The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Why I’m qualified to become Awujale, by KWAM1

    Why I’m qualified to become Awujale, by KWAM1

    Fuji music superstar, King Wasiu Ayinde, popularly called K1 De Ultimate, has addressed critics on his decision to contest for the vacant stool of Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.

    Recall last week, K1 De Ultimate formally declared interest in the vacant throne of the Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Before K1’s entry, the race had already attracted notable candidates, including a 45-year-old prince from Adeberu lineage of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Olaseni Ottun, and a prominent engineer and an entrepreneur, Otunba Babatunde Alatise.

    In a letter to the chairman of the Funsengbuwa Ruling House dated December 3, the Fuji icon expressed his intention to vie for the vacant stool, declaring himself a bona fide son of the ruling house, tracing his ancestry to Oba Jadiara lineage.

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    He said: “I, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Adewale Olasunkanmi Omogbolahan Anifowoshe, MON, hereby formally notify Fusengbuwa Ruling House of my intention to be considered for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland, subject to the provisions of Ijebu Customary Law and Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

    “I was born on March 3, 1957, and I am a bona fide son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Agunsebi Quarters, tracing my ancestry to Oba Jadiara lineage, which qualifies me to present myself for consideration in accordance with established tradition.

    “I have devoted over five decades to the promotion of Ijebu, Yoruba and Nigerian culture through music and cultural enterprise.”

    Reacting in the now-viral video on his YouTube page, KWAM 1 said: “Those who gave birth to me know me, and I also know them. There’s no side for petty talks. I’m from a royal lineage.

    “I’m from Fidipote Ruling House. I’m also from Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode. So, whoever wants to question me, we’ll meet on the field. If it is because of my declaration for the throne, it is my right. You can’t silence me.

    “Before the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, passed on, he was of sound mind. He was well lettered, learned and intelligent. He did all findings and investigations well.

    “If I’m not from a royal lineage, I wouldn’t have be installed as the Olori Omo-Oba and Otunba Afidipotemole of Akile Ijebu in 2023 by the late Awujale. 

    “From both my maternal and paternal sides, i.e. my father’s father and my mother’s father, they are kings. I have right to the Awujale stool.

    “To all Ijebu people, the matter on ground does not call for fight. When a good thing is to happen to someone, it first comes with controversies. God will reveal the truth to us all.

    “We are all from royal lineage, and there are many princes. Anyone who eventually emerges, we’ll all work together in unity. We are all concerned about the development of Ijebu land. If I’m not capable, the late Awujale wouldn’t confer on me the Olori Omo-Oba title.

  • Recalled Ekiti commissioners take oath

    Recalled Ekiti commissioners take oath

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji will inaugurate the reappointed commissioners and special advisers today.

    A statement made available to reporters in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, said the ceremony would hold at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, by 4pm.

    The governor had last week forwarded a list of 18 former commissioners to the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

    The list includes Prof Bolaji Aluko, Taiwo Olatunbosun, Mr Akintunde Oyebode, Mr Ajobiewe Kolawole, Chief Folorunso Olabode, Otunba Dolamu Adeniyi, Karounwi Oladapo, Mrs Peju Babafemi, Mr Atibioke Olaiya, Chief (Mrs) Tosin Aluko, Mr Awe Olufemi.

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    Others are: Prof Patrick Tedela, Mr Seun Fakuade, Mr Adedayo Adesola, Dr Kareem  Akande, Prof Rasaki Bakare, Kayode Fasae and Femi Ajayi.

    Governor Oyebanji has appointed Mr Bunmi Talabi as a special adviser.

    Until the new appointment, Talabi was the senior special assistant to the governor on special projects.

    The special advisers that were affected by the executive council (exco) dissolution have also been recalled and will be inaugurated alongside the commissioners today.

    They include: Chief Jide Awe, Tope Ogunleye, Gbenga Agbeyo, Yemisi Ayokunle, Mr Gbenga Oloniyo, Mrs Oluremi Babington, Chief (Mrs) Kemi Olaleye, Abiola Olowokere, Mr Akinleye Sunday and Mr Ayeni Adeola,

  • Agency holds Christmas party for inmates

    Agency holds Christmas party for inmates

    Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Ibadan, Oyo State, will on December 24 hold Christmas party for inmates of Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan.

    The party is aimed at promoting health and well-being of inmates, which is part of JDPC’s commitment to human dignity and social justice.

    Besides free comprehensive medical outreach the inmates will get at the party, they will also enjoy meals, get spiritual encouragement, enjoy music and go home with gift items; while fines and restitution for some inmates will be paid.

    A statement by the Director, JDPC Ibadan, Rev. Fr Charles Ajibaye, said the party was not merely a charity event, but also an expression of compassion, restoration and solidarity with individuals in custodial environments.

    He said: “This annual outreach reminds inmates that they are not alone and that their dignity and health matter. This year, we are deepening our impact by integrating a structured medical component to meet urgent health care needs within the facility.”

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    Ajibaye noted that JDPC for two decades had been celebrating Christmas with inmates at the Agodi facility, offering a rare moment of joy, inclusion and hope to individuals often forgotten by the society.

    He said the 2025 edition marked significant expansion with inclusion of free medical screening, basic treatments, health counselling and distribution of essential medications.

    “The medical outreach will be conducted by JDPC-supported volunteer doctors, nurses, counsellors and public health professionals, who will provide services such as vital signs assessment, malaria testing and treatment, blood sugar checks, basic wound care, mental health counselling and health education sessions.”

  • Automatic jobs for 32 Ondo varsity graduates

    Automatic jobs for 32 Ondo varsity graduates

    Ondo State-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has announced “automatic employment” for 32 outstanding graduates of the institution.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, made this known yesterday at a news briefing to unveil activities for the university’s 14th convocation.

    Ige described the initiative as part of efforts to curb the growing brain drain in the academic sector.

    He said the beneficiaries – all first-class graduates – would be offered appointments as Graduate Fellows or Graduate Assistants, provided they were willing to return after completing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

    “We have a policy on campus that first-class graduates are appointed as Graduate Fellows or Graduate Assistants. We normally give them employment if they are interested in coming back after their NYSC,” he said.

    According to him, the widespread ‘Japa syndrome’ is now taking a toll on universities nationwide, as lecturers leave the country in search of better remuneration.

    “A PhD holder in Nigeria – as Lecturer II or Lecturer I – earns a maximum of about N250,000 monthly. But if that same person gets an opportunity abroad, they receive nothing less than N5 million,” he said.

    The VC noted that the 5,799 graduating students had been equipped with essential academic and entrepreneurial skills needed to contribute to national and global development.

    Prof. Ige, however, decried the inadequate funding of AAUA, saying the constraint continued to fuel agitation among academic workers and worsen the exodus of university personnel.

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    “Funding in AAUA is inadequate. That was why the issue of strike by ASUU came up. What was coming in as subvention was grossly inadequate to meet the university’s needs,” he said.

    He said adequate funding was key to strengthening universities and aligning them with global standards.

    The VC reeled out the breakdown of the graduating students, revealing that 5,251 of the 5,799 are undergraduates, 526 postgraduate students, while 22 will receive diploma certificates.

    “Thirty-two bagged First Class honours, 1,444 earned Second Class Upper Division, 3,177 obtained Second Class Lower Division, 582 made Third Class, and 16 will graduate with Pass.”

  • Ajose’s widow lauds council chair

    Ajose’s widow lauds council chair

    Mrs Arinola Ajose, widow of Badagry All Progressives Congress (APC) apex leader, Dr Sunny Ajose, yesterday hailed the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, for immortalising the late leader.

    This is contained in a statement by Prince Sunday Oke, private secretary and media aide to the late Badagry APC apex leader.

    The statement said: ‘’It is with great pleasure that we acknowledge the street named after him, ‘Sunny Ajose Avenue’, previously known as ‘Mission Avenue’.

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    “The late Ajose was a remarkable man, who played a significant role in transforming Badagry federation into the city it is today.

    “His determination to be close to power was evident throughout his career.

    “This year, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also honoured him by naming Badagry Housing Estate after him – ‘Sunny Ajose Estate.’

    “We are grateful for this great honour and say a sincere thank you to all who made this possible.”

  • Olugbodi dies at 94

    Olugbodi dies at 94

    The Olugbodi Family of Ara Kingdom in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State has announced the death of its patriarch, Chief Joshua Oyedele Olugbodi.

    Pa Olugbodi, a former senior executive at the Central Bank of Nigeria, died last Saturday. He was 94.

    A community leader and philanthropist, he was the Bobagunwa of Ara, who also had a stint as the chairman of Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State.

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    He is survived by his wife, Grace Olabisi and many children and grandchildren.

    One of his children, Dr Tunji Olugbodi, the Executive Vice Chairman of Verdant Zeal Communications Ltd, who is also the Asiwaju of Ara, said of his demise: “We are devastated by the death of Baba, we are sad to see him go, but we are grateful to God for his life of sacrifice, impact and exemplary service to mankind.”

    Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

  • Sparklight News holds 2025 lecture, awards Friday in Ogun

    Sparklight News holds 2025 lecture, awards Friday in Ogun

    As part of effort to celebrate people of excellence and outstanding contributions across various professional fields, Sparklight News has unveiled the recipients of its 2025 Awards with prominent figures such as Professor Oyedunni Arulogun, Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Arc. Dr Babatunde  Jolaoso (Rector, Mapoly), Comrade Hammed-Benco Ademola – Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (Ogun State Chapter), Comrade Kayode Sowunmi (ACOMORAN Chairman, Ogun State) among the honourees.

    The event, which will also feature a media lecture, is scheduled to hold on Friday, 12th December 2025 at 3 pm at Basic Trust International, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    According to a statement by the Publisher, Dr. Tosin Adesile, the theme of this year’s lecture is: “From Journalists to Data Boys: The Thin Line Between Professionalism and Unethical Practices in the Digital Media Era.”

    The keynote lecture will be delivered by Mr. Ademola Oni, former General Manager, Digital and Publications at The Punch Newspaper.

    Adesile noted that the annual event aims to spotlight ongoing challenges in media ethics and professionalism while celebrating Nigerians who are making impactful strides in their fields.

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    The event will be chaired by Alhaji Wasiu Isiaka, Ogun Commissioner for Sports. Other distinguished guests expected include Dr. Wasiu Tejuosho, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic; Barrister Samuel Abu, and others.

    Awardees for 2025 include: Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele – Deputy Governor, Ogun State ; Arc. Dr. Babatunde Adekoya Jolaoso – Rector, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta; Comrade Hammed-Benco Ademola – Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (Ogun State Chapter), Dr. Oluwatosin Olowojebutu – National Vice President 1, Nigerian Medical Association; Professor Oyedunni Arulogun – Vice Chancellor, Chrisland University, Providus Bank, oke-ilewo branch, Temilola Aderonke Onalaja,  Tejumade Olukemi Adetola, among others.

    The Sparklight News Media Lecture and Awards continues to serve as a platform to drive conversations on responsible media practice and to honour individuals making a difference in nation-building.

  • Sanwo-Olu’s aide on students’ affairs bags award

    Sanwo-Olu’s aide on students’ affairs bags award

    • By Thank God Wekpa, LASUSTECH

    The Association of Nigerian Software Testers (ANST) has honoured Kappo Samuel Olawale, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Student Union Affairs – Tertiary Education, with the Quality Advocate of the Year Award.

    The recognition came during ANST’s 8th Annual National Software Testing Conference held in Lagos.

    The award acknowledged Olawale’s role in facilitating the training of 600 students from Lagos State tertiary institutions in software quality assurance and basic testing skills, through a strategic partnership with KorrectTech, a technology company founded by Ridwan Abdulazeez.

    Presenting the award, ANST President Demola Adesina noted that Olawale’s efforts have strengthened collaboration between government and the technology ecosystem, while expanding access to practical digital skills and creating new career pathways for young Nigerians.

    Also recognised at the event was Ridwan Abdulazeez, who received the Outstanding Mentor and Trainer Award for his contributions to youth capacity development and hands-on technology training nationwide.

    Other recipients at the conference included: The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), who received the National Digital Trust Champion Award, represented by Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, Director, IT Infrastructure Solutions; Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, CEO, Oceanwave Group, who was honoured with the ANST Impact Philanthropy and Tech Empowerment Award, represented by Hon. Abibat Yakubu, Commissioner, Edo State Lottery Board, and Mr. Okoro Chukwudi; MTN Nigeria, awarded as Employer of Excellence in Quality; and Temitope Onakoya, who received the Excellence in Quality Assurance Leadership Award.

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    This year’s conference featured notable keynote speakers, including, Olayinka Oni, ED/COO, Sterling Financial Holdings Company; Soji Ononuga, Director, Testing Academy Nigeria; Demola Adesina, President, ANST; Oladipo Olasemo, CTO, Synkron Solutions; and Kailash Pathak, Senior QA Lead Manager, 3Pillar Global (India).

    The conference, held in Lagos on December 6, 2025, attracted software testers, developers, policymakers, and technology leaders from across the country, with panel sessions led by industry experts including Godspower Osayomwanbor (ANST Vice President, Partnerships & Funding), Chibuzor Obilom, Opeyemi Gbadamosi, Adenike Olapetan, and Temitope Adekunle.

    The event was supported by major sponsors, including MTN Nigeria, Sterling Bank, Zenith Bank, Scandium, Moniepoint, etc.

  • Alaafin extols Remi Tinubu’s virtue on chieftaincy conferment

    Alaafin extols Remi Tinubu’s virtue on chieftaincy conferment

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade has congratulated the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her conferment with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

    The installation ceremony, held at the Palace Square, coincided with celebrations marking Oba Ogunwusi’s 10th coronation anniversary.

    Oba Owoade in a congratulatory message issued by his Media and Publicity Director, Bode Durojaiye, described Yeye Oluremii Tinubu as a “woman of substance who is characterized by inner strength, integrity, and purpose, possessing traits like resilience, confidence, empathy, and intelligence, focusing on meaningful impact over superficiality, balancing personal growth with contributing to others, and demonstrating strong character, self-belief, and discipline.”

    He stated that the First Lady was an agent of change, a leader, and a reliable guide, adding value through her actions and ideas rather than just words.

    According to him, “Her integrity, honour, discipline, and self-belief are foundational. Inner strength and resilience, as she is confident, stands up for herself and others, and faces challenges head-on.

    “She understands and values others, showing empathy and kindness. The First Lady actively contributes to the world, supports causes, and aims to make a positive difference, pursues passions, prioritizes well-being, and finds happiness in meaningful pursuits, not just material gain.

    The monarch pointed out that Mrs Tinubu possesses knowledge and is a trusted voice of reason.

    He said, “She is comfortable in her own skin, values modesty, and avoids ostentation. She inspires others through her action. She leads by example, creating value through her work and ideas. She gives back to her community and supports those less fortunate.

    “You are indeed a dependable figure who brings people together through understanding. In essence, you area defined b your profound inner qualities and positive influence, not external validation”, Oba Owoade asserted.

  • Kwara govt, PDP trade words over $800m contract

    Kwara govt, PDP trade words over $800m contract

    Kwara State Government and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are trading words over $800 million contract allegedly awarded by the state government.

    PDP had accused Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of awarding the multi-million Dollar contract secretly to his elder brother, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq.

    PDP quoted an APC chieftain and a former member of the House of Assembly, Iliasu Ibrahim “who on a live radio programme alleged that Governor AbdulRazaq had secretly awarded a contract worth $800 million to one of his blood brothers.”

    But the state government described the allegation as false and reckless.

    Communications Commissioner Bolanle Olukoju said: “The state government did not at any time award a contract to the elder brother of the governor Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq.”

    She added that a comment attributed to Iliasu Ibrahim that the governor awarded a contract worth $800m (N1.2trillion) was false, reckless, ill-conceived and intended to cause mischief and public dissatisfaction.

    “At no time did the government of the state even award a contract worth $800m. We are, therefore, alarmed by the depth of recklessness and evil intent that made Ibrahim to claim in a radio programme that His Excellency awarded a contract or empowerment worth $800million to his elder brother. This is false, baseless and malicious,” the statement said.

    READ ALSO; Getting it right

    “Throughout the radio programme, Alhaji Iliasu and his co-travellers did not mention the specific Federal Government’s project or programme that he claimed was awarded to Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq.

    The governor’s elder brother, Dr. Alimi, is an accomplished and respected senior lawyer and a Bencher. He is not a contractor.

    “Besides, at no time did Kwara get a Federal Government project or empowerment worth $800m (N1.2trillion) — let alone award it to anyone in the state.”

    But particularly concerning is how a radio station allowed its platform to peddle such disinformation without anyone on its management team cautioning the guest and the anchor.

    “While Alhaji Iliasu has a history of queer public conducts long managed by everyone, repeatedly offering such persons a platform to cause mischief and incite public disaffection on a grander scale carries immeasurable risk for any reputable media platform and public peace.

    “We concede the right of every citizen to freedom of expression. However, such freedom comes with corresponding responsibility and a duty of care to other citizens and the public. 

    “As democrats, we request the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to do justice in this matter as soon as possible — even as other private citizens maligned in the reckless radio programme are within their right to do a review of same.”

    A statement by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, said: “The $800million contract scandal claim is not at this time coming from the opposition, but from a core member of the governor’s political family and will not be appropriate if ignored.

    “In fact, it raises serious ethical, legal and moral questions about how Kwara resources are being managed under the current administration.”