The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

‘North will ensure Tinubu’s re-election’

Northern political leaders have promised to work with the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

The northern leaders, under the aegis of the Northern Bridge Builders Forum, announced their resolve during a visit to the Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Their leader, Senator Joel Dantami Ikenya, said the decision to support President Tinubu’s re-election was based on his ongoing reforms aimed at rebuilding the nation’s economy, strengthening national unity, and addressing security challenges.

Ihenya, a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, stated that the North was impressed by President Tinubu’s inclusive governance style, particularly his decision to bring technocrats on board his administration who align with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He added that the Northern Bridge Builders Forum – spread across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and backed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume – would collaborate with regional groups, such as Afenifere, to promote peace, unity, and development across the country.

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“We are here as bridge builders. We are a group of people who have served this country at the highest level, and we have seen from the beginning of President Bola Tinubu’s administration the changes he has brought.

“We have seen his sacrifice and we say we must support him to continue. We want to thank you for supporting our son, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

“We feel that things must move forward, and we must work together to get the country to the promised land.

“In 2027, the North must work together. We want to assure you that the North will perform better than it did in 2023 by supporting President Tinubu. We need your prayers,” Ihenya said.

The former minister gave reasons for supporting the President’s re-election bid.

He said: “We are supporting President Tinubu because Nigeria belongs to all of us. We believe in the unity of this country. The North has just done eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Now, President Tinubu has spent just two years and some months. It would be unfair to agitate for power to return to the North now. That is why we believe the southern part of this country should retain power until Tinubu completes his eight years.”

Pa Fasoranti described the forum’s visit as “a demonstration of renewed trust and shared commitment to a united Nigeria”.

Represented by the Chairman of Afenifere’s National Executive Committee and traditional ruler of Ilu Abo, Chief Olu Falae, the Afenifere leader praised the northern leaders for their gesture and support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“That is the hope and the future of Nigeria. If we unite and avoid crises or break-ups, we have a bright future. Political bridges must be built, and I thank you for being part of this effort.

“There are about 448 ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, and every group, no matter how small, has a right to be part of the nation’s progress. No tribe is too small to be ignored,” the Afenifere leader said.

He prayed for peace and unity in the country, stressing that cooperation between the North and the South remained crucial to Nigeria’s stability and prosperity.

“I’m happy that we are building bridges across the North and South. That is the only way Nigeria can survive and thrive as a multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic country,” Fasoranti added.

October 24, 2025
Foundation unveils UBOMI 8.0 medical outreach to deliver 10,000 free interventions in Lagos

Pistis Foundation has announced the rollout of UBOMI 8.0 Medical and Surgical Outreach, scheduled to hold from October 27 to 31, 2025, in Lagos State. The flagship edition — the largest for the year — will deliver over 10,000 free medical interventions to vulnerable and underserved populations.

The five-day outreach will provide both primary and secondary healthcare services, including surgeries, dental and eye care, maternal health services, health screenings, consultations, and community health education — all at no cost to beneficiaries.

The announcement was made during the Foundation’s 7th anniversary press conference, where UBOMI was recognised as one of the most impactful social intervention initiatives of The Elevation Church, uplifting disadvantaged communities through accessible healthcare.

Earlier in September 2025, UBOMI extended its mission of dignity and compassion to inmates at the Kirikiri Correctional Centres — Maximum, Medium, and Female facilities — reaching over 1,350 inmates with medical care in a first-of-its-kind prison health intervention by the Foundation. Supported by more than 80 volunteers, the outreach provided medical consultations, treatments, medication, and hygiene supplies, restoring hope to a community with limited access to healthcare.

“UBOMI is about restoring dignity, hope, and the assurance that every life matters,” said Leonard F. Thomas, Executive Director of Pistis Foundation. “By expanding healthcare access to the most underserved — from inner-city communities to correctional facilities — we are demonstrating that compassion has no boundaries.”

As Pistis Foundation prepares for UBOMI 8.0, it is seeking partnerships and support from individual donors, philanthropists, NGOs, corporate organisations, healthcare providers, and development agencies to scale its impact and reach more lives in need.

The Foundation emphasised that partnership and donor support remain crucial to sustaining and expanding the delivery of free healthcare interventions at scale.

October 23, 2025
Repete seeks unity, support in Oyo APC

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Hon. Afeez Bolaji Repete, has called on members of the party to unite and work toward reclaiming power in the State.

In a statement, Repete said the political atmosphere in Oyo was shifting in favour of the progressives, noting that residents were increasingly dissatisfied with the current administration.

He accused the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde of setting back the wheel of progress in the state, describing its approach as a “trial-and-error experiment” that has left many citizens frustrated.

Repete alleged the current administration had been involved in indiscriminate land sales and demolitions, particularly in Ajia, Ona Ara, and Akinyele local government areas.

“The good people of Oyo State are feeling the pain of watching helplessly as their lands are grabbed and properties demolished,” he said.

“Governor Makinde has succeeded in selling off several state-owned lands to the detriment of public interest,” he alleged.

He assured residents that an incoming APC administration would address what he called “the injustices and excesses” of the present government.

Repete further urged party members and supporters to remain united and committed to restoring good governance in the state.

“We must all rise and resist this ‘sell, sell, and sell’ approach of the incumbent administration. The APC is ready to restore transparency, fairness, and genuine progress to Oyo State,” he added.

October 23, 2025
Ayefele charges NBC on license to radio station owners

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Fresh FM Nigeria, Dr. Yinka Ayefele, has charged the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to wake up to its responsibility on issuance of broadcasting license to owners of radio stations across Nigeria.

He said the step became necessary to sanitise broadcasting industry, which according to him has been saturated, particularly in Ibadan.

Speaking at a briefing to commence the 10th anniversary of Fresh FM Nigeria, Ayefele said issuance of broadcasting license to owners of radio stations must follow due process, rules and regulations guiding the broadcasting industry.

He stated that the Commission must monitor to maintain professionalism and proper conduct of operators of the radio stations.

He recounted the rigours he went through to secure his first license, noting that the process made him appreciate and cherish the licence more.

According to him: “I want to urge NBC to be up and doing in their responsibility, obtaining broadcasting license has been polarized, in fact, it has gotten to a stage that license is now being sold on Facebook.

“NBC need to do more because broadcasting and ownership of radio stations has now been polarized and saturated, most especially in Ibadan.”

He however said his vision is to change the face of broadcasting, and for his radio stations to be a choice and role model to other radio stations.

Assistant Director, NBC, Ibadan zonal office, Alhaja Sherifat Koro, who spoke on behalf of NBC Zonal Director, Jude Ajayi, said NBC was happy to associate with Fresh FM, describing the station as a tree planted, nurtured, and seeing growing and now have many branches.

She urged the station to continue doing its best in ditching out quality programmes to its listeners and adhered to the rules and regulations guiding broadcasting.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr. Suleiman Olanrewaju, said the 10th anniversary of Fresh FM is an indication of dedication, resilient, and positive impact of the station.

He lauded the station for changing the story of radio programing, describing Ayefele as a good talent manager.

Group Managing General Manager of Fresh FM, Nigeria, Alhaji Abolade Salami described the 10th anniversary as a remarkable event.

He lauded the dedication, determination and collective input of staff of the station for making the event a successful one.

October 23, 2025
Ojewumi pledges renewed drive to training, welfare for OGTV’s NUJ Chapel

The Ogun State Television (OGTV) Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has inaugurated new executives following a bye-election that produced Comrade Moses Ojewumi as Chairman and Comrade Mathew Showunmi as Vice Chairman.

The inauguration, held at the OGTV premises, was attended by top media leaders including the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of NUJ, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju; Vice Chairman of the Council ; Comrade Abiodun Lawal ; Assistant General Manager (News and Current Affairs), OGTV ; Comrade Biodun Alabi; Former NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Tunde Sodeke; and Comrade Bunmi Adigun, Secretary, Ogun NUJ Council.

Sodeke charged the new leadership to revive the chapel’s vibrancy through capacity building and improved member welfare.

“The essence of our union is the development of members,” he said. “We must begin to organize workshops that expose our journalists to modern trends in technology, marketing, and finance. Welfare should also be a priority — members must feel the benefit of belonging to NUJ.”

Similarly, the Assistant General Manager, News and Current Affairs, Comrade Biodun Alabi, expressed optimism that the new team would restore the chapel’s past glory, noting that OGTV has historically produced some of the state’s most influential NUJ leaders.

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In his acceptance speech, Comrade Ojewunmi described his elevation as “a call to serve and reposition the chapel.”

“This time, our workshops will go beyond what we already know,” he said. “We will bring experts who can expose us to emerging innovations, artificial intelligence, and digital trends in journalism.

“We will also prioritize members’ welfare and ensure everyone has a sense of belonging.”

The Ogun NUJ Chairman, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, congratulated the new executives and commended OGTV Chapel for its longstanding contribution to the union’s growth.

“OGTV remains one of our most active chapels,” he said. “Beyond this bye-election, I charge you to organize trainings, health checks, and fun fairs for your members.

“We at the State Council are rebuilding a system that was once destroyed by greed and division — and we’re happy OGTV remains a strong pillar of support.”

He also urged the chapel to ensure full participation of its members in council activities and to submit only qualified members ahead of the forthcoming NUJ elections.

A minute silence was observed in honour of Comrade Mrs. Bukola Agbakaizu , a former ex-officio member of the Ogun NUJ Council from the OGTV Chapel.

The event ended with renewed optimism among members, as leaders and guests pledged continued collaboration to strengthen the chapel and the wider journalism community in Ogun State.

October 23, 2025
Building a Circular Nigeria: How private sector collaboration is transforming plastic waste into opportunity

Across Nigeria’s bustling cities and growing peri-urban communities, the signs of progress are everywhere – expanding markets, rising consumption, and a youthful population driving demand. Yet this growth brings with it a familiar challenge: plastic waste. From busy Lagos streets to the creeks of the Niger Delta, discarded packaging often clogs drains, litters markets, and seeps into waterways, threatening livelihoods and ecosystems alike.

Nigeria generates an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, with less than 10% effectively recycled. Across West Africa, more than 80% of plastic waste remains mismanaged, posing risks to public health, biodiversity, and coastal economies. But amid these challenges, a quiet transformation is underway, driven by collaboration, innovation, and policy reform.

Private Sector Leadership: Strengthening the Recycling Ecosystem

The private sector is increasingly at the forefront of efforts to address Nigeria’s plastic challenge. Not only through corporate initiatives but by shaping the systems that make circularity possible.

One of the most notable of these collaborations is the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), a coalition of forward-looking companies working to accelerate sustainable waste management across the country. Established as the first Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) in Nigeria, FBRA plays a pivotal role in advancing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and ensuring that producers and importers of packaged goods take active responsibility for the post-consumer stage of their packaging materials.

Through partnerships with government regulators such as the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), FBRA is driving the institutionalisation of EPR in Nigeria. Its advocacy and technical support have informed the development of national policies, standard operating frameworks, and recycling models that are now being replicated across sectors.

Driving Impact Together: Private Sector Commitment in Action

FBRA’s strength lies in collective responsibility. Its member companies are not only funding and expanding recovery systems but also building scalable solutions that make recycling work in the real world. Across the value chain, organisations are investing in aggregation networks, supporting collection agents, developing recycling infrastructure, and creating demand for recycled materials, turning plastic waste into economic opportunity for thousands of Nigerians.

One example of this commitment in action is Nestlé Nigeria, a founding member of FBRA, whose investments in community-based recycling and circular packaging innovation are helping shape industry standards.

Nestlé Nigeria: Advancing Circularity Through Collaboration and Innovation

As a founding member of FBRA, Nestlé Nigeria continues to play an integral role in expanding the recycling ecosystem and promoting responsible waste management nationwide.

Since 2019, the organisation has facilitated the diversion of over 61,000 tonnes of plastic waste from landfills through its partnerships with FBRA, recyclers, and local social enterprises such as Chanja Datti, Wecyclers and Maladase Ecopreneur Management Ltd. One of its key initiatives, the Plastic Advantage Programme, empowers 43 mini-aggregators through training, equipment support, and access to stable off-take markets. This approach not only strengthens local collection systems but also enables inclusive economic participation for waste entrepreneurs.

Today, some of the plastics recovered through these initiatives are rechanneled into Nestlé Nigeria’s 50% rPET inclusion project for its water brands – a first-of-its-kind achievement in Nigeria, Nestlé is the first company in the country to attain any level of recycled PET inclusion, with 50% representing the highest permissible standard under current regulatory guidelines. This milestone underscores Nestlé’s leadership in advancing circular packaging solutions, setting a benchmark for the industry while inspiring broader adoption of sustainable practices. Beyond reducing dependence on virgin plastics, the initiative contributes meaningfully to the national circular economy agenda, where waste is transformed into value and innovation supports environmental resilience.

Complementing these efforts is the Nestlé Employee Plastics Collection Scheme, which encourages employees to bring their recyclables to the office for recycling . The initiative drives sustainable behaviour change and allows employees to actively support Nestlé’s vision of a waste-free future. It reflects the company’s belief that true circularity starts from within

Policy, Partnership, and Purpose: The Path Ahead

The progress achieved by FBRA, Nestlé, and other industry leaders underscores a vital truth: sustainability thrives where collaboration exists. Through shared responsibility, clear policy direction, and private-sector investment, Nigeria is gradually building the foundations of a circular economy, one capable of turning plastic waste into social and economic opportunity.

Yet, the journey is far from over. Without sustained action, plastic pollution could continue to outpace growth, threatening the very ecosystems that support communities and commerce. The path forward demands continued multi-stakeholder engagement, stronger enforcement of EPR regulations, and scalable innovations that make recycling accessible to every household.

Nestlé’s experience demonstrates that with commitment and collaboration, meaningful progress is not just possible, it is already taking shape. What started as focused efforts in waste recovery has grown into a model of shared value creation, where environmental stewardship, business growth, and community development advance hand in hand toward a more sustainable future.

October 23, 2025
Former Lagos LG chairman Egunjobi reflects on achievements, politics, life after office

Former Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, High Chief Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, in this interview with select journalists, speaks on politics, governance, and other related issues.

About three months ago, you left office as Chairman of Agege Local Government after eight years. What would you say are your achievements?

You just put me on the spot. It’s not in my nature to beat my own drum — I allow my work and performance to speak for themselves. I can’t take all the credit because it was a team effort. However, we did our best and executed several legacy projects.

Among them is the Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre, which the council built and equipped during my tenure. Recently, the government announced plans to phase out pen-and-paper exams for the Senior School Certificate Examinations and NECO by 2026 in favour of computer-based testing. If I’m not mistaken, this shift will eventually apply to all public examinations.

JAMB had long adopted this system, and we established the CBT centre to bring such facilities closer to candidates in our community. Another initiative that fills me with pride is the council’s free shuttle bus service.

We also constructed several roads, purchased ambulances, built and equipped health centres, and empowered many residents through job opportunities and vocational training.

Additionally, we established the Agege Crime Fighters, a security outfit owned by the council to complement state and federal security agencies in tackling crime and insecurity. My firm belief is that local governments in Lagos are having a greater impact than their counterparts in other states.

Can you shed more light on your assertion that Lagos councils are more impactful than those in other states?

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. The scale of projects and programmes carried out by councils in Lagos is often beyond what their counterparts in other states can handle.

During my tenure, we built hospitals. My colleague, Pastor J.S. Babatunde of Orile-Agege LCDA, did the same. Some councils even constructed housing estates, such as the one built by Dele Oshinowo of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA.

In many other states, such projects are handled by state governments because local councils lack the resources. For instance, the level of infrastructure development in Epe, achieved by local councils, cannot be compared with that of neighbouring Ijebu in Ogun State. The same applies to councils in Lagos West compared to local governments in Ota, Ogun State.

What is your assessment of the administration that succeeded yours under the chairmanship of Alhaji Tunde Azeez, especially ahead of the traditional 100-day celebration?

As they say, the morning shows the day. I’m impressed by the performance of the Acting Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Vinod Obasa. He has shown strong leadership in the absence of Alhaji Tunde Azeez, who deserves commendation for transferring power to his deputy in line with the constitution while attending to health matters.

Vinod has demonstrated uncommon capacity in a short period, implementing impactful programmes in education, security, and environmental sanitation, among others. He has indeed become the darling of Agege residents, visitors, and business owners.

As an APC chieftain at the grassroots, how do you respond to allegations that the ruling party is stifling opposition?

Those allegations are baseless. It’s well known that the opposition’s problems are self-inflicted. Everyone witnessed how the PDP’s internal divisions during the 2023 general elections contributed to its loss. Today, the party is in disarray, with members defecting en masse to the APC due to President Bola Tinubu’s impressive strides in improving Nigeria’s fortunes.

For example, the student loan scheme has ended the era when students dropped out of school due to financial hardship. Is it the APC’s fault that Peter Obi, the so-called “social media president,” cannot manage the Labour Party, leading to its polarisation between Julius Abure and Nenadi Usman?

The same internal crisis plagues the ADC. Our party remains focused on governance and the reelection of President Tinubu in 2027. We don’t engage in distractions or attempt to create crises in opposition parties.

From eleven governors, the PDP is now down to eight after three joined the APC. Several opposition lawmakers have also defected, giving the APC a two-thirds majority in the Senate — enough to pass major legislation with ease.

Some incidents, such as the attack on the ADC secretariat in Ekiti and the disruption of the party’s meetings in Kaduna and Alimosho by hoodlums, are cited as evidence of APC’s clampdown on opposition. What is your reaction?

We must be cautious about the danger of a single story. The APC is not made up of busybodies; we are focused on governance and moving the country forward.

I’m aware that both the national and state leadership of the APC have disowned those incidents. Who is to say the ADC didn’t orchestrate them to smear the APC in the eyes of the public?

How is life after office, and what is next for you politically?

I’ve returned to my alma mater, Lagos State University, where I completed my first and master’s degrees, to pursue a PhD in Peace and Security Studies. I’m also attending to my business and spending more time with family and friends.

As the Otun of Egbaland — the second-in-command to the Alake of Egbaland — my role requires active involvement in Abeokuta’s traditional affairs, alongside political engagements.

As for my next political move, that decision rests entirely with our leader in Agege, Rt. Hon. Mudasiru Ajayi Obasa.

October 23, 2025
Sanwo-Olu to Oyebanji: you’ve entrenched purposeful governance for citizens

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared that his Ekiti State counterpart, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has in three years of his administration, succeeded in entrenching the culture of purposeful governance that has benefitted all the strata of the state.

To sustain this trajectory of good governance initiated by the governor, Sanwo-Olu canvassed support for Oyebanji and urged Ekiti voters to return him for a second term to further consolidate democracy gains for the citizens.

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke yesterday at Iworoko Ekiti, in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, during the inauguration of Ado-Ekiti Ring Road Phase 1, as part of the activities marking the third year of Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.

He showered encomiums on Ekiti House of Assembly for cooperating with the governor and strengthening Executive-Legislative partnership that spiralled development in the state.

Sanwo-Olu described the Ring Road project as strategic and pivotal to the development of the state, stressing that the governor had not disappointed and that through him, purposeful governance was spiralling and consolidating fast in Ekiti.

Read Also: Ododo to Oyebanji: you’ve demonstrated capacity

With his sterling performance, the Lagos State governor said the Ekiti State governor had demonstrated that leadership was about service and not showmanship or acquisition of wealth at the expense of the populace.

“I am impressed with how you are consolidating purposeful governance for Ekiti people.”

This is a governance they can see and feel, not in the air. You have proved to be an embodiment of what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has continued to challenge all of us at the subnational that we must represent the people well.

“You have a man who in three years has done what some people can’t do in four or five years. He has shown that leadership is about service, is about talk and do, is about once you are given a commitment, there shouldn’t be any excuse.

I stand here truly proud of what you have done. Ekiti can’t afford to reject you for a second term,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He further saluted Oyebanji for connecting the towns through good roads and streetlights, saying this would help in powering meaningful economic prosperity and purposeful governance in the state.

“This is not just politics or rhetoric; this is an achievement we can all touch and feel. He has told you all the roads he has built, all the health centres he has built and all the youth he has engaged. For you to stop this stop and start that you do, I want you to vote massively for him in 2026 election. Return him back to office to work for you.

“With this achievement that we are all proud of, Governor Oyebanji’s second term is a second term of additional prosperity, second term of more youth empowerment, second term of more hospital construction, second term of more empowerment for senior citizens, and for our women, to feel more dividends of democracy.

“We need to galvanise ourselves and give him votes you have never recorded before. Votes that can transform the state into a centre of excellence and that will be a precursor to what will happen in 2027 for President Tinubu. It is only when you do this that you can see continuity of governance.

“With the way things are going in Ekiti under Governor Oyebanji, in 2030, you will see small London in Ekiti. You will see an Ekiti that is a pride of Southwest and glory of Nigeria that will drive our people home from where they work abroad.”

Commenting on how pivotal the road project is to economic growth, Governor Oyebanji revealed that the project was specifically conceptualised to decongest Ado-Ekiti metropolis of gridlock and spike up economic activities along Iworoko, Afao, Are, Igbemo, Araromi Obo and other adjoining towns.

Exhibiting confidence that his strategic thinking would open up the state to better prosperity, Oyebanji was upbeat that with ‘’this road, the first of its kind in the state, a new Ado-Ekiti town will be created along the corridor that will drive industrial growth and urban development that will add value to the state.’’

Besides road construction, Oyebanji said an aggregate of 103 health centres had been built with modern facilities to offer quality health care for the citizens at the grassroots.

“This road, which is about 17.85 kilometres, is just the first phase and we are grateful to President Tinubu for freeing more money to the subnational and we promise that we will triple our votes for Mr President in 2027.

“So those who have done INEC’s online registration and have not done physical capturing, go and do it so that you can show to Mr. President that you love him.

“With your support, I will break the jinx of continuity in Ekiti in 2026 . The era of a government spending four years and being sent packing is over, to drive development, happiness and prosperity, so that our people can plan for their future.”

Speaking for the contractor, Craneburg Construction Company, that prosecuted the project, Mr Elie Adem branded the Ring Road as a strategic project, not only to connect towns, but also to ensure economic development and regional connectivity that attested to purposeful leadership.

Tracing the trajectory of Governor Oyebanji’s participation in the epic battle for the creation of Ekiti State in 1996, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, lauded the governor for his shrewd economic policies and said his enigmatic drives had made all the political, religious, market men and women, and youth groups to endorse him for a second term.

“I am not surprised at what you are doing, because you are material prepared for this job long ago. You are humble, kind and generous. We pray for Ekiti to be in peace for you to continue to serve the people. God will help you succeed,” the monarch said.

October 23, 2025
Ladigbolu, Awoyemi for Afenifere conference

Chairman of Yoruba Unity Forum and member of Afenifere Elders’ Caucus, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu, and governance expert, Dr. Ayo Awoyemi, are among the leading speakers at the forthcoming Southwest Stakeholders Dialogue scheduled to hold in Akure, Ondo State.

The two-day regional forum with the theme: ‘Strengthening Democracy through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future’, will take place on October 29 and 30 at the International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure.

Convened by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, the dialogue is designed as a citizen–government interactive town hall session that will bring together ministers, senior federal government officials, traditional rulers, civil society leaders and other stakeholders from across the six Southwest states.

Ladigbolu will deliver a special address, while Awoyemi is billed to present the keynote address, both expected to provide thought-provoking perspectives on strengthening democratic governance and regional cooperation.

The dialogue will be hosted by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, with co-hosts including Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

Read Also: Ododo to Oyebanji: you’ve demonstrated capacity

Expected participants include current and former political leaders, professional associations, youths’ and women’s groups, civil society organisations, business leaders and traditional institutions.

Discussions will focus on democratic consolidation, regional collaboration and the impact of federal policies on the Southwest.

Programme highlights include Southwest Stakeholders Confab, Southwest Governors’ Forum session on ‘Regional Collaboration: Impact of Federal Government Reforms, Policies and Programmes on Southwest States,’ and a series of thematic engagement sessions aimed at defining a common development agenda for the region.

Organised in partnership with Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, the forum seeks to foster cooperation among governments, institutions and citizens in building a more inclusive, accountable and prosperous Southwest.

Enquiries are to be directed to Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN) and Dr. Seye Oyeleye, Director-General of the DAWN Commission.

With Ladigbolu and Awoyemi leading key sessions, the Akure dialogue promises to generate far-reaching ideas on democracy, governance and future of development in the Yoruba-speaking Southwest states.

October 23, 2025
Ondopoly Alumni hails Aiyedatiwa for breaking 12-year convocation jinx

The Alumni Association of Ondo State- owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), has hailed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for ending the institution’s 12-year break from holding convocations.

The institution had earlier announced that it would graduate about 25,000 students during its 12th–23rd combined convocations scheduled for Saturday.

Acting Rector, Mr. Olorunwa Adegun, made this known at a news conference to herald the week-long convocation activities.

He noted that the last convocation was held in 2013 and lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa, the Visitor to the polytechnic, for his decisive intervention that made the event possible.

In a statement yesterday, the National Executive Council of RUGIPO Alumni Association described the governor’s approval for the convocation as “a landmark decision that has restored pride to thousands of graduates across the globe and rekindled hope in the hearts of current students and stakeholders.”

In the statement by Samuel Asulewon, an engineer, the association said the governor’s action went beyond a mere celebration, describing it as “a bold commitment to education, institutional legacy and youth development in Ondo State.”

Read Also: Ododo to Oyebanji: you’ve demonstrated capacity

He added that the RUGIPO Alumni Association, under the leadership of Chief Adesina Adeola, remained committed to promoting quality education and pledged support for the continued growth of the institution.

“This singular act is a testament to the administration’s dedication to advancing the cause of education and empowering youths for future leadership,” the association noted.

As part of activities lined up for the convocation week, the Alumni body announced it would inaugurate its National Secretariat (Legacy Project), perform the groundbreaking ceremony for its Alumni Lock-Up Shops, and ratify the Association’s Constitution.

The statement added that ‘’these initiatives are aimed at strengthening the foundation of the institution and deepening the legacy of unity, growth and service among its graduates.’’

The Alumni Association expressed appreciation to the Governing Council of the polytechnic for its steadfast commitment to institutional development and for keeping the RUGIPO spirit alive.

October 23, 2025