The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • NECA, Oyo govt forge alliance on business environment

    NECA, Oyo govt forge alliance on business environment

    Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) is set to collaborate with Oyo State Government to ensure sustainability of business environment in the state.

    The step, according to the Director General of NECA, Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, was to strengthen public-private dialogue for business environmental sustainability.

    Speaking in Ibadan during an engagement between the state government and organised private sector with the theme: ‘Strengthening Public-Private Dialogue for Environmental Sustainability in Oyo State’, Oyerinde said one of the biggest signals to collaboration was willingness to listen.

    He said Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources had shown willingness to listen to the organised private sector, to ensure sustainability of business environment.

    Read Also: NECA makes case for reform policies alignment

    Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Temilolu Ashamu, said the ministry remained committed to fostering transparent, fair and an enabling regulatory environment that supported responsible partnership and businesses.

    The Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti state chapters, represented by the Treasurer, Sunday Aboriomoh, appealed to the Ministry of Environment to carry MAN along in its decision-making and policy formulation that affected environment in the state.

    He said Oyo State House of Assembly must collaborate with the Ministry of Environment to create an enabling environment for business to thrive.

  • Apostolic Church Nigeria inducts national president, others

    Apostolic Church Nigeria inducts national president, others

    In a deeply spiritual and ceremonial gathering, the Apostolic Church Nigeria has formally inducted its new National President, Pastor  Lawrence Oladele, alongside other national officers, in an event marked by worship, prayers and high expectations for the church’s future.

    The ceremony, held under the leadership of the outgoing President Emeritus, Pastor Samson Igwe, began with the presentation of incoming leaders before the congregation.

    Read Also: The Apostolic Church Nigeria elects new national leaders

    Pastor Oladele was the first to be inducted, followed by the National Vice-President, Pastor E. U. Johnson and his wife; the National Secretary, Pastor Benjamin Fakai and his wife; the National Finance Secretary, Pastor O. Young and his wife; the Deputy National Secretary, Pastor Isaac Awotanmi; and the Deputy National Finance Secretary, Pastor Samuel Ogu.

  • Funeral for Yeye Otunba Oduntan

    Funeral for Yeye Otunba Oduntan

    The National Coordinator of Association of Nigerian Women Business Network (ANWBN), Yeye Otunba Gbemisola Oduntan (nee Obayan), who died on July 30 at the age of 65, will be buried on Thursday.

    A statement by the family said the rites of passage would begin with a commendation service tomorrow at Anglican Church of the Ascension, Opebi, Lagos, by 9am.

    This will be followed by Christian wake service the same day at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Iworo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State by 5pm.

    The funeral service is slated for Thursday at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Iworo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, after which a private interment, exclusive to the immediate family, will take place.

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

    The deceased is survived by her husband, Otunba Oluseyi Oduntan and children: Olanrewaju & Abimbola Oduntan, Oladapo & Folasade Oluwasanya, Taiwo Olaolu Oduntan, and Ajibola & Kehinde Ololade Ayedogbon.

    She is also survived by grandchildren, including Isabel, Sofia and Asher.

    Family, friends and associates of the late business leader and devoted matriarch will gather to honour her life of service, faith and impact.

  • International Award celebrates 980 Bronze recipients in Lagos

    International Award celebrates 980 Bronze recipients in Lagos

    The International Award for Young People Nigeria has decorated over 980 participants from government secondary schools in Lagos on completion of the Bronze level of the award framework.

    Drawn from the six education districts, they were recognised for their commitment to growth, leadership, and service.

    The Bronze Award is not just a milestone—it is a launchpad that represents months of dedication to community service, personal skill development, physical recreation, and the renowned Adventurous Journey, where teams navigate new environments, build resilience, and discover their inner strength.

    Eva Adelaja Girls Senior Grammar School (District 2) opened the week with 180 awardees out of 252 participants in the district; Lagos Senior Model College, Badore (District 3) hosted 120 awardees out of 145 completers, sharing tales of transformation and teamwork.

    At Sango Senior Secondary School in Agege (District 1), 123 out of 156 gathered for a heartfelt celebration of their growth and achievements. Agidingbi Senior Grammar School (District 6) welcomed 100 out of 139 Awardees, proving that excellence resides in every district.

    Lagos City College, Sabo-Yaba (District 4), brought together 115 of 150 awardees who spoke powerfully about the framework’s life-changing impact.

    In Awori Ajeromi Senior Grammar School (District 5), 120 of 140 award participants celebrated their achievement with special guests, including Tutor General / Permanent Secretary of the District, Mr. Hassan Dauda Abiodun and representatives of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority.

    Read Also: FG awards N1bn to FUD for innovation hubs, parks

    Participants shared how the Award challenged them to be consistent, gave them confidence, and helped them discover new interests—from cooking and tailoring to organising clean-up campaigns and serving their communities.

    In District 4, one awardee shared how participating in the Voluntary Service section made her more empathetic and aware of the needs around her.

    Another from District 1 said: “The Adventurous Journey taught me that I can push beyond limits I thought I had.”

    National Director, Mr. Bello Oshoke, told the awardees: “What you have achieved is more than a certificate. It’s a personal transformation. You’ve proven that young people in Lagos State public schools are capable of excellence, resilience, and leadership.”

    He urged the participants to continue their journey to the Silver Level, which they can now complete virtually through the Virtual Award Delivery (VAD) platform—further expanding access and inclusivity.

    The Bronze Award ceremonies held from July 23 to 27 are more than events—they are a movement. They reflect the growing commitment of the Lagos State Ministry of Education and the International Award for Young People Nigeria to provide access to holistic, non-formal education that meets young people where they are.

  • Olubadan: Council meets today to declare stool vacant, nominate Ladoja as successor

    Olubadan: Council meets today to declare stool vacant, nominate Ladoja as successor

    The Olubadan-in-Council will meet today, Monday, at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, to formally declare the Olubadan stool vacant and deliberate on the nomination of a new monarch for Ibadanland.

    According to a meeting notice sent to council members last Thursday, the session will follow the traditional succession process unique to the ancient city. 

    Barring last-minute changes, former Oyo State Governor and next-in-line to the throne, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, is expected to be nominated as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    The nomination, which is expected to be moved and seconded by council members after brief deliberations, will be forwarded to the Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for ratification. 

    Upon confirmation by Governor Seyi Makinde, Ladoja will ascend the throne.

    Though Oba Ladoja has been out of the state since the passing of the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, sources said he may have delayed his return to avoid overshadowing the ongoing burial rites of the late monarch. 

    He is, however, expected at today’s meeting, although his absence will not hinder the council’s proceedings, according to Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola.

    Read Also: Olubadan-in-Council to meet Monday on Ladoja’s nomination as next Olubadan

    This marks the first time a nomination meeting will be held at the new Olubadan Palace, as previous ones were conducted at either the Oja’ba Palace or Mapo Hall.

    The Olubadan stool became vacant following the death of Oba Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who passed away on July 7, 2025, after one year on the throne. 

    His burial rites begin today, with sporting activities scheduled ahead of the final funeral ceremony on Friday, August 8, at the Cathedral of Saint Peters, Aremo, Ibadan.

  • APC chieftain celebrates Aiyedatiwa’s Appeal Court triumph

    APC chieftain celebrates Aiyedatiwa’s Appeal Court triumph

    Chief Gbenga Eleduma, a prominent businessman and stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his  victory at the Appeal Court, which upheld his mandate as the duly elected governor of Ondo State.

    In a statement, Chief Eleduma described the court’s ruling as a powerful affirmation of the overwhelming support Governor Aiyedatiwa received from the people of Ondo State during the election.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa launches ‘Ondo for Tinubu 2027 movement

    He hailed the verdict as a shining victory for democracy, underscoring the trust placed in Aiyedatiwa’s leadership to propel the state toward a future of growth and prosperity.

    Eleduma commended the governor’s steadfast resilience and unwavering dedication to transformative governance, noting that the legal triumph further strengthens his mandate to fulfill his campaign pledges.

    “This victory belongs not only to Governor Aiyedatiwa but to every Ondo State citizen who cherishes the principles of democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

  • Osun 2026: Kinsmen drum support for Omisore

    Osun 2026: Kinsmen drum support for Omisore

    Kinsmen of the former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore have urged members of the party to support his 2026 Osun State gubernatorial ambition.

    Speaking on behalf of the kinsmen, Hon. Bukola Ojuade told  newsmen over the weekend in Ile-Ife, that Omisore is the leader that Osun State deserves in 2026.

    Ojude said the capacity of Omisore who had served the State as Deputy Governor cannot be ignored when discussing leadership, innovation and development

    He said: “Senator Omisore championed bills and projects that directly benefited the people of Osun State and when he served as the scribe of APC, he helped built party structures across Nigeria, resulting to victory for the party in 2023.

    Read Also: 2027: Omisore downplays coalition, says all members want to be president

    “Omisore’s ambition to contest in the 2026 gubernatorial election is not just his—it is the hope of thousands across the 30 local government areas and the Area Office who are yearning for competent, compassionate, and visionary leadership. He is the most popular among the contestants around now. APC should allow Omisore to pick the ticket to lead the party.”

     Ojude noted that “if Omisore emerges as the flagbearer of APC, game is over for PDP-led administration as he is more qualified and prepared to lead Osun into the future.”

  • Lagos task force impounds 55 commercial vehicles over illegal parking, obstruction

    Lagos task force impounds 55 commercial vehicles over illegal parking, obstruction

    No fewer than 55 commercial vehicles including danfo, mini-buses otherwise called Korope and tricycles popularly known as Keke Marwa were impounded the Lagos State Taskforce for violating the state’s traffic law on illegal parking and obstruction of road.

    The operation aimed at ensuring compliance with the Lagos State traffic Law and restoration of unhindered vehicular movement was carried out at Agege Underpass, roundabout along Ogba Road where commercial buses had caused untold traffic inconveniences to motorists, residents and commuters.

    The operation, led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, which extended to Ogba road, Iju and Ishaga road, addressed long-standing complaints about illegal parking and commercial vehicles obstructing traffic around Agege axis.

    The exercise, was initiated in response to observations drawn through the Agency surveillance and Monitoring unit and the Agency’s “See Something, Say Something” feedback mechanism, swiftly cleared the illegally parked vehicles that had made the roads impassable.

    Residents and commuters along this axis expressed relief, noting that the roads, previously impassable, are now free of traffic congestion.

    Read Also: Lagos task force nabs 74 suspects in Lekki

    Akerele explained that the operation was a significant shift towards maintaining order and ensuring motorists spend less travel time on the roads in this area.

    He said the errant drivers would be charged to court for varying traffic offences.

     Akerele assured residents that the Lagos State Taskforce remains committed to sustaining free flow of traffic compliance currently being carried out by the Agency.

    He further urged motorists and commuters to remain compliant with all roads and traffic laws across the State in order to ensure that our roads remain safe and motorable for all at all time.

  • Vocational skills panacea to poverty reduction- APC chieftain

    Vocational skills panacea to poverty reduction- APC chieftain

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tomisin Falade, has described vocational training and skill acquisition as solution to tackling poverty and unemployment across the country.

     Falade, said that government’s poverty alleviation efforts would yield better results if more focus is placed on equipping citizens with skills beyond the conventional classroom education.

     “Our people need skills apart from the school education. So the government should pay attention to providing vocational training and skill acquisition programmes to empower individuals,” she said.

    Read Also: 2027: Looming battle for APC, PDP in Plateau

    She lauded the Federal Government for converting some unity schools into technical colleges, describing the initiative as a platform for blending formal education with hands-on skills.

     She urged the government to promote entrepreneurship and support small-scale businesses by expanding access to microfinance, credit facilities and granting tax holidays to startups.

     According to her, lawmakers have a crucial role to play in the economic well-being of their constituents through impactful legislation that fosters economic growth, job creation and improved social welfare.

     She added that elected representatives should conduct regular constituency engagements to identify the pressing needs of the people, ensure proper oversight and advocate policies that prioritise the welfare of the most vulnerable.

     Falade also called for investment in sustainable agricultural projects to strengthen food security, improved infrastructure in rural communities to boost economic activities and public-private partnerships to harness resources and expertise for national development.

  • Oba Ogunsanwo to mark 5th coronation anniversary

    Oba Ogunsanwo to mark 5th coronation anniversary

    • Obafunwa, Pinhero, Edu, Obasa, others to receive chieftaincy titles

    The Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo (Telade IV), will mark his fifth coronation anniversary later this month, the organizing committee of the event has said.

    A statement signed by the Organising Committee for anniversary disclosed that a three-day programme for the event will hold between August 15 and 17th, 2025.

    According to the statement, ”the anniversary will be flagged off on Friday August 15th with a two-pronged activity: an empowerment and free medical outreach for Kabiyesi’s Ilara subjects in the morning, as well as Jumat service in the afternoon.

    ”The main coronation anniversary day is slated for Saturday August 16th at the Palace in Ilara. Key highlight of the day will be the conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles on seven deserving individuals and couples whose contributions to the development of Ikara Kingdom is immeasurable and who are therefore being installed in commemoration of Alara of Ilara’s fifth anniversary.

    Read Also: Coronation commits to private sector leadership at forum

    The statement added: ”Designated chiefs to be honoured are: Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, who will be decorated as the Balogun of Ilara Kingdom; Surveyor Jelili Kolawole Olayemi, who will be installed as Olotu of Ilara Kingdom and Prof. Kemi Pinhero, who will be honoured as the Baamofin of Ilara Kingdom.

    Others include Ambassador Oluwatoyin Lawal and Mrs Abiodun Lawal who will be installed as Bobagunwa and Yeye Bobagunwa of Ikara Kingdom as well as Dr. Olanrewaju Obasa as Otunba Bobaseye of Ilara Kingdom.

    The rest are Chief Akinyele Oladeji and Mrs Toyin Oladeji who will be installed as Ashipa and Yeye Ashipa of Ilara Kingdom; while Barrister Rotimi Edu and Mrs Olayemi Edu will both be honoured with the chieftaincy titles of Otunba Jokotade and Yeye Otunba Jokotade of Ilara Kingdom.