The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Automatic jobs for 32 Ondo varsity graduates

    Automatic jobs for 32 Ondo varsity graduates

    Ondo State-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has announced “automatic employment” for 32 outstanding graduates of the institution.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, made this known yesterday at a news briefing to unveil activities for the university’s 14th convocation.

    Ige described the initiative as part of efforts to curb the growing brain drain in the academic sector.

    He said the beneficiaries – all first-class graduates – would be offered appointments as Graduate Fellows or Graduate Assistants, provided they were willing to return after completing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

    “We have a policy on campus that first-class graduates are appointed as Graduate Fellows or Graduate Assistants. We normally give them employment if they are interested in coming back after their NYSC,” he said.

    According to him, the widespread ‘Japa syndrome’ is now taking a toll on universities nationwide, as lecturers leave the country in search of better remuneration.

    “A PhD holder in Nigeria – as Lecturer II or Lecturer I – earns a maximum of about N250,000 monthly. But if that same person gets an opportunity abroad, they receive nothing less than N5 million,” he said.

    The VC noted that the 5,799 graduating students had been equipped with essential academic and entrepreneurial skills needed to contribute to national and global development.

    Prof. Ige, however, decried the inadequate funding of AAUA, saying the constraint continued to fuel agitation among academic workers and worsen the exodus of university personnel.

    Read Also: Osimhen wants Onyedika at Galatasaray

    “Funding in AAUA is inadequate. That was why the issue of strike by ASUU came up. What was coming in as subvention was grossly inadequate to meet the university’s needs,” he said.

    He said adequate funding was key to strengthening universities and aligning them with global standards.

    The VC reeled out the breakdown of the graduating students, revealing that 5,251 of the 5,799 are undergraduates, 526 postgraduate students, while 22 will receive diploma certificates.

    “Thirty-two bagged First Class honours, 1,444 earned Second Class Upper Division, 3,177 obtained Second Class Lower Division, 582 made Third Class, and 16 will graduate with Pass.”

  • Ajose’s widow lauds council chair

    Ajose’s widow lauds council chair

    Mrs Arinola Ajose, widow of Badagry All Progressives Congress (APC) apex leader, Dr Sunny Ajose, yesterday hailed the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, for immortalising the late leader.

    This is contained in a statement by Prince Sunday Oke, private secretary and media aide to the late Badagry APC apex leader.

    The statement said: ‘’It is with great pleasure that we acknowledge the street named after him, ‘Sunny Ajose Avenue’, previously known as ‘Mission Avenue’.

    Read Also: Osimhen wants Onyedika at Galatasaray

    “The late Ajose was a remarkable man, who played a significant role in transforming Badagry federation into the city it is today.

    “His determination to be close to power was evident throughout his career.

    “This year, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also honoured him by naming Badagry Housing Estate after him – ‘Sunny Ajose Estate.’

    “We are grateful for this great honour and say a sincere thank you to all who made this possible.”

  • Olugbodi dies at 94

    Olugbodi dies at 94

    The Olugbodi Family of Ara Kingdom in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State has announced the death of its patriarch, Chief Joshua Oyedele Olugbodi.

    Pa Olugbodi, a former senior executive at the Central Bank of Nigeria, died last Saturday. He was 94.

    A community leader and philanthropist, he was the Bobagunwa of Ara, who also had a stint as the chairman of Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State.

    Read Also: Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    He is survived by his wife, Grace Olabisi and many children and grandchildren.

    One of his children, Dr Tunji Olugbodi, the Executive Vice Chairman of Verdant Zeal Communications Ltd, who is also the Asiwaju of Ara, said of his demise: “We are devastated by the death of Baba, we are sad to see him go, but we are grateful to God for his life of sacrifice, impact and exemplary service to mankind.”

    Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

  • Sparklight News holds 2025 lecture, awards Friday in Ogun

    Sparklight News holds 2025 lecture, awards Friday in Ogun

    As part of effort to celebrate people of excellence and outstanding contributions across various professional fields, Sparklight News has unveiled the recipients of its 2025 Awards with prominent figures such as Professor Oyedunni Arulogun, Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Arc. Dr Babatunde  Jolaoso (Rector, Mapoly), Comrade Hammed-Benco Ademola – Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (Ogun State Chapter), Comrade Kayode Sowunmi (ACOMORAN Chairman, Ogun State) among the honourees.

    The event, which will also feature a media lecture, is scheduled to hold on Friday, 12th December 2025 at 3 pm at Basic Trust International, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    According to a statement by the Publisher, Dr. Tosin Adesile, the theme of this year’s lecture is: “From Journalists to Data Boys: The Thin Line Between Professionalism and Unethical Practices in the Digital Media Era.”

    The keynote lecture will be delivered by Mr. Ademola Oni, former General Manager, Digital and Publications at The Punch Newspaper.

    Adesile noted that the annual event aims to spotlight ongoing challenges in media ethics and professionalism while celebrating Nigerians who are making impactful strides in their fields.

    Read Also: Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    The event will be chaired by Alhaji Wasiu Isiaka, Ogun Commissioner for Sports. Other distinguished guests expected include Dr. Wasiu Tejuosho, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic; Barrister Samuel Abu, and others.

    Awardees for 2025 include: Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele – Deputy Governor, Ogun State ; Arc. Dr. Babatunde Adekoya Jolaoso – Rector, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta; Comrade Hammed-Benco Ademola – Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (Ogun State Chapter), Dr. Oluwatosin Olowojebutu – National Vice President 1, Nigerian Medical Association; Professor Oyedunni Arulogun – Vice Chancellor, Chrisland University, Providus Bank, oke-ilewo branch, Temilola Aderonke Onalaja,  Tejumade Olukemi Adetola, among others.

    The Sparklight News Media Lecture and Awards continues to serve as a platform to drive conversations on responsible media practice and to honour individuals making a difference in nation-building.

  • Sanwo-Olu’s aide on students’ affairs bags award

    Sanwo-Olu’s aide on students’ affairs bags award

    • By Thank God Wekpa, LASUSTECH

    The Association of Nigerian Software Testers (ANST) has honoured Kappo Samuel Olawale, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Student Union Affairs – Tertiary Education, with the Quality Advocate of the Year Award.

    The recognition came during ANST’s 8th Annual National Software Testing Conference held in Lagos.

    The award acknowledged Olawale’s role in facilitating the training of 600 students from Lagos State tertiary institutions in software quality assurance and basic testing skills, through a strategic partnership with KorrectTech, a technology company founded by Ridwan Abdulazeez.

    Presenting the award, ANST President Demola Adesina noted that Olawale’s efforts have strengthened collaboration between government and the technology ecosystem, while expanding access to practical digital skills and creating new career pathways for young Nigerians.

    Also recognised at the event was Ridwan Abdulazeez, who received the Outstanding Mentor and Trainer Award for his contributions to youth capacity development and hands-on technology training nationwide.

    Other recipients at the conference included: The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), who received the National Digital Trust Champion Award, represented by Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, Director, IT Infrastructure Solutions; Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, CEO, Oceanwave Group, who was honoured with the ANST Impact Philanthropy and Tech Empowerment Award, represented by Hon. Abibat Yakubu, Commissioner, Edo State Lottery Board, and Mr. Okoro Chukwudi; MTN Nigeria, awarded as Employer of Excellence in Quality; and Temitope Onakoya, who received the Excellence in Quality Assurance Leadership Award.

    Read Also: Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    This year’s conference featured notable keynote speakers, including, Olayinka Oni, ED/COO, Sterling Financial Holdings Company; Soji Ononuga, Director, Testing Academy Nigeria; Demola Adesina, President, ANST; Oladipo Olasemo, CTO, Synkron Solutions; and Kailash Pathak, Senior QA Lead Manager, 3Pillar Global (India).

    The conference, held in Lagos on December 6, 2025, attracted software testers, developers, policymakers, and technology leaders from across the country, with panel sessions led by industry experts including Godspower Osayomwanbor (ANST Vice President, Partnerships & Funding), Chibuzor Obilom, Opeyemi Gbadamosi, Adenike Olapetan, and Temitope Adekunle.

    The event was supported by major sponsors, including MTN Nigeria, Sterling Bank, Zenith Bank, Scandium, Moniepoint, etc.

  • Alaafin extols Remi Tinubu’s virtue on chieftaincy conferment

    Alaafin extols Remi Tinubu’s virtue on chieftaincy conferment

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade has congratulated the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her conferment with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

    The installation ceremony, held at the Palace Square, coincided with celebrations marking Oba Ogunwusi’s 10th coronation anniversary.

    Oba Owoade in a congratulatory message issued by his Media and Publicity Director, Bode Durojaiye, described Yeye Oluremii Tinubu as a “woman of substance who is characterized by inner strength, integrity, and purpose, possessing traits like resilience, confidence, empathy, and intelligence, focusing on meaningful impact over superficiality, balancing personal growth with contributing to others, and demonstrating strong character, self-belief, and discipline.”

    He stated that the First Lady was an agent of change, a leader, and a reliable guide, adding value through her actions and ideas rather than just words.

    According to him, “Her integrity, honour, discipline, and self-belief are foundational. Inner strength and resilience, as she is confident, stands up for herself and others, and faces challenges head-on.

    “She understands and values others, showing empathy and kindness. The First Lady actively contributes to the world, supports causes, and aims to make a positive difference, pursues passions, prioritizes well-being, and finds happiness in meaningful pursuits, not just material gain.

    The monarch pointed out that Mrs Tinubu possesses knowledge and is a trusted voice of reason.

    He said, “She is comfortable in her own skin, values modesty, and avoids ostentation. She inspires others through her action. She leads by example, creating value through her work and ideas. She gives back to her community and supports those less fortunate.

    “You are indeed a dependable figure who brings people together through understanding. In essence, you area defined b your profound inner qualities and positive influence, not external validation”, Oba Owoade asserted.

  • 2027: Ondo’ll deliver over 2million votes for Tinubu, says APC support group

    2027: Ondo’ll deliver over 2million votes for Tinubu, says APC support group

    A frontline support group within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure over two million votes from the state in the 2027 presidential and general elections.

    The Director General of the group, Mr. Adesuyi Adojutelegan made the projection during the inauguration of the Ondo Central Ward and Local Government Coordinators for BTO4PBAT in Akure. 

    Adojutelegan said the rising acceptance of the President’s reforms and the renewed mobilisation across the state are clear indicators that Ondo will remain a stronghold of the APC.

    He also commended President Tinubu’s achievements in road construction, saying the projects would strongly influence voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 polls.

    According to him, the administration’s various intervention programmes aimed at cushioning the effects of the prevailing economic hardship have further endeared the President to the people.

    “We are pleased with Mr President’s performance over the past two years. His economic policies are reshaping the nation, making food prices more affordable for the populace.

    “We are working towards ensuring that President Tinubu receives over two million votes, and we have begun mobilising our supporters to register as voters,” he said.

    Adojutelegan also applauded the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his substantial support in strengthening the group’s operations across all eighteen local government areas of the state.

    He urged members to mobilise their families and communities for the ongoing voter registration exercise, stressing that voter registration is a civic duty critical to democratic participation.

    Earlier, the leader of the Asiwaju Mandate Group in the state, Mr. Muyiwa Asagunla said President Tinubu had restored the “lost glory” of Nigeria through ongoing development initiatives under his administration.

    Asagunla also highlighted the President’s strides across various sectors, including the student loan programme, which he said has expanded educational access for underprivileged students.

    He encouraged the newly inaugurated coordinators to embark on aggressive grassroots mobilisation to secure the President’s re-election in their respective wards.

    Also speaking, the Director General of the Progressives Network for Tinubu, Pastor Olumide Obadele, underscored the importance of deepening community engagement.

    “We must work towards President Tinubu’s re-election by engaging the grassroots and informing them about his achievements in the last two years,” he said. 

  • Firm reaffirms commitment to investments, partnerships, industrial growth

    Firm reaffirms commitment to investments, partnerships, industrial growth

    An indigenous agribusiness and manufacturing group, Johnvents Group, has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening partnerships, investing in capacity and building industries that contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation and Africa’s global competitiveness.

    The Group Executive Director of group, Tarun Chawla, disclosed this while hosting industry leaders, government officials and stakeholders at its 2025 End-of-Year Celebration held at The Dome, Akure.

    The evening which served as a reflection on a transformative year for the Group and a reaffirmation of Ondo State’s commitment to enabling enterprise and inclusive prosperity.

    Chawla who highlighted the organisation’s growth trajectory, strengthened market relevance and expanding global footprint, expressed profound gratitude to the Ondo state government for providing a stable, structured business environment that enables companies like Johnvents to thrive.

    He said, “This year reshaped us as a business. We strengthened our operations, expanded our relevance, and demonstrated what a committed team can achieve when purpose and discipline align.

    “The stability and clarity your administration provides form the foundation on which organisations like ours continue to grow and innovate.”

    Chawla also appreciated the Group’s partners, including British International Investment (BII), International Finance Corporation, AFRIEXIM Bank, and other financial institutions, for their confidence in the company’s long-term vision.

    He reaffirmed Johnvents commitment to nourishing Africa and the world, noting that the company is now a global value-chain participant with investments and collaborations spanning Africa, the UAE, Asia and Europe.

    The Executive Governor of Ondo State delivered the keynote address. His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, commended Johnvents Group as a model of how homegrown enterprises can evolve into global powerhouses while remaining deeply rooted in their host communities.

    “Johnvents stands today as a monument to what focused investment and structured institutional support can achieve,” he said.

     “With over ten factories, more than 1,500 direct employees, thousands of benefiting households and an ecosystem of over 5,000 farmers, Johnvents is living proof that prosperity becomes inevitable when ingenuity meets institutional support.”

    The Governor outlined his administration’s deliberate policies to position Ondo State as a competitive hub for agribusiness, manufacturing, technology and energy.

     He cited reforms in ease of doing business, digitisation of government processes, infrastructure expansion, improved security and the work of ONDIPA as foundations for long-term private-sector growth.

    He further emphasised that the success of companies like Johnvents reflects the broader vision of an inclusive, opportunity-driven economy:

    “The Johnvents story assures every investor here and across the world that Ondo State is ready for investment, ready for expansion and ready for global competitiveness.”

    The evening celebrated the achievements, resilience and commitment of the Johnvents workforce, as well as the organisation’s expanding impact across communities through education, youth development and agribusiness empowerment.

    Johnvents Group is an indigenous agribusiness and manufacturing group committed to driving sustainable growth across the entire agricultural value chain from production, processing, manufacturing and distribution.

     The Company is at the intersection of everything agriculture, unlocking immense values and ensuring food supply and premium export value for Africa.

    Johnvents operates a group structure, with seven businesses: Johnvents Cocoa Factory, Johnvents Trading, Johnvents Foods, Johnvents Industries DMCC, Johnvents Farms, Premium Cocoa Product (Ile-Oluji) and Haven Hauling), committed to driving sustainable growth across the agricultural value chain, including production, processing, manufacturing and trade of commodity and food products in Nigeria and the rest of the world.

  • Kwara govt, PDP trade words over $800m contract

    Kwara govt, PDP trade words over $800m contract

    Kwara State Government and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are trading words over $800 million contract allegedly awarded by the state government.

    PDP had accused Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of awarding the multi-million Dollar contract secretly to his elder brother, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq.

    PDP quoted an APC chieftain and a former member of the House of Assembly, Iliasu Ibrahim “who on a live radio programme alleged that Governor AbdulRazaq had secretly awarded a contract worth $800 million to one of his blood brothers.”

    But the state government described the allegation as false and reckless.

    Communications Commissioner Bolanle Olukoju said: “The state government did not at any time award a contract to the elder brother of the governor Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq.”

    She added that a comment attributed to Iliasu Ibrahim that the governor awarded a contract worth $800m (N1.2trillion) was false, reckless, ill-conceived and intended to cause mischief and public dissatisfaction.

    “At no time did the government of the state even award a contract worth $800m. We are, therefore, alarmed by the depth of recklessness and evil intent that made Ibrahim to claim in a radio programme that His Excellency awarded a contract or empowerment worth $800million to his elder brother. This is false, baseless and malicious,” the statement said.

    READ ALSO; Getting it right

    “Throughout the radio programme, Alhaji Iliasu and his co-travellers did not mention the specific Federal Government’s project or programme that he claimed was awarded to Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq.

    The governor’s elder brother, Dr. Alimi, is an accomplished and respected senior lawyer and a Bencher. He is not a contractor.

    “Besides, at no time did Kwara get a Federal Government project or empowerment worth $800m (N1.2trillion) — let alone award it to anyone in the state.”

    But particularly concerning is how a radio station allowed its platform to peddle such disinformation without anyone on its management team cautioning the guest and the anchor.

    “While Alhaji Iliasu has a history of queer public conducts long managed by everyone, repeatedly offering such persons a platform to cause mischief and incite public disaffection on a grander scale carries immeasurable risk for any reputable media platform and public peace.

    “We concede the right of every citizen to freedom of expression. However, such freedom comes with corresponding responsibility and a duty of care to other citizens and the public. 

    “As democrats, we request the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to do justice in this matter as soon as possible — even as other private citizens maligned in the reckless radio programme are within their right to do a review of same.”

    A statement by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, said: “The $800million contract scandal claim is not at this time coming from the opposition, but from a core member of the governor’s political family and will not be appropriate if ignored.

    “In fact, it raises serious ethical, legal and moral questions about how Kwara resources are being managed under the current administration.”

  • Lagos launches Nigeria’s first tele-veterinary call centre

    Lagos launches Nigeria’s first tele-veterinary call centre

    Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, has launched TELE-VET, Nigeria’s first tele-veterinary call centre, marking a groundbreaking milestone set to transform access to expert animal health care using mobile technology.

    Speaking at the event held at Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Animal Hospital, Oko-Oba, Agege, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, described TELE-VET as a transformative initiative that strengthens animal health systems, improves food safety and accelerates agricultural innovation across the state and beyond.

    She said technology continued to redefine global food systems, and Lagos, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, remained committed to deploying digital solutions that enhanced efficiency, empowered farmers and safeguarded public health.

    The commissioner said TELE-VET addressed long-standing challenges faced by farmers and pet owners, especially limited access to timely and professional veterinary care.

    Ms. Olusanya highlighted that TELE-VET built on the existing mobile platforms, M-Agric and M-Health, available on MTN and Glo networks, which provided daily expert tips, mentorship and animal-care guidance.

    READ ALSO; The miracle of Nnamdi Kanu

    By dialing *20791#, users can subscribe for N100/day, N300/week, or N500/month, gaining instant access to a variety of services, while all active subscribers can access the Call Centre free of charge.

    She said the Call Centre would deliver emergency support, first-aid guidance, disease-prevention information and livestock and pet care assistance, noting that the platform helped farmers reduce costs, save time and access expert care without travelling long distances.

    She said TELE-VET would also enhance surveillance and early detection of zoonotic diseases, aligning with the One World, One Health framework that integrated human, animal and environmental health.

    The commissioner says TELE-VET sets the stage for future innovations, including livestock and pet health insurance, e-commerce for veterinary products, improved mobility for safe animal transport, and enhanced financing opportunities for farmers, positioning Lagos as a national leader in technology-driven agricultural transformation.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, hailed the initiative as a groundbreaking intervention that would improve service delivery within the state’s veterinary ecosystem.

    He says TELE-VET responds to the evolving needs of farmers and pet owners who require swift and professional support to enhance productivity and ensure animal well-being.

    Audu noted that the ministry had invested extensively in strengthening the infrastructure, technical systems, and human resources needed to operate a world-class veterinary call centre.

    He said the service was a strategic investment in Lagos State’s food security architecture, enabling efficient livestock health management and timely response to potential disease outbreaks.

    The permanent secretary said the Call Centre would minimise animal losses, improve farm management practices, and provide timely advisory services to farmers, aligning with the ministry’s mandate to promote sustainable agricultural practices across all 57 LGAs and LCDAs.

    He praised the collaboration among veterinary professionals, ICT partners, and technical teams that made the initiative possible.

    Audu reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to continuously upgrading the TELE-VET platform to accommodate innovations that improved efficiency and expanded service offerings.

    He encouraged residents to adopt the platform fully, noting that its success depended on widespread participation.

    The Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Rasheed Macaulay, said the launch of TELE-VET marked a new era in veterinary care delivery in Lagos State. He said the platform provided a practical solution to challenges such as limited manpower, delayed emergency response, and difficulties reaching farmers in remote areas by connecting residents directly to certified experts.

    Macaulay added that TELE-VET would  strengthen disease surveillance and reporting across the state, aiding early detection of animal diseases and preventing zoonotic infections.

    With real-time consultations, improved documentation, and faster escalation processes, the platform will support frontline veterinarians and promote safer, healthier food systems for all Lagos residents.