The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Mining Marshals transforming sector, boosting revenue — Alake

    Mining Marshals transforming sector, boosting revenue — Alake

    The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development says the deployment of Mining Marshals has become one of the most impactful reforms in Nigeria’s extractive industry, significantly reducing illegal mining activities and increasing government revenue.

    Speaking at the South West Leaders Conference in Akure, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, noted that the Marshals have reclaimed more than 90 illegal mining sites and facilitated the prosecution of over 300 offenders, bringing stability and security to previously troubled mining communities.

    He explained that the initiative forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at building a business-friendly nation where lawful enterprise thrives.

    “The Mining Marshals have given us results. We no longer just talk about illegal mining — we’re taking it back, site by site. Today, communities are safer, legitimate investors are returning, and government revenue is rising,” Alake stated.

    According to the Minister, the impact of the Marshals and wider sector reforms is reflected in revenue figures, which grew from ₦8.6 billion in 2022 to ₦38 billion in 2024, with ₦30 billion already recorded for 2025. 

    He added that the South West region contributed ₦7.2 billion, underscoring its strategic importance in Nigeria’s mining landscape.

    Read Also: Alake: Southwest contributes over N7b mining revenue in nine months

    Alake highlighted major successes in the region, including the Segilola Gold Project in Osun State and hundreds of active quarry and exploration sites, describing them as signs of investor confidence.

    He also emphasised that mining companies are now required to sign Community Development Agreements (CDAs) before beginning operations, ensuring direct benefits for host communities.

    “In just two years, 45 South West communities have signed CDAs — more than double the number achieved in the previous fifteen years,” he noted.

    Looking ahead, the Minister said the next phase of reforms will focus on value addition, mineral processing, and deeper partnerships with the private sector to make mining a major engine of job creation and sustainable national development.

    “We are proud of the progress made, but even more determined about what lies ahead,” he added.

  • Ondo Action Alliance collapses structure into APC

    Ondo Action Alliance collapses structure into APC

    • Declares support for Tinubu’s re-election bid

    The Action Alliance (AA) has collapsed its structure into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.

    The opposition party, led by its former state chairman and 2024 governorship candidate, Fred Akinuli, announced the formal defection yesterday in Akure.

    Akinuli, who was received alongside the AA structures across the 18 local governments by APC state Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, said the decision was driven by his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

    He said his move to collapse the AA structure into the ruling APC followed his appointment as the Deputy Director-General of the Progressives Network for Tinubu (PNT), under the leadership of Pastor Olumide Obadele and financed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

    READ ALSO: Nigerians revive ‘Justice For Ochanya’ seven years after teen’s death

    Akinuli described the defection as a significant milestone in his 20-year political journey, noting that it was his first-ever defection since joining politics in 2005.

    Receiving the new members, Adetimehin hailed them for joining what he described as a “progressive family”, urging them to return to their wards and contribute to the development and growth of the party.

    Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who welcomed the defectors, lauded the cohesion within the state’s APC leadership and expressed confidence that Ondo State would deliver over 90 per cent of votes for President Tinubu in the next presidential election.

    Tunji-Ojo, represented by the Director-General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group, Olumuyiwa Asagunla, said the support group would intensify efforts to attract more defectors to the APC and rally stronger grassroots backing for the President.

  • Why workforce must include caregiving, by Lagos Commissioner

    Why workforce must include caregiving, by Lagos Commissioner

    Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has called for renewed investment in the care economy, describing care as the “foundation of national development” and a key driver of productivity and social inclusion.

    Ogunlende said this while delivering a keynote address at the Creative Care Council’s “National Day of Care” event in Lagos, organised by Caring Africa, an advocacy initiative led by Blessing Adesiyan.

    The gathering brought together policymakers, medical experts, creative industry leaders and social development advocates to advance conversations around formalising care work as a vital part of Nigeria’s economic and social infrastructure.

    Speaking on the theme; “It Starts With Care,” the commissioner said care was not sentimental or secondary, but a structural necessity that supported families, workplaces and economies.

    “Care is the foundation of our economy, the very infrastructure that supports our cities and national development. When families lack care, when aging parents receive no formal support, and when care work is informal and undervalued, the cost is huge. It shows up in lost productivity, gender inequality and wasted human potential.” Ogunlende said.

    READ ALSO: Five apps that’ll get your life together before the year ends

    He noted that through Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the government had continued to provide services and protection for children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

    “We manage over 15 homes and institutions, including correctional and elderly care homes,” he said. “Just recently, we rescued a young lady who went missing from Lekki to Ikorodu. That’s part of what we do daily.”

    Ogunlende said Lagos State’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which adds Social Inclusion, Gender Equality, and Youth Development to its core priorities, reflects the government’s commitment to embedding care in governance.

    “Care is the new oil,” he said. “Not everyone will see its value immediately, but those who do and invest in it will reap its benefits. If we are serious about unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential, we must invest in the care economy, one that works for every child, every caregiver, and every older adult.”

    Founder of Caring Africa, Blessing Adesiyan, shared a deeply personal story that inspired her advocacy for the care economy.

    Recounting how she cared for her late father in the United States, she described care work as “quiet labour” that sustained life but was often unpaid and undervalued.

    “That day was one of quiet labour, the kind of work that doesn’t earn income or recognition, but is driven by love and responsibility. Before any worker leaves home, there’s someone who wakes a child, ties their shoelaces, and packs their lunch. Care runs the economy before the economy even wakes up.” Adesiyan recalled.

    She emphasised that care work, parenting, nursing, cooking and caregiving, should be recognised as labour deserving of value and reward.

    “If we want a truly prosperous Nigeria, we must acknowledge that care is not just personal, it’s a national priority. Childcare, paid leave, elder care, these are the building blocks of a nation that truly values its people,” she said.

    Adesiyan called for public and private sector partnerships to build systems that make care affordable, accessible, and dignified. She also challenged the misconception that caregiving is “women’s work.”

    “Care is not a woman’s job. It is the work that makes every other kind of work possible,” she said. “If we can care for our people, we can care for our progress.”

    A consultant paediatrician and member of the Creative Care Council, Dr. Ayodele Renner, highlighted the health risks caregivers face, particularly women who shoulder the bulk of care responsibilities in Nigerian homes.

    “Women bear the disproportionate burden of care. In the short term, this can lead to burnout and anxiety. In the long term, it may cause insomnia, depression and reduced productivity. When we support care, we protect the health and well-being of caregivers.” Dr. Renner said.

    He stressed the need to institutionalise care as part of workplace policies, social protection programmes, and national health plans.

    “Care is infrastructure,” he added. “When families have access to care, breadwinners can be more productive, and societies become stronger.”

  • Kwara govt trains 5,606 secondary school students in digital technology

    Kwara govt trains 5,606 secondary school students in digital technology

    Kwara State Government says it has trained no fewer than 5,604 students of public secondary schools between 2024 and 2025 in digital technology.

    The beneficiaries were drawn from 50 public secondary schools across the state.

    The state said it engaged over 120 instructors, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, digital volunteers and ICT teachers during the period.

    READ ALSO: Nigerians revive ‘Justice For Ochanya’ seven years after teen’s death

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq restated his administration’s commitment to empowering young techies and transforming the state into a hub of technological innovations.

    The governor expressed satisfaction about the rising interest and success of young ‘Kwarans’ in the tech space — a trend again seen at the just concluded Kwara coding and digital literacy programme, tagged Kwara futures exhibition 2025.

    The digital programme was organised by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Innovation, Kayode Ishola.

    The theme was: ‘Kwara Futures: Empowering a digitally ready generation.’

    The governor said the government was determined to put Kwara on the global map by creating seamless pathways for collaboration from international tech accelerators to cross-border funding opportunities.

  • Osun 2026: APC victory paramount to aspirants, says Babayemi

    Osun 2026: APC victory paramount to aspirants, says Babayemi

    A popular and the leading governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, has said all the governorship aspirants seeking the ticket of the party at next year’s election, have pledged to work together for the victory of the party.

    He noted that the resolve of the aspirants to work with a view to defeating the ruling party in the state was gladdening because of the unity ‘’being forged by them in this direction.’’

    He said it was reassuring that the APC would sail through at the 2026 polls because of the renewed determination of the aspirants and members of the party to ensure the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was sent packing.

    The governorship hopeful, who spoke during the continuation of his statewide ward-to-ward visit to Ede North, South, Olorunda and Osogbo local governments where he hit wards, appealed to members of the party not to cause division among the aspirants, a development, he warned, was capable of affecting APC’s  fortunes.

    READ ALSO: Five apps that’ll get your life together before the year ends

    Across the 10 wards visited in the four councils, he said the aspirants eyeing the ticket of the party were 14, pleading with the APC supporters not to cause division among them and members of the party.

    “The important thing is for our party, the APC, to win the forthcoming election. We are 14 individuals currently vying to be picked as the candidate of APC. However, it’s only one of us that will eventually become the party’s standard-bearer for the 2026 governorship election. So, our unity as a family should not be sacrificed on the altar of self-centredness,” he said.

    Those who spoke at the places visited praised Babayemi’s team spirit, saying they would take his advice by ensuring a sustained unity among members of the party.

    Among places visited at Ede North include Ward 7-(Sabo Agbongbe 2), Ward 4- Olusokun and Ward 5-Alasekere, while in Ede South, he was at Ward 1- Baba Nla Agate and Wrad 2-Kuye.

    The places visited at Olorunda Local Government were Ward 9 in Oba-Ile and Ward 10 in Oba Oke, while he visited the following wards in Osogbo Council: Ataoja B, Jagun B and Otun Jagun A.

  • I’m confident nobody can defeat me in Osun, Adeleke boasts

    I’m confident nobody can defeat me in Osun, Adeleke boasts

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday boasted that nobody could defeat him in the August 8, 2026 governorship election.

    He said he was not afraid of any federal might.

    Speaking with reporters after facing Osun State PDP Governorship Screening Committee in Abuja, the governor said he was confident that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would not do anything that would “mess up his administration.”

    He said if he could defeat an incumbent governor to claim the seat, he was more than confident that the 2026 election would be a walk over, adding: “We will dance and work.”

    Governor Adeleke said:  “First of all, we don’t have any internal wrangling in Osun State PDP. When you look around, I can tell you that the PDP in Osun is number one. We are one family and everything is going on well. So, there’s no internal wrangling in PDP.

    “I am confident of winning the election because I have performed very well. You know, I mean, I introduced what they call fact-checking. You can go back and fact-check in Osun and see what is going on there. We are in the era of technology. You can just Google it and check it out, you will know that we are doing very well in Osun.

    READ ALSO: Nigerians revive ‘Justice For Ochanya’ seven years after teen’s death

    “I am so confident that I am going to win. I defeated an incumbent and I am the governor. Within two years, it’s unprecedented what we have achieved. Man, I’m so confident that nobody can beat us there.”

    Asked what he planned to do for the people of the state, the governor said: “This time, more goodies all the way, more goodies all the way throughout Osun State. We’ll be dancing, and we’ll be working.”

    Chairman, Osun State PDP Governorship Screening Committee, Adebayo Adepoju, said the committee had gone through the documents of the governor and was confident that the coast was clear for him to proceed with the election

  • Tinubu’s leadership guided by law, not emotion, says Lagos APC

    Tinubu’s leadership guided by law, not emotion, says Lagos APC

    Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has noted the latest outburst from an aide of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, over what he hurriedly labelled as a “pardon U-turn” by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Spokesman Seye Oladejo said in a statement yesterday in Ogba, Lagos:  

    ‘’Predictably, this statement is yet another cocktail of ignorance, frustration and political bitterness from a camp desperate for attention.

    ‘’Unlike the impulsive and uninformed commentary that has become the trademark of the opposition, President Tinubu’s decisions are driven by due process, rule of law and national interest. In advanced democracies, informed review and reconsideration are marks of credible leadership and institutional maturity – not weakness.

    ‘’Only in the shallow corners of the opposition’s imagination does consultation and constitutional refinement translate to a “U-turn.”

    APC said it was quite understandable, though regrettable, that Atiku Abubakar and his media handlers permanently misread governance dynamics, having left public office since 2007 – a period during which he did not cover himself in glory.

    READ ALSO: Nigerians revive ‘Justice For Ochanya’ seven years after teen’s death

    It said Atiku needed refresher courses in modern governance.

    Oladejo said the political world had evolved, Nigeria had evolved, public administration had evolved.

    ‘’Unfortunately, Atiku has not. His thoughts remain trapped in a bygone political era  – outdated, unimaginative and disconnected from today’s realities. His ideas are as stale as the repeated electoral losses that have now become his identity.

    ‘’Indeed, serial defeats at the polls can weigh heavily on an aging mind that was never more than ordinary in the first place,’’ he added.

    The spokesman said it was the height of irony that a candidate, whose career had been defined by endless defections, internal party sabotage and judicial tourism, was attempting to lecture President Tinubu on leadership or integrity.

    ‘’Nigeria has not forgotten the unresolved scandals and unexplained fortunes that follow Atiku’s political legacy like an unshakeable shadow.

    ‘’Instead of issuing hollow press tantrums, the former Vice-President’s camp should focus on rehabilitating its battered political credibility,’’ he further said.

    Oladejo said the public was weary of Atiku’s infantile, bitterness-driven politics – where sound governance decisions were attacked for the sake of noise-making.

    He noted that President Tinubu was strengthening institutions, not pandering to emotion or social media theatrics.

    APC said: ‘’We urge Nigerians to ignore the latest media convulsions from a defeated politician’s corner. President Tinubu will continue to lead with constitutional discipline, courage and clarity of purpose – not the bitterness and confusion that have become hallmarks of those rejected repeatedly at the polls. Nigeria is moving forward – and no amount of political tantrums will change that reality.’’

  • Ibadan Circular Road Project: Residents issue seven days ultimatum to government

    Ibadan Circular Road Project: Residents issue seven days ultimatum to government

    Residents affected by the Ibadan Circular Road Corridor project have given seven days ultimatum to the state government to stop its planned demolition of their structures or face mass protest that may shut down the capital city.

    The affected residents, comprising six local governments, accused the state government of land grabbing, unlawful displacement and deliberate oppression under the guise of expanding Ibadan Circular Road project.

    The affected residents, drawn from Akinyele, Ona Ara, Ido, Lagelu, Oluyole, and Egbeda local governments, promised to resist what they described as “reckless abuse of power” and deliberate plot to cause hardship, pains and agony to the affected residents.

    The residents, under the aegis of Corridor Residents of Ibadan Circular Road, issued the warning in a communiqué presented at a news conference held yesterday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

    The communiqué, signed by Prince Adeniyi Fasoye (convener) and Isiaq Jimoh (secretary), was presented by Mr. Tayo Oladosu.

    READ ALSO: Five apps that’ll get your life together before the year ends

    The residents said the news conference was called as a result of the recent effort of the government, who through its officials, had begun pasting demolition notices on their buildings, against the initial assurance by Governor Seyi Makinde, who last year September promised the residents that no building would be demolished.

    They accused the officials of marking additional 850 metres of land across several communities under the guise of road expansion, alleging that the expansion of the Ibadan Circular Road project by the administration of Governor Makinde violated due process and constitutional provisions.

    According to the communiqué, the Ibadan Circular Road project, now officially known as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Circular Road, was lawfully initiated in 2005 under the administration of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who acquired the land through proper constitutional and legal processes for overriding public interest.

    They explained that at the time, “the land owners and the occupants of the demarcated proposed 75 metres (right and left) were consulted” and that “the land was pillared after adequate measurements of 75 metres from the midpoint were taken.”

    The residents said compensation was paid to some landowners during the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, though the process was not completed.

    “The compensation to date has not been completed, as there are about N80million yet to be paid to the land owners and occupants as of the time of acquiring the land legally,” the communiqué said.

    The residents expressed outrage that the current administration under Governor Makinde had, without due process, expanded the legally-acquired 75 metres on each side to 500 metres, alleging that the move violated constitutional provisions.

    The people called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Assembly,  Olubadan of Ibadanland, and his council as well as other well-meaning individuals to prevail on the governor to shelve the idea of the expansion of the corridor.

  • Veteran broadcaster drums support for Oyebanji’s second term

    Veteran broadcaster drums support for Oyebanji’s second term

    A veteran broadcaster and media consultant, Mrs Ronke Kolawole has rallied support behind Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s second term.

    Speaking with some journalists shortly after a private tour of facility in Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Wednesday, the veteran broadcaster, who is an indigene of the town described the visible transformation that has taken place in the community as really breathtaking.

    According to her, the Ilawe Ekiti community has never had it so good as far as infrastructure and socioeconomic development is concerned.

    “This is real dividends of democracy at work. I’m impressed and proud to witness this breathtaking transformation that I have seen around here.”

    Specifically, Mrs Kolawole, who until recently was the Deputy Director News at the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, said one of the marvel of Ilawe Ekiti is the new look General Hospital, which had hitherto been consigned to a mere consulting clinic because of its dilapidated state over the years.

    “The last time I visited the Ilawe General Hospital, it was in a sorry state, totally decrepit. You could tell that the place was just existing in name only because things had gone pretty awful. Poor facility, unmotivated workforce, low patronage and totally moribund, just name it.

    “Few weeks ago when I saw the fanfare on display when the governor came to inaugurate the hospital, I thought to myself that this could well be another make-believe thing or just for the optics. So I thought to myself why not just go for a self-assessment to ascertain the state of things hence I visited. I didn’t recognise the place at all. 

    “Everything looked out of this world right from the road leading to the hospital. Everything looked sparklingly new. I was like is this really possible, the level of transformation that has taken place here? But I got a real shocker when I went to inspect the entire facility itself.

    “Apart from seeing new structures dotting the landscape, I saw a newly equipped facility. I was assisted by one of the medical personnel who took me on a tour of the different state-of-the-arts equipment that have been fully installed in the facility and openly boasted that the hospital can favourably compete with any other one around in terms of amenities.”

    She recalled that the medical personnel who would not be named because he was not authorised to speak, said, “As we speak, the hospital can conveniently carry out series of standard laboratory tests as it houses electrolite, urea and creatine machines, blood count machine. It can carry out homoprofile test, culture and sensitivity test. Even a blood bank was also installed.”

    “In addition, the facility can now boast of standard theatre with an aesthetic machine. A radiant warmer is also available for babies. Aside totally rehabilitating all available wards, a new maternity ward was constructed with modern bed and mattresses.”

    While further giving an assessment of the hospital, Mrs Kolawole, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ward 5, Unit 5, Ilawe Ekiti, revealed that another distinct feature at the hospital is the availability of power supply. 

    “With the benefit of hindsight, Governor BAO has permanently resolved the challenge of power supply that mars treatment at many hospitals by keying into solar energy that has the capacity to power the hospital all at once even with the theatre for twenty-four hours. He also donated a 7.5 kva generator as a back up.”

    Pressed further, she said, “From my observation, generally the hospital is wearing a new look and sparkling, so friendly while the environment is clean. Even the car park and the perimeter fencing gladdened my heart.

    “Everywhere I turned, I saw the smiling faces of workers who are now happy to come to work because of the new look of their workplace while the availability of equipment is also a moral booster especially. 

    “The low patronage has greatly improved since members from the two adjoining towns in Ekiti Southwest(Igbara Odo and Ogotun can now easily access the hospital because service delivery is now prompt just as manpower has also increased as additional eight nurses were posted to strengthen the workforce with the hope of employing more medical doctors.

    “Looking at the transformation of the Ilawe General Hospital and other projects executed by Governor BAO, I’m proud of being an indigene of Ekiti state. 

    “Of course, I’m aware that healthcare is a priority of the governor as evident in what I saw in Ilawe Ekiti, especially the quality of the hospital has portrayed him as a man of integrity and a man of his words who wants to bring smiles to the faces of the Ekiti Southwest. 

    “Seeing the jubilant moods of the beneficiaries, it shows that the electorate are not asking for too much from their leaders after all. All they need are the basic amenities and when these are made available, they can lead comfortable and decent lives.

    “With joy in my heart after my private tour, I made my way out of the hospital to the welcoming arms of the twenty kilometers stretch of the newly rehabilitated Ilawe/Ikere road which almost became jinxed before Governor BAO took it up, sealed and delivered to the motoring public.”

  • Govt reaffirms pledge to seed improvement, others

    Govt reaffirms pledge to seed improvement, others

    Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the seed system and achieving food sovereignty through innovative agriculture, policy reforms and global partnerships.

    Speaking at World Food Forum and Global “Seeds to Foods” Exhibition, organised by Food and Agriculture Organisation, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said FAO–Türkiye–Nigeria South–South Cooperation will enhance dry farming, boost food security, cut poverty, and promote sustainable forest management.

    Kyari said the initiative can transform livelihoods and make Nigeria a hub for high er crop production and export,  with Borno State as its pilot.

    “We see potential to scale up this initiative, not only to improve livelihoods in Borno State but to position Nigeria as a regional hub for production and export of these high-value crops. With vast arable land, entrepreneurial farmers, and support of FAO, Türkiye, and other partners, we can unlock markets and drive inclusive agricultural growth,” he said.

    Kyari said the partnership is proof of vision in action, noting that strengthening the seed system is key to securing Nigeria’s agricultural future.

    “When we strengthen seeds, we strengthen farmers; when we secure seeds, we secure our future,” he added.

    Highlighting the achievements, Kyari said the project introduced 10 Turkish crop varieties with five local ones, conducted 219 field demonstrations, and set up 14 seed multiplication plots.

    He said the initiative produced 7.5 tonnes of seed, including 684 kilogrammes from new legumes, such as chickpeas and lentils. In addition, 186 participants, of which 55 are women benefited from capacity-building, training, and exchange visits to Türkiye on seed processing, value addition, and post-harvest handling.

    The project, he said, invested $200,000 in training, demonstrations, and institutional development, with provision of boreholes and field equipment to support irrigation and dry-season farming.

    Kyari said the government’s agricultural transformation strategy will continue to focus on building a resilient and competitive seed system, noting achieving food sovereignty depends on strong institutions and sustained action.

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    “We must promote transparency, innovation, and private participation; invest in research and development to breed climate-resilient, high-yield varieties; strengthen certification and quality assurance; and empower the seeds council as well  as others to serve national and regional markets,” he said.

    Kyari lauded Governor Babagana Zulum’s leadership and dedication to rebuilding agricultural livelihoods.

    “By rebuilding communities, restoring livelihoods, and returning the displaced, he has shown that agriculture is more than an economic activity, it is a pathway to peace, stability, and dignity,” Kyari said.

    He noted that the Mohammed Lawan College of Agriculture, Maiduguri, has benefited from technical assistance in extension services, crop monitoring, and knowledge exchange through the cooperation programme, demonstrating the impact of South–South collaboration in strengthening agricultural institutions.

    Kyari further lauded the Government of Türkiye and FAO for introducing new crops such as lentils, fenugreek, coriander, chickpea, black cumin, buckwheat, and dry beans in Borno State, noting that these crops hold promise for improved nutrition, income generation, and climate resilience.