The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Alaafin relocates to ancient palace

    Alaafin relocates to ancient palace

    Residents and people of ancient Oyo town could not hide their joy and ecstasy yesterday when the Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade, moved into the ancient Oyo palace located at Oke Afin area of Oyo town.

    Prior to his emergence as the Alaafin, the ancient palace was in ruins and empty, as all the facilities inside it were not only vandalised, but structures in the edifice were also in dire need of rehabilitation and reconstruction.

    But soon after he ascended the throne, Oba

    Owoade began the task of rehabilitating part of the ancient palace, thus preserving the tangible Yoruba cultural heritage.

    The rehabilitation works were supervised by the Personal Assistant to the Alaafin, Reverend Dr. Kolade Oladele.

    After the renovation, the palace’s structures- bold, sturdy and resilient as they stand- are radiating their timeless beauty and charm through well-structured layouts, carefully crafted columns, windows and doors, bearing the artistic patterns and imprints of the ancient Oyo art.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    Almost all the houses have courtyards, while the finer and stronger looking structures have more than one courtyard.

    Each of the courtyards is surrounded by rooms, which open into the courtyard.

    Alaafin’s Director or Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, confirming the development, said a visit to the ancient palace would convince one that it was indeed a store-house of Yoruba culture and tradition.

    He said: “The palace is adorned with works of arts, various forms of sculptures that include the carved wooden house posts and door panels, which are the traditional status symbol of wealth and royalty.

    “Modern figures of lions and hunters are made from mortals, while walls are decorated with mosaics and painted murals, depicting scenes from life, as the decorated calabash and imaginary beings.

    “The traditional architectural designs are superb and second to none among ancient palaces in the country, as attested to it by tourism experts from different countries across the world who visited it.

    “Investigation further revealed that the Alaafin’s palace is the largest, as it has in it over 200 buildings.

    “There are also fountains in the court yard and garden.

    “The Alaafin’s palace is unique in Nigerian culture, particularly within the Yoruba ethnic group. It is the traditional seat of the Alaafin, regarded as the Superior Ruler of the Oyo Empire, one of the most powerful and influential empires in West Africa’s history.

    “The palace itself symbolises the might and sophistication of the Oyo Empire, which, at its height, controlled vast territories and played a central role in the region’s politics, trade and cultural life.

    “Visitors to Alaafin’s palace are often struck by the stunning artistry that adorns the palace walls, from the elaborate carvings and murals depicting historical events to the rich tapestries and artefacts telling the story of the Oyo people.

    “The palace is also a centre for traditional festivals, ceremonies and rituals, which continue to draw people from all over the country and beyond.”

    The Nation, however, reports that residents are in high spirits, as they troop out to give a befitting welcome to their monarch, as he steps into the ‘Citadel of Yoruba race’, with singing, drumming, dancing and chanting.

    A trader, who simply identified himself as Kolapo, said: “The people, both young and old, love and admire their king as a serious-minded paramount ruler, a leader of thought and a man of excellence for his unflinching commitment to development, peace, unity and mutual co-existence not only in the kingdom, but also the entire Yoruba race.

    “They draw their inference from the fact that Alaafin focuses on promoting unity among the Yoruba, a stance that positions him as a unifying and stabilising force within Yorubaland.

    “One thing about Oyo is that we are ready to protect our history and traditions, no matter what it takes or costs, more so when that’s the only palace where archival materials, documents and other artifacts can be accessed in record time.

    “Because of the efforts of our forefathers, documentation of its past, either favourable or otherwise, are well preserved to date.”

    Another excited resident, Kamoru Ashipa, who could not hide the admiration for the new edifice, said: “The Alaafin’s palace is not just a historical site; it is also a living museum that offers a glimpse into the grandeur and complexity of Yoruba culture.

    “The palace complex is an architectural masterpiece featuring courtyards, halls and shrines that have been meticulously maintained over centuries.

    “Each section of the palace is imbued with cultural significance, from the Ile Orun, where the Alaafin’s ancestors are honoured, to the Oju Oba, where the king holds court and meets with his subjects.”

  • Ekiti 2026: INEC lifts ban on campaigns

    Ekiti 2026: INEC lifts ban on campaigns

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lifted the ban on public campaigns, following the release of the final list of candidates for the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said this yesterday while addressing leaders of political parties and stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti

    He announced that public campaigns would begin today and end at midnight on June 18, calling on parties to strictly adhere to the approved campaign period and timelines.

    Omoseyindemi formally presented the final list of 12 governorship candidates and their running mates, stressing that the process was concluded following the conclusion of primaries, submission of nomination forms and the resolution of complaints arising from the nomination exercise, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

    He said the publication of the final list signalled the beginning of a critical phase of the electioneering process, urging political actors to conduct their campaigns with maturity, restraint and strict adherence to the law.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    Affirming the right of parties and candidates to campaign freely, the INEC boss warned that such rights must be exercised in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and the commission’s guidelines.

    He reminded political parties of the need to notify the INEC, security agencies and other relevant authorities ahead of rallies and campaigns, stressing that such was necessary to ensure adequate security and prevent breakdown of law and order.

    Omoseyindemi also cautioned political parties and candidates against the use of hate speech and inciting comments, warning that such conduct could inflame tension and undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

    The REC urged political actors to focus on issue-based campaigns and healthy competition, rather than resorting  to personal attacks or statements capable of provoking violence.

    Omoseyindemi said any act of violence, intimidation or breach of public peace would not be tolerated, adding that offenders would be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.

    Following the lifting of the ban on public campaigns, the ruling All Progressives Congress expressed confidence ahead of the poll, hinging its optimism on Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s impressive performance since assuming office.

    The APC state Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, said the party would campaign on the governor’s record in governance, infrastructural development,  workers’ welfare and political stability in the state which he believed have earned Oyebanji widespread acceptance among Ekiti people.

    Dipe expressed confidence that the APC-led administration’s achievements in office would translate into electoral victory for the party and a renewed mandate from the people.

    The party spokesman said APC would adopt issue-based campaigns and avoid inflammatory rhetoric, noting that peaceful engagement with the electorate remained central to its strategy.

    But, African Democratic Congress, the leading opposition party, dismissed the ruling APC, insisting that Ekiti residents were increasingly dissatisfied with the Governor Oyebanji-led administration.

    The party’s state Secretary, Chief Segun Adewumi, alleged that the APC had failed to meet the expectations of the people, accusing Oyebanji of poor performance in key areas affecting the daily lives of residents.

    Akinwumi said he was confident that the growing dissatisfaction across the state would translate into support for their candidate, Dare Abejide, at the polls.

    The party’s secretary added that Ekiti voters were ready to use the ballot to “punish” the APC for what he described as years of underperformance and to chart a new political direction for the state.

  • Alleged sale of GRA land: LP chieftain attention seeker, says Ogun govt

    Alleged sale of GRA land: LP chieftain attention seeker, says Ogun govt

    Ogun State Government has dismissed as blackmail and reckless defamation, allegations by a Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Mr. Arabambi Abayomi, that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun is selling government-owned housing assets, including Ibara Government Reserved Area (GRA).

    The government described Abayomi as an attention-seeking rabble-rouser with a penchant for blackmail, alleging that his claims were motivated by resentment after he was kept at arm’s length by the administration.

    In a statement yesterday in Abeokuta, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor,  Kayode Akinmade, said the allegations were misleading and deliberately aimed at distorting the state’s ongoing urban renewal programme.

    Akinmade said it was ironic for Abayomi to portray the revitalisation of GRAs across the state as the sale of public assets, noting that the initiative had received commendation from eminent Nigerians.

    He recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Gbadebo, and the General Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, Tunde Bakare, had all praised the projects, which are transforming GRAs into modern smart cities.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    “The fact is well known that Ogun State’s urban renewal programme for Government Reserved Areas involves transforming dilapidated houses and shanties into modern, vibrant smart cities,” Akinmade said.

    He explained that the progra mme covers GRAs in Ibara and Idi-Aba (Abeokuta), Igbeba (Ijebu-Ode), Ilaro, and Ota, and includes rehabilitation of old structures, construction of new housing units, and provision of modern infrastructure such as roads, drainage, water supply and electricity.

    He said the project spanned over 100 hectares, with plans for 500 housing units in Ibara and 100 units in Idi-Aba, adding that more than 150 houses had been completed.

    Akinmade alleged that Abayomi had previously organised several news conferences praising Governor Abiodun in an attempt to ingratiate himself with the government, but became hostile after what he described as the discovery of his “multiple faces” and his subsequent sidelining.

    “GRAs are the exclusive preserve of government. What responsible governments do is clear shanties and replace them with modern developments, which is exactly what the Abiodun administration is doing,” he said.

    He accused the Labour Party chieftain of habitually seeking relevance by attacking governments that declined to patronise him and urged the public to disregard his claims.

    “Instead of focusing on rebuilding his party, he is busy chasing shadows. We know him very well, and nothing he says can be taken seriously by this government,” Akinmade said.

  • ‘Tinubu governs under constitution freely adopted by Nigerians’

    ‘Tinubu governs under constitution freely adopted by Nigerians’

    Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it has read ‘Monday Lines’, a column by Lasisi Olagunju, with keen interest.

    The party in a statement yesterday in Ogba by its spokesman, Seye Oladejo, said: ‘’While we respect the columnist’s literary depth and rich deployment of folklore, metaphor and intertextual allusions, we must firmly state that poetry, however elegant, must never be mistaken for political accuracy or historical honesty.

    ‘’The attempt to equate Nigeria’s constitutional democracy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the brutal military dictatorship of Sani Abacha is not only intellectually lazy, but also historically indefensible. It is an exercise in false equivalence that sacrifices truth on the altar of rhetorical flourish.

    ‘’Abacha ruled by decrees, proscribed political parties, detained journalists, silenced labour unions and governed without elections. President Tinubu governs under a constitution freely adopted by Nigerians, was elected through a competitive multi-party process, and remains subject to judicial review, legislative oversight, and the verdict of the electorate. To conflate the two is to trivialise the suffering Nigerians endured under military rule and insult the intelligence of a politically conscious populace.

    READ ALSO: Tax reform: Lessons for national health financing

    ‘’The columnist laments alleged fractures within opposition parties and hastily attributes them to some imagined inferno lit by the ruling party. This conveniently ignores a basic democratic principle: political parties are voluntary associations governed by their own constitutions. Internal disputes, factionalism, and leadership crises are not new phenomena, nor are they exclusive to Nigeria or to this administration. To blame the APC for the chronic ideological emptiness, weak internal democracy, and perennial litigation that plague opposition parties is to outsource responsibility where introspection is required.

    ‘’Democracy does not guarantee the survival of opposition parties; it guarantees their freedom to organise, contest, win or lose. The APC neither appoints opposition leaders nor drafts their constitutions. Political failure should not be laundered as victimhood.

    ‘’We find it curious that the article invokes scholars like Samuel Huntington while ignoring the central thesis of The Third Wave: that democratic consolidation is strengthened not by sentimental alarmism, but by institutions, elections, and civic responsibility. Nigeria today has functioning courts that routinely rule against government, a National Assembly that debates and amends executive proposals, and a media landscape that publishes some of the harshest critiques of government without fear of midnight knocks. These are not the features of dictatorship, no matter how attractively wrapped in metaphor.

    ‘’The recurring obsession with ‘one-party state’ rhetoric is equally misplaced. Nigeria has over a dozen registered political parties, opposition governors, opposition lawmakers, and opposition-controlled states. That some governors or politicians choose to align with the ruling party is not evidence of coercion; it is evidence of political choice – often driven by performance, pragmatism, or survival instincts shaped by voter expectations. Defections are not coups.

    ‘’We also reject the insinuation that national consensus around leadership or reform automatically translates to tyranny. In moments of economic transition and structural reform, broad elite convergence is not unusual. It happened in post-war Europe; it happened in emerging Asian democracies. Consensus is not dictatorship; it is sometimes the price of stability.’’

    Lagos APC said it acknowledged that democracy thrived on robust opposition, constructive dissent, and constant vigilance.

    The party added: ‘’However, dissent must be grounded in facts, not fear; in analysis, not apocalyptic projections. Nigeria’s democracy is not perfect – no democracy is – but it is neither suspended nor on life support.

    ‘’History teaches us many lessons, but one stands out clearly: democracies are weakened not only by authoritarian overreach, but also by reckless rhetoric that delegitimises institutions and erodes public confidence without evidence. When everything is described as tyranny, nothing is.

    ‘’Nigeria did not fight military rule to romanticise it in hindsight. Abacha is not alive in 2026. What is alive is a democracy is still finding its rhythm – noisy, imperfect, contested, but constitutional. And that distinction matters.’’

  • Ogun to mark 50th anniversary with inauguration of 20 roads

    Ogun to mark 50th anniversary with inauguration of 20 roads

    • Abiodun opens 3.5km Laderin-Wole Soyinka train terminal road

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun yesterday  inaugurated Laderin–Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station Road in Abeokuta, announcing plans to inaugurate 20 additional roads across the state as part of activities marking Ogun State’s 50th anniversary.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the governor said construction work was progressing steadily on the Sagamu Interchange–Papalanto–Opele Road, describing the 100-kilometre highway as a critical east-west connector within the state.

    According to Abiodun, the road, when completed, will provide motorists with an alternative route, eliminating the need to pass through Abeokuta before accessing other parts of the country, while also opening up the corridor for increased commercial activities.

    “Let me share with you the biggest secret of our reconstruction efforts right now – the Ogun East-West Connector. This road stretches from the Sagamu Interchange through Papalanto to Opele, covering about 100 kilometres,” the governor said.

    READ ALSO: Tax reform: Lessons for national health financing

    “We have completely closed off the road for reconstruction. As we speak, between Sagamu Interchange and Papalanto, which is about 40 kilometres, we have reconstructed approximately 25 kilometres using reinforced concrete. When completed, trucks and vehicles conveying goods and services from Ota, Ifo and Ewekoro will no longer need to use the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway, as they can connect directly to Papalanto and access the expressway.”

    Governor Abiodun described the Prof. Wole Soyinka Train Station as a major landmark linking Ogun State to Lagos, Oyo State and the northern parts of the country, noting that the presence of five train stations in the state underscored Ogun’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economic development.

    He said although access roads were not originally provided when the rail line was constructed, his administration decided to rehabilitate the Laderin road in line with its multimodal transportation agenda.

    He added that between 100,000 and 150,000 passengers, including investors, commuted daily between Ogun, Oyo and Lagos states.

    The governor said the train station road formed part of the over 1,600 kilometres of roads constructed across the state, adding that one lane of the Atan–Lusada–Agbara Road had been completed, while work had begun on the second lane.

    Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lateef Yusuf, said the three-kilometre road would provide access to the MKO Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Lukosi and other surrounding communities, noting that it would ease movement and boost commercial activities.

    A former member of House of Representatives and the Osi of Egbaland, Chief Bode Mustapha, recalled the deplorable state of the road in the past, saying its reconstruction, alongside other projects, had significantly benefited Ogun Central Senatorial District and Abeokuta under the Abiodun administration.

    The Chairman of the Articulate Motorcycle Owners Association of Nigeria (AMORAN) in the state, Alhaji Taofeek Sokoya, said the road was previously a no-go area due to its poor condition, as transporters avoided it.

    He commended Governor Abiodun for rehabilitating the road.

  • Huge crowd bid Ilorin Chief Imam farewell

    Huge crowd bid Ilorin Chief Imam farewell

    • Top politicians, clerics, among dignitaries at burial

    Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, top politicians and Kwara  State Government’s representatives yesterday attended the burial of Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu.

    The death of the revered cleric was confirmed on Monday.

    He died at the age of 75.

    Other dignitaries at the event included Imams from towns such as Offa, Ogbomosho and other clerics.

    Scores of other Muslim faithful converged on the forecourt of the palace of the Emir of Ilorin for the final burial rites of the late Chief Imam of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Council of Ulamah, Sheikh  Soliu. The funeral prayer was led by the Imam Imale of Ilorin, Sheikh Abdullahi Abdulhameed.

    The palace forecourt was filled up, as security operatives struggled to control the massive crowd that turned out to pay their last respects.

    Islamic scholars, traditional rulers and dignitaries from different walks of life extolled the virtues of the late Chief Imam, describing him as a deeply grounded Islamic scholar, whose impact transcended the Ilorin Emirate.

    Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Soliu devoted his life to Islamic scholarship, teaching and spiritual service to the Ilorin Emirate.

    READ ALSO: Tax reform: Lessons for national health financing

    Through decades of learning and mentorship, he rose to become one of the most influential religious leaders in the state.

    He was appointed the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate in 1983, a position he held for over four decades.

    Throughout his tenure, the late Chief Imam was widely respected for his profound knowledge of Islamic teachings, firm leadership, and consistent advocacy for peace, unity and religious tolerance among Muslims and the wider society.

  • Court summons Agodi Correctional doctor over Auxillary’s health status

    Court summons Agodi Correctional doctor over Auxillary’s health status

    An Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan on Tuesday summoned the medical doctor in Agodi Custodian centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service to appear before it tomorrow (Wednesday) over a matter that bothers on the health status of a former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURYW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi also known as Auxiliary.

    The hearing of the case involving Auxiliary was stalled on Tuesday due to his absence when the case came up in Court.

    It was gathered although the former Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS) was earlier in Court, he could not attend his session due to alleged health related issues.

    The Nation reports that the matter was adjourned to January 20 and 21 by the trial Judge, Justice Adetujoye, Presiding over Court 11, Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan.

    It was gathered that the Defendant had arrived the court earlier, looking fine and okay as other cases were been heard.

    The court rose for a few minutes before Auxiliary’s case was to come up. 

    READ ALSO; Jubilations as Alaafin moves to ancient palace

    However, while waiting for the court to resume, things took a different turn as it was noticed that the Correctional Centre officers who brought him in the morning and some people gathered around him with snippets filtering around that the former PMS boss was not feeling too well.

    A source, who was privy to the incident, told The Nation: “The matter was slated for 11AM but after some court sessions, the Court rose and came back around 12pm. However, before the Judge would resume into the session, we noticed that the Correctional Centre officers who brought him in the morning and some people gathered around him and we heard them saying Auxiliary is not feeling too well. 

    “Some people were pouring water on his head while some others were applying ‘aboniki’ balm on his legs. What we noticed was that, after some time, the Correctional Centre officers called their boss at Agodi, they brought their vehicle and he was assisted by officials of Correctional service, his children and friends and he was taken out of the court. 

    “But, what we were told was that, when he got outside, he actually walked with his legs to the car. It was shocking.”

    It was further gathered temper rose when the Judge came into the court and Defence (Auxiliary’s) Counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN said he learnt that Auxiliary was sick.

    Surprised, the Judge was said to have asked the Prosecutor if they were aware of the development. 

    Those who appeared for the State were O.S Tella, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, O.A Bolarinwa Senior State Counsel and F.F Gbadamosi.

    Responding, the Lead Prosecutor, O.S. Tella told the Judge what she knew about the whole incident that transpired in the open court. 

    The situation angered the Presiding judge who said even if they would take him (Auxiliary) out of the court, he was supposed to be told.

    The Court insisted that even if at all he (Auxiliary) was sick, one of the officials of the NCoS should have come to inform him of the real position of things.

    In their separate submissions before the court, the State Counsel and Defence Counsel could not give a tangible explanation of what actually happened, further angering the judge.

    Ruling, the Court adjourned the matter till tomorrow (Wednesday), noting that, by then the true situation about his health status would have been ascertained.

    The Court said if the Defendant was confirmed to be sick, the Court would pick another date for hearing of the matter.

  • Osun Accord Party member denounces involvement in murder allegation 

    Osun Accord Party member denounces involvement in murder allegation 

    Olalekan Oyeyemi, a member of the Accord Party in Osun State, has denied any involvement in the killing of Mr Oyebamiji Kazeem, describing the allegation as a politically motivated attempt to damage his reputation.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by his Press Secretary, Adeola Abiodun, Oyeyemi dismissed the claim as “dirty politics,” insisting that he had no link to the incident.

    He said he was out of Osogbo on personal engagements when the murder occurred on Sunday, stressing that he was neither present at the scene nor connected to the crime in any way.

    Oyeyemi warned those spreading what he described as false allegations to desist, adding that he was prepared to pursue legal action against anyone found culpable.

    He further clarified that no member of the Accord Party was involved in the incident, rejecting rumours or insinuations linking the party or its members to the killing.

    “I wasn’t in the town on that particular day I was on a business trip but I was surprised someone mentioned my name for such incidents which is uncalled for.

    “I publicly denounced any alleged involvement in murder related accusations, as such claims are baseless and contrary to the party’s values.

    “I condemned the recent killings and distanced myself from any insinuations of complicity,” he said.

    Oyeyemi urged thorough investigation by the police saying that the culprit must not go unpunished.

    According to him, “The allegations of crime can damage my family name and my political credibility, that’s why  I denial the alleged crime.”

  • ‘Oyo narrowing down on criminals‘

    ‘Oyo narrowing down on criminals‘

    • Commissioner slams cartel collecting percentage to fast-track gratuity payment

    Oyo State Government has said it is aware of a cartel claiming to be government officials, extorting money from pensioners to fast-track payment of their gratuities.

    Describing the individuals as “unscrupulous elements”, the government, however, assured the citizens that it was narrowing down on them.

    To arrest the situation, the government said it was paying due diligence to the payment of gratuities to its retirees more than the previous administrations.

    Contacted by The Nation on how retirees were being made to part with certain percentages of their money in the guise of helping to fast-track the payment of gratuities, Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the cartel had been operating in the civil service, adding that government was narrowing down on them.

    He confirmed The Nation’s investigation, saying retired civil and public servants were being asked to pay five per cent to 10 per cent of their gratuities ‘’to these cartels to fast-track payments.’’

    READ ALSO: Let the truth speak in the Bauchi EFCC case

    Oyelade lamented that the malpractice had been unfortunately long-standing, saying the issue had persisted over the years, even during the tenure of former governor Lam Adesina, and had continued to affect unsuspecting pensioners to date. He stressed that despite warnings to pensioners to be cautious, some still fell victims to the schemes, noting that those behind the extortions and their accomplices know themselves.

    Oyelade said: “The attention of Oyo State Government has been drawn to the allegations that some pensioners in the state are being extorted by unscrupulous elements claiming to be government officials.

    “The state is paying due diligence to the payment of the gratuities for its retirees more than the previous administrations.

    “With the new monthly allocation, over 800 retirees will benefit each month, compared to just 250 beneficiaries in previous years.

    “A cartel has been operating within the civil service and government is narrowing down on the criminals.

    “Retired civil and public servants are being asked to pay five per cent to 10 per cent of their gratuities to these cartels to fast-track payments.

    “This malpractice is unfortunately long-standing. The issue has persisted over the years, even during the tenure of former governor Lam Adesina, and continues to affect unsuspecting pensioners till today.

    “Those behind the extortions and their accomplices know themselves. Despite repeated warnings to pensioners to be cautious, some still fall victims to these schemes.”

    Some retirees informed The Nation that the state government was yet to pay retirees their gratuities from 2014 to 2018.

    Sources said gratuities had been paid to those who retired since the beginning of the tenure of the current administration (2019 to date).

    Some retirees, however, alleged that only those who could part with between five per cent and 10 per cent of their gratuities had been paid, with some others stating otherwise.

    The Nation gathered that those yet to be paid included: doctors, nurses, core civil servants, public servants, teachers, principals, etc.

    The retirees alleged that a cartel was operating in the civil service at the state secretariat, who fronted for top officers to look for those ready to part with five per cent -10 per cent of their gratuity.

    They, however, hailed the governor for paying the monthly pension regularly.

    Reacting, Prince Oyelade said the illegal practices were not limited to state pensions, but also affected local government pensioners.

    Highlighting government’s efforts to improve pension disbursement, the commissioner recalled that gratuities were not paid between 2011and 2016 until the arrears were cleared by Governor Seyi Makinde.

    He said the governor had increased monthly gratuity release by 200 per cent, raising total allocations from N1 billion to N3 billion monthly.

    Oyelade said with the increase in allocation for the payment of gratuity, back-door payment was not required for the processing of gratuities or entitlements, urging retirees to follow the established system of monthly disbursement and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.

    “These illegal practices are not limited to state pensions, but also affect local government staff pensioners.

    “The government is making efforts to improve pension disbursement. Gratuities were not paid between 2011 and 2016 until the arrears were cleared by Governor  Makinde.

    “He has increased monthly gratuity release by 200 per cent, raising total allocations from N1 billion to N3 billion monthly; hence, no back-door payment is required for the processing of gratuities or entitlements.

    “We urge retirees to follow the established system of monthly disbursement and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities,” Oyelade added.

  • LASG supports 250 indigent residents with financial assistance

    LASG supports 250 indigent residents with financial assistance

    The Lagos State Government has extended financial support to another 250 indigent residents under the Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme, as part of efforts to enhance public confidence in governance and improve the welfare of vulnerable citizens.

    The cheques were presented at a ceremony held at the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Alausa, Ikeja.

    Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Tajudeen, said the initiative was designed to put smiles on the faces of indigent Lagosians and enable them to experience the dividends of democracy.

    He explained that the programme was established to improve the standard of living of vulnerable residents and conveyed the goodwill of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, to the beneficiaries.

    According to him, the present administration remains committed to the welfare and well-being of Lagosians, adding that 400 beneficiaries had received financial support last week, while an additional 250 were presented with cheques at the ceremony.

    Dr. Afolabi advised the beneficiaries to utilise the funds judiciously for productive ventures that would yield long-term benefits, warning against spending the support on non-essential needs.

    He also encouraged them to enrol in the Ilera-Eko Health Insurance Scheme of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), noting that the initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible healthcare for residents.

    Before the presentation of the cheques, beneficiaries were sensitised on various government policies and programmes of the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, aimed at deepening civic awareness and strengthening public participation in governance.

    The Permanent Secretary of the office, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore advised beneficiaries to promptly pay the cheques into their respective bank accounts to ensure timely access to the financial aid and address their immediate needs.

    The Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme is one of the social intervention initiatives of the Lagos State Government targeted at supporting indigent residents and promoting inclusive growth across the state.