The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Abiodun felicitates Alake of Egbaland on 20th coronation anniversary

    Abiodun felicitates Alake of Egbaland on 20th coronation anniversary

    Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, on the occasion of his 20th coronation anniversary.

    Oba Gbadebo ascended the throne on November 19, 2005.

    Abiodun described the royal milestone as a celebration of two decades of purposeful, visionary and selfless leadership that has brought remarkable progress, unity, and dignity to Egbaland and Ogun State as a whole.

    The governor noted that Oba Gbadebo has, since ascending the exalted throne, demonstrated exceptional commitment to the peace, cultural preservation, and socio-economic advancement of his people. 

    He also noted that the monarch’s wisdom, statesmanship, and unwavering support for developmental initiatives had continued to inspire both traditional and contemporary governance structures across the state.

    ‎READ ALSO; Emir of Ilorin condemns Eruku Church attack

    “I join the government and good people of Ogun State in congratulating His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (Okukenu IV), the Alake of Egbaland, on the momentous occasion of his 20th anniversary on the throne.

    “Since his coronation as the 10th Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland on November 19, 2005, Kabiyesi has continued to exemplify wisdom, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to the peace, unity, and development of Egbaland and Ogun State at large. His reign has been marked by remarkable strides in cultural preservation, community advancement, and the promotion of harmony among all people.

    “Kabiyesi’s reign has been characterized by grace, compassion, and an unrelenting pursuit of the welfare of his people. His role in fostering communal harmony and supporting our government’s development agenda remains invaluable. On behalf of the government and good people of Ogun State, I congratulate our revered royal father on this remarkable anniversary,” the Governor said.

    Governor Abiodun prayed that the Almighty would continue to grant the Alake sound health, long life, and greater wisdom to continue his noble service to Egbaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria.

    He wishes His Royal Majesty a memorable and impactful 20th coronation anniversary celebration.

  • Open rearing, gazing regulation law: Oyo Assembly engages stakeholders

    Open rearing, gazing regulation law: Oyo Assembly engages stakeholders

    The Oyo State House of Assembly has begun public hearing and stakeholders’ engagement on Post Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) inquiry on open rearing and grazing regulation law, 2019.

    The public hearing, which was in collaboration with Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), involved various stakeholders including the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oyo State Security Network (Amotekun), Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Custom Service, Nigeria Police Force,Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Civil Society Organization among others.

    It was held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan on Wednesday.

    Declaring the public hearing opened, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, who was represented by his Deputy, Muhammed Fadeyi disclosed that with adoption of Post Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) by the state legislative arm of government, the Oyo State House of Assembly has broken another record.

    He established that the state House of Assembly has taken a step further in the business of lawmaking by adopting the PLS to discuss the functionality of the already passed laws by conducting PLS inquiry, which shortcomings and the level of compliance to determine for its amendment or repealing the law for stricter implementation.

    READ ALSO; Emir of Ilorin condemns Eruku Church attack

    The Speaker assured all stakeholders that all submitted memoranda will be considered and harmonized for necessary actions.

    In his welcome address, the House Majority Leader, who is also the Chairman of the Committee, Sanjo Adedoyin, said the aim of the public hearing is to brainstorm and receive ideas on modern legislative practice known as Post-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS).

    ‎He disclosed that the Oyo State’s Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019 is sought to bring order and sustainability to the very bedrock of the state’s economy and the complex relationship between the farming and herding communities.

    The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Olasunkanmi Olaleye described the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law as a law that was borne out of visions. 

    He maintained that the law is still working in progress and that it is yet to get to its highest level.

    While emphasising that the law is not to witch-hunt anybody, rather it is to promote state economic and individual businesses, the Commissioner suggested that local government and traditional rulers should be involved in the operation of the law for effective implementation.

    The Chairperson, Oyo State Security Network (Amotekun), Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd), said the law is in existence to serve as a security measure to protect every individual irrespective of ethnic, religion or any other sentiment.

    She disclosed that the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019 has reduced the recurring conflicts between farmers and herders, as well as environmental limitations.

    Justice Aderemi suggested increment in the amount of fines and jail terms for offenders, allocation of lands for creation of the agency’s offices across the 33 local government areas by the council chairmen and involvement of traditional rulers in the operation of the law.

    In their recommendation, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) suggested proper education, increased awareness and information on the law to ensure that everyone is carried along before the implementation.

    They called for fairness, justice and involvement of local authorities including members of the Fulani community at the local level for accurate data collection and peaceful coexistence.

    Other stakeholders also submitted their memoranda which the Speaker assured them that they will be properly looked into and harmonised.

  • 4,000 Osun residents benefit from free eye care medical outreach of APC chieftain

    4,000 Osun residents benefit from free eye care medical outreach of APC chieftain

    Over 4,000 residents of Osun state benefited from a free eye care initiative by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun West Senatorial District, Peter Ogundeji.

    The outreach, which was held in Ede, Iwo, Ejigbo, and Irewole local government areas of Osun State, was aimed at commemorating the APC leader’s birthday celebration.

    Speaking at Ejigbo with newsmen on Wednesday, Ogundeji explained, “This initiative is to lift the downtrodden who do not have access to healthcare either because of funds or facilities around them. I noticed that many locals do not pay attention to their eye care, hence this outreach is important.”

    He disclosed, “The outreach covers Osun West Senatorial District, especially four local government areas. 1,000 residents benefit in each local government area, so over 4,000 residents benefited from this initiative.

    ‎He emphasised the importance of prioritising personal health, noting that poor health remains a major obstacle to economic progress and overall well-being.

    ‎In his remarks, the APC chairman of Ede-North Local Government, Alhaji Adesina Alabi, commended Dr Ogundeji for the philanthropic gesture.

    He recalled that he (Ogundeji) had previously championed various empowerment programmes and community development initiatives, further demonstrating his genuine concern for humanity.

  • Ogbomoso cradles carnival enlists in iconic December programme

    Ogbomoso cradles carnival enlists in iconic December programme

    The Oyo State Government has officially included the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival in the lineup of activities for this year’s Faaji December cultural and entertainment festival.

    The Faaji December programme, coordinated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, will run from December 1, 2025, to January 2, 2026.

    Speaking in Ibadan at a stakeholders’ forum, the Secretary of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival Planning Committee, Muyiwa Oke, said the carnival’s inclusion in the statewide festive calendar underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening tourism and cultural heritage across all zones.

    According to him, the carnival, which is part of the 25-year development agenda of Oba Ghandi Afolabi, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, is aimed at promoting the rich cultural heritage of Ogbomosoland and unity.

    He said: “We are fully prepared to consolidate on the success recorded during last year’s maiden edition”.

    Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Dr Wasiu Olatubosun stated the maiden edition of the program held last year recorded a huge success. 

    Read Also: OYNA unveils development programme to empower youths in Ogbomoso

    Olatubosun expressed optimism that this year’s edition will surpass the previous one, assuring that the organizers are better prepared to deliver an improved and more engaging cultural experience.

    This year’s Vibing (Faaji) December lineup features a rich blend of entertainment and cultural showcases, including major concerts, cultural parades, arts and crafts exhibitions, food and fashion fairs, street carnivals, and community-led festivals across the state. 

    The inclusion of Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival adds further colour and diversity to the statewide celebration.

    According to the organisers, the 2025 edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival will feature an expanded lineup of events, greater community participation, creative performances, and tourism-driven initiatives aimed at boosting the local economy.

  • Jandor inaugurates road project contructed by Egbe-Idimu LCDA boss

    Jandor inaugurates road project contructed by Egbe-Idimu LCDA boss

    Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), 

    Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor),

    on Tuesday Inaugurated road project contructed by Prince Idris Balogun, the Executive Chairman of Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area (LCDA)

    Adediran, the 2023 PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State, joined other APC leaders to inaugurate the newly constructed Phidel College road delivered by Balogun, in commemoration of his 100 days in office.

    Adediran said that the delivery of the project, “serves as a powerful reminder of what purposeful leadership and community-centered governance can accomplish when clear vision is backed by total commitment.

    “Witnessing, firsthand, an infrastructural development that will ease mobility, stimulate local commerce, and enhance the daily experience of residents, strengthens the value of sustained public service.

    “Moments like this underscore the transformative impact of collective effort and shared responsibility. I am truly honoured to have been part of such a meaningful milestone for our people and our community.

    “Hon. Idris Balogun in just 100 days in office has exhibited competence in delivering meaningful projects to the people of Egbe-Idimu LCDA.”

    He applauded the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs, Hon. Robert Kayode Bibire, as well as other leaders who had dedicated themselves to the advancement, stability, and cohesion of communities.

    Earlier at the mega empowerment programme of Balogun, Jandor commended President Bola Tinubu’s push for full local government autonomy, describing it as helping to shape Nigeria’s future with more funds made available to the local governments.

    He applauded Balogun empowerment of 500 residents with grants exceeding N50 million as well as distribution of various equipment including hair dryers, sewing machines, generators, air fryer ovens, clippers, bench grinders, gas cylinders and other items.

    Adediran described the council chairman’s performance within 100 days as impressive, attributing such achievements to Tinubu’s policy and reforms which he said, was making more funds available state and local governments.

    “I am so thrilled that in just 100 days, a local council development area can do so much. In the history of this country, it has never happened.

    “Tinubu’s ingenuity has tripled allocation to every state and local government. If not for his bold policy, we won’t be celebrating these dividends of democracy today.”

    Adediran, a 2027 governorship aspirant, also supported the empowerment initiative with N5 million to accommodate more beneficiaries.

    Also speaking, Prince Bisi Yusuff, APC apex leader in Alimosho, lauded Balogun for prioritising residents’ welfare and urged him to sustain his performance.

    “This should be the beginning. Continue to perform well. With this work, Alimosho votes will double in 2027,” Yusuff said.

    In his remarks, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, represented by Mr Nureni Akinsanya, commended the chairman for aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “We can see your work. This is a good beginning; keep it up,” Obasa said.

    Read Also: CAF Awards: Ajibade, Nnadozie lead Nigeria’s charge for women honours

    Mr Sesan Olowa, Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki LG and Chairman of Conference 57, also praised Balogun’s efforts, noting that the group was committed to cascading the Renewed Hope Agenda to the grassroots.

    Responding, Balogun highlighted his administration’s achievements within 100 days and credited the support of leaders, especially Adediran, for the progress recorded.

    According to him, his administration has rehabilitated/ newly constructed 50km of roads in total, trained 300 persons in various skills with tools, provided scholarships, free school uniforms, assistance to physically challenged among others

    He assured residents of continued efforts to improve livelihoods in the LCDA.

    The event also featured the inauguration of roads, ambulance, buses, tractor road grader, caterpillar roller, and was attended by traditional rulers, market leaders, community stakeholders and APC chieftains.

  • Reps to hold security debate tomorrow

    Reps to hold security debate tomorrow

    The House of Representatives will tomorrow hold a nationwide debate on national security as Nigeria grapples with worsening insecurity.

    Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced the decision during yesterday’s plenary.

    He said the scale and spread of violence across the country required decisive and collective intervention from lawmakers and security agencies.

    Abbas said this when Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda sought to move a motion on the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the killing of a senior military officer.

    The Speaker stepped the motion down, saying the House had reserved tomorrow exclusively for security deliberations.

    Read Also: Force PRO seeks media collaboration for national security, public trust

    “We are deeply saddened by these unfortunate incidents,” Abbas said. “I announced earlier that we will dedicate the whole of Thursday to security-related matters, and this particular event is one of the reasons behind our decision.”

    The Speaker urged security agencies to intensify efforts and reassess their strategies.

    “I call on all security agencies to please step up all actions and strategies to ensure the lives and properties of Nigerians are secured,” he said.

    Abbas also instructed all lawmakers to come prepared with detailed briefs from their constituencies.

    “Every member is invited to make submissions on insecurity in his state or constituency. Thursday will give us the opportunity to hear, in detail, all the security issues bedevilling our constituencies and our states,” he added.

  • Ogun to institutionalise scheme into women trust fund, says commissioner

    Ogun to institutionalise scheme into women trust fund, says commissioner

    Ogun State Government has announced plans to institutionalise Women Empowerment Scheme (Oko’wo Dapo) as a state-backed Women’s Trust Fund Policy.

    It said this is part of efforts to further strengthen women’s economic empowerment across the state, while complementing the gains of the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), a Federal Government-led women empowerment project aimed at empowering 105,000 women beneficiaries across the four implementing local governments.

    Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adeleye, who said this during the launch of NFWP Scale-Up phase, held at Awujale Interregnum, Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode, noted that the institutionalisation of Oko’wo Dapo would guarantee continuity, sustainability and transparency for women-focused initiatives, ensuring empowerment programmes remained active and impactful beyond political cycles.

    She described the new policy as a strategic step to expand access to opportunities and resources for women across the state.

    Expressing that the earlier establishment of the state scheme was consequent upon the success recorded in the first phase of the NFWP held in the four pioneer councils, namely Ijebu North-East, Odeda, Yewa North and Ikenne, the commissioner said 3,792 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) and 61 Livelihood Collectives/Hubs had been established across the four local governments.

    Read Also: Force PRO seeks media collaboration for national security, public trust

    She said the hubs had evolved into thriving centres for innovation, savings, skills development and intergenerational learning, demonstrating the transformative impact of structured, community-driven empowerment programmes.

    The commissioner, who announced that the Scale-Up phase targeted the enrolment of no fewer than 25,000 women in Ijebu-Ode, encouraged traders, artisans, entrepreneurs, professionals and women aged 18 and above to participate, noting that the facilitators for the programme were carefully selected from the local communities to ensure accessibility, proper guidance and community ownership.

    Adeleye lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for providing the political will and visionary leadership that had enabled the project’s expansion.

    She further praised the Multisectoral Coordination Structure, chaired by the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Dapo Okubadejo, for its strategic oversight, which she said had been critical to achieving the milestones of the first phase and the Scale-Up initiative.

    The commissioner said institutionalisation of Oko’wo Dapo together with the NFWP Scale-Up positioned Ogun State as a reference point for women-centred development initiatives nationwide.

    She described the move as key to sustaining socio-economic gains, expanding livelihood opportunities and promoting inclusion for women across diverse sectors of the economy.

    Okubadejo, who doubles as the chairman of the Multisectoral Coordination Structure (MCS), posited that the Project Development Objective of the NFWP-SU aligned seamlessly with the present administration’s vision, noting that “a society that invests in women invests in sustainable development, stronger households and inclusive growth. ‘’This administration has consistently prioritised Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) as a key pillar for removing the structural, social and economic barriers that limit women from participating fully in economic activities.”

    Commending the state Project Coordinator, Mrs Bolanle Fadairo, with affirmation of the readiness of the state government to institutionalise Oko-Owo Dapo into a state-wide Women Trust Fund, the commissioner said the scale-up phase would deepen and expand the state’s capacity to reach more women, more households and more communities.

    He added that the 420 ward facilitators serving as the primary foot soldiers of the project would work towards the formation of 10 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), which would comprise 25 WAG members per facilitator, resulting in a total of 105,000 empowered women beneficiaries across the four implementing councils.

    “The 105,000 women beneficiaries will be exposed to series of training and retraining programme on Financial Education, Business Skill, GRM and Life Skills among others to enhance and influence entrepreneurial skill for improving women’s contribution to the State Gross Domestic Product. Equally educate them on how best to handle personal and business challenges of life”, Okubadejo stated.

    The Senior Social Development Specialist and Task-Team Leader for the Scale-Up Project, Micheal Ilesanmi, appraised the performance of the state during the first phase of the project, noting that the state was designated by the World Bank as a leading state, resulting in about 16 states approaching the state for peer-learning and capacity building of their respective project workforce.

    He lauded Governor Abiodun, Commissioners for Finance, Women Affairs and Social Development, affirming that they had provided strong guidance, coordination and oversight throughout the lifecycle of the first project, expressing optimism that the state government would surpass the set target in the scale-up phase.

  • Infrastructure, public finance take lion’s share as Aiyedatiwa presents N492b 2026 Budget

    Infrastructure, public finance take lion’s share as Aiyedatiwa presents N492b 2026 Budget

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has presented a budget estimate of N492,795,667,939 for the 2026 fiscal year to the House of Assembly.

    The presentation comes amid a simmering leadership crisis in the assembly, following an alleged plot to impeach Speaker Olamide Oladiji over accusations of financial mismanagement.

    Twelve lawmakers had last week passed a vote of no confidence in the Speaker, accusing him of diverting N50 million earmarked for a public hearing and mismanaging monthly operational grants.

    But Oladiji dismissed the allegations as a “misplaced priority,” insisting the assembly would not be distracted from its legislative responsibilities, including the amendment and passage of the re-ordered 2025 Appropriation Act.

    Presenting the 2026 Budget proposal tagged: “Budget of Economic Consolidation”, Aiyedatiwa said his administration remained focused on delivering people-centred projects and programmes across the state.

    He said N281.991 billion was proposed for capital expenditure, while N210.804 billion was earmarked for recurrent expenditure.

    A breakdown of sectoral allocations shows infrastructure receiving the highest vote of N131.991 billion (26.80 per cent), followed by public finance with N89.607 billion (18.20 per cent). The health sector is to receive N69.641 billion (14.10 per cent), while education gets N63.878 billion (13.00 per cent).

    Aiyedatiwa said the 2026 spending plan signalled the state’s transition from “restoration to sustained long-term consolidation,” adding that measurable gains recorded in 2025, despite revenue shortfall, would be deepened.

    With a recurrent-to-capital ratio of 42.78 per cent to 57.22 per cent, the governor said the budget reflected his administration’s commitment to transforming the state’s socio-economic landscape.

    “From the allocation above, Mr Speaker, our intention on the infrastructure revolution is clear. We look forward to completing the plethora of ongoing projects across the state as adequate funds have been allocated to them. Rest assured, no project in Ondo State will be left abandoned,” he said.

    Read Also: Force PRO seeks media collaboration for national security, public trust

    Aiyedatiwa urged lawmakers to give the spending plan thorough consideration, saying his administration was committed to efficient implementation.

    “We anticipate that 2026 will bring significant progress, prosperity and well-being to our citizens,” he added.

    Oladiji hailed the governor for the timely presentation of the budget to the assembly, saying the leadership qualities of Aiyedatiwa were exceptional.

    The Speaker lauded the governor for intervening in the impasse in the House of Assembly, noting that the lawmakers had already put their house in order.

    Oladiji, who assured the governor of an accelerated passage of the 2026 budget proposal, urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies involved in the execution and implementation of the budget to redouble their efforts, to ensure outstanding success.

  • Scores of Ondo PDP members defect to APC

    Scores of Ondo PDP members defect to APC

    Scores of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

    The defectors, who are grassroots mobilisers drawn from the 18 local governments, said they could no longer remain in the “crisis-ridden” PDP with what they described as a weakened leadership structure.

    The PDP defectors, who are also members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), attributed their switch to APC to President Tinubu’s economic reforms and ongoing infrastructural projects across the state.

    Speaking on behalf of the defectors under the banner of Asiwaju Transport Movement yesterday,  Mr. Ojo Adewole hailed President Tinubu for what he called the restoration of the country’s “lost glory” through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He cited several federal road projects – including the dualisation of Benin-Ilesa Expressway, Ore-Ondo Akure Road expansion, Akure-Ado-Ekiti Expressway and the ongoing coastal highway – as major factors that influenced their decision.

    Read Also: Force PRO seeks media collaboration for national security, public trust

    “We were encouraged to join the APC by our Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. We thank him for the opportunity given to us, and we will not disappoint him or the party,” he said.

    He added that the continuation of road projects initiated during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari convinced them that President Tinubu was committed to national development.

    Adewole also recalled that the only PDP federal lawmaker from Ondo State,  Festus Akingbaso, and the three remaining PDP members in the state House of Assembly recently defected to the APC – a development he said had left the state “virtually a one-party system.”

    Receiving the defectors at the APC Secretariat in Akure, the state Chairman of the party, Ade Adetimehin, welcomed them and urged them to mobilise support for a landslide victory for President Tinubu in 2027.

    “This is the party of victory. In the APC, we don’t discriminate -there are no old members or new members; we are all equal,’’ Adetimehin said.

    He noted that the performance of President Tinubu had continued to draw more supporters into the ruling party.

    “President Tinubu has done well for us in this state. We can all see what he is doing. His Renewed Hope Initiatives are favouring us.

    “Work has begun on new road projects in Ondo State, and our people are being given appointments. So, we must work hard to give him a landslide victory here,” he added.

  • Sanwo-Olu: battle to build peaceful Lagos must begin from family

    Sanwo-Olu: battle to build peaceful Lagos must begin from family

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the battle to build a peaceful and tolerant Lagos must begin from the family.

    He noted that the society would not raise a harmonious generation if homes failed to model empathy and respect.

    Speaking at the 2025 International Day for Tolerance at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, the governor said Lagos’ diversity, home to over 25 million people of different ethnicities, cultures and religions, made tolerance a civic duty and the bedrock of the state’s resilience.

     ‘’This year’s theme: ‘Raising a Generation of Tolerant Citizens-The Centrality of the Family’, should force a national reflection on how children were being shaped.

    “The first lessons of empathy, respect, patience, love and acceptance are not learnt in government institutions. They are learnt at home, in the family, from parents, guardians and community elders,” Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Ovia, Balogun, others grace tenth ARTX Lagos

    He said his administration had strengthened interfaith harmony through participation in Christian and Muslim observances, including Lent and Ramadan, and by institutionalising Isese Day holiday in 2024, an action, he noted, reaffirmed every resident’s right to worship freely.

    Home Affairs Commissioner Olanrewaju Layode said the responsibility of nurturing a peaceful and inclusive society rested on the family, describing it as the “first classroom” where values that shaped future citizens were formed.

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, praised local government leaders, traders, artisans, guests and the press for their commitment to the cause, urging them to continue supporting initiatives that promoted peaceful coexistence across the state.