The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Sanwo-Olu to inaugurate two roads today

    Sanwo-Olu to inaugurate two roads today

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu will tomorrow inaugurate two major roads aimed at enhancing connectivity, easing traffic congestion, and boosting economic activities across the state.

    Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who broke the news in a statement yesterday, listed the roads as Abaranje Road in Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road (formerly Old Dopemu Road) in Agege Local Government Area.

    Omotoso said the projects reflect the government’s commitment to providing infrastructure that supports inclusive economic growth and improves the quality of life of residents.

    “In the past few months, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has handed over 36 roads and five bridges to Lagosians,” he said.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu gets kudos for achievements at 60

    According to him, the completion of the roads aligns with the state’s strategies to build sustainable communities and reduce gridlocks.

    He explained that Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road was reconstructed by the state Public Works Corporation to serve as a bypass cutting across the administrative boundaries of Agege and Alimosho local governments. The road links Akowonjo Road, Old Ipaja Road, and Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

    Omotoso noted that the delivery of the projects has significantly improved road connectivity, and eased traffic flow. reduced travel time, and eliminated perennial flooding in the areas.

    “Similarly, the Abaranje Road in Igando-Ikotun LCDA was rebuilt to enhance accessibility in one of the largest settlements within the Alimosho axis. Also, we have enhanced intermodal transportation and positively impacted the socio-economic well-being of residents.”

    The commissioner reaffirmed that the government remains resolute in its commitment to upgrade existing roads and construct new ones in fulfilment of governor’s promises to the people of Lagos State.

  • Abiodun pledges govt’s support for oldest hospital

    Abiodun pledges govt’s support for oldest hospital

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has pledged the state government’s more collaboration with the oldest hospital in Nigeria – Sacred Heart Hospital Lantoro, Abeokuta – in the areas of resources and technical support to ensure effective and efficient healthcare delivery to people.

    Describing the 130-year-old Catholic hospital as the “cradle of Nigeria’s medical journey,” Abiodun said the facility is at the heart of healthcare in Ogun and other parts of Nigeria, emphasising: “This vital and iconic organ of the healthcare system must not die.”

    Abiodun spoke yesterday at Sacred Heart Hospital Lantoro, Abeokuta during the kick off of the celebration of the 130th anniversary of the hospital.

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, commended the hospital for its partnership with the state-owned health facilities.

    READ ALSO: Four things to know about St Lucia as Tinubu visits Caribbean nation

    He hailed the hospital’s legacy of “selflessness, compassion, and sacrifice,” and assured that his administration would support its rehabilitation and development so that its “healing mission” does not fail.

    Earlier, the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, called state and federal governments to improve on funding healthcare to arrest the brain drain plaguing the  sector.

    Odetoyinbo appealed to health professionals to be patriotic and compassionate towards their country and to stay back and continue providing quality healthcare services to Nigerians.

    Bishop Odetoyinbo said: “We train them here, they do their practicals in our hospital, but when they graduate, they disappear. Even the Federal Government cannot retain them, and the private sector is not any better. That is the reality. It is affecting everyone, and it is so sad.

    “We are appealing to our nurses and doctors to stay back and work because there is a lot of work here. Though the finances may not be adequate, there is still much to do. So, we are begging them to please stay, and we thank those who have remained committed to caring for the people.

    “I also appeal to the government, both at the state and federal levels, to ensure increased funding for this critical sector.”

  • Osun 2026: ‘NIWA boss Oyebamiji most sellable APC aspirant’

    Osun 2026: ‘NIWA boss Oyebamiji most sellable APC aspirant’

    Former Osun State speakers and lawmakers have backed the governorship aspiration of Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary.

    The ex-lawmakers held that NIWA boss is the most sellable aspirant within APC fold, adding that his over 30 years’ experience in private and public sectors.

    Oyebamiji during consultations over his ambition at Boluwaduro and Ifelodun councils yesterday, expressed confidence that APC would win.

    He said: “I am happy to see a great number of our party members receive us here in Boluwaduro Local Government. This is a signal of victory and I can assure our people that once we emerge, all our promises we made would be met, by the grace of Almighty God.

    “As I said earlier, this is a friendly contest and my advice is that we should continue to relate as one united family. We are working together to get the best for our people. Once the best is picked, we will work together to lead our party to victory.’’

    READ ALSO: Umar unveils 38 ‘unsung June 12 heroes’ in military

    Earlier, pioneer speaker of the state House of Assembly, Wale Afolabi, speaking on behalf of ex-Assembly caucus, said, “Oyebamiji is the most sellable aspirant in whom many of us, leaders and members are pleased with.

    “As you can see for yourself, these are just party leaders, stakeholders and members of our party that came out en masse to receive him (NIWA boss). The turn out signal that victory is sure for us. We are confident that Oyebamiji will emerge victorious in the primary and August 8, 2026.”

    Also, the lawmaker representing Boluwaduro State Constituency, Femi Popoola and former Commissioner for Information, Oluomo Sunday Akere, expressed confidence in Oyebamiji’s capacity to lead the party to victory next year.

  • Students reject renaming of Ibadan Poly, appeal to Oyo Assembly

    Students reject renaming of Ibadan Poly, appeal to Oyo Assembly

    The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of The Polytechnic, Ibadan has rejected the renaming of the institution.

    They have, therefore, appealed to the Oyo State House of Assembly to reconsider Governor Seyi Makinde’s last week’s pronouncement to rename the institution.

    The move, which has sparked concern among students, alumni, and stakeholders, is seen as a threat to the institution’s long-standing heritage and reputation.

    In a letter addressed to the House of Assembly and signed by the SUG President, Comrade Oladipupo Olamide, the student body described the decision as harmful to the identity and legacy of the school, which has stood as a beacon of academic excellence for over five decades.

    READ ALSO: Umar unveils 38 ‘unsung June 12 heroes’ in military

    “The Polytechnic, Ibadan has a rich legacy spanning over 50 years, and its name is synonymous with excellence in education,” the letter reads. “Renaming it would erase its identity and legacy, affecting not only the current students and staff but also the alumni and the entire community.”

    The letter noted the urgency of the situation in light of an upcoming sitting of the House of Assembly and urged lawmakers to act swiftly. “We have expedited this appeal to bring the matter to your attention promptly, seeking your prompt reconsideration and intervention,” the students wrote.

    The Polytechnic, Ibadan, established in 1970, is one of Nigeria’s foremost tertiary institutions and holds a special place in the educational landscape of the country.

    The student body added: “We appeal that our institution’s name should be retained as The Polytechnic, Ibadan!”

  • Obaship tussle: Tension in Ondo community as kingmakers reject selection process

    Obaship tussle: Tension in Ondo community as kingmakers reject selection process

    There is tension in Okeigbo in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State over the selection of Prince Akintoye Adeoye, the President of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), as the Oluoke-elect of the community over the weekend.

    Speaking yesterday in Akure, Chief Dele Oduwale, who spoke on behalf of the kingmakers, alleged that the process violated the tradition of Okeigbo.

    He said the law of the state stipulated that once a ruling house has produced a king, the new king would come from the next ruling house.

    Oduwale said the Aare Kugbayigbe Ruling House, which purportedly produced Adeoye, could not produce the next king.

    The kingmaker noted that it should be the turn of the Kuole Oloje Ruling House to produce the new Oluoke of Okeigbo.

    “It came to our notice that there was a selection of a new monarch on June, 27, 2025 and we all understand that you may not understand the traditional process involved in selection of a new monarch in our community.

    READ ALSO: Four things to know about St Lucia as Tinubu visits Caribbean nation

    “Firstly, it is a known law of Ondo State that once a ruling house has produced a king, the new king will be from the next ruling house.

    “Aare Kugbayigbe ruling house can not produce a king in succession. Therefore, it should be the turn of the Kuole Oloje ruling house to produce Oluoke of Okeigbo,” he noted.

    According to him, the process of selecting a monarch, which had been without a substantive king since 2023, when the Oba Lawrence Babajide passed on at 92, is guided by customs.

    “This dictates that the kingmakers (who are 14 in total, to include the Regent, the six high chiefs and eight others) will identify suitable candidates through an election based on their lineage, wisdom, and leadership qualities.

    “So, it is in the absence of any of these kingmakers that warrant chiefs are engaged,” he added.

    The kingmakers kicked against the way the state government allegedly handled the obaship tussle without carrying the palace along.

    “Moreover, the state government is aware of an appeal pending before the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal, which has issued a stay of execution order restraining the state government from proceeding in any selection pending the final verdict of the court.”

    Another kingmaker, the Oruntan of Okeigbo and head of chiefs, Deji Akintokun, described anyone parading himself as the new monarch-elect of the community as an ‘impostor.’

    Akintokun, who noted that the selection was against the custom of the ancient town, asked the residents to remain calm and patient until the right thing was done.

    Efforts to get the reactions of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs proved abortive.

    Earlier, Adeoye had commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for bringing sanity to the traditional council by maintaining neutrality throughout the process.

    He claimed that apart from ensuring decorum during the exercise, the governor also ensured there was no interference in the selection.

  • SDP, APC trade words over Ondo council funds

    SDP, APC trade words over Ondo council funds

    • Aiyedatiwa withholding, diverting funds, says SDP
    • It’s a lie, your allegations are baseless, says ruling party.

    The opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) and ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have traded words over an alleged diversion of federal allocations meant for the local government areas.

    At the weekend, the SDP alleged that the allocations meant to bring rapid development to the grassroots were withheld by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    But APC has denied the allegation, saying that the government has committed any infractions.

    In a statement in Akure, the state Chairman of the SDP, Gbenga Akinbuli, claimed that the action is a violation of fiscal federalism, local government autonomy, and principles of democracy.

    Akinbuli said it is “unconscionable that funds intended for grassroots development and service delivery” are being siphoned off, depriving local communities of essential services and infrastructure.

    He noted that the development did not only undermine the effectiveness of local governments but also erodes trust in the system and perpetuates underdevelopment.

    “We condemn this practice in the strongest possible terms and demand that the state government ceases this unlawful collection of local government funds. It is imperative that the state government prioritizes transparency and accountability in the management of local government funds and ensures that allocations are released to their rightful recipients.

    “We urge the state government to respect the principles of fiscal federalism and local autonomy and to recognise the constitutional rights of local governments to receive and manage their own funds. Anything less would be a betrayal of the public trust and a dereliction of duty.

    Read Also: Osun APC leader cautions Amotekun against political witch-hunting of opposition

    “We demand that all future allocations meant for local governments should remain with the local governments to enable them to carry out their elective functions without interference or reimbursement to the state government.The people deserve better governance, and it’s time for the state government to prioritise their needs.” he said.

    But, in a reaction, the APC described the allegations as baseless and “blatant lies” aimed at misleading the public and creating tension.

    Its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro, said the Aiyedatiwa administration interfered with or misappropriated the funds.

    It explained that since the assumption of office, Aiyedatiwa has maintained a commitment to democratic governance at the local government, ensuring that councils function effectively even in the absence of elections.

    According to the party, the approach was designed to prevent any vacuum in governance at the grassroots and to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency.

    “It is apparent that Akinbuli is more concerned with creating sensational headlines to distract from the internal issues plaguing the SDP, including its national leadership struggles and corruption, rather than focusing on the real challenges facing his party.

    “His attempts to meddle in local government affairs, of which he seems to have little understanding, are misguided. The local government chairmen, who are the elected representatives of the people, are in the best position to report on the developments within their jurisdictions.

    “As a political party, we take pride in the progress reports we receive from local government leaders, who are diligently working to implement our ‘Our Ease’ policy under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration. We encourage them to continue their efforts in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Ondo State,” the party said.

    Last year, Aiyedatiwa claimed he does not interfere in the federal allocations that are accurable to the councils.

     The governor, who spoke at the palace of Yangede of Epe in Ondo East Local Government Area, added that he ensures that the financial resources that belong to the local government go to them.

    My administration is not touching the allocations going to the local governments. What belongs to them is going to them, and that is why they can effectively get the traditional rulers and other stakeholders involved in the scheme of things,” he noted.

  • Osun govt laments deterioration of mega schools

    Osun govt laments deterioration of mega schools

    Osun State government has lamented that the deterioration of the 11 mega schools constructed with N16.5 billion under the administration of Rauf Aregbesola, have made pupils to abandon them, leading to a surge in the number of out-of-school children.

    The schools with modern designs were built under the government of Aregbesola to tackle the menace and make education attractive.

    Barely eight years after the project was inaugurated, the government said some of the structures are near collapse, and will require huge sums to renovate.

    Commissioner for Education, Adedipo Eluwole, who spoke at the World Day Against Child Labour, said education under the past administration, witnessed hooliganism, vandalism, raping, cultism, among others, until Governor Ademola Adeleke assumed duty.

    He said: “There are a lot of problems to correct from the past administrations, it is not a small deal. The past government made terrible mistakes.They continued building mega schools and merging them, which are giving us problems now. It is impossible to maintain those schools.The money to maintain one school, we can use is enough to take care of the schools in a local government area.

    Read Also: Osun govt laments deterioration of Aregbesola’s mega schools

    “The mega school in Ayedaade is almost collapsing, We sent people to assess it, and when they came back, they gave the government a bill of N480million for renovation. All these small classrooms of three blocks, we can use N12million to renovate them. You can imagine how many classrooms that type of money(N480million) can save. It is a problem for us. This is what contributed to out-of-school children in Osun State.”

    He explained that schools are built nearby so that children can access them without travelling long distances.

    He added: “When they(past administrations) merged schools, pupils from Owode were asked to go to Fakunle at the stadium; so, this discouraged the parents and they made their children sit at home.This is why Osun was the home of out-of-school children.”

    He noted that the government of Adeleke has developed several initiatives to encourage school enrolment, which yielded positive results last year, leading to the enrolment of 11,000 children.

  • Tinubu’s reforms attracted over $40b foreign investment, says Adeola

    Tinubu’s reforms attracted over $40b foreign investment, says Adeola

    Chairman, Senate  Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC – Ogun West) yesterday, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms in the last two years, has attracted over $40million foreign investments into the economy.

    He applauded President Tinubu for signing into law four landmark tax reform bills.

    The President last Thursday signed four Tax Reform Bills passed by the National Assembly into law.

    They include: The Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act. The tax laws are expected to take effect from January 1, 2026.

    He said the laws are geared towards transforming Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, eliminate burdensome taxes imposed on vulnerable Nigerians, reduce tax compliance complexities, foster domestic productivity and help position the country as the destination of choice for foreign direct investments.

    In a statement by his Media Adviser, Kayode Odunaro, in Abuja, Adeola, a public finance and tax expert, also commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly for the thorough scrutiny and passage of the four tax reform bills.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s historic state visit to Saint Lucia rekindles African-Caribbean ties – Presidency

    He urged well-meaning Nigerians to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and the full implementation of the historic tax laws that promise the maximization of peoples’ welfare and economic prosperity for all.

    Adeola said: “The signs of Nigeria’s economic recovery under President Tinubu’s leadership are clear and measurable. GDP growth rebounded to 3.86 per cent, the fastest in three years, while national revenue rose to N21.6 trillion from N12.37 trillion, reflecting stronger fiscal performance.

    “The budget deficit dropped from 6.2 per cent in 2023 to 4.17 per cent in 2025 and forex reforms have restored investor confidence and stabilized markets.

    “Inflation is declining, the Naira has stabilized and the dual exchange rate regime has been abolished, creating transparency and attracting over $40 billion in foreign investment.

    “Non-oil exports have grown by nearly 40 per cent and Nigeria recorded a N18trillion trade surplus,”

    He added that the National Assembly acted as the people’s parliament when controversy arose on certain provisions in the tax reform bills by engaging critical stakeholders and concerned members of the public through robust consultations, public hearings, and expert reviews.

    Adeola said: “This participatory process ensured that the final legislation reflects the collective interest of Nigerians, striking a balance between fiscal sustainability, equity, economic growth and social welfare that aligns fully with the vision and values of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.”

    Senator Adeola, who is also a member of the Senate Finance Committee that midwifed the laws,  said with the enactment of these four transformative tax laws – Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act –, the President has demonstrated yet again, purposeful leadership and political will to initiate and see through critical reforms required to promote inclusive growth and economic development in Nigeria.

    “In specific terms, the Nigeria Tax Act will provide a unified fiscal legislation governing taxation in Nigeria, while reducing tax duplication and multiplicity in order to simplify tax compliance for individuals and businesses.

    “The Nigeria Tax Administration Act will provide uniform procedures for consistent and efficient administration of tax laws in order to facilitate compliance by taxpayers and optimization of tax revenue,” he said.

    According to him, the Nigeria Revenue Service, (Establishment) Act which replaced the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), expanded the mandate of the revenue agency to include optimizing government revenues from tax and non-tax sources.

    He added that the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act set up the Joint Revenue Board to harmonize and coordinate revenue administration in Nigeria as well as provided the legal framework for the operations of Tax Appeal Tribunals and introduced the Office of the Tax Ombudsman for protection of taxpayers’ rights.

    “Importantly, it is worthy to mention that these reforms will deliver tangible and far-reaching benefits to ordinary Nigerians.

    “Key among these is the zero-rating of VAT on essential goods and services such as basic food items, education, healthcare, sanitary products and locally manufactured pharmaceuticals, making them more accessible and affordable for the general population.

    “In addition, individuals earning N800,000 or less annually are now fully exempt from personal income tax, thereby easing the financial burden on low-income earners and boosting their disposable income,” he said.

    Among other benefits of the tax reforms laws, according to Adeola, is the fact that small businesses and start-ups would gain significantly through higher turnover thresholds for tax exemptions, streamlined registration and filing processes and protection against multiple taxation across federal, state and local levels, while rural and under-served communities are expected to benefit from better allocation of tax revenues towards critical infrastructure and public services such as schools, health centres, and rural roads.

  • Ogun reiterates commitment to monarchs’ burial rites

    Ogun reiterates commitment to monarchs’ burial rites

    Ogun State government is committed to upholding the lawful cultural practices in burial rites for traditional rulers.

    The government, in a statement yesterday, noted that inasmuch as traditional rulers are expected to abide by their traditions, there are limitations to such conformity according to the laws of the state.

    The government was responding to a lecture by Justice P. O. Akinside of the Customary Court of Appeal, Ogun State, who noted that monarchs were bound to submit to the burial rites of the traditional institution.

    Read Also: Ripples over pollution caused by recycling firm in Ogun

    The statement noted that Justice Akinside’s submission was his opinion and not a judicial pronouncement as erroneously reported by some media forums and misrepresented by the public.

    Noting that monarchs are the custodians of their traditions, the government said. “Specifically, Section 55 of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021 provides a framework for the preservation and regulation of traditional burial rites for traditional rulers. While subsection (ii) of the section acknowledges the right of a traditional ruler to be buried in accordance with customary practices, subsections (iii) to (v) establish procedural safeguards for the application of such customs.

  • Why I was redeployed, by CP

    Why I was redeployed, by CP

    The redeployed Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, has denied that his removal has a link with the June 12 Democracy Day protest held in the state by activist, Omoyele Sowore.

    Afolabi was removed from his position last week by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

    He was redeployed to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he is expected to be in charge of Administration at the Department of Training and Development (DTD).

    Sources claimed that his redeployment by the IGP Egbetokun was to punish Afolabi for granting an audience to Sowore, who was attacked by thugs during the June 12 protest.

    In a statement yesterday in Akure, Afolabi said the reports of his redeployment linked with the protest were misleading.

    He explained that with his over three decades of experience, he understood the dynamics of the Nigeria Police Force, where transfers are routine parts of the service.

    The statement reads: “The Commissioner of Police wishes to unequivocally state that his redeployment had no connection whatsoever with the said protest, which was handled professionally and commended by both police authorities and members of the public. He views the report as misleading, malicious, and aimed at distorting facts for sensationalism.

    Read Also: EKEDC MD Sanda removed, redeployed to WPG

    “CP Afolabi, a seasoned and disciplined officer with over three decades of meritorious service, understands the dynamics of the Nigeria Police Force, where transfers and redeployments are a routine part of service.

    ‘He affirms that every appointment or redeployment comes from God, and if it was not divinely sanctioned, he would not have been privileged to serve in the capacity he did,” the CP was quoted in the copy of the statement.

    He explained that as a man of strong faith and unwavering commitment to duty, he had continued to uphold professionalism and discipline in his conduct.

    Afolabi emphasised that during the recent monthly briefing with the ranks and files of the police command, he had always preached the importance of professionalism, good ethics, and exemplary conduct in the discharge of their duties.