The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Oyo farmers laud Fed Govt on fertilisers’ distribution

    Oyo farmers laud Fed Govt on fertilisers’ distribution

    Farmers in Oyo State have hailed Federal Government on the distribution of fertilisers to farmers in the state through the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

    This was part of Federal Government’s efforts to boost food production.

    Speaking while distributing the fertilisers to his members in Ibadan, the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Oyo State chapter, Olumide Ayinla, an engineer, expressed gratitude for the timely intervention of the government, which, according to him, would enhance their productivity and improve their livelihood.

    He said the fertilisers would boost food production and reduce poverty among farmers.

    Read Also: Olunloyo stood for peace, progress of Nigeria – Obasanjo 

    Ayinla lauded the Federal Government for its commitment to the welfare and development of farmers across the country.

    He commended Adelabu, who played a key role in facilitating the fertiliser distribution programme, for his transparency and accountability in the implementation of the programme.

    Ayinla said Adelabu had made a difference in lives of farmers, adding that with the fertilisers’ distribution, the farmers were optimistic about their prospects for the coming farming season.

    He said people would soon begin to see the impact of the fertilisers through reduction in the prices of farm produce across the state, and pledged the support of the association towards the realisation of Adelabu’s ambition to become the governor of Oyo State in 2027.

  • Olunloyo stood for peace, progress of Nigeria – Obasanjo 

    Olunloyo stood for peace, progress of Nigeria – Obasanjo 

    Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has described ex-governor of Oyo state and renowned mathematician, Chief Victor Omololu Sowemimo Olunloyo as a patriotic Nigerian who stood for justice, peace and progress of the country till his last days on earth.

    Obasanjo reacting to the passing of the late Mathematician turned politician on Sunday, said Olunloyo, remained one of the notable Nigerians with deep blood of patriotism running in their veins.

    In a statement by this special assistant on media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former president restated the depleting ranks of the nation leaders particularly at this crucial state of the country when their wise counsel and rich experience were greatly needed was worrisome.

    Read Also: Real reasons Tope Alabi refused to perform at Liz Anjorin’s surprise birthday party

    “It was shocking and worrisome because we had lost Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Edwin Clark, and now Dr. Olunloyo just in weeks succession. Indeed, the ranks of the nation’s leadership is fast depleting by the loss of our dedicated and resourceful patriots who served the nation in various capacities, particularly at this crucial state in our nation’s history when their wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed.”

    Obasanjo commiserated with Oyo State governor. Engr Seyi Makinde, the government and good people of the state and consoled them by the facts that Dr. Olunloyo lived a life worthy of communal emulation, touched the soul of his community and he is mourned by all.

    “We pray the Good Lord to grant the soul of Dr. Olunloyo a peaceful rest and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

    Late Olunloyo was a Commissioner in the old Western region at age 27, before he served as the Governor of Oyo state from 1st October 1983 to 31st December 1983, before the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari seized power and truncated the democracy of the Second Republic. 

    He was also the Balogun of Oyo Kingdom.

  • Pomp as Seaman’s Schnapps marks 38th Lisabi festival 

    Pomp as Seaman’s Schnapps marks 38th Lisabi festival 

    It was a festival of colour, glamour and glizt at this edition of the Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where kith and kins, friends from far and near congregated to mark this epoch event.

    This year’s event had every trappings of class and panache with Seaman’s Schnapps, Nigeria’s number one prayer drink, as theLead Sponsor and Official Prayer Drink at the 38th Lisabi Festival.

    This year’s festival celebrated the profound cultural heritage and values of the Egba people while honouring the legacy of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala.”  

    The festival welcomed a remarkable gathering of dignitaries and royal fathers from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

    International guests from Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, and other parts of the world joined the festivities, highlighting the enduring historical connections between the Yoruba people and their counterparts across continents.

    The opening ceremony showcased traditional events such as the Ayo Olopon competition, presided over by Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo, Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government Council.

    Read Also: Real reasons Tope Alabi refused to perform at Liz Anjorin’s surprise birthday party

    At the grand finale of the 38th Lisabi Festival, held at the Ultra Modern Ake Palace Arcade, the Seaman’s Schnapps team, led by Marketing Manager Mr. Gbemileke Lawal alongside Activation Manager Mr. Benson Oluwafiropo, paid homage to His Royal Majesty, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Okukenu IV. During the visit, the team reaffirmed Seaman’s Schnapps’ commitment to bringing blessings and supporting the rich cultural heritage of Egbaland.

    Marketing Manager for Seaman’s Schnapps, Mr. Gbemileke Lawal, highlighted the brand’s integral role in this year’s festival:

    “We are honoured to support this significant festival, which serves as a unifying celebration for Egba sons and daughters both at home and abroad. Seaman’s Schnapps represents heritage, honour, and blessings—values that align closely with the enduring legacy of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala and his remarkable impact on the Egba people.”

    Senior Brand Manager, Mrs. Nnenna Uche-Onyenacho, shared her enthusiasm about the brand’s involvement. 

    “It is a privilege to play a role in uplifting the cultural spirit of Egbaland. This festival not only celebrates our shared heritage but also highlights critical issues such as youth employment and food sustainability in the region. Seaman’s Schnapps remains steadfast in its support for Egbaland and its rich traditions.”

    A standout feature of this year’s festival was the homage paid to Lisabi Forest, where Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, alongside other Egba monarchs, priests, and high chiefs, led the prayer rituals using Seaman’s Schnapps as the official drink. 

    This moment further underscored the brand’s cultural significance and its role in royal and spiritual rites.

    The festival also delighted attendees with an elegant display of cultural fashion, blending traditional attire with contemporary style to symbolise the evolving yet enduring Egba identity. 

    Side attractions such as traditional dances, music, and culinary experiences added vibrant layers to the festivities, ensuring it was an occasion to remember.

    As the echoes of tradition reverberate through Abeokuta, Seaman’s Schnapps continues to champion Nigeria’s cultural heritage—bringing blessings to the land, its people, and generations to come.

  • Shettima calls for private sector boost in healthcare

    Shettima calls for private sector boost in healthcare

    • Commissions trauma centre in Ogun

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for greater private sector participation in Nigeria’s ongoing healthcare reforms, stressing that the government cannot singlehandedly shoulder the burden of transforming the nation’s health system.

    He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing critical deficits in the health sector through strategic partnerships and investments.

    Speaking yesterday during the commissioning of the newly completed Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre in Sagamu, Ogun State, the Vice President described the facility as a critical addition to Nigeria’s emergency care infrastructure and a symbol of the administration’s resolve to prioritize healthcare delivery.

    Read Also: Food prices drop, ease cost of living

    Senator Shettima revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a “comprehensive Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, including the creation of over 8,800 new Primary Healthcare Centres across the country and the upgrade of existing tertiary institutions to handle trauma, oncology, and infectious disease control.

    In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “in a nation facing rising urbanisation, motorisation, and industrial risks, trauma care is no longer optional—it is essential.”

    He also described the facility as “a lifeline and a symbol of preparedness in a nation that cares”.

    He commended the Adegunwa family’s initiative, urging more philanthropists and corporate organisations to “rise beyond personal achievement and invest in nation-building.”

    Describing the initiative as a model of private sector contribution to public health, VP Shettima said, “This centre is more than a birthday gift; it is a gift to humanity. It is a lifeline—a sanctuary where the wounded can find healing, and where families in despair can find hope”.

    The facility built by the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Foundation within the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital aligns with the Federal Government’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.

    In his remarks, Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the celebrant, Adegunwa, as “a philanthropist, entrepreneur and an astute businessman,” who even at the age of 80 has achieved greatness at all times.

    Governor Abiodun thanked Vice President Shettima, who he described as a friend and a leader.

    Also, the donor and celebrant, Asiwaju Adebola Adegunwa, thanked the governor and all those who made the project a reality, noting that he is reminded by a passage in the Quran which enjoins everyone to spend from that which has been provided for them before it no longer exists.

    He said right from his 56th birthday he had made a promise to give back to his community and impact as many lives as possible.

  • Ogun, Terra Kulture to set up film, entertainment village

    Ogun, Terra Kulture to set up film, entertainment village

    The Ogun state government will collaborate with a private sector arts and culture company, Terra Kulture, to establish a film and entertainment village in the state, Governor Dapo Abiodun, has said.

    According to the governor, the project will help the state to preserve the legacies of those who have pioneered and excelled in the fields of music, film, drama, and entertainment.

     Abiodun made the disclosure when he received the Chief Executive Officer of Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen Peters, in his Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta.

    Read Also: Food prices drop, ease cost of living

    The governor stated that the Ogun State Government would be more than happy to invest in the project.

    “From the onset of our administration, we always wanted to have some sort of creative arts and entertainment zone, but when we assumed office, the government was laden with so many priorities. We wanted to ensure that we first paid attention to matters that touch the lives of the people directly.

    “Because it is only when you are comfortable and happy that you will begin to think of relaxing and being entertained; we had to do that.

    “We are confident that we have not just accomplished that; we’ve made the most of it, and our focus in the last year has been how to push the frontier in the areas of culture, music, and entertainment.

  • Seven killed in Lagos-Ibadan expressway accident

    Seven killed in Lagos-Ibadan expressway accident

    Seven persons on Saturday lost their lives in an early morning accident at the NIPCO filling station axis on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

    In a statement, the spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State, Mrs. Florence Okpe explained that the crash, which occurred at 7:00 a.m.,  involved a Mack truck marked SEY 363 YY, a tanker with registration number T2900LA and a bus marked LSD 180 YA.

    She said that 15 people were involved in the accident, comprising 13 men and two women, adding that four persons were injured while seven people died.

    Okpe said that the accident occurred due to speed and loss of control by the driver of the Mack truck, which rammed into the two other vehicles.

    Read Also: Food prices drop, ease cost of living

    ” The injured victims were taken to Divine Touch Hospital and Glory Center Hospital, Ibafo, while the deceased were taken to Idera morgue Sagamu,” she said.

    The Sector Commander, Mr Akinwumi  Fasakin sympathised with the bereaved families of the crash victims.

    He urged those whose family members were on the road early in the morning but had still not arrived at their destination to contact FRSC Ibafo for more information.

  • Truck kills one, injures two in Lagos

    Truck kills one, injures two in Lagos

    The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki has confirmed the death of one person and that two others were injured in an accident that occurred along Cele Expressway, inward Oshodi, Lagos on Saturday.

    In a statement, Bakare-Oki said the accident involved a fully-laden 40-foot containerised articulated truck, five commercial buses, and two privately-owned automobiles (Camry and Sienna bus).

    He said the unfortunate incident culminated in the untimely demise of an unsuspecting pedestrian and inflicted varying degrees of bodily harm on two other individuals.

    “Preliminary findings from on-site investigations indicate that the heavy-duty truck, conveying two large containers, suffered a catastrophic brake failure while traveling at an excessive speed.

    Read Also: Nigeria can still qualify for 2026 World Cup – Chelle

    “The resulting loss of control led to the dislodgement of the containers, which subsequently collapsed onto five commercial buses and a pair of private vehicles, causing significant structural damage and human casualties.

    “One of the commercial bus drivers sustained multiple compound fractures to both his arm and leg, while the remaining injured parties were promptly evacuated by LASAMBUS to the General Hospital, Isolo medical facility for immediate and comprehensive treatment.

    “Officers of LASTMA responded with commendable alacrity, orchestrating an efficient rescue operation in concert with the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority Response Unit, Federal Road Safety Corps, and sympathetic members of the public,” he said.

    He said their intervention ensured the swift extraction of the wounded and the restoration of vehicular flow along the severely impacted expressway.

    He added that security personnel from the Ijesha-Tedo Police Division were deployed to provide tactical support and maintain order throughout the emergency response.

    Bakare-Oki extended his profound condolences to the bereaved family and conveyed his earnest wishes for the swift recuperation of the injured.

    He urged motorists to comply rigorously with posted speed limits and extant traffic laws established to safeguard public roadways.

    “The public is assured that a thorough investigation is underway to ascertain full responsibility and forestall future recurrences of such preventable tragedies.

    “Members of the public are enjoined to report traffic violations, emergencies, vehicle breakdowns, or accidents through LASTMA’s dedicated Toll-Free Hotline: 080000527862,”’ he said.

  • Why I sponsored subsidised Sallah food programme – Shomolu LG chief

    Why I sponsored subsidised Sallah food programme – Shomolu LG chief

    The chairman of Somolu Local Government Hon. Abdul-Hammed Salawu, popularly called Dullar has explained that he decided to sponsor a subsidised Itunu Awe (Sallah) food programme to alleviate the harsh economic conditions of residents in the council area.

    Salawu explained that the food palliative was in collaboration with Lagos  Inspire Food Outfit.

    A statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs of the local government, Olusegun Akinyemi quoted Salawu while speaking during the programme, said: “The people are anxiously yearning for succour from Governments from all levels, to alleviate the current Economic conditions, as a responsible and responsive Government, we came up with the idea of providing 50% subsidized basic food items such as Garri, beans, rice, eggs, yams, Tomatoes, Onions, Vegetable oil, Palm Oil, Noodle, Meat, Frozen Chicken, among others.

    Read Also: Nigeria can still qualify for 2026 World Cup – Chelle

    ”The turnout was so impressive that all the items were purchased by the residents of Somolu Local Government Area”.

    ”I saw smiles on the faces of the men, women, youths, girls, and boys that came to buy Subsidized food items; this gives me joy.

  • Foundation donates furniture to Lagos school

    Foundation donates furniture to Lagos school

    The family of the late Mrs. Adijat Abimbola Adeyemi has donated sets of furniture to her alma mater, Jibowu High School, in Lagos, as part of the efforts to keep her dreams alive.

    The late Abimbola, Née Pedro, graduated from the school in 1991.

    Speaking on behalf of the family, her husband, Jeremiah Adeyemi, said his late wife derived profound joy in giving and helping people around her as well as providing for the less privileged.

    “When Adijat Abimbola died 5 years ago, I and our children pledged to set up a Foundation to support and create more awareness about Cancer/treatment and also promote her passion; which is empowerment of the less-privileged.

    Read Also: Food prices drop, ease cost of living

    “Abimbola derived great joy in giving and helping as much as possible within the resources God blessed us with. In her school, BUNID Montessori Children School, She had many children on scholarships,” Adeyemi said.

    In her memory, the Adijat Abimbola Adeyemi Foundation recently donated tables and chairs to the school as part of the family’s efforts to help ameliorate the learning conditions in the school.

    “We observed that there was the need to help the school with chairs and tables to the school due to insufficient learning facilities.  After this, the foundation is also planning to provide textbooks for the school Library and to institute an annual prize for the best graduating students of the school during it annual prize-winning and graduation ceremony,” Adeyemi added.

    Adijat Abimbola Adeyemi died on the 26th of March 2020 after battling with Cancer. She was survived by her husband, Jeremiah Adeyemi, who is the chairman of the foundation,  her children, Damilola Adeyemi, secretary of the foundation; Nifemi Adeyemi , director of the foundation and Busayo Adeyemi.

  • Ban use of mobile phones in secondary schools, higher institutions, don tells FG

    Ban use of mobile phones in secondary schools, higher institutions, don tells FG

    The Acting Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Hikmah University, Associate Professor Saeed Olorunnisola has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to ban the use of mobile phones in secondary schools and higher institutions to tackle distractions and examination malpractices.

    Speaking at the 2nd National Symposium of Mission for the Eradication of Examination Malpractice (MEEM) tagged ‘Effects of Examination Malpractices on Education and National Development’   Olorunnisola lamented over the misuse of use of mobile phones by students.

    However, he highlighted the benefits of technology in the education sector but advocated that the use of mobile phones should be discouraged in its entirety and the use of laptops and computers be encouraged for students.

    He said:  “Social media is causing distractions in secondary schools. Tertiary institutions are the worst. Students don’t care any longer. Some of them are snapping notes and they will not read them. They are usually on social media with their phones. What we have right now is a misuse of technology and it must be taken away.

    “We have a university that has banned their undergraduates from using mobile phones. The report we have was that it minimises distractions and concentration was better when they took the phones away.

    Read Also: Nigeria can still qualify for 2026 World Cup – Chelle

    “They give them phones that cannot use the internet but calls and text messages.  So, I want to advocate too, because we have a place where it is working, as a matter of educational policy in Nigeria, the country should make sure there are no phones in our secondary schools and in our tertiary education.”

    The Amir MSSN, Dr. Moshood Kolawole urged stakeholders including policymakers to uphold principles of sincerity and accountability in education.

    Also, the Osun State Education Commissioner, Dipo Eluwole highlighted the effects of examination malpractices in the education sector, saying, “it creates a culture of dishonesty, devaluation of academic credentials and undermine competitiveness in education.”