The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Gani Adams visits harmony garden, lauds Mosadoluwa’s commitment to affordable housing

    Gani Adams visits harmony garden, lauds Mosadoluwa’s commitment to affordable housing

    It was an inspiring moment at Harmony Garden and Estate Development Ltd as the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, paid a special visit to inspect the company’s ongoing real estate projects and engage in strategic discussions on sustainable housing and cultural development.

    The visit, which took place at the company’s Lagos office and project sites, saw Iba Gani Adams touring major Harmony Garden estates including GranVille, The Parliament, Lekki Aviation Town, and Majestic Bay. Each site showcased remarkable progress under the Ibile Traditional Mortgage System and Harmony Renewed Hope Mortgage System — innovative initiatives designed to make quality housing more accessible and affordable for Nigerians.

    The revered Yoruba leader was warmly received by the CEO and Executive Managing Director of Harmony Garden, Hon. Dr. Saheed Audullahi Mosadoluwa (Mr. Ibile), who personally led the inspection tour and outlined the company’s mission to integrate modern development with cultural values.

    During the tour, Iba Gani Adams commended Harmony Garden for its visionary approach, praising the firm’s dedication to creating serene, secure, and sustainable living environments that balance innovation with cultural heritage.

    According to him, “What I’ve seen here today is not just about buildings; it’s about a vision that aligns with the Yoruba philosophy of excellence, community, and legacy. Harmony Garden is truly setting a standard in housing development.”

    Dr. Mosadoluwa expressed gratitude for the visit, describing it as both encouraging and symbolic. He emphasized that Harmony Garden’s projects are designed not just to provide shelter but to build hope and restore the dignity of home ownership among Nigerians.

    He said, “Our collaboration with cultural icons like Iba Gani Adams strengthens our resolve to integrate traditional values into modern innovation. We are not just constructing estates; we are building a future Nigerians can proudly call their own.”

    The visit ended with a private discussion between both leaders on future collaborations that would promote affordable housing, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation within the real estate sector.

    With Iba Gani Adams’ endorsement and the continuous progress at Harmony Garden, the company reaffirms its place as a beacon of trust, innovation, and excellence in Nigeria’s real estate industry.

  • Oyo yearns for APC return in 2027 – Oseni

    Oyo yearns for APC return in 2027 – Oseni

    The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency at the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, said people in Oyo State are yearning for change in 2027. 

    He said the change people want is return of All Progressive Congress (APC) to power in Oyo. 

    Speaking in Ibadan at the 1st anniversary and endorsement rally organised by the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF) progressive workers and traders group, Oseni affirmed commitment towards building progressive Oyo state where every worker, trader, youths and women can thrive with dignity and hope .

    He described the event as movement driven by passion to rebuild and reposition Oyo State and Nigeria at large under the platform of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The lawmaker noted that the party will not rest until its members’ names appear boldly on the ballot papers in 2027 as agents of good governance reform and transformation.

    While pledging to deliver one million votes to President Bola Tinubu in 2027 elections, the lawmaker predicted victory for the party.

    He said: “Distinguished leaders, progressive compatriots, members of the ROCOF family, workers, traders, and the good people of Oyo state, I welcome you all to this historic Ist Anniversary and Endorsement Rally of ROCOF Progressive Workers & Traders.

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    “Today, we gather not merely to a movement born out of conviction, celebrate an anniversary, but to affirm a movement nurtured in faith, and driven by the passion to rebuild and reposition our beloved Oyo State and Nigeria at large under the banner of Renewed Hope Agenda and Real Results.

    “We are the vanguard of a new Oyo, a state that must be liberated from the shackles of misrule and restored to the path of progress. The people of Oyo are yearning for change, and that change must come through the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.”

    The lawmaker said his group, Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF), will mobilise at least one million votes across Oyo State to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    Oseni described President Tinubu as a visionary reformer whose Renewed Hope Agenda is laying a solid foundation for a prosperous Nigeria.

    He said the ROCOF structure, built from the grassroots, had become a veritable platform to support the President’s developmental agenda and advance progressive governance in Oyo State.

  • ‘How govt can use music to help Nigerians’

    ‘How govt can use music to help Nigerians’

    The Asiwaju of Ijesaland and founder of Ibadan Business School, High Chief Olayinka Fasuyi, has urged organisations and government to exploit the power of music to help Nigerians who may have either fallen into depression or are suffering from diverse mental health issues as a result of the prevailing economic problems in the country.

    He gave the advice during a special musical orchestra on the third day of activities marking his 70th birthday.

    Fasuyi said the transformative power of music, which had, for centuries, formed an integral part of human culture, had a special place in people’s lives.

    Fasuyi, who is also the chairman/founder of  Supreme Management Training and Consultancy Services Limited, was speaking during an evening of scintillating classical and contemporary musical orchestra by the renowned kapellmeister, Prince Abiodun Lufadeju, the composer of Ijesa anthem, and his ensemble of musicians.

    “Music has great power in its effects,” Fasuyi declared. “It is therapeutic. When optimally harnessed, it has great potential to heal Nigerians in depression occasioned by the struggling economy or causes that distress the soul.

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    “When people sing, or dance, sorrow flees. No song has sour taste. In Biblical times, David used the power of music to heal King Saul, who was struggling with serious mental health issue. David used music to curry favour from God. Even after committing murder, and other sins, remorseful David sang high praises to God, and God not only forgave him, God still maintained that David was a man after His heart.”

    Fasuyi also went down memory lane to recall how music rescued him from looming failure in his undergraduate days at the University of Ibadan.

    Economics, he said, was his favourite subject in secondary school and at advanced level, where he soared like an eagle. But when he gained admission into the University of Ibadan, the tide changed and economics, his first love, almost became his Achilles’ heel. Mathematics, a major component of his course of study, became so hard that it constituted a serious weakness and threat to his overall strength.

    It would have led to his downfall, Fasuyi, then a party freak, said frankly. But he discovered the power of music.

    “Economics was tough for me in the university,” Fasuyi stressed. “But I found healing and an enduring solution in Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey’s music. Before reading, or attempting any problem, I would play Obey’s music, and pronto, the mathematical problem would be solved.”

    Stressing that good music has been an integral part of his existence ever since, Fasuyi  advised “governments, organisations-religious and social, to explore the power of music to encourage and motivate, by organising regular musical concerts.”

  • Ogbomoso Cradles carnival holds from December 18

    Ogbomoso Cradles carnival holds from December 18

    The 2025 edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival will take place from December 18 to 22.

    The chairman of the planning committee, Hon. Segun Dokun Odebunmi, disclosed this during a press conference held at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland. 

    He described the carnival as one of the flagship initiatives of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, under the monarch’s 25-year development agenda for Ogbomosoland.

    According to Odebunmi, the carnival was created to promote Ogbomoso’s rich cultural heritage, foster unity among its people, and showcase the city’s uniqueness to the world. 

    He stated, “The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival is more than a cultural display; it is a vision—a platform to showcase our heritage, promote our identity, and restore the dignity of Ogbomosoland.”

    He recalled that the inaugural edition in 2024 attracted over 10,000 visitors, including indigenes from the diaspora, corporate sponsors, and tourists, noting that the event has become a model for cultural celebrations in Oyo State. 

    “Last year’s success inspired several communities across Oyo State. It also led to the establishment of a campus of the Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies (NACUS) and its inclusion in both the state and federal cultural calendars,” Odebunmi added.

    He expressed hope that the 2025 edition would surpass the previous one in terms of colour, creativity, and impact, mentioning that new activities and innovations have been introduced to enhance participants’ experiences. 

    This year’s pre-carnival activities will be largely youth-focused, designed not only to showcase talent but also to elevate outstanding individuals on national and global stages.

    Mr. Banji Ojo, the chairman of the pre-carnival committee, stated that areas not yet included in the current lineup would be addressed in future editions and encouraged young people to seize the opportunity to showcase their gifts through talent hunts and other activities. 

    He mentioned that, in addition to cash and material rewards, those who excelled would be promoted to national and global levels.

    Mr. Muyiwa Oke, the secretary of the committee, reported that over 50 clubs and associations have registered to participate, with registration still open for other interested groups. 

    He assured that the carnival would reflect the unity and vibrancy that characterize Ogbomosoland.

    The 2025 carnival will include Pre-Carnival, Main Carnival, and Post-Carnival events. 

    Key highlights will feature talent Hunt showcasing music, comedy, and traditional performances; Omidan Ogbomoso Beauty Pageant, crowning the cultural ambassador of Ogbomosoland; Arts and Crafts Exhibition (December 18–22); Oba Ghandi Golf Tournament, Football Competition, Tennis Tournament, Ayo Olopon and Draught Competitions, and a Marathon Race.

    The Main Carnival will officially launch on Thursday, December 18, at the Soun Ogunlola Hall, featuring cultural displays, music, and addresses by dignitaries. 

    Subsequent days will include chieftaincy conferments, Jumaat prayers, the Odun Oole Festival, golf tournament, award night, and musical entertainment.

    The grand finale, scheduled for Monday, December 22, will feature an official closing ceremony performed by the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, alongside cultural displays from the five local governments in Ogbomosoland.

    Hon. Odebunmi assured that comprehensive security measures have been implemented, with both serving and retired experts managing surveillance and crowd control. 

    He also mentioned that hotels and restaurants across the city have been well-prepared to ensure comfort and safety for visitors.

    Prince Dotun Oyelade, the chairman of the media and publicity sub-committee, emphasised that the carnival was “programmed for success right from inception” and called on journalists to project its vision of unity, culture, and economic revival.

    In conclusion, Odebunmi urged all sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland to support this initiative. 

    “As Helen Keller said, ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’ Together, under the leadership of His Imperial Majesty, we are rewriting our story with courage and conviction,” he stated.

    The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, inaugurated in 2024 as part of the Soun’s developmental vision, has quickly become one of the most anticipated cultural festivals in Oyo State, attracting both local and international attention.

  • Ondo set for TSG inauguration, says ex-minister

    Ondo set for TSG inauguration, says ex-minister

    • …Aiyedatiwa named group’s patron 

    All is set for the inauguration of the Ondo State chapter of Tinubu Support Group (TSG), former Minster of State for Transportation Ademola Adegoroye has said.

    Speaking in Akure over the weekend, Adegoroye said the group is to be at the forefront of grassroots mobiliation for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    According to him, the aim of the group is to return the president with the highest margin of votes possible in Nigeria.

    Adegoroye, who spoke at a well-attended TSG State Caucus meeting said, “The primary objective of Tinubu Support Group (TSG), is to champion the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through activities designed to unify and strengthen the APC, sensitize and mobilize voters, with the support, under the guidance and leadership Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as leader of the APC in Ondo State.

    “That is why the group is taking its time to bring into its fold all the major political gladiators in the state into the APC platform under the leadership of the governor.

    “We have decided to all work with the Governor to canvass, promote and mobilise for the re-election of President Asiwaju by propagating the laudable interventions of the President in Ondo State in particular and Nigeria in general.

    “Since the governor is at the forefront of such efforts, the TSG will be working under his guidance and leadership in the state.”

    Adegoroye further said that “leaders and members of the APC, and indeed other parties, enamoured by the achievements of President Tinubu are all motivated to be part of the TSG and are being organised for an effective take-off of the group in Ondo State”.

  • Oyebanji my greatest achievement, says Fayemi

    Oyebanji my greatest achievement, says Fayemi

    Former Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has described the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, as his greatest achievement.

    He lauded the governor’s outstanding performance, visionary leadership and commitment to continuity in governance.

    Fayemi gave the commendation at Ijelu-Ekiti during the inauguration of Itapa–Ijelu–Omu Road, one of the numerous projects completed by the Oyebanji administration as part of activities marking its third anniversary.

    The ex-governor expressed delight that his successor had not only built on his administration’s legacy, but had also surpassed expectations in the delivery of good governance.

    “Absolutely, he is my greatest achievement. I have my own imperfections, but those imperfections he has managed to correct or reduce. God has indeed been kind to us in Ekiti by blessing us with a governor who is focused on transformation rather than unnecessary politicking at the expense of development.”

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    The former governor said the success of the Oyebanji administration validated his belief in purposeful and people-centred leadership, adding that the governor’s track record within three years justified the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the people of Ekiti to rally behind him for the 2026 governorship election.

    Fayemi praised Oyebanji for prioritising infrastructure development, particularly road building and rehabilitation, which, according to him, had boosted commerce, improved connectivity and eased transportation across the state.

    He said the new roads built and inaugurated under the Oyebanji government were strategic to Ekiti’s economic growth, linking key agricultural zones, business communities and tourism corridors to major urban centres.

    “I want to thank our governor for not disappointing us and for holding firmly to his faith in God and commitment to truth. He has delivered on the task of governing Ekiti and is leaving it better than we left it.

    “We have every reason to be proud of him and no reason to abandon him.”

    Highlighting the governor’s performance, Fayemi listed several roads initiated by his administration but completed by Oyebanji, including Itapa–Ijelu–Omu, Omisanjana–Atlas, Agric Olope–Moferere, Ijurin–Ayegunle, GRA Third Extension, Ikole–Ara–Isinbode, and Ikere–Ilawe roads, among others.

    Oyebanji thanked his predecessor for laying the solid foundation upon which his administration had continued to build.

    He said the achievements recorded so far were the result of collective efforts of successive administrations united by a common vision for a prosperous Ekiti.

    The governor described the event as a demonstration of the gains of continuity in governance, stressing that development became faster when leaders built on the legacies of their predecessors, rather than abandoned them.

    Oyebanji thanked Fayemi for breaking the jinx of discontinuity that had hindered Ekiti’s progress since its creation, noting that all road projects initiated by the previous administration, but left unfinished, had been completed.

    “I bless God for today. What is happening here speaks to what Ekiti has lost over the years due to lack of continuity. If we had been building on each other’s work since the days of Otunba Niyi Adebayo, our state would have gone far. I thank Dr. Fayemi for breaking that jinx, and I’m proud that nearly all the projects he started are now completed.”

    The Owajumu of Omu Kingdom, Oba Adeoye Joseph; retired Anglican Bishop, Rev’d Michael Ipinmoye and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Chairman, Chief Falope Joseph, lauded Governor Oyebanji’s dedication to rural and infrastructure development.

    They described the project as a lifeline that would ease movement, boost commerce and improve access to health care and education.

  • I foster development of Yoruba culture, says Alonge

    I foster development of Yoruba culture, says Alonge

    • Ooni confers Awokose Oodua title on NIESV president

    The President of Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV), Prince Victor Alonge, has said he has fostered the development of Yoruba culture.

    He spoke when the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, conferred the chieftaincy title of Awokose Omoluabi Oodua on him.

    Alonge expressed gratitude to Ooni, saying: “I accept this title with absolute humility and stance of responsibility. I accept it as a show of love and kindness, also recognition. I promise to continue to do my best to uplift my community and my profession.

    “The profession gave me the platform to express myself. I thank those who are responsible for the establishment of the profession in Nigeria.”

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    He urged the Federal Government to prioritise the role of professionals in nation-building.

    “There is nothing in terms of ideas and knowledge that we have in Nigeria that each profession cannot provide. It is for the government and those in power to recognise and accept while evolving.”

    The monarch hinged his decision to give chieftaincy title to Alonge on his contributions to human development and commitment to promoting peace, unity and cultural heritage.

    He urged him to use the new positions to further promote Oduduwa race globally.

  • Monarch installs philanthropist as Yeye Bobajiro of Oodua

    Monarch installs philanthropist as Yeye Bobajiro of Oodua

    Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ile-Ife,  has installed a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Afolashade Shona-Aluko, as Yeye Bobajiro of Oodua.

    The event, held at his palace, was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life.

    Conferring the chieftaincy title on Shona-Aluko, the monarch lauded her for impacting on Nigerians through entrepreneurship, saying her efforts towards alleviating the sufferings of the masses were numerous.

    Ooni said: “Shona-Aluko’s impact towards uplifting entrepreneurs impressed me a lot. So, I decided to reward her kindness with this chieftaincy title.”

    The new Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, who could not hide her joy, said she could not comprehend how it happened to have being honoured by a foremost monarch in Yorubaland and Arole Oduduwa, Oba Ogunwusi.

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    She said: “To God be the glory for counting me worthy to be honoured with the title of Yeye Bobajiro Oodua by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife. The event was witnessed by many prominent traditional rulers and dignitaries from far and near.”

    The Offa, Kwara State-born entrepreneur and philanthropist said her new title would spur her to do more for the development of mankind, promotion of Yoruba race and cultural institutions.

    Some of the subjects of Ooni, who also spoke at the event, urged Shona-Aluko to collaborate with Ooni towards the progress and development of Ile-Ife and the entire Yorubaland.

    They said: “Ile-Ife is the source of mankind. Ooni don’t just confer chieftaincy title on anyone, but those who deserve it and have contributed well to the development of Ile-Ife and Yorubaland as a whole.

    Let’s see your impact in Ile-Ife and Yorubaland.”

  • Falawewo family sues firms for N2b over destruction of heritage

    Falawewo family sues firms for N2b over destruction of heritage

    The quartet of Pa Elijah Folawewo, Kayode Folawewo, Sesan Odukoya and Dotun Olakunle – all representatives of Folawewo family of Siun in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State – being the claimants, have taken Young Agro Services Company and Shodesam Properties Investment Ltd – designated as 1st, 2nd defendants – to a state High Court sitting in Abeokuta over alleged acquisition of 47 acres of land.

    Also sued in connection with the land are the Director General, Bureau of Land & Survey, Ogun State and Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Ogun State, listed as 3rd and 4th defendants.

    The land is situated at Abomide Village, via Obadeyi Road, opposite Imo Emulu/Day Waterman College, off Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway, Siun, a suburb of Abeokuta.

    In the suit marked AB/661/25 and filed on October 3, by a lawyer who craves being identified simply as Folawewo’s family lawyer, the claimants are seeking the court order, declaring that the purported acquisition of the land by the 1st and 2nd defendants without prior negotiations with them, being the customary owners of the land, is unlawful, null and void.

    The claimants are also demanding N2billion as general damages from the 1st and 2nd defendants as unlawful acts of bulldozing and clearing acres of their land with economic crops, destruction of family huts and the age- long ancestral shrines.

    They are equally praying the court to restrain the 3rd and 4th defendants from taking any decision such as processing Certificate of Occupancy against the interest of the claimants without adequate compensation paid to them by the 1st and 2nd defendants.

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    ‎‎The four representatives of Folawewo family want the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, officers and privies from taking any further step that can disturb their interest in the 47 acres of land.

    ‎‎The matter has not been assigned to any court yet, but defending their right of ownership of the 47 acres of land, the claimants stated in the writ of summons that their progenitor, Adejimi Folawewo, migrated from Ita Lanloko Compound in Igbore, Abeokuta, centuries ago and settled at Abomide as was the practice at that time with valiant warriors to seek distant arable land for farming and settlement.

    ‎‎They claimed that after their progenitor had settled at Abomide, which he founded, he expanded his land holdings to encompass the 47 acres spread within Abomide village and stretching to what is today designated as Obadeyi, opposite Day Waterman College and up to the boundary of Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway.

    ‎Efforts by our correspondent to contact Young Agro Services Company and Shodesam Properties Investment Ltd  for their reactions did not yield fruitful result, as phone calls placed to their GSM numbers were not responded to.

  • Ondo youths demand sack of NDDC board member over alleged misconduct

    Ondo youths demand sack of NDDC board member over alleged misconduct

    • ’They don’t deserve my response’

    The Coalition of Oil Producing Youths of Ondo State (COPYOS) has called for the removal of Otito Ehinmore, the state’s representative on the board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), over alleged gross misconduct, abuse of office and misappropriation of funds.

    The group made the demand in a petition addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dated October 15.

    In the petition by over 30 youth leaders from the state’s oil-producing mandate areas, COPYOS gave President Tinubu a two-week ultimatum to sack Ehinmore, accusing him of nepotism, financial mismanagement and poor representation of Ondo State in NDDC.

    The petitioners alleged that since his appointment, ‘’Ehinmore has turned  Ondo State seat on the NDDC board into a ghost position,” depriving the state of visibility, representation and development projects.’’

    “We, the undersigned Coalition of Youth Movements and Stakeholders from the oil-producing areas of Ondo State, rise in unity to demand the removal of Ehinmore from the NDDC board,” the petition read in part.

    “Our position is driven by deep disappointment and betrayal. Since his appointment, Ehinmore has consistently demonstrated disconnection, irresponsibility and self-serving conduct that grossly undermines the mandate of the NDDC and the trust of the people of Ondo State.”

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    The group further alleged that Ehinmore allocated the only four NDDC employment slots meant for the state’s oil-producing communities to his immediate family members — identified as Dare Ehinmore, Dayo Ehinmore, Babatunde Ehinmore and Taye Stella Olayemi.

    They also accused him of diverting funds earmarked for the 2023 and 2024 NDDC Youth Empowerment Programmes and of failing to engage key stakeholders, youth groups and traditional rulers in Ilaje and Ese-Odo local governments — the state’s main oil-producing zones.

    “Ehinmore has been completely invisible and unavailable in all oil-producing communities of Ondo State since assuming office,” the group alleged. “He has failed to initiate or attract any meaningful development projects, nor has he created any avenue for interaction with the people he represents.”

    The coalition said its agitation was not politically-motivated, but a call for effective representation and accountability in the management of NDDC affairs as they affected Ondo State.

    They warned that failure by the presidency to act within the stipulated two-week period would compel them to mobilise mass protests and shut down NDDC-related activities in the state.

    “We will not continue to be silent spectators while our region suffers from neglect and misrepresentation. The time for change is now,” the petitioners declared.

    However, in a swift reaction, Ehinmore dismissed the allegations as politically- motivated, saying he was unbothered by the call for his removal.

    “They don’t deserve my response. If the President removes me, I will go to my house,” he said.