The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Oyo lawmaker lifts constituents with N6m

    Oyo lawmaker lifts constituents with N6m

    At least 120 constituents have benefitted from a N6million empowerment programme organized by a lawmaker representing Oluyole constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Waheed Akintayo popularly called ‘Ilumoka’.

    At the event which was well attended by other lawmakers, People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) chieftains in the state, local and ward levels, Akintayo commissioned two newly renovated classrooms at Olunde Community Primary School, which was in a state of disrepair.

     Akintayo, who is the chairman of House Committee on media, ICT and public affairs also distributed security gadgets to personnel of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria at Olunde community, to boost security of lives and property in the area.

    Speaking shortly after the symbolic presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries, Akintayo said one hundred and twenty constituents got fifty thousand naira each to support their businesses and make life more meaningful for them.

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    He expressed hope that turn over from the money, if used judiciously, would build a sustainable source of income that would feed their families and make them to contribute meaningfully to the socioeconomic development of Oyo state.

    “For our people who are market men and women, operating at a small scale level, we deemed it fit to give them cash, in other to support their businesses. I believe if they use it judiciously, they can make more money to cater for their families.

     “As a lawmaker, our primary assignment is to make laws, but then, as I am performing my legislative duties with different motions I have pushed at plenary, I deemed it necessary to also empower our people who had given us their mandate to represent them.

  • 2027: Oyo APC aspirant Kareem floats N5m loan scheme for artisans, traders

    2027: Oyo APC aspirant Kareem floats N5m loan scheme for artisans, traders

    Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, an aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem, has floated a ₦5 million non-interest loan scheme for traders, artisans, and small business owners in the state.

    The financial scheme, which will benefit members and supporters of his AKK political structure, was designed to strengthen grassroots enterprises and encourage political participation.

    Read Also: Delta APC endorses Tinubu, Oborevwori for 2027 polls

    In a statement issued on Thursday, Kareem said the loan would be available to applicants who meet three conditions: possession of a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) or proof of registration, attendance at least two AKK meetings, and participation in one APC ward meeting.

    He explained that the criteria were deliberately introduced to link economic empowerment with democratic responsibility.

    “The PVC is the strongest tool citizens have to shape governance, and it is central to building a participatory democracy,” Kareem said.

  • OPC gifts N5m startup capital to members

    OPC gifts N5m startup capital to members

    No fewer than 50 members of the Odua People’s Congress Reformed (OPC-R) on Wednesday received N100, 000 each as startup capital as business empowerment.

    The empowerment was held in Lagos during which the National President, of OPC-R, Chief Dare Adesope restated his commitment to the uplift of the economic status of members of group.

    ”I am not just a security advocate, but a man deeply committed to uplifting lives and creating real change where it matters most. Over the years, I have witnessed the struggles of our people — mothers who work hard but earn too little, youths with dreams but no tools, and families burdened by economic hardship. This is why I have made it my life’s mission to empower our members, not just with words, but with real support — in skills, resources, and opportunity.

    Read Also: OPC hails Tinubu for honouring Fasehun

     ”Today, we reaffirm that commitment. Through our initiatives, this is the 3rd episode of the empowerment as we started it in Lagos. We aim to equip more individuals with vocational training, startup support, health access, and community-building projects — to ease their burdens and restore hope.”

     He added: ”However, true progress can not be achieved alone. I therefore use this moment to call on the government, private sector leaders, and all stakeholders to partner with us. Together, we can amplify impact. We can reach more people. We can move from survival to sustainability. Let us stop waiting for change. Let us be the change — together.”

  • Hoodlums kill two in Kwara

    Hoodlums kill two in Kwara

    Armed robbers on Thursday attacked the residence of one Oyetoyan Dare, a businessman in Kwara state.

    The hoodlums allegedly shot dead the private security guard of the businessman, named Wale Ajiboye.

    The unfortunate incident happened along Rore-Aradun highway, Ifelodun local government area of the state.

    In a separate incident, the hoodlums also killed a driver conveying farm produce from Osun state.

    Confirming the incident, spokesperson of the state police command Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said that the incident occurred along Rore/Arandun highway, Irepodun LGA.

    “Armed hoodlums attacked the residence which his private guard, Mr. Wale Ajiboye aged 40 was fatally shot while resisting their attempt to gain entry into the residence.

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    “In a related development, the same gang ambushed a vehicle conveying farm produce from Ora in Osun state; the driver Mr. Taiye Yebi aged 38, who was unaware of the robbery incident, while driving pass was fatally shot, another passenger sustained minor injury.

    “Police operatives responded and recovered expended and live ammunition from the scene. The corpses of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital morgue while investigations are ongoing.

    “The command has ordered a discreet investigation and reinforced patrols within the area to forestall recurrence. The command reassures the public that normalcy has been restored, and perpetrators will be apprehended.”

  • Abiodun secures FG’s approval for Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port

    Abiodun secures FG’s approval for Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port

    Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has secured the approval of the Federal Government for the proposed establishment of the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port along the Epe/Mojoda Expressway, Ijebu-Ode.

    This official approval for the project followed the quest by Abiodun to deliver several projects as enduring legacies of his administration.

    The project, to be sited on 130 hectares of land allocated by the Ogun State Government, followed a request by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to Governor Abiodun.

    The allocation, granted on an ex-gratis basis, reflects the Governor’s unwavering commitment to supporting national infrastructure and creating enabling environments for trade and investment.

    Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor,  Tayo Mabeweje,  who made this known to newsmen on Friday, said the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port will decongest the Lagos Port System, serve as a cargo consolidation and distribution hub for the South-West region and enhance Ogun State’s competitiveness in trade and logistics when completed.

    Read Also: Abiodun tasks kingmakers on level playing ground for Awujale contestants

    Mabeweje added that it will increase national Gross Domestic Product (GDP); strengthen the Ogun State Industrial Hub initiative; create jobs and unlock new economic opportunities in addition to enhancing the aesthetic and infrastructural value to Ijebu-Ode and its environs.

    This milestone comes on the heels of another major infrastructural success — the Gateway International Airport recently received its official certification from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), positioning Ogun State firmly on Nigeria’s aviation map and boosting its appeal as a destination for global trade, investment, and tourism.

    Speaking earlier on the approval, Governor Abiodun affirmed that “the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port and the Gateway International Airport are critical enablers of industrialization and regional competitiveness. Together, they will transform Ogun State into a logistics and economic powerhouse, creating prosperity for our people and opportunities for Nigeria at large.”

     The governor noted that with the Kajola Inland Dry Port already secured for the Ogun Central Industrial Cluster and now the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port for the Eastern corridor, Ogun State was strategically balancing industrial growth across its three Senatorial Districts, ensuring equity and sustainable development.

     These achievements stand as shining testaments to Governor Abiodun’s visionary leadership and his administration’s unrelenting drive to deliver modern infrastructure, attract investment, and unlock prosperity for all,” he said.

  • Over 300,000 Ondo artisans endorse Tinubu for 2027 re-election

    Over 300,000 Ondo artisans endorse Tinubu for 2027 re-election

    Over 300,000 registered members of the artisan associations in Ondo State have declared their support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The endorsement came from a coalition of associations, including the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN), Nigerian Union of Tailors (NUT), Association of Nigeria Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), and Real Estate Managers (REM), Ondo State chapter.

    Speaking on behalf of the artisans during their visit to the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) in Akure, Comrade Daisi Komolafe expressed their unwavering support for the continuation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Komolafe said the decision to endorse Tinubu stemmed from his commitment to good policies and programmes that also promote economic empowerment, especially for the informal sectors.

    He also lauded the minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whom he described as a “wonder-boy” for bringing on board various initiatives under President Tinubu to set the country on positive global stage.

    “So, our conviction to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unshakable. What we are witnessing today in terms of transformation and restoration of hope is second to none.

    “The artisan movement is representing over 367,000 supporters across Ondo State and are committed to going beyond Ondo State to spread this message,” Komolafe said.

    Read Also: Tinubu, APC, Oborevwori, Idahosa, others celebrate Okpebholo at 55

    He added that the artisans have appointed coordinators across the three senatorial districts of the state: Prince Oyesola (North), Comrade Ife Morgan (Central), and Mr. Ismaila Akorede (South), to strengthen grassroots mobilisation.

    Komolafe hailed President Tinubu for positioning Ondo indigenes in strategic places, citing the appointment of Adesina Akinyemi from Ondo town as National Coordinator of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

    He, however, expressed their readiness to key into the sensitisation drive of AMG, stressing that their support was not just symbolic but backed by a solid grassroots base.

    In his remarks, Director General of AMG, Muyiwa Asagunla, appreciated the group of artisans for their visit, noting that the support group in the state is a movement birthed by Tunji-Ojo (BTO), to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

  • Neighbours raise the alarm over construction site on Saka Tinubu

    Neighbours raise the alarm over construction site on Saka Tinubu

    Occupiers of buildings around a construction site on 28 Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, have sent a “save our soul” message  to the Lagos State Government over the threat posed to their lives and property by the new building.

    The multi-floor construction, supervised by Diplomat Homes Limited, they alleged, has not adopted safety standards at the site, thereby causing damage to cars and other properties parked in offices in adjoining compounds around the building. 

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    Residents said the developers of the new property, allegedly owned by a top traditional ruler in the South West, failed to provide adequate safety measures such as barricades, safety nets and protective structures, which are required when building next to other properties. 

    They claimed this has led to boulders and planks falling off the building into other compounds, causing damage to walls, windows, ceilings, and cars. 

    They expressed fears that falling planks and pebbles could harm innocent people in the other premises and even lead to death. 

    The residents called on the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), which supervises the construction of new buildings and Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, to take action on the lack of safety measures at the site to avoid loss of lives and property.

  • Lawmaker to Ekiti residents: take advantage of government’s free healthcare programmes

    Lawmaker to Ekiti residents: take advantage of government’s free healthcare programmes

    Ekiti lawmaker Hakeem Jamiu has urged residents of the state, particularly the elderly and young parents, to take advantage of the government’s free healthcare programmes to improve their wellbeing.

    Jamiu, representing Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency II in the Ekti State House of Assembly, spoke in Igbemo-Ekiti during a free medical outreach he organised as part of activities to mark his 60th birthday.

    The former deputy speaker noted that the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led government had made adequate provisions for the residents to access free medical care in public health facilities.

    He said: “Healthcare delivery is free for residents aged 65 and above, an initiative introduced under the administration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi and sustained by the present government. Similarly, children between ages 0 and 5 also enjoy free healthcare.

    “What is needed now is more sensitisation and enlightenment so that people can take advantage of these opportunities, which are available in their towns and villages.”

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    The lawmaker also appealed to the people of his constituency to keep supporting the governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that the governor has been delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

    He said: “We have a governor who is doing well, and in the spirit of continuity, I urge my constituents to keep supporting him.

    “What we are doing here today may be tied to my birthday, but it is also in line with Governor Oyebanji’s free health mission, with medical personnel from Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) on ground to attend to our people.”

    He said the outreach was part of his constituency engagement and a way of giving back to society.

    “Health is wealth, and I am delighted at the large turnout today. I believe this will further complement the government’s efforts in caring for our people,” he added.

    Leading the medical team, Dr. Oluwatobi Owolabi, said that about 200 residents, benefitted from the outreach, adding that patients with critical conditions would be referred to general or tertiary hospitals for further treatment.

    Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Mr. Ibukun Fasagba and Mrs. Funmilayo Ibitoye, commended the lawmaker for the gesture, which they described as a demonstration of Jamiu’s commitment to the welfare of constituents.

     “What Hon. Jamiu has done today shows that he genuinely has the interest of his people at heart. God will bless him with long life and good health,” Fasagba said.

  • Ajaero’s planned inauguration of caretaker committee splits Edo NLC

    Ajaero’s planned inauguration of caretaker committee splits Edo NLC

    Affiliates of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State are divided over the planned inauguration of a caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the union.

    There are fears that the NLC may be hit by crisis, following rejection of the committee by Edo NLC Chairman, Comrade Bernard Egwakhide.

    The committee is to be headed by the Chairman of the Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Monday Igbafen.

    Comrade Adams Oshiomhole Labour House in Benin City, venue of the inauguration, has been placed under lock and key.

    Edo House of Assembly at its Tuesday’s plenary said Ajaero’s imposition of a leadership on the state chapter of the NLC was capable of breaching peace.

    It asked Ajaero to work with Comrade Eguakhide, whom the Edo workers preferred.

    Read Also: ASUU rejects FG’s loan scheme for lecturers, others 

    The assembly passed a resolution calling on Comrade Ajaero to shelve the proposed leadership change of the NLC executive council (exco) in the state.

    Majority Leader Jonathan Ibhamawu, who moved the motion, said there was harmonious labour force devoid of strife under the leadership of Comrade Eguakhide.

    Acting National Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, in a statement, accused  Edo State Government of trying to frustrate its efforts to inaugurate the caretaker committee.

    He said keys to the NLC secretariat had not been released to its team.

    Upah said its decision was in line with labour law and global practices.

    He explained that the circumstances leading to the dissolution of the Edo State Council of Nigeria Labour Congress were open.

    “They were preceded by efforts by a joint committee comprising leading lights from the congress and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Dingyadi.

    “With the inauguration of the caretaker committee scheduled for today in Benin City, to which the government was invited, the key to the NLC secretariat in Benin City has not only been seized by government, threats have been issued to members of the caretaker committee and those assigned by the congress to inaugurate them.”

  • PDP knocks Okpebholo’s N2.5b donation to UBTH

    PDP knocks Okpebholo’s N2.5b donation to UBTH

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has criticised Governor Monday Okpebholo’s donation of N2.5billion to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

    It said the donation was a misadventure, reckless and a glaring example of the 2027 election fixation.

    Edo PDP said it was Okpebholo’s desperate ‘eye-service’ politics that had defined his administration.

    The governor announced the donation when Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UBTH, Prof. Idia Niboku Ize-Iyamu, visited him.

    Edo PDP spokesman Chris Nehikhare said Edo people were being made to suffer while their resources were squandered on federal facilities that were not the primary responsibility of the state.

    Read Also: ASUU rejects FG’s loan scheme for lecturers, others 

    He said Stella Obasanjo Hospital that was rebuilt with state funds remained under lock and key.

    Nehikhare added: “We align with the position of the Association of Resident Doctors under Edo State Government Employment (ARD EDGE), who has decried this misplaced priority.

    “Edo Specialist Hospital continues to cry for expansion and adequate support, but has been ignored by a government obsessed with pleasing political benefactors and seeking headlines.

    “The General Hospital in Abudu is no more than a mere patent medicine store, yet, N2.5 billion, that belongs to Odogwu is being given to Caesar.

    “We in PDP demand that this decision be reversed and that urgent attention be given to Edo-owned hospitals, which directly serve our people. Edo deserves working hospitals, not political monuments built with eyes on 2027 elections.

    “This is not leadership. This is reckless waste, and Edo people will not forget.”