The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • AbdulRazaq urges citizens to pray for leaders

    AbdulRazaq urges citizens to pray for leaders

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq yesterday urged citizens to support their leaders at all levels with prayers as well as offer constructive engagements for good governance.

    The governor spoke in Ilorin during this year’s Palm Sunday procession.

    The Palm Sunday procession brought together various Christian leaders and worshippers who marched through the streets of Ilorin in a peaceful show of faith and unity.

    The governor, who was represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Religious Matters (Christian), Rev Timothy Akangbe, assured that the state government remains committed to improving the living conditions of the people.

    “The government will not relent in efforts to make life better for everyone in Kwara. But we need the prayers and support of the people to succeed,” Rev Akangbe said.

    During the celebration, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kwara State, Bishop Sunday Adewole urged Christians to imbibe the virtues of humility and love, reflecting the example set by Jesus during His entry into Jerusalem.

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    “Jesus rode on a colt to teach us humility and service. As Christians and Nigerians, we must be humble, embrace peace and show love to our neighbours. This is the only way we can build a better society,” he said.

    Also speaking, his vice Pastor Ademola Popoola, reminded the faithful of Christ’s sacrifice for mankind’s salvation.

    “Jesus gave His life to redeem us. We must live holy lives and draw nearer to God with humility,” he advised.

    Also  at the event, Chaplain of the Radio Kwara Christian Fellowship, Reverend Father Ralph Ajewole, reminded Christians of the importance of humility and urged them to emulate the life of Jesus Christ.

    “We must let go of our old ways and live as Christ lived — with humility and peace in our hearts,” he stated.

    Reverend Bolaji Akinyemi echoed the message of love, saying, “Let us love one another and be our brother’s keeper. That is how we can build a better society.”

  • APC elders decry criticism against Ojulari’s appointment

    APC elders decry criticism against Ojulari’s appointment

    • Monarch hails Tinubu

    Elders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has slammed Northerners opposing the appointment of Bashir Ojulari, an engineer, from Kwara State, as the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

    The elders in a statement said they were taken aback why some Northerners would regard ‘Kwarans’ as Southerners when it came to the issue of appointments and benefits.

    The statement was signed by the Chairman of the APC Elders Caucus, Kunle Sulaiman (Kwara Central), Deputy Chairman, Senator Mohammed Ahmed (Kwara North), Deputy Chairman, Chief James Ayeni  (Kwara South) and Secretary, AbdulMumini Katibi.

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    “As members of the APC in North Central Zone, we are taken aback and surprised that the appointment of Ojulari, who is no doubt a proud son of Kwara State from the Igbomina stock, is being criticised by some Northerners and a few Southerners alike, who are claiming that the President has appointed a Yoruba man to head the corporation.

    “It is quite ironical that some of these elements from the North are also complaining and insinuating that the position has been given to a non-Northerner. The question we will like to ask them is; where does Kwara State belong? Southern Nigeria?

    “Geographically, Nigeria is divided into six geo-political zones and Kwara definitely is part of North Central Zone.

    “We believe the past pedigree of Ojulari and his rich experience in the oil industry were the underlying factors and rationale that qualified him on merit, which therefore led to his well-deserved recognition and subsequent appointment as GCEO of NNPCL.

    “We will like to advise Nigerians to be more focused on ability and competency of appointees into office, rather than being sentimental and trivialising issues, on the appointments of Mr. President, such as being expressed in this case of Ojulari’s appointment. This is to enable progress and development thrive in Nigeria,” they said.

    The caucus added: “Kwara APC Elders Caucus appreciates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and thanks him for this appointment and others that have been done for us in Kwara State. We are indeed very happy and grateful to him.

    “We also want to thank our leader, the Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for the noble roles he has played in ensuring Kwara indigenes get federal appointments.

    “As elders of APC in the state, we appreciate and salute him for his efforts in the development of Kwara State and pledge our loyalty to him and his administration.

    “To our son, Ojulari, we want to congratulate him on the well- deserved appointment. We are confident that he will discharge the functions of his office most diligently and to the best of his ability.’’

    The royal family of Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government of Kwara State has lauded President Tinubu for counting it worthy to appoint their son, Ojulari, as the new chief executive officer NNPCL.

    In a statement, Head of the royal family, Prince Adelodun Owolabi, prayed for God’s guidance for Ojulari in his new post.

    “We pray to Allah to protect and direct you on the new assignment and let your tenure be a successful one.

    “We thank President Tinubu for considering the appointment of Kwara people. We pray for his successful tenure in office.

    “We rejoice with Governor AbdulRazaq on this appointment that comes to the state during your tenure.

    “We solicit the prayers of Nigerians for the success of Tinubu and Ojulari.”

    Elders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has slammed Northerners opposing the appointment of Bashir Ojulari, an engineer, from Kwara State, as the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

    The elders in a statement said they were taken aback why some Northerners would regard ‘Kwarans’ as Southerners when it came to the issue of appointments and benefits.

    The statement was signed by the Chairman of the APC Elders Caucus, Kunle Sulaiman (Kwara Central), Deputy Chairman, Senator Mohammed Ahmed (Kwara North), Deputy Chairman, Chief James Ayeni  (Kwara South) and Secretary, AbdulMumini Katibi.

    “As members of the APC in North Central Zone, we are taken aback and surprised that the appointment of Ojulari, who is no doubt a proud son of Kwara State from the Igbomina stock, is being criticised by some Northerners and a few Southerners alike, who are claiming that the President has appointed a Yoruba man to head the corporation.

    “It is quite ironical that some of these elements from the North are also complaining and insinuating that the position has been given to a non-Northerner. The question we will like to ask them is; where does Kwara State belong? Southern Nigeria?

    “Geographically, Nigeria is divided into six geo-political zones and Kwara definitely is part of North Central Zone.

    “We believe the past pedigree of Ojulari and his rich experience in the oil industry were the underlying factors and rationale that qualified him on merit, which therefore led to his well-deserved recognition and subsequent appointment as GCEO of NNPCL.

    “We will like to advise Nigerians to be more focused on ability and competency of appointees into office, rather than being sentimental and trivialising issues, on the appointments of Mr. President, such as being expressed in this case of Ojulari’s appointment. This is to enable progress and development thrive in Nigeria,” they said.

    The caucus added: “Kwara APC Elders Caucus appreciates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and thanks him for this appointment and others that have been done for us in Kwara State. We are indeed very happy and grateful to him.

    “We also want to thank our leader, the Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for the noble roles he has played in ensuring Kwara indigenes get federal appointments.

    “As elders of APC in the state, we appreciate and salute him for his efforts in the development of Kwara State and pledge our loyalty to him and his administration.

  • NANS cautions SSANU on plan to disrupt activities at FUOYE

    NANS cautions SSANU on plan to disrupt activities at FUOYE

    The leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone, has cautioned Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) over its plan to disrupt academic and non-academic activities at the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State.

    The union, led by Comrade Owolewa Taiwo, was quoted in a statement as saying that it would resist any attempt by SSANU to plunge the institution into crisis.

    The leadership said the students’ body had resolved to do everything possible within the ambit of law to protect the interest of students of the institution.

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    The statement said: “As the authentic and legitimate voice of Nigerian students across the Southwest, we state without ambiguity that we will not fold our arms and watch any individual or group—whether union or non-union—plunge our institution into chaos or truncate the academic calendar that affects the future of over 50,000 students at FUOYE.

    ‘‘We are aware of the veiled threats by SSANU to mobilise its members across 26 universities in the Western Zone for an industrial action or protest at FUOYE.

    “This is not a threat; this is a declaration of readiness to protect the academic future of Nigerian students.

    “We remind SSANU that the last time they embarked on a disruptive protest and shut down operations on FUOYE campus, we suffered a painful and irreparable loss—a promising student died due to lack of access to emergency medical care after the University Health Centre was shut down by their action.

    ‘’We say never again. FUOYE or any of our institutions in the Southwest is not a battleground for political vendettas or union showdowns. Any attempt to use our campus to settle scores or create chaos will be met with legal, peaceful but unshakable resistance from the student body.

    “We urge stakeholders to intervene,  to ensure the peace and stability of FUOYE and other institutions are not compromised. We are committed to dialogue, justice and equity, but we will not allow the future of Nigerian students to be jeopardised by anyone hiding under the guise of unionism.

    “We call on SSANU to pursue their grievances through the proper legal and administrative channels, rather than resorting to disruptive actions that may lead to further crisis.’’

  • Olugbon, Alaafin parley on unity

    Olugbon, Alaafin parley on unity

    The Vice Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs and the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Olushola Alao, yesterday paid a royal visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, on the need to promote unity and cohesion among traditional rulers in the state.

    Oba Alao was accompanied by his wife. They were received at the Boroboro home of the Alaafin in Oyo town.

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    During the visit, the two monarchs held a closed door meeting, which lasted for some minutes.

    Briefing reporters after the meeting, Oba Alao said the visit was centred on the need for unity among traditional rulers in the state.

  • Agency kicks-off Ogun gully erosion control

    Agency kicks-off Ogun gully erosion control

    Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), a Federal Government parastatal, led by Adedeji Ashiru, has intensified efforts to address the gully erosion causing untimely deaths and loss of properties and businesses in Owakurudu, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

    This was made known during the handing over of a project to the contractor.

    The project includes concrete channelisation of the gully and reclamation of the lost grounds.

    Ashiru said neglect by the past governments had brought untold anguish and suffering to the residents.

    He added that the project marked a new chapter for the communities that had endured years of despair, hopelessness, destruction and dashed expectations.

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    “Today’s gathering is more than just the start of a project, but the end of decades of suffering, by the people of Owakurudu and adjoining communities.

    “The suffering caused by gully erosion that has swallowed homes, destroyed livelihoods and tragically claimed the lives of many residents has been allowed to continue for too long.”

    “It is a symbolic break from the history of unfulfilled promises and unattended cries for help. For far too long, the gully erosion challenge has remained an open wound in the hearts of the people of Ijebu Ode.

    It is a story of human suffering where dreams were buried alongside buildings and where lives were literally torn apart by the floodwater.

    “However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority to take over Owakurudu flood and erosion control project, which will cover extensive drainage work, slope stabilisation and gully reclamation,”  Ashiru said.

    He said the control project was about 727 metres long and would be due for inauguration in nine months.

    Ashiru thanked Tinubu for the support so far and appealed to residents to cooperate with the contractor.

    Chairman, Owakurudu Community Development Association (OCDA), Mr. Adesina Adegbesan, said:  ‘’This flooding issue started since 2002. We have written many letters, all to no avail. We have lost a lot of things. We lost nine landlords, both men and women, a big storey building just caved in one day. We met former governors during their tenure, nothing was done. We thank God for the Federal Government’s intervention.”

    Baale of Owakurudu, Alhaji Ademosu Masheka, said he lost 16 rooms and his bakery business to the gully erosion.

  • Olugbon visits new Alaafin, seeks unity among Oyo traditional rulers

    Olugbon visits new Alaafin, seeks unity among Oyo traditional rulers

    The Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs and Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Olushola Alao, on Sunday paid a royal visit to the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, to foster unity and cohesion among traditional rulers in the state.

    Oba Alao, accompanied by his wife, was warmly received at the Boroboro residence of the Alaafin in Oyo town, where they also paid homage to the monarch.

    The two prominent traditional rulers later held a closed-door meeting that lasted several minutes.

    Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Oba Alao emphasised the importance of synergy and collaboration among traditional rulers in Oyo State. 

    He hailed the ascension of Oba Owoade as the beginning of a new era, expressing optimism that his reign would help solidify unity within the council of Obas and chiefs.

    He said, “At the closed door meeting, we discussed the issues that are progressive to Oyo state, the government and the State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

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    “We are blessed to have Oba Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. He is a man of wisdom. He chooses his words carefully. He has the personality as well equipped academically. So we are blessed.

    “I will say kudos to the Executive Governor of Oyo state, Engr Seyi Makinde’. He is a wonderful and successful governor of the state.

    “He has installed some prominent kings in the state. This Alaafin is extra ordinary. He has done it in excellent way. With the installation of Alaafin, there will be new development in the Council of Obas and Chiefs.

    “We (0bas) will work together with the Governor. Our decision as traditional rulers will be for the progress and development of Oyo state.

    “There is no way, as traditional rulers can do anything on our own. There must be synergy with the government. This formed part of our private discussion”

    Oba Alao also said during the visit the duo resolved on the needs to further showcase the Yoruba culture and tradition to the rest of the world while recognizing the importance of the unity among the Obas in the Southwest region.

    The Nation reports that members of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs have been at loggerhead over the rotation of the chairmanship position for some years.

    The immediate past Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi had approached the Court to seek a redress on the matter.

    The matter was yet to be resolved before he joined his ancestors and as such the seat of the chairman has remained vacant for several years till date.

  • Declare security emergency in Ondo, Aiyedatiwa urged

    Declare security emergency in Ondo, Aiyedatiwa urged

    A concerned citizen, Oladayo Osho has urged Ondo Government to declare security emergency in the Dtate, following series of recent happenings in the state.

    Osho described the spate of insecurity in the state in recent time as alarming.

    A statement by Osho lamented that Ondo State, his home and pride is gradually slipping into an abyss of lawlessness, fear, and anarchy.

    According to him, the peace once enjoyed by people of Ondo has been replaced by a reign of terror in the past few months, lamenting how communities are being ransacked, Innocent citizens being abducted, maimed, and killed.

    He said: “Roads have become hunting grounds for bandits. Families are being torn apart. Businesses are shutting down. The people are crying out, but those in authority are not listening.

    “This is not a political vendetta. This is not propaganda. This is the raw truth staring every citizen in the face. Ondo State is bleeding and the government is watching. Our people are dying, and those entrusted to protect them are nowhere to be found. Fear has replaced faith. Despair has overtaken hope. The people feel abandoned, unprotected and betrayed.

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    “To the federal government, I say this. Ondo State is not a forgotten territory. It is not a periphery. It is a vital part of this country and deserves the same urgency and attention given to other troubled regions. The killings and kidnappings in Ondo are not isolated incidents. They are symptoms of a larger failure of national security coordination.

    “I also call on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, and the media to speak out. Silence is no longer an option. We must collectively demand accountability. We must amplify the cries of the people. We must refuse to be intimidated or silenced while our land burns.

    “To my fellow citizens of Ondo, do not lose hope. You are not alone. Your voices matter. Your lives matter. Continue to speak up. Continue to organize. Continue to demand better. We owe it to ourselves, to our children, and to the legacy of those who built this land with sweat and sacrifice.

    “I urge the state government to declare a security emergency. Mobilise all available resources. Engage community leaders. Empower local vigilantes with proper training and coordination. 

    He urged the Governor to work hand in hand with federal security agencies, open channels for intelligence gathering, create rapid response units and be visible in every affected region.

  • Millions worth of goods, property destroyed in market fire

    Millions worth of goods, property destroyed in market fire

    Araromi market in Ibadan, located inside Agodi, adjacent the Correctional Service on Thursday night recorded another fire incident.

    The market is notable for sales of auto spare parts and accessories. Scavengers and those who live on dismantling vehicles also make a living from abandoned cars in the market.

    It was gathered that no fewer than 12 shops with properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in the latest fire incident.

    Eyewitness account revealed that the outbreak began at Block A, No 64 Mayegun Cement store at about 10:55pm.

    The incident, which lasted for several hours, has been attributed to surge in power supply to the area.

    Confirming the incident, the state General Manager of Fire Service, Yemi Akinyinka, said the agency received the distressed call at exactly 11:02pm.

    Akinyinka said: “The agency’s control room received the distress call at exactly 23:02 hrs on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

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    “The fire personnel led by CFS Jimoh promptly deployed to the scene of the fire incident. On arrival, we met some lockup shops well alight and we swiftly swung into action and restricted the fire from spreading to other nearby shops.

    “The fire affected 12 out of multiple numbers of shops and we were able to save property worth billions of naira in the market. The appliance returned to the station by 03:18hrs and on standby.”

    There have been multiple fire incidents at Araromi Market, Agodi Gate, Ibadan in recent times.

    The Nation reports that on January 14, 2023, a fire broke out at the market, gutting over 25 shops. The fire started from one shop and spread to others due to delayed arrival of fire fighters.

    The cause was attributed to scavengers burning disused tyres, which ignited nearby combustibles.

    On December 20, 2024, another fire incident occurred with flames engulfing the market around 2 a.m. The fire destroyed properties worth millions, and traders suffered heavy losses. The cause of the outbreak was uncertain, but early reports suggested it might have been triggered by an electrical fault.

    Also, on March 30, 2025, a recent fire incident was reported, with the market engulfed in flames around 2 a.m. The fire destroyed properties worth millions. Initial report didn’t give the immediate and remote cause of the incident.

    These incidents have resulted in significant losses for traders, who are now clamouring for enhanced safety measures in the market.

  • Yoruba group renews call for regionalism

    Yoruba group renews call for regionalism

    A new Yoruba interest group, Oodua Unity Group, has renewed the call for an independent Yoruba nation or alternatively a regional government in Nigeria.

     The call was made in a maiden statement issued at the weekend by the group’s administrative secretary, Kola Aare.

     Aare noted that the organisation’s aims include protecting life and properties of Yoruba people, protecting and sustaining the culture and traditions of Yoruba people and fostering unity among Yoruba sons and daughters globally among others.

    The statement read in part: “Recent developments in Nigeria with regards to politics, governance and growth have reawakened the Yoruba to the self-determination essence of our struggle for survival and development in the country. This has resulted in the clamour for the same thing, the Yoruba nation within or outside Nigeria over time.

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    “Today, two clear calls, not mutually exclusive, rend the air. First is the call for Yoruba nation outside Nigeria; the other is the call for regionalism.

    “In this circumstance, it has become paramount for Oodua self-determination groups to come together as a pan-Yoruba coalition to aggregate their principles, visions, strategic initiatives and tactical prowess for an organised, united and systematic response to the challenge of the day.

     “This is what has led to the formation of this organisation, the Oodua Unity Group (OUG). The group shall be non-partisan and will not prevent its members from involvement in parties of their choice. There must be a clear line of demarcation, and the coalition’s interest supersedes all partisan affiliations.

  • Lagos seals 13 markets in Ketu, Ikorodu over environmental violations

    Lagos seals 13 markets in Ketu, Ikorodu over environmental violations

    No fewer than 13 markets and commercial facilities, located along the Ketu and Ikorodu Road axis have been sealed by the Lagos State Government for environmental violations.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Director, Public Affairs, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mrs Folashade Kadiri.

    According to Kadiri, the action followed series of unheeded warnings and environmental abuse, by market operators and traders in the affected areas.

    The statement read in part: ”The affected markets and facilities are: Erukan, Oja Oba, Ketu, Owoseni Tundas, Oba Ogunjobi, Mile 12 and the Ketu Terminal Market (6 plazas) as well as Shop Owners at BRT Terminal.

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    Others are Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market and Demurin Street Plaza Shops, Ketu, Occupant, 6 Demurin Road, Ketu, Ifelodun market in Ketu.

     ”Others are the Ibadan Unit 1 Park (between Babajide Sanwo-Olu Market and Ikosi Fruit Market), Ketu Tipper Garage and Ikosi Fruit Market.”

     Commenting on the development, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, reiterated the state’s unwavering stance on its ‘Zero Tolerance for Waste’ campaign.