The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Shina Peller and the race for 2027

    Shina Peller and the race for 2027

    By Muiz Olasubomi 

    As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, certain figures stand out for their influence, vision, and potential to shape the future of the nation. One such individual is Hon. Shina Peller, a dynamic politician whose journey deserves attention as we approach the pivotal 2027 General Election.

    Hon. Shina Peller, born on May 14  1976, has garnered significant respect within and outside Nigeria’s political arena. His unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and public service creates a compelling profile for any potential leader.

    Peller is not just a politician; he is also a successful businessman with a background in the entertainment industry. He is the founder of the renowned Quilox nightclub, which is a subsidiary of Aquila Group. This experience in managing a large enterprise has equipped him with skills that are highly valuable in governance. His ability to navigate the complexities of business and politics puts him in a distinctive position as he seeks to make a mark in the political arena.

    Since beginning his political career, Shina Peller has been an advocate for youth empowerment, education, and economic development. Elected in 2019 as a member of the House of Representatives at the ninth Assembly, where he represented the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency of Oyo State. His legislative role has allowed him to work on several impactful projects aimed at improving the lives of his constituents.

    One of his notable contributions includes his bill on the need to tackle the scourge of rape and sexual harassment of women and children which made the federal government to initiate the first ever Sexual Offenses Register in the country.

    Also, his push for legislation that promotes entrepreneurship among young Nigerians, as well as the motion for federal government to strengthen the country’s creative industry remain commendable.

    Additionally, his initiatives targeted towards education reform demonstrate his commitment to ensuring that the youth have access to quality education, which is vital for the country’s growth.

    In a country where infrastructure development remains a critical issue, Peller has also championed various projects aimed at improving roads, healthcare facilities, and electricity supply within his constituency. These initiatives not only address the immediate needs of his community but also lay the groundwork for sustainable development.

    As we look forward to the 2027 General Election, Shina Peller’s vision for Nigeria, particularly Oyo North Senatorial District where he is from, promises to resonate with many voters. He envisions a senatorial district where youth are empowered, where economic opportunities abound, and where governance is transparent and accountable. 

    Peller has consistently emphasized the importance of inclusive governance. He believes that effective leadership involves listening to the voices of the people and actively involving them in the decision-making process. This approach could significantly enhance public trust in government institutions, making it easier for citizens to engage with their leaders on pressing issues.

    Furthermore, his commitment to fighting corruption and promoting good governance aligns with the aspirations of many Nigerians who desire a clean, efficient political system. With a focus on these key values, Peller’s campaign could appeal to a broad audience, particularly the younger demographic eager for change.

    In today’s political climate, emerging leaders like Hon. Shina Peller play a crucial role in shaping the future of Nigeria. With his impressive track record in both business and politics, he represents a new wave of politicians who prioritize innovation, progress, and community development. As Nigeria grapples with numerous challenges, the need for visionary leaders who can inspire hope and drive change has never been more essential.

    Moreover, Peller’s engagement with his constituency via community programs illustrates his dedication to staying connected with the people he represents. This connection is vital for any politician looking to make a meaningful impact, as it fosters a sense of accountability and responsiveness to the electorate’s needs.

    As we anticipate the next election cycle, candidates like Peller who promise a fresh perspective may become key players in the political arenas, influencing policy and making masses-driven legislations that can lead Nigeria toward a brighter future. 

    Hon. Shina Peller’s commitment to promoting peace and unity in Nigeria is truly inspiring. As the Ayedero of Yorubaland, a title conferred upon him by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adéyẹmí III, in 2021, he has taken on the responsibility of fostering peaceful coexistence among various ethnic groups in the country. 

    Read Also: TikToker Peller not a member of our family – Shina Peller 

    His Ayedero Peace Tour is a notable initiative, where he visited Northern neighbors in Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto and Niger States affected by banditry and terrorism, engaging with traditional rulers, youth, and the Police to address core issues and provide essential materials to those in need. During these visits, the Ayedero donated food items to affected communities. 

    In conclusion, Hon. Shina Peller stands out as a politician to watch out for in the country’s 2027 General Election. His dedication to youth empowerment, economic development, and good governance reflects a commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing the nation. 

    As he continues to build on his achievements and share his vision for the future, many will be looking to see how he influences not just his constituency, but the entire nation.

    Whether you support his ideologies or not, there is no denying that Shina Peller is a figure worth watching. His journey in the political sphere may very well redefine what it means to lead in Nigeria, merging traditional values with modern expectations. As the political climate becomes increasingly competitive, only time will tell how he will leverage his strengths and continue to contribute to the Nigerian narrative in the years to come.

    Muiz Olasubomi writes from Ikeja, Lagos State.

  • LAUTECH Alumni condoles Makinde over brother’s demise

    LAUTECH Alumni condoles Makinde over brother’s demise

    The Alumni Association of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso has condoled with Governor Seyi Makinde, over the death of his elder brother, Sunday Makinde, on Friday, January 24 at 65.

    A statement by the Association’s Global Public Relations Officer, Dr. O.J. Babalola, and the Association’s Global President, Hon. Olalekan Badmus, expressed sympathy to Makinde, his family and people of Oyo State, describing his death as a painful loss. 

    The association said it was saddened to learn of the sudden death, adding that the loss of a sibling is always a painful occurrence that is hard to endure.

    It acknowledged that losing a loved one, especially a beloved elder brother as profound sorrow, urging Governor Makinde to draw strength from his Christian faith, which teaches that the will of God is sovereign and that the love of God surpasses our love for family and loved ones.

    He stressed the concept of unity and family values, which he claimed the Makinde family has always demonstrated. 

    Read Also: Wike, Ortom, others visit Makinde over brother’s death

    While praying for comfort and strength for Makinde and his family during this period of grief, the association prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.

    He said: “On behalf of myself and the members of the Alumni Association of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, I commiserate with His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Abiodun Makinde, on the demise of his elder brother,  Engineer Sunday Makinde, who died in the early hours of Friday, January 24.

    “We acknowledge the anguish of losing a loved one, particularly a beloved older brother, which is a painful sorrow. We therefore implore the Governor to draw strength from his Christian faith, which holds that God’s will is supreme and that his love transcends our love for our family and loved ones. 

    “May the Good Lord comfort the wife and children of the deceased and the extended Makinde family. Amen.”

  • Governor: I will implement committee’s recommendation to probe past govt

    Governor: I will implement committee’s recommendation to probe past govt

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has said his administration would implement the recommendations of the Assets’ Verification Committee tasked with assessing the state government’s assets and liabilities.

    Okpebholo, who received the committee’s report yesterday at the Government House, Benin, hailed members of the team for their dedication to probing the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    He said: “I thank the committee for doing a good job and the time invested in this exercise. I understand the challenges you faced, yet you successfully carried out this crucial assignment. Rest assured that your findings and recommendations will be implemented.”

    Read Also: INEC releases timetable for Anambra governorship, FCT Area Council polls

    The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the issues raised, pledging that his administration would act decisively to strengthen governance and ensure responsible management of the state’s resources.

    The committee Chairman, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, presenting the report, said the findings were not just a reflection of past actions, but also a call to action for future.

  • Obaseki kicks against assets’ verification report submitted to Okpebholo

    Obaseki kicks against assets’ verification report submitted to Okpebholo

    Edo State former Governor Godwin Obaseki has kicked against the assets’ verification report submitted yesterday to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    Obaseki said: ‘’It is filled with deliberate falsehood and malicious data to malign the image of my administration.’’

    He spoke through his media aide, Crusoe Osagie.

    Read Also: Shareholders accuse Obaseki’s firm of plotting to convert N100b bonds

    The media aide said: “It has come to our notice that the Assets’ Verification Committee set up by the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led government has completed its report and handed same to the state government. We have been able to decipher some of the points raised in the report, all of which have revealed that the committee was only a witch-hunt set up with an agenda to deliberately falsify facts and malign the good image of the former government of Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

    “Every asset and transaction carried out during the tenure of Obaseki administration is contained, with detailed explanations and data, in the transition committee’s report, which was put together by the Obaseki government and handed over to the Okpebholo-led administration, just before they took over office.

    “It is therefore disturbing to find that despite having the facts and data concerning everything the committee set out to verify in the transition document, they have still gone ahead to falsify the facts to malign the image of Obaseki and misinform the public. We calling on the public to disregard the lies and kindly refer to the transition report, which is now a public document.”

  • Edo poll dispute: INEC tenders results at tribunal

    Edo poll dispute: INEC tenders results at tribunal

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has tendered at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, the results of September 21, 2024 governorship poll it conducted, among other documents.

    INEC’s lawyer, Abdullahi Aliyu (SAN), tendered the results at the resumed sitting of the tribunal in Abuja yesterday.

    He also tendered a certified true copy (CTC) of a document, which he said contained the declaration of the results as well as a copy of INEC’s Regulations & Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.

    Counsel for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo (who are challenging the outcome of the election), Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), said they were not opposed to the admissibility of the three documents in evidence.

    He observed that his clients had also annexed the same documents while presenting their case, to establish their claim that the results of the election were allegedly manipulated by INEC to favour All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate.

    Read Also: INEC, 15 political parties unite to fight vote-buying, electoral violence

    Lawyer to APC’s candidate in the election, now Governor Monday Okpebholo, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and APC’s lawyer, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), did not object that the documents be admitted in evidence by the tribunal.

    Justice Wilfred Kpochi, the chairman of the three-member tribunal, said the documents were admitted in evidence and marked accordingly.

    Aliyu subsequently told the tribunal that his client planned to start calling witnesses on Thursday (today).

    He said INEC intended to call its five scheduled witnesses within five days, as against the 10 days earlier allocated to it.

    Aliyu said most of the witnesses would be coming from Benin, Edo State, to testify at the panel.

    Ighodalo was among top politicians who witnessed yesterday’s proceedings.

  • Declare Ondo oil producing coastal communities disaster zone, House tells Fed Govt

    Declare Ondo oil producing coastal communities disaster zone, House tells Fed Govt

    The House of Representatives yesterday asked the Federal Government to declare oil producing coastal communities in Ondo State as disaster zone requiring national emergency.

    In a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Donald Ojogo (APC, Ondo), the House spoke of the need to save the communities from extinction as a result of sea incursion and ocean surge.

    Leading the debate on the motion, Ojogo said the four oil producing communities of the coastal area of Ondo State were a major source of revenue for the country.

    He said the communities accounted for about 5.8 per cent of the 60,000 Barrel Per Day (BPD) of Ondo State’s crude oil production output, amounting to about 3.7 per cent of Nigeria’s total oil production.

    Read Also: Ondo gets new laboratory for Lassa fever testing

    The lawmaker argued that ‘’this oil production by the communities contributes to Ondo State being ranked fifth among Nigeria’s oil producing states,  as captured by the NDDC law.’’

    He said devastating sea incursions and ocean surges ‘’have been the albatross of these communities for over two decades, with hundreds of homes and property destroyed, resulting in the displacement of indigenes of the communities in their thousands.’’

    Ojogo said the ocean surge had also resulted in the disruption of oil exploration activities, thereby posing threats to peace and security in the riverine areas of the state.

    He expressed concern that the surge, which had become an annual occurrence, had reached a peak, thereby submerging more than half of each of the communities; and in the case of Awoye in particular, ‘’the communities is now split into two by the ravaging incursion.’’

    He said in the last three weeks, upsurge in the sea incursion had prompted massive movement of indigenes and regrettably, avoidable deaths had been recorded due to the harsh conditions the displaced persons were subjected to.

    Ojogo said the development had become alarming that successive administrations in Ondo State appeared to have been overwhelmed, ‘’thus helpless in the face of the gradual sink of these communities into the ocean and almost inevitable extinction.’’

  • ‘Lagos to supply 70m gallons of water daily’

    ‘Lagos to supply 70m gallons of water daily’

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the ongoing Phase II of the Adiyan Water Works Project would supply 70 million gallons of water daily to Lagosians upon its completion.

    He made this known during a working visit to the project site to assess its progress.

    Sanwo-Olu emphasised his administration’s commitment to ensuring timely completion of the project, noting that it would  enhance the economy and improve the living standard of residents.

    Read Also: Two killed, many injured as gunmen invade Lagos community

    The governor said: “I am committed to ensuring the timely completion of this vital project, as it will enhance the economy and living standard of Lagosians.” 

    The project includes extensive civil works such as installation of pipes to transport water from Ogun River to Adiyan. Sanwo-Olu said the project would play a critical role in addressing Lagos’ water supply challenges, catering to the needs of millions of residents across the state.

    He expressed satisfaction about the cooperation between stakeholders, including Commissioner for the Environment, Tokunbo Wahab;  Managing Director of Lagos State Water Corporation, Mukhtaar Tijani; the contractor, Salini Nigeria Ltd. and the host community.

  • INEC, 15 parties team up to fight vote-buying, electoral violence

    INEC, 15 parties team up to fight vote-buying, electoral violence

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties under the auspices of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have agreed on a blueprint to tackle vote-buying and electoral violence.

    IPAC during its annual political stakeholders’ workshop held in Osogbo, Osun State, tagged: ‘Our Democracy: The Way Forward’, which was attended by chairmen of about 15 parties, warned against electoral infractions.

    Read Also: INEC releases timetable for Anambra governorship, FCT Area Council polls

    Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Mutiu Agboke, said political stakeholders were the ones perpetrating vote-buying and violence during elections.

    He said “They agreed with me that they are the ones perpetrating vote-buying and violence, not INEC.  One of the steps we need to take to stem it is for us to start massive education, which we are starting today. We need to talk to them to be able to understand how to compose themselves and ensure people are better encouraged and not compelled to vote.’’

  • Adeleke has lost grip on security, says APC national secretary

    Adeleke has lost grip on security, says APC national secretary

    • Govt: allegation baseless

    Following the spate of communal clashes and crises over chieftaincy matters in Osun State, the National Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, yesterday said Governor Ademola Adeleke had lost grip on security.

    The Nation reports that communities such as Ifon and Ilobu, Ido-Osun and Halleluyah, Ede and Ebedi, Esa-Oke and Ido-Ajegunle, Iragbiji, Igbajo, Iree, among others have been engulfed in land tussles or chieftaincy matters, resulting in loss of lives and property in the last one year.

    Read Also: Nwoko’s defection increases APC senators to 64

    Basiru, in a chat with reporters in Osogbo, berated Adeleke’s government for losing grip on security.

    However, the state government through Information Commissioner, Kolapo Alimi, slammed Basiru, noting that Adeleke was in charge, hence lives and property were safe.

  • Fed Govt leveraging NIPOST’s infrastructure for e-commerce

    Fed Govt leveraging NIPOST’s infrastructure for e-commerce

    The Federal Government is leveraging the wide reach of NIPOST’s infrastructure across the country to boost e-commerce and achieve inclusivity, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said yesterday.

    In his welcome address at a forum organized by NIPOST and Glovo with Accelerating E-commerce through Digital and Physical Infrastructure Integration Bridging the Gap: Digital Innovation Meets Logistics, the minister said e-commerce holds a central place in the global economy, and Nigeria, with its dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, has the potential to lead in this space.

    “However, realizing this potential requires a comprehensive approach to addressing the logistical and infrastructural challenges that hinder the seamless movement of goods and services, particularly in underserved and rural areas.”

    “Through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, NIPOST has an unparalleled physical presence across Nigeria, with over 1,000 post offices numerous distribution centers, many of which are currently underutilized. Leveraging these assets to support logistics and delivery-while integrating them with digital platforms-offers a transformative opportunity to create a nationwide logistics network. This network will make e-commerce accessible across Nigeria’s 36 states, significantly boosting inlclusion and accessibility in underserved regions.

    Read Also: Lagos Governor challenges NIPOST on innovation

    “This integration will provide a critical boost to the e-commerce ecosystem, lowering barriers to entry, enhancing logistics capabilities, and expanding market access for business, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). By strengthening, this foundation, we ensure that Nigeria’s digital economy thrives not just locally, but also contributes to advancing intra-African trade under AfCFTA’s digital Trade Protocols,” he said.

    Represented on the occasion by Postmaster General, NIPOST, Tola Odeyemi, the minister  said  the forum is a statement to the power of collaboration, adding that by bringing together policymakers, private sector leaders, technology innovators, and logistics providers, “we aim to forge a framework that positions Nigeria as a leading hub for e-commerce in Africa. I would also like to commend our partners, particularly, Glovo, for their dedication to advancing e-commerce and for the launch of the Yellow Effect Report, which provides valuable insights to guide our share efforts”.

    “As we engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration, I encourage all participants to reflect on the transformative role of logistics and digital infrastructure integration in shaping Nigeria’s e-commerce future. Together, we can create a thriving digital economy that empowers businesses, supports communities, and positions Nigeria as a leader in the regional and global digital marketplace,” he said.

    Speaking on the sideline of the programme, Odeyemi, said surmounting the problems facing the industry is one of the major reasons the forum was organized.

    She said: “So in terms of the challenges being faced by industry players, particularly infrastructure, I think that’s one of the reasons why we’re here. We know that NIPOST has a lot of the infrastructure that the industry needs, and we’re willing to partner with them to share infrastructure to grow the ecosystem.

    “On  regulatory issues, harassment and licensing, we are migrating from an analog to a digital licensing process. That should be ready second quarter of this year, so that way people are able to track and know the status of their licenses, as well as get digital certificates as their license, and for the people who want the physical ones, we’ll provide those ones.

    “Secondly, in terms of issues that they face in state and local governments, it’s one of the key things that the Courier Logistics Regulatory Department is working with them in having these sessions, stakeholder sessions, with Ministry of Transport, local government, authorities, in terms of ease of movement for all courier riders across the country. Okay, bringing NIPOST into the 21st or the 22nd century.

    “I mean, so moving into the 21st century is just basically about one thing-technology; rebuilding our digital core, which is what we’re doing right now across all our services and products.”

    According to the Postmaster-General, in terms of post-coding and addressing, “we’re moving from an analog to digital postcode. We’ve done our aerial mapping, we’ve done our piloting of the digital postcode, which is now a more intuitive postcode, and that should be launched by second quarter of this year.

    “And national addressing systems, which we’re working on, which is an exchange system for all addresses, all verified addresses across the nation, which makes location. So that in conjunction with the postcode makes particularly locating addresses a breeze for not just for courier logistics, but I think across anybody who has to interface with addressing in Nigeria”.

    She said, Nigeria is young in the e-commerce space. “So we consume a lot of e-commerce coming into the country. So I think at the Universal Postal Union level, which is the association for all postal services, there’s a project called the Postal Prosperity Zone, which is an aggregation of e-commerce partners.

    “So what we’re doing in Nigeria is that we’re signing up onto that PPZ, what it allows is an aggregation of e-commerce by NIPOST. And then what that does for the industry is once it comes in through NIPOST, everybody who is in the logistics and courier business in Nigeria can offtake and is now a partner to all e-commerce. So the postal service is the aggregator, but in terms of delivery and logistics, all players have the opportunity to partake in e-commerce. That’s what we’re working on right now.”