The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Crisis looms in Oyo community as indigenes, monarch ask mining company to leave

    Crisis looms in Oyo community as indigenes, monarch ask mining company to leave

    Indigenes and monarch of Itasa in Iwajowa Local Government of the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State have urged Federal Government to order a mining company in the community, Architype Industries Nig. Limited, to vacate their land.

    They said mining activities by the company constitutes danger to lives, breed insecurity and environmental degradation to the community.

    The community leaders, who made the call when they paid on-the-spot visit to the mining site in the town, said the call became necessary following looming danger they observed at Itasa and its environs.

    They accused the mining company of operating without a valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a valid Community Development Agreement (CDA).

    Speaking with journalists in the community, a prominent son of Itasa, Prof. Bayo Aborisade, said the mining activities constituted danger in several ways to the community.

    He urged Federal Government to take the miner off their land.

    He said: ‘’They are extracting minerals from our land and they have empowered many people who have taken over the land to intimidate the community, and threaten the people. They barred us from getting to the mining site, and threatened to shoot us, claiming that the Federal Government will come hard on us, as they have the backing of the Federal Government to be where they are.

    “They spoiled the land and created settlements all over this land. The people we saw in the settlements don’t speak English, Hausa, or Fulfulde. They constitute a danger in several ways to this community. We want this mining company taken off this land.

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    ‘’The miner does not have all the conditions the Federal Government has laid down for mining . The only thing he said he has is a title to land to mine. He does not have an Environmental Impact Assessment. He has not reached an agreement with the community on how to use the land and benefit the community’’.

    The Chairman of Itasa Community Development Association, Alhaji Banji Isiaka Odedele; a youth leader, Mr Jelili Ogunlade; and Julius Farounbi said the miner must vacate their land forthwith, saying that mining activities had created insecurity in the town because people could no longer go to farm again.

    ‘’We cannot go to farm. Enough is enough. We don’t want the company to work on our land again.”

    Counsel and indigene of the community, Femi Aborisade, said the company had not fulfilled conditions precedent under the law, before commencing mining activities, hence it must vacate the land.

    Aborisade said: ‘’Architype Industries (Nig.) Ltd. is carrying out illegal mining here on the ground of non fulfillment of statutorily prescribed conditions precedent. The company is mining resources in ways that negate express provisions of the law. The local government asked the company to vacate the site untill it has reached an agreement satisfactory to the community in order to avert civil unrest.

    “The law stipulates that the company must have an agreement with the community which it has not done. There is no Environmental Impact Assessment conducted prior to commencing mining activities; no valid Community Development Agreement. They could not show them. That means the company does not have any valid legal instrument that permits it to be here. The community is saying the company should leave their land but it has refused because the federal government has not frowned against illegality”.

    Counciloyr representing Ward 04 in the Iwajowa Local Government Legislative House,Hon. Naajeem Busari said: ‘’There are many problems in the area because of mining activities.

    “We have the issue of herdsmen destroying our farms day-in day-out without any compensation. We want the government to assist us and order that mining activities should stop. Since the company has been working here, we have not seen any tangible impacts it has made in the community’’.

    The Onitile of Itasa, Oba Michael Sijuola Oyediran said: ‘’We want peace and we want them to do the right things for the town. We don’t want cheating. We want this town to develop. If the company refuses to do the right thing for the community, it should vacate our land. But if it does the right thing, it should stay’’.

    Mr Olufola Awoyemi, a lawyer with Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) ,Ibadan, who was part of those who visited the community, said: ‘’We thought it was a mere environmental injustice but getting there, it is more than that.

    “There are security issues and people are angry because there is a great danger to lives of the people of Itasa and its environs. If people are not safe, they can’t go to their farms , they can’t go about their businesses. JDPC has come to take this to another level so that the whole world can know what is happening in Itasa land and the whole of Iwajowa local government”.

    When contacted, the site Manager of the mining company, Abiodun Ogunbiyide, however, said the organisation complied with all laid-down requirements, even though he couldn’t show any of the legal instruments the community lawyer asked him to produce.

    He said: ‘’ We got a valid mining licence to operate here. We obtained the consent from the community. We have a valid mining site. We have valid title to operate here’’.

  • Tinubu’s approval of Ahmadiyya university will boost youth development – Muslim group

    Tinubu’s approval of Ahmadiyya university will boost youth development – Muslim group

    The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria has said the recent approval by President Bola Tinubu of its newly established university will significantly contribute to youth development across the country.

    Speaking at the opening of the 51st annual Itema held at the NYSC Camp Hall in Ede, the acting national president of the group, Idris Fashina, told journalists that the organisation has been at the forefront of nurturing the younger generation through education.

    Fashina dismissed claims that crime is on the rise only in Nigeria, noting that such issues are global and often underreported. 

    Read Also: Tinubu urges Muslims to promote justice, unity for national development 

    He emphasised that education remains a key tool in addressing societal unrest and criminality.

    “We have a comprehensive work plan for youths and children. If we focus on raising responsible children at home, they can become positive change agents in schools and society at large. This is how we tackle restiveness,” he said.

    “We believe solely in education and knowledge because the Quran states that ignorance is darkness, in all the states in Nigeria, we have schools even in Ede which are contributing immensely to the country. 

    “President Bola Tinubu endorsed our newly commissioned Minaret University, Ikirun which was solely built by our members, this will help the body more to contribute to the development of youths nationally and it shows our commitment to coming generations.”

  • 2026: Murder of reinstated chairman targeted to weaken APC in Osun West — Group alleges

    2026: Murder of reinstated chairman targeted to weaken APC in Osun West — Group alleges

    …endorses Osun West to produce APC guber candidate 

    A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has alleged that the killing of Hon. Remi Abass, the reinstated chairman of Irewole local government area, was a calculated attempt to weaken the party’s base in the Osun West Senatorial District ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

    Operating under the aegis of The Osun West Majiyagbe Ambassadors (TOWMA), the group made the claim during a rally in Iwo town where they declared support for the emergence of an APC gubernatorial candidate from the district.

    The group’s acting coordinator, Afeez Ismail, recalled that Abass was brutally murdered in front of the Irewole council secretariat during a crisis over council control. 

    He demanded justice for the slain chairman, describing the murder as a blow to the zone’s political aspirations.

    “Abass’ murder was a scheme to weaken the West’s aspiration, but we vow that his struggle for equity will not be in vain. He stood for fairness while alive and we will continue his fight,” Ismail said.

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    “They wanted to destabilise us(APC) by killing Honourable Abass, they wanted a weak zone to be given the ticket so that winning will be difficult for us. His life was dedicated to advocating for fairness, and in honour of his legacy, we urge APC stakeholders not to let his death be in vain.”

    He urged APC leadership from President Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, and Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal to consider their demands in the spirit of equity and justice.

  • Easter: NNPP Chieftain, Ajadi felicitates Nigerians, preaches love

    Easter: NNPP Chieftain, Ajadi felicitates Nigerians, preaches love

    The southwest chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has extended warm Easter greetings to Nigerians, particularly Christian faithful, as they mark this year’s celebration.

    Ajadi described Easter as a profound and glorious occasion that symbolizes the triumph of life over death.

    In a statement, he highlighted love, sacrifice, and compassion as the central themes of the season, calling on Nigerians—especially political leaders—to embrace these virtues in their daily lives.

    He noted that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity serves as a powerful lesson in selflessness and compassion, urging all Nigerians to show love and unity regardless of ethnic or linguistic differences.

    “Easter is a celebration of the victory of life over death as demonstrated by Christ’s resurrection,” he stated, encouraging citizens to imbibe the spirit of love, which he said is the core message of Christ’s ministry and a reflection of God’s boundless love for mankind.

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    “I offer my best wishes to Christians in Nigeria and all over the world who are celebrating Easter on Sunday. As we all enjoy the well-deserved break, I urge every Nigerian to reflect on the priceless sacrifice and limitless love of God for mankind.

    “It is divinely obligatory for us to love ourselves regardless of  differences in tongues, faith and tribes. I also called on our political leaders to shun selfishness and imbibe selflessness, compassion and true love for the people they are governing.

    “To the Christians, I called on them to maintain humility and sustain all the sacrifices they endured during the 40 – day Lenten Season.

    “I urge the Christians to remember that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a sign that there is always hope and that should guide us that the present hardship in our country will evaporate with prayers for our political leaders”.

  • Tinubu urges Muslims to promote justice, unity for national development 

    Tinubu urges Muslims to promote justice, unity for national development 

    …declares AnsarUd-Deen Society’s 11th triennial national conference open

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Muslim faithful across the country to remain ambassadors of justice, compassion, and peaceful coexistence, stressing that such values are vital for national unity and development.

    Speaking in Abeokuta at the 11th Triennial National Conference of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Tinubu—represented by Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele—reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, security, and economic recovery, noting that ongoing reforms are beginning to yield positive results.

    He challenged the leadership of the Ansar-Ud-Deen society to develop actionable recommendations that could enhance the role of Islam in addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges.

    The president commended the Society for its consistent contributions to education, youth development, moral leadership, and economic empowerment, describing it as a “critical pillar of the national fabric.”

    He expressed hope that the outcomes of the conference would guide Nigeria’s leadership toward unity and collective progress.

    “Let me begin by saluting the leadership of this great society, particularly the president, Alhaji (Dr) Abdul-Rafiu Ademola Sanni and all members of the National Executive Council for their steadfast stewardship and remarkable work they continue to do in sustaining the founding ideals of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria.

    “I also recall with pride the enduring relationship between my forebears and this organization, a bond which I continue to hold dear. For over a century, the society has championed the cause of Islamic education and community development in Nigeria, from the establishment of schools and health centers to supporting the spiritual and social needs of its members.

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    “The society has become a critical pillar of our national fabric. Your impact is visible across generations, particularly in your ability to nurture God-fearing intellectually sound and socially responsible individuals,” Tinubu said.

    Speaking further on “Islam and Muslims: Responsibilities and Realities In A Pluralistic World,” the President said the theme was both timely and thought-provoking in a world increasingly characterized by diversity of thoughts, beliefs and cultures,

    “The theme reminds us that while we hold fast to our faith, we must also engage with the broader society constructively and conscientiously. 

    “Let this conference be a platform for honest reflection, bold ideas and practical recommendations that help reinforce the relevance of Islam in addressing today’s challenges, from youth development to moral leadership, from education reform to economic empowerment, your deliberations must point us towards unity and collecting progress.

    “We are focused on reviving the economy, uplifting the poor and restoring confidence in public institutions. These goals cannot be achieved without the support and partnerships of credible, value driven organizations like the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria to the entire leadership and members of the society, from the elders to the youth. 

    “I express my gratitude for your continuous prayers, counsel and support for our government. I urge you to remain steadfast in your noble pursuits and continue to serve as a force for unity, progress and enlightened citizenship”, the president submitted.

    Earlier in his welcome remarks, the President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Abdul-Rafiu Sanni, said the “gathering is a testament to our collective commitment to the principles of unity, faith, and service to humanity”.

    He pointed out that the Triennial Conference served as a platform to reflect the society’s achievements, assess its challenges, and strategize for the future, stressing that “we aim to reinforce our commitment to educational advancement, moral upbringing, and national unity”.

    In his goodwill message, the Secretary-General of the National Council of Islamic Affairs (NCIA) and Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Professor Ishiaq Oloyede, urged the society not to deviate from its methodology, education and dynamism, attributes which have made Ansar-Ud-Deen stand out over the years.

    Oloyede however, urged members of the Society not to follow the multitude at upholding what is not right, emphasising that every human will give accounts of his and her deeds here on earth before God o the judgements day.

    “Even when we see anyone that is not knowledgeable as we are, we should endeavour to put them on the right track rather than condemning such outrightly”.

  • Yoruba Wikimedians partner J. Randle Centre for Yoruba storytelling event

    Yoruba Wikimedians partner J. Randle Centre for Yoruba storytelling event

    In celebration of World Creativity and Innovation Day, the Yoruba Wikimedians User Group is partnering with the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba History and Culture to host the 2025 edition of the Yoruba Storytelling Event. 

    The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 22 by 6:00pm at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba History and Culture, Onikan, Lagos.

    This cultural initiative aims to preserve and promote the rich oral traditions of the Yoruba people by showcasing the art of storytelling, a vital part of Yoruba heritage passed down through generations. 

    The event will attract historians, performers, researchers, cultural enthusiasts, students, and the public to experience an evening of traditional folktales, chants, poetry, music, and dramatic storytelling performances.

    President of the Yoruba Wikimedians User Group, Mikaeel Sodiq said: “The storytelling event is part of our broader efforts to document and digitize Yoruba oral traditions. It serves as a bridge between our cultural past and the digital future, ensuring that younger generations remain connected to their roots.”

    Director of the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba History and Culture, Qudus Onikeku, also emphasised the significance of the partnership. 

    He said:; “Storytelling is at the heart of Yoruba knowledge systems. Hosting this event at the J. Randle Centre reinforces our commitment to being a living, breathing archive of Yoruba cultural memory. We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Yoruba Wikimedians to ensure these stories are not only told but preserved for future generations.”

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    The collaboration shows the growing importance of institutional partnerships in safeguarding indigenous knowledge systems. 

    Rhe J. Randle Centre, a cultural landmark in Lagos, has become a vibrant space for cultural exchange and education. This event continues its mission of engaging the public with Yoruba history in dynamic and meaningful ways.

    In previous editions, the Yoruba Storytelling Event has featured prominent storytellers, oral historians, and community elders who share ancient wisdom through engaging narratives. 

    The 2025 edition promises an even more exciting experience, with live performances, interactive segments, and documentation efforts aimed at enriching Wikipedia and other open-access platforms with Yoruba-language content.

  • Commissioner distributes food items

    Commissioner distributes food items

    Lagos State Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, yesterday distributed 1,000 bags of beans and garri to the vulnerable in Badagry, to cushion the effects of economic hardship.

    Speaking after the distribution of the food items tagged: ‘Ounje Anu Ogunlende, the commissioner, who is also the pioneer, Real Acts of Kindness (RAK) Development Foundation, said it was part of his post-birthday charity initiative.

    He emphasised his commitment to giving back to the society, particularly to women.

    He said food items were distributed through 13 groups, including traders, religious groups, Igbo women group and Hausa women group, to ensure they reached those mostly in need. 

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    “Today we have 500 bags of beans and 500 bags of garri to be given to 13 women leaders, including those of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “This will feed at least 15,000 families during Easter.’’

    Badagry Local Government APC Woman Leader, Mrs Olayinka Atoyebi, praised the commissioner’s consistency in supporting the less privileged.

    Supervisor for Education in Badagry, Mrs. Sewede Pot-Balogun-Olorunfemi, recalled that this was not the first time the commissioner had extended such support to the less privileged. 

  • IVF: UI raises health advisory on egg donation

    IVF: UI raises health advisory on egg donation

    • Warns students against using it as ‘side hussle’

    The University Health Service of the University of Ibadan has issued a health advisory against a growing trend of recruitment of its female students for egg donation for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) by individuals, agents, or agencies.

    The university warned that while egg donation remains the hope to many families struggling with infertility, the measure should not be considered a permanent source of income or an alternative “side hustle”, by members of the university community, particularly female students.

    The institution raised the advisory in a memo dated April 15, 2025 from the Director of the UHS to all members of the university community.

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    The memo with the title: “Health Advisory on Egg Donation”, reads in part: “It has come to our attention that there is a growing trend within the university community involving the participation and/or recruitment of female students as egg donors for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) by individuals, agents, or agencies.

    “While egg donation has brought hope to many families struggling with infertility, it is important to note that it should not be considered a permanent source of income or an alternative ‘side hustle’’’.

    Speaking on the health implications, the memo explained that “egg donation involves the use of hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries. This process carries several short-term risks, including: abdominal pain, breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), infection and bleeding, ovarian torsion, potential injury to the bladder, nearby blood vessels, and bowel and psychological distress.”

    Warning that the long-term effects reported by some egg donors include loss of fertility, the institution says it is important to note that current research is still inconclusive regarding: who is medically safe to donate, how many times donation can safely occur and the ideal interval between donations.

  • Activist restates call for state police

    Activist restates call for state police

    A renowned socio-political activist and critic, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, has restated his call for the establishment of state police, to tackle insecurity in the country.

    In a statement in Lagos yesterday, he emphasised the importance of state police to support and boost operational performances of other security agencies. 

    Onitiri called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to outlaw open grazing nationwide, to check the activities of herdsmen engaging in kidnapping, ransom-taking, looting, killing, maiming, raping of innocent girls and housewives, taking over, destroying of people’s farms and other crimes.

    He said if governors had cooperated with the Federal Government and showed their feelings for the people, the issue of state police force would have been settled.

    Read Also: Fasoranti applauds Tinubu, backs President’s leadership

    Onitiri noted that the herdsmen had invaded forests nationwide, committing atrocities in the name of free movement.

    ‘’The irony of the situation is that whenever any of them commits a crime and is arrested, authorities in Abuja will demand his transfer to the place.

     “And this will be the end of the matter, leaving the victims and their families to suffer the consequences,” he said.

    Onitiri said because of herders’ problems, ‘’farmers and their families now fear for their lives and are afraid to go to their farms, causing food shortages and inflation in the country.’’

    The social critic said the problem of herders had got to a peak, adding that if nothing tangible was done to tackle it, there might be reprisal against the herders terrorising farmers on their farms, which might create more security problems.

  • Ex-deputy governorship candidate, 3,000 others join APC in Ekiti

    Ex-deputy governorship candidate, 3,000 others join APC in Ekiti

    A former deputy governorship candidate on the platform of the All Nigerian Peoples’ Party (ANPP) in Ekiti State, Stephen Ojo, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC),

    Ojo  with 3, 000 members of ANPP across the state were received by the Ekiti State APC Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, yesterday at Ilupeju-Ekiti in Oye Local Government.

    Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Ojo said the decision to join APC was informed by the achievements and developmental strides of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

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    “It’s like coming home. I cannot but join a progressive train to contribute my quota to the development of the party and the state. I am happy to join the train of the governor and I want to assure the party of my commitment, loyalty and love for the BAO second term agenda.

    “I have come with over 3,000 followers to join the APC and I can announce that the party is on course to win the next governorship election with a landslide victory,” he added.

    Receiving the defectors, the APC state publicity secretary hailed them for taking the decision to join APC, saying they had chosen the right path.

    Dipe assured the defectors of equal treatment, noting that APC was a party for all.

    He assured members, whether old or new, of a level-playing field.