The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Oniru hails Access Holdings’ role in development

    Oniru hails Access Holdings’ role in 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 monarch said, “Access Holdings has, over the years, distinguished itself as a builder of futures. Your contributions go far beyond finance and include bold investments in infrastructure, education, entrepreneurship, and urban transformation.”

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: World’s 11 most powerful passports in 2025

    The monarch also used the occasion to request Access Holdings’ support in providing a dedicated Personal Power Supply (PPS) system to the Iru Kingdom, a move he said would significantly improve energy access and stimulate further economic activities in the area.

    The monarch described the late former Group CEO of Access Bank, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, as a visionary patriot whose legacy in public-private security initiatives, particularly through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, remains unmatched.

  • Monarch inducted into Epe council of traditional rulers

    Monarch inducted into Epe council of traditional rulers

    The Orijeru of Igbooye Kingdom, Oba AbdulRasaq Akanni Musa, has been formally inducted into the Epe Council of Obas and Chiefs.

    The investiture ceremony took place during the recent council’s general meeting held at the Epe Local Government Secretariat.

    The investiture is historic as it is exactly one year after the kingdom formally presented Prince AbdulRasaq Akanni Musa to the esteemed Council of Obas and Chiefs for their endorsement, as part of the initial process leading to the eventual installation and presentation of the staff of office by the State Government.

    The meeting of the Epe Council of Obas and Chiefs was presided over by the Chairman, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, the Oloja of Epe.

    In his remarks, Oba Animashaun warmly welcomed Oba Musa into the fold of traditional rulers within the division.

    READ ALSO: Issues in Lagos APC LG primaries

     He also offered words of encouragement and fervent prayers, wishing him a successful and impactful reign as the Orijeru of Igbooye Kingdom.

    Following the investiture, Oba Musa hosted a brief but symbolic reception at the Orijeru Palace, where he met with key stakeholders of Igbooye Kingdom, including the Igbooye Council of Baales.

    During the gathering, the Orijeru made a major announcement regarding the appointment of traditional chiefs who will serve as pillars of traditional governance and cultural stewardship within the kingdom.

    The newly appointed traditional chiefs are as follows: Chief AbdulBariu Olugbenga Quadri as Olisa; Chief Moruff Oluwadare Salami as Egbo; Chief Rufus Adedipe as Aare; Chief Yinka Oguntimehin as Balogun and Chief Rasaq Sanni as Otun.

    They also include Chief Oluranti Adebanjo as Eleku; Chief Adegbenro Otunnowo as Oluti; Chief (Mrs.) Silifatu Amadasun as Iyalode; and Mrs. Olusola Odusanya-Omotoso as Erelu.

  • Nobody can stop Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 – Jandor

    Nobody can stop Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 – Jandor

    The 2023 PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State and lead visioner of the Lagos4Lagos movement, Mr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran aka Jandor) has described the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 as unstoppable.

    Adediran had on March 3 resigned from the PDP and announced his return to his former party, the APC.

    Speaking during a rally to announce his return to the APC in Ojo area of Lagos on Friday, Adediran explained that his assignment presently was to work towards the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

    Adediran said the positive results of Tinubu’s people-centred reforms and recent defections into the party have made the president’s re-election in 2027 unstoppable, if he decides to re-contest.

    He said: “Our conviction to come back home is a result of the reforms that Mr President is doing.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom has adopted Tinubu, Eno for 2027, says Senate President

    “Removal of fuel subsidy makes Tinubu a selfless President because he would have ordinarily allowed the status quo to remain to secure a second term in office.

    “The President is poised to do what is best for the country, and the reforms are yielding results for the country now.

    “That is why we are going to do everything humanly possible to make sure we work for his re-election.

    “Our priority is to ensure that we see to how this man will return in 2027 to further reposition the country,“ he said.

    Adediran, who noted that though he did not win as PDP candidate in 2023, his struggle, however, opened up political opportunities for people of the Badagry division in the APC.

    In his response, the Lagos State APC chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, who noted that the party was proud to have Mr Adediran and his team back, urged the leaders to accommodate the team.

    Meanwhile, Olushola Idowu, the chairman of Ojo Local Government, described the return of  Adediran as a good addition to the APC, especially in Ojo Local Government, urging party members to welcome him and his followers with open arms.

    Also speaking, Kayode Robert, commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, commended Adediran for his courage to return to the ruling party.

  • Olowu of Kuta: My induction into NBR hall of fame comes with greater responsibility

    Olowu of Kuta: My induction into NBR hall of fame comes with greater responsibility

    The Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun III, has described his induction into the Nigerian Books of Record (NBR) Hall of Fame as a call to greater service.

    Speaking at his palace in Kuta on Saturday following the honour, Oba Makama said the recognition has placed a huge responsibility on him, emphasising the need to intensify efforts to positively project Nigeria’s image both nationally and internationally.

    The monarch stressed the importance of collective efforts in achieving this mission and pledged his full support to the NBR in his new role as a brand ambassador.

    He said,  “On behalf of my good people of Owu Kuta and Olowu in council, I want to heartily welcome you to my kingdom, the Owu Kuta. A land flowing with milk and honour. 

    “I also want to appreciate the Federal Ministry of Information and, by extension, the National Orientation Agency, NOA, and, more importantly, the Nigerian Books of Record, NBR, for this recognition. I’m fully aware that it comes with huge responsibility. 

    “As you are also aware that I have contributed and am still contributing anytime the need arises to project the Nigerian military which is the symbol of our sovereignty and encourage the officers and men for their sacrifice to rid  our country of divisive elements manifesting  in various forms. 

    “As a result of this, I was recognised by the administration of Gen Muhammadu Buhari rtd, who conferred on me the National honour of Commander of the Order of The Niger, CON.

    “For me , I’m conscious of the fact that the role of traditional rulers in securing their communities  and nation building to use the legal term is sine qua non to egalitarian society.

    “I am also aware that the  NBR was conceived to promote and support the Government in laundering the Nigerian image, by celebrating Nigeria’s excellent records in other to drive the campaign of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (Nigeria) and National Orientation Agency (Nigeria), NOA of attitudinal re-orientation.

    “I align with this onerous task and will ensure that I join in this project of nation building so that the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain.”

    Read Also: New Year: Olowu of Kuta greets Nigerians, calls for unity, national progress

    Speaking earlier, the Director General of NBR, Prof David David, said Oba Makama was found worthy of the honour because of the goodwill he has created for the country both nationally and internationally. 

    He said, ” Our research team did a thorough job to discover Oba Makama based on his intimidating citation to arrive at his choice as the first to be so honoured in the entire Osun State.”

    Also, two awards were also delivered to Oba Makama in quick succession alongside the NBR’s induction. 

    The Big Brothers Club and Nigeria Youth Council, led by its President Aare Oladotun Hassan, conferred on Olowu awards for his developmental efforts in Kuta, his efforts at rallying Yoruba obas together and being a national Icon.

    An elated Oba Makama flanked by his Olori Abebi was grinning from ear to ear as media practitioners, community leaders, and captains of industry joined him in the celebration. 

    Dignitaries at the Occasion include the Rector of Iree Polytechnic,  who represented Osun State Governor, Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, Member House of Representatives, representing Iwo, Aiyedire and Ola Oluwa federal constituencies, Hon Mudashiru Lookman, Hon Akinyemi Elijah of Osun State House of Assembly. 

    Others were pro- Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof Siyan Oyeweso, Timi of Ede, Oba  Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa 11 , Olu of Ile- Ogbo, Oba Olupona, Oba Obaloyan,  Kwara State among others.

  • MKO Abiola’s ally Su-Kazeem knocks Tinubu’s critics

    MKO Abiola’s ally Su-Kazeem knocks Tinubu’s critics

    An elder statesman and ally to winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, MKO Abiola, Alhaji Sufianu Kazeem, otherwise known as Su-Kazeem, has knocked some past leaders criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    A statement by Su-Kazeem stated that he has been vindicated going by recent comment by former Minister, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi.

    Akinyemi in a viral video called on former ex- President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi and others to stop making unnecessary comments against Tinubu’s administration and allow him to concentrate.

    Su-Kazeem said this has been what he has been clamouring for since Tinubu became President.

    He expressed surprise at what he described as unneeded and unsolicited advice for Tinubu by the past leaders.

    Read Also: MKO Abiola Sports Complex to host Super Falcons, Indomitable Lionesses  

    He urged them like in the words of Professor Bolaji Akinyemi to go and take their deserved rest and observe like former Heads of State General Yakubu Gowon and Abdul Salam Abubakar.

    Like Akinyemi, Kazeem condemned Obasanjo’s continuous attacks on the person and office of Tinubu, urging on him to henceforth desist from such action.

    He said: “Atiku Abubakar has continued to show his desperation even at the detriment of the progress and development of Nigeria.

    “He behaves as if he has all Nigerians in his pocket with the way he talks and address national issues which ordinarily should be done with selfless and not with selfish interest.”

  • PDP can register as new political party, if too weakened to win elections—Basiru

    PDP can register as new political party, if too weakened to win elections—Basiru

    • Receives PDP defectors in Osun ahead 2026

    The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress   (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has advised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to register as a new political party if its leadership feels it is too weak to win elections.

    Basiru advised while responding to questions from newsmen shortly after receiving PDP leaders and hundreds of their supporters who defected to the APC in Osogbo.

    Basiru said: “By constitutional provision, Nigeria can’t be a one-party state, because section 221 of the constitution allows people to vie for offices with the instrumentality of political parties, and there are procedures for the registration of political parties.

    “If PDP today believed they have become so weakened and battered that the party is no longer a mechanism for elections, they should go and register as another political entity but as far as I am concerned, we are committed to building a party that is virile that resonate with the masses of Nigeria people.”

    The APC scribe said President Bola Tinubu has shown true and courageous leadership and is steering the ship of Nigeria towards international recognition, an effort that is enjoying international rating and recognition from global economic and financial bodies.

    Commenting about the 2026 Osun state guber election, he said APC will unseat Governor Ademola Adeleke, tasking members to continue to work towards getting back the state from the present leadership.

    Read Also: Delta PDP regroups after Oborevwori’s defection

    “The present Osun government can’t benefit the Osun people, the government has failed in so many sectors like the education, health sector, and Agriculture. Despite the quantum increase in the allocation of the state has not reflected in terms of qualitative governance in Osun State.”

    Basiru, on behalf of the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, presented the party’s symbols to the leaders of the new members: Alhaji Tajudeen Adekunle and Mr. Ismail Adisa, known as Adogan.

    Among other APC stalwarts who graced the event were Osun Central Senatorial leader, Honourable Adeoye Adelakun, and the former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Adegboye Akintunde.

  • Adeleke’s kinsmen back APC, NIWA boss for Osun guber seat in 2026

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

    Kinsmen of Governor Ademola Adeleke from Ede Town, under the auspices of Ghaff Unity, have backed an All Progressives Congress(APC) chieftain and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority(NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, for 2025 Osun state guber seat.

    The leader of the group, Ajani Ayodeji, disclosed that they are from Ede North Local Government Area where Governor Adeleke of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) comes from and trust the capacity of Oyebamiji to govern the state.

    Ayodeji in a statement said: “As the Osun State governorship elections draw nearer, it is imperative to call for impactful and purposeful leadership because Osun takes the back seat, and the last two and a half years have been marked by poor handling of our state’s human, financial, and mineral resources.

    Read Also: Osun rector begs Adeleke to confirm 17-year contract staff, decries funding challenges

    “Osun, a fortress for the progressives until recently, deserves to be reconnected to the national power bloc to key into the developmental agenda of the federal government and ensure strategic alignment for growth and economic stability.

    “Hence, Bola Oyebamiji, a seasoned banker, humanist, economist, and public administrator of repute, remains the best option for the state. His extensive and valuable experience in both private and public administration positions him as the best man to drive the needed change that Osun desires.”

     “We urge our leaders, Chief Bisi Akande, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola CON, and every stakeholder who desires to see the prosperity of Osun and thirsts for her greatness to support Oyebamiji.”

  • Meranda calls for commitment, support for boy-child

    Meranda calls for commitment, support for boy-child

    In celebration of the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child, the deputy speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has called for support every boy child for them to attain their natural potential.

    In a message to mark this year’s International Day of the Boy Child, Meranda urged the world to take a moment and to rise in support of the boy child.

    Meranda said this year’s theme, ‘Building Self-esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen,’ speaks to the heart of the needs of the boy child.

    According to her, society should take some moment to the boy child and encourage them to believe in themselves, adding that society owe it to the boy child to thrive through robust policies.

    The statement reads: “Today, we proudly celebrate the International Day of the Boy Child — a moment to reflect, to recommit, and to rise in support of every boy’s potential.

    Read Also: Meranda commends South West games organisers for excellent event   

    “The theme for this year, ‘Building Self-esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen,” speaks to the heart of what our boys need most — a society that listens to them, believes in them, and encourages them to believe in themselves.

    “As the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I recognize the urgent need to create nurturing environments where boys are taught not just to be strong, but to be thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, and confident in who they are. We must be intentional about raising boys who are not afraid to speak their truth, take up space, and shape their world with dignity and purpose.

  • AFAN hosts 2,000 women farmers across 57 Lagos councils

    AFAN hosts 2,000 women farmers across 57 Lagos councils

    The Lagos Chapter of Women in Agriculture, All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN), has held its 2025 edition of Sustainable Agriculture Summit and Award Ceremony, a one-day programme organised to celebrate women farmers all over the state and discuss matters that concern them.

    Themed: “She Farms, She Cares. The Importance of Women in the Food Security Chain,” the summit garnered over 2,000 women farmers from across the 57 local governments in Lagos State.

    Speaking at the event, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Mrs. Abisola Olusanya, assured the attendees of the government’s commitment to agricultural development.

    He said: “Through our five-year developmental roadmap, we are committed to achieving 40 per cent food self-sufficiency with targeted investment and initiatives that empower our farmers, especially women who are the backbone of our food systems.”

    Read Also: 1,400 Osun farmers benefit from Renewed Hope Agenda support

    “We are investing in infrastructure, supporting agric businesses, fostering partnerships to generate billions of dollars of agricultural investment in the next years,” he said.

    AFAN Chairman, Otunba Femi Oke, called on youths to take up agriculture as a viable career path, citing opportunities for grants and growth.

    Deputy Chairman of the Association, Shakin Agbayewa, revealed that one of the major challenges farmers face is access to empowerment schemes, stating that collateral-free loans are also a major obstacle.

    The Women Leader of the association, Olayide Afolake, appealed to both the state and federal government for financial support and mechanized tools to ease farming operations.

  • Badagry West delegates fault result of LG primaries, demand justice

    Badagry West delegates fault result of LG primaries, demand justice

    Delegates from the Badagry West Local Government have faulted the recently concluded local council primaries, describing it as daylight robbery of their votes.

    Speaking during a protest held at the Lagos State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogba, Ikeja, the protesters demanded the outright return of their votes and a declaration of their candidate, Oluremi Funmi Nutayi, as the winner of the election.

    Secretary of Nutayi’s campaign organization, Mr. Emmanuel Bankole, urged the APC leadership and the electoral committee to consider the future of the party by doing justice to their appeal for the restoration of Nutayi’s mandate.

    Read Also: Lagos lawmaker Bonus rejoices as Sanwo-Olu approves power restoration funds for Badagry West communities

    ”APC  was founded on equity and justice. But what happened last Saturday was nothing short of an eyesore. The security was so tight, and the delegates went in, and our agent and aspirant were not given any tags of identification as against the rules of the election. They were asked to vote and leave the venue of the voting. As law-abiding members of the APC, our delegates voted and left the place. However, what was announced as a result on Saturday was a complete embarrassment to the party.

    ” We are dissatisfied with the result of the election, hence we have filed our appeal to the Appeal Committee set up by the party. The rights of the delegates have been completely taken from them and our aspirant came with 13 delegates but by the time the results were announced we were told that one of the comtestanst got 19 votes, one other aspirant got one vote, one Sessi got one vote, Kudus Sewanu got one vote and Damilola James got one vote. Now, the total votes announced were 22, while the records showed that 25 delegates from Badagry West LGA participated and were allowed to vote. So, how could 13 votes belonging to our candidate disappear without a trace?