The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Asagba of Asaba withdraws from proposed Anioma state technical committee

    Asagba of Asaba withdraws from proposed Anioma state technical committee

    The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge, SAN, has withdrawn from his position as Chairman of the Technical Committee spearheading the agitation for the creation of Anioma State.

    His decision, conveyed in a statement signed by his Personal Secretary, Ogbueshi Dr. Jude C. Mgbeze, takes immediate effect.

    According to the statement, the Asagba remains committed to the longstanding dream of creating Anioma State within its historically recognised cultural boundaries. 

    However, he said he could no longer serve on the committee due to “irreconcilable differences” on two critical issues.

    First, the monarch raised strong concerns over disputes surrounding the geographical boundaries and territorial delineation being proposed for the new state.

    Secondly, he faulted what he termed “clandestine and delusional moves” to relocate the proposed state capital from Asaba.

    As the custodian of Asaba’s traditions and interests, the Asagba said he could not participate in any process capable of “liquidating or decimating” his kingdom. He stressed that his Oath of Office required him to protect the wellbeing of Asaba people at all times.

    “Anything that will lead HRM to compromise his oath of office will always be rejected,” the statement added.

    Despite stepping down from the committee, the Asagba reaffirmed his unwavering support for the creation of Anioma State, as long as it aligns with the historical identity and legitimate aspirations of the Anioma people.

  • NAAS urges Akure leaders to act swiftly on security to prevent tragedies

    NAAS urges Akure leaders to act swiftly on security to prevent tragedies

    The National Association of Akure Students (NAAS) has urged political, traditional, and community leaders in Akure Kingdom to take immediate and coordinated action to tackle rising security concerns in the Ondo State capital.

    The association warned that inaction could lead to avoidable tragedies similar to recent violent incidents in Kwara and Kebbi states.

    NAAS President, Comrade Temitope Festus Adeyemi, made the appeal in a statement, expressing deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation. He cited attacks on a girls’ school in Kebbi, the killing of a senior military officer, and the kidnapping and murder of Christians in Kwara as alarming examples.

    Adeyemi cautioned that the growing pattern of violent attacks, abductions, and infrastructural neglect in parts of Akure and surrounding communities should not be ignored.

    He stressed that the tragedies in Kwara and Kebbi were largely due to systemic neglect, slow responses to distress calls, and the absence of a preventive security strategy, urging Akure leaders to learn from these incidents before similar events occur.

    “The recent attack in Ekuru, Kwara State, should shake every responsible leader in Akure. A quiet community was suddenly thrown into fear – the kind many believed would never reach them. Before that, we witnessed the heartbreaking Owo Church massacre, where innocent worshippers were murdered inside the house of God.

    “These are not distant stories. There are signs that Yoruba communities are being tested from different directions. If Akure continues to behave as if these dangers are far away, we deceive ourselves. Our weakness today is the growing culture of everyone minding their own business. When communities disconnect, they become vulnerable,” he said.

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    Adeyemi stressed that Akure’s fast-growing population requires stronger coordination among government agencies, community associations, and security operatives, calling for early engagements involving the state government, local councils, Amotekun Corps, market leaders, and traditional rulers.

    According to him, the city must rebuild its culture of communal responsibility “in a modern, organized and lawful structure,” beginning with the establishment of government-approved vigilance teams in all neighbourhoods.

    “When properly structured, these teams can monitor those entering the community, new tenants, and suspicious movements at odd hours. We also need effective communication systems – WhatsApp groups, radio alerts, and organized reporting channels. When information moves fast, danger loses its advantage.

    “Amotekun cannot stand alone. Communities must support them while also demanding improvement. They need our reports, our cooperation, and pressure on the government to equip them better and respond faster,” he said.

    The NAAS President also emphasized the importance of documentation, stressing that every suspicious movement, attempted attack, land dispute, or threat must be documented.

    “Take pictures, take videos, keep dates and locations, file police reports, send petitions, and share verified evidence with the media and human rights groups. When facts are documented, no leader can pretend not to know,” Adeyemi said.

    He described land-related disputes as a major security risk across Yorubaland and called for disciplined record-keeping to prevent conflicts.

    Adeyemi further stressed the need for cultural harmony, urging residents to restore respect for elders, support genuine grassroots leaders, and avoid religious and political divisions.

    He encouraged residents to join neighbourhood watch networks and promptly report suspicious activities, saying political leaders must also be held accountable for the security of Akure.

    “Security is not only physical; it is also political. Community education must be prioritized. An informed population is safer than one living in fear or confusion.

    “Our unity must also extend beyond Nigeria. Yoruba people in the diaspora have networks and resources that can support our security advocacy.”

    He, however, urged all Akure stakeholders – traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, political actors, and residents – to act collectively.

    “Ekuru should open our eyes.

    Owo should end any false sense of security. The tension in neighbouring states should wake us up,” he said.

  • Osun 2026: APM fixes December 13 for guber primary

    Osun 2026: APM fixes December 13 for guber primary

    The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has fixed its Osun state governorship primary to pick its candidate for December 13, 2025.

    The state chairman of the party, Hon. Adewale Adebayo, in a statement on Friday, warned aspirants within the party against a campaign of calumny aimed at each other and urged them to uphold unity.

    He said, “We have fixed December 13, 2025, for the primary election of our great party. APM is committed to democratic principles; we promise that the process will be fair to all aspirants contesting for our gubernatorial ticket.”

    “Presently, we have six aspirants jostling for our governorship ticket, out of which one of them will emerge as our flag bearer on December 13. We are confident that whoever emerges as our flag bearer will win the gubernatorial seat; we will defeat the incumbent governor because our membership strength is the youth.

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    “Osun People are tired of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), even the African Democratic Congress (ADC), whose part of its leadership is former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, have shown that they cannot rescue the state from its present maladministration.

    “We want to charge all our aspirants and members not to employ a campaign of calumny or hatred while canvassing for support ahead of the primary election. Our doors are open for willing residents and members who are disgruntled in APC, PDP, and ADC to join our party, so that together we can put Osun State in an enviable position among the comity of states.”

    “The party leaders are also enjoyed to woo more youths and elderly into our party, although during the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR), we have registered thousands of new voters, but we must work on others who are not in our party to join the movement,” he ended 

  • Royalty is now for service, not glamour – Ladoja

    Royalty is now for service, not glamour – Ladoja

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has submitted that royalty is no longer for glamour but a call to service.

    He said chieftaincy should no longer be seen as an avenue to make money or oppress the less privileged in society, but an opportunity to impact the lives of the people over whom they rule.

    Oba Ladoja gave the charge on Friday during the elevation ceremony of some senior chiefs on the Otun Olubadan line, held at the Olubadan palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

    Ladoja said, “Now, royalty is about what you have to offer your community. It is about ministering to the needs of the indigent in our midst. It is about ameliorating the condition of our people.”

    The Olubadan noted that the newly promoted chiefs are men of means and influence with the capacity to positively touch lives.

    Those promoted include veteran journalist, Oloye Lekan Alabi, the new Abese Olubadan, Senior Chief Ismaila Akinade Fijabi, Maye Olubadan, and Senior Chief Saka Fola Lapade, Ekefa Olubadan.

    Former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, is the new Agbaakin Olubadan, while Senior Chief Muibi Ademola Adewuyi is Aare Alaasa Olubadan. Senior Chief Raufu Delesolu and Senior Chief Hammed Lanihun are the new Ikolaba Olubadan and Asaaju Olubadan, respectively.

    The elevation ceremony had in attendance dignitaries from different walks of life.

  • Alaafin calls for Yoruba unity, cultural revival to drive tourism, economic growth

    Alaafin calls for Yoruba unity, cultural revival to drive tourism, economic growth

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has urged Yorubas across the world to unite in restoring the values, traditions, and cultural heritage that define the race, stressing that cultural tourism remains a key pathway to Nigeria’s economic diversification.

    Speaking at the 2025 Iyake International Festival in Ado-Awaye, Oyo State, the monarch said Nigeria must shift its focus from oil dependency to tourism, noting that cultural revival can play a significant role in strengthening the national economy.

    He emphasised that nations that have achieved rapid development did so by leveraging cultural identity.

    Citing China as an example, Oba Owoade recalled how the Cultural Revolution of 1965–1968 helped reshape political behaviour, restore cultural principles, and ultimately propel China into one of the world’s strongest economies.

    He said Nigeria must learn from such examples by rejuvenating, protecting, and proudly promoting its cultural heritage. According to him, cultural preservation will not only unite the Yoruba race but also serve as the foundation for projecting its traditions to the rest of the world.

    “If we do not appreciate our own cultural values, there is no way we can harness them for our development. We must strive to maximise the economic opportunities of our cultural artifacts and festivals for our development. All these can be developed to meet international tourist standards and thus yield enormous foreign earnings to our governments at various levels. In the first instance, there would be a stimulation of rural development since most of the tourist attraction areas are located in rural areas.

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    “In the second, it would also lead to a drastic reduction in rural-urban migration and human congestion in the urban centres, which is one of the major economic problems of the contemporary Nigerian state, because of employment opportunities and income generation that will be opened up for rural dwellers.”

    The Alaafin, who was accompanied by his Queen Consort, Ayaba Abiwunmi, cited the instance of the Yoruba, which possessed famous traditions of art, precisely because they had productive economies and vibrant commercial systems, which allowed artists and craft workers freedom from scarcity and provided access to metals, woods, and clay sculpture.

  • NIHORT trains 104 farmers on high-yield HORTITOM tomato varieties

    NIHORT trains 104 farmers on high-yield HORTITOM tomato varieties

    The National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) has trained 104 farmers in Oyo town, Oyo State, on the production and processing of its newly developed tomato varieties—HORTITOM1, HORTITOM2, and HORTITOM3.

    The improved varieties are high-yielding, nutrient-rich, resistant to fusarium wilt and root-knot nematodes, boast longer shelf life, and are suitable for all agro-ecological zones in Nigeria.

    Participants, including men, women, and youth across the tomato value chain, were taken through theoretical and practical sessions led by NIHORT scientists and technologists.

    The training covered tomato cultivation techniques, pest and disease management, value addition, production economics, record keeping, and marketing strategies.

    According to the Executive Director of NIHORT, Prof. Mohammed Lawal Attanda—represented by Dr. Iyabo Adeoye—the programme will enhance national agricultural efforts, boost tomato production and processing, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve food security and farmer incomes.

    She noted that tomato remains one of Nigeria’s most important vegetables, serving as a key cooking ingredient and raw material for products such as juice, puree, paste, ketchup, dried slices, and powder.

    She stressed that capacity building and stakeholder engagement in innovations like the new HORTITOM varieties are crucial to sustaining and expanding the tomato value chain.

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    Stakeholders, including representatives from the Justice Development and Peace Movement, Oyo East Local Government, Smallholder Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria, Willow Widows, and Farmsfield Farmers Association, commended the initiative, saying it will significantly improve tomato productivity and processing in the area.

    Participants expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and NIHORT, noting that the skills gained will boost their production and contribute to a steady tomato supply nationwide.

    Each participant received a Certificate of Participation, a training manual, and seeds of the three HORTITOM varieties.

    The initiative aligns with NIHORT’s mandate and supports the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda on food security and job creation.

  • Landscape architecture: Solution to unplanned cities, says Williams

    Landscape architecture: Solution to unplanned cities, says Williams

    •    How UNILAG keyed into it
    •      Why the field is highly sought after

    Landscape architecture is a developing field in Nigeria that focuses on integrating human development with nature to address environmental issues like flooding, erosion, and urban heat. Education in the field is growing, as the University of Lagos is set to admit its first set of students into the newly created Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design in 2026. In this engagement with ASSISTANT EDITOR EMMANUEL BADEJO, Dr. Fadera Williams, a lecturer, first home-grown landscape architect, and Vice President, Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria (SLAN), speaks on sustainable design and the place of landscape architecture in human wellbeing and the built environment.

    Can you share the story of how you became Nigeria’s first home-grown landscape architect?

    In Nigeria, the landscape architecture program started at the University of Lagos and the Ahmadu Bello University around the same time. The way I ended up being the first homegrown landscape architect was interesting. In the class of four students in the Department of Architecture, University of Lagos, by the end of the study session in the 2010/2011 session since 2008/2009 session when we were admitted, I was the only one ready to graduate among my classmates, and the then Head of the Department, Prof. Mike Adebamowo, categorically stated that I must not be held back but allowed to proceed to graduate because I represented 25 percent of the class.

    This was how I emerged as the first homegrown landscape architect at the University of Lagos and consequently in the whole of Nigeria (ABU graduated their first set later) and by extension West Africa, to my knowledge. Other landscape architects in Nigeria, before me, were trained internationally in universities in Western countries.

    What inspired you to choose landscape architecture at a time when the field was almost unknown in Nigeria?

    I was a botany graduate from the University of Ibadan, and at that time, I had developed an interest in a combination of botanical or plant science interests and a concern for the urban environment — climate change, city greening, and practical environmental solutions. In fact, I was practicing as a garden designer, and I then learned of a course known as landscape design from the internet. When I further researched it, I discovered that there was also landscape architecture, and this would help me to have a competitive advantage because I would be able to work with architectural and construction firms.

    After all, since I already had a robust knowledge of plants and garden design, this would now help me to actually be able to interpret construction drawings, offer landscape site plans, and design services.  I also saw landscape architecture as a way to connect science (plants, ecosystems) to cities and people — and to use design to reduce environmental problems like erosion and carbon emissions. However, since I discovered that the course was offered at the Department of Architecture, University of Lagos, I was overjoyed and I enrolled in it.

    Looking back, what has been the most fulfilling aspect of being the first home-grown landscape architect in Nigeria?

    For me, it has been the opportunity to inspire the ones coming after me that it is possible to be successful as a landscape architect, and also the platform for teaching and mentoring. I have served and continue to serve as an associate lecturer in the Department of Architecture, University of Lagos as well as being involved with community environmental program activities such as the EkoGreenDream Initiative as well as several tree-planting, climate ambassadors programs and several other community projects, and being able to influence policy and public awareness — for example serving as an environment ambassador and leading community greening initiatives and influencing policy where Green Skills in Lagos State Technical Colleges are concerned.

    How would you define landscape architecture in simple terms?

    Landscape architecture is the architecture of the outdoors. Just as building architecture or traditional architecture is concerned with the design of indoor spaces and the character of each space can be determined as a place once you venture into the place, so also, the landscape architect is involved in the design and planning of outdoor spaces — parks, streetscapes, gardens and urban green systems — combining ecology, planting, engineering and design to make places that are functional, beautiful, resilient and healthy for people and nature. I like to call landscape architects environmental doctors because, beyond aesthetics and beauty, which is subjective to individual intellection, landscape architecture actually solves environmental problems such as coastal erosion, gully erosion, desertification, land degradation, and so on.

    How does landscape architecture differ from traditional architecture, and why is it essential for Nigeria and West Africa?

    Traditional (building) architecture focuses on structures — the form and function of buildings. Landscape architecture focuses on the outdoor environment around and between buildings: green infrastructure, water management, public spaces, biodiversity, and microclimate.  Because landscape architecture deals with the environment, the international standard for the construction process in the built environment is actually multidisciplinary, involving the landscape architect at the beginning of the process.

    The reason is that the landscape architect knows the climatic conditions and weather patterns of the landscape on which the building construction is to be situated, like the direction of the sun, wind, and how to take advantage of nature to build in a sustainable way that will take advantage of natural light, and so on.

    In Nigeria and West Africa as a whole, this is essential because well-designed landscapes can: reduce urban flooding by managing storm water; lower urban heat through tree canopy and green cover; improve air quality and public health; and provide social and recreational spaces that strengthen communities. Integrating landscape thinking into urban planning helps address both climate and livability challenges.

    How has the field evolved globally, and what lessons can Nigeria and West Africa learn?

    Globally, landscape architecture is clearly about environmental solutions. Unfortunately, many believe that it is all about ornamental gardens. Global trends in landscape architecture reveal that it is highly instrumental in building multifunctional, climate-resilient urban systems (green infrastructure, ecosystem services, climate adaptation).

    Landscape architects today have a seat at every table where environmental discourses are held. The lessons Nigeria and West Africa can learn include the prioritization of multi-purpose green spaces (stormwater + recreation), developing local plant palettes and maintenance models, and embedding landscape thinking into planning and policy rather than treating it as an afterthought. There is a need for country-specific landscape charters and integration of landscape goals into national planning.

    In what ways can landscape architecture address Nigeria’s pressing challenges, such as urban flooding, climate change, and poor city planning?

    As per urban flooding, the use of bioswales, permeable surfaces, retention basins, and thoughtful grading reduces runoff and protects drainage systems. Concerning climate change & heat: tree canopy, green roofs, and strategic planting reduce urban heat islands and sequester carbon. Lastly, in order to improve our approach to city planning, landscape architects can bring a systems view — linking transport, public space, water, and ecosystems — to make cities more livable and resilient. It is important to note that a precautionary approach to planning is very important, and this is the specialty of landscape architecture.

    Can you give examples of projects in Nigeria where landscape architecture has made a clear difference?

    Nigeria actually has some very notable places shaped by landscape architects, though, because the profession was little known until recently, many projects were historically credited only to architects, planners, or engineers. Still, there are landmark cases where landscape architects had a strong hand, especially in tackling erosion, coastal protection, and resort/tourism design. Some of them include Bar Beach / Eko Atlantic, Lagos; Obudu Cattle Ranch & Mountain Resort, Cross River State; UNILAG Campus Landscaping, Lagos; Tinapa Resort, Calabar, Cross River State.

    What will the inauguration of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design at UNILAG translate to?

    The new department of Landscape Architecture & Urban Design (University of Lagos)

    On the 26th of August, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria, a heartfelt desire of mine and many other landscape architects in Nigeria was fulfilled– The University of Lagos (UNILAG) officially inaugurated its Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design under the newly established Faculty of Architecture, marking a historic step in advancing sustainable design education in Nigeria.

    A journey of several years has now come to fruition. Our very own department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, has been inaugurated. What this means is that we would now have undergraduate courses in landscape architecture and urban design, and we would be able to produce landscape architects with a BLa Degree.

    How do you see this department shaping the future of the profession in Nigeria?

    It will produce more locally trained professionals; foster research relevant to West African contexts (native plants, tropical storm water, maintenance models); and create a critical mass for professional bodies and regulation. Over time, it should improve standards of practice and make landscape input routine in planning and development approvals.

    What role will this department play in equipping the next generation of landscape architects for both local and international relevance?

    By combining local ecological knowledge with international best practice, the department can graduate professionals who understand West African ecosystems, cultural expectations, and infrastructure realities — while also meeting global standards for design, sustainability, and professional practice.

    How can academia and practice collaborate to make the profession more impactful?

    Collaboration ideas (and those reflected in the sector’s calls to action) include: industry placements and internships; joint research on local maintenance and funding models; practitioner-led studios tackling real projects; policy labs to draft landscape charters; and continuing professional development that links graduates to practising firms.

    What advice would you give to young students considering joining this new department?

    I would welcome every young person who loves nature or is curious about how nature can be used to solve environmental problems to join. I would advise them to embrace both science (ecology, horticulture) and design skills. Also, they should attempt to get practical experience early (site work, planting, construction) if possible, and lastly be ready to advocate — the profession still needs public education and policy uptake.

    Why is landscape architecture highly sought after today?

    I like to say that landscape architecture is a profession of the now and a profession of the future. The reason is that the environmental challenges that anthropogenic activities have caused are predicted to cause the greatest impacts in the near future. Also, because cities now need solutions that combine resilient infrastructure, human well-being, biodiversity, and climate adaptation, landscape architects work at that intersection. The profession delivers measurable ecosystem and social benefits, which make it strategically valuable for governments, developers, and communities.

    What are the prospects for young Nigerian and West African professionals entering this field?

    The prospects are encouraging: demand will grow as cities invest in climate adaptation, green infrastructure, and quality public spaces. New academic programmes (like UNILAG’s department), expanding professional societies (SLAN), and regional networks mean more opportunities in practice, consultancy, research, and policy. Success will rely on adaptable skills, local ecological knowledge, and the ability to work across disciplines.

  • Oyo stakeholders seek special welfare scheme for Amotekun operatives

    Oyo stakeholders seek special welfare scheme for Amotekun operatives

    • …as Oyo Assembly holds PLS inquiry on Amotekun law

    Stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, policymakers, and legal practitioners in Oyo State, have urged the state House of Assembly to introduce a Special Welfare Scheme for officers and operatives of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, to enhance effective and efficient service delivery.

    They made the call on Thursday during the Post Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) inquiry on the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) Law, 2020, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.

    The programme, organised in collaboration with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), focuses on reviewing existing laws through PLS inquiry to determine whether amendments or repeals are necessary to strengthen implementation.

    Representing the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, said the PLS platform provides an opportunity to introduce fresh ideas not captured in the existing legislation.

    He assured that all submissions, suggestions, and memoranda by invited stakeholders would be carefully considered in the interest of improving enforcement for the benefit of citizens and residents of the state.

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    In his presentation, the Chairman of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, AIG Sikiru Akande, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

    He highlighted the establishment of the Amotekun law and the acquisition of two surveillance aircraft to secure farmlands and forest reserves as clear demonstrations of this commitment.

    Akande noted that the improved relationship between Amotekun and the Nigerian Police Force has enhanced information sharing and intelligence gathering.

    Supporting his position, the agency’s Commandant, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd), appealed to the House of Assembly to approve a 300 per cent severance allowance for operatives who have served between eight and ten years.

    He revealed that the agency has lost 17 officers and proposed a N2.5 million benchmark as death benefits for operatives who die in active service.

    Speaking on behalf of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Aseyin of Iseyin, and Eleruwa of Eruwa, the Abese of Ogbomoso, Chief Kasali Yusuf, applauded late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Governor Seyi Makinde for championing the acceptance of Amotekun across South-West states.

    The monarchs urged the Assembly to adopt the Special Welfare Scheme, saying it would significantly motivate operatives.

    They also called on local government chairmen to provide functional offices to aid effective policing.

    They further appealed to the agency’s leadership to maintain cordial relationships with federal security agencies to enhance intelligence gathering and operational synergy.

    In her remarks, the coordinator of the PLS Unit, Mrs. Aderonke Ogundeji, commended Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin and the lawmakers for establishing the PLS Unit—describing it as the first of its kind in any legislative arm of government in Nigeria.

    She noted that with support from WFD and NILDS, the pilot PLS Unit is ready to share its expertise with other State Assemblies to strengthen law-making and legislative oversight.

    She encouraged continued collaboration with academia, research institutes, and civil society organisations to enrich the inquiry and future reviews.

  • Tinubu, Ooni, Sanwo-Olu to grace Ewi of Ado-Ekiti’s 35th coronation

    Tinubu, Ooni, Sanwo-Olu to grace Ewi of Ado-Ekiti’s 35th coronation

    President Bola Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, are among the dignitaries expected at the 35th coronation anniversary and 80th birthday celebration of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe.

    Speaking at a news conference at the Ewi’s Palace, the Global President of the Ado Progressive Union, Prince Segun Famuagun, announced that Governor Sanwo-Olu will serve as chief launcher, while Senator Ibikunle Amosun will act as co-launcher. The Ooni of Ife will attend as the Royal Father of the Day.

    Prince Famuagun said the week-long celebration will include the disbursement of N100,000 bursaries to 50 indigent students of Ekiti origin.

    He noted that the five-day programme is designed to highlight the monarch’s contributions to the growth of Ado-Ekiti and the development of Ekiti State.

    Activities lined up include homage by groups and chiefs, a football match on Wednesday, and a Thursday colloquium themed “The Impact of Royal Fathers in Ado Community.” The event will also feature scholarship presentations.

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    According to him, academics from Ekiti State University will speak on the history of Ado-Ekiti and the impact of Oba Adejugbe’s 35-year reign.

    He added that scholarship recipients were selected through a rigorous process conducted in partnership with the Ekiti State Scholarship Board. Outstanding WAEC and GCE candidates, as well as winners of the essay competition, will also be honoured on Thursday.

    The festivities will begin with a Jumat service at the central mosque, followed by a photo exhibition and a drama presentation at the palace. The drama will chronicle the monarch’s life from ascension to the throne to his development over the years.

    On Saturday, the monarch’s royal book will be launched, alongside the conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished sons, daughters, and friends of Ado-Ekiti.

    The celebration will climax on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at St. Emmanuel’s Cathedral, Okesha, followed by a grand reception at the palace.

  • TBS management set to foster tourism, uphold heritage

    TBS management set to foster tourism, uphold heritage

    The Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Management Board is set to foster tourism and uphold Nigeria’s heritage with the completion of the restoration and beautification of the Independence Memorial Obelisk in Lagos.

    During the unveiling of the restored monument, the Managing Director of TBS, Mrs Lucia Shittu, said the initiative was inspired by concerns raised by visitors over the absence of the Nigerian flag at the iconic site where the nation declared independence in 1960.

    “Tafawa Balewa Square has been a historic symbol of Nigeria’s independence and democracy, being the location where the Union Jack was lowered and the Nigerian flag was first hoisted. An obelisk adorned with carvings of the pioneer leaders proudly stands on this site. Furthermore, the square hosts the annual memorial service honouring the sacrifices of our armed forces,” she said.

    Mrs Shittu said that the restoration aligns with the Federal Government’s broader development goals.

    “Under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have prioritised the restoration of this site, aligning with Agenda 7 of the 8-point agenda to accelerate diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation,” she said.

    She added that the project was made possible through a partnership with Lafarge Africa, which contributed to the initiative as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.

    “With the successful completion of the park’s first development phase, we are looking forward to the Remembrance Arcade’s redevelopment, set for completion in the first quarter of 2026,” she said.

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    Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olajumoke Oduwole, said the Presidency remains committed to preserving national heritage as part of efforts to strengthen social cohesion.

    She said the administration’s focus on heritage restoration reflects its broader commitment to stability and unity.

    “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s long and storied history. This is symbolic because through this we are restoring what put us together as a nation,” she said.