The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Onofowokan, Akinyemi, Randle underscore team spirit in project devt

    Onofowokan, Akinyemi, Randle underscore team spirit in project devt

    NOTABLE Nigerians have asked citizens to be driven by team spirit to achieve infrastructural development or build viable projects of their dreams for the betterment of their organisations and the society at large.

    According to them, team spirit engenders selflessness that will enable them to contribute generously and show total commitment to completion of projects, regardless of prevailing socio-economic situation of the time.

    They spoke at an event organised by The Secretariat Membership Club, which was founded in 1991. The three-in-one event, which took place at the clubhouse in Ikeja, focused on fund raising for new clubhouse, induction of new members, and award nights.

    Chairman of the occasion and the Asiwaju of Remo Kingdom, Dr Solomon Kayode Onafowokan, noted that with the array and stature of personalities present at the event, there was strong indication that the project in focus would be completed in no time, especially if all were driven by team spirit.

    “By team spirit, everybody, no matter your status, would play their parts by giving something.

     “Yes, we know the times are tough, but in the midst of the toughness, we will always find away to accomplish our goals, especially if we work together as a team.”

    Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, who was the royal father of the day, underscored the need for team spirit and urged the club to, in addition to its clubhouse project, key into food security agenda of the Federal Government.

     “A social club, like the Secretariat Club, can have a farm, go into poultry, piggery, or fishing farming so that communities would be impacted by their activities.”

     He also urged the club to be committed to assisting out-of-school children roaming the streets.

    “Another project I would like this club to focus on is the issue of Almajiri. It’s quite unfortunate that most of our leaders today, who benefited from Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s welfarist programmes, have failed to uphold or resuscitate them.

    “There’s no country committed to sustainable development that would not prioritise free education, at least, at primary to secondary school levels. But today we are talking about developing Nigeria, while the children are left on the streets hawking, committing crimes and being abused,” he said.

    He warned that the abandoned children of today would become criminals if they were not taken care of.

     “I appeal to this social club to intervene by taking the care of the out-of-school children, even if it only two of them.”

    While pledging his support for the new clubhouse, he added: “I believe in education trust fund and security trust fund and will support any initiative on that.”

    President of the Club, Otunba Ayodeji Randle, said the club was driven by its motto: “Harmony, Progress and Recreation.”

     On the fundraiser, the president said: “Despite challenges, our shared goals unite us as one big family. Today’s efforts aim to lay a foundation for future members.”

    He recalled that the club was founded by aviation professionals seeking a work-life balance, adding that today’s members of the club were only building on the legacy by founding members.

    “Now it is our turn to expand and hand over a modern club to future generations,” he added.

    He congratulated newly inducted members and those awards recipients.   

    The Chairman of the Organising Committee for the event, Wale Oshodi Esq,Asked explained why the club had remained vibrant even in the face of the stifling socio-economic situation.

    According to him, members understoodtheimportance ofwork life balance, especially during excruciating socio-econmic times.

    “After hard days’ job, Nigerians need to recreate in a relaxed atmosphere to generate strength for days ahead. Many people are slumping and dying because they no longer recreate. The economic situation in the country cannot be an excuse. The people need to recreate to live.”

    Beyond recreation, he described the club as a meeting point for cross-fertilisation ideas.

    He also described the induction of 20 members at the event as a great improvement, saying the last exercise had about seven members.

  • Ondo Police train 160 personnel

    Ondo Police train 160 personnel

    Ondo State Command has started the training of its 160 personnel on intelligence gathering.

    Ondo Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, said at the opening ceremony that the programme was targeted at transforming constables and corporals into intelligence operatives.

    The CP said officers were expected to leverage smartphones for real-time intelligence submission and spontaneous reactions of crimes, including kidnapping ransom, murder, arson, cultism, and other forms of violent criminality.

    He explained that intelligence gathering and firmness were crucial to ensuring a proactive measure for a peaceful state.

    Afolabi expressed optimism that the participants would be better positioned to bridge the existing gaps, rebuild public trust, and enhance the overall security architecture of communities across the 18 council areas of the state.

    Read Also: An anatomy of the Delta PDP defections

    His words: “Intelligence gathering is one of the most important sections that is instrumental to breakthrough when it comes to policing and it’s so unfortunate that it’s one aspect that is so neglected.”

    “When I was the Assistant Commissioner of Police, OC Intelligence, Lagos, it gave me the opportunity to know that wherever I find myself, I should pursue the subject of intelligence gathering holistically. So, what we see happening did come by accident. And to put the icing on the cake, it falls in line with the agenda of our Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s agenda.

    “The IGP, too, feels so concerned about the subject of intelligence and just two weeks ago, he was in Ilorin to revamp the intelligence school. Part of his agenda, too, is on capacity building because we can’t be talking about professionalism, and then we exclude training. The catalyst that brings out professionalism is training, capacity building. And you will discover that since I arrived that has been my focus.

    “You may not see the effects in the shortest time because training has what they call long-lasting effect now, it may be when I finally leave this place, but one thing I can tell you is that we are laying a long-lasting foundation which will go a long way to address the security challenges we are facing today.

    “When I did what they call system analysis, I discovered that there was nothing like intelligence when I arrived here.”

  • Dearth of doctors hits Kwara hospitals

    Dearth of doctors hits Kwara hospitals

    Kwara State Government yesterday decried dearth of doctors at the state’s health facilities.

    This development is caused by the brain drain otherwise known as ‘Japa’ syndrome, Executive Secretary, Kwara State Hospital Management Board, Dr AbdulRaheem AbdulMalik has said.

    He was addressing reporters in Ilorin at an inter-ministerial news briefing organised by the Ministry of Information.

    Read Also: An anatomy of the Delta PDP defections

    He said the board could not find doctors to recruit to work under the state government, despite approval given by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to recruit doctors.

    Abdulmalik said the government had only 99 doctors, as against the required 180 to 200 medical personnel for the state, adding that only 96 doctors were on the government’s payroll before.

  • Oyo warns agitators over boundary dispute

    Oyo warns agitators over boundary dispute

    Oyo State Government has intervened in the boundary dispute between the state and Osun.

    In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Oyo government counselled both sides of the divide to stop the back-and-forth blame game and allow the two state governments to continue mature discussions on the resolution of the land dispute.

    Read Also: Revisiting Adamolekun’s Reflections on Governance

    The commissioner said Governors Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke were cooperating with the National Boundary Commission through their representatives and believed amicable resolution would be arrived at soon.

  • ‘No vacancy in Ekiti Govt House till 2030’

    ‘No vacancy in Ekiti Govt House till 2030’

    Retirees under the auspices of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ekiti State chapter, have said there is no vacancy in the Government House till 2030.

    The pensioners, who declared support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election, called on governorship aspirants jostling for the plum seat to shelve their ambition and join hands with the governor for the state’s progress.

    Speaking in Ado-Ekiti yesterday during a programme organised to endorse Governor Oyebanji for re-election, the

    NUP Chairman, Ekiti chapter, Comr. Tope Popoola, said the governor was doing creditably well and there was no need to prevent him from taking Ekiti to higher pedestal.

    Read Also: An anatomy of the Delta PDP defections

    Popoola, who lauded the governor for his promise-keeping spirit and inclusive governance, said Ekiti people had no regret in entrusting him with their mandate during the 2022 governorship election.

    He added that Oyebanji had brought a new lease of life to all segments in the state, noting that the pensioners have never had it so good, especially in terms of welfare package, pension and gratuity.

    He said the record of the governor on pensioners’ welfare was unprecedented in the history of Ekiti, hence, their support for his re-election.

    He highlighted Oyebanji’s achievements, including appointment of special adviser on pension matter, regular payments of pension, liquidation of inherited gratuity and payment of N10,000 palliatives to members.

    ‘’This endorsement is total. All members collectively agreed to endorse the best governor in Nigeria, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, because he initiated regular payments of monthly pension, gradual liquidation of the inherited gratuities, payment of pension arrears and payment of N10,000 palliatives fund to our members.

    “The governor’s personal donation of a sum of N15million towards our guest house project, appointment of advisor on pension matters, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria, are areas where our lives have been touched directly by this governor. We are happy that you made promises and fulfilled them.

    “While thanking you for all that you have been doing for the pensioners to enhance our welfare, we have come with one voice to adopt you and reciprocate your giant strides with unflinching support during the next elections.”

    The NUP National Vice-President, Com. Ayo Kumapayi, commended Oyebanji for restoring the respect and dignity of the pensioners in the state and making them credit worthy to be able to participate in economic activities.

    “I can remember a time in this state, our members were so poor that we became subjects of ridicule in the market. But today, Oyebanji has reversed this trend and restored our respect and dignity. We now go to market and buy whatever we need. God bless our governor,” he said.

    Responding, Oyebanji praised the pensioners for their unflinching support, saying their full backing further lent credence to the fact that his administration had not disappointed the populace.

    Oyebanji, represented by his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, assured pensioners that their well-being was a priority, promising to continue addressing challenges faced by the senior citizens.

  • Group inaugurates executive members

    Group inaugurates executive members

    Ibadan Solidarity Group (ISG), an affiliate of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), has inaugurated executive members under the leadership of Alhaji Ademola Ogunsesan (FCA).

    Others inaugurated are Elder Adedokun Olufunso (FCIB) as vice president 1, Abiodun Adedoja as vice president 2, Dr Tunde Tairu as general secretary and Dr Moshood Olorunsesan as treasurer.

    Read Also: Revisiting Adamolekun’s Reflections on Governance

    Mr Temitope Adeyemi becomes financial secretary, Seye Amusat, chief whip, Barrister Akinsanmi, legal adviser, Chief Remi Adedeji (FCAI) and Lawrence Olagunju, former general secretary, ex-officio.

    The inauguration was performed by a member of the group, who is the Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Mogaji Isiaka Olagunju (SAN).

    Some of the guests at the event include former CCII President-General, Chief Adebayo Oyero, current CCII President-General, Ajeniyi Ajewole, Bimbo Adekanmbi and others.

  • Ogun monarch empowers subjects

    Ogun monarch empowers subjects

    The traditional ruler of Ogereland in Ikenne Local Government of Ogun State, Ologere of Ogere Remo, Oba James Obafemi Saliu, Kankanbiina II, has called on the indigenes to be part of the development of the town.

    Speaking during his second anniversary on the throne, the monarch enumerated investment opportunities available in the community, urging his subjects to take the opportunities and assist in developing the town.

    The Ologere called on sons and daughters of the community to participate in its development by establishing cottage, small, medium and large industries to service the manufacturing companies in the town.

    Read Also: Revisiting Adamolekun’s Reflections on Governance

    He called on the indigenes to renovate and convert their family houses along the tarred road to more befitting edifices.

    “We really need you to come home and be part of the development ongoing in Ogere,” the monarch said.

     As part of the activities to mark his second anniversary on the throne, he inaugurated an ultra-modern palace.

    The monarch also empowered many indigenes and non-indigenes.

    During the empowerment, artisans went home with tools and equipment. Fifty others received N100,000 each.

  • Oyetola gives out 42,000 life jackets to facilitate waterways safety

    Oyetola gives out 42,000 life jackets to facilitate waterways safety

    To enhance safety on inland waterways, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, yesterday gave out 42,000 life jackets to waterway users across 12 selected riverine states. The items were distributed at a ceremony in Minna, Niger State.

    The initiative is intended to curb the incessant boat accidents.

    Each of the beneficiary states will receive 3,500 life jackets in the first phase of the strategic safety intervention by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The initiative is one of the most comprehensive federal responses in recent times to the persistent loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways.

    “This event transcends mere ceremony; it embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely daily on our inland waterways,” Oyetola said.

    He emphasised that the life jackets distribution is a proactive, life-saving response to the recurring boat accidents.

    Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who was represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, lauded the Minister for launching the campaign in Niger State. He described the state as a “critical focal point” in the battle against waterway accidents, revealing that Niger State recorded the highest casualties from boat accidents in 2024.

    Read Also: Revisiting Adamolekun’s Reflections on Governance

    “The state government is determined to address this issue frontally through strict enforcement and proactive intervention,” Sarkin-Daji said.

    Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, reiterated the importance of wearing life jackets, noting that while vessel owners and operators are legally responsible for providing them, the government has stepped in to bridge the gap.

    He said: “Our mission here today is to reiterate and encourage the use of lifejackets by all inland water travelers. Safety on our waters is the first rule and remains a government priority. It deserves the cooperation of all.”

    Goodwill messages were delivered by key stakeholders, including the representative of the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Chiefs, Brig. Gen. Yahaya Abubakar (Rtd); the Chairman of the Niger State House Committee on Transport; the Chairman of the Association of Boat Operators in Niger State; as well as representatives of boat commuters and community leaders. All the speakers commended the Ministry for its strategic and timely intervention.

  • City Boy Movement: Tinubu’s re-election is certain if appointees deliver

    City Boy Movement: Tinubu’s re-election is certain if appointees deliver

    Ahead of 2027 general election, the City Boy Movement, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election will be a walk over, if all government’s appointees deliver in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.

    The group, a youth-based supporters of President Tinubu, also pledged to mobilise five million Nigerian youths nationwide to support the President’s reelection, should he decides to re-contest.

    The Director General of the movement, Mr. Francis Shoga disclosed this at the group’s “Stakeholders’ Engagement for Lagos Youth on Understanding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Initiatives” on Monday. 

    The event, which drew scores of youth leaders and coordinators, held at Maryland in Ikeja.

    According to Shoga, so many young Nigerians are still ignorant of the reposition and resetting initiatives of the President and his efforts to put Nigeria on a sustainable pathway to prosperity.

    “The essence of this gathering is to enlighten young people about mister president’s initiative. You see a lot of complaints everywhere because people do not understand that you must, first of all, you must, first of all, take pain before you gain.

    “Hence, many uninformed youth are joining the bandwagon of complainers due to Mr. President’s initiatives of removal of fuel subsidy as well as floating the foreign exchange at the same time. 

    “So we want to educate people that we have to be patient because, mister president, is it directing the future of the country or to the right path? And if we are patient enough, we are going to see the results of such those initiatives. And it’s also going to benefit really young people that are aspiring to be leaders tomorrow, to have a better economy, to the Nigerians to benefit from. Alright.

    “To correct the wrong impression and narration out there, we decided to commence this nation-wide engagement with the youths.

    Instead of vilifying the President, Shoga said he deserves commendation as some of the hard decisions of Tinubu are already paying off. 

    “We are trying to make sure that the young people understand what Mr President is doing, as he is trying to redirect the economy.

    “The youth take at least 70 per cent of the population of Nigeria and the City Boy Movement is trying to mobilise them to understand the President’s efforts.

    “I assure you that City Boy Movement is going to give President Bola Tinubu at least 5 million votes out of the huge youth voting population in Nigeria,” Shoga said.

    Calling of the participants to embark of aggressive enlightenment of the young Nigerians on Tinubu’s agenda, Shoga said that the group would surprise the President with massive youth votes,” he said.

    The Director General said that the President had done a lot on economy, agriculture, energy and youth inclusivenes and empowerment.

    According to him, the movement is in all the 36 states and the FCT as well as all the local government areas with vibrant coordinators.

    Read Also: Tinubu congratulates Canada’s new Prime Minister Carney

    He urged Nigerians to ensure appointees of this administration perform in line with the mandate and vision of President Tinubu.

    “We have initiatives such as, the nationals and empower programs, the school feeding programs, and all other programs that are meant to take care of the vulnerable. 

    “So, what we need to do now is to look at those people that this administration has put in charge of those agencies. 

    “We should constantly check if those appointees are doing the right thing to make sure that those initiatives get to the grassroots.

    “Much lies on those people that are put in charge to make sure that they give results. 

    “And I’m sure that in time, the President is going to do a scorecard to see those people that have performed. 

    “So, let’s take ownership of government’s plans and policies and be intentional in following through their implementation.

    Mr. Goodluck Nwaneri, the Imo Coordinator of the City Boy Movement, said that Tinubu has done a lot in his Renewed Hope Agenda and given ample access to the youth.

    Nwaneri said: “We have benefitted a lot from him and we are going to surprise Tinubu in 2027. We will do all within our power as ambassadors to bring him back to power.

    “He has contributed to the youth empowerment and he has given the youth a sense of belonging in the state and in the country.

    “What Tinubu has done for the Nigerian youth is enough for us to give him another chance to continue and finish what he has started.”

    The National Coordinator of the Movement, Mr. Favour Abayomi, said that the group had begun tours of every state with the support of its Grand Patron, Mr Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, to enlighten the people and mobilise support.

    Another youth leader, Mr Gideon Balogun urged the participants to commence grassroots mobilisation and ‘marketing’ of the President 

    Also, Ms. Azizat Odubajo-Owonla, a leader of the group and Supervisor for Budget and Panning Ayobo Ipaja LCDA, said that people must know that Tinubu had good intentions for the country.

    The Vice Chairman of APC UK, Prince Bidemi Akintunde added that group had strategies in place to mobilise the youths, saying many young Nigerians had wrong perception of Tinubu’s initiatives.

  • SROL wraps up 2025 football tournament, driving youth engagement, community unity

    SROL wraps up 2025 football tournament, driving youth engagement, community unity

    Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL) has successfully concluded its annual football tournament with 12 dynamic football teams comprising SROL staff and members of their host communities in Osun State. 

    The tournament, held from Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27, reinforced SROL’s unwavering commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), promoting unity, nurturing local talent and deepening community engagement.

    The highly anticipated event which lasted three (3) days brought together teams of male and female categories in a spirited display of talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship. 

    Matches followed a round-robin and knockout format, culminating in the grand finals and a vibrant closing ceremony at the Iperindo Community Field on Sunday, April 27.

    Reflecting on the tournament’s impact, Austin Menegbo, Country Manager of SROL, remarked “At Segilola Resources Operating Limited, football isn’t just a game we support—it’s a shared passion that connects our staff and our host communities. 

    It’s more than CSR—it’s a celebration of youth potential, community spirit, and the unifying power of the game. Watching our local talent take the field with such determination reinforces why we do this: to foster growth, inclusion, and lasting bonds through sports.”

    The male category featured eight teams divided into two groups:

    ● Group A: Segun FC, Lee FC, Louise FC, Ettienne FC

    ● Group B: James FC, Julian FC, Collins FC, Chris FC

    In the female category, four teams competed across two groups:

    ● Group A: Aderinokun FC, Adeoye FC

    ● Group B: Alf FC, Adrian FC

    The tournament progressed through intense quarterfinals and semifinals, culminating in the grand finale between Segun FC and Adrian FC in the male category, and Chris FC versus Aderinokun FC in the female category. Both games concluded with a final scoreline of 5-4, with Segun FC and Chris FC emerging as winners in their respective categories. 

    Alongside the finals, novelty matches (between staff members of SROL and SINIC Engineering ltd) and third-place games (won by James FC and Adeoye FC in the male and female categories) added a festive touch, showcasing the deep community engagement that defines the event.

    Adewale David, captain of Segun FC, winning team in the men’s category, shared: “This tournament means everything to us beyond simply winning. It was an opportunity to be seen, heard, and being given a chance to shine. We are grateful to SROL for creating a space where our community feels united and celebrated.”

    Opetunsi Fayoke, captain of Chris FC, winning team in the women’s category, added: “This tournament has given us as women a platform to compete, to bond, and to feel just as valued. Honestly, it is an amazing feeling to step on the field and feel the support of your community behind you and for that, we appreciate SROL for giving us this space to grow and show what we are capable of.”

    Beyond the football pitch, the event echoed SROL’s broader mission: to foster positive engagement, nurture youth potential, and build stronger, more inclusive bonds within its host communities. 

    For more information on SROL and its community initiatives, visit www.srol.com.ng.