The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Agric key to Osun’s growth -Babayemi

    Agric key to Osun’s growth -Babayemi

    One of the leading All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirants in Osun State, Omooba Dotun Babayemi has said that massive agricultural programmes with good road networks across the state will transform the state’s economy.

    Babayemi regretted that the bad roads across the state, especially in the rural areas, over 70 per cent of farm produce are being trapped and destroyed yearly in the state.

    Babayemi decried this during the continuation of his statewide ward-to-ward visit to four local governments including Irewole,Ife North, Oriade and Ilesa East local governments.

    The governorship aspirant has visited 262 wards out of the 332 with 70 remaining.

    He assured that an APC administration in the state would focus more on the rural areas without neglecting the urban centers, adding that rural roads would be given due attention so as to allow for abundance of food for the people.

    Read Also: Agriculture as tool for economic recovery

    “The population of rural dwellers in Osun is about 65 to 70 percent, yet all the focus has been on the urban centres.

    “But let me be clear, it’s only agriculture that can save the economy of Osun State, and without good road networks, that dream is impossible,” the aspirant maintained.

    At the ten wards visited, Babayemi stressed that the state was in a better stead in the Southwest, noting that if properly handled, it could become the hub for other states in the region.

    “What could save us in this state is to create economic space and opportunities. We are well situated in the Southwest; there is no state Osun does not share a border with–Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, and Kwara. We are right in the middle. We ought to be the engine room of the Southwest economy,” he added.

    Babayemi added that this could be achieved through agriculture where good roads exist, pointing out that it could create job opportunities for many.

    “Where there’s a good road network, most farm produce won’t get spoiled. Over 70 percent of what farmers harvest in rural areas perishes because they can’t transport them to the market. If we can move these goods easily from the farms to the cities, the economy will improve greatly. But when roads are bad, everything rots away in the villages,” the Gbongan-born Prince lamented.

    Speaking separately in Ikire, Ipetumodu 1 and 2,Yakoyo and Moro in Ife North; Ipetu Ijesa 1 and 2,Okesa,Iloro,isare,Bolorunduro and Irojo in Ilesa East, the people commended Babayemi for coming to them and pleaded that he should remember their areas for development if given the opportunity to lead the state.

    They expressed their readiness to ensure the emergence of the APC in the state in 2026 as well the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

  • Another 100 Oworonshoki residents receive compensation

    Another 100 Oworonshoki residents receive compensation

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and the welfare of residents affected by the ongoing demolition of environmentally unsafe buildings across the state.

    He assured that all displaced persons would be resettled and adequately compensated.

    The assurance was delivered on behalf of the governor by the General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Oladimeji Animashaun.

    It was during the second phase of compensation to affected residents of the Oworonshoki community.

    According to Animashaun, the government remains committed to its promise of ensuring that no resident is denied the right to own property in Lagos, even as it continues removing structures that pose environmental threats.

    “The very first time we compensated people, 79 affected persons collected their cheques.

    Read Also: LASG begins second round enumeration for Oworonshoki regeneration

    “Today (yesterday), another 100 people are receiving theirs.

    “Governor Sanwo-Olu promised that those affected would be compensated. That is a promise made, promise fulfilled,” he said.

    Animashaun said many more would be compensated over several batches.

    Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the state government.

    The beneficiaries received compensation ranging from N1million to N5million depending on the nature and value of their demolished properties.

    One of the beneficiaries , Nwaoha Rosemary, who received N1 million, described the support as a welcome relief.

    Another beneficiary, Patrick Arinze, who got N3 million, said: “They have done the right thing at the right time.

    “People complained, but what the government has done supersedes our concerns.

    “If we had not received anything, what would we have done?”

  • My son’s wedding happiest day of my life – Yusuf Alli

    My son’s wedding happiest day of my life – Yusuf Alli

    • The Nation’s Managing Editor expresses joy over nuptials

    The Managing Editor, Northern Operations of The Nation newspaper, Alhaji Yusuf Alli, on Friday described the wedding of his son, Mubarak Yusuf, as the happiest day of his life.

    Alli spoke shortly after the Islamic wedding prayers at the Al-Noor Mosque in Abuja, where family, friends and colleagues gathered for the Wedding Fathia.

    Visibly emotional, Alhaji Alli said the ceremony brought back fond memories of his own wedding day, noting that watching his son begin a new chapter in life filled him with gratitude.

    “Today is my happiest day because I remember the day I married, and it’s replicating what I experienced. Alhamdulillah,” he said.

    He prayed for Allah to bless the union, strengthen the couple’s faith and grant them a peaceful and fruitful home.

    “I pray to Allah to strengthen his Imaan, because it’s not easy to have a woman at home, and when you have a strong Imaan, you’ll be able to manage the wife very well. I pray that this marriage will be blessed.

    “They will have children because children are fruits of marriage, and the love will be strengthened. They will have long life and prosperity to enjoy each other,” he added.

    Read Also: Omoni Oboli thanks fans over success of ‘Love in Every Word: The Wedding’ film

    The veteran journalist also congratulated his wife for her role in raising the groom, noting that his career kept him constantly on the move.

    “I congratulate him. I congratulate the mother, who was mostly at home most of the time. As a journalist, I was always on the move, and I’m still on the move. So may the Lord bless the union”, Alli prayed.

    Speaking with equal emotion, the groom, Mubarak, paid glowing tribute to his father, whom he described as his greatest mentor.

    “He’s someone that I look up to; he basically taught me everything I know. I promise him that I will not disappoint him,” he said.

    Mubarak added that he hopes to build a home as strong as the one he grew up in.

    “I look forward to replicating what he has had with my mom and even do better. Insha Allah,” he said.

  • SWDC MD: how Nigeria can transform through business, policy collaboration

    SWDC MD: how Nigeria can transform through business, policy collaboration

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of South West Development Commission (SWDC) Dr Charles Akinola has called for deliberate collaboration between business thinkers and policy shapers to foster Nigeria’s transformation. 

    Akinola made the call in his keynote address at the maiden annual lecture of the Alumni Association of University of Ibadan School of Business. The lecture was themed ‘The Power of Collaboration: Alumni as a Catalyst for Business Growth and Societal Transformation, and Building Legacies.’

    Other speakers include the immediate past Managing Director of First Bank PLC Dr Adesola Adeduntan; Dr Adebola Akindele and Mr Godwin Odah. 

    Akinola, who harped on the need for a  deliberate collaboration  between business leaders and policy makers, said “Business provides energy, innovation, and risk appetite; policy provides stability, scale, and systems.

    “Imagine a partnership where alumni of business schools and alumni of policy schools work hand-in-hand, one designing sustainable business models, the other shaping regulatory frameworks that allow those models to flourish.

    “That synergy is how Singapore built its competitiveness, how Rwanda re-imagined governance, and how the Nordic nations transformed welfare into wealth.

    “We must reproduce that model here in Nigeria through intentional partnerships between our business thinkers and our policy shapers. The alumni network is the perfect incubator for such collaboration.”

    Highlighting the strategic link among network, knowledge and talent to the transformation of the society, the SWDC boss posited: “Knowledge gives us depth — it is the light that guides decision and innovation. Network gives us reach — it extends our influence beyond geography and sector. Talent gives us force — it converts insight into execution.

    “When these three combine, collaboration becomes catalytic. It turns a classroom relationship into a lifelong partnership and an alumni body into an economic powerhouse.”

    He reinforced his position with the example of how the SWDC is institutionalizing collaboration to achieve true legacies in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda  

    He said: “At the South West Development Commission, we are turning collaboration into policy and practice.

    “Our One Economic Bloc Strategy seeks to integrate the economies of the six South West states into a single competitive region, creating a seamless regional market for goods, skills, and investment.

    “We are building partnerships with universities to establish innovation hubs, working with the private sector on industrial corridors, and engaging the diaspora to bring home both capital and competence.None of this can succeed in isolation. It takes the combined effort of public institutions, private investors, academia, and civil society.

    “This is what I mean by collaborative federalism development through partnership, not competition. It is collaboration at scale: government, business, academia, and communities co-creating a better future. The alumni community can mirror this approach an ecosystem rather than an association…

    “The sub-theme “Building Legacies” reminds us that legacy is not what we leave behind, but what we set in motion. We build legacies when we design systems that outlive us.

    “As Chinua Achebe said, “The story is our escort; without it, we are blind.” Let our story be one of service, integrity, and innovation of men and women who used knowledge, network, and talent to change society.

    “Whether in business, governance, or academia, let us institutionalize our values. Let our companies become models of sustained ethical excellence.Let our networks become platforms for inclusion. Let our leadership inspire trust across generations.”

    Earlier, Dr Adeduntan pointed out that the era of individual efforts was over, stressing that the dynamics are now in favour of collaboration whether in business, academia or governance. 

    His words: “Globally, growth is no longer about individuals but by networks of people and groups. The world economy has become extremely inter-dependent and connected through collaboration. The era of independent efforts driving growth is over – in business, governance and academia…

    “Alumni networks could serve as strategic reservoir of expertise, relationships and influence. They pull relationships and influence together.”

    He also said that alumni associations weee already shifting from social events to economic activities that drive innovation, entrepreneurship and prosperity. 

    “Inclusivity enhances creativity. We need to rethink the focus of the alumni groups to create values for members. That value orientation is very important for us.” He said. 

    While welcoming participants, the president of the association Prof. Olugbenga Mokunolu, 

    said the association was determined to support the university, adding that it will continue to support the UI School of Business, mentor future leaders and current colleagues to help them navigate professional landscape successfully.

  • Wike to Fayose @65: you are a valuable brother and friend

    Wike to Fayose @65: you are a valuable brother and friend

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has congratulated the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on his 65th birthday, describing him as “a valuable friend and brother, who will never pretend about where he stands on issues.”

    In his letter of congratulation to the former governor, Wike said Fayose remained a reference point in politics and governance in Nigeria.

    According to a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and new media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister wrote, “From the deepest part of my heart, I congratulate you on the occasion of your 65th Birthday, coming up on November 15th, 2025.

    READ ALSO: NIIA, Korean Embassy seek deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria, Korea

    “That you have attained this age is no doubt a confirmation of the grace the Almighty God has bestowed on you, and a challenge for more service to our country, Nigeria.

    “No doubt, at 65, you have remained a reference point in politics and governance in Nigeria.

    “You are such a valuable friend and brother, who will never pretend about where he stands on issues.

    “Ayodele my younger brother, may you reach the age of your elder brother in good health, and may God continue to make your days on earth fruitful, with immeasurable blessings.

    “To a dependable ally, whose yes is yes, and no is no, happy Birthday”.

  • Reps urge completion of Armed Forces physical, health school in Osun

    Reps urge completion of Armed Forces physical, health school in Osun

    The House of Representatives on Thursday called for the immediate completion of the long-abandoned Armed Forces Nigeria Physical and Health School and Games Village in Esa-Oke, Osun State, conceived by the federal government through the Ministry of Defence to enhance the fitness and combat readiness of Nigerian troops.

    This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Oluwole Oke, Obokun/ Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State during Plenary.

    While moving the motion, Hon Oke lamented that despite budgetary allocations since 2008, the project had remained largely abandoned, denying the Armed Forces and surrounding communities the benefits intended from the initiative.

    The lawmaker noted that the institution, modelled after the United States Army Physical Training School in South Carolina, was designed to provide state-of-the-art training facilities to improve the physical and mental preparedness of military personnel.

    He added that its establishment was also expected to create employment, promote security, and engage the youth population in Esa-Oke and surrounding communities in Osun and Ekiti states.

    Hon Oke expressed concern that the stalled project has now degenerated into a hideout for criminals, posing a serious security threat to residents of the host communities.

    READ ALSO: NIIA, Korean Embassy seek deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria, Korea

    He warned that the failure to complete the facility was detrimental to the physical conditioning of Nigerian troops and undermined the nation’s security architecture.

    According to him, “the poor and derelict state of the school has turned it into an abode for criminals, inflicting pain and losses on the good people of Osun and Ekiti States. Urgent intervention is required to complete the project, as further delay will worsen the situation.”

    While adopting the motion, the House urged the Chief of Defence Staff to immediately deploy personnel to secure the project site and begin preliminary activities. It also called on the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Finance to release funds provided for the project in the current budget.

    Furthermore, the lawmakers mandated the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the National Planning Commission to make adequate provisions for the project in the 2026 budget estimates.

    The House also directed its Committees on Defence and Legislative Compliance to investigate why previous budgetary allocations for the project were not implemented and to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

  • Tinubu’s economic reforms yielding results, says group

    Tinubu’s economic reforms yielding results, says group

    …says 50kg bag of rice will soon be N20,000

    The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) has declared that the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu are beginning to produce positive outcomes across key sectors of the nation’s economy.

    The Coordinator of the Women Wing of the group, Mrs. Yetunde Adeyanju, stated this on Friday at a mobilisation programme held in Ondo to rally support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Adeyanju said recent indicators in agriculture, manufacturing, and foreign exchange management show that the policy direction of the Tinubu administration is gradually stabilising the system and restoring investor confidence.

    She noted that although Nigerians have endured significant hardship since the implementation of the reforms – particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate – long-term benefits are beginning to emerge.

    Adeyanju, a former Commissioner for Water Resources in the state, said ongoing economic reforms, agricultural interventions, and support for local farmers would strengthen the food supply chain and make essential commodities more affordable.

    READ ALSO: NIIA, Korean Embassy seek deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria, Korea

    She also expressed optimism that the price of a 50kg bag of rice could soon drop to about N20,000, saying the government’s efforts were already influencing market trends.

    According to her, the mandate of the group is to deliver massive votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 election across all 18 local government areas of Ondo state.

    “The achievements of our President (Tinubu) so far will give him the second chance to govern us again in this country, and the mandate given to us by the leader of our group, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is to ensure that every woman in Ondo State votes for Bola Tinubu in 2027 in the APC.

    “So, very soon, Nigerians will start buying rice at the rate of 20,000 naira per bag, because we have seen what the President has done in the last two years economically. I am a trader too, and I know the trend of the market in Nigeria, and we started seeing the results.

    “Two years ago, we were buying rice for as much as between N180,000 and N200,000, but I can assure you with the market trends now that, within the next two years, we will be buying rice for less than N20,000, and I’m convinced about it,” She said.

    Adeyanju added that the group is intensifying efforts to secure widespread support for the President across the South-West, stressing that their directive from the Minister of Interior is to mobilize women and sensitise them on the importance of re-electing Tinubu in 2027.

    Also speaking, the Director-General of AMG, Olumuyiwa Asagunla, said the group has intensified grassroots mobilisation to ensure massive support for the APC and President Tinubu.

    He maintained that the achievements of the administration would earn the President a second term.

    “Things have come down drastically. NELFUND is ongoing for the benefit of our students, among other projects for Nigerians,” Asagunla said

    “What we are out for is to sensitise our people about the good works of our President through the Renewed Hope Agenda. We all know how much petrol was selling before and how much it is now. It is high time we support a better government.”

  • Youths must embrace farming, says ex-Ogun commissioner

    Youths must embrace farming, says ex-Ogun commissioner

    A former Commissioner for Agriculture in Ogun State, Samson Odedina, has called on youths to embrace agriculture as a viable means of livelihood and a key driver of national development.

     Odedina noted that agriculture remains one of the most effective ways to address the country’s challenges of unemployment, food insecurity, and foreign exchange scarcity.

    He made the call on Thursday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, while speaking with reporters.

    The former Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA), stressed that with the right support and innovative approaches, young Nigerians can transform the agricultural sector and create sustainable wealth for themselves and their communities.

    According to him, his success in public office was largely influenced by his experience as a private farmer, emphasizing that his agricultural ventures were self-financed long before his appointment as commissioner.

    “In 2007, I worked with certain international development projects and was paid a sum equivalent to 50 years’ salary at that time. With that money, I decided to acquire farmland in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and invest in agriculture,” he said.

    READ ALSO: NIIA, Korean Embassy seek deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria, Korea

    He explained that his search for farmland took him to remote areas where he considered essential factors such as soil type, vegetation, and topography.

    “When I approached the landowners, they were surprised that anyone would prefer their area over lands closer to town. I told them farming is about productivity, not location. Eventually, we reached a fair agreement and became partners in progress,” he added.

    Odedina said that by the time he was appointed Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in 2018 and later Commissioner for Agriculture in Ogun State, he was already an established farmer with thriving crops and livestock.

    “My experience in private farming prepared me for public service. I never sought or received government land for personal use; instead, I focused on my duties. To God’s glory, it was perhaps the first time a Commissioner for Agriculture didn’t apply for or get government land for personal farming,” he said.

    He therefore encouraged Nigerian youths to view agriculture not as a last resort but as a profitable and dignified profession capable of transforming lives and the economy.

  • Ogun SSA hails Abiodun for commissioning Alagbole–Ajuwon, Akute–Ajuwon roads

    Ogun SSA hails Abiodun for commissioning Alagbole–Ajuwon, Akute–Ajuwon roads

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Olanrewaju Michael George (OMG), has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for delivering what he described as an unprecedented infrastructural boost in Ifo Local Government with the commissioning of the Alagbole–Ajuwon and Akute–Ajuwon roads.

    Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the SSA said the newly completed roads have already begun transforming socio-economic activities in the axis, with residents and community leaders expressing relief and renewed optimism.

    According to him, testimonies from the Community Development Committee (CDC) highlighted the strategic importance of the roads, noting that the improved access routes are fostering trade, easing mobility, and opening fresh business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

    He added that transport union leaders also confirmed a significant reduction in vehicle maintenance costs since the completion of the projects, while student union representatives celebrated the safer and faster commute the roads now provide for schoolchildren.

    Market leaders, including the Ìyá Lọ́jà, were equally full of praise for the Governor, describing the development as a major boost to market accessibility and daily commercial activities.

    READ ALSO: NIIA, Korean Embassy seek deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria, Korea

    The SSA stated that Governor Abiodun’s intervention in the local government stands unmatched, describing it as “a new benchmark for inclusive, people-focused governance that places community welfare at the center of decision-making.”

    He further expressed gratitude on behalf of Ogun State youths, applauding the Governor’s commitment to sustainable development.

    “May God continue to bless, guide, and strengthen His Excellency to do even greater things for our dear state,” he said.

  • Ibadan convention crucial for PDP’s rebirth, must hold – Lagos chieftain

    Ibadan convention crucial for PDP’s rebirth, must hold – Lagos chieftain

    A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Laja Adeoye, has urged the party to resist any attempt to suspend or postpone its Saturday national convention in Ibadan.

    Adeoye in a statement on Thursday in Lagos described those pushing for postponement as selfish and anti-party elements acting against the collective interest of the PDP.

    He said, “The national convention should go ahead as planned.

    “No distraction, intimidation, or political manipulation should stop this important gathering of our great party.”

    He noted that the PDP convention, scheduled for Nov.15 and Nov. 16 at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan with over 20,000 delegates expected nationwide, should not be stopped.

    Adeoye said the event would be a defining moment for the PDP as it elects new national officers to steer the party for the next four years.

    He praised Oyo State Gov. Seyi Makinde, for his leadership and readiness to host the convention, describing him as a symbol of unity and progress.

    “Governor Makinde has shown outstanding leadership. This convention will strengthen PDP’s unity and boost our chances of returning to power in 2027,” Adeoye stated.

    READ ALSO: NIIA, Korean Embassy seek deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria, Korea

    The Lagos PDP chieftain accused some internal saboteurs of working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilise the opposition ahead of 2027.

    “Those plotting to frustrate the convention are doing the bidding of the APC. Their plans to weaken the PDP will fail,” Adeoye said 

    He dismissed pending court cases seeking to stop the convention, insisting that the Supreme Court had already resolved all related legal issues.

    “Relying on frivolous court cases to stop the convention amounts to an abuse of process and a waste of judicial time,” Adeoye added.

    He urged delegates and party members to remain vigilant, united, and focused on rebuilding the PDP into a strong, credible opposition party.

    Adeoye also cautioned politicians allegedly scheming to hijack the party’s structure and presidential ticket not to undermine the will of the majority.

    “There are individuals who know they cannot win under fair party rules. They are sponsoring distractions, but members must resist them,” he said.

    He emphasised that the Ibadan convention would mark a turning point in the PDP.

    It would be recalled that following conflicting court judgements on the convention, some PDP leaders, including former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, have called for the suspension of the convention.