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SAPZ Trains Oyo Youths On Job Creation and Entrepreneurship

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SAPZ Trains Oyo Youths On Job Creation and Entrepreneurship

  The Oyo State Government, through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, has commenced a capacity-building training for youths on job creation and entrepreneurship, with participants urged to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to wealth creation, self-reliance and economic development. The three-day training, held at Pinnacle Hotel, Arapaja Road, Odo Ona Kekere, Ibadan, is part of the African Development Bank-funded SAPZ initiative aimed at equipping young people with entrepreneurial, business and financial skills required to establish and grow sustainable enterprises. Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the State Project Coordinator of SAPZ, Mr Ajetunmobi Akinwumi, said the initiative was designed to address the growing challenge of youth unemployment by equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful entrepreneurs and job creators. Akinwumi noted that despite several government interventions, many young people still lacked the practical knowledge, entrepreneurial mindset and financial literacy needed to establish and sustain successful businesses. He said: “Youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria. Oyo State has a rapidly growing youth population, but the availability of formal employment has not kept pace with the demand. “This training is therefore aimed at equipping participants with practical knowledge in entrepreneurship, business planning and financial management to enable them become employers of labour rather than job seekers.” The coordinator said the programme was part of the state’s commitment to empowering young people with the skills required to drive innovation, enterprise development and economic growth. According to him, the SAPZ programme seeks to create opportunities for youths, women and entrepreneurs by strengthening their capacity to build sustainable businesses and take advantage of emerging economic opportunities. He explained that participants would receive practical training in entrepreneurship, business development, financial literacy, innovation, leadership, communication, business planning and enterprise management. Akinwumi added that at the end of the workshop, participants were expected to strengthen their entrepreneurial capacity, improve their financial literacy, develop viable business ideas, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth and community development. Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Hakeem Olatunji, described the training as a foundation for successful entrepreneurship, stressing that knowledge remained the most valuable asset for anyone seeking to create wealth and employment. According to him, government alone cannot provide jobs for the growing population, making it imperative for young people to acquire entrepreneurial skills capable of making them self-reliant. “Without adequate knowledge, there is no way anyone can create jobs or become a successful entrepreneur. This capacity-building programme is equipping our youths with the knowledge required to establish businesses and become self-sustaining,” he said. Olatunji urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity, adding that entrepreneurship and innovation offered immense opportunities for economic growth and job creation. “I believe government will also support them financially, but what matters most is the knowledge they are receiving here today. Knowledge is power, and it can transform them into employers of labour,” he added. One of the participants, Bamigboye Tobi, a final-year student of the University of Ibadan, expressed optimism that the programme would enable him to expand his entrepreneurial aspirations. Tobi said he travelled from the University of Ibadan to attend the workshop because of the opportunities it offered. “I see this training as a great opportunity to become an employer of labour. I believe I will be equipped with the entrepreneurial and financial knowledge required to grow my business, and from what I have seen so far, I am confident I will leave with valuable knowledge that will positively impact my future,” he said. The SAPZ programme is being implemented in Oyo State as part of broader efforts by the Federal Government, the African Development Bank and participating states to promote job creation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development.

Three Sentenced to life Imprisonment over Oyo school kidnapping

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  A Federal high court in Abuja has sentenced three men to life imprisonment over the kidnapping of students and teachers at a school in Orire LGA of Oyo state. Salim Ibrahim, presiding judge, sentenced the convicts after they pleaded guilty to some of the charges brought against them by the federal government. The convicts are Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, also known as Yunusa bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar.

Court Approves ₦2 Billion Bail for Miyetti Allah President Bodejo

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  The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail to the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, in the sum of ₦2 billion as he continues to face trial over an alleged $2.63 million money laundering case. Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the bail after ruling on Bodejo’s application, holding that the offences with which he was charged were bailable and that the court had the discretion to admit him to bail. The judge ordered the defendant to produce one surety in like sum. He held that the surety must be resident in Abuja and possess a three-year tax clearance certificate. Justice Ekwo further ordered that the surety must own landed property worth ₦2bn in Abuja, adding that the title documents would be verified by the court registrar. The judge also directed Bodejo to deposit his international passport with the registrar of the court, and barred him from travelling outside Nigeria without the court’s permission. He adjourned the case until October 5, 6 and 7, 2026, for the commencement of trial. Bodejo was arraigned on July 9 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a multi-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering involving about $2.63m. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Following his arraignment, the prosecution counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), applied for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the EFCC. However, counsel for the defendant, Ahmed Raji (SAN), informed the court that he had filed a bail application dated and filed on June 30. Raji argued that the offences alleged against his client were bailable under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and urged the court to grant the application. Shittu opposed the application, urging the court to refuse bail. In one of the counts, the EFCC alleged that Bodejo, “on or about January 11, 2022, in Abuja… accepted a cash payment of $100,000 from a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Sa’idu Abubakar, without lawful authority…” and outside the banking system, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended). The anti-graft agency alleged that the transaction exceeded the statutory cash transaction threshold of ₦5m prescribed by law. The commission also accused Bodejo of accepting additional cash payments of $200,000, $100,000, $980,000, $750,000 and $500,000 from Abubakar on different dates between 2022 and 2024, allegedly in breach of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The EFCC alleged that the transactions, which were not routed through financial institutions as required by law, formed the basis of the charges against the Miyetti Allah leader. Bodejo has denied the allegations.

‘I Lost N5 Million to Betting’ – Destiny Etiko Speaks After World Cup Final

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  Nollywood actress Destiny Etiko has disclosed that she lost ₦5 million after staking a bet on the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, admitting that the costly experience has convinced her to stay away from gambling. The actress disclosed this in a post shared on her Instagram handle on Monday, shortly after the conclusion of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. “First time betting and I lost . Will never try it again. My 5M gone . In fact am done watching football. Anxiety almost killed me,” she wrote. Etiko, however, did not disclose the particular bet she placed or provide further details about how she lost the money. Earlier, during the World Cup final, the actress shared a series of updates on her Instagram Story, indicating she was backing Argentina to defeat Spain. In one post, she wrote, “Argentina all the way. Who can’t wait?” As the match progressed, she appeared increasingly frustrated with Argentina’s performance, posting, “This ball tough o. Argentina is pissing me off.” She also praised Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez for keeping the defending champions in the game, writing, “The goal keeper is the savior oo.” PUNCH Online had reported that Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the second period of extra time to hand Spain their second World Cup title, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa in 2010. Argentina played the closing stages with 10 men after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second bookable offence, while Spain dominated possession before eventually finding the breakthrough through Torres.

One Dies, 39 Feared Missing in Jigawa Boat Tragedy

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  The Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed that one person has been found dead, while 39 others are still missing after a boat carrying farmers capsized in the Malamawar Yan Dutse community of Ringim Local Government Area, Jigawa State. The Command said the incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday when a local boat conveying more than 40 passengers, mostly female farmers and labourers, capsized while in transit, leaving many trapped in the water. Boat accidents have remained a recurring tragedy in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season, often attributed to overloading, the non-use of life jackets and strong water currents. The incident has thrown the Malamawar Yan Dutse riverine community into mourning as families anxiously await news about the fate of their loved ones. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Jigawa State Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, said the police received a report of the capsize and immediately deployed officers and other relevant agencies to the scene. Speaking with PUNCH Online via telephone on Monday, Adam said one body had been recovered, while search and rescue operations were ongoing. He stated that efforts were continuing to locate the remaining 39 passengers who were still unaccounted for. According to him, the Command is working with other emergency agencies to thoroughly search the area, assuring that further details would be made public in due course. Also confirming the incident, the Director of Planning at the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency said the victims were mostly female farmers and labourers travelling to their farms when the boat capsized. He said the exact cause of the accident had yet to be established, adding that an assessment was still ongoing. He said, “Hands are on deck as combined efforts continue to determine the exact number of those rescued or missing,” adding that casualty figures could not be confirmed yet as operations continued. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Ringim Local Government Emergency Management Committee, Habibu Dauda, said local divers and residents had joined emergency responders in the search operation. Habibu urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, assuring that an official update would be issued once rescue operations yield clearer information.  

Annie Idibia Breaks Silence on Reunion Rumours with Ex-Husband 2Baba

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  Nollywood actress Annie Idibia has debunked rumours claiming she has reconciled with her estranged husband, Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba. The actress clarified that reports suggesting they are back together are false. The actress addressed the speculation in a post shared on her Instagram Stories on Monday, indicating that videos fuelling the claims were old and being misrepresented. “Old videos circulating everywhere, false news everywhere,” Annie wrote. Rumours of a reconciliation began circulating on Friday, July 17, after an old video showing the former couple sharing an affectionate moment at a nightclub resurfaced on social media. The clip quickly gained traction online, prompting widespread speculation that the pair had rekindled their relationship. However, Annie’s statement appears to have put the rumours to rest, clarifying that the circulating footage was not recent. Annie and 2Baba, who share two daughters, announced the end of their marriage in January 2025 after more than a decade together. The singer has since moved on and is now married to Edo State lawmaker Natasha Osawaru.

Insecurity: Council of Yoruba Elders Launches Fundraising Campaign, Vows Security Improvement Within 60 Days

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  •By OYEBUKOLA ODUNAYO IBADAN — Yoruba leaders under the aegis of the Council of Yoruba Elders (CYE) have launched a fundraising campaign aimed at supporting security efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across 10 states in Nigeria. The council said the initiative was designed to provide resources, including security equipment and operational tools, to strengthen efforts against criminal activities threatening communities in Yoruba-speaking areas. The Secretary-General of CYE, Dr. Victor Taiwo, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the organisation’s office along Iwo Road, Ibadan, where he appealed to wealthy Yoruba individuals and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the campaign. Taiwo said the funds generated from the initiative would be used to acquire equipment such as surveillance drones and other security gadgets required to improve intelligence gathering and response operations. He expressed confidence that the proposed security intervention would significantly reduce cases of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism within a short period if the necessary resources were made available. “We have identified a solution that can stop banditry, kidnapping and terrorism, but we are not prepared to disclose it at this stage. What we need now are the necessary resources,” Taiwo said. He added that the council believed the security plan could achieve major results within 60 days once fully implemented. According to him, the proposed intervention would cover 10 states, including Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta states. The CYE Secretary-General lamented that his previous warnings since 2015 over what he described as alleged plans by criminal elements to expand their activities into parts of the South-West had not received adequate attention. He, however, said the council would not remain passive in the face of growing security concerns. “We have to find ways to halt the further expansion of banditry and secure the release of those in captivity. Yoruba people are not ready to succumb to what we perceive as threats. We will resist with all the resources available to us,” he stated. Taiwo disclosed that the fundraising campaign had already begun receiving contributions from some individuals, while urging more Yoruba sons and daughters with the capacity to support the initiative to come forward. He also alleged that several communities had been affected by insecurity, claiming that 17 traditional rulers had been killed in Kwara State and that some residents had abandoned their communities due to fear of attacks. The council further alleged that armed groups were attempting to expand their activities into Yoruba communities, warning that urgent action was needed to prevent further deterioration of the security situation. Taiwo criticised political leaders for what he described as inadequate response to the worsening insecurity and called for greater commitment from stakeholders. “We most humbly, respectfully and dutifully call on our people who have been blessed by God to respond to this patriotic call and support efforts to safeguard our land before the security situation deteriorates further,” he said. The council maintained that the security challenge required collective action involving government, traditional institutions, community leaders and individuals with the resources to support efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.

Makinde Visits Rescued Oriire Pupils, Teachers, Promises Trauma Support, Family Reunion, Honour Fallen Heroes

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  Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Saturday paid a visit to the pupils and teachers rescued from the Oriire Local Government Area school abduction at the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Facility, where he welcomed their safe return and pledged sustained medical care as well as psychological support for the victims. The victims, comprising 39 pupils and five of the seven abducted teachers, were released after spending weeks in captivity. The governor, who interacted with the children and their teachers during the visit, described their rescue as a significant development and commended the security personnel involved in the operation. Makinde said he was delighted that the children had regained their freedom, while acknowledging the sacrifices made by officers and personnel who participated in the rescue effort. “I am very happy that the children are back, all 39 of them, alongside five of the seven teachers. We give glory to God, and we appreciate our troops, the officers and men who played a significant role in securing their release,” the governor said. He also condoled with families of security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be forgotten. “We also remember the officers and personnel we lost during this process. To all the families who lost their loved ones, we want to assure them that their sacrifices will not be in vain,” he added. The governor said his interaction with the rescued victims showed that they were happy to have regained their freedom, but noted that some of them were still weak and would require further medical attention. “Having interacted with the children and their teachers, I can say that they are happy to be out of captivity. When anyone’s freedom is taken away, it affects their state of mind, but they are grateful to be back,” Makinde said. “Some of them are still very weak and will require medical attention. There are also post-traumatic issues that need to be addressed, but we have a team ready to provide the necessary support and care.” On plans to reunite the victims with their families, Makinde explained that medical and psychological assessments would continue for the next 48 hours before the formal handover process. “By Monday, we expect that an assessment would have been completed, and there may be a formal transfer from the military to the state government. From there, we will manage the process going forward,” he said. The governor added that arrangements were already being made to allow family members to visit their loved ones, particularly a young girl among the victims who had repeatedly asked for her mother. “Today, we are already putting logistics in place to allow some family members to come and see them. There is a little girl among them who has continuously been asking, ‘Where is my mum? Where is my mum?’ We want to make it possible for her mother to come and reunite with her,” Makinde said. While reacting to security challenges facing the country, the governor called for unity and collective efforts, urging Nigerians to avoid division during difficult times. “My final message is that this is our country. Every country around the world faces challenges. When we are confronted with difficulties, it is not the time to sow seeds of division; rather, it is the time for us to come together and confront those challenges collectively,” he said. Makinde added that he would later provide a detailed briefing to the people of Oyo State and Nigerians on the circumstances surrounding the abduction and rescue operation. “Later in the week, I will officially brief the people of Oyo State and the nation at large on what exactly transpired,” he added.

Oriire Abduction: Army Explains GOC 2 Division’s Role in Dismantling Kidnappers’ Network, Freeing Victims

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  A total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by armed men in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after a month-long, intelligence-led joint security operation conducted across the Old Oyo National Park and other locations nationwide. The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed assailants attacked their school in Oriire Local Government, triggering widespread concern and prompting a coordinated rescue mission involving multiple security agencies. Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the successful rescue was achieved on July 10 through a carefully planned and executed operation led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife. According to the statement, the operation brought together personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and members of the Amotekun Corps. The military said the operation was intelligence-led and focused on identifying and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the abduction, including its kingpins, logistics channels, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park forest and other locations. It disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation, adding that the sustained pressure mounted on the criminal network disrupted its activities and ultimately compelled the abductors to release the victims unconditionally. “The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists’ kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest. “Multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and other locations across the country. These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement said. The Army noted that the rescue mission was meticulously planned to prevent collateral damage and ensure the safe recovery of all the abducted pupils and teachers. It, however, disclosed that some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation, without providing further details. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families. The GOC, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic direction, support and resources that contributed to the success of the operation. He also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state for their continued support and cooperation with security agencies throughout the rescue efforts. Major General Nnebeife further acknowledged the contributions of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as heads of other participating security agencies for ensuring seamless coordination during the operation. The military also appreciated media organisations and Nigerians for their patience, understanding and confidence in the country’s security architecture, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities. The statement added that security agencies are continuing follow-up operations to eliminate the remaining members of the terrorist network behind the abduction completely.

Oyo Abduction Came Hours After My 2027 Presidential Declaration — Makinde

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  Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area happened only a few hours after he publicly announced his intention to run for president in the 2027 election. Makinde made the remark while addressing a meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and leaders of the Allied Peoples Movement in Bauchi, recalling that Oyo had not recorded a similar incident during his seven years in office before the May 15 attack. “For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted,” Makinde said. Hours after Makinde’s remarks in Bauchi, the Presidency announced that all the victims had been rescued after spending 56 days in captivity. The Presidency said the victims were freed during a joint operation involving the military, the Department of State Services and the police, with eight suspected kidnappers arrested and others neutralised. The Presidency disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were apprehended and are being held by the Department of State Services (DSS), while several other suspects were neutralised during the security operation.

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