Category: Local

By Kamal Yalwa: August 4, 2025 Ogbagi Akoko, Ondo State —Residents of Ogbagi Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State staged a peaceful protest on Monday, decrying the worsening condition of the Ikare–Ogbagi–Irun Akoko to Ado-Ekiti Road. The demonstrators, made up of scores of indigenes and community members, marched through major routes in the area carrying placards and banners, demanding swift government intervention. Protesters described the protest as a “collective cry for help,” noting that the dilapidated road has become a daily nightmare for motorists, commercial drivers, and residents. Many lamented the negative impact on economic activities, travel time, and access to healthcare and education. “We are tired of suffering on this road. It’s dangerous, it damages our vehicles, and it is slowing down the growth of our community,” one protester said. In response to the demonstration, the Federal Controller of Works in charge of the project, Mr. Wasiu Owolabi, confirmed that construction work is ongoing on the over 40-kilometre stretch of road. He stated that approximately eight kilometres of the road have been completed so far and appealed for patience from the residents. “We understand the frustration of the people, but work is steadily progressing. We urge residents to bear with the contractors as we work toward the timely completion of the project,” Mr. Owolabi said. The Ikare–Ogbagi–Irun–Ado-Ekiti Road serves as a crucial link between Ondo and Ekiti states and is widely regarded as vital for regional commerce and mobility. Residents say they will continue to monitor the progress and maintain pressure until the road is fully rehabilitated.

In a chilling testimony, a 50-year-old former inmate identified only as Idris has described his two-year ordeal at the Ibara Correctional Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as “nothing but hell.” His story sheds light on the harrowing reality of life behind bars in Nigeria’s overstretched and under-resourced correctional facilities. “We slept in hundreds, like packed sardines in a room that was supposed to accommodate twenty people,” Idris said, narrating the conditions he endured while awaiting trial. “We battled skin rashes, head lice, bedbugs—and eventually, some inmates developed mental disorders.” Idris was arrested in the aftermath of a cult clash near the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Abeokuta. Mistakenly caught in the chaos while attempting to greet an old friend, he was shot, hospitalized for a month, and later charged with attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms. “I was shot, I shot at many people also, but I was overpowered,” he admitted, recounting his eventual transfer from hospital to police custody and later to court. His situation reflects a broader crisis in Nigeria’s correctional system. Overcrowded and Overlooked Despite a 2019 rebranding of the Nigerian Prisons Service to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)—a move aimed at rehabilitation rather than punishment—overcrowding and neglect remain rampant. According to 2025 statistics, 81,287 inmates are currently held in Nigerian correctional facilities. Of this number, 53,178 are awaiting trial, many for non-violent or minor offenses. In Ogun State alone, the Ibara facility, designed for 700 inmates, now holds 1,468. Similarly, the Oba correctional centre, with a capacity of 850, houses 999 inmates. Conditions are grim. Idris’ cell was located next to the prison kitchen, intensifying the heat and congestion. “The food is terrible. Rice is served only twice a week. Other days, it’s garri and beans. Eat too much soup, and you end up with a disability—we called it Sapa ti mu mi lepon,” he said, referring to extreme hunger-related ailments. We Died of Ulcers, Measles and Madness’ Access to healthcare in the prisons is abysmal. According to Idris, many inmates died from treatable conditions like ulcers or lost their sanity due to diseases like measles. “They give only paracetamol. In serious cases, your family must foot the bill,” he revealed. “Two people ran mad from untreated measles.” Correctional Centres Now Breed Criminals – Ex-Inmate Rather than reform, Idris believes prisons now function as training grounds for hardened criminals. “Some people enter for minor theft and come out as armed robbers. Those convicted of capital crimes take them under their wings, and they return to society worse than they went in,” he said. He called for alternatives like community service for minor offenses, decrying how trivial crimes lead to prolonged incarceration and deeper criminal entrenchment. Inmates Plead for Amnesty Ayomide Olagoke, another inmate at Ibara Correctional Centre and a master’s degree holder in Banking and Finance, echoed the call for reforms. Speaking during his convocation ceremony, where he earned a degree in theology from the West African College for Christian Missions, he urged the government to act. “We are reformed and deserve a second chance. People are dying every day. Husbands and wives are locked up for up to nine years awaiting trial. What becomes of their children?” he asked. Chief Judge, Controller Raise Alarm Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has also decried the appalling state of the correctional facilities. During a recent visit to Sagamu Correctional Centre, she noted that inmates were forced to stand or sit due to lack of space. “Some inmates have been awaiting trial since 2013—12 years in custody without conviction,” she lamented. Ogun State Controller of Corrections, Abioye Adesina, confirmed the persistent overcrowding despite repeated decongestion efforts. He appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun for more operational vehicles to improve logistics. Reforms Exist Only on Paper – Legal Expert Legal practitioner and law lecturer Ogaga Ediru criticised the implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019, saying its decongestion measures are largely ignored. “Section 12 of the Act mandates urgent action once a facility exceeds capacity. But in practice, nothing is done,” Ediru said. He warned that overcrowding severely impacts hygiene, nutrition, healthcare, and facilitates disease outbreaks. “Section 23 of the Act mandates proper healthcare for inmates, yet overcrowding renders this provision ineffective,” he added. Ediru blamed the sluggish pace of justice for the crisis, noting that many inmates are locked up for minor offenses longer than the law allows. He advocated for systemic reforms, including: “We must treat criminal justice reform as a national emergency. Until then, correctional centres will remain congested warehouses of human despair,” he concluded. Source: By DAILY POST Staff WriterAbeokuta | August 4, 2025

By Kamal Yalwa August 2, 2025 The Federal Government has inaugurated a major environmental restoration initiative in Jigawa State with the launch of a project to plant 50 million date palm trees, aimed at combating desert encroachment and restoring degraded land in northern Nigeria. The project was officially flagged off by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, in collaboration with the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State and the Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) during a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the agency. Held under the theme “Sustaining the Momentum – Ten Years of NAGGW’s Contributions to Environmental Sustainability,” the event underscored the government’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development in the Sahel region. The Minister described the initiative as a crucial intervention to address the growing threat of desertification, which continues to displace communities, degrade farmlands, and threaten food security in the North. “This ambitious project will not only mitigate the harsh effects of climate change and desertification but will also enhance livelihoods, improve food security, and generate green jobs for thousands of Nigerians,” Lawal stated. According to the NAGGW, the date palm trees—well-suited to arid environments—will be planted across key frontline states affected by desert encroachment, with Jigawa serving as the starting point due to its critical ecological vulnerability. The project is also expected to bolster economic activities in rural communities through the commercial value of date palm fruits, fostering both environmental and economic resilience. Stakeholders present at the event praised the Federal Government’s continued investment in climate adaptation strategies, and reaffirmed support for the Great Green Wall programme—Nigeria’s contribution to the African Union’s vision of restoring 100 million hectares of land across the continent’s drylands by 2030.

By Kamal Yalwa: August 2, 2025 has called for calm following concerns raised over the suspension of Badeggi FM, a radio station based in Minna, Niger State. The Ministry’s position was made known in a statement issued on Saturday by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. The suspension of Badeggi FM was reportedly ordered by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago during an expanded All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting in Minna on August 1, which the Minister also attended. Governor Bago cited alleged unethical broadcasting and incitement against the government as reasons for the station’s closure. In response, the Information Ministry emphasized that the power to suspend broadcasting licenses lies solely with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), in accordance with Nigerian law. “While acknowledging the concerns raised, the Ministry notes that the suspension of broadcasting licenses falls within the purview of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as stipulated by law,” the statement read. The Ministry welcomed the decision by the Niger State Government to report the matter to the NBC for proper investigation and resolution. The development has sparked debate among stakeholders in the media industry, with many urging due process and respect for regulatory frameworks.

By By Kamal Yalwa: August 1, 2025 Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enabling what he described as financial recklessness by state governors. Speaking during an interview on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, Lukman accused the president of continuing to release large funds to state governments without putting mechanisms in place to ensure accountability. “Yes, the president has said the right things, but what is he doing to ensure governors do what they need to do?” Lukman queried. “What I see him doing is rewarding them for doing the wrong things.” His remarks follow President Tinubu’s recent call for governors to invest more in poverty alleviation and make governance impactful at the grassroots level. Lukman, however, expressed doubt about the sincerity of that message, claiming that governors remain unaccountable due to their control of party structures. “Once the structure of the party is subordinated to them, they will continue this arrogance—converting public resources as if they are personal property,” he said. Lukman also criticised the APC’s ongoing recruitment of opposition politicians, particularly governors, suggesting the party prioritises political expansion over integrity and service delivery. “When your party’s recruitment strategy is based solely on expansion without demanding accountability, the goal of many is simply to be in power, not to deliver services,” he said. He further accused APC leaders of betraying the trust of members and the electorate. “We invested every trust in our leaders, and at the end of the day, they betrayed it. That is why APC is damaged today—it is even worse than the PDP,” Lukman stated. Now aligned with the ADC, Lukman said the party is working to build a credible alternative that will ensure governance is accountable to the people through party-led oversight mechanisms. “Our objective is to organise the party in such a way that governance aligns with the manifesto and remains accountable to the party structure,” he concluded.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure has affirmed the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, upholding the earlier judgment of the election petition tribunal. In its ruling, the appellate court declared that Governor Aiyedatiwa was duly elected by the people, dismissing the appeal filed against his victory for lacking merit. Following the judgment, there was jubilation outside the court premises as supporters and party members celebrated the legal victory. The ruling reinforces Aiyedatiwa’s mandate ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial polls and solidifies his position as the state’s legitimate leader.