The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Makinde’s wife applauds First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative agricultural support in Oyo

    Makinde’s wife applauds First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative agricultural support in Oyo

    Wife of Oyo Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, has applauded wife of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, for counting the state worthy among beneficiaries of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Women Agricultural Support Programme.

    She said the programme will go along way in encouraging more participation of women and youths in agriculture, thereby boosting foods production across the state.

    Women Agricultural Support Programme in Oyo State was put together by Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in partnership with Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the First Lady of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Speaking in Ibadan at the official closing of the three-day empowerment programme, Mrs Makinde, who is the RHI Coordinator in the state described the initiative as a noble ideal which will encourage more women and youths to engaged in farming.

    According to her, food is important and farming is needed particularly at this time the nation is facing increase in prices of foods.

    Read Also: Nigeria must build a resilient economy to overcome poverty — Makinde

    She assured Mrs Tinubu that beneficiaries of the empowerment programme will use it judiciously and contributed meaningfully to food production in the state.

    She urged beneficiaries of the empowerment not to toy with it or sell it but use it for massive food production across the state.

    Some of the beneficiaries of the empowerment commended initiative of Mrs Tinubu, saying the empowerment aside that it will put foods on their table will also make them self reliance and financially independent.

  • Baàmẹ̀kọ́ offers late Ogunpa market trader’s children scholarships up to University

    Baàmẹ̀kọ́ offers late Ogunpa market trader’s children scholarships up to University

    A gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland, Oloye Saheed Oladele, has made a promise of full academic scholarships to the children of the late Vice Chairman of Ibadan Industrial and Agricultural Machinery Dealers Association (Zone II) Gbagi-Ogunpa, Surajudeen Adewale Popoola.

    Oloye Oladele announced the offer of scholarships to the university level for the deceased’s two children during the 8th Day Fidau organised for the deceased at his residence on Sunday. 

    The Baàmẹ̀kọ́ of Ibadanland also donated a handsome sum of money for the welfare of the widows and the children left behind by the deceased vice chairman.

    Oloye Saheed Oladele expressed sadness over the death of the late Surajudeen Popoola, stating that his death was a huge setback to their fast-evolving partnership which they just started because of his political aspiration as the deceased had started to mobilise for him among various trade and artisanal groups across major markets in Ibadan.

    Read Also; NDLEA declares four wanted over cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, others

    In his words, Baàmẹ̀kọ́ said, “Egbon Surajudeen’s demise is heartbreaking as it did not allow me to enjoy his kindness and loyalty to friendship as being confirmed by all and sundry here. For the brief two months that he and I started our relationship, he had proven to be a valuable team player. His spirited efforts at mobilising for my aspiration till he breathed his last is beyond my imagination.”

    Oloye Oladele prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul as he implored the children of his late political associate to imbibe the good virtues their father exemplified while alive.

    The family members of the deceased, the friends, and the leaders of various trade groups present at the Fidau expressed gratitude to Oloye Oladele for his kind gestures towards the immediate family of their departed loved one.

  • Osun 2026: AIO urges unity, peace within Osun APC

    Osun 2026: AIO urges unity, peace within Osun APC

    As the 2026 Osun State gubernatorial election approaches, Hon. Adeniyi Ismail Oluwatosin, also known as AIO, has harped on the importance of unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    In a statement, AIO urged party members to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal, stressing that unity is crucial for the party’s success in the upcoming election.

    “We must work together as a team, united in our pursuit of victory,” AIO said. “We owe it to ourselves, our party, and the good people of Osun State to present a united front and ensure that our party emerges victorious in 2026.”

    AIO’s call for unity comes at a time when the Osun APC is seeking to regain its footing in the state. The party has been working to reconcile its differences and present a cohesive front ahead of the 2026 election.

    Read Also: Atiku dismisses 2027 election talks after meeting Obasanjo in Abeokuta

    Recent discussions between Chief Bisi Akande, a respected elder statesman, highlighted the need for party members to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal. Chief Akande emphasized that unity is not just a political strategy, but a prerequisite for building a harmonious community.

    To achieve victory in 2026, AIO emphasized that the Osun APC must prioritize grassroots mobilization, engage with community leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations, and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and inclusiveness.

    “By working together and presenting a united front, I am confident that we can inspire confidence among the electorate and work towards a brighter future for Osun State,” AIO said.

  • Minister seeks accelerated implementation of Nigeria for women project

    Minister seeks accelerated implementation of Nigeria for women project

    Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for urgent implementation of the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up (NFWP-SU). 

    She made the call during a strategic meeting with commissioners for women affairs. 

    This is as the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, underscored the power of unity and collaboration that affords women the opportunity to thrive. 

    The project, approved in June 2023, aims to empower 4.5 million women across Nigeria through economic inclusion, financial empowerment, and access to essential skills and resources.

    In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media & Publicity, Mr. Jonathan Eze, the minister, alluding to the 18-month delay in execution, stressed that time is of the essence, and immediate action is required to meet the project’s development objectives. 

    “We must leave this room with clear commitments, decisive actions, and a renewed sense of urgency to drive implementation at the state level, ensuring that no woman is left behind,” she said.

    The minister called on State Commissioners for Women Affairs to prioritise the recruitment of high-quality project staff and constitute relevant implementation structures without delay. 

    She also emphasised the need for a clear roadmap with firm commitments from each state on their acceleration plans and next steps.

    The NFWP-SU is a critical initiative that aligns with the broader vision of empowering 10 million Nigerian women under the Renewed Hope Agenda. 

    The minister assured that the Federal Government is committed to supporting the project’s success, with a high-profile Presidential launch planned within the next month.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim added: “The stakes are high, and the responsibility rests on us. 

    “The estimated 4.5 million women who stand to benefit from this project are not just numbers.

    “They are mothers, entrepreneurs, leaders, and contributors to our nation’s economy. 

    “Their success is Nigeria’s success.”

    The Permanent Secretary, Dr Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, was thrilled to see so many passionate individuals united by a shared vision.

    She noted that women are the heartbeat of society, therefore, bringing creativity, resilience, and inspiration.

    “It is our responsibility to ensure they have the necessary tools and opportunities they deserve to thrive.

    “As we gather to strategise and accelerate the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up Project, let us remember the power of unity and collaboration. 

    “When we unite our efforts towards achieving a better Nigerian-Woman, we can overcome challenges and unlock potentials we never thought would be possible. 

    “To this end, let us be bold in our strategies, creative in our solutions, and unwavering in our commitment to making a real difference in the lives of Nigerian Women,” she said.

  • Again, electricity workers picket IBEDC

    Again, electricity workers picket IBEDC

    For the second consecutive day, electricity workers on Friday staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Ring Road, Ibadan.

    The demonstration, which began on Thursday, saw more members of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) joining their colleagues to condemn the dismissal of 17 workers and other unfavorable workplace conditions.

    The protesters listed several grievances, including the casualization of workers without formal employment, non-payment of hazard allowances, staff maltreatment, and alleged slave-like working conditions.

    During the protest, the aggrieved workers locked the facility, restricting customer access. 

    Read Also: Never let online negativity control you, influencer Demure advises

    While a few top management staff were allowed entry, other employees were denied access.

    After chanting solidarity songs at the IBEDC headquarters, the protesters proceeded to Premier International Procurement Logistics, their recruitment outsourcing agent, accusing it of keeping employees as casual workers for years with low wages and no prospects for permanent employment.

    The workers, after chanting solidariry songs at the IBEDC headquarters office later moved to their recruitment outsourcing agent, Premier International Procurement logistics, which they accused of engaging employees as casual workers for years, paying them meager salaries without prospects of full employment.

    The protesters also expressed concerns about deductions from staffers’ salaries without remittance. 

    Speaking, one of the casual workers Oluwatobiloba Omisore claimed that IBEDC and the outsourcing recruitment agent are engaging their staff with undue labour without a commensurate payment for the services rendered to the company. 

    Also, another protester, Olaoye Luqman called on the President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Labour and Employment and Minister of Power to intervene and rescue them from exploitation by their employers, stressing that they are Nigerians and are entitled to right to dignity of labour. 

    They further appealed to Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde to help them from being misuse in the face of the unfair treatment by their employers noting that they have the right to enjoy the minimum wage been pronounced by the federal government. 

    Effort to get the reaction from the Managing Director of the Outsourcing Recruitment Agent, Mr Wale Adeniji proved abortive as he declined speaking with journalist. 

    The Nation reports that the Head of Branding and Corporate Communications IBEDC, Angela Olanrewaju on Thursday denied claims that the company has casual workers, saying their duties have been outsourced.

    At the time of filling this report, many of the protesters are at the entrance gate of the outsourcing recruitment agent who stand as the middle-man between IBEDC and its ‘casual workers.’

    Many of the protesters carried placards wirh various inscriptions, with some reading: “Premier International Procurement logistics stop exploiting us”, “IBEDC we are all entitled to equal salary payment”

  • Ondo CP orders autopsy on late police Inspector

    Ondo CP orders autopsy on late police Inspector

    Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, has ordered an autopsy to be conducted on late Inspector Yusuf Suleiman Blessing following outcry by the family.

    The family had alleged foul play in his death when his corpse was brought home for burial.

    They alleged that they were told that late Yusuf drowned in a river, adding that his corpse was burnt when they opened the coffin.

    Ondo police spokesman, Funmilayo Odunlami, in a statement, said the corpse of Yusuf was discovered two days after he went missing.

    Read Also: Never let online negativity control you, influencer Demure advises

    Odunlami said there were no traces of injury or mark of violence except a swollen observed in the centre of his head.

    She said the family rejected conductbof autopsy and demanded the body released for burial.

    According to her, “Preliminary investigation revealed that on the 27th of January 2025, towards evening time, no one could give an account of the presence of the late inspector in the station. Immediately the DPO directed that search party should trace his whereabouts, as he was last seen wearing a blue vest and a green track suit trousers .

    “Two days later the officer in charge of the Police Marine informed the DPO of the discovery of a corpse lying face down in a river. On close observation, it was discovered that the body was that of Inspector Yusuf Suleiman.

    “The family of the deceased was informed of the incident and in a bid to unravel the circumstances that led to the death of the deceased, the CP directed the state CID to take over the case.  

    “In the course of investigation, there was a demand for autopsy to be conducted on the body but the family vehemently opposed and rejected the idea , insisting the corpse of the deceased be released for burial, a request granted by the Police.

    “As a result of the demand by the family, the body was recovered from the morgue with the police bearing the financial cost , conveyed the remains of the deceased to his home in Akure.

    “It is worthy of note that the cloth last seen on the deceased was found intact on his body when his corpse was discovered ruling out any suspicion of arson, as there was no mark of burnt or physical violence on his body.

    “Despite Preliminary investigation carried out by the State Criminal Investigation Department establishing a case of Sudden and Unnatural Death with no foul play suspected ,the Commissioner of Police has ordered that a full Autopsy be carried out to determine the cause of death in response to the allegation made by the family and for public interest.”

  • Lagos lawmakers pledge support for Tinubu’s policies

    Lagos lawmakers pledge support for Tinubu’s policies

    …ex-speaker Obasa absent at plenary

    Lagos state lawmakers have commended President Bola Tinubu’s policies, stating they’re yielding positive results.

    The lawmakers made this remark during a plenary session through Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1) who moved the motion to write President Tinubu a commendation letter.

    The lawmakers also praised the sterling qualities of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s effort and support of the policies of Mr. President.

    Tobun praised the federal government’s economic policies, citing increased GDP, a stronger naira, and the end of fuel scarcity.

    He said: “The government took the Bull by the horns with policies that would revamp the economy. Although, Nigerians were crying foul then but we persuaded them and let them know the policies would yield positive results.

    Read Also; Immigrants should wait 15 years for British citizenship – Kemi Badenoch

    “Currently, the policies are yielding positive results and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased. The value of naira is gradually gaining strength. There is no more fuel scarcity anymore in the country. We need to encourage the federal government to continue on the good pedestrian it started two years ago.”

    Other lawmakers echoed Tobun’s sentiments, with Hon. Gbolahon Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) highlighting the reduction in insecurity, increased crude oil production, and decreasing inflation.

    Hon. Aro Moshood (Ikorodu 2) praised President Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies, securing $40 million in investments, and increasing the national minimum wage to N70,000.

    The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, directed the acting clerk to write a commendation letter to President Tinubu, acknowledging the positive impact of his policies and programmes.

    She said: “I know President Tinubu will take us to the Promised Land. When he started, it was rough but it is becoming obvious the policies are yielding results.

    “This is a positive result happening within the short time Tinubu came into power. Tinubu’s investment in the security architecture is also yielding results as we have insecurity reducing.”

    Notably, former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was absent from the plenary session for the second time since his removal on January 13, 2025.

  • Ikosi-Isheri LCDA will experience massive development, prosperity under my chairmanship – Adetunji

    Ikosi-Isheri LCDA will experience massive development, prosperity under my chairmanship – Adetunji

    Hon Babatunde Adetunji has said he will spearhead a people centred government if elected chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA in the next local government elections in Lagos State.

    Speaking with newsmen, Adetunji, while sharing his vision for Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, said he decided to throw his hat into the ring, to bring about equitable development to the area.

    “We discovered that Ikosi has been producing the chairman since 2003, and that is why we felt that there is a need to give someone from Isheri the opportunity so that we can have equitable development”, said Babatunde Adetunji.

    According to Adetunji, his passion for leadership is driven by his desire to serve the people.

    “My journey has been a long one. I have been in.politics since 2006 when I contested for the.Lagos House of Assembly, which was born out of my passion to serve the people. I believe that leadership is not about personal gain, but about making a positive impact on the lives of others”, he said.

    Read Also: NNPC Ltd/First E&P JV achieve 96% reduction in routine gas flaring

    Adetunji’s contribution to Ikosi Ejirin LCDA as a sole administrator has been significant. He initiated various educational empowerment programmes, including the distribution of JAMB forms to students and entrepreneurship training for young entrepreneurs.

    “We have given out a lot of JAMB forms to some people. Recently, we had an entrepreneurship training for the people who want to learn one thing or the other, and we also provided financial assistance to them,” he said.

    As a minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Adetunji believes that leadership is about serving others.

    “I am a unifier. I don’t believe in segregation; as we are all under one umbrella, we are all the same,” he stated. He emphasized that his leadership style is centered on unity, equality, and fairness.

    In his first 100 days in office if elected as the chairman, Adetunji said he plans to focus on developing marginalized areas in Isheri, such as Magodo, Orisa, Olowo Ira, and Isheri North.

    According to him: ” My ambition to lead Ikosi-Isheri LCDA makes me committed to the values of unity, equality, and fairness. I have a passion for serving others and my vision for equitable development for all will manifest with the support of all. With God on our side, we are poised to make a positive impact on the lives of the people in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA”.

  • Makinde, ex-UNILAG VC to grace Ibadan Polytechnic’s 39th convocation

    Makinde, ex-UNILAG VC to grace Ibadan Polytechnic’s 39th convocation

    Governor Seyi Makinde and the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, are among the dignitaries expected at the 39th Convocation Ceremony of The Polytechnic, Ibadan. 

    Governor Makinde will visit the institution and be the special guest of honour at the event, which is scheduled for Friday, February 14, 2025. Prof. Ogundipe will deliver the convocation lecture, “Emerging Technological Advancement National Development and Growth in the 21st Century: Repositioning Nigerian Polytechnics.” 

    Speaking to journalists in Ibadan, the Acting Rector, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi, outlined activities leading up to the ceremony, including religious services, convocation lectures, and graduation rehearsals.

    He said, “The institution has lined up several activities leading up to the convocation, which includes a Jumat service at the institution’s Central Mosque, a Christian service at The Lord’s Chapel, the institution’s official interdenominational church, and the convocation lecture, among others.”

    Read Also: NNPC Ltd/First E&P JV achieve 96% reduction in routine gas flaring

    He noted that certificates for graduands have been signed and are ready for collection immediately after the convocation ceremony.

    Lasisi also said the institution is considering imposing fines for delay in collection of uncollected certificates by their owners.

    The Acting Rector added that the convocation will feature the 2023/24 academic session graduates, as the institution no longer has a backlog of un-convocated students.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the institution towards academic excellence and discipline, stating that some students who were admitted alongside the current graduands were dismissed due to academic incompetence or misconduct after they were found wanting by the Students Disciplinary Committee (SDC).

    “Certificates are not awarded based on academic performance alone; recipients must also be worthy in learning and character.”

    Lasisi, however, thanked Governor Makinde for prioritizing education in the State, saying the governor has played a crucial role in supporting the institution, particularly in accreditation, re-accreditation, and the introduction of new programs.

    He boasted the institution’s legacy of producing distinguished alumni, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Iba of Kisi, Oba Aweda Lawal; and the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.

    “Aside from traditional rulers, our institution has also produced former governors, senators, lawmakers, captains of industries, and technocrats who continue to contribute to national development.”

  • Sanwo-Olu praises AfDB president Adesina on transforming lives at 65

    Sanwo-Olu praises AfDB president Adesina on transforming lives at 65

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has facilitated with President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwunmi Adesina on his 65th birthday, praising his dedication to Africa’s progress and sustainable development.

    In a message on his X handle, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged Adesina’s transformative impact on the continent, describing him as a visionary leader.

    “Today, we celebrate your remarkable journey and contributions to the African Development Bank Group and the African continent.

    Read Also: NNPC Ltd/First E&P JV achieve 96% reduction in routine gas flaring

    “Your leadership, vision, and dedication to sustainable development have inspired countless individuals and transformed lives across nations,”

    Sanwo-Olu extended his best wishes to the AfDB President, encouraging him to take pride in his accomplishments while embracing new opportunities to further Africa’s development.

    “As you celebrate today, Dr. Adesina, may you reflect on your achievements with pride and look forward to new opportunities to make an even more significant impact.”