In a landmark stride toward sustainable education, Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has powered the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Igangan, with high-capacity solar inverters and panels.

This is contained in a statement issued by his media office and made available to newsmen on Friday.

The project, executed by Casbern Global Services Limited, guarantees uninterrupted electricity supply to classrooms, workshops, and laboratories, revolutionising teaching, learning as well as innovation at the institution.

Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Ariwoola, lauded the senator’s efforts, describing the solar installation as laudable, enormous, and a blessing to both the school and the Igangan community.

The monarch said Senator Alli had consistently proven himself as a promise keeper, noting that this project, done in his honour, would be remembered as a landmark gift.

He added that the entire Igangan community, including parents and stakeholders, would send a formal letter of appreciation to the senator for his transformative gesture.

Mr. Ademola Adegoke, Chairman of FSTC PTA, said they had never experienced such support from any representative like Senator Alli, who kept his promise to deliver the project.

He recalled that three weeks ago, they contacted Senator Alli again, and he promptly linked him with the contractor, who commenced and completed the solar project within a week.

Adegoke described the project as a great development for the school and community. He appreciated the senator, praying God to bless him and grant his heart’s desires.

The Principal of FSTC Igangan, Mr. Kehinde Onatayo, also applauded the senator, describing the intervention as massive, impressive and one that would significantly transform the academic environment.

Onatayo said the school had suffered for years from unstable electricity, which limited innovation in laboratories, ICT centres, and workshops where constant power supply is crucial.

He assured that the school would make judicious use of the solar project, ensuring that students and staff maximised its benefits to enhance technical and science-based education.

Senator Alli, representing Oyo South, described the intervention as part of his commitment to advancing functional education, bridging traditional learning gaps, and preparing youths for the 21st-century knowledge-driven economy.

He reaffirmed his belief that functional education powered by technology was key to sustainable development, self-reliance and youth empowerment in Nigeria.

He stressed that by embracing renewable energy, schools could cut costs, protect the environment, and inspire innovation that drives long-term national progress.

Alli pledged to continue initiating people-centered projects that directly improve lives, stressing that his commitment to quality education and green energy adoption remained unwavering.

Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja remains a great figure whose ascendancy to limelight through life journey cuts across manufacturing, farming, politics, and now chieftaincy titles and traditional leadership. His very modest life embodies resilience and determination. His foray into politics elevated him further, as he became a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and later in 2003, the Governor of Oyo State. In both roles, he earned a reputation for courage, accessibility, and people centered leadership.

His name commands loyalty because of the immense goodwill and trust he enjoys among his people, a trust that has endured years of political turbulence and public service.

Like the rays of the sun that touch every corner of the earth regardless of barriers, his influence spreads across civil servants, pensioners, artisans, traders, farmers, and business owners. This affection is even more visible in the villages of Oluyole, Ona Ara, Lagelu, Egbeda, and Akinyele local government areas where his leadership footprint lingers. He has become a father figure for the rural poor and a symbol of stability for the urban class, a bridge between the grassroots and the elites.

In recent history of Ibadan monarchy, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan-elect stands tall as a new chapter of tradition, political dynamism and modernity combined. He is a king who understands both the language of diplomacy and the demands of everyday governance. His political savvy means he will be a monarch who wears the crown and wields influence intelligently, guiding Ibadan with the wisdom of experience and the dignity of culture. His reign will be like rainfall after a long dry season signalling a period of refreshing, growth, and renewed confidence for Ibadanland.

This outgoing week, I was on the political entourage of the Matriarch of Ajimobi dynasty, Chief Mrs. Florence Ajimobi JP to pay homage to the Olubadan elect at his Ibadan residence. It was a profound and memorable occasion. And sitting down in the expansive sitting room of Kabiyesi brought back nostalgia.

The memory of my personal political journey still connects me to Kabiyesi. In 2011, as the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for Ona Ara State Constituency, I felt the overwhelming might of his political machinery. Though my defeat came at the polls, I realized that it was not a loss to my opponent but rather a collision with the enduring influence of Rashidi Ladoja, who at that time was the face of Accord Party in Oyo State. The people of Ona Ara LG revered him deeply, and their votes reflected their loyalty to his ideals. That experience taught me an unforgettable lesson, and my resolution was that any political contest directly against him in Ona Ara LG was not only unwise but also almost unwinnable.

As we look towards the 2027 general elections, it becomes imperative for all sons and daughters of Ibadanland to cherish and honour the palace of Olubadan. The palace should be a symbol of tradition and a rallying point for development, unity, and progress especially for the villages and communities of Ibadan under Oyo Central Senatorial District, where underdevelopment and neglect have long plagued them. The role of the Olubadan-elect is crucial and using his exalted seat in liberating us must prioritize the forgotten villages, the neglected communities, and the marginalized voices that deserve inclusion in the greater narrative of progress of Ibadanland. With his influence and wisdom, he is well positioned to be the monarch that bridges the gap between forgotten communities and the promise of modern development of Ibadan using our strength.

As Kabiyesi marks his 81st birthday and coronation ceremony, we celebrate our King, a man, an institution, a leader and a living legend. Kabiyesi, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, may your reign be peaceful, serene, prosperous, and progressive for Ibadan sons and daughters. May your time on the throne as Olubadan bring joy to both young and old, fostering expansive commerce and industrialisation, developmental politics, and the empowerment of our youths. Kabiyesi must expand the liberational theory of the youth of Ibadanland, giving them the courage to thrive in every sphere of life. Baba must remain a king for all as the people await the light of your leadership like the rising sun over the ancient hills of Ibadan filled and full of hope.

Happy 81st birthday, Sir. Igba Odun, Odun kan. Ase!!!

In a bid to ease the burden on parents and promote education as the foundation of community development, Hon. Akinjide Kazeem Akinola, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and House of Representatives hopeful for Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, has rolled out a N12.5 million Back-to-School Support Initiative through the AKA Foundation.

The gesture comes at a critical time when many families are struggling with the economic realities of the nation, making it difficult to provide essential school materials and fees for their children. N50,000 will be given to each of the 250 parents/beneficiaries of the initiative.

Akinola explained that the initiative is more than just financial relief for parents but a concrete step towards giving children the tools they need to succeed. According to him, “When we invest in education, we invest in our economy. When we support children, we secure the future of our constituency. And when we ease the burden on parents, we strengthen the entire community.”

To ensure fairness and transparency, an ad hoc team has been set up to coordinate the process, with the mandate to generate 250 names of beneficiaries through the APC structure within the constituency.

He further stressed that the programme is a reflection of his vision to always put the constituency first, noting that education remains the most powerful investment any society can make toward its future.

The initiative has been widely applauded by stakeholders and party members, describing it as timely and impactful, especially at a period when the rising cost of living has turned the new school year into a source of worry instead of joy for many families.

With this support, parents in Egbeda/Ona-Ara are assured of relief, while children are better positioned for academic excellence as the new school session commences.

Hon. Akinjide Kazeem Akinola’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond education, including business support initiatives, provision of motorized boreholes, and health assistance. According to him “We need to do more to advance the cause of humanity within our respective society,” he affirmed. The AKA Foundation’s initiatives demonstrate a commitment to improving livelihoods and fostering community growth.

‎An All Progressives Congress (APC) group in Oyo State, the Emerging Leaders has heartily congratulated Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda on his emergence as the party’s new National Chairman.
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‎The group in a communique issued at the end of its regular meeting held on Saturday, 6th September, 2025 in Ibadan described Yilwatda’s election as timely and a welcome development to the fairness known with the party.
The APC block on the emergence of the new national chairman passed a vote of no confidence on the party’s leadership for its undemocratic conduct towards the selection of the party candidate for the August 16th Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election.
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‎Following the dismal outcome of the poll, the body charged the national leadership of the party to address the root cause of the series of failures in the party from the 2023 transitions by ensuring free, fair, and credible congresses that would be appealing to the appreciable party members and supporters in the future electioneering.
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‎The call, according to the group, is to avoid the repeat of the last (2023) sham congresses that resulted in massive and disgraceful loss of resources and fortunes of the party.
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‎The congregation, therefore, demanded that 70 percent of the party’s elective offices from the ward to national levels be conceded to the younger elements in the next party’s selections to ensure more effective and all-inclusive administration in the government.
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‎Addressing the rewarding system at the central level, the Emerging Leaders charged the national gladiators to look inward to correct the anomalies, to encourage and appease the committed members who are tirelessly working for the cohesion and progress of the party at the grassroots.
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‎The gathering, in its conclusion, called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the regional and national leaders of the party, to look beyond the two reigning state actors instigating disunity and fragmentation of the structure for a lasting solution towards the success of the party in the 2027 general elections.
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The communiqué was signed by Saheed Lekan-Olayiwola, Hon. Adetoyose Ishola Akeem, Mogaji Abiola Oyeyemi, Samsudeen Popoola, Folarin Martin, Sabur Yusuf, Ezekiel Ayansola, Adediran Alao, Temitope Alamu, Salahudeen Adepoju, Maruf Adebayo, Aleem Orelope, Kazeem Tijani, Yusuf Azeez, Shittu Abede, Akinleye Akinkunmi, and Hon. Aponmode Adewale.

Former governorship candidate of National Interest Party (NIP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Hon. Bolanle Aminat Sarumi-Aliyu (BASA), has accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of betraying her trust after allegedly promising to support her political ambition but failing to deliver when it mattered most.

BASA made the revelation while speaking in an interview with broadcaster Edmond Obilo in Ibadan, where she detailed her political journey and her experience with the governor ahead of the 2023 elections.

The politician, who contested the 2019 governorship election under the platform of the National Interest Party (NIP), said she never stepped down for Makinde or any other candidate despite rumours at the time.

“I didn’t step down for Governor Seyi Makinde, Adelabu, or anybody. Weeks before the election, when political giants like Senator Lanlehin and Senator Sarafadeen stepped down, rumours spread that I had too. But I never stepped down because I had my own mission and goal. I believed I would make the best governor in this country,” she stated.

BASA explained that after her party, NIP, was deregistered by INEC along with over 80 others, she decided to join the PDP and subsequently met with Governor Makinde, where both reached an understanding.

“I told him I would support his mission, but I also asked for his support to contest for Senate or House of Representatives in 2023. He assured me of his backing, saying women were not enough in politics and promising to ensure at least three women would get tickets to the Federal House and three to the State Assembly. On that basis, he appointed me as Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters in 2020,” BASA said.

She added that working with the governor was initially rewarding, but as the 2023 primaries drew closer, his promises were not kept.

“I gave my sweat, blood, and resources to work for him because the salary was nothing compared to what I spent. One year before the primaries, I reminded him of his promise, but he kept telling me to relax. By then, more political giants were coming in, spending money, and I could see things weren’t right,” she recalled.

According to her, three days before the primaries, she had already resigned from her position as SSA to contest, only to be sidelined.

“In the end, he abandoned me. My cousin emerged as the PDP candidate for Ibadan North Federal Constituency. The governor dumped our local government and didn’t support me, despite promising me for over two years,” she lamented.

BASA further alleged that while Governor Makinde intervened and secured tickets for aspirants in other constituencies, he refused to do the same for Ibadan North.

“I watched him give tickets to candidates in other places. For instance, he insisted on Agboworin returning in Ibadan North-East because he was doing well. But when it came to Ibadan North, he claimed there was no consensus and pushed us to primaries. I told him I wasn’t interested because that meant I had no chance. That was how he disappointed and abandoned me and my local government,” she concluded.