The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Ogun HoS appreciates Abiodun for workers’ promotion exercise

    Ogun HoS appreciates Abiodun for workers’ promotion exercise

    Ogun Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for prioritising workers’ welfare through laudable policies aimed at enhancing efficient service delivery in the civil service since his assumption of office in 2019.

    Onasanya stated this at the ongoing promotion interview session for Public and Civil Servants in the State, affirming that with the approval for the 2023 and 2024 promotion exercise granted by Governor Dapo Abiodun, the stage was now set for the career advancement of all eligible officers towards increased productivity.

    The HoS said the flag of the State Civil Service must continue to be held high, as exemplified by the forebears of the service, whose standards and legacies must continue to be upheld and surpassed.

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    He said: “The welfare of workers is very key in the scheme of things, and the flexibility of government in this regard cannot be overemphasized. With this conduct, Ogun is up-to-date on promotion matters.”

    He affirmed that the interview process entails that all eligible candidates must be able to justify the reasons for being promoted to the next grade level.

    Onasanya, who chaired both the Administrative Staff Advisory Council and the Management Committee at separate interfaces of the interview sessions, hinted that a total of 26,764 civil and public servants spanning junior, senior, and management cadres across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government benefited from the promotion exercise.

    Meanwhile, some of the staff appreciated the state government for the opportunity to be promoted and pledged unalloyed commitment to the ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda of the State government.

  • Ekiti adopts digital extension services to boosts agricultural productivity

    Ekiti adopts digital extension services to boosts agricultural productivity

    The Ekiti state government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience through the adoption of digital extension approaches and climate advisory services.

    Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade disclosed this on Friday at a training session for extension agents on digital  extension approaches and climate advisory services.

    The training session, which was held at the Pastoral Centre, Ikere Road, Ado-Ekiti, was organized by the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project, a World Bank initiative.

    Boluwade explained that the L-PRES project was solely designed to enhance the productivity, commercialization, as well as resilience of targeted livestock production systems.

    He emphasized the need for sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practice given the challenges posed by climate change to agricultural productivity such as heatweaves, increased frequency of droughts and floods. 

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    The Commissioner explained that digital extension approaches would bridge the wide gap between research and farmers, providing them with timely, accurate and actionable information.

    These approaches, he said,  leverage mobile applications, online platforms, and remote sensing to provide farmers with real-time information on weather, soil, and crop conditions.

    The L-PRES State Project Coordinator, Mr Olayinka Adedipe said that the training was designed to equip extension agents with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide digital extension services and climate advisory services to livestock farmers.

    Adetipe explained that the training is a critical component of L-PRES project’s implementation strategy, as it  would enable extension  agents to provide effective support to livestock farmers.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Babatope Ojo, lauded the participants for their role in driving the L-PRES project forward.

    Ojo noted that the project had achieved significant milestones, including the renovation of the Livestock Development Centre, Erinfun, and the distribution of agricultural inputs and assets to livestock farmers.

  • First Lady empowers Oyo women farmers to boost food security

    First Lady empowers Oyo women farmers to boost food security

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered women farmers in Oyo State through training, cash support, and farm equipment to enhance food sustainability in the state. 

    The initiative, titled the Women Agricultural Support Programme in Oyo State, was organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the First Lady’s empowerment program. 

    Speaking on behalf of Mrs Tinubu, the wife of Oyo State Governor and RHI Coordinator in the state, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, described the initiative as proof of the First Lady’s commitment to empowering women in agriculture and ensuring national food security. 

    She emphasized that empowering women is crucial for achieving gender equality, financial independence, and unlocking their full potential.

    She also highlighted the importance of agriculture in Nigeria’s economic diversification, stating that the government is taking concrete steps to support the sector. 

    According to her, agriculture has long been the backbone of the economy, particularly in the southwest, providing sustenance, employment, and economic empowerment to millions across the country.

    She said: “We can achieve this with dedication. Here in Oyo State, we recognize the critical role women play in Agricultural production from subsistent farming to large-scale production. Women are not just farmers, they are food providers, business owners and drivers of national development.

    “By empowering women in Agriculture, we’re not only enhancing food security but also fostering economic goals.”

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    She, however, thanked Mrs Tinubu for her continuous efforts in uplifting women across different sectors and for working with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

    She urged beneficiaries to embrace the best practices of empowerment so that Oyo state can create sustainable agricultural service, and encourage value addition and food sufficiency service for generations to come.

    In her remarks, the Oyo state coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Kakulu Omonele said the programme will encourage more women to join farming and help to improve those already in farming.

    Some of the beneficiaries lauded the effort of Mrs Tinubu towards the welfare of women across the nation.

    They also applauded Mrs Makinde for the programme, promising to use the empowerment judiciously.

  • Ekiti achieve 88% performance in 2024 budget

    Ekiti achieve 88% performance in 2024 budget

    Ekiti state has recorded an impressive 88% performance in its 2024 budget, indicating a significant milestone in the state’s economic development.

    The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Femi Ajayi disclosed on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital during the  presentation of the breakdown and highlights of the 2025 budget. 

    Ajayi said that the stellar achievement is a testament to the the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s commitment to effective budget implementation and resource allocation.

    The Commissioner noted that the state recorded 92% revenue performance and with 88% expenditure performance in the 2024 budget compared to 2023 budget performance which was 85%.

    This, he said, was made possible as a result of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability driven by effective and efficient budget implementation and strategic resource allocation.

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    He stated that the budget performance have a corresponding positive impact on the economy, with benefits  extended to various sectors as well as communities across the 16 local government areas of the state. 

    The state had invested heavily in critical sectors including infrastructures, health, education, youth development and jobs creation, agriculture and human capital development to further bring economic prosperity to Ekiti people. 

    He expressed the hope that the 2025 budget would meet the expectations of residents of the state, noting that the administration was poised to  engender sustainable growth of the state economy and further improve the well-being of the people. 

    According to him, the government in the 2025 budget has earmarked a total of N68.54 billion for the construction and rehabilitation  of various roads spread across the 16 local government areas of the state. 

    Ajayi added that a sum of N1.2 billion was earmarked for the construction of the Ekiti Indoor Sport Hall, just as the government intends to spend N103m for the renovation of the  National Youth Service Corps, Camp in Emure Ekiti.

    He stated that government intends to spend N2.5 billion on the International Agro-Allied Cargo Airport for its running and maintenance in the 2025 fiscal year.

    He said the projection for the 2025 financial estimates is to further enhance government’s policy on the shared prosperity agenda of the administration in tandem with the 2025-2027 medium-term expenditure (MTEF) and the 30-year development plan.

    The Commissioner explained that the 2025 budget would be derived from the state revenue estimate for the year particularly, federal allocation, 45%, Value Added Tax (VAT) 15%, Grants from Domestic and Foreign Development partners 21%, State Independent revenue, 8%, and loan plan from domestic or foreign borrowing for the implementation of specific capital projects 7%.  

    Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo disclosed that Ekiti has grown in leaps and bounds in internal revenue drive as the state is on the path of economic renaissance through the transparent fiscal policy of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

    Adebayo, who is the immediate past Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, commended the Governor for providing leadership and setting the tone and examples that all players in the Ekiti development agenda have been following to bring unparalleled development to the state.

    The Chief of Staff also disclosed that since 2023, the state had enjoyed a remarkable and unrivaled improvement in internally generated revenue, leading to many states seeking to understudy the secret behind the state’s revenue drive.

  • Soun unveils Ogbomosho’s 25-year vision for digital economic growth

    Soun unveils Ogbomosho’s 25-year vision for digital economic growth

    The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Laoye has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Ogbomoso into ‘Africa’s Silicon Valley.’

    This is as the monarch outlined a 25-year vision to position the ancient city as a leading hub for digital economic transformation.

    The monarch also at the event revealed plans for the Ogbomoso International Economy Summit which is scheduled for April 2025, saying the summit is designed to attract investors and showcase the city’s economic potential.

    Speaking at the Ogbomoso Digital Economy Summit, themed “Financing and Deploying Resources for Digital Transformation,” the monarch emphasized the city’s potential for global relevance in the digital space.

    The summit, which was held at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso started on Wednesday and continued on Thursday.

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    It brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for the digital transformation of the ancient town.

    The stakeholders at the event include: traditional rulers, government officials, tech entrepreneurs, and academics, all united in the vision of making Ogbomoso a global economic force.

    Speaking, Oba Laoye harped on the need to integrate technology into various sectors, including sports to enhance Ogbomoso’s economic growth.

    He said the structured 25-year development plan is aimed at “empowering industries, generating employment, improving residents’ quality of life, unlocking the city’s potential in agriculture, education, infrastructure, health, tourism, and commerce.”

    The summit’s panel discussions featured Mr. Iyin Aboyeji, founding partner at Future Africa, who stressed the need for a strong startup ecosystem and investment.

    He advised the government to focus on policy and infrastructure rather than direct business funding, highlighting the importance of creating local business success stories to inspire more entrepreneurs.

    Another panellist, Dr. Adeyemi Aderinto identified talent as a natural resource, stating that less-developed cities like Ogbomoso are the next frontier for economic growth.

    He noted that as major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are becoming saturated, emerging cities must seize the opportunity to attract businesses and talent.

    With a population of 1.2 million, Aboyeji expressed confidence that Ogbomoso could achieve its goal of becoming a leading economic city within the next decade, provided it focuses on demographic potential over geographical limitations.

    Speaking earlier, Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade emphasized the importance of collaboration between traditional rulers and the government, assuring that the government will not shy away from partnering with relevant stakeholders in the interest of the development of the state.

  • Ondo nurses begin indefinite strike action

    Ondo nurses begin indefinite strike action

    Ondo State Council of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has directed its members in the public health institutions in the state to withdraw services beginning from January 31st, 2025.

    It said the indefinite withdrawal of services was not a stand for better salaries but a demand for justice, equity, and recognition of the pivotal role nurses play in the healthcare system.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Akure, Chairman of Ondo NANNM, Comrade Felix Orobode, said none of its demands tabled in several engagements with the state government has been addressed since 2023.

    Comrade Orobode said the state government refused to honour commitments made during negotiation despite concessions by the association.

    Demands of the nurses, according to Orobode were payment of the balance of January 2025 salary with the 100% new salary table, payment of the arrears of Promotion and Hazard Allowances, and the resumption of negotiation on Uniform Allowance for Nurses as captured in the Public Service rule.

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    Other demands included the correction of the 2022 Conversion Exercise for Nurses

    According to Orobode, “The government’s refusal to address nurses’ welfare has left us with no other option but to take this action. Nurses can no longer endure the financial and professional neglect that has characterized our relationship with the government.

    “We appeal to all well-meaning stakeholders and members of the public to understand and support our cause, as this action is ultimately in the best interest of Healthcare delivery in Ondo State.

    “Finally, our members are therefore directed to stay off duty from 12:00 am Friday 31st January 2025 until our demands are met.

  • Gunmen attack petrol station in Oyo, kill one, abduct attendant

    Gunmen attack petrol station in Oyo, kill one, abduct attendant

    Suspected gunmen attacked a petrol station in Iseyin, Oke Ogun geopolitical zone of Oyo state, killing one person and abducting another. 

    The incident occurred on Tuesday at a petrol station located on Saw Mill Road, along Iseyin/Saki Road.

    Reports indicate that the gunmen had targeted the station owner for abduction but did not find him on-site. 

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    The deceased, identified as Ayanladun, a former local government staff, was attending a church service nearby but had stepped into the petrol station to retrieve his phone when the attackers arrived.

    He was shot alongside the station’s security guard, who is now receiving treatment at a private hospital in Iseyin. 

    The abducted victim is an attendant at the petrol station.

    Meanwhile, efforts to get a response from the Oyo State Police Command spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

  • Accountability Lab trains udges, lawyers on digital, data rights protection

    Accountability Lab trains udges, lawyers on digital, data rights protection

    Civil Society Organisation, Accountability Lab Nigeria has sensitised more than 30 judges from across the country to digital rights and data protection.

    The two – day workshop was aimed at equipping the judiciary to better navigate the complexities of digital freedom, privacy, and national security in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.

    The event was attended by key stakeholders, focused on fostering a deeper understanding of digital rights among judicial officers.

    It emphasized the role of the judiciary in safeguarding freedom of expression and association, especially as the country grapples with challenges such as internet shutdowns, data breaches, and privacy concerns.

    Country Director, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Odeh Friday said the workshop was aimed at improving the understanding of digital rights and the National Data Protection Act while helping citizens uphold and understand their rights to data privacy.

    He acknowledged the importance of judges in maintaining the balance between national security and fundamental rights, referencing past events such as the 2020 Twitter ban and recent conversations on national security within the National Assembly and the military.

    He said: “With over 30 judges here today, we are discussing the balance between national security and the rights of Nigerians to freedom of expression and association.

    “How do we prioritize and uphold these rights when cases come before the courts? Judges must understand international human rights laws and their implications for the digital ecosystem.”

    Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu underscored the critical need for ethical innovation and collaboration across sectors to address the threats posed by the digital age.

    He said: “As we embrace the potential of digital platforms, we must also recognize the evolving threats to these rights. The rise of surveillance, censorship, data breaches, and online abuse highlights the urgent need for robust enforcement mechanisms and a deeper understanding of the role of rights in our digital ecosystems.”

    Ojukwu, who emphasized three key priorities for safeguarding digital rights, said: “Aligning innovation with human rights values: Technology is neutral until we decide how to use it. It must empower individuals rather than oppress them.

    “Collaborative efforts: Governments, the justice sector, civil society, private sector actors, and individuals must work together to protect digital rights across communities.

    “Creativity and resilience: Addressing complex digital challenges requires bold, out-of-the-box thinking, which this workshop aims to foster.”

  • Alaafin dissolves unauthorised coronation committee

    Alaafin dissolves unauthorised coronation committee

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has ordered the dissolution of an unauthorised coronation committee set up by a group of individuals.

    The monarch, in a statement he signed, warned that any further meetings or activities related to the committee would be deemed illegal and would not be tolerated.

    He said any committee or activity related to the coronation must receive approval and consent from his office.

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    Oba Owoade thanked the organisers of the committee for their efforts, but instructed them to dissolve all apparatus associated with the activity.

    He said they would be informed of any future developments or needs.

  • Amosun’s bid to scrap TASUED our darkest moment, says VC

    Amosun’s bid to scrap TASUED our darkest moment, says VC

    The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, yesterday described the spirited bid by Senator Ibikunle Amosun to scrap TASUED as the “darkest moment” in the annals of the first education university in the country.

    The Nation reports that TASUED was established on January 25, 2005 by the administration of former governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, but his successor, Senator Amosun, through the then Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Odubela, announced on February 12, 2012, the scrapping of TASUED.

    Following robust resistance and court action, Amosun rescinded the decision.

    However, likening the onslaught to “wolf attack”, Prof. Banjo said the era cast a pall of gloom over the university, workers and students, as well other concerned stakeholders, as no father would like to see his child being attacked by a wolf and be happy.

    The VC, who said this while fielding questions from reporters on the challenges the institution had contended with, at a news conference at TASUED Senate Building, to begin the 20th anniversary of the university, said they were able to overcome Amosun’s moves, which he described as sad and a terrible era, through the efforts of well-meaning people in the society, prayer and fasting.

    Banjo said: “I want to tell you that nobody will see his growing child being attacked by a wolf. The father looking at that will be very sad and that was exactly what happened when that thing was on, when they wanted to scrap the university and we all know that this (TASUED) is the first of its kind in the country and 8th in the world.

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    “I wonder how somebody can wake up one day and said he wanted to scrap TASUED, he wanted to kill the vision many people are looking up to. Well, I want to say with the help of well-meaning people in the society, with prayer and fasting, we were able to overcome that. This is why you see us being happy today and we are celebrating what God has done for us. I want to believe that was the darkest moment of this university. We have not seen something as terrible as that right from that time up till this moment.”

    Highlighting some of the university’s achievements, he said despite the challenges experienced as a pioneer education university in Nigeria, TASUED had consistently strived to break new grounds, adding that it still remained the only university in the country that bestowed on its graduates, two certificates – one for their academic degree and another for the invaluable vocational skills.

    The VC also identified the installation of independent power supply system to facilitate an uninterrupted 24 hours power supply, to make learning and working easier for the workers and students, as another feat.

    He attributed the achievements to the contributions of the colleges, workers and alumni, whom he said were instrumental to shaping the trajectory of TASUED.

    He noted in the last 20 years, TASUED had produced over 50,000 graduates and had made significant impacts in the human capital development of teaching profession in Nigeria and across the globe, stressing that TASUED had truly provided the compass for other universities of education established after it in the country.