The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Strike: Our meeting with Ogun govt inconclusive, says Labour

    Strike: Our meeting with Ogun govt inconclusive, says Labour

    Activities in Ogun State Government agencies – schools, local governments, hospitals and judiciary have remained paralysed for three days, as Organised Labour yesterday sustained its directive, asking workers to stay away from their duty posts.

    An emergency meeting summoned on Wednesday at the Governor’s Office by Governor Dapo Abiodun to persuade the leadership of the Organised Labour – Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC)- to suspend the strike and ask their members to resume work ended without any commitment from the union leaders.

    The meeting started around 5:30pm and ended a few minutes after 9pm without any decision reached.

    “The meeting was inconclusive, the government has scheduled another meeting for later today, but the strike continues,” Akeem Lasisi, TUC chairman, told our reporter.

    Read Also: Senator Kingibe dumps Labour Party for ADC

    The Nation reports that civil servants in the state withdrew their services indefinitely, following

    unresolved issues bordering on state government’s failure to remit 14 years pension deductions, non- implementation of the national minimum wage, non-payment of eight years’ leave allowances and deferment of promotion benefits for workers.

    Investigation showed that workers at Abeokuta Grammar School, Asero High School, Egba High School, Lisabi Grammar School and Baptist Boys High School stayed away and the classrooms remained shut.

    The strike has also disrupted the Third Term examinations, which were in progress in state public schools before the workers began strike.

  • Court strikes out murder, landgrabbing case against monarch

    Court strikes out murder, landgrabbing case against monarch

    An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has struck out the case of attempted murder and land grabbing instituted against the Oloko of Oko, Oba Solomon Akinola.

    The trial judge, Justice Kareem Adedokun, struck out the name of the traditional ruler after the prosecuting counsel, I. O. Abdulazeez, on the order of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Mr. Abiodun Aikomo, applied for the withdrawal of the case against the monarch, who is the second defendant.

    Adedokun adjourned the case till September 18 for continuation of trial of the remaining 14 defendants, ordering the defence counsel, Mr O. A. Okeyinka, to ensure all the defendants were brought to court on the adjourned date.

    In his reaction to the withdrawal, one of the complainants in the matter, Dr Isaac Abiodun, expressed sadness about the sudden twist in the matter, saying the action meant there was no justice for common man in the state.

    He said the withdrawal of Oba Akinola’s name, who was the principal suspect in the case from the charge sheet, more than a year after the prosecution had closed its case, was a sign of gloomy days ahead in the administration of criminal justice in Oyo State.

    Read Also: Court strikes out murder, land grabbing case against monarch

    According to him, the directive of the Oyo State Attorney-General to withdraw the case against Oba Akinola, the principal suspect in the case, is a travesty of justice and a very sad development.

    “This is a case in which overwhelming evidence of the Oba’s terror on Aagba village has been presented before the court and the court is not being allowed to dispense justice on him. This is somebody whose actions have brought about varying degrees of injuries to some people and total destruction of valuable property, whose amount cannot yet be ascertained.

    “In fact, we have tendered evidence of how Oba Akinola supervised the torturing of three indigenes of Aagba in his palace, beating and attacking them with a machete, at the court. Honestly, we are very sad and we can’t even continue work on our farm since the latest attack of burning down of the village.”

  • 52nd AAAN AGM/Congress begins in Ibadan

    52nd AAAN AGM/Congress begins in Ibadan

    The 52nd Annual General Meeting and Congress of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) begins today in Ibadan, bringing together key stakeholders from across Nigeria’s advertising and marketing ecosystem for three days of industry-defining dialogue, networking and celebration.

    The event, which will take place at JAGZ Hotel in Iyaganku area of Ibadan, has as theme: “Charting Bold Paths Forward”. The theme reflects the industry’s collective commitment to innovation, resilience and transformative leadership in a fast-changing environment.

    The event will be declared open by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. He will be joined by other dignitaries, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi. The conference is expected to drive high-level conversations around policy, regulation and the future of the creative economy.

    Major highlight of the day will be keynote addresses by Mr. Idowu Akinde, CEO of Impact Hub Lagos, and Bolanle Osotule, General Manager, Brand Marketing and Advertising at Airtel Nigeria. This will be followed by a high-level panel discussion moderated by Oluwatobi Williams, Creative Director at 7even Interactive.

    Read Also: AAAN chief gives kudos to Rotary founders for vision

    Panellists expected at the session include Damola Richard Salvador, MD/CEO, Digisplash Limited; Dr. Seun Fakorede, Executive Adviser, Youth & Sports to the Oyo State Governor; Josiah Akinola, Senior Category & Channel Manager, Nigerian Breweries; George Onukwu, Executive Director, TBWA\Concept.

    According to AAAN President, Lanre Adisa, the theme of this year’s congress is a direct response to the shifting terrain of marketing communications.

    “The business landscape is changing fast. And while some see disruption, we see opportunity. The future belongs to agencies bold enough to rethink, retool and reimagine the value they bring,” Adisa said.

    The final day of the AGM/Congress will be dedicated to governance and reflection. After team bonding and a breakfast session, the Business Session will begin, featuring updates on AAAN’s leadership, financial reports and the induction of new members. Three agency presentations by Noor Takaful Insurance, Conduit Plus and Retinaad Limited will also take place.

    The event will close with a Gala and Awards Night, where advertising professionals will be celebrated for excellence in the industry. Attendees will don traditional aso oke attire, and special awards such as So Your Kolo’s Best Dressed will also be presented.

  • Fed Govt gets kudos over Buhari’s burial

    Fed Govt gets kudos over Buhari’s burial

    A GROUP, Lagos Prominent Indigenes, has hailed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for giving former President Muhammadu Buhari a befitting state burial.

    In a statement in Lagos yesterday signed by an elder statesman, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, the group said the burial arrangements showed the true love that existed between President Tinubu and the departed leader.

    “Apart from showing that President Tinubu is a statesman, a committed nationalist of great repute and a patriot, the seamless manner the burial arrangements were conducted further fostered genuine unity among all ethnic groups in Nigeria.”

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

    Onitiri, the coordinator of the group, took cognisance of the speed with which President Tinubu despatched Vice-President Kashim Shettima and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to London to accompany Buhari’s body to Nigeria, which the group described as highly commendable and remarkable.

    The body extended its condolences to President Tinubu, the Buhari family and all Nigerians, praying that the Almighty Allah grants the soul of the former president Al Jannah Firdaus.

  • 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.”

    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.

    Read Also: FG pledges to uphold Buhari’s legacy as Shettima, Sambo, others pay tribute in Daura

    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: 36 commissioners oppose Senate-proposed Electricity Act Amendment Bill

    “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: FG pledges to uphold Buhari’s legacy as Shettima, Sambo, others pay tribute in Daura

    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.

    “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.

    Read Also: 36 commissioners oppose Senate-proposed Electricity Act Amendment Bill

    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.

  • Strike: Our meeting with Ogun govt inconclusive, says Labour

    Strike: Our meeting with Ogun govt inconclusive, says Labour

    Activities in Ogun State Government agencies – schools, local governments, hospitals and judiciary have remained paralysed for three days, as Organised Labour yesterday sustained its directive, asking workers to stay away from their duty posts.

    An emergency meeting summoned on Wednesday at the Governor’s Office by Governor Dapo Abiodun to persuade the leadership of the Organised Labour – Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC)- to suspend the strike and ask their members to resume work ended without any commitment from the union leaders.

    The meeting started around 5:30pm and ended a few minutes after 9pm without any decision reached.

    “The meeting was inconclusive, the government has scheduled another meeting for later today, but the strike continues,” Akeem Lasisi, TUC chairman, told our reporter.

    Read Also: FG pledges to uphold Buhari’s legacy as Shettima, Sambo, others pay tribute in Daura

    The Nation reports that civil servants in the state withdrew their services indefinitely, following

    unresolved issues bordering on state government’s failure to remit 14 years pension deductions, non- implementation of the national minimum wage, non-payment of eight years’ leave allowances and deferment of promotion benefits for workers.

    Investigation showed that workers at Abeokuta Grammar School, Asero High School, Egba High School, Lisabi Grammar School and Baptist Boys High School stayed away and the classrooms remained shut.

    The strike has also disrupted the Third Term examinations, which were in progress in state public schools before the workers began strike.

  • Court strikes out murder, land grabbing case against monarch

    Court strikes out murder, land grabbing case against monarch

    An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has struck out the case of attempted murder and land grabbing instituted against the Oloko of Oko, Oba Solomon Akinola.

    The trial judge, Justice Kareem Adedokun, struck out the name of the traditional ruler after the prosecuting counsel, I. O. Abdulazeez, on the order of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Mr. Abiodun Aikomo, applied for the withdrawal of the case against the monarch, who is the second defendant.

    Adedokun adjourned the case till September 18 for continuation of trial of the remaining 14 defendants, ordering the defence counsel, Mr O. A. Okeyinka, to ensure all the defendants were brought to court on the adjourned date.

    In his reaction to the withdrawal, one of the complainants in the matter, Dr Isaac Abiodun, expressed sadness about the sudden twist in the matter, saying the action meant there was no justice for common man in the state.

    He said the withdrawal of Oba Akinola’s name, who was the principal suspect in the case from the charge sheet, more than a year after the prosecution had closed its case, was a sign of gloomy days ahead in the administration of criminal justice in Oyo State.

    Read Also: 36 commissioners oppose Senate-proposed Electricity Act Amendment Bill

    According to him, the directive of the Oyo State Attorney-General to withdraw the case against Oba Akinola, the principal suspect in the case, is a travesty of justice and a very sad development.

    “This is a case in which overwhelming evidence of the Oba’s terror on Aagba village has been presented before the court and the court is not being allowed to dispense justice on him. This is somebody whose actions have brought about varying degrees of injuries to some people and total destruction of valuable property, whose amount cannot yet be ascertained.

    “In fact, we have tendered evidence of how Oba Akinola supervised the torturing of three indigenes of Aagba in his palace, beating and attacking them with a machete, at the court. Honestly, we are very sad and we can’t even continue work on our farm since the latest attack of burning down of the village.”