The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Our interventions in agriculture yielding positive results — Ekiti govt

    Our interventions in agriculture yielding positive results — Ekiti govt

    The Ekiti State Government has said its ongoing interventions in the agricultural sector are beginning to yield measurable and positive results.

    The Special Adviser/Director-General of the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), Dr. John Ekundayo said the impacts of government efforts are already visible  across markets in the state.

    He spoke during an assessment tour conducted by the Ekiti State Agriculture Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (AGRIC-MEAL) Team across key agricultural projects in the state.

    The team inspected facilities including the Renewed Hope Farm Dormitory, covering about 50 hectares of cassava and maize farmland in Ikere-Ekiti, the Erefun Farm Settlement, the state fish pond, and the Ounje Ekiti retail food outlet in Ado-Ekiti.

    Ekundayo who is the Chairman of Ekiti AGRIC-MEAL noted that initiatives such as expansion of cultivation areas, access to farm inputs and the operationalisation of programmes agricultural programmes are already enhancing productivity.

    These efforts, ge explained, have also contributed to improved  availability of staple foods in local markets, helping to cushion the impact of rising commodity prices.

    Ekundayo commended the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for making staple food items available to residents at highly discounted prices despite the harsh national economic climate.

    The Director General  added that  the government will now deepen efforts in production, processing, packaging, and marketing to drive further improvements in food sufficiency.

    READ ALSO: Ulerawa: How Oyebanji’s reforms is turning Ekiti public hospitals into centre of hope

    “The Ministry of Agriculture has been doing tremendous work. This is the third year of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration, and for the first time, Ekiti now has a food price index. Prices of commodities have dropped significantly.

    “In August, Ekiti recorded the lowest food prices in the Southwest, and we intend to build on this”, Ekundayo said

    He explained that the tour was primarily aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and evaluation within the sector.

    He added that the review mission was part of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration’s broader strategy to measure progress and improve food availability in the state.

    “This tour is not just about monitoring, but about creating a platform for transparency and accountability so that stakeholders in and outside Ekiti can clearly see what is happening in the agric sector,” he said.

    The Commissioner for Agriculture and food security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade who was represented the Permanent Secretary, Ebenezer Ojo, noted that Ekiti state is rapidly emerging as a model for agricultural development in Southwest.

    He expressed optimism that the state is on track to becoming Nigeria’s leading food provider, saying, “We have become a case study in the Southwest and are recognized nationally for our progress. Very soon, Ekiti will be regarded as the best food provider in Nigeria.”

  • Anxiety mounts over Owa of Igbajo’s health

    Anxiety mounts over Owa of Igbajo’s health

    There is growing tension in the Igbajo community, Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State, following concerns over the health of the embattled Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun.

    Oba Famodun, a former Osun State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was installed as monarch during the administration of Adegboyega Oyetola but was later removed through an executive order issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke, who appointed Oba Ademola Makinde in his place.

    However, in January 2025, the Osun State High Court reinstated Oba Famodun, a decision that is currently being challenged on appeal.

    A source confirmed to The Nation on Saturday that the monarch was rushed to a hospital in Abuja for treatment over an undisclosed ailment.

    Another senior source revealed that his condition reportedly worsened on Friday evening, heightening anxiety in the community.

    When contacted, the Oluomo of Igbajo, Chief Sunday Akere, said family members were with the monarch at the hospital, adding that he had no further details on the situation.

    “The princes are the ones who can give you more information about our king,” he said.

  • ‘Ibadan to experience development soon’

    ‘Ibadan to experience development soon’

    Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has said Ibadan, Oyo State capital, would soon witness quick and positive economic transformation.

    He spoke while hosting members of the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Association of Oyo State, who were at the Oke Aremo Palace on a visit.

    The monarch noted that it was a more profitable thing to be a manufacturer, rather than distributors, to maximise gains and provide employment opportunities

    He said to alleviate the problems confronting industries in Ibadanland such as electricity, water, roads among others, the Olubadan-in-Council had set up an Economic and Investment Committee to address the challenges.

    READ ALSO: On Ezra Olubi’s nemesis

    The originator of the FMCG Oyo State branch, Mrs Apeke Adeogun, congratulated Oba Ladoja on his ascension to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland and prayed for sound health, prosperity and longevity of life for the monarch.

    She assured the Olubadan that FMCG would contribute its quotas to the economic development and progress of Ibadanland.

    The management of JAIZ Bank PLC, Ibadan branch, has also paid a solidarity visit to the Olubadan.

    The Group Head, Mr Ismail Arowolo, pledged the support of the bank for the rapid economic development of Ibadan.

  • Lagos APC lauds Tinubu’s security emergency declaration

    Lagos APC lauds Tinubu’s security emergency declaration

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State yesterday lauded the declaration of security emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The chapter also hailed the approval of an additional 20,000 new police recruits – a historic measure that brings the total security intake under his administration to an unprecedented 50,000 new personnel, following the earlier recruitment approval of 30,000 officers.

    Lagos APC Publicity Secretary Seye Oladejo said in a statement: “This is leadership in its purest form – decisive, courageous and unflinchingly focused on restoring peace and stability across Nigeria.”

    He hailed the President’s request for legislative action by asking the National Assembly to urgently review existing laws to empower states to establish state police where necessary.

    Oladejo said:” This is a clear departure from decades of lip-service paid to decentralised policing. President Tinubu is not only confronting insecurity with manpower and resources; he is also restructuring the very foundations of Nigeria’s policing architecture to meet the realities of modern threats.

    ‘’No President in recent history has shown this level of boldness and clarity in tackling long-standing constitutional bottlenecks that have hampered security enforcement at sub-national levels.

    READ ALSO: On Ezra Olubi’s nemesis

    ‘’The recruitment of 20,000 new officers – now totalling 50,000 under Tinubu – signifies: A reinvigorated national security posture. A decisive shift from reactive to offensive operations. A government willing to take hard decisions for the safety of its people

    ‘’While habitual critics trade in alarmism, President Tinubu is expanding capacity, reinforcing intelligence and strengthening the boots-on-ground required to overwhelm criminal cartels and their enablers.

    ‘’This is the type of strategic leadership Nigeria has long needed – and now has.

    Those who left Nigeria vulnerable through negligence, mismanagement and incompetence should be the last to question a President who is doing what they never attempted.

    ‘’They never recruited at this scale.

    They never reformed at this depth.

    They never summoned the courage to push for state policing.

    ‘’President Tinubu is rebuilding what they recklessly dismantled.

    ‘’With a combined intake of 50,000 officers, strengthened intelligence coordination and potential constitutional reform to establish state police, Nigeria is entering a decisive phase in its security evolution.

    ‘’Nigeria is in safe hands. Nigeria is protected by a President who leads with vision and courage. Nigeria is advancing toward a future where security is guaranteed, not gambled with.

    ‘’The Lagos APC proudly stands with President Tinubu as he takes bold, historic steps to secure every Nigerian, in every state, without exception.’’

  • Circular Road: We’ll address property owners’ demands, says committee

    Circular Road: We’ll address property owners’ demands, says committee

    A committee set up by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to look into issues of corridor and setback on Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road has been inaugurated.

    The committee said it would look into the issues before it with a view to finding a solution.

    The committee, which comprises representatives of the residents of communities affected by the project, representatives of the Ibadan Mogaji in the six affected local governments; chairmen of local governments affected by the project; Chairman of local government chairmen in Oyo State, Sikiru Sanda and Executive Adviser to Oyo State Governor on New Towns and Cities Development Authority, Mrs Mofoluke Adebiyi, said the committee was set up to look into the presentations  of residents affected by the Circular Road project.

    Speaking yesterday shortly after the committee’s inaugural meeting at the Conference Room of the New Towns and Cities Development Authority, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Mrs Adebiyi said the committee would look into the issues surrounding the Circular Road project and the pronouncements made by the governor.

    She said: “We also want to ensure the policies of government are properly driven home, to ensure everybody will smile at the end of the day, particularly residents that are affected.”

    READ ALSO; Will Sujimoto bounce back?

    Recall that Governor Makinde had on Wednesday engaged residents affected by the project, noting that he would set up a committee to work on the recommendations and positions of residents and the plans of the government on the ongoing 110km Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja Circular Road project.

    Adebiyi said the committee had been mandated to ensure policies of the government on the setback and the corridor of the project were followed.

    She assured people that the committee would ensure fairness and justice for all concerned.

    Speaking on behalf of the local governments affected by the ongoing project, the Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Sanda, appreciated Governor Makinde for keeping to his promise to engage with the property owners and also appreciated the people of the state for their resilience during the period.

    He assured the affected property owners that issues relating to the setback and development of the circular road project corridor would be resolved, as the committee would work with the agency, Ibadan Mogaji and the representatives of the communities affected to ensure critical issues were addressed.

  • Govt to deepen Lagosians’ engagement in governance

    Govt to deepen Lagosians’ engagement in governance

    Lagos State Government has unveiled a three-year Strategic Plan and Communication Strategy (2025-2027) documents in a move to deepen citizens’ participation in governance.

    The documents, which were unveiled in Lagos by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE), aim to strengthen the bond between government and the people through effective communication of government’s activities to the citizens, thereby allowing them to take active participation in governance.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr Afolabi Abiodun, at the event held in Ikeja, noted that Lagos being a state with people from diverse backgrounds, there was need for people to participate in government policies that could shape their future.

    The documents, he said, would improve public trust and widen opportunities for meaningful engagement between the government and the public.

    “The strategic plan and communication strategy align deeply with the THEMES+ Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. The plan advances this agenda by fostering transparent communication, enhancing collaboration between the executive and legislature, and ensuring stakeholders, both formal and informal, are fully engaged in the decision-making process.

    READ ALSO; Will Sujimoto bounce back?

    ‘’Ultimately, it serves as the foundation for meaningful engagement. At the core of this plan is a belief that public participation must become a culture, rather than an event. A government that values its people must create continuous avenues for citizens to express themselves, offer opinions and contribute solutions,” Abiodun said.

    He mentioned some of the strategies the office plans to use to achieve its objectives to include strategic dialogues, structured town hall formats, digital feedback platforms, advisory mechanisms and more targeted civic education initiatives.

    The special adviser added that the CitizensGate platform created by the Lagos State Government where Lagosians could communicate with government on issues ‘’is one of the ways the government is building an environment where residents can engage the government without barriers.

    Abiodun asked Lagosians to work with the state government, noting that ‘’governance is a collective responsibility which demands transparency from government and active participation from the people.’’

    The Permanent Secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Sholabomi Shasore, said traditional rulers, social media influencers, media practitioners, civil society organisations, community development associations and movie directors were part of stakeholders that would drive the implementation of the strategy.

    “Every citizen wants the government to communicate with them. The plan reveals all that we need to do. We want the people to know how the government is run in Nigeria, therefore, your expertise is important in amplifying our message. Our mandate is to ensure citizens are well engaged,” Shasore said.

    A human and gender rights advocate from Yiaga Africa, who was one of the participants, Cynthia Mbamalu, commended OPL&CE and Lagos State Government for the initiative.

    “Civic engagement is key to Nigeria’s democracy. You cannot talk of democracy without citizens participation. Democracy survives on active participation of the people. The strategic documents will identify policies that promote the relationship between government and the people,” she said.

  • Atiba varsity founder extols Rahman’s appointment as REC

    Atiba varsity founder extols Rahman’s appointment as REC

    The Founder and President of Atiba University, Oyo, Dr. James Ojebode, has lauded the appointment and swearing-in of a distinguished member of Atiba University, Oyo, Prof. Adeniran Tella, as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State.

    Prof. Tella, a renowned scholar of Strategic Management and Public Policy, was sworn in on Tuesday by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan.

    In a statement he signed, Dr. Ojebode described Prof. Tella’s appointment as a round peg in a round hole.

     He said: “On behalf of myself, the Board of Trustees, the University Governing Council, Management, Senate, workers, students and the entire Atiba University community, I heartily congratulate Prof. Tella on his appointment and swearing-in as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State.”

    Dr. Ojebode hailed the new REC as a disciplined academic staff and a dedicated public servant, who had consistently exemplified excellence in scholarship, leadership and community service.

    READ ALSO: On Ezra Olubi’s nemesis

    He said Prof. Tella’s elevation was a testament to his integrity, professional competence and commitment to national development.

     “As an institution committed to producing leaders of character and competence, Atiba University, Oyo takes immense pride in Prof. Tella’s accomplishments,” he added. “His appointment further reinforces our university’s growing reputation as a home of eminent scholars and nation-builders.”

    Ojebode extended the university’s best wishes to the newly appointed REC, praying that God grants him the wisdom, strength and divine direction needed to excel in his new national assignment.

  • Police inspector stabbed to death by park touts in Ondo

    Police inspector stabbed to death by park touts in Ondo

    The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the death of a police inspector who was allegedly attacked by ticket touts on Arakale Road in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    The Nation gathered that the officer, whose identity is yet to be made known, was attacked on Wednesday while attempting to arrest a commercial tricycle operator waiting to collect the daily ticket. A disagreement had broken out between the inspector and touts during the attempted arrest, leading to the officer being stabbed in the back with a broken bottle.

    When news filtered in that he had died from his injuries, some of the late officer’s colleagues returned to the scene to make arrests, allegedly attacking shops and picking up individuals who were not present during the earlier altercation.

    In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olayinka Ayanlade, said two suspects had been arrested.

    READ ALSO; Will Sujimoto bounce back?

    Ayanlade, a DeputySuperintendent of Police, noted that the inspector was performing his lawful duties when the incident occurred.

    “To set the record straight, the Command confirms that an incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday involving a police officer who was performing lawful duty in the said area.

    “An altercation ensued between the officer and some recalcitrant individuals, during which the officer was tragically stabbed.”

    “Acting swiftly, the Commissioner of Police deployed a team of operatives to the scene, resulting in the arrest of two suspects directly connected to the incident,” he said.

    He added: “They include Shina Jacob ‘m’ aged 25 and Felix Olalekan ‘m’ aged 32. The injured officer was also rescued and rushed to the hospital. However, despite efforts, the police inspector sadly passed away while receiving treatment.”

    Ayanlade explained that a follow-up conducted later in the night formed part of the command’s efforts to rid the state of criminals and avert further breaches of public peace.

    He emphasised that the command would not condone any form of human rights abuse by its personnel, while warning that anyone who assaults security operatives in the line of duty would face the full weight of the law.

    The police spokesman, however, said the arrested suspects would be charged to court after police’s investigations.  

  • Osun stepfather arrested for defiling minor

    Osun stepfather arrested for defiling minor

    A 32-year-old stepfather simply identified as Richard has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl  who is discharging maggots after the incident.

    Richard, a commercial motorcyclist, who resides at Ofatedo, Osun State, was arrested by the operatives of Nigerian Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    The state Commandant of NSCDC, Igbalawole Sotiyo, confirmed the incident in a statement through the command’s Public Relations Officer, Kehinde Adeleke, said: “Richard was arrested on November 14, 2025 after the wife reported that her husband defiled her daughter and maggots were coming out from her private part.

    “The wife said the victim was staying with the mother of her husband. Investigation revealed that during one of the man’s visits to his mother’s place, he dipped his fingers into the victim’s private part.

    “A discreet investigation revealed the suspect had been consulting an herbalist for help on various issues. The mother of the victim said she left the marriage as a result of physical abuse, however, she didn’t take her daughter along.

     “After she had settled down in a new apartment, she requested for her daughter and the man promised to get the victim from his mother’s place. It was the same day that the suspect brought her to his house to be handed over to the mother that she got defiled by the stepfather.

    READ ALSO: On Ezra Olubi’s nemesis

    “The mother said she got to know of the evil perpetrated by her husband when the victim was handed over to her and she noticed the victim had a foul smell. She later examined her body and found maggots coming out from her private part.”

    Sotiyo confirmed that  the suspect confessed to the crime, stating that he committed the crime under the influence of alcohol after celebrating the purchase of his new motorcycle.

    “The victim has been taken to hospital for adequate medical attention.”

    The state commandant warned individuals who prey on minors to desist, saying the command will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found culpable.

  • Oyo govt hails firm for setting standard in estate development

    Oyo govt hails firm for setting standard in estate development

    The Physical Planning Unit of the Oyo State Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, has commended Fendini Group for setting new standard in estate development.

    This followed high-level delegation inspection visit to Rayfield Gardens City Estate in Ibadan, an estate developed by Fendini Group.

    The team led by the Director of Physical Planning, Dr. Oladiran Olaide, who undertook extensive tour of the estate expressed delight at the scale of development, meticulous layout, and commitements to strict adherence to approved building plans and physical planning regulation.

    Oladiran said, “The government will continue to support developers who follow due process. The safety and well-being of residents remain paramount, and we urge all subscribers to continue to build strictly according to approved standards.”

    In his remark, the Chief Executive Officer of Fendini Group, Prince Adelaja Adeoye described Rayfield Gardens City as a flagship Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project between Fendini Group and the Oyo State Government, facilitated by the Oyo State Investment Public Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA). 

    Read Also: Oyo Assembly confirms Adeniyi, others as chair, members of OYSIEC

    He said, “This partnership demands collective responsibility from all stakeholders to eliminate any risk to lives or the environment.”

    He praised the investor-friendly policies of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, highlighting seamless and digitized approval processes introduced by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

    “The digitization of title searches and building approvals has made transactions transparent, fast, and reliable. It is phasing out sharp practices and building unprecedented trust in the real estate sector. Oyo State is now the most attractive destination for genuine investors who want their investments protected.”

    Adeoye also revealed that Fendini Group has created a dedicated, streamlined approval support system for all subscribers to ensure they comply effortlessly with regulatory requirements.

    “We will continue to partner with all revelant MDA’s of government to ensure that the right things are done in line with the vision of the State on quality and sustainable housing projects, while all subscribers to our various developments are guided to adhere to government policies.”

    Earlier in November, at the Scale-Up Conference held at Ibadan Business School, Prince Adeoye had called for the consistent use of high-quality materials and strict observance of building codes as non-negotiable pillars for safe and sustainable cities.

    With rapid construction progress and strong regulatory backing, Rayfield Gardens City is emerging as the gold standard for modern, secure, and sustainable residential communities in Oyo State, further strengthening public-private collaboration in the housing sector.