The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Makjnde’s wife distributes raw food, cash, others to women

    Makjnde’s wife distributes raw food, cash, others to women

    Wife of Oyo Governor Engr. Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has charged women across the State to imbibe the spirit of giving, strengthen family bonds and continue championing peaceful communities as 2025 is gradually going to end.

    She commended women in the State for their resilience throughout the year, saying their strength and contributions has continue to sustained communities across the state.

    Speaking in Ibadan at the 2025 End-of-the-Year and Christmas Women’s Party, Mrs Makinde, who was represented by wife of the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ajibola Lawal, said the annual celebration was not just a social gathering, but time to reflect on how far women have been as in families, and the state.

    According to her, Oyo women have demonstrated resilience in business, public service, agriculture, community building, and in their homes, saying women are the heartbeat of Oyo State, and their sacrifices keep the wheels of progress turning.

    She stated that her vision for women was to continues to shine as beacon of hope, empowerment, and unity, adding that her office remained committed to creating platforms where women can bond, share experiences, and feel valued.

    She said Christmas provides unique opportunity for women to reflect on the blessings of the year while embracing the hope and opportunities that the new year will bring.

    Read Also: Tinubu unveils new security, economic blueprint to harness Nigeria’s marine wealth

    She urged women to rekindle the true essence of Christmas through generosity and compassion, saying Christmas is not just a celebration, but a call to love.

    “Let us share what we have, no matter how little with those around us. A simple act of kindness can transform someone’s entire year.”

    She however extended warm wishes to all families, praying that Christmas brings peace, prosperity, and lasting joy to every home in Oyo State.

    Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun applauded Mrs Makinde for consistently championing the cause of women and creating platforms that promote unity, gratitude, and sisterhood. 

    She noted that women coming together to share experiences reinforces collective strength.

    The Commissioner commended Oyo women for their remarkable contributions across multiple sectors during the year.

    She however reaffirmed that the Ministry, with continued support from the Governor and the First Lady, would remain dedicated to advancing policies and programmes that ensure safety, dignity, and economic independence for all women.

    Highlight of the event include distribution of food items and cash to women from all 33 local government areas, a gesture aimed at supporting families during the festive season and easing the economic strain experienced by many households.

  • Makinde okays over N55b for roads others

    Makinde okays over N55b for roads others

    Oyo State Government has approved the building and rehabilitation of 45.3-kilometre Saki-Ogboro-Igboho Road, at a cost of N18,141,307,000.

    This is besides approvals of the dualisation of Ariyo-Amuloko-Odeyale junction, which will receive N15,127,644,000.

    These are among other projects across sectors approved, with barely 17 months to the end of the tenure of Governor Seyi Makinde.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the approvals were given on Tuesday during the state Executive Council meeting.

    Oyelade said: “The Council approved the construction and rehabilitation of 45.3-kilometre Saki-Ogboro-Igboho road, at a cost of N18,141,307,000, citing damages caused by heavy rainfall in July.

    “Additionally, Ogbooro-Agbonle road has been included on the project list to assist farmers in transporting agricultural produce efficiently.”

    According to the commissioner, Governor Makinde’s administration has not relaxed its commitment to critical infrastructural interventions in Oke Ogun area, even after completing Saki Township Dualisation Road, a project abandoned by previous administrations.

    Oyelade said security measures were also being strengthened, with airstrips in Otu and Igbeti designated for two new state aircraft and the MOPOL, mobile police station relocated to Ago Are to tackle banditry and other forms of insecurity.

    The commissioner said works had begun on Igboho-Kishi 30km road, as well as the 23km Okaka-Igbojaye road, and Kunle Afolayan Production Film Village in Komu.

    The Council also approved the completion of long-abandoned Kishi Fire Station at a cost of N141,864,000.

    Oyelade said other major approvals at the meeting included dualisation of Ariyo-Amuloko-Odeyale junction, which would receive N15,127,644,000 from the state government.

    He said the project would serve as a vital link to Ogun State via Dagbolu and provide an alternative route from the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) to Ijebu Ode.

    Read Also: ‘We have recorded 860 terrorism convictions since 2017,’ says AGF Fagbemi

    The Council also approved asphaltic rehabilitation of roads within old and new Bodija, including Francis Okediji, Layi Osunkunle, Ekiti-Bamiji-Ojo, Osun, Kongi, Theophilus Akinyele, Peller, Ladosun Ladapo, and Adebajo Street, at a total cost of N16,205,172,000.

    According to him, a special intervention fund of N6.8 billion has been earmarked for Iwo Road-Olodo Bridge-ElesinGodogbo-Lalupon-Iyana Ofa road, bringing the total project cost to N14,538,681,000, pending the submission of an advanced payment guarantee from a reputable bank.

    Oyelade said the Makinde administration had spent well over one trillion on infrastructures since 2019.

    In education, the Council approved the procurement and distribution of 23,042 science equipment/materials to 99 public secondary schools, at a cost of N107,739,115 to boost learning across the state.

    He said the Project Facilitation Fund (PFF) was established to accelerate project implementation, enhance coordination among MDAs and develop bankable investment-ready projects.

    The fund will be coordinated by Oyo State Investment Promotion Agency (OYSIPA).

    Oyelade said Oyo State Medical Residency Training Bill 2025 was approved and forwarded to the House of Assembly for assent, marking a major milestone in health care development.

  • Ex-governors, Senate Leader, FAAN MD board maiden commercial flight to Ekiti airport

    Ex-governors, Senate Leader, FAAN MD board maiden commercial flight to Ekiti airport

    Former Ekiti State governors Ayodele Fayose, Niyi Adebayo and Dr. Kayode Fayemi were among personalities who yesterday boarded the maiden full commercial flight to Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport. 

    The inaugural flight operated by United Nigerians Airlines, which touched down at 11am, took off from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 10:30am.

    Besides the ex-governors, those also on board the aircraft with registration number 5B-BWY were the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, serving National Assembly members from Ekiti State and the Chairman of United Nigerian Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo.

    Upon arrival, the aircraft was honoured with a traditional water cannon salute by the airport fire service vehicles.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Biodun Oyebanji described the beginning of commercial flights at the airport as a major breakthrough in the state’s economic development drive.

    He said the first commercial flight marked the beginning of a new chapter in Ekiti’s transportation infrastructure and a significant step toward the state’s long-term vision of a prosperous economy.

    Oyebanji said the state government had invested N49.7billion directly into the project since inception, while Chief Afe Babalola donated navigation equipment worth $1.6million and built a 100-car parking facility.

    He said his administration spent more than N34billion for the completion of critical civil works, airfield lighting, control tower, fire station, meteorological station, perimeter fencing, check-in and baggage systems, as well as ongoing workers’ quarters.

    Acknowledging the pioneering efforts of his predecessors, Oni, Fayose and Fayemi, for conceiving, acquiring and initiating the construction of the airport, Governor Oyebanji thanked President Tinubu for providing the support that enabled the state to complete the multi-billion-naira facility.

    Read Also: ‘We have recorded 860 terrorism convictions since 2017,’ says AGF Fagbemi

    The Executive Director of CCECC Nigeria Ltd, the company that built the airport, John Zhao, described the launch of the airport as a milestone for the firm and Nigeria.

    He said the facility, transformed from bare land into a fully functional aviation hub, stood as a proof of what leadership and Renewed Hope Agenda could deliver through collaboration and vision.

    Zhao said the airport would serve as Ekiti’s “sky gateway,” stimulating employment, logistics, tourism, global exports and fresh investments in the service sector.

    He added that its multiplier effect would enhance connectivity, reduce travel time and elevate the state’s standing as an emerging regional gateway.

    Prof. Okonkwo described the commencement of full scale service as a significant step in expanding domestic air connectivity.

    He said the new route would boost Ekiti’s economic prospects by supporting tourism, commerce, agriculture and the creative sector.

  • Olubadan to elevate Makinde, Sanusi, eight others tomorrow

    Olubadan to elevate Makinde, Sanusi, eight others tomorrow

    Nine chiefs in Otun Olubadan line from Jagun to Ayingun will be elevated tomorrow by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

    The ceremony, to be attended by members of Olubadan-in-council, will hold at Oke-Aremo Palace, Ibadan.

    Some of the chiefs include an Ibadan-based lawyer and Oyo State governor’s elder brother, Chief Olumuyiwa Makinde, who will be promoted from Aare Onibon to Gbonka Olubadan, while an engineer and business tycoon, Chief Dotun Sanusi, will be promoted from Ajia to Bada Olubadan.

    Read Also: ‘We have recorded 860 terrorism convictions since 2017,’ says AGF Fagbemi

    According to a statement by the media aide to the Olubadan, Chief Adeola Oloko, others that will also be elevated include Chief Dauda Gbadamosi (from Aare Ago to Ayingun Olubadan), Chief William Akande (from Lagunna to Aare Ago Olubadan), Chief Oluyinka Akande (from Oota to Lagunna Olubadan), Chief Olufemi Ogunwale (from Aare-egbe Omo to Oota Olubadan), Chief Wasiu Alaadorin (from Gbonka to Aare-egbe Omo Olubadan) and Chief Abiola Anlamole (from Bada to Aare Onibon Olubadan).

  • Lagos to remove illegal buildings

    Lagos to remove illegal buildings

    Buildings and structures erected beneath high-tension power lines risk removal, Lagos State Government warned yesterday.

    It said such encroachments posed severe safety risks to residents.

    Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Electronic Geographic Information System (EGIS) and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, gave the warning during an assessment tour of the Third Mainland Bridge corridor.

    Babatunde was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager of Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Oladimeji Animashaun and senior officials of other relevant agencies.

    The inspection covered areas from Oworonshoki to Adekunle and Makoko axis of Ebute-Metta, where the team identified shanties and illegal structures encroaching on the bridge setbacks and violating the legally- prescribed 50-metre right-of-way.

    Babatunde said the state would no longer tolerate habitation or commercial activity beneath high-tension power lines or in restricted zones, emphasising that such practices endangered lives and property.

    He added that enforcement would be strengthened to ensure full compliance with planning regulations, safeguard infrastructure and enhance public safety.

    Oki noted that the government had held multiple stakeholder meetings with residents of Makoko and other affected areas, warning them about the dangers of building directly under transmission cables and close to the Third Mainland Bridge. “As far back as February this year, we gave them 14 days to vacate the area, but as you can see, they refused.

    “They are even extending towards the middle of the Third Mainland Bridge. We have warned them several times; the next step is to take the bull by the horns,” Oki said.

    Read Also: ‘We have recorded 860 terrorism convictions since 2017,’ says AGF Fagbemi

    He said during various engagements, the government made it clear that after repeated warnings, there will be no further notice before enforcement begins.

    He added that while the government continued to collaborate with community leaders, it must prioritise public safety.

    “If any of those cables fall and anything happens, the blame will be on the government. The lives of the people are more important. They are also encroaching on the Third Mainland Bridge,” he said.

    Oki also referenced similar enforcement carried out in Oworonshoki, which recently sparked protests and a temporary blockade of the Third Mainland Bridge.

    He noted that residents in the affected area were given a three-year amnesty period to regularise their buildings, yet only two households complied.

    He reaffirmed Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to enforcing urban development laws and protecting lives, despite resistance from some quarters.

  • Ondo senator hails President

    Ondo senator hails President

    The lawmaker representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a new phase of “mega empowerment” currently transforming the lives of people across his senatorial district.

    He spoke yesterday at an empowerment programme initiated by him and tagged: ‘Adegbonmire Renewed Hope Mega Empowerment Programme’, in Akure for members of his senatorial district.

    The Nation reports that items distributed at the programme included motorcycles, tricycles, generators, sewing machines, freezers, industrial machines, wheelchairs, dryers, educational materials, cash rewards and other livelihood-support tools.

    Senator Adegbonmire said President Tinubu’s emphasis on inclusive development was becoming increasingly evident at the grassroots, with empowerment interventions reaching the people.

    He noted that the economic reforms and intervention programmes of the Tinubu administration had brought development to  communities, with many witnessing improved access to livelihood support and small-scale economic growth.

    “As you can see, it is mega empowerment for renewed hope. That is the slogan of President Bola Tinubu. As a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the National Assembly, I am happy to continue to support Mr. President because I think he’s doing very well.

    “Since he cannot do everything himself, those of us who are supporting him must do everything to ensure people feel the impact of Mr. President. So I thank President Tinubu for giving me this opportunity to give back to my constituents,” the senator said.

    Read Also: ‘We have recorded 860 terrorism convictions since 2017,’ says AGF Fagbemi

    He added: “The President is not going to come to Ondo State to campaign. We will campaign for him. This is part of the campaign for Mr. President. Hence, it is in support of the President, in support of the state government also.

    “If we do well, then the government here has done well. The President has done well. So, this is in support of the President and the state government, and my party – APC- the only party in Nigeria.”

    Adegbonmire said the empowerment programme cut across widows, artisans, market women and business owners, noting that close to 1,000 constituents would benefit from the gesture.

    “We are empowering about 200 widows, artisans and market women with cash. Ultimately, cash beneficiaries are about 200 people, while items go to about 650 beneficiaries – approximately 850 to 900 people.

    “As you all know, I have spent about two and a half years in the Senate. In 2023, we couldn’t do much because of the budget cycle, so effectively; this is the first full year of representation.

    “I thought it was important to show gratitude to my constituents by helping them to fish rather than giving them fish. All these items can be used to generate income,” he said.

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had hailed  Senator Adegbonmire for his laudable initiative of giving back to the people who entrusted him with their mandate to represent them at the National Assembly.

    Represented by his Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, Babatunde Kolawole, the governor said the present administration believed that in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, good governance must touch lives in meaningful ways.

  • Group lauds Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo

    Group lauds Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo

    A socio-political group in Ondo State, the Ijaw Consultative Forum (ICF) Worldwide, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, for what it described as “exceptional performance in office.”

    It dismissed a revived allegation concerning the minister’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, despite previous official clearance on the matter.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Suffy Uguoji, the group criticised those attempting to tarnish the reputation of Tunji-Ojo, who it said had consistently made Ondo State proud through his work at the Ministry of Interior.

    The renewed allegation, raised by Emorioloye Owolemi, concerns issues that have been laid to rest about the authenticity of the minister’s NYSC certificate.

    According to Uguoji, both the NYSC and a court had earlier looked into the matter, with outcomes the group said cleared the minister of wrongdoing.

    The ICF argued that resurrecting the issue suggested “an ulterior motive.”

    “We don’t see any reason that actually prompted Owolemi to raise the matter again if there is no ulterior motive behind it,” the statement said, adding that the minister had “no skeleton in the closet.”

    The group also distanced itself from a planned protest reportedly being organised over the allegation, claiming that individuals behind the planned demonstration were “eyeing Bunmi Tunji-Ojo’s position.”

    Read Also: ‘We have recorded 860 terrorism convictions since 2017,’ says AGF Fagbemi

    Uguoji said the people of Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, where the minister hailed from, would not participate in the protest.

    “Nobody knows Emorioloye in our constituency,” the statement said, alleging a lack of credibility on his part.

    The ICF called on security agencies to prevent any protest that could “create crisis in the state.”

    It said the minister enjoyed strong support in Ondo State, citing his earlier tenure as chairman of House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and his current role in the federal cabinet.

    The group urged Tunji-Ojo to remain focused on his duties and on supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

    According to the forum, campaign groups such as the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), Sunshine Grassroots Network (SGN) and G18 Progressives are targeting 95 per cent of the votes for Tinubu in Ondo State in 2027.

  • Analyst tackles Adeleke over defection to Accord Party

    Analyst tackles Adeleke over defection to Accord Party

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s recent decision to join the Accord Party has sparked debate, with analysts raising concerns over the faction he aligned with.

    The Accord Party has been deeply divided for months, with Bar. Maxwell Ndubem and Prof. Chris Imumolen both claiming the national chairmanship. In October 2024, the FCT High Court ruled that Prof. Chris Imumolen is the authentic National Chairman. 

    Despite this ruling, INEC has yet to fully implement the court’s order, allowing both factions to operate simultaneously.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Adeleke defects to Accord Party ahead of Osun 2026 guber primary

    Governor Adeleke reportedly joined the faction led by Bar. Maxwell Ndubem, a group considered by some as recognised by INEC, but legally inferior to the court-backed leadership of Prof. Imumolen. 

    Analysts warned that Adeleke’s alignment could carry serious political consequences.

    “If the discrepancy between the court-recognised leadership and the INEC-acknowledged faction is not resolved, it may affect Governor Adeleke’s legitimacy within the Accord Party and threaten his re-election prospects in 2027,” one political analyst said.

    Experts noted that for a governor seeking a stable platform for re-election, joining a faction in defiance of a court ruling could be a costly strategic error unless the matter is addressed promptly.

  • Oyo deploys joint security team to comb old national park

    Oyo deploys joint security team to comb old national park

    The Oyo State Government has announced that a combined security team, including the military, is currently combing the Old Oyo National Park, a vast forest stretching into Kwara and Niger states, as part of renewed efforts to flush out criminal elements.

    The government said the operation is aimed at preventing bandits and terrorists from infiltrating or occupying the area. 

    It added that while the state is not under any banditry threat, all identified flashpoints will be cleared to ensure criminal groups do not gain ground.

    Addressing journalists after Wednesday’s Expanded Security Council Meeting presided over by Governor Seyi Makinde, the Special Adviser on Security, Fatai Owoseni, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

    He noted that Oyo State will continue to strengthen collaborations with non-state actors to enhance its integrated security architecture, assuring residents that no effort or resource will be spared to keep the state safe and unconducive for criminal activities.

    He added that despite the challenges of crime and criminalities in the country, Oyo state government has been rising to the occasion in tackling the challenges by ensuring that patrol teams are located in strategic places.

    He also stated that the government has put in place a number of measures to make the state too hot for criminals, which include joint visibility patrols, adding that the state has also activated swift deployment squads.

    Expatiating on the collaboration between the state government and non-state actors to secure the state, Owoseni said, “With regards to non-state actors, we have been doing this for a while. It is really a form of partnership between the government and some sectors to secure the state. It is integrating non-state actors into the state’s security architecture. 

    “That is basically what Oyo State has adopted. We have an integrated security architecture, where the non-state actors are properly integrated into our architecture.

    “I will cite the example of Ibadan, where we have the Mogajis Initiative, which His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland chairs and coordinates. Each of the Mogajis coordinates these non-state actors in his domain, and that is also being done in other parts of the state.

    “Similarly, the local governments are championing what we call the voluntary policing sector. We started this like almost three years ago, where the local government chairman uses the neighborhood watch initiatives and put them under what we call the voluntary policing sector.

    “By the way also, the fringes of Oyo State are shared boundaries. We have been engaging our neighbouring states for a while with a view to securing our borders. There is an initiative on security between Oyo and Ogun states, but Lagos and Osun states have joined that initiative. We held a meeting about two weeks ago to put up strategies on how to secure our shared boundaries. Of course, we are looking forward to a situation whereby we will bring a state like Kwara into the fold as well.”

    Speaking on mining activities in the state, Owoseni disclosed that all miners licensed by the Federal Government must align with the rules and regulations of Oyo State and also involve the local communities and the traditional rulers of the environments where they want to operate before they can be allowed to operate.

    Read Read Also: BREAKING: Adeleke defects to Accord Party ahead of Osun 2026 guber primary

    He stressed that any company that fails to respect the state’s guidelines with respect to protecting the people and the environment from mining hazards would not be allowed to operate in the state.  

    Owoseni expressed the appreciation of Governor Seyi Makinde to all the service commanders and their agencies for the synergy, dedication and support to the state government on security, urging all residents of the state to see security as a responsibility for everyone.

    He charged residents to always call the 615 Emergency Number to report suspicious acts or report emergencies.

    In their separate remarks, the Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Biodun Aikomo and the Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda, assured that the state government would continue to protect and respect the rights of the citizens within the ambits of the law.

    Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, the Osi Olubadan, lauded the government for the initiative and promised that the traditional institution would continue to support the government to prevent crimes in communities.

    The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Secretary to Oyo State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo; the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasidi Ladoja; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, other traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and service commanders.

  • Adegbonmire hails Tinubu as ‘Mega Empowerment’ initiative impacts lives in Ondo

    Adegbonmire hails Tinubu as ‘Mega Empowerment’ initiative impacts lives in Ondo

    The Senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a new phase of “mega empowerment” currently transforming the lives of people across his senatorial district.

    Senator Adegbonmire spoke at an empowerment programme personally initiated by him and tagged the Adegbonmire Renewed Hope Mega Empowerment Programme, held in Akure for members of his constituency.

    The Nation reports that items distributed at the programme included motorcycles, tricycles, generators, sewing machines, freezers, industrial machines, wheelchairs, dryers, educational materials, cash rewards and other livelihood-support tools.

    Speaking, Senator Adegbonmire said President Tinubu’s emphasis on inclusive development is becoming increasingly evident at the grassroots, with various empowerment interventions reaching the people.

    He noted that the economic reforms and intervention programmes of the Tinubu administration have brought development to several communities, with many witnessing improved access to livelihood support and small-scale economic growth.

    “As you can see, it is mega empowerment for renewed hope. That is the slogan of President Bola Tinubu. As a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the National Assembly, I am happy to continue to support Mr. President because I think he’s doing very well.

    “Since he cannot do everything himself, those of us who are supporting him must do everything to ensure that people feel the impact of Mr. President. So I thank President Bola Tinubu for giving me this opportunity to give back to my constituents,” the senator said.

    He added: “The President is not going to come to Ondo State to campaign. We will campaign for him. This is part of the campaign for Mr. President. Hence, it is in support of the President, in support of the state government also.

    “If we do well, then the government here has done well. The President has done well. So, this is in support of both the President and the state government, and my party – APC- the only party in Nigeria.”

    Adegbonmire further explained that the empowerment programme cut across widows, artisans, market women, and business owners, noting that close to 1,000 constituents would benefit from the gesture.

    “We are empowering about 200 widows, artisans, and market women with cash. Ultimately, cash beneficiaries are about 200 people, while items go to about 650 beneficiaries – approximately 850 to 900 people.

    “As you all know, I have spent about two and a half years in the Senate. In 2023, we couldn’t do much because of the budget cycle, so effectively, this is the first full year of representation.

    “I thought it was important to show gratitude to my constituents by helping them to fish rather than giving them fish. All these items can be used to generate income,” he said.

    Earlier, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa commended Senator Adegbonmire for his laudable initiative of giving back to the people who entrusted him with their mandate to represent them at the National Assembly.

    Represented by his Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, Babatunde Kolawole, the Ondo governor said the present administration believes that, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, good governance must touch lives in meaningful ways.

    Aiyedatiwa noted that programmes that create livelihood opportunities, enhance self-reliance, and prepare citizens for competitiveness align with this vision, adding that the initiative underscores a shared resolve to build a society where progress is inclusive.

    On his part, the Chairman of APC in the state, Engr Ade Adetimehin, said that the senator had distinguished himself beyond the traditional roles expected of a federal lawmaker.

    Adetimehin stressed that although legislators do not control federal funds, Adegbonmire has demonstrated rare commitment to delivering tangible benefits to his constituents.

    “It is evident that the senator has done amazingly well. The duty of a legislator is to make laws and provide oversight, but Senator Adegbonmire has gone far beyond that. Today, we have a Federal Teaching Hospital because of his efforts,” the APC chairman said.

    Adetimehin added that the senator’s commitment was inspired by the legacy of his father, the late High Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire, whom he described as a mentor and role model.

    He noted that the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, had on multiple occasions praised Adegbonmire’s intellect and legislative competence.

    Also, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, applauded the senator, saying he had shown uncommon commitment to service.

    “If he wants to do something, he will make sure he does it right. This is not just empowerment; it is mega empowerment. The items on display show that this is real and impactful,” the monarch said.