The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • 193,000 Kwara residents to benefit from Tinubu’s RHWDP

    193,000 Kwara residents to benefit from Tinubu’s RHWDP

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State yesterday revealed that a total of 193,000 residents would benefit from President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP) in the state.

    The governor said this in Ilorin at the launch of the non-partisan socio-economic initiative of President Tinubu to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

    The governor said that the beneficiaries cut across the 193 wards in the state.

    The governor said the programme attests to the President’s love for the less privileged and his government’s dedication to achieving the $1 trillion economy by 2030.

    “This is the most innovative grassroots social programme rolled out to address poverty irrespective of religious difference, political persuasion, tribal or gender difference or place of birth,” the Governor said in Ilorin through his Senior Adviser and Counselor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau, who represented him.

    “This is a practical demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s love for the grassroots and the poorest of the poor. This is the most data-driven FG special intervention towards ensuring a $1 trillion economy by 2030.”

    Read Also: Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Akume others eulogise Akande at 87

    AbdulRazaq commended Tinubu’s administration for its economic recovery programmes that support the poor, saying the initiative aligns with the state’s social investment programme, which his government introduced to empower the aged, downtrodden, and small-scale businesses.

    He thanked the President for his various supports to Kwara and how he entrusted him with the task of chairing the National Steering Committee for the programme.

    “I call on all people of the state to support this innovative programme rolled out by the President to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty,” the Governor added.

    The event was attended by top government officials, local government chairmen, party executives led by the Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, leaders of artisans’ congress and market women association, representatives of community-based organisations in the state.

    Fagbemi said APC will get more than 75 percent votes in Nigeria’s General elections in 2027, saying the party has delivered its mandate to citizens, while also working harder to strengthen public safety.

    He commended the APC family on the purposeful leadership across the Federation and on how it continues to wax stronger.

    State Coordinator for RHWDP, Mubarak Bello, said the scheme is designed to take development and economic growth directly to the grassroots and make national growth a reality for every Nigerian, right from the ward level.

    “The programme is anchored on President Tinubu’s renewed hope Agenda, which seeks to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030, requiring a growth rate of 15% while the current rate sits below 5%,” he said.

    “Key targets of the initiative include sustainable support for economic activities with minimum thresholds of 1000 economically active individuals for smaller wards and 2,000 for larger ones.”

  • Osun 2025: Ogunbiyi collapses structure for Oyebamiji, declares Senate ambition

    Osun 2025: Ogunbiyi collapses structure for Oyebamiji, declares Senate ambition

    A former leading governorship aspirant and Chairman, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Akin Ogunbiyi, on Saturday collapsed his political structure for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), ahead of the 2026 election.

    The Ile-Ogbo-born politician also declared his intention to contest the Osun West Senatorial seat on the APC ticket.

    Ogunbiyi, who named his political movement ‘Idera De’, was among the 8 contenders for the APC gubernatorial ticket, which Oyebamiji later clinched through a consensus arrangement.

    While addressing his supporters across the state during a debrief meeting with members and leaders of his campaign structure in Osogbo,  Ogunbiyi commended them for their steadfastness.

    According to him, we are very happy because I am from the West and we want the governorship candidate to emerge from the Osun West. We are grateful to God that one has happened.

    “As for my belief and vision to govern the state. That has become a secondary issue now that a candidate of the party has emerged. So I have come to brief my supporters across the state that there is no more grouping. Just like all of us, aspirants, nine of us, we all agree to work for the party.

    Read Also: Architect of half-salary in Osun is now your chief economic adviser — Oyebamiji replies Adeleke

    “Everyone of us had a meeting, and we resolved that everyone of us will work. We will do everything within our respective constituencies to ensure that Bola Oyebamiji emerges as the governor of Osun State from August this year.”

    He expressed confidence that Oyebamiji will emerge as the winner on August 8th 2026.

    He said: “Our leaders have individually and collectively mentioned to me that I will pick the senatorial ticket. I don’t have any reason to doubt them. So I am putting on record to my supporters that we have not lost anything.

    “The most important thing is for Bola Oyebamiji to emerge as the elected governor. If that happens, by the grace of God, I, Akin Ogunbiyi, from Iwo Federal constituency, by the special grace of God and the support of our leaders, I will emerge as the senator of the West.”

    Subsequently, he officially disbanded his political structure, charging them to work tirelessly for Oyebamiji’s emergence as the governor of Osun State.

    “Before I came to do this today, I had all my caucuses, we had all met and resolved that the party’s candidate is the ultimate that we have to work for. That has been done. We may not be too happy that they didn’t give us the governorship, but that doesn’t mean that we are not still going to work for the party. We have 170,000 votes in Iwo, and I am telling everybody that by the special grace of God, progressives should count on Iwo, as we have always done in the past, we will still deliver for Oyebamiji, and we will deliver for APC.”

  • Oyo APC chieftain drums support for Tinubu’s re-election

    Oyo APC chieftain drums support for Tinubu’s re-election

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Abdulwasiu Ajao, popularly known as Danladi, has declared that he was strategically working to drive support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    He also disclosed a formal declaration of his intention to contest the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ajao, who officially joined the APC amid widespread enthusiasm, is widely regarded as a grassroots-oriented politician with broad acceptance across communities in Akinyele and Lagelu Local Government Areas.

    His entry into the ruling party was celebrated by party stakeholders as a major boost to the APC’s political structure and electoral prospects within the constituency and Oyo State at large.

    The declaration was made during an APC Akinyele Local Government meeting held in Moniya, Ibadan, where Danladi addressed party leaders, elders, and members.

    He explained that his decision to seek elective office was driven by a sincere desire to deliver purposeful, people-centred, and impactful representation at the National Assembly.

    An agricultural expert by training and practice, Danladi has spent years championing initiatives focused on improving agricultural productivity, strengthening rural livelihoods, and promoting youth participation in agribusiness.

    He noted that his background has shaped his development philosophy, particularly in areas of food security, sustainable development, job creation, and grassroots economic empowerment.

    Read Also: Osun 2026: APC group begs for female running mate slot, vows 300,000 votes

    According to him, one of his core priorities is to unlock and maximise the vast agricultural potential of Akinyele and Lagelu through the development of value chains that empower farmers, attract private investment, and generate employment opportunities for youths and women.

    He also pledged to promote digital skills acquisition and innovation, positioning young people in the constituency to compete favourably in the modern economy.

    Beyond his legislative ambition, Danladi disclosed that he is actively mobilising party members and residents for the ongoing APC e-registration and revalidation exercise, describing it as a critical step toward strengthening the party’s base ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    He stressed that the exercise would crystallise into massive support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while further consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda of the APC-led Federal Government.

  • Yayi support group holds meeting in Ogun community

    Yayi support group holds meeting in Ogun community

    A group supporting the governorship ambition of Senator representing Ogun West district, Solomon Olamilekan aka Yayi, the Yayi Family has held a meeting in Ipatira Town, Ejila Awori, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    The meeting focused on unity, collective support, and appreciation of the efforts of Senator Olamilekan Solomon Yayi, a leading aspirant for the Governorship of Ogun State.

    At the meeting, the leader of the group, Arimiyau Agoro, highlighted several developmental projects executed by Senator Yayi in Ejila Awori and across Ogun West.

    Agoro stated that Yayi had provided five transformers to the people of Ejila Awori and facilitated the construction of about 3.5km of roads from Igbesa to Ejila Awori. He also revealed that Senator Yayi has promised the construction of a link bridge connecting Lagos through Captain Davies road to Totowu town.

    Agoro added that the visible achievements of Senator Yayi have strengthened the people’s confidence in his leadership. He added that these projects demonstrate Senator Yayi’s commitment to grassroots development.

    The representative of Senator Yayi at the meeting, Oyenekan Abiodun, popularly known as Visa Phone, from Atan Ward, expressed his satisfaction with the large turnout at the meeting, describing it as the first of its kind in Ejila Awori. He noted that the gathering was aimed at building unity among aspirants, including Adijat Sunmola Olashile of AgbaraII/Ejila Awori ward.

    Read Also: Yayi’s town hall meeting to hold in Ogun East February

    He stated that these achievements have enabled the people of Ejila Awori to enjoy the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He commended Alhaji Hon. Arimiyau Agoro Sunmola for successfully mobilizing the people for the Yayi Family meeting and urged all APC members to register for party membership, as registration has officially commenced, especially in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the Yayi Family in Ejila Awori, Mr. Odu Kabiru Oloruntoba, explained that the gathering was organized to showcase Senator Yayi’s achievements and to express the community’s readiness to reciprocate his goodwill. He stated that APC members in Ejila Awori have benefited from Senator Yayi’s promises and are enjoying democratic dividends. This, he said, was the reason for the celebration in Ipatira Town.

  • NUC approves more postgraduate programmes for Atiba varsity

    NUC approves more postgraduate programmes for Atiba varsity

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved more postgraduate programmes for the Atiba University, Oyo (AUO), Oyo State.

    In a letter addressed to the Vice Chancellor of AUO, Professor Sunday Olawale Okeniyi, signed by the NUC Directorof  Academic Planning, Abubakar M. Girei, the commission approved 11 courses for the institution at the postgraduate, Master’s and PhD levels.

    According to the letter, NUC arrived at the decision, following resource verification carried out by panels of experts on some proposed programmes at the Atiba University, Oyo.

    Read Also: NUC gets €3million for ICT projects in 10 varsities

    The letter reads: “I am directed to inform the Vice Chancellor that the Executive Secretary has considered and approved the establishment of the full-time mode of the following postgraduate programmes to be run in the main campus of the university with effect from 2025/2026 academic session—PGD Accounting, PGD, M.Sc. Business Administration, PGD, M.Sc. & Ph.D. Public Administration, PGD, M.Sc. & Ph.D. Computer Science, MBA Business Administration, M.Sc. & Ph.D. Political Science, M.Sc. & Ph.D. International relations, M.Sc. & Ph.D. Economics  M.Sc. & Ph.D. Sociology, M.Sc. & Ph.D. English and  M.Sc. Nursing.

    The President/ Founder, James Adesokan Ojebode, therefore uses the golden opportunity to congratulate the entire Atiba University Oyo community.

  • Ikeja APC chair completes e-registration

    Ikeja APC chair completes e-registration

    Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikeja Local Government, Adekunle Dally-Adeokun has completed his e-registration for the party.

    Dally-Adeokun, who is also the Chairman of the Conference of APC LG Chairmen in Lagos State, registered at the registration centre in Ward D, Ikeja Federal Constituency.

    He thereafter received his e-Membership slip with Membership ID no: APC241104- 000001.

    Read Also: Kefas launches APC e-registration, says party moving forward

    He urged all members and party faithful to actively participate in the exercise.

    According to him, the ongoing registration provides ample opportunity for all eligible members, old and new, to be duly captured in the party’s digital register.

  • Pro chancellor Sulaiman hails Akande as a pillar of progressive politics at 87

    Pro chancellor Sulaiman hails Akande as a pillar of progressive politics at 87

    The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), and APC chieftain, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, has celebrated Chief Abdulkareem Adebisi Bamidele Akande, describing the former Osun State Governor as one of the foremost living disciples of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    In a statement marking Chief Akande’s 87th birthday, Prof. Sulaiman said the elder statesman remains one of the last towering figures who not only drew direct inspiration from Chief Awolowo but has consistently upheld and promoted the Awolowo school of thought built on integrity, discipline, welfarism, and democratic socialism.

    He noted that Chief Akande’s political life embodies the core of Awolowo’s philosophy, where public service is treated as a sacred obligation and leadership is anchored on accountability, service, and moral courage. 

    He described him as a custodian of principled governance whose conduct aligns with the values that shaped Western Nigeria’s legacy of free education, strong institutions, and responsible leadership.

    Prof. Sulaiman further praised the former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a statesman of uncommon depth, commending his calm intellect, historical insight, and ability to navigate complex political issues. 

    He stated that Chief Akande’s years in public service, particularly as governor and party leader, reflected remarkable discipline, fiscal responsibility, and the courage to make difficult decisions in the interest of the state and the nation.

    He added that Chief Akande’s enduring relevance in national affairs underscores his clarity of thought and dedication to reform-focused leadership, making him a continual point of reference for young technocrats and reform-driven leaders across the country.

    Recalling a recent birthday visit, Prof. Sulaiman said he was inspired by Chief Akande’s ever-refreshing perspectives on politics, governance, and nation-building, noting that age has only deepened his wisdom. 

    He described him as a national asset, mentor, and moral compass within the progressive fold.

    Prof. Sulaiman joined other progressives, mentees, and Nigerians in celebrating Chief Bisi Akande, praying for continued good health, sound mind, and more years of impactful service to the country and humanity.

  • 1,246 students in public schools benefit from free NECO registration

    1,246 students in public schools benefit from free NECO registration

    A foreign-based indigene of Okeagbe in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Dr Sunday Olalere Oloruntobi, has paid the 2026 National Examinations Council (NECO) registration fees for all the 1,246 registered students in the 20 public schools across the local government area.

    Oloruntobi, according to his representative, Olumide Victor Aliu, made the payment as part of his contributions to the development of the grassroots.

    “The gesture was meant to put smiles on the faces of our  people and give back to the community where he was raised.

    “The programmes as designed by Dr Oloruntobi are in three different phases. The first is the payment of the registration fees for NECO for all the registered students in all the 20 public secondary schools in the local government,” Aliu explained.

    The other two phases are the payment of N1m each to 105 people to support and promote the local businesses in Okeagbe-Akoko, totaling over N105m and a monthly stipend of ⁠N10,000 for more than 100 elderly people and widows in Okeagbe-Akoko, totalling N1m every month.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students in 2026

    Speaking on the impact of the gesture, Aliu said the program has taken a huge burden off the parents of the students, most of who are subsistence farmers are traders surviving on the meagre earnings.

    He described Oloruntobi as a kind-hearted and an illustrious son who has refused to forget his background.

    “Dr Oloruntobi is an illustrious son of the local government. He is very much allied to the welfare of our people and decided to help ease the pains of our people. By embarking on this huge empowerment programme  in our local government, he has proved that we can develop the local communities by contributing our quota.”

    He added that Dr. Sunday Olalere Oloruntobi  remains committed to contributing his quota to community development and supporting humanitarian initiatives in the local Govt.

  • Ogun govt assures adequate funding, logistics for Measles–Rubella campaign

    Ogun govt assures adequate funding, logistics for Measles–Rubella campaign

    The Ogun State Government has assured residents of adequate funding and logistics support for the forthcoming measles–rubella vaccination campaign scheduled to commence on January 27 and end on February 5, 2026.

    The Deputy Governor, Engr. (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who also chairs the State Task Force on Primary Health Care, gave the assurance during a meeting of the task force held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    In her remarks, Engr. Salako-Oyedele commended the Ministry of Health, health sector stakeholders, and development partners—particularly UNICEF—for their continued support, including the provision of ambulance boats to enhance healthcare delivery in riverine communities. 

    She praised their efforts in sustaining a resilient primary healthcare system despite existing challenges and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment, as well as Governor Dapo Abiodun’s continued support, to all primary healthcare interventions.

    READ ALSO: Ibadan Bodija explosion victims urge Makinde to use N30bn FG support for compensation

    She acknowledged challenges highlighted in the report presented at the meeting and assured that they would be escalated to the Governor for urgent attention. 

    The Deputy Governor also called on religious bodies, Community Development Associations, women groups, the National Orientation Agency, and the media to intensify sensitisation efforts, urging them to leverage social media platforms and influencers to effectively reach parents and young people.

    According to her, the state government would do everything necessary to ensure the success of the measles–rubella campaign. “The request for funding has been made, and we are confident it will be approved promptly to enable us to meet our responsibilities in this very intensive exercise,” she said.

    Earlier, in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, applauded development partners, religious leaders, community-based organisations, and other stakeholders for their consistent collaboration with the state government in strengthening healthcare delivery, particularly at the grassroots level.

    She noted that the task force meeting provided an opportunity to review progress across the state’s primary healthcare system and align strategies ahead of the statewide immunisation exercise.

    Also presenting at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Elijah Ogunsola, delivered a detailed report on the board’s achievements and challenges in 2025. He disclosed that most local governments recorded improvements across key health indicators, although some setbacks persisted, largely due to infrastructure and logistics gaps.

    Dr Ogunsola further revealed that the measles–rubella immunisation campaign would run for 10 days and target children aged nine months to 14 years, describing it as one of the widest age-range vaccination exercises ever undertaken in the state. He added that over 8,000 health workers would be deployed across schools, health facilities, and communities to ensure full coverage.

    Speaking on behalf of development partners, UNICEF representative Mrs Moloku commended the Ogun State Government for its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery, noting that the initiative aligns with the global goal of ending preventable diseases in Africa. She assured of UNICEF’s continued technical and financial support for the successful implementation of the vaccination campaign.

  • Ibadan Bodija explosion victims urge Makinde to use N30bn FG support for compensation

    Ibadan Bodija explosion victims urge Makinde to use N30bn FG support for compensation

    Families of victims, survivors, and property owners affected by the Bodija explosion in Ibadan have appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde not to return the N30 billion released to the state by the Federal Government. 

    They urged the government to channel the funds toward supporting those still suffering losses rather than committing the entire sum to road works or other infrastructure projects.

    The President of the Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA), Dr. Muyiwa Bamgbose, made the appeal during an interdenominational service held to mark the second anniversary of the explosion.

    The incident, which occurred on January 16, 2024, in the Dejo Oyelese area of the estate, claimed five lives, injured several others, and destroyed property worth hundreds of millions of naira.

    The funding issue recently resurfaced after former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose claimed that N50 billion had been released by the Federal Government for victims. 

    The Oyo State Government, however, clarified that only N30 billion had been received and that the amount remains untouched in the bank pending the release of the outstanding N20 billion.

    Speaking at the event, organised in partnership with the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (DOVG), Dr. Bamgbose expressed gratitude to the government for its support so far. He urged authorities to reconsider those whose compensation claims were significantly reduced at the time due to limited funds, noting that the newly available resources should be deployed to address their outstanding needs.

    Bamgnose said, “I have to appeal to our people. There are families who lost loved ones and, as we speak, they have not received anything. There are also people who started rebuilding their houses but have not been able to finish because they do not have access to funds.

    “I appeal that we should not be agitated or rancorous, but that we should have assurance. When we were in the committee meetings reviewing issues and feedback, the information available at the time showed that there was not enough money. As a result, figures were cut down and some things were removed. That is a fact.

    “However, we now hear that there are funds available. Our appeal, therefore, is that the people should be helped and made happy. What happened to them was not by their own doing or volition. They did not want it, and they did not pray for it. Whatever happened to them, we should try as much as possible to assuage their feelings.

    “There is no way anything we do can completely remove the scar; the scar will always be there. But it should not be something that will cause them to continue in sorrow. Seeing people still breaking down in tears shows how serious the situation is.

    “We are appealing to the people to remain calm, and we are also appealing to the government that now that funds are available, they should not be returned or used entirely for roads or other projects. The people who are hurting should be supported.”

    Speaking on behalf of the governor Seyi Makinde at the event, the Chairman, Oyo State Housing Corporation, Demola Omotoso expressed gratitude and empathy for the victims of the incident that occurred on January 16, 2024. 

    He added that the government acknowledges the incident was unfortunate and unplanned, and it has been working tirelessly to provide support and alleviate the suffering of those affected. 

    Hr noted that from the very moment the incident happened, there was no vacuum, adding that the government acted out of duty and responsibility, coming to the aid of the people without even knowing where funds would come from. 

    Omotosho said, “I praise God that we are all here today. The incident was very unfortunate and was not planned by anybody; it is one of those things that happen. When such things happen, the Word of God says that in everything we should give thanks. God is still God in spite of all that happened, and there are still reasons to give thanks.

    “As a government, we rose to the occasion immediately after the incident. Support was provided, security was ensured, and people were accommodated over a period of time. Many measures were put in place to help alleviate the pain and suffering of the people at that time. 

    “Even afterward, the government has continued to do a lot to show empathy, especially to the residents of Bodija and those who lost loved ones. We will continue to show empathy, and our prayer is that God will comfort all of us, particularly those who lost loved ones or property. This is also why His Excellency believes our presence here is part of showing empathy to the people.

    “From the very moment the incident happened, there was no vacuum. The government acted out of duty and responsibility, coming to the aid of the people without even knowing where funds would come from. This remains an ongoing process. What has been released, what will still be released, and what is currently ongoing are all part of government efforts. 

    “Roads and infrastructure are being rebuilt, and these actions show that the people affected are our people. The lives lost were citizens and indigenes of Oyo State, and the governor is a father to all.

    “We are not troubled by what people are saying from different directions. The fact remains that the government is fully alive to its responsibilities, and this is an ongoing effort. More support will still come to the people. 

    “The government will continue to do more. Roads have been fixed, many damaged things have been repaired, and the government is working to make life better for the people. This is a government that is alive and responsive. We are not playing politics with the lives of the people, and we will never do so.

    “Where we are now is not where it will stop. The government is still going to do more. We have done more than enough, and even with what we have done, we are determined to do more. Until we see smiles on the faces of the people, we are not done yet.”

    Yinka Adeniran

    08029504448, 07055005564

    freemankabo@yahoo.com

    freemankabo@gmail.com