As Nigerians prepare to celebrate the country’s 66th Independence anniversary, the Olu of Imasayi, Oba Lukman Kuoye, has declared that citizens now have more reasons to celebrate, expressing support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and saying Nigeria is gradually moving towards economic recovery under the current government.

Oba Kuoye stated this on Tuesday at his palace in Imasayi, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, during a press conference to mark his 5th coronation anniversary.

Oba Kuoye hinged his assertion on what he described as a reduction in political tension and gradual improvement in economic activities.

“Before, people would be saying, do we need to celebrate, and what are we celebrating? But now we have a lot to celebrate. The political tension is coming down. Nigeria is getting interesting and we people are really enjoying it”, the monarch declared.

The traditional ruler said the impact of ongoing federal government projects, particularly road reconstruction and rehabilitation, could be seen along major routes linking communities in Ogun State and other parts of the country.

According to him, a trip through Atan, Agbara, Olorule-Meji and Imeko-Afon along the coastal highway would provide evidence of the infrastructure development taking place under the Tinubu administration.

Oba Kuoye, who disclosed that he had been involved in politics under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said he had always admired President Tinubu because of what he described as his political track record and ability to groom other people.

The monarch acknowledged that the economic reforms being implemented by the administration could take time to produce widespread benefits, stressing that there was no magic formula for transforming the country within a short period.

According to him, previous administrations had made efforts to manage the economy, but the present administration was attempting to fundamentally restructure it.

He, however, expressed optimism that the economy would improve significantly in the coming years.

“Nigeria is better than where it was since Asiwaju Bola Tinubu became president. I want you to take a ride through Atan, Agbara, Olorule-Meji and Imeko-Afon on the coastal highway and follow the line to see what is happening there.

“Tinubu is now reconstructing and rehabilitating roads, and he is putting the Nigerian economy on a prosperous path. It might look like something small to us, but he is bringing the Nigerian economy onto the right path”, he said.

He added that, “Since when I was in the Peoples Democratic Party as a politician, I have loved President Bola Tinubu because of his track records. He is a politician. If we have about 10 of him in Nigeria politics, this country would have been better than this because he has been grooming people, and he doesn’t want to know you before he helps you.”

“I want to tell you, yes, it might be too difficult to get there in four years because there is no magic. But to discover that Tinubu is getting it right in Nigeria, I want to tell you that in the next five years things will turn better,” he assured.

He also cited improved electricity supply as one of the developments he said Nigerians could observe, saying there had been no need to use a generator.

“We have been here almost two, three hours. The light is okay. We are not using generator. It is electricity. It is part of it because the megawatts that is generating electricity for us is increasing,” he said.

The traditional ruler also used the occasion to advise Nigerian politicians to avoid desperation for political positions, stressing the importance of accepting that leadership positions are ultimately determined by God.

Recalling his own political experience as a former Vice Chairman of Ado-Odo Local Government, Ogun State, Oba Kuoye said he declined an opportunity to continue in political office after his tenure.

He said he later applied for employment and was eventually appointed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), arguing that politicians should prepare themselves for life beyond elective or political appointments.

According to him, having an alternative career or source of livelihood would reduce desperation and unhealthy rivalry among political actors.

Oba Kuoye urged politicians to return to their businesses and professions after completing their appointments or elective positions instead of continuously struggling for political office.

He further urged political actors to respect the timing of leadership, saying no individual should believe that attaining political power must be achieved by all means.

“Every politician must have a second address. If you have a second address, you will take it lightly. You will not be fighting, you will not be maligning personalities, you will not be decreasing yourself if you have a second address,” he said.

“Politicians should go back to their business after the appointment or end of their elective positions, not that you apply in the office, you struggle to have another one. You must have a second address,” he advised.

“I want everyone, the political actors, they must know that it is God that ordains. If it is not their turn today, tomorrow it will be their turn,” the monarch added.

by Moses Adewale

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Nigeria Police Force, Ogun Command, Bode Ojajuni has honored Deputy Superintendent of Police Emmanuel Olaifa (rtd) and other retired officers for their outstanding contribution to the Force

Ojajuni presented certificates of commendation to the awardees during a ceremony held in Abeokuta on Monday.

Olaifa, the immediate past Second-In-Command at the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, retired in May 2026 after 35 years of active service in the Nigeria Police Force.

Ojajuni further described the retired officers as  patriotic and loyal policemen who had distinguished themselves through dedication to duty.

He said these retired officers deserve commendation for their long years of service and commitment.

​“It is not easy to serve for 35 years. Police work is an onerous task. It is full of anxiety and stress.

​“For you to weather the storm, to put in your best to serve your country diligently, you cannot just go home like that.

“We have to bring you back to show appreciation to you, to honour you”, CP Ojanuni said

Olaifa was born in 1970 in Ilale, Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State.

He joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 1, 1991, after his early education at LSMB Primary School and Anglican Grammar School, Ilale, and trained at the Police Training School, Ilorin.

Olaifa served in several formations and commands, including Ilorin, Kafanchan, Lagos, Abuja, Imo and Abeokuta, before serving as Area Crime Officer at Oke-Ilewo and later as 2IC of the SWAT Unit in Magbon, Abeokuta.

While appreciating CP Bode Ojajuni for the honour, Olaifa described the commendation as a humbling moment for him.

He described the Commissioner as a worthy leader who embodies human dignity and honor in the discharge of official duty.

Other officers decorated alongside Olaifa include Murphy Salami, the immediate past Commander of SWAT; Anifat Bello, the retired Traffic Police Officer amongst others.

by Moses Adewale

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, has unveiled plans to create over 500,000 jobs, train 100,000 youths in digital skills and strengthen local government autonomy if elected governor in the 2027 governorship election.

Adeola stated this on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Ogun State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) at Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta, where he presented a nine point development agenda for the state.

Describing his programme as a covenant with the people of Ogun State, Adeola asked journalists and the people of Ogun State to hold him accountable.

“I do not come to you asking you to believe me. I come asking you to hold me to this manifesto, line by line, project by project.” Yayi declared.

He said his intention to invest in the impartation of digital skills will lead to massive job creation for the youthful population.

“We will train 100,000 young people in digital skills by 2031, and within our first six months in office, launch a Youth Enterprise Hub in Abeokuta with satellite hubs across the state, backed by microcredit for young entrepreneurs, aiming to cut youth unemployment by 40 percent and help create over 500,000 jobs.”

The Governorship candidate also promised to utilize and effectively manage the resources of Ogun State towards industrialization if elected.

“My vision is a transformed Ogun State where our natural and human resources are to unlock our economic and agro industrial prowess, while ensuring inclusive governance and shared prosperity for our citizens in a secure environment. My mission would be to transform Ogun State’s economy through strategic investments, infrastructure development, agricultural diversification, transparent governance, and quality education and health services while including growth for sustainable prosperity.” he said.

Highlighting his plans further, Adeola pledged reforms in revenue generation, justice, legislation, the civil service and local government administration.

“We will deploy a Single Window Revenue Collection System integrating PAYE and every other tax stream, fee and levy across government, targeting a 40 percent uplift in IGR and a three to fivefold increase in land revenue by 2031,” while promising that local government allocations would flow directly to the 20 Local Government Areas.