In a bid to promote integrity and awareness about the dangers of corruption, the Anti-Corruption Group (ACG) Osogbo, in collaboration with Olorunda Local Government, hosted an essay competition on the topic “The Impact of Corruption in Nation Building.”
The event brought together students from various schools across Osogbo and Olorunda local government areas.The competition, held on Thursday, 9th January 2025, at the Olorunda Local Government Secretariat, saw impressive participation from young minds eager to tackle one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.
In a rewarding ceremony held on Thursday, 16th January 2025, at the Osogbo Local Government Secretariat, the winners were celebrated for their exceptional essays. Oluwole Abdulqudus from Government Technical College emerged as the overall winner, clinching the ₦30,000 cash prize.The second-place prize of ₦15,000 was given to two participants who tied for the position: Adekahunji Samson Temidayo of L.A. Adenije Grammar School and Uthman Habeebah of Christ Grammar School.
Speaking at the event, “the President of the Osogbo Anti-Corruption CDS Group, Olaniyi Oluwaseyi Solomon, commended the students for their insightful submissions. “This competition is not just about winning cash prizes; it’s about creating a generation of young Nigerians who understand the dangers of corruption and the importance of integrity in nation-building,” he said.The event was well-attended by NYSC local government officials, educators, and Corps members, all of whom praised the initiative for fostering a culture of accountability and encouraging youths to be active participants in the fight against corruption.
The organizers seek sponsorship to sustain the competition annually, hoping it would inspire more young people to join the fight against corruption and advocate for transparency in all aspects of governance.
The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele on Wednesday escaped an attack by the representatives of student bodies during a protest in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
According to a release signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, the Deputy Governor’s convoy was on its way to 35 Artillery Brigade Alabama, Abeokuta, Ogun State to represent the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, at the reception marking the year 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance day celebrations, when her convoy met the protesting students.
“The irate protesting MAPOLY students were armed with sticks and other dangerous projectiles, all efforts to allow the convoy pass proved abortive as immediately the students realized it was the Deputy Governor, they became even more restive and rushed to attack her convoy with the aim of demobilising it.
“This informed her Convoy’s decision to make an immediate detour to her lodge for the protesting students to pass peacefully before she left for the function she was slated to attend.
“Noteworthy is that there was obstruction of Vehicular movement, while some of her security vehicle was damaged and her security operatives were also hurt in the process of maintaining law and order contrary to the news making rounds in the press,” the release said.
The Aseyin of Iseyin, HRM Oba Sefiu Olawale, has called for stronger collaboration with the Oyo State Water Corporation to improve water supply in Iseyin and its environs.
He made the call during a recent visit by the Agency’s Chairman, Mr. Elias Adeojo, to Iseyin.
Adeojo stated that the Oyo State Government would not relent in its efforts to provide potable water to residents across the state.
He disclosed that the major obstacle to adequate water supply in Iseyin and its surroundings is epileptic power supply; a challenge faced across the state.
The Chairman emphasized that efforts are ongoing to address this issue, adding that Governor Seyi Makinde has mandated him to restore water services to all geopolitical zones in the state.
“Provision of potable water is one of Governor Seyi Makinde’s key agendas, and he has given directives in that regard, with adequate support and assistance,” the Chairman said.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale, expressed optimism despite the challenges, stressed that collective action could help overcome the difficulties currently facing the provision of potable water in Iseyin. He expressed hope that the meeting would yield actionable and implementable outcomes, significantly contributing to water supply in the region.
The Monarch reiterated his awareness of the fruitful partnership between the government and the Soun of Ogbomoso in providing water to Ogbomoso, which motivated his invitation to the Executive Chairman of the State Water Corporation.
He took the opportunity to commend the Governor for his commitment to the people of Oke-Ogun, particularly Iseyin, in his efforts to drive Oyo State forward.
In a startling revelation about the recent impeachment of Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Fouad Oki, a prominent leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, has shared details of a shocking incident involving Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oki recounted how Obasa delayed the governor for five hours before a significant legislative event.
According to Oki, the incident occurred when Governor Sanwo-Olu arrived at the Lagos State House of Assembly to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill. The governor, along with party leaders and other dignitaries, was kept waiting inside the chamber for an astonishing five hours. Despite the prolonged delay, Oki revealed that the impeached Speaker offered no apology or explanation upon his eventual arrival.
“Remember the day the governor unveiled the appropriation bill for 2025?” Oki asked during the interview. “The governor, party leadership, and dignitaries were made to wait for five hours. When he finally arrived, it wasn’t to offer an apology or provide an explanation. It was more about asserting his dominance and making it clear that he was the emperor of the House.”
Oki’s remarks shed light on the tension between the executive and legislative arms of Lagos State during Obasa’s tenure. The APC leader’s account underscores the perceived high-handedness that ultimately contributed to Obasa’s downfall. His impeachment, widely regarded as a landmark event in Lagos State politics, has sparked discussions about leadership accountability and the balance of power within the state’s political framework.
Political observers believe this revelation will further shape public perception of Obasa’s tenure and his relationship with other key stakeholders in Lagos politics. As the dust settles on the impeachment saga, the focus now shifts to how the House of Assembly and the executive arm will work together to rebuild trust and foster collaboration for the benefit of Lagosians.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has presented the staff of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
The governor presented the official instrument legitimising the reign of a king to the new monarch on Monday morning at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.
Lagos House of Assembly Speaker Rt Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has been impeached by members for gross misconduct.
Hon Mojisola Metanda (Apapa I) has emerged new Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly.
The new speaker took oath of office, stating that she will faithful and perform functions honestly to the best of her ability in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The ruling was pronounced by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court, on Monday. The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has granted the bail applications filed by the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, owner of a prominent indigenous radio station, Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Abdullahi Fasasi.
The ruling was pronounced by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court, on Monday. Oriyomi was granted N10 million bail and required to provide two sureties.
The court also ruled that his organisation must not broadcast the news.
The defendants argued their bail applications before the court last Tuesday but the court later ruled that the defendants should be remanded in prison till today (Monday) for a ruling on their bail application. Last Tuesday, the defence team made a case for bail, arguing that the accused didn’t pose a flight risk and were willing to cooperate with the investigation.
However, the Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, strongly countered this motion, highlighting the seriousness of the charges and the need to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
Adekunle Shobaloju (SAN), counsel for one of the defendants, Hamzat Oriyomi, said, “Well, what we did was we filed an application that he should be admitted to bail pending arraignment, and the application was argued today.
“The court listened to all the various arguments, and the ruling was reserved till the 13th of January. So principally, we are saying that he ought to be admitted on bail based on certain grounds which I would not want to expatiate on here.”
The defendants were arrested over the ill-fated children’s festive party in December 2024 which claimed the lives of at least 35 children following a stampede at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has insisted that those involved in the stampede must face trial.
He, however, added that he wasn’t against the suspects being granted bail in the case.
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians to join hands with governments at all levels to build a country where unity and peace would continue to prevail over division and silence the echoes of conflict.
Governor Abiodun made the call during the Special Church Service held to mark the year 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.
The Governor also called on the people to ensure that the legacies of the fallen heroes remain alive, saying that they fought for the territorial integrity of the country.
“Today, let us pledge to honour their memory not only with ceremonies but with actions. Let us build a Nigeria where unity prevails over division, where peace silences the echoes of conflict and where the sacrifices of our heroes inspire us to serve one another selflessly,” he said.
Governor Abiodun added that the welfare of the families of the country’s fallen heroes shouldn’t rest solely on the shoulders of the Nigeria Legion alone, but should be a shared responsibility of the people of the country.
He added that their sacrifices should be enshrined in the heart of the country’s history and the fabric of the collective consciousness of the people.
“We must ensure that the legacies of our armed forces remain alive, enshrined in the heart of our nation’s history and the fabric of our collective consciousness.
“The Legion have continued to ensure that the families of our fallen heroes are well cared for. However, this responsibility should not rest solely on the shoulders of the Nigeria Legion alone.It must be seen as a collective duty, a debt that we all owe in honour of the memory of our departed men and women.
“As a nation, it is our moral duty to support and care for them, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten,” he said.
While noting that the armed forces remembrance day isn’t just a day in the calendar, but a sacred moment to reflect on the sacrifices of the country’s fallen heroes and recommit ourselves to the ideals for which they stood, Governor Abiodun noted that their sacrifices is a testament to ththeir triotism, resilience and courage.
“They stood firm in the face of adversity defending the unity of our nation during times of war and unrest. They faced life threatening situations to ensure that the dreams of millions of Nigerians will not be extinguished.
“Their blood, sweat and tears have down the seed of hope, peace and national pride, let us all take a moment to appreciate the families of this heroes; the unsung heroes who endeared the pain of loss with unyielding grace,” he added.
The Governor promised to continue to implement measures that would help cushion the bumps on the path of the economic renaissance of the country for all of its citizens and residents, adding that his administration will continue to support law enforcement agencies in the state.
In his sermon, the Rt. Rev’d Emmanuel Akinrodoye, the Bishop of Egba Diocese, the African Church, stressed the need for Nigerians to appreciate God despite the nation’s numerous challenges, saying it is only when they acknowledged God’s benevolence that He could heal the land.
He said it is imperative for Nigerians to remain prayerful especially for the families and the nation, be steadfast in faith, be united and extend hands of fellowship by using their gifts and resources to uplift others.
Bishop Akinrodoye called on the government to provide security agencies the needed resources to overcome insurgency that is troubling the nation, calling on Nigerians to show love to security personnel who are working round the clock to protect the nation as well as the families of those who paid the ultimate price for th peace of the nation.
Prayers were offered for the peace of the nation, Ogun State, the governor and families, while Governor Abiodun read from the book of Ephesians chapter 2 verses 1 to 10.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has expressed confidence in Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, as a potential governor for Lagos State. Olawande emphasized that Seyi is both qualified and not too young to lead the state, citing his leadership qualities and contributions to youth development.
In an interview with Seun Okinbaloye, the minister described Seyi as his leader and mentor, praising his ability to inspire and elevate young Nigerians even before his father assumed the presidency. “He is not too young to become a governor, that’s the truth. Everybody has the tendency to become whatever it is you want to become. He is a well-trained young man that has built a lot of young people, massive young people even when his father was not the president,” Olawande remarked.
The minister further highlighted Seyi Tinubu’s dedication to creating opportunities for Nigerian youth, stating that he is actively involved in initiatives to improve their lives. “As the President’s son, he is not away in the United States or somewhere else enjoying himself, but he is there doing the work himself and wants to see how things can go well for the young people of this country,” Olawande added.
This endorsement follows the November 2024 announcement by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), which backed Seyi Tinubu as a successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. However, Olawande clarified that Seyi has no involvement in the campaigns or endorsements advocating for his governorship aspirations. “Seyi is not the one engineering the campaign to become the next governor of Lagos State,” the minister asserted.
The potential candidacy of Seyi Tinubu has sparked conversations among Lagosians and political stakeholders about youth leadership and the future of governance in the state. As the 2027 elections approach, the debate over his qualifications and readiness to lead will likely intensify.
The former Governor of Osun State, Engr. RAUF Aregbesola has said that Yoruba traditional rulers do not have a particular religions and that they must be fathers to all religions.
Aregbesola said this in a statement made available via his X handle as read in part:
“Kings in Yorubaland don’t have a religion. There is no king in Yorubaland that can be a Muslim. Our kings know that. No monarch in Yorubaland can lay claim to one religion. Unless the monarch is not from Yorubaland.
“A Yoruba monarch must participate in all religions. When they are celebrating the Egugun festival, you will participate with them. You don’t have the power to deny them. That is how Almighty God created Yoruba.
“I want to appreciate the monarchs who are present here today. This is how a Yoruba monarch should behave. Whatever they are doing, whether Islam, Christianity or traditional religion, a Yoruba monarch should participate in it.”
