The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Foundation supports 125 vulnerable persons in Badagry

    Foundation supports 125 vulnerable persons in Badagry

    As part of its Yuletide humanitarian activities, the SOK Foundation extended support to 125 widows and other vulnerable persons during the fourth edition of its outreach programme held in Badagry, Lagos State.

    The initiative, organised by the SOK Foundation founded by Badagry-born philanthropist, Mr. Senayon Olufemi Kuton, was aimed at easing end-of-year hardship while empowering beneficiaries to pursue small-scale economic activities. The programme forms part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to community welfare and social uplift.

    Speaking at the event, coordinators of the foundation explained that the outreach, which began in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, has steadily grown from 80 beneficiaries to 125, a figure retained to ensure meaningful and sustainable impact. They noted that the financial support provided is free and interest-free, offering relief to vulnerable persons often unable to access or repay small loans from conventional sources.

    Read Also: Group laments Badagry prince’s alleged forceful takeover of property

    Several beneficiaries shared testimonies, recounting how previous assistance helped them expand petty businesses, support their families and fund their children’s education. They praised the foundation for its consistency and compassion, particularly during the festive season.

    Dignitaries, including Bishop of the Methodist Diocese of Badagry, Revd Ola Onadipe, commended the foundation’s humanitarian gesture and urged beneficiaries to make wise use of the support. The programme ended with the distribution of food items, drinks and bottled water, adding warmth to the Yuletide intervention.

  • OGIRS workers tasked on integrity, revenue generation

    OGIRS workers tasked on integrity, revenue generation

    Staff of the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) have been urged to uphold integrity to improve revenue generation, curb leakages, and eliminate sharp practices.

    The Executive Chairman of OGIRS, Mr. Olugbenga Olaleye, gave the charge during the New Year prayer session at the agency’s premises in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, emphasising that integrity remained the key to building and sustaining the trust of taxpayers and the general public.

    Olaleye urged staff to enlighten members of the public on how the new tax reforms would bring prosperity to all categories of citizens, young and old, especially the low-income earners. He encouraged workers to have the fear of God and embrace righteousness, noting that these virtues would continue to be the pathway to success.

    He also charged tax officials to clearly communicate the intent and objectives of the ongoing tax reforms, stressing that this would ensure more disposable income for low-income earners, increased production, economic growth and a reduction in inflation, adding that High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) would be more compliant in paying appropriate taxes under the new tax regime.

    Read Also: Nigeria Revenue Service unveils official logo

    “Do your work diligently. The new tax laws are similar to the millennium era, when many were uncertain about what would happen. As tax regulatory authorities, you have a lot of responsibility,” he stated.

    In his sermon, a cleric from Rhema Chapel International Churches, Yaba, Lagos, Pastor Caleb Ayinla, took his exhortation from Jeremiah 29:11-14, highlighting the importance of prayer in the lives of individuals, citing Biblical examples such as Job and Elijah, noting that prayer has the power to turn unpleasant situations around, while he encouraged workers to cultivate a lifestyle of prayer, describing it as the power that moves the hand of the Maker.

    Also speaking, the Chief Imam, Government Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Imam AbdulFatai Buhari, advised workers to desist from hypocritical acts in the discharge of their duties, urging them to be more committed, proactive, and to renew their intentions as the new year kicks off.

  • How I almost fainted at Lagos Airport- Ex-Ondo First Lady

    How I almost fainted at Lagos Airport- Ex-Ondo First Lady

    Former First Lady of Ondo State, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has recounted her distressing experience at Lagos Airport Terminal 2, describing it as an ordeal that nearly left her fainting.

    In a statement made available to The Nation in Owerri, Imo State, on Friday, Dr. Akeredolu, who arrived on a United Nigeria Airlines flight from Owerri on Thursday, said she waited for over two hours to retrieve her luggage, amidst grossly inadequate facilities and poor management.

    “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had only one functional conveyor belt, and to worsen the situation, luggage from an Ibom Air flight was being offloaded simultaneously. The baggage claim hall was grossly inadequate for two full flights—small, overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and without air conditioning. The heat was unbearable,” she said.

    She expressed disappointment with the state of Nigeria’s airports, saying: “Nigerians from the diaspora voiced their frustration openly, having experienced organised systems where passenger comfort—especially at airports—is treated as a priority.”

    Read Also: FAAN highlights airports’ travel procedures

     Akeredolu, who visited her hometown, Emeabiam, for the festive holidays, praised the kindness of a woman who brought her a chair when she was struggling to stand, saying: “That simple act of humanity likely saved me from fainting. Indeed, good people abound everywhere.”

    She called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to improve airport facilities and services.

     “Our airports are gateways to the nation, and the image of Nigeria is at stake. Basic infrastructure, efficiency, and passenger comfort should not be luxuries. They are necessities. Nigeria deserves better. Passengers deserve better,” she said.

  • Residents desert village over attacks

    Residents desert village over attacks

    • Oyo govt: we’ll go after perpetrators of park violence

    Residents of Oloka village in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the host community of National Park Service, have continued to desert the village.

    Despite the presence of security operatives, the residents said they have not recovered from the shock caused by the bandits attack.

     A source said while some residents were leaving for neighbouring communities, others were still afraid, but summoning courage to stay back, with the presence of security operatives.

    The Nation reports that no fewer than five forest guards were killed on Tuesday when suspected bandits stormed the National Park Service office, shooting the officers on duty.

    The source, who pleaded anonymity, said  Oloka streets are currently empty and houses are put under lock and key, as commercial and social activities have been disrupted.

     Residents, who commented on the incident, expressed fear and uncertainty, lamenting that the attack had crippled their livelihood and forced families to seek refuge in neighbouring communities.

     They appealed to the state government and security agencies to establish permanent security posts at Oloka to prevent recurrence.

     Chairman of Orire Local Government, Mr. Michael Alabi, assured residents that steps were being taken to address the security situation.

    READ ALSO; Still on Nigeria’s re-designation as ‘country of particular concern’

     He said the local government was working to rejig the security architecture and restore peace to the area.

    To douse tension, Police Commissioner Femi Haruna has ordered that tactical teams, including Mobile Police Force officers and EOD be deployed in the affected areas, to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

    Oyo State Government has vowed to go after the gunmen who launched an attack on the National Park Service Office.

    Featuring as a guest on Channels Television yesterday, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Seyi Makinde, CP Fatai Owoseni (Rtd), said although the attack could be said to be against the state, it was specifically targeted at the NPS Office.

    House of Assembly Speaker and Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, has condemned the attack. He sympathised with the victims.

    Ogundoyin hailed the lawmaker representing Orire State Constituency, Johnson Ogundele, for his immediate response and efforts to stand by his constituents in their moment of grief.

  • Afenifere seeks action against terrorism

    Afenifere seeks action against terrorism

    The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has condemned what it described as upsurge in terror attacks in parts of Yorubaland and other parts of the country.

    In a statement yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere referenced the latest killing of some forest guards at Old Oyo National Park in Oloka, Oriire Local Government, killing of four farmers in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government, both in Oyo State and abduction of a nursing mother and her child at Supare/Ajegunle in Akoko South Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    It cited the apprehension of some bandits in Ondo State, who were alleged to have fled Sokoto in the wake of America’s bombardment of their hideout in the state and the torching of a police station in Ipele also in Ondo State.

    The statement said: “Towards the end of last year, a rumour was rife that some hoodlums planned attacks on some public places in the Southwest during the just-concluded festive periods.

    “While we thank God that no major attack occurred during the period, the rumour should not be dismissed outright, going by reports of terrorists’ cells or camps already detected in various parts of the region.

    READ ALSO: Kano’s unfolding power game

    “Those who struck at Oloka, Oyo State on Tuesday must have taken off from one of the cells nearby. Ditto for those who struck in Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Borno, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa and  Kaduna states, including those who attacked guests at a wedding on December 30, 2025 at Kunza, Ashige in Lafia Local Government Area of Nassarawa State.

    “The 3rd Division of the Army on New Year Eve foiled an attempt to attack some communities in Plateau State and eliminated five bandits in the process.’’

    The Afenifere spokesman challenged Southwest governors to implement the resolution they made when they met in Ibadan on November 24 last year on the security of the region.

    “They had resolved to, among others, set up South West Security Fund (SWSF) that will institute a ‘Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform’ for the purpose of exchanging threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts and coordinating state-to-state rapid response.

    “The governors were urged to quickly actualise the arrangement and jointly acquire necessary things to secure the region. Kwara and Kogi states including Edo and Delta states can be brought into the loop in view of insecurity linkage with these states.”

  • Olubadan intervenes in Onido stool crisis

    Olubadan intervenes in Onido stool crisis

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has intervened in the Onido stool crisis where three persons are reportedly claiming authority over Ido township traditional leadership.

    The monarch, who implored the parties concerned to maintain peace, said a panel to investigate the causes of the 19-year old crisis would be inaugurated on Monday at Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

    A statement by Adeola Oloko, media aide to Oba Ladoja, did not, however, disclose the names and composition of the panel members.

    It only hinted that the committee would start sitting immediately after inauguration.

    Part of the panel’s mandate is to look into the remote and immediate causes of the Onido stool crisis.

    READ ALSO; Still on Nigeria’s re-designation as ‘country of particular concern’

    The second mandate is to make recommendations that will guide Olubadan and his council in resolving the 19-year old crisis. Two days ago, stakeholders of Ido town in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State raised fresh concerns over the Onido of Ido dispute.

    According to them, ‘’Ido has been in a delicate situation since 1997 because we have three persons claiming to be Onido, while the town has witnessed multiple appointments and counter-appointments, which have deepened division.”

    The three persons are: Oba Benjamin Ademola, Ishola Orobiyi, Tajudeen Akinola and Muritala Babalola.

    The stakeholders appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja, to intervene.

  • ‘Why I want to represent Ogun Central’

    ‘Why I want to represent Ogun Central’

    An Ogun State-based entrepreneur and the Chairman, Threeco Construction Company, Otunba Muraino Banjoko, has said his ambition to contest for Ogun Central Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general election is motivated by a passion for service, philanthropy and advocacy for the uplift of the downtrodden in the society.

    Speaking to select stakeholders and support groups at a grassroots gathering in Ifo Local Government, the business mogul said his journey into politics was an extension of his lifelong commitment to humanitarian service.

    On how he would impact the people, he said his agenda was anchored on inclusivity and accessibility, which was lacking at the moment.

    He said he was determined to sustain his open-door policy, unlike many public office holders, who remained distant from the electorate.

    Banjoko said: “I have always believed leadership is about service. My closeness to the grassroots has shown me, first-hand, the struggles of ordinary people, and I cannot stand by while they continue to suffer. My passion for the masses is the driving force to seek representation at the National Assembly.

    READ ALSO: Kano’s unfolding power game

    “My ambition is to use the legislative platform to continue doing what I have done all my life, which is to help the socio-economically disadvantaged in our communities.

    “Over the years, I have used my platform, Threeco Foundation, to carry out philanthropic gestures, such as scholarships for indigent students, empowerment programmes for women and youths and sponsoring medical outreaches in rural communities across the six local governments of Ogun Central.”

    A community leader, Rev. Yemi Adekunle, said Banjoko’s closeness to the grassroots made him positioned to represent Ogun Central effectively.

    He said besides philanthropy, the aspirant was also well known for his vision, pushing for legislation that would improve education, health care, community development and economic opportunities for the district.

  • APC chieftain gives free medical treatment to Ekiti residents

    APC chieftain gives free medical treatment to Ekiti residents

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Ekiti State, Akeem Bello, has brought relief and joy to residents of Ekiti East Constituency II, with the launch of the second phase of a free medical outreach targeted at elderly citizens and vulnerable residents.

    The health care programme, organised under the platform of his socio-political group, AK Movement, was held in Omuo-Oke Ekiti, where hundreds of beneficiaries turned out to access free medical consultations, drugs and basic health screenings.

    Bello said the initiative was part of his commitment to improving the well-being of the people and complementing the efforts of Ekiti State Government in providing care for the vulnerable.

    He noted that the initiative aligned with the programmes of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, whom he described as a compassionate leader with a strong commitment to peace, development and social welfare.

    “We are here to support the good work Governor Oyebanji has been doing in Ekiti State, especially in the area of caring for the less privileged. His administration has recorded impressive achievements and sustained peace and tranquillity across the state.”

    READ ALSO; Still on Nigeria’s re-designation as ‘country of particular concern’

    Bello urged residents and party faithful to continue to support the governor, calling for widespread backing for his second-term bid in order to consolidate on the gains recorded so far.

    The Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, Alhaji Saka Bello, described the free medical outreach as timely and impactful.

    He said Bello was motivated by the developmental strides of the Oyebanji-led administration, noting that the people of Ekiti East would give massive support to the governor in the forthcoming governorship election.

    Commending the convener, Chairman of APC Elders Forum in Ekiti East Local Government, Alhaji Shittu Tiwonloju, described Bello as a selfless leader with a deep understanding of the needs of the people.

    He said the free medical outreach was a clear demonstration of purposeful leadership and compassion, adding that the initiative had once again shown Bello’s unalloyed commitment to improving the welfare of residents at the grassroots level.

    He stressed that the programme had made a significant impact on the lives of beneficiaries, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, who could hardly afford medical care.

  • ‘New SSG will enhance bureaucratic development’

    ‘New SSG will enhance bureaucratic development’

    Oyo State Commissioner for information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has expressed confidence that the appointment of the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Musbau Babatunde, will significantly enhance bureaucratic development.

    He described the choice as timely and strategic for strengthening public service efficiency, confidence and administrative coordination across the state.

    The newly appointed SSG yesterday performed his first public duty with a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Information, Prince Oyelade.

    The Economics Professor was warmly received by commissioner and senior officials of the ministry in what was described as a strategic meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration within the state’s governance structure.

    Responding, Prof. Babatunde described his appointment as a “call to service,” pledging total commitment to the effective coordination of government policies in line with the vision of Governor Seyi Makinde.

    He added that Oyo State’s budget performance has continued to improve and now surpasses that of previous administrations due to initiatives introduced into the state’s economic planning and management structure.

    READ ALSO: Kano’s unfolding power game

    “We have introduced much more initiative into the economic planning management structure. Oyo state is being ranked consistently above its peers, especially in developmental governance and prudent financial management,” he said.

    Prof. Babatunde was appointed SSG on Monday, January 5, 2026. A former lecturer in the Department of Economics at the University of Ibadan, he joined the Makinde administration in 2019 as Special Adviser on Economic Affairs before later serving as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning until his latest appointment. He hails from Oyo.

  • Forum commends Ogun govt’s plan to stop illegal miners

    Forum commends Ogun govt’s plan to stop illegal miners

    The Ibile Justice Forum, an advocacy group fighting the cause of justice, has praised the Ogun State government for its decisive action towards ending the menace of illegal mining across the state.

    This commendation followed the intervention of the State Government, which on Tuesday ordered the cessation of all illegal mining activities across the state including some communities in Iloro I, Iloro II and Ibiri village in the Ado-Odo area of Ogun State, allegedly by SAF Investment and Property Company Limited. 

    Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owootomo, had on Tuesday, reiterated the State Government commitments towards safeguarding farmlands, a goal, he said, remains a top priority of the administration.

    The State Government reportedly ordered the immediate cessation of the unauthorised mining activities in the communities by the company.

    According to the Commissioner, no directive was issued by the State Government permitting the company to mine in the area, prompting swift intervention once the activities were discovered.

    “Upon becoming aware of the situation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security engaged the company directly. The company acknowledged the concerns raised and agreed to halt all operations at the site immediately,” Owootomo said.

    He added that the company has commenced the evacuation of its equipment and materials from the affected locations, noting that the process is already underway.

    “To ensure compliance, formal communication, including a written notice, has been issued to document the agreement,” he stated.

    The Commissioner further assured residents of the affected communities that SAF Investment and Property Company Limited would no longer operate in the area, emphasising that monitoring and enforcement measures remain in force to prevent future violations.

    In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Ifeoluwa Amoo and Comrade Ganiu Owolabi, the Forum described the government’s action has indeed heartening and something to cheer about.

    According to the group, the state government’s timely intervention coming at this critical point in time is indeed reassuring and gives a sense that the lives of the less privileged people matter too.

    In the statement which reads in part, the Forum said: “We are immensely grateful to the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led government for its prompt intervention to nip the menace of illegal mining activities across the state in the bud and feel very strongly that such gestures would send the right signal to the downtrodden that their lives and livelihoods also matter in the scheme of things.

    “We are indeed persuaded that such ill-conceived, selfish motives by a section of the public aimed to achieve selfish interests of a few, would not arise again and we also hope that members of the communities wherever they need to take ownership of their land by observing internal vigilance of their environment and be ready to call out anyone who acts in ways that would further undermine the peace and stability of their communities going forward.

    “Again, we reiterate that the state government must as a matter of urgency ensure that companies involved in all manner of illegalities including economic sabotage and other actions capable of jeopardizing public interest must be treated as the criminals they are and made to face the wrath of the law with no mercy whatsoever.”