The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Oba Haastrup: becoming king never crossed my mind

    Oba Haastrup: becoming king never crossed my mind

    The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has said he never knew he would become king despite his contributions to human and physical development in Ijesaland.

    Oba Haastrup, whose coronation as the 41st Owa Obokun is billed for Friday, spoke in Ilesa over the weekend at a dinner programme, which signalled the beginning of the Friday ceremony.

    A statement yesterday by the Chairman, Media Committee for the Coronation, Shola Oshunkeye, quoted Oba Haastrup as saying: “All these times, in the past that I have been coming home to help my people, I always told them I was not doing all that to become the governor or kabiyesi (king). I was just doing what I was doing to make them happy and contribute my quota to humanity.

    Read Also: Haastrup wins 2025 USA global award

    “Becoming a king never crossed my mind, but doing good to the old, the young and the entire people. I never knew this day would come that I would become a king. I appreciate God Almighty and the good people of Ijesaland for giving me this grace to serve. I believe God will help me to succeed.”

    Oba Haastrup urged sons and daughters of Ijesaland at home and in the diaspora to support him to harness the potential embedded in the kingdom for the speedy and comprehensive development of the town.

    Oshunkeye said the Coronation Planning Committee Chairman, Prof. Wale Omole, former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, thanked members for making the coronation a success.

    The Ajirowa of Ijesaland, Alhaji Lateef Bakare, who is the vice chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, narrated the journey that led to the selection of Owa Haastrup as king, saying he observed the mandatory rites to the letter.

  • APC candidate vows to consolidate on incumbent’s achievements

    APC candidate vows to consolidate on incumbent’s achievements

    The chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Mr. Rauf Yemaren, has pledged to build on the achievements of his boss, Mr Joseph Gbenu, if elected into office.

    Yemaren, the vice chairman of the council, made the promise during a media chat with reporters at the weekend in Badagry.

    According to him, Gbenu’s leadership over the past eight years has set a high standard that deserves to be sustained and improved upon for the benefit of the people.

    “Gbenu has performed excellently in office, and I am privileged to have worked with him.

    “My agenda is clear: to consolidate on the foundation he has laid and take Badagry West to greater heights,” he said.

    On his area of concentration if elected, Yemaren said agriculture would be a cornerstone of his administration, promising strategic initiatives to support local farmers and food production.

    He also highlighted key areas of focus under his leadership, which included education, health care, youth and women empowerment through sustainable job creation, skill acquisition and infrastructure development.

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    “Being a farmer myself, I understand the challenges in the sector, and I’m ready to tackle them head-on.

    “I will acquire many acres of land and engage youths in mechanised farming and ensure we become the food basket of Lagos State.

    “But beyond agriculture, my government will be people-centred, improving schools and health facilities, creating jobs and enhancing our roads and markets,” he said.

    The candidate expressed appreciation to party leaders and stakeholders for their support in his emergence as the APC candidate.

    He thanked Chief Joseph Bamgbose, the APC political leader in Badagry West, for his fatherly role and mentorship.

  • Lagos pioneers new model to reduce maternal mortality

    Lagos pioneers new model to reduce maternal mortality

    Lagos State has scored another first in perfection by reinforcing its position as a national leader in the fight against maternal mortality.

    This followed the success of MamaBase, a groundbreaking maternal health initiative developed as a collaboration involving the state government and public health experts at the Maternal and Reproductive Health (MRH) Collective.

    In 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that 79,500 Nigerian women died from childbirth-related causes, nearly 29 per cent of global maternal deaths.

    Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most densely populated states, was particularly vulnerable.

    In response, and in addition to other targeted programmes, the state government provided resources and support for scientists working at MRH Collective to pilot the “MamaBase” initiative in the state.

    Through this medical revolution, about 7,800 lives were saved in 2024.

    MamaBase is built on a data-driven framework called M.I.L.E.S. (Mapping, Identifying, Linking, Educating, and Supporting), and the state government worked with the MRH team to implement the programme that identifies at-risk expectant mothers, connects them to antenatal and delivery care, and provides consistent support and follow-up throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

    “Our goal was to stay with every woman from start to finish, and what we’re particularly happy about is that Lagos State Government was a willing and able partner in every facet of our journey”, said Prof. Bosede Afolabi, founder and chairman of MRH Collective.

    Read Also: Maternal mortality: NGO seeks implementation of safe abortion law by A’Ibom govt

    “And the results speak for themselves”, she concluded.

    Between October 2023 and September 2024, the team from the Lagos State Government and MamaBase recruited 7,883 expectant mothers across Lagos. Of those, 99.9 per cent survived childbirth. This is a dramatic improvement compared to the national maternal mortality rate of 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births.

    More than 80 per cent of the women delivered in health facilities with skilled birth attendants, and 60 per cent completed four or more antenatal visits, an essential indicator of safe outcomes.

    The programme achieved a maternal mortality rate of just 123 per 100,000 live births, nearly 10 times lower than the national average.

  • Be receptive to correction, Basiru tells Adeleke

    Be receptive to correction, Basiru tells Adeleke

    A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has again taken a swipe at the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke for its penchant for attacking those who offer it useful advice.

    Spokesman for the governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, recently while reacting to Basiru’s advice on how the Adeleke administration is making life unbearable for the people of the state, resorted to attack.

    But a statement by Basiru, who is also the APC National Secretary in Abuja yesterday said he would not stop at anything in giving useful advice to Adeleke, ‘’as anything that happens to the state will affect him and others.’’

    According to the former Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who currently chairs the National Sugar Development Commission (NSDC), he expected that the incumbent government would not take his advice ‘’because from day one, it likes to be praised, even for the littlest of things.’’

    The statement said: “The reaction is yet another sad example of the administration’s inability to engage in constructive discourse. Instead of addressing clear failures, the government continues its descent into baseless abuse, theatrical name-calling, and hollow propaganda.

    “It is important to remind the Adeleke administration that governance is not about trading insults, but about responding to accountability with facts. A government that has failed across critical sectors cannot hide behind slogans and solar lights that barely last a week.

    Read Also: Adeleke’s kinsmen back APC, NIWA boss for Osun guber seat in 2026

    “While the administration boasts of a 40 per cent debt reduction, it conveniently hides the fact that Osun’s federal allocation has increased by over 300 per cent. What the Adeleke government claims as financial discipline is simply the benefit of increased federal oil receipts, not strategic fiscal management and discipline.

    “Governor Adeleke has denied the widespread reports of teachers’ disengagement since assuming office. Why did Adeleke sack about 5,000 teachers employed by his predecessor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola?

    “Two and a half years after, why has he not engaged them again? Senator Basiru once said in an interview that APC doesn’t mind if Adeleke replaces all the 5,000 with members of his party. What matters is securing the future of our children. Besides, Thursday, last week, made it exactly a year that Adeleke announced employment of temporary workers at the state-owned media. No employment letter has been issued to them to date.

    “The road inaugurated with media fanfare was washed away within two days, a clear indictment of the substandard quality that defines this administration’s projects.’’

  • Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA launches 24-hour PHC

    Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA launches 24-hour PHC

    Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has launched a 24-hour Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Ishefun, transforming the once eight-hour facility into a fully operational round-the-clock service hub aimed at enhancing access to quality health care at the grassroots.

    The inauguration of the upgraded facility was held at the weekend by the Chairman of the LCDA, Ladi Oluwaloni, during a community-focused event, which also featured free medical outreach and public health sensitisation.

    Describing the initiative as a bold leap forward, Oluwaloni said the development represented more than a mere infrastructural upgrade.

    Read Also: Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA inaugurates projects

    “This is a bold reaffirmation of our administration’s commitment to people-centred, accessible and sustainable health care services.

    “Today, we do not just open doors, we break barriers. This facility will remain open and functional 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No resident of Ishefun, Ayobo, or the surrounding communities should suffer due to lack of access to emergency care at night or at the weekends. Our people deserve timely and dignified health care and this is what we are providing,” he said.

  • I never dreamt of becoming Owa Obokun of Ijesa, Oba Haastrup

    I never dreamt of becoming Owa Obokun of Ijesa, Oba Haastrup

    The Owa Obokun of Ijesa, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has revealed that he never aspired to become a traditional ruler despite his long-standing contributions to the development of Ijesaland.

    Speaking at a dinner event held in Ilesa over the weekend to kick off activities ahead of his coronation scheduled for May 23, 2025, Oba Haastrup said his service to the people had always been driven by a genuine desire to uplift lives, not by political or royal ambition.

    “All these times I came home to support my people, I made it clear I wasn’t doing it to become governor or Kabiyesi. I was simply doing my part to bring happiness to others and contribute to humanity,” Oba Haastrup said, according to a statement released on Sunday by Shola Oshunkeye, Chairman of the Media Committee for the coronation.

    “Becoming a king never crossed my mind. But here we are today. I give thanks to God Almighty and the good people of Ijesaland for this honour. I believe Eledumare will guide me to succeed.”

    Read Also: Owa Obokun felicitates Alaafin on coronation

    The monarch called on all sons and daughters of Ijesaland, both at home and abroad, to support him in unlocking the vast potential of the kingdom for its holistic development.

    Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, Prof. Wale Omole, a former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, praised committee members for their dedication to ensuring the success of the coronation.

    Also speaking at the dinner, the Ajirowa of Ijesaland and Vice Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Lateef Bakare, recounted the rigorous and transparent process that led to Oba Haastrup’s selection, noting that the monarch observed all traditional rites without exception.

  • UI students shine at quizathon, National Campus Challenge

    UI students shine at quizathon, National Campus Challenge

    Three students from the University of Ibadan (UI) have demonstrated academic excellence by securing top positions in two prestigious competitions organised by FlexiSAF.

    The first competition, Distinction Quizathon, is a rigorous AI-powered competition that attracted over 6,000 participants from over 200 tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

    UI students showcased their intellectual prowess with Daniel Adesanya, a 500-level Petroleum Engineering student who proved his mastery of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, emerged 1st and earned a ₦1,000,000 cash prize.

    On the other hand, Barnabas Oluwasegun, a 200-level Medicine and Surgery student, secured 3rd place, earning a ₦500,000 cash prize for his remarkable performance.

    Also, in the first-ever National Campus Challenge, which FlexiSAF organised in collaboration with the Committee of Directors of ICT in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions (COMDICT-NTI), Abayomi Elijah Olutayo, a 200-level Medicine and Surgery student, made a strong impact.

    Read Also: 2027: Northwest APC endorse Tinubu for continuity

    Abayomi secured 2nd place in the overall Best 3 Category. The challenge earned him a ₦150,000 cash prize, which reinforced UI’s dominance in academic contests.

    The National Campus competition certificate was received by the Director of Information Technology and Media Services (ITeMS), Mrs. Abiodun Alao on behalf of the University of Ibadan.

    These consecutive successes highlight the University of Ibadan’s commitment to academic excellence and intellectual competitiveness.

  • Oba Lawal hails Access Holdings’ role in Iruland’s development

    Oba Lawal hails Access Holdings’ role in Iruland’s development

    The Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, has hailed Access Holdings for its contribution to infrastructure, security, and socio-economic development in Iruland, describing the institution as a “true partner in progress.”

    The monarch made this known during an official visit to Access Holdings headquarters in Lagos as part of his corporate appreciation tour marking the 5th anniversary of his coronation.

    The tour, which spans key institutions across Iru Kingdom, is aimed at appreciating stakeholders who have remained committed to the vision of building a prosperous and sustainable Iru Land under the #LeGIT agenda — Let’s Grow Iru.

  • Ogun monarchs kick against imposition of regency council, coronet obas

    Ogun monarchs kick against imposition of regency council, coronet obas

    Some first-class monarchs and members of the Egba Traditional Council in Ogun state are at odds with the top hierarchy of the council over what they describe as the unilateral imposition of a regency council in Obafemi Owode local government by the Ile Ogboni/Osugbo.

    The monarchs were reacting to a memo purportedly signed by the president of the Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, the Alake of Egbaland, and circulated widely on social media. In it, a five-man committee was constituted as a regent to oversee the affairs of Obafemi Owode town following the suspension of the Olu of Obafemi, Oba Taofeek Owolabi Olukayode.

    The Alagbado of Agbado, Oba Adedayo Shyllon Sogbulu, disclosed that the act was strange to the extant laws guiding the obaship affairs in Egbaland.

    According to him, the Egba Traditional Council never took such a decision, stressing that this is alien to its traditions and customs.

    “We were at the last meeting that took place before Easter celebrations, and nothing of such happened or was discussed at the council meeting, but because of the celebration, we could not hold any meeting; Alake with his Ogboni chiefs did this alone,” he said.

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     He pointed out that weeks ago, Alake installed a coronet Oba, around Isaga Abosule, right in front of his palace without the prior knowledge of the Egba Traditional Council, all in a bid to spite him as well as create problems in the domain.

     The Alakija of Ikija, Oba Babatunde Kolawole Ayorinde, also dissociated himself from such a decision, saying he was never privy to it.

    The Olota of Ota, Oba Abdul-Kabir Obalanlege, he confirmed the development but declined to give further comments on the matter.

    Also commenting, Oba (Dr) Adeogun Ogunbona Ogunjobi, the Olu Igbore kingdom, who spoke with our correspondent from the United States, confirmed the development while assuring that he was ready to shed more light on the matter when he returns from his trip abroad in the coming weeks.

    Efforts to get the comments of Alake, the man at the centre of the crisis, were futile as he neither responded to calls nor text messages sent to him.

    Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, the Osile of Oke Ona Egbaland, Karunwi III, who is next to the Alake in hierarch,y did not respond to calls and text messages by our correspondent.

    The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, also noted that the Oba and Chiefs law in the state does not recognise any regent or regency-in-council.

    Calls and text messages sent to the Secretary of the Egba Traditional Council, Oluwaseun David Fajobi, were not been replied to as at press time.

  • Lagos restates commitment to disability inclusion

    Lagos restates commitment to disability inclusion

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, has reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to disability inclusion across its policies and development programmes.

    Ogunlende said this at the 27th Annual Sports Day of the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) held recently at Yaba College of Technology

    Themed: “Champions of Inclusivity,” the event featured a lineup of athletic competitions including March Past, Long Jump, Goal Ball, Shot Put, Tug of War, Rounder Game, Skittle Game, and the 50-Meter Race.

    Participants, grouped into Red and Blue Houses, thrilled spectators with inspiring performances, with the Red House emerging as overall champions. It was supported by Union Bank, Bluebulb Financials, Daramola Dynasty Foundation, Golden Penny, among others.

    READ ALSO: Issues in Lagos APC LG primaries

    Speaking through his representative, Comrade Ibrahim Akinremi, Director of Disability Affairs at the Lagos State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ogunlende said: “The Lagos State Government recognizes the rights and potential of persons with disabilities and is taking actionable steps to ensure no one is left behind. From inclusive sports initiatives to grassroots empowerment, we are committed to building a society that offers equal opportunities to all”, he said.

    He also assured that efforts are underway to ensure the full implementation of the 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities as stipulated in the national policy.

    In his remarks, the CEO of Bluebulb Financials, Ola Daramola, said: “While we simplify cross-border payments at Bluebulb, our heart is in building communities. Through our foundation, Daramola Dynasty, we support education, health, and social empowerment. Today, we proudly celebrate these athletes and this powerful movement of inclusivity”.