Oduduwa News

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has strongly condemned the reckless driving habits of some truck operators plying the Sango–Ota corridor, following a fatal accident at the Ota Toll Gate area that claimed seven lives.

The crash, which involved a trailer tanker reportedly affected by brake failure, resulted in the deaths of six men and one woman. Two other victims — a male and a female — sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. In total, nine persons were involved in the tragic incident.

Describing the development as painful and unacceptable, the Governor said the loss of innocent lives due to preventable negligence is one too many. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and comfort for them during this difficult period.

Governor Abiodun has directed an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, stressing that anyone found culpable must face the full weight of the law.

He also called for heightened vigilance and stricter traffic enforcement by the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps to prevent a recurrence along the busy corridor.

In a related development, the Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Lawal Adewale Wasiu visited the scene shortly after the incident alongside key local government officials, where he received briefings from security operatives coordinating rescue and control efforts.

The Chairman expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and reiterated the need for strict adherence to traffic regulations.

He also cautioned against roadside trading and other risky activities that expose residents and commuters to avoidable danger, assuring that the council would collaborate closely with relevant agencies to strengthen safety compliance within the axis.

The Ogun State Government reaffirmed its resolve to intensify road safety enforcement and protect lives and property across the state.

Temidire Community in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, Oyo State, was filled with excitement and jubilation on Tuesday as the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, officially commissioned and handed over the newly constructed Temidire Secondary School. The event coincided with his 39th birthday, making the day a double celebration of personal milestone and community development.

The commissioning ceremony, which began at exactly 12pm, featured cultural performances by pupils of the school, setting a festive tone for the occasion. The project, executed on behalf of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, was formally handed over by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Olusegun Olayiwola. The event drew top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, party members, and residents.

Saluting Exemplary Leadership: Hon. Dele Adeola Felicitates Speaker Debo Ogundoyin, Senator Babalola

In his address, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin expressed profound gratitude to God for the opportunity to witness this historic milestone for Temidire and surrounding villages. He highlighted the long-standing challenge faced by over fourteen neighboring villages, whose graduating pupils had no access to a local secondary school, forcing them to travel to Oloke in Ogun State or Eruwa town for education, an obstacle that imposed financial burdens, safety risks, and contributed to school dropouts.

“Today is not just about commissioning a building; it is about fulfilling a promise, restoring hope, and investing in the future of our children. Promise made, promise kept,” the Speaker declared.

The newly constructed school features two blocks, each with three spacious, well-ventilated classrooms, fully furnished offices for staff and the Principal, and modern toilet facilities for both students and staff, ensuring a conducive environment for learning. The school is set to commence academic activities in September with its pioneer students.

Baale of Temidire Community, speaking on behalf of the people, lauded Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin for his development initiatives, recalling the community’s years of struggle to establish a secondary school and acknowledging the Speaker’s commitment and perseverance in achieving the feat.

Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin, while acknowledging the support of Governor Makinde and other dignitaries, emphasized that the project was driven by the urgent educational needs of the community. He reiterated his dedication to grassroots development, highlighting ongoing projects, including the near-completion of a secondary school at Ojonamo, the Maya Town Hall, a functional Primary Health Centre at Lagaye, construction of a mosque at Oloro, a youth movement secretariat in Eruwa, and the sinking of over 40 boreholes across the constituency.

The Speaker urged parents, teachers, and students to take ownership of the facility, stressing that education remains the most powerful tool for societal transformation and sustainable development. He also commended the contractors and artisans for delivering quality work in line with approved standards.

The commissioning of Temidire Secondary School stands as a testament to Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin’s commitment to transforming lives through education, marking his birthday with a legacy that will benefit generations to come.

A presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has mourned the passing of renowned American civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, describing him as one of America’s finest moral exports and a global symbol of justice, unity and democratic struggle.

In a tribute issued on Tuesday, Hashim said the death of Rev. Jackson at the age of 84 marks the end of an era in the global pursuit of equality, human dignity and social justice, noting that his influence extended far beyond the borders of the United States.

Hashim, who served as General Secretary of the Youth Solidarity for South Africa in Nigeria in 1986, described Jackson as a moral voice molded in the crucible of the struggle for democracy and inclusion.

He added that the late civil rights icon stood firmly in the tradition of prophetic activism and carried forward the unfinished work of the Civil Rights Movement.

He recalled that Rev. Jackson, a close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., helped transform grief into organized resistance and hope into measurable political progress, particularly in the post-King era.

According to him, Jackson’s leadership of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition mobilised millions and consistently amplified the voices of the marginalized, the poor and the excluded, insisting they must have a seat at the table of power.

Hashim, who was also an Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience in 1989, further highlighted Jackson’s presidential campaigns in the 1980s, describing them as historic efforts that expanded the imagination of what was politically possible for minorities in America and helped reshape the nation’s democratic landscape.

He noted that the late civil rights icon believed deeply in the power of the ballot, peaceful protest and moral conviction, stressing that democracy must work for everyone and not only the privileged few.

“His message was always clear, inclusion is not charity, it is justice,” Hashim stated.
Hashim, who has a long history in human rights and pro-democracy activism, said Jackson’s legacy resonates deeply with many African advocates of justice and liberation.

Beyond America, Hashim described Jackson as a statesman of conscience who engaged in diplomatic interventions, advocated for peace and lent his voice to oppressed people across the world.

He added that Jackson’s life carries enduring lessons for Nigeria and Africa, particularly on the need for leadership anchored on courage, compassion and moral clarity.

“At a time when the world confronts division and distrust, his legacy challenges us to rebuild bridges, defend democratic institutions, and protect the dignity of every human being,” he said.

Hashim concluded by commiserating with the United States over the loss, describing Rev. Jackson as a tireless advocate who refused to surrender to cynicism and whose courage and compassion will continue to inspire generations.

“A towering voice for justice has fallen silent, but the echo of his unwavering fight for equality will inspire generations to stand boldly for what is right,” he added.

The Honourable Member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Dele Adeola, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, and former Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Gbenga Babalola, as both distinguished leaders mark their birthdays today.

In a goodwill message, Hon. Adeola described the coinciding birthdays as symbolic of the enduring legacy of responsible and people-centered leadership in Oyo State. He praised Speaker Ogundoyin for his exemplary stewardship of the Assembly, noting his commitment to legislative excellence, unity, and institutional stability.

The lawmaker also commended Senator Babalola for his impactful representation and longstanding contributions to the political and socio-economic development of Oyo North and the state at large. He acknowledged the former senator’s experience, statesmanship, and continued relevance in public service.

Hon. Adeola prayed for good health, greater wisdom, and renewed strength for both celebrants, expressing confidence that their lives will continue to inspire progress, unity, and purposeful leadership in Oyo State and beyond.

The Alaafin of Oyo has called on federal and state authorities to take immediate and decisive action following reports of a security threat allegedly issued by bandits against communities in Kwara State. The monarch expressed deep concern over the safety of residents in Ira, Inaja, and Aho, urging security agencies to act swiftly to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

According to sources within the affected areas, the threat has heightened anxiety among residents, with many calling for increased security presence and proactive measures to forestall possible attacks. Community leaders have reportedly intensified local vigilance while appealing to the government not to treat the warning lightly.

The development has raised fresh concerns about the spread of insecurity across border communities between Kwara and neighboring states.
The revered traditional ruler emphasized the need for coordinated operations involving the military, police, and local security outfits to safeguard lives and property.

He noted that rural communities often bear the brunt of banditry and must not be left vulnerable. Stressing the importance of intelligence gathering and rapid response, the Alaafin urged authorities to reinforce surveillance and reassure citizens of their protection.
Security analysts say timely intervention could deter potential violence and restore public confidence.

Residents of Ira, Inaja, and Aho have called for sustained patrols and visible security deployments to ease tensions. As of press time, state authorities were yet to issue an official statement, but community members remain hopeful that urgent steps will be taken to address the looming threat.

Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has dismissed claims attributed to Rotimi Amaechi alleging that the Nigeria Tax Act imposes a 25 per cent tax on building materials, construction funds and bank balances. Oyedele described the assertions as misleading, stressing that the Act has already commenced and contains no such provision.

He clarified that the new tax law does not introduce any 25 per cent levy on construction-related transactions, personal bank deposits or business expenses, nor does it postpone implementation until 2027 as claimed. According to him, interpretations suggesting otherwise misrepresent the content and intent of the legislation.

Oyedele explained that the Act instead provides measures aimed at reducing housing costs and stimulating real estate development, including VAT exemption on land, buildings and rent, input VAT credits for contractors, and a reduced 2 per cent Withholding Tax on construction contracts. The law also allows mortgage interest deductions for owner-occupiers and expense deductions for landlords earning rental income.

He further noted that renters can claim relief of up to ₦500,000, while lease agreements below ₦10 million annually are exempt from stamp duty. Emphasising transparency, Oyedele urged Nigerians to verify claims by consulting the law itself, maintaining that the reforms are designed to make housing more affordable rather than increase financial burdens.

The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of workers and retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) with the approval of an Additional Pension Benefit (APB) aimed at enhancing retirement security and closing existing gaps in the scheme.

The development was disclosed during a meeting chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, following strategic engagements between the State Government, labour unions, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), and members of the Pension Fund Management Committees.

Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner emphasised that compliance with the CPS law is both mandatory and beneficial to employees and the State. He explained that the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) and the CPS are fundamentally different, stressing that the administration of Dapo Abiodun remains committed to addressing identified gaps in order to safeguard workers’ interests.

He disclosed that the Governor had approved the introduction of the Additional Pension Benefit in line with existing laws. While gratuity was a feature of the DBS, he noted that the APB under the CPS is structured in a similar spirit but differs in computation. According to him, the benefit will be calculated using defined service-year brackets and applicable scale rates, which are generally more favourable to most retiring workers.

Mr. Okubadejo described the APB as the first of its kind in Nigeria, specifically designed to make the CPS more attractive and to ease fears surrounding retirement security. He said the initiative reflects Government’s proactive approach to pension administration and confidence-building among public servants.

He further explained that the APB would run for ten years as a compensatory measure for retirees whose accrued pension obligations were not promptly remitted by previous administrations, depriving them of potential investment returns. The benefit, he said, is intended to cushion the effects of those lapses and provide equitable financial relief.

On sustainability, the Commissioner noted that large lump-sum withdrawals often reduce monthly pension income. As a result, the Government plans to seek approval from the National Pension Commission to preserve pension contributions primarily for monthly payments, while the APB would serve as a one-off retirement benefit, effective from July 2025.

He urged relevant Ministries, PFAs and labour unions to strengthen service delivery, intensify public sensitisation and organise regular pre-retirement training programmes at least six months before workers leave service.

Earlier, Permanent Secretaries from the Bureau of State and Local Government Pensions, Mrs. Arinola Adetayo and Engr. Olufisan Osiyale, said the engagements were aimed at improving collaboration, resolving emerging challenges and ensuring smooth access to retirement benefits.

They described the CPS as a partnership among the employer, employee and PFAs, stressing that strong synergy remains essential for the success of the scheme.

Responding on behalf of labour unions, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria — Mr. Ademola Benco and Mr. Akeem Lasisi — commended the Governor for what they described as a bold and worker-friendly reform.

They noted that concerns over the adequacy of monthly pensions under the CPS had persisted for years but expressed satisfaction that the APB effectively addresses those challenges.

Describing the initiative as innovative and unprecedented, the labour leaders pledged full support for the new retirement benefit structure, saying it reflects the administration’s strong commitment to workers’ welfare, dignity and long-term financial security in Ogun State.

Residents and business owners in Bashorun, Ibadan have welcomed a new financial institution as Granule Microfinance Bank officially opens its doors to the public, bringing innovative and customer-focused banking services closer to the grassroots.

Strategically located in Bashorun, the newly launched microfinance bank is poised to redefine community banking through a blend of technology-driven solutions and personalized financial services tailored to individuals, small businesses, and entrepreneurs.

Granule Microfinance Bank operates with a strong commitment to integrity, customer-centric service delivery, innovation, and responsibility. Fully licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), the bank assures customers of safety, credibility, and regulatory compliance.

Speaking on the launch, management emphasized that the bank’s mission is to empower local businesses, support financial inclusion, and provide accessible credit facilities that stimulate economic growth within Ibadan and its environs.

Customers can conveniently access the bank’s services both physically at its Bashorun branch and digitally via its mobile banking platforms available on major app stores. This hybrid model ensures seamless transactions, easy account management, and secure banking at customers’ fingertips.

For inquiries, residents can reach Granule Microfinance Bank via +234 (0) 913 444 7452, email support@granulebank.ng, or visit http://www.granulebank.ng.

With its entry into the financial landscape of Ibadan, Granule Microfinance Bank is set to become a reliable partner for individuals and enterprises seeking growth, stability, and modern banking solutions.

© 2026 Granule Microfinance Bank. All Rights Reserved.

The ancient town of Argungu came alive with colour, culture, and celebration as over 50,000 fishermen gathered at Matan Fada for the 61st edition of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, in what many described as a powerful symbol of returning peace and stability.

The festival, long regarded as one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural and tourism events, showcased not only thrilling fishing competitions but also vibrant displays of tradition, music, and community pride. For residents and visitors alike, this year’s event represented more than heritage — it marked a renewed sense of safety and normalcy across the region.

Speaking at the event, officials emphasized that the massive turnout was no coincidence but the result of sustained and coordinated security efforts, strengthened intelligence operations, and active collaboration with local communities. The peaceful atmosphere that defined the celebration underscored growing confidence in ongoing investments aimed at restoring security and stability.

Participants competed enthusiastically in the historic fishing contest at Matan Fada, while cultural troupes, traders, and tourists contributed to a festive environment free from fear or disruption. The success of the event reinforced the message that farmers, fishermen, traders, and families must be able to live and work in safety.

Beyond the spectacle, the festival also highlighted the economic potential embedded in culture and tourism. Stakeholders noted that events like Argungu serve as catalysts for commerce, agricultural development, youth empowerment, and rural infrastructure growth.

With continued support for Kebbi State and other states prioritizing food security and rural prosperity, the government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that peace and development advance hand in hand.

As drums echoed across Argungu and fishermen hauled in their catches, the message was clear: Nigeria is moving forward — peace by peace, harvest by harvest, community by community — with renewed hope taking firm root in Argungu.

Rallies FCT Candidates to Deepen PDP Unity Ahead of Elections

Presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has stepped up consultations with key stakeholders as part of efforts to reinforce unity, discipline, and purposeful leadership within the party.

On Tuesday night, Hashim paid a solidarity visit to the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi). The meeting, which also had in attendance Senator Zainab Kure, widow of the late former Niger State Governor, Abdulkadir Kure, focused on strengthening cohesion within the party amid prevailing political challenges.

Hashim commended Governor Mohammed for what he described as his steadfast commitment to multiparty democracy and his resilience in upholding party principles under pressure. He stressed the urgent need for reconciliation and collective resolve among party leaders, noting that a united PDP is essential to restoring public confidence and repositioning the party for electoral success.

“Our unity is our strength. We must close ranks, rebuild trust, and present a cohesive front capable of delivering credible leadership to Nigerians,” Hashim said.

The discussions later expanded to include the PDP Deputy National Chairman, the Bauchi State PDP Chairman, and aides of the governor. The meeting concluded with a symbolic group photograph underscoring solidarity and shared purpose.

In a related development, Hashim on Wednesday met with PDP Chairmanship candidates ahead of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February 21. The engagement brought together the State Chairman, Secretary, members of the Board of Trustees, and incumbent Area Council Chairmen.

The meeting was described as strategic and forward looking, with deliberations centered on strengthening grassroots structures, promoting transparency, and ensuring discipline in party activities.

Addressing the candidates, Hashim emphasized the importance of collaboration, effective leadership, and grassroots engagement as critical factors for electoral victory.

“The upcoming FCT Area Council elections will test our organizational capacity and readiness. We must remain focused, disciplined, and united in our pursuit of service to the people,” he said.

He reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at repositioning the PDP through reconciliation, mentorship, and capacity building across all levels of the party.

The engagements underscore Hashim’s proactive approach to party building, as he seeks to bridge divides, energize candidates, and consolidate the PDP’s structures ahead of forthcoming local and national elections.