The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Anti-Corruption network backs NUPRC, dismisses allegations against Gbenga Komolafe

    Anti-Corruption network backs NUPRC, dismisses allegations against Gbenga Komolafe

    The Transparency Network in Nigeria (TNN) has defended Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), amid allegations of bias and irregularities in the recently concluded 2024 oil block licensing round.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, TNN’s country representative, Dr. Mustapha Jibrin, praised the licensing process as“the most transparent and technologically advanced in Nigeria’s oil and gas history.” 

    He dismissed suggestions of human interference as unfounded, emphasizing that independent observers were present throughout the process to ensure its integrity.

    “Those peddling insinuations of bribery or backdoor dealings in this licensing round have clearly failed to grasp the rigorous, technology-driven framework that underpinned every stage of the process,” Dr. Jibrin said.

    “The commercial bid evaluation was conducted using a transparent, digital, and point-based assessment system, which included the following parameters: Signature Bonus, Proposed Work Programme Financial Commitments, and Work Performance Security. A computer-based competitive bidding process was adopted, leveraging encryption and decryption technology to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.

    “This was televised live for full transparency, open to the public, and conducted in the presence of representatives from relevant entities such as the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, Federal Ministry of Finance, and Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and acknowledged by all as being transparent.

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    “Assertions of corrupt practices and insinuations of monetary exchanges reflect a lack of understanding, as the sophisticated digital process eliminated any possibility of human interference. With outcomes determined instantaneously and transparently in full public view, there was no conceivable need for inducements or undue influence,” he added.

    The anti-corruption network stressed that compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was also followed to the letter.

    “The 2024 Licensing Round was conducted in strict compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Guidelines, ensuring a transparent, competitive, and technology-driven allocation process,” he stated.

    Dr Jibrin further stressed that bidders were assessed based on merit and capability, not insider relationships or bureaucratic favour.

    “The technical and financial capability of a bidding entity is not solely determined by the date of incorporation of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) used for bidding. Instead, it is assessed based on the expertise, financial strength, and track record of the stakeholders, affiliated entities, or parent companies backing the SPV,” he explained.

    According to TNN, this framework opened the door to legitimate new entrants while ensuring only technically competent and financially sound operators advanced through the process.

    “In Nigeria’s 70-year history of oil exploration, this is the first time a bidding licensing round was done in an open and transparent manner, leveraging technology, thereby removing any form of human interference and making it devoid of corrupt practices,” Dr. Jibrin added.

    He called on detractors to “respect the integrity of institutions” and stop dragging individuals into unfounded controversies for personal or political gains.

    “Komolafe and his team have done what no other regulatory team has accomplished in decades — they’ve restored public confidence in licensing. These kinds of allegations only distract from the reforms Nigerians have long demanded,” he said.

  • Court remands 15 suspects over deadly attack on Oyo village

    Court remands 15 suspects over deadly attack on Oyo village

    An Oyo State Magistrate Court sitting in the Orile-Igbon Magisterial District, Ogbomoso, has ordered the remand of fifteen suspects in connection with the April 5, 2025, attack on Aagba village in Surulere Local Government Area of the state.

    According to a statement by the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, the suspects have been remanded at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abolongo. 

    They face charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, arson, armed robbery, and murder.

    It will be recalled that Aagba village was invaded on April 5 by armed hoodlums, reportedly from neighboring communities, leaving a trail of destruction and casualties.

    Osifeso said, “During the attack, nine houses were razed, and the entire village was sacked and left desolate.

    “Additionally, a septuagenarian was viciously attacked and died from injuries inflicted by the invaders. 

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    “During his visit to the community on April 6, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Johnson Adenola, promised to apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    “Investigation into the incident by operatives of the Command led to the arrest of Olayiwola Adisa, Shittu Waliu, Ibrahim Shareef, Shittu Ibrahim, Gabriel Aderinto; Oyetunde Kazeem, Bakare Sikiru, Babatunde Raimi, Adewuyi Emmanuel, Aderemi Kunle, Salawudeen Ismail, Jimoh Damilare, Oyebamiji Tunji, Ayankolade Femi, and Ogunleye Taiwo.

    “The suspects were arrested at various locations, including a thick forest around Ejigbo, where many of them had fled for refuge in order to escape arrest. Investigation into the case is ongoing, as the Command’s operatives are actively pursuing other suspects linked to the incident but are currently at large.

    “The Command would like to take this opportunity to advise citizens of the state to remain law-abiding and refrain from any acts of self-help or brigandage. 

    “We also warn potential troublemakers to desist, as the Command will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law to anyone who engages in such activities. 

    “Furthermore, we urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to any of our formations or to the nearest law enforcement agent.

    “Finally, the Command reaffirms its unwavering commitment to addressing all forms of violence and unrest that threaten public safety and community harmony in the State.”

  • Easter: Olawepo-Hashim urges Nigerians to embrace peace

    Easter: Olawepo-Hashim urges Nigerians to embrace peace

    Frontline politician and former presidential candidate Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has called on Nigerians to use the Easter season to renew their commitment to the peace and unity of the country.

    In a statement released by his media office on Friday, Olawepo-Hashim also urged citizens to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s armed forces and security personnel who risk their lives daily to safeguard the nation.

    He said, “On this day, we choose to remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for humanity on the cross of Calvary and changed the course of history.”

    “He conquered death and rose from the grave. Through His priceless sacrifice and precious blood, we can enjoy eternal freedom.

    Olawepo-Hashim added that “The commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ presents us with peace, hope, forgiveness and reconciliation. It also presents us with an opportunity to reflect on the priceless sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross.

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    “As we celebrate Easter, I enjoin every Nigerian to emulate Christ by fostering peace and unity in our Nation.”

    He also reiterated, “We have the opportunity to rewrite the history of our nation; may we find the strength to continue to pursue peace and togetherness in solidarity for a better Nigeria and better world.”

    While congratulating Nigerians for Easter, the frontline politician added that he “earnestly pray that Easter’s spirit fills every heart and home with renewed faith in the immense possibilities ahead of us as a nation.”

    He added, “Just as Christ triumphed over death, so too shall our country triumph over every challenge we face.”

  • Crisis looms in Oyo community as indigenes, monarch ask mining company to leave

    Crisis looms in Oyo community as indigenes, monarch ask mining company to leave

    Indigenes and monarch of Itasa in Iwajowa Local Government of the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State have urged Federal Government to order a mining company in the community, Architype Industries Nig. Limited, to vacate their land.

    They said mining activities by the company constitutes danger to lives, breed insecurity and environmental degradation to the community.

    The community leaders, who made the call when they paid on-the-spot visit to the mining site in the town, said the call became necessary following looming danger they observed at Itasa and its environs.

    They accused the mining company of operating without a valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a valid Community Development Agreement (CDA).

    Speaking with journalists in the community, a prominent son of Itasa, Prof. Bayo Aborisade, said the mining activities constituted danger in several ways to the community.

    He urged Federal Government to take the miner off their land.

    He said: ‘’They are extracting minerals from our land and they have empowered many people who have taken over the land to intimidate the community, and threaten the people. They barred us from getting to the mining site, and threatened to shoot us, claiming that the Federal Government will come hard on us, as they have the backing of the Federal Government to be where they are.

    “They spoiled the land and created settlements all over this land. The people we saw in the settlements don’t speak English, Hausa, or Fulfulde. They constitute a danger in several ways to this community. We want this mining company taken off this land.

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    ‘’The miner does not have all the conditions the Federal Government has laid down for mining . The only thing he said he has is a title to land to mine. He does not have an Environmental Impact Assessment. He has not reached an agreement with the community on how to use the land and benefit the community’’.

    The Chairman of Itasa Community Development Association, Alhaji Banji Isiaka Odedele; a youth leader, Mr Jelili Ogunlade; and Julius Farounbi said the miner must vacate their land forthwith, saying that mining activities had created insecurity in the town because people could no longer go to farm again.

    ‘’We cannot go to farm. Enough is enough. We don’t want the company to work on our land again.”

    Counsel and indigene of the community, Femi Aborisade, said the company had not fulfilled conditions precedent under the law, before commencing mining activities, hence it must vacate the land.

    Aborisade said: ‘’Architype Industries (Nig.) Ltd. is carrying out illegal mining here on the ground of non fulfillment of statutorily prescribed conditions precedent. The company is mining resources in ways that negate express provisions of the law. The local government asked the company to vacate the site untill it has reached an agreement satisfactory to the community in order to avert civil unrest.

    “The law stipulates that the company must have an agreement with the community which it has not done. There is no Environmental Impact Assessment conducted prior to commencing mining activities; no valid Community Development Agreement. They could not show them. That means the company does not have any valid legal instrument that permits it to be here. The community is saying the company should leave their land but it has refused because the federal government has not frowned against illegality”.

    Counciloyr representing Ward 04 in the Iwajowa Local Government Legislative House,Hon. Naajeem Busari said: ‘’There are many problems in the area because of mining activities.

    “We have the issue of herdsmen destroying our farms day-in day-out without any compensation. We want the government to assist us and order that mining activities should stop. Since the company has been working here, we have not seen any tangible impacts it has made in the community’’.

    The Onitile of Itasa, Oba Michael Sijuola Oyediran said: ‘’We want peace and we want them to do the right things for the town. We don’t want cheating. We want this town to develop. If the company refuses to do the right thing for the community, it should vacate our land. But if it does the right thing, it should stay’’.

    Mr Olufola Awoyemi, a lawyer with Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) ,Ibadan, who was part of those who visited the community, said: ‘’We thought it was a mere environmental injustice but getting there, it is more than that.

    “There are security issues and people are angry because there is a great danger to lives of the people of Itasa and its environs. If people are not safe, they can’t go to their farms , they can’t go about their businesses. JDPC has come to take this to another level so that the whole world can know what is happening in Itasa land and the whole of Iwajowa local government”.

    When contacted, the site Manager of the mining company, Abiodun Ogunbiyide, however, said the organisation complied with all laid-down requirements, even though he couldn’t show any of the legal instruments the community lawyer asked him to produce.

    He said: ‘’ We got a valid mining licence to operate here. We obtained the consent from the community. We have a valid mining site. We have valid title to operate here’’.

  • Commissioner distributes food items

    Commissioner distributes food items

    Lagos State Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, yesterday distributed 1,000 bags of beans and garri to the vulnerable in Badagry, to cushion the effects of economic hardship.

    Speaking after the distribution of the food items tagged: ‘Ounje Anu Ogunlende, the commissioner, who is also the pioneer, Real Acts of Kindness (RAK) Development Foundation, said it was part of his post-birthday charity initiative.

    He emphasised his commitment to giving back to the society, particularly to women.

    He said food items were distributed through 13 groups, including traders, religious groups, Igbo women group and Hausa women group, to ensure they reached those mostly in need. 

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    “Today we have 500 bags of beans and 500 bags of garri to be given to 13 women leaders, including those of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “This will feed at least 15,000 families during Easter.’’

    Badagry Local Government APC Woman Leader, Mrs Olayinka Atoyebi, praised the commissioner’s consistency in supporting the less privileged.

    Supervisor for Education in Badagry, Mrs. Sewede Pot-Balogun-Olorunfemi, recalled that this was not the first time the commissioner had extended such support to the less privileged. 

  • IVF: UI raises health advisory on egg donation

    IVF: UI raises health advisory on egg donation

    • Warns students against using it as ‘side hussle’

    The University Health Service of the University of Ibadan has issued a health advisory against a growing trend of recruitment of its female students for egg donation for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) by individuals, agents, or agencies.

    The university warned that while egg donation remains the hope to many families struggling with infertility, the measure should not be considered a permanent source of income or an alternative “side hustle”, by members of the university community, particularly female students.

    The institution raised the advisory in a memo dated April 15, 2025 from the Director of the UHS to all members of the university community.

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    The memo with the title: “Health Advisory on Egg Donation”, reads in part: “It has come to our attention that there is a growing trend within the university community involving the participation and/or recruitment of female students as egg donors for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) by individuals, agents, or agencies.

    “While egg donation has brought hope to many families struggling with infertility, it is important to note that it should not be considered a permanent source of income or an alternative ‘side hustle’’’.

    Speaking on the health implications, the memo explained that “egg donation involves the use of hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries. This process carries several short-term risks, including: abdominal pain, breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), infection and bleeding, ovarian torsion, potential injury to the bladder, nearby blood vessels, and bowel and psychological distress.”

    Warning that the long-term effects reported by some egg donors include loss of fertility, the institution says it is important to note that current research is still inconclusive regarding: who is medically safe to donate, how many times donation can safely occur and the ideal interval between donations.

  • Activist restates call for state police

    Activist restates call for state police

    A renowned socio-political activist and critic, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, has restated his call for the establishment of state police, to tackle insecurity in the country.

    In a statement in Lagos yesterday, he emphasised the importance of state police to support and boost operational performances of other security agencies. 

    Onitiri called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to outlaw open grazing nationwide, to check the activities of herdsmen engaging in kidnapping, ransom-taking, looting, killing, maiming, raping of innocent girls and housewives, taking over, destroying of people’s farms and other crimes.

    He said if governors had cooperated with the Federal Government and showed their feelings for the people, the issue of state police force would have been settled.

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    Onitiri noted that the herdsmen had invaded forests nationwide, committing atrocities in the name of free movement.

    ‘’The irony of the situation is that whenever any of them commits a crime and is arrested, authorities in Abuja will demand his transfer to the place.

     “And this will be the end of the matter, leaving the victims and their families to suffer the consequences,” he said.

    Onitiri said because of herders’ problems, ‘’farmers and their families now fear for their lives and are afraid to go to their farms, causing food shortages and inflation in the country.’’

    The social critic said the problem of herders had got to a peak, adding that if nothing tangible was done to tackle it, there might be reprisal against the herders terrorising farmers on their farms, which might create more security problems.

  • Ex-deputy governorship candidate, 3,000 others join APC in Ekiti

    Ex-deputy governorship candidate, 3,000 others join APC in Ekiti

    A former deputy governorship candidate on the platform of the All Nigerian Peoples’ Party (ANPP) in Ekiti State, Stephen Ojo, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC),

    Ojo  with 3, 000 members of ANPP across the state were received by the Ekiti State APC Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, yesterday at Ilupeju-Ekiti in Oye Local Government.

    Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Ojo said the decision to join APC was informed by the achievements and developmental strides of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

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    “It’s like coming home. I cannot but join a progressive train to contribute my quota to the development of the party and the state. I am happy to join the train of the governor and I want to assure the party of my commitment, loyalty and love for the BAO second term agenda.

    “I have come with over 3,000 followers to join the APC and I can announce that the party is on course to win the next governorship election with a landslide victory,” he added.

    Receiving the defectors, the APC state publicity secretary hailed them for taking the decision to join APC, saying they had chosen the right path.

    Dipe assured the defectors of equal treatment, noting that APC was a party for all.

    He assured members, whether old or new, of a level-playing field.

  • Ekiti Labour leaders endorse Oyebanji’s re-election bid

    Ekiti Labour leaders endorse Oyebanji’s re-election bid

    The leadership of Labour unions in Ekiti State has endorsed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office, citing his exceptional commitment to workers’ welfare and all round development of the state for its decision.

    Speaking at a Labour Round Table Meeting with the Governor at Lady Jibowu Hall of the Government House in Ado Ekiti, the Labour leaders promised to continue to support the governor in the realisation of his lofty policies and programmes aimed at achieving his shared prosperity agenda.

    In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde,, Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Sola Adigun, and Chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Oluseye Babatunde, commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of workers, which include timely payment of salaries, clearing of over nine months salary arrears and leave bonuses, prompt payment of pension and gratuity, payment of financial benefits tied to promotions, approval of promotions up to date, increment of car and housing loans as well as approval and payment of one of the best minimum wage table in the country, thereby setting a benchmark for other states.

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    According to them, the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage, among other gesture of the governor, underscore his understanding of the economic realities facing workers and his dedication to alleviating their burdens.

    The labour leaders said it was the first time since the state was created that workers got what was due to them without agitation and confrontation, adding that the governor’s policies have not only elevated workers’ welfare, but have  also transformed Ekiti into a model of sustainable development.

    Describing the governor as God sent and answer to Ekiti workers’ prayers, the union leaders said: “When people say this has not been done, that has not been done, I smile and say you don’t know the kind of leadership we have in Ekiti State, all the workers agenda is on the governor’s table and he goes through it every day.

    “Your Excellency thank you for the minimum wage you approved. My colleagues and I will recall when negotiating for N13,000 minimum wage, it was returned to us for negotiation more than three times, and after a year it was given approval, but lo and behold when we were dealing with this N70,000 minimum wage and I saw what was there, I told the panel that my people would rejoice when this would be signed and it didn’t  take long for you to approve. Thank you, Mr Governor for making us proud.”.

    The Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, lauded the governor for his exceptional dedication to workers’ welfare, disclosing that in the last 12 months, the governor approved over N30 million to address health challenges faced by public servants, the gesture, which according to her, demonstrated his genuine concern for the well-being of the workforce.

    The Special Assistant on Labour Matters, Comrade Kayode Fatomiluyi, appreciated the governor for not disappointing the workforce by fulfilling all the promises he made to them during electioneering campaign

    Responding, Governor Oyebanji, who expressed his gratitude to the union leaders for what he described as an uncommon gesture for labour leaders to speak of a government in such manner, said appreciation should go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose visionary reforms had freed resources that significantly empowered the state to address pressing needs and deliver impactful projects that improved the lives of the people.

  • Oyo Speaker worried over poor implementation of anti-open grazing law

    Oyo Speaker worried over poor implementation of anti-open grazing law

    Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin has expressed concern about the poor implementation of Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law and Oyo State Security Network Agency Law, which established Amotekun Corps amid the current security challenges in the country.

    He lamented the problems faced by personnel of Amotekun Corps, with the security challenges they encountered in line of duty.

    Speaking yesterday during a plenary session on a motion presented on his behalf by the Chief Whip, Gbenga Oyekola, Ogundoyin emphasised the need to revisit and strengthen the enforcement ‘’of these laws to tackle persistent security and agricultural challenges across the state.’’

    The motion called for post-legislative scrutiny of the two critical laws aimed at curbing open grazing, reducing farmer-herder conflicts and enhancing state-wide security.

    The Speaker said security remained inimical to improved farming that would also culminate in food security and job creation, stressing that the heightened farmers/herders crisis in other states such as Borno, Yobe and Benue called for concern and was a wake-up call on the state government.

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    Ogundoyin lamented that despite the passage of the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law in October 2019, and the establishment of the Amotekun Corps under the Oyo State Security Network Agency Law in March 2020, issues such as manpower shortages, poor sensitisation and lack of clear reporting structures had continued to hinder their effectiveness.

    “The motion marks a significant step toward reinforcing security frameworks and safeguarding the well-being of Oyo State residents.

    “As we pioneer the post-legislative scrutiny unit in Oyo State House of Assembly, I decided to come up with the motion as its first assignment and responsibility. With this, we remain committed to ensuring every law passed serves its intended purpose and responds to emerging challenges.”

    He highlighted ongoing complaints from farming communities and rural dwellers over recurring incidence of farmland destruction, threats of kidnapping and general insecurity linked to illegal grazing.

    In the light of these concerns, Ogundoyin proposed that the Post Legislative Scrutiny Unit, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, should undertake a comprehensive review of the two laws.

    This review, he said, would include wider consultations with stakeholders, including farmers’ associations, herder groups, traditional rulers, community leaders and the leadership of the Amotekun Corps, with the goal of identifying legal gaps, addressing ambiguities and proposing necessary amendments.

    The Speaker also urged the executive arm of government, through relevant ministries, to scale up public awareness campaigns and ensure Amotekun Corps is adequately equipped and empowered to enforce the laws effectively.

    Also, the House mandated its Committees on Security and Strategy, Agriculture and Rural Development to investigate the operational challenges facing law enforcement and to propose strategic interventions to improve state-wide security coordination.

    Lawmakers across the chamber unanimously supported the motion, recognising its critical role in adapting to the evolving security and agricultural landscape in the state.

    They reiterated that bolstering the laws would protect lives, enhance food security and stabilise rural communities.

    The Assembly directed its Committees on Business and Rule, Agriculture, and Security to work in concert with the Post Legislative Scrutiny Unit to achieve the desired outcomes.