The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Lagos traders celebrate leader’s birthday

    Lagos traders celebrate leader’s birthday

    Ozo Onyekachukwu Igwe, Chairman of Akinwunmi Traders Association and Chief of Staff to the President-General of Ladipo International Auto Spare Parts Market, Mushin, Lagos, was celebrated in grand style by fellow traders and friends last weekend on his birthday.

    The event saw a large turnout, including the President-General of Ladipo International Market, Prince Africanus Ogudoro, and his predecessors, Chief Jude Nwankwo and Chief Kingsley Ogunor, among other notable personalities.

    Guests praised Igwe for his contributions to the market and acknowledged God’s blessings in his life. In a show of appreciation and solidarity, attendees showered him with cash gifts.

    The birthday cake was cut at the count of five-letter words, GRACE, symbolising God’s grace in his life. Igwe, visibly elated, joined in the celebrations and thanked everyone for their kind gesture.

  • Olori Janet Afolabi receives international philanthropy award

    Olori Janet Afolabi receives international philanthropy award

    Olori Janet Afolabi, CNN award winning journalist and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, has been honoured with International  Philanthropy Award. 

    World Women Organisation,  the organiser of the award said it was in “in recognition of your Philanthropy and contributions in innovative food distribution in rural areas and vulnerable communities in Western Nigeria,the award committee has unanimously selected you as a recipient of International Philanthropy Award. This award is to honour and celebrate your humanity  and spirit of generosity”

    The award was presented at the Inauguration ceremony of World Women Organisation Nigerian Chapter, where Olori Afolabi was invited as a Special Guest and award recipient.

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    The ceremony which took place at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, brought together distinguished women, leaders, policy makers, entrepreneurs and stakeholders from various sectors to celebrate the power of unity and collaboration in driving Women empowerment and economic inclusion. 

    World  Women Organisation is a movement where women speak to, for and with women, to address the challenges that hinder progress while empowering women to assume leadership roles in their communities, nations and globally.

    The Organisation operates in 61 countries with its global headquarters in Maryland, United States of America.

  • Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport set for first commercial flights

    Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport set for first commercial flights

    After months of groundwork and regulatory approvals, scheduled commercial flights are set to begin at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport in the state capital.

    The launch of flight operations is driven by increasing demand for improved air connectivity and the need to open a new chapter in air travel for the state, providing residents, investors, government officials, students, and visitors with faster, safer, and more convenient travel options. 

    The development also aligns with Ekiti State’s broader growth agenda.

    To reinforce the federal government’s commitment to expanding aviation access nationwide, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, will lead a delegation of aviation stakeholders, government officials, and business leaders on the inaugural commercial flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

    Officials of United Nigeria Airlines described the commencement of flights as a major milestone in expanding air connectivity across Nigeria, adding that it underscores the airline’s commitment to opening new routes with rising economic and social relevance.

    They noted that the inaugural flight will boost Ekiti’s economic prospects, supporting tourism, commerce, agriculture, and the creative sector, all of which continue to grow in the region.

    In a statement, the airline expressed excitement about extending its services to Ekiti State, saying the new route will enhance regional accessibility and unlock fresh opportunities for business, leisure, and socio-economic development.

    United Nigeria Airlines reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining high safety standards, quality customer service, and reliable operations across its network.

  • ‘Incorporate modern additives, construction enhancers into public projects’

    ‘Incorporate modern additives, construction enhancers into public projects’

    Managing Director of Axion Engineering, Mr. Okey Eze, has called for stronger enforcement to ensure that modern additives and construction enhancers are incorporated into public projects.

    He stressed that such measures would yield long-term value for the country.

    Eze spoke when Axion Engineering, in partnership with CM Services Limited, unveiled a new line of innovative construction products designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen infrastructure across Nigeria and other African countries.

    He said the company’s products were already gaining traction across the continent, helping to transform construction practices.

    He said, “Other African countries have found interest in what we are doing, helping the construction industry. 

    “We have continued to level up to see how we can add value as far as saving costs and giving you durable roads and good buildings. We are here to help Africa as a whole with construction innovation.”

    Eze expressed appreciation to the federal government for its support toward Axion’s growth, saying the administration had provided opportunities for youth training and approved the company’s products for use by the Federal Ministry of Works.

    “It is also under this government that we got approval for our products to be used by the Federal Ministry of Works. 

    “What we are going to do as an innovative company is to continue to encourage the government to ensure such products are used in the industry. 

    “It is one thing to approve and another to implement it,” he said.

    Managing Director of CM Services Limited, Ms. Catherine Kadiri, described the launch as a milestone for the construction sector. 

    She said the Axion product line was created to address the everyday challenges faced by professionals on-site.

    “For every engineer, builder, technician, and artisan who has struggled with delays, tough surfaces, or repairs that simply refuse to last… Axion was created with you in mind,” she said.

    Kadiri explained that the new products offer improved bonding, stronger surface protection, reduced waste, and faster application time, ultimately helping builders “work smarter, not harder.”

    She added that the construction landscape is evolving rapidly, with growing expectations and pressure for durable, high-quality work delivered at speed. 

    According to her, Axion’s solutions represent the future of construction in Nigeria.

    “Construction is changing. Our communities are growing, expectations are rising, and the demand for quality and speed has never been higher,” she said. 

    “Axion represents that future where challenges on site don’t slow us down, where quality is consistent, and excellence becomes the standard.”

    Kadiri said the launch signifies an opening to new opportunities for craftsmanship, efficiency, and industry-wide growth.

    “We are not just launching a brand; we are opening the door to new opportunities for our industry,” she added.

    The event drew industry professionals, partners, and stakeholders who described the initiative as a timely intervention to boost innovation and raise construction standards across the country.

  • Abiru unveils ₦480m cooperative support scheme, empowerment for constituents

    Abiru unveils ₦480m cooperative support scheme, empowerment for constituents

    The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, has launched a comprehensive empowerment programme aimed at boosting economic development, strengthening cooperatives, and improving livelihoods across the district.

    Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Senator Abiru expressed gratitude to stakeholders and reaffirmed his belief in compassionate governance rooted in meeting the genuine needs of the people.

    He announced the activation of three categories of cooperative societies comprising market women, artisans, and farmers, following three years of structured financial support driven through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.

    According to Abiru, over 1,000 beneficiaries have already enjoyed assistance through contributions from key partners, including the Bank of Industry (BOI), SMEDAN, and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, each providing ₦100 million, totalling ₦300 million.

    The senator disclosed that 48 cooperatives across five LGs and 11 LCDAs have now completed their establishment, training in bookkeeping, and registration with the Lagos State Ministry of Cooperatives, Trade and Investment.

    To further deepen the grassroots impact, Abiru officially presented ₦160 million each to farmers, market women, and local government cooperative groups. An additional ₦160 million was allocated to LASCOTA, bringing the total disbursement to ₦480 million.

     He stressed that loans within each cooperative should not exceed ₦500,000 per member to ensure wider reach, with accountability checks scheduled every six months.

    He also announced provisions for the distribution of rice and garri to 12,000 families across Lagos East as part of festive support, noting that distribution will run until Wednesday to prevent crowd-related incidents.

    While highlighting his commitment to human capital development, Abiru revealed that more than 2,000 youths have been trained at his privately funded innovation centre, with over 400 securing decent jobs.

    “All our interventions are in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda,” he said, urging residents to remain united and support the president and Lagos State government.

    The Lagos State All Progressive Congress (APC) Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, described the empowerment items as evidence of governance that impacts lives.

    Ojelabi urged beneficiaries to protect the investments and appreciate the gesture by consolidating progressive leadership in 2027.

    “Abiru has done his bits and the honour of us is to reciprocate the particular gesture and the only way by which you can reciprocate the gesture is it to protect this investment by protecting it very well and appreciate what he has done so that others can do and the only appreciation you can show to him make sure you have your permanent voters card PVC to consolidates the progressive,” he advised.

    The Executive Chairman of Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA, Ahmed Olalekan, said the programme was “payback to society, stressing that such support will boost job creation and economic opportunities across Lagos East.

     Oba Ayangbunre of Ikorodu, HRM Engr. Kabir Adewale Shotobi commended Abiru for bringing dividends of democracy to the grassroots, encouraging residents to obtain their voter cards and support progressive governance.

    “I want to thank him for bringing it down to the grassroots, the grassroots own politics and we are ready to support them, they are giving back what is due to the community so definitely the community must reciprocate by getting their voters card and by making sure they have their voters card as a weapon to vote the candidate of their choice,” he explained.

  • It’s easier being a governor, says Ladoja

    It’s easier being a governor, says Ladoja

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has said it is easier to function as a governor than as a monarch.

    He spoke yesterday while receiving the Oniru of Iru in Lagos State, Oba Wasiu Lawal, at his Bodija, Ibadan home.

    Oba Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State, said whereas government had coercive powers, monarchs did not.

    He said there was no definable pattern of funding for monarchs, whereas this was not so with the government.

    According to him, ‘’there is an imperative to give constitutional role for traditional rulers, given their closeness to the grassroots.’’

    The monarch said the expectation of the people concerning the Olubadan stool was very high, with massive jurisdiction.

    He added: “This is why we think outside the box in order not to let our people with very high expectation down.”

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    The Olubadan recalled with nostalgia his years in Lagos, particularly on Lagos Island, saying it was worthwhile.

    Oba Lawal extolled the virtues of Olubadan.

    The Oniru, who was a commissioner in Lagos State, told Oba Ladoja how exciting and challenging it seemed for a former public office holder to function as a monarch.

    Those who joined Olubadan to welcome Oniru included Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli and former Senate Leader, Agbaakin Olubadan, Chief Teslim Folarin.

    The Oniru was accompanied by chiefs and aides.

  • Makinde approves 13th month salary for workers

    Makinde approves 13th month salary for workers

    • Governor okays payment of salary arrears for LAUTECH Teaching Hospital staff

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the payment of 13th month salary to workers for the seventh year running.

    He also okayed outstanding salaries and minimum wage arrears promised the workers of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

    The governor said this yesterday while inaugurating the Governing Board of the teaching hospital at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    He said he would soon resolve the issue of LAUTECH lecturers embarking on strike.

    Makinde challenged the newly-inaugurated Governing Board to revamp Oyo annex of the teaching hospital within 12 months, promising that the state government would support the board to make the facility operational.

    He said: “You have been selected or nominated on the basis of merit. The Chairman of the Governing Board, Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, is an accomplished individual. He has been everywhere and a lot of people, associations and organisations are looking for him. So thank you, Prof for agreeing to serve your state.

    “Prof Oyelaran-Oyeyinka has developed a roadmap, and he has asked me when can we sit down and agree on this so that he can start implementation.

    “Also, I have been trying to see Prof. Ayodeji Omole, chairman of LAUTECH Governing Council, for a while now because I have been reading about the lecturers either going on strike or not going on strike. I haven’t really taken a deeper dive into what is going on there. So, I hope in the next one or two days, we will be able to see what is going on.

    “When I came to LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, I made a promise about the issues around the minimum wage arrears, and all of that. And a lot of your people have been asking ‘what’s the situation because we haven’t received alert?’ Let me explain. I made that pronouncement and I expected it to be implemented, but they came back and said, ‘Well, we have to follow due process.’ I am happy to report that just this morning, I signed the salary file for the December salary and the 13th month salary. All those arrears were included. 

    “So they should rest assured. I can also announce here that just like we did last year, and just like we have been doing since 2019, there will be 13th month salaries as well.”

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    The governor urged the Governing Board to hit the ground running, saying: “One request that I have before this board is that the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Complex, Oyo, must be revamped. It should be operational within 12 months.

    “So, by this time next year, we will not be going back and forth. I thought it was included in the French grant, but they came back and said no. I said okay, even if it was not included, we will take it on as a state. It is a special project for 12 months. And I will be available to provide and give any kind of support that you may require.”

    Speaking on behalf of the Governing Board, Prof.  Oyelaran-Oyeyinka thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve and assured workers of the board’s readiness to complement government efforts with policies that would transform LAUTECH Teaching Hospital to a world-class facility.

    He said: “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the governor and I want to assure him and the state government that we have a Board that is going to be transparent and open to make sure we leave a legacy with this project bestowed on us.

    “We are going to do our duty with a lot of energy and passion. We have developed a strong strategic plan for  LAUTECH Teaching Hospital over the next several years. The Board is going to have a thorough discussion on priorities.

    “We want to ensure we have a thorough facelift of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. We also want to bring LAUTECH Teaching Hospital up to the 21st century standard as a legacy for this governor.

    “So, we are going to be establishing the Electronic Medical Record to ensure what applies globally is going to be the same thing that applies in LAUTECH.”

    The newly inaugurated Governing Board is headed by Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, with Mr Aderemi Adediji as Secretary. Other members are Mr Olatunde Oyelade, Dr Bello Taiwo, Mrs Isola Bolanle, Dr Akintunde Ayinde, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, Prof. Adenike Olugbenga-Bello and Dr. Oluwajoba Olayinka.

  • Why I’m qualified to become Awujale, by KWAM1

    Why I’m qualified to become Awujale, by KWAM1

    Fuji music superstar, King Wasiu Ayinde, popularly called K1 De Ultimate, has addressed critics on his decision to contest for the vacant stool of Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.

    Recall last week, K1 De Ultimate formally declared interest in the vacant throne of the Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Before K1’s entry, the race had already attracted notable candidates, including a 45-year-old prince from Adeberu lineage of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Olaseni Ottun, and a prominent engineer and an entrepreneur, Otunba Babatunde Alatise.

    In a letter to the chairman of the Funsengbuwa Ruling House dated December 3, the Fuji icon expressed his intention to vie for the vacant stool, declaring himself a bona fide son of the ruling house, tracing his ancestry to Oba Jadiara lineage.

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    He said: “I, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Adewale Olasunkanmi Omogbolahan Anifowoshe, MON, hereby formally notify Fusengbuwa Ruling House of my intention to be considered for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland, subject to the provisions of Ijebu Customary Law and Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

    “I was born on March 3, 1957, and I am a bona fide son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Agunsebi Quarters, tracing my ancestry to Oba Jadiara lineage, which qualifies me to present myself for consideration in accordance with established tradition.

    “I have devoted over five decades to the promotion of Ijebu, Yoruba and Nigerian culture through music and cultural enterprise.”

    Reacting in the now-viral video on his YouTube page, KWAM 1 said: “Those who gave birth to me know me, and I also know them. There’s no side for petty talks. I’m from a royal lineage.

    “I’m from Fidipote Ruling House. I’m also from Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode. So, whoever wants to question me, we’ll meet on the field. If it is because of my declaration for the throne, it is my right. You can’t silence me.

    “Before the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, passed on, he was of sound mind. He was well lettered, learned and intelligent. He did all findings and investigations well.

    “If I’m not from a royal lineage, I wouldn’t have be installed as the Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu in 2023 by the late Awujale. 

    “From both my maternal and paternal sides, i.e. my father’s father and my mother’s father, they are kings. I have right to the Awujale stool.

    “To all Ijebu people, the matter on ground does not call for fight. When a good thing is to happen to someone, it first comes with controversies. God will reveal the truth to us all.

    “We are all from royal lineage, and there are many princes. Anyone who eventually emerges, we’ll all work together in unity. We are all concerned about the development of Ijebu land. If I’m not capable, the late Awujale wouldn’t confer on me the Olori Omo-Oba title.

  • Recalled Ekiti commissioners take oath

    Recalled Ekiti commissioners take oath

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji will inaugurate the reappointed commissioners and special advisers today.

    A statement made available to reporters in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, said the ceremony would hold at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, by 4pm.

    The governor had last week forwarded a list of 18 former commissioners to the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

    The list includes Prof Bolaji Aluko, Taiwo Olatunbosun, Mr Akintunde Oyebode, Mr Ajobiewe Kolawole, Chief Folorunso Olabode, Otunba Dolamu Adeniyi, Karounwi Oladapo, Mrs Peju Babafemi, Mr Atibioke Olaiya, Chief (Mrs) Tosin Aluko, Mr Awe Olufemi.

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    Others are: Prof Patrick Tedela, Mr Seun Fakuade, Mr Adedayo Adesola, Dr Kareem  Akande, Prof Rasaki Bakare, Kayode Fasae and Femi Ajayi.

    Governor Oyebanji has appointed Mr Bunmi Talabi as a special adviser.

    Until the new appointment, Talabi was the senior special assistant to the governor on special projects.

    The special advisers that were affected by the executive council (exco) dissolution have also been recalled and will be inaugurated alongside the commissioners today.

    They include: Chief Jide Awe, Tope Ogunleye, Gbenga Agbeyo, Yemisi Ayokunle, Mr Gbenga Oloniyo, Mrs Oluremi Babington, Chief (Mrs) Kemi Olaleye, Abiola Olowokere, Mr Akinleye Sunday and Mr Ayeni Adeola,

  • Agency holds Christmas party for inmates

    Agency holds Christmas party for inmates

    Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Ibadan, Oyo State, will on December 24 hold Christmas party for inmates of Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan.

    The party is aimed at promoting health and well-being of inmates, which is part of JDPC’s commitment to human dignity and social justice.

    Besides free comprehensive medical outreach the inmates will get at the party, they will also enjoy meals, get spiritual encouragement, enjoy music and go home with gift items; while fines and restitution for some inmates will be paid.

    A statement by the Director, JDPC Ibadan, Rev. Fr Charles Ajibaye, said the party was not merely a charity event, but also an expression of compassion, restoration and solidarity with individuals in custodial environments.

    He said: “This annual outreach reminds inmates that they are not alone and that their dignity and health matter. This year, we are deepening our impact by integrating a structured medical component to meet urgent health care needs within the facility.”

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    Ajibaye noted that JDPC for two decades had been celebrating Christmas with inmates at the Agodi facility, offering a rare moment of joy, inclusion and hope to individuals often forgotten by the society.

    He said the 2025 edition marked significant expansion with inclusion of free medical screening, basic treatments, health counselling and distribution of essential medications.

    “The medical outreach will be conducted by JDPC-supported volunteer doctors, nurses, counsellors and public health professionals, who will provide services such as vital signs assessment, malaria testing and treatment, blood sugar checks, basic wound care, mental health counselling and health education sessions.”