The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • ‘Expect quality job on Iseyin-Saki road’

    ‘Expect quality job on Iseyin-Saki road’

    Oyo State Government has assured citizens of quality delivery on the ongoing rehabilitation of 83.82 kilometres Iseyin-Okaka-Saki Road.

    It said this yesterday, noting that the project was being supervised by resident engineers from Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

    It said the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin, and a team of engineers had been monitoring the project by paying visits to the site, adding that the team even visited the site on February 20.

    Read Also: 2027: The game has commenced

    A resident of the state had in a social media post alleged that the project was marred by poor workmanship, a claim the state government described as unfounded, asserting that the project would be delivered to specifications.

    A statement by Shangodoyin indicated that the governor approved a palliative work on the road in form of limited rehabilitation, involving clearing, turnouts, scarification and removal of unsuitable materials.

    ‘’Other scope of the work include provision of reinforced concrete retaining wall, supply of sub-base and base course materials and laying of 40mm asphaltic wearing course at the critical locations only.’’

  • Ibadan fire: ‘Market has no fire truck, water supply’

    Ibadan fire: ‘Market has no fire truck, water supply’

    The number of shops and properties razed at the Aleshinloye market in Ibadan Southwest Local Government Area was high because the market lacked a fire truck as well as  adequate water supply, the National Emergency Management Agency, Southwest Zone, has said.

    During the incident, over 500 shops and goods worth billions of naira were consumed by the fire.

    Speaking after an assessment, the Zonal Coordinator, Mr Kadiri Olanrewaju said despite the challenges, the responders, including the State Fire Services, their Sumal and Sweetco counterparts, were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the other parts of the markets.

    The Zonal coordinator said: “No fatalities were recorded. However, several individuals sustained minor injuries from smoke inhalation and shock while attempting to salvage their goods. However, over 500 shops and stalls were destroyed.

    Read Also: 2027: The game has commenced

    “Eyewitness accounts indicate that the fire started in the Plastic Merchants Section of the market before rapidly spreading to surrounding stalls due to the highly flammable nature of stored goods.

    “Emergency response teams included the state Fire Service, private fire units from SWEETCO and SUMAL, market security personnel and volunteers.’’

    “Efforts to control the fire were hampered by challenges such as the absence of a functional fire truck at the market’s fire station and an inadequate water supply. Despite these setbacks, responders successfully prevented the fire from spreading to other sections of the market.

    “To mitigate the risk of future occurrences, NEMA recommends the following, strengthening fire safety measures, equipping market fire stations with functional fire trucks and adequate water supply, conducting regular fire drills and safety training for traders, enhancing emergency response infrastructure, establishing a well-equipped emergency response unit within the market.

    “Strengthening partnerships between the Federal and state governments and private organizations to improve disaster response, supporting affected traders, providing emergency relief packages to help traders recover.”

  • NAOSS, NANS urge IGP to take over probe of Ogun student’s murder

    NAOSS, NANS urge IGP to take over probe of Ogun student’s murder

    The National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and the Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs body have called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to take over the investigation into the brutal murder of Comrade Quadri Adedamola Ogunbode, a fresh graduate of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo. 

    During a joint press briefing at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday, NAOSS National President Kehinde Thomas and NANS Vice President (Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs) Akinbodunse Sileola Felicia raised concerns over alleged police complicity in the case. They stated that the call for the IGP’s intervention became necessary following reports that two suspects linked to Ogunbode’s murder had escaped to the Republic of Benin. 

    Thomas emphasised the urgency of the investigation, urging the IGP to ensure justice is served and that all suspects are brought to book. He stressed that Ogunbode’s case must not become another unresolved murder in Nigeria. 

    He further criticized the Lagos State Police Command’s handling of the case, describing it as lackluster. He alleged that the police’s approach led to the disappearance of Ogunbode on February 17, 2025, prompting NAOSS and NANS members to block the Ogun State corridor of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway earlier in the week to protest the poor handling of the investigation.

    Thomas said, “It was the police’s hanky-panky game that necessitated our blocking of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday to call the attention of the IGP to the matter.

    “But we were shocked to learn through the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command that two suspects planned to be apprehended have escaped to the neighbouring Republic of Benin.

    Read Also: NANS, NAOSS to Abiodun: Appoint Education Commissioner within 21 days

    “We view this as absurd and unacceptable. Could those suspects have been tipped off, hence, their fleeing? To us, this case is a clear case of murder. And we believe that since the police arrested the main suspect and Church Shepherd, swift investigations should have led to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.

    “However, our findings revealed that a maternal aunt of the main suspect in Quadri’s murder is a senior police officer. As student leaders, we shall resist any attempt by the said aunt to wield her influence to tamper with the investigation, thereby exonerating her nephew.

    “Quadri was a hardworking guy who combined his education at LASU with entrepreneurship. He was a bright star every family member was hoping for. His death has not only thrown melancholy into his family but it has also taken a serious psychological toll on his mum, who cries her heart out every day.

    “We say a big No to any police complicity in the matter! No matter how connected or influential they are, everybody culpable in the case should be made to face the music.”

  • Rainy season: Lagos warns against indiscriminate dumping of refuse

    Rainy season: Lagos warns against indiscriminate dumping of refuse

    Lagos State Government has issued a warning to residents against indiscriminate waste disposal, highlighting the dangers of blocked drainage and flooding during rainy season.

    Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known yesterday at a news briefing on the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction.

    He urged citizens to act responsibly and report waste dumping in canals or drainage blockages to the appropriate authorities.

    Wahab emphasised the importance of responsible waste disposal, warning that careless actions could lead to severe flooding, disruption of daily life and even loss of property.

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    He appealed to motorists to exercise caution during the rainy season by adhering to prescribed speed limits, to avoid accidents.

    He said the annual climate briefing was part of the government’s proactive measures to keep the public informed and prepared for weather-related events.

    Referencing data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), Wahab said Lagos would experience early and prolonged rainfall this year due to the neutral phase of the El-Niño Southern Oscillation.

    He warned that above-normal rainfall levels were expected, with the season beginning in late March and ending in early December.

    The commissioner said the state would closely monitor water levels from neighbouring Ogun, Oyo and Osun states, as well as dam releases, which could contribute to flooding.

    He cautioned that heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods in some areas, with strong winds at the beginning and end of the rainy season posing risks to lives and property.

    To mitigate the risks, he assured the public that the government had intensified flood control measures, including year-round drainage maintenance and a network of weather monitoring stations.

    Wahab highlighted the state’s ongoing collaboration with Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority to regulate water releases from Oyan Dam and prevent downstream flooding.

    He urged residents to support government efforts by keeping their surroundings clean and ensuring that drains remain unblocked.

    “I wish to appeal once again to our people to support our efforts by regularly clearing tertiary drains in front of their properties. This will ensure the free flow of storm water and prevent the dumping of refuse into drainage channels,” he said.

  • Oyo APC receives defectors

    Oyo APC receives defectors

    • Ganduje unveils blueprint to win Southwest

    Ahead of 2027 general election, a retired military officer, Col. Emmanuel Adegbola and his supporters from Oke Ogun area of Oyo State have joined All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    They were formally received by the Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje-led National Working Committee (NWC) at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

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    Elated by the new entrants, the APC national chairman unveiled the party’s blueprint for the Southwest in the 2027 general election. He called the winning formula “political homogeneity”.

    Adegbola, who recently retired from service, earlier joined the APC in his ward in Saki, Oyo State and was formally presented to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party by Oyo State Secretary, Olanite Tajudeen.

    Welcoming the former military officer, Ganduje said the party was set for a takeover of Southwest in 2027.

  • Court denies reinstating Lagos Assembly clerk

    Court denies reinstating Lagos Assembly clerk

    National Industrial Court has berated Olalekan Onafeko, suspended Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, for resorting to self-help.

    It said it never ordered the reinstatement of Onafeko as reported by a section of the media.

    The reports had said that Onafeko was ordered to resume, leading to the claimant storming the House and taking over the office of the acting Clerk, Taiwo Ottun.

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    At the resumed hearing of the matter, the court said it only asked that parties should maintain peace and that none of the parties should do anything that would be detrimental to the peace of the state, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

    Before adjourning the matter till March 18 for hearing of the applications before it, Justice M. N. Esowe expressed surprise that the court’s declaration was misinterpreted by the claimant.

  • Oyo Assembly to investigate activities of Pacesetter Transport Services

    Oyo Assembly to investigate activities of Pacesetter Transport Services

    Oyo State House of Assembly has ordered comprehensive investigation into the activities of the state-owned Pace Setter Transport Services (PTS).

    This decision was made after the House Committee on Transport presented its interim report, which revealed several concerns, including lack of a legal framework guiding the operations of PTS.

    The committee, chaired by Babajide Adebayo, was given two-week ultimatum to interface with PTS management and officials.

    The report highlighted that the Sole Administrator, Dr. Salami Ibrahim, had recruited 106 additional workers without proper authorisation.

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    The Deputy Speaker, Muhammed Fadeyi, countered the claim that PTS is an independent agency, saying the House has the constitutional right to investigate any agency funded by taxpayers’ money.

    Dele Adeola praised Governor Seyi Makinde for upgrading PTS to alleviate transportation costs, following the fuel subsidy removal.

    Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, however, directed the committee to conduct thorough investigation into PTS, focusing on staff auditing, operations and finances, including state government subventions and revenue generation.

  • Young farmers made over N200m profit last year, says Oyebanji

    Young farmers made over N200m profit last year, says Oyebanji

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has said young farmers that participated in the state’s farming scheme made over N200million last year from the sale of their produce.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving food security through aggressive infrastructure development capable of turning the state into an agricultural hub in the country.

    He spoke while hosting the management team of Origin Tech Group led by its Chief Executive, Prince Samuel Joseph.

    He said government had turned agriculture into a veritable business venture through its interventions in the sector.

    Read Also: Living in fear of herders and kidnappers

    Oyebanji said Ekiti State was ready to partner with the tech company for a more enhanced development in the agriculture sector, adding that the N200 million realised by the young farmers during the last harvest season was from off-takers and big processing plants as well as the state government, which bought the produce for storage.

    Prince Joseph hailed Governor Oyebanji for his efforts in developing the state, especially the agricultural sector, which, according to him, was a testament of the visionary leadership he had been providing for the state in particular and Nigeria at large.

    He said his company was ready to partner the state in its agriculture development drive through initiatives of the company, including introduction of middle-level cooperatives, prototype clusters and sorting and logistics centres capable of generating resources for the state and the people as well as assisting the state achieve at least 40 per cent equity with the company.

  • Ex-Olubadan aide Oloko rejects disqualification from CCII election

    Ex-Olubadan aide Oloko rejects disqualification from CCII election

    Adeola Oloko, former personal assistant to the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, has condemned his disqualification from the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) election, calling it unjust and unconstitutional.

    The CCII, the apex socio-cultural body representing Ibadan indigenes at home and abroad, is set to hold its election next month. 

    However, its electoral committee recently barred Oloko from contesting for the position of secretary general over allegations of impersonation and falsification.

    In a statement, Oloko denied the claims, insisting that his records are clean and his certificates verifiable. 

    He accused the electoral committee of fabricating allegations against him, asserting that they had no legal basis to disqualify him.

    Describing the decision as an insult to the intelligence and wisdom of Ibadan people, Oloko maintained that he remains qualified to run in the election.

    Oloko said, “Last Thursday, the CCII electoral committee headed by Dr. M. Lawal announced what it called the results of its screening exercise of candidates in the forthcoming CCII elections. Predictably, all candidates in the incumbent Ajewole group sailed through the controversial exercise while two candidates from the Ibadan New Era Group, including yours very sincerely, were disqualified.

    “Distinguished sons and daughters of Ibadanland, the CCII Electoral Committee lied against me. I, Adeola Oloko, did not impersonate anyone, nor falsified any records, to contest the forthcoming elections as a candidate for the post of Secretary General, a position with no salary or fringe benefits attached. My records are clean, and my certificates are intact and verifiable.The issuing authorities are in Nigeria. 

    “Barely a week after our screening, the bubble burst as the post of Prof. Remi Raji, a member of Ajewole think-tank on the possible disqualification of Ibadan New Era Group candidates, including me leaked and was screenshot to the public. Before then, the CCII Electoral Committee had started asking for extra items from my club, other than what they had demanded from other sponsoring clubs for the same elections. 

    “The Electoral Committee asked for Afikarahun forimu’s financial records as if it were EFCC, my registration form, register, minutes of meetings, etc. The club supplied them,including original copies.They didn’t ask for this from JBC. They dare not ask for this from ISG,Omo Ajorosun Club, or even Oluyole Social Elites. 

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    “A case of George Orwell ‘s Animal farm. All animals are equal but some are more equal than the others.In the run-up to the tension-soaked 2023 CCII elections, my PG, Barrister Ajewole’s Oluyole Social Elites breached the constitution. Its candidate was not disqualified. Unfortunately the 7-member CCII Board of Trustees,including His Lordship, Rtd Justice who couldn’t stomach the club’s constitutional in protest over my former club’s constitutional breach.

    “The worst of this intransigence is that the current Chairman of the CCII Electoral Committee is already on suspension from The Polytechnic Ibadan for disclosing confidential information without authorization. If you doubt the veracity of this, please contact The Polytechnic Ibadan. The same man that is on the verge of outright dismissal was asked to be the Chairman of an Electoral Committee. 

    “This is a terrible slap on the intelligence, wisdom and cerebral acumen of the Ibadan people. The long and short of my story is that my club’s lawyer has been contacting the appropriate quarters on my family reputation that has been put on the line”. 

  • NAFDAC takes campaign against drug abuse among youths, teenagers to Ogbomoso

    NAFDAC takes campaign against drug abuse among youths, teenagers to Ogbomoso

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken its “NAFDAC Catch Them Young” campaign against drug abuse to Ogbomoso, Oyo State, aiming to educate youths and teenagers on the dangers of substance abuse.

    Speaking to students at Ogbomoso High School, NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the agency’s Oyo State Coordinator, Pharm. Sam Adeyemi, emphasized the urgency of tackling drug abuse among young people, describing the trend as alarming.

    Adeyeye warned that drug abuse could lead to mental health disorders, addiction, organ damage, impaired memory, and psychosis. 

    He urged students to resist peer pressure, seek professional guidance, focus on their studies, and only take prescribed medications.

    The campaign is part of NAFDAC’s nationwide effort to curb drug abuse and promote healthier lifestyles among Nigerian youths.

    He said, “The NAFDAC Catch Them Young Programme is a comprehensive and coordinated intensive programme focused on secondary schools, designed to resudce prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students. This programme is not designed to scare anyone but to have honest conversation with you, which will help you to take informed decisions with regards to illicit drug use including alcohol consumption.

    “NCSC is one of the agency special public enlightenment strategies targeting the youths in the society in it’s effort to eradicate fake and substandard regulated products and enthrone a quality culture while employing the use of curting-edge technology to track counterfeit.

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    “NAFDAC has taken the campaign against drug abuse to the grass route by reestablishing NCSC in secondary schools where we will in collaboration with the school teacher with junior and senior secondary schools students to catch them Young and prevent lives addition and destruction.”

    “NAFDAC mission is to mould a future generations that is not only empowered to be upright but demand uprightness from others.”

    In her remarks, the Principal, Ogbomoso High School, Mrs. Olajumoke Oyekan commended NAFDAC for it’s initiative, describing the agency as one of government agency that has transformed and save lives of many Nigerian.

    She however said the sensitisation will go along way in changing life’s of students for good and remodel their life’s to become better person in the nearest future.