The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Ondo rainstorm victims get relief materials

    Ondo rainstorm victims get relief materials

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has begun distribution of relief materials to persons affected by rainstorm and fire disaster in five local government areas of the state.

    He said his action was to fulfil his administration’s promise to bring succour to communities ravaged by rainstorm.

    Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, at the distribution point in Akure, said he was committed to the welfare of the people.

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    He said: “As promised during the visits to the affected communities, we are here today to deliver on the promise of government to bring succour to the victims through the distribution of relief materials and cash to them.

    “As a government, we will continue with initiatives that will reduce the effects of flood and other natural disasters by dredging our waterways and enforcing environmental sanitation laws.”

    The governor hailed the team from Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA) for working with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant stakeholders in ensuring disasters are mitigated and government responds promptly to those affected by the incidents.

    Director of Operations for NEMA in Ondo and Ekiti states, Kofoworola Soyele, lauded the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for attending to emergencies in a timely and creative manner.

  • Lagos debunks claims on workers training default

    Lagos debunks claims on workers training default

    Lagos State Government has clarified recent reports suggesting that 30 per cent of its employees failed to return after participating in government-sponsored overseas training programmes.

    It described the claims as misleading and inaccurate.

    Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, said the issue being referred to involved workers who proceeded on study leave without pay, not those officially sponsored by the government for training abroad.

    In a reaction issued from his office following media interpretations of his earlier remarks at a ministerial news briefing marking the second year of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, Ayantayo explained that while some public servants granted study leave without pay had failed to return to the state’s service upon completion of their studies, such cases represented a different category from those sponsored by the state government on official training or capacity-building purposes.

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

    “We need to make an important distinction,” the commissioner said. “The individuals being referred to are those who applied for and were granted study leave without pay, often to pursue personal academic programmes abroad, not civil servants sent on official training programmes.

    “Efforts are on to ensure accountability across all categories of personnel development, including bonding and post-leave return monitoring,” Ayantayo said

  • Coalition canvasses Youth capital development officers in regional development commissions

    Coalition canvasses Youth capital development officers in regional development commissions

    The Nigerian Regional Youth Leaders Coalition has called on Federal Government to appoint Youth Capital Development Officers in each of the six regional development commissions.

    A statement  by Comr. Akinteye Babatunde (Ondo State), Comr Usman Saidu (Kano State), Comr. Nnaemeka Oruh (Abia State), Comr. Umaru Bala Babayaro (Kaduna State), Oghwere Ejiroghene Henry (Delta State), Kpakol Gbaraka Letom (Rivers State), Dr Saad Dodo (Adamawa State), Hon. Famuyibo Oluwasegun, (Ekiti State), Miss Jenifer Ornguga (Benue State), Ahmed Abdulhakeem (Kwara State), Charles Ezemiekwe  (Anambra State), and Come. Mariam Yunusa (Bornu State) said the move would mainstream youth development in Nigeria’s regional growth strategies.

    The Coalition, which comprises youth leaders from across the geopolitical zones, emphasised the urgent need for structured youth representation in South South Development Commission  (SSDC), North East Development Commission (NEDC), North West Development Commission, North Central Development Commission, South East Development Commission, and South West Development Commission.

    The statement reads: “We cannot but commend the president of the Federal republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this laudable initiative, which will help galvanize the development of the regional resources which have been dormant since the time immemorial. 

    “For instance, the six regions (NE, NC, NW, SS, SE, SW) are all characterized by a bunch of mineral deposits such as granite, granite gneiss, quartzite, charnockite , gypsum, lithium, gold, coal, bitumen, iron ore, lead/zinc, and various gemstones. Others include tantalite, limestone, kaolin,  baryte, talc, rock salt, petroleum amongst others. 

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    “We strongly believe this initiative will help to propel the development of these resources and consequently generate income for the regions and as well as the federal government. However, the energy and the tenacity of the youthful population of this great nation is highly required to accomplish these objectives”.

    The Coalition proposed inclusion of vibrant and brilliant Youths in composition of the regional development.

    The proposed Youth Capital Development Officers, it explained, will serve as liaisons between regional development programs and the youth population. 

    “Their role would include coordinating youth-focused initiatives, advocating for capacity-building programs, and ensuring that young people are actively engaged in regional planning and implementation processes.

    “Nigeria’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow they are critical stakeholders in the present. By integrating Youth Capital Development Officers into each regional commission, we can institutionalise youth involvement in decision-making and ensure they are equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.”

    The Coalition noted that while youth constitute over 70% of Nigeria’s population, their involvement in key developmental structures is seen to be minimal especially in Regional development. 

    “The appointment of these officers would be a concrete step toward addressing this imbalance and achieving the government’s goals of inclusive and sustainable development.”

    The Coalition proposed that these officers be empowered with budgetary allocation, programmatic authority under the Presidency, and access to decision-making platforms within their respective commissions.

    “The Nigerian Regional Youth Leaders Coalition is urging the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Ministry of Regional development and relevant stakeholders in the National Assembly to support this proposal and make it a national policy directive.

    “From unemployment to insecurity, many of Nigeria’s pressing issues disproportionately affect young people. It is only logical that we be part of the solution—through strategic inclusion, not tokenism”.

  • Oba of Lagos urges stronger Nigeria-UK ties in defence, business

    Oba of Lagos urges stronger Nigeria-UK ties in defence, business

    The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has called for strengthened bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with a focus on defence cooperation and increased business investments.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit by officers of the British Royal Navy to his Idunganran Palace on Thursday, Oba Akiolu highlighted the long-standing ties between both countries, tracing their relationship back to the colonial era when the British took over Lagos from the Portuguese.

    He noted that since Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the country has faced numerous developmental challenges, but expressed optimism that the current administration is working to reposition Nigeria on the path to progress.

    “When the British came to Nigeria, the country was under Portuguese influence. They initially came for trade, but also contributed to diplomacy and development. Since their departure in 1960, we’ve struggled with development. However, President Bola Tinubu is making efforts to move Nigeria forward, and I believe we will get there,” Oba Akiolu said.

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    On the issue of insecurity, particularly terrorism and insurgency in parts of Nigeria, the monarch stressed the global need for peaceful coexistence, asserting that extremism has no place in the modern world.

    He also urged the British government and private sector to explore more investment opportunities in Nigeria, pointing to the country’s large population and skilled workforce as key advantages for international investors.

    “The British should come and set up factories here. We have the market and the labour. Many business interests in Britain can come to Nigeria and they will not regret it,” he said.

    While giving reasons for their visit, the Senior Directing staff, Royal College of Defence Studies, Rear Admiral Steve Dainton, who led the group, said they were in Nigeria as part of their one year defence training for several African countries, Nigeria included, which will end in July.

    He added that they visited the palace to receive royal blessings and know more about the history of Lagos from Oba Akiolu as well as tap from his experience as a retired senior police officer.

    He said the training was necessary in the face of global insecurity, adding that several countries are facing security challenges.

  • Oniru visits Law School, Reddington Hospital

    Oniru visits Law School, Reddington Hospital

    Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iru Land, on Thursday continued his corporate appreciation tour with visits to key institutions in Victoria Island, including the Nigerian Law School and Reddington Hospital.

    The visits are part of activities marking the fifth anniversary of his coronation and form a broader initiative to acknowledge public and private institutions that have significantly contributed to the growth and development of Iru Land.

    The initiative aligns with the monarch’s progressive vision, “Let’s Grow Iruland Together” (#LeGIT).

    At the Nigerian Law School, Oba Lawal commended the institution for its critical role in shaping Nigeria’s legal system, describing it as a cornerstone of justice and the rule of law.

    “As the final stage in the training of legal practitioners, the Law School ensures that our future lawyers are equipped with the knowledge, discipline, and ethical foundation to serve Nigeria with integrity,” he said.

    The monarch explained that the visit was not merely ceremonial but marked the beginning of strategic collaboration between the palace and the legal education sector.

    Proposed areas of partnership include legal literacy and civic education for youths, mentorship programmes for law students, and community-based legal outreach to strengthen access to grassroots justice.

    He also revealed plans to designate the Iru Palace as a historical site for law students during their orientation, describing it as a “living archive of legal customs, indigenous jurisprudence, and the evolution of leadership within Lagos.”

    At Reddington Hospital, Oba Lawal praised the facility as a key partner in delivering quality healthcare under the #LeGIT agenda, which focuses on eight development pillars: Tourism and Culture, Education and Empowerment, Healthcare, Environment, Security, Welfare, Infrastructure, and Stakeholder Engagement.

    Read Also: Oniru seeks stronger public-private partnership to drive development

    He said, “This visit to Reddington Hospital is both significant and symbolic. Your institution’s dedication to excellence in patient care, innovation, and responsiveness in times of need continues to inspire confidence and pride—not only in Iru Land, but in Lagos State and beyond.”

    The monarch acknowledged the hospital’s long-standing support for community health initiatives, especially its collaboration with the Palace during outreach programmes that have impacted countless lives.

    Oba Lawal said, “This visit is a sincere acknowledgement of your contributions and a reaffirmation of our commitment to work together in building a healthier, more resilient Iruland.

    “As I reflect on five years of purposeful leadership, I do so with pride and humility—grateful for the enduring partnerships and progress we have achieved together. This milestone is not merely a celebration of time passed, but a renewed commitment to collaboration, service, and visionary leadership. Together, let us continue to build. Together, we grow.”

    The Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Law School Lagos Campus, Dr.  Gbemisola Odusote, described the Oniru’s visit as the “first of its kind” in the history of the school.

    She emphasised the importance of stronger partnerships between legal institutions and traditional rulers, noting that such collaboration would strengthen civic education and access to justice.

    Reddington Hospital’s Group Medical Director, Dr. Tunde Lalude, reflected on the hospital’s evolution from a small cardiac centre into a comprehensive medical group with multiple branches, including those in Iru and Lekki.

    “We share your passion for delivering quality healthcare. Health is wealth, and we are committed to being at the forefront of healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” he said.

    The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Abiodun Oshibomowo, also commended the monarch’s leadership, describing it as visionary and impactful.

    Oshibomowo said: “Your Majesty’s leadership has opened Iru Land to global attention. We remain committed to your #LeGIT vision and to helping develop Iru into a thriving 24-hour economy. As one of the major stakeholders in Iru, we are proud to partner with you in building a vibrant, inclusive community that supports both local enterprise and the wellbeing of all who live and work here”, he said.

  • Ondo Attorney-General bags Thomas Sankara Pan-African leadership prize

    Ondo Attorney-General bags Thomas Sankara Pan-African leadership prize

    Ondo Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, has been honoured with the prestigious Thomas Sankara Pan-African Leadership Prize for hard work and contribution to Nation Building.

    The award, conferred by the Youth Partnership for Africa’s Development (YOUPAD), a continental youth league spanning all 54 African countries, with its headquarters in South Africa and an annex in Rwanda, celebrates individuals whose commitment to Africa’s growth embodies the ideals of Pan-Africanism, integrity, and selfless leadership.

    According to the official notification signed by Comrade Henry Nkem Nwankwo, President of YOUPAD, and Ambassador Paul Kwabena, General Secretary, the honour recognises and appreciates  Ajulo’s “hard work and contribution to nation building through the judiciary sector and leadership, characterized by selflessness, dedication, integrity, innovation, zero tolerance for corruption, nepotism or favouritism, community development, charity to the less privileged, and a 100% open-door policy, which remain as outstanding as they are remarkable.” 

    His lifestyle, they noted, reflects African moral values and offers a model of emulation for youth across the continent.

    While reacting to the award, Ajulo expressed deep appreciation to YOUPAD for the recognition and dedicated the honour to all responsible parents across the continent, especially mothers. 

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    He noted that the foundation of good leadership and character often begins with a sound upbringing.

    “I dedicate this award to every good parent across Africa, especially our mothers, whose tireless efforts shape children into responsible, hardworking and community-minded citizens. This recognition is not just about me, but about the values instilled in us from childhood.” Dr. Ajulo stated 

    He added: “I deeply appreciate the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose stewardship of Nigeria is drawing positive global attention to our nation and providing visibility for those genuinely striving to make meaningful impact. His leadership within the community of African nations has been equally commendable, as evidenced by his re-election as Chairman of ECOWAS for a second term.

    “Being in South Africa representing Ondo State in an international legal engagement, I am truly impressed by the level of respect and recognition Nigeria commands. It is evident that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria’s image is being restored and dignified on the global stage. This award, to me, is also a testament to that renewed confidence in our people and our institutions.

    “I also extend my profound gratitude to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his exemplary leadership, steadfast support, and unwavering commitment to justice and good governance in Ondo State. His leadership style provides the right environment for professionals like us to do more and continually add value to society.”

    He joins a distinguished list of former recipients, including former Sudanese President Umar Al-Bashir, Prof. Bart Nnaji of Geometric Power Group, Mr. Vincent Biruta, and Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher G. Musa.

  • Experts highlight power, water, internet as pillars for Nigeria’s economic growth

    Experts highlight power, water, internet as pillars for Nigeria’s economic growth

    As Nigeria seeks sustainable pathways to grow its economy, experts have stressed the urgent need for its leaders to prioritise three critical infrastructures: reliable electricity, clean water, and strong internet connectivity.

    Speaking at the Power & Water Nigeria 2025 Exhibition and the IoT West Africa Conference, held this week at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos, stakeholders emphasised that these services have moved beyond being basic needs—they are now fundamental drivers of development, job creation, and business expansion.

    The three-day event drew participants from across the globe, including technology innovators, government officials, and private sector leaders. Together, they explored how integrated smart solutions in the power, water, and digital sectors can serve as a foundation for national progress.

    Attendees were treated to a showcase of innovative products, such as solar-powered water pumps, intelligent electricity meters, and advanced internet technologies—all designed to improve daily life and economic opportunities for Nigerians.

    Meher Bedi, Director of Exhibitions at Vertex Next, the event’s organiser, underscored the connection between the three sectors.

    “Power, water, and internet are all interlinked. By improving them together, we can accelerate Nigeria’s development and create a more robust economy,” she said.

    “When you have stable electricity, clean water, and fast internet, everything from education to business works better,” she said. “It helps people live better and helps the economy grow.”

    “This event acknowledges the interdependence between energy infrastructure and digital services. Promoting reliable and sustainable power solutions directly supports the growth of data centres across Africa. Discussions at the conference often highlight the need for energy-efficient practices in data centre operations, aligning with the continent’s digital transformation goals.”

    One of the event’s highlights was how digital tools can improve electricity. Tunji Alabi of Infratel Africa explained how smart grids, systems that fix faults automatically, can keep electricity flowing even during technical issues.

    Dr. Bala Tyoden from the Rural Electrification Agency also spoke about how IoT (Internet of Things) technology is helping them track solar power systems and mini-grids in real-time. This helps the government know exactly how much energy is being produced and used, making it easier to plan and improve services.

    “Before now, it was hard to monitor what was happening in remote areas,” Tyoden said. “But now, with smart sensors, we can see the full picture and take faster action.”

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    It’s not just about power. Access to clean water remains a major issue in many communities. New tech on display, such as solar-powered water pumps, shows how clean water can reach more homes and farms without relying on diesel generators.

    At the same time, strong internet infrastructure is opening up more opportunities for businesses, especially in the digital space. Speakers from 9mobile and other tech firms explained how faster internet allows small businesses to reach more customers, use better tools, and offer new services.

    The event also hosted the Data Centre & Cloud Expo Africa, which focuses on building the facilities that store and power internet services. These data centres are vital for Nigeria’s digital transformation, but they also need steady electricity to run.

    “Digital services and power go hand in hand,” Meher Bedi said. “You can’t build a modern economy without both.”

    Dr. Aristotle Onumo from NITDA added that IoT technology could help Nigeria develop smart cities, improve healthcare, and grow e-commerce. But he warned that for this to happen, governments must support new technologies with the right policies.

    “IoT West Africa serves as a catalyst for Nigeria’s digital transformation by showcasing game-changing technologies and innovations. It provides a platform for businesses to explore the latest developments and best practices in IoT, AI, and cloud computing. The event facilitates knowledge exchange, networking, and partnerships, enabling Nigerian businesses to adapt to digitally reliant operating models and stay ahead in the fast-paced digital landscape,” Bedi added.

    The event showed that with the right investments in energy, water, and internet, Nigeria can build a more connected, productive, and prosperous future.

    “This isn’t just about gadgets,” said Bedi. “It’s about using technology in smart ways to solve real problems, and to give Nigerians a better quality of life.”

  • 1,400 Osun farmers benefit from Renewed Hope Agenda support

    1,400 Osun farmers benefit from Renewed Hope Agenda support

    No fewer than 1,400 farmers in Osun State have received fertilizers, spraying equipment, and cartons of agrochemicals under the Renewed Hope Agenda Initiative to enhance food security.

    The beneficiaries, drawn from Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo local government areas, are part of a support programme sponsored by David Asalu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ejigbo, Osun State.

    Speaking at the distribution event, Asalu revealed that 600 bags of fertilizer, 400 sprayers, and 400 cartons of agrochemicals were handed over to farmers in the Federal Constituency as part of efforts to localise and implement the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots level.

    “it is a direct contribution to the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President, Bola Tinubu, in the area of Agriculture and Food Security. He made clear his intentions to rapidly develop Nigeria through homegrown solutions that will make the Nation self-sustaining. 

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    “As loyal lieutenants of the President therefore, we must ensure the spread of his vision, contributing our personal efforts and mobilizing government’s interventions, towards the development of agriculture in our various localities.”

    He added that the programme is targeted to expand the frontiers of progressive governance to all the nooks and crannies of the country, facilitating the spread of visionary leadership that has become the identity of the progressive ideology.”

    He recalled that through his personal contributions, “We have sponsored WAEC and UTME examinations for over 5,000 young people with follow-up scholarships to many of them who are indigent.”

  • NGO seeks support in fight against exploitation, harmful occupations

    NGO seeks support in fight against exploitation, harmful occupations

    A Non-Governmental Organisation, Connecting Heart Initiative, through it’s Blooming Dames Centre, has appealed for the government and private individuals for women in exploitation and harmful occupationisn.

    Co-founders of the NGO, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ogedengbe and Mrs. Abimbola Okutinyang, said the support will also provide transformative and structured environment that support the women in overcoming exploitative circumstances.

    The duo stated that this will also transition them into safe and dignified carer path through faith based discipleship, trauma informed care, and access to entrepreneurial resources and tools for sustainable livelihood.

    Speaking in Ibadan at the grand opening of Blooming Dames Center, the Executive Director, Connecting Heart of Women for Positive Change Initiative, Okutinyang aid  centre is to uplift many ladies and offer women medical interference, skill acquisition, spiritual intervention, and social intervention among others.

    She said:”Our desire and our goal, if we can have a safe house in every local government in Oyo State, that would be amazing. And the same thing in Lagos, the same thing in Abuja, the same thing everywhere. If we can just have one safe house in one local government, that would be one mind transformed.

    “Please come support us, come help us, come donate to us. If you have a bus, we need a bus, come support us, but consistently. We don’t want just one-off support and then you run away. Hold our hands, help us. Come give the girls counselling.”

    Ogedengbe, said the project was a collaboration between Connecting Hearts of Women Initiative and Pan-African Purpose Driven Women Initiative. 

    She said:”We realised that there’s a need for us to rise up to the occasion to be able to do our bit to help these women, some of them are victims of trafficking, some of them you know are there because of poverty, for different reasons, some are there because of selfish gains and all of that, but we’re here today to see what we can do to help them shift into dignifying sustainable livelihoods.

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    “We can’t do it alone, one of the things we’re asking for is support because we’re private organizations, NGOs, you know we do not have grants yet, we only have partners from families and friends who are helping us raise resources to be able to maintain the facility.

    “When the ladies are here for the period that they will be here, six months or nine months maximum, feeding will be free, the facility needs to be furnished for them to be able to focus, there will be skills acquisition for them in their area of choices and that will also be free. 

    “For all the period that they will be here, feeding, you know toiletries, to get the place furnished, furniture, cooking utensils and all of that, we need this place to be furnished, to be up and running.

    “And of course for people to understand that there’s a place where they can come to, people who are vulnerable, people who have been abused, where they can come to for safety, for covering, for shelter.”

  • Afenifere never called for Akume’s suspension, says official

    Afenifere never called for Akume’s suspension, says official

    Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, led by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has never called for the suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, its Director of Organisation,  Chief Kole Omololu, said on Wednesday.

     He said in a statement that the organisation should not be dragged into any controversy over investigation of any individual by the anti-graft body.

    The statement reads: “We categorically repudiate this spurious and unauthorised communication. 

    “Afenifere does not have factions. There is only one Afenifere, and it is under the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti. 

    “At no time did the authentic leadership of Afenifere authorise any of its officers, serving or retired, to issue such a prejudicial, defamatory or politically-motivated statement.

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    “The public is hereby advised to disregard the fraudulent individuals hiding under the name of Afenifere to pursue personal or partisan agendas. 

    “We are fully aware that certain members of the Labour Party in Yorubaland have continued to masquerade as speaking for Afenifere. 

    “These political opportunists, whose actions are driven by bitterness and selfish ambition, are hereby sternly warned to desist from dragging the revered name of Afenifere into disrepute.

    “The alleged statement, which attempts to link the SGF to an EFCC investigation involving a private individual, is not only dishonest but a deliberate act of blackmail. 

    “As publicly known, the said investigation was initiated on the strength of a complaint by Senator Akume himself, upon observing irregularities. 

    To now twist such facts into an accusation of complicity is irresponsible, malicious and embarrassing to the Yoruba nation.

    “We wish to reiterate that Afenifere stands firmly on the side of due process, justice and rule of law.

    “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should be allowed to conduct its investigations without pressure, coercion or threats of orchestrated protests.

    “Afenifere, as a non-partisan and principled socio political-cultural body, will not be used as a vehicle for any political vendetta. 

    “We shall continue to defend the integrity of our name, the unity of Nigeria, and the dignity of Yoruba leadership.”