The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Ilaje group faults Ogun over oil drilling, Olokola seaport claims

    Ilaje group faults Ogun over oil drilling, Olokola seaport claims

    The Ilaje socio-cultural organisation, Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide, has faulted claims by the Ogun State Government over alleged approval for oil drilling activities in Eba community and plans to develop a deep seaport under a renamed Olokola Free Trade Zone.

    The group described the claims as misleading and a direct encroachment on the territorial integrity of Ondo State, insisting that Eba is a riverine community located in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    In a statement on Wednesday signed by its President-General, Prince Iwamitigha Raphael Irowainu, Egbe Omo Ilaje stressed that Eba is an entirely Ilaje community and hosts one of Nigeria’s oldest forest reserves, which it said was acquired during the colonial era from Ilaje traditional rulers.

    The organisation recalled that evidence of bituminous oil surfacing in Ago-Alaja village, Eba, was first reported by residents in 2013. This, it said, prompted a joint investigation by the Ondo State Ministry of Environment and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).

    According to the group, samples taken from the site were analysed and later presented to officials of the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), after which the Ondo State Government restricted access to the area for security reasons.

    Egbe Omo Ilaje further alleged that land speculators later invaded the area with security personnel, claiming to be acting on the authority of the Ogun State Government.

    It said the development was formally reported to the Ondo State Government and condemned by Ilaje monarchs.

    On the proposed Olokola Deep Seaport, the group said Olokola was historically an Ilaje settlement designated during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a Free Trade Zone for major industrial projects, including a deep seaport and refinery.

    The group explained that Ogun State’s involvement in the Olokola project was merely a compromise aimed at resolving boundary disputes, adding that unresolved disagreements had earlier forced investor Aliko Dangote to relocate his refinery project to Lagos.

    “It is shocking and unacceptable for Ogun State to now unilaterally rename Olokola and claim exclusive rights over a deep seaport project in an area where it has no coastal territory,” the statement said.

    Egbe Omo Ilaje insisted that Ijebu land, which forms Ogun State’s southern boundary, has no coastline, stressing that only Lagos and Ilaje constitute the contiguous Yoruba coastal areas.

    It added that this fact is clearly documented in colonial records.

    The group accused the Ogun State Government of making the claims to mislead security authorities and provoke tension in the area, warning that any attempt to assert control over Ilaje ancestral land would be resisted.

    Egbe Omo Ilaje also called on President Bola Tinubu to reject or withdraw any approval allegedly granted through Ogun State for projects in Eba or Olokola.

    It also urged the Ondo state government to take firm steps to protect Ilaje territory in the interest of peace, justice and stability in the coastal region.

  • Oyetola makes clarifications over Osun LG funding crisis

    Oyetola makes clarifications over Osun LG funding crisis

    • …accuses Adeleke of misinformation

    The controversy over local government funding in Osun State has taken a new turn, as Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of spreading propaganda and falsehoods to mask what he described as administrative failure and disregard for court rulings.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, Akinola said Adeleke’s recent claims over alleged withholding of local government funds were a “desperate attempt to deflect attention from glaring incompetence and serial abuse of the judicial process.”

    He dismissed the governor’s allegation that Minister Oyetola was responsible for any disruption in local government financing, insisting that any delays stem from the Osun State Government’s legal actions.

    According to him, the Adeleke administration had burdened the courts with “frivolous and ill-conceived lawsuits” in a failed bid to overturn settled judicial decisions.

    “No serious government sabotages its own legal standing and then seeks scapegoats for the consequences,” Akinola said.

    He further accused the governor of previously paralysing local government operations by instigating a prolonged strike by council workers, describing Adeleke’s current claim that councils remain inactive as “a blatant falsehood.”

    “The local government secretariats are open and functioning. Services continue to run, workers are back to their posts, and council administrations are carrying out their statutory responsibilities. The narrative of paralysis exists only in the imagination of a governor using falsehood to seek public sympathy,” he added.

    Akinola referenced a Court of Appeal judgement delivered on February 10, 2025, which he said reinstated elected local government chairmen in Osun State. He noted that the judgement was not appealed by the state government and therefore remains final and binding.

    “The continued agitation by Governor Adeleke represents a deliberate refusal to accept judicial authority,” he stated.

    On the tenure of the reinstated chairmen, Akinola maintained that they were elected for a three-year term and were allegedly removed illegally shortly after assuming office.

    He said any contrary claims amounted to ignorance or deliberate misinformation, noting that the issue of tenure is currently before the courts.

    He also cited a Supreme Court ruling of July 11, 2024, which granted financial autonomy to local governments nationwide, affirming their status as an independent tier of government and barring state governors from dissolving elected councils or imposing caretaker administrations.

    “Adeleke should perish the thought of interfering with local government administration in Osun State. The councils are autonomous, lawful, and operational,” he said.

    Akinola also rejected claims that Minister Oyetola was influencing the Nigeria Police, describing the allegations as false and irresponsible.

    “The police operate under established institutional command structures and cannot be privately controlled by any individual minister. Adeleke should stop misleading the public, stop manufacturing conspiracies, and stop whipping up sentiment to cover manifest ineptitude. Governance is not theatre, and Osun people deserve facts, not fiction,” he said.

    He concluded that Osun’s local government administrations remain lawful, autonomous, functional, and protected by binding court judgements, arguing that “the only crisis confronting the system is a governor unwilling to accept legal reality.”

  • Oyo@50: Agbaoye Karim congratulates Makinde, residents

    Oyo@50: Agbaoye Karim congratulates Makinde, residents

    The Agbaoye of Ibadanland, Chief Orikolade Ayodele Karim has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.

    In a statement, Chief Karim congratulated the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde for the successful organisation of activities marking the state’s golden jubilee, describing the celebration as ‘a significant milestone and a defining moment in the history of Oyo State and our people’.

    According to him, the vision behind the creation of Oyo State 50 years ago was to build a strong subnational entity capable of delivering good governance, fostering unity, and projecting the state’s rich cultural heritage and economic potential to the global community.

    He stated, “I congratulate the Government and the people of our dear Oyo State. The vision of our founding fathers was to create a state that would serve as a model of progress, innovation, and effective subnational governance. Today, Oyo State continues to live up to that vision.”

    Chief Karim highlighted Oyo State’s historic role as a pacesetter state, noting that it is home to several national firsts, including the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university, as well as other landmark institutions that have contributed immensely to national development.

    He particularly commended the Seyi Makinde led administration for its forward-looking policies and reforms, noting that Oyo State is the first subnational government in Nigeria and Africa to develop and adopt a domestic implementation strategy for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    He described the initiative as visionary and a major step towards positioning Oyo State as a hub for trade, investment, industrial growth, and job creation.

    Chief Karim also acknowledged and celebrated past administrations in the state, both civilian and military, living and departed, thanking them for their service and contributions to the growth and stability of Oyo State.

    He further congratulated the traditional rulers of the state, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusohola Alao; the Okere of Saki; and other traditional leaders across Oyo State.

    Read Also: Makinde celebrates Ajetomobi, makes case for impactful leadership

    ‘’I pray for continued wisdom, strength, and good health for them as they continue to guide our people’’

    The Agbaoye went on to celebrate the people and residents of Oyo State, particularly the youth and students, whom he described as the pride and future of the state.

    He encouraged citizens of Oyo State at home and in the diaspora to remain connected to their roots and to actively contribute to the continued development of the state.

    “We are known as the Pacesetter State, we must take our pride and responsibility seriously and continue to live up to our ‘Asiwaju’ position as a people, as echoed in our anthem, ‘Asiwaju ni wa.’ A brighter and more prosperous Oyo State lies ahead.”

    He also extended warm greetings to serving security personnel and public servants in Oyo State, as well as those of Oyo State descent serving in the state, other states and federal levels, commending their dedication and sacrifices in service to the nation and in the maintenance of peace, stability, and good governance.

    He concluded by expressing profound gratitude to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the continued support and encouragement extended to Oyo State, particularly through the President’s personal attendance at the coronation of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    He wished all residents of Oyo State a peaceful, joyous, and memorable celebration as the state marks its golden jubilee.

  • 2027: Ogun West Professionals advocates consensus agenda

    2027: Ogun West Professionals advocates consensus agenda

    • Group to hold maiden media chat with YAYI on Sunday

    As part of its consensus agenda, a group, Ogun West Professionals, has advocated unity and consensus among political stakeholders in Ogun West Senatorial District.

    It says this is to ensure the district produces governor after the 2027 general election.

    The group is, therefore, holding its media chat on Sunday at Frontiers Hotel, Ilaro, Ogun State with the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation and the lawmaker representing Ogun West, Senator Solomon Adeola aka YAYI.

    Adeola is a frontline governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, is slated to be the guest speaker.

    The event is aimed at creating unity and coherence among Ogun West Senatorial District people on the clamour for a winning governorship candidate from the zone for the 2027 general election.

    Media representatives, monarchs, community leaders and guests will hear from Adeola on his agenda for the zone at the media chat.

    The Chairman of Steering Committee of Ogun West Professionals, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, who is the executive secretary of Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), at a media briefing in Ilaro, said since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, the governorship seat had been exchanged between two senatorial districts, namely Ogun East and Ogun Central – to the detriment of Ogun West.

    ‘’But, Ogun West Senatorial District is a major economic hub covering 37 per cent of the state’s landmass,’’ he added.

    Bamgbose said as next year’s governorship election draws near, Ogun West Professionals is ready to tackle the impediments of lack of cohesion and unity of purpose among major political players in Ogun West Senatorial District.

    Read Also: ‘Appeal Court did not overturn Nestoil – FBN Quest ruling’

    He added: “So, the part the group is charting is to look around and look at the political aspirants, those that have been showing interest that they are going to contest and they are looking for platform.

    “So, the media chat is being held in Ilaro, where the attendance is expected to be over 2,000 because the professionals themselves – a platform of a little close to a thousand members – is reaching out to other formidable groups, formidable clubs or artisans across the state.

    “They have been contacted to ensure they are part of the programme. We are looking for everything we can do to harmonise opinions, to bring people together so that a formidable team and a formidable voice can emanate from Ogun West Senatorial District so that we can get the buy in of Ogun Central Senatorial District and Ogun East Senatorial District in terms of support so that come 2027, we’ll be able to get the nod for it.

    “So, I think the body is equally looking at who is likely and who is more favourable within the ranks of the politicians that are clamouring to contest.

    “So, we are working for unity and coherence among aspirants from the zone. Certainly, we cannot get 100 per cent support for any particular candidate because as long as we have different political parties, there will be different interests and there can be different candidates.

    “But this time, I think part of what Ogun West Professionals is clamouring for is to make sure aspirants from the zone in key political parties are made the governorship candidates of their parties so that the people of Ogun West Senatorial District can eventually determine who they want.”

    Bamgbose said: “Ogun West Senatorial District has not been fortunate enough to occupy the number one position in Ogun State in terms of governorship seat since the state was created in 1976, most especially under this democratic dispensation.

    “This was largely alluded to the fact that the people from the zone, most especially the politicians, have not been speaking with one voice. So, Ogun West Professionals identified lack of unity, one voice and coherence among the people as militating against their desire to win the governorship seat.

    “We the professionals are indigenes of various towns and villages across the zone; that is, from the Awori, the Yewa, the Anago, the Ketu, etc. That is, in all the Ogun West’s five local governments: Ado-Odo Ota, Imeko Afon, Ipokia, Yewa North and Yewa South.

    “The professionals said let’s have a media chat with Senator Adeola to hear from him directly and to let him tell the whole world what he has on the table to ensure  Ogun West can win the governorship election holding in 2027.”

  • Appeal Court stops judgment on Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility

    Appeal Court stops judgment on Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility

    Akure Division of the Court of Appeal has suspended the judgment of the Federal High Court in a suit challenging the eligibility of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to contest for a second term.

    Aiyedatiwa’s tenure will end in 2028.

    The appellate court also ordered a stay of proceedings in a suit filed by an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Dr Akin Egbuwalo, seeking an interpretation of Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) on whether Aiyedatiwa is qualified to re-contest.

    Justice Toyin Adegoke of the Federal High Court, Akure, has slated today to deliver judgment on the matter.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa was first sworn in on December 27, 2024, to complete the tenure of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

    He was sworn in again on February 24, 2025, after winning the November 16, 2024 governorship election, in which he defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi.

    The suit, instituted by Egbuwalo through his counsel, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), listed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Governor Aiyedatiwa, All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, as defendants.

    However, the defendants, through their counsel led by Chief Solomon Awomolo (SAN), approached the Court of Appeal, challenging the conduct of proceedings at the trial court and urging the appellate court to restrain Justice Adegoke from delivering the judgment, pending the determination of interlocutory appeals.

    Read Also: ‘Appeal Court did not overturn Nestoil – FBN Quest ruling’

    Although Akintola (SAN) urged the court to discountenance the application, arguing that there was no competent appeal before the appellate court, the panel of justices led by Justice P. O. Affen, with Justices M. S. Hassan and P. C. Obiorah – held that it would be in the interest of justice to allow the trial judge respond to what it described as weighty allegations raised against him.

    The appellate court noted that while it was not the general practice to arrest judgments of lower courts or stay proceedings, there were exceptional circumstances warranting such intervention.

    Consequently, the Court of Appeal ordered the suspension of the judgment scheduled for January 28 and directed that proceedings at the Federal High Court be stayed pending the determination of the appeal.

    Reacting to the ruling, Awomolo (SAN) said the decision effectively halted further proceedings at the trial court.

    “The implication of the ruling is that the judgment of Honourable Justice Adegoke scheduled for January 28 is suspended until further notice. Everything is now on hold until the Court of Appeal determines the pending applications and appeal.

    “The court predicated its ruling on respect for due process, the rule of law and the hierarchy of courts, to ensure the appeal is not rendered academic.”

  • Oyo at 50: Speaker congratulates govt, residents

    Oyo at 50: Speaker congratulates govt, residents

    • ’Omituntun 3.0 sacrosanct’

    Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin has congratulated the government and people of Oyo State on the celebration of the state’s 50th anniversary.

    He described the milestone as a testament to the resilience, unity and progressive spirit of the citizens.

    In a brief goodwill message at the opening ceremony of Oyo State @ 50 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, the Speaker said since its creation in 1976, Oyo State had continued to grow in influence, cultural relevance and political stability, while also contributing to national development.

    He hailed administrations, past and present, for their efforts in building a state that was widely regarded as the ‘Pacesetter’.

    He said: “Oyo at 50 is not just a celebration of years; it is also a celebration of collective achievements, shared aspirations and the commitment of our people to the ideals of good governance and socio-economic advancement.”

    The Speaker lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for sustaining a governance model that prioritised infrastructure renewal, educational reforms, youth empowerment, agribusiness and economic expansion.

    A leading governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Olufemi Ajadi, has congratulated the government and people of Oyo State on the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.

    Speaking with reporters on the sidelines during the opening ceremony of the event, Ajadi, who hails from Ibadan, congratulated the government and  people of the state on the peaceful co-existence in the last 50 years.

    He said it was a thing of pride that Oyo State in the last 50 years had continued to witness developments.

    Ajadi praised Governor Makinde for great improvement in facilities, especially roads across the state.

    Read Also: Oyo at 50 celebrations begin today

    He said it was not coincidental, but a careful plan through Omituntun 1.0 and Omituntun 2. 0 by the Makinde administration that led to the traffic regulated control in form of well-structured bus terminals at Iwo Road Ibadan, Challenge and Ojo.

    Ajadi hailed the governor for the Circular Road project, which he said when completed would attract developments to the state.

    He said: “While I congratulate our people as we celebrate the golden anniversary of the creation of our state. We are imploring our people to know that we cannot depart from the good and well- structured programmes of the current government.

    “I’m determined to continue the good works of our amiable governor, Seyi Makinde, through Omituntun 3.0.

    “Election is coming up next year and we should be determined to ensure we vote for continuity, as we cannot afford to derail from the current peaceful atmosphere and good programmes ongoing.

    “I thank our traditional rulers for their support to the government and people of the state.

    “We believe that now that we have our father, His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja (Arusa 1) as the Chairman of the state Traditional Council, peace and development will continue to exist in our dear state.

    “Congratulations to Oyo State people and government as we celebrate the golden anniversary of the creation of our state.”

  • Residents raise security alarm over vacant Aresa-Adu throne

    Residents raise security alarm over vacant Aresa-Adu throne

    Indigenes and residents of Iresa-Adu in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State have raised the alarm over security breaches in the town following the arrest of two suspected cow rustlers. 

    The Oyo Police Command  confirmed the arrest of Abu Muhammed and Aliu Bello in a statement 

     by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayin. 

    “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the public that two suspected cattle rustlers, Abu Muhammed and Aliu Bello, have been apprehended following a swift response to a report received at Iresadu Division. 

    “During the operation, twenty-six stolen cows, estimated at ₦6,250,000, were successfully recovered, reflecting the tangible results of coordinated police and community efforts in protecting property and livelihoods,” the statement reads. 

    Residents of Iresa-Adu attributed the weak security architecture in the town to absence of a First Class monarch for almost nine years.

     Iresa-Adu shares borders with Kwara and Osun States. Kwara, which has come under banditry and kidnap attacks, shares border with the town.

    The Aresa of Iresa-Adu is a foremost monarch in Yoruba history and literature. But the Aresa of Iresa-Adu throne has been vacant for almost nine years, making it difficult for the many towns and villages in that section of Oyo State to work together in battling the common security challenges.

    The Oyo Police Command said the arrest of the suspected cattle rustlers arrests was made possible through cooperation with local community security structures, which helped track the suspects as they attempted to evade detection.

    Aganya is a village very close to Iresa-Adu central township, which is just 15 minutes away from Ogbomoso township. 

    The reminder of the exposure of the town & its surrounding to criminal elements has made residents of the town renew their outcry towards the Oyo State Government to help resolve the Aresa-Adu of Iresa-Adu throne. 

    It is widely speculated in the town that the Aresa-Adu has the power to bring together all border towns and villages under it to work together with the Oyo government and the Nigerian Police to forestall importation of criminal elements into Oyo State.

  • Abrar Foundation marks 18 years of youth empowerment, graduates students

    Abrar Foundation marks 18 years of youth empowerment, graduates students

    The founder of Al-Abrar Foundation and Abrar Innovation Technology (AIT), Fadhilat Al-Imam Adam Muhammad Raji Adebayo, has appreciated government officials, religious leaders, donors and beneficiaries that participated at the18th anniversary of its humanitarian and youth empowerment services in Lagos State.

    He spoke during the foundation’s annual Thanksgiving, awards, turbanning and graduation ceremony on Saturday at the Lagos NUT Pavilion, NERDC road, Alausa, Ikeja.

    The event featured the graduation of students who completed the foundation’s free computer training programme, an initiative aimed at equipping Lagos youths with digital and employable skills.

    Addressing journalists at the event, Imam Raji praised the Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Mrs. Mobolaji Daba; and the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, for their support.

    Reflecting on the foundation’s journey, Raji noted that the organisation has remained committed to human capital development regardless of religion or ethnicity.

    “This year marks the 18th anniversary of Abrar Innovation Technology and Abrar Foundation’s humanitarian service, particularly in uplifting the standard of our youths in Lagos through free computer training,” he stated.

    He added: “Our programmes are purely humanitarian. We serve people regardless of religion, tribe or background, and we also attend to the poor, the needy and widows.”

    The cleric informed that while the foundation plans to establish a permanent site, progress has been slowed due to its expanding humanitarian commitments.

    “Our permanent site project has been delayed because most of the support we receive is often diverted to urgent empowerment needs. Sometimes we give ₦50,000 or ₦70,000 to groups of people without expecting any refund. This affects our ability to complete the permanent site on time,” Imam Raji explained.

    Despite the challenge, he reaffirmed the foundation’s resolve to continue serving society.

    Raji also commended donors and key stakeholders for sustaining the foundation’s vision, including the Ameerah General of Abrar Foundation, Alhaja Aishat Yaqub, Agbesinga Alhaja Sakeenat Adunola, Abrar chiefs, award recipients, family members, friends and well-wishers.

    The intellectual highlight of the event was a lecture titled: “Patience and perseverance: Lessons from Prophets and Daily Life,” delivered by Dr. Abdu Razzaq Ajibade Adeoye of the University of Ibadan.

    Adeoye urged youths to embrace resilience, discipline and moral uprightness, noting that sustainable success often requires endurance and consistency.

    The event was graced by prominent Islamic spiritual leaders, including:

    Sheikh Hamad Rufai Abdul-Llahi Solaty (Naqeebul Ashraaf, Sirrul Ajdaad); Sheikh Abdul Lateef Ibrahim Shugaba Solaty, Leader of Qudriyyah for South-West Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic and Côte d’Ivoire; Sheikh Abdul Qodri Raji, Qudriyyah Leader, Osun State; Sheikh Soliu Babaniji Amosa, Grand Khalifah of Qudriyyah, Lagos State with many others from across Nigeria.

    The event ended with prayers, award presentations and renewed commitments to youth empowerment and humanitarian service in Lagos State.

  • Oyo@50: Speaker congratulates government, residents

    Oyo@50: Speaker congratulates government, residents

    The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has congratulated the government and people of Oyo State on the celebration of the state’s 50th anniversary, describing the milestone as a testament to the resilience, unity, and progressive spirit of its citizens.

    In a brief goodwill message at the opening ceremony of Oyo State @ 50 held at the International Conference, University of Ibadan on Monday, the Speaker noted that since its creation in 1976, Oyo State has continued to grow in influence, cultural relevance, and political stability, while also contributing significantly to national development.

    He applauded various administrations, past and present, for their efforts in building a state that remains widely regarded as the “Pacesetter.”

    He said, “Oyo at 50 is not just a celebration of years; it is a celebration of collective achievements, shared aspirations, and the unwavering commitment of our people to the ideals of good governance and socio-economic advancement.”

    The Speaker commended Governor Seyi Makinde for sustaining a governance model that prioritizes infrastructure renewal, educational reforms, youth empowerment, agribusiness, and economic expansion.

    He further lauded past civilian and military leaders whose roles, he noted, laid the foundational pillars for the state’s current progress.

    Read Also: Alaafin, Olubadan supremacy rift deepens

    Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin also highlighted the contributions of traditional rulers, public institutions, the private sector, civil society groups, the media, artisans, and community networks in shaping the development narrative of the state over the last five decades.

    “As we celebrate this golden jubilee, we must renew our collective resolve to keep pushing the boundaries of development. Oyo State has come a long way and still has a long journey ahead. Let us continue to work together, uphold peace, and invest in the future of our youths,” he added.

    While congratulating residents at home and in the diaspora, the Speaker expressed optimism that the next 50 years will usher in more economic prosperity, political stability, and infrastructural expansion for the state.

    He prayed for continued peace, unity, and progress in Oyo State while urging citizens to remain law-abiding and committed to nation-building.

  • Governance expert Alfa congratulates Ododo, deputy on two years in office

    Governance expert Alfa congratulates Ododo, deputy on two years in office

    Political economist and governance reform expert, Dr. Mahmoud Bala Alfa, has congratulated Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and Deputy Governor, Salifu Joel Oyibo, on the second anniversary of their administration.

    In a goodwill message to mark the milestone, Dr. Alfa described the two-year mark as a crucial phase for consolidating achievements and strengthening forward planning in governance.

    He said the administration has sustained political stability while advancing policies aimed at reinforcing public institutions and enhancing service delivery across the state.

    According to him, the Ododo-led government has recorded notable progress in critical areas such as infrastructure, education and social intervention programmes targeted at women, youths and vulnerable populations.

    Read Also: Gov. Ododo, pay retired judges within 14 days or face lawsuit

    Dr. Alfa also commended efforts to promote peace, unity and social cohesion, noting that these initiatives are essential for sustainable development.

    He stressed that leadership at this stage demands sustained focus, discipline and a strong sense of responsibility, adding that the coming years offer an opportunity to deepen impact and convert policies into lasting benefits for citizens.

    He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms and programmes would further improve the welfare of Kogi residents, while wishing Governor Ododo and his deputy continued success in governance.

    Dr. Alfa is a political economy analyst with extensive experience in public policy and institutional reform and holds the traditional title of Adoja Okenyi.