The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Olowu of Kuta: My induction into NBR hall of fame comes with greater responsibility

    Olowu of Kuta: My induction into NBR hall of fame comes with greater responsibility

    The Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun III, has described his induction into the Nigerian Books of Record (NBR) Hall of Fame as a call to greater service.

    Speaking at his palace in Kuta on Saturday following the honour, Oba Makama said the recognition has placed a huge responsibility on him, emphasising the need to intensify efforts to positively project Nigeria’s image both nationally and internationally.

    The monarch stressed the importance of collective efforts in achieving this mission and pledged his full support to the NBR in his new role as a brand ambassador.

    He said,  “On behalf of my good people of Owu Kuta and Olowu in council, I want to heartily welcome you to my kingdom, the Owu Kuta. A land flowing with milk and honour. 

    “I also want to appreciate the Federal Ministry of Information and, by extension, the National Orientation Agency, NOA, and, more importantly, the Nigerian Books of Record, NBR, for this recognition. I’m fully aware that it comes with huge responsibility. 

    “As you are also aware that I have contributed and am still contributing anytime the need arises to project the Nigerian military which is the symbol of our sovereignty and encourage the officers and men for their sacrifice to rid  our country of divisive elements manifesting  in various forms. 

    “As a result of this, I was recognised by the administration of Gen Muhammadu Buhari rtd, who conferred on me the National honour of Commander of the Order of The Niger, CON.

    “For me , I’m conscious of the fact that the role of traditional rulers in securing their communities  and nation building to use the legal term is sine qua non to egalitarian society.

    “I am also aware that the  NBR was conceived to promote and support the Government in laundering the Nigerian image, by celebrating Nigeria’s excellent records in other to drive the campaign of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (Nigeria) and National Orientation Agency (Nigeria), NOA of attitudinal re-orientation.

    “I align with this onerous task and will ensure that I join in this project of nation building so that the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain.”

    Read Also: New Year: Olowu of Kuta greets Nigerians, calls for unity, national progress

    Speaking earlier, the Director General of NBR, Prof David David, said Oba Makama was found worthy of the honour because of the goodwill he has created for the country both nationally and internationally. 

    He said, ” Our research team did a thorough job to discover Oba Makama based on his intimidating citation to arrive at his choice as the first to be so honoured in the entire Osun State.”

    Also, two awards were also delivered to Oba Makama in quick succession alongside the NBR’s induction. 

    The Big Brothers Club and Nigeria Youth Council, led by its President Aare Oladotun Hassan, conferred on Olowu awards for his developmental efforts in Kuta, his efforts at rallying Yoruba obas together and being a national Icon.

    An elated Oba Makama flanked by his Olori Abebi was grinning from ear to ear as media practitioners, community leaders, and captains of industry joined him in the celebration. 

    Dignitaries at the Occasion include the Rector of Iree Polytechnic,  who represented Osun State Governor, Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, Member House of Representatives, representing Iwo, Aiyedire and Ola Oluwa federal constituencies, Hon Mudashiru Lookman, Hon Akinyemi Elijah of Osun State House of Assembly. 

    Others were pro- Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof Siyan Oyeweso, Timi of Ede, Oba  Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa 11 , Olu of Ile- Ogbo, Oba Olupona, Oba Obaloyan,  Kwara State among others.

  • MKO Abiola’s ally Su-Kazeem knocks Tinubu’s critics

    MKO Abiola’s ally Su-Kazeem knocks Tinubu’s critics

    An elder statesman and ally to winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, MKO Abiola, Alhaji Sufianu Kazeem, otherwise known as Su-Kazeem, has knocked some past leaders criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    A statement by Su-Kazeem stated that he has been vindicated going by recent comment by former Minister, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi.

    Akinyemi in a viral video called on former ex- President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi and others to stop making unnecessary comments against Tinubu’s administration and allow him to concentrate.

    Su-Kazeem said this has been what he has been clamouring for since Tinubu became President.

    He expressed surprise at what he described as unneeded and unsolicited advice for Tinubu by the past leaders.

    Read Also: MKO Abiola Sports Complex to host Super Falcons, Indomitable Lionesses  

    He urged them like in the words of Professor Bolaji Akinyemi to go and take their deserved rest and observe like former Heads of State General Yakubu Gowon and Abdul Salam Abubakar.

    Like Akinyemi, Kazeem condemned Obasanjo’s continuous attacks on the person and office of Tinubu, urging on him to henceforth desist from such action.

    He said: “Atiku Abubakar has continued to show his desperation even at the detriment of the progress and development of Nigeria.

    “He behaves as if he has all Nigerians in his pocket with the way he talks and address national issues which ordinarily should be done with selfless and not with selfish interest.”

  • PDP can register as new political party, if too weakened to win elections—Basiru

    PDP can register as new political party, if too weakened to win elections—Basiru

    • Receives PDP defectors in Osun ahead 2026

    The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress   (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has advised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to register as a new political party if its leadership feels it is too weak to win elections.

    Basiru advised while responding to questions from newsmen shortly after receiving PDP leaders and hundreds of their supporters who defected to the APC in Osogbo.

    Basiru said: “By constitutional provision, Nigeria can’t be a one-party state, because section 221 of the constitution allows people to vie for offices with the instrumentality of political parties, and there are procedures for the registration of political parties.

    “If PDP today believed they have become so weakened and battered that the party is no longer a mechanism for elections, they should go and register as another political entity but as far as I am concerned, we are committed to building a party that is virile that resonate with the masses of Nigeria people.”

    The APC scribe said President Bola Tinubu has shown true and courageous leadership and is steering the ship of Nigeria towards international recognition, an effort that is enjoying international rating and recognition from global economic and financial bodies.

    Commenting about the 2026 Osun state guber election, he said APC will unseat Governor Ademola Adeleke, tasking members to continue to work towards getting back the state from the present leadership.

    Read Also: Delta PDP regroups after Oborevwori’s defection

    “The present Osun government can’t benefit the Osun people, the government has failed in so many sectors like the education, health sector, and Agriculture. Despite the quantum increase in the allocation of the state has not reflected in terms of qualitative governance in Osun State.”

    Basiru, on behalf of the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, presented the party’s symbols to the leaders of the new members: Alhaji Tajudeen Adekunle and Mr. Ismail Adisa, known as Adogan.

    Among other APC stalwarts who graced the event were Osun Central Senatorial leader, Honourable Adeoye Adelakun, and the former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Adegboye Akintunde.

  • Adeleke’s kinsmen back APC, NIWA boss for Osun guber seat in 2026

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

    Kinsmen of Governor Ademola Adeleke from Ede Town, under the auspices of Ghaff Unity, have backed an All Progressives Congress(APC) chieftain and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority(NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, for 2025 Osun state guber seat.

    The leader of the group, Ajani Ayodeji, disclosed that they are from Ede North Local Government Area where Governor Adeleke of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) comes from and trust the capacity of Oyebamiji to govern the state.

    Ayodeji in a statement said: “As the Osun State governorship elections draw nearer, it is imperative to call for impactful and purposeful leadership because Osun takes the back seat, and the last two and a half years have been marked by poor handling of our state’s human, financial, and mineral resources.

    Read Also: Osun rector begs Adeleke to confirm 17-year contract staff, decries funding challenges

    “Osun, a fortress for the progressives until recently, deserves to be reconnected to the national power bloc to key into the developmental agenda of the federal government and ensure strategic alignment for growth and economic stability.

    “Hence, Bola Oyebamiji, a seasoned banker, humanist, economist, and public administrator of repute, remains the best option for the state. His extensive and valuable experience in both private and public administration positions him as the best man to drive the needed change that Osun desires.”

     “We urge our leaders, Chief Bisi Akande, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola CON, and every stakeholder who desires to see the prosperity of Osun and thirsts for her greatness to support Oyebamiji.”

  • Meranda calls for commitment, support for boy-child

    Meranda calls for commitment, support for boy-child

    In celebration of the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child, the deputy speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has called for support every boy child for them to attain their natural potential.

    In a message to mark this year’s International Day of the Boy Child, Meranda urged the world to take a moment and to rise in support of the boy child.

    Meranda said this year’s theme, ‘Building Self-esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen,’ speaks to the heart of the needs of the boy child.

    According to her, society should take some moment to the boy child and encourage them to believe in themselves, adding that society owe it to the boy child to thrive through robust policies.

    The statement reads: “Today, we proudly celebrate the International Day of the Boy Child — a moment to reflect, to recommit, and to rise in support of every boy’s potential.

    Read Also: Meranda commends South West games organisers for excellent event   

    “The theme for this year, ‘Building Self-esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen,” speaks to the heart of what our boys need most — a society that listens to them, believes in them, and encourages them to believe in themselves.

    “As the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I recognize the urgent need to create nurturing environments where boys are taught not just to be strong, but to be thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, and confident in who they are. We must be intentional about raising boys who are not afraid to speak their truth, take up space, and shape their world with dignity and purpose.

  • AFAN hosts 2,000 women farmers across 57 Lagos councils

    AFAN hosts 2,000 women farmers across 57 Lagos councils

    The Lagos Chapter of Women in Agriculture, All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN), has held its 2025 edition of Sustainable Agriculture Summit and Award Ceremony, a one-day programme organised to celebrate women farmers all over the state and discuss matters that concern them.

    Themed: “She Farms, She Cares. The Importance of Women in the Food Security Chain,” the summit garnered over 2,000 women farmers from across the 57 local governments in Lagos State.

    Speaking at the event, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Mrs. Abisola Olusanya, assured the attendees of the government’s commitment to agricultural development.

    He said: “Through our five-year developmental roadmap, we are committed to achieving 40 per cent food self-sufficiency with targeted investment and initiatives that empower our farmers, especially women who are the backbone of our food systems.”

    Read Also: 1,400 Osun farmers benefit from Renewed Hope Agenda support

    “We are investing in infrastructure, supporting agric businesses, fostering partnerships to generate billions of dollars of agricultural investment in the next years,” he said.

    AFAN Chairman, Otunba Femi Oke, called on youths to take up agriculture as a viable career path, citing opportunities for grants and growth.

    Deputy Chairman of the Association, Shakin Agbayewa, revealed that one of the major challenges farmers face is access to empowerment schemes, stating that collateral-free loans are also a major obstacle.

    The Women Leader of the association, Olayide Afolake, appealed to both the state and federal government for financial support and mechanized tools to ease farming operations.

  • Badagry West delegates fault result of LG primaries, demand justice

    Badagry West delegates fault result of LG primaries, demand justice

    Delegates from the Badagry West Local Government have faulted the recently concluded local council primaries, describing it as daylight robbery of their votes.

    Speaking during a protest held at the Lagos State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogba, Ikeja, the protesters demanded the outright return of their votes and a declaration of their candidate, Oluremi Funmi Nutayi, as the winner of the election.

    Secretary of Nutayi’s campaign organization, Mr. Emmanuel Bankole, urged the APC leadership and the electoral committee to consider the future of the party by doing justice to their appeal for the restoration of Nutayi’s mandate.

    Read Also: Lagos lawmaker Bonus rejoices as Sanwo-Olu approves power restoration funds for Badagry West communities

    ”APC  was founded on equity and justice. But what happened last Saturday was nothing short of an eyesore. The security was so tight, and the delegates went in, and our agent and aspirant were not given any tags of identification as against the rules of the election. They were asked to vote and leave the venue of the voting. As law-abiding members of the APC, our delegates voted and left the place. However, what was announced as a result on Saturday was a complete embarrassment to the party.

    ” We are dissatisfied with the result of the election, hence we have filed our appeal to the Appeal Committee set up by the party. The rights of the delegates have been completely taken from them and our aspirant came with 13 delegates but by the time the results were announced we were told that one of the comtestanst got 19 votes, one other aspirant got one vote, one Sessi got one vote, Kudus Sewanu got one vote and Damilola James got one vote. Now, the total votes announced were 22, while the records showed that 25 delegates from Badagry West LGA participated and were allowed to vote. So, how could 13 votes belonging to our candidate disappear without a trace?

  • Landmark achievements in health and trrade under Governor Bisi Onabanjo (1979–1983): Timothy Aina Odeyemi’s role

    Landmark achievements in health and trrade under Governor Bisi Onabanjo (1979–1983): Timothy Aina Odeyemi’s role

    By isiaka shonibare

    During Nigeria’s Second Republic, the government of Chief Victor Olabisi “Bisi” Onabanjo (1979–1983) marked a transformative era in Ogun State’s development—particularly in the areas of health and trade. As one of the closest political protégés of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Governor Onabanjo adopted and implemented the progressive policies of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) with discipline and innovation. His administration was a model of vision-driven governance that set enduring standards in public health, infrastructure, and economic expansion.

    Among the most trusted officials in that administration was Timothy Aina Odeyemi, who served at different times as Commissioner in both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Trade and Industry. His cross-ministerial appointments were a clear demonstration of the immense confidence Governor Onabanjo had in his competence and commitment. As a constant in the cabinet, Odeyemi played a pivotal role in delivering the administration’s most enduring legacies.

    Health Sector Achievements

    1. Free Healthcare Programme
      One of the boldest initiatives under the Onabanjo government was the implementation of free healthcare for all citizens. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Health—at a time led by Timothy Aina Odeyemi—Ogun State provided free access to both curative and preventive healthcare services. These included surgeries, maternity care, child immunization, accident and emergency care, and prescription medications, without charge. The policy revolutionized access to healthcare, particularly for low-income and rural populations, and was lauded nationally as a model of public health delivery.
    2. Primary Healthcare and Mobile Clinics
      Driven by Odeyemi’s passion for inclusive health development, the administration undertook massive investments in primary healthcare centers across rural areas and introduced mobile clinic programs that brought medical care directly to remote villages. These innovations reflected the UPN’s grassroots development philosophy and were implemented with a focus on public health equity.
    3. Teaching Hospital Infrastructure
      During this era, the administration began the groundwork for what would become the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) in Sagamu. As Commissioner for Health, Odeyemi worked closely with the university’s medical faculty to plan a tertiary healthcare and training hub that would serve the entire state. The administration also upgraded general hospitals in Ilaro and Ota with new equipment and services, setting a precedent in state-level medical infrastructure development.

    Trade and Commerce Achievements

    When he later assumed duties as Commissioner for Trade and Industry, Odeyemi continued to demonstrate his administrative versatility, becoming instrumental in advancing Ogun State’s commercial and industrial ambitions.

    1. Development of Modern Markets
      Under his leadership, the government constructed ultra-modern markets in Ijebu-Ode (Ita Osu Market) and Abeokuta (Oba Lipede Market). These markets provided organized platforms for traders, boosted local economies, and helped integrate rural producers into urban supply chains. Today, they remain among the busiest and most iconic commercial centers in the state.
    2. State-Owned Industrial Projects
      Commissioner Odeyemi oversaw the creation of several state-owned enterprises that aimed to industrialize Ogun State’s economy:
      • Gateway Pharmaceuticals in Ijebu-Ode produced essential drugs locally, aligning with earlier public health goals.
      • Omo Wood Complex in Ogbere and a brick-making plant in Lapeleke added value to natural resources and created jobs.
      • The Agro-Service Center in Odeda supported agribusiness development, linking farmers to value chains.

    These initiatives laid the foundation for Ogun State’s later emergence as an industrial hub in Nigeria.

    1. Infrastructure for Trade and Investment
      Recognizing the link between infrastructure and commerce, the administration upgraded key roads connecting production zones to markets. The Gateway Hotels built in Abeokuta, Ota, and Ijebu-Ode further promoted hospitality, tourism, and business networking.

    Lasting Legacy

    Timothy Aina Odeyemi’s contribution as a key figure in these dual sectors—health and trade—was integral to the success of Bisi Onabanjo’s government. His rare combination of policy depth and administrative capability made him a pillar in one of Ogun State’s most celebrated political eras.

    Today, the legacy of that administration—rooted in bold health reform, infrastructural growth, and grassroots economic empowerment—continues to shape Ogun State’s development narrative. Markets built over 40 years ago remain vital trade hubs. Health centers established in rural communities continue to serve new generations. And the vision of public-driven industrialization, once led by Odeyemi, still echoes in Ogun’s economic landscape.

    Governor Bisi Onabanjo’s “golden era” of governance was made possible by loyal and visionary collaborators like Timothy Aina Odeyemi—men who served with distinction and left behind a blueprint still relevant to modern public policy.

    Shonibare, a public affairs commentator writes from Abeokuta

  • Ogun monarchs fault imposition of regency council, coronet Obas

    Ogun monarchs fault imposition of regency council, coronet Obas

    First-class monarchs and members of the Egba Traditional Council in Ogun State have criticized Ile Ogboni/Osugbo for unilaterally imposing a regency council in Obafemi Owode local government.

    The monarchs were reacting to a memo purportedly signed by the president of the Egba Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, the Alake of Egba land, and circulated widely on social media, in which a five-man committee was constituted 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, said the act is completely 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 not the first time something of this nature has happened.

    “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.

    The monarch said the regency council was the sole idea of the paramount ruler and not a collective decision by the rest of the traditional council.

    “We are under siege and slavery in the Egba Traditional Council. Alake and his Ogboni chiefs have taken unilateral decisions on a matter that concerns the entire traditional council,” the royal father lamented.

    Oba Sogbulu explained that though Alake is the President of the Traditional Council, being the president does not give him sole authority on the council.

    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 and himself, to spite him and create problems in the domain.

    Oba Shyllon Sogbulu premised the decision to institute legal action against the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo, on his unilateral decision to impose a Regency Council on the stool of Olu-Obafe in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area without the approval of the Egba Traditional Council (ETC).

    The fellow of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, United States, turned traditional ruler, explained that the Paramount Ruler of Egbaland has, by such action, violated the latest 2021 Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State (as amended), which was assented to by the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

    Read Also: Let the games begin: Eyes on Ogun as 22nd  National Sports Festival gets underway

    With specific reference to a directive from the state’s Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, with reference no: CHM.10/268T/36, dated 17th January, 2017, and forwarded to the Alake of Egbaland, which places an embargo on the installation of Baales across the state, Oba Sogbulu said Oba Gbadebo has moved against the state government’s directive that restrained him from the appointment of such a regent-in-council for the Olu Obafemi stool.

    The monarch further explained that the Office of the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice had also in 2021 told the Alake of Egbaland that “his power to act as Prescribed Authority over minor chieftaincies is limited to Abeokuta North and Abeokuta South Local Government Areas”, which excludes the Òkú Obafe stool in Obafemi-Owode Local Government.

    Citing Sections 2 (e) and (f) of the Obas & Chiefs, Council of Obas and Traditional Council Laws of Ogun State, which prescribe a 2-year jail term for anyone who violates the law, the Alagbado of Agbado-Ijaiye maintained that the Alake of Egbaland lacked the prescribed authority to encroach on the affairs of the Olu-Obafe-Owode stool.

    While accusing the Egba Paramount Ruler of running the Egba Traditional Council like his personal company, the Alagbado, Oba Sogbulu, also pointed out that Oba Gbadebo has been busy engaging himself in the upgrade of 12 new coronet Obas without the consent and approval of the ETC.

    He maintained that the action clearly violated Section 26, sub (3) of the Obas & Chiefs, Council of Obas and Traditional Council Laws of Ogun State (as amended), which rests such power on the State Executive Council.

    Oba Sogbulu, however, maintained that the entire members of the ETC will not hesitate to check the excesses of the Egba Paramount Ruler towards ensuring that the trend is stopped.

    The Alakija of Ikija, Oba Babatunde Kolawole Ayorinde, who disclosed that he read about the development in an online publication, just like every other person, however, dissociated himself from such a decision, saying he was never privy to it.

    “I read about the news of the regency council in an online publication. I can’t say whether the news is authentic or not. But what I can say for a fact is that no member of the Egba Traditional Council was privy to that decision. So we’re not aware,” he maintained.

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

    Efforts to get the comments of the Alake 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 hierarchy, was futile as he did not respond to calls and text messages from 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.

  • Oyo govt to toll Ibadan Circular Road

    Oyo govt to toll Ibadan Circular Road

    Oyo State Government has approved the building of toll plaza, flyover, underpass, entry and exit points with mini toll gates to complement the expansion of scope of the work already going on at the Jagun/Ibadan/Ife Interchange.

    The additional infrastructure to the ongoing Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project was approved at a cost of N26,109,712,000.

    The move is part of government’s determination to make Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road operational by 2027.

    The approval was given at the State Executive Council (exco) meeting held on Wednesday. It follows the request put forward to the exco by the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, which was approved on its merit.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the 16.7km Jagun/Ibadan/Ife axis of the Circular Road project, which cost N66,174,589,000, would now cost N92,284,301,000 as a result of the additional construction that would complement the project, such as toll plaza, flyover, underpass, entry and exit points with mini toll gates.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Six states where candidates affected by JAMB error will retake UTME exams

    Similarly approved, the expansion of scope of work on the 15.5km Southeast segment of the Circular Road, along Lagos/Ibadan/Jagun axis, will cost an additional N16,957,729,000.

    The Commissioner for Information recalled that during the last meeting, exco approved the installation of public lighting along Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road phase one.

    Commissioner for Public Works and Transport also secured approval for road mapping, kerbs painting, installation of steel rails and patching of designated roads in Ibadan metropolis, including Lead City University/Challenge Junction Road, at the cost of N120,469,782.

    The project will be handled through direct labour intervention of the ministry.

    Oyelade said: “Also, the exco approved the prayer of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, for the establishment of farm service centres across the nine agricultural zones of the state.

    “The project, which costs N570,775,722, will create a one-stop shop for agricultural inputs across the zones, enhance dissemination of modern farming techniques and technology, establish market connections for smallholder farmers and many more.

    “Similarly, the exco approved the renovation of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Produce Department Office at Onireke, Ibadan for the use of the Federal Government’s Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute, South-Western Regional Training Centre.

    “The approval was based on the benefits of the institute to the state, which include: wealth and job creation, poverty alleviation and rapid economic development, growth along the various agricultural value chains, among others. The project will cost N128,532,743.”