The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland pays condolence visit to late Olubadan family

    Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland pays condolence visit to late Olubadan family

    An Olubadan Chief, Oloye Saheed Oladele, the Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland, has visited the family of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Ige-Olakulehin I, in their Alalubosa GRA residence, to commiserate with them on the passing of the revered monarch.

    Late Oba Owolabi Akinloye Ige-Olakulehin I died on July 7, 2025, two days after his one year on Olubadan throne and five days before his 90th birthday.

    Oloye Oladele was received by the late Olubadan’s first son, Aremo Sumbo Olakulehin and his three other siblings on behalf of the family. 

    He described the death of the monarch as a colossal loss to Ibadanland in particular and Nigeria in general. 

    He told the princes that he came to Olubadan residence as soon as he arrived Ibadan from his 3-week trip. 

    Read Also: Atack on Buhari’s state burial insensitive, unacceptable, APC slams ADC

    Oloye Oladele said he was saddened by the death of the Olubadan who left at the time when Ibadan, Oyo State, and Nigeria needed his wealth of wisdom. 

    In his tribute earlier shared by his media office, the Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland stated that Kabiyesi’s life was a great lesson Ibadan had taught this generation, that patience is not weakness, that destiny may delay but it can never be denied.

    However, Oloye Oladele said he was glad that Oba Olakulehin was able to taste the fruit of endurance to become the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, and was recorded in the history of Ibadan. 

    He prayed for the repose of the late Olubadan.

  • Media group hails colleague on birthday

    Media group hails colleague on birthday

    Members of The GSMists have extended warmest wishes to one of them, Mr. Olawoyin Edris, on his birthday..

    Edris, who serves as the Print Media Director on the State Executive Council of The GSMists, is respected for intellectual brilliance, humility, and dedication to progressive ideals.

    In a statement on Saturday through the state PRO, Hon. Moyosoreoluwa Olamilekan Eldreez signed by the state coordinator Prince Tella Oluyinka, the leadership of The GSMists described Edris as “a beacon of excellence and a worthy ambassador of the Seyi Makinde-inspired movement.

    “Happy birthday! God bless your new age with new wine. Amen. Shalom. Our own distinguished, iconic scholar, Mr. Olawoyin Edris, the distinctive State Exco of The GSMists as Print Media Director  continue to wax stronger, attain greater heights, and experience lifting beyond borders,” the statement reads. 

    The group prayed for continuous divine uplift upon Edris and family, calling on God to grant him more wisdom, health, and grace in his service to humanity and the development-focused GSM mission.

    “May the good Lord continue to uphold you and your family. Amen. Shalom,” the statement concluded.

  • Ogun govt constitutes state burial committee for late Awujale

    Ogun govt constitutes state burial committee for late Awujale

    The Ogun State Government has announced the constitution of a State Burial Committee for the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, and was buried the following day.

    According to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, the committee will be responsible for organising and coordinating all official activities to honour the legacy of the revered monarch with a befitting burial.

    Committee members include:

    1. Mr. Tokunbo Talabi – SSG and Chairman

    2. Mr. Dapo Okunbanjo – Chief Economic Adviser/Commissioner for Finance

    3. Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat – Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs

    4. Mrs. Kehinde Akinola – Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Protocol & Ceremonials

    5. Hon. Damilare Alebiosu – Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Local Government

    READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife in private ceremony

    6. Oba Lawrence Adebajo – Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, representing Ijebu Traditional Council

    7. Otunba Giwa Adesanya Yusuf – Representative of the Council of Otunbas

    8. Chief Oluwaranti Lekan-Osifeso – Representative of the Council of Chiefs

    9. Otunba Adegboyega Adesoye – Representative of the Balogun (Eleshins)

    10. Chief Tunde Odulaja – Representative of the Heritage Group

    11. Otunba Kunle Ogunade – Representative of the Regberegbe

    12. Dr. Rotimi Akinlesi – Permanent Secretary, Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs (Secretary)

    At its inaugural meeting held on Thursday, July 17, the committee pledged to work in close consultation with the late monarch’s family and other stakeholders to ensure a befitting and successful series of burial events, particularly in anticipation of attendance by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other dignitaries.

    Members of the royal family in attendance included Prince Ademola Adetona, Prince Adejuwo Adetona, Princess Aderonke Adetona, Prince Adeniyi Adetona, Prince Adetoun Daramola, and Special Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Lanre Daramola.

  • Monarch backs Tinubu’s re-election, warns against political gang-up 

    Monarch backs Tinubu’s re-election, warns against political gang-up 

    The Jagunmolu of Shomolu/Bariga, Oba Gbolahan Akanbi Timson, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, cautioning political elites and dissenting voices against any move to truncate his tenure.

    Speaking during a press conference at his palace, Oba Timson described President Tinubu as “one of the greatest political strategists Nigeria has ever produced,” warning that any attempt to force him out of office before completing his constitutionally mandated term could destabilise the nation.

    “If Tinubu wants another four years, give him. Every other person has ruled for eight years. Obasanjo also ruled for eight years himself. So why would anybody go against him for wanting to rule?” the monarch queried.

    He emphasised that Tinubu’s rise to the presidency was the result of years of political resilience against formidable odds and urged Nigerians to allow him to consolidate his governance agenda.

    “The man is a nationalist. He is a statesman. He did the calculations very well. Don’t put us into another war because you want to push him aside. He is not the kind of man you push out and expect to sit back quietly,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife in private ceremony

    Oba Timson further accused some political elements—both within and outside government—of fueling resistance against Tinubu due to their discomfort with his anti-corruption stance and efforts to tighten financial controls across public institutions.

    “Foreign communities are angry because we are retrieving the money they were trading with. They don’t care if it was stolen from us. Now that Tinubu is asking for it back, they are backing his opponents,” he added.

    He warned that such actions could trigger instability, adding, “You want to push him out? He will fight back with enormous resources and capacity. Don’t push too hard unless you want to cause serious problems.”

    The traditional ruler urged Nigerians to give Tinubu the needed support to finish his first term and, if possible, a second term, noting that it would allow him to fully implement his economic plans and restore national stability.

    He also appealed to critics to take a broader view of the challenges confronting the country, insisting that the President inherited most of them and should be supported rather than vilified.

    “A lot of us have been bamboozled into believing that the president is the problem. All the troubles of Nigeria—did he bring them about? Was he responsible for creating them? No. What we should do now is encourage him to fix what he met. And he has the capacity to do it. Give him the necessary support to complete his four years. Let him finish his eight years and leave. That’s how we will end all this struggle,” he said.

    Speaking on the ongoing agitation for Yoruba Nation, the monarch clarified that while he would not support any movement that stands against President Tinubu, his loyalty to Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo (popularly known as Sunday Igboho), remains unwavering.

    “I will not support anybody coming against Tinubu. Let’s be clear about that. If Yoruba Nation decides to go political or against Tinubu, I will step back. But Sunday Igboho—I will forever support”, he said.

    He hailed Igboho’s clarity of purpose and commitment to defending the Yoruba people, stressing that although he might distance himself from the broader Yoruba Nation movement if it turns political or anti-Tinubu, his support for Igboho as a person would not change.

    “He has a clear fight, a clear intention. He’s not hiding it. Whatever he has not done, we will do it for him. And if he has done it, we will support him the more,” he added.

  • Southwest governors demand restructuring, state police, resource control in constitution review

    Southwest governors demand restructuring, state police, resource control in constitution review

    Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun) have jointly called for the restructuring of Nigeria, true federalism, the creation of state police, and resource control as part of the ongoing constitutional review process.

    The governors made their demands during the South-West Centre B Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, held on Friday at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure, Ondo State.

    They also advocated a new revenue-sharing formula, as well as the constitutional recognition of Local Council Development Authorities (LCDAs) to enhance grassroots governance.

    In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa praised President Bola Tinubu for supporting democratic reforms and commended the House Committee, led by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for bringing the constitution amendment process closer to the people.

    READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife in private ceremony

    Highlighting the challenges of insecurity, Aiyedatiwa argued that Nigeria’s centralized policing system is no longer effective, stressing the need for state police to enhance security and community intelligence.

    He referenced the operational success of the South-West security outfit, Amotekun, as evidence that localized policing can work in Nigeria, especially in intelligence gathering and crime deterrence.

    The governor called for a review of the revenue allocation formula, suggesting that states should receive not less than 50% of revenue from the federation.

    “Ondo State aligns with the progressive aspirations of the South-West Geo-political Zone in advocating for true federalism that reflects socio-political, cultural and economic realities of the federating units.  

    “This would be in tandem with true fiscal federalism where states have full control over their resources and revenues while remitting about 40% of their revenues to the Federal Government. 

    “Still on fiscal federalism, it will serve the cause of fairness and justice to have a review of the current revenue allocation formula which is skewed in favour of the federal government. Ondo State is of the opinion that not less than 50% of revenue from the federation should be allocated to the states,” Aiyedatiwa said. 

    He proposed that Section 44 (3) of the constitution be amended to remove control over minerals, mineral oils, and natural gas from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.

    This, according to the Ondo governor, would enable state governments to harness their mineral wealth for local development.

    “It is an understatement that state governments and the people experience a lot of agonies from the activities of miners, including illegal miners, quarries, and others that engage in mineral exploration activities. This is because state governments have little or no control over this sector.

    “It hinders State Governments, especially oil-rich States from harnessing their mineral wealth for local development, while illegal mining continues to flourish due to weak Federal Government oversight and poor local enforcement mechanisms.”

    Aiyedatiwa further said the state is not opposed to the creation of new states as requested in some of the proposed bills, but strongly oppose excising any part of its territory to merge with any new state or join an existing one.

    He appealed to the committee on the constitution review to recommend the inclusion of the Local Council Development Authorities (LCDAs) in the proposed constitution.

    “It is also of interest to the government and people of Ondo state that additional local governments be created in the state, just as Lagos State Local Development Council Areas (LCDAs) are being proposed for inclusion in the Constitution as fully-fledged Local Government Areas. 

    “In Ondo state, we have functional thirty-three (33) LCDAs duly created by the State Government. We strongly advocate that the proposed bill be expanded and these 33 LCDAs in Ondo State be recognised as fully-fledged local governments in the First Schedule of the Constitution,” he noted.

    Governor Oyebanji also proposed that Section 44 (3) of the Constitution be amended to remove control over minerals, mineral oils, and natural gas from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.

    The Ekiti governor, represented by the Attorney General of the state, Dayo Apata (SAN), however, called for equal political representation for women and persons with disabilities, formal recognition of traditional rulers, and restrictions on the indiscriminate movement of herders and livestock across the country.

    His Osun State counterpart, Governor Adeleke, highlighted the need for electoral reform, particularly the need to reduce the cost of conducting elections in Nigeria and advocates for electronic voting.

    Governor Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Kolawole Adeusi, who presented the position paper, called for the reduction of the high cost of governance and political campaigns, warning that unregulated campaign expenses could lead to desperation and electoral malpractice.

    “The cost of governance is too high. Make it less attractive so that it doesn’t become a matter of life and death,” he said. 

    The Olowo of Owo and Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, who represented the traditional institutions, advocated for the constitutional recognition of monarchs and their inclusion in policymaking processes, noting that they remain the closest authorities to the grassroots.

    Earlier, Hon.James Faleke Chairman of Southwest Centre B (Ondo, Osun, Ekiti) of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review said the next step will be in alignment with the wishes of the people of Nigeria. 

    He stressed that all the position papers will be meticulously scrutinize for the ultimate betterment of the country.

    Also, representatives of labour unions, professional bodies, religious groups, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and women groups from Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun States presented proposals aimed at correcting longstanding imbalances and deepening democratic practice.

  • Oyebanji, Bamidele, Fayose, Oni, others celebrate Adeyeye on appointment as NPA chairman

    Oyebanji, Bamidele, Fayose, Oni, others celebrate Adeyeye on appointment as NPA chairman

    Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele among dignitaries that extolled the virtues of the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Senator Adedayo Adeyeye on Thursday night in Abuja.

    In a powerful show of unity, influence, and goodwill, political heavyweights, former governors, lawmakers, and top business executives gathered to honour Senator Adeyeye over his recent appointment

    The event, originally planned as a modest gathering among friends, quickly evolved into a grand celebration as dignitaries from across Nigeria poured in to recognise what many described as a long-overdue and well-deserved appointment.

    Among the most notable personalities at the event were Governor Oyebanji, Senate Leader Bamidele; former governors of Ekiti State Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni; former Nasarawa State Governor Senator Tanko Al-Makura; and key figures from federal ministries, the National Assembly, and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Speaker after speaker hailed Adeyeye’s political journey as one marked by resilience, loyalty, and steadfast service.

    Governor Oyebanji described Adeyeye’s appointment as an honour not just for the man but for all of Ekiti State.

    READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife in private ceremony

    “The President gave this position to Ekiti, and he could not have chosen better,” the Governor said. “Senator Adeyeye is loyal, intelligent, and deeply experienced. From his time as a Minister, a Senator, and a university council chairman, he brings the right mix of discipline, wisdom, and patriotism.”

    Oyebanji also praised the rare display of bipartisan unity among Ekiti leaders. “I am lucky to be surrounded by four former governors who are all backing me. That has never happened in our state’s history. This new unity is the strength behind our progress,” he said, referencing the presence and support of former Governors Fayose and Oni, despite their differing party affiliations.

    Senate Leader Bamidele drew applause when he underscored Adeyeye’s foundational role in the formation of the Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), the early campaign platform that championed President Bola Tinubu’s presidential bid.

    “If anyone had told me it would take this long for Senator Adeyeye to be appointed, I would have said it’s impossible,” Bamidele said. “He was among the first to champion this movement and stuck with it through thick and thin. That’s why this moment is not just a personal victory for him—it’s symbolic of loyalty finally being rewarded.”

    Bamidele also delivered a direct message to the NPA board and management: “Let me be clear. Senator Adeyeye is not just in office—he is in power. He has earned it. Work with him openly and transparently, and you’ll get the best from him.”

    In an emotionally charged response, Senator Adeyeye recounted his many years of political setbacks—missed ministerial appointments, electoral disappointments, and prolonged delays in recognition. “I have seen it all,” he said, “but each time I fall, I rise again.”

    He eulogised his wife, calling her “my strongest pillar,” and to his friends who remained loyal through turbulent times. “There were times people would call to congratulate her only to withdraw the congratulations. But she stood firm. That is strength.”

    He also acknowledged the quiet but decisive role played by President Tinubu. “He told me not to worry, that he had plans for me. And he kept that promise.”

    Senator Adeyeye expressed confidence in the new NPA board, which he described as “high-powered” and composed of former lawmakers, seasoned administrators, and political veterans.

    “The President promised a quality board, and he delivered,” Adeyeye said. “We are ready to work together as a family and move the Ports Authority forward.”

    He also praised NPA’s Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho and expressed hope for a collaborative working relationship with the executive team.

    Adeyeye did not shy away from linking his political legacy to the future. He announced that “SWAGA 2.0” would soon be relaunched—this time in tandem with the 2026 gubernatorial re-election bid of Governor Oyebanji.

    “We’re not just supporting you, Mr. Governor. We’re going to win by a landslide,” Adeyeye said, triggering cheers. “There is no opposition. The former governors, the people—they’re all behind you.”

    The event offered a glimpse into a new era of political maturity in Ekiti, as longstanding rivalries gave way to statesmanship and reconciliation.

    Former Governor Fayose, once a fierce political rival of Adeyeye, was hailed repeatedly for his open support of Oyebanji.

    “Politics must grow beyond bitterness,” Adeyeye said. “The peace we enjoy now is unprecedented, and it must be protected.”

    As the night wound down, the sentiment was clear: Adeyeye’s journey to the chairmanship of the NPA was one of grit, loyalty, and divine timing. But it was also a celebration of unity—for Ekiti, for the South-West, and for a new chapter in national leadership.

    In the words of Senator Tanko Al-Makura, “The NPA is lucky to have you. Nigeria is lucky to have you.”

  • Makinde doubles secondary school teachers from 13,730 to 26,436 in six years

    Makinde doubles secondary school teachers from 13,730 to 26,436 in six years

    • Govt’s policies on teachers’ recruitment, training have raised stake in educational standard, says SUBEB chair

    The Chairperson of Oyo State Post Primary Schools’ Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs Olubukola Oladipo, has hailed Governor Seyi Makinde for increasing staff strength in secondary schools from 13,730 in 2019 to 26,436 after just six years in office.

    Mrs Oladipo made this known during a session of Omituntun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Briefing.

    She said the state government recruited 10,500 teaching and non-teaching workers in the second term of Governor Makinde.

    She said the recruitment had brought about massive improvement in students’ academic performance in internal and external examinations, apart from creating employment opportunities for youths and also improving the standard of living of teaching and non-teaching workers.

    The TESCOM chairperson said the commission had also succeeded in creating additional educational zones for ease of school administration, adding: “Four educational zones were created by the governor for ease of school administration, now adding up to 10 educational zones. We have Ibadan Zone I, II, III, IV, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Kishi, Saki, Eruwa and Iseyin educational zones.

    “We also created the Directorate of Pension and Post Services for effective and efficient service delivery for the TESCOM retirees.

    “We appointed 10 tutors-general/permanent secretaries and a permanent secretary at the headquarters for effective and efficient service delivery in areas of monitoring and supervision of teachers and students.”

    Read Also: Makinde increased secondary school teachers from 13,730 to 26,436 in six years

    Mrs Oladipo said the commission was also able to conduct the 2017 to 2024 promotion exercises for eligible officers.

    “In 2024 and early 2025, the recruitment of 7,500 teaching and 3,000 non-teaching workers for the improvement in students’ academic performance both in internal and external examinations took place.

    That gave an opportunity for the employment of youths and this will have multiplier effects of increasing the standard of living of the employed teaching and non-teaching workers.

    “As of 2019 when the governor came on board, the total staff strength was 13,730 and it is encouraging to state that the staff strength has increased to 26,436.

    “The state government has continued to pay running grants to the 695 public secondary schools to ease school administration for school principals,” she added.

    She said the commission had been paying vehicle loans to interested teaching and non-teaching workers of the commission across the 10 zonal offices, noting that it had also introduced e-payment for payment of car loan to ease tension faced by teaching and non-teaching workers, who usually travelled to the headquarters to pick cheques.

    Oladipo said the commission had integrated 2,000 seconded teachers from SUBEB to TESCOM and had continued to ensure that they got job satisfaction and a sense of belonging.

    The chairperson stated that the commission was proposing training for the 695 principals to expose them to 21st century school management techniques.

    She lauded the governor for his magnanimity to the teaching and non-teaching workers of the commission, to whom he had continued to pay salaries as and when due, leave bonuses, 13th month salary and also giving approvals for a number of welfare programmes.

    “It is important to state that the governor has also approved the terminal Grade Level of Teaching Staff to Grade Level 17.”

    The TESCOM chairperson was accompanied by the commission’s Coordinating Director, Revd. A.V. Adesola.

  • Governor felicitates Alaafin at 50

    Governor felicitates Alaafin at 50

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has felicitated the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, on the occasion of his 50th birthday.

    The governor celebrated the royal father, noting that his life has been eventful, with his ascension to the throne of his forebears being a crescendo.

    “I celebrate the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, as he celebrates his 50th birthday.

    Read Also: Alaafin mourns Awujale, describes late monarch as visionary leader

    “It is gratifying to note that Kabiyesi’s last five decades have been eventful, as they have been gracious, with his recent ascension to the exalted throne of Alaafin being the crescendo.

    “Assured that the coming decades will bring him more grace and that his reign will usher in Oyo’s golden era, I, on behalf of the government and the good people of Oyo State, celebrate him.

    “It is my prayer that God Almighty will continue to strengthen and uphold Kabiyesi.”

  • Process for selection of Awujale begins

    Process for selection of Awujale begins

    Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, in line to produce the next Awujale of Ijebuland, has officially signalled its readiness to fill the vacant stool.

    The ruling house did this yesterday by rolling out the traditional Gbedu drums, following the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona of Anikinaiya Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode.

    The drumming ceremony is a significant cultural tradition that marks the intention of the next eligible ruling house to present a candidate for the Awujale stool.

    Addressing reporters at the event, the Olori-Ebi (head of the family), Prince Adedokun Ajidagba, said the family was prepared to present a qualified and worthy candidate from among its princes.

    He appealed to family members to unite and support the selection process.

    “In Ijebu-Ode, we have four ruling houses: Anikinaiya, Fusengbuwa, Fidipote and Gbelegbuwa. The last Awujale was from Anikinaiya, and now it is the turn of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which I currently lead,” Ajidagba said.

    Read Also: Buhari, Awujale are icons of leadership, says TMC

    He added: “It is our tradition to beat the Gbedu drums immediately after the demise of an Awujale, signalling the next ruling house to produce a successor. This event is part of the spiritual and traditional process of selecting the next monarch.”

    Ajidagba said the family received a certificate of affirmation from Ijebu-Ode Local Government in 2023, officially recognising Fusengbuwa as a legitimate ruling house.

    He urged the state government not to interfere in the family’s selection process and emphasised the importance of unity within the family.

    “Whoever emerges must be accepted by all and must uphold the tradition of Ijebu,” he said.

    Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, who serves as the general secretary for the four ruling houses, including Fusengbuwa family, said he had maintained accurate family records for over 20 years.

    “It is our right and responsibility to present a qualified and respected prince with a strong background.

    “Fusengbuwa Ruling House comprises eight branches, all of which are represented here today and in full support of this process,” he noted.

    Adeyemi praised the leadership of Prince Ajidagba and affirmed that the family remained united in its mission.

    The Olowa of Ijebu-Ode and Abore of Awujale, Chief Razaq Adeleye Osimodi, also lent his support, saying the Gbedu ceremony had long been the tradition that identified the rightful family to produce the next Awujale.

    “I fully support the actions taken by the leaders of Fusengbuwa Ruling House. While there are many interested candidates, only one will emerge, and the Ifa oracle will guide the family in making that decision,” he said.

    Prince Olaseni Samsideen Otun described Ijebu as a kingdom rich in unique tradition and expressed joy at belonging to the next ruling house.

    He denied any rancour within the ruling house.

    “There is no division within the family. We are praying for divine guidance and protection for our elders and all family members as we move forward with this process.”

  • I’m in office to project Aiyedatiwa’s administration

    I’m in office to project Aiyedatiwa’s administration

    The newly-inaugurated Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Ondo State, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, has pledged his commitment to project Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration for strategic public communication.

    Ajanaku was among the 16 commissioners sworn in on Monday by Governor Aiyedatiwa at an elaborate event held at the International Centre for Culture and Events in Akure.

    Resuming in his office officially yesterday, where he was welcomed by the workers of the Ministry of Information, Ajanaku said it was time to reposition the ministry as a vibrant organ of government communication.

    He stressed the need for unity among media stakeholders, saying he was ready to deploy his experience in promoting the image of the government.

    He acknowledged the critical role of the Ministry of Information and Orientation as both “the image manager of the state” and “the voice of the people.”

    “My mission is to project the achievements of Mr. Governor, rebrand government communication and foster genuine citizen engagement.

    “I thank Governor Aiyedatiwa for the trust and opportunity to serve. I also thank God Almighty for life and this privilege,” Ajanaku said.

    Outlining his vision for the ministry, Ajanaku emphasised the importance of effectively telling the story of the Aiyedatiwa administration under the Our Ease agenda, a policy framework focusing on inclusive growth, infrastructure, empowerment and good governance.

    “Ondo State has a compelling story to tell, and it must be told effectively, creatively and truthfully. This ministry will be lifted to a high pedestal, and all hands must be on deck as we take on this collective task.

    Read Also: I’m in office to project Aiyedatiwa’s administration

    “I’m ready to deploy every experience I have gathered to promote the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa and the enormous potential of Ondo State to the global community,” Ajanaku said.

    Speaking earlier on a radio programme aired on Adaba 88.9 FM, Akure, which was monitored by The Nation, the commissioner called for harmony and collaboration among professionals to achieve the common goal of effective information dissemination.

    He said he was prepared to reposition the Ministry of Information as a strategic channel for government communication and public engagement, describing his appointment as a call to service and a responsibility he does not take lightly.

    Ajanaku, a seasoned media strategist with years of experience in journalism and political communication, assured the public of a transparent and proactive information dissemination approach.

    He said his tenure would prioritise credibility, innovation and professionalism.

    Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo Council, has congratulated Mr Ajanaku on his inauguration by Governor Aiyedatiwa.

    In a congratulatory message jointly signed by the state Chairman, Leke Adegbite and Secretary, Olaoluwa Meshack, NUJ expressed confidence in the ability of Ajanaku as a core senior journalist to harness the media potential in the state and beyond for the benefit of the people and growth of the state.

    The union expressed the readiness of the NUJ leadership and members of the media profession in the state to support and work seamlessly with the new commissioner for a smooth running of government’s activities in an informed society.

    It urged “the new commissioner to form a formidable relationship with members of the pen profession in the state for a better service delivery.”

    Also, Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals (ACSPN) in the state has congratulated Mr Ajanaku on his appointment and expressed confidence in his capacity to reposition the ministry to drive effective public enlightenment and engagement with media stakeholders.

    A statement jointly signed yesterday by the Chairman of the association, Sunday Kolawole, and Secretary, Richard Ilesanmi, said the association promised to collaborate with his ministry to enhance media literacy, strategic communication and institutional research, to promote civic engagement in the state.

    “The body of scholars, researchers and media professionals believes the new commissioner’s wealth of experience, especially in journalism and public affairs, will strengthen government-media relations and enhance citizens’ access to timely and credible information,” the statement further said.