The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Kwara begins disbursement of N40,000 each to 32,420 female pupils

    Kwara begins disbursement of N40,000 each to 32,420 female pupils

    Kwara State Government has begun disbursement of N40,000 conditional cash transfer to no fewer than 32,420 female pupils of public secondary schools.

    At least 898 public secondary schools are also to be equipped with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities to strengthen access to safe water and improve public hygiene.

    The initiative is being implemented under the State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.

    Speaking at the start of the disbursement, the governor’s wife, Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq, described Kwara AGILE project as a deliberate step towards ensuring adolescent girls were given a fair chance in life to have secondary education and be empowered.

    Mrs AbdulRazaq, who joined the session virtually, said by empowering girls with life skills and digital literacy skills, they were being prepared not only for academic success, but also for meaningful participation in the modern workforce upon attainment of adulthood.

    “The project prioritises life skill education for girls, equipping them with confidence, communication skills, critical thinking and  practical knowledge needed to navigate school, relationships and future careers,” she said at the symbolic presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries.

    “In today’s rapidly evolving world, digital literacy skills have also become essential, and our schools are being strengthened to provide girls with access to the tools and training required to thrive in a technology-driven economy.”

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    She hailed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his commitment to human capital development, gender equity and uplift of the female folk.

    She pledged continuous support of her office and her non-governmental organisation (NGO), Ajike People Support Centre, to the state government in driving enrolment of school age children, particularly the female.

    “Just recently, we distributed school sandals to secondary school students across the state to ease the burden on parents.

    “We have at different times also presented school items ranging from school bags to stationery and writing materials,” Mrs AbdulRazaq said.

    At the event were top government officials, educationists, students and parents.

    Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, said the grant for adolescent girls would stimulate their interest to enrol in schools, thus curbing the dropout syndrome.

    “The AGILE Project represents yet another strategic and compassionate intervention of this administration. It is designed to remove the barriers that hinder the educational progression of our adolescent girls, especially at crucial transition stages,” he said.

    “The conditional cash transfer being launched today is not just a financial support, it is also a statement of faith in the dream of every girl and an invitation to remain in school, stay focused and rise above economic limitations.”

    The commissioner said the grant was not a one-off benefit, as students, who attended classes regularly and performed excellently would get an addition of N10,000 per academic term.

    He urged the affected parents and guardians to use the fund judiciously, to serve its original purpose.

  • Oyebanji: Ekiti remains safe

    Oyebanji: Ekiti remains safe

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has assured residents that the state remains safe, peaceful and secure.

    He said his administration had taken steps to strengthen intelligence gathering, tighten surveillance across boundaries and communities and ensure criminals found no space to operate anywhere in the state.

    Governor Oyebanji spoke yesterday in Ikogosi-Ekiti after meeting heads of security agencies.

    He said his government would not relent in scaling up security architecture in and around the state, adding that the meeting was part of his administration’s efforts to keep the state secure.

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    Noting that the safety and well-being of residents were paramount to him, Oyebanji said he had to cut short his leave to meet the security chiefs because of the current development in parts of the country.

    He said efforts were being put in place to ensure Ekiti did not serve as a refuge for criminals.

    Hailing security agencies for their unity, professionalism and commitment to safeguarding the state, the governor appealed to residents to support them with credible intelligence, stressing that community participation remained vital to the success of security operations.

    He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for leaving no stone unturned in a bid to secure the country.

    “Well, we are elected to serve the people. Though I’m on leave, with what is happening around boundaries and neighbouring states, there is need for me to cut short the leave, come back home and meet with our security chiefs. We just had a meeting where they briefed me on what they are doing, and I’m so grateful to them for being professional and for securing the State. So, I’m comfortable and I’m at peace with what they have told us.’’

  • Cleric celebrates Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, extols virtues

    Cleric celebrates Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, extols virtues

    Popular cleric, Prophet Sam Alo, has extolled the virtues of the traditional ruler of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, Aladesanmi 111.

    Alo, the planter of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Adamimogo, Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain Worldwide, felicitated the Ewi of Ado on the anniversary of his 80th birthday, as well as his 35th anniversary on the throne of his forefathers.

    He prayed that his reign, which he described as progressive and peaceful, would continue to witness more progress, development and growth for the people of Ekiti State.

    The Ewi of Ado turns 80 this month amid encomiums from well-wishers, Ekiti indigenes at home and abroad. The monarch is also celebrating 35 fruitful years on the throne.

    Prophet Alo said in his statement signed by his personal assistant, Deji Ogunbusuyi, at Jesus City Camp, Lekki/Epe Expressway Lagos: “I heartily congratulate his royal majesty, the Ewi of Ado. A great leader of his people, intelligent, cerebral, loving, having a large heart and a great wisdom to rule Ado-Ekiti and its surrounding communities in such a progressive, development-oriented and fruitful way in 35 years and still counting.

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    ‘’Oba Adejugbe epitomises success in all ways. It is during his tenure that Ekiti has been witnessing tremendous growth and development. Ewi’s tenure was first blessed with a great gift of Ekiti becoming a state, gaining independence for meaningful and rapid growth and development to be ushered in. Oba Adejugbe’s tenure has also witnessed tremendous cultural promotion and preservation.

    The Ewi of Ado has brought great fortunes to Ekiti State during his 35 years on the throne of his forefathers.

    ‘’I also heartily congratulate Ewi’s wife, Eyesorun Bosede Adejugbe, on these two great celebrations, 80th birthday and 35 fruitful years on the throne. She has been like the rock of Gibraltar standing behind the Kabiyesi all these years. I equally congratulate the Ewi-in-Council members,  who are eminent and respected chiefs assisting the great Ewi of Ado to give sound and functional direction to the affairs of the great city of Ado-Ekiti. May Oba Adejugbe’s reign continue to be progressive, peaceful and fruitful in Jesus name, amen.”

    The cleric hinted on his plan to provide succour to his local government, ldo-Osi,  to boost security operations in the area.

  • Daniel remains suspended, says Ward 4 Sagamu Council APC

    Daniel remains suspended, says Ward 4 Sagamu Council APC

    As the furore over purported suspension of the lawmaker representing Ogun East in the Senate, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, rages, the Executive Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 4, Sagamu Local Government, has reaffirmed its decision on the matter, declaring that Senator Daniel remains suspended from the party.

    This came on the heels of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC coming out to reaffirm that the former governor of Ogun State still remains a member of the party, directing Ogun State chapter to stop correspondence on the purported suspension ‘’until this highest national organ of APC investigates and deliberates on it.’’

    However, addressing reporters yesterday at the ward secretariat in Sabo, Sagamu, the Secretary of Ward 4, Oluwole Aduroja, said the suspension of Otunba Daniel followed due process after he refused to honour invitations to defend himself against allegations of anti-party activities.

    Aduroja, who spoke on behalf of the 19-member Executive Committee, in company with the Ward Chairman, Adebayo Ismail, said the clarification became necessary in view of the statement issued by MJS Partners, a law firm of Daniel’s counsel, Prof. Yemi Oke, SAN, regarding the November 17 letter from the national secretariat of the APC.

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    Aduroja said the Ward Executive Committee unanimously resolved to suspend the senator after repeatedly failing to appear before an investigative panel set up to examine petitions accusing him of activities considered antithetical to the health of the party.

    The ward secretary traced the alleged misconduct of Senator Daniel to the last general election, saying he “acted in open defiance of the party and engaged in actions inimical to the interest of the APC and its candidates in Ogun State.”

    “Beyond the elections, he further attempted to obstruct and frustrate the course of justice during the Election Petition Tribunal sittings through actions and interventions that were directly hostile to the interest of the APC and its candidates. These and many more remain the unchallenged anti-party activities of the suspended senator,” Aduroja said.

    On the position of the National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Bashiru, as contained in the November 17 letter, he maintained that the APC Constitution empowered the relevant Executive Committee, whether at the ward, local government, state, zonal or national level to initiate disciplinary proceedings against any erring member.

    He said Article 21(5)(vii) of the party constitution, while granting the National Working Committee (NWC) the power to suspend members, did not nullify the disciplinary authority of the executive committees at other levels, nor did it subject their decisions to NWC review.

    “On the contrary, any disciplinary action taken by an Executive Council, including suspension, is subject only to appeal as outlined in Article 21(4). For the purpose of emphasis, no provision of Article 21(4) subjects the decision to suspend the senator to the oversight of the National Working Committee,” he explained.

    Aduroja reaffirmed the commitment of Ward 4’s Executive Committee to upholding discipline, fairness and due process within the party, insisting that “the suspension of Senator Daniel remains in full effect.”

  • COAS to troops: Uphold discipline, professionalism

    COAS to troops: Uphold discipline, professionalism

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged troops of Operation FASAN YANMA to maintain discipline, motivation and professionalism as they tackle escalating security threats across the Northwest.

    Shaibu gave the charge yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the theatre, where he met frontline personnel, received briefings and interacted with soldiers at their duty locations.

    Reaffirming discipline as the backbone of military effectiveness, the Army Chief reminded troops that their conduct and commitment were crucial to stabilising communities and improving national security outcomes.

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    “I implore you to do your job properly. I am leaving here charging you to remain a disciplined and more professional force, so that we can tackle the myriad of challenges we have in our country,” he said.

    He noted that personnel deployed nationwide faced similar pressures and responsibilities, urging those in the FASAN YANMA theatre to carry their share of the national task with focus and determination.

  • 100 days: Lagos council chair empowers residents

    100 days: Lagos council chair empowers residents

    • Inaugurates four roads, others

    Chairman, Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area, Lagos, Prince Idris Balogun, has marked his first 100 days in office with a series of empowerment programmes for residents of the council.

    The event, attended by thousands in colourful aso-ebi, had many residents going home with work tools and starter packs such as sewing machines, hair dryers, tablets, makeup kit boxes, welding items etc.

    The chairman also seized the opportunity to announce an ongoing cash transfer of N100,000 each to 500 residents, as empowerment to enable them invest in their choice petty business.

    Reflecting on his first one 100 days in office, Balogun said: “It is not about occupying an office, but about uplifting the people.”

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    He classified his areas of achievement into Education, Infrastructure and Environment, Governance and Public Service Delivery and Social welfare and Community Support.

    In Education, he said his administration has distributed 3,00GCE forms to pupils, with an additional pledge of tutorial classes to enhance their performance; he also announced the distribution of exercise books, school uniforms and school bags among others.

    In the area of Infrastructure, he announced the completion of PHIDEL College Street road, Prince Tunde Balogun/Abeokuta Street, Market/Jemi Alade Street and Olisa Street, as inaugurated roads, while Omoboriowo Street is ongoing.

  • Ibadan APC members insist on reinstating elected chairman, oppose tenure extension

    Ibadan APC members insist on reinstating elected chairman, oppose tenure extension

    Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North West Local Government Area of Oyo State have opposed the continued tenure of the party’s acting chairman, Olusola Tokunbo Adekanbi, insisting he must step aside for the duly elected chairman, Alhaji Jelili Asukuna.

    The demand was made on Thursday during an emergency meeting held at Ebenezer African Church Primary School, Omitowoju, where hundreds of party members gathered to address what they described as lingering issues within the local chapter.

    A party chieftain, Adekunle Abass Akande, who moved the motion, said the decision was necessary to restore order and ensure that only the recognised executives steer the party’s affairs.

    “We are here to find solutions to the problems affecting us. Those currently ruling are not the authentic executives. We want the recognised chairman and other elected officers to take their rightful positions,” he said.

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    “We resolve that the acting chairman should step aside. We elected the authentic executives, and they are the ones recognised at the national level. There is no crisis here.”

    Also speaking, former leader of the Ibadan North West legislative arm, Hon. Remi Ajanaku, said the move was aimed at bringing sanity back to the party.

    “Our resolution is that the acting chairman should step aside for the authentic chairman to take over. This decision is to correct the illegalities we have observed and restore order in the party,” he stated.

  • Ogun APC ward exco dares NWC, says Daniel remains suspended 

    Ogun APC ward exco dares NWC, says Daniel remains suspended 

    The Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ward 4 in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, has insisted that Senator Gbenga Daniel remains suspended from the party, despite the National Working Committee (NWC) declaring that the former Ogun State Governor is still a bona fide member.

    This reaffirmation came amid controversy surrounding Daniel’s purported suspension, with the NWC directing the Ogun State APC chapter to cease further correspondence on the matter pending a thorough investigation by the party’s national leadership.

    Addressing journalists at the Ward Secretariat in Sabo, Sagamu, Ward Secretary Hon. Oluwole Aduroja said the decision to suspend Daniel followed due process after he repeatedly failed to honour invitations to defend himself against allegations of anti-party activities.

    Speaking on behalf of the 19-member executive committee — including the Ward Chairman, Hon. Adebayo Ismail — Aduroja said their clarification was necessary in response to a statement issued by MJS Partners, the law firm representing Senator Daniel, following the November 17 letter from the APC National Secretariat.

    He explained that the ward executives unanimously agreed to suspend Daniel after he refused to appear before an investigative panel probing petitions accusing him of conduct deemed detrimental to the party.

    Aduroja traced the senator’s alleged misconduct to the last general elections, claiming that Daniel worked against the interest of the APC and its candidates in Ogun State.

    “Beyond the elections, he further attempted to obstruct and frustrate the course of justice during the Election Petition Tribunal sittings through actions and interventions that were directly hostile to the interest of the APC and its candidates. These and many more remain the unchallenged anti-party activities of the suspended senator,” he said.

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    Responding to the position of APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Bashiru, as contained in the November 17 letter, Aduroja argued that the party’s constitution empowers executive committees at all levels — ward, local government, state, zonal or national — to initiate disciplinary action against erring members.

    He added that although Article 21(5)(vii) gives the NWC authority to suspend members, it does not invalidate the disciplinary powers of other executive bodies, nor does it place their decisions under NWC review.

    “On the contrary, any disciplinary action taken by an Executive Council, including suspension, is subject only to appeal as outlined in Article 21(4). For emphasis, no provision of Article 21(4) subjects the decision to suspend the senator to the oversight of the National Working Committee,” he stated.

    Aduroja reaffirmed Ward 4’s commitment to upholding discipline, fairness and due process within the APC, insisting that “the suspension of Senator Gbenga Daniel remains in full effect.”

  • Oladele visits Alaafin, receives two Oyo leadership awards

    Oladele visits Alaafin, receives two Oyo leadership awards

    The Baàmèkó of Ibadanland and Oyo APC guber aspirant, Oloye Saheed Oladele, paid a private visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade in his palace recently.

    Oloye Oladele visited the Alaafin to seek his blessings over his guber ambition. As a foremost king in Yorubaland, Oloye Oladele deemed it apt to inform the Iku Baba Yeye of his governorship aspiration and to seek his blessings as a royal father.

    In his welcome speech, Alaafin Owoade thanked Baàmèkó for the visit and he welcomed him and his entourage to his palace. 

    Alaafin Owoade encouraged Oloye Oladele to continue making efforts towards realising his governorship ambition. 

    Kabiyesi further narrated how he emerged as Alaafin and he concluded that it was because God wanted him on the throne.

    While thanking the Alaafin for the audience and hospitality extended to him and his entourage, Baàmèkó Oladele lauded the monarch for his staunch commitment to youth development, and he assured Oba Owoade that he would always seek his fatherly and wise counsel in his gubernatorial journey. 

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    Meanwhile, Oloye Saheed Oladele was honoured with two important awards during his visit to Oyo. He was conferred with the Registry Transformational Leadership Award by the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, in recognition of his contribution to education and leadership development. 

    Also, the Itesiwaju Oyo Professional Forum gave its Distinguished Leadership Award to Oloye Oladele to appreciate his great contributions and other excellent achievements in Oyo State. The awards were presented to him at the Alaafin’s Palace. 

    The two awards came barely two weeks after Baàmèkó Oladele received the Nidoe France Global Cultural Bridge award and the Nigeria Change Makers award. 

    In his reactions, Baàmèkó thanked the organisations for the massive love they expressed to him through the awards. He stated further that the awards meant a lot to him as he reiterated his commitment towards providing more selfless service to the people of Oyo State.

  • Firm donates phones, directories to 66 Oyo PHCs to boost healthcare delivery

    Firm donates phones, directories to 66 Oyo PHCs to boost healthcare delivery

    A health firm, First Health Dynamic Synergy International Limited, has equipped 66 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Oyo State with telephones and directories to enhance communication and strengthen healthcare delivery.

    The company also pledged continued collaboration with the Oyo State Government to further upgrade primary healthcare services across the state.

    Speaking in Ibadan during the presentation of the gadgets, the firm’s CEO, Prof. Temitope Alonge, said the telephones would enable PHCs to communicate more efficiently with one another and make up to three or four calls simultaneously.

    “PHCs are the closest health facilities to the people, and it is essential for communities to have access to quality healthcare services, which is a primary priority,” he said.

    Alonge added that improved communication among PHCs would also enhance disease surveillance, noting that timely reports from affected local government areas would enable faster response from relevant authorities.

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    “We hope that during this period of dry season, when the risk of Lassa fever is going to be on the increase, we hope that they can utilize this quickly to make reportage, to avoid the disaster that we had a couple of years ago.

    “After the assessment of the primary health care centres in 2003, it was apparent that there were a lot of issues, but we were able to resolve them through a meeting that evaluated or looked at the reports that were provided.

    “And this decoder’s meeting gave back to the current upgrade. I did suggest that we needed to have a set of criteria for the upgrade, and the set of criteria was pretty straightforward; the governor did not see anything wrong with them.

    “One, the PHCs that serve the largest number of people in each local government were selected. Number two, preferably, they should be category three. And then number three, they were supposed to have an uninterrupted power supply or a constant supply of water.

    “Based on that, we selected 66 PHCs, two in each of the 33 local governments that were listed. The upgrade was in three stages. Number one, they had the installation of a 10kV solar inverter system, which was to give them an uninterrupted power supply.

    “And I’m glad today that it is operational in all of the 66 PHCs. Number two, we provided them with a red brick incinerator to manage their wastes, because medical wastes themselves are pretty dangerous both to the staff and to the clients. And so today, all the 66 PHCs have a red brick incinerator, which I believe will last up to 50 years, if not more.

    “And then thirdly, they were all provided with computer tablets, some of them two, some of them three. And the essence of this is for them to have a real-time collection of data and also a complete medical record. And so all of that being in place, Foster Dynamics Energy International Limited decided to add value to what the government had done by providing what we call a mHealth solution, which is mobile health.”

    In her remarks, the Commissioner for Health in the State, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said initiative and innovation deserve commendation.

    She stated that Governor Makinde has always provided an enabling environment for good health to thrive across the State, adding that the initiative would go a long way in helping the health system in the state at the PHC level.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Akindeyi Bolanle from Ofa-Igbo PHC, in Lagelu local government, said the gadget would go a long way in helping the health sector, particularly PHCs in the state.

    “Giving a communication gadget would enable us to communicate with ourselves in case of any emergency. It will enable our facilities to be of a high standard, and an easy means of communication from one PHC to the others.”

    She, however, thanked Governor Seyi Makinde, the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Alonge for the initiative.