RCC CELEBRATES RT. HON. MULIKAT AKANDE ADEOLA ON HER BIRTHDAY, DESCRIBES HER AS A MOTHER AND A BLESSING TO MANY

The Marketing Manager of Crown FC, Ogbomosho, Comrade Oluwatoyin Sunday RCC, has joined family, friends, political associates and well-wishers across Oyo State and beyond to celebrate the birthday of his godmother, Rt. Hon. Mulikat Akande Adeola, former Leader of the House of Representatives.

Comrade Oluwatoyin Sunday RCC, who is a close aide and godson to the former House Leader, in a birthday message released in Ogbomosho today, greeted Rt. Hon. Adeola with joy and gratitude, describing her as a great woman, a great mother, and a great leader whose life has been a blessing to him and to many others.

"Today, I join the whole world to celebrate a woman of grace, a woman of substance, a woman of uncommon love, Rt. Hon. Mulikat Akande Adeola, on the occasion of her birthday," Comrade Oluwatoyin said.

 "Mama, today is your day. Today, we celebrate you. Today, we thank God for your life. Today, we thank God for giving us a mother like you. Happy Birthday, Mama!"

He said the birthday is not just a celebration of a new age, but a celebration of a life of service, sacrifice, love and leadership, noting that Rt. Hon. Adeola has spent her life lifting others and giving hope to the hopeless.

Comrade Oluwatoyin, popularly known as RCC in Ogbomosho, said his relationship with Rt. Hon. Adeola goes far beyond politics, describing her as his mother, his mentor, his guide and his pillar of support.

 "Mama is everything to me. She is my godmother, she is my mother, she is my leader, she is my backbone. I am who I am today because Mama stood by me. She believed in me when nobody believed in me. She supported me when I had nothing," he said.

"She has been there for me in good times and in bad times. She has prayed for me. She has advised me. She has guided me. That is why I will forever be grateful to her. I will forever be loyal to her."

He described the former House Leader as a woman with a heart of gold, who treats everyone around her as family, and who never turns her back on anyone who comes to her for help. The Crown FC Marketing Manager said Rt. Hon. Adeola is a woman who has touched countless lives through her kindness, her generosity, her leadership and her love for humanity.

"Mama has touched many lives. She has helped me. She has helped many youths. She has helped many women. She has helped many students. She has helped many families. Her doors are always open. Her heart is always open," he stated.

 "As House Leader, she used her position to bring development to our people. Out of office, she has continued to be a mother to all. That is why everybody loves Mama. That is why everybody celebrates Mama today.

Comrade Oluwatoyin used the occasion to pray for Rt. Hon. Adeola, wishing her long life, sound health, peace of mind, joy, strength and divine protection, among many other blessings.

"On this special day, I wish Mama long life and sound health. I wish her peace, joy, happiness and strength. May God bless her with many more years in good health," he prayed.

 "May God grant her all her heart desires. May God protect her and her family. May God reward her for all the good she has done for me and for thousands of people. May she continue to shine. May her light never go dim."

 "Mama, I, Comrade Oluwatoyin Sunday RCC, your son, your aide, your godson, I celebrate you today and always. Thank you for everything. Thank you for being my mother. Happy Birthday, Mama! May you live long in good health and in prosperity."

The  birthday greeting has continued to attract goodwill messages from the Crown FC family, sports lovers, youth groups, women groups, political leaders, community leaders and residents of Ogbomosho, who also described Rt. Hon. Adeola as a mother, a leader and a blessing to the land.

Many took to social media to post her pictures with birthday wishes, while others gathered in Ogbomosho to celebrate with prayers and thanksgiving.

Political observers say the outpouring of love is a testament to the enduring legacy of Rt. Hon. Adeola as a former House Leader who served with distinction, and as a woman whose motherly love has continued to endear her to the people.

MAKINDE ASSURES ADEBISI OF APPROVAL FOR FIRST SECONDARY SCHOOL IN IBADAN SOUTHWEST CONSTITUENCY 1

The Chairman, House Committee on Youth and Sports, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Yusuf Adebisi, on Tuesday, attended the budget presentation on the floor of the Oyo State House of Assembly, delivered by His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, where the Governor assured him of the approval for the establishment of the first secondary school in Ibadan Southwest Constituency 1.

The budget presentation, which attracted members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, party leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, was described as a defining moment for the people of Ibadan Southwest Constituency 1, who have for decades cried out for a government-owned secondary school of their own.

For years, parents in the constituency have had to send their children to far-away schools in neighbouring constituencies, with many children trekking long distances daily, facing security risks, high transportation costs, and the stress of early morning journeys, just to access secondary education. That long suffering, Hon. Adebisi said, is now coming to an end.

Speaking shortly after the budget presentation, Hon. Adebisi, who represents Ibadan Southwest Constituency 1, said Governor Makinde personally assured him that the approval for the first secondary school in the constituency will be granted, describing the assurance as a historic breakthrough and a direct answer to the prayers of his people.

 "Today is a day my people will never forget. His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, looked at me on the floor of the House and assured me that the approval for the first secondary school in Ibadan Southwest Constituency 1 will be granted. This is not just an approval, this is a new dawn for our children," Hon. Adebisi said.

 "I want to sincerely thank His Excellency for his love for education, for his love for the youths, and for his love for Ibadan Southwest. Governor Makinde has again proved that he is a Governor who listens, a Governor who keeps his promises, and a Governor who believes that every child deserves quality education close to home."

Hon. Adebisi said the Governor's assurance during the budget presentation is a clear indication that education remains a top priority of the Makinde administration, and that Ibadan Southwest Constituency 1 will now be fully captured in the educational development plan of the state.

It will be recalled that long before the Governor's assurance, Hon. Adebisi had taken proactive steps to fast-track the approval by facilitating 21 additional facilities for the proposed school.

According to the lawmaker, the 21 additional facilities were provided to meet all the requirements for the establishment of a standard secondary school, to show the readiness of the community, and to ensure that once the approval is granted, academic activities can commence without any delay.

"We did not sit down and wait for approval. We prepared for it. Leadership is about preparation. I facilitated 21 additional facilities to fast-track the approval and to make sure that when the Governor gives the approval, the school is already ready to take off. That is what true representation means," Hon. Adebisi explained.

Sources within the constituency confirmed that the facilities include additional classrooms, administrative blocks, and other learning-support structures put in place through the lawmaker's intervention, to complement the existing structures on the school site.

Community leaders who spoke to journalists said the move by Hon. Adebisi demonstrated foresight, commitment and genuine love for the education of the children of the constituency.

In a further show of personal commitment and sacrifice, Hon. Adebisi has singlehandedly carried out the perimeter fencing of the entire school premises with his personal resources.

The fencing, which covers the whole school land, was undertaken to secure the school property from encroachment, protect the facilities already on ground, ensure the safety of future students and teachers, and give the school a befitting outlook as a modern learning environment.

 "I singlehandedly did the perimeter fencing of the entire school because I did not want anything to stop this dream. I wanted to protect the land, protect the facilities, and show the government that we are serious and ready. This school is for our children, and I will do anything to make it a reality," Hon. Adebisi said.

Residents described the fencing as unprecedented, noting that it is rare to see a lawmaker invest his personal resources to such an extent for a public project before government approval is even granted.

 "Hon. Adebisi is different. He did not wait for government. He used his own money to fence the entire school. He has shown that he is not just a talker, he is a doer. Our children will forever be grateful to him," a parent in the constituency said.

Hon. Adebisi described the Governor's assurance as a victory for education, for parents, for youths, and for the entire future of Ibadan Southwest Constituency 1, adding that the school, when fully established, will bring enormous benefits to the area.

He listed the benefits to include easy access to quality secondary education, reduction in the burden of transportation on parents, improved safety for students, creation of teaching and non-teaching jobs for indigenes, and overall socio-economic development of the constituency.

 "This school will change the story of Ibadan Southwest Constituency 1. Our children will no longer trek far to go to school. Our parents will no longer spend huge money on transport. Our youths will have hope. This is the beginning of a new era," he declared.

The lawmaker assured the people that he will continue to follow up on the Governor's assurance until the approval is fully issued, the school is staffed, equipped and fully functional, and the first set of students are admitted.

He also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, parents, youths and all stakeholders to continue to support and protect the project, stressing that the school belongs to everyone in the constituency.

"I want to appeal to my people to own this project. This is our school. This is our future. Let us protect it, let us support it, and let us pray for it. I will not rest until the first secondary school in Ibadan Southwest Constituency 1 is standing, functioning and producing future governors, doctors, lawyers, engineers and leaders," he said.

The news of the Governor's assurance has been greeted with widespread jubilation across the wards in Ibadan Southwest Constituency 1, with parents, students, teachers, youth groups, market women and community leaders describing it as a dream come true.

Many stakeholders praised Governor Makinde for his commitment to education and praised Hon. Adebisi for his doggedness, lobbying, and personal sacrifices which have now yielded result.

Political observers say the development has further cemented Hon. Adebisi's reputation as one of the most effective, grassroots-oriented and results-driven lawmakers in the Oyo State House of Assembly, and as a true ambassador of Ibadan Southwest.

YUSUF ADEBISI CELEBRATES AKINSETE OLAKUNLE ON HIS BIRTHDAY, DESCRIBES HIM AS HOPE OF IBADAN SOUTHWEST 2

 

Hon. Akinsete and Hon. Yusuf Adebisi, Chairman House committee on Youth and Sports.

- It was a day of joy, celebration and goodwill in Ibadan Southwest Constituency 2 as Hon. Yusuf Adebisi, Oyo House of Assembly Deputy Chief whip, a prominent chieftain of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), led party leaders, supporters and well-wishers to celebrate the birthday of Hon. Akinsete Olakunle, the party's candidate for the House of Assembly seat for Ibadan Southwest Constituency 2.

In a heartfelt birthday message released in Ibadan today, Hon. Adebisi described Akinsete Olakunle as a very young, agile and dynamic youth who has proven himself to be highly responsible, reliable and dependable in all his dealings.

According to Hon. Adebisi, Olakunle represents the new generation of leadership that the constituency and Oyo State have been yearning for - a leadership built on integrity, hard work, humility and genuine service to the people.

"Today, I join family, friends, party faithful and the good people of Ibadan Southwest Constituency 2 to celebrate a worthy son, a brother and a rising star, Hon. Akinsete Olakunle, on the occasion of his birthday," Hon. Adebisi said.

 "Olakunle is a very young, agile and dynamic youth. In all my dealings with him, he has proven to be very responsible and reliable. He is a man of his word, a man of character, and a man who genuinely loves his people."

Hon. Adebisi noted that Olakunle's decision to contest for the House of Assembly seat under the platform of the great party, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), is not by accident, but a clear demonstration of his passion to serve, to give voice to the voiceless, and to bring quality representation to the people of Ibadan Southwest Constituency 2.

He said the APM is proud to present such a credible and capable candidate, adding that with Olakunle, the constituency is assured of a representative who will prioritize youth empowerment, education, job creation, community development and the welfare of women, elders and the less privileged.

 "As our candidate for the House of Assembly, Ibadan Southwest Constituency 2, under our great party, the Allied Peoples Movement, we are confident that he will not disappoint. He is prepared, he is focused, and he is ready to serve," Adebisi added.

 "On this special day, I wish him the very best - long life in good health, more wisdom, more grace, more strength, and overwhelming victory in the forthcoming election. May this new year of his life open greater doors for him and for our constituency."

The birthday celebration attracted congratulatory messages from APM leaders, ward chairmen, youth groups, women leaders, community leaders, friends and associates across Ibadan, who all described Olakunle as a humble, accessible and visionary young leader.

Many of them expressed optimism that his candidacy will bring a breath of fresh air to the politics of Ibadan Southwest and usher in a new era of purposeful representation.

As the celebrations continue across the constituency, Hon. Adebisi urged party members and supporters to continue to rally round Olakunle and to keep him in their prayers as he marks another year of impactful life.

Lagos, Ogun Move to Strengthen Regulation of Traditional Medicine

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--As the Ogun State Counterpart understudies Lagos 

The Lagos and Ogun State governments are exploring stronger institutional collaboration to improve the regulation of traditional medicine, promote safe healthcare practices and preserve indigenous medical knowledge, amid growing calls for standards, accountability and professionalism in the sector.

The proposed partnership emerged during a working visit by a delegation of the Ogun State Alternative Medicine Board to the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, where the visiting team sought to understudy Lagos' regulatory framework, institutional operations and strategies for improving traditional medicine administration.

Receiving the delegation on Lagos Island, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Babatunde Adele, said the agency was ready to share its experience and expertise with its Ogun counterpart to strengthen regulation and encourage best practices in the administration of traditional medicine.

Adele disclosed that the Board, established in 1980, had registered 9,645 active traditional medicine practitioners, explaining that its regulatory responsibilities extended beyond registration to include professional development, monitoring and the promotion of responsible healthcare practices.

He said the Board had introduced regular training programmes and a code of conduct for practitioners as part of efforts to improve professional standards, strengthen accountability and check the activities of unregulated operators.

According to him, the agency is also pursuing institutional and infrastructural initiatives aimed at repositioning traditional medicine through research, documentation, standardisation and improved service delivery.

Among the initiatives highlighted were the establishment of a botanical garden in Epe, plans to establish additional traditional medicine clinics and laboratories, as well as the creation of zonal offices to bring the Board's regulatory services closer to practitioners and members of the public.

Adele reaffirmed the agency's commitment to modernising and protecting traditional medicine through research, strategic partnerships and effective regulatory mechanisms, stressing the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge while ensuring that its practice meets acceptable standards of safety and professionalism.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary and Registrar of the Ogun State Alternative Medicine Board, Dr Charles Erinle, commended the Lagos Board for its institutional achievements and regulatory initiatives.

Erinle explained that the visit was designed to provide his team with first-hand knowledge of Lagos' operational structure, administrative processes and regulatory strategies, which could serve as useful models for strengthening alternative medicine administration in Ogun State.

He said the delegation was particularly interested in gaining practical insights, identifying areas of mutual cooperation and adopting proven approaches that could improve the regulation and development of traditional medicine in Ogun.

Also speaking, a former member of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board and Chief Executive Officer/Director of Royal Holistic College of Traditional Medicine, Lagos, Dr. Tajudeen Olusesi, commended the Board for creating an enabling environment for the development of organised traditional medicine practice.

Olusesi noted that the Board had encouraged the establishment of model institutions and service centres, including traditional medicine training institutions, clinics, botanical gardens, herbal centres and drug manufacturing facilities.

He explained that the introduction of a data management system, alongside the registration and periodic renewal of practitioners' licences, had become an important mechanism for identifying genuinely active practitioners and addressing the challenge of inactive registrations.

According to him, the policy would strengthen the Board's database, improve regulatory oversight and provide a more reliable framework for monitoring practitioners within the sector.

In her vote of thanks, a member of the Ogun State delegation, Mrs Adu Olufunke, expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board for their hospitality, openness and willingness to share valuable institutional experience.

She said the delegation was impressed by the presentations and operational insights received during the visit, adding that the knowledge acquired would be useful in strengthening the Ogun Board's regulatory activities.

Olufunke assured the host institution that the delegation would put the lessons learnt into practice, while expressing optimism that the engagement would translate into sustained cooperation between both states.

The proposed collaboration is expected to provide an opportunity for both institutions to exchange regulatory expertise, strengthen professional standards and promote a more organised traditional medicine sector.

Beyond institutional cooperation, the engagement underscores the importance of ensuring that traditional medicine development is supported by credible regulation, scientific research, proper documentation and safeguards that protect public health while preserving valuable indigenous medical knowledge.

OYO UNITY CUP BANGER: ENCOURAGING GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL TALENTS

Every society that wants to move forward depends on its youths. The youths are called the engine room of the society because, just like an engine powers a car, the youths power the nation with their strength, energy, ideas, and creativity. If the engine is weak, the car cannot move. If the youths are neglected, the society cannot develop.

*Who Are The Youths?*

The youths are young people, usually between the ages of 15 and 35. They are the most active population in any community. They are students, apprentices, young workers, young farmers, and young mothers and fathers.

*Why Are Youths The Engine Room Of The Society?*

1. *Source of Strength and Labour:* They do most of the physical work - in farms, markets, construction, and factories.

2. *Source of New Ideas:* Youths are more open to new technology, innovation, and change. They bring fresh ideas that can solve old problems.

3. *Agents of Development:* They are the future leaders, teachers, doctors, and presidents. What they learn today will decide what the society becomes tomorrow.

4. *Defenders of Society:* In times of need, youths are the ones who volunteer, protect, and rebuild their communities.

5. *Custodians of Culture:* They are the ones who can keep good cultural values and also blend them with modern life.

When youths are idle, unemployed, or involved in crime and drug abuse, the whole society suffers. That is why it is very important to engage and empower them positively.

The BOMVN Agenda

Football is more than just a game, especially in Nigeria. It is a language that every youth understands, whether in Lagos, Ogbomoso, or a small village. It is the cheapest and most powerful tool to gather and empower youths.

The Rationale Behind the BOMVN Move 

*1. Talent Discovery and Development:*

Many great stars like Jay-Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, and Victor Osimhen started from dusty street fields. By organizing inter-street, inter-school, and inter-community competitions (like Principal's Cup, Community Shield), we can discover raw talents and connect them to academies.

*2. Job Creation and Economic Empowerment:*

Football does not only empower the 11 players on the pitch. It creates jobs for coaches, referees, jersey makers, photographers, commentators, and event organizers. A youth who may not be a good player can become a good coach or referee.

*3. Education and Scholarships:*

Football can be used to keep youths in school. A program can be made where a student must pass his subjects to be allowed to play in the school team. Many youths have gotten scholarships to secondary schools and universities in Nigeria and abroad through football.

*4. Reducing Crime and Social Vices:*

An idle mind is the devil's workshop. When youths are busy training in the evening three times a week, they have less time for cultism, internet fraud (yahoo-yahoo), and drug abuse. The football field teaches discipline, teamwork, respect for rules, and time management.

*5. Promoting Peace and Unity:*

Football brings together Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Christian, and Muslim youths to play on the same team. In the grassroots, it can settle community quarrels and promote peace.

Signed:

THE BIMBO-OPEN MANDATE VOLUNTEER NETWORK 

(BOMVN)

₦70,000 Transport Support: Adewole Adebayo Accuses Tinubu of ‘Vote Buying by Trick’

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has criticised the Tinubu-led administration’s proposed ₦70,000 transport intervention for Nigerian workers, describing it as a political gimmick designed to influence voters ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Adebayo, in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by his campaign’s Chief Media and Communications Adviser, Comrade Mark Adebayo, questioned the sincerity of the Federal Government’s intervention, arguing that a temporary 90-day relief package would not address the underlying economic challenges facing Nigerian workers.

He described the intervention as a “Greek gift,” alleging that it was intended to win public support without providing lasting solutions to the country’s economic difficulties.

The SDP presidential candidate accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of adopting short-term measures rather than implementing sustainable economic policies capable of improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

“This fire-brigade approach to governance is proof that the APC administration completely lacks sustainable ideas for Nigeria’s development,” the statement quoted him as saying.

He argued that instead of investing in enduring infrastructure and creating conditions for sustainable wealth generation, the government had resorted to temporary interventions that, according to him, would leave Nigerians vulnerable to economic hardship after the election period.

“Instead of building enduring infrastructure and creating systemic wealth, they resort to confusionist actions and short-term bribes that only serve to further entrench Nigerians in multidimensional poverty once the election cycle is over,” he said.

Adebayo also pledged to introduce comprehensive economic reforms if elected president, promising policies aimed at improving workers’ welfare, strengthening the economy and increasing citizens’ purchasing power.

According to him, his administration would prioritise a sustainable living wage for Nigerian workers rather than relying on temporary financial interventions to cushion the effects of economic hardship.

He maintained that a comprehensive overhaul of the economy was necessary to reverse the country’s economic difficulties and establish a system that would enable citizens to enjoy improved living standards.

The SDP flagbearer further expressed confidence in his proposed development blueprint, titled “Farewell to Poverty and Insecurity,” which he said contained the policies required to transform Nigeria’s socioeconomic fortunes.

He pledged that his proposed administration would focus on sustainable development, improved security and lasting prosperity for Nigerians.

“I have the best plans for the total and complete socioeconomic transformation of Nigeria, and I am the best prepared and capable among all the presidential candidates,” the statement quoted Adebayo as saying.

The campaign reiterated its position that Nigeria required long-term economic planning and sustainable development policies rather than temporary interventions to address the challenges confronting workers and other citizens.

Lagos Disburses Grants, Equipment to Over 100 Small Businesses

The Lagos State Government has provided grants, work tools and productive equipment to more than100 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship, boost productivity and promote job creation.

The intervention was announced by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Nana-Hauwa Adeeyo, at the 2026 MSME Day Celebration, Awards and Grant Presentation Ceremony held at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja.

Adeeyo disclosed that the beneficiaries were selected from the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State, reflecting the government's commitment to ensuring that enterprise development initiatives reach business owners across different communities.

She explained that the initiative was designed to translate the state government's enterprise development policies into practical support that would enable small businesses to expand their operations, improve productivity and achieve long-term sustainability.

Speaking on the theme, “Empowering MSMEs Through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development,” Adeeyo described MSMEs as critical drivers of employment, local production, household income and economic growth.

She stressed that supporting the growth of small businesses was essential to building a more productive, competitive and resilient Lagos economy.

According to her, the grants and equipment were intended to help beneficiaries increase output, improve product quality, enhance service delivery and expand their businesses.

She, however, urged the beneficiaries to deploy the resources responsibly, prioritising investments that would deliver sustainable business growth and create employment opportunities.

The governor's aide also highlighted the Lagos State Access to Finance for MSMEs through Cooperatives (LASMECO) Scheme, which is backed by a ₦10 billion financing framework, as one of the government's key initiatives for improving access to capital.

She explained that the scheme leverages cooperative structures to promote savings, resource pooling and improved access to financing and business opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Adeeyo further identified the Lagos State Export Readiness Programme as a strategic platform for preparing local enterprises to access wider markets.

She said the programme focuses on improving product quality, standardisation, certification and packaging to strengthen the competitiveness of Lagos-based businesses and enhance their participation in global value chains.

On industrial development, she noted that the Lagos State Industrial Policy was designed to strengthen local production and supply chains while creating opportunities for MSMEs to participate in industrial growth as manufacturers, suppliers and service providers.

She added that the state government's Ease of Doing Business agenda and One-Stop-Shop initiative were aimed at simplifying administrative procedures, improving access to public services and creating a more business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs and investors.

Adeeyo encouraged business owners to embrace innovation, digital technology, sound financial management and sustainable production practices to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging business environment.

She emphasised that government interventions must translate into measurable improvements in productivity, business expansion and employment generation.

The governor's aide also underscored the importance of inclusive enterprise development, particularly for women, young people and vulnerable groups, calling for stronger collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, development partners and private-sector stakeholders.

According to her, such partnerships would help expand entrepreneurs' access to finance, technical skills, markets and productive assets, thereby strengthening the capacity of MSMEs to contribute meaningfully to economic development.

The event attracted government officials, industry leaders, financial institutions, development partners, business associations and entrepreneurs, who gathered to celebrate outstanding business performance and explore strategies for sustainable MSME development.

The initiative underscores the Lagos State Government's commitment to strengthening grassroots enterprises, promoting local industrial development and positioning small businesses as major contributors to job creation and economic resilience.