The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Asiwaju Mandate Group inaugurates women’s wing

    Asiwaju Mandate Group inaugurates women’s wing

    Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) has inaugurated its women’s wing in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, with a call for unity, mobilisation and grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    The state Women Coordinator of AMG and former commissioner, Yetunde Adeyanju, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the group and hailed the women for their steadfastness and courage despite intimidation and harassment.

    She said the purpose of the gathering was to sensitise women across the state on the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, emphasising that Ondo State women must take the lead in mobilising massive support for his victory.

    Adeyanju lauded President Tinubu for his developmental projects in Ondo State and across the country, as well as his empowerment initiatives that had positively impacted women through federal schemes.

    She also commended the Minister of Interior and convener of AMG, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his people-oriented leadership and continuous support for women in Ondo State.

    She described him as “a minister with a human face, ever willing to listen and always ready to help.”

    She said his stabilising role in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State could not be overemphasised.

    The women offered prayers for the minister’s continued success in office and in all his endeavours.

    Adeyanju reaffirms that as the AMG state women coordinator, her mandate is to ensure every woman in Ondo State votes for the APC and President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

    She said AMG women’s wing would intensify its campaigns across the nooks and crannies of the state, with ward-level meetings and grassroots engagements to guarantee overwhelming victory for the President.

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    The women’s gathering unanimously endorsed President Tinubu’s re-election bid, pledging total commitment to the cause.

    In their remarks, several speakers praised the Minister of Interior for his steadfastness in strengthening APC in Ondo State, noting that through his influence and grassroots connections, many individuals from opposition parties had joined APC.

    The Director General of AMG, Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla, hailed the state women coordinator and the entire women’s structure for their passion and loyalty to the AMG movement. He conveyed greetings from the convener, Dr. Tunji-Ojo, reiterating that AMG was birthed to propagate the achievements of President Tinubu and ensure his overwhelming re-election victory in 2027.

    The event was attended by prominent members of the AMG, including the Chairman, Leaders Council, Senator Yele Omogunwa; Ondo State Commissioner at Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Otito Atikase; Deputy DG, Ondo South, Afolabi Iwalewa and AMG Secretary, Corporal Nanaopri, among others.

  • NDDC launches tree-planting campaign in Ondo

    NDDC launches tree-planting campaign in Ondo

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has begun tree-planting campaign in Ondo State, as part of efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability across Niger Delta.

    The initiative, aimed at ensuring a greener environment, had earlier been launched in Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Edo states in partnership with the Foundation for Sustainable Development Options (FOSDO), an environmental solutions non-governmental organisation.

    This development comes amid reports of several coastal communities, particularly in southern Nigeria, being devastated by gully erosion.

    Speaking yesterday at a one-day sensitisation workshop and tree-planting event held in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with the theme: “Reawakening the Practice of Tree Planting”, the Acting State Director of NDDC, Dr. Asonye Victor-Ngozi, said the initiative became necessary in view of the severe ecological impact of erosion across Niger Delta communities.

    He noted that the campaign underscored the commission’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, describing the exercise as a practical demonstration of NDDC’s dedication to safeguard the environment.

    “Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide emissions, mitigating greenhouse effects, improving air and water quality, and sustaining biodiversity,” he said.

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    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FOSDO, Dr. Anthony Chovwen, lauded NDDC for funding and supporting tree-planting campaigns across the nine Niger Delta states.

    Represented by Ms. Abigail Bokoyeibo, the FOSDO Ondo State programme director, Chovwen said the region was not immune to the effects of climate change, adding that the campaign aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability.

    “Through this collaboration, we have conducted sensitisation programmes and environmental education projects, reaching more than 1,000 young people in secondary and primary schools across Niger Delta,” she said.

    Delivering a keynote address, Dr. Menakai Kekwaru, an environmental zoologist from the University of Port Harcourt, highlighted the growing threat of climate change caused by human activities that increased carbon emissions and heated the planet.

    Dr. Michael Rotimi Olujugba, a lecturer at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, emphasised the vital role of trees in sustaining life and reducing noise pollution.

    He urged all tiers of government to implement policies promoting afforestation, noting that “anyone who cuts down a tree should be mandated to plant three new ones.”

    The event featured practical tree-planting sessions involving students from participating schools, including Community Primary School, Kofawa; Caring Heart Mega School; Ilaje High School and Community Grammar School, Igbokoda.

  • Oyebanji, deputy, others set for festival

    Oyebanji, deputy, others set for festival

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, will lead other dignitaries to the annual celebration of Uponna Olosi in Osi-Ekiti on Saturday.

    Activities to mark the weeklong event began on Monday with a football competition among quarters in the ancient town. A sum will be won. It is sponsored by the late Chief Dayo Ogboja family and others.

    A symposium with the theme: “Osi-Ekiti Community Development and Economic Growth”, will hold tomorrow. It will feature Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, Oba Steve Adegboyega Alabi, who will declare the talk open, with Prof. Dele Ilesanmi and Prince Sunday Robinson as speakers.

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    On Friday, the Osi-Ekiti monarch will visit quarters in the town.

    Chief host, ACM Oludare Fadogba, who is the president of Osi Progressive Union (OPU), enjoined indigenes to attend the event.

    President/CEO, Garbykem Global Resources, Kolawole Ajiboye, is the chairman of the day, while the National President, Construction & Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Dr. Ayodeji Adeyemo, is the co-chairman.

  • Osun APC supporters hold solidarity march to back AMBO, Tinubu

    Osun APC supporters hold solidarity march to back AMBO, Tinubu

    Members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State yesterday held a solidarity march to back the governorship aspiration of the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji (AMBO) and re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The supporters converged on Osogbo City Stadium and marched through Ayetoro, Igbona, Olounkoro, Old-Garage, Orisunbare, Ola-Iya, Fakunle, to Ogo-Oluwa, which covered five kilometres before they stopped at Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office.

    They described the NIWA boss as the best aspirant, who had the capacity to deliver victory for the party if given the governorship ticket for the 2026 election.

    Former Speaker of House of Assembly Timothy Owoeye said the walk was not just a show of strength for Oyebamiji, but also a reaffirmation that APC remained the party to beat in Osun.

    He hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and performance, saying his achievements had rekindled faith in the party across the country.

    “This Unity Walk is to tell Osun people that APC is united and ready for 2026. Asiwaju Oyebamiji stands out as a competent, tested and trusted aspirant with a track record of performance as a two-time commissioner and as managing director of Osun Investment Company Limited,” Owoeye said.

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    Addressing reporters, a former commissioner under the administration of ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Adebayo Adeleke, said the large turnout of APC members to support Oyebamiji was a testament that he was loved by all ahead of December 13 primary.

    “It is obvious that Oyebamiji is an aspirant to beat in the APC primary election. We are happy for this large turnout. We are ready and prepared for the primary election. There is no aspirant in APC that is not competent. They are all competent. But what we are saying is Bola Oyebamiji is above all when it comes to APC. He is more acceptable, a gentleman, knowledgeable and a financial expert. He is the one that can strengthen the economic situation of Osun State.”

    ‎Kehinde Ayantunji, special adviser to former Governor Oyetola, lauded President Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande and Oyetola for their continued support for the APC since 2022.

    He said their efforts had strengthened the party and rekindled public trust.

  • US broadcaster, others applaud Oladele as he unveils website to drive guber bid

    US broadcaster, others applaud Oladele as he unveils website to drive guber bid

    Ace broadcaster, Yeye Sola Yusuff, has tasked citizens of Oyo State, home and abroad, to support Oloye Saheed Oladele, the first Baámèkó of Ibadanland, and Oyo APC guber aspirant, in his bid to revamp and reposition the state for better development come 2027.

    The ace broadcaster made the plea recently during a virtual event marking the unveiling of the Saheed Oladele Support Foundation’s website. 

    Oloye Oladele unveiled the website as a channel to drive his guber aspiration.

    Yeye Yusuff asserted that Oladele is a vibrant youth who has contributed immensely to the educational and civic development of many young people within and beyond Oyo State, using his advanced educational institute, Erudite Schools. 

    In her words, “Saheed Oladele is a young, newbreed politician who has veered off the old, corrupt way political trade is being done in Nigeria, having embraced integrity and accountability which he considers pivotal to true development of the state. So, if every member of his team plays their part, and eschew corruption and distractions, true development of Oyo State will be on an upward trajectory in no distant time.

    Another prominent guest at the virtual website unveiling, Ms Oluwatoyin Oluranti, who is the coordinator for Saheed Oladele Support Group, USA, described Baàmẹ̀kọ́ as a kind, gentle responsible youth, who is well travelled and has a truthful agenda for Oyo masses.

    The unveiled website features a brief introduction to Oloye Oladele’s personality, his sterling academic achievements, his award-winning exploits through Erudite Group of Schools and beyond, and his goals for Oyo State and its people.

    The website, www.saheedoladelefoundation.org, also has other interesting content which includes five things visitors to the website need to know about Oloye Saheed Oladele as a guber aspirant, testimonials about him from important personalities, his developmental blueprint for Oyo State and a link for donation towards his 2027 governorship project.

  • Fed govt restates commitment towards youth empowerment

    Fed govt restates commitment towards youth empowerment

    The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment towards empowering youths in areas of education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, and creative industries, among others.

    The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made this known in Abuja on Monday during a press conference ahead of the 2025 national youth day scheduled to commence on November 27 to 28, 2025,

    Olawande, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Muhammed Abdullahi, said the youth day will bring together youths across Nigeria.

    The minister said that youths must be drivers of Nigeria’s economic transformation, technological advancement, and cultural renaissance.

    He said: “It is a timely reminder that the future of Africa lies in the hands of our youth, a generation that is more connected, more informed, and more capable than ever.

    “As we stand at the crossroads of economic transformation, technological advancement, and cultural renaissance, our youth are not just participants in change, they are the actual drivers.

    “As a government, we reaffirm our commitment to youth empowerment through investments in education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, the creative industries, and civic engagement. We are working hand-in-hand with regional partners and international stakeholders to ensure that our youth have access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive.

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    “Let me also use this opportunity to call on private sector leaders, development agencies, and civil society to intensify their support for youth-led initiatives. The time has come for a truly Pan-African youth agenda one that transcends borders and leverages our shared aspirations.

    “To Nigerian youths and youth leaders from across Africa that will be attending this event, I look forward to seeing you all in Abuja. Your voices matter. Your ideas count. Your dreams are valid. The Nigerian and African dream of prosperity, peace, and unity cannot be realised without you.”

    The National Youth Festival in Nigeria is centred around the National Youth Conference 2025, a fully funded initiative by the Federal Government to empower young Nigerians.

    The conference aims to provide a platform for young leaders, innovators, and change-makers to network, engage in discussions, share ideas, and contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future.

  • CIHSI to partner Oyo Govt in strengthening community security, heritage revival

    CIHSI to partner Oyo Govt in strengthening community security, heritage revival

    The Community Integrity Heritage Support Initiative (CIHSI) is set to collaborate with Oyo State Government to boost community security, entrench integrity in governance, and revive Yoruba cultural values.

    Speaking at a sensitisation rally across strategic locations in Ibadan, the National Coordinator of the organisation, Engr. Akinbolade Adeniponye, said the organisation was founded to provide community-driven solutionis that align with government’s development priorities. 

    Adeniponye described security as a shared responsibility, noting that Governor Makinde’s administration has demonstrated commitment to safeguarding lives and property through increased logistics support, improved illumination across public areas, and the deployment of security patrol vehicles.

    He stated that CIHSI’s intervention frameworks are built on two strategic pillars: integrity governance and heritage promotion.

    According to him, integrity governance focuses on expanding employment and enterprise opportunities at the grassroots, while the heritage component seeks to restore the moral and cultural values that have shaped the Yoruba civilisation.

    Adeniponye argued that countries that embed cultural values into public governance, including China, Japan, Singapore, and India, continue to sustain development progress and social cohesion.

    He announced that CIHSI would soon launch the Yoruba Heritage Renaissance, a programme expected to lead to the establishment of the Yoruba Heritage Council. 

    He noted that the council, would promote cultural education, language preservation, and community-based empowerment through institutionalised structures.

    “The organisation also plans to set up Community Governance Centres to strengthen surveillance, monitoring, and rapid response capabilities at the local level beyond traditional community development associations.

    “The role of communities in ensuring safety cannot be undermined. When crimes occur, the community is the first contact. Strengthening their capacity for intelligence, record keeping, and swift response is essential to safer neighbourhoods. This is the foundation of our collaboration with the government.”

    He urged residents to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies, remarking that sustainable security and good governance can only thrive where citizens are actively engaged.

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    Governor Seyi Makinde, while receiving members of the group through his Executive Assistant on Security Matters, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd), who commended CIHSI for complementing the state’s efforts in sustaining peace and security.

    Odukoya said the state government has  invested massively in modern security infrastructure, insisting that the administration remains committed to making Oyo one of the safest and most prosperous states in the country.

    “We urge residents to report any suspicious activity through the 615 emergency line or other approved channels.” 

    At the Olubadan’s Palace, Chief Kola Balogun, who represented Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, received the delegation and applauded the initiative. He assured the group of the palace’s support toward achieving its stated goals.

  • Tinubu’s fiscal revolution rebuilding Nigeria, says APC

    Tinubu’s fiscal revolution rebuilding Nigeria, says APC

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fiscal revolution is rebuilding Nigeria brick and brick.

    Spokesman Seye Oladejo in a statement yesterday hailed the visionary leadership and reform-driven approach of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He said: “In a period when nations are being tested by global economic disruptions, Nigeria stands resilient.

    “This is not by chance but by deliberate financial engineering driven by sound policy, strategic management and disciplined revenue administration.

    “The ongoing transformation of the FIRS is a textbook example of how institutional reforms, when anchored on competence and integrity, can become the engine room of nation building.”

    He said FIRS under the leadership of Mr Zacch Adedeji had evolved beyond the traditional role of a tax collector into economic redirection.

    READ ALSO: Commanding from the front: Tinubu strengthening national security architecture

    Oladejo said the agency had become a strategic fiscal institution balancing revenue generation with economic stimulation.

    According to him, through the introduction of digital tax administration platforms, data harmonisation, and enhanced compliance frameworks, FIRS is ensuring every taxable entity contributes fairly and transparently to national development.

    “The Renewed Hope administration understands that without strong fiscal foundations, no amount of political goodwill can deliver economic prosperity.

    “The modern FIRS is therefore not merely filling government coffers – it is laying the groundwork for sustainable national growth,” he said.

    Oladejo said some of the notable innovations transforming Nigeria’s fiscal landscape under the current FIRS leadership remained noteworthy.

    He listed such innovations to include the TaxPro Max System, which he said had revolutionised tax filing, remittance and reconciliation – eliminating leakages and human interference.

    He said the innovations included the Automated VAT collection mechanisms across key sectors such as telecoms, banking, and e-commerce – ensuring real-time tracking and accountability.

    Oladejo said the innovations also included Unified Tax Identification Number (TIN) expansion, promoting a single national database for corporate and individual taxpayers.

    According to him, also noteworthy is the strategic inter-agency collaboration between the FIRS, Customs, CAC and NIMC to improve data accuracy and prevent duplication.

    He said capacity-building and digital transformation programmes were equally positioning the service as one of Africa’s most technologically advanced tax institutions.

    “These initiatives have led to record-breaking revenue collections – with the FIRS crossing unprecedented thresholds that now provide the fiscal muscle for critical infrastructure, social welfare and debt sustainability.

    “President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognises revenue stability as the foundation for national sovereignty.

    “By reforming the FIRS and enforcing fiscal discipline across all tiers of government, the administration is freeing Nigeria from the perpetual cycle of borrowing and dependency,” Oladejo said.

    According to him, each kobo collected through tax reforms is being reinvested into the people – in roads, schools, health care, security and social investment programmes.

    “The Renewed Hope vision is simple but profound: to build a nation that funds its own future.

    “This is what true nation building looks like – a Nigeria that generates wealth from within and uses it to empower its citizens,” he said.

    He said it was in Lagos that the President first demonstrated that efficient tax administration could transform a state from near insolvency to economic powerhouse.

    Oladejo called on citizens to embrace the Renewed Hope tax reforms as their patriotic contribution to nation building.

    “A modern economy cannot thrive on oil alone. The strength of a nation lies in its citizens’ willingness to contribute to its growth. Paying tax is not punishment – it is partnership.

    “With renewed faith, reformed systems, and responsible citizenship, the Tinubu administration is building a Nigeria that works, that pays its way, and that sustains its own development,” he said.

  • Why EFCC, ICPC, others must probe Ondo council chair, by APC elders

    Why EFCC, ICPC, others must probe Ondo council chair, by APC elders

    • ’Allegations against me politically-motivated’

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Movement for Tinubu 2027 in Ondo State has called for the probe of the Chairman of Owo Local Government,  Tope Omolayo, over alleged misdemeanour.

    The call followed Omolayo’s suspension by 11 councillors, who accused him of  irregularities, gross violation of statutory budget and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) regulations, disrespect for traditional rulers and inappropriate conduct.

    The councillors, led by the House Leader, Doyin Adebayo, in a suspension letter, said the chairman’s actions were inconsistent with the financial and administrative ethics expected of a local government leader.

    Omolayo’s suspension came barely a month after he alleged that council chairmen across the state had access to only N5 million monthly under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration despite higher allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

    In a statement in Akure, the group’s state Coordinator, Agboola Kelly, urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police to investigate Omolayo’s financial dealings.

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    The group described the allegations against the council boss as “too grave to be ignored,” stressing that Omolayo’s conduct and his claims of inadequate funding should be scrutinised.

    “Omolayo’s assertion that the state provides less than N5 million monthly raises questions about financial management at the local and state levels.

    “EFCC and ICPC must invite him for questioning to ensure transparency and uphold APC’s commitment to good governance,” the statement said.

    Reacting, Omolayo dismissed the allegations, describing them as politically- motivated.

    “I remain the substantive chairman of Owo Local Government. What you see is a kangaroo suspension by people who are being sponsored. Their actions are politically-driven.

    “They wanted me to share money meant for development. I refused to do the status quo, and now they are concocting lies because I didn’t play ball,” he alleged.

  • Aiyedatiwa leads Southwest governors, senators, others for summit in Ondo

    Aiyedatiwa leads Southwest governors, senators, others for summit in Ondo

    Ondo State Government, in partnership with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, is set to host the Federal Government/Southwest Citizen-Government Engagement Summit in Akure.

    The summit with the theme: “Strengthening Democracy through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future”, is scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure, tomorrow and Thursday.

    According to a statement issued yesterday in Akure by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on behalf of the Local Organising Committee, the summit aims to create a robust platform for citizens and government to engage in constructive dialogue on critical issues affecting the Southwest.

    The statement quoted the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, as saying preparations had been concluded to host delegates from the six states of the Southwest.

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    Governor Aiyedatiwa will serve as the Chief Host of the summit, which will bring together Southwest governors, ministers and federal appointees of Southwest origin, federal legislators, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, private sector players, youth and student bodies, women groups and other key stakeholders across the region.

    The event will feature six thematic sessions, focusing on Fiscal Reforms and National Planning, Economic Development and Job Creation, Social Services and Social Development, Infrastructure and Transportation, Human Capital Development and Security and Governance.

    The two-day engagement is expected to strengthen collaboration between governments and citizens, promote inclusive dialogue, and advance sustainable development across the Southwest.