The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Guru Maharaj Ji hails Ooni on 10th coronation anniversary

    Guru Maharaj Ji hails Ooni on 10th coronation anniversary

    ‎Founder of One Love Family, Sat Guru Maharaj ji has felicitated with Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi on his 10th coronation anniversary.

    ‎He described the monarch’s decade on the throne as a blessing to Yorubaland and Nigeria, noting that his reign has strengthened unity, peace, and cultural rebirth.

    A statement by Maharaji Ji praised Ooni for what he described as his unwavering commitment to preserving Yoruba identity, saying Oba Ogunwusi’s leadership over the past ten years has rekindled global interest in Yoruba heritage, values, and spirituality, further positioning Ile-Ife as the cradle of Black civilisation.

    ‎He commended the monarch for building bridges of harmony among Nigeria’s diverse people.

    ‎He described traditional institutions as the bedrock of societal order and ancestral wisdom, saying traditional leadership is essential towards maintaining Nigeria’s moral fabric and cultural essence.

    ‎He extended special greetings to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; the Soun of Ogbomoso land, His Imperial Majesty,  Oba Gandhi Afolabi Olaoye, and other royal fathers, praising them for their steadfast roles as custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition. 

    ‎Maharaj Ji acknowledged the monarchs continuous efforts to preserve history, promote peace, and uphold the values handed down by forebears.

    ‎He congratulated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her installation as the Yeye Asiwaju Ile Oodua by the Ooni during the celebration, describing the honour as a recognition of her grace, leadership, and support for cultural revival across Nigeria.

    ‎He urged the First Lady to continue championing initiatives that empower women, promote cultural dignity, and strengthen family values within the country. 

    Maharaj Ji stated her new title comes with a responsibility to inspire millions of Yoruba daughters and mothers.

    ‎He saluted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and recent diplomatic strides, especially his efforts in the Benin Republic and his commitment to restoring order and stability within the sub-region. 

    He described the President’s interventions as timely and strategic for regional peace.

    ‎He encouraged the President to continue working closely with traditional rulers, noting that lasting development is rooted in cultural harmony and grassroots engagement. 

    According to him, traditional institutions must be key partners in national governance.

    ‎He however called on Nigerians to respect traditional authorities, uphold cultural values, and honour constituted institutions, saying one nation will prosper when its people embrace unity, discipline, and reverence for the pillars of its heritage.

    ‎

  • Commercial flights begin at Ekiti airport

    Commercial flights begin at Ekiti airport

    After months of spadework and requisite regulatory approval, scheduled commercial flights will begin at Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport in Ado-Ekiti.

    The beginning of flight operations into the new airport, it was learnt, was driven by the rising demand for improved air connectivity, as well as the desire to open a fresh chapter for air travel in the state, in order to provide residents, investors, government officials, students and visitors with a faster, safer and more convenient travel options.

    The flight operations, it was further gathered, supported Ekiti State’s development agenda.

    To consolidate Federal Government’s drive to support air connectivity across the country, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, will today lead a delegation of key stakeholders from the aviation industry, government representatives, leaders, business executives, among others, who will join the inaugural commercial flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to Ekiti Agro Allied International Airport.

    Speaking on the development, officials of United Nigeria Airlines said the flight operations marked a milestone in the expansion of air connectivity across Nigeria and reinforced the airline’s commitment to serving emerging routes with growing economic and social importance.

    READ ALSO: Rewarding Amuka

    The inaugural flight, the carrier said, represented a major boost to the state’s economic prospects, providing support for tourism, commerce, agriculture and the creative industry that continued to flourish in the region.

    It said the initiative aligned with United Nigeria Airlines’ strategic vision of linking underserved destinations and enhancing mobility across Nigeria.

    The carrier said in a statement: “We are excited to bring United Nigeria Airlines’ signature warmth and dependable service to the people of Ekiti State. This route will strengthen regional accessibility and create new opportunities for business, leisure and socio-economic growth.

    “United Nigeria Airlines looks forward to serving Ekiti and offering passengers a seamless and comfortable travel experience as it continues to broaden its network across Nigeria.”

    The airline emphasised its commitment to high safety standards, quality customer service and reliable operations across its routes.

  • 1,660 delegates to pick APC governorship candidate Saturday

    1,660 delegates to pick APC governorship candidate Saturday

    One thousand, six hundred and sixty (1,660) delegates have been elected across the 332 wards in Osun State to pick the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship  candidate during its primary election fixed for Saturday.

    The delegate election was held yesterday across the 332 wards ahead of Saturday’s primary.

    At the end of the exercise, five delegates were elected in each ward across the state.

    The Chairman of the 2025 Osun State APC Governorship Delegate Congress Committee, Shehu Dange, announced the result at the state secretariat of the party in Osogbo last night.

    He said: “I’m happy to announce to you that at the end of this collation of the Ward Congress to elect delegates, 1,660 delegates were elected. They will be responsible for the primary election of the party. They are the delegates to elect the governorship candidate of APC in Osun State.”

    Dange lauded the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the leadership of the party at the state level.

    He said: “By the grace of God, we (committee) delivered by coming out with delegates in all the wards without any issue. We were able to elect five delegates in all 332 wards. They will be responsible for electing the governorship candidate of our party.

    READ ALSO: Rewarding Amuka

    “We also appreciate the APC chapter in Osun State for the support to ensure the conduct of this exercise in a very peaceful manner.”

    He added: “We take this opportunity to call on APC members across Osun State to continue their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    “They should ensure unity and harmony beyond the primaries. With that, we will be able to support Mr President in his Renewed Hope Agenda to create a better Nigeria, with a stable democracy and a very strong party, APC.”

  • NMA hails Afe Babalola over investments

    NMA hails Afe Babalola over investments

    Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has lauded the Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, for what it described as his outstanding contributions to health care delivery and medical education in the country.

    The first NMA Vice-President, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, gave the commendation when he led an eight-member delegation to ABUAD on a courtesy visit.

    Olowojebutu said he was overwhelmed by the scale of investments at the 400-bed ABUAD Multi-System Hospital, the Industrial Park, the Independent Power Plant and the ABUAD Enterprise Farms, describing the facilities as uncommon achievements by an individual.

    He noted that the Multi-System Hospital, widely regarded by experts as one of the most well-equipped in Sub-Saharan Africa, had continued to raise the bar in the provision of modern medical services.

    According to him, the presence of two functional MRI machines, a dialysis centre with affordable charges and an in-house oxygen plant demonstrated the university’s commitment to excellence.

    The NMA chief said he was particularly moved by the fact that Babalola, who had never held a political office, chose to situate the massive development in Ado-Ekiti, rather than in bigger cities, stressing that the decision had placed the state prominently on the global map.

    READ ALSO: Rewarding Amuka

    “We are proud of what we have seen here today. What Aare Babalola has done is for humanity, and it deserves to be promoted and supported at all levels,” he said.

    Responding, Babalola thanked the NMA leadership for the visit and reflected on the decline in national standards, compared to the early post-independence era.

    He said the success of ABUAD was inspired by his desire to institutionalise quality, functional education despite having stopped formal schooling at Standard VI.

    He added that the university’s vision had been validated by its ranking among the world’s top 100 universities in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, where it also maintained its position as Nigeria’s best university for four consecutive years.

    The elder statesman urged wealthy Nigerians to invest in education and health, saying even small acts of kindness could change lives.

  • Sanwo-Olu inaugurates LASU’s Governing Council

    Sanwo-Olu inaugurates LASU’s Governing Council

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday inaugurated the 13th Governing Council of Lagos State University (LASU).

    He urged members to provide visionary leadership to enhance the institution’s global standing.

    Sanwo-Olu, at the Lagos House, Ikeja said the inauguration marked “an important moment in the continuing journey of one of Nigeria’s most respected institutions of learning.”

    “I stand here with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility as we inaugurate the chairman and members of the 13th Governing Council of this great university,” he said.

    The new council is chaired by Mr Babatunde Ogala (SAN), while members include Mr Oluseyi Badmus, Mr Bode Makanjuola, Mrs Mojisola Taiwo, Mr Shaffudeen Amuwo and Rafiu Ebiti.

    Other members are Mrs Kofo Durosimi-Etti, Mr Farouk Gumel, Mrs Adenike Akanbi, Mr Biodun Hundeyin and Dr Remi Desalu.

    Sanwo-Olu hailed the former council led by Sir David Sumoni for what he described as “meritorious service and visionary stewardship.”

    “Your invaluable contributions laid the solid foundation upon which this new council will build.

    READ ALSO: Banditry: Sheikh Gumi strikes again!

    “The university’s achievements, both local and international, bear testimony to your impact,” he said.

    The governor said LASU had grown to become the most sought-after institution in the country, noting that its reputation placed a greater responsibility on the new council.

    “This appointment is not only a recognition of your individual accomplishments, but also a call to serve an institution that carries the hopes and aspirations of tens of thousands of Nigerians,” he said.

    He urged the council to prioritise stability, academic excellence, transparency and accountability.

    “You are called to define the long-term vision that will sustain LASU in an era marked by global competitiveness and rapid educational transformation,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu emphasised the university’s obligation to maintain strong ties with its host community and drive innovation.

    “Our university must not be an ivory tower detached from reality. We must aspire to be a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and solutions that address societal challenges,” he said.

    He hailed the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, and the management team for sustaining academic excellence.

    “You have created an environment that nurtures thousands of talents and upholds the highest global standards,” he said.

    The governor urged the council to promote inclusivity, partnerships and development oriented programmes.

    “Education remains the most powerful instrument for shaping the society. It lifts families out of poverty, stimulates innovation and strengthens democratic institutions,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu assured the council of the state government’s continued support.

    “We will continue to provide strong backing to ensure LASU becomes the benchmark for higher education in Africa.”

    Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, challenged the council to maintain and sustain LASU’s reputation.

    Ogala gave the votes of thanks on behalf of other members of the governing council, with a promise to ensure LASU remained the most sought after university.

  • Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport set for first commercial flights

    Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport set for first commercial flights

    After months of groundwork and regulatory approvals, scheduled commercial flights are set to begin at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport in the state capital.

    The launch of flight operations is driven by increasing demand for improved air connectivity and the need to open a new chapter in air travel for the state, providing residents, investors, government officials, students, and visitors with faster, safer, and more convenient travel options. 

    The development also aligns with Ekiti State’s broader growth agenda.

    To reinforce the federal government’s commitment to expanding aviation access nationwide, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, will lead a delegation of aviation stakeholders, government officials, and business leaders on the inaugural commercial flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

    Officials of United Nigeria Airlines described the commencement of flights as a major milestone in expanding air connectivity across Nigeria, adding that it underscores the airline’s commitment to opening new routes with rising economic and social relevance.

    They noted that the inaugural flight will boost Ekiti’s economic prospects, supporting tourism, commerce, agriculture, and the creative sector, all of which continue to grow in the region.

    In a statement, the airline expressed excitement about extending its services to Ekiti State, saying the new route will enhance regional accessibility and unlock fresh opportunities for business, leisure, and socio-economic development.

    United Nigeria Airlines reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining high safety standards, quality customer service, and reliable operations across its network.

  • ‘Incorporate modern additives, construction enhancers into public projects’

    ‘Incorporate modern additives, construction enhancers into public projects’

    Managing Director of Axion Engineering, Mr. Okey Eze, has called for stronger enforcement to ensure that modern additives and construction enhancers are incorporated into public projects.

    He stressed that such measures would yield long-term value for the country.

    Eze spoke when Axion Engineering, in partnership with CM Services Limited, unveiled a new line of innovative construction products designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen infrastructure across Nigeria and other African countries.

    He said the company’s products were already gaining traction across the continent, helping to transform construction practices.

    He said, “Other African countries have found interest in what we are doing, helping the construction industry. 

    “We have continued to level up to see how we can add value as far as saving costs and giving you durable roads and good buildings. We are here to help Africa as a whole with construction innovation.”

    Eze expressed appreciation to the federal government for its support toward Axion’s growth, saying the administration had provided opportunities for youth training and approved the company’s products for use by the Federal Ministry of Works.

    “It is also under this government that we got approval for our products to be used by the Federal Ministry of Works. 

    “What we are going to do as an innovative company is to continue to encourage the government to ensure such products are used in the industry. 

    “It is one thing to approve and another to implement it,” he said.

    Managing Director of CM Services Limited, Ms. Catherine Kadiri, described the launch as a milestone for the construction sector. 

    She said the Axion product line was created to address the everyday challenges faced by professionals on-site.

    “For every engineer, builder, technician, and artisan who has struggled with delays, tough surfaces, or repairs that simply refuse to last… Axion was created with you in mind,” she said.

    Kadiri explained that the new products offer improved bonding, stronger surface protection, reduced waste, and faster application time, ultimately helping builders “work smarter, not harder.”

    She added that the construction landscape is evolving rapidly, with growing expectations and pressure for durable, high-quality work delivered at speed. 

    According to her, Axion’s solutions represent the future of construction in Nigeria.

    “Construction is changing. Our communities are growing, expectations are rising, and the demand for quality and speed has never been higher,” she said. 

    “Axion represents that future where challenges on site don’t slow us down, where quality is consistent, and excellence becomes the standard.”

    Kadiri said the launch signifies an opening to new opportunities for craftsmanship, efficiency, and industry-wide growth.

    “We are not just launching a brand; we are opening the door to new opportunities for our industry,” she added.

    The event drew industry professionals, partners, and stakeholders who described the initiative as a timely intervention to boost innovation and raise construction standards across the country.

  • Abiru unveils ₦480m cooperative support scheme, empowerment for constituents

    Abiru unveils ₦480m cooperative support scheme, empowerment for constituents

    The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, has launched a comprehensive empowerment programme aimed at boosting economic development, strengthening cooperatives, and improving livelihoods across the district.

    Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Senator Abiru expressed gratitude to stakeholders and reaffirmed his belief in compassionate governance rooted in meeting the genuine needs of the people.

    He announced the activation of three categories of cooperative societies comprising market women, artisans, and farmers, following three years of structured financial support driven through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.

    According to Abiru, over 1,000 beneficiaries have already enjoyed assistance through contributions from key partners, including the Bank of Industry (BOI), SMEDAN, and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, each providing ₦100 million, totalling ₦300 million.

    The senator disclosed that 48 cooperatives across five LGs and 11 LCDAs have now completed their establishment, training in bookkeeping, and registration with the Lagos State Ministry of Cooperatives, Trade and Investment.

    To further deepen the grassroots impact, Abiru officially presented ₦160 million each to farmers, market women, and local government cooperative groups. An additional ₦160 million was allocated to LASCOTA, bringing the total disbursement to ₦480 million.

     He stressed that loans within each cooperative should not exceed ₦500,000 per member to ensure wider reach, with accountability checks scheduled every six months.

    He also announced provisions for the distribution of rice and garri to 12,000 families across Lagos East as part of festive support, noting that distribution will run until Wednesday to prevent crowd-related incidents.

    While highlighting his commitment to human capital development, Abiru revealed that more than 2,000 youths have been trained at his privately funded innovation centre, with over 400 securing decent jobs.

    “All our interventions are in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda,” he said, urging residents to remain united and support the president and Lagos State government.

    The Lagos State All Progressive Congress (APC) Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, described the empowerment items as evidence of governance that impacts lives.

    Ojelabi urged beneficiaries to protect the investments and appreciate the gesture by consolidating progressive leadership in 2027.

    “Abiru has done his bits and the honour of us is to reciprocate the particular gesture and the only way by which you can reciprocate the gesture is it to protect this investment by protecting it very well and appreciate what he has done so that others can do and the only appreciation you can show to him make sure you have your permanent voters card PVC to consolidates the progressive,” he advised.

    The Executive Chairman of Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA, Ahmed Olalekan, said the programme was “payback to society, stressing that such support will boost job creation and economic opportunities across Lagos East.

     Oba Ayangbunre of Ikorodu, HRM Engr. Kabir Adewale Shotobi commended Abiru for bringing dividends of democracy to the grassroots, encouraging residents to obtain their voter cards and support progressive governance.

    “I want to thank him for bringing it down to the grassroots, the grassroots own politics and we are ready to support them, they are giving back what is due to the community so definitely the community must reciprocate by getting their voters card and by making sure they have their voters card as a weapon to vote the candidate of their choice,” he explained.

  • It’s easier being a governor, says Ladoja

    It’s easier being a governor, says Ladoja

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has said it is easier to function as a governor than as a monarch.

    He spoke yesterday while receiving the Oniru of Iru in Lagos State, Oba Wasiu Lawal, at his Bodija, Ibadan home.

    Oba Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State, said whereas government had coercive powers, monarchs did not.

    He said there was no definable pattern of funding for monarchs, whereas this was not so with the government.

    According to him, ‘’there is an imperative to give constitutional role for traditional rulers, given their closeness to the grassroots.’’

    The monarch said the expectation of the people concerning the Olubadan stool was very high, with massive jurisdiction.

    He added: “This is why we think outside the box in order not to let our people with very high expectation down.”

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    The Olubadan recalled with nostalgia his years in Lagos, particularly on Lagos Island, saying it was worthwhile.

    Oba Lawal extolled the virtues of Olubadan.

    The Oniru, who was a commissioner in Lagos State, told Oba Ladoja how exciting and challenging it seemed for a former public office holder to function as a monarch.

    Those who joined Olubadan to welcome Oniru included Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli and former Senate Leader, Agbaakin Olubadan, Chief Teslim Folarin.

    The Oniru was accompanied by chiefs and aides.

  • Makinde approves 13th month salary for workers

    Makinde approves 13th month salary for workers

    • Governor okays payment of salary arrears for LAUTECH Teaching Hospital staff

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the payment of 13th month salary to workers for the seventh year running.

    He also okayed outstanding salaries and minimum wage arrears promised the workers of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

    The governor said this yesterday while inaugurating the Governing Board of the teaching hospital at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    He said he would soon resolve the issue of LAUTECH lecturers embarking on strike.

    Makinde challenged the newly-inaugurated Governing Board to revamp Oyo annex of the teaching hospital within 12 months, promising that the state government would support the board to make the facility operational.

    He said: “You have been selected or nominated on the basis of merit. The Chairman of the Governing Board, Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, is an accomplished individual. He has been everywhere and a lot of people, associations and organisations are looking for him. So thank you, Prof for agreeing to serve your state.

    “Prof Oyelaran-Oyeyinka has developed a roadmap, and he has asked me when can we sit down and agree on this so that he can start implementation.

    “Also, I have been trying to see Prof. Ayodeji Omole, chairman of LAUTECH Governing Council, for a while now because I have been reading about the lecturers either going on strike or not going on strike. I haven’t really taken a deeper dive into what is going on there. So, I hope in the next one or two days, we will be able to see what is going on.

    “When I came to LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, I made a promise about the issues around the minimum wage arrears, and all of that. And a lot of your people have been asking ‘what’s the situation because we haven’t received alert?’ Let me explain. I made that pronouncement and I expected it to be implemented, but they came back and said, ‘Well, we have to follow due process.’ I am happy to report that just this morning, I signed the salary file for the December salary and the 13th month salary. All those arrears were included. 

    “So they should rest assured. I can also announce here that just like we did last year, and just like we have been doing since 2019, there will be 13th month salaries as well.”

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    The governor urged the Governing Board to hit the ground running, saying: “One request that I have before this board is that the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Complex, Oyo, must be revamped. It should be operational within 12 months.

    “So, by this time next year, we will not be going back and forth. I thought it was included in the French grant, but they came back and said no. I said okay, even if it was not included, we will take it on as a state. It is a special project for 12 months. And I will be available to provide and give any kind of support that you may require.”

    Speaking on behalf of the Governing Board, Prof.  Oyelaran-Oyeyinka thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve and assured workers of the board’s readiness to complement government efforts with policies that would transform LAUTECH Teaching Hospital to a world-class facility.

    He said: “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the governor and I want to assure him and the state government that we have a Board that is going to be transparent and open to make sure we leave a legacy with this project bestowed on us.

    “We are going to do our duty with a lot of energy and passion. We have developed a strong strategic plan for  LAUTECH Teaching Hospital over the next several years. The Board is going to have a thorough discussion on priorities.

    “We want to ensure we have a thorough facelift of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. We also want to bring LAUTECH Teaching Hospital up to the 21st century standard as a legacy for this governor.

    “So, we are going to be establishing the Electronic Medical Record to ensure what applies globally is going to be the same thing that applies in LAUTECH.”

    The newly inaugurated Governing Board is headed by Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, with Mr Aderemi Adediji as Secretary. Other members are Mr Olatunde Oyelade, Dr Bello Taiwo, Mrs Isola Bolanle, Dr Akintunde Ayinde, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, Prof. Adenike Olugbenga-Bello and Dr. Oluwajoba Olayinka.