The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • NIS partners centre to curb irregular migration

    NIS partners centre to curb irregular migration

    Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has said it is partnering International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Netherlands to checkmate irregular migration along Nigerian borders.

    Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), NIS, Mrs Kemi Nandap, said this when ICMPD visited NIS Seme Command and Lagos State Border Patrol Command.

    The CGI was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General of Immigration in charge of Immigration Directorate, Mrs Ngozi Adikpo.

    She said: ‘’We are here for field assessment, to look at few things, check our operations, see where there are gaps and see how to address them towards enhancing border security and immigration management.

    “We are partnering ICMPD team from the kingdom of Netherlands to prevent irregular migration through mobile project.

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    “The team are here for first time assessment because whatever decision, whatever information they get here will affect the next stage of the project.

    “This is why they are here to see things for themselves in order to know what they are taking back to their home government.”

    Nandap said the project would be a quick response and intervention ‘’from this mobile unit.’’

    Mr Bornt Erzen, the coordinator, ICMPD, said they wanted to establish mobile patrol team along Nigerian borders.

    She said the objective was to strengthen the capacity of NIS in sections of the border.

    Assistant Comptroller General and Zonal Coordinator, NIS, Lagos and Ogun states, Mr Mohammed Adamu, said the command was doing a lot in apprehension, sensitisation and counselling victims of human trafficking.

    The Comptroller, Lagos State Border Patrol Command of NIS, Seme Command, Mr Peter Adache, said with the introduction of E-Border, Nigerian borders are not really porous as thought, but they are not properly manned.

    On the challenges faced by the command, Adache said in the whole of Lagos State, NIS had only three checkpoints recognised by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the service headquarters and two patrol buses.

  • Awujale: Police invite Olisa of Ijebu-Ode

    Awujale: Police invite Olisa of Ijebu-Ode

    Ogun State Police Command has summoned the Olisa of Ijebu- Ode, Chief Rasheed Adesanya, to appear before the  Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eleweran for questioning over allegations of “bribery and financial inducement.”

    A letter of invitation dated February 3, 2026 and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Gbenga Adeoye, which was addressed to Chief Adesanya, the traditional mayor of Ijebu-Ode, directed him to report to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), today.

    Read Also: Awujale: Osugbo demands fresh kingmakers’ council

    The letter added that Chief Adesanya’s presence was needed for fact – finding and clarification regarding the alleged “bribery and financial inducement.”

  • Lagos okays Carter Railway Channel to deflood NRC compound

    Lagos okays Carter Railway Channel to deflood NRC compound

    Lagos State Government has moved to end decades of flooding in Ebute Meta, with the building of Carter Railway Drainage Channel, a major storm water project that will run through Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) corridor and empty into Iponri confluence on Western Avenue.

    The intervention, announced at a stakeholders meeting at the NRC compound, is expected to permanently deflood the railway community and adjoining neighbourhoods long plagued by seasonal flooding.

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    Officials of Ministry of Environment and Water Resources said contract for the project, known as the Carter Railway Channel (System 4) had been awarded and work would begin soon.

    The Director of Drainage Services, Adedapo Ajadi, said the reinforced concrete channel would run from Murtala Muhammed Way through NRC corridor to Iponri, adding that the initiative would bring lasting relief to residents, institutions and businesses within the railway compound and the wider Lagos Mainland area.

  • ‘Shift Osun governorship poll’

    ‘Shift Osun governorship poll’

    Traditional Religion Worshippers Association (TRAWSO) has called on the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, to reschedule the 2026 Osun State governorship election from August 8 to another date.

    In a letter signed by the President of TRAWSO, Dr Oluseyi Atanda, Vice-President, Chief Fagbenle Adedayo and Secretary-General, Chief Fasola Onifade, the traditional worshippers said the date clashed with the annual Osun/Osogbo festival.

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    The traditional worshippers’ stance was contained in the letter addressed to Prof. Amupitan dated January 20, 2026.

    They said the date fixed for Osun governorship election would disrupt religious rites and limit full participation by devotees and residents.

  • 2027: Group mobilises APC members in Ondo ahead of polls

    2027: Group mobilises APC members in Ondo ahead of polls

    Leaders and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State have converged on Ikare-Akoko as the BTO4PBAT27 Ward Tour intensified grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Addressing party faithful at the event, the Publicity Secretary of BTO4PBAT27, Folajimi Adewumi Gbenga, urged members and residents to participate in the ongoing APC e-registration exercise, saying proper registration would enable them to benefit from opportunities within the party.

    The local government coordinator of the group, Olamilekan Kazeem, commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing ongoing reforms and developmental efforts, which he said were aimed at strengthening the country’s future.

    He called on members to sustain their support for the President.

    Read Also: 2027: ADC can’t match APC, Wike not a problem, says Yilwatda

    Also speaking, Atinuke Momoh encouraged party supporters to take the message of the President’s leadership to their communities, describing the group as a platform for promoting good governance and national development.

    The Special Adviser on Youth Development to the group, Kareem, assured youths of more empowerment and development initiatives, noting that the administration remained committed to youth-focused programmes.

    The Director-General of BTO4PBAT27, Adojutelegan Adesuyi Gideon, clarified that the group was neither a pressure group nor a faction within the APC but a support structure established to mobilise backing for the President.

    He urged residents to register with the party and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards.

    A highlight of the event was a donation of N2m by the Director-General to support the registration of new members in the area.

    The programme ended with a vote of thanks by the Akoko North East Youth President, Raji Kazeem, who appealed to residents to continue supporting the Tinubu administration.

  • Monarch backs Tinubu’s re-election

    Monarch backs Tinubu’s re-election

    The traditional ruler of Dopemuland in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, High Chief Shuaib Afogunlowo, has urged Nigerians to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to enable him complete his eight- year in office, in order to turn the country around.

    He said things were getting better under the current administration in the areas of economy, security, infrastructures, investment, foreign exchange and political development.

    The monarch added that with the development, more governors and political bigwigs across the country have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure the party wins at the centre and in their states in 2027.

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    He admonished Dopemu community and Lagos State residents to support Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu and Chairman of Agege Local Government, Abdulganiy Vinod Obasa, in the ongoing transformation recorded in the state.

  • HoS lauds Makinde’s foreign training for workers

    HoS lauds Makinde’s foreign training for workers

    Oyo State Head of Service (HoS), Mrs Olubunmi Oni, has hailed  Governor Seyi Makinde for his continuous support for foreign training for workers, ‘’which shows his passion to have competent and professional civil service.’’

    Makinde granted approval for 12 senior civil servants selected from  Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to participate in a five-day training organised by Acme Professionals, in collaboration with Institute of Government and Public Policy, Aston University, Birmingham, the United Kingdom.

    The programme titled: “The Positive and Strategic Leadership”, was designed to equip participants with cutting-edge leadership skills, best practices and global perspectives to drive transformative change in Oyo State.

    The HoS said she believed the knowledge and skills acquired by the officers would be leveraged to drive development and improve service delivery to the state.

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    She said with the empowerment of civil servants with world-class skills and knowledge, the state was determined to enhance its governance, drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

    Speaking on the programme, the Chief Executive Officer of Acme Professionals, Alhaji Olalere Wahab, hailed Governor Makinde’s vision and commitment to excellence, which, according to him, had made the initiative possible.

    He lauded the participants for their dedication, cooperation and contributions that led to the success of the programme, urging them to maximise the opportunities to improve their efficiency and productivity at work.

    The participants thanked Makinde for the impactful training, saying they were ready to become agents of change, driving progress and prosperity for the state.

  • Omole, I.K. Dairo, Williams shortlisted as Owa-in-Council honours outstanding stewardship

    Omole, I.K. Dairo, Williams shortlisted as Owa-in-Council honours outstanding stewardship

    The late Chief Lawrence Omole, founder of International Brewery PLC, the late Pa Folorunso Awomoolo, co-founder of International Breweries PLC, Ilesa, and founder of Imo Hill Farm Agricultural business, and Dame Yinka Obaleye, the Yeye Owa of Ijesaland and founder of Yinka Oba Foam and Allied Products Industries, have been ratified by the Owa in Council for inclusion in the Ijesa Hall of Fame.

    Other notable individuals nominated for inclusion include Prince  Biodun  Lufadeju, the composer of Ijesa anthem, and the late IK Dairo, a celebrated classical musician.

    In the second category, which is the Merit Award, are distinguished individuals including Sir Sapara Williams, the first Nigerian lawyer ever produced, Professor Bolanle Awe, the facilitator and founder of the College of Education, Ilesa, now known as the University of Ilesa, Prince Olu Awogboro, founder of Ark insurance Brokers Ltd, Oba Oladele Olasore, the late Owaloko of Iloko Ijesa, and proprietor of Olashore International School, an educational institution of international repute.

    READ ALSO: Retreat on improving polytechnic education

    The Merit category also comprises General Oluseyi Petinrin, who facilitated the establishment of Federal Military School at Ipetujesa; Mr. Femi Agunbiade, founder of Mekaizer Farm Iwoye Ijesa; Rasheed Sarumi, founder of SARO Agro-Allied Company; Mr. Israel Adesanya, a world champion kickboxer; General Tokunbo Fayemiwo, a large-scale farmer; and Erelu Olusola Obada, facilitator of the Military Base in Ibodi.

    The nominations were submitted by the seven-member committee earlier chosen by the  Owa in  Council, which also changed the name of the  popular Obokungbusi Town Hall to Ijesa Hall of Fame

    The committee, which is chaired by Chief Akin Akinola, the pioneering managing director of International Brewery PLC, comprises Oba Olufemi Agunsoye, the Elegboro of Ijebujesa, Oba Festus Awogboro, the Alademure of Ibokun, Oba Olusegun Ogunleye, the Tirimi of Iperindo, Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo, Diti Aluko and  Lanrewaju Balogun as members.

    According to the Owa Obokun, who conceptualised the initiative, the Ijesa Hall of Fame is designed to honour Ijesa people whose investments have yielded significant benefits for the people of Ijesaland, with the aim of motivating younger generations to emulate their accomplishments.

    The paramount ruler of Ijesaland observed that he opted to democratise the process to further consolidate Ijesa unity.

    He warned that any honorary recipient who compromises the reputation of the land after being honoured will relinquish the title.

    Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup provided insight into the lengthy list of candidates and awardees for the inaugural edition, saying numerous Ijesa people are deserving of the honour and narrowing it down proved to be a challenging task.

    He said the number of candidates would be limited to one in subsequent editions and that no candidate would be inducted into the hall of fame unless the criteria were met.

    Chief Disu Oyedele moved the motion to adopt the Hall of Fame and Merit Award nominees, seconded by Risa Bode Owofade and endorsed by Chief Mrs Hannah Ojo on behalf of the womenfolk

    In attendance were High Chief Adeniyi Oguntoye, the Obaala of Ilesa; Oba Olufemi Agunsoye, the Elegboro of Ijebujesa; High Chief Saka Fapounda, the Ogboni of Ilesa; Oba Festus Awogboro, the Alademure of Ibokun; High Chief Makanjuola Afolabi, the Odole of Ilesa; High Chief Ojo Omonoyi, the Lejoka of Ilesa; High Chief Olalekan Folorunso, the Loro of Ilesa; Chief Disu Oyedele, the Salotun of Ilesa; Chief Oyewumi, the Risinkin of Isinkin; Looja Bode Owofade, the Olumelu of Imelu; Chief Mrs Hannah Ojo, the Yeyerise of Ilesa and the Isogba; Lanrewaju Balogun; Diti Aluko; and  Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo, the chief of staff to the palace.

  • Olaopa makes Oyo honours’ list

    Olaopa makes Oyo honours’ list

    • FCSC chair pledges more excellent service

    The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has promised to offer more excellent service to the public.

    Olaopa spoke yesterday when the Oyo State government gave him the state’s Merit Award.

    In a letter conveying his nomination as a recipient of the award to mark the golden jubilee of the state’s creation, the government said he was being honoured for his “selfless service to the growth and development of Oyo State and for ably representing the state on the world stage”.

    In his acceptance of the award, which was conferred at an event hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Olaopa acknowledged what he called the subtext of the recognition of his modest accomplishments.

    READ ALSO: Retreat on improving polytechnic education

    These, the FCSC chairman said, were meant to keep up his “unfailing efforts in pushing the boundaries of institutional and governance reforms that will connect, for example, the Oyo State public administration system to the larger federal system in terms of delivering the dividends of democratic development that the citizens of Oyo State need so badly, to make life better for them”.

    On behalf of himself, the Afijio and Awe community and the Olaopa family, the FCSC chairman expressed appreciation to “our leader, the indefatigable Governor Seyi Makinde” and his team for considering him worthy of the recognition.

    Expressing his determination to be of more service to the state and be a source of inspiration for its development, Olaopa offered what he called a “solemn promise to you, dear Excellency, that I will not stop working to keep pushing Oyo State ahead in the frontier of excellence”.

    The FCSC chairman said he had every reason to be proud of his origin as an indigene of Oyo State.

    He said: “No matter what one has gone on to achieve in life, one has every reason to be proud to have come from Oyo State for many reasons.”

    Listing his reasons for showing gratitude for the award, the former Federal Permanent Secretary and professor of Public Administration noted that Oyo State “is a land of historical legacies, cultural heritage, and sociopolitical dynamics that stand it out as a formidable context of development in the whole of the Southwest Nigeria”.

    He added: “When we talk of the glorious days of governance and of the civil service, it is the Southwest headquartered in Oyo State that is being referenced – standing tall as the Pacesetter State, a state of many firsts; a state like no other.

    “The reason that ‘aji se bi Oyo la n ri, Oyo ki i se baba eni kokan’ has such a deep meaning that resonates with most indigenes.

    “From the collective responsibilities of past leaders —traditional and political — to the current and exemplary leadership of the incumbent governor, Oyo State has consistently been pushed through the trajectory of internal development in all ramifications that make it truly the ‘Pacesetter State’ indeed.

     “However, to set the pace demands that one must always be deploying frontier, thinking that puts the state ahead in terms of creative development initiatives.”

    According to him, it is remarkable that Oyo State has benefited on average from committed leaders since it was created in 1976.

    Olaopa hailed Governor Makinde for sustaining the developmental orientation with significant evidence of infrastructural progress to show for it.

    The FCSC chairman urged Oyo as the lead state in the Southwest, to demonstrate being a pacesetter in creativity in leveraging inter-state partnerships to harness economies of scale, deepen infrastructural progress and restore the Southwest as an economic corridor in the context of fiscal federalism in Nigeria.

  • Tinubu, Oyebanji hail Ondo’s developmental strides

    Tinubu, Oyebanji hail Ondo’s developmental strides

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed Ondo State for its remarkable and consistent development over the past 50 years, describing the state as a shining example of steady growth and purposeful leadership.

    Speaking yesterday at a colourful ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State in Akure, President Tinubu said Ondo had demonstrated strong dedication to the advancement of democracy and progress, especially in education, infrastructure and human capital development, adding that the state’s growth trajectory remained a source of pride to the country.

    The President, represented by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji- Ojo, spoke just as Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, and former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, praised the resilience, unity and commitment of the people of the state, noting that the state had recoded significant achievements across sectors since its creation in 1976.

    The President said: “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ondo State, I hold the people of Ondo State with very high regards. I recognise the resilience, industrial and civic responsibility of Ondo people.

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    “During the last national election, the people of Ondo State demonstrated remarkable participation, discipline and commitment to democratic ideals. Your engagements strengthen the nation’s democracy and reinforce our belief in purposeful leadership. I deeply appreciate your support and I assure all citizens of Ondo State that my administration remains commuted to serving Nigerians equitably”.

    Governor Oyebanji, who congratulated the government and people of Ondo State for sustaining the vision of its founding fathers, acknowledged the state’s consistency in delivering meaningful development, stressing that Ondo had continued to play a vital role in the socio-economic advancement of the Southwest and Nigeria as a whole.

    The governor noted that the progress recorded by Ondo State served as motivation for other states to remain committed to policies and programmes that enhanced the welfare and well-being of their citizens.

    “I bring greetings from your brothers and sisters in Ekiti State. We started this journey together 50 years ago, but 29 years ago we left and we are so grateful to God that Ondo is going up and up and good things are happening in Ondo State. We are so proud of the development strides Ondo State has achieved.” the governor said.

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu and other dignitaries for joining the state in celebrating its golden jubilee, described the 50th anniversary as a significant milestone that reflects the sacrifices, vision and collective efforts of the founding fathers and successive administrations that have contributed to the growth and transformation of the state.

    He also commended the people of Ondo State for their enduring unity, resilience and support for government initiatives over the years and urged them to continue to work together in peace and harmony, assuring the citizens that his administration remained focused on building a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future for the state.

    Noting that Ondo State has made remarkable progress in critical sectors such as education, health care, infrastructure, agriculture and industrial development, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining policies and programmes that would further improve the standard of living of residents, attract investments and create opportunities for economic prosperity across the state.

    It is recalled that Ondo State, like Ogun and Oyo states, was created from the old Western State, when the country embraced the 19-state structure in 1976. Ekiti State was carved out of the old Ondo State on October 1, 1996.