Category: Nigerian Tribune

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has distributed N50,000 each to 5,800 women across the state as part of his administration’s monthly women empowerment and poverty alleviation programme.

The cash intervention, amounting to N290 million, is aimed at enabling the beneficiaries to establish small businesses and become financially self-reliant.

Speaking during the distribution ceremony held at the Government House, Kano, Governor Yusuf said the programme was designed to improve the economic status of women and enable them to support themselves and their families.

‘This N50,000 being given to each and every one of you is meant to empower you to start small businesses which will make you self-reliant so that you will be able to support yourselves and your own families financially,’ the governor said.

He explained that his administration would continue to select women from the 44 local government areas of the state every month and provide them with N50,000 each as part of efforts to boost their economic wellbeing.

Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to support his administration’s people-oriented programmes in healthcare, water supply, education, infrastructure and economic empowerment.

He also appealed to the women to reciprocate the gesture by voting massively for him and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

The governor said continued support from the people would enable his administration to sustain its programmes and deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Earlier, the Kano State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, described the initiative as a significant intervention aimed at improving the economic wellbeing of women across the state.

Amina said Governor Yusuf had demonstrated commitment to the welfare of women through policies and programmes designed to improve their livelihoods.

‘His Excellency, the Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is a very compassionate leader who is always interested in the wellbeing of the people of the state, especially women, who have immensely benefited from his life-changing policies and programmes,’ she said.

The commissioner urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the government’s gesture by supporting Governor Yusuf’s bid for a second term in office in 2027.

She also called on them to vote for other APC candidates contesting the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly elections across the state.

With school resumption around the corner, parents are preparing once again, weighing the cost of uniforms, books, shoes, stationery and other essential materials. So, a school bag may look like a small part of the budget, but choosing one that is affordable, durable, and comfortable can save money when the academic year gets busy.

Parents are also advised to begin preparations early, particularly by purchasing school supplies ahead of resumption. Doing so can help families avoid last-minute pressure and possible price increases that often come with higher demand for school items.

Meanwhile, for Nigerian families trying to keep spending under control in 2026, there are several reasonably priced backpacks available online.

Although prices may change, the current Jumia Nigeria’s listings show school bags and backpacks ranging from about N8,000 to N25,000, depending on size, material, design and features.

Here, in this article, Tribune Online looks into the 10 affordable options worth considering.

Quality children’s school bag – about N8,000

For parents shopping on a tight budget, a basic children’s backpack can do the job without stretching the wallet. Current listings show simple school bags around N8,000, with adjustable shoulder straps and enough room for basic classroom materials.

This type is best suited to younger pupils who do not need to carry large textbooks or electronic devices. Therefore, check the stitching, zippers, and strap attachment points before buying, as a low price is only a bargain if the bag survives the school term.

Waterproof children’s school bag – about N11,000 to N12,000

Nigeria’s rainy season makes water resistance a useful feature, particularly for pupils who walk to school or use public transport. The current marketplace listings put several waterproof children’s backpacks in the price range of N11,000 to N12,000.

Although a waterproof exterior will not necessarily make a bag completely waterproof, it can provide useful protection against light rain and accidental spills. So, it is important to look for secure zippers and a material that is easy to wipe clean.

Unisex school backpack – about N11,800 to N12,500

A simple unisex backpack is another practical choice for families buying for more than one child. Current listings include options around N11,800 to N12,500, with designs suitable for boys and girls.

The advantage is versatility. Rather than paying more for a heavily themed bag that a child may quickly outgrow, a neutral design can remain useful for several school years if its construction is good.

Children’s backpack with water-bottle pockets – about N9,800

Side pockets are easy to overlook, but they can make school mornings less chaotic. A current listing around N9,800 includes side elastic pockets designed for carrying water bottles.

That small feature can help keep bottles separate from books and stationery while giving children easier access to drinking water during the day.

Back-to-school cars backpack – about N17,000

For children who want something more colorful, a themed backpack can make the start of a new term more exciting.

Cars-themed back-to-school backpack currently listed at about N17,000 offers a larger option for pupils who carry more books.

Parents should still put durability ahead of appearance. A flashy design means little if the zip breaks or the shoulder straps begin separating after a few weeks.

Star express school backpack – about N14,700

The Star Express school backpack is another mid-budget option, currently listed around N14,725 on Jumia. It is marketed for boys and girls and sits comfortably within the price range many families may consider for a regular school bag.

It may be a reasonable compromise for parents looking for something more substantial than the cheapest children’s bags without moving into premium pricing.

Waterproof student backpack – about N16,000

Older pupils and secondary school students often need more room for textbooks, notebooks and personal items. Current listings include waterproof student backpacks around N16,150.

Before buying, check the dimensions and compartment arrangement. A larger bag is useful only when it can organize books properly without becoming unnecessarily heavy.

Durable Laptop/School Backpack – about N14,000

Students who carry a laptop or tablet may need a backpack that offers more protection than a basic children’s school bag.

A Hppower Khaki laptop/school bag is currently listed around N14,000, while similar waterproof laptop-school backpacks are available for less or slightly more.

For older students, this category can offer better value because the same bag can work for school, university, travel or work.

3-in-1 school backpack set – about N24,500

Parents who want several accessories in one purchase can consider 3-in-1 sets that combine a backpack with items such as a lunch bag and pencil case. Current listings show waterproof children’s sets around N24,480.

Although the upfront cost is higher, buying several coordinated items together may make sense when a child needs a complete school-bag set.

Large-capacity waterproof backpack – about N25,900

For older students carrying plenty of books, a larger-capacity waterproof backpack can be worth the extra money. Current Nigerian listings include premium waterproof student backpacks around N25,920.

The key is not to confuse capacity with usefulness. A huge backpack can encourage children to carry unnecessary items and make the load heavier than it should be.

What parents should check before buying

Price should not be the only deciding factor. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended backpacks with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back, while heavier items should be positioned close to the child’s back. It also advised that keeping the backpack at no more than about 15% of the child’s body weight.

Parents should therefore examine the seams, zippers, straps, compartments and back padding before paying. For Nigerian students who regularly travel during rainy weather, water resistance is another useful consideration.

Also, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned about injuries associated with backpacks and advises families to avoid excessively heavy loads.

Tension briefly gripped Ooni Ilare Street, Ile-Ife, Osun State, following the sudden death of a young man identified as Sunday, popularly known as Apetu, amid conflicting accounts over the circumstances surrounding his death.

Apetu, said to be a member of a local vigilante group in Ile-Ife, reportedly became critically distressed last Sunday afternoon following a sexual encounter with a woman on the street.

According to a situation report attributed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the incident occurred at about 2:30 p.m. in the Ooni Ilare area, within the Odi-Olokun Division of Ile-Ife.

The report stated that Apetu was found in a distressed condition and was allegedly seen pleading with the woman while gasping, screaming and displaying signs of severe physical distress.

A video recorded at the scene and circulated on social media has also drawn public attention to the incident. In the footage, the deceased was heard pleading with the woman to give him urine.

However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, as authorities have yet to publicly establish what caused the medical emergency.

While some residents have attributed the death to a traditional belief commonly described as ‘thunderbolt’, there is no official confirmation that such a phenomenon was responsible for his death.

The claim is reportedly linked to a local belief that a person believed to be under a ‘thunderbolt’ spell could cause harm to another person through sexual contact. Such claims remain matters of traditional belief and have not been established as a medical or scientific explanation for the death.

The situation report further stated that Apetu eventually died following the incident and that his remains were deposited at the morgue of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife.

The woman involved in the incident was reportedly arrested and taken into custody at the Moore Police Division in Ile-Ife as authorities commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death.

When contacted over reports circulating on social media, a senior police officer from the Osun State Police Command said he was aware of the rumours but cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information.

The command said no conclusion should be drawn from social media accounts until investigations establish what actually happened.

The development has generated considerable attention in the community, particularly because of the conflicting explanations surrounding the man’s sudden death.

Residents and community leaders have been urged to remain calm and avoid sensational claims capable of causing panic while allowing the police and relevant medical authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.

When contacted on the development, the NSCDC spokesperson, ASC I Kehinde Adeleke, confirmed the incident.

Lagos State government has reiterated its commitment to infrastructure development in communities, assuring residents that no community will be left behind.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this at the flag-off of the 1,086-metre Alhaji Ashafa, Alhaji Ogundimu and Tunde Olufoye Streets in Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Alimosho.

The governor, represented by the Special Adviser on Rural Development, Dr Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, said the project demonstrated the administration’s commitment to sustainable development at the grassroots.

Sanwo-Olu said the project will ensure that the benefits of good governance reach rural and semi-urban communities in the state.

He added that the Office of Rural Development had flagged off about eight road projects in different communities as part of efforts to build a more connected and inclusive Lagos.

The governor said the projects aligned with his administration’s vision of taking infrastructure development to the grassroots and ensuring that no community is left behind.

In his goodwill message, the member representing Alimosho Constituency II, in the state House of Assembly, Honourable Kehinde Joseph, represented by Comrade Raheem Akeem, commended the government for the initiative.

He said the project will provide lasting solutions to some of the challenges facing residents and businesses in the community.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, also commended the governor for approving the project.

She said the roads will boost socio-economic activities, reduce travel time and create employment opportunities for residents.

Chairman of Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Comrade Lasisi Akinsanya, represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Mrs Mojisola Badmus, appreciated the state government for its interventions in the area and urged residents to cooperate with the contractor.

Speaking for the Motorola and Ogo Oluwa Community Development Associations, Alhaji Muniru Ogundimu thanked the government for the project and pledged residents’ support and cooperation for its timely completion.

Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has called on political parties and candidates to make housing reform at the centre of their campaign.

In a statement by its Research and Economic Unit, the group urged presidential and gubernatorial candidates to move beyond rhetoric and present clear and measurable housing strategies.

HDAN argued that housing should no longer be treated as a secondary social issue, emphasising its role as an economic driver of job creation, industrialisation, public health, and poverty reduction.

It highlighted several policy areas that politicians should address in their manifestos:

It wants politicians to have clear plans to digitalise land registries, expedite title issuance, and lower land costs to make serviced plots available for affordable housing development.

On mortgage and housing finance, the group urged politicians to provide specific proposals for long-term financing, single-digit interest rates, rent-to-own models, pension-backed housing finance, and cooperative housing access for formal and informal workers.

It canvassed direct strategies to support local production of cement, steel, and finishing products, reducing reliance on costly imports and lowering logistics and energy expenses.

It said the manifesto must target rental housing policies, including incentives for institutional investors in rental stock and regulatory measures to protect both tenants and landlords.

‘Structured frameworks for informal settlement upgrades, infrastructure integration, and sustainable urban expansion,’ the report read, pointing it out to international examples where housing commitments form a key measure of political accountability.’

A medical laboratory scientist and public health practitioner, Mrs Blessing Ijeoma Omorowe-Nwune, has urged people experiencing separation, divorce and other forms of family breakdown not to see such challenges as the end of their lives, but as an opportunity to begin a purposeful new chapter.

Omorowe-Nwune, made the call at the public presentation of her book, ‘When Families Fall Apart: Navigating Separation, Divorce and Spousal Loss with Healing, Faith and Hope’ in Ibadan.

At the book launch, which was held at Richland Hotels, Yemetu on September 7, 2026, the author said her personal experiences of childhood trauma, growing up in a broken home and difficulties in her marriage inspired her to write the book as a source of hope for people struggling to recover from painful family experiences.

‘I’m always broken when I see broken people not able to survive from what has really broken them. And I think I am a victim of such a situation, and I was able to stand. So I just thought, if I could do it, others can do it too,’ she said.

Omorowe-Nwune, who described herself as a humanitarian and advocate for children, women and young people, said she realised that although she could not personally reach everyone facing similar challenges, a book could enable her to speak to millions.

In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Omorowe-Nwune urged people going through separation or divorce to believe that they could rebuild their lives.

‘For those experiencing separation and divorce, they should never see it as the end of their life. It should not be the end of their story, but should be the beginning of a purposeful life,’ she said.

The author also emphasised the importance of faith during difficult family transitions, noting that some people mistakenly believe that Christians should not experience serious problems.

She described the book as a ‘tool’ designed to help readers navigate difficult periods while maintaining faith and hope.

The chairman of the occasion, Rotarian Oyebode Adesina said he was ‘delighted and honoured’ to celebrate Blessing’s book When Families Fall Apart, noting marriages break down due to ‘misunderstandings, fights, ignoring red flags’ and urging patience, early counselling, and recognizing that ‘you cannot trade your life for love’ for safety and wellbeing in marriage.

Speaking at the event, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Purpebloom Publishers, Mrs Adejoke Adepoju-Oyekan, described the publication as more than a book, saying it was a message of hope for people whose lives had been disrupted by separation, divorce, loss and grief.

‘There are some books you publish because they are good books. But there are books you publish because you know that somebody somewhere is going to read those words for life because of the circumstances,’ she said.

Adepoju-Oyekan said the book reminded readers that the end of a relationship did not necessarily mean the end of their future.

‘Sometimes what ends is the relationship. I want you to know that it’s not your future. Sometimes what you lose is a person. I want you to know that that’s not the purpose. And sometimes the chapter that closes is not the end of the book. It is simply the end of that chapter,’ she said.

Reviewing the book, the Dean of Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Professor Kester Oluwaseun, represented by Dr Abiola Omokhabi a lecturer in the Department of Adult Education, University of Ibadan, described it as a timely and compassionate work that combines psychology, African family wisdom and Christian faith.

She commended its practical approach, noting that it provides prayers, reflection prompts, guidance on boundaries, co-parenting advice and grieving practices.

He described the book as being suitable for people experiencing separation, divorce or spousal loss, as well as pastors, counsellors and Christian leaders.

He praised the author for addressing difficult emotions such as anger, shame, loneliness and feeling trapped without resorting to ‘toxic positivity.’

Professor Oluwaseun said the book’s central message was that even when families fall apart, healing and hope remain possible.

The occasion was attended by family, friends, Rotary Club, Orita Mefa and colleagues from the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Fresh vegetables can become expensive when a large portion ends up in the bin after spoiling. For Nigerian households, especially those dealing with unreliable electricity or limited refrigerator space, knowing how to handle vegetables properly can reduce waste and save money.

Tomatoes, peppers, onions and leafy vegetables do not all require the same storage conditions. Keeping them in the right place, protecting them from excess moisture and buying only what can be used can significantly extend their useful life.

In this article Tribune Online highlights practicals ways to store fresh vegetables without a fridge

Keep tomatoes away from unnecessary moisture

Tomatoes can spoil quickly when exposed to excess moisture and poor ventilation. If you buy ripe tomatoes, avoid washing them immediately unless you intend to use them.

Instead, remove visibly damaged tomatoes from the rest and keep the healthy ones in a clean, dry and well-ventilated area. Do not pile them too deeply. Heavy stacking can crush the tomatoes underneath and create damaged areas where spoilage begins.

Store onions in a dry, ventilated place

Onions generally last longer when kept dry and exposed to air. Avoid storing them in sealed plastic bags where moisture can accumulate. A basket, mesh bag or another well-ventilated container is more suitable.

Keep onions away from damp areas, direct sunlight and vegetables that produce significant moisture. Inspect them regularly and remove any soft or mouldy onion before it affects others.

Protect peppers from moisture

Fresh peppers can deteriorate quickly when moisture remains on their surface. Sort through them after purchase and remove damaged ones. Keep the good peppers dry and avoid sealing wet peppers inside airtight plastic bags.

If you have more peppers than you can use quickly, processing them into a paste can reduce waste. However, prepared pepper products should be handled hygienically and stored under appropriate conditions.

Handle leafy vegetables carefully

Leafy vegetables such as spinach, ugu and other local greens are particularly perishable. Remove damaged leaves and excess dirt, but avoid unnecessary washing if you are not going to use them immediately.

Excess moisture can encourage deterioration. For vegetables that have already been washed, drain them properly and keep them as dry as possible before storage. Because leafy vegetables spoil faster than many other vegetables, buy smaller quantities if you do not have reliable cold storage.

Keep vegetables off the floor

Do not store fresh produce directly on the floor. A raised basket, clean shelf or ventilated container protects vegetables from dirt, pests and moisture. The storage area should also be clean, dry and away from chemicals, fuel and other substances that could contaminate food.

Separate damaged vegetables

One spoiled vegetable can quickly become a problem for the others around it. Check your vegetables regularly and remove those showing mould, excessive softness, leakage or other obvious signs of spoilage. Do not simply cut away mould from soft vegetables and continue eating the remaining portion. Some moulds can spread beyond what is visible.

Buy according to your consumption

One of the simplest ways to reduce vegetable waste is to avoid buying more than you can reasonably use. If you shop weekly, estimate how much your household normally consumes and buy accordingly.

Large quantities may appear cheaper, but the saving disappears when much of the produce spoils before it is eaten.

Use older vegetables first

Arrange your vegetables so that those bought earlier are used before newer purchases. This simple habit prevents older produce from being forgotten at the bottom of a basket. You can also plan meals around vegetables that are approaching the end of their usable period.

For example, vegetables that are beginning to soften can be used in soups, stews or sauces before they deteriorate further, provided they remain safe to eat.

Keep storage areas clean

Cleanliness is essential when storing food. Regularly clean baskets, shelves and storage surfaces. Remove vegetable scraps and spilled liquids because they can attract insects and encourage microbial growth. Do not place freshly purchased vegetables on dirty surfaces or inside containers that still contain residue from previous produce.

APM Terminals has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of the proposed Badagry Deep-Seaport, as Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, led a Federal Government delegation to Denmark to strengthen maritime cooperation and attract further investment into the country’s port infrastructure.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the MoU marks a significant step towards the development of the greenfield port project, which is expected to provide additional deepwater capacity, accommodate larger container vessels and create new transshipment opportunities for Nigeria and the wider West African market.

The MoU was signed by the Group Chief Executive Officer of A.P. Moller-Maersk, Vincent Clerc, on behalf of APM Terminals, and Managing Director of Badagry Port Development Limited and Quinn McGrath Marine and Environmental Services Limited, Didi Ndiomu.

The agreement commits the parties to exclusive negotiations to explore the development of Badagry Port, with APM Terminals expressing its commitment to carrying forward the project.

The development formed part of broader engagements during Oyetola’s visit to Denmark, where the minister and his delegation held discussions with senior representatives of the Danish government and the wider Danish maritime sector.

Oyetola said the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for long-term private-sector investment in the sector.

‘Our engagement in Denmark underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlocking the full potential of our blue economy. Partnering with global terminal operators like APM Terminals to explore strategic greenfield developments such as the Badagry Port is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s premier trade and logistics hub,’ Oyetola said.

As part of the engagement with APM Terminals, the parties also discussed the extension of the company’s port concessions at the Lagos Port Complex Apapa and the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Onne.

The proposed Badagry project is expected to complement existing port infrastructure by providing a new deepwater gateway capable of handling larger vessels and supporting increased cargo volumes.

APM Terminals said the development could be transformational for Nigeria’s role in West African trade, particularly by creating significant new opportunities for transshipment.

‘APM Terminals is keen to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and position as a trade hub in West Africa. We believe further investing long-term in our concessions in Apapa and Onne helps doing that, and we were pleased to have a constructive dialogue about this today. Additionally, developing Badagry as a greenfield project will further ease congestions in city ports and further open new opportunities,’ Managing Director, Africa and Europe, APM Terminals, part of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, Igor van den Essen, said.

APM Terminals also welcomed the Nigerian government’s ambition to expand trade, attract investment and strengthen the country’s position as a leading maritime gateway in West Africa.

He said, ‘APM Terminals is encouraged by the Nigerian government’s ambition to expand trade, attract investment, and strengthen the country’s position as a leading maritime gateway in West Africa, and we are proud to play a part in that ambition. We strongly believe that public-private partnerships help us deliver results that support growth because they drive long-term investment, a better business environment and, thereby, competitiveness in a rapidly developing market,’ Igor van den Essen said.

Managing Director of Badagry Port Development Limited, Didi Ndiomu, described the proposed investment as the beginning of a new phase in Nigeria’s maritime development.

‘Investing in maritime infrastructure and especially in Badagry as a greenfield port project together with APM Terminals is the beginning of Nigeria becoming the true maritime capital of sub-Saharan Africa in full alignment with the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambitious maritime growth strategy,’ Ndiomu said.

The proposed Badagry Deep-Seaport is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s port network by enabling larger container vessels to call at the country, while supporting greater supply-chain resilience and opening new trade opportunities.

The project will also enhance Nigeria’s capacity to serve as a regional transshipment hub, allowing cargo destined for other West and Central African markets to be handled through a strategically located deepwater facility.

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has promised to immortalise the late Nollywood veteran, Hassan Taiwo (Ogogo), if elected into office as the State Governor in 2027.

Adeola said this in his remarks when he paid a condolence visit to Ogogo’s family at Ilaro on Tuesday.

Senator Adeola, who returned to the country on Monday after a brief vacation abroad, expressed sadness over the passing of the late actor, whom he described as his ‘personal person’.

He described the late Ogogo as a cultural ambassador and said that his death was not only a big blow to the creative and entertainment industry alone, Ogun State, but the entire country.

Senator Adeola acknowledged the roles played by President Bola Tinubu, his wife, Oluremi, some state governors, and other eminent Nigerians for their efforts in ensuring that the late actor lived.

Recounting their intimate relationship and the final days of the legendary actor, Senator Adeola stated that prior to his passing, concrete steps had been taken to secure medical care abroad for Ogogo.

‘Death was cruel for taking Ogogo away from Yewaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole. He was scheduled to be taken to India for advanced medical treatment. We had already processed the visa applications and made all necessary travel arrangements to fly him out of the country. However, before the visa could be issued, he became extremely weak and could no longer make the trip.

‘We have lost a genuine legend. Ogogo was a brother and a friend indeed. We clicked together from the very first day we met, and that bond remained unbroken until his passage.

‘He carried my burdens passionately and believed fiercely in the vision for a Yewa indigene to produce the governor of Ogun State. He stood solidly behind my political aspirations and did everything humanly possible to see it actualised,’ the Senator recalled.

In recognition of the late actor’s towering contributions to the creative industry and his grassroots mobilisation efforts across the state, Senator Adeola announced that he would immortalise the late film veteran if elected as the Governor of Ogun State.

He further disclosed that he had already planned to assign a major cabinet position to the late cultural ambassador.

‘I had already planned to appoint him as my Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism with full cabinet rank if I am eventually elected as the Governor of Ogun State. Ogogo was not just an icon affiliated with Ilaro, but an ambassador who elevated the image of the entire Ogun State and Nigeria through his craft.

Senator Adeola highlighted Ogogo’s commitment to his political cause, revealing how the late actor championed a grassroots political support group tagged ‘Governor’s Boys’ solely to push the Yayi governorship mandate across all nooks and crannies of the state.

‘He gave his all for Yayi. He was not just anyone to me; he was my personal person. He championed the ‘Governor’s Boys’ group strictly for my sake, and his contributions will never be forgotten,’ he added.

The lawmaker reassured the family of his lifelong commitment to their welfare, while affirming that he considers himself an integral part of the Ogogo household and pledged his continuous support to the family left behind.

‘I am now part and parcel of the Ogogo family, and I will support them with everything within my capacity. While I encourage the family to take solace in the Almighty and accept His divine will, I am also announcing today that I will personally organise and sponsor the 40th-day prayer in his honour,’ Senator Adeola concluded.

Prayers were offered for the repose of the deceased.

One of his daughters, Halimat Taiwo, who spoke in an emotion-laden voice, described her father as a complete family man.

She appreciated the effort of Senator Adeola for standing by the family during the tiring period and prayed for God’s blessings over him and his entire household.

More than 15 million widows across the country have appealed to government at all levels, traditional rulers, philanthropists, corporate organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians to support and empower them and their children amid the prevailing economic challenges.

The appeal was made at the launch and inauguration of the Wazobia Widows Welfare Association (WWWA), Ogun State chapter, at the Sports Council, Abeokuta, under the theme: ‘Empowering widows, building hope and creating a better future.’

The state coordinator of the association, Pastor (Mrs) Adesola Oluwatoyin, said the group was targeting more than 15 million widows nationwide with programmes covering skills acquisition, vocational training, grants, small-scale businesses, education, healthcare and access to government empowerment schemes.

She said widows’ welfare should not be treated as charity alone, but as a social responsibility requiring sustained intervention from the government and private sector.

She called for support for widows’ children on education, skills and opportunities to secure their future.

Oluwatoyin appreciated Mrs Temitope Adeola Yayi, wife of the state All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate and founder of Chadash Empowerment Foundation, for creating opportunities for members to benefit from the foundation’s empowerment initiatives in commemoration of the 2026 International Widows’ Day.

Chief Executive Officer of Pellican-Valley Nigeria Limited, Dr. Babatunde Adeyemo, pledged N250,000 to support the widows and collaboration with the association through skills development, mentorship and financial inclusion.

Earlier, the national president of the association, Mrs Binta Adejoke Aminu, said the programme highlighted the hardship faced by widows and disclosed that the group had been providing grants, skills training and equipment, including sewing machines, to help members establish sustainable businesses.

A member of the state House of Assembly, representing Ifo II constituency, Honourable Fatiu Folawewo Salami, urged stakeholders to see support for widows and their children as an investment in society.