The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Ondo RHA coordinator seeks support for President’s agenda

    Ondo RHA coordinator seeks support for President’s agenda

    Ondo State Director General and Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), Mr Victor Olabimtan, has called on Nigerians, particularly voters in Ondo State, to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was laying a solid foundation for sustainable national development.

    In a statement he signed and made available to reporters in Akure, Olabimtan said the RHA recently launched nationwide was not a campaign platform, but an enlightenment initiative aimed at disseminating accurate information about Federal Government’s reforms and opportunities.

    He said Ondo State chapter of RHA had Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as chairman, while local government, ward and unit coordinators would soon be inaugurated to deepen grassroots engagement.

    Olabimtan said the initiative would strengthen outreach and mobilisation by working closely with All Progressives Congress (APC) structures from the national level to wards, while also promoting public enlightenment through town-hall meetings, road shows, market engagements, faith-based visits and community dialogues.

    He said President Tinubu had demonstrated purposeful leadership, noting improvements in the economy, infrastructure and youth empowerment since assuming office.

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    Olabimtan cited ongoing road projects nationwide, including the Lagos-Calabar Super Highway passing through Ondo State, increased investor confidence, growth in the stock market, diversification into solid minerals, expanded access to educational loans, faster passport processing and the easing of fuel scarcity.

    He said Tinubu’s federal initiatives aligned with Governor Aiyedatiwa’s drive to transform Ondo State from a civil service economy to an industrial hub, with plans for a refinery and seaport advancing, and renewed attention to federal roads in the state.

    Olabimtan recalled that President Tinubu won 67.14 per cent of the votes in Ondo State during the 2023 presidential election, noting that Governor Aiyedatiwa had challenged RHA to work towards increasing the President’s vote share and total votes in future elections.

    He lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for the confidence reposed in the RHA leadership and urged residents to support the initiative in spreading information about government policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

  • ‘Declare former anti-graft agency head national hero’

    ‘Declare former anti-graft agency head national hero’

    About 130 civil society groups, united under the Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC), have urged the Federal Government to declare Muhuyi Ramingado, former chairman of Kano State Anti-Corruption and Public Complaints Commission (PCACPCC), as a national anti-corruption hero.

    The groups said the recognition would honour Ramingado’s courage and integrity.

    They also believed it would help protect him, as they claimed his life was at risk after exposing large-scale corruption involving powerful people in Kano State.

    Speaking at a news conference in Lagos yesterday, NHRC Deputy President, Babatunde Adeleke, said he was deeply concerned about what he called ongoing harassment, intimidation and persecution of Ramingado for his strong stand against corruption.

    “Ramingado risked his life for the good of Nigerians. Today, he is being hunted for exposing stupendous corruption running into billions of naira. By declaring him a national hero, the Federal Government will inspire millions of Nigerians and send a strong signal that integrity and courage still matter in our country,” he said.

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    The NHRC said that while Ramingado was in office, he launched major investigations into Kano State’s public finances after citizens complained. He reportedly uncovered over N20 billion in corruption, much of it tied to mismanagement and theft of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    The groups said there were attempts to bribe and pressure Ramingado to stop his investigations, but he refused and continued what they called his “duty to God and mankind.”

    The coalition also claimed that the Kano State Government removed Ramingado from office without due process, only because he investigated corruption involving officials.

    Since then, the NHRC said, he and his family have faced ongoing threats.

    The groups also alleged that about two weeks ago, armed men forced Ramingado into a vehicle and drove him overnight from Kano to Abuja under heavy security.

    “If armed bandits had attacked that convoy, there was only a slim chance that he would have survived,” Adeleke stated.

    The NHRC called for an immediate end to all alleged harassment, intimidation and surveillance of Ramingado and his family.

    They asked the police to stop what they described as unlawful monitoring by corrupt politicians and urged the Federal Government to end all trials they said were started as retaliation.

    The coalition compared Ramingado’s fight against corruption in Nigeria to battling drug cartels in Colombia, where strong criminal groups violently resisted being held accountable.

    “We hereby draw the attention of the world to the consistent persecution of one of Nigeria’s most outstanding whistle-blowers. They are planning to silence him. We do not want him to be killed,” the groups said.

    The NHRC also urged the Federal Government to strengthen anti-corruption and whistle-blower protection laws, saying corruption is still one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s development, democracy and security.

    Adeleke pointed to estimates that Nigeria loses about $18 billion each year to corruption, plus billions more through illegal financial flows and bribes.

    He warned that unchecked corruption leads to poverty, insecurity, banditry, and terrorism.

    “Corruption continues to undermine Nigeria’s integrity, scare away foreign investors and compromise the future of Africa’s largest democracy,” he said.

    Several civil society leaders from around the country attended the news conference. They promised to keep rallying local and international support to protect Ramingado and to push for accountability for those involved in corruption.

  • Calvary Bible Church celebrates 30 years of raising kingdom ambassadors

    Calvary Bible Church celebrates 30 years of raising kingdom ambassadors

    Calvary Bible Church, Lagos, is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of impactful ministry committed to raising kingdom ambassadors and transforming lives across Nigeria and beyond.

    The milestone celebration with the theme: “New Beginning,” will hold at the church’s headquarters, Rehoboth Auditorium, off Anjorin Street, Calvary Bus Stop, Ikotun–Idimu Road, Lagos, and will span six days of worship, thanksgiving and spiritual renewal.

    A major highlight of the anniversary is Alimosho Arise 3, the church’s annual flagship programme—a 10-hour night of praise, worship, word and power. The all-night gathering will feature some of Nigeria’s most renowned gospel music ministers like Bidemi Olaoba, Mike Abdul, Adeyinka Alasori, Beejay Sax, alongside several other anointed worship leaders.

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    Speaking during a media briefing, the Overseer of Calvary Bible Church, Pastor Olumide Emmanuel, described the 30-year milestone as “a journey of grace, growth and divine purpose.”

    “This celebration goes beyond longevity,” Pastor Emmanuel said. “It reflects God’s faithfulness in helping us raise kingdom ambassadors—men and women with a global mindset who influence their world through godly values. As we step into this new beginning, we are expectant of greater impact and deeper transformation.”

    He said the anniversary would include Alimosho Arise 3, an anniversary thanksgiving service, and special anniversary services featuring seasoned ministers of the gospel.

    Expected guest speakers include Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, Bishop Wale Oke, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, Rev. Amos Fenwa and other anointed men of God.

    Also speaking on the significance of the anniversary, Pastor Mrs. Adenike Olumide-Emmanuel, Co-Lead Pastor of Calvary Bible Church, highlighted the church’s enduring commitment to discipleship, family life and community transformation.

    “These 30 years tell a powerful story of lives restored, families strengthened, and destinies aligned with God’s purpose,” she said. “We are grateful to God and to everyone who has walked this journey with us. As we celebrate this new beginning, our prayer is that many more will encounter hope, healing and a deeper relationship with God.”

    Founded with a clear mandate to teach God’s Word with practical relevance, Calvary Bible Church has grown into a thriving ministry known for leadership development, faith-based empowerment, and community outreach.

  • Adeleke puts security agencies on red alert after attack on Osun border community

    Adeleke puts security agencies on red alert after attack on Osun border community

    Following an attack on Ora-Igbomina, an Osun community bordering Kwara State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has placed the police and military on red alert to prevent further security breaches.

    The Nation reports that gunmen invaded Ora-Igbomina in Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, kidnapping a retired Customs officer, Prince Emmanuel Owolabi, and attacking residents as well as travellers along Akisa Road, close to Ayedun town in Kwara State.

    In a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor vowed to forestall any further security breach and possible spillover from Kwara State.

    Rasheed disclosed that Adeleke has issued new operational guidelines for the Amotekun security outfit, directing its leadership to ensure proper coordination with the police in all operations.

    He assured that a military-backed rescue and protection operation has been ongoing for the past three days.

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    According to the statement, the governor, after an emergency security council meeting held on Wednesday evening, described the Ora-Igbomina incident as saddening and a major security breach, despite what he said were extensive pre-emptive security measures put in place over the last three months.

    While reviewing the situation with service commanders from the police, army, Department of State Services and other paramilitary agencies, Adeleke expressed confidence that the ongoing military-backed operations across border communities would prevent a recurrence of the attacks and secure the release of the abducted retired Customs officer.

    “From the moment of the unfortunate incident, our security forces launched rescue and protection operations. For the past three days, the police, the army and the DSS have been combing the area for the victim and reviewing the security architecture. A delicate operation is ongoing and we do not want to jeopardise its integrity,” the governor said.

    He added that as part of the state’s security plan, refurbished armoured vehicles would soon be deployed for operations across Osun, alongside the procurement of additional patrol vehicles to strengthen security operations.

    The governor also disclosed that the state government is reviewing its joint security patrol programme, which will be unveiled at the appropriate time to further safeguard residents.

  • Group raises alarm over alleged plot to derail 2027 election

    Group raises alarm over alleged plot to derail 2027 election

    A civil society organisation, Civic Action for Democracy (CAD), has raised the alarm over what it described as a grand conspiracy to derail the 2027 general election and plunge Nigeria into a constitutional crisis through the continued recognition of a deregistered political party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Speaking at a press conference, the group alleged that INEC has illegally retained the Action Peoples Party (APP), which it said was lawfully deregistered in February 2020 alongside 73 other political parties for failing to meet constitutional and statutory requirements.

    According to CAD, the deregistration exercise was carried out pursuant to Sections 225 and 225A of the 1999 Constitution and Section 94 of the Electoral Act, which empower INEC to deregister political parties that fail to demonstrate electoral viability. 

    The organisation recalled that the Supreme Court, in March 2022, upheld INEC’s constitutional powers to deregister political parties, thereby affirming the legality of the 2020 exercise.

    CAD’s Executive Director, Mazi Franklin Ngoforo, accused INEC of falsely claiming that APP obtained an interim court order restraining its deregistration.

    “There was no suit filed by APP in any court of competent jurisdiction. No suit number exists. No originating summons was filed, and no restraining order was ever granted,” Ngoforo said.

    He described INEC’s claim that an interim order had restrained the Commission from deregistering APP for nearly six years as “a legal impossibility that insults the intelligence of every lawyer and informed citizen in Nigeria.”

    Ngoforo further alleged that INEC’s continued recognition of APP amounts to institutional corruption and poses a serious threat to national security and democratic stability.

    “This matter has transcended electoral administration and entered the realm of national security. The continued existence of APP as a recognised political party despite its lawful deregistration represents a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.

    The group also raised concerns over APP’s participation in the Rivers State local government elections in 2024 and an alleged councillorship win in Jigawa State later that year, which CAD described as a calculated attempt to manufacture electoral legitimacy.

    “APP was deregistered in 2020, and that deregistration was affirmed by the Supreme Court in 2022. Any subsequent participation in elections constitutes a criminal enterprise for which all participants and enablers must be held accountable,” Ngoforo stated.

    CAD warned that the alleged conspiracy could be used to destabilise the 2027 general elections through post-election litigation aimed at annulling the polls or through a coordinated boycott designed to delegitimise the electoral process.

    “The ultimate objective is to plunge Nigeria into constitutional chaos by questioning the validity of elections in which a deregistered party participated,” the group said.

    Drawing parallels with electoral crises in Kenya in 2017 and Côte d’Ivoire in 2010–2011, CAD cautioned that Nigeria, with its complex ethnic and security challenges, could ill-afford a similar crisis.

    The organisation called on INEC to immediately remove APP from its register of political parties and publicly disclose any court order it relied upon in exempting the party from deregistration.

    It also urged the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Nigerian Police Force to investigate the matter, while calling on the National Assembly to summon INEC officials to account for the alleged irregularity.

  • Aiyedatiwa’s wife urges parents to prioritise children’s education

    Aiyedatiwa’s wife urges parents to prioritise children’s education

    The wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Oluwaseun Esther Aiyedatiwa, has called on parents and guardians to make the education of their children a top priority, describing it as the most valuable legacy they can bequeath to the younger generation.

    Mrs. Aiyedatiwa made the call on Thursday while hosting children to a colourful Children’s Christmas Party at the Government House Ground, Akure, the state capital.

    She emphasised that education remains a powerful tool for personal development and societal progress, stressing that no meaningful development can be achieved without adequate investment in the education of children.

    Speaking at the event organised through the Office of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Oluwaseun Osamaye, the governor’s wife, charged parents to go beyond providing basic needs by ensuring their children are enrolled in school, properly monitored, and encouraged to excel academically and morally.

    “I want to implore you to take their education seriously. They are the future leaders of this state and our nation,” She said.

    The governor’s wife added, “Don’t listen to those who don’t see reason in educating their children. Our governor is laying emphasis on children’s education, and we as mothers must ensure our children are educated.

    “Please, give your children attention. Always listen to them and find time for them so that they will not seek advice from strangers.”

    Mrs. Aiyedatiwa explained that the Christmas party was organised to enable children to have fun and interact with one another, urging them to enjoy the various activities provided, including bouncing castles and games.

    Flanked by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Bosede Adelami, and wives of political officeholders in the state, led by Dr. Osamaye, the governor’s wife received a standing ovation as many of the children expressed excitement over her warm interaction with them.

    In her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Osamaye, said the party was organised by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his wife, to provide a platform for children, especially those from underprivileged homes, to interact and socialise.

    According to her, the initiative was aimed at making the children happy during the yuletide and exposing them to healthy social relationships.

    “Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa organised this Children’s Christmas Party to bring joy to the children during the festive season,” she said.

    “It is an opportunity for children, including those from underprivileged homes, to interact freely, make friends, and feel included. The provision of gifts also shows the governor’s commitment to the welfare and security of children in the state.”

    She added that the children would have fond memories of the event and look forward to subsequent editions.

  • Osun First Lady distributes N50m RHIESS grant to 250 vulnerable residents

    Osun First Lady distributes N50m RHIESS grant to 250 vulnerable residents

    The wife of the Osun State Governor, Titilola Adeleke, has distributed a N50 million welfare support grant donated by Senator Oluremi Tinubu to 250 aged and vulnerable residents across the state.

    Speaking at the event held at the Osun State Government House, the First Lady said the gesture was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), now in its third edition.

    Tagged “Finding Joy in Old Age,” the programme is designed to provide social support and ease the impact of economic hardship on elderly citizens, ensuring they live with dignity and happiness in a caring society.

    She explained that since the inception of the current administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has made it a tradition to celebrate senior citizens every December in recognition of their contributions to nation-building.

    According to her, the scheme supports 250 vulnerable elderly persons aged 65 and above in each of the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, as well as veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

    She noted that a total of 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide would each receive N200,000.

    She also disclosed that the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) received 100 beneficiary slots from the initiative.

    Earlier, speaking on behalf of the wives of members of the Adeleke cabinet, the wife of the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Mrs. Olunike Adeleke, commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the initiative, describing it as inclusive and cutting across party lines.

    She urged the beneficiaries to continue supporting the current administration and advised them to make good use of the grant, particularly by prioritising proper nutrition and healthy living.

  • 2027: CAGrAM unveils plan to mobilise 10 million votes for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

    2027: CAGrAM unveils plan to mobilise 10 million votes for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

    The Consolidated APC Grassroots Movement (CAGrAM) has unveiled a strategic roadmap aimed at mobilising 10 million votes in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general elections.

    The group said President Tinubu has taken bold and necessary economic decisions to reposition Nigeria for long-term growth and prosperity.

    Speaking at the CAGrAM National Grassroots Mobilisation Summit in Abuja, Bala Usman, who represented Hon. Faisal Lawal, said the mobilisation drive was designed to help Nigerians better understand the reforms initiated by the President and why continued support is crucial at this stage.

    He described the ongoing economic reforms as deliberate but necessary steps towards sustainable development.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee and National Moderator of CAGrAM, Hon. Dr. Agbi Omobamidele, reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

    He said the President deserves continued support in view of his administration’s focus on economic recovery, national security, and wealth creation.

    Agbi urged CAGrAM’s over 1.2 million registered members nationwide to adopt a “1 for 10” strategy, encouraging each member to mobilise at least ten voters.

    According to him, this approach would help the movement achieve its target of 10 million votes for the President.

    Also speaking at the summit, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, outlined practical strategies for grassroots mobilisation, stressing that nation-building is a collective responsibility.

    He called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the administration has taken decisive steps to stabilise the economy.

    The minister disclosed that the government has saved over $25 billion through the removal of petrol and foreign exchange subsidies.

    He explained that Nigeria previously spent about $10 billion annually on fuel subsidy and $15 billion on forex subsidy, while a significant portion of national revenue went into debt servicing.

    He described subsidy removal as a tough but necessary decision that has helped place the country on a more sustainable economic path.

    In his remarks, the National Director of Media of CAGrAM, Olufowobi Desmond, also called on Nigerians to support the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying President Tinubu is laying the foundation for a safer and more secure future.

    He added that the current economic hardship is temporary and will ease as the reforms take full effect.

    Also, Hon. Tope Sanya, the Organizing Secretary of CAGrAM, thanked members from the 36 states of the federation for their commitment and massive turnout.

    He also commended members of the Central Organizing Committee for their dedication to delivering a successful summit.

    Sanya paid special tribute to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for championing the Renewed Hope Agenda and for his leadership in driving nationwide grassroots mobilization in support of President Tinubu’s re-election.

    In appreciation of this commitment and support, the movement formally honored the Minister as its Grand Patron.

    The summit was attended by party officials, grassroots mobilizers, youth and women leaders, and supporters from different parts of the country.

    Organizers described the event as peaceful, well-coordinated, and a significant step toward structured grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • Oyo Assembly passes N892 billion Budget

    Oyo Assembly passes N892 billion Budget

    • Govt gves priority to infrastructure, accountability

    Oyo State House of Assembly yesterday passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, approving a total budget of N892,085,074,480.79. 

    The bill was passed following the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Finance, Appropriation and State Economic Planning. 

    The Nation reports that Governor Seyi Makinde had on November 24 proposed a total of N891,985,074,480.79 Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year before the House of Assembly.

    The figure was against the N684 billion approved by the lawmakers in the outgoing 2025 fiscal calendar.

    The passed bill is about N100million more than the amount presented by the governor.

    The figure was passed by the lawmakers less than one month after it was presented by him, building on the assembly’s legislative culture of budget passage before the commencement of a new calendar year.

    Speaking shortly after the passage, Olasunkanmi Babalola, the member representing Egbeda State Constituency and chairman of the Committee on Finance, Appropriation and State Economic Planning, described the moment as “historic,” emphasising the assembly’s commitment to fiscal discipline, infrastructure development and timely governance.

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    “It was a total exercise across all ministries, departments and agencies. We identified areas where funds could be better utilised, leading to a strategic reallocation of N2 billion from overhead to capital expenditure.”

    This adjustment, according to him, reduced the overhead budget from N389 billion to N387 billion, while increasing capital expenditure to over N504 billion, signalling a deliberate shift toward developmental projects and long-term investments in the state’s infrastructure.

    Babalola, the deputy leader of the house, assured citizens that the 2026 budget reflected the priorities of the people of Oyo State and would continue to deliver the dividends of democracy.

    “We are the representatives of our people, and we are committed to ensuring this budget translates into real impact across all constituencies. Our house committees will embark on comprehensive oversight functions across all MDAs to ensure transparency and accountability.”

  • Ekiti government presents N1b cheques to farmers

    Ekiti government presents N1b cheques to farmers

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has said his administration will continue to support youth-driven agricultural initiatives through access to land, improved inputs, extension services mechanisation, market linkages and partnership with the private sector.

    He spoke during the presentation of cheques totalling one billion naira as profits made by the young farmers under the Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture programme for the 2025 harvest season.

    About 4,657 youths, who participated in the programme, got cheques ranging from N500,000 to N1,500,000 at the event held at Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado-Ekiti.

    Oyebanji said the programme aligned with his administration’s shared prosperity agenda because it led to job creation, which contributed to food sufficiency, poverty alleviation and general well-being of Ekiti residents.The governor, represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, noted that the event represented the reward of youths for months of dedication, resilience and adherence to best agricultural practices, adding that it signalled a strong message to every young person in the state and beyond that agriculture was no longer a vocation of last resort, but a business that one could proudly and profitably engage in on sustainable basis.

    Expressing appreciation to the youth for their resilience and cooperation throughout the period of the project, the governor said he was proud of their achievements as it demonstrated that with the right support, training and commitment, young people could drive economic growth and become employers of labour, rather than job seekers.

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    He urged them to utilise the proceeds wisely by reinvesting it in their farms by expanding their operations, adopting modern technologies and best practices as well as building sustainable agribusiness that could stand the test of time.

    He stressed the need for them to let their success mark the beginning of bigger achievements rather than the end of their journey.

    “Today’s gathering is not just about the presentation of cheques, it is about celebrating the triumph of our youths, an event that tells a powerful story of hard work, of discipline, of vision, of success. It is also to validate our own, our belief in agriculture as a viable and economic pathway.’’

    Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, expressed his appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for nurturing the vision, support and commitment to the success of the programme through his intervention in the establishment of 12 farm hubs for the youth, free land clearing that’s up to 5,000 hectares, provision of adequate security, construction of five dormitories in Ikere, Eporo, Ado, Aramoko and Iyemero as well as provision of buses to all the farm clusters among others.