The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Group hails APC’s endorsement of Tinubu for second term

    Group hails APC’s endorsement of Tinubu for second term

    A group, the  Asiwaju Political Movement (APM) has hailed the unanimous endorsement of President Bola Tinubu by the entirety of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders for a second term in office.

    In a statement by the Director General of the movement, Madiba M Ledum, it described the endorsement as a “bold confirmation of President Tinubu’s visionary leadership, transformative governance, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Nigeria.

    “This resounding show of support by the APC leadership is not just an endorsement—it is a testament to the renewed confidence in President Tinubu’s capacity to lead Nigeria into a more prosperous future,” the statement said.

    He added that “under his stewardship, we have seen critical reforms, infrastructure revival, and bold economic decisions that will shape our nation for generations.”

    READ ALSO: 11 things Nigerians should note when applying for a five-year Schengen visa

    He applauded the unity demonstrated by APC leaders across the country, saying it signaled strength and cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    “As the Director-General of the Asiwaju Political Movement, I align fully with this historic endorsement. We will continue to mobilize nationwide support and communicate the achievements and vision of President Tinubu to every corner of the country,” he added.

     Ledum urged Nigerians to rally behind the president as he prepares for a second term, stressing the importance of continuity in leadership.

  • Two injured as training aircraft crash-lands at Ilorin airport

    Two injured as training aircraft crash-lands at Ilorin airport

    …NSIB begins probe

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has revealed that two occupants of a Diamond training aircraft operated by the Aviation Training School, Ilorin sustained injury following the crash-landing of the aircraft.

    The NSIB stated that it has commenced an investigation into the crash-landing of the aircraft.

    According to a statement yesterday by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the Bureau, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, the incident occurred at 17:28 local time on May 23, 2025, during a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 at Ilorin International Airport.

    She stated that the aircraft veered off the runway and came to a stop on the grass verge.

    READ ALSO: Unlike Amotekun, ESN is illegal, witness tells court

    According to the statement: “Two occupants were on board. Both sustained serious injuries and were swiftly evacuated to a medical facility, coordinated by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).”

    She added that the NSIB Go-Team is currently preparing to depart from Abuja to Ilorin to conduct on-site investigations.

    “The team will secure the site, collect physical evidence, interview witnesses, and retrieve operational data to establish the cause and contributing factors of the incident”.

    Commenting on the incident, the Director General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., said: “Our thoughts are with the injured, and we commend the swift medical and emergency response. Now, our focus is on understanding exactly what went wrong. Every investigation is an opportunity to improve safety. We are deploying our team to Ilorin to ensure that no detail is overlooked.”

    The Bureau urged the public and media to avoid speculation and to await verified updates.

    The NSIB assured that it remains committed to ensuring a thorough, independent, and professional investigation that supports ongoing efforts to enhance aviation safety in Nigeria.

    It also promised to provide further details as the investigation progresses.

  • Sanwo-Olu urges educational reformsto unlock opportunities for youths

    Sanwo-Olu urges educational reformsto unlock opportunities for youths

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged African countries to unlock new pathways for youths, by reforming higher education to be more entrepreneurial and relevant to the fast-changing dynamics of the 21st century.

    Delivering a keynote address yesterday at the launch of the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET) at the University of the West of England, Bristol, Sanwo-Olu said a bold transformation of the educational landscape was needed to harness the continent’s vast youthful potential.

    “The transformation we seek is not an abstract ideal; it is real, a call to action, and it is urgent. A call to harness our collective resources, talents and networks to create real opportunities for millions across Africa,” he said.

    The governor, who serves as patron of CASET, described the centre as a beacon of promise for Africa and a timely platform to turn visionary ideas into tangible impact.

    He said Lagos State would be a “willing and committed partner” in forging partnerships to advance CASET’s mission.

    “Lagos State will do its best to help forge additional partnerships. We are proud to support a movement that fosters collaborative research, builds institutional capacity, and promotes African voices in shaping our shared future,” the governor said.

    Reiterating the importance of youth empowerment, he emphasised the demographic strength of Africa, noting that over 60 per cent of the continent’s 1.4 billion people were under the age of 25.

    He cited Lagos as a prime example of a thriving African megacity leading by example, with a vibrant creative sector, emerging tech ecosystem and major infrastructure projects driven by public-private partnerships.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu advocates increased investment in tech education

    “We have delivered transformational infrastructure, including a metro rail system, West Africa’s most modern seaport and Africa’s largest rice mill. We are also building the largest food logistics park in West Africa and one of the continent’s largest paediatric hospitals,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    Highlighting the role of Lagos in driving the goals of Agenda 2063,  African Union’s vision for prosperity and sustainable development, the governor said the state would continue to invest in education, capacity building and digital innovation to foster inclusive growth.

    “As governor of Africa’s largest city and economic powerhouse, I have seen first-hand how targeted investments in education, technology and enterprise can indeed transform lives.”

    He praised the leadership of the University of the West of England, particularly the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Steven West, and founding Director of CASET, Prof. Paschal Anosike, for their commitment to Africa’s development.

  • Makinde appoints chairmen, board members for tertiary institutions

    Makinde appoints chairmen, board members for tertiary institutions

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of chairmen and members for governing councils/boards of tertiary institutions in the state.

    The affected schools include:  Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate; Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora; The Polytechnic Ibadan, Ibadan; Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki and Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Eleyele, Ibadan.

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    According to a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, those appointed are for Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate: Comrade Olusegun Oyewumi (Chairman), Alhaji Badmus Tajudeen Tunde (member), Mr. Bamise Alabi (member), Saliu Alao Jimoh (member) and Babarinde Sunday Ademola (member).

  • CLO: Governor deserves plaudits for progress in Lagos

    CLO: Governor deserves plaudits for progress in Lagos

    Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Lagos State chapter, has lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the progress recorded across sectors of the economy. 

    Addressing reporters yesterday in Lagos at a news conference to assess the performance of the Sanwo-Olu administration, the rights group hailed the governor for his achievements.

    It, however, called for urgent reforms in specific areas of governance.

    Read Also: BREAKING: APC governors endorse Tinubu for 2027 presidential race

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLO, Comrade Enitan Joseph, said:’’The Sanwo-Olu administration should be commended for the progress it has recorded across sectors of the economy, including health care, education, security, transportation, infrastructure and judiciary.

    ‘’Key projects such as the Fourth Mainland Bridge, Imota Rice Mill and integrated mass transit system featuring Blue and Red Line Rail projects are major strides by the Lagos State Government toward modernisation and development.

    “Governor Sanwo-Olu has proved to be a listening leader. He is always attentive to the complaints of Lagosians. He prioritises their welfare, His administration has produced disciplined, result-oriented and selfless public servants committed to the betterment of Lagos State.”

  • Court averts attempt to stall today’s coronation of Owa Obokun

    Court averts attempt to stall today’s coronation of Owa Obokun

    An Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa yesterday adjourned a suit challenging the installation of Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, till July 3 for hearing of pending applications, thus averting attempt to stop today’s coronation.

    Arimoro Family of Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House had challenged the appointment of Oba Haastrup before the court, praying that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his agents should be restrained from installing the new king, adding that they should be stopped from proceeding with the planned coronation. The claimants, Prince Kayode Arimoro and Prince Adedire Arimoro, through their counsel, had alleged bias in the handling of the case by Justice A. A. Aderibigbe, hence they demanded that he should recue himself from the case. The prayer was granted and the case was re-assigned to Justice Matyas Agboola.

    Read Also: Court sentences two to death by hanging for armed robbery

    At the sitting yesterday, counsel for Arimoro, Oyebola Odeleye, informed the court that they had four applications before the court, including interlocutory injunction, notice of discontinual, motion of notice and joinder.

    He said part of the application was to stop today’s Owa Obokun coronation.

    The state counsel, Muyiwa Oyeleye, told the court that the claimants had not properly served the respondents in the case, hence they had not replied the service, stressing that such application was not mature to be heard or decided on. 

    The presiding judge, Justice Agboola, said all parties must be served, stressing that the court would not grant any injunction until all applications regarding service and harmonisation of parties were addressed, including the one requesting the stoppage of the coronation of Prince Haastrup.

  • Ondo community protests absence of monarch

    Ondo community protests absence of monarch

    Elders, chiefs and youths of Ipesi community, Akoko South-East Local Government of Ondo State, have protested continued absence of traditional ruler and regent of the community, Princess Adetola Amodeni.

    The protesters said Princess Amodeni had been absent from the community for the past 18 years.

    She was appointed regent in 2006 after the death of the Olupesi of Ipesi, Oba Peter Amodeni, the Akindogbeje II.

    The protesters said the Olupesi stool had remained vacant for the past 18 years due to litigations and lack of cooperation among the stakeholders.

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    In a protest letter to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, signed by High Chief Ajulo Jeremiah, the Olodeagada of Iro, Ipesi and other chiefs, the protesters said Princess Amodeni did not suffice any reason for her desertion of the Olupesi Palace.

    The letter said: “The absence of the Regent of Olupesi has led to a number of negative consequences at Ipesi Akoko, including increased conflict, weakened social structures and a decline in community cohesion. In the absence of a traditional ruling authoritative figure to mediate disputes and maintain order, Ipesi Akoko has become vulnerable to unrest and social breakdown.

    “The Council of Ipesi High Chiefs have also not been spared by the jilting Regent of Olupesi, as they have not held a meeting or session in years, and matters which could have been ordinarily resolved at the Olupesi Palace have snowballed into serious conflict.

  • Lagos recruits 1,000 safety officers

    Lagos recruits 1,000 safety officers

    Lagos State Government has recruited over 1,000 officers into the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), to strengthen grassroots security and bolster community protection.

    It says this is part of efforts to modernise and expand the scope of local security infrastructure.

    Speaking at the 2025 annual ministerial news briefing at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, unveiled the reforms and innovations implemented by LNSC.

    He said: “In the past year, we have deepened our reach across communities by recruiting over 1,000 officers.

    “This is more than just a number—it reflects our commitment to ensuring every ward in Lagos feels the presence of security and order.”

    Read Also: ‘APC should intervene in Lagos council post-primary crisis’

    Oyerinde noted that beyond recruitment, the state had introduced specialised units such as Marine Patrol, Forest Rangers, Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence, Forensics, Crime Scene Management, Paramedics and Crowd Control.

    These units, he said, were geared toward professionalising the agency and adapting to evolving security needs across the state.

    To improve operational efficiency, he said the state government had distributed new patrol bicycles, motorcycles, scooters and vehicles to officers to enable quicker response time.

  • Summit charts new course for built environment

    Summit charts new course for built environment

    Ife Architecture Summit 2.0, held at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, brought together architects, scholars and students for conversations on the future of architecture in Nigeria.

    With the Theme: “Beyond Build: The Future of Architecture in Nigeria — The Role of Leadership, Mentorship, and Education”, the event opened the 2025 Archiweek, hosted by Ife Architecture Students’ Association (IFASA).

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    Summit Chairman and IFASA President, Favour Oyekan, described architecture as “a force that stirs, speaks and serves”, urging students to engage with the profession beyond technical design. The event featured personalities, including Mobolaji Adeniyi, president of Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA); Olusegun Ladega of Interstate Architects and Prof. Cordelia Osasona, OAU’s first female architecture professor.

  • Aspirant pledges support for APC candidate in Badagry West

    Aspirant pledges support for APC candidate in Badagry West

    All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship aspirant in the May 10 Lagos State council primary election, Mrs Sesi Ogungbe-Yusuf, has pledged her support for Mr. Kayode Yemaren, the party’s candidate in Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    Ogungbe-Yusuf, the supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in Badagry-West LCDA, made the pledge at a news briefing in Badagry.

    She said members of APC Primary Election Committee headed by Justice Babatunde Ogala, and the party’s leadership in Lagos State did an excellent job during the primaries.

    Read Also: BREAKING: NASS adopts Tinubu as sole APC presidential candidate for 2027

    “Yemaren, also known as Rikay, is the legitimate winner of APC chairmanship primary election according to official results announced at the APC Secretariat on ACME Road, Ogba.

    “Now that the primaries have been concluded and the APC candidate has emerged, this is the time for us as aspirants to go back to our wards and start campaigning for our candidate.

    “As far as I’m concerned, the primary is gone. Yemaren is our candidate. I will do all within my power to ensure APC emerges winner in all elections in Badagry,” she said.

    Ogungbe-Yusuf urged the leadership of APC to disregard Princess Oluremi Nutayi’s claim of winning the primary election.