The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Awujale: ‘Only Abidagba ‘Okunrin’ of Fusengbuwa House are qualified’

    Awujale: ‘Only Abidagba ‘Okunrin’ of Fusengbuwa House are qualified’

    An octogenarian and matriarch of Ijebu royal lineage, Princess Sidikat Onasanya (nee Adebisi), has said the next Awujale of Ijebuland should emerge from either Olufadi or Tunwase royal families of Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

    Mrs. Onasanya, the eldest child of the late Prince Fasasi Adeyemi, popularly known as Obanlefa within the Ijebu-Ode royal circle, made this known in a statement issued at the weekend.

    She based her position on what she described as historical, oral and gazetted facts that outlined the royal succession procedure within Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode.

    Princess Onasanya said: “Ijebu-Ode royal gazette is clear. If no princes worthy of the Awujale stool are ready and available from Abidagba Okunrin lineage of the Olufadi or Tunwase families, then princes from Abidagba Obinrin lineage may be considered, followed by those from the Abidoye lineage.”

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    She noted that Fusengbuwa Ruling House comprised eight family units; with Olufadi and Tunwase representing the two male Abidagba Okunrin lineages, and Shenowo, Okunyandewo, Adebiyi and Adeberu representing the four Abidagba Obinrin lineages.

    She added that two lineages born before her great-great-great-grandfather, Fusengbuwa, ascended the Awujale stool, Oshinuga and Adekenu; representing the two Abidoye lineages.

    Recounting the genealogy, Princess Onasanya said Fusengbuwa had eight wives and eight children (Idi-Igi Mejo). Two were born before he ascended the throne, Osinuga and Adekenu; while six were born after he became Awujale in 1790.

    She said: “The first male child born on the throne was Olufadekemi, known as Olufadi, followed by Ali Adesimbo, later known as Tunwase. These are the first legitimate royal sons of Fusengbuwa,” she narrated.

    She noted that her late father, Prince Adeyemi aka Obanlefa served as Olori Ebi of Fusengbuwa Ruling House for 25 years (1988–2013).

    She said during his tenure, he worked with the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, before his passing at the age of 96.

  • ‘Grassroots women key to $1tr economy’

    ‘Grassroots women key to $1tr economy’

    Managing Director of Asha Microfinance Bank, Funmilola Oladoyinbo, has urged Federal Government to prioritise economic inclusion of grassroots women as a strategy to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

    She spoke at her first anniversary in office as first female managing director, in Lagos.

    Oladoyinbo stressed women-led MSMEs drive inclusive and sustainable growth, adding no serious economic target can be achieved without them.

    She said if government is serious about the $1 trillion economy target, then MSMEs, particularly women-led firms, must get be given attention.

    “At Asha, we have seen first-hand how empowering grassroots women through financial literacy and access to credit transforms families, builds communities, and strengthens the economy,” she said.

    She said the bank has continued to focus on financial inclusion and grassroots empowerment, with branches strategically in underserved areas where access to formal banking remains limited.

    “We operate in remote locations where there are no banks, providing essential financial services to women who are often excluded from the formal financial system. Many of our clients started with small loans of ₦20,000 and have grown into thriving business owners now managing facilities of up to ₦1 million,” she said.

    Read Also: Northern Nigeria: Untameable and prospect of Nigeria achieving trillion dollar economy

    On leveraging technology to deepen financial inclusion, Oladoyinbo said Asha Microfinance Bank is committed to deploying digital tools to reach more women at the grassroots in the coming years.

    Speaking on women in leadership, she charged women to pursue knowledge, competence and excellence as they position themselves for opportunities in both corporate and entrepreneurial spaces.

    “We must equip ourselves with the right qualifications and competence. Promoting women in leadership should not be at the expense of excellence. Women must prepare themselves to lead, and to lead well,” she said.

    She further reaffirmed Asha Microfinance Bank’s commitment to expanding its footprint, deepening financial inclusion, and supporting women across Nigeria to achieve financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.

  • ‘Firm excites consumers with offering relaunch’

    ‘Firm excites consumers with offering relaunch’

    Guinness Nigeria has unveiled a variant of Guinness Smooth at Wattbridge Hotel in Uyo. Consumers, entertainers, and top personalities, including Guinness World record holder, George Essien (Mighty George), were present.

    Guests enjoyed the music, entertainment, and ice-cold Guinness Smooth, described as a refreshing and easy-drinking stout with a distinctive fruity and butterscotch flavour.

    Attendees lauded the variant, noting that its smooth and mild profile make it appealing to younger consumers. Odinakachi Njoku, Brand manager, noted that Guinness Smooth represents innovation and heritage. “Guinness has a long presence in Nigeria and Africa. The relaunch is part of the innovation to expand the Guinness family. Choosing Uyo, with its rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and youth population, is our way of celebrating the people and strengthening relationship with them,” he said.

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    Njoku stressed Guinness Nigeria’s commitment to responsible drinking and its support for local economies by working with vendors, event organisers, and entertainers. Carl Mbagwu, head of Division in East, noted Guinness Smooth’s unique qualities. “Guinness Smooth stands out for its smoothness, rich taste, and easy-drinking nature compared to the classic Guinness Stout. Uyo is a key market for growth and engagement, and this launch demonstrates our commitment to connecting with consumers at cultural and community levels,” Mbagwu said.

    The launch of Guinness Smooth in Uyo builds on the product’s growing success across Nigeria, while also reinforcing Guinness’ legacy as a brand that celebrates togetherness, enjoyment, and culture.

  • Varsity inducts 20 doctors

    Varsity inducts 20 doctors

    Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has inducted 20 doctors from Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ijanikin, Lagos, into the medical profession. The oath was administered by Prof. Fatima Kyari, the registrar.

    Vice Chancellor, Prof Gbolahan Awosanya, said: ‘’This is the first set of doctors produced by the school.

    “Today, we celebrate realisation of a vision and fulfilment of a dream, to train competent, ethical and compassionate medical professionals.

    “To our pioneer medical graduates, I say congratulations. You have worked hard and persevered, and today, your dedication has paid off.

    ‘’As you take the Hippocratic Oath, remember that medicine is a sacred calling. One that demands knowledge, empathy and integrity.

    Read Also: MDCN inducts 136 doctors, dentists from UI

    “Uphold values you learnt here and continue to make the institution proud,” he said.

    Awosanya advised the inductees to take contribute to Nigeria’s health care system.

    Prof John Obafunwa, a medical expert, pathologist, lawyer and former VC of Lagos State University, Ojo, urged the inductees to remain focused.

    He enjoined them to shun strike and be dedicated to the profession.

    Obafunwa appealed to the doctors to always provide alternative if going on strike, noting that the patients might be their blood.

    The founder and proprietor of the university, Chief Hammed Ibrahim, urged rich Nigerians to emulate him by establishing a medical university.

    Dr Adejumoke Adenuga, the best inducted doctor, said she was happy to be honoured with the best inducted doctor.

  • Centre to upskill entrepreneurs through confab, trade expo

    Centre to upskill entrepreneurs through confab, trade expo

    Masterpiece Resource Development Centre (MRDC), research and product development platform, is to empower entrepreneurs through its 10th R.I.S.E. conference and trade expo next month in Lagos.

    Speaking at a news conference in Lagos, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Modupe Oyekunle, said the conference: “R.I.S.E. – Reinvent, Innovate, Strategise, Expand,” will focus on how to empower entrepreneurs with potential and help them to become more successful by giving them knowledge and skills to be effective.

    She said MRDC was set up for discovery, development and deployment of youth and women entrepreneurs.

    “MRDC is a world-class entrepreneurial coaching nonprofit organisation committed to discovering, developing, and deploying entrepreneurs.

    “We build capacity, mentor, create platforms for networking, and foster a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs support one another.

    “We realised we need those  who could not only train but also guide others based on real-world experience.

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    “Through training, mentorship, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, MRDC nurtures sustainable businesses that make lasting impact locally and globally,” she said.

    She said MRDC identifies need to build a strong internal faculty of trainers to deliver impactful mentorship grounded in real-world experience.

    The initiative, she noted, culminated in MRDC’s adoption of ILO’s globally recognised Train-the-Trainer certification, which has elevated quality of business support it offered.

    MRDC Chair, Abiola Popoola, said the centre is empower ing entrepreneurs to be more effective in their bid to accelerate national development.

    He added that the essence is to empower entrepreneurs with much potential and help them be more successful by giving them knowledge and skills to be effective.

    His words: “Part  of the thing that MRDC is set to do is to encourage and empower entrepreneurs through three Ds. That is to discover their talents, develop their talents and and to deploy their talent.

    “In order words ,we want them to optimize their talent and focus on what they have passion for.

    “Entrepreneurs, by their nature, are full of energy and ideas and they want to keep the road running, but how they go depends on how much effort they have given to the journey,” he said.

  • Rotary gives rain coats, booths to health board

    Rotary gives rain coats, booths to health board

    Rotary District 9112 has donated 100 rain coats and 200 boots to Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board to strengthen the global “End Polio Now” campaign and protect health workers.

    The event took place at the Office of the Permanent Secretary in Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board (LSPHCB), Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

    In a statement, Rotary International District 9112 Public Image Committee member, Victor Ojelabi, said the gesture was aimed at supporting vaccination teams working in difficult terrains in the state.

    Past District Governor, Yomi Adewunmi, who represented Chairman of Nigeria National Polio Plus Committee, Past District Governor  Joshua Hassan, emphasised the group’s determination to curtail spread of polio virus in Lagos.

    Adewunmi said: “We are honoured to make this donation worth about N1.6 million.

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    “We are grateful to Lagos State for its consistent support in ensuring success of polio eradication efforts.”

    District 9112 Governor Lanre Adedoyin, reaffirmed Rotary’s dedication to eradicating polio in Nigeria and globally.

    “Our commitment to ending polio is absolute.

    “We will continue working with Lagos State and our partners until polio is wiped off the earth. Today’s donation strengthens our shared vision of a polio-free nation and a polio-free world,” he added.

    Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, lauded Rotary’s continued collaboration with the state.

    “This aligns with what we are doing to eradicate polio.

    “Rotary has always stood out in the fight against this disease, and these items will assist our teams in the wet season when movement is more challenging.”

  • Abeokuta-Sango Ota Road ready soon, says commissioner

    Abeokuta-Sango Ota Road ready soon, says commissioner

    Ogun State Government has appealed to motorists and residents plying Abeokuta-Sango Ota to remain calm and exercise patience, as construction continues on the busy corridor.

    In a statement, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, acknowledged the temporary inconveniences being experienced by road users, noting that some sections of the road had become slippery due to ongoing earthworks and the rainy season.

    He advised motorists to drive carefully and comply with traffic directives, to prevent avoidable accidents, explaining that concrete pavement casting ongoing along parts of the Ewekoro axis had necessitated temporary closure of certain sections and introduction of traffic diversions.

    Akinsanya, an engineer, assured the public that the government was working to rehabilitate and restore the road’s full functionality.

    Admitting that persistent rainfall in recent weeks had slowed down the pace of work, he reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to completing the project within record time.

    “Key sections such as Obada Oko, Ilese Awo, Onijanganjangan and Ewekoro are receiving attention from the contractor. Efforts are being intensified to improve driving conditions and enhance accessibility across the entire stretch,” he said.

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    The commissioner said Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway was a federal road, adding that Ogun State Government, in its magnanimity and in line with its people-oriented governance philosophy, had taken over its reconstruction to ease the hardship faced by commuters.

    He said the state’s intervention aimed to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel time and prevent the loss of lives and productive hours associated with poor road conditions along the corridor.

    Expressing optimism about progress on the project, Akinsanya reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering durable, safe and quality road infrastructure across the state.

  • Oyebanji to citizens: your security my priority

    Oyebanji to citizens: your security my priority

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has assured citizens that his administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring their safety.

    He said every part of the state would be safe, adding that protection of lives and property remained his priority.

    Governor Oyebanji spoke at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti during the inauguration of the newly-built Armoury and Rapid Response Squad (RRS) buildings, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.

    Inaugurating the projects, the governor, represented by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, said they were conceived to strengthen the capacity of security agencies and further consolidate the peace and safety the state was known for.

    Noting that his government recognised the importance of security as the foundation for growth and development, Oyebanji said his administration would continue to invest in critical security infrastructure, logistics and personnel welfare, to ensure the state remained the safest in the country.

    “To the residents of Ekiti State, your security and well-being are at the centre of every decision we make.

    We remain committed to listening, learning and delivering with integrity, urgency and humility, and these projects reflect our government’s pledge to deliver tangible infrastructure that improves the safety and quality of lives of the people.”

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    Reflecting on his administration in the last three years, Governor Oyebanji said his government had pursued reforms aimed at strengthening governance, expanding opportunities and protecting the people.

    Hailing the dedication and professionalism of the security operatives to maintain law and order, the governor said his administration would continue to provide the needed support to enhance their operational capacity and improve their working conditions.

    He urged residents to remain law-abiding and support the efforts of security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities in their communities.

    He said inauguration of the projects was a demonstration of his government to maintain Ekiti as one of the safest states where citizens and investors could live and thrive without fear.

    “The inauguration of these facilities aligns with our administration’s safety and security architecture, which emphasises prevention, preparedness and protection of vulnerable communities and people. By investing in the RRS, we are investing in the ability of our security and professionalism hallmarks of a modern, responsive state.

    “The Rapid Response Squad is a critical pillar of Ekiti State security strategy, capable of rapid deployment to incident savings, enforcement of law and order, and detainment of criminal activities. The new office symbolises institutional growth, accountability and improved operational effectiveness through better work space, training facilities, communications and local support,” the governor said.

    Police Commissioner Joseph Eribo highlighted the importance of armoury as one of the most sensitive and important units in defence where weapons ranging from the hard core to light weapons, including other accessories are safely kept.

    He said the new state armoury could compete favourable with the best nationwide.

    He said the RRS was the engine room of the command, ‘’as they help us to fight hard core crime.’’

    The police commissioner thanked the governor for recognising them by upgrading their offices.

    He said the gesture would further encourage them to work harder.

    Also at the event were Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Head of Service Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff Niyi Adebayo, members of the House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, among others.

  • Lagos monarch calls for probe into demolition of shops, mosque in Costain

    Lagos monarch calls for probe into demolition of shops, mosque in Costain

    • … describes act as inhumane 

    The traditional ruler of Otumara community, Ojo-Oniyun, Apapa Road, and its environs, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye, has appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the State Commissioner of Police, and the Lagos State House of Assembly to investigate the recent demolition in the Costain area of Lagos Mainland and provide relief for affected traders.

    The appeal followed an operation on Thursday, October 23, 2025, during which shops, stalls, and a mosque were pulled down by officials of the Lagos State Task Force, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI). Eyewitnesses said the exercise, which began in the early afternoon, disrupted trading activities and displaced many business owners.

    In a petition submitted to relevant state ministries and agencies through his solicitors, Kayode Ajala & Partners, Chief Kalejaiye urged the government to look into the incident and ensure the return of goods and cash allegedly seized during the exercise within 14 days. He also stated that the affected land, measuring about 1,040 square meters, was under a temporary occupation license issued by the Federal Ministry of Power, Works, and Housing in 2015.

    Several victims recounted their experiences.

    A 79-year-old welder, Pa John Adeyi, said his tools and iron gates were taken before his shop was demolished.

    “They came without notice, teargassed everywhere, and chased everyone away. I lost all my tools and cash. Two women fainted from the teargas and were rushed to the hospital,” he said.

    Another trader, Mr. Alfred Wisdom, who produces snacks, said his shop and goods worth over ₦2 million were destroyed.

    “They said my business was illegal. I was on my way to deliver goods when the Task Force arrived. Before I got back, everything was gone,” he lamented.

    The Imam of the demolished Markaz-ul-Mahani Mosque, Ustadz Abdulsallam Olawale, also confirmed that the mosque was affected.

    “They said they were clearing buses but ended up destroying traders’ and worshippers’ properties,” he said.

    Many of the victims were reportedly among those displaced during an earlier demolition in the Otumara community six months ago.

    As of the time of this report, the Lagos State Government has yet to issue an official statement explaining the reason for the demolition or any plans for compensation.

  • Ilaje communities accuse Nigerian Navy of assault, arson, theft

    Ilaje communities accuse Nigerian Navy of assault, arson, theft

    Residents of Obe Nla, Obajedo, and Obe Adun – oil-rich communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State – have accused personnel of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) of launching violent attacks that left homes destroyed and residents brutalized.

    Obe Nla is notably the hometown of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The allegations were contained in a petition addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 17, Akure, copy obtained by the Nation on Saturday.

    The petition, written on behalf of the affected residents by Ilaje Omuro Worldwide Connect, was signed by their solicitor, Barrister Obayem Williams of J.W. Obayemi & Co.

    According to the petition, naval officers allegedly invaded the communities on Sunday, October 19, harassing residents, setting properties ablaze, and inflicting injuries on several persons.

    The residents described the attack as a “lawless and militarized operation” that mirrored a war-style assault.

    “The naval personnel stormed the affected communities in a manner reminiscent of a war operation, assaulting innocent residents, vandalizing homes, and molesting women.

    “A particularly disturbing incident reportedly occurred at Obe Adun, where naval operatives allegedly raided a local bakery, beat up workers, and carted away N14 million said to be proceeds from two weeks of bread sales,” the petition read.

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    The petition further alleged that several families have been rendered homeless due to the destruction, while others have fled for fear of further attacks after the officers allegedly threatened to return.

    Describing the actions as a “gross abuse of power” and a “flagrant violation of human rights,” the group called for urgent police intervention and a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

    “Our client calls for urgent intervention to restore peace, ensure the safety of the affected residents, and forestall further breakdown of law and order,” it added.

    Meanwhile, Ilaje Omuro Worldwide Connect has threatened to stage a peaceful protest in Igbokoda against the action of the Naval personnel.

    The demonstration, according to a letter signed by the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Babatunde Omobone, aims to condemn what it described as “incessant killings and brutality of community residents by naval personnel.”

    The group also requested police protection before, during, and after the rally.

    However, in a bid to prevent tension from escalating, the association issued a set of conditions for possible postponement of the protest.

    It urged the Ilaje Local Government Chairman to take immediate conciliatory steps, including:

    The group warned that failure to meet these demands would lead to the continuation of their planned demonstration.