OKE OGUN: THE BEST AS CAPITAL FOR THE PROPOSED NEW OYO STATE.

Following the Senate public hearing held in Lagos earlier this month in respect to the state creation, the Senate has in their Friday 11th July plenary proposed the creaction of 12 new states with 2 in each geo-political zone. This development had Ibadan and Ijebu States proposed from the present Oyo and Ogun states respectively. And in all fairness to the Senate, they have done a great job that will enable easy passage of the bill, having conspicuously considered the landmass of some of the shortchanged states in the last creation.

By that arrangement, Ibadan is going with Ibarapa, leaving ÒkèÒgùn, Oyo and Ogbomoso in the new Oyo State. The siting of new Oyo State Capital should ordinarily not be a topic of debate and should ACTUALLY NOT. By every standard, ÒkèÒgùn is naturally positioned as the most suitable location for the capital of the new Oyo State. Factors like landmass, Population, natural resources, centralization, huge infrastructure, Economy, Tourist sites, Food Security, and presence of Research Centers and Higher Institutions of Learning are outstanding qualifications for ÒkèÒgùn to be sited as capital.

Beyond all sentiments, ÒkèÒgùn represents about 47.57% of the total landmass of the present Oyo State; it will represent more than 65% of the proposed new Oyo state. And by numbers of Local Government Area, ÒkèÒgùn has 10 LGAs which is the largest amongst the rest of it's co- proposed journeyers; Ogbomoso with 5 LGAs and Oyo with 4 LGAs. For a fact! ÒkèÒgùn with its 13,537km2 area is 2 to 4 times bigger than Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Ekiti and Lagos States. So, if it can not stand as a state for now, being a capital would be fair.

Talking about natural resources deposits, no other region other than ÒkèÒgùn in either of the present Oyo State or the proposed new Oyo State (with the exit of Ibadan and Ibarapa) that has an inch of the natural resources and precious stones the nature has blessed ÒkèÒgùn with; amongst which are gold, marble, kaolin, granite, iron-ore, tantalite, talc, beryl etc. They are all available in commercial quantities in ÒkèÒgùn.

Going by Centralization: ÒkèÒgùn is so central and naturally positioned such that one can easily connect from anywhere within and outside the state. There are good road networks suitable to navigate to state capital from Ogun, Kwara, the proposed Ibadan state and even beyond.

On infrastructure, the Ikere Gorge Dam in Iseyin is a huge source of Power/water Generation and distribution to the state and its neighbors. And apart from power and water security, this will attract investors and shall in no meagre measure boost the economy of the state. Need we also mention that the construction of the road that leads to Ikere Dam has commenced courtesy of Governor Seyi Makinde's administration and the long abandoned Power plant has also recently been approved for revamping by the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commence soon.

Iyake hanging lake in ÒkèÒgùn is a great site to behold for tourists. Colorado has the 2nd hanging lake in the world and it's boosting it's economy through same by way of tourism. The Federal Government will benefit hugely in this resource and the new state will also not suffer courtesy of this alone.

For Economy, virtually each town in ÒkèÒgùn has outstanding art that boosts economic activities. Iseyin is known for the great art of Aso Oke rated as best in the world; Ipapo for soap making, Shaki for quality Pot production and other towns for one art or the other. Aso Oke International Market in Iseyin is also a great one to lure investors to the new proposed state and shall be a major source of Economy booster.

ÒkèÒgùn being the food basket of Oyo State will do better in terms of Food Security upon attaining the State Capital status. The rich soil of the land coupled with the existence of Ikere dam will help farmers to engage in farming activities all year round produce.

A capital city should be one with serene environment with facilities that does not only make people comfortable but that will also add value to people; such is ÒkèÒgùn with library of International standard (Raji Oke-Esa Library) and Ebedi Residency for Literary works sitting comfortably in the heart of ÒkèÒgùn.

Aside other factors mentioned above, OkeOgun hosts a Federal University, a State University, a State Polytechnic, 2 private Polytechnics and a College of health Sciences. All these are lovely factors to be considered, as the new capital will not start from the scratch for those important requirements.

Finally, the National Assembly has gone this far, the completion of the process will determine what they shall be remembered for after now. It's only expected they are remembered for good, by placing the capital where it best suits. We can all ruminate on the words of Edmund Burke who said , "There is but one law for all, namely that law which governs all law, the law of our Creator, the law of humanity, justice, equity - the law of nature and of nations". The justice and equity here can only be NEW OYO STATE with ÒKÈÒGÙN as CAPITAL.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Babajide Oniyo, MNIQS, RQS,
President, Council of Iseyin Youths Organizations, CIYO.

Cc:
Aseyin of Iseyin Adeyeri III
Òkèrè of Sakí Ọba Khalid Olabisi
Okeho
Oba Saliu Azeez
From Alepata's Palace, Igboho.
Nigerian Senate
The Senate President - Nigeria
House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Senator Buhari AbdulFatai Ph.D
Alhaji Abayomi Oshine Oyedeji
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
@highlight

After completing the signing of Viktor Gyökeres which is the dream signing of every Arsenal fan.

The Noni Madueke signing now makes a whole lot of sense. We are agreeing not because Madueke is a bad player, we got angry because we think signing Madueke will sabotage our chance of signing a striker.

One thing is for sure, Noni Madueke is not a bad player at all. Replace that anger with the fact that we sign him from Chelsea and see the bigger picture of it. Then you will come to realize that Noni Madueke is going to cook in the Arsenal team.

FOR CONSULTANCY CONTACT:

E&E ABAN GLOBAL SERVICES LTD
NATIONWIDE

Our Services

At E&E Aban Global Services Limited, we offer a wide range of professional and reliable services tailored to meet the needs of individuals, organizations, and construction sites. Our key service areas include:

Office Cleaning Services

Comprehensive cleaning and maintenance solutions for corporate offices, ensuring a clean and hygienic working environment.

Residential (House) Cleaning Services

Thorough and efficient Cleaning for Homes, Apartments, and Estates Tailored for comfort, Health, and satisfaction.

Construction Site Cleaning

Specialized post Construction and ongoing Site Cleaning services to keep your Project Site organized, safe, and compliant.

After completing the signing of Viktor Gyökeres which is the dream signing of every Arsenal fan.

The Noni Madueke signing now makes a whole lot of sense. We are agreeing not because Madueke is a bad player, we got angry because we think signing Madueke will sabotage our chance of signing a striker.

One thing is for sure, Noni Madueke is not a bad player at all. Replace that anger with the fact that we sign him from Chelsea and see the bigger picture of it. Then you will come to realize that Noni Madueke is going to cook in the Arsenal team.

We are faced with the paradoxical fact that education has become one of the chief obstacles to intelligence and freedom of thought.

I know this world is ruled by infinite intelligence. Everything that surrounds us- everything that exists - proves that there are infinite laws behind it. There can be no denying this fact. It is mathematical in its precision.

The modern mind is in complete disarray. Knowledge has stretched itself to the point where neither the world nor our intelligence can find any foot-hold. It is a fact that we are suffering from nihilism.

Falana Berates Kemi Badenoch over claim that she cannot pass Nigerian citizenship to her children | ABK News

Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has lashed out at British Conservative politician Kemi Badenoch over her claim that she cannot pass Nigerian citizenship to her children because she is a woman.

Badenoch, the former UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade and a leading figure in the Conservative Party, made the controversial remark during an interview with Fareed Zakaria on CNN on Sunday. Speaking about immigration and citizenship laws, she claimed Nigerian legislation does not allow women to confer nationality on their children.

“It’s virtually impossible, for example, to get Nigerian citizenship. I have that citizenship by virtue of my parents. I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman,” Badenoch said. “Yet loads of Nigerians come to the UK and stay for a relatively free period of time, acquire British citizenship. We need to stop being naive.”

In a strongly worded response on Monday, Falana described Badenoch’s statement as “a display of utter ignorance” and accused her of misinforming the British public to score political points.

“In her desperate attempt to impress the British electorate, Kemi Badenoch keeps running down Nigeria,” Falana said in a statement issued in Lagos.

He cited Section 25(b) and (c) of the Nigerian Constitution to debunk her claims, stating clearly that a child born outside Nigeria to a Nigerian parent regardless of gender is entitled to citizenship.

“Contrary to her misleading claim, your children are Nigerians because you are a Nigerian,” Falana stated. “Her assertion that she cannot give Nigerian citizenship to her children because she is a woman is not in consonance with Nigerian law.”

He further referenced Section 42(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits discrimination based on gender, birth, or class, saying, “Therefore, her two children are Nigerian citizens. The fact that she may not want them to claim it is irrelevant. For now, they are dual citizens of Britain and Nigeria.”

Falana also challenged Badenoch’s statement that Nigerian citizenship is “virtually impossible” for foreigners to obtain. He pointed out that Sections 26 and 27 of the Constitution allow foreigners to acquire Nigerian nationality through registration or naturalisation, once the legal requirements are met.

However, the senior advocate did acknowledge an area of concern in the law where gender inequality still exists.

“A woman married to a Nigerian man can be registered as a citizen, but the same privilege is not extended to a man married to a Nigerian woman. This reflects the patriarchal nature of the law. It should be urgently amended,” Falana said.

The debate has triggered reactions on both sides of the Atlantic, as Nigerians at home and abroad continue to challenge outdated gender provisions in legal frameworks.

Lagos Reporters will continue to track developments around diaspora citizenship rights and constitutional reforms affecting Nigerian identity.

15 COMMON LIES ABOUT CHURCH WEDDINGS YOU MUST STOP BELIEVING!

As a Christian marriage therapist, I’ve seen many young couples fall into the trap of wedding expectations that have no biblical or spiritual backing. These lies have led many into needless stress, debt, and even discouragement, all in the name of trying to have the "perfect" church wedding.

It’s time to debunk these myths and free you to focus on what truly matters — a blessed and beautiful marriage, not just a wedding event.

Here are 15 lies you should stop believing about Church weddings:

1. It Must Be on a Saturday
Not true. You can get married on any day of the week. In fact, the traditional wedding day used to be Thursday — hence the name “Wednesday” (i.e., Wed the next day). Your wedding is not about the day but the covenant.

2. It Must Be Inside the Church Auditorium
You don’t have to wed at the altar or sanctuary. A pastor’s office, a chapel, or even a simple hall can host your church wedding, as long as it’s officiated properly before witnesses.

3. You Must Wear a White Gown
White is a tradition, not a commandment. You can wear native attire, modest colors, or even a family dress style. Purity is a heart condition, not fabric color.

4. You Must Have a Bridal Train
A bridal train is for aesthetics, not necessity. What truly matters is bridal training, not bridal train. Invest in marriage preparation more than wedding decoration.

5. You Must Have a Grand Reception
Receptions are great for celebration, but not mandatory. If you can’t afford one, a thanksgiving service or light refreshment is more than enough.

6. You Must Wear a Wedding Ring
Rings are symbolic, not spiritual. The core of Christian wedding is the exchange of vows and blessings in God’s presence. Rings are an outward sign, but not a spiritual requirement.

7. A Wedding Cake Is Compulsory
A cake is lovely but optional. If you don’t have funds for it, don’t stretch yourself. It’s better to have a strong financial foundation than an extravagant dessert.

8. Only White Gowns Represent Purity
Purity is not a fabric issue. Wearing pink, gold, ivory, or traditional fabrics does not mean you're impure. God looks at the heart, not the color of your clothing.

9. The Wedding Must Be Loud and Expensive
Some of the best weddings are modest, simple, and intimate. A loud wedding doesn't equal a lasting marriage. Let your focus be love, not luxury.

10. You Must Do Pre-Wedding Photoshoots
Pre-wedding shoots are trendy but not compulsory. Don’t borrow or break your budget just to impress people who won’t help you pay rent after the honeymoon.

11. Bridal Shower Is a Church Requirement
Bridal showers are Hollywood creations, not biblical instructions. Enjoy one if you can afford it, but don’t see it as a spiritual obligation.

12. You Can Be Pregnant and Still Have a Church Wedding
Most Bible-based churches do not conduct weddings for pregnant couples. The idea is to maintain biblical order and present the bride and groom for a new covenant, not with added complications. This doesn’t mean condemnation, but rather a call to do things rightly and in order.

13. You Must Buy a New Wedding Gown
Many reputable stores now rent gowns for a fraction of the price. There's no shame in renting — it’s smart, especially for a dress you’ll likely wear just once.

14. You Must Invite a Huge Crowd
A wedding is not a concert. You don’t need a crowd to validate your union. A few loved ones, your pastor, and your faith are more than enough to begin your journey.

15. Expensive Wedding Equals Lasting Marriage
There is no connection between an expensive wedding and a successful marriage. In fact, financial pressure from a wedding can cause early conflict in marriage. Focus on your future, not impressing guests.

Lastly, dear singles and engaged couples, let wisdom guide you. A church wedding is about covenant, not cosmetics. Don’t fall for societal pressure. Start your marriage on faith, peace, and wise financial decisions.

May the Lord bless your union with joy and lasting love — not just a memorable wedding day.

Share this with someone who needs to know the truth!

Burna Boy has apologised for his comments criticising Afrobeats music, saying that they stemmed from a place of unhappiness.

The initial comments divided fan opinion back in 2023, when the Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer spoke to Zane Lowe for Apple Music, and shared that he thought the Afrobeats genre as a whole was devoid of any deeper meaning.

“Half of them, [actually,] 90 per cent of them, have almost no real-life experiences that they can understand,” he claimed. “That’s why you hear most Nigerian music, African Music, or Afrobeats, as people call it, is mostly about nothing, literally nothing.”

“There is no substance to it, like nobody is talking about anything. It’s just a great time, an amazing time,” he added. “But at the end of the day, life isn’t an amazing time.”

Now, two years on, the artist –who became the first African artist to headline a stadium show in the UK in 2023 – has looked back at his comments and said that it came in retaliation for feeling like he was being confined to one genre.

“I didn’t understand why people wanted my music to be inside one box,” he said when speaking to BBC 1Xtra’s Eddie Kadi, in a new interview.

Burna says he was "in a dark place mentally" when he made the comments.

"I wasn't the happiest man in the world," he says

He says the "division" his words caused helped him to "come to terms" with his opinion.

"I got the point of the Afrobeats tag in that moment," he says.

"I totally get it and I apologise for that confusion."

"I learnt to embrace the fact that I will always be different," he says.

"I'm not going to be the favourite but I'm going to be the best."