The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Ex-Oyo commissioner dumps PDP

    Ex-Oyo commissioner dumps PDP

    Former Commissioner for Works and Transport in Oyo State Prof. Abdul Rahman Afonja has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He said his decision to leave the party followed consultations with stakeholders and political associates across the state.

    A statement by Afonja, a former commissioner under Governor Seyi Makinde, said his decision to leave the party stemmed from lack of recognition for loyal members and the party’s failure to address internal injustices.

    He added: “I hope this act will prompt reflection and reform before others feel compelled to follow my example.’’

    Afonja said during his tenure as a commissioner, he instilled discipline, encouraged professional development, prioritised workers’ welfare and championed teamwork and innovation, focusing on projects that would benefit Oyo State.

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    He said: “Even after my removal from office, I continued to support PDP, funding campaigns, mobilising security agencies for free elections and safeguarding ballot materials.”

    He cited the 2023 general election and the 2024 local government poll as examples, particularly his role in protecting the electoral process in Ogbomoso at personal risk and expense.

    “I only not contributed to the 2023 and 2024 elections in Ogbomosho, but also campaigned for Governor Makinde in Hausa speaking communities of Sabo—both in Ibadan and Ogbomosho—thanks to my his fluency in Hausa.”

    He lamented that despite the efforts, he received no recognition—no political appointment, civil service placement, or routine party slot—while others who engaged in anti party activities or accepted money from the opposition were rewarded.

  • Lagos adopts STEAM to promote education

    Lagos adopts STEAM to promote education

    Determined to transition Lagos from a consumption-based economy to a productive, innovation-driven one, Lagos State Government has adopted the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) programme to promote education and skill acquisition in science.

    Marking the second edition of the Innovate Eko STEAM Day at the Government College, Lagos, Eric-Moore, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Basic and Secondary Education, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, held a sensitisation exercise aimed at promoting and integrating creativity and critical thinking into STEAM education.

    Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, highlighted the importance of collaboration, accessibility, career guidance and educator support in harnessing technology to drive societal change and equip students with problem-solving skills.

    “Our focus in Lagos State is on having science-oriented students. In the past three years, we have prioritised recruiting science-oriented teachers because we believe the future starts from now.” Alli-Balogun said.

    He said the state was not just ensuring improvement in teaching and learning outcomes, but was also committed to nurturing students who were confident, courageous, and who could define their career paths while still in school.

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    Recounting the state’s achievements in STEAM education, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, said the Ministry had witnessed a 25 per cent increase in enrolment of STEAM subjects in participating schools.

    She said Lagos State had dominated in STEAM education nationally, with its students winning top spots in the National Engineers and Scientists Competition organised by the Federal Ministry of Education.

    She said in the 2024 High State Assessment, 70 per cent of tracked primary school girls scored 70 per cent or above in STEAM-related subjects.

    “This is a testament to our success in dismantling barriers and engaging our young girls as future scientists and engineers”, she stressed.

    Mrs. Dokunmu-Adegbite said since 2021, Lagos State had developed over a hundred students’ innovations, including prototypes for green energy and AI-driven tools.

    She added that about 30 per cent of the innovations had advanced to the patent stage through dedicated funding from the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council.

    She noted that the researches were not just statistics, it was proof that the youth were prepared for global issues, from climate change to digital development.

    “This search is interesting as it directly correlates to the ministry’s shift, through enquiry-based, hands-on delivery and funding of student-led projects that tackle our local challenges, like urban sustainability and digital inclusion,” she said.

    Renowned educationist and former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Peter Okebukola, called for a complete overhaul of teaching and learning methods in Nigeria, insisting that the future of African development lied in a robust Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) ecosystem.

    Delivering a keynote address at a high-profile education summit in Lagos with the theme: “Rethink, Recycle, Innovate,” Prof. Okebukola declared that “STEAM education demands that we rethink outdated pedagogies, recreate collaborative learning ecosystems, and innovate with technology to empower the next generation of African problem-solvers.”

    Mr. Opeyemi Eniola, the senior special assistant on Basic and Secondary Education, and convener of the programme, affirmed the demonstration of Lagos State in tackling challenges and preparing children for the future, adding that the platform aimed at inspiring creativity, encouraging problem-solving, and celebrating ‘’the ingenuity of our students.’’

  • ‘Don’t pull Kebbi girls out of school’

    ‘Don’t pull Kebbi girls out of school’

    • From Ahmed Baba Ahmed, Birnin Kebbi

    The wife of Kebbi State Governor Hajiya Zainab Idris has urged parents not to withdraw their children reunited with them yesterday after nine days in captivity from school.

    She spoke during the reunification of parents and pupils at the Government House in Birnin-Kebbi.

    She expressed happiness that none of the girls was violated by their abductors during the traumatic days.

    She added that the 24 girl had been taken to the hospital for medical checkup.

    “You must not deny them education because of this incident. They must go back. Government is already putting in place necessary measures for their safety,” she said.

    Governor Nasir Idris said the abduction of the Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School Maga caused their parents, the people of the state and his government sleepless nights.

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    “Since the pupils were taken by the bandits about nine days ago, the parents had been traumatised, but we thank God that it didn’t take long before the security personnel deployed to search for them were able to rescue them,” he said.

    They were brought to Birnin-Kebbi, the state capital, on Tuesday night from Bagega forest in Anka local government area of Zamfara State, where the abductors kept them.

    The schoolgirls were then handed over to their parents by the governor.

    Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halimatu Bande, said the period of the girls’ captivity was a trying period for the state.

    “We thank those who stood with us through this period and the security personnel who helped to rescue our girls,” she said.

  • MAPDI, YPP Consortium urge Southwest lawmakers to back new electoral reforms

    MAPDI, YPP Consortium urge Southwest lawmakers to back new electoral reforms

    The MAP Development Initiative (MAPDI), acting as the Southwest partner of the Youth Political Participation (YPP) Electoral Reform Consortium, coordinated by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), and supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) has called on members of the South West National Assembly Caucus to champion youth-driven electoral reforms ahead of upcoming legislative votes.

    The call coincides with the National Day of Action on Youth-Led Electoral Reforms, a nationwide campaign coordinated by YPP partners across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    The consortium, which includes JESZ Development Foundation (North West), Fringe Voices (South South), Child Protection and Peer Learning Initiative (North East), and Better Community Life Initiative (South East), works to strengthen youth engagement in elections, promote democratic accountability, and advance reforms that improve the transparency and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

    At a briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, Executive Director, MAPDI, and Southwest partner, Youth Participation (YPP) Electoral Reform Consortium, Mayowa Adeniran, said the National Assembly is preparing to vote on a set of constitutional and electoral reforms that are critical to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

    According to him, there is the urgent need for Southwest legislators and other legislators to support the electoral reforms, especially amending Section 285 to introduce thresholds and deadlines for filing petitions, ensuring that post-election cases are resolved before swearing-in ceremonies.

    He argued that this reduces political tension and prevents delays in governance.

    “The future of Nigeria’s electoral accountability and public trust depends on the decisions made now. These reforms deserve passage without delay to empower the youth and strengthen democracy.”

    Also, Adeniran in the statement argued for independent appointment of electoral officials, calling for the amendment of Sections 153 and 154 to establish a non-partisan INEC selection committee, removing discretionary powers in appointing national and state electoral commissioners.

    The aim, he said, is to enhance the independence, neutrality, and public trust in the electoral body.

    CFU-YPP Ambassador, John Oyetunde called for accountability mechanisms to investigate and prosecute election-related crimes, tackling issues like vote buying, electoral violence, and political manipulation.

    Oyetunde commented, “A strong, independent judiciary is essential for credible elections. 

    “Delays in post-election litigation erode public trust and embolden political actors who manipulate the system.”

    Another Ambassador of CFU—YPP, Suliat Eletu Layeni, emphasized that vote buying and election-related violence remain major barriers to meaningful participation.

    These reforms directly address those challenges, giving young Nigerians confidence in the process,” she added.

    Habib Oladapo stressed that the reforms will benefit lawmakers as well. “Transparent, timely, and accountable elections reduce post-election disputes, protect legitimate mandates, and strengthen the credibility of legislative institutions. Legislators who support the reforms position themselves as champions of democratic accountability and secure long-term trust with constituents.”

    Adeniran urged Southwest lawmakers to vote in favor of the youth-led priorities, emphasizing that the decisions will impact community stability, citizen confidence, and the continuity of democratic governance.

    The consortium also called on civil society organizations, journalists, and community influencers to amplify these demands, creating public pressure to ensure legislators uphold national interest over partisan concerns.

    As part of ongoing advocacy, MAPDI will host a multi-stakeholder Town Hall on Electoral Reform next Thursday in Osogbo, Osun State. 

    The event will convene state lawmakers, CSOs, youth leaders, community development associations, market leaders, and policy advocates to build a unified voice for youth-driven electoral reforms.

    “The future of Nigeria’s electoral accountability and public trust depends on the decisions made now. These reforms deserve passage without delay to empower the youth and strengthen democracy,” Adeniran stated.

    The consortium reaffirms its commitment to advancing a democratic process that reflects the aspirations of Nigeria’s young population and ensuring that youth voices influence the trajectory of national elections.

  • Civil society group refutes claims on Kogi LGAs’ allocations

    Civil society group refutes claims on Kogi LGAs’ allocations

    The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CCSO) has dismissed recent allegations that Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kogi State were not receiving their federal allocations.

    Speaking at a press briefing, Dr. Wisdom Ohalete, Convener of CCSO, said the claims were being circulated by “faceless groups who clearly do not mean well for Kogi and are out to blackmail the government of the state for cheap political gains.”

    He added that the coalition conducted an independent investigation covering all 21 LGAs in the state.

    Their review included meetings with the Auditor General for Local Governments, the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, council officials, and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees.

    “Our investigation was thorough, independent, and fact-driven,” Dr. Ohalete said.

    He noted that the LGAs “have been receiving their allocations directly from the Federal Government. The records further show that the LGAs in the state enjoy full autonomy, in line with constitutional provisions and federal guidelines. There is zero interference by the state government.”

    CCSO also highlighted development projects across the state, including the construction of “at least 80 new Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) … in addition to ongoing renovation and upgrading of existing health facilities,” as well as youth training programs and women and youth empowerment initiatives.

    Dr. Ohalete warned that the allegations were part of a planned smear campaign, saying, “This propaganda is part of a larger plan to blackmail the state government by sponsoring frivolous petitions to anti-corruption agencies, all geared towards giving Kogi State a bad name.”

    The coalition urged the public and media to “disregard the false claims and continue to support efforts aimed at strengthening governance at all levels.”

  • Why we will support APC, by Osogbo community

    Why we will support APC, by Osogbo community

    Members of Coalition of Osogbo Youths and Women Groups have pledged their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    They said considering the political reality in the state, only APC could meet their demands, following the decision of other parties to zone the governorship ticket to Osun West Senatorial District.

    Speaking on behalf of eight groups in Osogbo community, Abdulrahman Okunade, a lawyer, said Osogbo had electoral weight, which usually decided the winner of the governorship election with its two local governments.

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    He said: “The recently updated voter register in Osun State (through the Continuous Voter Registration), has resulted in 1, 954, 800 registered voters, with 360,794 uncollected Permanent Voter Cards. With this update, Osogbo and Olorunda have no fewer than 300,000 registered voters, which represent 15 per cent of the total registration in the state, which is the highest from any town.

    “We urge APC leadership to ensure the party’s governorship candidate is from Osogbo.’’

  • Circular Road: Makinde to explore possibilities of compensation

    Circular Road: Makinde to explore possibilities of compensation

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said his administration would continue to ensure development was fair, humane and inclusive.

    He noted that he would engage with residents affected by the ongoing 110km Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, beginning from today.

    The governor said he would, in line with his promise to run a people-centred government, visit Circular Road, listen to the residents and explore possibilities, including adequate compensation and resettlement.

    Governor Makinde made the remark while presenting the 2026 Budget Proposal to the House of Assembly.

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    He noted that he was not moved by the insults and death wishes to him, as he had prepared for the praises and the insults, which were parts of leadership.

    Governor Makinde, who justified the importance of the Circular Road project, said it was about equity, growth and shared prosperity to the state, warning that politicians who sought to profit from the controversy should have a rethink, as Oyo State residents were wiser.

  • NIHORT trains farmers in tomato varieties

    NIHORT trains farmers in tomato varieties

    National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) has trained 104 farmers in the production and processing of Hortitom1, Hortitom2 and Hortitom3 tomato varieties.

    A team of experienced NIHORT scientists and technologists guided participants from Oyo town through theoretical and practical sessions covering key aspects of tomato production.

    The training, which include principles and practices of tomato cultivation, pest and disease management, value addition and others were designed to build and enhance capacity of participants in tomato production and value addition.

    Executive Director of NIHORT, Prof. Mohammed Atanda, represented by the Head of Department, Farming Systems and Extension, Dr. Iyabo Adeoye, said the training would boost Federal Government’s efforts in agriculture.

    She said it would also improve tomato production and processing, reduce post-harvest losses in the tomato value chain, thereby improving food security and farmers’ incomes.

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    Adeoye said tomato was one of the most important and major vegetables grown in Nigeria, an essential cooking ingredient and a valuable raw material in processed products such as juice, puree, paste, ketchup/sauce, dry slices and powder.

    She said the training was to ensure sustainability of tomato value chain, capacity building and stakeholder engagement, especially in innovations and technologies such as new tomato varieties (HORTITOM1, HORTITOM2 and HORTITOM3), vital to scale up the production and processing of the crop.

    She urged participants to pay attention to all sessions and advised them to make best use of the knowledge and skills acquired in the training.

  • Ogun reaffirms commitment to fixing Ota roads

    Ogun reaffirms commitment to fixing Ota roads

    Ogun State Government yesterday reiterated its commitment to rehabilitating major roads in Ota axis.

    It assured residents that rebuilding would soon begin on critical routes.

    The government restated this position during a meeting with the leadership of  Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ota branch, who paid a visit to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN).

    Speaking on behalf of the government, Ogungbade said six major roads—Joju, Koro Otun, Navy, Isikola, Ilo Awela and Oju Ore—had been awarded to a reputable construction firm, Craneburg, with mobilisation to site expected shortly.

    He said additional road projects within the corridor had been segmented into four phases: Itele–Ayobo link road to Lagos (5.3km); Ayobo Mopol–Lafenwa Junction boundary road; Koro Otun phase; and Itele–Lafenwa Junction.

    The commissioner said work on the first and second phases would begin immediately.

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    He acknowledged the concerns that led to the NBA’s peaceful protest on October 25 and noted that the Bar’s agitation would receive a positive response.

    He encouraged the lawyers to utilise their privileged access to government for faster and more effective engagement, saying the Governor Dapo Abiodun administration had built or rehabilitated over 1,500 kilometres of road across the state, many of which were in Ota.

    The government team, which included the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusegun Olaotan; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works,  Oladimeji Yusuf; and the Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Akinmade, said several of the roads under public scrutiny were federal roads.

    They said repairs on the roads were delayed for years because the Federal Government restricted the state from intervening until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the rehabilitation, now ongoing.

    Akinmade praised the NBA delegation for engaging constructively, but urged them to be wary of political adversaries attempting to hijack the genuine concerns of residents for self-serving motives.

    He said such actors had been hiring individuals to spotlight bad roads and malign the government, even when the affected roads fell under federal jurisdiction.

    NBA Ota branch Chairperson, Mrs. Kelubia Ajose, and a senior advocate and elder of the branch, Mr. Sola Ojutalayo, SAN, said the protest was driven by widespread frustration among Ota residents.

    They said the Bar had taken steps to prevent external forces from hijacking its initiative and highlighted human activities that contributed to rapid road deterioration in the area.

    The government, however, reaffirmed its openness to continued dialogue with stakeholders and disclosed that besides the ongoing works, 11 new road projects were approved this month.

    It assured the public that while temporary discomforts might persist, a lasting transformation of Ota roads was underway.

  • Nine-year-old author launches first book

    Nine-year-old author launches first book

    A nine-year-old author and daughter of Senior Special Assistant to Ekiti State Governor on Farm Settlement and Agriculture, Adewole Temijopelo, has launched her debut book titled: “The Struggles of a Girl”.

    The ceremony, held at Crest View International School, Lagos, attracted dignitaries, including education stakeholders and literary enthusiasts to celebrate the emergence of a new voice in children’s literature.

    Temijopelo’s book tells the story of a young girl, Blessing, who overcomes life’s challenges through determination, kindness and resilience.

    Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Abiodun Oniyitan, described the book as a timely reminder that success was rooted in perseverance, not background.

    “The story of Blessing is a powerful reminder that our circumstances do not define us, but rather our determination and resilience,” he said.

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    The launch featured a series of book reviews by Adeife Adeyemi, CEO of Ife’ctive Touch (Chapters 1–3); Coralita Yard, CEO of Kovana (Chapters 4–5); and Tony Joy, Founder of Durian Foundation (Chapters 6–10).

    An inter-class debate added excitement to the ceremony, where Adekunle Jemima emerged Best Speaker and Amarachi Amechi finished as runner-up. The winners received cash gifts from Mrs. Ehirim & Family and Tony Joy.

    Guests praised the confidence and eloquence displayed by the pupils, with Mr. Nnamdi Ehirim commending Jemima Adekunle for her outstanding performance.

    The official launching of the book was performed by the lawmaker representing Ado Ekiti Constituency 1 in Ekiti State House of Assembly, Ayo Adegbite, represented by Tayo Abolarinwa.

    The Proprietress of Crest View School, Lagos,  Mrs. Adekunle, expressed pride in Temijopelo’s achievement, noting that her accomplishment would inspire other pupils to pursue excellence.

    Among other notable dignitaries at the event were Otunba Bobakeye of Agura Kingdom, Mrs. Jude, Mrs. Esther O., Mrs. Mazogi Nwakugo (author’s grandparent), and several parents and educators.