SOUTH-WEST NGR NEWS

In a move that has drawn commendation across political and community circles, Hon. Amb. Chief (Mrs.) Lamidi Rukayat Tolani Balogun has provided timely support to residents and leaders across the six wards of Akinyele Constituency 1, Ibadan, Oyo State, as the festive seasons of Ramadan and Easter approached. The intervention, which covered all wards within the constituency, saw the distribution of cash tokens to political members to ease financial pressures often associated with the celebrations. Beneficiaries described the gesture as both thoughtful and impactful, noting that it will enabled many families to observe the festivities with renewed dignity and comfort. In addition to the support, the aspirant extended provisions to ward political leaders across the constituency. The items, distributed strategically at the grassroots level, were aimed at strengthening political/community leadership structures and fostering inclusiveness during the festive period. Sp...

In a shocking turn of events, a married woman named Joy was found lifele$$ in a hotel room, the victim of a bru^tal cr!me orchestrated by her online boyfriend. The 30-year-old mother of two had been living a double life, secretly communicating with the man who would ultimately seal her fate. Joy, a resident of Lagos, had met her online admirer on a social media platform, hiding her true marital status and leading him to believe she was a single mother struggling to make ends meet. The sc@mmer, posing as a wealthy businessman, had promised to be a father figure to her children and shower her with the luxuries she felt she deserved. According to Joy's husband, she had been growing increasingly distant and secretive, often sneaking away to meet her online lover. He had confronted her twice about suspicious messages on her phone, but Joy had brushed it off, claiming it was just a customer from her small business. But the truth was far more sinister. Joy's on...

By Afolabi Akinfenwa  The political atmosphere in Egbeda and Ona‑Ara is already witnessing a wave of excitement as the name Seye Gbaroye continues to resonate strongly across communities. Fondly called “Omo Wa” by supporters, Hon. Seye Gbaroye is emerging as a symbol of hope, progressive leadership, and people centered representation ahead of the 2027 elections. Across markets, youth gatherings, community meetings, and professional circles, residents of Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency are increasingly aligning behind the vision of a leader many describe as competent, accessible, and committed to grassroots development. Supporters believe that Hon. Gbaroye will represents a new generation of leadership capable of bringing meaningful representation to the constituency at the House of Representatives of Nigeria. A Vision Rooted in the People Hon. Seye Gbaroye’s campaign message centers on: Empowerment for youths and entrepreneurs Economic growth...

Four suspected bandits who reportedly chased farmers from their farmland onto the runway of Akure Airport have been arrested by security operatives. The suspects were apprehended on Sunday following a distress alert that suspicious individuals had been sighted behind the airport perimeter near the Eleyewo community. According to the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Henry Agbebire, the alert triggered an immediate joint security operation. Security personnel from the airport’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other local security outfits combed the area in search of the suspects. Sponsored Ads  Agbebire said during the operation, several individuals attempted to flee the scene, but four suspects were eventually apprehended by the joint security team. The suspects have since been handed over to the police Area Command for further i...

Kidnapping has now become one of the most dangerous crimes in Nigeria. Both young and old are targets, and neither Muslims nor Christians are spared from this madness. What started as an occasional incident has now grown into a frightening industry that feeds on fear, poverty and weak enforcement of the law. In the South-West, the land of Oduduwa’s children, this ugly reality is a relatively recent development. For decades, our region was known for relative peace, communal vigilance and the culture of protecting one another. Unfortunately, things have begun to change. What used to be stories from faraway places has now crept into our backyard. Today, kidnapping has turned into a multi-billion-naira criminal enterprise, largely driven by ruthless elements who move across Nigeria’s porous borders. Many of them are young Fulani men who have abandoned the traditional occupation their forefathers were known for—cattle rearing—and have instead chosen the dangerous path of quick a...

By Afolabi Akinfenwa   Renowned leadership advocate and researcher, Dr. Tari Oba, has successfully defended her Doctorate thesis in Peace and Conflict/Security and Strategic Studies, marking a significant milestone in her academic and leadership journey. According to Dr. Oba, the achievement represents years of dedication, research, and sacrifice aimed at deepening her understanding of conflict dynamics, leadership, peacebuilding, and nation-building. Leadership is shaped through years of learning, sacrifice, discipline and an unwavering commitment to a purpose greater than oneself, she said while reflecting on the journey that led to the successful defense of his thesis. She noted that the pursuit of the doctorate required more than academic commitment, as it involved numerous flights, long road trips, and sea voyages undertaken in the course of research and study. Dr. Oba expressed gratitude to God for sustaining her throughout the demanding process and appreciated th...

An Open Letter to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, Executive Governor of Oyo State Your Excellency, I write at this important moment to reaffirm my unflinching personal loyalty and respect for you as the Executive Governor of Oyo State. My support for your leadership has never been driven by personal gain or expectations of reward. Indeed, I have not benefited personally from you, your elected chairmen, or your appointees. Rather, my commitment has always been motivated by my deep concern for the progress, stability, and development of our dear state, Oyo State. Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my contributions and support for the growth of our great party, the People's Democratic Party (PDP), and for the stability of governance in the state under your leadership. For instance, during your first gubernatorial campaign in 2018/2019, I personally donated a campaign bus in support of your emergence as governor. During your second campaign in 2022/2023, I ...

Truth be told, I was not even supposed to write this article. But sometimes silence becomes difficult, especially when one sees how easily genuine service to the country is ignored while questionable figures are celebrated with national honours. Within my own capacity as a crime reporter of international repute, I have done my little part to serve Nigeria. Over the years, I supplied intelligence reports that could have helped protect the country. Unfortunately, many of those reports were ignored or left unattended. Yet, despite that disappointment, I can confidently say that I have rendered more service to Nigeria than many individuals who today proudly wear national honours on their chests. Let me give a simple example. About fifteen years ago, when I was deeply involved in investigative journalism in Europe, I received credible intelligence that a parcel containing narcotics was being shipped into Nigeria. Immediately, I passed the information to the relevant anti-narcoti...

By Afolabi Akinfenwa  In commemoration of International Women’s Day celebrated globally on March 8, Hon. Seye Gbaroye, an aspirant for the Egbeda-Ona Ara Federal Constituency, has extended warm greetings and appreciation to women for their immense contributions to society. In a statement released to newsmen, Hon. Gbaroye praised the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across communities, noting that their roles in families, businesses, leadership, and nation building remain invaluable. According to him, women continue to shape the future through their determination, creativity, and commitment to progress. He emphasized that empowering women and creating opportunities for them to thrive should remain a priority for leaders and society at large. Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women around the world. Their dedication to building stronger homes, communities, and institutions deserves recognition and support, he stated. ...

A governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing the lingering crisis within the party. Adegoke announced his resignation in a letter dated March 2, 2026, addressed to the PDP Ward 10 Chairman in Ibadan Southwest Local Government Area of Oyo State. In the letter, the governorship hopeful said the decision became necessary due to what he described as the “intractable political crisis” within the PDP, which he noted could jeopardize the political ambitions of its members. The letter read in part: “On the back of the intractable political crisis and problems bedeviling the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which are capable of truncating political ambitions of members, I hereby resign my membership of the Party with immediate effect.” Adegoke also used the opportunity to express appreciation to members of his ward for their suppor...

The protest that recently took place in Lagos was said to be against the war involving Israel, Iran and the United States. But for many of us who grew up believing that the soil of Oduduwa represents reason, enlightenment and intellectual courage, that protest raised a deeper and more disturbing question. The unexpected has happened. Something I never imagined would occur on the soil of Oduduwa has now happened before our very eyes. The same Yoruba land that once produced intellectual giants, fearless thinkers and world-class scholars is gradually becoming a playground for blind religious extremism. That reality is painful to admit. This is the land that gave birth to the legendary Obafemi Awolowo, a man whose vision built modern Western Nigeria. This is the same land that produced the courageous activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a woman who stood up to colonial authorities when many men were still trembling in fear. This land also produced brilliant minds like Ayodele Awojo...