The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Ex-RRS commander Egbeyemi promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police

    Ex-RRS commander Egbeyemi promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police

    Former Commander of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Yinka Egbeyemi, has been promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

    Egbeyemi, who previously led the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences, currently serves as the Commander Raider of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos.

    His promotion was among the 219 senior police officers elevated by the Police Service Commission (PSC) during its plenary meeting.

    According to a statement by the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the commission approved the promotion of 66 officers, including 20 Commissioners of Police to Assistant Inspectors General of Police and 19 Deputy Commissioners to Commissioners.

    Additionally, 26 Assistant Commissioners were promoted to Deputy Commissioners, 23 Chief Superintendents to Assistant Commissioners, 13 Superintendents to Chief Superintendents, 14 Deputy Superintendents to Superintendents, and 170 Assistant Superintendents to Deputy Superintendents.

    The Assistant Commissioners of Police elevated to the next rank are; Tarzan Yusuf Tsav, Area Commander, Irrua, Edo State who was also a former Area Commander, Uromi in the same state; Samantha Nansah Barko, ACP SCID, Bauchi state Command; Shehu Wase Abdullahi, Area Commander Kazaure, Jigawa State Command; Ajeigbe Olayinka, Area Commander, Area ‘M’ Idimu, Lagos; Abubakar Haruna, Area Commander, Metro, Jos, Plateau State; Elisha Daniel Bawa, ACP Operations Kwara State Command; Ibrahim Abdul Ahmed, Area Commander, Katsina-Ala, Benue State; Williams Aboi Tawon, ACP Department of Finance and Administration, Zone 7, Abuja and Elija Sunny Dangana, ACP CID, Oyo State, ACP Provost, Force Headquarters, Lagos Annex and ACP CID Maritime Command, Force Headquarters, Annex, Lagos.

    Others are; Bello Wudil Hamisu, ACP Eastern By-Pass, Kano; Usanga Ime Bassey, ACP DFA, Cross Rivers State; Alice Ajuma Abbah, ACP PSFU, Abuja; ACP Abdulaziz Aliyu, ACP Anti Human Trafficking, FCID Abuja; ACP Yahaya Usman, Area Commander, Degema, Rivers state; Mohammed Abdullahi, Area Commander Ringim, Jigawa State; Shehu Garba, Assistant Director, Operations, North West Zone, office of the National Security Adviser; Tukur Garba, ACP, Operations, Jigawa State; Dankwano Wilson, Commander PMF 11, Calabar; Mohammed Mujitaba Makama, Area Commander, Dutsinma Katsina State and Hassan Yahaya, Area Commander, Nsukka, Enugu State.

    Charles Okafor, ACP Cyber Security, Info-Tech Abuja; Raphael Aiwansosa, ACP Admin Communication, Force Headquarters Abuja; Frances Olufemi Oshuporu; Commandant PCIT, Abeokuta; Kangiwa Ibrahim; Director ICT, POLAC; Donald King Ibanga, ACP Information Management System, Force Headquarters and Andatu Pati Magaji of the Police Reference Hospital, Utako, Abuja make up the 26 Assistant Commissioners promoted to Deputy Commissioners. 

    The 22 Chief Superintendents of Police promoted to Assistant Commissioners include; Ibrahim Kayode Ajanaku; Uduaku Bassey Edet; Kabir Afolabi Kazeem; Abubakar MU’azu Dalhatu; Tudun- wada Munir Ahmad; Alhaji Bello Oro and Bashir Kachala. 

    Read Also: PHOTOS: Commander Lagos Rapid Response Squad CSP Egbeyemi leads operatives amid NLC protest

    Others also include; Egbeyemi Olayinka Saheed, former Commander Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences, Former Commander, Rapid Response Squad, Lagos State and Commander Raider, D9 Section of Lagos State CID, Panti Lagos; Theophilus Emeka Eze, DPO, Ihiala, Anambra State and also former DPO Ogbunike of the same State.

    Some of the 170 Assistant Superintendents of Police promoted to the next rank of Deputy Superintendents are; Gombwer Wokdung; Bulus Danjuma; Mohammed Usman; Yusuf Ibrahim , Katsina State Command; Ahmad Katama, Kano state Command; Danjuma Musa, Kaduna State Command and Ugwuanyi Obinna Peter 2i/c Anti Kidnapping section, Zonal CID Zone 13 Ukpo, Anambra State.

    Others are; Abraham Albert, Mopol 50, kubwa, Abuja; Abduljalal Bello Muhammad, Police College Kaduna; Ezeme Lambert Obinna, Anambra state Command and Usman Musa Said, Kano state Command amongst others.

    Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni told the Officers during the promotion examination and interactive interview that promotion exams have come to stay. 

    DIG Argungu said the Police must accept the reality that every public servant must be subjected to promotion examinations. 

    He noted that the Commission will not promote any Police Officer who has not gone through one form of examination or the other in line with the existing public service Rules.

  • Foundation trains youths on meter installation

    Foundation trains youths on meter installation

    A non-governmental organisation, Isaac Ademola Agoro Engineering Empowerment Foundation, in collaboration with Ekiti State Government has begun a six day training for youths in Ekiti State on meter installation.

    The initiative, aside that it will reduce unemployment among youths across the State, will also equip young people with skills needed to install electricity prepaid meters, addressing shortage of skilled technicians

    Speaking while addressing beneficiaries of the empowerment, the organiser and Chief Executive Officer, (CEO), Protogy Global Services, Engr. Ademola Agoro said the effort was part of his commitment towards complementing various empowerment initiatives by federal government and sub nationals to engage youths meaningfully and bring them out of unemployment. 

    Agoro, who is also a former Vice President, Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), explained that hundreds of youths have already been trained in Oyo state with participants coming from all parts of the country in the last few weeks.

    Agoro added that the training will ensure that more youths are taking away from the streets, so that crime rates can drastically reduced in society.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Nigeria’s over 300 tribes shaping national identity

    The Protogy Global boss added that participants at the end of the six days training will be able to installs electricity meters.

    He acknowledged unwavering commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji towards advancing power sector and eliminating billing in the state.

    He said: “Ekiti State has taken a bold step by establishing the Regulatory Bureau, making it one of the first states in Nigeria to show such a proactive approach in ensuring electricity consumers get accurate billing through proper metering.

    “At Engr Ademola Agoro Engineering Empowerment Foundation, we align with this vision, and we are fully committed to supporting the state government’s effort. This training programme is part of our contribution to ensuring that Ekiti youths are empowered with the technical skills required to work with the state government.”

    He commended the readiness of the Ekiti State Government to assist its teeming youths and make them productive for their benefit and that of Ekiti state. 

    Ekiti Commissioner for Public Utility, Prof. Banji Aluko, stressed the need for beneficiaries to concentrate on learning the skills as efforts are in top gear to address challenges faced by electricity consumers in Ekiti State.

    He said the programme also aligned with the Federal Government’s National Mass Metering Programme, which seeks to close the gaps in the Nigerian consumer electricity supply industry by training young people in meter installation.

    Some of the participants commended Isaac the Foundation for its efforts and promised to make good use of the training.

  • Olubadan hosts maiden royal Ramadan lecture

    Olubadan hosts maiden royal Ramadan lecture

    In the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan and religious tolerance, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, at the weekend organized the first Ramadan lecture by an Olubadan.

    The event held at his palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

    The Ramadan lecture, which was very historic and significant considering the fact that the monarch is a christian and the first to host such, drew people from all walks of life who partook in the special prayers and blessings of the holy month.

    Speaking at the event, the Olubadan appreciated the attendees including members of the Olubadan in Council, Royal Fathers, top dignitaries, Islamic Clerics and the various sects at the first of its kind event by a paramount ruler of Ibadanland.

    The Olubadan said, “I am overwhelmed by the attendance at this epoch making event which is not only a spiritually edifying one but epitomises religious tolerance in Ibadanland. 

    “Inspite of being a christian, I see myself as the father of all and very much impressed with the gathering here irrespective of tribe, religious beliefs, language and location

    “As you must be aware, it is a proven fact that most families in Ibadanland comprise of individuals with different religious inclination, yet they still live together as one family. This is a testimony that peaceful co-existence reigns supreme in Ibadanland; the different religious leanings notwithstanding.”

    In his vote of thanks, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Ladoja, emphasised the secular nature of Ibadanland and indeed Oyo State noting that participating in religious activities shows that Ibadan residents live with the fear of God . 

    “The gathering of the Islamic faithful at the Olubadan’s palace today for the Ramadan lecture further confirms that Oyo State is a secular State where every citizen is allowed to practice his or her religion without persecution, intimidation or harassment”.

    Oba Ladoja enjoined the participants at the lecture to adhere strictly to the lessons learned which included perseverance, humility, love, care for one another and abstaining from sins.

    The Guest Lecturer, Khalifa Ajisafe Akilapa spoke on the theme of the lecture titled, “Destiny”, which he defines as the decision of God. 

    Read Also: Aleshinloye inferno: Olubadan seeks safety measures in markets

    According to the Islamic Scholar, it is only destiny that made Oba Olakulehin ascend the throne of his forefathers and same for everyone that occupies one position or the other.

    Imam Akilapa advised all persons in positions of authority including the traditional title holders to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness; always give glory to the Almighty God and avoid treacherous acts.

    He called on the ruled to be loyal to the constituted authority, humble and carry out any work assigned them or directives given faithfully. 

    Eminent dignitaries that graced the occasion include members of Olubadan – In – Council, Chief Imam of Ibadanland Sheikh Abdul – Ganiyy Abubakr Agbotomokekere, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta State, Alhaji Dawud Akinola Mokanjuola, the President General of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Mr Ajeniyi Ajewole, Mogajis, Baales, Chief Bayo Oyero, Alhaji Diti Ladapo, Islamic religious leaders and the representatives of different associations and Islamic sects.

  • ‘No going back on demolition of shanties around Oyo schools’

    ‘No going back on demolition of shanties around Oyo schools’

    Oyo State Government has insisted that there is no going back on the resolve to demolish illegal structures around schools in the state.

    This affirmation was made by the Chairperson, Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd.), in Ibadan.

    Aderemi led an inspection team to Jemibewon area of Sabo in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

    She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sanitise the environment and maintain a lawful and orderly society.

    Read Also: Rent crisis: Will Lagos follow Enugu footprints?

    Speaking at the weekend after the visit, Aderemi said government would not be distracted by complaints arising from the demolitions.

    She said the visit was sequel to a petition received by OYRLEA dated February 17, 2025 calling the attention of the authority to shanties around St. Gabriel School, at Jemibewon axis.

  • Kwara revokes 2024 signage, billboard licences

    Kwara revokes 2024 signage, billboard licences

    Kwara State Government has announced the revocation of 2024 signage and billboard licences across the state.

    The development followed the earlier notification on the suspension of billboard licences in the state.

    It added that identifications were ongoing and removal enforcement would begin from next week. 

    Read Also: 2027: Will Buhari reciprocate Tinubu alliance as payback?

    In a statement, Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said the revocation was necessary, to facilitate the removal of unauthorised and improperly erected billboards, posters and light pole banners across Ilorin metropolis and other urban centres. 

    Mrs Olukoju, who is also the chairman, Kwara State Task Force Committee on Illegal Billboards and Signages, said the initiative aligned with the urban renewal programme of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration.

  • Commissioner lauds firm’s efforts to boost entrepreneurship

    Commissioner lauds firm’s efforts to boost entrepreneurship

    Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, has lauded CEOs’ Portal Limited for launching two major initiatives aimed at empowering entrepreneurs.

    He spoke at the Lagos edition of the Impact Tour, organised by CEOs’ Portal Limited, held at the GTA Hotel, Ikeja.

    The commissioner said initiatives such as the Impact Tour 2025 and Convergence Africa were essential in equipping business owners with the right tools to thrive despite economic challenges.

    The initiative, the Impact Tour 2025, a two-month programme designed to visit 10 Nigerian states, aims to guide entrepreneurs on dominating their sectors, building strategic collaborations and leveraging available resources. Convergence Africa, scheduled for May 8, in Abuja, will host 1,000 CEOs across industries, to foster collaboration and innovation.

    Read Also: Rent crisis: Will Lagos follow Enugu footprints?

    Omotoso described the initiatives as a timely intervention that aligned with Lagos State’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment.

    Speaking about the vision behind the initiatives, a Global Synergist at CEOs’ Portal Limited, Patience Olusuyi, emphasised the need for entrepreneurs to adopt sustainable business strategies rather than focusing solely on survival.

  • Adeleke’s $20m fraud allegation against Oyetola mere shadow-chasing, says Ogundokun

    Adeleke’s $20m fraud allegation against Oyetola mere shadow-chasing, says Ogundokun

    A frontline politician, Chief Abiola Ogundokun, has described Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s $20 million fraud allegation against former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola as mere shadow-chasing.

    He said this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, while reacting to a petition by Adeleke to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Oyetola.

    Adeleke had, in the petition, alleged that Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, misappropriated a $20 million World Bank health grant while he was governor of the state.

    Ogundokun said there was nothing serious in the petition other than a drama aimed at generating negative energy toward the 2026 governorship election in the state.

     He described Oyetola as a man of sterling performance in the private sector as well as due diligence and strict adherence to rules in the public service as governor.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain also described the former governor as the pride of Osun and Nigeria, who should not be pulled down or given uncharitable names but encouraged to do more for the state.

    Read Also: 2027: Will Buhari reciprocate Tinubu alliance as payback?

     According to him, there is the need to stop a destructive campaign of “I will destroy you if I can’t get it.

    “Oyetola is honest to a fault,” he remarked, calling on the people of the state to join him in moving Osun forward.

     Ogundokun advised Adeleke to prioritise good governance rather than engaging in frivolous activities.

    “What Osun requires and deserves is focused leadership and serious engagements.

    “I will advise Ademola Adeleke to stop playing politics with the exalted office of the governor by turning it to a petition writing apparatus.

    “He should use the enormous power of the office to improve the lots of the people, instead of deploying the state resources to bully and witch-hunt a perceived enemy or enemies.

    “Writing a petition against a man like Oyetola, to me, is like chasing a shadow.

    “The task before Adeleke is huge, and meeting the expectations of the people should be his priority and not fighting an imaginary political foe,” he said.

    The elder statesman urged the governor not to deviate from the vision of the state’s forefathers.

    Rather, he said Adeleke should learn to build on the good foundation of his predecessor, instead of finding ways to shoot down his good legacies.

  • Abiodun inspects roads in Ogun East

    Abiodun inspects roads in Ogun East

    • Governor: current developmental drive must be sustained

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun at the weekend inspected road construction projects in Ogun East Senatorial District, as part of the urban regeneration scheme of his administration.

    He said his administration had succeeded in rewriting Ogun’s developmental stride, which he noted must be sustained.

    Prince Abiodun said his administration was building a dry port to further open up the state for more investment opportunities, in addition to the over 4,000 affordable houses that had been built for medium and upper-income earners in Abeokuta, Ilaro, Sagamu, Iperu, Ijebu-Ode and Ota.

    He said plans had been concluded to extend the Red Rail Line from Agbado to Kajola, just as the Blue Line would be extended from Okokomaiko in Lagos to Agbara in Ogun State.

    He said: “We have built over 4,000, going to 5,000 affordable houses for medium and upper-income earners across the state. In Ilaro, they are eager for me to come and inaugurate those houses. We have them in Iperu, Sagamu, and two in Abeokuta.

    “We started our urban regeneration at the GRA in Abeokuta and began building the PMB estate also in Abeokuta. You can feel my excitement today because I can look at all that and even see the clips from the airport where the conveyor belts, metal detectors and luggage scanners have started working, and I said to myself, ‘something new has happened in Ogun State,’ and this needs to be sustained.”

    Read Also: Rent crisis: Will Lagos follow Enugu footprints?

    He says 11 roads that have economic impact on the lives of the people have been identified and awarded for reconstruction across the state, noting that fairness, equity and inclusivity would be adhered to when distributing projects.

    Governor Abiodun, who acknowledged the inability of his administration to reconstruct all the roads in the state, said: “There are many roads we will like to do, but the truth is that no administration can reconstruct all the required roads in eight years; it’s impossible.

    “However, that much we have done is much less than needs to be done. So we are very thankful that we have achieved this feat. I think I can beat my chest and say we have probably constructed more roads than two administrations combined together.”

    Speaking at Ode-Remo, he disclosed that contract for the building of the 12-kilometre Akaka-Ilara-Ilisan Road had been awarded, just as the construction of the Ode-Isara Road would begin soon.

    While inspecting the 15-kilometre Sagamu-Iperu-Ode-Sapaade Road, Governor Abiodun described it as an arterial route that served as a bypass to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, saying it was divided into three phases and changed from a single to dual carriageway due to the cooperation of the people who pulled down their structures to give way for the road.

    He also inspected the 14-kilometre Sagamu-Ayepe Road in Sagamu Local Government, where he informed that the first phase of 14 kilometres was being done in the area with a large population.

    He assured citizens all the important roads with economic value in Sagamu would be built before the end of the tenure of his administration.

    Abiodun, who inspected the Igbeba junction-Yidi Road, lauded the quality of work done on the road, noting that the three-feet drainage done on the road would ensure a free flow of water during the rainy season.

    The governor referred to the state of the road before reconstruction as a “swimming pool,” saying engineers from the state had proffered solutions to the perennial erosion that affected the city, adding that erosion would be a thing of the past before the end of his administration.

  • Fayose’s supporters boycott Ekiti PDP ward congress

    Fayose’s supporters boycott Ekiti PDP ward congress

    A group loyal to former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has boycotted the ward congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ekiti State at the weekend.

    It was gathered that Fayose had directed his loyalists across the 16 local governments to boycott the exercise, citing the illegal dissolution of the party executives in the state by the national leadership of the PDP.

    The ex-governor was said to have argued that the positions of the party executives from the ward to the state level were not vacant by law; hence the congress was not necessary and illegal.

    The PDP national leadership had last year dissolved the PDP executives in the state, which were said to be the loyalists of Fayose and constituted a caretaker committee to run the affairs of the party.

    But, the sacked PDP executives kicked against the dissolution of the ward, local and state executives committee, arguing that the national leadership lacked the power to sack the party executives duly elected by delegates at the congress.

    Read Also: 2027: Will Buhari reciprocate Tinubu alliance as payback?

    However, despite the boycott, the ward congress held across 177 wards witnessed huge turnout of party members.

    Our correspondent, who monitored the exercise, observed that PDP members in their large numbers turned out to elect the executives that would pilot the affairs of the party at the ward level.

    Addressing reporters in Ado-Ekiti, the Chairman of the Ekiti State congress panel, Chief Afolabi Adekanbi, hailed PDP members for a rancour-free congress in the 177 wards across the 16 councils.

    He lauded party leaders for their discipline and maturity before, during and after the exercise, saying the peaceful conduct signified a bright future for Ekiti PDP.

    The panel chairman said the state chapter had set a very good example for others across Nigeria, adding what happened in Ekiti State was a threat to the ruling party, ‘’as it’s now clear that PDP is more organised than any other party in Nigeria.’’

    He, however, urged members of the party in the state to maintain the same tempo in subsequent congresses. “It’s not over until it’s over.”

    The Chairman of the caretaker panel in the state, Chief Dare Adeleke, lauded members of the congress panel for doing a good job, saying their conduct played a significant role in the success of the congress.

    He equally commended members of the party in the state for making sure the ward congress was conducted under a peaceful atmosphere.

    He said the successful conduct of the ward congresses demonstrated PDP’s ability to organise and conduct peaceful elections, enjoining the newly elected ward executives to carry party members along in running the affairs of the party.

  • Leadership is about service, not gender – Ogun deputy gov

    Leadership is about service, not gender – Ogun deputy gov

    Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has emphasized that leadership transcends gender, stressing that it is about service, vision, integrity, and creating opportunities for others.

    Speaking as a panelist on the topic “Dare to Dream: Women in Politics and Legislative Leadership” at the Nigerian Women’s Day event in New York, USA, she highlighted the importance of inclusive governance. 

    The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, marked 30 years of progress, resilience, impact, and renewed hope for Nigerian women.

    Salako-Oyedele noted that in her role as Deputy Governor, she remains committed to empowering women and young people by advocating for their inclusion in political structures, supporting female candidates, and ensuring governance addresses the needs of all citizens.

    Underscoring the significance of mentorship in leadership, she revealed that she maintains a close relationship with her female predecessors and other notable women in politics. 

    Their guidance, she said, has been instrumental in navigating the challenges of her role, which is often highly visible yet misunderstood.

    According to her, ” Such guidance as I have received from those who have gone before me has reinforced my belief in the importance of building a pipeline of future leaders, both men and women, the road is not easy, but if we continue to support each other, build strong networks, and push for meaningful inclusion, the landscape will change”

    She also noted that in Ogun State, Government continues to demonstrate that when women lead, communities thrive.

    The Deputy Governor said that though Politics is often described as a game of power, for her, it has been an opportunity to serve, uplift others and to support the vision of my principal, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON. 

    She charged those present to avoid praise singers, concluding by pointing out that it was very important to stay grounded, underlying the fact that Politics is demanding and it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of public office, therefore making it imperative to surround oneself with people who will tell the truth, even when it is difficult to hear.