Ekiti State chapter of Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria (PEDAN) has lauded the Founder and CEO of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, for his efforts to reduce the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) through his refinery.
The association’s Chairman, Mr Olobele Olu, praised the initiative, saying it would bring relief to the petrol marketers and Nigerians at large.
Speaking after his swearing-in as the chairman of PEDAN in Ekiti State, Olobele described Dangote Refinery’s intervention in the energy sector as a welcome development.
He noted that reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit would empower petrol marketers to access capital and operate their businesses efficiently, without fear of incurring losses.
Olobele said a price reduction to around N600 per litre would be ideal for marketers to enable them better manage their costs and improve their competitiveness in the market.
He lamented that the association still faced challenges in accessing capital, citing high bank interest rates ranging from 28 per cent to 33 per cent.He appealed to petrol marketers to remain patient, assuring them that the association was committed to advocating their welfare and ensuring they benefited from positive changes in the downstream sector.
The PEDAN chairman highlighted the association’s recent achievements, including securing a rented office space, receiving furniture and office equipment, purchasing a vehicle and acquiring landed property.
Olobele pledged to redouble his efforts towards building a permanent structure for the association and fostering peace among critical stakeholders to record further successes.
Other newly inaugurated executives include Stella Akinola (Vice Chairman), Nwache Kingsley (General Secretary), Michael Adeniyi (Assistant secretary) and Omodara Ayokunle (Public Relations Officer).
Newly installed council chairmen across the 57 local governments and Local Council Development Areas yesterday resumed at their offices to begin their administration.
Many of them were received with rousing welcome from party faithful, management and workers of the councils.
Some of the chairmen quickly settled in their offices by holding meetings with the management.
In some councils, the chairmen inaugurated the legislators by supervising the swearing-in of the councillors.
In Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye, Ejigbo, Ikosi-Isheri, Mushin and Ikeja, there were big parties to welcome the chairmen on Sunday.
Many of them have started highlighting their programmes for the residents.
Apapa-Iganmu LCDA Chairman Saliu Jimoh has pledged to prioritise youth empowerment, environmental sanitation, and community security, as he begins his administration.
Jimoh said: “There is a lot of unemployment in the society. I have various programmes tailored for our youths — from secondary school leavers to those awaiting job opportunities. We will initiate after-school training and vocational skills development to ensure they are equipped for the future. No youth should be wasted in society.”
His Olorunda LCDA counterpart Kumayon Ajose, assured the residents that his administration will be accessible, accountable and transparent.
Ajose said his administration would uphold the highest standards of public service.
He promised not to betray the confidence the residents had on him.
“It is my resolution, as your chairman, to serve you to the best of my ability and work tirelessly for the development and progress of our LCDA.
“I will ensure that every decision we make is in the best interest of our community,” he said.
Chairman of Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Princess Opeyemi Akindele, told the residents that she would lead with transparency and accountability.
“I stand here not as a ruler, but as your servant. Your trust is my sacred mandate. I will not let you down.”
Akindele called on residents to rally behind the collective vision of progress:
“This is not just a victory. It is a new dawn. A fresh chapter for Mosan-Okunola. So let us rise together. Let us build together. Let us lead — together.”
Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (TAT), thanked the people of Ejigbo for entrusting him with the mandate to lead, describing his emergence as both a privilege and a profound responsibility. He stated, “I do not take this moment lightly. I stand before you today, not just as a product of your trust, but as a servant committed to your progress.”
The council boss said his vision for a progressive Ejigbo would be built on inclusiveness, transparency, and accountable leadership.
All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has assured Lagosians that selection of executive council (exco) members for the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) will follow laid down rules, internal party guidelines and the proposition by local leadership of the party after due consultations.
The party, in a statement in Lagos yesterday signed by the spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, said: ‘’Our attention has been drawn to the reported protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly concerning the constitution of local government excos. We wish to recognise, acknowledge and respect the rights of party stakeholders and members to express grievances in a democratic manner. Peaceful protests are a legitimate feature of civic engagement, and we commend those who have conducted themselves calmly and orderly.
‘’We wish to reassure Lagosians that the selection of exco members for the 20 local governments and 37 LCDAs will follow laid down rules and internal party guidelines and the proposition by local leadership of the party after due consultations.
Please note that the party at the state level only plays an advisory role.
‘’The party hereby vehemently denies any allegation to impose nomination on any local government.
‘’We want to advise interested members to approach their local leadership who are the custodians of the powers to nominate.
‘’We remain committed to constructive dialogue to review concerns and disputes to ensure fair outcomes in line with party values.
‘’We appeal for constructive participation and
plead with the protesters to channel their concerns through official party organs. Our structures exist precisely to address dissent, evaluate claims and foster unity.
‘’APC remains confident in its capacity to resolve internal issues without external escalation.
‘’Our ultimate goal is stability within both the party and the state governance structure.
‘’We trust our leadership at various levels to follow the guidelines and endeavour to be fair to all and sundry.
‘’We urge patience and understanding on the part of the protesters in order to achieve the desired objectives.’’
Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to public health and safety, with the launch of a two-day training programme focused on emergency response and food safety essentials for stakeholders in the events and hospitality industries.
Organised by Lagos State Safety Commission, in collaboration with Help Station, the capacity-building initiative kicked off in Lagos, drawing participation from industry professionals, health experts and regulatory stakeholders.
The Director General of the commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, represented by the Head of Events and Hospitality, Mrs. Olubunmi Jegede, hailed participants for their impressive turnout and urged them to take the training seriously.
She emphasised the critical role the events and hospitality sectors played in economic stability and public well-being, stressing the need for continuous capacity building to uphold food safety and emergency readiness.
The Chief Executive Officer of Help Station, Dr. Deji Faborode, praised the state government for prioritising safety and health education for key sectors of the economy.
Chief Operating Officer, Help Station, Dr. Yewande Alebiosu, highlighted the importance of personal preparedness in emergency situations.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has assured members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the party would win the August 16 by-election with a wide margin.
He spoke in Okada, Ovia North East Local Government, while receiving a delegation of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said he must do his best for Edo people.
Governor Okpebholo noted that his continuous developmental projects were evidence of his administration’s dedication, unlike “the pattern of the immediate past government, which waited until election periods to roll out projects.”
According to him, “why are we working for Edo people? We are working for Edo because we are confirmed sons of the soil. We are not foreigners. We were not borrowed from somewhere else.
“My mother is an Esan woman. My father is an Esan man. I grew up there. My deputy, the same Edo. So, if we are from here, we must work for our people.
“This is why you see us move from executing one project to another. We do not wait until election period before we roll out projects. We do not believe that we can develop in that manner.
“By the time we are three years old as a government, I know people will sit down and thank God. You will thank God for giving us the opportunity to serve.
“In the next few days, I will be coming back here for a campaign to let our people know that the choice for Ovia Federal Constituency is the right choice for the people.”
Among the defectors were Andrew Uzamere, Peter Ekhator, Christopher Igodalo and their followers.
The Convener, 7th Art Competition and Inter Schools Talent Hunt Exhibition, Olaide Turner-Moyet; Professor of Arts and Dance, Chief Tunde Odunlade; Curator, National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan, Mrs Oriyomi Otuka, represented by Assistant Director of the museum, Mr. Rufus Olayemi and others have stressed the need for Africans to preserve their culture.
They said preserving African culture was crucial to fostering a sense of identity and promoting intercultural understanding.
Speaking in Ibadan at the 7th Art Competition and Inter Schools Talent Hunt Exhibition with the theme: “My African Roots: My Pride”, Turner-Moyet urged Africans not to relent in celebrating their roots.
She says the future of Africa is now, and not tomorrow, hence the need for young talents to take their future in their hands.
Turner-Moyet said the theme of the event was borne out of a vision towards bridging creativity with purpose, seeing the platform as a fertile ground where self-awareness meets skills, builds artistic expression and meets cultural education, and where seeds of leadership are sown through imagination and dialogue.
The Chairman of the event, Chief Odunlade, advised Nigerians across the world to unite and ensure the nation’s arts and culture did not go into extinction.
He said Nigerians must always promote arts and culture.
He enjoined the government to create an enabling environment for talented youths to thrive.
One of the guest lecturers and the Assistant Director, Medical Social Services, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Olagunju Adelayo, urged parents to monitor their children.
Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola, represented by the Registrar (Exams) in the ministry, Mr. Johnson Awodeji, said Nigeria, particularly Oyo State, had a lot of talented youths, urging Nigerian leaders to tap into their potential to ensure their skills were utilised.
The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) on Monday started the enforcement on indiscriminate parking within the State Secretariat, Alausa, as part of efforts to rid it of all forms of traffic congestion.
The Monitoring and Enforcement Team of LASPA, stormed the Secretariat and issued removal notices on vehicles wrongly parked on the kerbs, walkways, double parking and areas with the No parking signages.
The State Parking Authority also observed that some vehicle owners who are not officials of the State Government, but have their offices around the State Secretariat in Alausa, usually make use of the Secretariat for parking, thereby, over stretching the facility.
The enforcement team of LASPA, issued a 24- hour ultimatum to owners of the vehicles violating the State Parking Regulations to evacuate them or have their vehicles towed away.
The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, during the July, Monthly Walk for Fitness Exercise, organized by the Office of the Head of Service enjoined LASPA to start the enforcement of indiscriminate parking within the State Secretariat in Ikeja and the Old Secretariat before extending it to other parts of the State.
A statement by LASPA Head Public Affairs Dunkwu O. Sunday urged residents to comply with the State Parking Regulations by imbibing a model parking culture which include: obey parking signs and avoid traffic obstruction, noting that enforcement on indiscriminate parking of vehicles in the State has started
The newly sworn-in Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi, popularly known as PLS, has pledged a new beginning for the council with a strong focus on infrastructure and inclusive governance.
Speaking during his inauguration ceremony attended by traditional rulers, political party leaders, and council staff, Sanusi expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Mr. Valentine Buraimoh, for his service and outlined key areas his administration will prioritise.
Top on the agenda, he said, is the rehabilitation of roads in Festac Town and other parts of the local government, which he described as being in deplorable condition.
“No local government can grow without strong infrastructure. We will prioritise road rehabilitation, street lighting, and public utilities that make life easier for our residents,” he said.
Sanusi also highlighted other focus areas including sanitation and environmental management, youth empowerment and education, improved healthcare services, social welfare for the elderly and vulnerable, and transparent governance.
“This is a new beginning of progress and I promise: I am not here to rule. I am here to serve. Every ward will be carried along. Every voice will be heard. Every budget will be transparent. We will lead with accountability and integrity,” he concluded.
Speaking earlier, the Amuwo-Odofin APC chairman, Apostle Ayo Ogungbiye, appreciated all royal fathers present, member representing the constituency at the House of Assembly, Hon. Wale Rauf, apex leaders of the party and the immediate past chairman of the local government, Engr. Buraimoh, saying ‘he has done his best’.
In a renewed drive to promote national development through grassroots engagement, Man O’ War Nigeria has launched its flagship programme, The PAGE Initiative, an acronym derived from the name of the National Commander, Prince Adedamola Gbenga Emmanuel (PAGE).
The initiative is aimed at empowering Nigerian youth while strengthening community security systems nationwide.
Speaking at the official launch held in Ogun State, the National Commander of Man O’ War Nigeria and convener, Mr. Adedamola Gbenga, described the programme as a transformative milestone for the organisation, underscoring its potential to drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
He said, “It is a new dawn to the organisation and it marks the beginning of a new era in Man O’ War Nigeria,” Adedamola said. “It symbolises the readiness of Man O’ War Nigeria to develop our youth from the grassroots level. And we are here today in Ogun State to unveil the initiative that is meant for the development of Nigerian youth right from the grassroots level.”
The PAGE Initiative is scheduled to roll out across all 36 states of the federation, beginning with Ogun State as the pilot phase.
According to the national commander, Mr. Adedamola Gbenga, the next destination is Kano State in the northern region, with plans underway for a phased expansion to other parts of the country.
“We have our work plan, and in implementing the work plan, we intend to start from Ogun State, which we have just done. After that, we are going back to the north, specifically Kano State, for the second phase of the initiative,” he explained. “And as soon as we are through with this, we move to other zones, and by doing so, it will cut across the 36 states of the federation.” He added.
In addition to youth development, the initiative places a strong emphasis on health empowerment, particularly for girls and young women. During the Ogun State launch, Man O’ War Nigeria donated 500 packs of sanitary pads to its members and students from local schools in Ogun and Oyo States, reinforcing its commitment to promoting hygiene and well-being among young females.
He said, “What we have just done today, by donating 500 packs of sanitary pads to our young girls, is to ensure that health-wise, we contribute our quota, we are equally concerned about the health, the well-being of our members, and their welfare also.”
Addressing the ongoing security challenges affecting various parts of the country, Mr. Adedamola Gbenga highlighted Man O’ War Nigeria’s expanding role in community policing and security awareness.
He emphasised the organisation’s position as a key player in Nigeria’s grassroots security architecture, committed to promoting safer and more vigilant communities.
“Like you have rightly said, the issue of insecurity is an issue that is of general concern to every citizen. And Man O’ War is part of the community,” he noted. “We are building our youth, who are members of the community, to be concerned about the security of the environment. And this is just the concept of our community policing that the citizens have been clamouring for.”
He further revealed that the organisation has introduced a separate initiative aimed at equipping its members with the necessary logistics and resources to enhance their effectiveness in community security operations.
“What we are doing is to ensure that the youth, who are members of the community and citizens, participate effectively in the security of the environment.
In totality, Man O’ War is not a non-governmental organisation, just like other organisations. It’s an establishment of the National Assembly, though it’s a voluntary organisation, part of our initiative is to ensure that we get support from well-meaning Nigerians and philanthropists to execute some of our programmes.”
As the PAGE Initiative expands nationwide, Mr. Adedamola Gbenga urged Nigerians to support the organisation’s mission to instil discipline, nurture leadership, and promote a culture of civic responsibility among the country’s youth.
“The organisation needs citizens and members of the public to join them. Joining us will mean a lot to Nigeria in terms of development, in terms of providing and supporting manpower to security agencies, in terms of building character and building values, inculcating values in our children and our young people.”
With the successful launch in Ogun State and subsequent phases planned for the north and other regions, Man O’ War Nigeria is positioning itself to take on a more dynamic role in advancing national youth development and driving community-led security reform.
The General Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Ondo Axis, Comrade Oladele Oluwafemi, has commended the Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Akinyode Abidemi Oyewusi, for his unwavering commitment to education, student welfare, and youth empowerment.
In a statement released by Oladele, he described Oyewusi, who represents Ife North State Constituency, as a lawmaker deeply attuned to the challenges facing Nigerian students. He praised the Deputy Speaker’s consistent efforts in promoting quality education and addressing issues affecting students across various levels.
“Hon. Oyewusi has shown exemplary dedication to the educational sector. His initiatives and interventions have had a lasting impact, and his contributions remain invaluable,” Oladele said.
He further highlighted Oyewusi’s role as a strong advocate for student rights, noting that the legislator has remained a vocal voice in pushing for policies and programmes that uplift the academic and social well-being of Nigerian students.
“I am particularly impressed by Rt. Hon. Oyewusi’s ability to translate his vision for education into tangible results. Through his legislative efforts, he has been able to drive positive change in the educational sector, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. His selfless service to the student community is a testament to his character and commitment to public service.
“As a leader, Rt. Hon. Oyewusi has been a mentor and role model to many students, providing guidance and support to those who seek to make a difference in their communities. His leadership style is characterised by empathy, wisdom, and a deep understanding of the needs of students. I am confident that his contributions to education and student unionism will continue to inspire a new generation of leaders.
“On behalf of NANS JCC Ondo Axis and all students’ structures in Ife North, I commend Rt. Hon. Oyewusi for his tireless efforts to promote education and student welfare. His dedication to the cause is a shining example of what it means to serve with passion and purpose. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Rt. Hon. Oyewusi, working together to build a brighter future for Nigerian students.
“Oyewusi’s recognition as a hero of 21st-century student unionism and educational advancement is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the educational sector. I am honoured to have him as a representative of our constituency, and I pledge our continued support for his initiatives.”
