The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Nigerian in Diaspora support local businesses with N24m

    Nigerian in Diaspora support local businesses with N24m

    An indigene of Okeagbe, Ondo State, who is based abroad, Dr. Olalere Sunday Oloruntobi, has donated a sum of N24.5 million to support local businesses in his hometown.

    The money is expected to be split between mineral exploration activities and to support small businesses.

    A breakdown of the plan shows that the initial phase of mineral exploration will cost N6 million, with the primary objective of identifying valuable mineral deposits in Akoko North West Local Government Area of the state.

    Read Also: Afenifere Diaspora USA reaffirms leadership, warns against fragmentation

    A team of experts in Geoscience and Mining Engineering is expected to commence work on Monday, March 10, 2025.

    Also, the sum of N18.5 million will be distributed among 37 small businesses in Okeagbe, with each business receiving N500,000.

    According to an indigene and community leader, Olumide Aliu, the support will make a significant impact on the local economy.

    He said: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Olalere for his generosity and commitment to the community’s growth and development. His selfless act is a shining example of community spirit and philanthropy.”

  • Ex-agitators pledge support for Tinubu’s govt

    Ex-agitators pledge support for Tinubu’s govt

    Ex-agitators under Phase 1 of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have pledged support for the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government.

    The ex-agitators spoke Saturday, during the inauguration of a new executive leadership structure for the Amnesty Phase 1, held at Mofor, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

    Speaking, the newly inaugurated National President, Mr. Aaron Oputu a.k.a Gen. Aroni, assured that ex-agitators under the Amnesty Phase 1 will not fight the government, but support it to sustain the peace in the Niger Delta region.

    “I want to tell the Federal Government that our leadership will not be one to fight the government, rather we will support the government and the security agencies. We will work with President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser,” he said.

    Assuring an all-inclusive leadership, Aroni promised to promote unity among members, stating “I’m ready to serve the House. I’m here to listen to everybody. In the course of the struggle, we lost so many people. I’m here to represent the common people, those that were abandoned. I’m here to work with them. I will ensure there is no division. We will speak in one voice as ex-agitators of Niger Delta. We will not separate this house.”

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates longtime associate, Osinbajo at 68

    He further thanked Niger Deltans leaders such as High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo, HRM King Ateke Tom and High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, among others for providing exemplary leadership for the ex-agitators.

    Chairman of the inaugural committee, Chief John Isiayei, explained that the new leadership stemmed from the voluntary resignation of the former National President of Phase 1, HRH Henry Binidoudougha Egbema 1.

    He charged the newly inaugurated executive to ensure fairness and equity in their leadership,  as well as continue to accord respect to their predecessors.

  • Bamboo Theatre debuts with theatre show

    Bamboo Theatre debuts with theatre show

    The Bamboo Theatre, a contemporary theatre company that is dedicated to drawing communities together to create conversations between varying cultural topics through interactive theatre, recently concluded a transformative three-day Forum Theatre Show, an immersive experience designed to equip young people with tools for self-expression, foster community dialogue, and inspire social change.

    In her opening remarks, Sylvia Ojei, Founder/Creative Lead of The Bamboo Theatre, welcomed participants, partners, and stakeholders, emphasising the organisation’s mission to use theatre as a powerful catalyst for social change.

    She highlighted the impact of storytelling in shaping perspectives and empowering young people to confront real-life challenges through performance and dialogue.

    “At The Bamboo Theatre, we believe in the power of stories – not just to entertain, but to challenge, to heal, and to inspire action. This Forum Theatre Show is about giving young people the stage to voice their realities and explore solutions together,” she stated.

    The three-day event, which took place at Alliance Francaise, Port Harcourt, last weekend (between 20th to 22nd of February, 2025) brought together youth participants, theatre practitioners, and social change advocates to explore pressing issues such as social media addiction, peer pressure, youth misconduct, and education.

    The first day featured an intensive Forum Theatre Workshop, where participants trained in dance choreography, acting and improvisation under the guidance of renowned theatre coach, Associate Professor James Eshiet and dance coach, Mr Uche Ryland. Through storytelling exercises, they developed narratives based on personal experiences, culminating in a script that mirrored the struggles faced by young people in today’s digital landscape.

    Read Also: Osagie takes Embers of Love to Ogba

    On the second day, the focus shifted to warm-up exercises, play development and final rehearsals. Participants received online coaching from Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor, Communications Professional and Coach, on communication strategies and emotional expression, while Ijeoma Onyeji-Nwogu, Neural Change Strategist & Coach, guided them on using body language and psychological techniques to connect with audiences. These sessions helped shape a dynamic, thought-provoking performance designed to educate, inform, entertain and provoke meaningful conversations.

    The final day saw the much-anticipated Town Hall Theatre Show, where audience participation was central to the experience.

    The event began with a video showcase featuring participant stories, setting the stage for deep reflection. The play was not just a performance – it was a community dialogue, where youth voices were heard, and solutions were explored together.

    “Your voice is your tool for expression. You must use it to inspire others, uplift people, and ignite change wherever you find yourself,” said Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor, urging young people to embrace storytelling as a means of advocacy.

    For Ijeoma Onyeji-Nwogu, Forum Theatre is more than performance – it is a vehicle for transformation. “The Bamboo Theatre helps reshape youngsters’ perspectives through acting out situations and co-creating solutions that they might not even have been aware of before.”

    In the first run of the play, actors depicted the realities of social media distractions, peer pressure, and family conflicts. Then came the twist – audience members were invited to step in, challenge the narrative, and act out alternative solutions. This interactive approach, a hallmark of Forum Theatre, allowed for a collaborative exchange of ideas, encouraging young people to take ownership of the issues affecting their lives.

    Adding to the praise, Mr. Daniel Ogah, IT/Cultural Officer, Alliance Francaise, Port Harcourt, lauded the initiative: “I am truly impressed by your organization’s efforts in empowering young people. Your mentorship will leave a lasting impact, and if more initiatives like yours existed, Nigeria would foster a generation of self-reliant and responsible individuals. Kudos to The Bamboo Theatre for this impactful inaugural edition. I look forward to seeing its continued success!”

  • Lawmaker seeks support for new tax bill

    Lawmaker seeks support for new tax bill

    A member of the 44-man committee set up by House of Representatives to preside over public hearing on the new tax bill, Hon. Kolawole Akinlayo, has urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government over the proposed new tax reform bill, saying it was initiated for the good of the citizens.

    Akinlayo, who is representing Ekiti North Federal Constituency II (Ido-Osi, Moba, Ilejemeje), also said the move was part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in fixing the nation’s ailing economy and rescue it from total collapse.

    Speaking in his Ikosu Ekiti country home in Moba local government area during an empowerment programme for constituents, the lawmaker stated that the bill was to ensure that Nigerians particularly, small scale business owners, low income and the likes have more benefits from the tax they are paying.

    At the event, items like sewing machine, grinding machine,  motorcycles, fridges, generating sets, bags of fertilisers, roofing sheets, knapsack spraying machines, hair dryers among other items were distributed. 

    The lawmaker, who stated that the empowerment programme was to give back to the society that has done so much for him, informed hundreds of students of higher institutions also bursary worth millions. 

    He said: “We have also given cash gift to  a lot of people, majority, the aged and the widows . No fewer than 320 of them were selected from across the federal constituency and given fifty thousand naira each as start up pack for petty business. The were also given clothing materials.

    “We are giving out all of these to empower, uplift  and to improve the living  standard of our people who mostly artisans.

    “These will do lot in their life because at the moment , things are hard in our society , the little we are doing is to ease the hardship and give them succour. This is just  the beginning as we are going to do more with the programme holding on quarterly basis.

    “People have been talking about Value Added Tax (VAT), the consuming tax, which means whatever you consume, you pay tax on it. 

    “But there were claims that some area consume a particular commodity or commodities more than others. For instance, there business transactions taking place in a particular state and the VAT on them are being filed in another state, which take the benefits.

    “What the presidency is trying to achieve is to ensure that, it is the place, where goods and items are consumed that will get the VAT benefits.

    “The move is aimed at centralizing distribution of VAT across board and also designed  to tax the rich  to pay for the poor.With the new tax bill , any business below 50 million naira  will not pay taxes.Also, if you are not earning up to certain amount, from level 8 below will not pay taxes . It will be a kind of tax holiday for the people”.

    He posited that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration is working hard as the ruling party and as government and no political force wrestle power from the party come 2027.

    He argued the President removed fuel subsidy and floated the exchange in order for Nigeria not to collapse.

    “If such step is not taken about Naira , we will be allowing our currency to determine its value. Before , we are using Naira to back the dollar and it is not done anywhere. 

    “But the president said no. It is high time that we faced the reality and take the bull by the horns. Now the economy of Nigeria is gradually picking up and things in terms of of our goods and services. Thing will continue to get better by God’s grace”.

    Ekiti Governor, Biodun Oyebanji,  who was represented by his deputy, 

    Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said the strong partnership the lawmaker established with nine members of the National Assembly from the state is yielding the right dividends that are turning around the lives of the citizens. 

    He eulogised the lawmaker for his generosity and sense of patronage, saying he has demonstrated commitment to human capital development as a pillar of his administration, with the quantum of materials distributed to the citizens. 

  • Oyetola inaugurates ultra-modern mosque to immortalise late mother

    Oyetola inaugurates ultra-modern mosque to immortalise late mother

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has commissioned a newly built ultra-modern mosque to immortalise his late mother, Alhaja Wulemotu Arike Oyetola.

    Oyetola who was joined by the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Chief Tunde Badmus to commission the mosque on Friday disclosed that he commenced the project two years.

    He said: “In 2006 when my mother was installed as Iyalaje Adini of a Central Mosque, I asked her what she wanted me to do, she said I should invite my friends to donate for rehabilitation of the mosque. I was able to donate N6.5 million and we used the entire money to rehabilitate the central mosque.

    Read Also: Young Nigerians in politics (4)

    “So I now thought about what she would have loved me to do if she were to be alive and I concluded that it is important for me to build a central mosque in her memory.”

    He added: “Ramadan is a month of peace and a month of forgiveness, we should ensure that we keep with everybody and we should continue to pray for our leaders, the president, the governors, the ministers of the country, and everyone.”

  • Lagos LG councillors support residents with N5million fasting gift

    Lagos LG councillors support residents with N5million fasting gift

    Elected councilors of the Lagos Island Local Government Legislative Arm have given palliatives of N10, 000 each to five hundred residents in the area as a fasting gift.

    Speaking while distributing the cash, the Council Leader, Hakeem Olayiwola Ajose, said that the money, which was given across all segments of the community, was given to support the beneficiaries during the Ramadan and Lenten fasting period.

    Ajose stated that the councilors decided to assist the beneficiaries due to economic hardship in the country.

    He promised more palliative programmes from the councilors to complement the Council Chairman, Prince Tijani Adetoyese Olusi’s empowerment program.

    Read Also: RONKE OSHODI-OKE: Nollywood will frustrate you

    In his remarks, the Council Majority Leader, Qudus Davies said that the cash empowerment would be the second palliative programme in recent times.

    He explained that the councilors are doing that along with their Legislative duties.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos Island, Ganiyu Sadiq said that party members in the area should start preparing for the local government election that would hold very soon in Lagos State.

    In her comment, the wife of the Council Chairman, Alhaja Aminat Olusi expressed gratitude to the councilors for their support for her husband.

    She prayed for the success of President Bola Hamed Tinubu’s administration, ditto Governor Babatunde Sanwo-Olu and the nation in general.

  • Oyebanji seeks unity in Ekiti APC

    Oyebanji seeks unity in Ekiti APC

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, has called on members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the State to remain united and embrace new members in order to further strengthen the party and position it for victory in future elections.

     Oyebanji gave the charge on Thursday when he paid an unscheduled visit to the APC Ado Ekiti,Ward 8, where party members held their ward meeting.

    The governor, whose visit caught members unaware said the purpose of the sudden visit was to ascertain the level of punctuality of the party members particularly those who hold political office and to appreciate members of the party for their support for the APC and the government.

    Read Also: Young Nigerians in politics (4)

    Expressing satisfaction at the turn out of members at the meeting, Governor Oyebanji encouraged party members to foster a sense of belonging among new and existing members, stressing that the strength of the party lies in its ability to accommodate diverse perspectives while maintaining a united front.

    He urged the leaders to intensify efforts in promoting harmony and addressing grievances promptly to ensure members feel valued and respected.

    “I am here for two reasons today, first is to ascertain the number of appointees that attend meetings and the second reason is to thank you for your support for the party and for the government, we cannot appoint everybody, yet you remain in the party with the hope that things will get better and I assured you by the grace of God, those who were not on appointment, government initiatives will get to you and your children.

    “I have only one plea, please, it is the people that make party and it is through humility and unity that we can gather party members, so please anybody that want to join, don’t shut the door on them. Don’t let us say some people didn’t vote for us during election, or during primaries you did not work for us, it is people that make the party. Whatever we are going to become in life has been written by God and nobody can hinder it. So, please don’t let us shut our doors, let us open our doors to allow people to enter our party, so when elections come, it will be easy for us”, the  governor said.

    Speaking earlier, the ward Chairman, Arowolo Tajudeen, who could not hide his excitement, expressed his profound gratitude to the Governor for attending the meeting. He noted that Governor Oyebanji has made history as the first Governor to attend ward meetings.

    The chairman commended the Governor’s monumental achievements, which, according to him, have strengthened the party’s reputation and drawn more supporters to the party.

  • MSSN visits UNILORIN VC, seeks support for academic excellence

    MSSN visits UNILORIN VC, seeks support for academic excellence

    The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), led by its National Amir, Mustapha Tajudeen Olumide, has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Professor Abdul Wahab Egbewole, SAN, to solicit support and strengthen academic excellence among students.

    During the visit, held at the Vice Chancellor’s office, the MSSN leadership outlined its strategic vision, focusing on financial stability, increased relevance among members and the broader community, and digital transformation through artificial intelligence integration and database enhancement.

    Read Also: Young Nigerians in politics (4)

    The National Amir, Mustapha Tajudeen Olumide, led the visit. He pointed out their commitment to building a vibrant, dynamic Muslim student community that is spiritually grounded, intellectually empowered, and socially responsible. The new leadership also outlined their plans to develop a strategic plan for navigating the era of artificial intelligence and enhancing its member database. They also expressed their gratitude for the warm reception by the vice-chancellor.

  • Obasa’s wrongful removal suit hearing adjourned to March 10

    Obasa’s wrongful removal suit hearing adjourned to March 10

    A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja Court on Friday extended until March 10 hearing in the suit filed by the reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.

    Obasa had filed the suit to challenge the allegations that led to his initial removal as speaker, which included fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.

    The respondents in the suit are members of the State House of Assembly and former speaker, Mojisola Meranda.

    When the case was called on Friday, Justice Yetunde  Pinheiro, ordered all parties to file and serve their processes before the next adjourned date.

    The judge adjourned the case to March 10 for the hearing of all applications, including Obasa’s originating summon.

    Read Also: Young Nigerians in politics (4)

    Obasa’s lead counsel, Afolabi Fasanu (SAN), told the court that though the embattled speaker had been reinstated, the suit had not become an academic exercise.

    He argued that the claimant was not given a fair hearing.

    Fasanu said the Speaker is now contending with the allegations in the notice of his removal.

    Counsel to the 34 lawmakers, Romeo Ese-Michael,     said: “Even if the complainant withdraws his suit due to his re-election, our counterclaim still stands.

    “The lawmakers want the court to declare that the speaker’s removal was constitutional and was in tandem with Section 92 of the 1999 Constitution, rather than the rules guiding the Lagos State House of Assembly”.

    It will be recalled that Obasa was impeached on Jan. 13, following allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office, and his deputy, Mojisola Meranda was elected as his successor.

    However, on March 3, Obasa was reinstated as the speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, following Meranda’s resignation.

  • Ogun Customs intercepts N279.5m contraband

    Ogun Customs intercepts N279.5m contraband

    The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko, has handed 3,365 parcels and 75 sacks of Cannabis Sativa, alongside 88 cartons of codeine cough syrup seized by its operatives, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    The hard drugs were part of the recent significant seizures made by men of the command in the last two weeks.

    At a press briefing held in Abeokuta, the Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, promised that the command would eradicate unlawful trading in harmful drugs and other contraband within its operational coverage areas.

     Shuaibu handed over the illicit drugs to the head of the NDLEA, Deputy Commander of Narcotics Alexander Nyigide, who represented Commander Tijani Rabe for proper disposal and further investigation.

    Read Also: RONKE OSHODI-OKE: Nollywood will frustrate you

    According to Shuaibu, the Duty Payable Value (DPV) of the drugs comprising a total of 2,145 bags, an equivalent of four trailer trucks, foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg, 612 bales of second-hand clothing, 843 units of pneumatic used tires, as well as a total of 6,625 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petroleum, was N279.5 million,

    Shuaibu also disclosed that a total of N9.694 million was generated as revenue from baggage assessment, and auction sales of the intercepted PMS.

    Speaking during the handing over of the items to NDLEA officials in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation, CAC Shuaibu said the items being handed over reflected the ongoing efforts of the command at curbing “the distribution of narcotics within the country, which pose significant threats to the health and safety of our citizens.”