Rountrip

By Dare Abejide In every democracy, criticism is welcome. But when criticism drifts into distortion, it becomes necessary to correct the record. Recent commentaries portraying the representation of Ekiti North Federal Constituency II as “dormant” and “docile” are not only misleading; they are fundamentally disconnected from verifiable facts on the ground. Representation is not a talent show measured by volume or theatrics. It is a responsibility assessed by legislative output, constituency impact, and accountable use of public mandate. On these metrics, the record of Hon. Akinlayo Davidson Kolawole stands firm. Contrary to claims of legislative silence, Hon. Kolawole has actively engaged the National Assembly in ways that directly benefit Ekiti North II. He has sponsored bills for the establishment of a School of Nursing in Ikosu Ekiti and a School of Agriculture in Otun Ekiti, institutions designed to expand access to education, strengthen human capital, and stimulate local economies....

The Senate Committee on Finance has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for launching Nigeria's National Halal Economy Strategy, describing it as a bold and strategic move to position the country within the lucrative global halal market, estimated at $7.7 trillion. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Senator Sani Musa, the committee praised the initiative as timely and aligned with international best practices. Several countries—including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Brazil, Thailand, and Singapore—have successfully used halal frameworks to boost manufacturing, agricultural exports, financial markets, and foreign investment. The committee highlighted Nigeria's strong advantages for success in this space, including its vast agricultural resources, large domestic market, youthful population, growing manufacturing sector, and expanding services industry. It noted that the strategy fits seamlessly i...

A human rights group, the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), has called for investigations into the killings of six traders in Owode Onirin area of Lagos State in August 2025 by suspected thugs. Addressing the media on Monday at the International Press Centre (IPC), Ogba, Lagos, on the recent protest at the gate of the Lagos State House of Assembly over the demolitions carried out in some parts of the state that led to altercation between the protesters and the security agencies, the President of CHSR, Comrade Alex Omotehinse said that the people have rights to protest. Omoteshinse said that the issue should have been handled better by the security agencies, while calling for an end to interference in lawful civic coalitions and protests. “We demand an independent investigation into the killing of the six Owode Onirin traders and killings in all other affected communities across the state. “We also want the prosecution of every individual and all accomplices involve in ...

A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State, Kayode Olubunmi Ojo, has accused the state government and security agencies of harassing, arresting and economically victimising his supporters over their alleged loyalty to his 2026 ambition. Ojo, an engineer, made the allegation in a statement on Saturday, claiming that APC members backing his governorship bid were being treated as enemies within the ruling party. He described the situation as “a serious assault on democracy, the rule of law and internal party freedom in Ekiti State.” According to him, his supporters across the state have been subjected to arrests, attempted arrests, intimidation, surveillance, unlawful detention and denial of statutory entitlements. He listed some of those allegedly affected to include Bayo Aderiye in Ado-Ekiti, Taiwo Fabiyi in Emure-Ekiti, Obebe Oluwafemi Ayekooto in Otun-Ekiti, Olugbenga Kayejo in Ikere-Ekiti, as well as members of the APC Ward Executive in Ikoro-Ekiti. Ojo s...

The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Prince Adedayo Ladega, has earned a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) at its 56th Convocation Ceremony held at the Akoka campus. According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, Akeem Mustapha, the academic milestone reflects Hon. Ladega’s commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in public service. Hon. Ladega graduated alongside other students at the ceremony, which attracted academics, government officials, and members of the public. The statement noted that the MPA programme strengthens his capacity to integrate advanced public administration principles with practical governance for sustainable development in Ikorodu. Reacting to the achievement, Hon. Ladega expressed appreciation to the University of Lagos for its role in developing leaders and reaffirmed his determination to deploy the knowledge and competencies acquired from the program...

The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has poured glowing tributes on the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their heroic outing and bronze medal triumph at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing their performance as a victory of spirit, courage, and national pride. Governor Abiodun saluted the Eagles for playing what many adjudged as the most exhilarating and dominant football at the tournament, noting that the team went unbeaten in regulation time throughout the competition, winning all their matches except the semi-final, which was decided by the lottery of penalties. He noted that Nigeria’s outstanding record—scoring the highest number of goals in the group stage and conceding none in the knockout rounds before the semi-final—was a testament to the team’s quality, discipline, and the enduring excellence of Nigerian football. The Ogun State Governor further praised the Eagles for their resilience and mental strength, parti...