The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Oyo APC youths protest delay, demand transparent process for Ibadan north bye-election candidate

    Oyo APC youths protest delay, demand transparent process for Ibadan north bye-election candidate

    …warns against giving PDP walk over

    Concerned youths and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State on Friday staged a protest in Ibadan over the delay in presenting the party’s candidate for the forthcoming Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election scheduled for August 16.

    The protesters, who gathered at the APC Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, carried placards with various inscriptions, voicing their frustration and calling for immediate action by party leadership.

    Their demonstration followed controversies that trailed the party’s primary election for the bye-election. The process was allegedly marred by accusations of manipulation, violence, and open confrontations among aspirants and key party leaders.

    Speaking during the protest, one of the protesters, Segun Adetula, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and both national and state party leaders to intervene and ensure the emergence of a competent and widely accepted candidate.

    READ ALSO; $3B Eastern Rail line: Tinubu unlocking prosperity of South East – Kalu

    Adetula condemned the failure to conduct a transparent and credible primary election, warning that the party risks losing the seat to the opposition if urgent steps are not taken.

    Another protester, Olubunmi Jamal, stressed that the process must be devoid of godfatherism and imposition, arguing that the eventual candidate must possess grassroots support and genuine loyalty to the party.

    The agitation comes in the wake of the death of Hon. Olaide Akinremi, the late APC lawmaker who represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency until his passing on July 10, 2024, during his second term in office. His death created the vacancy the party is now struggling to fill.

    The protesting youths urged the party hierarchy to rise above internal politics and ensure a transparent process that would protect the APC’s electoral strength in the constituency.

  • Makinde resets Oyo tourism agenda

    Makinde resets Oyo tourism agenda

    Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has announced a major shift in the state’s handling of tourism development.

    He said the government is launching a Tourism Reset Agenda, which encompasses a new blueprint on how the state will partner, deliver and communicate tourism.

     The governor noted that tourism is not an after-thought for the state, but rather, a strategic lever for development, stating that the goal of his government is to build a strong tourism economy that can fund itself and the future of the state.

    Governor Makinde said this yesterday  during his keynote address at the International Tourism Summit Oyo State 2025, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

     The three-day summit with the theme: “Invest in heritage, leave a legacy,” which began on July 22 with the tour of tourist sites in Oyo zone, followed by a tour of tourist sites in Ibadan zone on July 23, climaxed with the investors’ summit, where investors in the tourism sector and key players took part in pitch presentation, exhibition tour and panel discussion with the topic “Heritage as capital: Reimagining Africa’s Cultural Assets for Sustainable Growth.”

    Welcoming investors to the epochal event, Governor Makinde noted that the convening of the summit showed that heritage has value and that tourism is a serious business in which Oyo State must no longer be left behind.

     He added that in order to achieve the vision of building a strong tourism economy, the state is integrating tourism with urban renewal, infrastructure upgrades, youth employment, community-led conservation and diaspora partnerships.

    Read Also: Makinde commissions 5.9km dualised Akobo-Ojurin-Olorunda Abaa road

     According to the governor, his administration has recognised that tourism is not about passive sightseeing, but about immersive economies, jobs, infrastructure, identity and long-term prosperity.

     Governor Makinde added that the state has five tourism investment-ready sites, calling on investors to bring their best ideas, execution capacity and commitment to the state with a view to flourishing in the solid tourism economy being created in the state.

     Explaining the Tourism Reset Agenda, the governor stated that “it is built on five executive-level commitments, each designed to clear the path for tourism investment to thrive.

     “We call it the Tourism Reset Agenda — a new blueprint for how we partner, deliver, and communicate in Oyo State. It is built on five executive-level commitments, each designed to clear the path for tourism investment to thrive.

    “These are, Commitment 1: Direct Executive Oversight of the Tourism Sector. At the 2025 mid-year Executive Council review, I moved the Ministry of Culture and Tourism under my direct supervision. This means all tourism-linked projects, proposals, and approvals will now be coordinated under the Office of the Governor. The Honourable Commissioner will report directly to me, removing unnecessary layers and allowing fast, decisive action when needed.

     “Commitment 2: Tourism Investor Liaison Unit: We know that navigating government desks can feel like a rollercoaster ride. That ends now. We have created a dedicated Tourism Investor Liaison Unit within the Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA) — your single-entry point for all tourism-related investment matters.

     “This unit will help you to navigate permits, process documentation, access project updates and resolve concerns quickly.

     “We are setting a service standard of 72-hour response time to all enquiries. If you experience delays beyond that, you may escalate directly to my communication team through the state’s official feedback platform.

     “Commitment 3: The Tourism Compact. Going forward, there are no more paper promises. From this summit forward, every major tourism MoU will be tied to a clear, enforceable Tourism Compact — a short, 5-page agreement that spells out project goals, timelines, land status, milestones, penalties for non-performance — by both parties

     “Commitment 4: Transparent Communications. We cannot fix what we do not track and we cannot build trust in silence. That is why we are committing to transparent communication on all tourism-linked investments. Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, my Special Adviser on Media will coordinate this to ensure timely, accurate, and proactive updates.

     “A Tourism Investment Dashboard will go live next month, displaying every signed MoU, current status (green, amber, red), contact officers and government commitments met or pending. This will be publicly accessible via the tourism website. Transparency is not a bonus — it is the new baseline.

     “So, to our partners, both local and global — this is your moment. You now have executive oversight, a single-entry point, a formal compact model and real-time transparent reporting.

     “What we ask in return is simple; bring your best ideas, bring your execution capacity. Bring your commitment to the people of Oyo State, because in Oyo State, tourism is not an afterthought — it is a strategic lever for development.

    “With five investment-ready sites — from Eleyele Lake to Idere Hills — we are integrating tourism with urban renewal, infrastructure upgrades, youth employment, community-led conservation and Diaspora partnerships.

     “The goal is clear: to build a tourism economy that funds itself and funds our future. Let me close with a line you may have heard earlier in today’s pitch session. The future of heritage is not nostalgia; it is strategy and in Oyo State — it is investable.

     “We are not promising perfection; we are committing to performance and we are choosing transparency over theatrics. If you have been watching from the sidelines — this is your call. Let us build a legacy together.”

     The governor also used the opportunity of the summit to clarify why work has not begun on Agodi Gardens despite the government signing a Memorandum of Understanding with an investor last year, noting that the institutional bottlenecks hindering the process would be resolved and the project would move forward.

     “Many of you were here last year when I stood on this same stage and proudly announced that Agodi Gardens had secured an investor. That announcement was not a gimmick. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed. The team was ready. The vision was clear. Yet, over a year later — that project has not broken ground.

     “Why? Let us call it what it is: institutional bottlenecks; a breakdown between intent and implementation. But they are not issues that cannot be resolved. So, once again, let me give the assurance that the issues will be resolved and we will move forward with that project,” the governor added.

     The summit featured goodwill messages from foreign and local tourism investors, with different state government functionaries pitching the state’s investment-ready tourist sites to those in attendance.

     Director-General of the Oyo State Investment and Public Private Partnerships Agency, Mr Tilewa Folami, delivered the pitch on Eleyele Lake with the theme: Discover Blue Gold (Leisure, lifestyle and waterfront investment in Ibadan), while the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Agribusiness, International Development and Cooperation, Dr Debo Akande, delivered a pitch on Ibadan Cultural Centre with the theme “Stage the future, transforming legacy infrastructure into a modern performance economy.”

     Similarly, Executive Adviser to the Governor on New Towns and Cities, Mrs Mofoluke Adebiyi, delivered the pitch on Bower’s Tower with the theme “The view that pays, scenic tourism meets soft infrastructure returns,” while the Special Adviser to the Governor on International Trade and AfCTA, Ms Neo Theodore Tlhaselo, delivered the pitch on Idere Hills and Iyake Suspended Lake, with the theme “Climb into nature’s ROI, eco-tourism as a sustainable growth corridor.”

     Also at the panel discussion, discussants made a strong case for heritage as economic infrastructure and tool for cross-border collaboration.

     The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazim Adeniyi; commissioners and other government functionaries.

    Co-chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun; as well as topmost traditional rulers across the state were also in attendance.

  • ‘No change in name of Tai Solarin University of Education’

    ‘No change in name of Tai Solarin University of Education’

    Ogun State Government yesterday clarified that the name of Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijagun has not been changed to Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona University of Education, countering recent rumours of such a rebranding.

    In response to reports suggesting that the institution was renamed to honour the late monarch and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, the government emphasised that an existing institution, Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology in Omu, already pays tribute to the late Awujale.

    Reflecting on the university’s history, the government said Ogun State College of Education was originally established in 1977, and underwent its first name change to Tai Solarin College of Education, Science and Technology in 1994. In 2005, it was further renamed Tai Solarin University of Education, which led to controversies regarding its authority to award both NCE and degree programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    Read Also: Nigerian govt converts TASUED to federal university

    The government explained that in light of the NUC’s position, the previous administration relocated Tai Solarin College of Education to Omu, while Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijagun retained its name.

    However, in 2022, under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, the institution was officially designated as Sikiru Kayode Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology to honour the Awujale.

    The statement noted that the governor’s remarks during the 8th Fidau prayer for the late Awujale highlighted past efforts to commemorate the esteemed monarch, and did not made mention of renaming Tai Solarin University of Education, which has since come under Federal Government jurisdiction.

  • Students kick as OAU sets rustication for kissing, heavy makeup, indecent dressing, others

    Students kick as OAU sets rustication for kissing, heavy makeup, indecent dressing, others

    The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State has outlawed hugging, kissing, heavy makeup and indecent dressing on the campus of the institution.

    The institution approved the proposal for the review of dress code for students, which was drafted by the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) in May 2023 after it was perused by the Legal Review Committee of the institution.

    The review prescribed one semester rustication for sexually provocative dresses, backless clothes, transparent wears, off-shoulder clothes, bomb shorts, tattered jeans, dreadlocks, faring for male/cowries for female, micro/mini/skimpy dress, sagging for male/female and hair braiding for male.

    Read Also: OAU kicks off nationwide $300m WCHL25

    Also, one semester rustication was set for nose, mouth, eye, extra rings, unconventional wearing of face cap, tattoo/indelible markings for male, crop/jump tops, multi-coloured braid for female, haircuts with inscriptions, T-shirts with obscene inscriptions depicting immorality, hooliganism, etc., heavy make-ups, rumpled and dirty clothes and hair plaiting or weaving by male students.

    It was noted that any student found guilty of violation of coloured hair styles, hair braiding for male, spangled hair style for male, unwelcome touching, kissing and hugging of opposite sex and massaging or sitting on the lap opposite sex in the university risks rustication for two semesters.

    A memo with reference number R/DCA/C/ lB/XVI/12/266 dated June 13, 2025, which was signed by the Registrar of the institution, K. A. Bakare, approved the review.

  • Sanwo-Olu: we must act to prevent Lagos from sinking

    Sanwo-Olu: we must act to prevent Lagos from sinking

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has warned that Lagos faces a triple threat of “excessive rainfall, rising water levels and encroachment on marshy lands,” stressing the urgent need for resilience-focused urban planning.

    Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, spoke at the official public presentation of From City to Megacity: A Memoir of Lagos Urbanisation (1999–2023), written by the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II.

    Held at the Grand Ballroom of Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, the event drew traditional rulers, former and current public officials, urban policy experts, students, and members of the Lagos elite.

    According to the governor, the memoir reflects the Oniru’s unwavering commitment to the progress of both Iruland and Lagos State, providing valuable insight into the city’s transformation amidst population growth, infrastructure expansion, and policy challenges.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Lagos APC congratulate Asafa at 70

    “From City to Megacity is not just a memoir; it is a chronicle of strategic governance and visionary transformation. It guides us through the challenges of traffic, housing, and flooding, and shows how bold reforms and collaborative leadership turned obstacles into opportunities,” he said.

    He noted that the values of resilience, sustainability, and inclusiveness captured in the book align with the State’s THEMES+ development agenda, adding that the memoir would serve as a resource for scholars, policymakers, and development professionals.

    “The clarity and context the book provides remind us that progress is driven by commitment, collaboration, and courageous leadership,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He urged readers to see the book as a call to action that challenges every stakeholder to safeguard Lagos’ gains, amplify shared values, and reimagine the city as a model for Africa.

    “We must worry about the resilience of our city. Cities around the world are sinking. But we don’t want Lagos to sink. We must protect our wetlands, respect our waterways, and ensure that building occurs responsibly,” he added.

    The governor also called for national reflection on revenue generation, warning that development efforts would continue to stall if Nigerians focused solely on government expenditure.

    “We often say, ‘Government should do more.’ But how? Where is the revenue? We must build a culture where fiscal responsibility includes revenue awareness,” he said.

    He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating key infrastructure projects during his time as Lagos Governor, adding that Lagos remains a model of continuity, strategic planning, and shared responsibility.

    Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), lauded the Oniru for his “efforts to preserve history and spark dialogue on governance.”

    He described the memoir as a critical documentation of Lagos’ political and developmental journey from 1999 to 2023, reflecting its evolution from a coastal settlement into a mega city grappling with food security, housing deficits, and infrastructure pressure.

    Oba Lawal said the 485-page book was inspired by a moment of discomfort at an international conference where Lagos’ achievements were dismissed.

    “One of the speakers confidently declared that Lagos had done little to address global urban issues. That moment reminded me of the danger of silence and the need to tell our story,” he said.

    Oba Lawal, who served in various capacities in the Lagos State Government, said the book took four years to complete and focuses on five major sectors: security, agriculture, housing, transportation, and environment.

    “I’m not here to defend the government. I only documented what the situation was, what it is now, and what it should be. This is my story. And I encourage others who have served Lagos to write theirs. Otherwise, the truth will be distorted,” he added.

    The monarch recalled how Lagos evolved from a chaotic sprawl to a more structured city with functioning public transit systems, improved social infrastructure, and economic innovation.

    “There was a time parties were held on the streets of Lagos, blocking roads. Today, people use event centres. That shift created a new economy,” he said.

    Describing Lagos as “more than a city — a living organism, vibrant, imperfect, ambitious,” the Oniru noted that the memoir is not merely a reflection but a call to action.

    “May this book serve as a living record of Lagos’ resilience and promise. And may it inspire others to imagine and help build a Lagos that works for everyone,” he added.

    Paying tribute to his late parents, wife, children, and fellow Lagosians, the monarch also extended appreciation to President Tinubu, whom he credited for laying the foundation of modern Lagos, and to successive governors who maintained continuity.

    He said: “Continuity of policies, programs, and projects is the way to go. Lagos is not done yet. With a population of over 24 million and growing, we must keep building. Urbanisation will always have challenges. But in those challenges lie enormous opportunities”.

    He urged policymakers, scholars, and citizens to study the book as a reference for understanding the city’s evolution and how much work still lies ahead.

  • Osun 2026: Why NIWA boss should clinch APC guber ticket — Group

    Osun 2026: Why NIWA boss should clinch APC guber ticket — Group

    …pledges financial, logistical support

    A socio-political group has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support and ensure the emergence of the managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, as the 2026 governorship flagbearer of the party.

    The group, AMBO Movement, United Kingdom, in a letter addressed to the state chairman of APC, Tajudeen Lawal, dated July 24th, 2025, which was copied to Chief Bisi Akande, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, APC national scribe, Senator Ajibola Basiru and the elders’ caucus, was delivered by ex-commissioner, Adebayo Adeleke.

    The letter, signed by its coordinator, Alhaji Mayowa Olabisi, recommended Oyebamiji to the party to become the candidate of the party because of both his private and public track records.

    It read, “Oyebamiji has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, loyalty, and competence in public service. His tenure as the Managing Director of Osun State Investment Company Limited (OSICOL), where he transformed a moribund institution into a profitable and revitalised entity, as well as his stint as the Commissioner for Finance, was marked by transparency, innovation, and fiscal discipline.”

    He added that Osun State witnessed improved financial management and strategic investment initiatives that laid the groundwork for sustainable development when he was in office.

    READ ALSO; ​FRSC Mobile App: How to apply for licence renewal, vehicle verification, others

    He stressed, “Within one year, under his leadership as the MD NIWA, the agency acquired 15 boats of varying capacity, including surveillance boats, a 62-seater passenger boat, water ambulances, and hydrographic survey boats equipped with multi-beam echo sounders, among others.

    “The water Marshal Corps scheme was initiated, timely interventions which reduced boat accidents and deaths on waterways by 30% in 2024. He has continued to distinguish himself, prioritising staff welfare and safety and implementing the Water Transportation Code.”

    He stressed that it is imperative that the APC presents a candidate with proven financial acumen to direct the state on the path of economic prosperity.

    The group urged the party and its members to support Oyebamiji because his capacities appeal to the grassroots and possess values of integrity, service, and visionary leadership that the party stands for.

    “We also wish to pledge our financial and logistical support from the diaspora to ensure the success of his candidacy and the victory of our great party in the upcoming election.”

  • Govt unveils ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative with N500b Off take Guarantee Fund

    Govt unveils ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative with N500b Off take Guarantee Fund

    • 150 trucks to ease food logistics
    • CDS hails venture

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday launched the Produce for Lagos Programme and the N500billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, an initiative of the state government aimed at boosting food security, reducing imports and enhancing agricultural productivity across Nigeria.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu said the programme and the fund reflected his administration’s commitment to achieving food security, inclusive prosperity and sustainable growth not just for Lagos State, but also for Nigeria.

    Speaking during the launching of the programme at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is Nigeria’s largest food market, consuming over 50 per cent of the food traded in the Southwest with a food economy valued at N16.14 trillion.

    The governor expressed optimism that the programme would provide guaranteed off-take contracts, access to financing and logistics support, connecting Lagosians directly with Lagos’ dynamic food economy.

    He said the initiative, which was a partnership between government and the private sector, would boost agricultural production.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu also announced and commissioned the deployment of a fleet of 150 cold and dry trucks, the largest of its kind, in partnership with the private sector.

    Read Also: Lagos traders seek probe over viral rice smuggling claim

    He said the initiative “will boost agricultural production and reduce reliance on informal and uncoordinated supply channels, create jobs for our youths and increase economic returns for all ecosystem stakeholders.

    “It will be implemented through the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO) and supported by key Special Purpose Vehicles like the Lagos Bulk Trading Company, Ekolog (Eko Logistics), and the Produce for Lagos Fund.

    “This N500 Billion Offtake Guarantee Fund will provide working capital for bulk traders, finance for logistics operators, liquidity for aggregators and credit support for food producers across Nigeria. It is a demonstration of our understanding that our food economy cannot thrive on policy alone – it requires financing.

    “This fund is not a subsidy; it is an investment vehicle that will catalyse private capital, stabilise food prices and de-risk agricultural operations across the value chain. What we are doing here is creating a whole new agricultural ecosystem, one that rises to meet the demands of today and of tomorrow—combining policy, financing, infrastructure and data.”

    Governor Sanwo-Olu called on all state governors, financial institutions, development organisations, foreign missions ‘’and diplomatic representatives from our valued partner nations, regulatory bodies, multilateral organisations, captains of industries, our able farmers nationwide, and other relevant value chain actors to produce for Lagos.’’

    “Let us rise together to feed this nation sustainably. Let us collaborate across borders, build resilient infrastructure, support, and secure our food future not just for Lagos, but also for Nigeria. Let us lead, let us inspire, and let us grow for the prosperity of our people and the greatness of our country,” he said.

    Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Usman Ododo of Kogi hailed Governor Sanwo-Olu and Lagos State Government for the bold initiative on food security.

    The governors, whose states are expected to be major beneficiaries of the Produce for Lagos Programme and N500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, expressed readiness to partner with Lagos State in the areas of comparative advantages in boosting food security, not only in Lagos, but also in Nigeria.

    Minister of Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Livestock, Idi Maiha; and  Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, lauded the Lagos State Government for the Produce for Lagos Programme, noting that it underscored the state’s commitment to food security and partnership with other states.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed confidence in the initiative, saying it would work well in addressing food security challenges in the state.

    He also expressed the readiness of the armed forces to support the Produce for Lagos Programme initiative, which, according to him, would tackle hunger in the country.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, said the initiative aimed to centralise agricultural aggregation to cut post-harvest losses, stabilise food prices and create an efficient urban food supply logistics system.

    She said Lagos State Government had launched programmes, including the Lagos Innovation Club, Lagos Food Festival, Lagos Agriculture Scholars Programme, and Lagos Apprenticeship Programme, to support agricultural entrepreneurs and promote food culture.

    The Chairman of Origin Tech Group, Prince S. J. Samuel, expressed the commitment of the private sector to the Lagos State agriculture transformation and called for more partnership between public and private sectors for food security in Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

  • Elumelu lifts scheme with N25b

    Elumelu lifts scheme with N25b

    The Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, has donated N25 billion to support the Produce for Lagos Programme, an initiative of Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company.

    The programme was created to enhance food security and promote economic development in the state.

    Elumelu announced the donation yesterday during the launch of the initiative in Lagos.

    “In a few years’ time, it will help us face the challenge of joblessness of our young ones. We believe  joblessness is a great problem of our young people. They shouldn’t be jobless, we have arable lands,” he said.

    He urged stakeholders to collaborate and bring the vision to life, describing it as “our initiative”.

    “Whatever your excellency wants us to do at United Bank for Africa, Transcorp Group, Tony Elumelu Foundation and Heirs Holdings, we will do,” Elumelu said.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, officially launched the Produce for Lagos Programme along with a N500 billion offtake guarantee fund.

    Olusanya said the initiative was part of Lagos State Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap, which was launched in 2021.

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    She said the programme addressed the informal and uncoordinated flow of food into Lagos by introducing a data-driven framework that enabled states to track and optimise the supply of agricultural produce to the state.

    “The Produce for Lagos Programme is designed to strengthen ties with major food-producing states, improve supply chain efficiency, reduce food costs and post-harvest losses, guarantee market access for farmers and agribusinesses, create sustainable livelihoods across the agricultural value chain,” Olusanya said.

    “This is in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises agriculture and food security as national goals.”

    The commissioner said the programme positioned Lagos as a reliable off-taker and strategic partner in building a resilient and integrated agricultural economy.

  • Abiodun: we’re working to ensure food security

    Abiodun: we’re working to ensure food security

    • Governor signs MoU on Lagos Offtake Guarantee Fund

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said his administration has put in place measures that will promote agriculture and ensure food security for the state and the nation at large.

    The governor said this at the launch of the N500 billion Produce for Lagos, an Offtake Guarantee Fund, an agricultural initiative, held yesterday at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

    He signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Lagos Offtake Guarantee Fund

    One of the measures the governor noted is the creation of the State Farmers’ Information Management System, where information about the number, location, what they produce, and the size of their farms can be easily accessed at the press of a button.

    “This Farmers’ Information Management System is a dashboard that allows us to identify all the farmers in the state. As of today, our state has about 160,000 farmers registered on the dashboard, and we know where they are and what they produce,” he said.

    He added that the system has given his administration the edge to know what each farmer in the state grows, just as he said that the system has continuously helped the state to scientifically provide inputs and fertilisers for farmers, thereby helping the state to become one of the few states with the lowest food inflation in the country.

    Abiodun, along with the host, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, Dr. Agbu Kefas of Taraba, and the Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Ahmed Ododo, in a discussion segment, highlighted ways their individual states would contribute to the success of the Lagos Produce programme to the benefit of not only Lagos State, but also the nation as a whole.

    Read Also: Abiodun ,Olopade, Okowa  visit Team Tunisia’s accident victims

    Governor Abiodun emphasised the need for the Federal Government to initiate similar programmes, which he believed would go a long way to guarantee funds for the growth and development of agriculture in the country.

    “I think what Lagos State has done here is something that the Federal Government should look into by nationalising and creating some type of sovereign fund to guarantee food offtake. I think that is what we should be looking at, and I believe that if the Federal Government were to put in place some funds of this nature, probably a Trillion Naira Food Guarantee Fund, it will spin off the entire landscape and ensure that there is indeed food security and food sovereignty.

    “What Lagos State has done is truly laudable and very proactive. I think that it has taken a clue from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative in agriculture, where the plan is to farm over 500 million hectares of land. We saw him launching tractors and over 9,000 farm implements a few weeks ago to underscore his commitment to food sovereignty.

    “Ogun State is ready for this funding. We have farmers who are already agitated in a scientific manner, so if you can avail them of the funds, they are disciplined, and they will indeed pay back,” he noted.

  • Oyo Speaker pledges legislative support for mobile clinics, cancer screening programs

    Oyo Speaker pledges legislative support for mobile clinics, cancer screening programs

    The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has pledged comprehensive legislative support for cancer prevention and HPV awareness.

    The commitment was announced at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mobile Truck Clinic and Molecular Laboratory initiative spearheaded by the HPV Consortium at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.

    The event, graced by Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaq Salako, international partners from Northwestern University, USA, and prominent health experts, marked a major milestone in the state’s battle against HPV-related diseases and preventable cancers.

    Delivering his goodwill message, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin lauded the launch of the Mobile Truck Clinic, which will deliver cancer screening and preventive services directly to underserved communities across four local government areas of Oyo State.

    READ ALSO; Shippers’ Council commits to execution-driven reform framework

    He said, “It is targeting 50,000 to 60,000 citizens in its initial phase, while screenings will cover cervical, anal, oral, breast, and prostate cancers, as well as diabetes and hypertension.

    The clinic, backed by the John R. Flanagan Charitable Foundation, and the newly commissioned Molecular Laboratory symbolize not just infrastructure, but a revolution in community-centered health delivery.”

    The Speaker commended the HPV Consortium led by Professor Imran Morhason-Bello for embracing a multidisciplinary research model: integrating Public Health, Basic and Clinical Medical Sciences, Nursing, Dentistry, and the Humanities. Strategic partnerships with global institutions such as Northwestern University (USA) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK) reflect a commitment to cutting-edge research and transformative outreach.

    Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin shared emotional reflections on losing his mother to cancer two years ago and growing up with a father who battled sickle cell anaemia, instilling values of empathy and impact that guide his leadership today.

    According to him, the Oyo State House of Assembly fully recognises the role of science, data, and innovation in policy making, and it is committed to ensuring that legislative support aligns with the advancement of public health.

    “I would like to pledge our legislative support for Cancer Prevention and HPV Awareness, exploring the possibility of passing a resolution mandating routine HPV vaccination for eligible age groups in public schools, in line with WHO recommendations. We will also support awareness programs in partnership with our Ministries of Education and Health.

    “We will advocate for special budget lines dedicated to supporting community outreach programs such as the Mobile Truck Clinic. These funds will strengthen local implementation in the LGAs, ensuring sustainability beyond the pilot phase.

    “Besides, the State Legislature will work with the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board and the Consortium to establish formal mechanisms of oversight and accountability, ensuring that mobile screening programs are regularly evaluated and adapted based on real-time data.

    “Through our Youth Parliament and civic engagement channels, we will support sensitisation drives in schools and communities.

    “In collaboration with stakeholders, we will consider introducing a Bill on Comprehensive Cancer Control in Oyo State. This law could provide a legal framework for screening, research, data collection, and patient support systems across the state.

    “This is more than a ceremony—it’s a call to conscience. We must not rest until preventive screening becomes a norm, not a privilege.” Ogundoyin declared.

    He called on government bodies, NGOs, academia, and the private sector to rally behind cancer prevention and early detection strategies.