The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Ex-WAEC Registrar Uwadiae urges Fed Govt on educational development

    Ex-WAEC Registrar Uwadiae urges Fed Govt on educational development

    Former Registrar of West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Dr. Iyi Uwadiae, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the growth and further development of education, saying “it plays a pivotal role in a country’s advancement.”

    He said this during the 70th birthday dinner held in his honour by associates and friends at Yellow Chilli, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Uwadiae said education remained the foundation of a country’s development.

    He said: “I am calling on the Federal Government to prioritise educational growth and development by giving it further impetus, in order to arrest its dwindling fortune.

    “There is no alternative to education, it is a necessity, it is a foundation for development. It helps citizens to navigate.

    “But unfortunately, we are not doing enough, government is not doing enough to promote education.”

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    The former WAEC boss, who emphasised the need for proper planning and funding for education; implored the government to key into the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisations’ (UNESCO’s) recommendations on annual budgetary allocation for education development.

    “UNESCO has recommended that countries should allocate 15 to 20 per cent of their budgets to education, emphasising the importance of education globally,” he said.

    Nigeria’s N3.52trillion educational budget for 2025 represents only 7.3 per cent of the country’s total budget of N49.7trillion.

    Uwadiae, who recalled his argument with a former minister of education when he was splitting education into many things, said :”I told him it would not work. But he was telling WAEC to go and organise examination along that line.

    “I told him the years it requires for curriculum planning and implementation in a nation’s education,”

    He cited the example of how the 6-3-3-4 system of education, which failed in Nigeria, worked for the betterment of countries like Ghana, Sierra Leone and Gambia.

    Uwadiae, who served WAEC in different high ranking capacities, lamented the current situation in Nigeria where politics had impacted badly on educational fortune.

    He said: “It is sad that a councillor is now better than a professor, with a ‘Yahoo’ boy boasting of being capable of paying the salary of a lecturer.”

    Uwadiae says a more worrisome development in Nigeria now is the increasing rate of out-of school-child syndrome, which is mostly caused by lack of funds by parents to train their children and the unwillingness of some children to get educated.

  • My installation was in order, says monarch

    My installation was in order, says monarch

    The Orunda of Olorunda, Oba Joshua Olusegun Phillips-Ogunsola, has decried attempt to rewrite history and mislead unsuspecting public about the historical origin of Olorunda.

    In response to a recent call by Omala of Imala, Oba Moses Adegboyega Adelani Olabode, for the Ogun State Government to revoke his installation, Oba Phillips-Ogunsola described such call as baseless and disrespectful.

    He said Omala of Imala was engaging in deliberate misinformation regarding the historical ownership and settlement of Olorunda township.

    Said he: “The assertion that Governor Dapo Abiodun was misled in his decision to install the Orunda of Olorunda, and that it constituted ‘executive recklessness’, is not only disrespectful, but also an insult to the Office of the Governor and the Ogun State Executive Council,” Orunda said.

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    He pointed out that Omala’s claim that Olorunda was a Yewa community and that Orunda’s father was a visitor to Keesan Orile before settling in Olorunda was a complete falsehood.

    Citing historical records, he explained that Olorunda was founded by Seriki Sowumilola Sokenu of Ijeun Abeokuta following the Owiwi War of 1833.

    He referenced A.K. Ajisafe’s historical text, Iwe Itan Abeokuta, which detailed how the Egba subdued Imala and surrounding areas in the early 19th century.

    The Orunda of Olorunda also provided historical context to counter Omala’s claims, saying the settlement had been under Egba Authority since colonial times.

    “Olorunda was once the headquarters of one of the seven districts into which Egba Division was subdivided in 1917 for taxation purposes, with the Agura of Gbagura serving as the district head,” Orunda said.

    He said Omala disregarded a resolution of the Ogun State House of Assembly (Resolution No. 28/OG/2021), which mandated him to cease interference in Olorunda’s affairs.

    He also referenced a 2020 Ogun State High Court ruling in Suit No. AB/07/2015, which dismissed a land ownership claim by the Baale of Keesan Orile.

    Oba Phillips-Ogunsola alleged that Omala was attempting to incite violence by mobilising thugs to Keesan Village to disrupt peace in Olorunda.

    In a statement issued by his Personal Secretary, Mr. Tajudeen Tinubu, Orunda urged the Ogun State Government, security agencies, and the public to be vigilant against any potential breakdown of law and order.

  • Adeleke, APC bicker over launch of N158b infra plan

    Adeleke, APC bicker over launch of N158b infra plan

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state have bickered over the launch of N158billion infra plan.

    Adeleke in 2023 launched N100billion infra plan and subsequently in March 2025 launched another N158billon phase of infra plan, noting that the first phase was a success.

    APC, through its Director of Media, Chief Kola Olabisi, yesterday alleged that the N100billion infra plan failed, yet Adeleke launched another N158billion plan, saying the governor should stop insulting the collective sensibilities of the people.

    He said: “The administration has failed to deliver on the previous plan of N100 billion infra plan. In October 2023, Governor Adeleke announced plans to build infrastructure worth N100 billion without borrowing, boasting of completing five flyovers by the end of 2024.

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    “However, the flyovers in Okefia, Lameco and Ile-Ife are facing challenges, missing their completion deadlines, and are now at risk of being abandoned, while nothing has been done at Ikirun and Owode locations of the touted projects.

    “It would have been a tenable excuse if the government has resolved to focus on delivering the projects it already promised. Osun State deserves better. It’s time for the government to prioritise education, health care, agricultural development and rural road infrastructure.”

  • Ekiti monarchs endorse Oyebanji’s second term bid

    Ekiti monarchs endorse Oyebanji’s second term bid

    Some traditional rulers in Ekiti State, under the aegis of Majority Obas of Ekiti Land (MOBEL), have thrown their weight behind the second term bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, assuring him of support.

    MOBEL, led by its Chairman and the Ojurin of Ijurin-Ekiti, Oba Afolabi Ajibola, spoke yesterday in Ado-Ekiti during a visit to the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye.

    Oba Ajibola said the traditional rulers predicated their support on the level of peace, development, stability and mutual respect being accorded Ekiti people, including all the traditional rulers by the governor.

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    He says these have endeared the government to the populace and critical stakeholders.

    Also speaking, the Onikun of Ikun Amure Ekiti, Oba David Olatunde, promised that MOBEL, comprising grades A, B and C traditional ruler, would coalesce actions with government to ensure peace and stability in their domains.

    Oba Olatunde says what MOBEL stands for is progress, unity and love among Ekiti residents, promising that these shall be fostered in the interest of the citizens.

  • Group decries infiltration of Southwest by terrorists

    Group decries infiltration of Southwest by terrorists

    Participants at the summit organised by the Yoruba Assembly have decried the infiltration of the Southwest by armed terrorists who engage in kidnapping, ritual killing, murder, invasion and sacking of communities and farmlands.

     They said the future of the region is bleak with insecurity ravaging it.

    The summit, which was attended by artisan and professional groups, self-determination and other pan-Yoruba groups from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Kogi, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo and Delta states, deliberated on theme, “Threats to human life, livelihood and democracy”.

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    In a communique at the end of the summit, chaired by the leader of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Olawale Oshun, the participants called on governments in the Southwest to build the capacity of the regional security outfit, otherwise known as Amotekun, with modern security equipment to enable it to effectively secure the lives and properties of people living in the region.

    The statement reads: “Amotekun has tried to deal with terrorism, but the organisation is not well equipped to effectively address the problem. Therefore, states in the Southwest should stop recruiting politicians but real pan Yoruba actors to Amotekun in the bid to deal with terrorism and other crimes.

    “Delegates regret that for now, there is no insurance cover for Amotekun. This discourages Amotekun corps from optimum performance.”

  • Minister pledges support for ECOWAS Youth Parliament

    Minister pledges support for ECOWAS Youth Parliament

    The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has assured of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting youth-led initiatives tailored to establishing ECOWAS Youth Parliament.

    Olawande said this while delivering a closing remarks at the just concluded West Africa youth engagement session on the establishment of the ECOWAS Youth Parliament held in Abuja on the 28th and 29th of March 2025.

    During his opening remarks, the minister, represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Marwan Gwamba, said: “The vision of ECOWAS, as a regional bloc founded in 1975, has always been to foster economic integration and cooperation among West African states. Today, as we reflect on the sustainability of ECOWAS Youth Parliament, the active engagement of young people remains indispensable in shaping a more inclusive, democratic, and prosperous region. I reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to supporting youth-led initiatives that align with the broader ECOWAS agenda.

    “The establishment of the ECOWAS Youth Parliament is a significant step in ensuring that the voices of young people are not only heard but also translated into meaningful policies and actions that drive regional development.

    “Youth representation must go beyond tokenism; it should be an avenue for genuine participation in decision-making, policy formulation, and regional governance. This Parliament can serve as a bridge between governments and young people, advocating for policies that promote peace, security, economic growth, and social development across member states.”

    To the gathering youths from different West African countries at the event, he said: As young people, your role in regional economic and social transformation cannot be overstated. Through entrepreneurship, innovation, and active civic engagement, you can contribute to job creation, climate action, and good governance: pillars that are crucial for a stable and thriving ECOWAS. By harnessing the power of technology, education, and cross-border collaboration, you can drive sustainable solutions to the Challenges facing our region.

    “Let this engagement serve as a catalyst for strengthening democratic representation, fostering youth-led economic integration, and ensuring that the future of our region is one built on inclusivity, resilience, and shared prosperity.”

    Earlier in her opening remark, the Executive Director, Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), Theodora Williams Anti, noted that the gathering was a continuation of advocacy engagement targeting the creation of the Parliament.

    She hinted that FOSDA in partnership with OXFAM, CHRDI, West African Youth Alliance and other partners have been engaging youth groups and ministries in the region in campaigns for the establishment of the ECOWAS Youth Parliament in the last two years.

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    Anti said the advocacy was informed because of the overwhelming evidence that young people are sidelined in the decision making processes across the region especially within the ECOWAS structure.

    She added that the partnerships supporting the course are solely doing so for the purpose of giving youths in the region a voice, a platform for capacity building, to hold leaders accountable and be part of decision-making processes.

    Anti charged West African youths and groups to join and own the advocacy.

    She also urged all well-meaning organisations and individuals across the region to support the vision and make it reality.

    Rotimi Olawale, the Executive Director of YouthHubAfrica (one of the organisations that partnered with FOSDA in convening the meeting) lauded the initiative and emphasised how the spaces for young people’s participation and inclusion in governance and leadership within the sub-region and continent is limited, necessitating the need for an ECOWAS youth parliament and other platforms.

    He reiterated that, YouthHubAfrica as an organisation whose core mandate is creating opportunities for young people, will continue to support the initiative and see to its success.

  • Aiyedatiwa slams Ondo NDDC representative

    Aiyedatiwa slams Ondo NDDC representative

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has come hard on the state representative in Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Otito Atikase.

    Atikase, in a post on his verified Facebook page, asked Governor Aiyedatiwa to call the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, to order.

    He was silent on his reasons, but said he would not sit idly by and allow anybody to destroy the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said: “With our commitment to the development and growth of this state and the party alike, some of us will not sit idly by and allow anybody to destroy our party and government, both at the federal and state levels. I won’t say more than this for now.”

    But Aiyedatiwa said Atikase’s comments undermined the principles of governance and the chain of authority.

    In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Strategic Communications, Allen Sowore, Governor Aiyedatiwa said he was a member of the Advisory Committee of NDDC.

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    The statement said: “When a part-time board member of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) issues directives to an elected governor—particularly the governor of the very state he represents in the commission—it is not only overreaching, but also deeply inappropriate.

    “It is sheer recklessness and an act of unpardonable insubordination for a government official to issue warnings to the governor, as well as the office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of a state. Such actions undermine the principles of governance and the chain of authority.”

    Reacting to Atikase, Ajulo said: “I express my gratitude to the Ondo representative in NDDC for advice. You see, the governor, being the appointing and convening authority as well as the chief executive officer of the state, possesses the power to hold his appointees accountable. I am one of them and I am of the opinion that he has been fulfilling this responsibility with great diligence to further the progress of the state.”

  • Alaafin will support women empowerment, says Ayaba Abiwumi

    Alaafin will support women empowerment, says Ayaba Abiwumi

    Wife of the Alaafin of Oyo, Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade, says her husband, Oba Akeem Owoade, is ready to encourage and support any activity that can improve women’s economic power, in order to enable them develop high-esteem, build more confidence in one another and exhibit their God-given potential.

    In a statement yesterday by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Bode Durojaiye, the princess said women

    had displayed ingenuity and creativity in finding alternative to any situation, individually at the household level, and collectively at the social level, thereby creating a conducive atmosphere for democracy and democratic governance to thrive.

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    “As women, we constitute a dynamic breeding ground within the framework of any perspective for change. Women perform indispensable roles in the society as mothers, custodians and shapers of the society.

    “In Nigeria, women population is currently put at about 55 million, which is significant, considering the total population of about 140 million. It is indisputable that empowering women is empowering the nation, as they are an indispensable group in the development of any nation.’’

  • Debo Adesina loses mum

    Debo Adesina loses mum

    Deaconess Esther Taiwo Ejide Adesina has died. She passed away on Tuesday, well into her 90s.

    She was a dutiful and faithful soldier of Christ, a loyal and devoted wife to her late husband; a loving and caring mother to her children – biological and adopted. Mama was a pillar of support for her family – nuclear and extended. She was a selfless giver, who embodied compassion in its truest form. A gifted and self-taught intellectual with unparalleled love for education and a lover of God with an undiluted vision of eternity.

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    A long-time deaconess of the Baptist Church, she has left a huge legacy of compassion, righteousness and hard work.

    Among her children is Debo Adesina, former Ambassador of Nigeria to the Republic of Togo and formerly Editor-in-Chief/Chief Operating Officer of The Guardian newspapers.

  • Ex-lawmaker urges President to tackle contributory pensioners’ plight

    Ex-lawmaker urges President to tackle contributory pensioners’ plight

    A former lawmaker in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to look into the plight of contributory pensioners.

    Oyintiloye, one of the leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, in a statement yesterday, said delayed or non-payment of pensions, inadequate funding and corruption within the pension scheme had led to hardship and financial stress for pensioners.

    The member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) said since the Federal Government enacted the Pensions Reform Act (PRA 2004), which introduced the Contributory Pension Scheme, pensioners had not been treated fairly by, especially, many previous administrations.

    He lamented that many retirees were often paid between 25 and 50 per cent of the lump sum after retirement, noting that many civil servants, who had served the government in their prime, would end up being subjected to untold hardship and poverty after retirement due to delay or non- payment of retirement benefits due to them by the government.

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    Oyintiloye lauded President Tinubu for approving N758 billion bond in February to clear 16 years pension liabilities.

    He said more still needed to be done to save pensioners from poverty after retirement, leading to illness and untimely death.

    “I want to appeal to the President to look into the plight of pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme. The 2004 Pension Act should be reviewed to enable pensioners live a decent life after retirement, Oyintiloye added.”