The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Oyo APC guber aspirant, Saheed Oladele, escapes assassination attempt

    Oyo APC guber aspirant, Saheed Oladele, escapes assassination attempt

    Oyo State All Progressives Congress gubernatorial aspirant and Baàmèkó of Ibadanland, Oloye Saheed Oladele, has escaped an assassination attempt while returning from a political meeting in Lagos.

    According to a statement issued on Sunday, December 28, by Maroof Asudemade, Director of Media and Publicity for the Saheed Oladele Support Foundation, the incident occurred when Oladele’s entourage was attacked, and his vehicle was reportedly hit by a projectile.

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    The statement noted that the attack might be linked to Oladele’s growing popularity and increasing acceptance among the Oyo State electorate, which it said has become a threat to those who had previously underrated him.

    Details surrounding the incident remained sketchy at the time of filing this report.

  • NGO urges sustained compassion for elderly, vulnerable groups

    NGO urges sustained compassion for elderly, vulnerable groups

    A non-governmental organisation, Grace Relief Initiative International Inc. (GRII), has called for sustained compassion towards the elderly and other vulnerable groups, describing it as a vital pathway to promoting love, dignity, and a sense of belonging in society.

    The organisation made the call during an event organised for volunteers of Arinola Kitchens, one of its humanitarian arms. Founders of the NGO, Apostle (Dr) Israel Eledan and Reverend (Mrs) Grace Eledan, urged federal and state governments to create a more enabling environment for collaboration between humanitarian organisations and government agencies to strengthen social welfare delivery.

    The founders also commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for prioritising the welfare of senior citizens through the prompt payment of pensioners’ gratuities and workers’ salaries.

    Speaking at the event, Rev. (Mrs) Grace Eledan reaffirmed GRII’s commitment to caring for the elderly and the underprivileged, describing the outreach as the organisation’s contribution to societal development.

    “We will not relent in showing love and care to the elderly and those in need. This is our own way of giving back and strengthening the fabric of our society,” she said.

    In his remarks, Apostle (Dr) Israel Eledan said GRII’s programmes are inclusive and designed to meet the needs of youths, men, women and other vulnerable populations.

    “This is a vision God has placed in our hands, and we take delight in impacting lives positively through it. Arinola Kitchens is a programme that brings together both male and female volunteers to serve humanity,” he said.

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    Also speaking, Dr. Fiaz Masih, Coordinator of GRII and Arinola Kitchens Programme in Pakistan, described the initiative as impactful and inspiring, commending the volunteers for their dedication.

    “This is a very nice and fabulous programme. I truly enjoyed it. The volunteers are being appreciated for the great work they do, and that is commendable,” Masih said.

    He noted that Arinola Kitchens goes beyond food provision, serving as a platform for sharing love, hope, and the message of Christ, while hailing the founders for what he described as their exceptional compassion and spirit of service.

    Grace Relief Initiative International Inc., a non-governmental organisation registered in Nigeria and the United States, continues to impact the lives of needy elderly persons through Arinola Kitchens, a programme dedicated to providing food, care, and holistic support for senior citizens. The programme is coordinated under the directorship of Mrs. Victoria Olu-Talabi.

    The colourful event, which also served as the initiative’s Christmas celebration, featured the presentation of awards and appreciation funds to volunteers in recognition of their dedication and selfless service.

    Organisers emphasised that the vision of Arinola Kitchens goes beyond meeting basic needs, focusing on delivering total care and restoring dignity to elderly persons in need.

  • Osun 2026: My victory is divinely guaranteed – Oyebamiji

    Osun 2026: My victory is divinely guaranteed – Oyebamiji

    • Says his rivals are weak

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun State election, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) has said his victory is divinely guaranteed with the support of the people of Osun State.

    He declared that his co-contenders are weak, hence, he will win the gubernatorial seat of Osun State on August 8th, 2026.

    Oyebamiji, at the annual prayer programme organised by the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Ikire, on Saturday, said he was ready to put Osun on the right track when he assumes office.

    “The incumbent government of Osun State has failed the state in all sectors in the last three years. Osun is backward in education, our Primary Healthcare system is down, nothing is happening in agriculture, infrastructure is poor, and a lot of promises are failing.

    “I have said this several times that Bola Oyebamiji doesn’t have a competitor; I am going to win that governorship election come 2026. We believe strongly that by the special grace of God.”

    Speaking about the programme, he described the gathering as symbolic in view of the forthcoming election, stressing the importance of praying and believing in the oneness of God.

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    Also, his wife, Sekinah Bola-Oyebamiji, noted that Osun State requires a leader who can govern with conscience and sensitivity.

    She said: “For more than 10 years that we have been doing this programme, 2025 witnessed a significant increase in attendance, no fewer than 6,000 residents attended.”

    Earlier, the Chief Imam of Ansar-Ud-Deen, Ikire branch, Badmus Adekunle, noted that the endorsement of Oyebamiji’s candidature by the leadership of the APC as its flag-bearer for the forthcoming Osun governorship election was a clear testimony to his sterling leadership qualities, unwavering loyalty to the party, proven competence in public service, and the immense goodwill he enjoys across the state.

  • Ekiti 2026: Fayemi mobilises support for Oyebanji’s re-election

    Ekiti 2026: Fayemi mobilises support for Oyebanji’s re-election

    The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State to step up their mobilisation for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re- election for a second term, in spite of weak opposition in the state.

    Fayemi gave the charge during the annual get-together of leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at his Isan-Ekiti country home on Friday, stressing that victory at the polls requires sustained hard work, unity and strategic grassroots engagement across all wards and local government areas.

    The former governor noted that while the current administration has recorded notable achievements, party members must not be complacent, adding that strong performance in governance must be complemented with effective political mobilisation to secure re-election.

    Fayemi, who admitted that Oyebanji’s superlative performance in the last three years had weakened opposition parties and almost made Ekiti a one-party state, said in spite of this, concerted efforts must be made so as to make the June 20, 2026, victory a resounding one.

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    He urged party faithful to close ranks, intensify door-to-door campaigns and continue to project the achievements of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Administration, describing the Governor as a steady and people-oriented leader, who is committed to the development of Ekiti State.

    Fayemi further called on party members to remain focused, disciplined and peaceful in their engagements, expressing confidence that with collective effort and vigilance, the APC would record another resounding victory at the next governorship election in the state.

    He said “I just want to thank the leadership of the party because when I said as for me and my family we are for Governor Oyebanji, you all queue behind me and I also thank you for supporting the Governor but it’s not yet enough, where we are going now is the real business and I don’t want us to be complacent that we do not have opposition.

    “We must redouble our efforts, even if Governor Oyebanji is the only one on the ballot on June 20, 2026 (which I know is not ), don’t let us underrate any party. Let’s go to the poll with all the energy and mobilisation we can muster and make the victory a resounding one.”

    Oyebanji, in his remarks at the event,  expressed his gratitude to the former Governor and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their continued support and guidance ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

    The governor said the party must approach the election as a united front, stressing that cohesion, loyalty and collective responsibility among members remain critical to sustaining the gains recorded by his administration and securing victory at the polls.

    “Well, I don’t have much to say. I adopt everything said by our leader. I will just thank God for what He has done for us in Ekiti and also thank our leader and the leadership of the party. I know that there is nobody today in Ekiti who is not proud of our party.

    ” Governor Fayemi said something that I want us to think about, that we should channel all the strength we have as a party to the June gubernatorial election. God has delivered us from the crisis of primaries, let’s approach the June 20, 2026, election with all the energy we have conserved, all the mobilisation and as a united front and demonstrate to them that this state belongs to us,” he added.

    Other speakers, including the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, and State APC Chairman, Sola Elesin, hailed the Oyebanji -led administration for the impact it has made in the lives of the people in the last three years, a development they said had increased the fortune of the party in Ekiti.

    Also at the event were the wife of the former Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, members of the National and State Assembly, Ekiti APC Chairman, council chairmen, councillors and chairmen of Ward and local government chapters of the party, among others.

  • Osun LG crisis deepens as APC, PDP clash over allocation of funds in 2026

    Osun LG crisis deepens as APC, PDP clash over allocation of funds in 2026

    The lingering crisis over the control of local governments in Osun State has deepened as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) continue to trade claims of legitimacy, with the ‘reinstated’ APC-backed local government executives indicating readiness to allocate council funds in the 2026 fiscal year.

    The APC and PDP had been at loggerheads since February 10th, 2025, after the Appeal Court reinstated APC council executives who had been sacked by the Federal High Court in 2022. However, another election was held which the PDP won all the seats.

    Subsequently, APC and PDP had been laying claim to the control of the councils. But the Federal Government directed the APC chairmen to open accounts on behalf of the councils, whose allocations were paid into the accounts.

    The state government kicked against the move, saying that only civil servants should be signatories to the account of councils and not the APC ‘sacked’ executives nor any appointed treasurer.

    Meanwhile, the PDP council chairmen had presented their 2026 fiscal year budget before the Osun State House of Assembly, while the APC chairmen presented their budgets before the Local Government Legislative Council.

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    The APC factional Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, Hon. Abiodun Idowu, declared that there was no legal or administrative impediment preventing local government executives from accessing and utilising their statutory allocations from 2026 without interference from the Osun state governor.

    Efforts to speak with the media aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Olawale Rasheed, were abortive as his phone number was not available as at the time of filing this report.

    A source, however, said: “We have a peculiar situation in Osun State. The PDP chairmen are the ones legally recognized executives, and Governor Adeleke is ready to give thema  free hand to operate, but APC illegality is affecting the implementation.”

  • IPI honour: Abiodun lauds DSS DG for upholding press freedom

    IPI honour: Abiodun lauds DSS DG for upholding press freedom

    Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has congratulated the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, on his commendation by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI), describing the recognition as a strong affirmation of professionalism and respect for democratic values.

    The honour was bestowed on the DSS Director-General at the IPI’s annual conference held earlier this month in Abuja, an event at which President Bola Tinubu also acknowledged the evolving and more constructive relationship between the nation’s security agencies and the media.

    In a statement issued on Saturday in Abeokuta, Abiodun said the award was particularly significant because it came from a respected press institution known for its critical role as society’s watchdog.

    According to the governor, the recognition represents an “unassailable verdict” on Mr Ajayi’s commitment to human rights, press freedom and the rule of law, noting that such an endorsement from the media community carries profound meaning.

    Governor Abiodun observed that since his appointment, the DSS Director-General has anchored his leadership on professionalism, decency and discipline, while fostering a relationship of mutual respect between the security services and journalists.

    “The award conferred on the DSS Director-General by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute is a clear acknowledgement of his efforts in promoting constructive engagement between the media and security agencies, with the ultimate aim of building a united and resilient front against insecurity,” the governor said.

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    He added that the recognition underscores the importance of a free, vibrant and responsible media in a democratic society, stressing that national development thrives where journalists can operate without fear of repression.

    “This honour is well deserved. It serves as an inspiration to public officials across the country to uphold transparency, accountability and good governance,” Abiodun noted.

    The governor expressed confidence that the cordial relationship between the Ogun State Government and the Department of State Services would continue to strengthen, while wishing Mr. Ajayi greater success in his mission to safeguard national security in line with democratic principles.

  • Pa Fasuyi buried in Ibadan

    Pa Fasuyi buried in Ibadan

    The final burial of a former Production Manager at Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and media guru,  Pa Olatunji Fasuyi held recently in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Late Olasuyi was born to the family of Pa Jacob Olowookere Fasuyi and Madam Felicia Kokumo Fasuyi (both of blessed memory) on 12th October 1942 in Ilesa, Osun State.

    The deceased had his early education in Ilesa, Osun State, before he proceeded to Olivet Baptist Boys High School, Oyo, for his secondary school studies. Afterwards, he moved to Ibadan and joined WNTV, the pioneer TV station in Africa, which later became NTA.

    While at NTA, Pa Fasuyi went through different Journalism/media production courses within and outside the country. He rose to the position of Production Manager before his early retirement in 1984 due to a military takeover. Thereafter, he established his own media/PR outfit called Arbil Advertising Agency, and the firm did jobs for both government and private multinationals.

    A good Rotarian and socialite, he was at a time the President of Rotary Club of Agodi District 911, also three times Publicity Secretary of the Ibadan Recreation Club (IRC) in Sabo, Ibadan.

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    Papa was a strong Christian, and he upheld till his death, integrity, uprightness and dedication to hard work. All these virtues, he instilled in his children and gave them a good education.

    Pa Olatunji Fasuyi, who died at a ripe age of 83 years, was survived by five children, Hon. Bankole Fasuyi, Mrs. Adunola Oladapo (a media practitioner), Dr. Folarin Fasuyi, Mr Olugbenga Fasuyi and Engr. Olajuwon Fasuyi.

  • Young women empowered in Oyo

    Young women empowered in Oyo

    No fewer than 30 young women have participated in an intensive learning, reflection, practical storytelling and leadership exercises.

    The one-day leadership training programme, tagged, “She Leads Aloud”, and organized by The School for Ignored Skills (TheSIS), held at the Oyo Tech Hub, Idi-Ope.

    The programme aimed to help girls and young women find their voice and confidence to lead, addressing the scarcity of leadership-focused opportunities for young women in Oyo town.

    Speaking, the Lead Facilitator at TheSIS, Abass Abdul-Azeez, said: “Oyo has a strong youth population, but structured leadership development programmes for women are almost non-existent. This programme is part of our response to that gap.”

    He described the event as part of TheSIS’s broader mission to expand access to leadership and life skills training for young people in underserved communities.

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    He said the organisation deliberately chose Oyo town because of the scarcity of leadership-focused opportunities for young girls and women in the area.

    Speakers at the event shared their personal stories and experiences, highlighting the importance of self-leadership, resilience, and intentional living.

    In her remarks, the Co-founder of North East Women in Tech (NEWIT), Kadwama Lazarus emphasized that leadership begins with self-awareness, while the Executive Director of Slum Tech, Asmau Abdullahi, advised participants to understand their self-worth and build meaningful networks.

    Kadwama shared her personal story with participants, highlighting the role of self-leadership and intentional living in her journey of becoming. She stressed that leadership begins with self-awareness, saying: “You cannot lead without understanding, not even yourself.”

    She also shared her unconventional journey into technology, including dropping out of Chemical Engineering to study Information Technology at the National Open University of Nigeria, and how starting a small community initiative later grew into a non-profit organisation empowering young women in North-Eastern Nigeria with technology skills.

    Asmau, in her presentation, highlighted the role of volunteering in building leadership capacity. She advised participants to understand their self-worth without coming off as rude or arrogant, while remaining open to learning opportunities, noting that early experiences, even unpaid ones, can open doors to networks and growth.

    The programme featured a storytelling workshop, where participants learned to craft personal leadership narratives using the SPARK framework of storytelling and were guided to craft personal leadership narratives.

    He encouraged intentional living as a foundation for meaningful storytelling, saying, “Storytelling is about connecting the dots, but only those who create the dots while moving forward can connect them looking backwards.”

    The event also featured an inter-generational panel discussion on women’s leadership, with panellists drawn from different life stages.

    The panel included Mrs. Eniola Azeez, a lecturer at Emmanuel Alayande University of Education; Janet Bello, Lagos State Coordinator of the Young Global Leaders Network; Deborah Oladiti, a graduate of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo; and secondary school students Phebe Olatunbosun and Faith Orjieze from Best Legacy International Secondary School and SPED International Secondary School, respectively.

  • Akpabio seeks Remo, Ijebu unity to achieve Ijebu-Remo State

    Akpabio seeks Remo, Ijebu unity to achieve Ijebu-Remo State

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has urged the people of Remoland to strengthen unity and cooperation with their Ijebu kinsmen in pursuit of the proposed Ijebu-Remo State.

    Akpabio, who made the call at the 2025 Remo Day celebration, held at the Akarigbo Pavilion in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Saturday, described harmony as essential to the realisation of the collective aspiration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was themed:  ‘One People, Diverse Cultures, One Identity.’

    He described the Remo people as industrious, enterprising and astute industrialists, noting that their spirit of cooperation would be pivotal to the creation of the new state.

    “I want to urge the Remo people to continue to live in peace. Remo is blessed with hardworking industrialists, which explains the concentration of industries in this area.

    “I want you to work closely with the Ijebu people towards the creation of Ijebu state. We at the National Assembly will support you.

    “I’ll not speak about where the capital will be located, but you already know. However, the capital must be in a peaceful environment,” he said.

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    Akpabio said that the cultural celebration served as an opportunity for collective reflection and strategic thinking about the development of the homeland.

    He added that his presence at the event symbolised Nigeria’s unity across ethnic boundaries, stressing that diversity should be embraced as strength rather than a weakness in nation-building.

    The senate president assured Nigerians that insecurity across the country would soon become a thing of the past, noting that President Bola Tinubu is working assiduously to address the nation’s security challenges.

    Akpabio also commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun for his infrastructural strides across the state, singling out the Gateway International Airport, which he described as the best airport in the country.

    In his remarks, Abiodun described Remoland as a land blessed with illustrious sons and daughters who had contributed immensely to the development of Ogun state and Nigeria.

    The governor said that the massive turnout at the event underscored the unifying power of culture, warning that societies that lose touch with their roots risk losing their identity.

    “Remo is far more than a geographical expression; it is a people defined by a rich and enduring history,” the governor said .

    Earlier, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, said the vision behind instituting Remo Day was to celebrate, preserve and project Remo culture to the global stage.

  • Foundation spreads Christmas cheer to girls at Lagos juvenile home

    Foundation spreads Christmas cheer to girls at Lagos juvenile home

    The Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation (TAF) on Saturday brought Christmas cheer to girls at a juvenile correctional facility in Idi-Araba, Lagos, as part of its annual outreach programme.

    The outreach, tagged “Christmas with Less Privileged Children 3.0,” marked the Foundation’s 2025 Christmas celebration and extended its impact to a new beneficiary group.

    The Founder of the Lagos-based non-profit organisation, Mrs Abimbola Agbebiyi, said the initiative was aimed at restoring hope, dignity and self-worth in young girls facing difficult life circumstances.

    “Christmas is a time for joy, reflection and giving. Our annual celebrations are not just about gifts, but about creating moments of hope and connection.

    “This year, bringing our Christmas celebration to these young girls is our way of reminding them that they are seen, valued and capable of rising above their circumstances,” Agbebiyi said.

    According to her, since its establishment in 2023, the Foundation has reached more than 200 less-privileged children, providing clothing and essential food items to both the children and their mothers.

    She recalled that in 2024, the foundation hosted over 100 children with special needs drawn from various orphanages, offering mobility aids, assistive learning devices, mattresses and festive gifts.

    “For our 2025 outreach, we intentionally chose to celebrate Christmas with girls in a juvenile correctional facility, to let them experience joy, care and encouragement during the season,” Agbebiyi said.

    It was reported that the Christmas event featured dance and drama presentations, prayers, words of affirmation and reflective sessions aimed at helping the girls reconnect with their dreams and aspirations.

    The celebration also included a visit by Santa Claus, a Christmas meal and the distribution of personalised gift packs, Bibles, journals, hygiene items and motivational storybooks.

    In addition, the Foundation presented raw food items to members of staff at the facility, in appreciation of their commitment to caring for the girls.

    TAF partnered with the Prisons Ministry of Global Harvest Church, Maryland, Ikeja, which provided spiritual support and prayers during the outreach.

    Agbebiyi described the collaboration as impactful, noting that it reinforced the Foundation’s commitment to holistic support.

    “Our work goes beyond material support. We believe in nurturing the mind, spirit and confidence of every child we reach,” she said.

    In his response, Mrs Ojukotola Sumbo, the Head, Special Correctional Centre for Girls, expressed gratitude to the foundation for the gifts.

    Sumbo said that the impact of the gifts and the dance drama on the theme Your future is bright”, would go a long way to transform the girls in the home.

    The Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation is a Lagos-based non-profit organisation focused on improving the lives of vulnerable women, children and communities through initiatives in education, health, empowerment and social inclusion.