The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • First Lady celebrates Ogun dep gov, Salako-Oyedele, at 60

    First Lady celebrates Ogun dep gov, Salako-Oyedele, at 60

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has congratulated the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, on her 60th birthday, describing her as a pride to women and a committed public servant whose contributions continue to impact the Gateway State.

    In a goodwill message she issued on the occasion of the diamond jubilee, Senator Tinubu said she joined the celebrant’s husband, family, the Ogun State Government, friends and well-wishers in rejoicing with the deputy governor on the milestone.

    Read Also: Oyedele: “Tax reforms will ease airline costs”

    She commended Salako-Oyedele’s dedication to service, noting her role in advancing development in Ogun State alongside Governor Dapo Abiodun.

    “Your dedicated service in contributing to the development and progress alongside the Governor of the ‘Gateway State’ is commendable,” the First Lady said.

    The First Lady also offered prayers for the deputy governor, asking Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant her continued good health, wisdom and grace to sustain her impactful service to the people of Ogun State.

  • Ekiti APC mobilises members for e-registration

    Ekiti APC mobilises members for e-registration

    The Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged its members to participate actively in the ongoing national electronic registration exercise.

    The coordinator of the APC e-registration exercise in the state and Commissioner for Youth Development, Gold Adesola Adedayo, made the call during a meeting with senatorial coordinators and local government supervisors in Ado-Ekiti.

    Adedayo said the exercise, initiated by the Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda-led National Working Committee, commenced last year with the training of ward-level agents, noting that it was critical to strengthening the party’s structures ahead of future elections.

    He explained that the registration would hold daily from 8 am to 6 pm across the state’s 177 wards for members aged 18 and above who possess valid Permanent Voter Cards and National Identification Numbers.

    The commissioner urged supervisors to intensify mobilisation at the ward level and provide necessary guidance to ensure smooth participation, adding that sustained membership drives were vital to the viability of any political party.

    Read Also: UK Oyo APC caucus backs Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid

    Adedayo noted that the exercise would enable the APC to ascertain its true membership strength and support base ahead of the 2027 general elections, while also contributing to the re-election bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20, 2026, governorship poll.

    “This exercise will strengthen our party structures and ensure proper documentation of members at the grassroots,” he added.

    Also speaking, the Ekiti APC Chairman, Sola Elesin, who registered during the exercise, called on party members to emulate his example, stressing that participation reflected loyalty and readiness to contribute to the growth of the party.

    “As loyal and committed members, we must all come out and participate actively. APC is moving forward,” Elesin said.

  • Alaafin seeks establishment of military base, full investigation into National Park killings

    Alaafin seeks establishment of military base, full investigation into National Park killings

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has condemned the brutal attack on Oloka village and the killing of forest rangers within Old Oyo National Park.

    In a statement issued by his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch called for the establishment of a military base at Otefon Village to fortify the region and secure the Oyo-Oduduwa corridor.

    He also called for the deployment of the ‘Yoruba Defence Force Battalion’, under joint command of the Nigerian Army and traditional warrior chiefs, to patrol the park 24/7 and repel invaders.

    This is as the monarch called on the Federal Government and particularly the Ministry of Defence to declare Otefon a strategic National Security Zone and fund the construction of barracks, watchtowers, and a helipad within the next few months.

    Read Also: Alaafin, Oyo Speaker hail Makinde at 58

     Alaafin said: “The recent brutal killings inside Old Oyo National Park, especially the massacre at Oloko, are not merely a ‘security breach.’ It is a dagger plunged into the heart of our ancestral empire. Our sacred forests, our game reserves, our historic grounds, where our kings once hunted with spears and drums, are now being turned into slaughter yards by armed marauders. This will not stand.”

    The monarch described banditry and other security challenges facing the country as ‘gory, worrisome and disturbing’, noting that security was critical to the survival of any nation to forestall lawlessness, chaos and disorder.

    He lauded President Bola Tinubu’s demonstration, through actions, that ending insecurity is one of his administration’s foremost concerns.

  • No room for policy duplication in Lagos, says Obanikoro

    No room for policy duplication in Lagos, says Obanikoro

    Lagos State government will not permit policy duplications and uncoordinated programmes, the Special Adviser on Parastatal Monitoring, Babajide Obanikoro, have said.

    The governor’s aide spoke at a summit in Lagos with the theme: “Enhancing Efficiency, Accountability and Strategic Governance across Lagos State and Federal Parastatals.”

    He said the summit was both strategic and timely, coming at a moment when the demands of governance increasingly require collaboration, coordination, and collective responsibility.

    Obanikoro, a former federal legislator, said the Parastatals Monitoring Office would always live up to expectations as the channel for transmitting executive decisions and directives affecting all parastatals.

    He also said the office would continue to convene quarterly engagements with the State Chief Executive Officers and act as a critical liaison between Lagos State and other tiers of government on parastatal-related matters.

    Read Also: First Lady @ 65: Obanikoro: First Lady a woman of the people

     Obanikoro said: “Lagos State remains Nigeria’s economic nerve centre, hosting a significant concentration of Federal and State Government Parastatals operating within the same geographic and socio-economic space.

    “Yet, despite our shared objectives of service delivery and development, limited coordination has often resulted in policy duplication, overlapping mandates, inefficiencies, and the underutilization of shared resources.

    “These gaps ultimately affect the quality, speed, and impact of services delivered to our people. This summit, therefore, presents a valuable opportunity to bridge institutional divides, encourage structured engagement, and foster practical collaboration between Federal and Lagos State Parastatals.”

    Obanikoro said the discussions promoted by the office align with the T.H.E.M.E. S Agenda of the Lagos State Government, which prioritises building a smarter, more inclusive, and better-governed mega-city.

    He added: “Achieving this vision requires institutions that do not work in silos, but rather in synergy—leveraging collective strengths, sharing data and resources, and aligning policies for maximum public value.”

  • Forum hails Ogun govt’s plan to stop illegal miners

    Forum hails Ogun govt’s plan to stop illegal miners

    The Ibile Justice Forum, an advocacy group fighting for the cause of justice, has commended the Ogun State government for its decisive action towards ending the menace of illegal mining across the state.

    This commendation is coming on the heels of the intervention of the state government, which on Tuesday ordered the cessation of illegal mining activities across the state, including some communities in Iloro I, Iloro II and Ibiri village in the Ado-Odo area of Ogun State.

    The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owootomo, had on Tuesday reiterated the state government’s commitment towards safeguarding farmlands, a goal, he said, that remains a top priority of the administration.

    The state government reportedly ordered the immediate cessation of the unauthorised mining activities in the communities by the company.

    According to the Commissioner, no directive was issued by the state government permitting the company to mine in the area, prompting swift intervention once the activities were discovered.

    “Upon becoming aware of the situation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security engaged the company directly. The company acknowledged the concerns raised and agreed to halt all operations at the site immediately,” Owootomo said.

    He added that the company has commenced the evacuation of its equipment and materials from the affected locations, noting that the process is already underway.

    “To ensure compliance, formal communication, including a written notice, has been issued to document the agreement,” he stated.

    The commissioner further assured residents of the affected communities that the mining company would no longer operate in the area, emphasising that monitoring and enforcement measures remain in force to prevent future violations.

    Read Also: Mining Marshals arrest 17 illegal miners, impound three trucks in Kogi state

    In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Ifeoluwa Amoo and Comrade Ganiu Owolabi, the Forum described the government’s action as indeed heartening and something to cheer about.

    According to the group, the state government’s timely intervention coming at this critical point in time is indeed reassuring and gives a sense that the lives of the less privileged people matter too.

    In the statement, which reads in part, the Forum said, “We are immensely grateful to the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led government for its prompt intervention to nip the menace of illegal mining activities across the state in the bud and feel very strongly that such gestures would send the right signal to the downtrodden that their lives and livelihoods also matter in the scheme of things.

    “We are indeed persuaded that such ill-conceived, selfish motives by a section of the public aimed to achieve selfish interests of a few, would not arise again and we also hope that members of the communities wherever they need to take ownership of their land by observing internal vigilance of their environment and be ready to call out anyone who acts in ways that would further undermine the peace and stability of their communities going forward.

    “Again, we reiterate that the state government must, as a matter of urgency ensures that companies involved in all manner of illegalities, including economic sabotage and other actions capable of jeopardizing public interest, must be treated as the criminals they are and made to face the wrath of the law with no mercy whatsoever.”

  • OPC leader urges Tinubu to work with community-based security organisations

    OPC leader urges Tinubu to work with community-based security organisations

    The national president of the Oodua People’s Congress (Reformed), Comrade  Dare Adesope, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to work closely with community-based security organisations in the fight to tackle insecurity in the country.

    Adesope made the call in his New Year’s message to members of OPC-R in Lagos.

    ”The past year came with challenges, but through unity, courage, and resilience, we stood firm. I am proud of the discipline and commitment shown by our members in promoting peace, protecting our communities, and upholding the Yoruba heritage.

    “This new year presents another opportunity for us to deepen our role in securing our land, supporting good governance, and empowering our people.”

    Read Also:OPC seeks empowerment of local security outfits in fight against insecurity

    Adesope tasked his members to remain security conscious, law-abiding, and ever ready to serve with honour. While urging the government to work more closely with community-based security structures like OPC(R) to tackle insecurity and promote national unity.

    ”I also want to use this medium to plead that President Tinubu should equip OPC to use them as community security support.

    ”We are ready to work with government law enforcement agents to provide adequate security for all. Judging by our background check, we work without fear and are ready to protect our communities.

  • Foundation supports 125 vulnerable persons in Badagry

    Foundation supports 125 vulnerable persons in Badagry

    As part of its Yuletide humanitarian activities, the SOK Foundation extended support to 125 widows and other vulnerable persons during the fourth edition of its outreach programme held in Badagry, Lagos State.

    The initiative, organised by the SOK Foundation founded by Badagry-born philanthropist, Mr. Senayon Olufemi Kuton, was aimed at easing end-of-year hardship while empowering beneficiaries to pursue small-scale economic activities. The programme forms part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to community welfare and social uplift.

    Speaking at the event, coordinators of the foundation explained that the outreach, which began in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, has steadily grown from 80 beneficiaries to 125, a figure retained to ensure meaningful and sustainable impact. They noted that the financial support provided is free and interest-free, offering relief to vulnerable persons often unable to access or repay small loans from conventional sources.

    Read Also: Group laments Badagry prince’s alleged forceful takeover of property

    Several beneficiaries shared testimonies, recounting how previous assistance helped them expand petty businesses, support their families and fund their children’s education. They praised the foundation for its consistency and compassion, particularly during the festive season.

    Dignitaries, including Bishop of the Methodist Diocese of Badagry, Revd Ola Onadipe, commended the foundation’s humanitarian gesture and urged beneficiaries to make wise use of the support. The programme ended with the distribution of food items, drinks and bottled water, adding warmth to the Yuletide intervention.

  • OGIRS workers tasked on integrity, revenue generation

    OGIRS workers tasked on integrity, revenue generation

    Staff of the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) have been urged to uphold integrity to improve revenue generation, curb leakages, and eliminate sharp practices.

    The Executive Chairman of OGIRS, Mr. Olugbenga Olaleye, gave the charge during the New Year prayer session at the agency’s premises in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, emphasising that integrity remained the key to building and sustaining the trust of taxpayers and the general public.

    Olaleye urged staff to enlighten members of the public on how the new tax reforms would bring prosperity to all categories of citizens, young and old, especially the low-income earners. He encouraged workers to have the fear of God and embrace righteousness, noting that these virtues would continue to be the pathway to success.

    He also charged tax officials to clearly communicate the intent and objectives of the ongoing tax reforms, stressing that this would ensure more disposable income for low-income earners, increased production, economic growth and a reduction in inflation, adding that High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) would be more compliant in paying appropriate taxes under the new tax regime.

    Read Also: Nigeria Revenue Service unveils official logo

    “Do your work diligently. The new tax laws are similar to the millennium era, when many were uncertain about what would happen. As tax regulatory authorities, you have a lot of responsibility,” he stated.

    In his sermon, a cleric from Rhema Chapel International Churches, Yaba, Lagos, Pastor Caleb Ayinla, took his exhortation from Jeremiah 29:11-14, highlighting the importance of prayer in the lives of individuals, citing Biblical examples such as Job and Elijah, noting that prayer has the power to turn unpleasant situations around, while he encouraged workers to cultivate a lifestyle of prayer, describing it as the power that moves the hand of the Maker.

    Also speaking, the Chief Imam, Government Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Imam AbdulFatai Buhari, advised workers to desist from hypocritical acts in the discharge of their duties, urging them to be more committed, proactive, and to renew their intentions as the new year kicks off.

  • How I almost fainted at Lagos Airport- Ex-Ondo First Lady

    How I almost fainted at Lagos Airport- Ex-Ondo First Lady

    Former First Lady of Ondo State, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has recounted her distressing experience at Lagos Airport Terminal 2, describing it as an ordeal that nearly left her fainting.

    In a statement made available to The Nation in Owerri, Imo State, on Friday, Dr. Akeredolu, who arrived on a United Nigeria Airlines flight from Owerri on Thursday, said she waited for over two hours to retrieve her luggage, amidst grossly inadequate facilities and poor management.

    “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had only one functional conveyor belt, and to worsen the situation, luggage from an Ibom Air flight was being offloaded simultaneously. The baggage claim hall was grossly inadequate for two full flights—small, overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and without air conditioning. The heat was unbearable,” she said.

    She expressed disappointment with the state of Nigeria’s airports, saying: “Nigerians from the diaspora voiced their frustration openly, having experienced organised systems where passenger comfort—especially at airports—is treated as a priority.”

    Read Also: FAAN highlights airports’ travel procedures

     Akeredolu, who visited her hometown, Emeabiam, for the festive holidays, praised the kindness of a woman who brought her a chair when she was struggling to stand, saying: “That simple act of humanity likely saved me from fainting. Indeed, good people abound everywhere.”

    She called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to improve airport facilities and services.

     “Our airports are gateways to the nation, and the image of Nigeria is at stake. Basic infrastructure, efficiency, and passenger comfort should not be luxuries. They are necessities. Nigeria deserves better. Passengers deserve better,” she said.

  • Bandit Attack: Ashipa of Ogbomosoland calls for vigilance, intelligence sharing

    Bandit Attack: Ashipa of Ogbomosoland calls for vigilance, intelligence sharing

    The Ashipa of Ogbomosoland Barr. Olusegun Adekunle has called for heightened vigilance, intelligence sharing and community ownership of security following bandit attack on park rangers at Oloka Village, near the Old Oyo National Park.

    He described the attack as painful and disturbing, noting that the rangers were killed while carrying out their lawful duties, an incident that has unsettled Ogbomosoland and neighbouring communities.

    A statement by Adekunle said the attack has once again exposed persistent security challenges confronting communities around the Old Oyo National Park axis, an area that has witnessed recurrent security threats due to its vast forest reserves and porous boundaries.

    He observed that security presence and surveillance have improved in the area since the incident.

    He commended security agencies, saying despite operating under hazardous conditions, they continue to make sacrifices to protect lives and property, and therefore deserve greater public support, cooperation and timely intelligence to enhance their effectiveness.

    He stressed that security must be seen as a collective responsibility, urging residents to remained vigilant, share credible intelligence promptly and shun any act that could aid criminal elements.

    Situating the incident within the broader South-West security architecture, Adekunle noted that the attack underscored the importance of the regional security fund established by South-West governors to strengthen intelligence, logistics and coordinated responses across state boundaries.

    According to him, sustained funding and transparent utilisation of the initiative remain critical to tackling emerging threats, particularly in border communities.

    Read Also: Five cultists, bandit killed in Makurdi

    He also highlighted the role of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) in complementing security efforts at the grassroots, stressing that enhanced community-level security is fundamental to boosting economic activities, particularly farming, which remained the backbone of many rural communities in Ogbomosoland and its environs.

    He said Ogbomosoland occupies strategic position as it shares a border with Kwara State, from where a series of security-related incidents have been reported in recent times, making cross-border collaboration and intelligence sharing imperative to curbing criminal movements.

    Adekunle further praised traditional rulers across the five local government areas of Ogbomosoland for their stabilising roles, calling for stronger collaboration among them to mobilise communities, deepen grassroots intelligence and promote peace.

    He prayed for the repose of the souls of the park rangers and divine comfort for their families, describing the fallen officers as heroes whose sacrifices should inspire unity and collective action against insecurity in the zone.