The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • APC grassroots council begins door-to-door mobilisation in Ondo

    APC grassroots council begins door-to-door mobilisation in Ondo

    Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, under the auspices of Tinubu/Shettima Grassroots Independent Campaign Council, have begun door-to-door mobilisation of voters across the state.

    They said their target was to get over 80 per cent of votes cast for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    National Deputy Coordinator of the grassroots council Mr. Akinsehinwa Awodeyi, speaking at the inauguration of the council in Akure, said all nooks and crannies of the state must be sensitised and educated on the need to vote for Tinubu.

    Akinsehinwa described Tinubu as a rewarding institution and a human builder capable of building the nation if elected as president.

    He tasked the grassroots council members to reach out to all eligible voters for them to support Tinubu and vote for him on February 25.

    Akinsehinwa said: “The forthcoming election is a must win for the party, We are not a support group, but one given the mandate to do house-to- house campaign.

    “Support groups are to work under us. After the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), we have the Independent Campaign Council (ICC).

    “It is PCC that does rallies, but we are to do house-to-house and door-to-door campaign. We take over after PCC’s jobs.

    “We are to go into the nooks and crannies of the state and tell them that Asiwaju Tinubu is the one that can do the job. And that on February 25, we have a victory for Asiwaju, at least 80 per cent victory.

    “He has done well for Ondo State and we must reciprocate by making sure he wins this election.”

    The Director of Media Council, Dr. Abiola Oshodi, urged the grassroots campaign council to convince Nigerians that were apathetic to vote and educate them on the candidature of Tinubu.

    Represented by Abiola Obanoyen, Oshodi said the council would not rely only on the party’s strength, but access other Nigerians not partisan but with strong voting capabilities.

    He said the council would domicile and domesticate the mandate of the renewed agenda of the APC presidential candidate for Nigerians.

  • ‘Oyo council to become richest’

    ‘Oyo council to become richest’

    Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde yesterday said the next five years would bring about a huge transformation in the fortune of Akinyele Local Government.

    He said his claim would come to pass because of the landmark projects and infrastructure being put up in the area.

    The governor, who spoke while campaigning across the council, said ongoing projects such as the Inland Dry Port, African Development Bank’s Agroprocessing Zone, Oyo State Government-initiated Ilutuntun City as well as the multifarious infrastructure projects put in place by his administration would make Akinyele the richest local government in the state in the next five to 10 years.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, on behalf of Seyi Makinde 2023 Campaign Media Team, quoted the governor as noting that land would become gold in Akinyele Local Government, warning monarchs to avoid indiscriminate sale of land.

    The governor, who met with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at First Baptist Church, Alade, Moniya; the League of Imams, Akinyele Local Government, at the Central Mosque Moniya and the traditional worshippers at  Isese Temple, Moniya, urged religious leaders to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidates in National Assembly, state assembly and governorship elections.

  • Group demands rebuilding of TBS iconic gate

    Group demands rebuilding of TBS iconic gate

    •Seeks govt’s intervention

    An advocacy group, Legacy, has lamented the recent destruction of iconic gates at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos Island.

    It said the move was unlawful and urged the authorities to demand that the gates be replaced by the original design comprising horses and eagles above the gates.

    The group further demanded that the relevant authorities should protect the TBS and other historical properties in the interest of tourism for future generations.

    The historical and environmental interest group, also known as Legacy 1995, noted that the gates were essentially historical monuments and emblems of Nigeria’s independence.

    Before the demolition, the entrance structure had gigantic sculptures of four white horses hovering above the gate and seven red eagles, which are symbols from the national emblem signifying strength and dignity.

    Other monuments in the square include the Remembrance Arcade (with memorials to World War I, World War II and Nigerian civil war victims) and the 25-storey Independence Building, opened in 1961, which for a long time, was the tallest building in Nigeria.

    In a statement on Legacy 1995’s social media platforms, the group said the TBS is one of the listed sites marked for preservation under the Lagos State Listed Sites (Preservation) Law 2011.

    It said the law provides a framework for the preservation, protection and restoration of historical properties and cultural heritage sites in the state.

    It said according to this law, listed sites shall not be altered, demolished or improved upon without the consent of the governor.

  • Oluwo unveils Code of Kings

    Oluwo unveils Code of Kings

    In commemoration of his 7th year anniversary on the throne, Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, yesterday launched his book titled: Code of Kings.

    The event, held in Lagos, was attended by dignitaries, including Asiwaju Otun Olufi of Gbongan, Prof. Adebayo Williams.

    Others were the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, former national commissioner of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Lai Olurode, veteran journalist Alhaji Liadi Tella, football star Obafemi Martins, representative of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and representative of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among others.

    Oba Akanbi was enthroned as the Oluwo in 2016.

    Then 48-year-old Prince Akanbi, a contractor based in Canada from Gbaase Ruling House, was announced as the 16th Oluwo and a successor to Oba Ashiru Tadese, whose death was made public on February 18, 2012.

    The monarch, addressing reporters, called for constitutional recognition of kings to enable them perform their functions in line with the extant law.

    He expressed displeasure about the ‘relegation’ of kings and their prevention from involving in the running of affairs of government.

    He said the book, Code of Kings, set the standard for kings to represent custom and tradition, noting that “kings are the representatives of God and they should not bow for any other thing.”

    “So, I’m the custodian of tradition and culture. Religion starts from the palace. There is a lot in the Code of Kings. History, royal culture and tradition,” Oluwo added.

    The book reviewer, Dr. Adeola Faleye, congratulated the monarch for showing interest and passion to document the book, and also for developing his people.

    She said: “Code of Kings is in a class of its own. The book got me mesmerised due to array of intriguing topics. The book deserves a better and wider spread across Nigeria and the globe.

    “He employs 20 chapters to communicate his mind. He has a special message in each chapter. It speaks to each issue, uniquely. It dwells into the rich history of Iwo and current status. The book is engaging.”

  • Community seeks support for Asiwaju, Sanwo-Olu

    Community seeks support for Asiwaju, Sanwo-Olu

    Residents of Idioyin Imoke community in Ibeju Lekki Local Government of Lagos State have reiterated their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    They are also supporting the governorship candidate of the party in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is seeking re-election.

    The Community Development Association (CDA) Chairman, Mr. Adeyinka Adabayo, who addressed reporters on behalf of the community, said: “Tinubu has what it takes to take Nigeria to the Promised Land. I appeal to Nigerians to come out en masse and vote for Asiwaju Tinubu. He deserves to be the next president.

    “Governor Sanwo-Olu has done a lot in his first term in economy, security and infrastructure. He deserves re-election as he has transformed the state.”

    The Baale, Chief Saheed Adeboye, urged the state government to extend the dividends of democracy to his domain.

    He said: “We are playing our part as a community by supporting the Sanwo-Olu administration. We will continue to do so.”

    He congratulated the paramount ruler of Ibeju Kingdom, Oba Waliu Olasunkanmi, who ascended the throne of his forefathers recently.

  • ‘Why Tinubu will win in Kwara’

    ‘Why Tinubu will win in Kwara’

    The senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara Central District, Saliu Mustapha, has explained why the presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will poll the highest vote in the state during the general election.

    He described Tinubu as the best candidate in the February 25 race, saying the APC standard-bearer was not new in Kwara State.

    Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin, said:” Our people are familiar with Asiwaju’s deep relationship with the state. His personal generosity to many ‘Kwarans’ as individuals and to the state as a whole, is unprecedented.”

    He spoke about the visit of Asiwaju Tinubu, his running mate, Sen. Kashim Shettima and other party leaders for a rally in Ilorin today.

    Mustapha recalled that at a time Kwara was in need of political emancipation, Tinubu provided support.

    He said: “Whenever Ilorin Emirate in particular called, Asiwaju always answered. He has extended his hands of fellowship to communities across our state and as grateful people; we believe it is payback time.”

    The senatorial candidate said in 2019, Asiwaju Tinubu came to Ilorin with other progressives for the ‘Otoge’ campaign, adding that he supported a move to put in place a progressive government that would prioritise the welfare and needs of the people.

    He expressed joy that the product of the struggle, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, had justified the confidence reposed in him. 

    Mustapha said: “We will never forget Asiwaju’s show of love, not now and not ever. On February 25 ‘insha Allah’, we will repay Asiwaju’s large-heartedness towards our state and its people.”

    He praised the AbdulRazaq administration for turning the state into a huge construction site, referring to road projects and urban renewal programmes at Tanke, Ahmadu Bello and Yebumo Oloje.

    He said: “The achievements of the APC government in the state are not limited to road infrastructure. Borrowing a leaf from the people-centred governance of President Muhammadu Buhari, the AbdulRazaq administration has initiated and implemented a social programme that caters to the needs of the most vulnerable, particularly the aged.

    “The government, living up to its progressive ideals, has prioritised the key programmes of our party in health delivery, education, water supply, youth development, etc.

    “Therefore, combining Asiwaju’s personal goodwill in Kwara with Governor AbdulRazaq’s sterling performance; I have no doubt that this state is a win for the APC. And like in 2019, we will not only win, but will also win convincingly and with a wide margin. Kwara is for Asiwaju Tinubu and the APC.”

  • Olubadan Advisory Council summons CCII, contractor over new palace

    Olubadan Advisory Council summons CCII, contractor over new palace

    Worried by the slow pace of work at the new Ibadan Palace under construction at Oke-Aremo, Ibadan in the Oyo State capital, the Olubadan Advisory Council yesterday summoned the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes’ (CCII) and the Contractor handling the project to a meeting.

    CCII is the umbrella body of all the socio-cultural groups in the ancient metropolis. The ongoing palace structure has been under the supervision and had lasted for over a decade. Recall that the project had over the years been given different dates of completion of the first phase and its occupation by the Olubadan. But there seems no sign suggestive of the fulfillment of such promise.

    The Council made known its resolve through the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola after the inspection of the new palace project by the Council, led by Olubadan himself, Oba Lekan Balogun, at the Oke-Aremo site of the Palace.

    In a statement by the Personal Assistant on Media to the Olubadan, Oladele Ogunsola, the Council expressed dismay at the level of work done on the project which was described as ‘non-starter’ by High Chief Ajibola while giving the report.

    According to the Otun Balogun, “last December was the latest date given by the CCII as the completion date and when it would be ready for occupation by the Olubadan. The December date was not the first of such promise, mind you. This time, Olubadan decided to visit the palace to see things for himself and we joined him, but what we saw was a far cry from the promise made by the CCII through its President-General, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga.

    “We are not pleased by what we saw here today. As against the promise of moving to the palace last December which was not possible, the work is a non-starter. At least, if at all the last December date was not feasible as we had all seen, there must be signs that, well, certain things made such impossible and one can be confident that, oh, in a couple of weeks time, the job would be completed.

    “But, in this instance, that’s not the case. Infact, with what I saw there today in company of our other members of the Advisory Council, it is certain that before we can near the promise made against last year December, it would be in the next eight or 10 months’ time. So, the question to ask now is that what was the basis of the confidence upon which the CCII has been giving us unrealistic date of completion”, High Chief Ajibola queried?

    The High Chief further explained that the CCII had disclosed that the contractor handling the project was responsible for the slow pace of work. 

  • Police rescue 41 children from suspected traffickers in Kwara

    Police rescue 41 children from suspected traffickers in Kwara

    Kwara state police command said it has rescued 41 children from suspected child traffickers in Ilorin.

    The rescued children are 22 boys and 19 girls, the police added.

    The command added that the victims were rescued around Okoolowo area of Ilorin West local government. Spokesperson of the command Ajayi Okasanmi said “a detachment of policemen on special security assignment intercepted the trio of Musa Ayuba (44), Jeremiah Muda (35) and Luka Ayuba (37) all of Bangi village via Kotongura, Niger state with the victims.

    Okasanmi said the victims ages range between five and fifteen years. He added that the suspected traffickers and victims were waiting for a lorry that was to convey them to their destination in Ilorin. “The suspects, while undergoing interrogation, claimed to be coming from Niger state to Ilorin to meet a certain pastor to enroll the children in a yet-to-be-determined school. The claim that looked spurious would be discreetly investigated, as it is highly suspected to be a case of child trafficking.

    “The children are presently in the custody of the police command, while efforts to contact the state ministry of women’s affairs. Investigation and contact with the children’s parents and guardians are ongoing.

    “The command wishes to advise parents and guidance to avoid releasing their children to unknown or deceitful child traffickers, as the children might be used as house helps and other despicable endeavours, which is against the child rights laws. The suspects arrested in this case would be charged to court after a thorough investigation,” he said.

  • Fire guts 25 shops in Ibadan spare parts market

    Fire guts 25 shops in Ibadan spare parts market

    No fewer than 25 shops were gutted by fire at Araromi Spare parts market, Agodi Gate, Ibadan in the early hours of yesterday.

    The General Manager Oyo State Fire Service, Rev. Canon Yemi Akinyinka confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.

    Akinyinka said the service got a call about the incident around 2.30 a.m. through one Mr Soliu and immediately deployed personnel to the place to quench the fire.”The incident was caused by a careless burning of refuse, they refuse to put off the burning refuse before leaving the shop and it escalated. The impression they gave us initially was that around 45 shops were affected but when we got there we discovered that 25 shops were affected by the fire incident,” Akinyinka said.

    He further said that his men were able to extinguish the fire around 5.00 a.m. yesterday and no life was lost in the incident.

  • Obi promises to restore power to Ondo South

    Obi promises to restore power to Ondo South

    Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has assured people of Ondo State that he would restore electricity to Ondo South senatorial district if elected president of Nigeria in next month’s general elections.

    Ondo South has been without electricity for over 10 years.

    Obi who spoke at the Labour Party presidential rally in Akure, the Ondo State capital, said production could only take place when there is power. The LP presidential candidate challenged supporters at the rally to each convince 100 persons to vote for the party.

    He was, however, silent on the only party’s candidate in the state contesting for Ondo North senate seat, Mr. Ayodele Olorunfemi. Obi told Ondo electorates that his mission was to solve hunger, create jobs and secure the country.

    According to him, “Ondo South has not seen electricity for 10 years. That will stop. There will be power in Ondo South. They told you I am stingy. Yes, I am stingy. We want stingy people so that they can keep the money. We will use your money well. Do not vote because of tribe. No tribe buys bread cheaper.