The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • 50 choristers compete in Remo fiesta

    50 choristers compete in Remo fiesta

    Former  Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, will host over 50 choirsters for the yearly ‘Asiwaju of Remo Christian Choir Festival in Sagamu, headquaters of Remo on July 6. Nine choir groups from Lagos, Onitsha, Akure and Ile-Ife will storm the Abraham Daniel Tabernacle on Oba Erinwole Road in the ancient town from 11 am for the programme.

    Curator, Opeyemi Ashaolu, told reporters that 25 ‘observing choirs’ are expected, adding they will also participate next year.

    Accompanied by a trustee, Adeola Badru, and Lilian Imoni, he said N30 million will be won; the winner, N5 million, first runner-up, N3.5 million and second runners-up, N2.5 million.

    Last year, Emiral Choir from Akure, won the competition.

    Ashaolu, who said Daniel, Asiwaju of Remo Christians, is raising a generation of choirsters, noted that other participating goups will win N500,000 each and other gifts.

    Read Also: Sugar council to remove impediment on production

    He said the former governor built the tabernacle to thank God and immortalise his cleric-father.

    Ashaolu, who said the motto is “Improving the craft of singing in our churches, added that the chants of Kayode Ojo, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s organist, would be re-echoed at the festival.

    He said judges will assess intonation, balance, diction, pronounciation, interpretation, expression and audience appreciation.

    The judges are Prof. Kayode Oyesiku, Elder Bidemi Oyesanya (SAN), of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Prof. Adejimo, Dr. Omolara Loko, Lanre Delana, and Dupe Kachi.

  • Monarch dethrones six chiefs over unauthorised event

    Monarch dethrones six chiefs over unauthorised event

    Oba AbdulFatai Oyeyinka Aromire Oyegbemi II, Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu, has dethroned six chiefs, including a Balogun, for attending a political event without his consent.

    The chiefs, senior members of Ojora’s traditional council, were removed after being summoned to the palace, where the monarch convened an meeting of Council of Bales, Balogun, and Ojora councils.

    Oba Ojora, displeased, demanded an explanation for ‘‘the unauthorised political appearance’’ made in the name of the palace.

    The monarch, known for his allegiance to President Bola Tinubu, said the dethroned chiefs undermined dignity of the throne and his personal loyalty to the nation’s leader.

    Read Also: You’re beacon of Nigeria, Onoh pays tribute to Agbor monarch

    “No one will jeopardise my relationship with the person who has helped me and this kingdom,” he said, referring to Tinubu, who he credited with playing a pivotal role in the progress of Ojora Kingdom.

    He emphasised that his over 30-year relationship with Tinubu was built on mutual respect and shared commitment to community growth, and he would not tolerate disloyalty in his inner council.

    The dethronement, which took immediate effect, is seen as a firm stance by the monarch to protect the integrity of the throne and ensure unity in the kingdom’s leadership.

    Palace sources confirmed that appointments to fill the vacant positions will be announced after consultations.

  • Court dismisses suit to stop INEC’s delineation of Warri wards

    Court dismisses suit to stop INEC’s delineation of Warri wards

    The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday dismissed a suit filed by two Itsekiri stakeholders seeking to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from delineating electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State.

    The case, marked FHC/ABJ/443/2024, was instituted by Appearance Afejuku and Mr. Emmanuel Nunu of Warri South Local Government Area against INEC.

    Justice James Omotosho held that the suit was a gross abuse of the court process and lacked merit.

    The court dismissed the case in its entirety and awarded N4 million costs against the plaintiffs, with 10 per cent interest per annum until full payment is made.

    The plaintiffs had sought an injunction to restrain INEC from proceeding with the proposed delineation across Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas.

    Read Also: INEC to introduce fresh guidelines for reviewing election declarations, returns

    The move was widely interpreted as an attempt to stall long-anticipated electoral reforms aimed at correcting alleged political marginalisation and underrepresentation of certain ethnic groups within the Warri Federal Constituency.

    With the dismissal, INEC is now expected to proceed with the delayed delineation of electoral boundaries in the Warri region, a contentious issue that has sparked debates across Delta State for years.

    Many advocacy groups and community stakeholders have hailed the ruling as a major legal victory in the push for equitable representation in the federal constituency.

    Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja had also dismissed another suit that sought to block INEC from implementing the Supreme Court’s December 2, 2022, judgment, which authorised the delineation of polling units and wards in Warri South Local Government Area.

  • Students protesting renaming of Ibadan Poly after Olunloyo halt action

    Students protesting renaming of Ibadan Poly after Olunloyo halt action

    The Student Union Government (SUG) of The Polytechnic, Ibadan protesting the renaming of the institution after the late governor, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo, has agreed to stay action until Governor Seyi Makinde returns from his foreign trip.

    The resolution was reached by student leaders and government officials, led by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, after a closed door meeting yesterday at the Conference Room of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    The leaders were invited following the protest over the renaming of the institution by Makinde.

    The protest also paralysed academic activities on campus. Both the South and North campus gates were locked, preventing access to the institution and causing significant inconvenience for commuters and motorists who were forced to walk long distances.

    Sango-Junction and other nearby streets were also barricaded by the students earlier in the day as they marched on the state Secretariat, to express their grievances, demanding that the institution’s former name be reinstated.

    At the Governor’s Office, security personnel barricaded the main entrance and deployed officers at strategic locations to prevent vehicular movement.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Activities paralysed as students protest renaming Poly Ibadan after late Olunloyo

    Chanting solidarity songs and holding placards with inscriptions such as “Revert the name now,” “We are not consulted,” and “Our identity, our pride,” the students called for an immediate reversal of the renaming, citing a lack of consultation and a disregard for the institution’s longstanding identity.

    Top government functionaries that accompanied the deputy governor include the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, Sunday Odukoya, Commissioner for Education, Segun Olayiwola, Chairman, Oyo State Youth Development Agency, Prince Falana Adebowale, and the Senior Special Assistant on student Affairs, Victor Olojede.

    The SUG President, Comrade Oladipupo Olamide represents the students at the discussion.

    Earlier, Lawal called for calm, assuring them that their grievances would be taken seriously.

     The SSA Students Affairs, Comrade Victor Olojede said: “The students of the Polytechnic Ibadan have come to the Oyo State Secretariat on a peaceful protest and well this is not a protest, but a plea to the governor to let the status quo remain as The Polytechnic Ibadan.

    “I have received their letter and we promised them that we’re going to transmit the letter to the governor for processing.

    “We want to assure them that whatever the government is doing is in the best interest of the students and of the government.

    “And the government of Seyi Makinde is key in making sure that the educational sector of Oyo State is the best and we have the best output, bringing out the best quality students from our institution.”

    Also, the SUG President, Oladipupo Olamide, said: “We are not against honouring leaders, but not at the expense of our institution’s legacy. Sincerely, as bonafide students of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, we are not here to fight or revolt.This is not a protest; this is a way of channelLing our grievances.

    “What we want is for the name of our school to remain The Polytechnic, Ibadan. This is a heritage of over 50 years with alumni all over the world. We can’t allow that heritage to be swept away. We want the name to remain The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

    “We are here to plead with the governor; we are not here to fight. There is no placard that speaks against the governor. We want the governor to attend to us. There are other monuments that can be named after the late governor. We have ample land for the government to build on and name after him. We are open to discussions; we do not want the name to change.”

  • Lagos embarks on 3,000-unit Ilubinrin Housing scheme

    Lagos embarks on 3,000-unit Ilubinrin Housing scheme

    Lagos State government has said it would deliver the first phase of the 3,000 Units Ilubinrin Housing Scheme by December next year.

    Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, gave the assurance yesterday during an inspection of the site.

    The Ilubirin Foreshore Housing Project is a public-private partnership with First Investment Development Company (FIDC) and Ibile Holdings.

    Sitting on a 27 hectares, the scheme will include buildings of 15 to 20 storeys, hotel and recreation centres.

    Akinderu-Fatai said the scheme aligns with the THEMES Plus agenda of building a 21st-century economy.

    He said: “When you look through this place from the express, it appears as if nothing is going on, there’s a lot going on here. We are here to extract from FIDC a commitment to deliver this project, at least the first part of it, which is almost 200 units by the year 2026.”

    The commissioner confirmed that previous challenges, particularly concerning the drainage system and site access, have largely been resolved.

     He also said that approval for a new bridge leading into the estate has been secured, which will further enhance connectivity and the overall appeal of the development.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu govt has completed 19 abandoned housing schemes

    “This place is going to be multi-used. We are talking about a hotel even here. Live, work and play. It will redefine urban living and contribute significantly to Lagos’s standing on the global stage,” he noted.

    He emphasised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s passion for the project, stating that Mr. Governor is very, very passionate about the project. We are here to push them and to give them support so that we can push this and make the vision a reality.”

    He said the Ilubirin project would cater for the high-end market.

    “This serving the high end of the market is also very important to project Lagos to the world. This is like creating a competition among other cities in the world so that you can also use this to project Lagos,” he said.

    FIDC Managing Director, Adebisi Adebutu, said the company is determined to deliver the first phase by December, next year.

    To mitigate the impact of fluctuating raw material prices, Adebutu explained FIDC’s strategic decision to localise most of their finishes and manufacturing processes.

  • Oyebanji assures investors of business-friendly environment

    Oyebanji assures investors of business-friendly environment

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji has reassured investors and business owners that his administration would not relent in implementing policies towards improving the business environment in  Ekiti State.

    The governor gave the assurance during the town hall meeting organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), in collaboration with Ekiti State Development and Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), in Ado Ekiti.

    Oyebanji said his government is fostering growth through reforms and collaboration with the private sector and that he remains committed to policies and reforms aimed at positioning the state as a top choice for investors.

    Oyebanji, who was represented by the Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Akin Oyebode, explained that the state government identified business environment improvement as a critical part of its developmental agenda.

    He listed his key reforms to include waiver for initial registration, a One-Stop Shop in the Investment Promotion Agency to streamline investment, transition law ratified by the state House of Assembly to ensure continuity of projects.

    Others include investment aftercare for investors to enhance their business operations and ensure sustained success, among others.

    The governor explained that his government has made giant strides in improving power supply and critical infrastructure that would help investors to thrive in the state.

    Speaking on behalf of the Director-General, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, Suzana Abdul-Kabdir, the Senior Reform Leader, who commended the state government for ensuring ease of doing business, said the purpose of the meeting was to review progress, identify challenges, and engage stakeholders on strategies to sustain reforms.

    Read Also: Oyebanji, Fayemi, Adebayo, SGF’s wife, others to honour Fagboyo at 50

    Highlighting the council’s initiative and purpose of the meeting, the senior reforms leader explained that PEBEG was established to remove obstacles to doing business in Nigeria and create environment that supports economic growth and investment

    Also, the Director-General, EKDIPA, Ms Lolade Olutona, who commended Oyebanji for creating an enabling environment for business, emphasised that the agency remains committed to attracting more investors, fostering growth, and supporting the government’s vision for a prosperous and business-friendly environment

    Olutona explained that the government engages with business owners to resolve challenges to ensure their sustainability.

  • Ondo Assembly clears Ajanaku, 14 others for appointment as commissioners

    Ondo Assembly clears Ajanaku, 14 others for appointment as commissioners

    • Why lawmakers didn’t clear one nominee

    Former Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Lagos State governor, Idowu Ajanaku,

    was among the 15 commissioner-nominees cleared by the state House of Assembly yesterday.

    The others are Sunday Olajide, Amidu Takuro, Olaolu Akindolire, Igbekele Ajibefun, Seun Osamaye, Adewale Akinlosotu, Ayodele Akande, Tob Loko, Johnson Alabi, Segun Omoyofunmi, Bola Ademuwagun, Leye Akinola, Banji Ajaka and Adesoji Afolabi.

    But, a nominee, Ayorinde Olawoye, was said to have been ‘unavoidably absent’ during the screening.

    Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa had on June 13 forwarded a list of 12 commissioner-designates to the Assembly for confirmation.  A week later, he nominated four more for confirmation into the State Executive Council (SEC).

    Read Also: Ondo Assembly screens eight commissioner-nominees

    Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, announced this at the plenary.

    Oladiji, however, said Olawoye would be confirmed at a later date.

    Earlier, the Selection Committee set up by the Assembly presented its report to the House.

    The Deputy Speaker, Ololade Gbegudu, said the nominees were found to be competent, and experienced.

    In a unanimous vote, the lawmakers confirmed the commissioner-nominees, whom they noted passed through rigorous drilling.

    Oladiji congratulated the commissioner-designates and called on them to work with Aiyedatiwa in enhancing the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people.

  • Contractor promises delivery of Oyo-Ogbomoso Highway before deadline

    Contractor promises delivery of Oyo-Ogbomoso Highway before deadline

    The new contractor handling the Oyo-Ogbomoso dual carriageway project, JRB Construction Company Limited., has promised to deliver it earlier than the September 26, next year’s deadline.

    JRB Technical Project Manager, Mr Joseph Onche, assured yesterday during the visit of the Federal Controller of Works, Oyo State, Mr Victor Aina, to the project site in Ogbomoso.

    Onche said the company got the contract in March after it was withdrawn from the initial contractor handling the 52-kilometre road.

    According to him, JRB moved immediately to the site to finish the remaining 36 kilometres within 18 months.

    “So far, we’ve spent three months on it, so we’re sure of completing the project before the timeline of the 18 months.

    “We have been active, and we’ve carried out investigations to help us determine the current status of the project, which have given us the impetus to do the best we can to address other critical issues,” Onche said.

    The technical project manager further assured Nigerians that indigenous construction companies were capable of delivering quality road projects.

    “Though, there could be one or more challenges from people who don’t believe in us, but we believe in ourselves.

    “We have the capacity and knowledge to deliver; we have professional and qualified engineers with us to deliver this project effectively,” he said.

    JRB Project Manager, Mr Ajmal Khan, said the people of Ogbomoso and motorists plying the routes should expect a durable  road.

    he Federal Controller of Works confirmed that the contractor was working according to specification.

    Read Also: Umahi frowns at slow pace of work on Enugu-Onitsha highway

    According to Aina, the project is being executed in strict compliance with the approved engineering standards, technical specifications and best practices as prescribed by the Federal Ministry of Works.

    “All construction materials of the project, including lateritic sub-base, undergo rigorous laboratory testing and on-site verification before approval.

    “These procedures are guided by the Federal Ministry of Works Standards and Specifications and Standard Conditions of Contract.

    “The Minister of Works, David Umahi, remains determined and committed to delivering infrastructure that guarantees quality, safety, durability and value for taxpayers’ money,” the controller stated.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Oyo-Ogbomoso section of the Ibadan-Ilorin Road is a crucial road in the Southwest zone of Nigeria.

    The road serves as a link between the Southwest and North regions.

    NAN recalls that the Federal Government, on February 20, terminated the road contract, initially awarded to Reynolds Construction Company (RCC).

    According to the minister, the decision was made because of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the project’s quick completion.

    He said the president was committed to easing the difficulties faced by articulated truck drivers and other road users moving from the North to the Southwest.

    Meanwhile, some motorists plying the road lauded the Federal Government for its decision to complete the project, which they said had been delayed for too long.

    A commercial driver, Sola Olugbode, appreciated Tinubu for his actions, saying that the deplorable old road has claimed numerous lives due to accidents.

    Another commercial driver, Azeez Muritala, said the completion would enhance smooth vehicular movement and ease the challenges facing traders transporting goods from the North to the South, and vice versa.

  • Mayegun pays tribute to Almaroof

    Mayegun pays tribute to Almaroof

    The Mayegun of Ewu Kingdom, Chief Michael Fatoye, has paid tribute to his late mentor, renowned businessman and estate consultant, Alhaji Teslim Adeola Almaroof, describing him as a man whose legacy continues to inspire long after his death.

    Chief Fatoye, in a message, noted that it had been five years since Almaroof passed away, yet his influence and contributions remain felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

     Almaroof, the head of the Arota/Ologun family of Orile Oshodi in the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State, died on July 2, 2020, in Lagos after a brief illness.

    He was respected for his presence in the real estate sector and his contributions to his community.

    Chief Fatoye described Almaroof as a rare breed, “a great creature” whose remarkable empathy and tireless dedication to leadership, community development, and charitable causes earned him a special place in the hearts of many.

    Fatoye said Almaroof played a pivotal role in his life and career.

    “He guided me like a true mentor, corrected me like a father, and celebrated me like a friend. His memory continues to live with me,” he stated.

    He added: “He brought stability and dignity to our family heritage and stood as a bridge between tradition and modern leadership.’’

    Read Also: Dangote distributes rice to host communities

    Chief Fatoye also extended special commendation to Almaroof’s widow, Mrs. Lilian Margret Almaroof, for standing by her husband and upholding his legacy since his passing.

    “Mama Lilian was the rock behind the rock. She stood by him through thick and thin and continues to honour his memory with quiet strength and loyalty,” he said.

    Mayegun also called on community leaders and stakeholders to preserve the memory of Almaroof through initiatives that reflect his values.

    “We should build on his foundation, not just in estate matters, but in the way we treat each other, lift one another, and lead with honour,” he stated.

  • Vandalism: Group trains oil producing communities youths

    Vandalism: Group trains oil producing communities youths

    A youth-focused organisation, Africa’s Hub for Skills and Enterprise Development (AHSED), has launched an initiative to curb pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta by equipping young people with practical digital and entrepreneurial skills.

    Through its programme, Project SSE – Secure the Pipeline, Secure the Future, Establish the Future, the group said it is targeting oil-producing communities where unemployment and poverty have driven many youths into pipeline sabotage and crude oil theft.

    Founder of AHSED, Wisdom Aghoghovwia, in a statement after a campaign in Ogbijo, Delta State, where nearly 1,000 youths and community members were engaged, said the project was designed to tackle the root causes of vandalism by creating new opportunities for self-reliance.

    Pipeline vandalism has remained a major threat to the economy and environment, especially in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

    According to a report, between 2018 and 2023, Nigeria recorded over 7,000 incidents of pipeline vandalism, resulting in the loss of $12.74 million crude.

    Syndicates often carried out these activities with access to advanced equipment and insider information, and many local youths, driven by poverty and unemployment, participated in or supported oil theft as a means of survival.

    Read Also: Revisiting June 12 crisis: How Tinubu foiled budget presentation by Shonekan

    Aghoghovwia said: “We believe that a skilled youth is an asset to the nation. By equipping young people with viable skills, we can secure the future of tomorrow and prevent the wanton destruction of our nation’s most valuable resources. Project SSE is not just an initiative; it’s a movement to create a better future for Nigeria’s youths and the nation as a whole.”

    Aghoghovwia said: “As the project kicks off in Ogbijo, it is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of youths, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.

    “With this initiative, we are confident that we can reduce pipeline vandalisation, promote economic growth, and empower a new generation of young Nigerians to become leaders and change-makers in their commun