Category: South West

  • Court bars ICPC from arresting FUOYE VC

    Court bars ICPC from arresting FUOYE VC

    A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos has issued an interim order restraining the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) from arresting the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Fasina.

    Justice Akintayo Aluko directed the commission, with its agents and representatives, to maintain the status quo ante bellum on its invitation of Fasina, as well as any threat of arrest, detention, or infringement on his liberty and rights, pending the hearing and final determination of his Motion on Notice for an Interlocutory Injunction.

    The judge also restrained the ICPC from taking any or further steps, pending the hearing and final determination of Fasina’s Motion on Notice.

    Justice Aluko made the orders against ICPC after taking submissions of Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), leading O. Adesioye, on a motion ex parte filed marked FHC/L/CS/768/2025, on behalf of Fasina.

    The matter has been adjourned till April 25 for hearing of the Motion on Notice.

    Earlier, in urging the court to grant the ex parte motion, Adegboruwa (SAN) told the court that the motion is supported with an affidavit sworn to by Dr. Adedayo Sobowale, staff member of FUOYE, and some documentary exhibits. 

    Read Also: Rivers: Only police, EFCC, ICPC can probe Fubara, says Ahamba

    Justice Aluko after listening to the submission of Mr. Adegboruwa (SAN) ruled: “And the court having heard Ebun Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) with O. Adesioye (Esq) for the applicant who moved in terms praying it to grant the reliefs sought as endorsed on the motion paper.

    “And the court, having considered it deserving, granted the prayers sought. “That an interim order directing the respondent herein, whether by itself, its agents, servants or otherwise howsoever to maintain the status quo ante bellum in respect of the respondent’s invitation of the applicant and the threat of his arrest, detention and curtailing his personal liberty and fundamental rights by the respondent, the subject matter of this suit, pending the hearing and final determination of the applicants Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction filed herein is hereby granted.“

  • LG chairmanship poll: Olasunkanmi picks nomination form, promises grassroots development

    LG chairmanship poll: Olasunkanmi picks nomination form, promises grassroots development

    Taiwo Olasunkanmi, a leading aspirant for the Agege Local Government Chairmanship position, has officially picked up his nomination form at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Lagos, reaffirming his commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to residents at the grassroots.

    Speaking shortly after obtaining the form on Thursday, Olasunkanmi outlined his core development agenda for Agege, which will focus on three key pillars: infrastructure improvement, youth empowerment, and community engagement.

    “My aim is to enhance the road networks, ensure reliable public services, and improve healthcare facilities,” he said. “Additionally, I will prioritise initiatives that empower our youth through skill acquisition programmes and job creation opportunities.”

    He emphasised that community engagement would be central to his administration, promising to hold regular town hall meetings to ensure residents’ concerns and suggestions are reflected in local governance.

    Olasunkanmi also reiterated that his primary focus would be infrastructure development and efficient public service delivery, noting that improvements in roads, drainage systems, and public transportation would significantly elevate the standard of living for Agege residents.

    He further pledged to enhance education and healthcare systems to guarantee access to quality services for all.

  • Real Estate summit Unleashed4Takever 3.0 to hold in May

    Real Estate summit Unleashed4Takever 3.0 to hold in May

    The stage is set once again this May, for Unleashed4Takever 3.0, the premier real estate and youth empowerment summit.

    The previous editions of this summit which is being hosted by Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, the award-winning developer, investor, and Group Managing Director of Nedcomoaks Group has witnessed tremendous and incredible success.

    This year’s edition of Unleashed4Takever according to Okonkwo in a statement promises to be the most dynamic gathering, bringing together a vibrant mix of real estate professionals, creative minds, government stakeholders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and industry disruptors under one roof.

    The last edition, held at Balmoral Convention Center, Federal Palace Hotel, welcomed over 1,500 participants during its three-day run. The summit featured notable speakers and panelists.

    Present at the last edition were Vusi Thembekwayo, Global Business Speaker, Venture Capitalist & the CEO, MyGrowthFund Venture Capital, Pastor Godman Akinlabi, Lead Pastor, The Elevation Church & Leadership Coach, Dr Ken Ikpe Onyeali, Former Group CEO, Insight Redefini and GMD Graviti, Fela Durotoye, Nation Builder and Chief Executive Officer, GEMSTONE Group, Dickson Nsofor, CEO, Kora & Fintech Pioneer, and other high-impact voices across media, finance, real estate, and public policy.

    Okonkwo promised that this year’s summit, a two day event which will be held at the popular Balmoral Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday, May 1, 2025 and Friday, May 2, 2025 is bigger, bolder, and is built for transformation.

    “Expect powerful keynote addresses and panel sessions on real estate investment, youth leadership, technology integration, and sustainable development.”

    Read Also: Developer unveils innovative investment, merges real estate with agriculture

    “The Unleashed4Takever 3.0, a platform that has helped many discover their voice, launch their careers, and connect with purpose-driven mentors and peers will create career-launching networking opportunities and masterclasses for participants.”

    The Unleashed4Takever 3.0 will also give room for fireside chats and breakout sessions with the industry’s top minds, Okonkwo revealed.

    The summit which is free, but registration is mandatory will be kickstarted with a Knowledge & Impact Sessions at 10:00am on Day 1 while Day 2 is Gala & Awards Night which starts by 5:00 PM to celebrate excellence and innovation in real estate and entrepreneurship.

  • LAUTECH Alumni honours 35 distinguished personalities

    LAUTECH Alumni honours 35 distinguished personalities

    The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso Alumni Association Worldwide, has honoured 35 distinguished personalities with prestigious awards, celebrating their achievements and fostering connections within the LAUTECH community. 

    The event to commemorate the 35th founders day of the institution was to strengthen bonds within the global network and recognize outstanding alumni, who have made significant contributions in various fields.

    Speaking at the presentation of the awards to the distinguished personalities, the Global President of the Alumni Association, Engr. Abdulrahman Olalekan Badmus, reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting the alma mater and its future leaders. 

    He emphasised importance of maintaining connections among graduates and supporting the university’s mission.

    The awardees included prominent figures such as the Pro Chancellor, Prof. Ayo Omole, Vice Chancellor of the institution; ROM Kalilu, Mrs. Olayinka Balogun and Mr. K. O. Olatokun.

    Read Also: LAUTECH defends awarding 94 First-Class degrees, says graduates meet global standards

    Others were Dr. (Mrs.) S. A. Ebijuwa, Engr. Olalekan Badmus, Prof. O. L. Oke, Prof. A. M. Salau (Posthumous), Prof. T. I. Raji (Posthumous), Prof. B. B. Adeleke, Prof. M. L. Nassar, Prof. A. S. Gbadegesin, Prof. M. O. Ologunde, Prof. M. O. Liasu (Posthumous), Prof. R. O. Ayeni (Posthumous), Prof. A. B. Afolabi, Prof. G. O. Oyediran, Prof. (Oba) A. J. Akintola and Revd. Julius A. Oladokun.

    They were also Prof. (Mrs.) A. R. Ayoade, Prof. S. O. Olabiyisi, Prof. S. O. Ojoawo, Prof. J. R. Aworemi, Prof. L. O. Mudashiru, Hon. Jelili B. Busari, Hon. Solomon Onilede, Prof. O. O. Abiona, Prof. R. A. Ganiyu, Prof. O. O. Okediran, Prof. O. O. Ogunleye, Prof. S. O. Adewale, Prof. A. O. Ige, Prof. T. A. Adedosu, Prof. S. O. Oladejo and Dr. A. J. Adepoju, as well as other notable alumni who have excelled in their respective fields. 

  • Agoro urges support for Tinubu to tackle poverty, launches empowerment foundation

    Agoro urges support for Tinubu to tackle poverty, launches empowerment foundation

    Former Vice President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and Managing Director of Protogy Global, Engr. Ademola Agoro, has called on Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in efforts to rescue the nation from extreme poverty.

    Agoro emphasised the need for citizens to collaborate with the government to overcome the country’s current economic and social challenges.

    He made the appeal during the launch of the Isaac Ademola Agoro Engineering Empowerment Foundation, held at the foundation’s office along Ilesha Road in Osun State. 

    According to him, the initiative is aimed at empowering individuals through vocational training that can lead to financial independence.

    “The idea is to help people acquire practical skills they can use to earn a living,” Agoro explained, adding that the foundation’s facility would serve as a vocational study centre.

    On the cost of the project, Agoro said it was difficult to estimate the exact amount spent. 

    He noted that the initiative is being funded through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts of Protogy Global.

    “Out of what God has blessed us with, we are giving back to support and uplift others,” he said.

    “It is difficult. That’s just the truth. It is difficult. The truth is that it is very difficult, when I say it is very difficult, it is very difficult, in fact I don’t keep track, I don’t keep track of the amount of money and everything I spend.”

    He urged Nigerian youth that there is no shortcut in life, adding that whatever that is a shortcut would lead to destruction.

    “So it’s just principle. There’s always a time for seed. There’s a time for plant and harvest, so anything that you jump to, you should be very careful.

    “So I would advise them to look at what they can use their hand to do and see how they can do it well and consistently, God will bless them and they will get to wherever they want to get to.”

    In his remark, a former member of the House of Reps, Hon. Nathaniel Agunbiade said government alone cannot cater for the citizens, hence the need for individuals and organisations to support government efforts.

    He said Engr. Ademola Agoro, through his foundation, has been very supportive in assisting people of the local government, and Obokun Local Government, as well as those around the area in bringing skill acquisition to the entire populace. 

    “Earlier on, we have been at Ijebu-jesa to commission his foundation house, which meant essentially for training of artisans and what have you. People will come to that place, not only to train, they will train free of charge, they will be accommodated without paying a penny and this is born out of the fact that, we realized that government cannot do this thing alone.

     “The first one he did in this town was the establishment of a primary school, where your kids come into that school without paying a penny, free books, free uniform, and free feeding. 

    “They also have what I will call a college of technical vocation, that one is also in this town. So what we did was just to make his presence felt at the local government headquarters of the local government at Ijebu-jesa. 

    “In essence, that is what we are doing today and by way of felicitating with our people at this period, which is the Easter period, he has brought some food items to be distributed to our people and by and large that is what we are doing and we are all proud of him.’

    Meanwhile, the Elerinmo of Erinmo Ijesha, Oba Dr. Michael Odunayo Ajayi, stated that it is important for beneficiaries to make good use of all the facilities as well as opportunities granted them.

    ‘Essentially, there has been a lot of money spent on empowerment all over Nigeria, but we have found situations whereby people are empowered, given machineries to use, to improve their business, but rather than do that, they have turned this around and sold them, thinking that money, having cash was more important.

     “It is important that people know that being taught how to fish is better than just being given fish. Our people should stop waiting for handouts all the time. They should rather look for opportunities to be trained in their area of interest and their area of vocation for them to do.’

    ‘When somebody wants to say he’s doing investment, you put a hundred thousand naira down somewhere and then you expect to get two hundred and fifty thousand in two weeks, that is criminal, that is not investment, that is like playing lottery and that’s why you’ll find out that there are many instances people get involved in ponzi schemes, like has happened recently and you know they lost their investment. 

    “I will advise, when people have money like this, why don’t you acquire some little machinery and start some little work, and God can then bless the handwork. So this is my advice to everybody.”

    Read Also: Agoro to youths: brace for challenges

    The monarch said God blesses people so as to impact on others just as Engr. Ademola Agoro has done.

    “So I would like to thank Engineer Isaac Agoro of Erinmoland, for his efforts to boost the livelihood of the people, for his support for youths, to improve their welfare and for the opportunity for training, being an engineer believing that people must know something, if you are not trained, there is no way you can do much in the future.’

    “We thank Agoro and I support this initiative and I also encourage other people like him all over the world, all over Nigeria, to please look back and at least pull up somebody, have people you can give scholarships to, have people you can train in all these ramifications.’

    At the event, some widows and people living with disability were giving cash prizes, while empowerment tools, which include vulcanizing machines, generating sets, sewing machines, grinding machines as well as welding machines were also distributed.

  • Lagos LG poll: Agege chairmanship aspirant writes open letter to Tinubu, seeks transparent primaries

    Lagos LG poll: Agege chairmanship aspirant writes open letter to Tinubu, seeks transparent primaries

    A chairmanship aspirant for the upcoming Lagos State local government elections in Agege, Hon. Taiwo Olasunkanmi Samuel (TOS), has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in the area conduct transparent and intimidation-free primaries.

    In an open letter addressed to the president, Samuel emphasised that the Agege election is more than just a local political exercise—it is a critical test of democratic integrity in the community.

    He stressed that the outcome of the primaries would serve as a reflection of whether grassroots voices are genuinely respected in the political process.

    The letter read: “My dear father and leader,

    “With the deepest sense of respect and loyalty, I write to you not just as an aspirant in the upcoming Agege Local Government election scheduled for July 12, but as a son of the soil, a full-blooded member of the Agege community, and more importantly, a citizen who believes in the Nigeria you dream of—a nation where fairness, justice, and merit are not mere slogans but lived realities.

    “Mr. President, permit me to speak from the heart, the way a son would approach a beloved father in moments of earnest desire. I have no doubt that your heart beats for this country, and that your highest ambition is to leave behind a legacy built on equity and truth. That is why I am reaching out, not to ask for favours, but for what I know you too believe in—a level playing field for all. Everyone can testify that this is one of your philosophies that has endeared your teeming loyalists, including me, to you.

    “The coming election in Agege is not just a local contest; it is a litmus test of our democratic maturity. It is a mirror that reflects whether or not the voices of the grassroots truly matter in our polity. I have lived among my people, I have eaten from their pots, shared in their sorrows and celebrated their joys. I understand their yearnings not through reports or secondhand tales, but through lived experience. I am one of them—one of their own—and I can tell you today that what they desire is not imposition, not manipulation, but fair play. They want a chance to choose. They want a system that listens, not one that dictates.

    Read Also: Group urges APC leaders to allow open nomination, fair chairmanship primaries in Agege

    “I am not the son of a wealthy kingmaker, nor the favourite of powerful brokers. What I am is a child of Agege—born, bred, and shaped by its streets and its stories. I have watched our community rise in resilience, and I know we are capable of achieving more with the right kind of leadership. Agege people want that leadership elected, not anointed.

    “Your Excellency, I ask you—as a son appeals to his father—please ensure that the machinery of democracy is not hijacked at the grassroots. Let the will of the people be the deciding force in who leads them. Let every aspirant, whether backed by wealth or willpower, have equal opportunity to test their popularity. That is the Nigeria we believe in. That is the Nigeria you are building. That is the leader you are known for.

    “I believe in your vision. I believe that under your guidance, we can lay the foundation for a more purposeful and people-driven form of representation. Give us a fair ground to run, and let the people decide who truly represents their hopes.

    “As your son in this vast family called Nigeria, I do not ask for special treatment. I ask only for fairness. And I know, deep down, that you will not deny us that.

    “May God bless you with the wisdom to continue to lead this nation aright. And may He bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. With utmost respect and sincerity, I remain your loyal political son”

  • Origin Tech Group champions national growth, stakeholder happiness in Easter message

    Origin Tech Group champions national growth, stakeholder happiness in Easter message

    In a season defined by reflection, renewal, and the promise of fresh beginnings, Origin Tech Group is aligning itself with a new wave of national transformation and development.

    Prince SJ Samuel, Executive Chairman of the company, delivered a message of hope and resilience, drawing inspiration from the spirit of Easter and the broader context of Nigeria’s journey toward growth and progress.

    “Life happens in seasons, and just like this period, Nigeria too is in a season of renewal,” Prince SJ Samuel said. “It is a time to strengthen our faith—not just in God—but in ourselves, in each other, and in the greatness that lies ahead for our country.”

    According to him, this period reflects Origin Tech Group’s deeper commitment to what it terms “heralding happiness”—a vision to ensure that every interaction with the company and its subsidiaries brings value, uplifts communities, and drives meaningful national development.

    “We want to be the company that brings joy to every home, every community, and every stakeholder we serve,” Prince SJ Samuel emphasised. “Our goal is to make wholesome, healthy living affordable and accessible, allowing people to thrive in all situations and truly enjoy the best of life.”

    At the forefront of innovation in agriculture, engineering, and logistics for over twenty-five years, Origin Tech Group Nigeria Limited is championing a national rebirth through strategic investments and infrastructure development. 

    Read Also: Nigerian tech entrepreneur wins $30,000 award

    From the construction of modern farm estates to provision of cutting-edge agricultural equipment and the establishment of the largest logistics hub in the sub-Sahara, the Group is actively contributing to economic resilience and food security.

    “In the sector I represent—agriculture—the right things are being done. New ladders are opening up, opportunities are emerging, and for the first time, we are witnessing a scale of progress that gives me hope that Nigeria will soon feed the world,” he stated.

    Prince Samuel urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, unified, and committed to the vision of a prosperous nation.

    “This is the only country we all have,” he concluded. “Let us keep the faith. Let us rise together. Let us shine together.”

  • Group urges APC leaders to allow open nomination, fair chairmanship primaries in Agege

    Group urges APC leaders to allow open nomination, fair chairmanship primaries in Agege

    Ahead of the July 2025 local government elections in Lagos state, a civil society group, Concern Group Initiative (CGI), has called on stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to guarantee a transparent and fair nomination process for the Agege local government chairmanship race.

    The appeal came amid growing concerns over alleged political intimidation and the imposition of candidates within the party.

    Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, CGI urged the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and other APC leaders in Agege to step in and ensure that all qualified aspirants have access to nomination forms and are allowed to contest freely without undue interference.

    “We are tired of political impositions,” said Mr. Dele Olajuwon, leader of the group. “Let interested and qualified candidates contest. Let the people decide—not a handful of powerful individuals.”

    The group also raised alarm over increasing reports of intimidation by party elites and condemned the rumoured endorsement of Abdulganiyu Obasa—son of the Speaker—as the APC’s preferred chairmanship candidate.

    Speaking further, CGI’s publicity secretary, Onakoya, criticised the alleged endorsement, warning that democracy in Agege is at risk if such undemocratic practices continue.

    “We are calling for an open and fair process where all qualified candidates can pick up nomination forms without the shadow of nepotism looming over them,” he said.

    Mr Adebayo Ogunleye, a prominent member of the group stressed that leadership should be based on merit and community service, not family ties.

    “Agege deserves a leader who understands its unique challenges and is committed to genuine service—not someone installed because of their last name,” Ogunleye added.

    He urged APC officials to uphold transparency and inclusivity throughout the electoral process. 

    Ogunleye warned that political favouritism would not only disenfranchise the people but also erode trust in the party’s democratic values.

    Read Also: Lagos council poll: APC chairmanship aspirants to pay N5.5m nomination fees

    The group leader, however, pledged to mobilise community members, increase political awareness, and advocate for a level playing field.

    “We will continue engaging local leaders and educating voters to ensure their voices are heard in this critical election,” he said.

  • Osun AG inspects razed buildings

    Osun AG inspects razed buildings

    • Laments poor security at courts
    • ’Renovation of courtrooms underway’

    Following attack on Osun State High Court, Ilesa by suspected arsonists, razing of courtrooms and registry, the Attorney-General, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, and other state executives yesterday inspected the level of damage.

    It will be recalled that the police launched a probe after suspected arsonists razed the courtroom and the registry on Sunday evening.

    Governor Ademole Adeleke lamented that vital documents were destroyed in the inferno.

    Speaking after inspecting the level of damage, Jimi-Bada lamented poor security at the court, noting that that was not the first time it would be attacked.

    He said: ‘’We need to secure this place because this is not the first time this will happen. My brother-commissioner told me that they attacked and burnt former Court II in 2017.

    “Also, last year, they carted away electric cables from this court. This nonsense has to stop. We will start almost immediately. We cannot abandon the court, the judge cannot sit. We have to prioritise the security of this place. No matter what we do, they will still come. So, we need to secure here. We should work on the solar, pending the time we will work on the cable. We will start almost immediately.”

    Read Also: NBA condemns arson of Osun High Court

    The AG added: “The challenge we have before as a government… we are trying to be careful. The budget was in the budget of the judiciary, but when there was no memo to the governor for approval for renovation of all the courts, the governor cannot say he wants to do it.

    “What we will do at the Ministry of Justice is to make provision for this renovation, which we are going to start. We will try to see what we can do with our 2025 budget. We do not need to wait for the judiciary to bring memo. If we are waiting, no memo will be brought. We cannot wait. That was why we brought engineers from the Ministry of Works. We are going to work on the entire compound.

    “From the running cost of the judiciary, security has been provided for. But there is no security and as a government we are going to work on it.”

    Speaking about the incessant attacks on the court, he described them as unfortunate.

     “I wonder why somebody will have the effrontery, the impunity to come to the court of law and set it ablaze. I am bothered. I’m amazed at that kind of boldness.

    “As a government, Mr Governor called my attention to it. He called me to come and assess it. We are going to start with Ilesa High Court, to renovate the entire court and then we look at other divisions. We are going to secure the court and start renovation.”

  • NBA condemns arson

    NBA condemns arson

    Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo branch, has condemned the arson at Osun High Court in Ilesa.

    NBA, in a statement by its Chairman, Mr Yemi Abiona, yesterday in Osogbo, described the incident as a “heinous attack that poses a serious threat to justice delivery and the rule of law”.

    According to Abiona, ‘’it is worrisome that such a dastardly attack is happening the second time, having recorded a similar incident a few years ago in Court 3, where the chamber of the judge was razed.

    “I wonder what the perpetrators of such an attack on the court room intended to achieve. This attack is the handiwork of faceless cowards.

    “Although, the cause of this arson is still subject to investigation, from indications, the inferno cannot be an act of God.

    Read Also: Rivers vs NBA: How to calm the N300m storm, by legal giants

    “We only wonder what the perpetrators intend to achieve by setting fire to court rooms where documents are kept.”

    The chairman hailed Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for his swift response of directing thorough investigations and increased security measures around the court premises.

    Abiona, who urged security agencies to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice, said the association was ready to provide free legal services to prosecute whoever was behind the arson.