News
Never again will invaders come into Oyo without a local response – Makinde

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has said the Oyo State Security Network Agency, co-denamed Amotekun Corps is the state’s local response to crime and criminality and that it ready to crush all criminals operating in the area.
He also stated that the South-West was ready to combat crime through the security agency, which was initially launched in January 2020.
A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, quoted Makinde as saying this at the passing-out parade of the 1,500 pioneer Amotekun corps, held at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo.
He added the six states of the region would fight common enemies and those elements that might attempt to cause commotion and perpetuate crime in the region.
He highlighted the efforts of his government in improving the security sector by supporting the federal security agencies in the state with the provision of patrol vehicles, communication gadgets and other logistic support.
He added that the approval and establishment of a Police Mobile Force 72 Squadron at Ago-Are, Oke Ogun area of the state by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, as well as provision of vehicles and logistic support for the squadron was another step taken by his administration to boost security, adding that the government has equally requested for another Police Mobile Force base in Oyo town.
Makinde, who noted that state policing remained the way forward to tackle insecurity in every nook and cranny of the country, said the Amotekun initiative by the South-West was the next best thing in the absence of state police.
According to him, it will help to fight crimes in the nooks and crannies of the society.
He, however, expressed confidence that advocates of state police would one day get enough support at the national level to achieve the constitutional review.
He urged the corps to exhibit the highest level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties, adding that none of them must be seen harassing individuals.
The governor also stated that the agency would also be involved in routine day and night patrols on major roads and remote areas, as its members drafted to all the 351 wards in Oyo State.
He also told the gathering that the 2021 budget of the state had been approved by the state’s executive council, adding that he would present it to members of the state House of Assembly next week.
The governor said, “As I said during the official launch of this outfit in January 2020, our regional integration, through Amotekun, should be seen in one light. We are coming together to fight a common enemy. That enemy is not Nigeria; the enemies are the elements among us and their affiliates, who are determined to cause commotion within our states’ borders and threaten our peaceful coexistence.
“Never again will invaders come into Oyo State without a local response from us. Amotekun is our local response.”
News
Nigeria ranks 36th on most corrupt countries’ list (full list)

Nigeria ranks 36th on most corrupt countries’ list (full list)
Transparency International, a global coalition against corruption, has ranked Nigeria as the 36th most corrupt country in the world, according to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released on Tuesday.
Nigeria shares the 36th position with Uganda, Mexico, Madagascar, Iraq and Cameroon, each scoring 26 points on the corruption index.
Denmark retained its position as the least corrupt country in the world with 90 points, followed by Finland with 88 points and Singapore with 84 points. The top 10 least corrupt nations were predominantly European, with no African country making the list.
However, Cape Verde emerged as the least corrupt country in Africa, ranking 35th globally with 62 points.
At the other end of the spectrum, South Sudan, Somalia and Venezuela were named the most corrupt countries in the world for the year under review.
READ ALSO:
- MTN increases price of N2k data to N6k
- 12-year-old Nigerian wins global ear care contest
- Gunmen kidnap APC national secretariat director, demand N350m ransom
Commenting on the report, Francois Valeria, Chair of Transparency International, emphasised the widespread threat of corruption and its impact on global challenges such as climate change.
“The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows that corruption is a dangerous problem in every part of the world, but change for the better is happening in many countries,” Valeria said.
“Research also reveals that corruption is a major threat to climate action. It hinders progress in reducing emissions and adapting to the unavoidable effects of global heating.”
The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories worldwide based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, using a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
While 32 countries have significantly reduced corruption levels since 2012, Transparency International noted that 148 countries have either stagnated or worsened in the same period.
“The global average of 43 has also stood still for years, while over two-thirds of countries score below 50. Billions of people live in countries where corruption destroys lives and undermines human rights,” Valeria added.
News
Nigeria commiserates with Namibia on death of ex-President Nujoma

Nigeria commiserates with Namibia on death of ex-President Nujoma
The Federal Government has commiserated with the government and people of the Republic of Namibia on the passing of their first President, Dr. Sam Nujoma.
Nujoma, the founding president of Namibia died at the weekend at the age of 95 years.
The revolutionary leader, who served as Namibia’s first president for 15 years, died on Saturday night in the nation’s capital, Windhoek.
Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba said Nujoma died from an illness after being hospitalised in the capital, Windhoek.
A statement by Acting Spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, described the departed leader as a visionary and a pan-Africanist.
The statement read, “The departed elder statesman was a visionary leader, a pan-Africanist and a relentless freedom fighter, who dedicated his life to the emancipation of Namibia from colonial rule.
“His unwavering commitment to justice, equality and self-determination not only shaped the destiny of Namibia but also inspired generations of Africans in the fight against oppression and injustice.
“As the pioneer President, Dr. Nujoma laid the foundation for a nation built on the principles of democracy, reconciliation, and development.
“His leadership set the country on a path of peace and progress, earning him the respect and admiration of the international community.
“Nigeria shares in the grief of our Namibian brothers and sisters at this moment of profound loss. We remember Dr. Nujoma as a true friend of Nigeria and a steadfast ally in pursuing African solidarity and cooperation.
“His legacy as a freedom fighter and statesman will forever remain a source of inspiration for the continent.
“Therefore, in this time of mourning, Nigeria stands in solidarity with the people of Namibia and reaffirms our commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship and partnership between our two nations. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
News
Obasanjo: Leaders have to step on toes, I sacked my daughter for coming late

Obasanjo: Leaders have to step on toes, I sacked my daughter for coming late
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says all political of note have had to take difficult decisions including stepping on big toes.
He recalled how he had to sack his daughter from his farm on account of late coming to work.
According to Obasanjo, that action had a major effect on all his employees and they said, “if Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?”
The former President made the disclosure while hosting the new Chairman, Board of Management of Federal Medical Centre Idi-Aba in Abeokuta, Dr Dayo Israel, who was on courtesy visit to him the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He told his visitor to prepare for the challenges ahead and be ready to step on toes, if necessary, for a successful tenure of office.
He said, “No leader of note I ever come across achieved without stepping on toes.”
Dr Israel was in company of the FMC, Abeokuta Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, and members of his management team.
The former President, according to a statement by the hospital’s Head of Public Relations, Dr Segun Orisajo said: “If you’re doing a job and you’re not stepping on toes, then you’re not effective.
“Shortly after I left office as Head of State, my first daughter, then at University of Ibadan, studying Veterinary Medicine was engaged on my farm to gain some practical experience during long vacation”.
“On day one, she resumed a quarter past seven in the morning as against the usual 7 o’clock. I warned her, reminding her that she has an obligation to be of good example to other workers. I told her I will not hesitate to wield the big stick should the same be repeated going forward.
“To my amazement, the following day, she was late to work again. I did not hesitate to send her back right from the gate.”
“Not surprisingly, this had an indescribable effect on all my employees, saying “if Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?”
Earlier, the FMCA Board Chairman, Dr Israel, described Obasanjo as an international colossus, full of wisdom and wits.
Israel said: “Meeting Baba Obasanjo is always so much fun. As we begin this journey of transformation at FMC Abeokuta, Baba’s wisdom and experience are invaluable.”
-
Railway1 day ago
NRC in multiple cargo train launches on Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge line
-
Uncategorized2 days ago
Sharia panels good for religious harmony in South-West – JAMB registrar
-
Business1 day ago
JUST IN: CBN announces new ATM transaction fees effective March 1
-
Education1 day ago
JAMB sets 320 cut-off mark for 16-year-old applicants
-
metro2 days ago
Plot to remove new Lagos Assembly Speaker Meranda thickens
-
Politics2 days ago
AfDB President Adesina hints at contesting in 2027 as Nigeria’s President
-
Business1 day ago
MTN increases price of N2k data to N6k
-
Politics2 days ago
Just in: Supreme Court dismisses Fubara appeal against Amaewhule-led Assembly
You must be logged in to post a comment Login