Aneke assumes duty as 23rd Chief of Air Staff

Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke on Thursday officially assumed duty as the 23rd Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) with a promise to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, whose tenure was marked by professionalism, courage, and exceptional achievements, particularly in the fight against insurgency activities in the country.

Speaking during the handing and taking over ceremony in Abuja AVM Aneke described his appointment as ‘a tremendous privilege and a solemn duty,’ pledging to lead with humility, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to national security.

,AVM Aneke reiterated that his appointment was both ‘a tremendous privilege and a solemn duty,’ while expressing deep gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, H Bola Ahmed Tinubu, , for the confidence reposed in him.

He reaffirmed the unflinching loyalty of the Nigerian Air Force to the President, the Constitution, and the Nigerian people, assuring that under his leadership, the NAF would remain Willing, Able, and Ready to safeguard the nation’s airspace, strengthen inter-service synergy, and deliver the security architecture vital to Nigeria’s peace, progress, and transformation.

AVM Aneke further appreciated the Tenth National Assembly for its continued legislative and oversight support, and extended heartfelt thanks to his colleagues across the Armed Forces, whose solidarity has reinforced his resolve to advance ongoing initiatives for airpower efficiency and operational excellence.

He also paid tribute to his wife and children for their steadfast encouragement and understanding as he takes on the demands of his new role.

The CAS also pledged to build on established foundations, enhance force readiness, and ensure that the Nigerian Air Force remains a disciplined, resilient, and mission-focused arm of national defence.

Speaking earlier, the outgoing Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for the privilege of serving the nation and leading the NAF through a defining period in its history.

He highlighted significant milestones in operational efficiency, capacity development, and intercontinental collaboration, including Nigeria’s historic assumption of the Chairmanship of the Association of African Air Forces.

While handing over the mantle of leadership to AVM Aneke, he described his successor as an officer of proven integrity, dedication, and competence, one well-prepared to elevate the NAF to greater heights.

He also paid heartfelt tribute to fallen heroes, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice in defence of Nigeria’s unity and peace.

The former Air Chief urged his successor to sustain the gains recorded, maintain a combat-ready and people-focused Air Force, and continue prioritising the welfare of personnel as the bedrock of operational effectiveness.

He expressed gratitude to the President, the Armed Forces leadership, his course mates, colleagues, and family for their support throughout his service, while affirming his enduring confidence in the NAF’s capacity to uphold its sacred mandate.

Arla foods invests pound 10m in Kaduna to boost local milk production

Kaduna governor, Senator Uba Sani, has said Arla Foods, one of the world’s leading dairy companies has invested ten million pounds in a dairy processing facility in Damau, Kubau local government area of the State.

According to him the investment is aimed at boosting local milk production and creating job opportunities as well as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy value chain and reduce dependence on imported milk products.

Speaking at the open day ceremony, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, described the investment as a major boost to the state’s industrialization drive and a demonstration of growing investor confidence in Kaduna’s business environment.

Governor Sani promised that his administration will improve the livestock industry, bridge infrastructure deficit, facilitate access to markets and attract investment.

Represented by the Secretary to Kaduna State Government, Dr AbdulKadir Muazu Meyere , the Governor further said that Arla Farms targets ”a 4-5 million kg milk output target at full capacity annually.”

According to him, there has been a boost in local milk production as well as the creating of local direct and indirect jobs at Arla Farms since his administration came on board.

”In the livestock subsector, Kaduna State has the Kaduna State Livestock Regulatory Authority (KADLRA), the Kaduna State Livestock Transformation Company, and the Kaduna Ranch Development Company, all of which are designed to work in synergy,” he added.

The Governor expressed delight to be part of the unveiling of ” the Nigeria Dairy Center of Excellence, the Sedentarization and Climate change Resilience in Nigeria (SCREEN) Project, as well as commissioning of a yoghurt factory.”

Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, noted that the Arla Farm is a result of the Federal Government`s policy on local content development/backward integration.

The Minister who represented President Bola Tinubu, commended the officials of the Federal Government, the Kaduna State Government, and Arla for this win-win initiative.

He lamented that Nigeria currently produces only about 0.7 million litres of milk annually, which is far below the amount required to meet the nutritional needs of its population.

”Our average per capita consumption of 8.7 million litres of milk per year is not only well below the global average but also alarmingly lower than the World Health Organisation’s recommended intake of 210 litres per person annually.

”At the farm level, the productivity gap is just as stark; the average milk yield of our indigenous cows is only 0.5 to 1.5 litres per day, compared to the global average of 6.6 litres.

”Furthermore, the country spends over $1.5 billion annually importing milk and dairy products, despite having millions of cattle and capable producers. This is a paradox that we must correct,” he promised.

According to Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, the Ministry of Livestock Development was established to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s livestock value chains, reduce our dependence on imports, mitigate farmer-herder conflicts, and ensure nutrition and prosperity for our citizens.

” Today, that vision is taking shape through investments such as the Arla Farm, as well as collaborations and reforms that are already yielding results,” he said.

Lagos Assembly urges Sanwo-Olu to establish guidance, counselling units in schools

The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to direct the Commissioner for Education (Basic and Secondary Education) to establish functional Guidance and Counselling Departments in all public primary and secondary schools across the state.

The House also directed that private institutions should comply with the House resolution.

The resolution followed a motion moved on Thursday by the Chairman, House Committee on Basic Education, Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara (Surulere Constituency II), during the plenary session, which was presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.

Presenting the motion, Hon. Sangodara emphasised that education should not only focus on imparting knowledge but must also cater for the emotional, social, and moral development of young people.

According to her, a significant number of students in Lagos State face various psychological and behavioural challenges, including peer pressure, academic stress, examination malpractice, truancy, substance abuse, cultism, and career indecision-all of which adversely affect their well-being and academic performance.

She stressed that functional Guidance and Counselling services in schools would help shape character, guide career decisions, reduce indiscipline, prevent school dropouts, and promote emotional stability and mental health among pupils.

In his contribution, Hon. Sa’ad Lukman Olumoh urged Lagos State University of Technology and Lagos State University of Education to prioritise the recruitment of experts in guidance and counselling. He also called on the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to take similar steps in hiring professionally trained counsellors.

Hon. Kehinde Joseph noted that many teachers currently lack adequate knowledge of guidance and counselling-a gap which, he said, has hindered students from making informed career and life choices.

Similarly, Hon. Abiodun Tobun described the inclusion of professional counsellors in schools as a timely intervention that would help instil moral values and discipline in students, thereby promoting a more decent and responsible society.

Hon. Musbau Aina added that the presence of trained counsellors would assist in monitoring students’ personal development and provide support to parents, as children spend a greater part of their time in school. He further called for the revival of character-building youth organisations such as the Boys’ Scouts and Girls’ Brigade, which he said promote moral and leadership training among young people.

Contributing, Hon. Solomon Bonu stressed the importance of specifying the required number of counsellors per school to ensure effective implementation and adequate coverage. He noted that a clear counsellor-to-student ratio would enhance efficiency, ensure proper monitoring, and guarantee that no school is left underserved.

After extensive deliberations, the House resolved that the Ministry of Education should recruit and deploy professional counsellors to schools across the state. Lawmakers also urged the ministry to organise continuous training and capacity-building programmes for counsellors to keep them updated with modern practices.

The House further resolved that the ministry should collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including parents, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, mental health experts, and donor agencies, to provide facilities, materials, and public awareness campaigns that will strengthen counselling services in schools.

It also directed the ministry to ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of the departments to assess their effectiveness in promoting students’ welfare, discipline, and academic excellence.

Transfer mining rights to states, ex-presidential aide urges FG

Former presidential aide and legal adviser to the Cross River State Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce Committee, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has called on the Federal Government to transfer control of minerals and mining from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List, to enable states to manage their own mineral resources effectively.

Speaking at the first anniversary celebration of the Cross River State Anti-Illegal Mining Committee in Calabar, Obono-Obla argued that the current centralized framework under which the Federal Government exclusively controls solid minerals has contributed to the proliferation of illegal mining and poor regulation in resource-rich states.

‘There is no reason why minerals and mining should remain on the Exclusive List. These minerals are found within the territories of the states, and the lands themselves belong to the state governments. The Federal Government should hands off and allow states to take direct responsibility for managing their mineral resources,’ Obono-Obla stated.

The former Presidential aide on Public Property Recovery said that decentralizing control of solid minerals would empower states to generate more revenue, protect the environment, and tackle illegal mining through locally driven frameworks.

He further recommended that the Cross River State Government should convert the Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce into a statutory agency by enacting a law through the State House of Assembly. According to him, this would provide the taskforce with the necessary legal backing and institutional strength to carry out its mandate effectively.

‘If the government enacts a law giving legal status to this taskforce and with Prince Effiong Paul in charge-it will achieve remarkable results,’ he said.

Chief Obono-Obla also urged the state government to conduct a comprehensive geological survey to identify mineral deposits across the state and to issue Certificates of Occupancy only to duly licensed miners, in order to promote transparency and accountability.

He called for the encouragement of community-based mining, where certified local miners participate directly in exploration and production, thereby ensuring that host communities benefit from their natural resources.

Obono-Obla, who once led the Federal Government’s recovery of public assets in Abuja, cautioned members of the taskforce to remain steadfast despite the challenges associated with their work.

‘You are stepping on toes, but be courageous,’ he advised. ‘I stepped on toes in Abuja when I was recovering assets for Nigeria, and they did not like me. But I believe that both government and God will protect you.’

Other speakers at the event included Federal Mining Officer, Engr. Ayelabola Bumi; Chairman of the Anti-Illegal Taskforce Committee, Prince Effiong Paul; representatives of Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu; and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, all of whom commended the committee for its efforts in curbing illegal mining and pledged continued support for its operations.

The Anti-Illegal Mining Committee was established by Governor Otu to combat widespread illegal mining activities in Cross River State following the discovery of valuable minerals such as gold, aquamarine, tourmaline, amethyst, manganese, and lithium.

Stakeholders chart course for $1trn economy at ISAN conference

The Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) on Thursday held its 8th Triennial Delegates Conference at the NECA House, Lagos, bringing together top policymakers, regulators, investors, and business leaders to deliberate on strategies for achieving Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

The conference held in Lagos, themed ‘Nigeria: Towards a $1 Trillion Economy by 2030,’ provided a platform for robust dialogue on the nation’s economic trajectory, with discussions spanning financial inclusion, corporate governance, insurance reform, and cybersecurity resilience.

In his welcome address, the National Coordinator of ISAN, Mr. Moses Igbrude, underscored the crucial role of shareholders in promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical corporate governance, describing these as essential pillars for sustainable economic growth. He noted that the gathering was not merely ceremonial but a forum for shaping policies and sharing ideas that would drive national prosperity. According to him, ‘This conference provides a platform for us to engage in meaningful discussions, share knowledge, and shape policies that will drive our nation’s economic growth. As shareholders, our duty extends beyond dividends; we must contribute to building a more stable, prosperous economy.’

Mr. Igbrude expressed gratitude to the partners, sponsors, and speakers who contributed to the success of the event and formally declared the conference open, calling on all participants to collaborate and commit to Nigeria’s economic advancement.

Addressing the delegates, the Director of Inspectorate at the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Ajibola Bankole, delivered a paper titled ‘The Strategic Role of Insurance in National Development,’ where he emphasized that insurance plays a pivotal role in fostering economic stability, encouraging investment, and building resilience against shocks.

Describing insurance as the confidence to invest, to innovate, to create, and to build for the future, Bankole lamented that Nigeria’s insurance penetration remains below one percent of GDP, which he said highlights the need for urgent action to unlock the industry’s full potential.

Bankole highlighted the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 as a landmark achievement aimed at strengthening corporate governance, enhancing capital adequacy, and protecting consumers, while explaining that the reforms are designed not only to enforce compliance but to create a transparent, competitive, and investment-friendly market capable of supporting the government’s broader economic transformation agenda.

‘The NIIRA 2025 introduces far-reaching provisions designed to create a transparent, competitive, and investment-friendly insurance market. These reforms are not just about compliance, they are about confidence, stability, and long-term value creation,’ he said.

He also called for stronger collaboration among insurers, shareholders, and policymakers to unlock opportunities in critical sectors such as health, agriculture, and infrastructure, noting that a vibrant insurance sector could serve as a major catalyst for sustainable development and economic inclusion.

Cybersecurity expert, Dr. Martin Ikpehai, while speaking on the topic ‘Securing and Protecting the $1 Trillion Economy Against Cyber Terrorism by 2030,’ warned that Nigeria’s economic ambitions could be severely undermined without robust cybersecurity frameworks to protect its digital infrastructure and financial systems.

Drawing lessons from Australia’s experience in strengthening its digital economy, Dr. Ikpehai emphasized that cybersecurity investment is not a cost but an enabler of growth and investor confidence.

He explained that to achieve a trillion-dollar economy, Nigeria must embed cybersecurity into every aspect of its economic planning.

He recommended the establishment of national cybersecurity standards, the strengthening of incident response systems, and the promotion of public-private collaboration in tackling emerging digital threats.

He also called for increased investment in cyber education and workforce development, as well as measures to secure emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and 5G infrastructure.

‘To achieve a trillion-dollar economy, Nigeria must embed cybersecurity into every aspect of its economic planning. Digital resilience is now synonymous with economic resilience,’ he said.

At the conference, participants agreed that achieving the $1 trillion economic milestone would require strong policy consistency, sound corporate governance, innovation, and deliberate investment in human capital.

Speakers emphasized the importance of synergy between the government, regulators, and private sector players in driving sustained economic progress.

Mr Igbrude reaffirmed ISAN’s commitment to promoting responsible investing and protecting the interests of shareholders in Nigeria’s corporate landscape.

‘Let us seize this opportunity to work together towards a brighter economic future for Nigeria. Our collective action today will determine the prosperity of tomorrow,’ he said.

Osun 2026: APC’s victory paramount to aspirants -Babayemi

A popular and leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC)in Osun State, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, has explained that all the governorship aspirants currently angling for the ticket of the party at next year’s polls have pledged to work together for the victory of the party.

Babayemi noted that the resolve of the aspirants to work concertedly with a view to defeating the ruling party in the state was gladdening because of the unity being forged in this direction.

He added that it was reassuring that the APC would sail through at the 2026 polls because of the renewed determination of the aspirants and members of the party to ensure that the ruling party in the state was sent packing.

The governorship hopeful, who stated these during the continuation of his statewide ward-to-ward visit to Ede North, South, Olorunda, and Osogbo Local Governments, where it hit the 210th ward, appealed to members of the party not to cause division among the aspirants, a development he warned was capable of affecting its fortunes.

Across the ten wards visited in the four council areas, he stressed that the aspirants currently eyeing the ticket of the party were fourteen, pleading with APC supporters not to cause division among them and members of the party.

‘The important thing is for our party, the APC, to win the forthcoming election. We are 14 individuals currently vying to be picked as the candidate of the APC. However, it’s only one of us that will eventually become the party’s torchbearer for the 2026 governorship election. So, our unity as a family should not be sacrificed on the altar of self-centeredness,’ he said.

Those who spoke at the places visited praised Babayemi’s team spirit, assuring that they would take his advice by ensuring a sustained unity among members of the party.

Among the places touched at Ede North include Ward 7-(Sabo Agbongbe 2), Wards 4- Olusokun, and Ward 5-Alasekere, while in Ede South, he was at Wards 1- Baba Nla Agate and 2-Kuye.

The places visited at Olorunda LG were Ward 9 in Oba-Ile and Ward 10 in Oba Oke, while he touched the following wards in Osogbo LG: Ataoja B, Jagun B, and Otun Jagun A.

Gov Ododo commissions new branch of second generation bank in Kogi

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, on Thursday commissioned the newly established branch of Premium Trust Bank in Lokoja, the state capital.

The event marks a major milestone in the state’s development, as the bank’s presence is expected to enhance financial inclusion, boost economic activities, and support the government’s drive toward sustainable growth.

Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo commended the management of the bank for their confidence in Kogi’s growing economy and for choosing the state as a viable destination for investment. He called on other financial institutions to emulate the gesture by investing in the state and partnering with his administration to promote job creation, industrial growth, and improved access to financial services for residents.

According to the governor:

‘Our administration is ready and willing to partner with Premium Trust Bank and other forward-looking institutions to accelerate development. I urge the management of this bank to key into our industrialization and agricultural transformation drive. We are opening up industrial parks, revitalizing farm settlements, and supporting agro-processing clusters. These initiatives require strong financial backing, and banks like Premium Trust can play a pivotal role in providing the needed capital and expertise to our small and medium enterprises.

We also call on all financial institutions operating in Kogi State to support our development efforts. When banks empower society through loans, business support, and community investments, society in turn builds the stability and prosperity that keep the banks in business.’

Governor Ododo also appreciated the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for providing an enabling environment for financial institutions to thrive.

‘Let me also appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his radical, timely, and people-focused reforms in the financial sector. His policies have strengthened our banks, increased depositor confidence, and opened new opportunities for investment and growth. The banking industry remains one of the biggest beneficiaries of these historic reforms, and I urge all players to use this renewed strength to support our national and subnational development agendas,’ he added.

The Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefie, expressed the bank’s commitment to supporting the state government’s economic initiatives and providing innovative banking solutions to businesses and individuals across Kogi State.

He noted that the new investment would strengthen Kogi’s position as an emerging hub for business and economic growth in Nigeria.

With this development, Kogi State is poised for greater progress, as the partnership between the government and Premium Trust Bank is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the lives of citizens.

Crisis, poor leadership forced us out of PDP – Kennedy Peretei

The former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state, Kennedy Peretei, on Thursday, explained that lack of purposeful leadership and deep internal crisis within PDP compelled him and others to leave PDP to join the All Progressives Congress (APC)

Speaking during his official defection in Akure, Ondo state capital, Peretei said that the decision by his group to join APC was borne out of the need to be part of a focused and coordinated political structure capable of winning elections and driving real development in Ondo State.

Peretei maintained that their decision was informed by the failure of opposition parties to provide credible leadership, strategic direction, and coordinated efforts capable of winning elections and forming government.

‘Politics is about who gets what, when and how. If you are in politics and not in government, you are just in a social club.

‘When the leadership of the opposition is not deliberate, coordinated and focused on how to win elections and form government, there is no justification for remaining there.’

According to him, politics should be defined by purpose and results, not endless internal squabbles.

‘Let me take my reference from Harold Laswell’s definition of politics as ‘who gets what, when and how’. If you are in politics and not in government, you are just in a social club,’ Peretei said.

‘I do not mean Nigeria should be a one-party state, but when opposition parties lack deliberate, coordinated, and focused leadership, then there is no justification for remaining in such opposition.’

He said Nigeria Workstation – a grassroots media advocacy, research, and strategy group made up of former members of the PDP, SDP, and AA – decided to align with the ‘progressive family’ under the APC to advance the cause of development and inclusion.

Peretei noted that the defection marked the collapse of what he called ‘the last plank of opposition’ in the state, saying, ‘from today, there is only one party in Ondo State – the APC. Perhaps from the graveyard, there may be one or two shrill sounds, but they are mere echoes,’ he added.

The former PDP stalwart commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his leadership and open-door approach, saying the governor played a major role in making the unification possible.

He also appreciated the APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, for welcoming the group into the party’s fold and ensuring a smooth transition.

Peretei further lauded the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whom he described as ‘the Rock of Gibraltar’ of the Tinubu administration, for his strategic guidance and encouragement that made the merger successful.

He said ‘The significance of today will be felt in the next round of elections. Our supporters across the state are ready to work for the continued success of the APC and the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’

He also expressed appreciation to Ambassador Sola Iji, Commissioner for Environment Dr. Tob Loko, and several other party leaders for their support and goodwill messages.

Earlier, the Minister of Interior, represented by Chief Muyiwa Asagunla, commended the defectors for making what he described as a bold and patriotic move, urging the people of Ondo State to unite behind President Tinubu’s administration.

Tunji-Ojo said, ‘With the ongoing dualisation of Ore-Akure, Ilesha-Akure-Benin, and Akure-Ado-Ekiti roads, and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Ondo State is fast becoming a key beneficiary of federal infrastructure. We must sustain this development beyond 2027.’

In his remarks, APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, who represented the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Governor Aiyedatiwa, assured the new members of equal treatment within the party.

He noted that the APC remains committed to inclusive governance and that the defection was a major boost to the party’s strength ahead of future elections.

‘Our doors are wide open. This party is big enough to accommodate everyone willing to work for progress. Together, we will continue to build on the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President,’ Adetimehin said.

The event, which attracted hundreds of new members, party leaders, and grassroots supporters, was described by observers as one of the largest political realignments in the state in recent years.

World Bank calls for stronger laws to stabilise Nigeria’s power sector reform

The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, has called for tougher directives and effective sector governance to fix Nigeria’s power sector, saying it is by doing so that the country’s electricity market can achieve efficiency, financial sustainability and universal access.

Verghis, who made the assertion during the technical session to mark the 20th anniversary of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Thursday in Abuja, said Nigeria currently has the largest electricity access deficit in absolute terms globally. He added that inefficiencies, high losses and limited investments have continued to affect the progress since the power sector was privatised in 2013.

The World Bank representative, nonetheless, was hopeful about Nigeria’s energy future with its significant energy resources, huge growth potential and untapped demographic dividend.

He said, ‘Stronger regulations and proper sector governance are central to achieving an expanded and diversified power generation mix and investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure at competitive costs.’

Verghis said financially viable utilities will increase private sector participation and also expand distributed renewable energy solutions for affordable last-mile access.

He commended NERC’s role in shaping Nigeria’s electricity landscape through bold policies that have allowed over 7.8 million Nigerians to gain access to electricity in the past five years through distributed renewable energy initiatives.

He commended NERC for supporting the decentralisation of electricity markets to states and building institutional capacity at the sub-national level through its advisory roles.

‘The role of the regulator in providing transparent and balanced service to both consumers and utilities is central to any power sector reform,’ he stated.

Verghis, while restating World Bank commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts in achieving sustainable, inclusive and affordable power for all, congratulated NERC on its 20 years of existence.

Oyo residents appeal to Makinde over deplorable Elebu road condition

Residents of Elebu in the Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State have appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to promptly reconstruct Elebu Road.

This appeal was made during a visit by journalists to the area on Wednesday. The residents remarked that Makinde had promised a few years ago to repair the road, and they are now urging him to fulfill that promise.

Mr. Dolapo Ajao, a resident, expressed that the deplorable state of the road is negatively impacting the social and economic lives of the community members. He further noted that the road has become a significant concern for residents, especially during the rainy season.

‘As you can see, this is the road. The road is in a bad condition. We are facing a lot of challenges on this road especially during the raining season. The road is always impassable. Economic activities are being affected.

Another resident, Mrs Iyabode Aina said that some youths and some communities and individuals have made several efforts to ameliorate the suffering of the people.

She used the opportunity to appeal to the state government to ensure that the reconstruction begin in earnest.

‘Few years ago, some youths in the communities came together to task other members of the communities and made efforts to reduce the suffering. Also some communities have also made efforts to reduce the hardship we are facing on this road. About two years ago they graded the road and fill the road to reduce the hardship. That was two years ago.

Mr Kolade Adeoye in his own contribution, appeal to the governor to fulfill his promise.

He said that the people of the communities are expecting the governor to fulfill his promise on time.

‘We are appealing to the governor to fulfill his promise. He made a promise when he came to commission the health centre sometime ago. He promised that he will reconstruct the road. We are waiting for him to fulfill his promise before the next general elections.