a national leader in the fight against maternal mortality.

    This followed the success of MamaBase, a groundbreaking maternal health initiative developed as a collaboration involving the state government and public health experts at the Maternal and Reproductive Health (MRH) Collective.

    In 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that 79,500 Nigerian women died from childbirth-related causes, nearly 29 per cent of global maternal deaths.

    Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most densely populated states, was particularly vulnerable.

    In response, and in addition to other targeted programmes, the state government provided resources and support for scientists working at MRH Collective to pilot the “MamaBase” initiative in the state.

    Through this medical revolution, about 7,800 lives were saved in 2024.

    MamaBase is built on a data-driven framework called M.I.L.E.S. (Mapping, Identifying, Linking, Educating, and Supporting), and the state government worked with the MRH team to implement the programme that identifies at-risk expectant mothers, connects them to antenatal and delivery care, and provides consistent support and follow-up throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

    “Our goal was to stay with every woman from start to finish, and what we’re particularly happy about is that Lagos State Government was a willing and able partner in every facet of our journey”, said Prof. Bosede Afolabi, founder and chairman of MRH Collective.

    Read Also: Maternal mortality: NGO seeks implementation of safe abortion law by A’Ibom govt

    “And the results speak for themselves”, she concluded.

    Between October 2023 and September 2024, the team from the Lagos State Government and MamaBase recruited 7,883 expectant mothers across Lagos. Of those, 99.9 per cent survived childbirth. This is a dramatic improvement compared to the national maternal mortality rate of 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births.

    More than 80 per cent of the women delivered in health facilities with skilled birth attendants, and 60 per cent completed four or more antenatal visits, an essential indicator of safe outcomes.

    The programme achieved a maternal mortality rate of just 123 per 100,000 live births, nearly 10 times lower than the national average.

  • Be receptive to correction, Basiru tells Adeleke

    Be receptive to correction, Basiru tells Adeleke

    A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has again taken a swipe at the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke for its penchant for attacking those who offer it useful advice.

    Spokesman for the governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, recently while reacting to Basiru’s advice on how the Adeleke administration is making life unbearable for the people of the state, resorted to attack.

    But a statement by Basiru, who is also the APC National Secretary in Abuja yesterday said he would not stop at anything in giving useful advice to Adeleke, ‘’as anything that happens to the state will affect him and others.’’

    According to the former Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who currently chairs the National Sugar Development Commission (NSDC), he expected that the incumbent government would not take his advice ‘’because from day one, it likes to be praised, even for the littlest of things.’’

    The statement said: “The reaction is yet another sad example of the administration’s inability to engage in constructive discourse. Instead of addressing clear failures, the government continues its descent into baseless abuse, theatrical name-calling, and hollow propaganda.

    “It is important to remind the Adeleke administration that governance is not about trading insults, but about responding to accountability with facts. A government that has failed across critical sectors cannot hide behind slogans and solar lights that barely last a week.

    Read Also: Adeleke’s kinsmen back APC, NIWA boss for Osun guber seat in 2026

    “While the administration boasts of a 40 per cent debt reduction, it conveniently hides the fact that Osun’s federal allocation has increased by over 300 per cent. What the Adeleke government claims as financial discipline is simply the benefit of increased federal oil receipts, not strategic fiscal management and discipline.

    “Governor Adeleke has denied the widespread reports of teachers’ disengagement since assuming office. Why did Adeleke sack about 5,000 teachers employed by his predecessor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola?

    “Two and a half years after, why has he not engaged them again? Senator Basiru once said in an interview that APC doesn’t mind if Adeleke replaces all the 5,000 with members of his party. What matters is securing the future of our children. Besides, Thursday, last week, made it exactly a year that Adeleke announced employment of temporary workers at the state-owned media. No employment letter has been issued to them to date.

    “The road inaugurated with media fanfare was washed away within two days, a clear indictment of the substandard quality that defines this administration’s projects.’’

  • Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA launches 24-hour PHC

    Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA launches 24-hour PHC

    Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has launched a 24-hour Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Ishefun, transforming the once eight-hour facility into a fully operational round-the-clock service hub aimed at enhancing access to quality health care at the grassroots.

    The inauguration of the upgraded facility was held at the weekend by the Chairman of the LCDA, Ladi Oluwaloni, during a community-focused event, which also featured free medical outreach and public health sensitisation.

    Describing the initiative as a bold leap forward, Oluwaloni said the development represented more than a mere infrastructural upgrade.

    Read Also: Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA inaugurates projects

    “This is a bold reaffirmation of our administration’s commitment to people-centred, accessible and sustainable health care services.

    “Today, we do not just open doors, we break barriers. This facility will remain open and functional 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No resident of Ishefun, Ayobo, or the surrounding communities should suffer due to lack of access to emergency care at night or at the weekends. Our people deserve timely and dignified health care and this is what we are providing,” he said.

  • Governorship poll: APC will sack Adeleke in 2026, says Omoworare

    Governorship poll: APC will sack Adeleke in 2026, says Omoworare

    A former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to former President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters, Senator Babajide Omoworare, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will unseat Governor Ademola Adeleke in the 2026 election.

    Omoworare, who is one of the leading gubernatorial aspirants within the APC, encouraged all stakeholders within the party to work assiduously to mobilise youths and new voters for the support of the party.

    The Ile-Ife-born politician speaking at the 6th Edition of the Yoruba Summit held in Osogbo, Osun State, for the advancement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term, said, “In 2026, the electorate will rate the government of Governor Ademola Adeleke, and they will do that by ballot.”

    He lamented that despite a huge increase in allocation to state governors, which was made possible by President Tinubu’s reforms, many governors are still underperforming, which is telling on people getting dividends of democracy.

    Read Also: Adeleke’s kinsmen back APC, NIWA boss for Osun guber seat in 2026

    According to him, “We knew how much we are taking in Osun State now, there is almost 300% increment to what we are collecting before and it is not reflecting on the streets and on the faces of the people, so we should vote out any government that is not using the money well. The states have never had it this good, this is the best allocation from the federal government to the states.

    “APC will win the 2026 guber election, and what we need is cooperation, collaboration, and coordination. We are on the ground here in Osun State. We just need to come together for victory.

    “Osun state people don’t want charlatans in power, they want hard hard-working leader who knows the values of everything. I will emerge as a candidate of the party, and I will lead our party to victory with the help of God and all the stakeholders.”