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Nigeria Must Lead Africa’s Digital Future, Says FG

September 2, 2025 by admin

The Federal Government, alongside international partners, has urged the integration of cyber, anticipatory, and digital diplomacy into the core of Nigeria’s foreign policy, highlighting the urgent need for the country to take a leadership role in shaping Africa’s digital future. The call was made at the inaugural seminar on “Anticipatory, Cyber, and Digital Diplomacy for Strengthening Nigeria’s Foreign Policy,” held in Abuja on Tuesday. Speaking at the opening session, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, said the country must not remain a passive observer in a rapidly changing digital world. “We are living through a historic transformation. The convergence of disruptive technologies, shifting geopolitical alignments, and deepening digital interdependence is redefining the foundations of diplomacy. “From artificial intelligence and quantum computing, to the geopolitics of data and the militarisation of cyberspace, the very nature of statecraft is being rewritten before our eyes,” Tuggar said. The minister stressed that Nigeria must act with urgency to position itself as “a principled, capable and forward-looking actor in the evolving global digital order,” calling for cyber diplomacy to be deeply integrated into Nigeria’s foreign service, national security framework, and multilateral engagements. He added, “We must lead Africa’s digital future, training a new generation of cyber negotiators, expanding regional incident response capabilities, and championing African-led solutions to global digital challenges. “This includes advancing climate-conscious data practices and ethical AI development.” Explaining the significance of anticipatory diplomacy, Tuggar said, “It provides us with the ability to detect early warning signals, foresee systemic shocks and plan strategically for the future, whether in the global race for critical minerals, the regulation of artificial intelligence, or the restructuring of global supply chains.” On cyber diplomacy, he noted it encompasses international cooperation on combating cybercrime, protecting infrastructure, safeguarding elections, and shaping global norms around data privacy, internet freedom, and information integrity. “This is not optional. We are part of the equation. The only question to ask is how prepared we can be. “Nigeria’s foreign policy must adapt to a world where private technology firms often wield more influence than sovereign states, and where digital platforms can shape public opinion, economic outcomes, and even conflict dynamics. “As we seek greater influence within ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations, our engagement must be anchored in sovereignty, trust, and innovation,” Tuggar emphasised. He also announced the creation of a Cyber Diplomacy Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, tasked with coordinating Nigeria’s cyber-related foreign policy and championing ethical digital governance. “This is Nigeria’s digital gift to the world,” he said, referencing the launch of the Anticipatory Cyber and Digital Diplomacy Masterclass Series for African and Global South diplomats, which will be freely accessible online. Tuggar further highlighted that the inclusion of women and youth, regional collaboration, and engagement with the private sector and diaspora are central to Nigeria’s cyber diplomacy strategy. Echoing similar sentiments, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said the digital era demands a fundamental transformation in statecraft. “The 21st century has introduced a paradigm shift in conflict, communication, and cooperation. “Traditional diplomatic methods are no longer sufficient,” Fagbemi noted. He underscored the need for legal and policy frameworks that can manage the impact of technologies like AI, data governance, and cybersecurity. “Cyber threats pose a danger to national infrastructure and the rule of law. “A legal framework must, therefore, be robust enough to deter cybercrime, enforce justice, and foster international cooperation to protect digital sovereignty,” the minister noted. Fagbemi emphasised that public diplomacy through social media and digital platforms must be managed ethically and responsibly, and that the Ministry of Justice is committed to working with security agencies, the private sector, and civil society to advance a secure digital future for Nigeria. Representing international partners, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to cyber and digital cooperation with Nigeria. “The British High Commission is very pleased to be one of the sponsors for today’s seminar,” Montgomery said, outlining the UK’s bilateral work with Nigeria under the Security and Defence Partnership, including a Memorandum of Understanding on cybersecurity signed last year. “In combination, we’ve agreed to share lessons and collaborate in five areas: threat hunting, building cyber threat intelligence capability, identifying critical national infrastructure, digital forensics, and national incident response planning,” Montgomery stated. He noted that these are fundamental to building government cyber capabilities and effective international cyber diplomacy. While emphasising that Nigeria will shape its own sovereign cyber decisions, Montgomery offered the UK’s support in sharing lessons from its own Foreign Office experience, especially in engaging research institutions, the private sector, and higher education to build a resilient digital ecosystem. “I fully agree with the Honorable Minister for Foreign Affairs about today’s seminar being framed by technological challenges and threats,” he said, noting that threats from hostile states, disinformation, hate speech, and cybercrime are real and growing. “We fear that this grey zone is going to be turbocharged by artificial intelligence tools,” Montgomery warned, adding that the UK and Nigeria have already recorded “shared successes” in tackling cyber fraud and crime, with more collaboration needed. The seminar was attended by diplomats, foreign policy experts, legal practitioners, security agencies, and members of the private sector. In recent years, diplomacy has evolved beyond traditional statecraft to address emerging issues in cyberspace, artificial intelligence, and global digital governance. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and European Union members have crafted comprehensive cyber diplomacy strategies, acknowledging the rising importance of cybersecurity, data privacy, AI ethics, and the growing influence of tech companies on international affairs. Nigeria’s digital foreign policy came under the global spotlight in June 2021 when the government suspended Twitter after the platform removed a tweet by then-President Muhammadu Buhari. It ignited international debate around digital sovereignty, platform accountability, and freedom of expression. By 2024, Nigeria was reportedly facing over 4,000 cyber attacks daily, according to cybersecurity firm Nitroswitch.

Aare Segelu Commiserates with Hon. Adepoju ‘Ibarapakan’, Family, Igboora Community On Father’s Demise

August 31, 2025 by admin

Governorship hopeful and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Aare Olayinka Segelu, has extended his heartfelt condolences to Hon. Adepoju Adebayo, popularly known as ‘Ibarapakan’, over the passing of his father, Pa Adepoju, who died at the age of 89. Reacting to the development in a condolence statement, Segelu, who is also a Germany-based businessman, described the late patriarch as a respected community leader and a source of wisdom whose values touched many lives in Igboora and beyond. “I deeply commiserate with my brother, Hon. Adepoju Ibarapakan, the entire Adepoju family, and the good people of Igboora on this painful loss. Baba lived a fulfilled and impactful life, leaving behind a legacy of humility, discipline, and service to humanity. May the Almighty grant the Adepoju family and the entire Ibarapaland the strength to bear this loss, and may Baba’s soul rest in perfect peace.” Segelu further urged the Adepoju family and the Igboora community to take solace in the long and meaningful life Baba lived, noting that his memory will remain a source of inspiration to generations yet unborn. “Baba’s passing is not just a personal loss to the Adepoju family but a communal one to Igboora and Ibarapaland at large. His wisdom and contributions to the growth of the community are testimonies that will outlive him.” “I want the family and the Igboora people to know that they are not alone in this moment of grief. We all share in their pain, and together we celebrate a man who gave his best to his family, community, and humanity.” “As we mourn, we must also be thankful for the exemplary life Baba lived. His dedication to family values, truth, and service should remain a guiding light to all of us in Ibarapaland.” Segelu prayed for God’s continued comfort and protection over the Adepoju household and assured the family of his solidarity in this difficult period.

300B Loan: Enough of Reckless Governance in Oyo State – Olaoluwa

August 31, 2025 by admin

The Atayese of Fiditi and President, Peter Olaoluwa Foundation, POF, Olaoluwa Peter Abidemi, popularly called OPA, has cautioned the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde to end his reckless governance. Olaoluwa, in a statement on Saturday and made available to journalists in Ibadan, described the recent loan approval by the state lawmakers as most unreasonable. OPA, a 2027 governorship aspirant, condemned Governor Seyi Makinde and the state House of Assembly following revelations by the lawmaker representing Saki West Local Government, Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, about the secret approval of a controversial N300 billion loan during an emergency sitting held amidst the Assembly’s ongoing recess. He described the administration of Governor Makinde as one who will give down in history of the state as most reckless and lack financial foresight who is bent on throwing the coming generations of Oyo State indigenes into eternal slavery through debt. He added that the leadership of the House of Assembly and its legislators have become willing tools in the hand ou unquestionable emperor holding sway in the state. “When one takes a critical look at the rate Oyo state government has made itself a loan collector with over N500 billion in debts between May 2019 and June 2025, one may be forced to ask if the lives of the good people of the state depends on the loan, despite increase in monthly revenue allocation from federal government. “Oyo State is highly geared. Therefore, the State is overtrading, biting more than what one can chew, which is not a good sign of the state of financial health of an Entity. “It’s not bad to borrow money in as much as the returns on what the loan is to be used for is greater than the cost of borrowing that fund, which is loan interest. “Since the government is not a profit making entity, hence accumulating a loan is not good since what the loan will be used for will not generate revenue to guarantee the repayment of the loan plus the interest.” The Chartered Accountant turned politician cautioned that such unreasonable borrowing poses a serious danger to the financial sustainability of Oyo State. Olaoluwa appealed to men and women of good conscience irrespective of religion, status, and political affinity to speak out with courage to condenn and demand accountability from the administration of Governor Makinde henceforth.

OYRTMA Debunks Social Media Rumour on Alleged Tricycle Rider’s Death

August 30, 2025 by admin

The attention of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has been drawn to false reports circulating on social media, particularly on Facebook, alleging that OYRTMA officials were responsible for the death of a commercial tricycle rider at the University of Ibadan axis on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. We wish to state categorically that the report is untrue, misleading, and aimed at tarnishing the image of the Authority. For the past three months, OYRTMA officials have been stationed at the U.I axis, enforcing compliance with traffic lights to ensure sanity and orderliness on our roads, an effort heavily supported by the financial commitment of the Oyo State Government. On the said date, at about 11:30 am, a commercial tricycle with registration number MNY 805 QU willfully violated the traffic light. The rider was flagged down but attempted to escape dangerously. He was eventually apprehended at the Preboye traffic light. In the course of enforcement, the rider bit one of the officers and, in a desperate move to avoid lawful arrest, feigned collapse, pretending to be dead, ostensibly to incite mob action against OYRTMA personnel. As the officers were being distracted by the crowd, the rider suddenly stood up, entered his tricycle, and sped off before the arrival of policemen from Sango Police Station. Therefore, the allegation that OYRTMA officials killed a tricycle rider is not only false but also mischievous. To put the record straight, we pose the following pertinent questions to those spreading the rumors: Who took the allegedly “dead” tricycle rider to the hospital? Which hospital was he taken to, and which doctor certified him dead? Where was his supposed corpse deposited? Who removed the said tricycle from the scene? Did the police officers who later arrived at the scene find a corpse or a tricycle? Did OYRTMA officials abandon their duty post, or did they continue their lawful duties as evidence that no such death occurred? These questions remain unanswered because the incident was clearly staged by the tricycle rider to evade the consequences of his traffic violation. OYRTMA assures the public that it remains committed to carrying out its statutory duties in line with the law and will not be distracted by baseless allegations. We call on members of the public to always seek the truth and not be misled by unfounded speculations.

FG Defends Passport Price Hike to N100,000, N200,000

August 29, 2025 by admin

The Federal Government, on Thursday, defended the upward review of Nigerian passport fees to N100,000 and N200,000, saying it was necessary to sustain quality, curb corruption, and ensure timely delivery of travel documents. The Nigeria Immigration Service, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, ACI AS Akinlabi, on Thursday, announced that from September 1, 2025, applications made within Nigeria will attract new fees of N100,000 for the 32-page, five-year validity passport and N200,000 for the 64-page, 10-year validity passport. “The review which only affect Passport Application fees made in Nigeria, now set a new fee thresholds for 32-page with five-year validity at N100,000 and 64-page with 10-year validity at N200,000,” the statement read. The NIS, however, said Nigerians in the diaspora will continue to pay $150 for the 32-page, five-year passport and $230 for the 64-page, 10-year passport. It explained that the adjustment was aimed at maintaining the integrity of the document while making issuance processes more efficient. The increase comes barely a year after the Federal Government approved an earlier adjustment in August 2024, which raised the 32-page, five-year booklet from N35,000 to N50,000, and the 64-page, 10-year booklet from N70,000 to N100,000. At the time, the NIS said the hike was necessary to sustain the quality of the passport and improve service delivery. On Thursday, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, defended the new hike. Speaking in Abuja during the ministry’s mid-tenure performance retreat, Tunji-Ojo said the hike would ensure timely delivery of passport and eliminate corruption, He said, “Our target is very clear: within one week of enrolment, every Nigerian should have their passport in hand. Not just delivering quickly, but delivering quality passports that reflect our integrity as a nation,” he said. He noted that the new system was designed to eliminate long delays and extortion that once forced citizens to wait up to seven months or pay as much as N200,000 to fast-track processing. “The system that we inherited that had six months backlog which we were able to clear in two and a half weeks. Nigerians will apply for passports and wait endlessly, or be asked to pay hundreds of thousands of naira. “My own daughter had that bad experience. Even when I was chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, my daughter wanted passport, it was a problem. I had to pay hundreds of thousands to be able to get a passport for my daughter, a 12-year-old girl. That era is over,” Tunji-Ojo said. The minister disclosed that the centralised personalisation centre, the largest in Africa, would ensure faster processing and tighter security. “With this facility, we can print five times more passports than we currently need. Once you enrol, it doesn’t take us more than 24 hours to vet. Printing capacity is no longer our problem,” he explained. As part of the reforms, Tunji-Ojo announced that Passport Control Officers will no longer have the power to approve or delay applications. “Some PCOs had so much power that they could decide not to approve or not to print a passport until they were settled. That abuse of power ends now,” he declared. According to him, centralising the approval process would curb corruption and restore credibility to Nigeria’s travel documents. “We realised that the best way to cut corruption is to remove human contact to the barest minimum. Passport approval will no longer rest with PCOs. My responsibility is not for them to like me — it is to deliver efficiency. Let Nigerians be happy,” he said. He added that the reforms will also protect the integrity of Nigeria’s passport. “My responsibility is not just to make passports available, but to ensure that anybody carrying it is a Nigerian. If you are not a Nigerian, you cannot carry it. It’s about our national integrity.” Citing past abuses, he recalled how foreigners once procured Nigerian passports illegally. “In one incident, a Ugandan woman carrying a Nigerian passport was arrested at Lagos Airport after paying $1,000 to procure it. That cannot continue. Our passport must remain a true symbol of Nigerian identity,” the minister stressed.

Extending State of Emergency Beyond September 18 Deadline Will Trigger Unrest In Rivers – Bode George

August 28, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – One of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftains, Chief Bode George has warned that extension of emergency rule in River state beyond September 18 would trigger crisis among the people of the state, just as he also condemned the Emergency Rule declared in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for six months. President Bola Tinubu had invoked the emergency rule following political face-off between the governor and his predecessor- godfather, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The state lawmakers were divided to the stage of plotting impeachment of the governor. Commenting on the scenario, George said that the state of emergency was unwarranted in the first place. He likened the scenario to the crisis that led to the “Wetie” uprising in the Western Region, and the eventual Civil War of 1967 that ravaged the country for three years. Speaking on “Frontline”, a political programme of Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, the former Deputy National Chairman, South, of the party, warned the Federal Government against extending the emergency rule beyond September 18 if it does not want trouble to ensue in the state. He also warned the Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok- Eke Ibas, to tread softly on whatever action he takes, stressing that he would give account after he leaves office. He said, “We have refused to learn from history and we have continued to repeat the same mistake. Even the situation to create a State of Emergency is not in conformity, and it will be an issue for the next general election. If you just think you can wield your power, extraordinary power, without caution, they are telling us there are no rules in this country. Was there violence in Rivers state? Was there violence in Port- Harcourt or at the Bonny? Was there violence in Ekwere land? There was no violence. “They said there was explosion; who saw it? Who died? Who monitored the explosion? The governor resides in Port-Harcourt and you would have seen the humility and the absolute commitment to the Almighty principle demonstrated by him. He has been calm and I want to congratulate the whole people of Rivers that they did not revert to violence or any action that would have projected them as violent people. They were calm. So, why would you now go and impose state of emergency? Just like Fela Anikulapo sang many years ago, trouble dey sleep, yangan go wake am. Wetin you go find? Na palava you go get. “Now within that period,Extending State of Emergency Beyond September 18 Deadline Will Trigger Unrest In Rivers – Bode George a non-elective person is there. He was my junior in the Navy, and so I am advising him to be very cautious. How can a non-elective person run a local government election? On behalf of whom? At the same time, you are setting up certain board. Are you the elected person? You are just there like a spare tyre or a standby generator. It will soon become a national issue. You may be called back to come and explain yourself on some things you have done. “So, my advice to the young man is to be careful. This is civil rule where you need people to behave from zero to infinity. It is unlike in the Military. You need to work with people, no matter what. This is not like in the Military where you are cocooned with certain behaviour. So, he should treat softly”, Chief George, a member of the Board of Trustees of the party warned. On the possibility of President Bola Tinubu extending the emergency rule after September 18, the former Army General, Electronics and Computer Engineer, said, “Never, never! It will be a case of yanga dey sleep, wahala go wake am. The people will not accept because you are shortchanging them. They had an election and they had somebody elected. That young Administrator should just leave and go home. We are pleading because there would be a day after governance. How will you want to be remembered? This thing is not personal”, he said.

C’River Recruits 4,000 Local Government Staff

August 26, 2025 by admin

The Cross River Local Government Service Commission says no fewer than 4000 staff have been recruited for the 18 council areas of the state in the last one year. The Chairman of the commission, Mr Darlington Eyo, disclosed this during an interactive session with newsmen in Calabar on Tuesday. Eyo noted that the commission inherited a depleted local government staff of about 9000, adding that with the 4000 personnel already recruited, efforts were still ongoing to fill the remaining vacant spaces. He said that the mass recruitment approved by Gov. Bassey Otu under his “People First Mantra” was the first in 37 years. “The councils we met had a depleted workforce, so the governor deemed it necessary that we fill the vacancies and also ensure a sustainable means of livelihood for the people. “In actual fact, we were supposed to meet about 12,000 or 13,000 staff, but what we met was about 3000, so we approached the governor on this, and he saw reason for the recruitment of more hands to fulfill the obligations of the local government areas. “We have systematically carried out this and paid over 3000 of them already that have met the requirement, while we strategise on more recruitment processes. Yes, the process is ongoing as it is not possible to fill all the 9000 vacant spaces at once,” he stressed. On the allegations of buying employment, the chairman said there was nothing of such to the best of his knowledge. He said the commission had operated an open process in such a way that a son or daughter of nobody has been gainfully employed. According to him, I won’t rule out the possibility that some individuals outside the commission might be trying to undermine it or act as its agents. “The good thing however is that anyone who patronise such a person will be fished out as we have a system in place that will expose them.” Eyo added that the local government service commission uncovered 800 ghost workers during the audit of the staff payroll. “This is the figure that we have expunged from the local government’s payroll, and the audit is ongoing because we can’t continue to have a huge wage bill when the number of staff remains low. “In all of these achievements, including the various training programmes for staff of the council areas the governor provided the needed environment for us to diligently carry out our mandates,” said.

I’m Not In Supremacy Battle With Any Monarch – Alaafin

August 21, 2025 by admin

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Thursday, disclosed that he is not in a supremacy battle with any monarch either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe. He made this disclosure in a statement released by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The fresh battle between the Alaafin, Oba Owoade and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, started last Monday after the Alaafin faulted the Ooni’s decision to confer the title of Okanlomo of Oduwa on a businessman, Dotun Sanusi, during the unveiling of an indigenous social media network- 2geda, at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan, at the weekend. The statement explained that Alaafin is a veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, and has always taken into consideration the safety and welfare of his subjects at all times. It added that the monarch relied heavily on the will and wishes of his subjects. Durojaiye said he (Alaafin) would never compromise tradition, culture and development of his people for a pot of porridge. He said the monarch operates a government that is judged by its result, as prosperity, security and well-being of the people dictated his popularity both in the palace and in the empire at large. The statement reads in part, “Why Alaafin does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any Oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe? These immortal words of Alexander Graham Bell – The most successful men in the end are those whose success is the result of steady accretion. “It is the man who carefully advances step by step, with his mind becoming wider and wider, and progressively be able to grasp any theme or situation -persevering in what he knows to be practical, and concentrating his thought upon it, who is bound to succeed in the greatest degree” – sum up the life voyage of Owoade, an indomitable monarch with an unequalled passion for the great good of all. “He (Alaafin) is a veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, and has always taken into consideration the safety and welfare of his subjects and will never compromise tradition, culture and development of his people for a pot of porridge. The history has been so kind and friendly to Alaafin Owoade publicity since he ascended the throne of his forefathers, as he does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe. “Alaafin combines humility with royalty to meet the modern-day demands. Kabiyesi (the king who no one questions). Iku Baba Yeye (The one who commands death/he who is parent to death). Alashe (He who wields authority). Ekeji Orisha (Second-in-command to the gods). The Alaafin was inducted into the mysteries of various gods like Ifa, Sango etc to be the direct representative of these deities on earth.” The statement added, “At the hallowed ground of the Yoruba ancient shrine, as Owoade made a covenant with illustrious Yoruba ancestors that he would defend, protect and add glamour to the Yoruba norms and tradition. Oduduwa’s Principal minister and grandson, Oranmiyan (Because Oduduwa begot Okanbi, (an only child and Okanbi begot Oranmiyan, among others, namely Ila-Orangun, Oni-Sabe, Olu-Popo, Ala-Ketu, Oba-Benin) founded the city of Oyo when prolonged drought struck Ile-Ife as a result of people’s emigration. “Oyo simply rose to prominence through wealth gained from trade and its military skills. It was the largest West African empire, the most important and authoritative of all the early Yoruba principalities. More so, the British, as it was in their tradition, recognised lineage as meaningful supremacy and legitimacy, preferring to sign the Treaty of Cessation with the Alaafin as the Superior Head of the Yoruba Nation. “In politics also, he is concerned about the sanctity of his position, and whatever happens on the welfare of his people. Customs and all traditional practices of today in government, religion and economic life have had distance, and possibly age-long origins which were based on valid and accepted tenets that emerged from the synthesis and aggregated experience of a particular society. “One of such societies is the ancient city of Oyo, reputed for cultural resources that are of rich non-material and material attributes and transmitted through generations. Moreover, the precepts and concepts of Alaafin’s administration have continued to support and nurture the people’s ancient culture and sophisticated civilisation from time immemorial. “The basic concept of government was monarchy with a rigid adherence to the monolithic Oduduwa dynasty and of the paternal line.”

Makinde Receives UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Certificate for Sango Festival

August 19, 2025 by admin

‎Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has received the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Certificate for Sango Festival, Oyo. The certificate presentation was sequel to the festival making it to the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity upon the proposal made by Nigeria. The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, had presented the certificate to Oyo State Government on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the grand finale of the year 2025 World Sango Festival in Oyo town. Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, who received the certificate on behalf of the state, presented same to the state governor during the Oyo State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.‎ While presenting the certificate to the governor, Dr Olatubosun lauded him for his commitment and unwavering support to all cultural and tourism activities in the state, which eventually paid off and turned Sango Festival into an international event. ‎The commissioner added, “After the inscription dated 5th December, 2023, Oyo State and Oyo town had the maiden edition of the World Sango Festival in August, 2024 in a grand style with attendance of people from all walks of life as well as envoys from various countries and embassies, and the just concluded 2025 World Sango festival was not an exemption, as there was an improvement on the year 2024 edition.” Responding, Governor Makinde expressed his appreciation to the commissioner and his team, saying that their efforts culminated in the recognition of the festival by UNESCO.

“It Takes Grace of God To Ascend The Throne, It Is A Bumpy Road – Ladoja

August 18, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – THE Olubadan-elect of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has broken his silence on his ascension to the ancient stool, describing his journey as “bumpy, filled with trials, and only made possible by the grace of God.” The former Oyo State governor said he was overwhelmed with shock when he received news of the passing of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, noting that he never imagined destiny would call him to the throne at this time. The Olubadan-elect also paid glowing tributes to his predecessor, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, describing him as a leader who upheld tradition with dignity. He commiserated with family of the late Olubadan, the entire Olubadan in-council, and the Ibadan land praying for God to repose the soul of the departed. Addressing a crowd of well wishers who thronged his Ondo Street private residence at Bodija in Ibadan on Monday August 18, upon his arrival to the city from Lagos, Oba Ladoja recalled his over three-decade journey through the traditional hierarchy of Ibadan chieftaincy, which uniquely requires aspirants to climb 36 carefully arranged steps, beginning from Jagun Olubadan. Earlier upon his arrival in Ibadan from his two month trip outside of the state since the demise of the late Olubadan, Oba Ladoja headed straight to his family House in Isale-Osi, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area where according to him, the journey to the throne all began. In his words: “The road to the throne was indeed bumpy. Many of those who were with me and also stood by me when I became Jagun Balogun Olubadan are no longer alive today. It has been a journey of patience, perseverance, and the grace of God,” he said. Oba Ladoja became Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland on October 1, 1993, shortly before his election as a senator representing Oyo South in the National Assembly. From there, he steadily rose through the ranks of the Balogun line, a process that has taken him more than 31 years before emerging as the Olubadan-elect. He explained that while the system is predictable in structure, the timing of ascension is never in the hands of any man. “When I heard about the transition of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, I was shocked and not ready at the time. It hit me with rude shock because I had envisaged that our king would still reign for another five to ten years but I was again confronted with the reality that the next turn was unavoidably mine. “Even though our system is structured and predictable, the timing is never ours. Only God decides. When I arrived, it was where the journey all began that I went for prayers. “And when I arrived there, I remembered many of those that were there with me on that day on 1st of October, 1993. I remember that Late MKO Abiola was present because he was in the mix of being called president-elect or not, Late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu was there, my late father and mother were also present. “Governor Kolapo Ishola, Dr Rahimi, Adebayo Akala were all there because he was the one that cover the palace when I became Jagun. My very good friend who we both became Jagun same day, Eyinadebimpe were in attendance. My friend Jimoh Aliu, Folake Aremu popularly known as ‘Orisabunmi’, and many other notable theater actors were there. “So, in my reflection, I asked God why I’ve been preserved in good health, then I realized I’m yet to complete my mission and God’s purpose for my life on earth. Therefore, I’m eternally grateful to God for his grace. “There were also many coincidences because I was born in 1944 and I’m the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan. So, I’m grateful to everyone,” Oba Ladoja narrated. He particularly expressed gratitude to the Olubadan in-council for their official nomination to become the next king, saying “if they didn’t approve my nomination, what can I do? All the 10-man Olubadan in-council gave their unanimous approval, and I want to assure them that our relationship will grow better.” He asserted that God has destined them all to work together. He assured that now he is fully back and will commence engaging with relevant government and traditional authorities including the Governor, Oluwo and Araba of Ibadan as well as others to determine how to go about the process of coronation. He prayed that his time on the throne shall witness unprecedented prosperity, peace, and economic development. In his final remarks, Oba Ladoja appealed to Ibadan sons and daughters at home and abroad, as well as residents of the ancient city, to uphold him in their prayers for God’s guidance. “I seek your prayers for God’s wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to guide me in the discharge of this sacred duty as the new Olubadan. It is a huge responsibility, and I pray for divine direction to lead Ibadanland with fairness, peace, and progress,” he said. Aare Egbe Omobalogun of Ibadanland, Chief Taofeek Adegoke, said the reign of Ladoja as Olubadan of Ibadanland will witness tremendous progress. He said, “It is going to be a period when Ibadan will witness remarkable development during his tenure. We are happy that he is back, and we pray that God will grant him the strength and wisdom to lead both Ibadan and Oyo State aright.” Chief Adeola Oloko, the Media Aide to Ladoja while speaking with Naijanewshub online Newspapers Reporter who was on ground to monitor the event said, “We are all aware that he has not been around, but today he returned to Ibadan to a very warm embrace by his people. He addressed us, assuring that his reign will foster cooperation among all members of the Olubadan-in-Council. He promised that his leadership will be one of unity and progress, and that the council will enjoy his full cooperation as he moves Ibadan forward. “The next step is the coronation rites. We will have to consult all relevant stakeholders, the Araba of Ibadanland, the Afobajes, and of course, His … Read more

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