The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Lagos LG poll: Agege chairmanship aspirant writes open letter to Tinubu, seeks transparent primaries

    Lagos LG poll: Agege chairmanship aspirant writes open letter to Tinubu, seeks transparent primaries

    A chairmanship aspirant for the upcoming Lagos State local government elections in Agege, Hon. Taiwo Olasunkanmi Samuel (TOS), has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in the area conduct transparent and intimidation-free primaries.

    In an open letter addressed to the president, Samuel emphasised that the Agege election is more than just a local political exercise—it is a critical test of democratic integrity in the community.

    He stressed that the outcome of the primaries would serve as a reflection of whether grassroots voices are genuinely respected in the political process.

    The letter read: “My dear father and leader,

    “With the deepest sense of respect and loyalty, I write to you not just as an aspirant in the upcoming Agege Local Government election scheduled for July 12, but as a son of the soil, a full-blooded member of the Agege community, and more importantly, a citizen who believes in the Nigeria you dream of—a nation where fairness, justice, and merit are not mere slogans but lived realities.

    “Mr. President, permit me to speak from the heart, the way a son would approach a beloved father in moments of earnest desire. I have no doubt that your heart beats for this country, and that your highest ambition is to leave behind a legacy built on equity and truth. That is why I am reaching out, not to ask for favours, but for what I know you too believe in—a level playing field for all. Everyone can testify that this is one of your philosophies that has endeared your teeming loyalists, including me, to you.

    “The coming election in Agege is not just a local contest; it is a litmus test of our democratic maturity. It is a mirror that reflects whether or not the voices of the grassroots truly matter in our polity. I have lived among my people, I have eaten from their pots, shared in their sorrows and celebrated their joys. I understand their yearnings not through reports or secondhand tales, but through lived experience. I am one of them—one of their own—and I can tell you today that what they desire is not imposition, not manipulation, but fair play. They want a chance to choose. They want a system that listens, not one that dictates.

    Read Also: Group urges APC leaders to allow open nomination, fair chairmanship primaries in Agege

    “I am not the son of a wealthy kingmaker, nor the favourite of powerful brokers. What I am is a child of Agege—born, bred, and shaped by its streets and its stories. I have watched our community rise in resilience, and I know we are capable of achieving more with the right kind of leadership. Agege people want that leadership elected, not anointed.

    “Your Excellency, I ask you—as a son appeals to his father—please ensure that the machinery of democracy is not hijacked at the grassroots. Let the will of the people be the deciding force in who leads them. Let every aspirant, whether backed by wealth or willpower, have equal opportunity to test their popularity. That is the Nigeria we believe in. That is the Nigeria you are building. That is the leader you are known for.

    “I believe in your vision. I believe that under your guidance, we can lay the foundation for a more purposeful and people-driven form of representation. Give us a fair ground to run, and let the people decide who truly represents their hopes.

    “As your son in this vast family called Nigeria, I do not ask for special treatment. I ask only for fairness. And I know, deep down, that you will not deny us that.

    “May God bless you with the wisdom to continue to lead this nation aright. And may He bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. With utmost respect and sincerity, I remain your loyal political son”

  • Origin Tech Group champions national growth, stakeholder happiness in Easter message

    Origin Tech Group champions national growth, stakeholder happiness in Easter message

    In a season defined by reflection, renewal, and the promise of fresh beginnings, Origin Tech Group is aligning itself with a new wave of national transformation and development.

    Prince SJ Samuel, Executive Chairman of the company, delivered a message of hope and resilience, drawing inspiration from the spirit of Easter and the broader context of Nigeria’s journey toward growth and progress.

    “Life happens in seasons, and just like this period, Nigeria too is in a season of renewal,” Prince SJ Samuel said. “It is a time to strengthen our faith—not just in God—but in ourselves, in each other, and in the greatness that lies ahead for our country.”

    According to him, this period reflects Origin Tech Group’s deeper commitment to what it terms “heralding happiness”—a vision to ensure that every interaction with the company and its subsidiaries brings value, uplifts communities, and drives meaningful national development.

    “We want to be the company that brings joy to every home, every community, and every stakeholder we serve,” Prince SJ Samuel emphasised. “Our goal is to make wholesome, healthy living affordable and accessible, allowing people to thrive in all situations and truly enjoy the best of life.”

    At the forefront of innovation in agriculture, engineering, and logistics for over twenty-five years, Origin Tech Group Nigeria Limited is championing a national rebirth through strategic investments and infrastructure development. 

    Read Also: Nigerian tech entrepreneur wins $30,000 award

    From the construction of modern farm estates to provision of cutting-edge agricultural equipment and the establishment of the largest logistics hub in the sub-Sahara, the Group is actively contributing to economic resilience and food security.

    “In the sector I represent—agriculture—the right things are being done. New ladders are opening up, opportunities are emerging, and for the first time, we are witnessing a scale of progress that gives me hope that Nigeria will soon feed the world,” he stated.

    Prince Samuel urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, unified, and committed to the vision of a prosperous nation.

    “This is the only country we all have,” he concluded. “Let us keep the faith. Let us rise together. Let us shine together.”

  • Group urges APC leaders to allow open nomination, fair chairmanship primaries in Agege

    Group urges APC leaders to allow open nomination, fair chairmanship primaries in Agege

    Ahead of the July 2025 local government elections in Lagos state, a civil society group, Concern Group Initiative (CGI), has called on stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to guarantee a transparent and fair nomination process for the Agege local government chairmanship race.

    The appeal came amid growing concerns over alleged political intimidation and the imposition of candidates within the party.

    Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, CGI urged the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and other APC leaders in Agege to step in and ensure that all qualified aspirants have access to nomination forms and are allowed to contest freely without undue interference.

    “We are tired of political impositions,” said Mr. Dele Olajuwon, leader of the group. “Let interested and qualified candidates contest. Let the people decide—not a handful of powerful individuals.”

    The group also raised alarm over increasing reports of intimidation by party elites and condemned the rumoured endorsement of Abdulganiyu Obasa—son of the Speaker—as the APC’s preferred chairmanship candidate.

    Speaking further, CGI’s publicity secretary, Onakoya, criticised the alleged endorsement, warning that democracy in Agege is at risk if such undemocratic practices continue.

    “We are calling for an open and fair process where all qualified candidates can pick up nomination forms without the shadow of nepotism looming over them,” he said.

    Mr Adebayo Ogunleye, a prominent member of the group stressed that leadership should be based on merit and community service, not family ties.

    “Agege deserves a leader who understands its unique challenges and is committed to genuine service—not someone installed because of their last name,” Ogunleye added.

    He urged APC officials to uphold transparency and inclusivity throughout the electoral process. 

    Ogunleye warned that political favouritism would not only disenfranchise the people but also erode trust in the party’s democratic values.

    Read Also: Lagos council poll: APC chairmanship aspirants to pay N5.5m nomination fees

    The group leader, however, pledged to mobilise community members, increase political awareness, and advocate for a level playing field.

    “We will continue engaging local leaders and educating voters to ensure their voices are heard in this critical election,” he said.

  • Osun AG inspects razed buildings

    Osun AG inspects razed buildings

    • Laments poor security at courts
    • ’Renovation of courtrooms underway’

    Following attack on Osun State High Court, Ilesa by suspected arsonists, razing of courtrooms and registry, the Attorney-General, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, and other state executives yesterday inspected the level of damage.

    It will be recalled that the police launched a probe after suspected arsonists razed the courtroom and the registry on Sunday evening.

    Governor Ademole Adeleke lamented that vital documents were destroyed in the inferno.

    Speaking after inspecting the level of damage, Jimi-Bada lamented poor security at the court, noting that that was not the first time it would be attacked.

    He said: ‘’We need to secure this place because this is not the first time this will happen. My brother-commissioner told me that they attacked and burnt former Court II in 2017.

    “Also, last year, they carted away electric cables from this court. This nonsense has to stop. We will start almost immediately. We cannot abandon the court, the judge cannot sit. We have to prioritise the security of this place. No matter what we do, they will still come. So, we need to secure here. We should work on the solar, pending the time we will work on the cable. We will start almost immediately.”

    Read Also: NBA condemns arson of Osun High Court

    The AG added: “The challenge we have before as a government… we are trying to be careful. The budget was in the budget of the judiciary, but when there was no memo to the governor for approval for renovation of all the courts, the governor cannot say he wants to do it.

    “What we will do at the Ministry of Justice is to make provision for this renovation, which we are going to start. We will try to see what we can do with our 2025 budget. We do not need to wait for the judiciary to bring memo. If we are waiting, no memo will be brought. We cannot wait. That was why we brought engineers from the Ministry of Works. We are going to work on the entire compound.

    “From the running cost of the judiciary, security has been provided for. But there is no security and as a government we are going to work on it.”

    Speaking about the incessant attacks on the court, he described them as unfortunate.

     “I wonder why somebody will have the effrontery, the impunity to come to the court of law and set it ablaze. I am bothered. I’m amazed at that kind of boldness.

    “As a government, Mr Governor called my attention to it. He called me to come and assess it. We are going to start with Ilesa High Court, to renovate the entire court and then we look at other divisions. We are going to secure the court and start renovation.”

  • NBA condemns arson

    NBA condemns arson

    Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo branch, has condemned the arson at Osun High Court in Ilesa.

    NBA, in a statement by its Chairman, Mr Yemi Abiona, yesterday in Osogbo, described the incident as a “heinous attack that poses a serious threat to justice delivery and the rule of law”.

    According to Abiona, ‘’it is worrisome that such a dastardly attack is happening the second time, having recorded a similar incident a few years ago in Court 3, where the chamber of the judge was razed.

    “I wonder what the perpetrators of such an attack on the court room intended to achieve. This attack is the handiwork of faceless cowards.

    “Although, the cause of this arson is still subject to investigation, from indications, the inferno cannot be an act of God.

    Read Also: Rivers vs NBA: How to calm the N300m storm, by legal giants

    “We only wonder what the perpetrators intend to achieve by setting fire to court rooms where documents are kept.”

    The chairman hailed Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for his swift response of directing thorough investigations and increased security measures around the court premises.

    Abiona, who urged security agencies to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice, said the association was ready to provide free legal services to prosecute whoever was behind the arson.

  • Okpebholo orders indefinite suspension of Agenebode monarch

    Okpebholo orders indefinite suspension of Agenebode monarch

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode in Estako East Local Government, Dr. George Egabor, over incessant kidnappings and killings in his domain.

    Read Also: Okpebholo suspends traditional ruler over kidnapping in Edo community

    The monarch’s Secretary, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, according to Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, had since been arrested by the relevant authorities, following a recent incident that led to the death of a palace chief, John Ikhamate.

  • Lagos council poll: APC chairmanship aspirants to pay N5.5m nomination fees

    Lagos council poll: APC chairmanship aspirants to pay N5.5m nomination fees

    All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed the nomination and administrative fees for aspirants vying for seats in the July 12 local government election in Lagos State.

    The fees are contained in the party’s election guidelines, jointly signed by Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi and Dr Adeola Jokomba, APC chairman and secretary.

    The party in the guidelines released yesterday, said chairmanship aspirants would pay N5 million as nomination fee and an additional N500,000 as administrative fee.

    According to the party, female chairmanship aspirants are to pay N2.5 million as nomination fee and the same N500,000 as administrative fee.

    APC said aspirants below the age of 40 years would have 50 per cent discount on their nomination fee,  but would  pay same administrative fee of N500,000.

    The party, however, waived nomination fee for aspirants with disabilities, while charging an administration fee of N250,000.

    “For the councillorship position, male aspirants will pay N1 million for nomination form and N100,000 administrative fee, while female aspirants will pay N250,000 for nomination form and N100,000 as administrative fee.

     “Youths aspiring for councillorship positions will have a 50 per cent discount for nomination form fee, while the administrative fee remains the same.

    “Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) will collect the nomination forms free for councillorship seats, while administrative fee is N50,000.

    “There shall not be a separate fee for the vice chairman. These fees shall be paid by way of bank draft in favour of All Progressives Congress, Lagos State,” the party said.

    Read Also: Anambra 2025: APC faces tough choice over Ukachukwu’s running mate

    Giving more details, the party says nomination form for chairmanship position shall be supported by five registered members, who are registered voters in all the aspirants’ wards, local governments or LCDAs.

    It noted that for the councillorship seats, the nomination form shall be supported by 20 registered members, who are registered voters in the aspirants’ wards.

    The party said all aspirants must be Nigerian citizens in addition to possessing other qualifications and meeting other conditions for the election.

    An aspirant must be educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent. A higher qualification will be an added advantage.

     “For council and LCDA chairmanship, the aspirant has to attain the age of 30, while for councillorship, the aspirant has to attain the age of 25.

     “All aspirants are to submit evidence of membership of the party. Aspirants are to submit a demonstrable evidence of active party support.

    “Aspirants must provide a portfolio of loyalty to the party. All aspirants must sign the party’s Code of Conduct.

     “Only aspirants cleared by the Screening Committee shall be eligible to stand election at the party’s primaries,” the party said.

    According to the APC, any party office holder interested in contesting for an elective office (whether party office or office in a general election) shall resign and leave office 30 days prior to the date of election or party primary.

    It said all aspirants “shall comply with constitutional provisions and requirements applicable to the public office they seek to contest for.”

  • ‘Blue Line Rail has transported over 2m passengers’

    ‘Blue Line Rail has transported over 2m passengers’

    Lagos State Government has announced a milestone in its transportation sector. It said Blue Line Rail has transported over two million passengers since its launch, adding that BRT buses have also transported an average of 42,000 commuters daily.

    The figures were disclosed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa. The event marked the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

    Read Also: Blue Line rail now fully electric – Akinajo

    It highlighted key achievements under the administration’s THEMES+ agenda.

    Osiyemi said Lagos State Transport Policy, introduced last May, ‘’is now in full implementation, focusing on inclusivity, safety, affordability and sustainability.’’

  • Industrialist hails Aiyedatiwa for spending Easter at seaside

    Industrialist hails Aiyedatiwa for spending Easter at seaside

    An industrialist in Ondo State, Chief Alex Ajipe, has said the decision of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to spend the Easter holiday at Araromi Seaside in Ilaje Local Government would improve the economy of the state.

    He said he was delighted that the governor took the lead to promote tourism attractions across the state, including Araromi Beach.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa and his wife, Oluwaseun, joined fun seekers at Araromi Seaside during the Easter festivities.

    Ajipe, in a letter addressed to Aiyedatiwa, hailed his visionary leadership and strategic approach to economic development.

    He said the governor’s consistent patronage of Araromi Beach corridor was a testament to his commitment to showcasing the state’s potential and attracting investments.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa approves renovation of technical colleges, secondary schools

    The letter reads: “By frequently visiting and utilising the facilities at Araromi Seaside/Beach, you are sending a strong signal to potential investors about the state’s potential for growth and development. This approach is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, driving investment, creating jobs and improving the overall quality of life for the people of Ondo State.

    “I believe your actions will encourage investors to show interest in the serene and long overdue seaside as investments havens, and the development of Araromi Seaside/Beach corridor will become a hub for economic activities. The potential for new businesses, job creation and improved infrastructure is vast. I am confident your efforts will yield positive results in future.”

  • ‘Alaafin not in supremacy battle with any monarch’

    ‘Alaafin not in supremacy battle with any monarch’

    The media office of Alaafin of Oyo has denied insinuation and claims of royal tussle between Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, or any other monarch.

    Read Also: Alaafin Owoade extols Makinde’s virtues

    Reacting to an online viral video, the Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, who described the material as misleading and a wicked fabrication, said at no time did the Alaafin order his men to beat to a pulp ‘ father of the monarch ‘ of a village in the United States of America and later handed him over to the police.