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Tension is rising in Bembe, a community in Ayedade Local Government Area of Osun State, following alleged moves to annex the town to Ikire in neighbouring Irewole Local Government Area.

The traditional head of Bembe, Chief Abas Omojare, alongside community leaders Chief Oderemi Kazeem, Adewuyi Okunlade, and Gafaru Alansi, raised the alarm in a petition through their counsel, Barrister Zakariyau Apo, addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone XI.

The petition, a copy of which was made available to The Nation, accused some individuals from Ikire of making attempts to incorporate Bembe into their town, describing the move as illegal and provocative.

According to the petitioners, their forefathers are the original landowners of Bembe and have peacefully managed the community ‘from time immemorial.’

They explained that portions of land in Bembe were, in the past, granted to the ancestors of one Maita and other settlers from Ikire for farming and residential purposes on tenancy and permissive occupation terms-not ownership.

‘The said partition was never a grant of ownership but merely for occupation, farming, and residential purposes. The grantees were expected to respect the overlordship of our clients’ family and community as the customary landowners,’ the petition read.

However, the petitioners alleged that in recent times, Maita and his associates have begun challenging the authority of Bembe’s traditional rulers, recruiting Ikire indigenes living in Bembe to undermine the community’s peace and leadership.

‘They have made inciting and provocative statements, claiming ownership of Bembe land and issuing threats to drive away the lawful and indigenous people of the community,’ the petition added.

The petitioners lamented that the development has created tension, disrupted peace, and instilled fear among residents.

‘This reckless behaviour has already sparked tension in the community, and if not urgently checked, it may degenerate into loss of lives and destruction of property in Bembe,’ they warned.

They urged the AIG to intervene swiftly and call the suspects in order to prevent a potential communal clash between indigenes of Bembe and settlers from Ikire.

The Senate arm of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to protect the Minister of Interior, Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, from what it described as falsehoods and fabricated NYSC scandals aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

NANS said Nigeria cannot afford to lose a resourceful, visionary, and result-oriented minister like Tunji-Ojo, whose dedication continues to advance President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a statement signed by the NANS Senate President, Usman Adamu Nagwaza, the student body described the recent allegations as ‘laughable and suspicious,’ noting that they only emerged following the Minister’s remarkable achievements in office.

‘It is quite laughable and suspicious that those now peddling falsehoods and fabricating an NYSC-related scandal against Tunji-Ojo have suddenly found their voices only after his historic achievements as Minister of Interior,’ the statement read.

He said, ‘Where were these self-acclaimed crusaders of truth when he served meritoriously as a distinguished member of the House of Representatives, sponsoring impactful bills and touching lives across Nigeria? Where were they during his nomination, screening, and ratification as Minister when every detail of his background was meticulously scrutinized and cleared by the relevant authorities?

‘Their sudden emergence at a time when the Honourable Minister is breaking records and transforming the Ministry of Interior clearly exposes their mischief and envy. This desperate attempt to tarnish his hard-earned reputation is not only baseless but also a calculated distraction from his laudable achievements and must be seen for what it truly is: a failed smear campaign by frustrated detractors.

‘It is so disheartening and melancholic that some unpatriotic and retrogressive Nigerians, who ought to get better with the nation’s progress, are often the ones calling for the head of those who serve as catalysts for such progress, persistently doing everything possible to bring them down. These individuals have no love for the country, lack conscience, and detest the growth and development of the nation.

‘The continued backlash, defamation, and maligning of Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo (BTO), the Minister of Interior, points in one clear direction that the enemies of Nigeria’s progress and growth remain unyielding and unrepentant in their pursuit to bring down the Renewed Hope Starboy.

‘While the unprecedented achievements and monumental strides of BTO continue to leave us in awe, these individuals, driven by bitterness and envy, have resorted to constant name-calling and blackmail. This attitude is utterly unpatriotic and must be condemned.

‘These pathetic individuals flooded the media space in the last couple of months to peddle a corruption agenda against the astute and hardworking Minister of Interior. However, their plot failed and was met with staunch resistance.

‘Is it not ridiculous that, having failed in their previous attempt to malign the Honourable Minister, these same individuals have resurfaced with yet another fabricated scandal? This is a direct attack aimed at bringing disrepute to the Honourable Minister and must be completely discarded.

He said, ‘Where were these self-acclaimed crusaders of truth when he served meritoriously as a distinguished member of the House of Representatives, sponsoring impactful bills and touching lives across Nigeria? Where were they during his nomination, screening, and ratification as Minister when every detail of his background was meticulously scrutinized and cleared by the relevant authorities?

‘Their sudden emergence at a time when the Honourable Minister is breaking records and transforming the Ministry of Interior clearly exposes their mischief and envy. This desperate attempt to tarnish his hard-earned reputation is not only baseless but also a calculated distraction from his laudable achievements and must be seen for what it truly is, a failed smear campaign by frustrated detractors.

‘Mr. President, we must first commend your visionary leadership and meticulous judgment in appointing Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo as a cabinet member to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda. Your decision to entrust him with the responsibility of overseeing the Ministry of Interior has proven to be one of the most impactful and transformative choices of your administration.

‘Hon. Tunji-Ojo has not only justified the confidence reposed in him but has also become a major catalyst in the actualization of your Renewed Hope vision through his unprecedented reforms, innovation, and commitment to service delivery.

‘It is, therefore, imperative to bring to your attention that the ongoing attempts by certain individuals to peddle baseless scandals against him are nothing more than a calculated plot to tarnish his image and, by extension, cast aspersions on your administration’s integrity and success.

‘We urge you, Mr. President, to do everything within your power to protect Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, who remains a symbol of excellence, integrity, and the true spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda.’

Many Nigerians today are finding new ways to make money online. One popular trend is selling unused gift cards in Nigeria for instant cash. What used to be a practice mostly done abroad has now become common at home. From iTunes to Amazon, Google Play, Steam, and Sephora cards, people are turning their gift cards into money they can use immediately.

Online gift card trading provides a simple, fast, and reliable way to convert unused digital assets into cash. Instead of letting cards sit idle, Nigerians are discovering that these assets can become a practical source of quick income. Platforms like Ricki make the process transparent, safe, and instant.

Many Nigerians receive gift cards from friends or family overseas. Some earn them as rewards from online jobs, apps, or promotions. The problem is that not all cards can be used easily in Nigeria. For example, some platforms restrict redemption to specific countries.

Selling gift cards in Nigeria allows users to turn these digital assets into real naira in minutes. This approach provides immediate value and eliminates the frustration of having cards that cannot be used locally.

Platforms like Ricki simplify the process. You select your card type, upload the card details, view the offered rate, and receive instant payment. The system ensures transparency and reliability, which is essential in an online trading environment.

The growth of online gift card trading in Nigeria is tied closely to the rise of digital finance and e-commerce. More Nigerians are using the internet for business, shopping, and entertainment. As digital transactions become more common, platforms that convert digital assets to cash are increasingly useful.

Many users now view gift cards as a form of small investment. You can receive one as a gift or earn it online, then sell it whenever you need quick money. With verified trading platforms, risks are minimized, and rewards are instant.

This shift reflects a broader trend in Nigeria toward leveraging digital assets for practical financial purposes. Gift cards have evolved from a novelty item into a convenient financial tool.

Selling a gift card online is simple and straightforward:

Check the Current Rate: Different cards have different values based on the brand, country of issue, and demand. Guides like ‘How Much Is a $50 Gift Card in Naira?’ help users estimate what to expect.

Upload Card Details: After selecting your card type, enter the card information or upload a photo for physical cards.

Confirm the Transaction: The platform will display the rate and total amount you will receive. Review and confirm.

Receive Payment: Payment is sent directly to your Nigerian bank account. Most platforms complete this process in less than ten minutes.

This workflow is simple but secure. Using trusted platforms like Ricki ensures that your transaction is verified and protected from fraud.

As more people trade gift cards online, trust has become a critical factor. Not all sites are safe, and unverified platforms may pose risks, including payment delays or scams.

The best trading platforms prioritize transparency, fast processing, and reliability. They display clear rates, maintain user reviews, and offer responsive customer support.

Ricki is an example of a platform that emphasizes secure trading and fair rates. Its system is designed to protect users from fraud while ensuring fast payment, giving traders confidence in every transaction.

The trend of selling gift cards online is expected to grow further. Young people, freelancers, and business owners are all using it as a quick way to earn extra income.

As Nigeria embraces the digital economy, more digital assets, such as crypto vouchers or online shopping credits, may join the gift card trading market. The demand for fast, secure online transactions continues to increase, and Nigerians are quick to adapt.

Gift card trading is no longer a niche activity, it has become a practical financial strategy for many people looking for flexible and reliable ways to access instant cash.

Instant Cash: Convert unused cards into real money in minutes.

Convenience: Trade from anywhere with internet access.

Safety: Verified platforms protect against fraud.

Flexibility: Multiple card types accepted, including Amazon, iTunes, Steam, Google Play, Sephora, and Visa.

Transparency: Rates and fees are displayed clearly before confirmation.

These advantages explain why online gift card trading has become a popular alternative to traditional cash-earning methods.

A: Use a trusted platform like Ricki. Simply upload your card details, confirm the value, and receive payment directly to your bank account within minutes.

A: Most international cards are accepted, including Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Steam, Sephora, and Visa gift cards.

A: Most transactions are completed within 5 to 10 minutes after verification.

A: Check current rates using guides like ‘How Much Is a $100 Amazon Gift Card in Naira?’ Prices vary depending on brand, country, and demand.

A: Yes, if you use a verified platform like Ricki, which offers secure transactions, fast payments, and strong customer support.

The shift toward online gift card trading shows how Nigerians are embracing digital financial opportunities. Instead of leaving unused cards idle, people now convert them into instant cash quickly and securely.

Platforms like Ricki make it easy for anyone to sell gift cards in Nigeria safely, providing transparency, speed, and reliable payment. Whether you have Amazon, iTunes, Steam, or Sephora cards, selling them online has become a practical way to access quick funds while minimizing risk.

By understanding the process, checking live rates, and using trusted platforms, Nigerians can make the most of this growing trend and turn unused digital assets into real, usable cash.

A renowned media and communications strategist, Abosede Shafe, has been appointed Executive Director of BaseFM 101.1.

This milestone crowns her decade-long journey of redefining media, culture and corporate communications in Nigeria.

A multidimensional leader and culture curator, Shafe has spent over ten years transforming narratives across media, business, and creative industries.

Her appointment at BaseFM signals a new era for Nigerian radio broadcasting – one that blends strategy, culture, and purpose.

In her new role, Shafe is spearheading the station’s transformation into a platform that amplifies authentic voices, celebrates culture, and connects with diverse audiences through innovative programming and audience-focused storytelling.

She brings to BaseFM her trademark blend of editorial insight, strategic communication, and creative leadership to deliver content that inspires and informs.

Beyond her work at BaseFM, Shafe is the founder of the Oliviarose Group, a diversified enterprise that continues to redefine communications and luxury experiences in Africa.

The group houses: Oliviarose Media, a top-tier communications and PR agency delivering strategic storytelling, media relations, and brand positioning for leading organisations.

Oliviarose, a luxury corporate gifting brand offering bespoke experiences that enhance client relationships and strengthen brand visibility.

Her impressive portfolio includes major campaigns for Bet9ja, Balmoral Group, Fidelity Bank, George Residence, Waltersmith, Renaissance, and several state governments.

She has also championed cultural showcases such as Africa Fashion Week Nigeria and An Evening of Indigo Elu in partnership with the British High Commission, cementing her influence in shaping Nigeria’s creative and cultural identity.

A passionate humanitarian, Shafe leads the Oliviarose Initiative’s Adopt A Child Educational Programme, which provides learning resources and support for underprivileged children.

She is also the author of Amazing Me, Yes I Can!, a children’s book that promotes confidence, resilience, and self-belief.

Guided by her personal mantra, ‘You cannot be ordinary and expect extraordinary results,’ Shafe continues to embody visionary leadership, purposeful storytelling and cultural innovation.

Her rise to Executive Director at BaseFM reflects not just professional achievement, but a commitment to inspiring excellence and driving transformation across Africa’s media landscape.

Over 150 members of the Lagos State Council of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) for the second time in less than a month stormed the state secretariat popularly known as ‘solidarity house’, locking it up over alleged imposition.

In the past few months, Lagos ASCSN chapter has been engulfed in crisis since its emergency delegates’ conference where members unanimously resolved to remove the state secretary.

But the national leadership’s letter nullifying the conference has now escalated the situation, with the state chapter insisting it will resist what it called ‘undemocratic interference.’

The aggrieved members, who converged as early as 8:00am, carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘No to imposition,’ ‘Our constitution must be respected,’ and ‘We stand for democracy,’ chanting solidarity songs and vowing not to back down until justice is served.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the aggrieved members, Comrade Rotimi accused the embattled secretary of contesting an election he was not qualified for and declaring himself winner.

‘The actions of the state secretary, including contesting an election he wasn’t qualified for and declaring himself winner, are unacceptable,’ Rotimi declared.

‘The forceful reopening of our secretariat based on a biased letter from the National Secretary General is a clear disregard for our rules and procedures enshrined in Rule 19 of our constitution. By locking up the secretariat again, we are protecting our Association’s integrity, upholding democratic principles, and demanding a fair and transparent process.’

The aggrieved members, in their charter of demands, called for the immediate intervention of relevant authorities, a thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct, and a new, transparent election in line with the agreement reached with the leadership of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, at the aborted September 17, 2025 election.

According to them, the alleged imposition of the state secretary undermines the union’s democratic values and threatens industrial harmony in the state civil service.

‘We will not be intimidated or silenced. We stand united in defense of our Association,’ Rotimi added to the cheers of the crowd.

Security operatives have been stationed around the premises to prevent any breakdown of law and order, with members vowing to maintain their lock-up action until their demands are met.

Immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has identified multiple litigations, conflicting court orders, electoral violence, and vote buying as some of the biggest challenges undermining the smooth conduct and management of elections in Nigeria.

In the foreword of a new book titled ‘Election Management in Nigeria: 2015 to 2025,’ which chronicles his two-term tenure as INEC Chairman, Yakubu also highlighted technical glitches, equipment failures, and network connectivity issues as recurring obstacles to election administration.

The 220-page publication, divided into 11 chapters, was released on Yakubu’s final day in office as INEC Chairman.

Despite these challenges, Yakubu noted that the Commission recorded remarkable achievements between 2015 and 2025, many of which, he said, should be sustained to build public trust and improve the integrity of future elections.

‘The decade between 2015 and 2025 has been one of the most momentous in the history of election management in Nigeria. There have been several milestones, many challenges, and useful lessons in the conduct and administration of elections during this period,’ he said.

According to Yakubu, the book provides the most comprehensive account of the Commission’s reforms, innovations, and lessons under his leadership.

He stated that during his tenure, INEC implemented key reforms across various areas – including the legal framework, voter education, election security, deployment of technology, and stakeholder engagement – all aimed at improving transparency and strengthening public confidence in the electoral system.

The publication documents major milestones achieved during the period, such as the introduction of Simultaneous Accreditation and Voting (CAVs); the development and deployment of the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) and the Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS); and the expansion of polling units from 119,974 to 176,846 – breaking a 25-year jinx.

Other significant reforms include enhanced inclusivity measures for persons with disabilities (PwDs), internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, and youth; the establishment of the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) Portal; and several digital platforms for the submission and monitoring of candidate lists, party agents, election observers, and media accreditation.

Yakubu also cited the development of the Election Management Support Centre (EMSC) for early warning and real-time monitoring of election activities, as well as INEC’s expanded role in providing electoral assistance to sister electoral bodies across West Africa, as part of the Commission’s enduring legacy during the decade under review.

He said, ‘Despite these achievements, the 2015-2025 decade was not without its challenges. Issues such as multiple litigations in which the Commission is joined, conflicting orders from courts of concurrent jurisdiction, electoral violence as seen in the various attacks on the Commission’s facilities and personnel, vote trading, and the challenge of logistics that led to the postponement of elections since 2011, continue to pose challenges to the smooth conduct of elections and the management of the electoral process.

‘Additionally, technical challenges with equipment and connectivity failures have sometimes hindered the smooth conduct of elections.

‘In response to these challenges, the Commission implemented various reforms, including voter education programs, capacity building for electoral officials, and collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safety of voters and electoral officials, in addition to several policies guiding the development, acquisition, and deployment of electoral technology and the management of the electoral process.

‘As the Commission looks to the future, the conduct of elections and the management of elections will continue to evolve and present fresh challenges. Such challenges will necessarily either require the consolidation of old or the formulation of new reforms.

‘Lessons from the conduct of elections and the management of the process will necessitate that new lessons be learnt, requiring the tweaking of old, or the introduction of new electoral technologies.

‘The Commission must fully embrace both successes and failures, intensify confidence and trust-building measures, expand the drive towards inclusivity, and continuously be ahead in addressing potential threats to the conduct of elections and the management of the electoral process. Only in and through these can it ensure the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Rome, Italy, ahead of the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government meeting, which will focus on tackling the growing security crisis in West Africa.

The Presidential aircraft touched down at the Rome Fiumicino International Airport at about 7:20 p.m local time on Sunday, where the president was received by senior Italian officials, members of the Nigerian diplomatic corps, and top aides.

The high-level meeting, which opens on Tuesday, will bring together Heads of State and Government, senior intelligence and military officials from African countries, as well as representatives of intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations.

Participants are expected to deliberate on the evolving security landscape in West Africa and develop coordinated responses to terrorism and transnational crime.

Launched in 2015 by King Abdullah II of Jordan, the Aqaba Process is a global counter-terrorism initiative aimed at enhancing cooperation and intelligence sharing among nations confronting violent extremism.

The current edition, co-chaired by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Italian Government, will focus on the complex security threats facing the region, including the expansion of terrorist networks, the growing nexus between crime and terrorism, and the overlap between land-based insurgency in the Sahel and maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

According to an earlier statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu will not only participate in the plenary sessions but will also hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders to explore collaborative measures to curb insecurity across the subregion.

The sessions are expected to examine strategies to counter terrorism, combat online radicalisation, and disrupt digital networks used to promote extremist propaganda and recruitment.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday traded words over the whereabouts of the fleeing Amotekun Commandant, Isaac Omoyele, following the alleged killing of residents of Akinlalu community by his operatives.

The Nation reports that Amotekun personnel invaded Akinlalu Market Square, killing three members of the same family and another resident, while several others sustained gunshot injuries.

Omoyele later claimed he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt – a claim the police dismissed.

In response, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector-General of Police arrested 25 Amotekun operatives on Wednesday night and sealed their operational armoury base at Oke-Fia, Osogbo, as well as the outfit’s Ife Central office.

In a statement on Sunday, the APC, through its Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, urged Governor Adeleke to produce the Amotekun Commandant for police investigation.

Olabisi accused the Governor of hypocrisy, noting that while Adeleke publicly commended the police for their professional handling of the case, he had failed to ensure Omoyele’s appearance before investigators.

He said justice and accountability demanded that the state government cooperate fully with security agencies to unravel the truth behind the tragic Akinlalu killings.

‘However, to prove that he was not merely paying a lip-service to the call for prosecution of the blood-sucking vampires responsible for the carnage of innocent souls at Akinlalu, Governor Adeleke should prioritise the exposition of the Commander of Osun Amotekun, Mr Isaac Adekunle Omoyele.

‘If the news flying around in Osogbo, the state capital, is anything to go by that Omoyele, one of the crucial suspects in the dastardly act in Akinlalu, has been hibernating in the Government House, Osogbo, to evade the police arrest, it is condemnable, irresponsible, wicked and unpatriotic.

‘It is saddening that the governor is linked to the allegation of aiding and abetting the commission of crimes as it is now the case with his former Chief Security Officer, Omoyele, who is said to have been out of circulation immediately his balloon of lies on his staged assassination attempt was deflated by the police.’

However, Adeleke through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed rejected calls by the APC to interfere in the ongoing investigation into the Akinlalu incident, describing the opposition’s allegations as another example of a losing party struggling for relevance.

The governor reiterated his trust in the ongoing police investigation to unravel the details of the unfortunate killings at Akinlalu even as he cautioned against politicization of a matter of law and order.

‘The Akinlalu matter is a question of law and order and the Inspector General of Police has acted on the matter. The police is conducting an active investigation. Our government will not intervene or interfere.

‘I caution our people to avoid the temptation to politicize the unfortunate incident. We should allow due process to take its course without let or hindrance.’

He noted that ‘The opposition’s allegations are unfounded and baseless. The Osun APC in want of direction and strategy has grown to be a constant purveyor of fake news.’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has rejected claims of irregularities in its recently concluded state congress, describing the allegations as false, mischievous, and intended to tarnish a transparent process.

The accusations came from an internal faction, Kick Against Deceit, which alleged that the congress was manipulated to favour certain leaders, calling the exercise a ‘charade.’

The congress, held last month, elected Barrister Victor Modupe Aisida as the new state chairman, succeeding Rt. Hon. Bakitta Bello, who completed the tenure of the late Hon. Fatai Adams. Other executives elected include Akin Oyewole (Deputy Chairman), Oluseye Olujimi (Secretary), Jolade Aladetan (Publicity Secretary), and Woke Akindiose (Legal Adviser).

Although largely peaceful, the party’s 2024 governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, was notably absent from the event.

In a statement on Sunday, the party’s Director of Media and Public Communication, Comrade Wande Ajayi, said the congress adhered fully to the PDP constitution and the guidelines approved by the National Working Committee (NWC), with officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) observing the process.

Ajayi also revealed that some individuals listed as signatories to the critical statement-Charles Adeduro, Caroline Olupitan, Pat Ojo, and Dagbatan Anjorin Peter-had denied involvement, highlighting what he described as the deceitful intent behind the allegations.

‘Contrary to the falsehoods peddled by the group, the State Congress was conducted in full compliance with the Constitution of our Party and the guidelines approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) as observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Delegates were duly accredited, the process was peaceful, and the outcomes reflected the collective will of genuine party stakeholders across all local governments and senatorial districts,’ Ajayi said.

He added that the Ondo PDP had, for the first time in years, demonstrated unity of purpose and readiness to reclaim power through democratic engagement and transparent leadership recruitment.

Ajayi described those behind the allegations as frustrated by reforms aimed at ending imposition and manipulation within the party.

He urged members to disregard ‘baseless and divisive claims’ and remain focused on the renewed vision of the newly elected state executive committee as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Former governor of Ogun state and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has called on his constituents to demand transparency and accountability from the state and local governments on how they have utilized the increased federal allocations received since the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking on Sunday at Idokunnusi, Ijebu Imushin, during his Midterm Community Assessment and Review Tour in Ijebu East Local Government, Daniel said both tiers of government have been receiving substantial allocations in the last two years and must justify how the funds have been spent.

Daniel, who represents nine local government areas under Ogun East Senatorial District, addressed a large gathering of political stakeholders, supporters, and constituents, using the occasion to distribute empowerment items, including motorcycles, deep freezers, sewing machines, fertilizers, sprayers, and grinding machines.

Responding to complaints about poor roads, unpaid stipends for traditional rulers, and general neglect of the region despite its economic potential, the senator explained that such issues fall under the responsibility of the state and local governments.

He expressed sympathy for the underdevelopment of the district, noting that the area is blessed with abundant natural resources that should make it a hub of prosperity.

Daniel also urged the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration to revive the Olokola Deep Sea Port project, which his government initiated at Ode-Omi in Ogun Waterside Local Government, saying the project could create over 50,000 jobs, boost internally generated revenue, and transform the state’s economy.

The senator further disclosed that he has begun discussions with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to harness the bitumen deposits in Ijebu East for the benefit of Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

He said, ‘For our people here in Ijebu East, I share in some of your pains on the current state of underdevelopment, especially because I am aware that this whole community should be thriving in wealth and prosperity especially with the abundance of natural resources which God Almighty has endowed us which has the capacity to sustain an entire nation.

‘During my time as Governor of Ogun State, we discovered that Ogun East has the largest deposit of Bitumen anywhere in Nigeria. Our vision then was very clear: to create a whole new city for Bitumen mining and exploration which we believe would increase the economic prosperity and impact positively on the lives of the people living in the area. We envisioned this area bubbling with multinational investments, industries, jobs, and infrastructure, all driven by Bitumen exploration and processing.

‘Unfortunately, that vision stalled due to neglect after our administration. That is why I started by sympathizing with you because I understand your frustration and share in your hope for a new dawn.

‘When you sent me to Abuja as your Senator, I took it as a sacred responsibility, not only to make laws (which of course is the primary responsibility of the Senate), but also to leverage on relationships with the President and other agencies of government at the executive level to influence government policies and attract development projects that can revive and empower our communities.

‘I am in contact with, and delighted to inform you that the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, under the exceptional leadership of my friend and brother, Mr. Dele Alake, and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has assured that the Bitumen wealth of Ijebu East will soon be put to productive use. I have every confidence in that assurance because Dele Alake is not only a trusted colleague and friend of over four decades; he is a man of results.

‘Let me say with emphasis, the mining sector under President Tinubu has received greater attention and the revenue from the solid minerals sector has grown from ?6 billion to ?38 billion in just one year, a record-breaking transformation driven by efficiency, transparency, and accountability. And this was made possible by the President’s bold declarations that the era of exporting raw minerals is over and that mining licences will only be granted to investors who commit to local processing and value addition as a means of creating jobs for our local population and industries to ensure that prosperity derives from mining stay within Nigeria.’