Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has affirmed that his administration remains open to constructive criticism, emphasizing that good governance depends on transparency, accountability, and public participation.
The governor, who recently faced criticism from opposition figures accusing him of underperformance, said his government welcomes sincere feedback that can help improve service delivery.
In the past week, Isaac Fayose, younger brother to former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, faulted Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, alleging that despite Ondo’s status as an oil-producing state, the administration had little to show for its federal allocations.
Fayose also described Ondo as “one of the dirtiest states” in Nigeria with “very low development.”
Speaking at a praise and worship concert in Akure, the state capital, Aiyedatiwa maintained that his administration is responsible and receptive to the people’s voices.
He reaffirmed his commitment to democratic values and policies designed to transform the socio-economic fortunes of the state.
He added that no government is perfect and called for citizens’ prayers, support, and honest feedback to enhance governance and service delivery.
“For every one of us, continue to pray for this government – not just the church alone. You are also charged to pray for all men, especially those in authority. We are open to constructive criticism.
“There are avenues where you can talk to us – you can write letters, you can engage us, and we are ready to listen. You elected us, and this is your government. God used you to install this government; you can lay claim to it. You only put me here to serve you and the service I will give to you,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa assured residents that his administration would continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses and individuals to thrive, adding that the state capital, Akure, remains safe for both residents and visitors.
“You can live and work here in Akure anytime of the night. Everywhere is bright. No evil will come near you because the cloud of God is here and over everyone of us,” he told the gathering.
On ongoing road projects across the state, the governor urged citizens to exercise patience, explaining that most of the construction works were delayed due to the rainy season.
“Some of the roads we are constructing were in terrible condition, and that is why we awarded them for reconstruction. It is not a microwave business that happens instantly – it will take time,” Aiyedatiwa noted.
“The contractors are on site, and we are not owing them. They will deliver at the right time. We just need patience. Where palliative work is required, we will intervene once the weather is dry so that people can still use the roads before their final completion,” he further said.
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property, assuring residents that the government would not relent in its efforts to sustain peace and development across the state.
The Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria (YSAN) has conferred an Honorary Fellowship Award on Dr. Olatunde Isaac (honoris causa), marking the first time in the Association’s history that such a prestigious recognition would be bestowed on an individual.
Another recipient of the Honorary Fellowship Award is Alagba Alao Adedayo, the publisher of Alaroye Newspaper.
Fellowship Award was also bestowed on Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose, a renowned linguist and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, and former Acting Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Oladele Awobuluyi.
Others include Professor Oluyemisi Adebowale, Professor Adebisi Ogunsina, Professor Duro Adeleke, Professor Jibola Abiodun, and Professor Adedotun Ogundeji.
The award, presented during the Association’s Annual Conference in Ilorin, celebrates Dr. Isaac’s outstanding contributions to the promotion of the Yoruba language, culture, and scholarship.
Established in 1970, the Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria remains the foremost scholarly body dedicated to the study, preservation, and promotion of the Yoruba language, literature, and culture. For more than five decades, the Association has nurtured research and scholarship in Yoruba studies. This year’s event marks a new chapter in its history as it honors distinguished scholars and advocates who have bridged the gap between traditional scholarship and modern innovation.
Isaac, a respected scholar, community leader, and Wikimedia advocate, was recognised for his relentless commitment to revitalising the Yoruba language through research, documentation, and digital innovation.
As a leading figure in the Yoruba Wikimedia community, he has championed several initiatives aimed at expanding access to free knowledge in Yoruba and contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Yoruba Wikipedia, one of the most-read language Wikipedias in Africa.
President of YSAN, Distinguished Professor Olumuyiwa Temitope who is also the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko described the recognition as an acknowledgment of Dr. Isaac’s trailblazing role in Yoruba language promotion, saying, “Dr. Olatunde Isaac stands out for his role in bridging the gap between academia, technology, and cultural heritage”
While receiving the award, Dr. Olatunde Isaac expressed gratitude to the Association for the honor, noting that the recognition would further inspire his efforts. “This award is not just a personal achievement but a call to do more for our language, our people, and our shared heritage,” he said. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing research, building partnerships, and mentoring young scholars passionate about Yoruba studies. He dedicated the fellowship award to the volunteers who contribute freely to Yoruba Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects.
The conference also featured scholarly paper presentations, cultural displays, and panel discussions on strengthening indigenous language education and scholarship in Nigeria.
With this groundbreaking honor, Dr. Olatunde Isaac becomes one of the two first-ever Honorary Fellows of the Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria, a recognition that highlights his exceptional contributions to Yoruba language promotion and cultural advancement.
In commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State, a non-governmental cross cross-generational organization, Ekiti Future Agenda (EFA) is set to engage at least a hundred Ekiti young leaders in a special roundtable discussion to assess the progress of the state within the three years that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been in the saddle.
The event is to take place in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on the 18th of October.
According to the organizers of the event, Adesina Adetola, the Convener of Ekiti Future Agenda, “while the event which is with the theme, Three years of BAO, Reimagining Governance: Young Leaders’ Perspectives on Ekiti State’s Progress is to commemorate the 29th anniversary, of the creation of the state, it is also to mark the 3rd year of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), therefore, assessing the progress the state has made so far.”
Speaking further on the event, Adetola, a socioeconomic development strategist said; “bearing in mind the vintage position of young people in societal development, as well as their strategic roles in political movements, bringing energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives to social and political causes and having the power to shape the future of political governance and drive positive change in their communities and beyond. It is very important to engage them in a very objective way and in a resourceful atmosphere.”
“The event is going to be a convergence of Ekiti young leaders from diverse areas of life and will have prominent young personalities which including scholars, technocrats, politicians, unionists, among others, as speakers and participants.” He declared.
It is good to note that since 2010, Ekiti Future Agenda (EFA) has been involved in a good number of activities, projects, and interventions in Ekiti State, typically, in giving back value to the State. They are in the form of advocacy, schemes, and education, which have become defining moments in the annals of the state’s development. Its roundtable events are conversations with the main aim and objective of serving as a rendezvous of ideas and strategies towards the development of the State in all areas.
The Lagos State Government has honoured 750 Public Servants, including Permanent Secretaries, with Long Service Awards for their dedication and meritorious service to the State over the past 30 years and above.
The Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, announced this at the Year 2025 Long Service Merit Award ceremony held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa-Ikeja, on Tuesday, 7th October 2025.
The ceremony aimed to express the Government’s appreciation and gratitude to deserving members of the workforce who have served the State meritoriously for 30 years and above.
Agoro emphasized that the initiative would inspire awardees to continue excelling while motivating other Public Servants to strengthen their commitment and deliver more effective service to the State.
In his congratulatory message, Agoro urged the awardees not to rest on their laurels, encouraging all Public Servants to maintain a high work ethic and continue to perform their duties diligently.
He assured them that the State Government would provide a supportive and enabling environment to help them achieve their goals, prioritizing staff welfare.
Agoro also encouraged the awardees to prioritize their personal development, leveraging the latest ICT technologies to enhance their skills.
He, however, commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, for making the ceremony a reality.
The Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, congratulated the awardees and pledged the State Government’s continued support for Public Servants’ welfare.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Mrs. Abosede George, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu and his team, pledging their continued support for the State’s development.
The Kunle Buraimoh (KB) Foundation, on Thursday, October 2, 2025, carried out its third annual back-to-school outreach as it donated exercise books and other writing materials to pupils and students across Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
A total of 1,374 students benefited from the gesture: 985 from Laaro Grammar School, Okefia; 204 from A.U.D Primary School, Sabo; and 185 from St. James Primary School, Owoope.
The initiative, according to the Foundation, aims to ease the burden on parents while promoting access to basic learning materials for children in public primary and secondary schools.
At Laaro Grammar School, where 985 students benefited, the principal, teachers, and students could not hide their excitement as they received the educational materials. They showered encomiums on the Foundation’s Chairman, Kunle Buraimoh, describing the support as timely and impactful.
Similarly, at St. James and A.U.D. Primary Schools, joy filled the air as the young pupils expressed appreciation through songs and prayers, thanking the Foundation for its continued compassion and dedication to education.
Speaking on behalf of the teaching staff, the headteachers of both primary schools commended the Foundation for its consistency and generosity in supporting the education of indigent pupils. They noted that such interventions contribute immensely to improving the learning environment and boosting pupils’ morale.
Some parents who witnessed the distribution also expressed gratitude to the Foundation, praying for the continued success of Kunle Buraimoh and his team.
Since its inception, the KB Foundation has consistently demonstrated a passion for youth empowerment and educational development through scholarships, donations, and community outreach programmes, making it one of the most consistent philanthropic organisations in Osogbo.
Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the remand of one Babatunde Ogini for the alleged murder of All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ebenezer Akinola, during the 2023 General Election.
The late Akinola was reportedly killed in front of his father’s house in the Araromi Irojo area of Ilesa in March 2023, prompting the then Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, to call for the arrest of those responsible.
On Tuesday, Ogini was arraigned by counsel to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge, Ogini and others, still at large, conspired to kill Akinola on March 17, 2023, at Ilesa East, Osun State, contrary to Sections 316, 319(1), and 324 of the Criminal Code. The defendant was also alleged to have been in possession of a pump-action rifle.
Ogini, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The IGP prosecutor, Mrs. Bola Adaraloye, requested that the accused be remanded, noting her intention to amend the charge before the next hearing.
Defence counsel, Barrister Abimbola Ige, informed the court that a formal bail application dated July 25, 2023, had already been filed and served on the prosecution.
Justice Ajayi declined to entertain the bail issue and ordered that Ogini be remanded at the Correctional Facility until October 14, 2025, when the case will come up for hearing.
Thousands of students and youths from the Southwest region under the aegis of Coalition of Yoruba Students and Youth Movement (COYSYM) on Tuesday staged a massive protest in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to tackle what they described as unpatriotic attacks and orchestrated blackmail against Dangote Refinery.
The students who commended President Bola Tinubu for the courage in the removal of fuel subsidy fingered trade unions in the oil and gas sector including Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) as been behind the attack on the nation’s private Refinery.
The group also said it has uncovered, through credible information, that PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPPMAN, in collaboration with certain international oil companies and traders, are deliberately instigating disruptions to frustrate Dangote Refinery.
It added that there are multiple attempts to obstruct its operations and undermine its credibility, noting that the acts of economic sabotage must not be tolerated.
COYSYM is a united front of all Yoruba Indigenous Youth and Student Organisations across Nigeria, including the National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS), Yoruba Council Worldwide, and the Coalition of Osun State Youth and Students Association (COSSYA), among others.
The protesters dressed in customised t-shirts and fez caps defied the early morning rain to assemble at the Iwo Road underbridge, carried banners, placards, and sang solidarity songs to enlighten members of the public on the threat against the benefit of the refinery in transforming the oil and gas sector.
Some of the inscriptions on the placards read, “Government supports Dangote Refinery Now. Support Dangote, Save Nigerians. Stop Sabotage. Support Dangote. Dangote Refinery is Nigeria’s Pride”, “PENGASSAN: Nigeria’s alpha and omega, stop holding Nigeria hostage. Free Dangote,”, Our oil, our right, support Dangote”.
Others read, “Don’t kill Dangote Refinery”, “Dangote Refinery is the pride of Nigeria”, “We kick against the anti-masses policies of PENGASSAN, DAPPMAN and NUPENG. Stop sabotaging fuel supply in Nigeria. Let the masses breathe”, “PENGASSAN, DAPPMAN and NUPENG: Stop causing problems in the oil sector in Nigeria”, among others.
The protest, which led to a heavy traffic jam at the Iwo Road end of the Ibadan-Ife Expressway, saw many commuters stranded for minutes.
Traffic officers, including officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police, among others, had a hectic time controlling traffic as commuters trying to use the road inward into the capital city suffered mild delays.
Addressing the massive crowd, the National President, Comrade Benedict Adetunji, urged the Federal Government to prioritise the allocation of crude oil to all Nigerian-owned refineries at fair and competitive rates.
He said the group embarked on the protest rally out of a deep sense of patriotism and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability.
He also called for the stoppage of crude to foreign refineries at cheaper prices than to local refineries, as well as an end to the importation of petroleum products, and support for domestic refining.
Reading the position paper while addressing the crowd, Comrade Adetunji said, “We bring you warm and revolutionary greetings from the Coalition of Yoruba Students and Youth Movement (COYSYM) a united front of all Yoruba Indigenous Youth and Student Organisations across Nigeria, including the National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS), Yoruba Council Worldwide, and the Coalition of Osun State Youth and Students Association (COSSYA), among others.
“We are compelled by the negative and anti-national activities of PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPPMAN to present this position paper today, 7th October 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, the political headquarters of the Southwest, out of our deep sense of patriotism and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability.
“First and foremost, we commend Your Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for your bold and visionary leadership, particularly your courage in the removal of fuel subsidy, which has brought remarkable improvement to fuel supply and market stability across the nation. Your steadfast drive for industrialisation and economic recovery remains commendable.
“However, we express our deep concern over the recent unpatriotic attacks and orchestrated blackmail by PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPPMAN against the Dangote Refinery, a world-class facility that stands as the pride of Nigeria and the entire African continent. This refinery, situated within our Yoruba region, represents a symbol of industrial hope, self-reliance, and national rebirth. It deserves support and protection, not sabotage.
“Your Excellency, the survival and success of Dangote Refinery is crucial to achieving your administration’s vision of making Nigeria a production-driven economy rather than one dependent on importation. No nation grows by importing what it can produce. The only path to true economic revival lies in increasing our export capacity and reducing unnecessary importation.
“For decades, PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPPMAN have crippled Nigeria’s oil sector through incessant strikes, policy manipulations, and industrial sabotage. Their leadership has placed personal and corporate interests above national progress. These unions, often aligned with import cartels, have benefited from fuel importation at the expense of local refining. Their existence, in its current form, has done more harm than good to Nigeria’s economy.
“As the sons and daughters of the Yoruba Nation, and as the hosts of the Dangote Refinery, we call on Your Excellency, our leader and father, to intervene decisively. Let us not allow these saboteurs to destroy what has taken decades and billions of naira to build. Dangote Refinery is not just a private investment; it is a national asset capable of providing employment, stabilizing fuel supply, and saving billions in foreign exchange.”
The group “urges the federal government to prioritise the allocation of crude oil to all Nigerian-owned refineries at fair and competitive rates.
“Stop the sale of crude to foreign refineries at cheaper prices than to our local refineries.
“End the importation of petroleum products and support domestic refining.
“A historical lesson must guide us: in the past, Nigeria’s textile industry was the second-largest employer after the Federal Government, but reckless importation policies led to its total collapse. Even in advanced economies like the United States, President Donald Trump introduced high import tariffs to protect domestic industries and jobs. Nigeria must do the same to protect its strategic sectors.
“We have also uncovered, through credible information, that PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPPMAN, in collaboration with certain international oil companies and traders such as Trafigura, Vitol, Glencore, BP, and Shell, are deliberately instigating disruptions to frustrate Dangote Refinery. Reports indicate multiple attempts to obstruct its operations and undermine its credibility. These are acts of economic sabotage that must not be tolerated.
“Your Excellency, Alhaji Aliko Dangote must not be made to regret his patriotic investment in Nigeria. Rather, he deserves national protection and encouragement. His contributions toward industrialisation, employment generation, and economic diversification embody your Renewed Hope Agenda.
“As Yoruba students and youth, known for our love, unity, and hospitality, we appeal passionately to Your Excellency and all Yoruba leaders, Royal Fathers, traditional rulers, and stakeholders to rise in defence of Dangote Refinery and reject all agents of economic regression.
“Nigeria will only rise when Nigerians believe in and support Nigeria. No foreign power will build this nation for us. The time has come to reward patriotism and punish sabotage. We remain committed to a better, stronger, and self-sufficient Nigeria.”
Muslim lawyers in Oyo State have threatened to boycott the 2025 Oyo State Judiciary New Legal Year Service.
According to the lawyers, the resolution to boycott the programme was reached by members in the General meeting of the Association on September 7, 2025.
A statement jointly signed by the chairman of the association, I.A. Saka (Esq), and Secretary (Esq) Mukhtar Aderogba, said the boycott was as a result of the decision of the Judiciary to move venue of the programme from the Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja’aba to a new venue without regard for opinion of Muslim Lawyers as stakeholders in the programme.
“Secondly, the Judiciary has abolished the goodwill messages that NBA, MULAN and Muslim Community of Oyo State traditionally give at the Programme thus depriving us the opportunity of airing our views on important issues within the justice system and the polity at large.
“Thirdly, the programme is less than a week from today and MULAN is yet to receive any invitation to the programme.
“Our SANs and the Bar leadership have met with the Judiciary to attempt to convince the Judiciary to reverse their stance but the meeting was deadlocked as our leaders were made to understand that the Programme is a Judiciary Affair and that the decisions of the Judiciary stand unchanged.
“Consequently, the Association has resolved that all Muslim Lawyers should boycott the Legal Year Service for this year.
“It is important to comply with this decision to restore the honour of our Association and to obey the decision of our leaders as enjoined by Allah in the Holy Quran.”
“Chikezie was born on May 2, 1949, in Ogbodi-Ukwu Umudike Ofeiyi, Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government, to Okezie Ogbuji and Mrs. Nwanyi-Ocha Okezie.
“He began his education at Seventh-Day Adventist Primary School in Umuahia North, and later Evangel High School. He was in University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to study Sociology/Anthropology, and had a Master’s in International Relations from UNILAG, “ it said.
He left a wife, Victoria, children, and grandchildren.
