The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Remi Tinubu commissions health centre in Ikosi-Isheri as Sanwo-Olu praises Princess Bada

    Remi Tinubu commissions health centre in Ikosi-Isheri as Sanwo-Olu praises Princess Bada

    The commissioning of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Primary Healthcare Centre in Ikosi-Isheri, Lagos, turned into a major political moment as Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, represented the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the event—signaling strong federal support and recognition.

    The occasion also saw Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu publicly endorse the Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, describing her as “a true grassroots force delivering real impact.”

    “She is the Princess and Mayoress of our time. She deserves all the recognition,” Sanwo-Olu said. “This is my third visit to Ikosi-Isheri—some council chairmen have not invited me even once. That shows there’s something worth celebrating here.”

    Sanwo-Olu commended Bada for attracting high-level attention to the area, noting that her achievements had drawn the First Lady’s office to Lagos in a clear show of support.

    He emphasized that development was taking place not only at the federal and state levels but also at the local government level—evident in impactful projects like the new health centre.

    The governor used the opportunity to rally support for Bada and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the July 12 local government elections, saying: “It’s no coincidence that this Saturday, Princess Samiat and 56 others are being presented for the mandate they seek. Let us support them.”

    Read Also: Idemudo emerges national patron of Remi Tinubu support organisation

    Representing the First Lady, Nana Shettima praised Princess Bada for her leadership and commitment to public welfare.

    She highlighted the features of the newly commissioned health facility, including a 105-bed capacity, 25 specialized units, modern medical equipment, dedicated family health units, a theatre, and a functional emergency response system.

    “This project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially regarding the health and well-being of women and families,” she said. “I commend Princess Samiat Bada and the entire Ikosi-Isheri LCDA team for this achievement, and I thank you for naming this facility in my honour.”

    The event, graced by members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), top APC leaders, and senior government officials, further cemented Princess Bada’s rising political influence in Lagos State.

  • MILID foundation partners UNESCO Nigeria, LASG for MIL workshop for S’West youths

    MILID foundation partners UNESCO Nigeria, LASG for MIL workshop for S’West youths

    The Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue Foundation (MILID Foundation), in partnership with UNESCO Nigeria and the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, held a workshop on media and information literacy for youth organisations in the Southwest.

    The workshop brought together fourteen youth organisations from the southwest states in Lagos.

    Themed: The Role of Media and Information Literacy for Youth in the Democratic Process, the workshop equipped participants with competencies to navigate the challenges of media and communication technology, to think critically, and engage responsibly in digital spaces.

    It featured sessions on MIL and Democracy, MIL and Conflict, MIL and Gender-Based Violence, Infusing MIL into Content Creation, Fact-checking, and Verification.

    Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, a professor at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, took participants on MIL and gender-based violence, while Prof Suraj Olunifesi of the same department took participants on MIL, Artificial Intelligence and Conflict.

    In his keynote address, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, who was represented by Obadare Adenekan, the state youth ambassador, remarked that the theme of the workshop speaks directly to the heartbeat of youth empowerment in our democratic journey.

    “It recognises the power of informed young people and the urgent need to equip them with the tools to critically navigate the media space, distinguish truth from falsehood, and use information responsibly,” Mr Ogunlende said.

    He urged participants to take the knowledge beyond the workshop. “Let it guide your posts, your projects, and your platforms. Use media to advocate, not agitate. Use your voice to build, not break. Above all, use information as a tool for truth, justice, and nation-building.”

    With support from UNESCO Nigeria, MILID Foundation has held similar capacity-building workshops in the Northwest and Southeast of the country, with plans to reach all geopolitical zones of the country.

    Speaking on the rationale for supporting such initiatives, the communication and information sector coordinator, UNESCO Nigeria, Yachat Nuhu, noted that “by integrating MIL into the policies and strategies of youth organisations, we are taking a proactive step toward fostering informed, responsible, and engaged young citizens.”

    Ms Nuhu added that young people are among the most active participants in the digital space, where political discourse, election campaigns, and civic engagement increasingly take place. Hence, UNESCO’s interest in equipping them with the tools to safeguard freedom of expression, promote human rights, contribute to peaceful societies, and sustainable development.

    According to MILID Foundation, the Southwest workshop is part of a broader initiative to strengthen media and information literacy across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    “We are taking this workshop to every zone of the country to build the capacity of young people, as well as organisations working with youth, around media and information literacy,” said Chiamaka Okafor, Executive Director MILID Foundation, adding that “our goal is to help them understand the importance of developing critical thinking, fact-checking skills, and the ability to responsibly create content.”

    “We are pleased to be in Lagos for the Southwest edition of this workshop. With the local council elections just days away, we believe this is a timely and strategic intervention to prepare young people for informed and responsible civic participation,” she noted.

    Representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Adesegun Ogundeji, emphasised the importance of verifying information as it helps in decision-making and strengthening the democratic process.

    He emphasised the state’s willingness to support initiatives that prioritise media and information literacy education.

    Read Also: MILID Foundation, UNESCO to mark 2024 Global MIL Week in Kano

    Rofiat Ileyemi, a participant from Lagos State, noted that attending the Media and Information Literacy (MIL) training was an eye-opening experience.

    “I gained a deeper understanding of how powerful media and information can be in shaping opinions and how important it is to verify information before sharing. The sessions were practical and engaging, and teamwork was also an experience I can’t forget,” she said.

    Another participant, Deborah Fayanju, from Ondo State, described her experience as enriching and broadening her understanding of Media and Information Literacy’s critical role in democracy, gender-based violence, content creation, and social advocacy.

    Apart from representatives of youth organisations in the Southwest, the advocacy workshop had students from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos.

  • Ondo doctors begin three-day warning strike

    Ondo doctors begin three-day warning strike

    • Govt: we’ve started paying

    Crisis is looming in the Ondo State health sector as medical doctors under the auspices of the National Association of Government General and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) have declared a three-day warning strike.

    The strike, which began yesterday, was in response to what the doctors alleged as the gross neglect of welfare of medical practitioners by the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa administration.

    In a statement in Akure, the NAGGMDP’s state Chairman, Richard Obe and Secretary, Adekunle Owolabi, lamented the shortage of medical personnel in government hospitals, alleging that some had ‘one medical doctor’ per local government area.

    The aggrieved doctors, in the statement, decried the alleged increase in taxation from April without prior consultation. They complained over an alleged non-payment of salaries and allowances to eight new doctors employed since last October. They emphasised that they could no longer work under difficult conditions, where their salaries and arrears were not paid.

    “Other include unpaid hazard allowances for October to December 2023 and January 2024, outstanding promotion arrears from June to December 2024, and salary shortfalls and unpaid allowances for other members,’’ they added.

    The doctors demanded action from the Aiyedatiwa-led government to avoid the total shutdown.

    READ ALSO: Why ADC can never be like ANC

    According to them, parts of their demand include the recruitment of more medical doctors across the 18 local governments of the state and full payment of outstanding salary, arrears, and statutory allowances.

    “The reversal of the new tax regime, payment of outstanding salaries and allowances for newly employed officers and payment of owed hazard allowances and settlement of promotion arrears for eligible members,” they added.

    The doctors, however, warned that failure to address these issues and demands during the warning strike would result in further consequences.

    The NAGGMDP had earlier issued a 14-working day ultimatum to the governor to address the challenges in the sector but noted that it was ignored by the  government.

    Special Adviser to the governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, said the government was addressing the challenges.

    “We have started paying the arrears because the governor has given an instruction that the funds be paid and we are going to address their challenges.

    “On the issue of shortage, the state government is employing medical doctors, and if they have people that they want us to employ, they should come forward with it.

    “Don’t forget that we put up an advert and we employed the ones who applied. The government can’t manufacture doctors, but we are ready to employ them,” he said.

  • Oyo reaffirms commitment to complete ongoing projects

    Oyo reaffirms commitment to complete ongoing projects

    Oyo State government has reiterated its commitment to complete the ongoing infrastructure projects before the end of the administration in 2027.

    The Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, gave the assurance during a visit to the projects under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

    The monitoring covers two major project sites: the 8.24 km Okudu-Oyada-FRSC Road in Atisbo and Saki West local government areas; and the 21.953 km Oloko-Oyo-Orita Aloba Road, in Iseyin Local Government Area.

    Lawal emphasised that the Governor Seyi Makinde’s Omotuntun 2.0 Agenda is focused on delivering quality infrastructure that will enhance rural connectivity, boost agricultural productivity, and improve residents’ standard of living.

    He said: “Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision is clear and deliberate; no project will be abandoned. Every ongoing road construction and rural development initiative will be completed and delivered to the people of Oyo State before the expiration of this administration in 2027.”

    READ ALSO: 2027 and premature obituaries

    The deputy governor, however, commended the progress recorded so far on the projects and assured that the government would continue to monitor and support contractors to ensure timely and quality delivery.

    He reaffirmed that the Makinde administration remains committed to transparency, accountability, and people-oriented governance, assuring residents that the benefits of investments will be felt across every zone.

    Secretary of the Grievance Redress Committee for the Okudu-Oyada Road, Mr. Abdulraheem Mojid, noted that road construction had improved the livelihoods of residents in the Tede/Saki communities and surrounding areas.

    The deputy governor was accompanied by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye; and the Project Coordinator, Mrs. Adeola Ekundayo; among others.

  • Olubadan: Ibadan begins 21-day mourning for Olakulehin

    Olubadan: Ibadan begins 21-day mourning for Olakulehin

    • Diri, Fayemi, Adams condole with Oyo govt, family

    A 21-day mourning has been declared in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital to honour the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed on in the early hours of Monday after a prolonged illness at a private hospital in the city.

    The mourning, which started yesterday, is in line with the age-old tradition of the ancient city.

    Following the conclusion of the mourning, members of the Olubadan-in-Council are expected to begin the traditional process of selecting and installing a new Olubadan.

    According to the succession hierarchy, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, is next in line.

    Commissioner of Police(CP), Oyo State Command, Johnson Adenola, has announced security measures to ensure a smooth transition for the late monarch.

    In a statement, he listed the measures to include strategic deployment of the command’s intelligence and operational resources, particularly around the Olubadan’s palace.

    Adenola further stated that the command had put in place enhanced visibility policing, convoy patrols, in collaboration with sister agencies, and rigorous surveillance.

    READ ALSO: 2027 and premature obituaries

    He said the moves had begun with intelligence-led stop-and-search initiatives throughout the metropolitan area and beyond.

    Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has condoled with the government and people of Oyo on the passage of Oba Olakulehin.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor described the foremost monarch as a bridge builder, unifier and father.

    He said the late paramount ruler cemented the bonds of unity between Oyo and Bayelsa.

    Former Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, in a statement by the head of his Media Office,  Ahmad Sajoh, said: “Oba Olakulehin’s reign, though brief, was impactful as he was a progressive royal father who believed in using tradition to support good governance, social development, and the unity of Nigerians.’’

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Olawunmi Ojo, Adams said Nigeria had lost a peacemaker.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adams described the late monarch as a revered traditional ruler, cultural custodian and statesman who dedicated his life to humanity and Yoruba heritage.

    The Aare commiserated with the family of the late Olakulehin, Oyo State Government and  people of Ibadanland over the loss.

    According to him, though Oba Olakulehin’s reign was brief, it brought peace and notable progress across Ibadan for both indigenes and residents..

    Adams recalled the warm reception given to Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) members during their World Congress’ visit in January.

    The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Olubadan at his private residence at Alalubosa GRA, Ibadan.

    The delegation was led by CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole

    The CCII delegation was received by the late monarch’s younger brother, Dr. Osuolale Owolabi Olakulehin, and his eldest child, Prince Olasumbo Owolabi Olakulehin.

    Chief Ajewole said: “Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin was a father to us all, a bridge-builder and a man of exemplary character. He was the first Olubadan to live in the newly built Olubadan Palace.

    “His reign, though short, was marked by dignity and humility. Ibadan experienced peace and prosperity during his reign.

    “We have come to commiserate with the family and to pray that God grants him eternal rest.”

    Osuolale expressed appreciation for the visit and the show of solidarity.

  • Mogaji Junaid mourns late Olubadan

    Mogaji Junaid mourns late Olubadan

    The Mogaji Jinadu Ileganga, Itutaba in Ibadan North East Local Government, Chief Olufemi Junaid has condoled with Governor Seyi Makinde, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Ibadan Mogajis and people of Oyo State over the demise of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

    He described the late Olubadan as a unifying figure in Ibadanland, highlighting his pivotal role in fostering friendship and inclusivity within the community. 

    Junaid emphasised the late monarch’s remarkable humility and genuine warmth towards all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.

    He noted that Oba Olakulehin’s passing has left a profound void in the hearts of many, with his legacy expected to endure through the institutions he supported and the people he touched.

    He urged Ibadan people to take comfort in the memories of the deceased’s life and reign, adding that the late Olubadan’s life was a testament to his dedication to public service and community leadership. 

    Chief Junaid prayed for the repose of the late Olubadan’s soul and comfort for the royal family and the entire Ibadan community during this period of mourning.

    He said: “Oba Olakulehin’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations. The Ibadan community will remember him for his wisdom, leadership, and commitment to the well-being of his people.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns Olubadan Olakulehin

    “The people of Ibadanland will miss their beloved monarch dearly, but his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched during his reign.

    Chief Junaid’s commiseration message is a poignant reminder of the late Olubadan’s enduring impact on the community.

    The late Olubadan’s demise has sent shockwaves throughout the Ibadan community, with many paying tribute to his legacy and contributions to the development of the state. 

    Notably, Oba Olakulehin celebrated his 90th birthday on July 5, 2025, just two days before his passing, marking a long and eventful life.

  • Lagos ranked world’s fastest-growing emerging tech hub

    Lagos ranked world’s fastest-growing emerging tech hub

    Lagos has been ranked as the world’s fastest-growing emerging technology ecosystem in the year, according to a report by data analytics firm, Statisense.

    The report published on X yesterday placed Istanbul in second position, followed by Pune, Belo Horizonte, Mumbai, and Curitiba. Riyadh, Johannesburg, Chennai, and Ho Chi Minh City completed the top 10.

    Statisense is a leading artificial intelligence data analytics firm known for its yearly ecosystem intelligence reports across emerging markets.

    The report stated that the rankings were based on enterprise value, unicorn count, funding growth, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, and cost of living.

    Read Also: Lagos ranked world’s fastest-growing emerging tech hub

    Other cities on the list included Kyiv, Mexico City, Vilnius, Jakarta, Bengaluru, Zagreb, Dhaka, Bangkok, Santiago de Chile, and Kampala.

    Earlier yesterday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the State government created an enabling environment for technology innovation to thrive through deliberate policies and investments.

    He explained that the environment spurred Lagos-based startups to raise over $1.2 billion in 2023, representing 75 per cent of all startup investments in Nigeria.

    Sanwo-Olu made this known during the Art of Technology Lagos 6.0 event in Lagos, with the theme “Artificial Intelligence And The Lagos Digital Economy”.

  • Royal families defend Oluwo

    Royal families defend Oluwo

    • Give a 48-hour ultimatum to youth group

    The royal families yesterday defended the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, against allegations of exhuming remains of past kings when he assumed the throne.

    The Nation recalled that a youth group who claimed they were from royal families led by one Adedoja Osunwo alleged that Oluwo supervised the exhumation and threw away their bones.

    However, the princes and compound heads of Iwo, addressing reporters at the Oluwo’s palace, described the Osunwo-led youth group as disgruntled elements who are parading themselves as representatives of the royal family.

    Read Also: On Alaafin and Oluwo’s current camaraderie

    Speaking on behalf of the princes and compound heads, Prince Wasiu Modunle: said: “We are not unaware of a few youths parading themselves as spokespeople for Iwo princes. We state unequivocally that they have no right or recognition to do so.Their allegations against our king are frivolous and a deliberate attempt to blackmail Oba Akanbi.’’

    On the controversial claim that the remains of past Oluwos were relocated or tampered with, he explained that upon his ascension, Oba Akanbi invited royal family members to help identify the neglected graveyards of past kings.

  • 10-year-old needs N19m for kidney transplant

    10-year-old needs N19m for kidney transplant

    A10-year-old David Paul diagnosed with chronic kidney is looking for N19million for a kidney transplant.

    His father, Daniel Paul, is appealing to the public to assist them as the family has exhausted its resources on David, who is on twice-daily dialysis amounting to N160,000 weekly.

    So far, the family has spent over N4.5 million.

    He added that doctors recommended a kidney transplant, which is estimated at N19 million if it is carried out in Nigeria and about N30 million if done in India.

    He stated; “We have spent all our meagre earnings, borrowed from friends, neighbours and church brethren but the situation has increased to what it is now: Stage 4 CKD, TB, Heart Failure and BP.

    “The recommendations of the consultants are: 1. twice daily dialysis and urgent kidney transplant which is N160,000/week and estimated N19million and the money is not there, thereby worsening the boy’s situation even as he lies there in the hospital.

    “We have borrowed N1.5 million and got assistance of N1.6 million from family, friends and even church members. All together, we have spent N4.5 million.”

    He recounted that David was initially admitted to the Model Primary Health Centre at Kampala Junction in Mile 1, Port Harcourt, Rivers State for Malaria until he was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.

    He said: “Precisely on February 4, 2024, about 8pm during dinner time with other members of the family, David started vomiting and it was a mixture of food particles, water and blood.

    Read Also: Lagos lecturer seeks N10m support for urgent kidney treatment

    “Seeing him vomiting blood brought fear and concern to us because prior to that, he was very hale and hearty and was even termed ‘hyperactive child’ by his teachers in school.

    “The mother took him to the Model Primary Health Centre at Kampala Junction in Mile 1, where he was tested for HIV, infection and MP (Malaria Parasite) and the first two tests turned negative, so he was treated for Malaria as an outpatient for three days.

    “All through this time, he was stable and still going to school. Two months later (April), we discovered a body and a fatty face. We took him back to the same hospital where more advanced tests were recommended, including a scan.

    “These were all carried out and results submitted to the doctor who referred us to either the RSUTH or the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital – UPTH, with suspicion of Nephrotic Syndrome.

    “With the oral and verbal referral and doctor-to-parents counselling, we took him to the Military Hospital, Port Harcourt, when the case increased to an emergency situation with fear that we might lose him because he was convulsing, swollen with excess fluids in his body and had increased Blood Pressure.

    “The Military Hospital managed him all through April and May and discovered that they could not handle the situation.

    “They wanted to refer us to the UPTH but for proximity sake, we requested to be referred to RSUTH, where he is being managed till date. But, in February this year, we moved him to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital – UUTH in Akwa Ibom, where we noticed that the process was the same with extra financial burden of having to do some of the test again under their watch, we returned him back to RSUTH to continue the management.”

    The family appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, organisations, and government agencies for financial assistance to enable David to undergo a life-saving kidney transplant.

    “We are depleted financially and don’t know what else to do to save the boy.

    “Please, we need help from philanthropic Nigerians. The cost of transplant stated up there is estimated by the consultant if it is done in Nigeria but if it is outside Nigeria, it may be way higher because of visa processing and forex,” he added.

    Our correspondent who visited the boy at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Children’s Emergency Ward reported that his case is “very pitiable.”

    One of the nurses who spoke on condition of anonymity said the case has been like that since 2024.

    The boy’s distraught mother told our reporter that the doctor informed her about an hour earlier the child would need blood transfusion.

    Contributions can be made to the father’s account below: First Bank Plc. Account number: 3070035721 Account name: Daniel Paul

    He can also be reached via 08064450145, 07085556206

  • 1,000 Osun households benefit from Oyetola’s empowerment

    1,000 Osun households benefit from Oyetola’s empowerment

    Nofewer than 1,000 households in Ipetumodu, Ife North Local Government Area and Modakeke, Ife-East Area office, have benefited from the empowerment scheme of Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

    The empowerment, which started in 2023 with over 20,000 beneficiaries, is sponsored by the Executive Director, Engineering Services, Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Abeokuta,  Oluwakayode Sowade.

    For the sixth edition of the programme, 400 vulnerable households were picked across the political wards in Ife North council while 600 were selected in Modakeke to receive food items and cash.

    Sowade said: “When our leader, Oyetola was the governor, he commenced monthly distribution of food items to 20,000 vulnerable households but since he left office, Governor Ademola Adeleke stopped the initiative, causing hardship to bite harder even before the removal of the subsidy.

    Read Also: Oyetola: Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in 3 years

    “This programme tagged ‘Oyetola Hand of Fellowship’ is to help tackle hardship and make people believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. We will still do more for our people.”

    He added: “We are giving food items, including rice, beans, and garri with cash gift to 600 households in Ipetumodu while 400 households benefited in Modakeke.”

    Earlier, former Special Adviser to Oyetola, Kareem Akande and Chairman, All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ife North, Elder Awotidoye Rufus Ayokunnu, lauded the gesture towards the vulnerable households in the two local governments of Osun and expressed confidence that the party would wrestle power from Adeleke next year.