The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

Wikimedia marks decade of impact, transformation

A Non-Governmental organization, Wikimedia User Group Nigeria (WUGN) on Saturday said it had made impactful transformation of the knowledge ecosystem in Nigeria since it was established ten years ago.

A statement issued by the President of Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation , Mr. Olushola Olaniyan said that WUGN was established in 2015 as a community of volunteers with a simple vision: to make knowledge freely accessible to all Nigerians, while ensuring that Nigeria’s culture, heritage, and people are represented on the global stage.

The statement reads: ”Today, as the organisation celebrates its 10th anniversary, that vision has blossomed into a national movement that has transformed how Nigerians access, preserve, and share knowledge.

”Over the past decade, Wikimedia Nigeria has established itself as a driving force in Nigeria’s knowledge ecosystem, leaving a lasting impact across education, culture, advocacy, and digital inclusion. Through its work, Nigeria’s voice has grown stronger in the global knowledge economy, and millions of people now benefit from its initiatives.

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”One of the most notable impacts has been the strengthening of Nigeria’s online presence. Over 50,000 articles and data entries related to Nigeria have been created or improved on Wikipedia and Wikidata.”

At the same time, more than 70,000 freely licensed photographs of Nigerian culture, heritage, and communities have been contributed to Wikimedia Commons. This has ensured that Nigeria’s story is told by Nigerians themselves, reaching global audiences in authentic ways.”

Olaniyan also noted that the organisation has also made strides in heritage and cultural preservation by documenting 83 historic monuments and 54 traditional festivals and preserving endangered languages through the Nigeria Oral History Project.

”Wikimedia Nigeria has safeguarded priceless cultural knowledge that might otherwise have been lost. With recordings in more than 20 indigenous languages, the group is ensuring that Nigeria’s linguistic diversity is preserved for future generations.

”Wikimedia Nigeria’s work has also contributed to advancing inclusivity in knowledge representation. Through initiatives such as Wiki Loves Women and Art+Feminism, over 2,000 new biographies of Nigerian women have been added to Wikipedia, amplifying the voices of women in history, politics, science, and the arts.

”In education, Wikimedia Nigeria has empowered the next generation of learners and educators. Its Wikipedia Education Program, active in more than 15 tertiary institutions, has trained over 10,000 students and faculty members to use and contribute to open knowledge resources. This effort has built vital digital literacy skills while positioning Wikipedia as a teaching, learning, and research tool in Nigerian classrooms.”

Beyond content creation and education, Olaniyan noted that Wikimedia Nigeria has been a voice in policy advocacy, working with government agencies, civil society organisations, and international partners to shape conversations around copyright reform, digital inclusion, and equitable access to knowledge.

“Over the last 10 years, Wikimedia Nigeria has proven that knowledge is not just power—it is empowerment. By opening access to knowledge, we have contributed to education, preserved our heritage, and given Nigeria stronger visibility on the global stage. Our impact is measured in communities uplifted, cultures preserved, and generations empowered to learn, teach, and innovate freely.”

The statement added: ”As Wikimedia Nigeria looks to the future, it remains committed to scaling its impact. The next decade will focus on expanding digital literacy programs across rural and urban Nigeria, deepening cultural preservation efforts, and strengthening partnerships with institutions, policymakers, and civil society to ensure Nigeria maintains a visible and equitable voice in the global movement for free knowledge.

‘’For Nigeria, the journey of Wikimedia is not just about free knowledge; it is about building a stronger national identity, nurturing innovation, and empowering citizens through access to information. After 10 years of service, Wikimedia Nigeria stands as proof that when knowledge is shared openly, nations thrive.”

September 28, 2025
Advocacy group celebrates Nigeria’s next generation of game changers

An advocacy group, EnterpriseNGR, a leading outfit for the Financial and Professional Services (FPS) sector, has celebrated the graduation of Cohorts IV and V of its flagship Youth of Enterprise (YOE) Internship Programme Initiative.

The event, held on Thursday, 25th September 2025, was themed “Game Changers at Work: Innovate, Disrupt, Lead.”

Since its inception, the YOE programme has empowered over 2,300 Nigerian youth, equipping them with globally relevant skills, workplace readiness, and professional competence to thrive in the evolving world of work.

The ceremony was moderated by Iyinoluwa Adunade, Head, Corporate Communications and Branding, EnterpriseNGR, and featured addresses from notable speakers including Obi Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of EnterpriseNGR; Joy Abara, Head, Programmes, EnterpriseNGR; and Tayo Olosunde, Co-Founder/Executive Director, MindtheGapNG, who delivered the keynote speech.

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Speaking at the event, Ibekwe, said: “At EnterpriseNGR, we believe that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people. Through YOE, we are investing in the future of our nation by empowering young Nigerians with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a rapidly changing world. Cohorts IV and V represent the innovation and tenacity that will drive our economy forward.”

In her remarks, Abara, said: “The Youth of Enterprise Internship Programme is more than a training; it is a platform that connects ambition with opportunity. Today’s graduates are equipped not just with knowledge, but with the mindset to innovate, disrupt, and lead in their chosen paths. Their journeys inspire us to keep scaling the Programme’s reach and impact.”

Delivering the keynote address, Olosunde said: “The future of work belongs to those who can reimagine possibilities and create solutions where others see barriers. As Game Changers, your responsibility is not only to participate in the workforce but to shape it; innovate with courage, disrupt with purpose, and lead with integrity.”

As part of the celebration, the best-performing groups in Cohorts IV and V were recognised and rewarded for their innovation and creativity deployed to solve problems in their environment, reinforcing YOE’s commitment to excellence, teamwork, and leadership.

The graduating interns had worked in reputable organisations such as Access Bank, CSCS, Chapel Hill Denham, First Ally, Coronation, Investment One Plc, Custodian, PwC Nigeria, Polaris Bank, SaroAfrica International Limited, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, FBNQuest, among others; a testament to the strong industry partnerships that continue to power the YOE Initiative.

September 28, 2025
Convoke summit on sustenance of Yoruba culture, Babayemi urges Ooni, others

A frontline governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, has uged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to work with other stakeholders in the Southwest zone to organise a summit that would promote the core values inherent in Yoruba culture.

Babayemi equally enjoined government at all levels to form an alliance with the traditional institution with a view to turning Yoruba cultural artefacts, monuments, and festivals into tourism platforms.

Babayemi, who is also the son of the late monarch of Gbongan in Ayedaade Local Government area of the state, made the call while congratulating the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi and the people of the ancient town on the celebration of this year’s annual Olojo festival.

“The annual celebration of Olojo festival in Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba race, is one of the most important celebrations among the Yoruba people, which signposts not only the inherent core value in the race’s cultural heritage, but also the significance of Ile-Ife as the cradle of the race,” he said.

He noted that the Yoruba were a sophisticated race with a rich culture, feared that unless its stories were sustained and continuously retold, generations to come would be left with little or nothing about it.

Babayemi pleaded that for the culture not to be lost to the tide of modernity and foreign cultures, Oba Ogunwusi, working with other royal fathers as well as relevant stakeholders, should urgently form a vanguard that would protect the culture from disappearing from the annals and among the Yoruba people.

“Our highly respected Ooni of Ife and other traditional rulers in the Southwest need to ensure that nothing is left to chance in ensuring the preservation and sustenance of our cultural relics and monuments. This can be done and achieved through the convocation of a high-powered summit that will comprise our royal fathers and related stakeholders. This confab will produce a practical thematic of how our culture will not go into extinction.”

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He added that his suggestion was premised on the fact that the Yoruba race has a rich background, with Ile-Ife and the Oonirisa holding a strategic leadership position in the heritage; stressing, “as a people, we have come a long way and we must not allow our tomorrow to be truncated by our today’s nonchalance.”

He advised that the move could become realisable with the cooperation of the government, noting that it would help the drive and promotion of the cultural heritage into tourism brands.

“The southwestern part of Nigeria, populated by the Yoruba, could become a tourism haven if all the cultural heritage is properly harnessed. It will further open up our towns and villages and at the same time, become a money-spinning venture for the government, corporate business owners and individuals,” he added.

While further congratulating the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, on the Olojo festival, he commended his efforts aimed at upholding the Yoruba ethos in his engagements at all levels, and promised to continue to work closely with him to bring his big vision for the race to fruition.

September 28, 2025
Ogun monarch calls for Mandy Kiss’ arrest amid marathon s3x plan

The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, Oba Ebenezer Akinyemi, has called for the arrest of social media influencer Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, known as Mandy Kiss, due to her plan to attempt a marathon s3x act with 100 men.

Mandy Kiss plans to carry out her attempt in Ikorodu, Lagos, on October 30, aiming for a Guinness World Records entry.

The Nation reported that GWR rejected the proposal, stating it does not endorse records involving s3xual activity.

Despite this, Mandy Kiss reportedly plans to proceed, prompting the monarch to label her actions a public nuisance and a risk to her life.

In an open letter to Governor Sanwo-Olu, Oba Akinyemi wrote, “Can she really survive what she plans to do? I am sure that men of the Nigeria Police Force will start arresting boys/men in Ikorodu if the ill-mannered lady dies as a result of the nonsense she is planning. The best approach to adopt is to arrest the lady who is currently constituting a public nuisance.

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“She is insisting that she will go ahead with her plan despite the rejection of her disgraceful proposal by the Guinness World Records”, the monarch said.

He urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the police to arrest her to prevent a potential tragedy and protect Lagos’s reputation, associating it with President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.

“From my assessment, I do not think the lady in question knows the implications of what she is venturing into. If she knows, she will not attempt the planned ugly incident.

“Lagos State is your home state and the home state of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Mandy Kiss, whose attitude makes her look like a mentally unstable person, should not be allowed to stigmatise the name that Lagos State has built for many decades.

“Lagos State, which parades a very disciplined First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other great people with rich culture and highly religious and revered personalities, should not allow the ill-mannered Mandy Kiss to destroy its image of excellence,” he said.

Oba Akinyemi also suggested that after her arrest, Mandy Kiss be returned to her family in Ogun State for psychiatric rehabilitation under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s oversight.

“Let me also propose that after arresting Mandy Kiss, she should be sent back to her parents in Ogun State, where my no-nonsense Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, will direct her re-arrest for the purpose of sending her to a rehabilitation centre like a psychiatric hospital for her insanity to be removed,” he added.

He further advocated for stricter government regulation of social media to curb moral decay among youths, citing the negative influence of such content on society.

“Without mincing words, the conduct of Mandy Kiss and her co-travellers has now necessitated the need for the Federal Government of Nigeria to regulate the way our youths behave, especially on social media. The moral decay in society needs to be given priority attention before everything goes out of hand.

“Our children who go on the internet for legitimate reasons will be exposed to the arrant nonsense that some content creators like Mandy Kiss engage in, and this practice may increase the number of youths engaging in social vices.

“As we all know, some countries where socially unacceptable films are produced regulate the activities of such practitioners on social media platforms, so Nigeria should not be an exception if it toes the noble way of regulating activities of morally deficient youths on the internet,” he said.

September 26, 2025
Ibadan Patriotic group hails Ladoja’s coronation, commends Makinde, CCII

The Ibadan Patriotic Group has congratulated the people of Ibadanland on the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The historic event, held on Friday at Mapo Hall, attracted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dignitaries, and well-wishers.

In a statement jointly signed by its members, the group welcomed all stakeholders who graced the occasion and applauded Governor Seyi Makinde, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), and the coronation committee for putting together a befitting week-long programme to mark the milestone.

The members of the Ibadan Patriotic Group are: Adebayo Azeez Bashiru Opulence; Olajide Morakinyo Raphael;

Adetunji Kehinde Jubril; Magaji Adewale Adetunji Gafar; Dr. Ademola Lukman Lawal; Koleosho Idowu Muhammed; Hon. Umaru Faruq Arisekola Alao; Lakunle Don Lawal; Ojo Abiodun Ololade; Gbolahan Sanu; Alli Akinkunmi Adeleke; Moshod Ladipo Sembelke.

Others include, Alhaji Aiki Adesina Mutair; Engr. Oyebanji Abimbola Muhammed; Sakiru Adekola Lawal; Abdulsalam Ladipo Sembelke; Ibrahim Ladipo Sembelke; Magaji Dr. Koleosho Abiodun Alabi Ruben; CSP Ayoola Ojo Akere (Magaji); Abayomi Idris Gbadamosi; Adeola Olanrewaju Akande; Ridwan Oyekunle Oyelakin; Ayodeji Kareem Dejavu John.

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Adewumi Adeagbo Akande; Abiodun Gbadamosi Mutairu; Dr. Hassan Olawale Giwa; Adewumi Adetunji Ismail; Otunba Abdullah Adeniyi Lawal; Akande Adewale Oluwasegun; Brigadier General Mutiu Abiola Oloyede Asanike; Bashorun Akinola Ramon Oritoke; Alhaji Ismail Ayobami Badru 3030,and Abiodun Ibrahim Ladipo Haaji

Expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the ceremony, the group prayed for long life, peace, and prosperity for the new monarch.

September 26, 2025
Olubadan: Arisekola, Mosadoluwa celebrate Ladoja’s historic ascension

The Chairman of Harmony Garden and Estate Development Ltd, Mogaji Wole Arisekola, and the company’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Dr. Saheed Audullahi Mosadoluwa, have congratulated Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I) on his historic coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

In their goodwill messages, both executives described Ladoja’s ascension to the revered throne as a proud and unifying milestone, not only for the ancient city of Ibadan but also for Yorubaland.

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Arisekola commended the monarch’s leadership qualities, rich political experience, and deep love for his people, noting that his reign would uplift Ibadan and strengthen its traditional institution.

Mosadoluwa, on his part, hailed Ladoja’s pedigree as a statesman, expressing confidence that his reign would usher in peace, development, and cultural preservation.

The company’s management also prayed for the monarch’s long life and impactful reign, stressing that his coronation marks a new chapter in Ibadan’s rich heritage and a source of pride for indigenes and Yorubaland at large.

September 26, 2025
Ondo federal lawmaker pledges to prioritise security of constituents

…lays foundation for police area command in Iwaro Oka, donates van to police

The federal lawmaker representing Akoko South-East/South-West Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Hon. Adegboye Adefarati has reiterated that the security of his constituents remains the top priority of his representation at the National Assembly.

Speaking on Friday at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Police Area Command Office Phase I at Iwaro Oka, in Akoko, Adefarati noted that no meaningful development could be achieved without adequate security.

“As we lay the foundation for this critical infrastructure, let me reaffirm our commitment to supporting our security agencies and working together to build a safer, more prosperous constituency for all,” he declared.

The federal lawmaker commended security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, for their relentless efforts in tackling crime across the Akoko region.

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He also lauded the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, for reducing crime to the barest minimum in the area.

Adefarati, who described the project as a product of community-driven demand, hailed the Iwaro Oka community leaders for championing the initiative.

“Security is not just a matter for the police; rather, it is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of every citizen,” he said.

He recalled that a high-powered delegation of Iwaro leaders had visited him last year to present the project as a pressing need of their town.

“As your representative, my reply was concise and precise: ‘Consider it done.’ Today, we are laying its foundation, and we will complete this first phase in a short period,” he assured.

In further support of policing in the area, Adefarati also donated a brand-new Toyota Hilux van to the Akungba Akoko Police Station to enhance patrols and response time to security threats.

Beyond security, the lawmaker highlighted other constituency projects he has facilitated to include: Construction of a modern block of six classrooms at Etioro High School, Supare-Akoko, Drilling of 26 boreholes across the 26 wards of the constituency, Dualisation of Akungba–Ikare road and degradation of Okerigbo hill motion.

Others included: Procurement of 1,000 bags of fertilizer for farmers. Facilitation of Green Farm to AUD Grammar School, Akungba-Akoko. Construction of solar-powered boreholes at the Police College, Isua-Akoko, and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, among others.

Hon. Adefarati stressed that these interventions reflect his resolve to not only strengthen security but also improve education, infrastructure, and agriculture in the constituency.

September 26, 2025
Olubadan: New Ladoja new photos go public

As the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja hit crescendo today, new photographs of the monarch have been made public.

Apparently fresh from the photo studio, a source said the new photographs were taken in preparations for the coronation as well as to replace many of the old photos of the monarch on social media.

The photographs captured the monarch is different positions and outfits, wearing good looks amid smile.

September 26, 2025
Afenifere urges probe into Senator Natasha’s allegations against Akpabio

Prominent Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has called on the Nigerian Senate and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to determine whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan made false claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

While commending the Senate’s decision to lift Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension, Afenifere stressed that her allegations of sexual harassment must not be dismissed without judicial scrutiny.

In a statement on Thursday, the group’s National Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, said the recall reinforced adherence to the rule of law but insisted that the gravity of the allegations required thorough investigation by relevant security agencies, both locally and internationally.

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The group further recalled Akpoti-Uduaghan’s past case involving false sexual harassment claims against former presidential aide Reno Omokri, for which damages were awarded in an out-of-court settlement.

Afenifere criticised the senator’s decision to take her claims to international media outlets such as BBC, CNN, Sky News, and Deutsche Welle, saying it cast Nigeria in a negative light.

It also raised questions about her participation in an Inter-Parliamentary Union session in New York, noting that attendance at such meetings is strictly by nomination.

“If Natasha truly participated in the IPU meeting without due nomination, then it simply revealed her manipulation of our public institutions for pecuniary ends,” the group said.

September 26, 2025
Olubadan: Your reign will usher in economic prosperity, Lagelu ICAN congratulates Ladoja

The Lagelu & District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has congratulated Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja on his ascension as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Oba Ladoja, a respected statesman and former governor of Oyo State, will be formally crowned tomorrow, Friday, September 26, 2025.

The coronation, expected to usher in a new era for Ibadanland, the political hub of the Southwest, is set to attract top dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and other eminent personalities from across the country.

In a congratulatory message, Chairman of the Lagelu & District Society of ICAN, Chief Mrs. Omokemi Oladipo (FCA), expressed confidence that Oba Ladoja’s reign would open a new chapter of economic growth and prosperity for the ancient city.

“It is both a privilege and a delight to congratulate the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. Your Majesty’s life has been marked by excellence and versatility.

“From engineering to agriculture, shipping to banking, manufacturing to transportation, you have not only participated, but you have led with vision and distinction.”

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She further noted that Oba Ladoja’s extensive business acumen and global exposure will undoubtedly serve as invaluable assets in driving development across Ibadanland.

“You are a first-class engineer, a renowned farmer whose produce feeds many regions of the country, a shipping magnate, and a respected figure in Nigeria’s business landscape.

“Your ascension brings with it a wealth of experience that we believe will benefit the people of Ibadan immensely,” she added.

“On behalf of the entire members of the Lagelu and District Society of ICAN, I say congratulations, Kabiyesi. Long may you reign in peace, wisdom, and prosperity.”

September 25, 2025