Category: Featured

The Oyo State Environmental Mobile and Tribunal Court has convicted 13 individuals for operating unlicensed diesel sales businesses along the Toll Gate axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway without permits from relevant regulatory authorities.

Each defendant was fined ₦200,000 or, in default, faces a five-year prison term for engaging in hazardous waste-generating activities in violation of the state’s environmental laws.

Delivering judgment at the premises of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Ibadan, Presiding Judge, Barrister Jubreel Adio, noted that the sale of diesel and petroleum products without proper authorization poses significant environmental and safety hazards and attracts serious penalties under Oyo State Environmental Laws and Regulations.

“The defendants admitted to operating without the necessary approvals and pleaded for leniency. However, ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” the judge said

While the standard penalty for the offense is ₦5 million or a five-year prison term, the court exercised discretion, considering the offenders were first-time violators and appeared to be ordinary traders. A reduced fine of ₦200,000 was imposed on each as a warning.

“Let this serve as a deterrent to others. Should any of the defendants reappear before this tribunal, they will face the full weight of the law without leniency,” Barrister Jubreel warned.

As part of a goodwill arrangement, community leaders Alhaji Olalere Taiwo Hassan and Mr. Saheed Folarin volunteered as sureties for the convicted individuals. Alhaji Hassan deposited the vehicle documents of his silver 2006 Toyota RAV4 (Registration Number: LLD 587 JQ) as collateral. The documents will be held by the Ministry of Environment until all fines are fully paid.

The presiding judge further emphasized that the sureties would be held liable should the fines remain unpaid.

He concluded by reiterating that the tribunal’s purpose is not to punish unnecessarily but to enforce compliance, safeguard the environment and ensure public safety.

We’ve previously fined similar offenders up to ₦1 million each. This court is not an avenue for extortion, but to uphold the law. Today, you’re fortunate. Next time, you may not meet a lenient judge,” he said.

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has officially suspended its nationwide warning strike following a formal agreement with the Federal Government, Oduduwa News can confirm.

The suspension was announced in a circular jointly signed by the association’s National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima, after an emergency virtual meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) held on Saturday.

The strike, which began on Wednesday, was intended to push for urgent government action on key issues affecting nurses across the country. These included poor remuneration, critical staff shortages, unpaid allowances, and unsafe working conditions. It came shortly after a 15-day ultimatum given to the federal government expired.

It was gathered that the industrial action had significantly disrupted healthcare services across several parts of the country, including Lagos, compounding the impact of an ongoing doctors’ face-off with government over welfare-related matters.

According to the circular titled “Suspension of the Ongoing Nationwide Nurses’ Strike”, the NEC resolved to suspend the strike following a detailed review of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached during a meeting with key government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Office of the Head of Service, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and others.

The statement noted, “NEC acknowledges the positive steps taken by the Federal Government in responding to the nine core demands of NANNM, particularly the commitment to clear timelines for implementation.”

It further stated that nurses across all states are to resume duties immediately, while reiterating that no nurse including interns and locum staff should face victimization for participating in the strike.

“The NEC appreciates the commitment and solidarity of all members throughout this action and reiterates that NANNM remains steadfast in defending the welfare, dignity, and professional rights of all nurses and midwives in Nigeria,” the statement added.

A major milestone was recorded in Nigeria’s agricultural and economic transformation drive as Vice President Kashim Shettima, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, and Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Saturday performed the groundbreaking of the Oyo State Agribusiness Industrial Hub at Ijaiye, under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme.

The ceremony, which held at Atan Village in Akinyele Local Government Area, drew stakeholders from across sectors, including top government officials, traditional rulers, development partners, agribusiness experts, and rural community leaders.

Representing Vice President Shettima, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, praised the Oyo State Government’s commitment to using agriculture as a foundation for economic empowerment. He stated that the Federal Government is fully backing the project, which he described as a transformative initiative capable of unlocking vast potentials in the state and beyond.

“The future of Nigeria lies in turning agriculture into a value-driven sector. What is happening here today is a symbol of the partnership between states and the Federal Government to drive that transformation,” Kyari said.

In his remarks, Governor Makinde declared the Ijaiye hub a clear demonstration of his administration’s dedication to the Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development, 2023-2027, which envisions agriculture as a commercial enterprise—not just subsistence—capable of creating jobs, attracting investors, and securing food systems.

“We’ve been to the Oyo zone. We’ve been to Ibarapa zone. Now, we’re in Ibadan zone. This is Ijaiye. We are ensuring that the benefits of agribusiness development reach every region of our state.

“Well, let me also say this. We identified six old farm settlements established during the Western Region days. Then, the people had vision. They never thought about federal allocation; they were looking at productivity in their local environment.

He added: “I would like to appreciate you, Governor Makinde. You are an exemplary governor and I must tell you all; he is a very efficient governor. You are very visionary, passionate, and committed, and you have a heart for the people and I am very very appreciative of everything that you do.

“Fasola settlement was one of those settlements in those days. It was moribund as many of the old farm settlements were done by our Papa Awolowo, but you actually went there and thanks to the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, which has totally transformed that place.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has recounted her journey from street hawking to international football glory during a church testimony in Ogun State.

Ajibade, who led Nigeria to its record 10th WAFCON title in Morocco, spoke on Saturday at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries’ monthly ‘Power Must Change Hands’ programme.

She told the congregation she once sold olive oil, kunu, and zobo drinks around the church premises during deliverance services as a young girl.

Now a professional footballer with Atletico Madrid, Ajibade said her rise is the result of prayer, hard work, and persistence.

She urged the audience not to give up in the face of challenges, stressing the importance of faith and determination.

Ajibade’s appearance drew cheers as she credited her faith for helping her through tough moments in her club and national team career.

A former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over speculations that he may replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Shittu, speaking on AIT’s Focus Nigeria, cautioned that any attempt to sideline Shettima in the next election cycle could spell political disaster for Tinubu’s re-election ambitions.

There have been growing rumours that President Tinubu is considering picking a new running mate for the 2027 race. However, the Presidency has downplayed these claims, maintaining that no official decisions will be made or announced until the campaign season begins.

Shittu firmly rejected the idea of replacing the current vice president, describing Shettima as a “brilliant and deserving leader.”

“Shettima was not nominated as vice president because of whatever cleavage he had with ANPP. On his own merit, he got it,” Shittu said. “Shettima, as a person, merits it. He is a very intelligent vice president. I would vote for Shettima any day.”

The former minister also expressed confusion over why some individuals were pushing for Shettima’s replacement.

“I don’t know what he has done for people to think that he would act differently,” he added. “I don’t think Shettima deserves any prevarication on his continuity in Tinubu’s team.”

Shittu further warned that such a move could backfire politically.

“If there are any such suggestions from any quarters, I think we must be very careful about it,” he said. “It would bring a lot of disruptions if that move is made and it could endanger the possibility of Tinubu’s second presidency. They must continue. You don’t punish anybody for doing nothing wrong.”

As the 2027 elections gradually approach, political realignments and strategic decisions within the ruling APC are expected to attract closer public scrutiny.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has passed the supplementary budget of N299.8 billion into law.

‎The House passed the budget after the Chairman, Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola presented the report and considered clause by clause before it was read for the third time during the plenary session on Thursday.

‎With the passage of ₦299.8 billion supplementary budget, the 2025 total budget size of the state has increased from ₦684.1 billion to ₦984 billion.

‎Speaking with journalists shortly after plenary session, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Economic Planning Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola, said the supplementary budget became necessary to accommodate several critical expenditures that were not initially captured in the 2025 budget.

‎He added that the approval of the supplementary budget was also necessitated to infrastructural development in the 33 Local Government Areas of the state.

‎According to the lawmaker, who represents Egbeda State Constituency, “The supplementary budget will take care of the funds approved for the reconstruction of the Government House, workers’ pensions and provisions for a new national minimum wage.

‎“The reality of the state’s financial obligations in the current fiscal year required a reassessment. This supplementary appropriation reflects the dynamic nature of governance and the need to respond to emerging priorities.

‎“The approved supplementary budget increase is a move to strengthen infrastructural development and social welfare across the state amid rising economic demands and inflationary pressures.”

‎Hon. Babalola confirmed that the reason for a working recess by the lawmakers, is to enable them to monitor the implementation of the budgetary allocations for the ongoing developmental projects in their various constituencies across the state.

‎He assured that all the chairmen of various committees have been charged by the Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin to be alerted during recess to ensure budget performance is in line with its objectives.

‎It will be recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde presented the 2025 budget of ₦684.1 billion late last year, which has since been passed into law.

The seven farmers kidnapped in their farmland at Itaogbolu in Akure North LGA, Ondo State, on Saturday have regained freedom. 

The victims were working on their farms when gunmen launched an attack and whisked them away. 

A relative of one of the kidnapped farmers, who did not want to be named for security reasons, confirmed on Friday that the seven farmers were released on Wednesday night after spending five days in captivity. 

“I’m happy to tell you that the kidnappers released all seven farmers on Wednesday night. They are back with their families. 

“I want to let you know that when the kidnappers demanded ransom, which was N100 million initially before it was reduced to N20 million, we were only able to raise N5 million.

“They were released in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti, on Wednesday night after collecting N5 million and food items. The victims are now in the hospital for medical attention,” he said. 

The commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, could not be reached for comments.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, simply said: “I’m not aware of their release.” 

(NAN)