The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Oyo 2027: Adewale Kareem commends Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

    Oyo 2027: Adewale Kareem commends Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

    DR. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK), the 2027 Oyo State APC gubernatorial aspirant, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a transformative national vision that is restoring confidence, fostering innovation, and empowering Nigerian youths at home and abroad.

    Speaking in London after attending the grand finale of the NextGen Innovation Challenge, Dr. Kareem praised the administration’s commitment to youth development and technological advancement, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda “is rekindling the Nigerian spirit of creativity, enterprise, and excellence.”

    He emphasized that the success of Al’amin Muhammed Idris, the Kaduna-born CEO of Interface Africa who emerged overall winner of the £1.5 million challenge, reflects the positive impact of policies that prioritize innovation and entrepreneurship. Idris’ firm, Interface Africa, was celebrated for pioneering affordable solar financing solutions for small businesses across Africa, improving energy access and driving economic inclusion.

    Kareem lauded the President for backing initiatives that open doors for young innovators to compete globally, noting that programs such as the NextGen Innovation Challenge, organized by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) under the leadership of Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, have created opportunities for over a hundred projects across HealthTech, AgriTech, FinTech, Clean Energy, and Artificial Intelligence.

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     “President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan; it is a strategic framework that is igniting the creative power of Nigerian youths,” Dr. Kareem stated. “The government’s support for innovation is producing tangible results, from new businesses to clean energy access, and positioning Nigeria as a hub for digital transformation in Africa.”

    During the event, Kareem also met with the APC UK Chairman, Barrister Fayemi, and other stakeholders, including the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, where he discussed strategies for innovation-driven governance and diaspora engagement in national development.

    The Oyo APC hopeful reiterated his belief that technology and innovation will be central to his vision for Oyo State, promising to align his development agenda with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope philosophy by investing in education, digital skills, and clean energy.

    “Oyo’s future will be built on innovation, not imitation,” Kareem affirmed.

    “We must translate the Renewed Hope Agenda into local action that empowers our youths, strengthens our economy, and delivers inclusive growth.”

    The event concluded with renewed calls for collaboration among government institutions, private sector leaders, and diaspora professionals to accelerate Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and sustain the momentum of the Renewed Hope vision.

  • Projects: Community accuses lawmaker of bias

    Projects: Community accuses lawmaker of bias

    A sociocultural  organization, Orisun Igbomina has accused Deputy Senate Leader, Oyelola Ashiru of sectional representation.

    Ashiru, an architect, is representing Kwara South Senatorial District in the upper legislative chamber.

    The group is angry with the Senator for allegedly facilitating projects worth N6 billion in his country home of Offa, Offa Local Government Area, while neglecting other parts of the senatorial district.

    In a statement, National President, Orisun Igbomina, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, recently at a meeting in Offa said, “Senator Ashiru’s focus seemed solely on Offa, his hometown, where he boastfully claimed to have facilitated over N6 billion worth of projects in 2025 alone to the town.

     “We received the comments by Senator Ashiru with great disappointment. Nevertheless, we find it profoundly insensitive that such open admission to ethnic bigotry and sectional bias comes from the very Senator representing Kwara South — a district whose majority are Igbomina people — especially at a time when our land faces existential threats of insecurity.

     “It is troubling to realize that a senator we elected appears indifferent to our lives and safety.

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    “Meanwhile, the existence of the six other local governments he represents is under threat.

    “It is utterly ridiculous that a politician of Ashiru’s stature is blinded not only by his egocentric ambition but now suffers from ‘ambition-craze.’ Every of his statements seems to be a desperate attempt to manipulate ethnic sentiments—trying to sway the people of Offa to support his gubernatorial ambition, while also cajoling them with the possibility of retaining Senate and House of Representatives seats in the same Offa, regardless of the broader interests of the district and plurality of Kwara state at large.

    “The Kwara South traditional rulers and stakeholders cannot be more right to have recently  awarded Senator Ashiru a badge of poor performance for the lack or near absence of developmental impacts since assumption of office.

    “It is crucial for political leaders to understand that the Igbomina people will never support divisive sectional politicians like Ashiru—no matter their promises or posturing.

    “His recent actions reveal that he lacks the capacity to lead a secular, multiethnic society like Kwara South, let alone Kwara state or Nigeria.

    “It is both distasteful and alarming that, at a time when Igbomina land is embroiled in insecurity and our communities are crying out for security and peace, Senator Ashiru has preoccupied himself with organizing and promoting sectional political agenda. Instead of prioritizing the protection of our lives and properties, he has chosen to focus solely on divisive politics.”

    However, the Senator, of recent, has been at the forefront for the deployment of troops to troubled areas in the state.

    Early last month he met with stakeholders from Kwara South where he promised to raise the matter at Senate plenary.

    Then, he advocated the establishment and deployment of more robust forward operating bases (FoBs) in Kwara South to stem the tide of rising banditry and kidnappings in the district.

    Said the Senator: “In seeking lasting peace, we must be deliberate in strengthening both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. In addition, the government must enhance kinetic operations in the affected areas by improving equipment, mobility, and manpower for our security agencies.

    “We must also explore community-driven solutions. The revival and proper training of Forest Guards will provide the much-needed surveillance of our bushes and farmlands, which have become hideouts for criminal elements.

    “Equally, we must strengthen communal engagement, ensuring that traditional rulers, youth groups, and local vigilantes work hand in hand with security operatives to provide intelligence and maintain vigilance.”

  • SystemSpecs mourns Kolade

    SystemSpecs mourns Kolade

    The Board, Management, and Staff of SystemSpecs Holdings Limited mourn the passing of Dr. Christopher Kolade, veteran broadcaster, respected diplomat, business icon, and one of Nigeria’s most distinguished statesmen.

    The late Dr. Kolade served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of SystemSpecs for many years, during which he provided visionary leadership, moral guidance, and unwavering commitment to the company’s growth and corporate ethos.

     Under his chairmanship, SystemSpecs evolved from a pioneering Nigerian software firm into one of Africa’s most respected technology powerhouses, powering transformative financial and human capital management solutions across the public and private sectors.

    Commiserating with the family and the entire nation, Dr. John Obaro, Founder and Group Managing Director of SystemSpecs Holdings, expressed that “Dr. Kolade embodied everything noble about leadership.

     integrity, service, and excellence. His presence inspired discipline and purpose, and his counsel guided us through defining moments in our history. We are deeply grateful for the honour of having shared in his remarkable life and legacy.”

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    Even after stepping down as Chairman in 2022, he continued to serve as a trusted adviser and friend to the SystemSpecs family, remaining passionate about the role of indigenous innovation in Nigeria’s transformation.

    Beyond his corporate stewardship, Kolade was celebrated nationally and internationally for his contributions to public service, education, and nation-building, including his service as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and his leadership roles in the Nigerian Institute of Management, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, and numerous civic and faith-based institutions.

    As SystemSpecs reflects on his years of service and mentorship, the company extends heartfelt condolences to the Kolade family, friends, and associates, and joins the nation in celebrating a life of purpose, integrity, and distinction.

    SystemSpecs is a leading African technology group with over 33 years of industry experience. The company invests in and manages software technology businesses across sectors, delivering leadership, advisory, and strategic services.

  • Grammy Awards winner Bellinger to perform in Nigeria

    Grammy Awards winner Bellinger to perform in Nigeria

    Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Eric Bellinger is set to thrill fans in Nigeria.

     He will headline the 2025 Megastar Man of the Decade Awards. The show is scheduled for October 17, 2025, at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Abuja.

    The event will be hosted by Nigerian media entrepreneur Ifetayo Adeniyi, the  Chief Executive Officer of Megastar Media Communications.

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    Bellinger’s performance will be a major highlight of the prestigious awards. The event celebrates notable Nigerians for their impact across different economic sectors.

    The acclaimed R&B artist will also use the occasion to perform his latest single, ‘Understood (Remix),’ featuring Nigerian music powerhouse Tiwa Savage.

  • Oyebanji presents N415.57bn 2026 budget to Ekiti Assembly

    Oyebanji presents N415.57bn 2026 budget to Ekiti Assembly

    Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has presented N415.57 billion budgetary estimates for the 2026 fiscal year to the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

    The 2026 Budget Estimate of Ekiti State, which was christened “Budget of Impactful Governance,” is made up of a Recurrent Expenditure of N221.87 billion, representing 53 percent of the total size of the budget, and a Capital Expenditure of N193.70 billion, which translates to 46 percent of the total size.

    The Ekiti budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year is about 11 percent higher than the approved 2025 budget, which stood at N375.79 billion and which had N252.15 billion as its Recurrent Expenditure and N104.51 billion as Capital Expenditure.

    Presenting the budget proposal in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, Governor Oyebanji said that the 2026 Budget would be tailored towards the completion of all ongoing infrastructural development projects in the state.

    The Budget, according to the governor, would also focus on investing massively in agriculture and the related value chain and address wealth creation as well as the welfare of the people to further ensure the fulfillment of the Shared Prosperity agenda of his administration.

    He noted that the planned investment in agriculture and wealth creation was targeted at stabilizing the prices of food and generating employment, as well as enhancing food security and boosting the contribution of agriculture to the state’s Gross Domestic Product.

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    Governor Oyebanji explained that the revenue sources expected to fund the budget size of N415.57 billion include Federal Allocation, Value Added Tax (VAT), Independent Revenue (from MDAs and Tertiary Institutions), International Donor Agencies, and other sundry income sources.

    Oyebanji stated that the 2026 Budget estimate was a product of statewide consultations with the representatives of various towns and communities, various interest groups, revered traditional rulers, and Civil Society Organizations at Town Hall Meetings held across the three senatorial districts, which enabled the people to articulate the needs of their towns, communities, and groups for consideration in the budget.

    He further explained that the 2026 Budget stemmed from the State Development Plan, 2021-2050, Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), 2026–2028, and the Six Pillars of his Administration, and was prepared in compliance with the National Chart of Accounts (NCoA) Template as unanimously agreed by the sub-nationals through the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

    He pledged the government’s commitment to ensure fiscal responsibility towards the implementation of the proposed 2026 Budget, which he described as an embodiment of the policy thrust of his administration and direction of the Ekiti State Government in the coming year.

    The governor noted that probity, transparency, and accountability have been the hallmark of governance in Ekiti State under his watch, which he described as necessary in upholding good governance and improving the standard of living of the people.

    Oyebanji also expressed his profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “for his very strong support to the government and the good people of Ekiti State”, noting that this support has translated to several interventions and has been very helpful in the quest to alleviate poverty in the State and in the delivery of his campaign promises to Ekiti people.

    Reviewing the performance of the 2025 budget, Governor Oyebanji, who expressed satisfaction with the improvement in the budget performance, said his government has ensured good implementation of the 2025 Budget with several projects and programmes being executed in 2025, which include the construction and rehabilitation of several roads, renovation of eight general hospitals, among others.

    In his remarks, the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye assured that the lawmakers would deliberate on the budget with diligence, patriotism, and impartiality to ensure that the 2026 Appropriation Bill reflects the aspirations of the generality of Ekiti people.

    The Speaker urged his colleagues to act as stewards and work on the budget proposal with integrity, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose, noting that “with united effort, we can sustain the momentum of reforms, catalyze inclusive growth, and build an Ekiti State where opportunity is within reach for all. He also urged heads of MDAs to be prepared to shed light on their respective aspects of the budget when invited.

    The Speaker also reaffirmed the pledge of the State legislature “that every naira will be accounted for and directed to priority sectors that yield maximum public benefit.”

  • ‘Why police sealed Osun Amotekun offices after killings in Akinlalu community’

    ‘Why police sealed Osun Amotekun offices after killings in Akinlalu community’

    Fresh details have emerged on why the Inspector General of Police (IGP)’s team sealed the operational base and Ife Central office of the Amotekun Corps in Osun State following the violent killings in Akinlalu community, Ife North Local Government Area.

    The Nation reports that Amotekun operatives allegedly invaded Akinlalu Market Square, killing three members of a family and another individual, while several others sustained gunshot injuries. Amotekun Commandant Isaac Omoyele later claimed he escaped an assassination attempt — a claim the police dismissed.

    In response, the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) arrested 25 Amotekun officers on Wednesday night and sealed their operational base at Oke-Fia, Osogbo, as well as the Ife Central office.

    Over the weekend, The Nation accompanied the IRT team led by SP Rotimi Ogunmuyiwa and the Deputy Commissioner of CID, Bayonle Suliaman, on an inspection of the Amotekun Headquarters at Powerline, Osogbo. Although Omoyele was absent, the Chairman of the Amotekun Board, Wale Abbas, received the team.

    During the inspection, the team discovered that Amotekun had created several units, including Anti-Cultism, Narcotics, Kidnapping, and Homicide departments, and demanded that all unit heads report to the Osun State Police Command.

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    The IRT also uncovered five detention cells and underground holding areas used by Amotekun to keep suspects. The facilities were poorly maintained, and four detainees were found to have been held for over six weeks. One detainee claimed, “They are demanding ₦150,000 bail for selling Indian hemp.”

    The police team ordered that all detainees be handed over to the nearest divisional headquarters, stressing that it was unlawful to hold suspects for more than 24 hours.

    Following the police action, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, condemned the sealing of Amotekun offices, describing it as unconstitutional. He insisted that the outfit was established by law to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.

    Egbedun said, “It is deeply troubling that an agency created by law and funded by the state government could be summarily shut down without consultation. If any security breach occurs in Osun as a result, the Police Force will be held accountable.”

    He further alleged that the move might have been politically motivated, linking it to Senator Francis Fadahunsi and former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

    However, Senator Fadahunsi dismissed the Assembly’s claims, insisting that the Amotekun office had become “a home of murderers, not protectors of the community,” and accused the outfit of disturbing the peace of the state.

    According to him, “I am the Senator of Ife/Ijesa senatorial district, and this is not about the APC or PDP. From February to date, I’ve lost 12 people to Amotekun’s killing. I don’t know if Governor Oyetola is involved. He is the leader of the APC, but as for me, I was the one who invited the police, as I can’t continue to let them kill my people. During the crisis that occurred at the local government election, I lost four people. Many are still roaming about with bullets in their body. Nobody has been arrested.

    “There was another case of shooting in Esa-Oke caused by this careless Governor and the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. After causing trouble for Ijesa South and Ijesa North, they now went to Ife to kill people in Akinlalu. Do they expect me to keep quiet as the Senator representing the district? I will not keep quiet. They would not kill a single goat in my area again. If they send them to go and destabilize my own Senatorial District, I will not allow it.”

    Meanwhile, Osun Civil Societies Coalition demanded justice for the slain victims of Amotekun killings in the state, blaming the Police and Department of State Service (DSS) for failing to stop killings and brutality by the outfit.

    The CSOs through its Chairman, Comrade Waheed Lawal in a statement on Friday demanded for immediate suspension of Amotekun operations in the state, prosecution of all those involved in the killings, in accordance with Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, establishment of a Judicial Panel of Inquiry under the Tribunals of Inquiry Law, Cap 138, Laws of Osun State 2002 and adequate compensation for families of the deceased and victims of the attack. 

    However, Governor Ademola Adeleke, in a release by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, commended the IGP over the ongoing investigation of Amotekun killings in Akinlalu, calling for the observance of the rule of law in the process.

    Amid the development, Akinlalu, through its spokesperson, Olamide Babarinde, raised an alarm that some aggrieved corps of Amotekun are still threatening to invade the community again if they continue to demand justice for slain residents.

  • Ekiti 2026: Atiku meets ADC Gov aspirant, mobilises support

    Ekiti 2026: Atiku meets ADC Gov aspirant, mobilises support

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the people of Ekiti State to support the African Democratic Party (ADC) ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship poll. 

    Atiku said the ADC was ready to rescue Ekiti people from the shackles of alleged maladministration,saying the party has what it takes to transform the state and put it on the path of greatness and prosperity. 

    The former Vice President spoke while receiving a frontline ADC governorship aspirant, Prince Adeyinka Alli in  his residence in Abuja ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.

    The ADC Chieftain expressed confidence in Alli’s leadership capacity, describing him as a vibrant and determined young politician capable of giving Ekiti a new direction.

    Atiku who commended the Alli’s courage, vision, and track record in public service and humanitarian work, describing him as a refreshing face in Ekiti politics. 

    He explained his decision to meet the governorship hopeful was influenced by his credentials and commitment to humanitarian services, which he said align with the ADC’s vision for  reform and inclusive governance. 

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    Atiku said: “Ekiti has gotten a new face, ADC is a party that practises transitional politics. I’m encouraging young people, women, to come in because ADC is the young bride in town.

    “Alli is the first person I’m meeting that wants to contest for any political office in Ekiti under ADC. I saw your CV and it’s very okay, that’s why I said I want to see you.

    “You did well, I like your boldness and determination. I have other appointments with international personnel but I have to suspend that to attend to you and I believe that with you, Ekiti is safe in your hands under ADC”, he added. 

    Alli, who declared his ambition at his country home of Itapa-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area, said he has the capacity to transform the state.

    “Through transparency, accountability, and technology-driven governance, we will build a government that listens, serves, and delivers. This is the promise of Progress Together, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

    “My dear people of Ekiti, this journey is not mine alone; it is ours. It is the dream of every mother who prays for her child’s future, every farmer who tills the soil with hope, and every young person who dares to believe in a brighter tomorrow. Let us rise together to write a new chapter for our beloved state,” he said.

  • Southwest group lauds Tinubu’s transformative reforms in oil, gas sector

    Southwest group lauds Tinubu’s transformative reforms in oil, gas sector

    Reform-driven citizens under the banner of the Citizens Connect Conference have lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his transformative achievements in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

    Speaking at the maiden edition of the conference held in Lagos, the Convener, Charles Abakpa Onoja, said the President’s reforms have restored national confidence in the sector, setting it on a path of renewal and transparency.

    In his opening remarks, Onoja stated, “Let us begin where much of Nigeria’s story has always been written — our oil and gas sector. For decades, this sector symbolized both our promise and our pain. We have heard stories of corruption, inefficiency, and missed opportunities. Yet today, there is a new story unfolding — a story of reform, renewal, and restoration.”

    He commended the administration’s commitment to implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), noting that under President Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) led by Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, the sector has been revitalized through structured and data-driven governance.

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    Onoja highlighted that in just two years, the NUPRC generated over ₦12.25 trillion in revenue for the federation — an unprecedented milestone that demonstrates the impact of improved monitoring and enforcement systems.

    The conference, which drew participants from the six Southwestern states, provided a platform to examine the ongoing reforms and their effects on national development.

    Guest speaker Prof. Yemi Oke (SAN) and other experts commended the government’s implementation of the PIA and described President Tinubu’s approach as decisive and reform-oriented.

    Prof. Oke outlined the benefits of fuel subsidy removal, noting a 200 percent increase in allocations to states and local governments, as well as expanded funding for road construction, hospital upgrades, power projects, the student loan scheme, and higher NYSC allowances.

    He also cited the broader economic ripple effects of the reforms — including Nigeria’s transition toward becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products, increased private refinery investments, accelerated gas and LPG/CNG projects, foreign exchange savings, currency stability, and enhanced fertilizer production.

    He said, “Dormant oil blocks are returning to productivity, production reporting is now electronic, and field development plans are strictly monitored for compliance. The era of discretionary approvals and rent-seeking is fading away, replaced by process, predictability, and performance.

    “Equally important is the focus on gas—the transition fuel for Nigeria’s economic future. Under the Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, investors are now turning environmental liability into economic opportunity. We are reducing waste, protecting our planet, and creating jobs.

    “These are not abstract policy shifts. They are the building blocks of a more transparent and sustainable energy future—and they are happening under President Tinubu’s watch.”

    According to Oke, a reform is only meaningful when it touches lives. He said the Petroleum Industry Act not only restructured institutions; it redefined relationships between government, industry, and the communities that bear the weight of extraction. He said under Komolafe’s leadership, the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) have become the bridge between promise and delivery.

    “More than ₦358 billion has so far been remitted to these trusts, funding over 500 community projects in education, healthcare, road construction, and youth empowerment across oil-producing regions. For the first time, host communities are not treated as afterthoughts—they are partners. The principle is simple: those who live with the consequences of resource extraction must share in its benefits.

    “This is what President Tinubu envisioned when he spoke about Renewed Hope. Hope that is not poetic but practical; hope that builds hospitals, powers schools, and brings opportunity to communities long forgotten.

    “Transparency has also become a defining feature of the new order. NUPRC’s electronic reporting platforms allow real-time production tracking and cargo declaration—cutting out leakages that once drained our national purse. The days of guessing how much crude Nigeria produces are gone. The data now speaks for itself.

    “The Commission has also introduced robust systems for measuring flare gas, tracking royalty payments, and enforcing environmental standards. This is governance at work—silent, methodical, transformative.

    “The world has noticed. International rating agencies and investors now describe Nigeria’s oil regulatory framework as more predictable and investor-friendly than at any time in the past decade. The reforms have positioned our country as an emerging energy investment hub on the continent.

    “These achievements did not emerge in a vacuum. They are the product of a reform-minded administration that prioritised competence over complacency. But every reform is a journey, not an event—and journeys can be interrupted.

    “The truth is that what we have gained in the last two years can easily be lost if the focus shifts from reform to rhetoric. Nigeria cannot afford to go backwards. We must protect this momentum by ensuring that the same political will that birthed these achievements is renewed in 2027.”

  • Lagos Assembly unveils 2025 Speaker’s Game

    Lagos Assembly unveils 2025 Speaker’s Game

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has announced the commencement of the 2025 Speaker’s Game, tagged “Unity Edition.”

    The annual sporting fiesta aims to strengthen camaraderie among the state’s workforce while celebrating a decade of impactful leadership by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.

    In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, the Assembly described the Speaker’s Game as a flagship initiative promoting friendship, fitness, and teamwork across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

    Orekoya noted that since its inception in 2020, the Speaker’s Game has become a unifying platform for staff within the legislative and executive arms, fostering stronger institutional cooperation.

    The 2025 edition, scheduled to hold between October and November at the Assembly Complex, will feature 32 male and 16 female football teams, alongside competitions in volleyball, tug of war, table tennis, snooker, ayo olopon, draught, ludo, and PlayStation games, among other side attractions.

    According to Orekoya, this year’s “Unity Edition” reflects the peace and collaboration currently enjoyed within the Legislative Arm of the Lagos State Government.

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    “The 2025 Speaker’s Game will bring together talented sports lovers from selected MDAs. We’ve introduced several improvements to make this edition even more successful than the previous ones,” he said.

    He added that the event will also serve as a platform for empowerment through the distribution of ‘Ounje Obasa’, while promoting healthy living, gender inclusion, and the spirit of sportsmanship among public servants.

    Orekoya further described the Speaker’s Game as more than a sporting event — a symbol of unity, leadership, and shared purpose that aligns with the Assembly’s vision of making Lagos not only the Centre of Excellence but also a model of institutional cooperation and human capital development.

  • Yoruba leaders urge Tinubu to tackle rising insecurity in southwest

    Yoruba leaders urge Tinubu to tackle rising insecurity in southwest

    Leaders of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM) have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent and decisive action to address the growing insecurity in Yorubaland, citing increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks on rural communities.

    The call was made during a peaceful protest held in Lagos on Friday, where members of the group gathered to express their frustration and demand stronger federal intervention.

    Speaking at the protest, Arc. Opeoluwa George Akinola, a prominent leader of the movement, described the security situation as “unbearable,” lamenting the continued killings, abductions, and harassment of residents in farming communities.

    “Our people are being killed by armed Fulani groups. Farmers can no longer go to their farms, and our women are being raped daily,” Akinola said. “This crisis has lingered for too long, and we are saying it must end now. No fewer than 24 communities have been affected.”

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    Akinola also called on the Federal Government to reinstate Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho, describing him as a “son of the soil” who could play a vital role in coordinating community-based security initiatives if given institutional backing.

    Mrs. Funmilayo Oguniyi, a women leader of the Ifelodun Apapo Omo Yoruba group, acknowledged ongoing efforts by security agencies but stressed that more needed to be done to protect lives and property.

    “Many kidnappings occur around the Yorubaland borders. Our people are abducted while traveling, and many never return. Parents invest so much in their children, only for them to be kidnapped and killed for no reason,” she lamented.

    Also speaking, Prophet Ologun Loluwa, a youth leader and spiritual figure in the movement, described the situation as a “national emergency” and urged leaders to rise above politics to confront the escalating crisis.

    “Insecurity has grown into a monster. From North to South, East to West, we hear daily reports of killings, kidnappings, and terrorism. This is not the heritage our forebears left us,” he said. “We refuse to accept a Nigeria where Yoruba sons and daughters live as strangers in their own land.”

    The group vowed to sustain peaceful protests and advocacy until the government takes decisive action to secure the Southwest and protect citizens across the region.