The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • FG urges youth leaders to be ambassadors of Nigeria, promote inclusivity

    FG urges youth leaders to be ambassadors of Nigeria, promote inclusivity

    The federal government, through the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has urged youth leaders across the country to be ambassadors of the country by promoting inclusivity for the development of our country.

    The minister, who stated this on Monday in Lafia while speaking through Chief Obinna Nwaka, at a two-day national retreat of the Traditional Youth Chief Forum of Nigeria (TYCN), stressed the importance of transparency and inclusivity, regardless of political affiliations.

    “Let us avoid greed. Most of us here, when given opportunities by the government or corporate organizations, divert resources for personal gain. As youth chiefs, we must promote inclusivity and be ambassadors of our country,” he said.

    He emphasised that youth chiefs must serve as agents of peace, unity, and national development.

    “Your leadership is vital in guiding our youth to appreciate their heritage while embracing innovation. True peace involves dialogue, respect for diversity, and a commitment to coexistence,” he added.

    Nwaka also called for greater youth empowerment and patriotism, urging participants to reposition Nigeria positively to attract investment and development.

    Also speaking, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Danladi Jatau, emphasised the need for peace and unity in the country.

    He urged the youth chiefs to support the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while making the most of the training.

    “I encourage you to effectively engage yourselves in this two-day training to better position yourselves as instruments of peace and unity in your respective communities,” he said.

    In his welcome remarks, the National Chairman of the Traditional Youth Chief Forum of Nigeria (TYCN), Barr. Aliyu Yusuf Shehu described the retreat as more than a ceremonial gathering, but a critical call to action for youth leaders across the country.

    He emphasised that youth chiefs have a unique and strategic role in bridging the gap between tradition and modern governance, noting that their positions carry the responsibility of fostering unity, promoting peace, and driving grassroots development.

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    He called on all traditional youth chiefs to rise above ethnic and political sentiments and work collectively for the progress of their communities and the country at large.

    “As custodians of our culture and intermediaries between the younger generation and traditional leadership structures, we must ensure our influence is used to promote inclusion, peacebuilding, and innovation,” Shehu stated.

    He stressed the importance of repositioning the forum to meet current developmental challenges through active engagement and partnerships.

    Shehu further encouraged participants to see the retreat as a platform to learn, share experiences, and develop action plans that will make meaningful impacts in their localities.

    He expressed confidence in the ability of the youth chiefs to champion development initiatives

  • Onofowokan, Akinyemi, Randle underscore team spirit in project devt

    Onofowokan, Akinyemi, Randle underscore team spirit in project devt

    NOTABLE Nigerians have asked citizens to be driven by team spirit to achieve infrastructural development or build viable projects of their dreams for the betterment of their organisations and the society at large.

    According to them, team spirit engenders selflessness that will enable them to contribute generously and show total commitment to completion of projects, regardless of prevailing socio-economic situation of the time.

    They spoke at an event organised by The Secretariat Membership Club, which was founded in 1991. The three-in-one event, which took place at the clubhouse in Ikeja, focused on fund raising for new clubhouse, induction of new members, and award nights.

    Chairman of the occasion and the Asiwaju of Remo Kingdom, Dr Solomon Kayode Onafowokan, noted that with the array and stature of personalities present at the event, there was strong indication that the project in focus would be completed in no time, especially if all were driven by team spirit.

    “By team spirit, everybody, no matter your status, would play their parts by giving something.

     “Yes, we know the times are tough, but in the midst of the toughness, we will always find away to accomplish our goals, especially if we work together as a team.”

    Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, who was the royal father of the day, underscored the need for team spirit and urged the club to, in addition to its clubhouse project, key into food security agenda of the Federal Government.

     “A social club, like the Secretariat Club, can have a farm, go into poultry, piggery, or fishing farming so that communities would be impacted by their activities.”

     He also urged the club to be committed to assisting out-of-school children roaming the streets.

    “Another project I would like this club to focus on is the issue of Almajiri. It’s quite unfortunate that most of our leaders today, who benefited from Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s welfarist programmes, have failed to uphold or resuscitate them.

    “There’s no country committed to sustainable development that would not prioritise free education, at least, at primary to secondary school levels. But today we are talking about developing Nigeria, while the children are left on the streets hawking, committing crimes and being abused,” he said.

    He warned that the abandoned children of today would become criminals if they were not taken care of.

     “I appeal to this social club to intervene by taking the care of the out-of-school children, even if it only two of them.”

    While pledging his support for the new clubhouse, he added: “I believe in education trust fund and security trust fund and will support any initiative on that.”

    President of the Club, Otunba Ayodeji Randle, said the club was driven by its motto: “Harmony, Progress and Recreation.”

     On the fundraiser, the president said: “Despite challenges, our shared goals unite us as one big family. Today’s efforts aim to lay a foundation for future members.”

    He recalled that the club was founded by aviation professionals seeking a work-life balance, adding that today’s members of the club were only building on the legacy by founding members.

    “Now it is our turn to expand and hand over a modern club to future generations,” he added.

    He congratulated newly inducted members and those awards recipients.   

    The Chairman of the Organising Committee for the event, Wale Oshodi Esq,Asked explained why the club had remained vibrant even in the face of the stifling socio-economic situation.

    According to him, members understoodtheimportance ofwork life balance, especially during excruciating socio-econmic times.

    “After hard days’ job, Nigerians need to recreate in a relaxed atmosphere to generate strength for days ahead. Many people are slumping and dying because they no longer recreate. The economic situation in the country cannot be an excuse. The people need to recreate to live.”

    Beyond recreation, he described the club as a meeting point for cross-fertilisation ideas.

    He also described the induction of 20 members at the event as a great improvement, saying the last exercise had about seven members.

  • Ondo Police train 160 personnel

    Ondo Police train 160 personnel

    Ondo State Command has started the training of its 160 personnel on intelligence gathering.

    Ondo Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, said at the opening ceremony that the programme was targeted at transforming constables and corporals into intelligence operatives.

    The CP said officers were expected to leverage smartphones for real-time intelligence submission and spontaneous reactions of crimes, including kidnapping ransom, murder, arson, cultism, and other forms of violent criminality.

    He explained that intelligence gathering and firmness were crucial to ensuring a proactive measure for a peaceful state.

    Afolabi expressed optimism that the participants would be better positioned to bridge the existing gaps, rebuild public trust, and enhance the overall security architecture of communities across the 18 council areas of the state.

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    His words: “Intelligence gathering is one of the most important sections that is instrumental to breakthrough when it comes to policing and it’s so unfortunate that it’s one aspect that is so neglected.”

    “When I was the Assistant Commissioner of Police, OC Intelligence, Lagos, it gave me the opportunity to know that wherever I find myself, I should pursue the subject of intelligence gathering holistically. So, what we see happening did come by accident. And to put the icing on the cake, it falls in line with the agenda of our Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s agenda.

    “The IGP, too, feels so concerned about the subject of intelligence and just two weeks ago, he was in Ilorin to revamp the intelligence school. Part of his agenda, too, is on capacity building because we can’t be talking about professionalism, and then we exclude training. The catalyst that brings out professionalism is training, capacity building. And you will discover that since I arrived that has been my focus.

    “You may not see the effects in the shortest time because training has what they call long-lasting effect now, it may be when I finally leave this place, but one thing I can tell you is that we are laying a long-lasting foundation which will go a long way to address the security challenges we are facing today.

    “When I did what they call system analysis, I discovered that there was nothing like intelligence when I arrived here.”

  • Dearth of doctors hits Kwara hospitals

    Dearth of doctors hits Kwara hospitals

    Kwara State Government yesterday decried dearth of doctors at the state’s health facilities.

    This development is caused by the brain drain otherwise known as ‘Japa’ syndrome, Executive Secretary, Kwara State Hospital Management Board, Dr AbdulRaheem AbdulMalik has said.

    He was addressing reporters in Ilorin at an inter-ministerial news briefing organised by the Ministry of Information.

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    He said the board could not find doctors to recruit to work under the state government, despite approval given by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to recruit doctors.

    Abdulmalik said the government had only 99 doctors, as against the required 180 to 200 medical personnel for the state, adding that only 96 doctors were on the government’s payroll before.

  • Oyo warns agitators over boundary dispute

    Oyo warns agitators over boundary dispute

    Oyo State Government has intervened in the boundary dispute between the state and Osun.

    In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Oyo government counselled both sides of the divide to stop the back-and-forth blame game and allow the two state governments to continue mature discussions on the resolution of the land dispute.

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    The commissioner said Governors Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke were cooperating with the National Boundary Commission through their representatives and believed amicable resolution would be arrived at soon.

  • ‘No vacancy in Ekiti Govt House till 2030’

    ‘No vacancy in Ekiti Govt House till 2030’

    Retirees under the auspices of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ekiti State chapter, have said there is no vacancy in the Government House till 2030.

    The pensioners, who declared support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election, called on governorship aspirants jostling for the plum seat to shelve their ambition and join hands with the governor for the state’s progress.

    Speaking in Ado-Ekiti yesterday during a programme organised to endorse Governor Oyebanji for re-election, the

    NUP Chairman, Ekiti chapter, Comr. Tope Popoola, said the governor was doing creditably well and there was no need to prevent him from taking Ekiti to higher pedestal.

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    Popoola, who lauded the governor for his promise-keeping spirit and inclusive governance, said Ekiti people had no regret in entrusting him with their mandate during the 2022 governorship election.

    He added that Oyebanji had brought a new lease of life to all segments in the state, noting that the pensioners have never had it so good, especially in terms of welfare package, pension and gratuity.

    He said the record of the governor on pensioners’ welfare was unprecedented in the history of Ekiti, hence, their support for his re-election.

    He highlighted Oyebanji’s achievements, including appointment of special adviser on pension matter, regular payments of pension, liquidation of inherited gratuity and payment of N10,000 palliatives to members.

    ‘’This endorsement is total. All members collectively agreed to endorse the best governor in Nigeria, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, because he initiated regular payments of monthly pension, gradual liquidation of the inherited gratuities, payment of pension arrears and payment of N10,000 palliatives fund to our members.

    “The governor’s personal donation of a sum of N15million towards our guest house project, appointment of advisor on pension matters, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria, are areas where our lives have been touched directly by this governor. We are happy that you made promises and fulfilled them.

    “While thanking you for all that you have been doing for the pensioners to enhance our welfare, we have come with one voice to adopt you and reciprocate your giant strides with unflinching support during the next elections.”

    The NUP National Vice-President, Com. Ayo Kumapayi, commended Oyebanji for restoring the respect and dignity of the pensioners in the state and making them credit worthy to be able to participate in economic activities.

    “I can remember a time in this state, our members were so poor that we became subjects of ridicule in the market. But today, Oyebanji has reversed this trend and restored our respect and dignity. We now go to market and buy whatever we need. God bless our governor,” he said.

    Responding, Oyebanji praised the pensioners for their unflinching support, saying their full backing further lent credence to the fact that his administration had not disappointed the populace.

    Oyebanji, represented by his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, assured pensioners that their well-being was a priority, promising to continue addressing challenges faced by the senior citizens.

  • Group inaugurates executive members

    Group inaugurates executive members

    Ibadan Solidarity Group (ISG), an affiliate of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), has inaugurated executive members under the leadership of Alhaji Ademola Ogunsesan (FCA).

    Others inaugurated are Elder Adedokun Olufunso (FCIB) as vice president 1, Abiodun Adedoja as vice president 2, Dr Tunde Tairu as general secretary and Dr Moshood Olorunsesan as treasurer.

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    Mr Temitope Adeyemi becomes financial secretary, Seye Amusat, chief whip, Barrister Akinsanmi, legal adviser, Chief Remi Adedeji (FCAI) and Lawrence Olagunju, former general secretary, ex-officio.

    The inauguration was performed by a member of the group, who is the Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Mogaji Isiaka Olagunju (SAN).

    Some of the guests at the event include former CCII President-General, Chief Adebayo Oyero, current CCII President-General, Ajeniyi Ajewole, Bimbo Adekanmbi and others.

  • Ogun monarch empowers subjects

    Ogun monarch empowers subjects

    The traditional ruler of Ogereland in Ikenne Local Government of Ogun State, Ologere of Ogere Remo, Oba James Obafemi Saliu, Kankanbiina II, has called on the indigenes to be part of the development of the town.

    Speaking during his second anniversary on the throne, the monarch enumerated investment opportunities available in the community, urging his subjects to take the opportunities and assist in developing the town.

    The Ologere called on sons and daughters of the community to participate in its development by establishing cottage, small, medium and large industries to service the manufacturing companies in the town.

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    He called on the indigenes to renovate and convert their family houses along the tarred road to more befitting edifices.

    “We really need you to come home and be part of the development ongoing in Ogere,” the monarch said.

     As part of the activities to mark his second anniversary on the throne, he inaugurated an ultra-modern palace.

    The monarch also empowered many indigenes and non-indigenes.

    During the empowerment, artisans went home with tools and equipment. Fifty others received N100,000 each.

  • Oyetola gives out 42,000 life jackets to facilitate waterways safety

    Oyetola gives out 42,000 life jackets to facilitate waterways safety

    To enhance safety on inland waterways, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, yesterday gave out 42,000 life jackets to waterway users across 12 selected riverine states. The items were distributed at a ceremony in Minna, Niger State.

    The initiative is intended to curb the incessant boat accidents.

    Each of the beneficiary states will receive 3,500 life jackets in the first phase of the strategic safety intervention by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The initiative is one of the most comprehensive federal responses in recent times to the persistent loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways.

    “This event transcends mere ceremony; it embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely daily on our inland waterways,” Oyetola said.

    He emphasised that the life jackets distribution is a proactive, life-saving response to the recurring boat accidents.

    Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who was represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, lauded the Minister for launching the campaign in Niger State. He described the state as a “critical focal point” in the battle against waterway accidents, revealing that Niger State recorded the highest casualties from boat accidents in 2024.

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    “The state government is determined to address this issue frontally through strict enforcement and proactive intervention,” Sarkin-Daji said.

    Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, reiterated the importance of wearing life jackets, noting that while vessel owners and operators are legally responsible for providing them, the government has stepped in to bridge the gap.

    He said: “Our mission here today is to reiterate and encourage the use of lifejackets by all inland water travelers. Safety on our waters is the first rule and remains a government priority. It deserves the cooperation of all.”

    Goodwill messages were delivered by key stakeholders, including the representative of the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Chiefs, Brig. Gen. Yahaya Abubakar (Rtd); the Chairman of the Niger State House Committee on Transport; the Chairman of the Association of Boat Operators in Niger State; as well as representatives of boat commuters and community leaders. All the speakers commended the Ministry for its strategic and timely intervention.

  • Council poll: Lagos APC appoints Ogala as Election Committee chair

    Council poll: Lagos APC appoints Ogala as Election Committee chair

    As preparations hot up towards the July 10 local government election into the 57 local government chairmanship offices and 376 councillors in the legislative arm, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has appointed a former national legal adviser of the party and one-time member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Babatunde Ogala, as the chairman of the Electoral Committee. Mr. Babarinde Nurudeen was appointed as the secretary.

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    The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Seye Oladejo, said the committee was empowered to oversee the activities and processes leading to the conduct of elections into the grassroots positions.

    He said: “The party has considered the immense experience of the gentlemen in making the appointment. We have no doubt that they will deliver on this important assignments.

    “We urge all and sundry to give the requisite support and cooperation to ensure our collective success.”