The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Lagos targets gaming, fintech hub status, says Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos targets gaming, fintech hub status, says Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced the state’s ambition to become Africa’s top destination for digital gaming, fintech solutions, and Artificvial Intelligence powered creative enterprises.

    Speaking at the 2nd Africa Gaming Expo (AGE) 2025, the Governor emphasised Lagos’ strategic focus on building a thriving digital economy that attracts global investments and nurtures local innovation.

    Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building an ecosystem that promotes innovation, responsible gaming, and digital entrepreneurship. 

    He revealed that the government is implementing progressive regulations, strategic investments, and digital infrastructure aimed at fostering global collaboration among game developers, fintech startups, content creators, and AI pioneers. 

    “Lagos is not just a commercial hub, but a thriving epicentre of Africa’s creative economy, where gaming, fintech, entertainment, and AI converge to create unprecedented economic opportunities,” he said.

    Read Also: FG unveils plan to tackle growing unsafe water crisis

    Highlighting the transformative role of artificial intelligence, the governor noted that AI has the potential to drive efficiency, security, and inclusivity across the gaming, fintech, and entertainment sectors.

    He added that the gaming industry has evolved beyond traditional entertainment, now serving as a catalyst for employment, digital innovation, and new revenue streams. 

    The expo, according to Sanwo-Olu, serves as a vital platform for stakeholders, regulators, investors, and technology leaders to explore how AI can reshape the continent’s digital future. 

    Chief Executive Officer, Africa Gaming Expo Limited, Dr. Charles Ekundayo echoed the governor’s sentiments, emphasising the expo’s goal of fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in Africa’s gaming and fintech industries. 

    A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Gaming Influencer Award to former Arsenal striker and Togolese footballer, Emmanuel Adebayor, in recognition of his influence in both local and international football. 

    Also present was former Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha.

  • Over 2,000 households receive free food palliatives in Osun community

    Over 2,000 households receive free food palliatives in Osun community

    No fewer than 2,000 households in Edunabon town, Ife-North Local Government Area of Osun State, have received free food palliatives to combat hunger in the area.

    In addition, over 500 elderly men and women benefited from a free medical outreach held in the community on Tuesday.

    The initiative, tagged Feed the Community, took place at the palace of the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Olasoji Oladepo, and was sponsored by Tobiloba Oyebamiji and his team.

    Read Also: FG unveils plan to tackle growing unsafe water crisis

    Commending the effort, Oba Oladepo stated that the initiative would help alleviate hardship in his domain, particularly benefiting the elderly.

    According to him, “We are here to distribute 3kg of Rice, 3kg of Bean, Garri and Palm Oil to 2,000 households of the community to cushion the effect of hardship. The government can not do this alone. We can not be blaming government at all times, some of us must take responsibility. 

    “I have been faced with hunger and I know how it is, hence I decided to come to grassroots to feed the vulnerable and also to give free medical care to the aged. This project cost us about N15 million.”

  • Kwara Ulama council urges thorough probe into Hafsoh Lawal’s murder

    Kwara Ulama council urges thorough probe into Hafsoh Lawal’s murder

    The Kwara State Council of Ulama has called on the state police command to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover all those involved in the murder of Hafsoh Lawal, allegedly for ritual purposes.

    The council emphasized that anyone found culpable should face justice to serve as a deterrent to others with criminal intent. It also condemned the killing of Lawal by Abdulrahman Bello, describing it as a heinous act.

    Led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammad Bashir Salih, the council addressed journalists in Ilorin, the state capital, expressing its commitment to ensuring justice for Lawal and her family. 

    The Ulama also pledged to support security agencies in their investigation.

    Other prominent clerics at the press conference included the Chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh Muyideen Salman Hussein; Chief Imam of Malete, Abdullah Ibrahim; the Ajanasi of Ilorin; Chief Imam of Gambari; Chief Imam of Lafiagi; Professor Lanre Badmas; Alhaji Abdulhamid Hadi; retired Justice Adam Idris; and the council’s secretary, retired Justice Salihu Olohuntoyin Mohammed.

    Read Also: FG unveils plan to tackle growing unsafe water crisis

    The Islamic leaders cautioned against profiling any community based on the actions of a few individuals, stressing that Ilorin and Kwara State are known for their strong Islamic heritage, which rejects ritual practices.

    “Ritual acts are offensive to all known religions. We must all rise up and be counted in the fight against them,” they stated.

    The council also announced plans to organize a sensitization program for young Alfas, focusing on effective Dawah practices that align with Islamic teachings.

    “As a first step, a meeting is being planned with various Muslim leaders and clerics on how to avoid this kind of occurrence in the nearest future from taking place in our state and the nation.

    “We will also double our efforts in preaching the correct attitude towards the propagation of Islam.

    Ever since the unfortunate incident occurred, the Council has stepped up its activities in counseling our Alfas and the other clerics on the best conduct in preaching the religion of Islam; that our town and state have been known for, through the ages. 

    “The council, therefore, condemns the murder of Miss Hafsoh Lawal by Abdulrahaman Bello for ritual purposes. Our religion forbids the killing of another soul, which is a grave crime in the sight of our creator. For a young lady who was full of life to be cut down in her youth. Her killer has definitely committed an unpardonable offence against Allah, who has warned us to be righteous at all time.

    “We commiserate with the family of Hafsoh, who has been thrown into mourning due to the unGodly act of Abdulrahman. In this moment of grief, it is only Allah who can console the family”. 

    The ulama also commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq in the areas of peace and

    peaceul co-existence, saying that growth and development cannot be attained in the absence of peace. 

    “We are indeed very grateful. We promise our continous co-operation with you to achieve more kudos for the government in these areas of peace and peaceul co-existence without which no growth and development is possible in the state. 

    “Finally, the Council of Ulama condemns the murder of Hafsoh by Abdulrahaman Bello. The law should take its course on the matter. This is our stand!”

  • Ooni to Tinubu: invest in Ile-Ife historical sites

    Ooni to Tinubu: invest in Ile-Ife historical sites

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should look inwards to invest in historical sites located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, as part of the national economic diversification strategy.

    The Personal Assistant to the Director, Media & Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Seun Oketooto, has said.

    He said investment in Ile-Ife’s historical sites, improvement of infrastructure, promotion of cultural tourism and creation of policies that encouraged local and international visitors would not only honour ancestors, but also secure economic prosperity for future generations.

    He called on governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), national and international organisations and private sector players to extend their corporate social responsibility (CSR) to Ile-Ife, the sacred city of the Yoruba race.

    He says just as global corporations and foundations invest in the preservation of heritage sites in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, so too must Ile-Ife receive attention and funding.

    Read Also: Itsekiri leaders urge Tinubu to retain NDDC amid push for south-south commission

    In the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, wealth, known as Aje in Yoruba, Aku in Igbo and Arziki in Hausa holds a deep spiritual and economic significance. Aje is more than material prosperity; it is a divine force, an entity that governs trade, enterprise and abundance.

    According to Ifa history, Aje is one of the deities that accompanied Oduduwa to Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, and has since remained a central force in the economic life of the people. No wonder anywhere the blue-line blood of Oduduwa, Arole Oduduwa, Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, goes, Aje must follow him.

    Every Monday, the Yoruba people dedicate the day to Aje, as Ooni Ogunwusi or his emissaries lead Aje processions from the palace to the shrine of Aje in Ile-Ife, praying for prosperity and seeking divine blessings for businesses and endeavours. This annual reverence for Aje has been greatly amplified by the unrelenting efforts of the Iyalaje of the Source, Chief Mrs. Toyin Kolade, whose dedication to the propagation and celebration of Aje has solidified Ile-Ife’s position as the global spiritual headquarters of wealth. She remains an integral part of history, ensuring that Aje continues to be celebrated with grandeur, attracting devotees, entrepreneurs and economic stakeholders from around the world.

    Despite this historical and spiritual connection to wealth, successive Nigerian governments have failed to recognise and harness the economic potential embedded in Ile-Ife, the spiritual headquarters of the Yoruba race. The town is home to invaluable historical and cultural sites that, if properly developed, can generate immense revenue for the country.

    Ile-Ife is a living museum, with numerous sites that hold untold economic potential capable of transforming Nigeria’s tourism sector. The Oduduwa Grove, where Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race, settled, should be a globally recognised pilgrimage site, drawing millions of visitors annually. The Opa Oranmiyan Shrine, housing the sacred Oranmiyan staff, is a historical wonder that should be generating millions in heritage tourism. The Moremi Ajasoro Cemetery, where one of the greatest heroines in Yoruba history rests, holds the potential to attract scholars, historians and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.

    Beyond these, sites such as Ita-Yemoo Shrine, Igbo Olokun, Igbo Odaye, and Olokun Grove, among others, remain largely neglected. A government-driven investment in infrastructure, preservation and proper management of these sites will create thousands of jobs, boost local businesses and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s GDP.

    Countries with far less historical and cultural heritage than Ile-Ife have built thriving economies around their historical sites. For example: Israel (population: 9.5 million) generates over $6 billion annually from religious tourism, with visitors trooping to sites like the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Saudi Arabia generates over $12 billion yearly from religious tourism. Hajj alone contributes significantly to its economy. Greece earns over $18 billion annually from cultural tourism, thanks to well-maintained ancient sites such as the Acropolis and Delphi. Egypt, with its pyramids and temples, attracts millions of visitors yearly, generating $13 billion from tourism in 2023 alone.

    If Ile-Ife, the Mecca and Jerusalem of the Yoruba race is properly developed, Nigeria can be earning billions of dollars annually from cultural and religious tourism. Pilgrimages, festivals and academic excursions can turn the city into a global attraction, bringing in foreign exchange and boosting local economies.

    The time has come for Nigeria to recognise what is sitting in its backyard. The wealth (Aje) that people seek far and wide is embedded in Ile-Ife, waiting to be harnessed.

    We urge President Tinubu to look into the wealth that is embedded at the backyard of Olufe and invest in it as part of the national economic diversification strategy. A deliberate investment in Ile-Ife’s historical sites, improvement of infrastructure, promotion of cultural tourism, and the creation of policies that encourage both local and international visitors will not only honour our ancestors, but also secure economic prosperity for future generations.

  • Lagos agency shuts six facilities

    Lagos agency shuts six facilities

    Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB), in collaboration with officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has shut six facilities for operating without regularisation of their practice and with outdated documents.

    The action followed multiple notifications and warnings issued to the affected facilities, directing them to approach the agency for registration and compliance with the Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law 2015.

    Read Also: Itsekiri leaders urge Tinubu to retain NDDC amid push for south-south commission

    Speaking about the exercise, the Registrar, LSTMB, Prince Babatunde Adele, said the government would not tolerate disregard for regulatory requirements, stressing that practitioners must comply with the law to ensure public safety and professional accountability.

  • Aspirant gives 1,000 students JAMB scholarships

    Aspirant gives 1,000 students JAMB scholarships

    A House of Representatives aspirant in Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Olamide Junaid, has sponsored Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration for over 1,000 indigent students in the constituency.

    She said the step became necessary to give opportunity to the students, who wished to further their education, but were constrained by lack of funds to fulfil their dreams.

    Speaking in Ibadan while handing over the scholarships to the beneficiaries at a programme tagged: ‘Olamide Balikis Junaid Foundation Edu-Support Initiative Free JAMB Forms’, the aspirant, represented by the Director General of the foundation, Abubakar Abdul, said Junaid always touched the lives of the masses not only in Ibadan, but also across the country even before she joined politics.

    Read Also: Itsekiri leaders urge Tinubu to retain NDDC amid push for south-south commission

    He said Junaid was the best person for Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat, considering her pedigree and antecedent, adding that she will do more if eventually she gets the party’s ticket and wins.

    He urged the beneficiaries of the scholarships to see education as a pathway to success in life and contribute their quota towards the development of the nation.

    The APC Chairman in Ibadan North Local Government, Alhaji Taofeek Olaiwola, lauded Junaid’s initiative, saying she had proved to be a good steward of the party and helper of the masses.

    The APC Youth Leader in Ibadan North Local Government, Aliu Babatunde, said with the scholarships, Junaid had alleviated the sufferings of the beneficiaries.

    The beneficiaries hailed Junaid’s gesture, saying the scholarships would assist in their education pursuits.

  • APC reinstated chairmen take control of Osun councils

    APC reinstated chairmen take control of Osun councils

    • PDP alleges assassination attempt on Adeleke

    Reinstated council chairmen and councillors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday took control of local government secretariats in Osun State.

    There are 30 local governments. On Monday, the reinstated Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Ikire, Remi Abbas, was gruesomely murdered by suspected hoodlums in front of the council while trying to gain access to the office.

    The APC council executives were elected in the last days of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s administration.

    In November 2022, following the inauguration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, the chairmen and councillors were pronounced sacked, following a court order by Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel that voided their election.

    The Court of Appeal upturned that judgment on February 10, when it okayed all the reliefs sought by the APC.

    On the strength of this, the APC moved to reoccupy the office on Monday, an attempt that was greeted by violence, leading to the death of six, including Ireowole Council chairman.

    Feelers from across the state indicated that the reinstated chairmen took over Boripe, Boluwaduro, Ila, Ola-Oluwa, Ifelodun, Ilesa West, Ilesa East, Olorunda, Ede-South, Ede North and Odo-Otin.

    APC spokesman Chief Kola Olabisi confirmed this. He said: “As at 2pm today (yesterday), we have taken over 26 councils. Our chairmen have issued a warning to local government workers to resume duties.”

    Subsequently, the state Secretary of APC, Kamorudeen Alao, said: “We have taken over all the 30 local governments in Osun State. We took over peacefully no fight, no violence.”

    Read Also: Anambra 2025: Ubah’s YPP footsoldiers collapse structure for APC’s Chukwuma

    Amid the APC taking over councils,  Speaker of Osun State Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, kicked and berated the role of security operatives in taking over the local governments.

    He said: “This crisis stems from a coordinated, illegal attempt to forcefully seize control of our local government councils by individuals who have no legal or constitutional right to those offices.

    “Today, members of the opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC), forcefully broke into local government secretariats across the state. This unlawful invasion is not only a direct attack on our democratic institutions, but also a clear violation of the rule of law and a threat to public peace and order.”

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Sunday Bisi, alleged that there was a plot to assassinate Governor Adeleke amid control of the councils’ tussle.

    He alleged that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was a conspirator of the violence, which had engulfed the state.

    Bisi said: “Mr Egbetokun’s deliberate deployment of Special Forces under him to escort some miscreants into the local government councils in the state was nothing but a blatant coup and one out of the many mapped out plans to assassinate the governor, Senator Adeleke, whose instruction is to restore peace and order as the Chief Security Officer.”

    He disclosed that Adeleke had been interfacing with Egbetokun, to ensure peace after the fatal fracas on Monday.

    He said: “The whole world must warn and prevail on Egbetokun to desist from being an enabler of orchestrated attempts on the life of our governor.

    “We are not unaware that the desperation of Mr Egbetokun and APC cohorts is ultimately to prevent the local government election from holding in Osun State on Saturday.”

    APP in Osun State expressed readiness to participate in the forthcoming local government election fixed for Saturday.

    The party described reinstated chairmen of APC, who took control of councils, as looters and imposters.

    APP through its state Chairman, Mr Titus Odesola, noted that the resumption of APC members at the councils across the state was illegal.

    The Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Abiodun Idowu, addressing reporters at Ilerioluwa campaign office, declared that the accounts of the local governments had been frozen to curb illegal transactions.

    He said the reinstated council executives would work with Governor Adeleke for the development of the state.

    According to him, “following our official resumption of office in 26 local governments, each one of us has ordered the immediate frozen of various council accounts. This will curb any form of illegal transaction.

    “We assure Governor Adeleke of our cooperation to ensure the development of the state and create wealth for our teeming youths and unemployed population”, he said.

    The Chairman of APM, Adewale Adebayo, speaking with The Nation, said: “Our members will cooperate with the reinstated council bosses.”

  • Fed Govt urged to end Osun political crisis

    Fed Govt urged to end Osun political crisis

    The Federal Government has been urged to take urgent steps to end the current political crisis in Osun State, in view of its possible consequences for national security.

    The request was made in Abuja yesterday by a right activist and lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who faulted the attempt by some individuals to forcefully take over local government offices in Osun State.

    Olajengbesi said the forceful take over could be likened to a coup, adding that even if the actors had judgment in their favour, it was completely wrong to take the law into their hands under the guise of enforcing Court of Appeal judgment

     He noted that there were procedures for judgment execution in the country, adding that the way the actors in the Osun political crisis acted was in breach of laws and usurpation of functions of those empowered to enforce court judgment.

    Olajengbesi said by the development in Osun, democracy was facing a major challenge in the sense that disregard for laws had become the order of the day.

    “You cannot, on your own, execute judgment. A deliberate attempt to commit coup is what is unfolding in Osun State.

    “A judgment of the Court of Appeal is being deliberately mis- interpreted to justify their actions,” he said.

    Read Also: Osun LG poll: APC, APM criticise OSIEC boss over alleged relocation of voting materials

    Giving insight into what led to the local government takeover crisis, the lawyer said he had gone through the Court of Appeal judgment, but did not find anywhere where the appellate made consequential order for the reinstatement of the former local government chairmen.

    He said the issue of reinstatement was not treated by the Court of Appeal on the reasoning by the court itself that the issue had been overtaken by events and thus become academic exercise.

    He warned against using dishonesty and blackmail against the Court of Appeal judgment to set Osun on fire and forcefully takeover the political leadership in the state

    He praised the governor of the state, Senator Ademola Adeleke, for asking the Peoples Democratic Party members in the state to stay away from the local governments, to avoid unnecessary blood shedding that might arise in the process.

    The lawyer appealed to the people of the state to be peaceful and be vigilant in the face of provocation, saying events would soon show that Nigeria was not a banana republic.

  • Reps to investigate Osun crisis

    Reps to investigate Osun crisis

    The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the crisis in Osun State, which has led to the killing of about six persons, leaving several others injured.

    In a resolution at plenary session, following a motion by the nine lawmakers from Osun State in the House, the House asked the Inspector General of Police to restore order to the state, to forestall further loss of lives and property.

    The House resolved to set up a special ad hoc committee to conduct investigation into the cause of the crisis.

    The motion is sponsored by Bamidele Salam, Oke Busayo Oluwole, Ajilesoro Taofeek Abimbola, Omirin Emmanuel Olusanya, Oladebo Lanre Alomoleye, Adewale Morufu Adebayo, Mudashiru Lukman Alani, Akanni Clement Ademola and Adetunji Abidemi Olusoji, all members of the PDP.

    Moving the motion on behalf of others, Bamidele Salam, who is also the leader of the Osun caucus in the House, informed members that on Monday 17th of February 2025, violence broke out in several parts of Osun State as a result of attempt to take over the administration of local governments by officials who were sacked by court judgement in November 2022.

    According to him, the sacked officials are now breaking the gates of their respective local government secretariats to forcefully take over the government of the local government without any court order.

    Read Also: Reps to investigate Osun crisis, ask IGP to restore order

    Salam disclosed that the Governor of Osun State as the Chief Security Officer of the state had raised the alarm on Sunday the 16th of February about an imminent threat to peace and security in the state, while calling on the Inspector General of Police and other heads of security formations to take proactive steps to forestall the violence.

    He said if the current trend of resort to self-help by political actors was not nipped in the bud, it might encourage citizens to do same in the face of perceived rights and privileges.

    He expressed fear that the present situation in Osun State may snowball into a free for all, unless urgent actions are taken by relevant authorities.

    He said the preventable violence, which happened in Osun, had led to the death of six persons, while scores of others suffered severe injuries and presently receiving treatment in hospitals.

    He said if prompt action was not taken against this lawlessness and arbitrariness, it might escalate into a more serious security challenges in Osun State.

  • Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat pay condolence visit to Adebanjo’s family

    Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat pay condolence visit to Adebanjo’s family

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat have paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayodele Adebanjo. 

    Sanwo-Olu, who also visited as the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, was received by Adebanjo’s daughters. 

    The elder statesman died Friday at his residence in Lekki, Lagos, at age 96. 

    Read Also: 94-year-old man registers for 2025 UTME to study political science in UI

    Adebanjo was survived by Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, his 94-year-old wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

    Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor, Jubril Gawat, shared the development on his X account, posting a video of the visit. 

    He wrote: “Governor of Lagos State, Mr #jidesanwoolu alongside his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Kadir Hamzat and other top Lagos State Government officials today paid a condolence visit to the home and family of Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo (1928-2025).”