The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Onigbongbo set to become gateway of tourism, hospitality in Lagos – Adebanjo

    Onigbongbo set to become gateway of tourism, hospitality in Lagos – Adebanjo

    Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA in Lagos, Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo, has reaffirmed the council’s commitment to positioning Onigbongbo as the gateway of tourism and hospitality in Lagos.

    Speaking at the Tourism and Hospitality Symposium, the Chairman highlighted Onigbongbo’s unique role as the first point of contact for many visitors arriving in Lagos, with its thriving hospitality sector along Allen, Opebi, Toyin, Kudirat Abiola, and Ikeja GRA. 

    He emphasised that tourism is not just leisure but a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, aligning with his administration’s F.I.N.E Agenda — Foster economic growth, Invest in people, Nurture enterprise, and Ensure wellbeing.

    READ ALSO: Massive turnout for CVR shows Nigerians’ confidence in electoral process, says INEC

    Adebanjo announced the upcoming Onigbongbo Spark Fest 2025, a landmark yuletide festival designed to light up our cityscape, attract visitors, and transform Onigbongbo into a yuletide destination to rival Victoria Island and Lekki. 

    He also unveiled plans for a digital hospitality directory powered by QR codes, which will be placed at airports and strategic locations across Lagos, offering visitors access to local hotels, restaurants, and nightlife operators with a 10% discount incentive.

    The Chairman assured tourism and hospitality stakeholders of the government’s readiness to collaborate with the private sector in driving visibility, investment, and growth, stating: “Together, we will make tourism the heartbeat of development in Onigbongbo LCDA.”

  • Olu-Alo hails Nigeria at 65, Ekiti at 29

    Olu-Alo hails Nigeria at 65, Ekiti at 29

    …Charges Nigerians on sacrifice, national development

    A popular preacher, Prophet Sam Olu-Alo, has congratulated Nigerians and President Bola Tinubu on the 65th independence anniversary.

    He called on Nigerians to always make necessary sacrifices that would help the country to attain greatness.

    Olu-Alo, who is the planter of of CAC Adamimogo, Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain World-wide, also congratulated Ekiti people and Governor Biodun Oyebanji on the 24th year of the creation of Ekiti State.

    The cleric in his goodwill message by his Personal Assistant, Hon. Deji Ogunbusuyi, said Nigeria remained one indivisible entity despite the political and ethnic forces differences of its people, urging Nigerians to continually pray and make concerted efforts to ensure the nation’s upliftment.

    Olu-Alo, who described Nigerians as resilient people, said all hands must be on deck in building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation, adding that citizens must eschew divisive tendencies at this time that we need to stand and live together as brothers.

    He urged all Nigerians to participate actively and constructively in the process of nation-building for the country to get over all her challenges.

    While congratulating Ekiti people on the 29th anniversary of the creation of the State, he said a better and well-developed State should remain paramount in the hearts of the citizens.

    “I therefore call on the Ekitis, both at home and abroad, to support and join hands with the government in repositioning the state and ensure its all-round development of the State.

    “The task of rebuilding and repositioning the state is a collective effort and through our cooperation, a truly prosperous state would be built and we shall put it firmly on the path of honour and irreversible development,” he stated.

    He urged the people not to relent in praying for the both administrations to be able to make life better for the people.

    The preacher appealed to all political parties and residents of Ekiti state to conduct themselves peacefully in their forthcoming parties governorship primary elections.

    In a separate statement, the cleric also congratulated His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja on his recent coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    Prophet Olu-Alo, who is founder of Adamimogo FM Nigeria and the owner of Adamimogo 105:1 FM, Ibadan in Oyo State and others in Southwest, said the momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in the history of Ibadan’s traditional institution.

    While also rejoicing with the monarch on his birthday celebration, the cleric said: “Your ascension to the throne is a testament to your leadership qualities and dedication to the well-being of your people. As a former Governor of Oyo State, you have demonstrated exceptional governance skills, and your experience will undoubtedly shape your reign as Olubadan.

    “I pray God will grant you wisdom and knowledge to lead and guide the people as well as giving you sound health as you embark on this new chapter. May your reign be marked by peace, prosperity, and the continued growth of Ibadanland”.

  • Makinde votes as Oyo PDP begins Congress

    Makinde votes as Oyo PDP begins Congress

    Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has begun its congress in Ibadan, the capital city, with Governor Seyi Makinde casting the first vote to kick off the electoral process.

    Governor Makinde, who serves as the number one delegate from Ibadan North East Local Government, was among the early voters in the peaceful and well-organised exercise.

    Delegates from 33 local governments are participating in the congress.

    It marks the culmination of the party’s internal electoral process, following successful ward and local government congresses held across the state.

    The exercise is aimed at electing new state executive officers, who will steer the party’s affairs over the next four years.

    The election is being monitored by former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, officials of the party from the national headquarters, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security operatives, among others.

    The Electoral Panel Chairman from the party’s national secretariat, Senator Austin Akobundu, is leading other officials to conduct and coordinate the congress.

    Governor Makinde said the task before the would-be elected executive members of the party would be to deliver the party from the presidency to the councillorship positions in 2027.

    Sen. Akobundu lauded the organised arrangement he met on ground, especially among the delegates, noting that the congress held great significance to the party.

    He said: “There’s no report that anything untoward happened to our delegates. We are all here in large numbers. Thank you and welcome.

    “I want to point to the fact that today’s event has great significance to our party. Your state has been one of the strong corners of our party in the country. I have had to undertake many assignments here over the years and I’m glad to note that under the famed leadership, able leadership of the leader of the party, Engineer Seyi Makinde, this party has grown from strength to strength.

    “The testimonial is the recent by-election conducted, off-season election, where PDP took the seats and returned all our candidates to National Assembly and other seats. I want to thank you, your excellency, for the strong leadership you have provided and for the growth our party has witnessed. Today we expect nothing different from what we have done before.

    Read Also: NAF strikes kill 25 terrorists in Borno, Yobe

    “Most congresses here have been very, very seamless and I can see that today we are well organised. The crowd that we have here is a reflection of the acceptance of PDP as a solid platform and I want to advise that we remain orderly as we walk through this process.

    “Be reminded also that we are working towards 2027 election where PDP will return all our candidates.

    “Finally, let me take this opportunity to thank God for giving us a governor like Seyi Makinde in Oyo State today. One of the best governors, performing governor who has transformed Oyo State. I was telling him that when I got into Ibadan, because I used to visit Ibadan a lot in the past, that I couldn’t find my way around the city.

    “The city is so well transformed as well as our rural areas and I pray that God will continue to grant him grace to complete the job and as he prepares to go for higher assignment by the special grace of God, I pray that God Almighty will also give us a successor with steady hands that will also be handsome and passionate about the development and growth of Oyo State. I believe God will do so for us.

    “I will continue to pray that the rest of this administration that will lead to next one will be progressive, will be rewarding, will see more development. So, for our party to come back we have to work very hard. This exercise is going to be very fast because I can see that you are well organised.”

    The event attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of the state, the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; federal lawmakers like Abass Adigun Agboworin (Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency), Stanley Adedeji Olajide (Ibadan North-West/South-West), and Shina Peller, a former member of the House of Representatives.

    Also in attendance are local government council chairmen across the state, party stakeholders and supporters, who are witnessing the congress proceedings.

    The outcome of the congress is expected to shape the direction of PDP in Oyo State, as it prepares for future electoral contests.

    As at press time, voting was still ongoing by delegates across the three senatorial district of the state.

  • Edo government targets N100b IGR by December

    Edo government targets N100b IGR by December

    Edo State Government said its deployment of technology and innovation would help it to meet targeted N100billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by December ending.

    It said it had made gains in the area of increasing the state IGR and being able to manage some of the challenging issues with tax evasion and tax avoidance.

    Executive Chairman of Edo Internal Revenue Services (EIRS), Otunba Bamidele Bankole-Balogun, in an interview, said the state was making steady progress through audit processes, assessments and good use of the courts.

    He said the state’s IGR at the end of August was N74billion and had hit N79billion at press time.

    Bankole-Balogun said the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration inherited a virtually non-existent digitalised system.

    The EIRS boss said his team was working assiduously to digitalise revenue collections in Edo State such that in future, cash collections and manual collections would be reduced to the barest minimum.

    He said: “At the moment, Edo State Internal Revenue Service is making tremendous gains in the area of increasing the state’s IGR. There are many components to our taxation and each and every part of this mix is seeing significant improvement as compared to last year in review.

    “There are other companies that are lined up and individuals lined up somewhere. It has been traditionally difficult, as you say, to come to grips with high net worth individuals. They have all the resources to evade and avoid tax, but we’re on top of it.”

    Read Also: NAF strikes kill 25 terrorists in Borno, Yobe

    He expressed the state’s preparedness for the new tax regime from January 1, 2026.

    “As you know, the new tax regime that will come in on the 1st of January 2026 places very little emphasis on the low income and places a lot of emphasis on the high income. Our objective is to tap into the high net worth individuals who are able to pay much more than the lower income, so as to harness that group and maximise the potential from the group.

    “Digitalisation is on top of it. Tax bodies are on top of it. The FIRS, which will now be the Federal Revenue Service, is also on top of it. Edo State Internal Revenue Service is also on top of it. Technology will help and as you know TINs, BDNs and NINs are going to be critical to doing any financial transaction in Nigeria from the 1st of January. So all of these mechanisms put together, hopefully, will help us to get more from these people who can pay more actually to give everybody a better life.”

  • Tinubu support groups swell in Edo

    Tinubu support groups swell in Edo

    Support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received a boost in Edo State, following inauguration of the Grassroots Mobilisation for 2027 tagged: ‘PBAT 4+4 Grassroots Mobilisation’.

    The group said Tinubu’s economic reforms had shown promising results, with notable gains in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, foreign reserves, and infrastructural development.

    Edo State Coordinator of the group, Abel Emokpae, who spoke after the inauguration in Benin City, said President Tinubu had earned citizens’ support by delivering dividends of democracy.

    He noted that the Tinubu administration had shown that it had capacity to turn around economic downturn and make it profitable.

    Read Also: NAF strikes kill 25 terrorists in Borno, Yobe

    He said the group aimed to secure massive support for President Tinubu across all stratums, including the local government councils in Edo State.

    Emokpae challenged Nigerians to rally behind the present administration, emphasising that continuity was crucial for sustaining progress.

    He said: “This can lay a foundation for a brighter future for the youth, knowing that President Tinubu is not the father that forgets serious children’s ambitions. The leaders of this group will soon visit some states to encourage more grassroots mobilisation, preparatory to 2027 election and by special grace of God, volunteers across the state will be captured.”

  • ‘Friendly immigration policies will foster cultural exchange, prosperity’

    ‘Friendly immigration policies will foster cultural exchange, prosperity’

    The Director of Alliance Française in Ibadan, Oyo State, Mrs Olaide Turner-Moyet, has called for more friendly immigration policies across Africa, to strengthen international trade, foster cultural and linguistic exchange, and advance continental prosperity.

    She urged Africans to learn foreign languages, multilingual skills, particularly in international business, diplomacy, tourism and academia; build global friendships and professional relationships that would remain out of reach.

    Speaking at the 2025 Ghana FESTAC Festival held at the International Conference Centre in Accra, Ghana, Turner-Moyet said Africa remained blessed with creativity, resources and human potential, adding that friendlier policies, particularly on immigration, would enhance inter-country collaboration, productivity and cultural exchange.

    The award-winning artist and Fellow of the Eccolerite Institute for Peace Advancement, expressed delight about the growing ‘Back to Africa’ movement, describing it as a modern ‘Japada’ trend that was bringing Afro-descendants in the diaspora home to reconnect with their roots, especially in Ghana and Republic of Benin.

    She noted that ‘’this reconnection strengthens cultural bonds, deeps spiritual significance and affirms Africa’s relevance worldwide.’’

    Reflecting on African identity, Turner-Moyet said Africans were deeply spiritual at their core, noting that reparations and restitutions should go beyond the return of artefacts to include acknowledgment of Africa’s spiritual heritage as part of its global contribution, as Africans continued to honour their ancestors through libations and ceremonies.

    Read Also: NAF strikes kill 25 terrorists in Borno, Yobe

    In her advocacy for cultural diplomacy through food, she introduced her idea to transform ‘Jollof Wars’ into ‘Jollof Friendship’ at the Jollof competition between Ghana and Nigeria during the FESTAC Festival.

    Turner-Moyet said food must be a unifying force, binding friendship, fun and flavour across Africa.

    Citing the legacy of leaders like Leopold Senghor, Kwame Nkrumah, Obafemi Awolowo and Nelson Mandela, she told Africans that unity in diversity should inspire common trade, cultural integration and stronger bilateral ties.

    Other distinguished voices, including Zimbabwean Ambassador Ruth Hungwe, Nigerian Professor of Literature and History Benjamin Okaba and Tourism Expert, Yinka Abioye, emphasised the importance of policies such as a continental currency and streamlined immigration protocols, to support deeper African integration.

  • Ndoma-Egba boasts of FUOYE’s potential

    Ndoma-Egba boasts of FUOYE’s potential

    The Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, has hailed the inclusion of scientists from the university in the body of two per cent scientists in the world.

    Ndoma-Egba, who was responding to the recent recognition of lecturers of FUOYE by the globally-reputable Stanford appraisal, said the development was a pointer to the great potential of the university.

    He said: “FOUYE has put Nigeria in a pride of place in scientific researches and recognition and it is a reflection of the sound academic community in the university.

    “I am very proud and I’m elated that FUOYE is certainly on the path to national and, indeed, global distinction and recognition.

    Read Also: NAF strikes kill 25 terrorists in Borno, Yobe

    “We will keep our hands on the plough, looking forward to greater glory and ignoring the contrived distractions of the university by merchants of fake news.

    “There are many lofty achievements happening at FUOYE. They are giant strides the faculties and departments, as well as the management, and indeed, the whole university community are proud of.

    “We will advise the media to report these positive developments and be more critical to false stories that only mire the university in needless controversy.”

  • 2027: No automatic ticket for Jonathan in PDP, says Gbenga Hashim Group

    2027: No automatic ticket for Jonathan in PDP, says Gbenga Hashim Group

    • …..Says PDP Ticket Not for Sale, Jonathan Must Contest 

    The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has said that former President Goodluck Jonathan will not enjoy a “free ride” to the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027.

    Reacting to remarks credited to Professor Jerry Gana suggesting Jonathan’s possible comeback on the PDP platform, the GHSM National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, stressed that the PDP flagbearer would only emerge through an open and transparent process in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

    “With due respect, Professor Jerry Gana is entitled to his enthusiasm about the return of former President Jonathan. However, only PDP delegates to the national convention can pick the party’s flagbearer, and ultimately, God Almighty will determine the outcome, not a few party stalwarts,” Hamzat said in a statement.

    Read Also: 2027: Jonathan, David Mark disagree on ADC ticket

    Hamzat argued that Nigerians are yearning for progress, not a return to the past, warning that Jonathan represents an “old order” many citizens are ready to consign to history.

    “The Jonathan era cannot be painted as a perfect time. It was a period when the diversity of our nation began to be deeply mismanaged, rekindling ethnic tensions and religious bigotry, a legacy that has unfortunately worsened under subsequent governments,” he added.

    He also revisited Jonathan’s foreign policy record, faulting Nigeria’s decision in 2011 to break ranks with the African Union and support NATO’s intervention in Libya. He described the move as a “strategic blunder” that destabilized the Sahel and aggravated insecurity across Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and other West African countries.

    On domestic governance, the GHSM leader insisted that Jonathan still has questions to answer on corruption allegations that trailed his administration, particularly the infamous Dasukigate arms procurement scandal.

    Hamzat, however, affirmed that the PDP remains a democratic platform where no aspirant, including former presidents, should expect automatic endorsement.

    “If President Jonathan desires a return to Aso Rock, he must be ready to square up with nationally unifying aspirants such as Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in an open and transparent primary,” Hamzat declared.

    He maintained that Nigerians deserve fresh leadership and a new vision to tackle the nation’s challenges, insisting that “the only way forward is forward, not backward.”

  • Ondo immigration boss raises alarm over rising irregular migration among youths

    Ondo immigration boss raises alarm over rising irregular migration among youths

    The Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Ondo State Command, Felicia Anara, has expressed concern over the increasing cases of irregular migration among Nigerian youths.

    Speaking on Monday in Akure, the state capital, Anara warned that the dangerous venture continues to expose travellers—particularly young people—to abuse, exploitation, and, in many cases, untimely death.

    She highlighted the dangers of irregular migration to include slavery, rape, kidnapping, detention, forced prostitution, piracy, and even organ harvesting.

    Represented by her special assistant, Alebiosu Goodwill, the controller stressed the urgency of sustained campaigns to curb the rising number of irregular migrants, especially among youths.

    According to her, in the last two decades, many Nigerians have attempted to reach Europe, America, and Canada through unsafe routes such as the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.

    READ ALSO; Jonathan will contest 2027 presidency, says Jerry Gana

    Citing the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Anara noted that irregular migration is a “movement that takes place outside the regulatory norms of a country.”

    She lamented that a growing number of Nigerians now risk their lives on the Niger–Libya route in a bid to enter Europe illegally.

    Anara identified unemployed youths and fresh graduates as the most vulnerable to the trend.

    While urging young people to embrace safer and legal options such as student visas and work permits, she also called on governments at all levels to address the root causes driving the menace.

  • Alaafin urges religious leaders to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence

    Alaafin urges religious leaders to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has called on religious leaders across Nigeria to preach and promote ethno-religious tolerance while accommodating opposing views as part of efforts to strengthen peaceful coexistence in the country.

    The monarch made the appeal while hosting the National Chairman of JIBWIS Society, Sheikh Abdullahi Balalau, during a courtesy visit.

    Oba Owoade condemned the instigation of hatred in the guise of religious practice, describing it as a negative trend. He urged clerics to embrace the gospel of friendship, love, and sincerity, which he described as “the vehicle that will take mankind to the abode of peace and security.”

    He further stressed that accepting the message of salvation is a voluntary and personal choice, noting that those who seek to spread the knowledge of God must do so without resorting to violence.

    READ ALSO; Nigeria @65: Abuja Command of NSCDC deploys 4,500 personnel

    He said, “Neither the Quran nor the Bible encourages the deployment of coercion or violence as a means of evangelising unbelievers. Killing in the name of religion does not bring glory to God. It is against His command and will never receive His blessing. What God wants us to extend to unbelievers is love and the message of full and free salvation, and not bodily harm or death. Nigerians also have a duty to work for all that promotes peace and harmonious living. Religion need not be the leading cause of death.

    “In a country as diverse and populous as Nigeria, where over 200 million citizens adhere to a tapestry of faiths, Islam, Christianity, and African traditional religions, religion is not just a private matter but a potent force shaping national identity, politics, culture, and even the economy.”

    Oba Owoade, who extolled the virtue of Dr. Balalau as a religious leader who is unflinching in his commitment to peace through preaching and teaching across the country and beyond, described him as “deeply pious”.

    “I have heard a lot about you, especially your preaching for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. I personally witnessed one of your preaching at the wedding ceremony of a serving Senator in Kaduna. It was interesting and laudable.”

    While appreciating the visit, Alaafin pledged his support and cooperation to the JIBWIS leader for the unity, peace, and progress of the country.

    Earlier in his address, Dr. Balalau, who was accompanied by other members of the National Executive Committee, amid a large crowd of followers, said he was elated to meet with the Alaafin.

    He said, “I am indeed glad and count myself very lucky to be with the monarch whose reign is uniquely divine. Moving closer to him is a gift of blessings and good fortune. He (Alaafin) is absolutely endowed by Allah (God).”‘

    Dr. Balalau advised the Alaafin to always put his demands before God, including divine wisdom and knowledge, adding that whatever he requests will be granted by God.

    While noting that leadership is a trust and that people can only obey the paramount ruler for his passion, honesty, and sincerity of purpose, the renowned Islamic scholar advised the monarch to continue to show mercy to the people and rule with justice.

    Dr. Balalau, who expressed heartfelt appreciation for the honour accorded him by the Alaafin, whom he referred to as ‘’a very great monarch, prayed for good health, divine protection, and long life for Oba Owoade, as well as unity, peace, and prosperity for the ancient town, the state, and the country as a whole.