The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Abeokuta-Sango Ota Road ready soon, says commissioner

    Abeokuta-Sango Ota Road ready soon, says commissioner

    Ogun State Government has appealed to motorists and residents plying Abeokuta-Sango Ota to remain calm and exercise patience, as construction continues on the busy corridor.

    In a statement, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, acknowledged the temporary inconveniences being experienced by road users, noting that some sections of the road had become slippery due to ongoing earthworks and the rainy season.

    He advised motorists to drive carefully and comply with traffic directives, to prevent avoidable accidents, explaining that concrete pavement casting ongoing along parts of the Ewekoro axis had necessitated temporary closure of certain sections and introduction of traffic diversions.

    Akinsanya, an engineer, assured the public that the government was working to rehabilitate and restore the road’s full functionality.

    Admitting that persistent rainfall in recent weeks had slowed down the pace of work, he reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to completing the project within record time.

    “Key sections such as Obada Oko, Ilese Awo, Onijanganjangan and Ewekoro are receiving attention from the contractor. Efforts are being intensified to improve driving conditions and enhance accessibility across the entire stretch,” he said.

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    The commissioner said Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway was a federal road, adding that Ogun State Government, in its magnanimity and in line with its people-oriented governance philosophy, had taken over its reconstruction to ease the hardship faced by commuters.

    He said the state’s intervention aimed to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel time and prevent the loss of lives and productive hours associated with poor road conditions along the corridor.

    Expressing optimism about progress on the project, Akinsanya reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering durable, safe and quality road infrastructure across the state.

  • Oyebanji to citizens: your security my priority

    Oyebanji to citizens: your security my priority

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has assured citizens that his administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring their safety.

    He said every part of the state would be safe, adding that protection of lives and property remained his priority.

    Governor Oyebanji spoke at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti during the inauguration of the newly-built Armoury and Rapid Response Squad (RRS) buildings, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.

    Inaugurating the projects, the governor, represented by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, said they were conceived to strengthen the capacity of security agencies and further consolidate the peace and safety the state was known for.

    Noting that his government recognised the importance of security as the foundation for growth and development, Oyebanji said his administration would continue to invest in critical security infrastructure, logistics and personnel welfare, to ensure the state remained the safest in the country.

    “To the residents of Ekiti State, your security and well-being are at the centre of every decision we make.

    We remain committed to listening, learning and delivering with integrity, urgency and humility, and these projects reflect our government’s pledge to deliver tangible infrastructure that improves the safety and quality of lives of the people.”

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    Reflecting on his administration in the last three years, Governor Oyebanji said his government had pursued reforms aimed at strengthening governance, expanding opportunities and protecting the people.

    Hailing the dedication and professionalism of the security operatives to maintain law and order, the governor said his administration would continue to provide the needed support to enhance their operational capacity and improve their working conditions.

    He urged residents to remain law-abiding and support the efforts of security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities in their communities.

    He said inauguration of the projects was a demonstration of his government to maintain Ekiti as one of the safest states where citizens and investors could live and thrive without fear.

    “The inauguration of these facilities aligns with our administration’s safety and security architecture, which emphasises prevention, preparedness and protection of vulnerable communities and people. By investing in the RRS, we are investing in the ability of our security and professionalism hallmarks of a modern, responsive state.

    “The Rapid Response Squad is a critical pillar of Ekiti State security strategy, capable of rapid deployment to incident savings, enforcement of law and order, and detainment of criminal activities. The new office symbolises institutional growth, accountability and improved operational effectiveness through better work space, training facilities, communications and local support,” the governor said.

    Police Commissioner Joseph Eribo highlighted the importance of armoury as one of the most sensitive and important units in defence where weapons ranging from the hard core to light weapons, including other accessories are safely kept.

    He said the new state armoury could compete favourable with the best nationwide.

    He said the RRS was the engine room of the command, ‘’as they help us to fight hard core crime.’’

    The police commissioner thanked the governor for recognising them by upgrading their offices.

    He said the gesture would further encourage them to work harder.

    Also at the event were Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Head of Service Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff Niyi Adebayo, members of the House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, among others.

  • Lagos monarch calls for probe into demolition of shops, mosque in Costain

    Lagos monarch calls for probe into demolition of shops, mosque in Costain

    • … describes act as inhumane 

    The traditional ruler of Otumara community, Ojo-Oniyun, Apapa Road, and its environs, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye, has appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the State Commissioner of Police, and the Lagos State House of Assembly to investigate the recent demolition in the Costain area of Lagos Mainland and provide relief for affected traders.

    The appeal followed an operation on Thursday, October 23, 2025, during which shops, stalls, and a mosque were pulled down by officials of the Lagos State Task Force, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI). Eyewitnesses said the exercise, which began in the early afternoon, disrupted trading activities and displaced many business owners.

    In a petition submitted to relevant state ministries and agencies through his solicitors, Kayode Ajala & Partners, Chief Kalejaiye urged the government to look into the incident and ensure the return of goods and cash allegedly seized during the exercise within 14 days. He also stated that the affected land, measuring about 1,040 square meters, was under a temporary occupation license issued by the Federal Ministry of Power, Works, and Housing in 2015.

    Several victims recounted their experiences.

    A 79-year-old welder, Pa John Adeyi, said his tools and iron gates were taken before his shop was demolished.

    “They came without notice, teargassed everywhere, and chased everyone away. I lost all my tools and cash. Two women fainted from the teargas and were rushed to the hospital,” he said.

    Another trader, Mr. Alfred Wisdom, who produces snacks, said his shop and goods worth over ₦2 million were destroyed.

    “They said my business was illegal. I was on my way to deliver goods when the Task Force arrived. Before I got back, everything was gone,” he lamented.

    The Imam of the demolished Markaz-ul-Mahani Mosque, Ustadz Abdulsallam Olawale, also confirmed that the mosque was affected.

    “They said they were clearing buses but ended up destroying traders’ and worshippers’ properties,” he said.

    Many of the victims were reportedly among those displaced during an earlier demolition in the Otumara community six months ago.

    As of the time of this report, the Lagos State Government has yet to issue an official statement explaining the reason for the demolition or any plans for compensation.

  • Ilaje communities accuse Nigerian Navy of assault, arson, theft

    Ilaje communities accuse Nigerian Navy of assault, arson, theft

    Residents of Obe Nla, Obajedo, and Obe Adun – oil-rich communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State – have accused personnel of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) of launching violent attacks that left homes destroyed and residents brutalized.

    Obe Nla is notably the hometown of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The allegations were contained in a petition addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 17, Akure, copy obtained by the Nation on Saturday.

    The petition, written on behalf of the affected residents by Ilaje Omuro Worldwide Connect, was signed by their solicitor, Barrister Obayem Williams of J.W. Obayemi & Co.

    According to the petition, naval officers allegedly invaded the communities on Sunday, October 19, harassing residents, setting properties ablaze, and inflicting injuries on several persons.

    The residents described the attack as a “lawless and militarized operation” that mirrored a war-style assault.

    “The naval personnel stormed the affected communities in a manner reminiscent of a war operation, assaulting innocent residents, vandalizing homes, and molesting women.

    “A particularly disturbing incident reportedly occurred at Obe Adun, where naval operatives allegedly raided a local bakery, beat up workers, and carted away N14 million said to be proceeds from two weeks of bread sales,” the petition read.

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    The petition further alleged that several families have been rendered homeless due to the destruction, while others have fled for fear of further attacks after the officers allegedly threatened to return.

    Describing the actions as a “gross abuse of power” and a “flagrant violation of human rights,” the group called for urgent police intervention and a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

    “Our client calls for urgent intervention to restore peace, ensure the safety of the affected residents, and forestall further breakdown of law and order,” it added.

    Meanwhile, Ilaje Omuro Worldwide Connect has threatened to stage a peaceful protest in Igbokoda against the action of the Naval personnel.

    The demonstration, according to a letter signed by the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Babatunde Omobone, aims to condemn what it described as “incessant killings and brutality of community residents by naval personnel.”

    The group also requested police protection before, during, and after the rally.

    However, in a bid to prevent tension from escalating, the association issued a set of conditions for possible postponement of the protest.

    It urged the Ilaje Local Government Chairman to take immediate conciliatory steps, including:

    The group warned that failure to meet these demands would lead to the continuation of their planned demonstration.

  • Alleged fake admission: Student threatens Achievers varsity with N500m lawsuit

    Alleged fake admission: Student threatens Achievers varsity with N500m lawsuit

    • Pro Chancellor aware, talking with the family to resolve it—Management

    A 200-LEVEL Law student of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Akinlolu Richard Omisade, has threatened a N500 million lawsuit against his institution for allegedly offering him admission not presented to the Joint Admission Matriculation Board(JAMB).

    Omisade in a letter of protest through his lawyer, Barrister Abdulfatai Abdulsalam, submitted and received at the office of the Vice-Chancellor, a copy made available to newsmen in Osogbo capital of Osun State, described the admission offered to him by the school as ‘fake’.

    The letter stated that Omisade’s admission process was discovered to have been poorly and negligently handled by the institution with his name not sent to the JAMB for proper consideration.

    According to the petition, “Our client was offered admission to study Law in your institution by virtue of an admission letter dated 16th August, 2024.

    “Upon investigation through the JAMB portal, it was discovered that our client was not genuinely admitted by your school. His name was not found on the JAMB portal for law admission in your school. This implies that his details were not forwarded to JAMB by your institution for the purpose of admission into the Law programme.”

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    Omisade through his lawyer warned that “Failure to comply will compel us to notify the National Universities Commission (NUC), JAMB and CLE of your institution’s improper mode of admitting students through unverifiable means.”

    When The Nation contacted the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr Olaniyi Adekanye, he said “We are talking with the family to resolve the situation. The Pro Chancellor of the institution is aware of the matter and we are currently holding a meeting about it.”

  • LASTMA rescues injured victim as truck plunges off Oshodi bridge

    LASTMA rescues injured victim as truck plunges off Oshodi bridge

    The officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Saturday rescued a severely injured man after a fully loaded six-tyre truck plunged off the Oshodi Bridge, Lagos, into the terminal ditch.

    The accident, which occurred along the Oshodi-Oke inward Mile 2 axis, involved a truck with registration number AKD 135 YK, reportedly laden with tonner printing materials.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle suffered a brake failure while descending the bridge, causing it to lose control and tumble off the carriageway.

    Eyewitnesses said the crash could have resulted in multiple casualties but for the prompt intervention of LASTMA operatives who arrived at the scene within minutes. The officers immediately launched rescue operations, successfully extricating a male victim trapped in the wreckage.

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    The injured man was quickly rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, while the truck driver was arrested and handed over to officers from the Makinde Police Station, Oshodi, for further investigation into the cause of the brake failure and other contributing factors.

    To prevent secondary accidents, LASTMA officials swiftly cordoned off the area, diverted traffic, and supervised the removal of the wrecked vehicle, restoring normal traffic flow in record time.

    Commending the operatives for their professionalism, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bakare Oki, praised their courage and adherence to safety protocols during the operation.

    He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining traffic order and public safety, especially during the ember months, when vehicular movement and accident risks tend to increase.

    Oki disclosed that heavy-duty recovery vehicles and mini trucks had been strategically deployed across Lagos’ five administrative divisions, supported by over 2,700 personnel stationed at critical traffic points to ensure round-the-clock emergency response.

    He urged motorists to prioritize vehicle maintenance and obey traffic laws, stressing that LASTMA remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard lives and property on Lagos roads.

  • Diasporans, tourists, others to grace Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival

    Diasporans, tourists, others to grace Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival

    THe 2025 edition of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival, the flagship initiative of the traditional ruler of Ogbomoso, Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, is scheduled to take place from December 18 to 22.

     The carnival is under the monarch’s 25-year development agenda for Ogbomosoland,  the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Hon. Segun Dokun Odebunmi, said at a press conference held at the palace of the Soun.

     According to Odebunmi, the carnival was created to promote Ogbomoso’s rich cultural heritage, foster unity among its people, and showcase the city’s uniqueness to the world.

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     He stated, “The Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival is more than a cultural display; it is a vision—a platform to showcase our heritage, promote our identity, and restore the dignity of Ogbomosoland.”

     He recalled that the inaugural edition in 2024 attracted over 10,000 visitors, including indigenes from the diaspora, corporate sponsors, and tourists, noting that the event has become a model for cultural celebrations in Oyo State. “Last year’s success inspired several communities across Oyo State. It also led to the establishment of a campus of the Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies (NACUS) and its inclusion in both the state and federal cultural calendars,” Odebunmi added.

  • 2026: Ex-Ekiti PDP assembly candidate, others join APC

    2026: Ex-Ekiti PDP assembly candidate, others join APC

    The political base of the opposition People’s Democratic Party on Thursday further depleted, as its former House of Assembly candidate, Hon Niyi Adeogun and other topnotches dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress.

    The defectors said they took the action because they were fascinated by the economic reforms being undertaken by President Bola Tinubu and the superlative achievements of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, at both the central and Ekiti State, respectively.

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    Adeogun, who spoke while being received by APC bigwigs at his Erinmope/Aaye Oja/Irare Ward, in Moba Local Government, on Monday, commended the populist and welfarist programmes being prosecuted by the Oyebanji-led government.

    The former PDP chieftain hinged his defection on the way Oyebanji has superintended over Ekiti and pursuing inclusive governance that accommodates politicians across party lines, students, women, artisans, civil servants and people at all strata of the society.

    Adeogun saluted the governor for spearheading an aggressive rural development strategy across the state, especially the opening up of rural areas in Moba Council by reconstructing  Erinmope-Irare road and others to widen the scope of food production to catapult Ekiti to a food security status.

  • Ododo lauds Tinubu over appointment of Chief of Army Staff

    Ododo lauds Tinubu over appointment of Chief of Army Staff

    Governor  Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has  appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the appointment of Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff.

    The Kogi government, in a statement, expressed  gratitude to  President  Tinubu on the appointment.

    In a statement issued in Lokoja by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the State Governor,  Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, described the appointment as a clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to fairness, equity, and recognition of merit in national service.

    Ododo noted that the elevation of Major General Shaibu is a source of pride and inspiration to the people of Kogi State, stressing that the appointee’s record of professionalism, discipline, and dedication to duty stands him out as a fine officer and true patriot.

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     The governor expressed confidence in the ability of the new Chief of Army Staff to deliver on the mandate of strengthening the Nigerian Army to defend the nation and sustain ongoing efforts to improve security across the country.

    While congratulating Major General Shaibu on his appointment, Ododo assured Tinubu  of the unflinching support and loyalty of the government and people of Kogi State to his administration.

    He also prayed for divine wisdom and protection for the new Army Chief as he discharged his duties in the service of the nation.

  • Bad oral hygiene can lead to hypertension – Expert

    Bad oral hygiene can lead to hypertension – Expert

    A consultant Family Dentist, Ifako Ijaiye General Hospital, Lagos,  Dr. Babalola Castano, has warned that bad oral hygiene can lead to hypertension from bacteria impacting the bloodstream of the patient.

    Castano stated this in Lagos, yesterday, during an oral hygiene sensitization for schoolchildren in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government area organized by a group of professional friends under the aegis of Oshodi Parapo Foundation.

    Highlighting the importance of oral hygiene, Castano said the bacteria that appear in the blood near the gums of an unhygienic mouth could move to the rest of the body in a few seconds of entry if not quickly checked.

    He tasked the schoolchildren to inculcate the habit of taking the hygiene of their mouth with seriousness, adding that an unhygienic mouth can lead to so many other life-threatening diseases in the body.

    Speaking on why the Foundation adopted Oral Health Care as their 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project, President of the Foundation, Solomon Edukugho noted that many people are going through silent pains because of dental related issues.

    He explained that there are many silent issues that affect the overall health and life of people and if those issues are not pointed out people would be walking in ignorance.

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    The OPF president recalled how people impressed on his foundation to choose optometry as the 2025 project, but they adopted oral health after he presented his findings from research he did after the death of a closed person because of a dental related issue.

    “We considered so many reasons before we adopted Health Talk as our CSR this year. People die because of diseases from the mouth entering the bloodstream directly and when that happens, nobody will adduce it to oral health carelessness.

    “We gathered 120 students in all schools in Oshodi, 60 from primary schools and 60 from secondary schools to represent their schools. And it won’t stop there, we are going to commence intervention for those that need dental related issues in Oshodi because that is where we grew up,” Edukugho said.