The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • I never dreamt of becoming Owa Obokun of Ijesa, Oba Haastrup

    I never dreamt of becoming Owa Obokun of Ijesa, Oba Haastrup

    The Owa Obokun of Ijesa, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has revealed that he never aspired to become a traditional ruler despite his long-standing contributions to the development of Ijesaland.

    Speaking at a dinner event held in Ilesa over the weekend to kick off activities ahead of his coronation scheduled for May 23, 2025, Oba Haastrup said his service to the people had always been driven by a genuine desire to uplift lives, not by political or royal ambition.

    “All these times I came home to support my people, I made it clear I wasn’t doing it to become governor or Kabiyesi. I was simply doing my part to bring happiness to others and contribute to humanity,” Oba Haastrup said, according to a statement released on Sunday by Shola Oshunkeye, Chairman of the Media Committee for the coronation.

    “Becoming a king never crossed my mind. But here we are today. I give thanks to God Almighty and the good people of Ijesaland for this honour. I believe Eledumare will guide me to succeed.”

    Read Also: Owa Obokun felicitates Alaafin on coronation

    The monarch called on all sons and daughters of Ijesaland, both at home and abroad, to support him in unlocking the vast potential of the kingdom for its holistic development.

    Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, Prof. Wale Omole, a former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, praised committee members for their dedication to ensuring the success of the coronation.

    Also speaking at the dinner, the Ajirowa of Ijesaland and Vice Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Lateef Bakare, recounted the rigorous and transparent process that led to Oba Haastrup’s selection, noting that the monarch observed all traditional rites without exception.

  • UI students shine at quizathon, National Campus Challenge

    UI students shine at quizathon, National Campus Challenge

    Three students from the University of Ibadan (UI) have demonstrated academic excellence by securing top positions in two prestigious competitions organised by FlexiSAF.

    The first competition, Distinction Quizathon, is a rigorous AI-powered competition that attracted over 6,000 participants from over 200 tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

    UI students showcased their intellectual prowess with Daniel Adesanya, a 500-level Petroleum Engineering student who proved his mastery of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, emerged 1st and earned a ₦1,000,000 cash prize.

    On the other hand, Barnabas Oluwasegun, a 200-level Medicine and Surgery student, secured 3rd place, earning a ₦500,000 cash prize for his remarkable performance.

    Also, in the first-ever National Campus Challenge, which FlexiSAF organised in collaboration with the Committee of Directors of ICT in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions (COMDICT-NTI), Abayomi Elijah Olutayo, a 200-level Medicine and Surgery student, made a strong impact.

    Read Also: 2027: Northwest APC endorse Tinubu for continuity

    Abayomi secured 2nd place in the overall Best 3 Category. The challenge earned him a ₦150,000 cash prize, which reinforced UI’s dominance in academic contests.

    The National Campus competition certificate was received by the Director of Information Technology and Media Services (ITeMS), Mrs. Abiodun Alao on behalf of the University of Ibadan.

    These consecutive successes highlight the University of Ibadan’s commitment to academic excellence and intellectual competitiveness.

  • Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA launches 24-hour Primary Health Centre

    Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA launches 24-hour Primary Health Centre

    Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has launched a 24-hour Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Ishefun, transforming the once 8-hour facility into a fully operational round-the-clock service hub aimed at enhancing access to quality healthcare at the grassroots level.

    The official commissioning of the upgraded facility was conducted over the weekend by the Executive 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.

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

    “Today, we do not just open doors, we break barriers. This facility will remain open and functional 24 hours a day, 7 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 over weekends. Our people deserve timely and dignified healthcare and that is what we are providing,” he said.

    The Chairman expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his administration’s sustained investment in grassroots healthcare.

    Read Also: Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA empowers artisans, traders with N100m grant

    He also praised the Permanent Secretary of Health District I, Dr Olufunmilayo Bankole, for her pivotal role in realising the project, describing her support as: “instrumental in bringing this project to life.

    “The newly upgraded PHC is now equipped to provide a comprehensive range of services, including emergency response, maternal and child care, immunisations, and chronic disease management. It is staffed by a full complement of trained health professionals and stocked with essential medicines and medical equipment.”

    As part of the launch, the LCDA initiated a series of free medical screenings, such as blood pressure checks, diabetes and malaria testing, eye examinations, and cervical cancer screenings efforts aimed at encouraging early detection and disease prevention.

    Oluwaloni announced the commencement of health insurance enrolment for vulnerable residents within the council, a move he said would ease pressure on state hospitals and promote a culture of preventive healthcare.

    The Medical Officer of Health for Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, Dr Adekunle Meyar, confirmed that trained personnel are now on standby round the clock to handle emergencies and maternal care cases.

    He gave assurances of continuous improvement in service delivery.

    The Supervisor for Health, Olusola Dada, commended the Chairman’s foresight and commitment, describing the PHC upgrade as one of several achievements under the current administration.

    He cautioned against the use of unverified herbal remedies, especially among pregnant women.

    “This facility is here to serve you; it is safer, more affordable, and more effective than any roadside alternative,” he said.

  • HDAN woos investors into Nigerian, African real estate sector with continent’s largest exhibition

    HDAN woos investors into Nigerian, African real estate sector with continent’s largest exhibition

    Local and foreign investors have been urged to seize opportunities in Nigeria’s real estate sector, which is contributing significantly to economic diversification and boosting the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    The Executive Director of the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), Festus Adebayo, said the call became imperative in light of recent industry data showing that Nigeria’s real estate sector contributed 5.2% to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024, underscoring its critical role in driving economic growth.

    In a statement over the weekend, he noted that with Nigeria’s housing deficit exceeding 22 million units—and similar shortfalls in countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, and Liberia, HDAN is compelled to make the bold call for investors to explore the vast opportunities within the sector with the the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS)

    According to him, the AIHS is being organised by HDAN to highlight the sector’s vast potential and showcase untapped opportunities in Nigeria and across the African continent.

    He said the 19th edition of the show, tagged Africa’s biggest platform for housing, construction, and urban development and scheduled to take place from July 27th to August 1st, 2025 in Abuja aims to position the continent’s real estate market as a viable investment destination amid increasing demand for affordable housing, infrastructure growth, and policy reforms across Africa.

    Adebayo, who is also the Coordinator of AIHS, noted that the 2025 edition of the event, will serve as a powerful convergence point for investors, developers, government agencies, financial institutions, and policy leaders from across the globe.

    Emphasising that real estate remains one of the most resilient and scalable sectors on the continent, he said, “We are inviting serious investors from within and outside Africa to explore the vast potential in the real estate and construction sector.

    Read Also: HDAN lauds Fed Govt on N250m support for housing

    “With housing contributing significantly to Nigeria’s GDP and urban population expanding rapidly, now is the time to build the right partnerships.”

    Themed ‘Reimagining Housing Challenges into Opportunities: Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Policy’, the event will feature over 400 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge housing and construction products, innovative building technologies, mortgage and finance strategies and locally sourced construction materials.

    The event is expected to attract more than 40,000 participants from over 26 countries, creating a truly global platform for dialogue and collaboration, while over five African Ministers of Housing have so far confirmed their participation.

    It will also feature dedicated sessions on key issues such as Diaspora Housing, Affordable Housing Finance, Climate-Resilient Development, Women in Real Estate and Public-Private Partnerships, including high-level engagements with delegations from ministries, multilateral organizations including Shelter Afrique, the World Bank, and IFC as well as top-tier property developers and investors from across Africa, Dubai, India and beyond.

    Supported by the Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa-led Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the show will also host a special investment forum focusing on unlocking funding for large-scale residential, affordable, and mixed-use developments across the continent.

    “Africa cannot continue to import all its building solutions. This is the time to promote local content, attract Foreign Direct Investment, and bridge the infrastructure gap with action. AIHS is providing the platform.

    “With rising investor interest from the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, AIHS 2025 is expected to drive multi-million-dollar conversations on real estate development, funding structures, land reform, and sustainable construction”, Adebayo added.

  • Oba Lawal hails Access Holdings’ role in Iruland’s development

    Oba Lawal hails Access Holdings’ role in Iruland’s development

    The Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, has hailed Access Holdings for its contribution to infrastructure, security, and socio-economic development in Iruland, describing the institution as a “true partner in progress.”

    The monarch made this known during an official visit to Access Holdings headquarters in Lagos as part of his corporate appreciation tour marking the 5th anniversary of his coronation.

    The tour, which spans key institutions across Iru Kingdom, is aimed at appreciating stakeholders who have remained committed to the vision of building a prosperous and sustainable Iru Land under the #LeGIT agenda — Let’s Grow Iru.

  • Ogun monarchs kick against imposition of regency council, coronet obas

    Ogun monarchs kick against imposition of regency council, coronet obas

    Some first-class monarchs and members of the Egba Traditional Council in Ogun state are at odds with the top hierarchy of the council over what they describe as the unilateral imposition of a regency council in Obafemi Owode local government by the Ile Ogboni/Osugbo.

    The monarchs were reacting to a memo purportedly signed by the president of the Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, the Alake of Egbaland, and circulated widely on social media. In it, a five-man committee was constituted as a regent to oversee the affairs of Obafemi Owode town following the suspension of the Olu of Obafemi, Oba Taofeek Owolabi Olukayode.

    The Alagbado of Agbado, Oba Adedayo Shyllon Sogbulu, disclosed that the act was strange to the extant laws guiding the obaship affairs in Egbaland.

    According to him, the Egba Traditional Council never took such a decision, stressing that this is alien to its traditions and customs.

    “We were at the last meeting that took place before Easter celebrations, and nothing of such happened or was discussed at the council meeting, but because of the celebration, we could not hold any meeting; Alake with his Ogboni chiefs did this alone,” he said.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: World’s 11 most powerful passports in 2025

     He pointed out that weeks ago, Alake installed a coronet Oba, around Isaga Abosule, right in front of his palace without the prior knowledge of the Egba Traditional Council, all in a bid to spite him as well as create problems in the domain.

     The Alakija of Ikija, Oba Babatunde Kolawole Ayorinde, also dissociated himself from such a decision, saying he was never privy to it.

    The Olota of Ota, Oba Abdul-Kabir Obalanlege, he confirmed the development but declined to give further comments on the matter.

    Also commenting, Oba (Dr) Adeogun Ogunbona Ogunjobi, the Olu Igbore kingdom, who spoke with our correspondent from the United States, confirmed the development while assuring that he was ready to shed more light on the matter when he returns from his trip abroad in the coming weeks.

    Efforts to get the comments of Alake, the man at the centre of the crisis, were futile as he neither responded to calls nor text messages sent to him.

    Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, the Osile of Oke Ona Egbaland, Karunwi III, who is next to the Alake in hierarch,y did not respond to calls and text messages by our correspondent.

    The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, also noted that the Oba and Chiefs law in the state does not recognise any regent or regency-in-council.

    Calls and text messages sent to the Secretary of the Egba Traditional Council, Oluwaseun David Fajobi, were not been replied to as at press time.

  • Lagos restates commitment to disability inclusion

    Lagos restates commitment to disability inclusion

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, has reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to disability inclusion across its policies and development programmes.

    Ogunlende said this at the 27th Annual Sports Day of the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) held recently at Yaba College of Technology

    Themed: “Champions of Inclusivity,” the event featured a lineup of athletic competitions including March Past, Long Jump, Goal Ball, Shot Put, Tug of War, Rounder Game, Skittle Game, and the 50-Meter Race.

    Participants, grouped into Red and Blue Houses, thrilled spectators with inspiring performances, with the Red House emerging as overall champions. It was supported by Union Bank, Bluebulb Financials, Daramola Dynasty Foundation, Golden Penny, among others.

    READ ALSO: Issues in Lagos APC LG primaries

    Speaking through his representative, Comrade Ibrahim Akinremi, Director of Disability Affairs at the Lagos State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ogunlende said: “The Lagos State Government recognizes the rights and potential of persons with disabilities and is taking actionable steps to ensure no one is left behind. From inclusive sports initiatives to grassroots empowerment, we are committed to building a society that offers equal opportunities to all”, he said.

    He also assured that efforts are underway to ensure the full implementation of the 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities as stipulated in the national policy.

    In his remarks, the CEO of Bluebulb Financials, Ola Daramola, said: “While we simplify cross-border payments at Bluebulb, our heart is in building communities. Through our foundation, Daramola Dynasty, we support education, health, and social empowerment. Today, we proudly celebrate these athletes and this powerful movement of inclusivity”.

  • Oniru hails Access Holdings’ role in development

    Oniru hails Access Holdings’ role in development

    The Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal ( Abisogun II), has hailed Access Holdings for its contribution to infrastructure, security, and socio-economic development in Iruland, describing the institution as a “true partner in progress.”

    The monarch made this known during an official visit to Access Holdings headquarters in Lagos as part of his corporate appreciation tour marking the 5th anniversary of his coronation.

    The monarch said, “Access Holdings has, over the years, distinguished itself as a builder of futures. Your contributions go far beyond finance and include bold investments in infrastructure, education, entrepreneurship, and urban transformation.”

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: World’s 11 most powerful passports in 2025

    The monarch also used the occasion to request Access Holdings’ support in providing a dedicated Personal Power Supply (PPS) system to the Iru Kingdom, a move he said would significantly improve energy access and stimulate further economic activities in the area.

    The monarch described the late former Group CEO of Access Bank, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, as a visionary patriot whose legacy in public-private security initiatives, particularly through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, remains unmatched.

  • Monarch inducted into Epe council of traditional rulers

    Monarch inducted into Epe council of traditional rulers

    The Orijeru of Igbooye Kingdom, Oba AbdulRasaq Akanni Musa, has been formally inducted into the Epe Council of Obas and Chiefs.

    The investiture ceremony took place during the recent council’s general meeting held at the Epe Local Government Secretariat.

    The investiture is historic as it is exactly one year after the kingdom formally presented Prince AbdulRasaq Akanni Musa to the esteemed Council of Obas and Chiefs for their endorsement, as part of the initial process leading to the eventual installation and presentation of the staff of office by the State Government.

    The meeting of the Epe Council of Obas and Chiefs was presided over by the Chairman, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, the Oloja of Epe.

    In his remarks, Oba Animashaun warmly welcomed Oba Musa into the fold of traditional rulers within the division.

    READ ALSO: Issues in Lagos APC LG primaries

     He also offered words of encouragement and fervent prayers, wishing him a successful and impactful reign as the Orijeru of Igbooye Kingdom.

    Following the investiture, Oba Musa hosted a brief but symbolic reception at the Orijeru Palace, where he met with key stakeholders of Igbooye Kingdom, including the Igbooye Council of Baales.

    During the gathering, the Orijeru made a major announcement regarding the appointment of traditional chiefs who will serve as pillars of traditional governance and cultural stewardship within the kingdom.

    The newly appointed traditional chiefs are as follows: Chief AbdulBariu Olugbenga Quadri as Olisa; Chief Moruff Oluwadare Salami as Egbo; Chief Rufus Adedipe as Aare; Chief Yinka Oguntimehin as Balogun and Chief Rasaq Sanni as Otun.

    They also include Chief Oluranti Adebanjo as Eleku; Chief Adegbenro Otunnowo as Oluti; Chief (Mrs.) Silifatu Amadasun as Iyalode; and Mrs. Olusola Odusanya-Omotoso as Erelu.

  • Nobody can stop Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 – Jandor

    Nobody can stop Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 – Jandor

    The 2023 PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State and lead visioner of the Lagos4Lagos movement, Mr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran aka Jandor) has described the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 as unstoppable.

    Adediran had on March 3 resigned from the PDP and announced his return to his former party, the APC.

    Speaking during a rally to announce his return to the APC in Ojo area of Lagos on Friday, Adediran explained that his assignment presently was to work towards the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

    Adediran said the positive results of Tinubu’s people-centred reforms and recent defections into the party have made the president’s re-election in 2027 unstoppable, if he decides to re-contest.

    He said: “Our conviction to come back home is a result of the reforms that Mr President is doing.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom has adopted Tinubu, Eno for 2027, says Senate President

    “Removal of fuel subsidy makes Tinubu a selfless President because he would have ordinarily allowed the status quo to remain to secure a second term in office.

    “The President is poised to do what is best for the country, and the reforms are yielding results for the country now.

    “That is why we are going to do everything humanly possible to make sure we work for his re-election.

    “Our priority is to ensure that we see to how this man will return in 2027 to further reposition the country,“ he said.

    Adediran, who noted that though he did not win as PDP candidate in 2023, his struggle, however, opened up political opportunities for people of the Badagry division in the APC.

    In his response, the Lagos State APC chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, who noted that the party was proud to have Mr Adediran and his team back, urged the leaders to accommodate the team.

    Meanwhile, Olushola Idowu, the chairman of Ojo Local Government, described the return of  Adediran as a good addition to the APC, especially in Ojo Local Government, urging party members to welcome him and his followers with open arms.

    Also speaking, Kayode Robert, commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, commended Adediran for his courage to return to the ruling party.