The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • OHIS to youths: Don’t expect miracles to change genotype before choosing life partner

    OHIS to youths: Don’t expect miracles to change genotype before choosing life partner

    No fewer than 300 youths in Osun State have undergone free genotype screening organised by Rotary District 9126, as part of efforts to raise awareness on sickle cell disorder and help couples make informed marital choices.

    Speaking at the 2025 Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) held at Fountain University, Osogbo, the Executive Secretary of the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), Dr. Rasaq Akindele, warned young people and intending couples against relying on ‘miracles’ to change an unfavourable genotype.

    He noted that ignorance about genotype compatibility often results in avoidable cases of sickle cell disorder among children.

    “It is very important to educate young people about sickle cell disease to prevent the error of entering marriage without knowing their genotype,” Akindele said. “SS, SC and, in rare cases, CC are sickle cell genotypes that predispose individuals to painful crises. Knowing your status helps prevent bringing children into such conditions.”

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    He further urged Nigerians to take their health more seriously by knowing their genotype, blood group, and other vital health details before making major life decisions such as marriage, education, or career choices.

    Chairman of RYLA, Mr. Kazeem Oderinu, explained that the week-long programme was designed to build youths in leadership, entrepreneurship, health, and cultural values.

    “We are building young people for future challenges so they won’t become a burden to society. Preparing them for political and social leadership is key to our nation’s development. That is why we included free genotype screening for more than 300 participants.”

    The programme, he added, is part of Rotary’s long-term vision to empower Nigerian youths to make responsible choices and contribute meaningfully to national growth.

  • Tinubu’s aide launches anti-child abuse campaign, workshops in Ogun

    Tinubu’s aide launches anti-child abuse campaign, workshops in Ogun

    In a bid to combat child abuse and related vices, friends and supporters of Alhaji Yusuf Kamorudeen, Personal Assistant on Special Duties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the banner of Kamosky loyalists, have begun a series of workshops and sensitisation programmes for teenagers, teachers, and caregivers.

    One of the workshops took place on Monday in Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, featuring experts in child psychology, behavioural change communication, and faith-based leaders, who shared practical insights on curbing child abuse.

    Lead speaker, Princess Feyikemi Banuso, highlighted the various forms of abuse, including bullying, blackmail, and inappropriate touching, urging teenagers to always speak out when confronted with such threats.

    According to her, “Around here victims of child abuse, molestation including rape face stigma and shame hence many suffer in silence. But we are saying that such a culture of silence would not help the situation but rather would aggravate things. This is why we are carrying out this sensitisation and awareness programme to educate our boy and girl child.

    Read Also: Ogun govt assures Fusengbuwa ruling house of fair process in Awujale selection

    “All we are saying is that you must not tolerate abuse of any kind both from strangers and even from people close to you. You must learn to always speak out because if you don’t speak out you are indirectly empowering your abusers. So you must learn to speak out,” she stressed.

    ‎Other speakers also gave career pep talks thus encouraging the teenagers to aspire to become responsible citizens and prepare to contribute their own quota to the development of the society.

    The highpoint of the occasion was the donation of stationery to participants at the palace of the Olota of Ota, Oba Professor Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege.

  • Lagos House decries unconfirmed appointees

    Lagos House decries unconfirmed appointees

    • House pushes for financial autonomy of council legislatures

    Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a strong stance in ensuring government appointees follow due process.

    It has directed the Accountant General to stop payment of salaries and allowances to nominees, who were not screened and confirmed before taking office.

    It has also directed the Head of Service to report before the House Committee of Legislative Compliance for clarification on why some political appointees assumed office without the statutory approval.

    The member representing Ajeromi Ifelodun I Constituency, Mr. Lukman Olumoh, lamented that agencies whose heads were not screened often resisted oversight, sometimes claiming they were not under the Assembly’s supervision.

    He noted that some MDAs were operating illegally without legislative confirmation of their leaders.

    Speaker Mudashiru Obasa expressed displeasure that the matter had become a recurring issue, stressing that it was wrong for the executive to disregard legislative authority.

    READ ALSO: The INEC chairman as kingmaker

    The assembly called Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, to withdraw letters of appointment issued to heads of agencies who assumed office without legislative confirmation.

    Lawmakers in Lagos State House of Assembly have deliberated on a motion to grant financial autonomy to the legislative arms of local governments and local council development areas.

    The House resolved to call on Governor Sanwo-Olu to direct the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development to develop a framework for independent funding of legislative councils.

    This was deliberated extensively during plenary.

    The motion titled: “Need to Grant Financial Autonomy to the Legislative Arm of the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in the State”, was moved by Sanni Babatunde, chairman, Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.

  • Abiru hails Gumel on appointment

    Abiru hails Gumel on appointment

    Senator Tokunbo Abiru representing Lagos East Senatorial District has congratulated Mr. Farouk Gumel on his appointment as chairman of the newly established Botswana Sovereign Wealth Fund.

    Abiru, the chairman of Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance & Other Financial Institutions, described the appointment as “a landmark achievement.”

    He praised Gumel’s record in financial leadership, governance and transparency, noting his outstanding service as former chairman of Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority.

    READ ALSO: A way out for the North

    “This role is historic and strategic for Botswana,” Abiru said.

    “Farouk’s visionary leadership and commitment to financial stability—proven during his instrumental role in the restructuring of Skye Bank and other national assignments—will be invaluable as Botswana charts a more diversified and sustainable economic future.”

    The lawmaker emphasised the broader significance of the appointment:

    “At a time when Nigeria is undertaking bold reforms to strengthen its financial institutions, this global recognition of a Nigerian expertise reflects positively on our country and underscores the continent-wide impact of capable leadership.”

    He wished Gumel a successful tenure.

  • RTEAN hails Olubadan-designate

    RTEAN hails Olubadan-designate

    Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Oyo State branch, has described the emergence of former governor of the state, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, as God ordained.

    It said Oba Ladoja’s emergence was divine, particularly at a time traditional institutions in Yoruba land needed repositioning and transformation.

    A statement by Oyo RTEAN Chairman, Otunba Desmond Oguntuga and Secretary, Adeyemi Olusola, said Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan was not just a celebration and fulfilment for Ibadan land, but also Yoruba race and the nation at large.

    The duo joined well-wishers and indigenes of Ibadan land to extend congratulations to the Olubadan-designate.

    RTEAN said the emergence of the former governor as Olubadan-designate was a blessing, heart-warming, inspiring and a good thing to the socio-cultural and economic progress of Ibadan land and Southwest.

    “Sen. Ladoja’s excellent journey in politics, governance, community service, business, among others, has prepared him with the wisdom, leadership qualities and experience needed to steer the affairs of Ibadan land to greater heights.”

    READ ALSO: The INEC chairman as kingmaker

    The association said the Olubadan-designate’s reputation for fairness, humility and commitment to the welfare of the people made him an icon of hope, not only for the traditional institution in Oyo State, but also across Nigeria, going by his wide acceptability.

    “On behalf of the entire members of our association in Oyo State, we celebrate Oba Ladoja and pray for a successful and lasting reign that will promote unity, tourism and development in Ibadan land.

    “We assure our revered Kabiyesi of our continued support for initiatives under his leadership, aimed at fostering cultural exchange, tourism promotion and economic empowerment for the people of Oyo State and the Yoruba nation.”

  • Oyo govt, UNICEF launch project

    Oyo govt, UNICEF launch project

    Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and European Union (EU), has launched the implementation process of the Support to a Sustainable Social Protection System Project (EUSUSI) in Oyo State.

    The initiative, which is being piloted in four states Abia, Benue, Oyo, Sokoto including FCT, aims to build a more resilient, inclusive and shock-responsive social protection system for Nigeria’s most vulnerable groups, including children, the poorest households, displaced persons and people living with disabilities.

    The event was held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

    The Chief of UNICEF’s Southwest Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, who represented UNICEF Country Representative, Ms.Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, said the EU-funded project would strengthen social protection systems at the national and state levels.

    She noted that UNICEF had engaged Economic Policy Research Institute (EPRI) to review National Social Registry (NSR) and social protection policies.

    READ ALSO: A way out for the North

    She said: “Through this support, UNICEF has commissioned reviews to improve the coverage, accuracy and efficiency of identifying Nigeria’s poor and vulnerable. These assessments will provide concrete recommendations to enhance inclusivity, efficiency and resilience of Nigeria’s social protection systems, with special emphasis on child sensitivity and shock responsiveness.”

    Speaking on behalf of the state government, Acting Governor Bayo Lawal described the programme as “a landmark achievement to promote social inclusion and advance sustainable development in Oyo State.”

    He lauded EU, UNICEF and ILO for their support and highlighted the state’s efforts to reduce poverty.

    ILO Regional Project Manager, Guite Diop, who represented ILO Country Director, Ms. Vanessa Phala, said the collaboration was essential to ensure no one was left behind.

    Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, recalled that the state had been working on the framework of social protection since the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Toyin Balogun, said under the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration, the state was laying a strong foundation for a population that was climate resilient through interventions of the state government.

  • ‘Only contractors can advise on usability of Ibadan airport’

    ‘Only contractors can advise on usability of Ibadan airport’

    • Kola Daisi my mentor, says Ladoja

    Oyo State Acting Governor Bayo Lawal has said only the contractors handling upgrading of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to an international airport can advise if the facility will be ready for use during the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan.

    He spoke while fielding questions from reporters after an inspection tour of the facility, as well as Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, Ibadan.

    The question became imperative in view of the expected high turnout of guests and visitors in Ibadan from within and outside the country during the coronation.

    Lawal said although he was aware that tests had been carried out on the facility to ensure the airport runway met international standard, it would not be right to pre-empt the contractors, adding that they would advise on the usability of the facility.

    READ ALSO: The INEC chairman as kingmaker

    He said: “I was told quite frankly that tests are being carried out regularly. The airport runway, at least they have carried out three tests and they met international standard.

    “So, it is not for me to offer an opinion, it’s for the experts to offer an opinion as to whether the facility will be ready for use during coronation or not. But we are hoping that if it is possible to make use of the runway in the next one month, so be it.’’

    Oba Ladoja has described the founder of Kola Daisi University, Ibadan, Bashorun Kola Daisi, as his mentor, whose life is worthy of emulation.

    Ladoja said this in a statement made available to reporters by his media aide, Mr Adeola Oloko, yesterday in Ibadan.

    According to the statement, Ladoja said this during a visit to the Ibadan-born business magnate to congratulate him on his 93 birthday.

    “We value your contributions to our socio-economic development. We value your academic exploits at our alma mater, Ibadan Boys High School, in 1951, to the London School of Economics.

    “The lives you have touched through your business investments and philanthropy are by no means negligible.

    “It is our prayer that you will live longer and longer to celebrate more years in the land of the living,” he said.

    The Olubadan-designate said apart from Bashorun Kola Daisi, people like Asiwaju Bode Amao, the late Dr Victor Olunloyo, the late High Chief Omowale Kuye, the late  Kareem Latunji and the late Otunba Subomi Balogun were also an inspiration, and very special to him.

    He further stated that humanity was blessed to have such a galaxy of stars.

    Responding, Bashorun Daisi expressed gratitude to the Olubadan-designate and his entourage for finding time out of his busy schedule to visit him.

    Flanked by his son, the Osi Olubadan-designate, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, the nonagenarian congratulated Oba Ladoja on his emergence as the 44th Olubadan, saying long life plays a very significant role in Ibadan chieftaincy system.

    He said he was proud to witness Oba Ladoja’s emergence as Olubadan, and congratulated Ibadan people on this great opportunity.

    He prayed God to give the royal father long life, wisdom, knowledge and understanding to discharge his obligations to the people.

  • ‘Ogun won’t interfere in Awujale’s selection process’

    ‘Ogun won’t interfere in Awujale’s selection process’

    Ogun State Government yesterday assured Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode that it would not allow intruders or outsiders to interfere in the process of selecting the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

    It said the ruling house had competent and capable hands (princes) to handle its internal matters pertaining to the next Awujale, adding that other ruling houses would not be allowed to meddle in the matter.

    The state government spoke through the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, during a visit to him at Itoro, Ijebu-Ode headquarters of the local government by elders of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, including three monarchs – the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Okuribido, Saderiren of Isonyin-Ijebu, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Salami and Onirete of Irete, Oba Abdul-Ganiyu Awokoya Yusuf.

    Alebiosu, responding to a formal request by Fusengbuwa Ruling House through the Olori-Ebi, Otunba Lateef Adebayo Owoyemi, that the government should rein in other ruling houses from meddling in the matters of Fusengbuwa house, said “government won’t allow or encourage any unbecoming act.”

    READ ALSO: A way out for the North

    Noting that Ijebu-Ode is not a “banana republic,” the council chairman, who spoke virtually during the meeting where his Vice-Chairman, Titilayo Adeyemi, was in attendance, said he would convey the ruling house’s concerns to Governor Dapo Abiodun.

    Alebiosu said: “I heard you saying some other ruling houses are trying to interfere or meddle in the affairs of Fusengbuwa or engage in some kind of smear campaign. I want to assure you that government is on top of everything and we won’t allow or encourage any unbecoming act, this is not a banana republic.

    “So we won’t allow anything of such to happen, I will report back to the governor. We won’t allow any interloper, each ruling house has its turn and now it is the turn of Fusengbuwa, so no interloper will be allowed. Fusengbuwa has lots of capable people, so we will ensure the right thing is done. I will study your documents and get back to you when I am back in town.”

    Speaking earlier, Olori-Ebi of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Owoyemi, hailed Governor Abiodun for successfully setting up an administrative board of eminent and credible Ijebu-Ode high chiefs, to pilot and oversee the Awujale Palace affairs and responsibilities over the entire Ijebu people, pending the successful appointment and enthronement of the 59 Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land.

    The former President of Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) used the avenue to appeal to the government to convene an urgent meeting of three other Awujale ruling houses –  Fidipote, Gbelegbuwa and Anikilaya –  and prevail on them to leave members of Fusengbuwa Ruling House alone to resolve their differences by themselves.

  • Tinubu’s aide, eminent personalities honour First-Class graduates

    Tinubu’s aide, eminent personalities honour First-Class graduates

    The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Strategy, Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman, Justice of the Supreme Court Habeeb Abiru, Founder/Principal Partner of MA Banire and Associates, Dr Muiz Banire, SAN, Senators Tokunbo Abiru and Shuaib Salis  and host of other eminent personalities have honoured First-Class Muslim Graduates.

    The reception, held at Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, was organized by the Muslim In National Development (MIND) Foundation

    Hajia Bala Usman hailed the graduates for their achievements and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their faith.

    “I am very proud of them for having been able to emerge best graduating students in their respective institutions. But going forward, they need much more than being first-class holders. I want them to create a culture of excellence and hold firmly to their deen,” she said.

    She called on MIND to develop a public database of first-class graduates to connect them with recruitment opportunities.

    “For example, if I am aware there is a recruitment going on and I have interest in speaking to someone, I know I can go to the MIND Foundation database and pull out first class graduates from engineering, chemistry and others. Creating the database and making it public is very important,” she noted

    Dr. Banire, SAN, the convener of the foundation, said that MIND will continue to identify, celebrate, position, protect and facilitate placement of exceptional Muslim graduates.

    He described the initiative as a platform for mentorship, networking, and professional guidance for outstanding Muslim graduates.

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    “In the maiden edition, last year, we had about 106 graduates. This year, we are celebrating 87 First-Class Muslim Graduates. We brought them together to be mentored by people who we consider successful, to guide them in their future endeavours, assist them with placements into job opportunities, and connect them with relevant people in society,” he said.

    He added that the foundation intends to expand its reach by tracking more first-class graduates from institutions nationwide.

    Senator Salis, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber-security, urged the graduates to see their first-class degrees as a “key” to opportunities, rather than an end.

    According to him, achieving First Class Honours is inspiring and shows dedication, commitment, scholarship, and intellectual brilliance.

    He urged them not to stop learning, saying that intellectual brilliance alone is not enough.

    “You have the key, which is your first class. It is like a badge. When you move around and you have a badge, it is like a key. To a large extent, you can determine the door you want to use the key to open and what you want to do inside the space you have been granted access to,” he said.

    He congratulated graduates, saying a First Class degree should give new levels of thinking, opportunity identification, life purpose, and faith in Allah to pursue it.

    A Consultant Paediatrician at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr Muhammad Salisu, urged the honorees to anchor their lives and careers on faith, emotional intelligence, creative intelligence, moral integrity, and socio-cultural uprightness.

    He added that they were fortunate to have personalities ahead of them who had come to educate them and would continue to be available as guides in their life’s sojourn.

  • Foundation disburses N5b to 100,000 beneficiaries

    Foundation disburses N5b to 100,000 beneficiaries

    The Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF) announced that it has disbursed more than N5 billion in zakat and sadaqat within the past 25 years, touching the lives of over 100,000 beneficiaries directly and more than 600,000 indirectly across the country.

    The Executive Director of the foundation, Prince Sulayman Olagunju, stated this on Saturday in Lagos at the grand finale of the 2025 Zakat Distribution Ceremony (ZDC), where N296.6 million was distributed to 1,835 beneficiaries.

    Olagunju explained that the foundation has so far disbursed over N3 billion in zakat and over N2 billion in sadaqat, describing it as a testimony to the growth of the institution and the trust it has continued to enjoy from donors.

    He revealed that in the 2025 cycle alone, N653.2 million was shared among 2,821 beneficiaries across 28 states, making it one of the highest annual disbursements in the foundation’s history.

    “This final leg in Lagos reminds us that zakat is not just a transfer of wealth but the fulfillment of a divine trust. It restores dignity, hope, and opportunity,” he said.

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    According to him, empowerment, education, and medical support took the lion’s share of this year’s distribution, with N283.8 million going to 1,818 people for business start-ups and skills acquisition; N53.6 million to 611 students; and N51.3 million to 130 patients battling health challenges.

    He also highlighted the foundation’s impact programmes in four major pillars — education support, empowerment initiatives, community development, and welfare and relief — which include paying school fees for orphans, widow support schemes, free water projects in over 50 communities, food distribution, and house rent stipends for the elderly.

    Speaking on one of the foundation’s most innovative projects, the Business Plan Competition, Olagunju said N103 million has been disbursed in the past 10 years to 208 young entrepreneurs.

    Many of these businesses, he noted, have become sources of livelihood for others, proving that zakat can transform dependency into empowerment.

    Looking ahead, he said the Foundation would expand its reach beyond 28 states, scale up empowerment and education initiatives,strengthen medical interventions, and embrace partnerships that will multiply the impact of every contribution.

    He expressed appreciation to the donors, partners, staff, volunteers, and community leaders for sustaining the mission.

    He hailed the media team for amplifying the foundation’s work.

    Group Managing Director of Courteville Business Solutions Plc, Dr. Ismail Adebola Akindele, who chaired the occasion, lauded the foundation’s efforts, describing ZSF as the “biggest as far as I know in Nigeria.”

    He commended its year-round distribution model.

    According to him, Zakat institution is crucial to tackling poverty and promoting inclusive growth.

    “I am glad they are not waiting for Ramadan before they make the needy happy through the laudable initiative. When the need arises, they give so that it meets the needs.”

    Dr Akindele encouraged Muslims of means to contribute more actively, while cautioning against over-reliance on government.

    “I was told earlier today that in some other parts of Nigeria, the state governments contribute towards doing this. But I don’t think we should depend too heavily on the government. We who hold resources in trust must redistribute as much as possible,” Akindele said.

    Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf, commended the generosity of donors and the resilience of beneficiaries.