The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Lawmakers okay guidelines for administrative procedures in councils

    Lawmakers okay guidelines for administrative procedures in councils

    Lagos State House of Assembly has approved comprehensive regulations and guidelines to strengthen administrative procedures and governance structures across local governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

    The approval was granted through a resolution of the House, during plenary session presided over by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

    Earlier, report on the Regulations and Guidelines, presented by Sanni Okanlawon (Kosofe I) on its second allotted date, was extensively deliberated upon by members before its adoption.

    According to Section 5 of the newly approved guidelines, the Executive Committee of each local government shall comprise the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Supervisors, Special Advisers, Secretary to the Local Government, Council Manager, Council Treasurer and the Head of Legal Unit.

    Section 6 stipulates that any appointment, not recognised by the guidelines, local government bye-laws, or other relevant laws shall require the express approval of the Governor of Lagos State.

    Further clarifying the administrative hierarchy, Section 8 focuses on the Vice Chairman’s role. Subsection 8.1(a) outlines the functions and performance expectations of the Office, while 8.1(b) designates the Vice Chairman as Chairman of the Tenders Board.

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

    In Section 15, the guidelines provide for the establishment of Departmental Standing Committees in each of the departments. These committees are mandated to meet at least twice a month—or as exigencies demand—to recommend departmental projects for the Executive Committee’s consideration and approval. Each committee shall consist of the Supervisor as Chairman, the Head of Department, Sectional Head, and a Representative of the Council Manager.

    During deliberations, Aro Moshood described the guidelines as “top-notch,” saying they are capable of positioning Lagos State as a model for effective local governance in Nigeria. He, however, pointed out discrepancies in numbering between the main law and the regulation, calling for clarification.

    Kehinde Joseph raised concerns about the omission of the Chief of Staff’s role despite its earlier mention in prior discussions, urging the responsible committee to review the matter.

    Abiodun Orekoya emphasised the need to harmonise the number of supervisors stated in the guidelines with those provided in the principal law.

    Bonu Solomon hailed the inclusion of community policing provisions, describing it as a progressive initiative that would enhance security and create employment opportunities across the state.

  • Royal father, Small Doctor hail 28-year-old Elephant Cup grassroots football league in Lagos

    Royal father, Small Doctor hail 28-year-old Elephant Cup grassroots football league in Lagos

    …as organiser awards winners with N2m prizes 

    The Ologba of Ogba, Lagos State, Oba Abdul-Lateef Egbeyemi (Madarikan I), has commended the Elephant Cup Grassroots Annual League Competition, which has been held at Ashade Palace, Agege, for the past 28 years.

    Speaking at the opening match on Sunday, Oba Egbeyemi described the tournament as a “progressive and talent-discovery competition” that has continued to inspire young people and promote community development.

    “This has been a talent hub for 28 years, where many footballers have been discovered and gone on to play for major clubs abroad and even for the Super Eagles,” the monarch said. “I pray that more talents will continue to emerge from this tournament. As traditional rulers, we will keep supporting this annual football league.”

    Hip-hop musician Temitope Adekunle, popularly known as Small Doctor, also lauded the initiative, describing it as a unifying force for youths in the community.

    “You can imagine, I came from London just to witness this annual tournament because I’ve been part of the Elephant Club of Agege for many years,” he said. “This is a true grassroots football platform where youths from Agege and beyond can showcase their talents for better opportunities.”

    Chairman of the Football Committee, Elephant Club of Agege, Mr. Felix Ajanaku, announced that a total prize of N2 million has been set aside for winners of the 2025/2026 league season. 

    He added that this year’s edition features the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to ensure fair play.

    “The overall winner will receive N1 million, the runner-up N500,000, while other individual awards such as ‘Man of the Match’ will also be presented throughout the tournament,” Ajanaku said.

    The Matron of the club, Alhaja Khadijat Adeyemi, encouraged more youths to participate in the competition, describing the Ashade playing ground as “a land of talent discovery” for nearly three decades.

    “This competition has positively shaped the lives of youths in the Agege community over the years,” she said. “We will continue to add value to their lives through football and other developmental initiatives.”

    In the opening matches, Mago FC defeated Justice FC 2–1, Pepe FC beat Messitee 2–0, while Bright FC and Portvale FC played a 1–1 draw.

  • Don’t succumb to politicians’ intimidation, harassment, Osun ex-lawmaker tells INEC boss

    Don’t succumb to politicians’ intimidation, harassment, Osun ex-lawmaker tells INEC boss

    A former lawmaker in Osun State,  Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged the newly-appointed Chairman of  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, not to succumb to intimidation and harassment while discharging his duties.

    Oyintiloye, a member of All Progressives Congress (APC), who was a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), in a statement yesterday, also enjoined the INEC boss to demonstrate a high level of courage and integrity in the face of intimidation from politicians, especially opposition parties, ahead of the off-cycle and general elections.

    He advised Amupitan not to disappoint Nigerians and to resist all forms of undue pressure from politicians, who might seek to blackmail the commission to discredit valid electoral processes.

    He said the commission under Amupitan’s leadership must act in line with the established rules and regulations, as well as acceptable standard of practice, to avoid committing errors in the face of pressure from politicians.

    “All eyes are on the new INEC boss, and I want to advise him to stay focused and resist all forms of pressure that can undermine the integrity of the commission. Amupitan must ignore all forms of negative criticism and ensure he abides by the laid-down rules and regulations for the conduct of free and fair elections.

    “Those who lost elections will continue to undermine the efforts of the commission towards conducting credible elections for their own personal gain, but the INEC boss must fear no one. He must apply the rules without favour,” he added.

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    Oyintiloye hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Amupitan for the job, saying his choice could not have been a mistake.

    The APC chieftain said Amupitan’s appointment by the President showed he was a man of integrity and honour with capacity to sanitise the electoral processes.

    He, however, noted that the November 8 Anambra governorship election and the 2026 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun state would be a litmus test for Amupitan.

    Congratulating him on his appointment, Oyintiloye said all eyes were on the new INEC boss to protect the integrity of the commission.

  • Rep to distribute 3,000 street lights to constituents

    Rep to distribute 3,000 street lights to constituents

    The member representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, is set to install about 3,000 solar- powered street lights across the constituency.

    The installation is part of efforts to light up the constituency with a view to eliminating dark spots that can provide safe haven for criminals.

    In a statement in Abuja, Adelegbe said: “In my commitment to the delivery of dividends of democracy to my people in Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, I am embarking on the installation of 3,000 solar-powered street lights as part of efforts towards good representation to the people, in line with our electoral promises.

    “We have gone past the stage of the provision of street lights in some major streets to the stage of personalising services, so as to ensure we reach out to churches, mosques, security offices, homes of notable community and political leaders, including heads of non-indigenes and traditional leaders.”

    The statement said 110 individuals would benefit from the street light distribution in Owo, while 104 people would also benefit in Ose Local Government.

    READ ALSO: Why I initially regretted relocating to America – Teju Babyface

    In addition, 19 traditional rulers, 13 security posts, 30 camps, Anglican Church, as well as heads of Hausa, Igbo, Ibarra, Ebira and Idoma communities and churches and mosques in about nine communities will also benefit from the exercise in Owo.

    In Ose Local Government, 25 camps, 24 churches, six security posts, the palace of eight traditional rulers and 12 communities will also benefit from the light.

  • Awujale: ‘Only Abidagba ‘Okunrin’ of Fusengbuwa House are qualified’

    Awujale: ‘Only Abidagba ‘Okunrin’ of Fusengbuwa House are qualified’

    An octogenarian and matriarch of Ijebu royal lineage, Princess Sidikat Onasanya (nee Adebisi), has said the next Awujale of Ijebuland should emerge from either Olufadi or Tunwase royal families of Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

    Mrs. Onasanya, the eldest child of the late Prince Fasasi Adeyemi, popularly known as Obanlefa within the Ijebu-Ode royal circle, made this known in a statement issued at the weekend.

    She based her position on what she described as historical, oral and gazetted facts that outlined the royal succession procedure within Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Ijebu-Ode.

    Princess Onasanya said: “Ijebu-Ode royal gazette is clear. If no princes worthy of the Awujale stool are ready and available from Abidagba Okunrin lineage of the Olufadi or Tunwase families, then princes from Abidagba Obinrin lineage may be considered, followed by those from the Abidoye lineage.”

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    She noted that Fusengbuwa Ruling House comprised eight family units; with Olufadi and Tunwase representing the two male Abidagba Okunrin lineages, and Shenowo, Okunyandewo, Adebiyi and Adeberu representing the four Abidagba Obinrin lineages.

    She added that two lineages born before her great-great-great-grandfather, Fusengbuwa, ascended the Awujale stool, Oshinuga and Adekenu; representing the two Abidoye lineages.

    Recounting the genealogy, Princess Onasanya said Fusengbuwa had eight wives and eight children (Idi-Igi Mejo). Two were born before he ascended the throne, Osinuga and Adekenu; while six were born after he became Awujale in 1790.

    She said: “The first male child born on the throne was Olufadekemi, known as Olufadi, followed by Ali Adesimbo, later known as Tunwase. These are the first legitimate royal sons of Fusengbuwa,” she narrated.

    She noted that her late father, Prince Adeyemi aka Obanlefa served as Olori Ebi of Fusengbuwa Ruling House for 25 years (1988–2013).

    She said during his tenure, he worked with the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, before his passing at the age of 96.

  • ‘Grassroots women key to $1tr economy’

    ‘Grassroots women key to $1tr economy’

    Managing Director of Asha Microfinance Bank, Funmilola Oladoyinbo, has urged Federal Government to prioritise economic inclusion of grassroots women as a strategy to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

    She spoke at her first anniversary in office as first female managing director, in Lagos.

    Oladoyinbo stressed women-led MSMEs drive inclusive and sustainable growth, adding no serious economic target can be achieved without them.

    She said if government is serious about the $1 trillion economy target, then MSMEs, particularly women-led firms, must get be given attention.

    “At Asha, we have seen first-hand how empowering grassroots women through financial literacy and access to credit transforms families, builds communities, and strengthens the economy,” she said.

    She said the bank has continued to focus on financial inclusion and grassroots empowerment, with branches strategically in underserved areas where access to formal banking remains limited.

    “We operate in remote locations where there are no banks, providing essential financial services to women who are often excluded from the formal financial system. Many of our clients started with small loans of ₦20,000 and have grown into thriving business owners now managing facilities of up to ₦1 million,” she said.

    Read Also: Northern Nigeria: Untameable and prospect of Nigeria achieving trillion dollar economy

    On leveraging technology to deepen financial inclusion, Oladoyinbo said Asha Microfinance Bank is committed to deploying digital tools to reach more women at the grassroots in the coming years.

    Speaking on women in leadership, she charged women to pursue knowledge, competence and excellence as they position themselves for opportunities in both corporate and entrepreneurial spaces.

    “We must equip ourselves with the right qualifications and competence. Promoting women in leadership should not be at the expense of excellence. Women must prepare themselves to lead, and to lead well,” she said.

    She further reaffirmed Asha Microfinance Bank’s commitment to expanding its footprint, deepening financial inclusion, and supporting women across Nigeria to achieve financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.

  • ‘Firm excites consumers with offering relaunch’

    ‘Firm excites consumers with offering relaunch’

    Guinness Nigeria has unveiled a variant of Guinness Smooth at Wattbridge Hotel in Uyo. Consumers, entertainers, and top personalities, including Guinness World record holder, George Essien (Mighty George), were present.

    Guests enjoyed the music, entertainment, and ice-cold Guinness Smooth, described as a refreshing and easy-drinking stout with a distinctive fruity and butterscotch flavour.

    Attendees lauded the variant, noting that its smooth and mild profile make it appealing to younger consumers. Odinakachi Njoku, Brand manager, noted that Guinness Smooth represents innovation and heritage. “Guinness has a long presence in Nigeria and Africa. The relaunch is part of the innovation to expand the Guinness family. Choosing Uyo, with its rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and youth population, is our way of celebrating the people and strengthening relationship with them,” he said.

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    Njoku stressed Guinness Nigeria’s commitment to responsible drinking and its support for local economies by working with vendors, event organisers, and entertainers. Carl Mbagwu, head of Division in East, noted Guinness Smooth’s unique qualities. “Guinness Smooth stands out for its smoothness, rich taste, and easy-drinking nature compared to the classic Guinness Stout. Uyo is a key market for growth and engagement, and this launch demonstrates our commitment to connecting with consumers at cultural and community levels,” Mbagwu said.

    The launch of Guinness Smooth in Uyo builds on the product’s growing success across Nigeria, while also reinforcing Guinness’ legacy as a brand that celebrates togetherness, enjoyment, and culture.

  • Varsity inducts 20 doctors

    Varsity inducts 20 doctors

    Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has inducted 20 doctors from Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ijanikin, Lagos, into the medical profession. The oath was administered by Prof. Fatima Kyari, the registrar.

    Vice Chancellor, Prof Gbolahan Awosanya, said: ‘’This is the first set of doctors produced by the school.

    “Today, we celebrate realisation of a vision and fulfilment of a dream, to train competent, ethical and compassionate medical professionals.

    “To our pioneer medical graduates, I say congratulations. You have worked hard and persevered, and today, your dedication has paid off.

    ‘’As you take the Hippocratic Oath, remember that medicine is a sacred calling. One that demands knowledge, empathy and integrity.

    Read Also: MDCN inducts 136 doctors, dentists from UI

    “Uphold values you learnt here and continue to make the institution proud,” he said.

    Awosanya advised the inductees to take contribute to Nigeria’s health care system.

    Prof John Obafunwa, a medical expert, pathologist, lawyer and former VC of Lagos State University, Ojo, urged the inductees to remain focused.

    He enjoined them to shun strike and be dedicated to the profession.

    Obafunwa appealed to the doctors to always provide alternative if going on strike, noting that the patients might be their blood.

    The founder and proprietor of the university, Chief Hammed Ibrahim, urged rich Nigerians to emulate him by establishing a medical university.

    Dr Adejumoke Adenuga, the best inducted doctor, said she was happy to be honoured with the best inducted doctor.

  • Centre to upskill entrepreneurs through confab, trade expo

    Centre to upskill entrepreneurs through confab, trade expo

    Masterpiece Resource Development Centre (MRDC), research and product development platform, is to empower entrepreneurs through its 10th R.I.S.E. conference and trade expo next month in Lagos.

    Speaking at a news conference in Lagos, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Modupe Oyekunle, said the conference: “R.I.S.E. – Reinvent, Innovate, Strategise, Expand,” will focus on how to empower entrepreneurs with potential and help them to become more successful by giving them knowledge and skills to be effective.

    She said MRDC was set up for discovery, development and deployment of youth and women entrepreneurs.

    “MRDC is a world-class entrepreneurial coaching nonprofit organisation committed to discovering, developing, and deploying entrepreneurs.

    “We build capacity, mentor, create platforms for networking, and foster a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs support one another.

    “We realised we need those  who could not only train but also guide others based on real-world experience.

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    “Through training, mentorship, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, MRDC nurtures sustainable businesses that make lasting impact locally and globally,” she said.

    She said MRDC identifies need to build a strong internal faculty of trainers to deliver impactful mentorship grounded in real-world experience.

    The initiative, she noted, culminated in MRDC’s adoption of ILO’s globally recognised Train-the-Trainer certification, which has elevated quality of business support it offered.

    MRDC Chair, Abiola Popoola, said the centre is empower ing entrepreneurs to be more effective in their bid to accelerate national development.

    He added that the essence is to empower entrepreneurs with much potential and help them be more successful by giving them knowledge and skills to be effective.

    His words: “Part  of the thing that MRDC is set to do is to encourage and empower entrepreneurs through three Ds. That is to discover their talents, develop their talents and and to deploy their talent.

    “In order words ,we want them to optimize their talent and focus on what they have passion for.

    “Entrepreneurs, by their nature, are full of energy and ideas and they want to keep the road running, but how they go depends on how much effort they have given to the journey,” he said.

  • Rotary gives rain coats, booths to health board

    Rotary gives rain coats, booths to health board

    Rotary District 9112 has donated 100 rain coats and 200 boots to Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board to strengthen the global “End Polio Now” campaign and protect health workers.

    The event took place at the Office of the Permanent Secretary in Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board (LSPHCB), Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

    In a statement, Rotary International District 9112 Public Image Committee member, Victor Ojelabi, said the gesture was aimed at supporting vaccination teams working in difficult terrains in the state.

    Past District Governor, Yomi Adewunmi, who represented Chairman of Nigeria National Polio Plus Committee, Past District Governor  Joshua Hassan, emphasised the group’s determination to curtail spread of polio virus in Lagos.

    Adewunmi said: “We are honoured to make this donation worth about N1.6 million.

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    “We are grateful to Lagos State for its consistent support in ensuring success of polio eradication efforts.”

    District 9112 Governor Lanre Adedoyin, reaffirmed Rotary’s dedication to eradicating polio in Nigeria and globally.

    “Our commitment to ending polio is absolute.

    “We will continue working with Lagos State and our partners until polio is wiped off the earth. Today’s donation strengthens our shared vision of a polio-free nation and a polio-free world,” he added.

    Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, lauded Rotary’s continued collaboration with the state.

    “This aligns with what we are doing to eradicate polio.

    “Rotary has always stood out in the fight against this disease, and these items will assist our teams in the wet season when movement is more challenging.”