The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Atiba varsity founder extols Rahman’s appointment as REC

    Atiba varsity founder extols Rahman’s appointment as REC

    The Founder and President of Atiba University, Oyo, Dr. James Ojebode, has lauded the appointment and swearing-in of a distinguished member of Atiba University, Oyo, Prof. Adeniran Tella, as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State.

    Prof. Tella, a renowned scholar of Strategic Management and Public Policy, was sworn in on Tuesday by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan.

    In a statement he signed, Dr. Ojebode described Prof. Tella’s appointment as a round peg in a round hole.

     He said: “On behalf of myself, the Board of Trustees, the University Governing Council, Management, Senate, workers, students and the entire Atiba University community, I heartily congratulate Prof. Tella on his appointment and swearing-in as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State.”

    Dr. Ojebode hailed the new REC as a disciplined academic staff and a dedicated public servant, who had consistently exemplified excellence in scholarship, leadership and community service.

    READ ALSO: On Ezra Olubi’s nemesis

    He said Prof. Tella’s elevation was a testament to his integrity, professional competence and commitment to national development.

     “As an institution committed to producing leaders of character and competence, Atiba University, Oyo takes immense pride in Prof. Tella’s accomplishments,” he added. “His appointment further reinforces our university’s growing reputation as a home of eminent scholars and nation-builders.”

    Ojebode extended the university’s best wishes to the newly appointed REC, praying that God grants him the wisdom, strength and divine direction needed to excel in his new national assignment.

  • Police inspector stabbed to death by park touts in Ondo

    Police inspector stabbed to death by park touts in Ondo

    The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the death of a police inspector who was allegedly attacked by ticket touts on Arakale Road in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    The Nation gathered that the officer, whose identity is yet to be made known, was attacked on Wednesday while attempting to arrest a commercial tricycle operator waiting to collect the daily ticket. A disagreement had broken out between the inspector and touts during the attempted arrest, leading to the officer being stabbed in the back with a broken bottle.

    When news filtered in that he had died from his injuries, some of the late officer’s colleagues returned to the scene to make arrests, allegedly attacking shops and picking up individuals who were not present during the earlier altercation.

    In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olayinka Ayanlade, said two suspects had been arrested.

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    Ayanlade, a DeputySuperintendent of Police, noted that the inspector was performing his lawful duties when the incident occurred.

    “To set the record straight, the Command confirms that an incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday involving a police officer who was performing lawful duty in the said area.

    “An altercation ensued between the officer and some recalcitrant individuals, during which the officer was tragically stabbed.”

    “Acting swiftly, the Commissioner of Police deployed a team of operatives to the scene, resulting in the arrest of two suspects directly connected to the incident,” he said.

    He added: “They include Shina Jacob ‘m’ aged 25 and Felix Olalekan ‘m’ aged 32. The injured officer was also rescued and rushed to the hospital. However, despite efforts, the police inspector sadly passed away while receiving treatment.”

    Ayanlade explained that a follow-up conducted later in the night formed part of the command’s efforts to rid the state of criminals and avert further breaches of public peace.

    He emphasised that the command would not condone any form of human rights abuse by its personnel, while warning that anyone who assaults security operatives in the line of duty would face the full weight of the law.

    The police spokesman, however, said the arrested suspects would be charged to court after police’s investigations.  

  • Osun stepfather arrested for defiling minor

    Osun stepfather arrested for defiling minor

    A 32-year-old stepfather simply identified as Richard has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl  who is discharging maggots after the incident.

    Richard, a commercial motorcyclist, who resides at Ofatedo, Osun State, was arrested by the operatives of Nigerian Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    The state Commandant of NSCDC, Igbalawole Sotiyo, confirmed the incident in a statement through the command’s Public Relations Officer, Kehinde Adeleke, said: “Richard was arrested on November 14, 2025 after the wife reported that her husband defiled her daughter and maggots were coming out from her private part.

    “The wife said the victim was staying with the mother of her husband. Investigation revealed that during one of the man’s visits to his mother’s place, he dipped his fingers into the victim’s private part.

    “A discreet investigation revealed the suspect had been consulting an herbalist for help on various issues. The mother of the victim said she left the marriage as a result of physical abuse, however, she didn’t take her daughter along.

     “After she had settled down in a new apartment, she requested for her daughter and the man promised to get the victim from his mother’s place. It was the same day that the suspect brought her to his house to be handed over to the mother that she got defiled by the stepfather.

    READ ALSO: On Ezra Olubi’s nemesis

    “The mother said she got to know of the evil perpetrated by her husband when the victim was handed over to her and she noticed the victim had a foul smell. She later examined her body and found maggots coming out from her private part.”

    Sotiyo confirmed that  the suspect confessed to the crime, stating that he committed the crime under the influence of alcohol after celebrating the purchase of his new motorcycle.

    “The victim has been taken to hospital for adequate medical attention.”

    The state commandant warned individuals who prey on minors to desist, saying the command will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found culpable.

  • FactCheckAfrica holds training on AI Fundamentals, others in S’West 

    FactCheckAfrica holds training on AI Fundamentals, others in S’West 

    FactCheckAfrica, through its Digital Democracy Lab project supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) Catalyst Grant, has conducted a series of AI Fundamentals Workshops across four state capitals in Southwest Nigeria, Ibadan, Osogbo, Ado-Ekiti, and Akure.

    Over 500 hundred journalists, youth civic actors, human right activists, lecturers, non-profit founders, students, young feminists and community leaders were trained on responsible use of Artificial Intelligence for governance and accountability.

    Over the past weeks, the organisation has strengthened public understanding of emerging AI technologies and demonstrated how such tools can support civic participation, public oversight, and the fight against information pollution.

    While these workshops were designed to introduce participants to AI fundamentals, the sustained impact goes far beyond training. They are changing behaviours, influencing local civic participation, and inspiring citizen-led accountability initiatives that did not exist just a few months ago. 

    One of the most powerful impact stories emerged from the Osogbo session, where participants formed thematic accountability clusters across sectors: Health, Education, Agriculture, Youth & Sports, Works & Infrastructure, Technology & Innovation and so on. These groups have since begun reviewing state budget lines, identifying discrepancies in spending patterns, and drafting questions to be submitted to relevant ministries. And this action has been replicated in all other states as well. 

    In Osun, a participant-led initiative gained significant traction after Joseph Adebayo, a youth advocate and workshop participant, independently took action following the AI Fundamentals session.

    Joseph explained: “We had an engagement during the workshop, and I felt we needed to push it further. I drafted a petition for young people to sign. Once we reach 100 signatures, we’ll attach it to a Freedom of Information request to the Ministry of Youth. This training gave us the courage to ask questions.”

    His initiative has since inspired others across the Southwest region to begin similar civic monitoring actions in their sectors of interest.

    Speaking about the significance of the workshops, Lukman Adeoti, Project Lead of the Digital Democracy Lab, said the initiative is reshaping how citizens engage government in the digital age.

    Several youth groups have also signalled interest in joining the upcoming Youth AI Literacy Network, a regional hub being developed under the Digital Democracy Lab to foster collaboration, learning, and innovation.

    The workshops were not theoretical. Participants engaged in real-world tasks, analyzing Osun, Oyo, Ondo, and Ekiti State budgets; reviewing implementation & expenditure reports; and using AI-assisted verification tools.

    Many admitted this was their first time handling actual public budget documents. Amodu Afusat, a PWD from Ondo state: “I had never seen a state budget before this training, talk less of knowing how to analyze it. Now I understand where to look, what to question, and what to track.”

    This shift in mindset is one of the strongest outcomes of the Digital Democracy Lab.

    The Digital Democracy Lab continues to build momentum as it prepares for its next phase: bootcamps, and the first Youth AI Forum, where civic-tech innovations from across the region will be showcased.

  • Lagos unveils 3-year plan to deepen citizens’ participation in governance

    Lagos unveils 3-year plan to deepen citizens’ participation in governance

    The Lagos State Government has introduced a three-year Strategic Plan and Communication Strategy (2025–2027) designed to enhance public participation in governance and strengthen the relationship between government and residents.

    The documents were formally presented on Monday by the Office of Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE) during an event held in Ikeja.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun, said the initiative is aimed at improving communication of government activities, boosting public trust, and widening opportunities for Lagosians to contribute to policy formulation.

    Abiodun noted that with Lagos being a highly diverse state, residents must play an active role in shaping policies that affect their lives. He added that the new strategies will help promote a culture of continuous public participation.

    According to him, the plan aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda by strengthening transparency, improving synergy between the executive and legislature, and ensuring that all stakeholders—formal and informal—are included in decision-making processes.

    He listed proposed engagement tools to include strategic dialogues, structured town hall meetings, digital feedback platforms, advisory mechanisms, and targeted civic education programmes.

    Abiodun also highlighted the CitizensGate platform as a major tool for seamless interaction between residents and government, describing it as part of efforts to remove barriers to civic engagement.

    He urged Lagosians to collaborate with the government, stressing that governance thrives on transparency and collective participation.

    The Permanent Secretary of OPL&CE, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore said the implementation of the new strategy will involve a wide range of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, media practitioners, civil society organisations, social media influencers, community associations, and filmmakers.

    “Every citizen wants the government to communicate with them. This plan shows what needs to be done. Your expertise is essential in amplifying our message and ensuring citizens are well engaged,” Shasore said.

    A participant at the event and human rights advocate with Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, applauded the initiative, noting that civic engagement remains the foundation of democracy.

    “You cannot talk about democracy without citizens’ participation. Democracy survives on the active involvement of the people. The strategic documents will help identify policies that strengthen the relationship between the government and the citizens,” she said.

  • Guard yourself against digital violence, Makinde’s wife charges women, girls

    Guard yourself against digital violence, Makinde’s wife charges women, girls

    The wife of Oyo State Governor, Tamunominini Makinde, has charged women and girls across the state to guard themselves against the growing trend of digital violence.

    She lamented that online harassment has become as dangerous as physical assault, highlighting the need to protect young Nigerians, especially women and girls.

    Speaking in Ibadan while flagging off the 2025 edition of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with the theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”, Mrs Makinde said violence against women and girls is no longer just physical, but is now also happening in the digital space.

    She urged the students to use the internet wisely, because the internet never forgets; every post, every comment, and every image has lasting consequences.

    She warned that careless online behaviour can destroy lives, noting that digital abuse leaves serious psychological damage.

    According to her, digital violence silences voices, destroys confidence, and in some cases leads to tragedy.

    She said, “Some girls have committed suicide because of the shame that followed after their private information or photos were shared without consent.”

    Mrs Makinde encouraged teachers to create safe learning environments and educate students on online safety.

    “Teach your students how to stay safe online. Encourage them to report any digital harassment without fear.”

    She, however, reaffirmed the commitment of the state government towards ending GBV, citing the passage of the 2020 Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law by the state government.

    “Here in Oyo State, we recognize that gender-based violence, whether digital or physical, is a major obstacle to development. That is why the VAPP Law was passed to safeguard all residents.

    “Let us renew our commitment to ending all forms of violence, both online and offline. Let us build a society where every woman and girl can live free from fear.”

    Earlier in her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, warned that digital violence is becoming more dangerous than physical abuse.

    She said, “Millions of women and girls are falling prey to online scams, sextortion, and manipulative digital grooming. The digital space is equally, if not more, dangerous if unregulated.”

    Balogun stated that the Ministry would roll out cybersecurity training and digital literacy programmes in 2026 to empower women, adding,

    “We are determined to build resilience among our women and protect them in an increasingly digitalised world. The governor has approved a quarterly grant to boost the RRT, and we are procuring work tools and vehicles to enhance rapid intervention.”

  • Oyo govt hails firm for setting standard in estate development

    Oyo govt hails firm for setting standard in estate development

    The Physical Planning Unit of the Oyo State Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, has commended Fendini Group for setting new standard in estate development.

    This followed high-level delegation inspection visit to Rayfield Gardens City Estate in Ibadan, an estate developed by Fendini Group.

    The team led by the Director of Physical Planning, Dr. Oladiran Olaide, who undertook extensive tour of the estate expressed delight at the scale of development, meticulous layout, and commitements to strict adherence to approved building plans and physical planning regulation.

    Oladiran said, “The government will continue to support developers who follow due process. The safety and well-being of residents remain paramount, and we urge all subscribers to continue to build strictly according to approved standards.”

    In his remark, the Chief Executive Officer of Fendini Group, Prince Adelaja Adeoye described Rayfield Gardens City as a flagship Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project between Fendini Group and the Oyo State Government, facilitated by the Oyo State Investment Public Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA). 

    Read Also: Oyo Assembly confirms Adeniyi, others as chair, members of OYSIEC

    He said, “This partnership demands collective responsibility from all stakeholders to eliminate any risk to lives or the environment.”

    He praised the investor-friendly policies of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, highlighting seamless and digitized approval processes introduced by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

    “The digitization of title searches and building approvals has made transactions transparent, fast, and reliable. It is phasing out sharp practices and building unprecedented trust in the real estate sector. Oyo State is now the most attractive destination for genuine investors who want their investments protected.”

    Adeoye also revealed that Fendini Group has created a dedicated, streamlined approval support system for all subscribers to ensure they comply effortlessly with regulatory requirements.

    “We will continue to partner with all revelant MDA’s of government to ensure that the right things are done in line with the vision of the State on quality and sustainable housing projects, while all subscribers to our various developments are guided to adhere to government policies.”

    Earlier in November, at the Scale-Up Conference held at Ibadan Business School, Prince Adeoye had called for the consistent use of high-quality materials and strict observance of building codes as non-negotiable pillars for safe and sustainable cities.

    With rapid construction progress and strong regulatory backing, Rayfield Gardens City is emerging as the gold standard for modern, secure, and sustainable residential communities in Oyo State, further strengthening public-private collaboration in the housing sector.

  • Foundation launches economic revival

    Foundation launches economic revival

    A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Mr Ojamiami Oyewole, has reaffirmed his commitment to uplifting constituents in Okitipupa Local Government through targeted economic empowerment initiatives.

    Ojamiami, the founder of Ojamiami Foundation, spoke yesterday during an empowerment programme he sponsored at the Government Field in Okitipupa.

    No fewer than 100 residents benefited from the initiative, which aims to promote grassroots economic independence and reduce poverty across the constituency.

    The items distributed included sewing machines, grinding machines, hair-dressing tools, herbicide sprayers, wheelchairs and other income-generating equipment targeted at artisans, farmers, persons with disabilities and small-scale business owners.

    Ojamiami said the programme aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which was designed to promote economic self-reliance and deepen grassroots development.

    He said the intervention would enhance capacity for local entrepreneurs, lift vulnerable citizens out of poverty and contribute to economic growth in Ondo State and Nigeria.

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    The APC chieftain, who is seeking Okitipupa State Constituency II seat, said leadership should be driven by service and impact, rather than political convenience.

    “This aligns with the empowerment agenda of President Tinubu and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s Our Ease initiative. It is time to empower our people, not enslave them. The government alone cannot solve all the problems, so we must work together to make life better.’’

    The Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, Andrew Ogunsakin, represented by Mr. James Ogunyemi, commended Ojamiami for his continued intervention in the community, noting that such efforts complemented the government’s development agenda.

    Traditional rulers, including the Lumure of Ayeka, Oba Babatunde Ayeyowa, and the Orungberuwa of Ode-Erinje Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinmoye, also lauded the empowerment programme.

    Beneficiaries drawn from the six wards of Okitipupa Constituency II expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying it would improve their livelihood.

  • Oyo Assembly confirms Adeniyi, others as chair, members of OYSIEC

    Oyo Assembly confirms Adeniyi, others as chair, members of OYSIEC

    Oyo State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Babatunde Adeniyi as the chairman of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).

    Also confirmed are Chief Kunmi Agboola, Mr. Olanrewaju Emmanuel, Mr. Sunday Falana, Remi Ayoade, Mr. Olatunde Theophilus, Mrs. Adebayo Muriana and Mr. Babatunde Ige as members of the commission.

    Their appointments were confirmed during plenary. The session was presided over by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin.

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    This was followed after the House adopted recommendations in the screening report presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Special Duties and Deputy Speaker, Muhammed Fadeyi.

    The report indicated that the chairman and members responded to the questions put to them satisfactorily. They were found to be worthy of the appointments.

  • Oyetola’s group begs APC to make Oyebamiji consensus candidate

    Oyetola’s group begs APC to make Oyebamiji consensus candidate

    Barely 17 days to the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Osun State, a political movement of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has begged the APC leadership to make the ex-Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), as a consensus candidate of the party for 2026 governorship election.

    The movement, under the auspices of The Earliest Ileri-Oluwa Caucus, led by Amb. AbdulYekeen Abilagbo (Rtd.), made the plea yesterday at a solidarity rally for Oyebamiji in front of Oluwo’s palace, Iwo town.

    He highlighted the achievements of Oyebamiji as the managing director of Osun State Investment Company Limited (OSICOL), who he noted improved the fortune of the company, growing it from N300million to N3billion, stopping half salary as finance commissioner, among other contributions to develop the state.

    Abilagbo said: “Oyebamiji has something to offer the state. Osun has been unlucky for the past three years. There is no governance, nothing to show for the boost in revenue coming to the state. We must rescue the state from the current government and Oyebamiji is the best man to take Osun State to an enviable future.

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    “He is a tested and a thoroughbred technocrat, particular in financial management. He was an accountant and showed capacity to deliver in whatsoever responsibility placed in his hand.”

    Secretary of the movement, Dr. Kamal Okunola, affirmed the stance of Oyetola’s group, saying: “Oyebamiji should be the consensus candidate of the party because of his competence.

    “He is from Osun West Senatorial District, which has been marginalised for a very long time in the progressives fold. In our party, Baba Akande and Oyetola from Osun Central were in government for eight years and in the East, Aregbesola was in government for eight years. Only the West that is yet to produce governor.

    “ PDP and ADC have concluded to pick their governorship candidate from the West. So, APC’s case should not be different and if they consider our district, they should make Oyebamiji the consensus candidate of the party.”