The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • It’s Kwara North’s turn for governor, say APC elders

    It’s Kwara North’s turn for governor, say APC elders

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Caucus in Kwara State has said it’s the turn of the Northern Senatorial District to govern the state.

    It, therefore, wholeheartedly threw its weight behind the quest of the region to produce the 2027 governorship slot in the interest of fair play, equity and justice.

    Sandwiched by other members, group leader, Kunle Sulyman, said Kwara Central and Kwara South had spent 20 years and eight years as governor.

    Suleiman, a lawyer, addressed reporters in Ilorin.

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    He said: “You may wish to recall that on Monday, November 21, 2022, at this same venue, this caucus addressed the press and made its stand known on the issue of zoning arrangements for the APC governorship candidature that the then incumbent, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq from Kwara Central, be allowed to have another shot to complete two terms of eight years, which would make Kwara Central Senatorial District to have spent 20 years all together as chief executive of the state, while Kwara South Senatorial District has also produced governor for eight years.

    “In the same vein, we posit that it is in the interest of fair play, equity and justice that we members of Kwara APC Elders Caucus, unanimously agreed that the next governorship candidate of our great party should emerge from Kwara North Senatorial District.”

    Kwara APC Elders Caucus, who hailed Governor AbdulRazaq for making them proud thus far with his great performances across the state, also commended the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the way and manner he had set Nigeria on a recovery course from her dwindling economy.

    Listing the governor’s developmental achievements across parts of the state, the elders regretted that “some of these achievements have evoked some negative comments and reactions from some members of the opposition political parties.

    “It is obvious that every developmental policy, programme and project may pose initial but temporary discomfort”.

    The elders said developmental efforts of the government in the capital city were in line with the Urban Renewal Project, under the New Ilorin City Master Plan.

    “Therefore, we will like to advise opposition parties to display a sense of patriotism by supporting and joining hands with the laudable programmes of this administration for the progress of Kwara State.”

    The APC chieftains urged Kwara residents and indigenes affected by the ongoing urban renewal drive of the governor to seek redress in court and other related government agencies, rather than be used by the opposition to foment crises.

  • Chief Imam has not been appointed for Oyo, says Alaafin

    Chief Imam has not been appointed for Oyo, says Alaafin

    The palace of the Alaafin of Oyo has denied the selection of a new Chief Imam for the ancient town.

    Calling on people, particularly the Muslim faithful, to remain calm and disregard such insinuations, the palace said selection of a new Chief Imam of Oyo was undergoing due process and wider consultations with the Alaafin.

    In a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch urged the people to remain calm and peaceful, assuring them that the rightful choice would be made in due course.

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    The statement said: “The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to wild speculations milling round that a new Chief Imam has been appointed for Oyo.

    “The good people of Oyo and the public are advised to disregard such unfounded, baseless and wicked information, as no candidate has been chosen for the number one Islamic seat in Oyo town.

    “The selection of a new Chief Imam of Oyo is undergoing due process and wider consultations and the Alaafin and Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom has urged the people to remain peaceful, as the rightful choice will be made in due course.

    “It should also be noted that only His Imperial Majesty has the exclusive preserve to appoint a new Chief Imam for the town.”

  • Aiyedatiwa urged to upgrade Ondo Township Stadium

    Aiyedatiwa urged to upgrade Ondo Township Stadium

    A socio-economic group, Ekimogun Roundtable, has called on Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to upgrade and modernise Ondo Township Stadium.

    It said the once-proud facility had fallen into disrepair and no longer met modern sporting requirements.

    In a letter to the governor, signed yesterday by the group’s Acting Secretary, Ms. Christiana Ayodele, Ekimogun Roundtable lamented that the 1,000-capacity stadium had suffered years of neglect and abandonment, leaving it unfit to host local and international matches.

    The group stressed that the stadium lacked basic modern facilities required to prepare athletes and contingents for national and international tournaments.

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    “Sports remain a vital tool for youth empowerment, talent discovery, economic stimulation and community development. This situation not only limits opportunities for our youths, but also undermines the potential of sports as a driver of tourism and investment in the community,” it said.

    The group urged the Aiyedatiwa-led administration to embark on a holistic modernisation programme that would bring the stadium up to CAF and FIFA standards.

    The plan, it noted, must include an international-standard pitch and Olympic-grade athletics tracks, modern facilities for tennis, volleyball, handball, swimming and table tennis, installation of floodlights, electronic scoreboards and advanced media centres for live international broadcasts, renovated spectator stands, VIP areas and standard changing rooms and multipurpose indoor sports halls.

    The group further proposed the establishment of a sports village, complete with hostels, gymnasiums and recreational spaces, to attract training camps and boost sporting tourism in Ondo.

    According to Ekimogun Roundtable, such an upgrade would position Ondo as a viable host for National Sports Festivals, CAF qualifiers, international friendlies and other major competitions, while also creating jobs, reducing youth restiveness and enhancing the state’s reputation as a hub of sporting excellence.

    While acknowledging past interventions by well-meaning individuals, the group insisted that only a government-led initiative could guarantee the stadium’s revival.

    It dismissed recent claims by Abiola Makinde, the member representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, that he had ordered a “total renovation” of the facility.

    The group described Makinde’s claim as political and misleading, clarifying that his intervention only covered pavilion roofing and painting, replacement of plastic seats, provision of 20 solar streetlights and minor pitch repairs.

    “These palliatives fall far short of CAF and FIFA benchmarks and should not be mistaken for the expected modernisation,” it said.

  • Ondo govt okays transfer of Akure hospital to FUTA Teaching Hospital

    Ondo govt okays transfer of Akure hospital to FUTA Teaching Hospital

    Ondo State Executive Council has approved the transfer of University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) Teaching Hospital complex in Akure to Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), to serve as its College of Medicine and Teaching Hospital.

    Briefing reporters after the Council meeting, presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on September 11, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, said the move followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for FUTA to establish a college of medicine and a teaching hospital.

    He said the Akure hospital complex would be ceded to the Federal Government to serve as FUTA’s main medical sciences facility.

    “The handover includes the transfer of workers, infrastructure, equipment and liabilities. All employees will be absorbed into FUTA Teaching Hospital under the Federal Government,” Ajaka said.

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    The development, according to the Council, is expected to strengthen health care delivery in Ondo State, while advancing FUTA’s ambition to become a leading centre for medical sciences in Nigeria.

    Also at the news briefing, Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Leye Akinola, announced new measures approved by the Council to protect farmers from the impact of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which bans crops cultivated from deforested areas.

    He said the government had approved agroforestry practices across selected forests, while ensuring reserved areas remained intact.

    ‘’Cocoa, cashew, oil palm and rubber farmers will be permitted to continue operations under strict mapping and traceability systems.

    “By December 30, any crop that cannot be traced to a mapped farm risks being rejected at the EU market. To safeguard livelihoods, the state will support farm mapping and grant farmers permits to continue operations,” Akinola added.

    The Council also approved a review of tariffs across agricultural produce and timber value chains, aligning Ondo with other Southwest states under the DAWN Commission framework.

    Information Commissioner Mr Idowu Ajanaku clarified that each Council member had been directed to nominate a road project in his local government to impact communities directly.

    He stressed that the initiative was not for private or partisan interests, but to ensure equitable development across the 18 local governments.

     “These roads are outside the 2025 budgeted projects. They are supplementary interventions to touch communities and enhance connectivity,” Ajanaku added.

    Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Hamidu Takuro, said the Council also ratified the appointment of Joseph Ilesanmi as the monarch of Sosan in Akoko Southeast Local Government.

  • Ajimobi’s wife hails tech-u student for winning global competition at Cambridge

    Ajimobi’s wife hails tech-u student for winning global competition at Cambridge

    Dr. Florence Ajimobi, wife of the late former Governor of Oyo State and founder of Technical University (now Abiola Ajimobi Technical University), has celebrated the recent feat of Miss Daniella Bimbo Kolade, a student of the institution, who emerged overall winner of a prestigious team project competition at a boot camp held at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

    Mrs. Ajimobi described the achievement as both a journey of pride and a testament to her husband’s vision in establishing the university.

    Speaking on behalf of the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF) and the family, she said the recognition filled her with immense pride and joy, while commending the management of the institution and Miss Kolade’s family.

    The SAAF President further noted that Miss Kolade’s victory was not just a personal milestone but a historic moment for the university, underscoring its global potential and impact.

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    “This news, shared by the acting Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Babatunde Gbadamosi, filled me with an emotion that is difficult to put into words. To see a student from the institution born from my husband’s vision excel on a global stage such as Cambridge is the most fulfilling validation of his dream.

    “Senator Abiola Ajimobi envisioned Tech-U as a cradle of innovation, a place where brilliant young minds would be nurtured to become problem-solvers and leaders, not just for Nigeria, but for the world.

    “Daniela’s display of exceptional creativity, teamwork, and leadership is the living, breathing manifestation of that vision. She has not only made history but has also set a powerful standard of excellence for every student who will pass through the halls of Tech-U.

    “I congratulate the entire management and staff of Tech-U, under the guidance of the Vice-Chancellor, for their unwavering commitment to academic excellence and for creating an environment that empowers students to soar. Your dedication is what turns vision into reality.

    “To the proud family of Miss Daniela Kolade, I say a big congratulations. Thank you for entrusting Tech-U with your brilliant daughter and for supporting her to this point of global acclaim.

    “This achievement is a testament to the fact that the legacy of Senator Abiola Ajimobi is alive, well, and thriving. It is a legacy built on the unshakable belief in the potential of our youth. As we celebrate Daniela, we are also reminded that the future of our nation is bright when we invest in quality education and purposeful leadership. May this remarkable win be the first of many more to come”.

  • Obi visits Ladoja, hails Ibadan’s strategic role in Nigeria’s development

    Obi visits Ladoja, hails Ibadan’s strategic role in Nigeria’s development

    The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, on Sunday visited the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, alongside former Lagos LP governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko.

    During the visit, Obi described Ibadan as strategic and central to Nigeria’s political, social, and economic development. He said his homage to the Olubadan-designate was rooted in respect for the city’s historic and ongoing importance to the nation.

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    Obi expressed confidence that Oba Ladoja, as a former senator, governor, and successful businessman, would bring his wealth of experience to elevate Ibadan to greater heights.

    “The visit is about Nigeria and selfless leadership—leadership that is committed to turning society around. Ibadan has always been strategic to Nigeria’s growth, and as Olubadan, Oba Ladoja has all it takes to succeed. I will support him for the sake of one Nigeria,” Obi said.

    He also highlighted Ibadan’s educ

  • Widow of slain Ibadan journalist cries out for support

    Widow of slain Ibadan journalist cries out for support

    Mrs. Olubunmi Peters, widow of slain Ibadan journalist, Ojo Peters, has lamented the gruesome killing of her husband in a daylight armed robbery a few weeks ago in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

    She revealed that the untimely death of her husband has plunged the family into deep emotional and financial hardship, appealing to the Oyo state government and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, for urgent assistance during this trying period.

    The late Ojo Peters, publisher of Daily Monitor online newspaper and media aide to Sat Guru Maharaj Ji, was shot dead on August 18, 2025, in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, after being trailed from a bank where he withdrew N10,000.

    Receiving a condolence delegation from Maharaj Ji at their residence, Mrs. Peters, alongside her two daughters, Blessing (15) and Ajibola (9), broke down in tears as she recounted how her husband was shot three times by gunmen who followed him on a motorcycle.

    According to police accounts from a nearby vulcanizer who witnessed the incident, the assailants accosted Peters immediately after he alighted from a motorcycle, before fleeing the scene.

    She said, “We were told that one of the robbers came down from the bike and demanded that my husband give him the cross bag he was carrying. As a man, my husband initially challenged the audacity of the robber, but when the robber showed him a gun, he voluntarily gave the cross bag to him.

    “Immediately the armed robber collected the cross bag, he threw it to the other one on the bike. Ojo wanted to run away from the scene, but the armed robber released a bullet and shot him three times in the stomach. 

    “I was told that my husband fell into a drainage as he was struggling to call for help. There was nobody to rescue him, as everybody had run for safety. It was after over an hour that people came back to the scene and found him grappling with life. Nobody could touch him because of the fear of police case.

     “They had to call the police. By the time the police arrived, my husband had lost a lot of blood; they met him holding his stomach where the bullets hit him. They arranged to take him to a nearby hospital, but before getting to the hospital, he gave up the ghost.

    “That is how they suddenly turned me into a widow. My husband left home going for his duties as a journalist; I didn’t know that I wouldn’t see him again. He was the breadwinner of the family; he has now left our two daughters for me.

     “He loved his children so much; he wanted the best for them. Now, he is no more. I’m only helping someone to sell day-old chicks at Obasanjo Farm on Mondays and Thursdays. The Oyo State Government should please come to our aid; the Oyo NUJ should please assist the family he has left behind.”

    Tears rolled uncontrollably from the faces of Maharaj Ji’s delegates, journalists, and sympathisers who visited Late Ojo’s residence as they saw a painting that 9-year-old Ajibola made to mourn the demise of her father.

     As Ajibola joined her mother to weep profusely, she showed the painting made on white paper with the symbol of love and an inscription “Rest in Peace Dad RIP”.

  • TBS set to restore Remembrance Arcade, Independence Garden

    TBS set to restore Remembrance Arcade, Independence Garden

    The Tafawa Balewa Square Management Board has disclosed its plans and commitment to preserving Nigeria’s rich heritage and honouring the country’s national symbols.

    As part of efforts to safeguard national heritage and provide a befitting venue for civic events, the board announced that it will inaugurate the Remembrance Arcade and Independence Garden in October 2025.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Managing Director of the TBS Management Board, Lucia Shittu, said the initiative, which will also coincide with this year’s Independence Day, is part of a broader effort to restore the glory of TBS as a national heritage site and reposition it as a major hub for both local and international tourism.

    She explained that the redesigned site would serve as a premier tourist destination, offering a variety of activities and experiences for all visitors.

    According to Shittu, Lafarge Africa will complete the first phase of the park’s redevelopment on or before the Independence Day celebration.

    She added that beyond the park and arcade, TBS is also working to integrate forward-looking initiatives such as an e-sports and entrepreneurship skills hub for Nigerian youths.

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the restoration of the Independence site demonstrates the current administration’s commitment to cultural renewal and national development.

    “Nigeria will be hosting the International African Trade Fair (IATF) in 2027, and this marks the beginning of the transformation we are going to see in Lagos State, especially with improvements in infrastructure and facilities at the National Theatre. This is a foretaste of more to come, with visible uplift and facelift ahead of IATF,” she said.

    Supporting this, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said that upon completion of the rehabilitation to create an Independence Memorial Obelisk Garden, the site would be open to the public as a premier tourist attraction, adding to the vibrancy of Lagos.

    With the project expected to be delivered by October 7, 2025, he said the first phase will focus on structural integrity, aesthetics, safety, and accessibility.

    He explained, “The activities will involve a revamp of the monument while preserving the original design and texture; restoration of inscriptions, engravings, and symbolic carvings on the Obelisk; and rehabilitation of its immediate surroundings, including walkways, lawns, and paving. We will also install a drainage system and improved accessibility features, including ramps and pedestrian pathways.

    “We take pride in this project because it is the preservation of Nigeria’s historical and cultural heritage, which should be passed down to future generations. It also allows us to promote sustainability and better living through the use of our eco-friendly cement products, which offer at least 30 per cent lower carbon emissions, thereby reducing environmental impact.”

  • Tinubu’s support group empowers 350 Ondo indigenes to boost local business, trade

    Tinubu’s support group empowers 350 Ondo indigenes to boost local business, trade

    A support group for President Bola Tinubu, BTO4PBAT2027, has empowered no fewer than 350 indigenes of Ondo State with cash to boost their businesses and trade.

    Speaking at the weekend in Arigidi Akoko, Akoko North-West Local Government Area of the state, the Director-General of the group, Adesuyi Adojutelegan, said the initiative was designed to uplift enterprising citizens and support their businesses in driving economic growth.

    According to him, the cash reward also aims to meet the immediate needs of grassroots residents who require the government’s attention.

    Adojutelegan explained that the programme, which enjoys the backing of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of connecting citizens to government policies and ensuring they benefit from the dividends of democracy.

    “The cash empowerment initiative was a key highlight aimed at addressing immediate community needs and igniting hope among local residents.

    “We believe this will help them, even if in a small way, to cater for their immediate needs,” he said.

    He lauded President Tinubu for implementing economic reforms that have enhanced grassroots development, boosted local businesses, and reduced excessive taxation.

    Describing the president as “a leader who has brought rapid development to the country,” Adojutelegan noted that the group is committed to working towards Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

    “With unwavering commitment to the continued progress of our nation, this movement is geared towards the re-election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    “Proudly sponsored by Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Honourable Minister of Interior, this event was a resounding success, bringing together passionate supporters, community leaders, and citizens united for a greater Nigeria,” he added.

    He further urged eligible youths to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise, stressing that their votes remain a fundamental right.

    “I want to encourage our people in the Southwest to take advantage of online registration. If you just turned eighteen, it’s time to register. Your vote is your right, and you can only participate in the election with your voter card,” Adojutelegan said.

    Also speaking, the spokesperson of BTO4PBAT2027, Folajimi Adewumi, praised Minister Tunji-Ojo for his commitment to ensuring Tinubu’s re-election.

    “Tunji-Ojo, apart from being a star figure who has spearheaded rapid development in the Interior Ministry, is working tirelessly to secure President Tinubu’s victory in 2027,” Adewumi stated.

    He reaffirmed that the group is determined to strengthen grassroots support and mobilize voters towards a successful re-election bid for President Tinubu.

  • Ex-student leader Ogunwoye joins APC, vows to mobilise for Tinubu’s re-election 

    Ex-student leader Ogunwoye joins APC, vows to mobilise for Tinubu’s re-election 

    Former student leader and founder of OGS Foundation, Ogunwoye Gbemiga Samson, popularly known as Ogunsamson or OGS, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside more than 3,000 supporters in Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere Federal Constituency, Oyo State.

    The declaration, held on Friday at IresaPupa, drew a mammoth crowd and party leaders across the state, which observers described as one of the largest political gatherings in the constituency in recent years.

    Widely respected for his activism and humanitarian work through the OGS Foundation, Ogunwoye said his defection followed extensive consultations and was driven by his conviction that the APC offers the best platform for sustainable development and inclusive governance.

    “This step is not one taken in haste. I am persuaded that the APC represents the ideals of progress and good governance. Our commitment is to strengthen the party at the grassroots, mobilise across Oyo and Nigeria, and extend our efforts globally,” he stated.

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    He also urged APC leaders at both state and national levels to create more opportunities for youth participation in politics, stressing that involving young people in elective and appointive positions would strengthen the party and ensure innovation in governance.

    Ogunwoye applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as tough but necessary economic reforms, noting that with time, Nigerians would see the full benefits of the President’s policies.

    “The President is on the right track, and we must continue to support him,” he declared.

    He further pledged to mobilise his structure and network to deliver overwhelming support for the APC and assured that he would work towards President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

    He said his movement would serve as a rallying point for consolidating the gains of the current administration and ensuring continuity of progressive governance.

    Party leaders hailed his defection as a major boost for the progressives. Hon. Bode Akanni of Surulere Local Government described it as “a big victory” for the APC.

    He added that OGS’s popularity and reputation would further consolidate the party’s dominance.

    Another chieftain added, “This is a political game-changer. His credibility and grassroots appeal are exactly what the party needs as we prepare for the challenges ahead.”