Category: Southwest

  • APC ‘should help in council crisis’

    APC ‘should help in council crisis’

    All Progressives Congress members in Agbado-Oke Local Council in Lagos State has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the council’s post-chairmanship primary..

    The executive committee insisted they never voted for Mr. Jimoh Ejigbadero, who was declared winner by the party’s electoral committee, led by Tunde Ogala (SAN).

    They said their choice is David Famuyiwa, who is about to complete his first term as chairman.

    Read Also: Osun 2026: Reigniting the Edo APC template

    But last week, some party leaders, in an advertorial, backed Ejigbadero, promising to mobilise for his victory at the poll.

    The aggrieved leaders, in a statement by Olusegun Shodiya, Olanrewaju Baruwa and others, urged President Tinubu to halt the imposition of candidate on the council.

    According to them, Ejigbadero has never played politics in Agbado Oke-Odo, alleging he was being imposed by external forces.

  • Body pushes for pest control regulation

    Body pushes for pest control regulation

    Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) and Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) have called for collaboration and compliance with National Environmental Health Practice Regulations 2025.

    Speaking at World Environment Day/Multi-Stakeholder Enlightenment and Engagement Forum on June 5 at Radisson Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos State, PECAN National President, Olakunle Williams, described the framework as “historic,” noting it replaces fragmented local licensing with a multi-tiered national system that prioritises professionalism, standardisation, and safety.

    Read Also: ‘We abuse pest control, fumigation’

    “For decades, pest control licensing in Nigeria was handled at the local level, leading to inconsistencies and proliferation of unlicensed operators. The new regulations place EHCON at the federal helm, while states and local governments support enforcement and community-level advocacy,” Williams said.

    Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba, EHCON’s registrar, noted importance of regulation and partnership in protecting public health. “Today marks a milestone in our journey—a reflection of the power of collaboration, regulation, and action,” he said, applauding the partnership between EHCON and PECAN in implementing the new framework.

    The event which was attended by key environmental health stakeholders including the Federal Ministry of Environment, LASEPA, and EHOAN, served as a platform to deepen understanding of the new regulations and build momentum for better compliance across the country.

  • Minister seeks legislative seats for women

    Minister seeks legislative seats for women

    Women Affairs  Minister, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for constitutional amendments to reserve legislative seats for women.

    She urged the nation to move beyond tokenism and embrace genuine female political inclusion.

    Sulaiman-Obrahim spoke at a virtual meeting dedicated to advancing women’s representation in politics and governance.

    With theme: “Using Grassroots Influence to Power Females in Governance,” it addressed barriers to their political participation.

    Read Also: FG’s reforms to crash food prices – Minister 

    Imaan presented a proposal for 74 more female-only seats—37 Senate and 37 House, plus 108 seats in states, describing grassroots women as “the engine room of Nigerian politics.”

    “We are not asking for charity. This is about justice, equity, and national progress,” she said.

    Also speaking, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Gill Lever, questioned why women are often judged more harshly than men in politics.

    She encouraged women to support one another and challenge cultural biases that hinder their advancement.

    “We must ask ourselves why we don’t vote for women and what voices are influencing our choices,” she said.

  • Old students turn sod for ICT centre at 166

    Old students turn sod for ICT centre at 166

    CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos, has celebrated its 166th year with the foundation of a N1.5 billion ICT Centre.

    The centre was named named after Prof. Samuel Adebonojo, 1954, retired U.S. colonel, and professor of surgery.

    The event:  “Ever Upward to the Light,” took place in the school and was organised by the Old Grammarians’ Society (OGS).

    The sod-turning  was led by Rt. Rev. Johnson Akinpelu, Bishop of Diocese of Lagos Mainland (Anglican Communion).

    The ICT Centre, funded by OGS chapters in Nigeria, U.S. and U.K. and named to honour Adebonojo’s vision and financial support, aims to equip pupils with skills in robotics, satellite engineering, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation.

    OGS President, Cyril Ogbekene, reflected on his leadership journey and the society’s achievements, including  constitutional amendment introducing online voting and financial transparency, growing reserves from under N1 million to over N20 million, and projects like upgraded site plan and OGS Secretariat.

    Read Also: Court blocks Trump’s ban on foreign Harvard students

    He also recognised alumni contributions, such as Mr. Modupe Alakija’s 350-bed boys’ hostel and Chief Folarin Coker’s Olympic-standard swimming pool.

    Bishop Akinpelu, during a thanksgiving service at the school’s Babington Macaulay Chapel, urged steadfast faith amid modern heresies, encouraging spiritual growth and resilience.

    He lauded CMS Grammar School’s legacy as the second oldest secondary school in West Africa.

    Prof. Adebonojo, serving as grand patron of the American and London OGS chapters, emphasized the importance of discipline, education, and giving back.

    He revealed the ICT centre idea was driven by the OGS overseas chapters, and pledged the school as a beneficiary in his will.

    OGS UK/Europe President, Mr. Mobolaji Lewis described the centre as a pioneering step to prepare students for a global digital future.

    Chairman of the Computerisation Committee of the ICT Centre, Mr. Tolu Agbesonwa, highlighted Prof. Adebonojo’s unique vision, a medical doctor with no formal tech background who conceived a solar-powered ICT centre.

    Immediate past president of OGS America, Mr. Akin Poopola underscored the extensive campus upgrades, including solar power, campus-wide Wi-Fi, ICT-ready classrooms, and improved infrastructure.

    He stressed the centre’s inclusive approach, training all students for tech entrepreneurship, not only those pursuing university education.

    The ICT Centre, expected to be completed within one to two years, symbolizes the alumni’s commitment to blending CMS Grammar School’s rich heritage with modern educational innovation.

    Founded in 1859, the school continues to nurture leaders, with alumni and clergy urging current students to uphold and advance its distinguished legacy.

  • Tinubu helping Nigeria breathe again, says Lagos lawmaker

    Tinubu helping Nigeria breathe again, says Lagos lawmaker

    Lagos lawmaker, Hon. Temitope Adewale, has said that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  administration’s efforts to reduce poverty are yielding results as economic indices point to the country’s steady growth.

    Adewale, a member of the Lagos House of Assembly, said this in a statement  by his media office on Monday after a visit to the President.

    The lawmaker, who represents Ifako-Ijaiye I at the Assembly, congratulated the President over his second-year in office adding that the government deserves commendation for working to ensure that “Nigerians heave a sigh of relief.”

    According to the lawmaker, the administration has spread projects across the 36 States of the Federation with an ultimate aim to better the lives of the citizens.

    “It was a son’s visit to his father. He remains a father I am proud to associate myself with and I can tell you that the President needs to be praised. We had very fruitful discussions and I am happy that the President is excited about the progress of the country.

    “Asiwaju is happy that the nation is improving rapidly in terms of Economic, Social, Financial and infrastructural rejuvenations.

    “What strikes me about the President is not the formality of the visit, but the simplicity of his presence. Asiwaju’s humility, warm laughter, ability to listen and speak from the heart reminds me that true leadership goes beyond titles. It’s about how you make people feel.

    “In two years, the Nigerian currency has remained stable as against the usual tension for which the foreign exchange market had been known.

    Read Also: After God, my loyalty lies with Tinubu – Umahi

    “You can see that the administration continues to tighten every noose that seemed to have made our economy porous in the past.

    “For the first time in many years, we now have refineries that are refining fuel for local consumption. Just recently, the President announced incentives to boost technical education in the country,” Adewale said.

    He argued the country was, indeed, experiencing the desired breadth compared to what the administration met on ground in 2023 with foreign direct investment falling from $2.2 billion in 2014 to $0.47 billion in 2022 amid increasing debts with servicing that almost gulped the country’s revenue.

    “The story continues to change as promised and as contained in the President’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda. The governors, irrespective of party lines, now enjoy better allocations from the centre. Now, you can understand why  those in the opposition are pushing closer to the President and finding our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) more attractive.

    “President Tinubu is poised to meet the yearnings of the citizens,” Adewale added.

  • Group lauds Tinubu over Yazeed Danfulani’s appointment

    Group lauds Tinubu over Yazeed Danfulani’s appointment

    • …begins mobilisation for 20 million votes in 2027

    The North West Youth Network has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Yazeed Shehu Danfulani as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), describing the move as a clear reward for competence and a boost for youth inclusion in governance.

    In a statement on Sunday, the group said Danfulani’s appointment had restored the confidence of young professionals across the North West in President Tinubu’s readiness to identify and empower credible technocrats regardless of age or political weight.

    “We applaud President Tinubu for this well-considered appointment. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani is a tested, trusted, and transformative leader. His emergence is a strong signal that this administration is serious about driving economic growth through capable hands,” said Bashir Kawu, Coordinator of the North West Youth Network.

    Danfulani, a respected agribusiness expert and public finance professional, has since resumed duties as Managing Director of NAIC — the federal agency responsible for agricultural insurance and risk mitigation for farmers nationwide.

    Kawu said the appointment will revitalise NAIC and refocus its operations on practical support for farmers, particularly those in underserved rural communities.

    He described the president’s decision to entrust Danfulani with a critical role in the agricultural sector as “a masterstroke,” particularly at a time when the government is pushing for food security and economic stability.

    “For too long, young farmers in the North West have been left out of key agricultural interventions. With Danfulani in charge of NAIC, we expect to see a shift — one that gives rural farmers real protection and opportunities to scale,” he said.

    Read Also: Opposition coalition against Tinubu doomed to fail – Yakasai

    In what it described as a “vote of confidence” in President Tinubu’s leadership style, the group also pledged to mobilise massive grassroots support for the president ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    “We are not just showing appreciation — we are already on the move. Our mobilisation campaign has begun across the seven North West states. Our goal is clear: to deliver no fewer than 20 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027,” Kanu declared. 

    According to him, structures are being set up in local governments and wards across the region to coordinate outreach, register first-time voters, and build a broad coalition of youth voices in support of the administration.

    “This is about numbers and vision. With the right leadership, our region can become the agricultural powerhouse of Nigeria — and we believe President Tinubu sees that. Our support for him in 2027 will be massive and well-organised,” Kawu said.

    Yusuf said the mobilisation campaign was already gaining momentum, with sensitisation drives, door-to-door engagements, and townhall meetings being held across rural communities.

    “We are going beyond social media. We’re speaking directly to the farmers, the traders, the students — people who need to see that this administration is working. And we are showing them through the likes of Danfulani,” he said.

    The network urged Danfulani to justify the confidence reposed in him by ensuring NAIC reaches the grassroots and directly supports smallholder farmers, especially women and youth-led cooperatives.

    “This is not the time for bureaucracy. We need action. We expect to see inclusive agricultural insurance that covers dry season farmers, livestock owners, and agritech startups. Let NAIC become a household name, not just an agency with an office in Abuja,” he stressed.

    The group also appealed to other federal agencies to emulate the NAIC appointment by prioritising merit, professionalism, and regional balance in leadership selection.

    “We are watching. Young people across this country are watching. Every appointment speaks. The message from Danfulani’s appointment is that President Tinubu listens. And we are ready to respond with loyalty and results,” Kanu added. 

    The group concluded by reaffirming the North West Youth Network’s commitment to working with stakeholders, traditional institutions, and community leaders to ensure that youth voices remain visible and influential in national discourse.

  • NAHCON, Lagos pilgrims pray for Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Nigerians at Arafah

    NAHCON, Lagos pilgrims pray for Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Nigerians at Arafah

    • Sanwo-Olu gives pilgrims 180 Saudi Riyal each

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Lagos State contingents to this year’s Holy Pilgrimage have held separate special prayers at the plains of Arafat in Saudi Arabia.

    They sought Allah’s intervention on various issues plaguing the nation.

    The special prayers was led by reverred Nigerian scholars.

    NAHCON and the entire 1,315 Lagos State pilgrims that gathered at the plain of Arafah, offered prayers for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

    NAHCON Chairman, Prof Saleh Usman, thanked Allah for the Nigerian pilgrims’ journey so far.

    He said Allah has helped the commission to surmount various challenges.

    He said the day of Arafat and at the plains of Arafat are particularly unique for acceptance of prayers.

    He urged the Ulama and the generality of Nigerian pilgrims at Arafat to supplicate for divine intervention in the affairs of Nigeria.

    The commission chief emphasized the importance of prayer, describing it as a special tool for national transformation.

    Read Also: NAHCON hails Nigerian pilgrims for returning lost funds

    He urged Nigerian pilgrims to continue interceding for the country throughout the Hajj, noting that the challenges facing the nation require both practical solutions and spiritual support. He also praised the pilgrims for their discipline and unity so far during the Hajj rites. The Arafah convergence of pilgrims marked a significant aspect of the Holy pilgrimage exercise.

    Apart from offering prayers, other activities carried out by the State officials, included lecture on the significance of Arafah delivered by Imam Shakiru Ayinde Gafar, who emphasized that the mountain of Arafah is the meeting point for Prophet Adam and his wife Hawau (Eve) after they were chased out of the paradise by Allah, for their disobedience to His commandments.

    Highpoint of the Lagos event was the declaration of all pilgrims as legitimate Alhajis and Alhajas by the Amir-ul-Hajj/Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode. He congratulated everyone for the privilege and encouraged them to allow the teachings of Hajj reflect in their personal lives, businesses and relationship with fellow human beings.

    Layode used the avenue to appreciate the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who made a video call to felicitate with the pilgrims.

    He also expressed gratitude to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and other government functionaries for their cooperation and support towards the success of the Hajj exercise.

    Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu has fulfilled its promises by giving each of the 1,315 pilgrims performing the 2025 Holy pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 180 Saudi Riyal.

    Layode stated that as a God fearing man and a promise-keeper, the governor gave out the money as promised during a One-day Seminar held in Lagos in May. He explained further that 80SR is to take care of their Ihram clothing while the remaining 100SR is for their upkeep in Mina and Arafah for the main Hajj rituals. He added that the Governor has also fulfilled his promise of paying for the Hadiyah (sacrificial) rams of the pilgrims as well as their ziyarah (visitation) to historical sites in Makkah and Madinah.

    The Commissioner who described Dhul Hijjah as a sacred month and a time for heightened devotion, reflection and acts of worship, appealed to the pilgrims to take advantage of the period to pray fervently for themselves, their families, Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Lagos State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria at large.

    He stressed that Arafah is a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’, hence, he urged everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to seek Allah’s favour, forgiveness and mercy.

  • Adeleke, others list conditions for Nigeria to achieve renewable energy goals

    Adeleke, others list conditions for Nigeria to achieve renewable energy goals

    Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State  and experts have advocated for use of local languages, gender inclusivity, youth capacity building and investment in end-users’ empowerment as conditions to achieve renewable energy goals.

     The governor spoke during a two-day stakeholders’ roundtable conference organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, Osun State government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held in Osogbo  on Renewable Energy for Southwest region, the governor other policymakers called for   effective legislation for a cleaner and healthier society.

    Read Also: Tinubu hosts Gov Adeleke, elder brother, Davido in Lagos

    A communique issued after the conference by Professor Ernest Ereke from the office of Speaker, House of Representatives and Mr. Johnson Adegoke, who represented the Osun State Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, quoted Adeleke and energy experts as advocating the conditions that underscored the need to tackle energy deficit in the country.

    The communique read in part: “The discussions focused on translating shared visions into actionable state-backed strategies, ensuring policy implementation, and promoting inclusive growth through clean and Renewable energy.

    “Emphasis was placed on the crucial need to incorporate local languages in explaining renewable energy concepts to local communities for better understanding and actions.”

  • CAPPA to Awujale: Declare Ojude-Oba smoke-free

    CAPPA to Awujale: Declare Ojude-Oba smoke-free

    Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagba II, Awujale of Ijebuland, to declare the Ojude Oba festival a No-Smoking or Smoke-Free Event, in the interest of public health.

    In a statement issued by the Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, yesterday ,  CAPPA,  appealed to the Awujale and the Organising Committee of the 2025 Ojude Oba festival to prohibit smoking, glamourisation of tobacco products and tobacco advertisements across all festival grounds, and establish designated health stations where volunteers can educate participants on the risks of smoking and vaping.

    This year’s Ojude Oba festival, themed “Ojude Oba: Celebrating Our Roots, Preserving Our Future,” will be held on Sunday at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu Ode.

    Each year, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of participants and tourists, as well as global attention and media.

    Read Also: CAPPA calls for cessation of privatisation of water services

    CAPPA tasked the revered monarch and the Ojude Oba organising committee to prevent the tobacco industry from using the event to target individuals and vulnerable groups with its products of death and disease.

    It said: “With this spotlight comes responsibility. Your Majesty and the Committee may recall that during last year’s Ojude Oba festival which featured many colourful appearances, a notable participant smoking on horseback.

    This image which circulated widely, was also seized by the tobacco industry to frame and promote smoking as fashionable, and a cultural norm.

  • The Party interrogates fragile family bonds, streams on Netflix

    The Party interrogates fragile family bonds, streams on Netflix

    Captain of the Sea Productions has released “The Party” a thought-provoking three-part murder mystery series that dares to dissect the human experience on Netflix series.

    Beyond the glitz and intrigue of a whodunit, “The Party” is a mirror, reflecting the fragile bonds between family, marriage, friendship, ambition, and identity.

    Executively produced by Ope Ajayi, CEO OF COTS Productions, directed by celebrated filmmaker Yemi “Filmboy” Morafa and starring a powerhouse ensemble, Kunle Remi, Kehinde Bankole, Shaffy Bello, Uzor Arukwe, Ayoola Ayolola, Segun Arinze, Tope Olowoniyan, Eva Ibiam, and more, “ The Party” is as intimate as it is intense.

    Read Also: Netflix rejection almost broke me – Ugwu

    The series begins with the dazzling 40th birthday celebration of Akinbobola “Bobo” Balogun, a man whose life embodies success, admiration, and influence. But by midnight, the celebration turns to chaos: Bobo is found dead. And as each episode unfolds, the layers of his seemingly perfect life and those closest to him begin to crack.

    “The Party” is more than a mystery; it’s an emotional excavation of life’s messiest truths. Across its three parts, the series interrogates: Work: the sacrifices we make to climb, and the enemies we create along the way; marriage: Love, silence, longing and the secrets we keep from the ones we sleep beside; Family: Blood ties that can protect or destroy and Friendship: Loyalty tested by envy, opportunity, and hidden wounds.