The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • YYC commends Ooni, Ogunsua for peaceful coexistence between Ife, Modakeke

    YYC commends Ooni, Ogunsua for peaceful coexistence between Ife, Modakeke

    The Yoruba Youth Council has commended the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ooni, and the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Kariola, for ending the decades-long conflict between Ife and Modakeke.

    The national president of YYC, Aare Ayodele Gbologe, announced this in a communique issued at the end of the association’s stakeholders meeting held on Monday at Okitipupa, Ondo State.

    Gbologe, while reiterating the association’s commitment to promoting Yoruba unity, culture, and peace, urged Yoruba villages and towns in dispute over land, politics, or royal stool, to emulate selfless leaders like Oba Ogunwusi and Oba Kariola.

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    The YYC president stated that anyone who builth the youth, builds the nation, praying for the spirit of their ancestors to continue to guide all the leaders in Yoruba land.

    “Our communique will not be complete without acknowledging some Yorubas who have demonstrated the highest level of Omoluabi in their respective political portfolios,” he said.

    In light of this, he appreciated Mrs Kemi Nana Nandap, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Dr Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, Dr Mathew Olumide Adepoju, and others, who he said have made Yoruba land proud.

    “Our future starts from now, and we are conscious of our roles in the task of nation-building,” he concluded.

  • Ondo officially transfers UNIMED Teaching Hospital Akure complex to FG

    Ondo officially transfers UNIMED Teaching Hospital Akure complex to FG

    The Ondo State government has formally transferred the Akure Teaching Hospital complex of the state-owned University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) to the Federal Government.

    The facility, now renamed the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH), will serve as a medical education, training, and research centre for students of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), while also providing specialized healthcare services to the public.

    The ceded hospital is one of three teaching hospital complexes previously under UNIMED, leaving the university with two — located at the Medical Village, Laje Road, and Hospital Road in Ondo City.

    Speaking during the official handover and unveiling ceremony in Akure, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, said the move was a strategic decision to deepen medical education and research in Nigeria.

    “The decision to hand over this hospital is rooted in a clear and strategic vision to elevate the standard of healthcare for every citizen of Ondo State and the country as a whole,” Aiyedatiwa said.

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    “By handing over this asset to the Federal Government, we are unlocking access to superior funding, advanced equipment, specialized personnel, and inclusion in national and international research networks.

    “It ensures a future where our citizens will have access to an expanded array of specialist services and improved research opportunities.”

    The governor lauded President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing the health and well-being of Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring staff of a smooth transition under the new federal management.

    “As I sign this instrument of transfer today, I see not just a transfer of an asset, but the gifting of a greater future to the Sunshine State,” he added.

    “This institution will become a globally recognised centre of medical excellence, saving countless lives and defining a new era of healthcare in Nigeria.”

    In his remarks, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the new federal teaching hospital would transform the health landscape of Ondo State and the nation in terms of training, research, and service delivery.

    “It is with deep humility that I come here, with the delegated authority of President Bola Tinubu, to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) transferring the UNIMED Teaching Hospital to become the new Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital,” Pate said.

    “I want to thank the governor and his team for their remarkable collaboration and facilitation that made today possible.”

    The minister also acknowledged the support of notable figures in the state, including elder statesman Pa Reuben Fasoranti and the Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo.

    In his goodwill message, Oba Aladetoyinbo expressed appreciation to the President and the Governor for the seamless transition and pledged the support of the host community for the success of the new teaching hospital.

    The highlight of the event was the signing of the MoU and unveiling of the complex, marking the official take-off of FUTA Teaching Hospital.

  • Lagos begins compensation for Oworonshoki demolition

    Lagos begins compensation for Oworonshoki demolition

    The Lagos State Government has commenced the payment of compensation to affected residents of Oworonshoki in Kosofe Local Government Area, whose houses were demolished in the ongoing urban renewal and regeneration programme in the area.

    The exercise, which began on Thursday was described as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to humane and inclusive urban development. 

    A total of 79 beneficiaries were verified for compensation, to be paid in two batches with the first group receiving their cheques on Thursday, while the second batch were attended to on Friday at the same venue.

    Speaking during the ceremony at the palace of the traditional ruler of Oworonshoki, the General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Olajide Animashaun, said the payment followed a series of verification, engagement, and enumeration exercises carried out in collaboration with community stakeholders.

    Animashaun said the regeneration initiative became necessary due to the proliferation of illegal and dilapidated structures within Oworonshoki, many of which were built on drainage channels and waterways, posing serious environmental and safety risks.

     “Oworonshoki is one of the communities earmarked under the state’s comprehensive urban renewal and regeneration plan. Many of the affected structures were unsafe for habitation and constituted environmental hazards. However, in line with the inclusive governance policy of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, the state made a commitment to compensate verified affected residents  and today, that promise is being fulfilled,” Animashaun said.

    He commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Lagosians, noting that the compensation reflected the government’s sincerity and accountability in implementing its urban renewal policies.

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    Animashaun also commended the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, for their dedication and tireless efforts toward the realization of the initiative.

    The event was attended by representatives of the Oworonshoki traditional council, Community Development Associations (CDAs), Community Development Council (CDC) members, civil society organizations, security agencies, and the media.

    The Lagos State Government had, in recent months, cleared several illegal and substandard structures across Oworonshoki as part of efforts to reclaim right-of-way for drainage systems, improve environmental conditions, and enhance public safety.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ajimoh Oyenuga, said: “The government gave us this money as compensation for the houses demolished on Precious Street, Oworonshoki. We are grateful because it shows that the government cares about our wellbeing.”

    Another beneficiary, Mrs. Olaide Fatima, added: “My house was close to the water, and it wasn’t safe. The government promised to compensate us, and today they have done it. I really appreciate this gesture  promise made, promise kept.”

  • Sultan seeks protection of women’s rights

    Sultan seeks protection of women’s rights

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to remain resolute in protecting the rights of women and the girl-child.

    Abubakar made the call yesterday during a high-level town hall meeting on promoting peace and security through women’s inclusion and access to justice, in Sokoto.

    The meeting, organised by Global Rights in collaboration with UK International Development and The Kukah Centre, served as a platform for inclusive dialogue on the interlinking issues of peace, justice, and women’s participation in conflict response and recovery.

    Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar, emphasised that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has become a growing phenomenon that requires an all-inclusive approach, describing it as a grave offense against humanity.

    “We must stand for women. They are our mothers, wives, and daughters. Violating their rights is a violation of humanity, and protecting them is non-negotiable.

    ” It is evidently clear that ending GBV in Sokoto and Nigeria is possible, and the path is clear for all of us.

    “Moreover, women are peacebuilders and community-oriented; they remain the foundation of our brighter future,” he said.

    Abubakar commended the state government for its sustained efforts in including more women in decision-making processes, noting that such initiatives have continued to yield positive results.

    He also appreciated Global Rights and its partners for organising the meeting and urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to strengthen the initiative’s success.

    In her remarks, Mrs Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights, expressed concern that the North-West region continues to face persistent security challenges.

    “In the face of insecurity and violence, women continue to demonstrate resilience, sustaining families and building communities.

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    “Their experiences and leadership are of immense value, yet they continue to suffer various forms of violence.

    ” Women’s participation in peace and security processes, as well as their access to justice, remain very limited,” she said.

    Baiyewu stressed the need to change societal perceptions about women, urging communities to recognise women as agents of peace, security, and justice.

    She called on the participants to use the dialogue as a platform to promote inclusion, equity, and justice for sustainable peace in the North-West and across Nigeria.

    Also speaking, Mr Cliff Gai, Senior Programme Manager, UK Integrated Security Fund (UK ISF), described the meeting as a strong demonstration of commitment to promoting access to justice in Sokoto and across the country.

    “This gathering is not just a meeting but a strong commitment to promoting community participation in ensuring justice and addressing all forms of violence in our society,” he said.

  • Take ownership of infrastructure in your communities, Oyebanji urges residents

    Take ownership of infrastructure in your communities, Oyebanji urges residents

    • Governor opens two township roads in Ado-Ekiti

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has called on residents to take ownership of road infrastructure within their communities, noting that protecting and maintaining the roads are key to ensuring their longevity.

    He spoke yesterday in Ado-Ekiti while inaugurating the newly completed Bovas-Spotless Road and Palace-Okeage-Idolofin Road, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.

    Governor Oyebanji, represented by his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, said his administration remained committed to delivering infrastructure across the state to improve living standard of the people.

    He said the sustainability of the projects depended on the collective responsibility of the citizens.

    The governor urged the people not to engage in acts capable of damaging the roads such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the drainage, unauthorised excavation along road shoulders, among others.

    He said: “Let me urge all road users and residents to maintain and work together to preserve this road. It is an investment in our collective future and we all have a role to play in maintaining it.’’

    Affirming that his administration placed high premium on good road network, Governor Oyebanji said roads were not just pathway for vehicles, but were also lifeline that connected communities, promoted trade, improved security and contributed to the overall quality of the people.

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    He added that the Palace-Oke-Age-Idolofin and Bovas-Spotless township roads would ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time and open new vista of economic opportunities for the residents and business in the area.

    “Let me assure you again that we will not rest on our oars in bringing the dividends of democracy to all the citizens of Ekiti State. I also seek your cooperation, bearing it in mind that the development of our state is our collective responsibility,” the governor said.

    Works Commissioner Mr Sola Adebayo said the project represented a milestone in the government’s efforts to enhance the accessibility and aesthetics of Ekiti State, adding that the event stood as another testament to the commitment of Governor Oyebanji to the progress and infrastructural transformation of the state capital.

    He said the road projects embarked on by the administration were in deplorable state for years before the government embarked on their rehabilitation or reconstruction.

    He added that the kind of road network Governor Oyebanji envisaged for the state capital was one capable of easing traffic flow, enhancing accessibility and improving the general quality of life for residents and communities.

    Expressing appreciation to Governor Oyebanji on his giant strides in repositioning road infrastructure in the state, the commissioner said the completion of the roads underscored his dedication to improving road connectivity and promoting economic activities within the communities.

    He urged the residents to take ownership of the road as well as ensure its proper maintenance by desisting from acts that would shorten its lifespan, such as dumping refuse in the drainage or constructing unauthorised speed bumps, as the sustainability and durability of the roads remained the collective responsibility of all and sundry.

    Also at the event were Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Habitat Adubiaro, Head of Service Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff Niyi Adebayo, members of the House of Assembly, members of the state executive council, among others.

  • Key figures in PDP, SDP, AA defect to Ondo APC

    Key figures in PDP, SDP, AA defect to Ondo APC

    The opposition camp in Ondo State became weakened yesterday, following the defection of prominent figures from the parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Notable leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Action Alliance (AA), under the umbrella of Nigeria Workstation, have formally joined the APC.

    Among the defectors are the former publicity secretary of PDP, Kennedy Peretei; ex-chairman of Akoko North-West Local Government and SDP chieftain, Olutope Adebambo; and Mrs Rachael Ajayi, the 2020 deputy governorship candidate of SDP.

    Others include Blessing Ologun, ex-assistant state treasurer of the PDP, and Omotayo Obolo, popularly called Mitchel, a former special assistant to ex-governor Olusegun Mimiko.

    In a statement issued in Akure yesterday, Mr Adebambo, who serves as the director of Mobilisation of Nigeria Workstation, confirmed the final arrangements for the defection.

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    He said APC state Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, along with members of the state Executive Committee, would formally receive the defectors into the ruling party.

    He added that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would receive the “instrument of surrender’’ from the grassroots politicians, many of whom had posed a formidable challenge to his administration and APC in past elections.

    The development is viewed as a significant political realignment expected to further strengthen APC’s dominance ahead of future elections in the state.

  • Lagos APC: ADC’s threat alarm unfounded

    Lagos APC: ADC’s threat alarm unfounded

    Lagos State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has noted, with a mix of amusement and pity, the latest attention-seeking outburst from African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing “Tinubu’s APC” of trying to silence the opposition before 2027.

    Spokesman Seye Oladejo, in a statement yesterday in Ogba, Lagos, said: ‘’Let’s set the record straight – you can’t silence what Nigerians have already tuned out. ADC’s statement is the political equivalent of a mosquito accusing a lion of roaring too loudly. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC are too busy reshaping Nigeria’s destiny to bother about political spectators, who only appear during election season to make noise and vanish after the poll.

    ‘’While APC is building stronger structures, refining strategies and consolidating internal unity for more result-oriented governance, the opposition – led by the ADC  – is preoccupied with compiling the names of members to expel from its already starving register. Its executives are now more concerned about who may ‘escape’ than who may join.

    ‘’It is laughable that a party which exists only on newspaper pages and WhatSapp groups claims to be ‘under threat.’  From whom, exactly? Nigerians have long moved on from empty political vessels. ADC’s brand of politics has no base, no followers, and no relevance – just a statement and a logo that may soon need a missing person’s announcement.

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    ‘’Worse still, it is a strange and cynical brand of politics for a party to start preparing ready-made excuses for its imminent defeat before the polls. ADC’s strategy seems to be to blame its opponents in advance, while ignoring its own tragic flaws, internal chaos and complete lack of grassroots connection. You don’t lose elections because your opponents silence you  – you lose because the people don’t believe in you.

    ‘’Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, APC is too focused on results to be distracted by professional complainers. The only thing being “silenced” in Nigeria today is failure, confusion and the politics of bitterness the opposition has perfected as an art form.

    ‘’ADC should stop hallucinating about persecution and start learning basic political arithmetic. You cannot accuse APC of silencing you when your own silence is self-inflicted and deafening – the result of irrelevance, disunity and absence of purpose.

    ‘’If ADC spends half as much time organising as it does issuing statements, perhaps Nigerians may actually remember it exists. But for now, its biggest electoral victory remains trending briefly on Twitter before vanishing into the fog of political obscurity.

    ‘’APC remains unwavering in its mission to build a nation of opportunities, unity and prosperity under President Tinubu. We will not be distracted by political comedians seeking attention through cheap drama.

    ‘’As for ADC, stop crying wolf; the nation has moved on.’’

  • Aspirant lauds conferment of Fellow on Oyetola

    Aspirant lauds conferment of Fellow on Oyetola

    An Osun East Senatorial District aspirant, Francis Olaniyi, has lauded the conferment of award of honorary Fellow of the Centre for Leadership and Management on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, by the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), in recognition of what it called his exceptional contributions to national development, public service and visionary leadership.

    The conferment took place at the university auditorium during the institution’s first Distinguished Lecture and Conferment of Award Ceremony, organised by the UNILORIN Centre for Advancement.

    Olaniyi, who was at the event to felicitate the former Osun State governor, congratulated him on the honour bestowed on him by the institution.

    Olaniyi, the Majobaote of Ipetu Ijesa, said: “The award is a well-deserved one. It’s a recognition of our leader’s selfless service to the people of Nigeria. It’s a recognition of his sterling performances in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.’’

    Olaniyi, whose political structure is popularly known as Ijoba Federal, told the audience that naming the centre after the minister was a good step in the right direction,

    “The minister is working effectively to transform the country’s blue economy into sustainable national development,” he said.

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    The ceremony featured unveiling of Adegboyega Oyetola Centre for Blue and Regenerative Economy, established by the university to promote research, innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

    The centre was named in honour of the minister for his role in advancing the nation’s blue economy agenda.

    Delivering the maiden Distinguished Lecture titled: ‘The Nexus between Blue Economy and Higher Education for Sustainable Development in Nigeria’, Oyetola described the blue economy as a transformative pathway for sustainable national growth, driven by the responsible use of ocean, sea and inland water resources..

  • Why Tinubu should be re-elected, by Oki

    Why Tinubu should be re-elected, by Oki

    A chieftain of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Fuoad Oki, has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserved a second term.

    He said the President came at a difficult time to rescue the country, adding that he was delivering on his campaign promises.

    But Oki called for what he described as holistic cleansing of the seat of power, Aso Villa Abuja, for Tinubu to succeed in his rescue operation.

    Oki, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, said records had shown that those who went into Aso Villa with clean records and laudable ideas towards improving the well-being of the people, most times, left with bad records.

    He said the President and those who wanted him to leave good legacies after exiting office should consider the advice as a matter of urgent national importance.

    The APC chieftain said the candidate on the ballot would determine the voting pattern and not the party.

    He predicted that the highest valid votes cast in Lagos during the 2027 general election would be around 3.5 million, despite that the number of registered voters in the state ‘’is now close to six million.’’

    He said Lagosians should be properly mobilised for the voter registration.

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    Oki said rigging would be difficult during the 2027 general election if the ongoing electoral amendment that made BIVAS compulsory before voting scaled through and if the elections were conducted on a day.

    He said after Tinubu’s second term, it would take the next 40 years for someone from Yoruba land to return to power as President.

    He said Nigerians should re-elect President Tinubu in 2027 because he meant well for the country. 

    Oki said the President was on a crucial, but very difficult mission to rebuild the country from years of misrule and misplaced priorities.

    He expressed worry that the last 15 years had thrown up the sentiments of ethnicity and religion that did not augur well for the country.

  • ‘Oyo people seeking APC’s return in 2027’

    ‘Oyo people seeking APC’s return in 2027’

    The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Aderemi Oseni, has said Oyo State people were yearning for a change in 2027.

    He said the change the people wanted was return of All Progressive Congress (APC) to power in the state.

    Speaking in Ibadan at the first anniversary and endorsement rally organised by Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF) progressive workers and traders group, Oseni affirmed commitment towards building a progressive state where workers, traders, youths and women could thrive with dignity and hope.

    He described the event as a movement driven by passion to rebuild and reposition Oyo State and Nigeria on the platform of Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The lawmaker noted that the party would not rest until its members’ names appeared on the ballot papers in 2027 as agents of good governance reform and transformation.

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    He said his group, ROCOF, would mobilise at least one million votes across Oyo State to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    Oseni described the President as a visionary reformer, whose Renewed Hope Agenda was laying a solid foundation for a prosperous Nigeria.

    He said ROCOF structure, built from the grassroots, had become a veritable platform to support Tinubu’s developmental agenda and advance progressive governance in Oyo State.