Category: Featured

The South-West Development Commission (SWDC) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to initiate an ambitious regional railway connectivity project that will link all six states of the South-West geopolitical zone.

The agreement, signed on Thursday in Abuja, marks a major step toward modernising transportation infrastructure and deepening economic integration across Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Managing Director of the NRC described the partnership as a transformative leap for regional mobility, noting that enhanced rail connectivity would reduce travel time, open trade corridors, and stimulate industrial development within the region.

According to the SWDC leadership, the rail initiative is designed to support the region’s long-term development blueprint by providing efficient transport for both passengers and freight. It will also ease pressure on roads, reduce logistics costs for businesses, and promote urban–rural linkages.

Funding for the project will be drawn from the SWDC budget and a structured Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model, allowing private investors to participate in financing, construction, and management. Officials explained that this blended financing approach will ensure sustainability, transparency, and timely execution of the project.

The planned rail network will integrate with existing national lines while creating new intra-regional routes capable of boosting tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. Feasibility studies and technical assessments are expected to begin immediately, with phased implementation to follow.

Stakeholders from the six South-West states have welcomed the development, describing it as a visionary step that aligns with global best practices in regional infrastructure development.

The MoU signals the start of what many anticipate will become one of the most impactful infrastructural investments in the history of the South-West.

Nigeria’s leading macroeconomic thinkers under the aegis of Nigeria Association of Macroeconomic Modellers have issued a strong call for a new generation of locally developed economic models capable of capturing the country’s complex realities and guiding long-term development.

This position was declared at the 2025 International Hybrid Conference of the Nigeria Association of Macroeconomic Modellers (NAMM), held from 26–27 November at the University of Ibadan, with the theme: “Policy Innovations for Economic Recovery, Structural Transformation, and Digital Macroeconomic Modelling.”

At a high-level gathering of economists, policymakers and data scientists in Ibadan, participants argued that Nigeria can no longer rely on economic frameworks borrowed from other countries whose structures differ significantly from its own. They warned that doing so risks repeated policy failures, shallow recoveries and misdiagnosed economic problems.

A former senior official of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Mohammed Tumala, noted that Nigeria’s recurring cycles of instability are rooted in unresolved structural distortions that conventional models fail to explain. He maintained that real progress requires tools designed around Nigeria’s unique economic architecture — from its informal sector and institutional bottlenecks to its commodity-dependence and demographic pressures.

Tumala emphasized that the global economy is in the middle of a dramatic shift driven by digitalisation, where value is increasingly tied to intangible assets. Without strengthening its data systems, technological capacity and analytical institutions, he said, Nigeria risks widening its developmental gap.

He further highlighted that global disruptions from the 2008 financial crisis to more recent shocks exposed the shortcomings of outdated modelling tools, not the absence of data. According to him, economic management in the digital age must be grounded in modern statistical infrastructure and innovative research methods.

NAMM President, Prof. Phillip Alege, underscored the association’s plan to develop a Nigerian structural transformation model that can support policy choices in an era of unpredictable global dynamics. He stated that Africa needs analytical tools capable of simulating institutional behaviour, political incentives, household dynamics and informal sector activities which are variables largely overlooked by traditional models.

“This is a forward-looking effort to build the analytical architecture that will shape Nigeria’s economic direction for decades,” he said.

Across board, participants agreed that Nigeria must embrace sophisticated modelling techniques, including real-time digital data, agent-based simulations and integrated national statistical systems, to reflect the full complexity of its economy and chart a durable path to development.

Southern governors and traditional rulers from across the South-West, South-East, and South-South converged in Iperu, Ogun State, on Wednesday for a joint meeting hosted by Governor Dapo Abiodun. The high-level gathering focused on strengthening regional security, deepening cooperation, and advancing shared development priorities.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Governor Abiodun said the forum reaffirmed its collective commitment to the unity, stability, and peace of Nigeria, while also addressing urgent challenges affecting the southern region. He noted that the governors and traditional rulers reviewed the security situation nationwide and extended their condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the recent loss of military personnel in Borno, as well as the mass abductions recorded in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States.

The participants commended President Tinubu for ongoing efforts to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, rehabilitate security institutions, and deliver landmark infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway.

At the end of deliberations, the forum adopted several resolutions, including the creation of a zonal security fund, the establishment of an enhanced intelligence-sharing framework, renewed advocacy for State Police, a unified resident identification programme, and stronger support for local and regional security outfits. Member states were also urged to work with traditional rulers to regulate land allocation and curb illegal mining activities posing security and environmental risks.

The governors and traditional rulers jointly passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu, reaffirming the long-standing position of the southern region as captured in the 2021 Asaba Accord, which advocated for a President of Southern extraction.

Governor Abiodun stressed that Southern Nigeria remains united and committed to peaceful coexistence across religious and cultural lines. He added that the region would continue to work collaboratively with the Federal Government to promote peace, prosperity, and inclusive progress for all Nigerians.

Hon. Dele Adeola, member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, has reaffirmed his commitment to youth-centered innovation while expressing strong support for initiatives that prepare young Nigerians for the future of automotive technology and advanced manufacturing.

Speaking to newsmen through his respresentative, Comrade Ismael Taiwo at the programme titled “Driving the Future: Empowering Nigerian Youth through Automotive Innovation,” Hon. Adeola noted that the initiative reflects the broader vision of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, whose administration continues to invest in skills development, technology adoption, and economic opportunities for young people across the state.

He highlighted that Governor Makinde’s roadmap for sustainable development places youth empowerment at its core, emphasizing technical education, digital readiness, and industrial capacity-building. According to Hon. Adeola, programmes that expose young people to modern automotive design, electric mobility, mechatronics, and innovation ecosystems complement the Governor’s ongoing reforms in education, infrastructure, and job creation.

Hon. Adeola stressed that the global automotive industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and Nigeria must position its youth to take advantage of these emerging opportunities. He stated that empowering young people with practical skills and innovation-driven training aligns with Oyo State’s long-term economic growth strategy under the Omi-Titun 2.0 agenda.

He further assured that the Oyo State House of Assembly will continue to support legislative frameworks that promote technology, entrepreneurship, and youth-focused industrial development. According to him, the state is committed to nurturing a generation of creators and problem-solvers who can drive both local and national competitiveness.

Hon. Adeola encouraged participants to embrace the knowledge offered through the programme, adding that the future belongs to those who are equipped, innovative, and willing to lead in a technology-driven world.

An inspector of police attached to the B-Division Police Station in Akure, Ondo State, has reportedly been stabbed to death by an alleged thug with links to local cult groups.

The officer, who was recently transferred from the Anti-Cultism Unit to B-Division, was killed at Oke Arata, beside Arakale, in the state capital.

Eyewitnesses identified the suspects as Oladapo Oluwaseun, also known as “Choko Milo,” a member of the Eiye Confraternity, alongside Shina and Y2K, who are reportedly affiliated with the Aye Confraternity.

The trio reportedly attacked the officer during a disturbance in the area.

Meanwhile, Choko Milo is both an appointee and a loyalist of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities are yet to release official details regarding the confrontation.

Oduduwa News also learned that “Choco Milo” was among those who attacked protesters, including human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, during the June 12 demonstration in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

On June 12, Sowore accused Ondo State Police Command of collaborating with thugs to attack peaceful pro-democracy protesters in the state as demonstrations against bad governance, economic hardship, and other national issues swept across several states.

“We just witnessed a disturbing incident here in Ondo State; thugs and policemen working together to attack pro-democracy activists during a peaceful protest. We saw them with our own eyes. The police were clearly collaborating with the thugs as they beat up protesters. It was very, very sad,” Sowore said in a video.

“I hope the world is watching this. Today is supposed to be June 12, Democracy Day, a day meant for peaceful protest and reflection. Yet, thugs showed up alongside the police to violently suppress citizens exercising their democratic rights.”

He continued, “We saw the thugs shouting and attacking people. They tried to attack me too. They had clearly marked me out, but we left the scene so we could report this to the world. It’s truly pathetic that in a country where people fought and died for democracy, thugs have now taken over the democratic space, with the active support of the Nigerian Police.

“This is happening in Ondo State, and we will keep moving around to monitor the situation and ensure that anyone who is arrested or attacked today receives support and justice.

“The protest in Akure started peacefully, but was violently disrupted by thugs brought in by the state government, working hand-in-hand with the police.

“We even captured it live; thugs shouting that is Sowore (Sowore niyen!) as they tried to attack me. They had clearly singled me out.”

In September, Ondo State Government appointed a group of men, including individuals accused of attacking pro-democracy activists during the June 12 Democracy Day protest in Akure, as coordinators of commercial tricycle (Keke) riders in Akure South Local Government Area.

A government appointment letter dated September 15, 2025, signed by Comrade Bola Taiwo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, confirmed the appointments of Robert Tolulope, Oladapo Oluwaseun, aka Choco Milo; Gbenga Aluko; John Oluwatimilehin, aka Gaga, and Faleye Oluwadamilare, aka Aperi.

The appointees were directed to report to the “office of the Special Adviser, Special Duties, on the progress and challenges faced by the riders under your jurisdiction on a weekly.

A renewed wave of online conversations has thrust former presidential candidate and 2027 hopeful, Gbenga Hashim, back into national focus as Nigerians revisit a major national security proposal he made more than four years ago.

The discussions, trending under the hashtag #HashimSecurityVision, have dominated the platform X (formerly Twitter) over the past 24 hours.

The resurgence follows the reappearance of Hashim’s 2021 recommendation urging the Nigerian government to sign a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with friendly nations. At the time, he argued such an alliance would provide Nigeria with access to global intelligence frameworks, advanced surveillance and combat technologies, and superior counter-terrorism expertise—resources he described as critical to confronting the country’s deepening insecurity.

With the U.S. president now issuing strong warnings over escalating violence in Nigeria, many citizens online say Hashim’s proposal shows striking foresight.

Commentators have described the rediscovered recommendation as evidence that Hashim not only understood Nigeria’s security vulnerabilities early, but also accurately assessed the structural weaknesses undermining the nation’s defence capacity. For many, this reinforces the argument that Nigeria needs precisely the sort of visionary, long-term leadership he represents, especially at a time of heightened diplomatic tensions and worsening internal security.

The conversation has also revived interest in another of Hashim’s policy documents—his $4 trillion economic revival plan, first published in 2018. The blueprint, which outlines strategies for large-scale industrialization, infrastructure expansion, and job creation, has resurfaced amid Nigeria’s persistent economic struggles, including inflation spikes, currency depreciation, and slowed growth.

Observers say the renewed attention to both proposals—one from 2018 and another from 2021—has strengthened Hashim’s image as one of the country’s most forward-thinking political figures.

Unlike many politicians whose public engagement revolves around personal rivalries or power contests, Hashim has consistently presented issue-driven frameworks, emphasizing structural reforms, economic modernization, and comprehensive security transformation.

Political analysts note that this sustained policy focus is what distinguishes him.
“Hashim stands out as Nigeria’s thinking politician,” one analyst wrote, “because his politics is anchored on ideas, not noise.”

As Nigeria confronts overlapping pressures—diplomatic strain, economic downturn, and persistent insecurity—the resurgence of Hashim’s past proposals may indicate a growing public appetite for leaders with clear, strategic vision rather than short-term political maneuvering.

Whether the online momentum will translate into broader political support remains uncertain. But the digital trend suggests that more Nigerians are revisiting the voices that warned early—and proposed solutions long before today’s crises intensified.

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The Oyo State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Babatunde Afeez Adeniyi as the new chairman of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission(OYSIEC)

The state house also confirmed Chief Kunmi Agboola , Mr. Olanrewaju Adeoti Emmanuel, Mr. Sunday Olugbemiga Falana, Hon. Remi Ayoade, Mr. Olatunde Akintunde Theophilus, Mrs . Adebayo Maryam Adepeju and Mr. Babatunde George Ige as OYSIEC members.

Their appointments were confirmed by the members of the Oyo State House of Assembly at Tuesday’s plenary presided over by the speaker of the house, Right Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin.

This follows the adoption of the report and recommendations of the House Committee on special duties on the screening conducted for the nominees earlier in the day .

The report presented by the Committee chairman and deputy speaker of the house, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi indicated that the chairman and members responded to all the questions put to them satisfactorily, and found them worthy of the appointments .

Speaking with journalists shortly after the confirmation, the newly appointed chairman, Dr. Babatunde Afeez Adeniyi, said his team would swing into action immediately after the inauguration ceremony.

He noted that the next local government council elections under his watch would be conducted in line with all the electoral laws.

He appreciated the Oyo state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for entrusting him with the leadership of the commission.

He speaks further:
“We thank the governor of the state, His Excellency , Engr. Oluseyi Makinde for finding us worthy of being nominated as chairman and member.

“We are equally grateful to the Right Honourable Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin , all the Principal Officers of the 10th Assembly and also the distinguished members of the House for confirmation of the appointment.
“As we are moving forward, we will be looking forward to our inauguration, after the
inauguration, we would swing into action on how to ensure that we are able to conduct the
next election in line with all the laws, and ensure that the sanctity of the election is protected”
” The screening went well, we were cross-examined on our background, education, work experience
and the likes”

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday unveiled the Year 2026 Appropriation Bill, presenting an unprecedented N4.2 trillion budget to the Lagos State House of Assembly. The proposal, christened “The Budget of Shared Prosperity,” aims to accelerate infrastructure development, expand welfare support, and consolidate growth across key sectors of the state’s economy.

According to the breakdown released by the Governor, the budget prioritizes investment in critical sectors to drive inclusive development and enhance the quality of life for over 20 million Lagos residents.

Under the 2026 fiscal proposal, Capital Expenditure accounts for N2.2 trillion, representing 52%, while Recurrent Expenditure is pegged at N2 trillion, or 48% of the total budget. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the capital-heavy spending plan is designed to boost physical and social infrastructure, stimulate job creation, and promote private-sector participation.

Sectoral allocations include:

Economic Affairs: N1.47 trillion
(Infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, job creation, and economic development)

Health: N338 billion
(Upgrading facilities, health insurance coverage, emergency services, and medical personnel)

Education: N249 billion
(Learning infrastructure, digital education, teacher training, and tertiary support)

Environment: N235 billion
(Drainage systems, climate resilience, waste management, flood mitigation)

Housing: N123 billion
(Affordable home schemes, urban renewal, slum regeneration)

Public Order and Safety: N147 billion
(Security operations, LASTMA, emergency response, justice system support)

Social Protection: N70 billion
(Vulnerable support, welfare interventions, youth and women empowerment)

Recreation: N54 billion
(Parks, cultural projects, sports facilities, and tourism development)

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the financial blueprint as a strategic roadmap to expand opportunities and deliver tangible benefits to residents. He noted that the budget reflects Lagos’ ambition to sustain its economic leadership while providing equitable access to development.

With the mega–budget now before the Assembly, lawmakers are expected to begin sectoral reviews, stakeholder engagements, and public hearings before final passage.

Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor proceedings at the Lagos Assembly and provide updates on reactions, implementation strategies, and potential impact on residents.

Governor Dapo Abiodun says Ogun State is adopting new security measures following rising insecurity across the country. After a security meeting in Iperu, he announced that the government will begin documenting foreign nationals working with multinational companies, while new non-indigenes entering the state will undergo screening by community leaders to verify their purpose and means of livelihood.

The governor revealed that about 70 undocumented foreigners from Niger, Chad, and Sudan were recently arrested after failing to explain their presence in Ogun. He said they will be processed by the Nigeria Immigration Service, and urged non-indigene communities to be more vigilant.

Abiodun also raised concerns over the activities of scavengers and scrap dealers, describing them as emerging security threats. He directed law enforcement agencies to monitor their operations closely and clear out criminal hideouts such as “Zanga” in Ijebu-Ode. He warned that any property used by criminals will henceforth be seized by the government.

The governor addressed illegal mining and movement through forest reserves, noting that some miners operate as miscreants. He assured that the state is working with security agencies to secure forests, mining sites, and settlements like the one at Ajebo in Obafemi-Owode.

He called on residents to support community policing by reporting suspicious activities and urged traditional rulers to stop allocating land to strangers, warning that defaulters will be held responsible. Abiodun praised security agencies for their cooperation and commended President Bola Tinubu for ongoing national security efforts and recent successful rescue operations in Niger and Kwara states.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has revealed that he was so provoked by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks at his 65th birthday celebration that he momentarily felt like grabbing the microphone and hitting him with it.

Fayose, who spoke in a recent interview, narrated the behind-the-scenes events that led to the tense exchange between him and the former president at the Lagos event.

According to him, two weeks before his birthday, he made a personal decision to reconcile with several political figures he had fallen out with over the years — and Obasanjo was one of them. Despite his effort to extend an olive branch, Fayose said the former president’s comments at the ceremony “touched a nerve.”

During his speech at the event, Obasanjo had revisited their long-standing political rift, stating that while Fayose achieved notable political success, he was “not the best” among his protégés. The remark reportedly triggered a wave of emotions in the former governor.

Fayose, however, said he composed himself, choosing maturity over confrontation and allowing the ceremony to continue without disruption. He added that regardless of past differences, he remains committed to making peace with his former adversaries.