Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has charged children across the state to embrace love, kindness, honesty and hard work, saying these are essential foundations for brighter future.
The Governor’s wife described Christmas as a season of reflection, love and giving, rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Speaking in Ibadan at a Christmas party organised for children in the state, Mrs Makinde, who was represented by wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Ajibola Lawal stated that Christmas is a special time of coming together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who demonstrated compassion, sacrifice and love during His time on earth.
She said, “It is a season of joy, peace and giving, and today, we are here to celebrate that spirit and put smiles on the faces of our children.”
Mrs Makinde reminded the children of their critical role in shaping the future of Oyo State and the nation at large.
“You are the leaders of tomorrow. Embrace the values of honesty and hard work, and always strive to be the best version of yourselves.”
She further encouraged the children to cultivate kindness and empathy, stressing that even small acts of love can make a meaningful difference in society.
“Be kind to one another. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can change someone’s life. Extend a helping hand where you can and show love, especially to the less privileged among you.”
Earlier In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, said the event was deliberately designed to make children happy during the season’s.
“Today is all about celebrating our children. They are the pride of Oyo State and the reason we must continue to invest in a better, safer and more inclusive future.”
She noted that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, remained committed to policies and programmes that promote child welfare, protection and holistic development.
Mrs Balogun added that the Christmas party also served as an avenue to spread joy to more families across the state.
“We are not just celebrating today; we are celebrating hope, innocence and the promise of tomorrow. As the years go by, we will continue to expand this celebration to reach even more children.”
Highlights of the event include gift presentation to children, prayer for the state and others.
It’s that time of the year again when we all look back. This is not only about an agency, an organization, or a person. I know most of us assess ourselves at the end of the year. I don’t mean judge in a strict sense; it’s more about reflecting on what has been done, what has changed, and what it tells us about the road ahead. This is no different for an agency like the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Indeed, 2025 has been a great and rewarding year at the agency. FIRS moved from plans into action under its Executive Chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji. One of the year’s most important developments was the signing of four major tax reform laws.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act officially transformed FIRS into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), giving the agency greater autonomy and a broader mandate, including non-tax revenue. The reforms also harmonized fragmented tax legislation, providing clarity to businesses and individuals while strengthening the agency’s legal framework.
These reforms are more than procedural. They signal a change toward a more organized, accountable system of taxation, one that can support economic growth while maintaining fairness and predictability for taxpayers in Nigeria.
Looking at the revenue, FIRS met and even exceeded its targets back-to-back. We have never seen numbers like this before. Between January and August, the agency collected ₦20.62 trillion, which is 82 percent of the ₦25.2 trillion target for the year. By September, total collections had grown to ₦22.59 trillion, with non-oil revenue making up a large portion of that.
Over the two-year period from October 2023 to September 2025, FIRS recorded a total of ₦47.39 trillion. These numbers show how the combination of reforms, new technology, and a more organized approach to tax administration is starting to pay off.
Technology and processes improved this year. FIRS launched a national electronic invoicing system for large taxpayers. Companies with an annual turnover of ₦5 billion or more began integrating with the platform, which allows invoices to be reported and validated electronically in real time.
The system reduces errors, gives the agency visibility of business transactions, and provides a structured way for companies to meet their tax obligations. As of this December, many large firms had completed integration and were transmitting invoices live through the system.
FIRS also strengthened staff recruitment and training. The agency conducted competitive and transparent recruitment to bring in new personnel while improving staff development and welfare. A happy staff, they say, is a productive staff.
The Tax boss has literally built a workforce capable of managing modern tax tools and supporting the agency’s expanded responsibilities. This involves all the FIRS offices in every state.
Looking at the progress over the last two years, it is clear that Dr Zacch’s leadership has made FIRS better. While 2025 stands out as a year of record-breaking revenue, technological advancements, and operational improvements, these achievements are built on the reforms and initiatives he has steadily implemented since 2024.
His vision, commitment, and consistent execution have positioned the agency to meet its targets, improve taxpayer services, and strengthen staff capacity, making the successes of this year a reflection of sustained progress over his tenure.
Starting January 1, 2026, the four Executive Tax Reform Bills signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will take full effect, ushering in a new era for FIRS. These laws, the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Procedure Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Tax Board Establishment Bill, will streamline tax administration, harmonize regulations, and expand the agency’s mandate.
Nigerians can expect clearer tax procedures, easier access to services, faster processing of TINs and tax clearances, and improved transparency in how taxes are collected and managed. For FIRS, the reforms will enable better use of technology, stronger compliance monitoring, and more efficient revenue collection. The signing of these bills is the culmination of years of planning and sets the stage for a modernized, accountable, and more effective revenue service in 2026.
The Tax Boss has positioned FIRS for this new phase. His vision, dedication, and ability to combine technology, policy reforms, and people management have strengthened the agency and improved service for Nigerians.
The successes of 2025 and the foundation laid over the past two years are a testament to his hardworking spirit. Someone who has a heart is now leading, and we want more of such people in service. It is the right time for him here, and we cannot be prouder.
Nigerians can look forward to 2026 with confidence, knowing that the agency is ready to deliver even more; faster services, greater transparency, and a tax system that truly works for them.
It is a job well done for Dr Zacch Adedeji.
– Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service
Big promises and thin outcomes have long weighed down youth development in Nigeria. Each new administration arrives with renewed language about empowerment, innovation, and inclusion, only for many young people to see little change in their daily realities.
Against this backdrop, the first full year of Ayodele Olawande as Minister of Youth Development in 2025 deserves careful scrutiny, not applause by default, but a sober assessment of whether the ministry has begun to move from rhetoric to results.
What stands out most in Olawande’s approach so far is not a single headline-grabbing intervention, but a pattern of practical, if still incomplete, steps.
In a system where ministries often struggle with basic efficiency, the decision to digitise operations through an Enterprise Content Management System may seem mundane. Yet it matters.
A paperless ministry is not a youth programme in itself, but it is a signal that the minister understands how administrative bottlenecks quietly undermine service delivery. If sustained, this shift could make the ministry more responsive and accountable, qualities young Nigerians have consistently demanded.
On the programme side, Olawande’s emphasis on skills development reflects an awareness of Nigeria’s most pressing youth challenge, employability in an economy that cannot absorb millions of job seekers through traditional salaried work.
The announcement of a plan to train millions of young people using a dual skills model, combining technical and soft skills, points in the right direction. It acknowledges that training must go beyond certificates and touch on problem-solving, adaptability, and entrepreneurship. Still, ambition must be matched with execution.
The true test will be whether these programmes reach youths outside major cities and whether training translates into income-generating opportunities.
The proposed digital learning platform under the Nigerian Youth Academy also signals a recognition of scale. Physical training centres alone cannot meet the needs of Nigeria’s vast youth population. Digital platforms offer reach and flexibility, especially for young people balancing learning with work or family responsibilities.
However, digital solutions come with their own risks. Without reliable internet access, data affordability, and consistent content quality, such platforms can easily become underutilised portals rather than transformative tools. Addressing these gaps will determine whether the initiative becomes a lasting asset or a fleeting headline.
Another notable element of Olawande’s first year is his visible engagement with states and youth-led innovation spaces. Support for initiatives such as youth tech hubs and skills weeks, including pilot projects in places like Akwa Ibom, suggests an appreciation for decentralised development.
Youth policy cannot succeed if it remains Abuja-centric. By encouraging models that states can adapt and replicate, the ministry increases the likelihood that they will be relevant at the grassroots level. Yet here too, sustainability remains the question, a move the minister has already set in motion.
Tech hubs need more than opening ceremonies; they require mentorship, partnerships, and long-term funding pathways.
Financial literacy and wealth creation emerged as a strong theme in the latter part of the year. The launch of a national financial literacy programme reflects a realistic understanding of the economic pressures facing young Nigerians.
Teaching budgeting, saving, and basic investment principles may not resolve unemployment, but it equips youths to make better decisions in a volatile economy.
Significantly, it shifts the conversation from survival to strategy. The challenge will be ensuring that financial education is paired with real access to capital and markets, especially for informal sector entrepreneurs.
The organisation of national youth events and festivals under Olawande’s watch has drawn mixed reactions, as such gatherings often do. Critics argue that conferences and celebrations can become performative. Supporters counter that they offer platforms for visibility, networking, and policy engagement. The truth lies somewhere in between. Events alone do not change lives, but when tied to concrete programmes and follow-up actions, they can amplify impact, which is why they are essential.
To be clear, Nigeria’s youth crisis remains severe. Unemployment, underemployment, insecurity, and migration pressures did not disappear in 2025. No minister could reasonably fix them in a year. What Olawande’s first full year offers instead is cautious optimism. The ministry appears more focused on systems, skills, and scalability than on slogans alone. That is progress, even if modest.
For Nigerian youths, hope does not come from promises of instant transformation. It comes from consistent policy direction, transparent implementation, and the sense that government is at least trying to meet them where they are.
Ayodele Olawande’s efforts so far suggest a ministry finding its footing. The task ahead is to deepen, measure, and sustain these initiatives, because for millions of young Nigerians, patience is already in short supply.
_Segun Adeyemi, the special assistant on print media to the minister of youth development, writes from Abuja_
Oyo, the capital of the old Oyo Empire, was aglow with festivities yesterday.
The ancient town hosted eminent Nigerians who witnessed the installation of the promising businessman and lawyer, Seyi Tinubu, as Okanlomo of Yoruba land, and his wife, Layal, as Yeye Okanlomo of Yoruba land by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade.
At the impressive ceremony, former governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, was also installed as Obaloyin of Yoruba land. Seyi, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, is the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Seyi and his wife arrived at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo around 1:30 p.m. for the ceremony, accompanied by many admirers.
Governors, ministers, lawmakers, royal fathers, and presidential aides streamed into the town, turning the installation into a symbolic convergence of power, culture, and history.
Dignitaries included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu; the Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemo Adeniran; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun; Senator Teslim Folarin, and a former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman and ex-Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Also at the ceremony were Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu; Senator Aliyu Wamako; the Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Goronyo; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare; and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi.
Senators Tokunbo Abiru, Jimoh Ibrahim, Buba Shehu, Abdulfatai Buhari, and Ede Dafinone; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Olamilekan Adeola also witnessed the event.
On the stage to thrill the crowd at the palace was the ace fuji musician, King Saheed Osupa, while Juju music legend, King Sunny Ade, later entertained the guests at the reception held at Oliver Baptist High School’s grounds.
Senator Daniel urged Seyi to use his new status to promote unity, noting that he is known for building bridges of understanding. The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman of Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, noted that Seyi merited the honour as a youth advocate and philanthropist.
He said: “This is not just a traditional title; it is a call to service and a recognition of leadership potential. I congratulate my dear friend, Barrister Seyi Tinubu, on his installation as the Òkanlòmo of Yoruba land. This honour reflects his commitment to values that resonate with the Yoruba people — excellence, community, and legacy.”
The Speaker praised the Alaafin for preserving Yoruba heritage and upholding the cultural institution through the conferment of titles on deserving individuals.
The agent’s warning followed a surge in consumer complaints across the country.
In a statement in Abuja by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC said: “The commission recognises that seasonal demand, operational pressures and other legitimate cost factors may affect transport pricing, noting that consumers are entitled to clear, accurate, and timely information on fares before travel. Any fare adjustment must therefore be transparently communicated and applied fairly.
“The FCCPC also notes that these complaints are arising at a time when there are reports of reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit across parts of the country. While fuel cost is only one of several inputs that may influence transport fares, increases that are not properly explained or disclosed raise valid consumer protection concerns.”
The FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the commission was closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive season.
The agency boss added that the FCCPC had intensified engagements with transport unions, park managers and operators nationwide.
He explained that the engagements were preventive and that they were aimed at encouraging responsible pricing practices, voluntary compliance and orderly market behaviour.
Bello said price increases are not unlawful, but any conduct that exploits consumers or takes unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand may attract regulatory attention under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
He said practices, such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive conduct, or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers, will be subject to strict regulatory scrutiny. Where cases of violation are established, he warned, culprits face stiff penalties.
Bello urged passengers to confirm fares before travel, retain evidence of payment, and report any suspected unfair practices to the Commission through its complaint portal at complaints.fccpc.gov.ng or via the hotlines 0805 600 3030 and 0805 600 2020.
The Convener of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, James Abiodun Faleke, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the country’s strongest hope for stability, economic recovery, and long-term development.
He said the policies and reforms of the Tinubu-led administration since 2023 have positioned the country on a path no previous administration dared to take.
Faleke spoke at the weekend in Abuja during the annual end-of-the-year/Christmas support to the Less Privileged and PBAT supporters.
The event also marked the flag-off of nationwide distribution of rice to members of the group and vulnerable Nigerians, as part of its end-of-year outreach.
Addressing a large crowd of members, Faleke predicted that ahead of the general election in 2027, President Tinubu’s chances of maintaining public support remain high.
The federal lawmaker said this is because his administration has shown the political courage to confront structural problems that have held the country back for decades.
“President Tinubu is not experimenting. He is taking tough decisions and offering real solutions to Nigeria’s problems in ways no other leader has done. The past few years have shown clearly that he (the President) is prepared for the task of rebuilding this nation,” Faleke said.
Reminiscing on the challenges Nigerians faced before the President took office, especially the naira redesign crisis, Faleke said the plots were hatched to frustrate Tinubu’s victory at the polls.
“We went into the election without cash and under enormous pressure. But God’s will prevailed. Despite everything, Tinubu won because Nigerians believed in his vision,” he recalled.
Highlighting some of the life-transforming programmes and policies of the President, the federal lawmaker alluded to the ongoing economic reforms, debt repayments, expanded student funding, increased allocations to states and the establishment of regional development commissions across the six geopolitical zones.
He hailed the President for advancing local government autonomy, stressing that states now receive improved financial flows that engender better grassroots development.
“All these landmark achievements have strengthened his political standing nationwide,” Faleke said.
Flagging off the rice distribution, TSG Director General, Dr. Umar Tanko-Yakasai, assured members of the group that the gesture was not limited to Abuja alone.
He said the distribution would be carried out across all the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Yakasai said Nigeria’s economy has become stable and is on course for full recovery.
The director general cited the fall in commodity prices, clearing foreign debt obligations, expanding access to tertiary education funding, increasing financial allocations to states, establishing regional development commissions across the six geopolitical zones, and strengthening local government autonomy.
“President Tinubu remains the answer to Nigeria’s current challenges. His administration has changed the national narrative and is pursuing real, lasting solutions for Nigerians,” he added.
The TSG leader advised the members of the group to remain supportive of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.
The Tinubu Media Force has congratulated Barrister Seyi Tinubu on his conferment as Okanlomo of Yorubaland, describing the honour as a profound recognition of a life marked by service, humility, and exceptional leadership.
In a congratulatory message signed by its national coordinator, Hon. Gbenga Abiola, the group said the conferment goes beyond ceremonial significance, standing as a strong affirmation of character, credibility, and the deep respect Barrister Tinubu enjoys across generations and communities.
Hon. Abiola described him as a true Okanlomo, a title symbolic of courage, strength, and uncommon commitment to humanity, adding that the honour reflects years of quiet sacrifice, consistent impact, and selfless contributions to society, particularly in youth development and social upliftment.
According to the statement, Barrister Seyi Tinubu is first and foremost an exceptional human being whose compassion is demonstrated through action rather than words. His philanthropic initiatives, community engagements, and support for vulnerable groups, the group noted, have been carried out with sincerity and without unnecessary publicity, earning him widespread admiration and trust.
The Tinubu Media Force further described him as a disciplined, visionary, and people-oriented leader whose style is anchored on listening, empathy, and responsibility. Hon. Abiola said these qualities distinguish him at a time when leadership is often misunderstood, noting his ability to inspire hope, positively mobilise young people, and engage constructively with elders and other stakeholders.
The organisation also praised Barrister Tinubu for remaining grounded despite his background and exposure, saying he embodies respect for culture, loyalty to family values, and a strong sense of national consciousness, which make him a worthy role model for Nigerian youths aspiring to excellence with integrity.
Beyond leadership and service, he was described as a personality defined by calm strength, emotional intelligence, and humility. Hon. Abiola said his preference for impact over recognition reflects maturity and a deep understanding of purpose, making the coronation both meaningful and inspiring.
The Tinubu Media Force concluded by congratulating Barrister Seyi Tinubu on the honour and praying for divine wisdom, strength, and grace as he assumes the new responsibility.
The group expressed confidence that he will continue to contribute positively to youth empowerment, community development, and national unity.
The organisation also extended its congratulations to Governor Yari and his wife on the conferment of the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland.
A youth-led organisation, Tinubu Young Generation Forum (TYGF), has launched a leadership and mentorship initiative aimed at grooming young Nigerians for future leadership roles.
The national president of the Forum, Hon. Prince Kevin, noted while delivering his address during a National Executive Committee meeting (NEC) held in Abuja on Saturday, that the initiative is part of efforts to sustain Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda through structured capacity building, skills development, and professional training.
The initiative focuses on identifying and training ambitious young people with leadership potential, providing mentorship, emotional intelligence development, and governance-oriented skills to prepare them for responsible leadership.
The agenda for the meeting, marked as “Youth stakeholders engagement and dialogue; Renewed Hope Agenda: Imperative of Nigerian youths’ dreams of yesterday, today and the future,” highlighted the critical roles of Nigerian youths as future leaders.
Kevin, who is also the National President of the Forum, said the TYGF was established to champion youth capacity building, mentorship, and empowerment through skills development, workshops, and professional training.
He said the forum remained committed to sustaining the Renewed Hope Agenda by grooming young Nigerians with leadership potential and preparing them for responsible leadership roles in society.
According to him, the initiative draws inspiration from President Tinubu’s long-standing mentorship culture, which dates back to his time as Governor of Lagos State, Senator, and now President.
“Mr President has consistently supported and mentored aspiring leaders across generations.
This forum seeks to institutionalise that mentorship and make it accessible to young people who aspire to serve and lead competently,” he said.
He stressed the need to invest in youth development, noting that many leadership challenges in the country stemmed from a lack of proper mentorship and leadership training at an early stage.
Kevin said the forum, working with seasoned mentors and professionals, would focus on equipping young people with governance-oriented skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership values required for national development.
“We will be starting next year, beginning from the grassroots, and will be carrying out this project across 36 states of the Federation.
“We are still engaging the youths in collaboration with the government, we have done engagement programmes for young people, we are still mentoring young people on skill development, we have been supporting youths on skill development training and empowerment.
“A lot of planning and stakeholder engagement is currently ongoing ahead of our next year’s program. We will be empowering them with work tools like sewing machines, clippers, and cameras, depending on what they plan to do. We have supported the youths in our own little way from our own pockets, which is our own way of supporting the government to empower youths under the Renewed Hope Agenda since 2023.
He added that engaging and nurturing young Nigerians with leadership potential remained critical to securing a sustainable future for the country.
The ancient Oyo town came alive again on Sunday as the son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi, was installed as the Okanlomo of Yoruba land by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.
He was installed alongside a former Governor of Zamfara state, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, who was conferred with the title of Obaloyin of Yorubaland.
The ceremony attracted eminent personalities and top political figures from across the country, who described the installation as historic and a significant step toward promoting national unity.
The colourful and culturally rich ceremony was held at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo Town.
Since Saturday, the city has been witnessing an influx of political figures and traditional rulers for the installation of new high-ranking chiefs by the Alaafin.
Tinubu and his wife, Layal, arrived at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo around 1: 30PM, where the installation ceremony was held at the
Throughout the elaborate rites, Tinubu’s wife, Layal, stood by her husband’s side, sharing in every moment of the historic occasion.
The ceremony transformed Oyo into a magnet for Nigeria’s political elite, evoking memories of the old Oyo Empire that once ruled vast swathes of the West African sub-region for centuries.
Governors, ministers, lawmakers, royal fathers and presidential aides streamed into the town, turning the installation into a symbolic convergence of power, culture and history.
The dignitaries in attendance included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, members of the Federal Executive Council, and traditional rulers from Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
The roll call also had the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu; the Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemo Adeniran; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun; Senator Teslim Folarin; and a former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, in attendance.
Others include Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu; Senator Aliyu Wamako; Minister of State for Works Mohammed Goronyo; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication Sunday Dare; and Minister of Labour and Employment Maigari Dingyadi.
Senators Tokunbo Abiru, Jimoh Ibrahim, Buba Shehu, Abdulfatai Buhari and Ede Dafinone; Leader of the Senate Opeyemi Bamidele; Senator Olamilekan Adeola, among others, also attended the event.
The event created opportunities for petty traders around the venue, while Fuji musician Saheed Osupa provided entertainment.
The event also had a heavy security presence amidst the diverse assembly of political leaders, lawmakers, and traditional chiefs who witnessed the installation.
Dignitaries said the installation of the two eminent personalities is a focal point for Yoruba tradition and political symbolism, as the conferment of titles attests to the intersection of cultural heritage and contemporary leadership.
The dignitaries in the various remarks commended the new title holders, urging them to use it to foster unity and national cohesion.
Particularly, they charged the newly installed title holders to use their positions to foster unity, promote development, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growth and collective progress.
In a sideline interview, a former governor of Ogun state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, urged Tinubu to use the new office to promote unity as someone who is known for building bridges already.
Others also spoke around using the office to promote unity and develop the country and make the country a better place, noting that it felt as though “the entire Senate, past and present,” had descended on Oyo.
The cultural flavour of the event was unmistakable.
At the palace grounds, renowned Fuji music icon, Saheed Osupa, thrilled guests with energetic performances, while Juju music legend King Sunny Ade later took the stage at the reception held at Oliver Baptist High School grounds.
Tinubu’s “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title translates to “the beloved child” or “the one dear to the hearts of all Yoruba people.”
The title is said to symbolise a custodian of Yoruba values, unity, and cultural heritage. The honour is said to depict a custodian of Yoruba values, unity, and cultural heritage.
The Senator representing Zamfara West and a former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdul’Aziz Yari, was also accompanied by a delegation of northern senators and political figures.
Yari, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, was conferred with the title of “Obaloyin of Yorubaland” on the same occasion by the Alaafin.
Both titles are said to carry responsibilities that include promoting Yoruba culture, advising the Alaafin, fostering unity, and advancing education and social welfare.
Adding to the spectacle was the conspicuous presence of northern guests, reflecting Yari’s influence, alongside intermittent appearances by the iconic Eyo masquerade from Lagos, symbolising Tinubu’s Lagos roots.
Together, the blend of northern colours and Lagos pageantry underscored the national reach of the two new Yoruba title holders.
By nightfall, Oyo had once again asserted itself not just as a custodian of Yoruba tradition, but as a living theatre where Nigeria’s politics, culture and history converged in grand style.
Congratulating Tinubu on his installation, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin described the honour as a well-deserved recognition of his rising profile, youth engagement, philanthropic efforts, and growing influence across Yorubaland.
He said, “This is not just a traditional title; it is a call to service and a recognition of leadership potential. I congratulate my dear friend, Barr. Seyi Tinubu, on his installation as the Òkanlòmọ of Yorubaland. This honour reflects his commitment to values that resonate with the Yoruba people — excellence, community, and legacy.”
The Speaker further praised the Alaafin of Oyo for preserving Yoruba heritage and upholding the cultural institution through the conferment of titles on deserving individuals.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin also called on Seyi Tinubu to use his new status to promote unity, cultural pride, youth development, and sustainable progress across Yorubaland.
High Chief Promise Lawuru, aka Ozigizaga, MD/CEO of Ozigizaga Security Network, has congratulated Barrister Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, on his investiture with the prestigious traditional title of ‘Okanlomo of Yorubaland’ by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade.
The conferment, which took place on Sunday, is a significant cultural honor reflecting Seyi Tinubu’s profound impact on community development, youth empowerment, and the preservation of Yoruba heritage throughout Yorubaland.
In a statement by Chief Lawuru, he commended the conferment as highly deserved and emblematic of Seyi Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to service and his close affinity with the Yoruba people.
The title ‘Okanlomo,’ which loosely translates to “a beloved son of the land,” is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to the welfare and advancement of Yoruba culture and society.
Lawuru emphasised that the conferment is not only a mark of respect but also carries meaningful responsibilities. These include actively promoting Yoruba culture, serving as an advisor to the Alaafin, and fostering initiatives in education and social welfare, areas where Barr. Seyi Tinubu has shown tremendous passion and leadership.
Highlighting Seyi Tinubu’s humility, inclusive leadership style, and dedication to uniting youth across Nigeria, Lawuru praised him as a true inspiration to the nation’s younger generation.
He further noted that by receiving the Okanlomo title, Seyi Tinubu joins an esteemed lineage of Yoruba icons, including the late Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, whose legacy continues to inspire cultural pride and excellence.
The conferment by Oba Owoade serves as a public recognition of Barr. Seyi Tinubu’s efforts toward fostering cultural renaissance, building social cohesion, and driving developmental progress in Yorubaland and beyond.
It also underscores the importance of traditional institutions in contemporary Nigerian society as custodians of culture and champions of community advancement.
Lawuru further reiterated his confidence Seyi Tinubu will honour the responsibilities of his new title with the utmost diligence, dignity, and visionary leadership that befits the Okanlomo of Yorubaland.
