The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Group hails Tinubu on infrastructure, urges fix of Ado-Itawure-Aramoko road

    Group hails Tinubu on infrastructure, urges fix of Ado-Itawure-Aramoko road

    A pro-democracy group, under the aegis of ‘BAO grassroots support For Tinubu’, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for his administration efforts in infrastructure development, particularly the ongoing work on Ado-Akure Highway and Ado-Ikare Road.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the group on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the Chairman, Mr Babafemi Ojo said President Tinubu has demonstrated visionary leadership through critical road projects in enhancing connectivity and economic growth. 

    Ojo who described the President Tinubu-led administration’s excellent stride in infrastructure as magical and audacious, urging the President to fix the deplorable Ado-Aramoko-Itawure Road. 

    He expressed concerns over the federal road, saying that the federal road had deteriorated to the  point where driving had become miserable for  motorists. 

    Read Also: Don’t blame Tinubu for north’s woes, Shehu Sani tells critics

    He said: “The ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry super highway will connect villages, towns and cities and stimulate economic growth in ways never imagined before,” Ojo said.

     “Ongoing work on Ado-Akure Highway, Ado-Ikare Road are commendable and other federal roads are commendable but we appeal that Ado-Aramoko Road be included in the next budget”, he said. 

    The Chairman also hailed the President’s Student Loan Scheme, saying that the initiative has brought relief to  indigent students and saved their education from being terminated. 

    He said the scheme has made education available to young generation, enabling them to realize their full potentials and build the future manpower and human capital development. 

    Ojo further applauded President Tinubu’s tax reform policy, stating that it would create job opportunities, boost economic growth and stimulate foreign investment in Nigeria.

    He expressed the group’s support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s development agenda and pledged to work towards his re-election in 2026. 

    Other members of the group are: Tunji Ogunlola (State Cordinator), Odunayo Ogunmola (Director of Publicity), Bola Salami (Treasurer)  and Kemisola Ajibola  (Secretary) among others.

  • Home community receives Oyo Gov aspirant

    Home community receives Oyo Gov aspirant

    There was excitement at Ward 11 of Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State when a governorship aspirant  Niyi Aborisade, made an anticipated visit to his home community, sparking scenes of celebration and unity.

    Accompanied by chairman of Egbeda Local Government Hon. Sanda Oyedele, the visit served as a homecoming and a clear signal of Aborisade’s rising political influence.

    Highlight of the event was the commissioning of a newly completed borehole in the Efun Community, near Ola Ogun, aimed at solving long-standing water challenges in the area.

    The borehole project, spearheaded by Hon. Olusola Olakanmi, the Ward Councillor and Speaker of the Local Government Legislative Council, was praised by residents as a timely and life-enhancing intervention.

    In addition, 20 residents benefitted from a community empowerment programme, reinforcing a focus on grassroots development and economic inclusion.

    Read Also: Consultant dies in Niger Govt House

    Aborisade, a lawyer and human rights advocate, also held a closed-door meeting with community elders, where he reiterated his commitment to local development.

    Following the meeting, he made a generous donation to support ongoing community projects, a gesture met with applause and heartfelt gratitude.

    The streets of Ward 11 came alive with traditional music, chants, and spontaneous dancing as residents celebrated the return of a son of the soil many now call “the incoming governor of Oyo State.”

    Hon. Sanda Oyedele (Lajue) commended the people of Ward 11 for their unity and described Aborisade as a credible, capable, and visionary leader.

    He said: “I am proud that such a noble and forward-thinking leader is emerging from this ward. His ambition reflects the true aspirations of the people. We must support him wholeheartedly.”

    Oyedele also commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for its transformational impact across Oyo State, especially in infrastructure, education, and grassroots empowerment.

    The visit concluded with calls for continued development and political engagement in Ward 11 and beyond. 

  • APC aspirants gives party seek truce ahead Ibadan North Bye-Election

    APC aspirants gives party seek truce ahead Ibadan North Bye-Election

    All Progressive Congress (APC) aspirants in the forthcoming Bye-Election in Ibadan North federal constituency has given National Secretariat of the party 48 hours to resolve the crisis from alleged imposition of Adewale Olatunji, otherwise know as ‘Murphy’ as candidate of the party.

    The candidates, under the aegis of United Ibadan North Federal Constituency Aspirants Forum, insisted that Murphy has never been the candidate of the party.

    The party presented Murphy as duly elected candidate of the party for the Ibadan North federal constituency bye-election.

    Speaking on behalf of other five others, one of the aspirants, who is also an ex-aide to former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Aderounmu Saheed,  said they stand united against alleged imposition of ‘Murphy’. 

    He alleged Murphy emerged without a primary election in line with relevant laws and party guidelines. 

    The aspirants maintained the alleged imposition is unacceptable and undermines the party’s credibility.

    “We have elected Hon. Khalil Mustapa Repete as our consensus candidate through a unanimous process and believe he is the best candidate to represent the people of Ibadan North Federal Constituency. 

    “We urge party leaders to accept Hon. Repete. 

    Read Also: APC blasts El-Rufai over criticism of Tinubu’s govt

    The people of Ibadan North Federal Constituency deserve a fair and transparent process. We are confident that Hon. Khalil Mustapa Repete is the best candidate to represent them. We give the national leadership 48 hours to intervene and resolve this matter.” 

    The aspirants urged leadership of the party to act immediately to resolve this matter and ensure a fair and transparent process.

    “We pray for truthful, inclusive and harmonious reconciliation to save our party. We reiterate our commitment to democrat principles and the rule if law. We believe that the APC should as a party that upholds the values of democracy fairness and transparency. We urge the party to do the right thing and allow democracy to take it’s course.”

    Also, one of the aspirants, who is a former lawmaker in the state, Hon. Olusegun Olaleye said their agitation was for the electoral integrity future of the party in Ibadan North federal constituency and Oyo State as a whole.

  • Umahi defends Southeast infrastructure distribution

    Umahi defends Southeast infrastructure distribution

    Minister of Works, David Umahi, has debunked claims that the Southeast has been cheated in the infrastructure development agenda of the Tinubu Administration.

    He insisted that the region is receiving its fair share of projects

    The minister faulted a viral post by Linus Anagboso tagged: “The Politics of Asphalt: Why is the Southeast missing from the map?”

    Umahi, in a statement, said the claims were an attempt to distort facts presented during his post-Federal Executive Council briefing.

    “The writer chose to change the narrative of my press briefing after the FEC meeting on the Trans-Sahara Section 1, which runs from Ebonyi State to the Benue State border, a stretch of 123.64km awarded for N445.8 billion.

    “He deliberately chose to call it the Oyo-Benue border road to deceive and incite Nigerians,” the minister said.

    Read Also: Umahi defends Tinubu’s South East road infrastructure distribution

    He explained that the third legacy project of the Tinubu Administration, which spans Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and the FCT, covers 465km in total.

    Of this, 231.64km x 2 lies within the Southeast, with N445.8 billion already awarded for that section and N108 billion released to contractors.

    “This administration treats the Southeast with fairness. Where was the writer when Mr. President decided to revive abandoned projects in the region, many dating as far back as 2013?

    “Over 90 per cent of them have been brought back to life and are ongoing.”

    He listed critical road projects in the region, including the Second Niger Bridge access roads in Delta and Anambra states valued at N146 billion and N176 billion; the Enugu-Onitsha Road – a 208km stretch under the MTN Tax Credit Scheme valued at N202 billion; and the remaining sections being completed by CBC (Nig.) Ltd at N150 billion, with N45 billion released last week.

    Other major projects, he said, include the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway (in four sections), the Enugu–Abakaliki Road, Afikpo–Abia–Imo Road, Onitsha–Owerri–Aba Road, Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road, and the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road.

    The minister called on the people of the Southeast to “open their eyes and see the light of change” being implemented across the country under President Tinubu.

  • Ladoja is 44th Olubadan-designate

    Ladoja is 44th Olubadan-designate

    Despite his absence, members of the Olubadan-in-Council yesterday nominated the next-in-line, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    The nomination followed an earlier declaration of the stool vacant by the Council members during a meeting held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

    He was nominated by the Balogun Olubadan, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola and seconded by Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole, at a meeting held at Oke-Aremo Palace of Olubadan.

    Ladoja was absent at the meeting. The former governor had been outside the state before the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, his predecessor.

    The Nation reports that the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Ajibola, told The Nation last week that the absence of the former governor would not prevent the Council from going ahead with its plans and proceedings to declare the stool vacant and subsequently deliberate on a nomination for the next occupier.

    A source, who preferred anonymity, said efforts had been made earlier to find out if the former governor was interested in occupying the stool, for formality sake, prior to the meeting.

    It was gathered that Oba Ladoja had expressed interest in the stool, besides that he is the next-in-line.

    But, the report could not be confirmed from any member of the Council.

    Addressing reporters shortly after the meeting, Oba Ajibola said members of the Olubadan-in-council had signed Ladoja’s nomination, adding that his name would be forwarded to Governor Seyi Maki.nde, who would ratify it and choose a date for presentation of coronation, staff of office and certificate of office to Ladoja.

    Read Also: Olubadan-in-Council to nominate Ladoja as Olubadan on Monday

    Ladoja, who will turn 81 on September 25, is from the civil line, specifically the Otun Olubadan line, which is one of the two prominent chieftaincy lines in Ibadan’s traditional leadership system.

    The Olubadan throne alternates between two lines: Civil Line (Baale/Otun) and Military Line (Balogun).

    The unique rotational system has been in place for many decades, ensuring a predictable and stable transfer of power.

    The Olubadan-designate is expected back in the state any moment from today, to take part in activities lined up for the burial of Oba Olakulehin, which began yesterday with sporting activities.

    The final burial is slated for Friday at the Cathedral of Saint Peters, Aremo, Ibadan.

    The Nation reports that it is the first time nomination meeting is taking place at the new palace, as previous ones were held either at Oja’ba Palace or  Mapo Hall.

    The Nation reports that the Olubadan-in-Council meeting was held a week after the completion of the 21 days mourning period in honour of the late Oba Olakulehin, who was the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    He passed away on July 7 after spending a year on the throne. The monarch succeeded Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who was the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    At press time, it could not be confirmed if the nomination letter had been delivered to the governor through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

  • Oyebanji declares interest to run again

    Oyebanji declares interest to run again

    • Governor says he has no caucus in Ekiti APC

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has formally declared his intention to seek a second term, following an overwhelming wave of public endorsement and political support across the state in recent times.

    Oyebanji, who made his intention known yesterday during a meeting with members of the Central Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held at the party secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, cited the need to consolidate on the gains of his first tenure and to continue delivering quality governance, as well as the encouragement and overwhelming support he had received across the state, which included traditional rulers, professional bodies, civil servants, artisans, youth groups, market women, drivers’ unions and political leaders across party lines.

    Expressing his appreciation to the party leadership for their trust and confidence in his administration and highlighting his administration’s achievements in less than three years in office, Governor Oyebanji said he had fulfilled his campaign promises to the party leadership and the people of Ekiti State.

    Emphasising his commitment to the principles of democracy and internal democracy within the party, he noted APC in Ekiti remained one big family, stressing that there was no division in the party.

    Read Also: Fayose, Oni, Adebayo, Aiyedatiwa, others endorse Tinubu, Oyebanji for second term

    The governor, who reaffirmed his loyalty and respect for former governors of the state, who he described as “the leaders of the party”, said their contributions to the growth and stability of the APC in Ekiti remained invaluable.

    He assured the people that his administration would continue to accord them the honour and recognition they deserved as elder statesmen and foundational pillars of the party.

    Oyebanji assured the party leadership that his government would ensure APC remained attractive to the people.

    He says any interested governorship aspirant within the party is free to contest for the party’s ticket.

    He urged the residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the June 2026 governorship election, to be able to vote and ensure their voices are heard.

    He thanked President Tinubu for his support to Ekiti State, noting that the President’s economic

    policies had helped the state develop rapidly.

    “Let me assure you that there is no crisis in the leadership of APC. Our topmost leader is former Governor Niyi Adebayo, followed by ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi. There is no crisis in the leadership,’’ Oyebanji said.

    The governor’s declaration was greeted with a thunderous applause by those in attendance at the meeting.

    The Chairman of APC in Ekiti State,  Sola Elesin, a lawyer, hailed Governor Oyebanji for his leadership style and commitment to the growth and development of the state and the party.

    He described the governor as a unifying figure, whose humility, accessibility and performance in office had endeared him to party members, Ekiti leaders and the public.

    Also at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; House of Assembly Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff Niyi Adebayo; Special Adviser Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, among others.

  • Constituents begin recall of Osun Speaker

    Constituents begin recall of Osun Speaker

    Osun State Chairman of Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Adewale Adebayo, has begun the process for the recall of Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, for threat on the life of his hometown king, Alasi of Asi, Oba Isaac Oyewale.

    The Nation reports that Oba Oyewale absconded from his palace after Egbedun, representing Odo-Otin State Constituency, threatened and vowed to assault him. But the Speaker apologised to his supporters for the outburst.

    APM Chairman Adebayo in a statement yesterday confirmed that plan had been concluded to recall Egbedun by his constituents.

    Read Also: 300 Osun residents get free medical care

    He said: “We have prepared a notification letter to be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the recall.

    “I am from that constituency and I can tell you that we lost confidence in Egbedun’s representation long ago, but the recent threat on the life of his hometown king is the last straw that broke the camel’s back.

    “You will recall that he prevented police from arresting fraudsters. The videos are on social media. He led his security guards to physically assault a court bailiff and a lawyer. We have been getting poor representation from him.

    “Egbedun’s representation has brought shame on us. We have qualified people in our constituency who can give us quality representation.’’

  • Ondo residents protest deplorable roads

    Ondo residents protest deplorable roads

    Residents of Ogbagi Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government of Ondo State yesterday took to the streets in protest over the deplorable condition of federal roads leading to their community.

    The protesters, mostly farmers, artisans, motorists and traders, decried the poor state of Ikare-Ogbagi-Irun Akoko Road, which connects to Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, lamenting that it has caused hardship, including frequent accidents and loss of lives.

    Defying the rain, the residents marched on the designated routes in the agrarian community, carrying placards and banners with inscriptions calling for urgent government intervention.

    Read Also: Ondo residents protest deplorable federal roads, demand urgent repairs

    Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Oluwatuyi Aderemi described the protest as a “collective cry for help,” saying the terrible state of the roads had become a nightmare for motorists and residents plying the roads on a daily basis.

    Reacting to the protest, the Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, Wasiu Owolabi, said work is ongoing on the 40-kilometre stretch of the road.

    He said eight kilometres had been completed so far to enhance economic and business activities in the area.

    Owolabi appealed to the people of Ogbagi to be patient, assuring them that the government was committed to the timely completion of the project.

  • Adeleke denies spending N3.1b on foreign trips

    Adeleke denies spending N3.1b on foreign trips

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied reports that he used N3.1billion for international travelling between January and June.

    It will be recalled that a report in the media, which reviewed the governor’s budget performance, alleged that

    international travels and transport (others) alone gulped N2.854 billion, while international travels and transport (training) accounted for an additional N256 million.

    The governor through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in a statement yesterday said Adeleke remained committed to transparency and accountability in managing state finance, as travelling costs being pushed around represent the near full year training allocation for the over 100 agencies of the state government.

    Read Also: Intervene before communal clash breaks out over traditional taboo —Osun royal families tell Adeleke, Ooni

    He said: “Governor Adeleke mostly footed his expenses through the family private jet as in the case of his current visit to the United States.

    “Many agencies undertook their local and international training in the first half of the year because of anticipated kick off of pre-2026 political activities in the latter part of the year.”

    He claimed that the opposition’s sponsored reports about international travelling and training expenditures were not only misleading, but also mischievous.

  • AbdulRazaq allocates N20b in supplementary budget for schools

    AbdulRazaq allocates N20b in supplementary budget for schools

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has allocated N20 billion in the state’s supplementary budget for the revamp of schools’ infrastructures across the state.

    The aim of the new investment is to strengthen the infrastructural upgrade in public schools, which the administration embarked on since 2020 after retooling Kwara’s relationship with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

    “His Excellency has instructed that we dedicate another N20 billion to schools’ infrastructural upgrade. The process has started already. The designs are being made, and we will get down to this as soon as the supplementary budget is approved,” Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, has said.

    “This is not a standalone effort. It is another major intervention of the administration to scale up what we have been doing. Between 2019 and now, the administration has worked on more than 1,254 classrooms — apart from several other special interventions,” he added.

    Read Also: Abdulrazaq launches fresh pro-women empowerment policy

    He said the administration is proud to have implemented SUBEB-UBEC school intervention projects from 2014 and now — a feat, he noted, is unique to the AbdulRazaq administration.

    Olohungbebe said the new intervention, which will also include laboratory and sanitation facilities, targets schools in parts of the state, complementing the ongoing interventions at SUBEB.

    “Despite our huge interventions, we acknowledge that there are still gaps, and this is exactly why His Excellency is approving another special intervention to further close the gaps in school infrastructure,” he added.