Author: Samson Oladejo

Rev’d S.A. Adeleke delivered a powerful sermon this morning at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Oko-Oke Itunu during the English Service, captivating the congregation with his impactful message and deep insights.

As the Church Pastor, Rev’d Adeleke emphasized themes of hope, faith, and community strength, encouraging attendees to foster a spirit of unity and compassion in these challenging times. The sermon resonated with many, sparking a renewed commitment to collective action within the church and surrounding community.

The atmosphere was charged with energy as congregation members engaged with the message, reflecting on their personal experiences and the importance of supporting one another. The service concluded with a call to action, inspiring attendees to carry forward the teachings into their daily lives.

In a pivotal move for the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, Vice Chancellor Prof. Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi, accompanied by the institution’s Principal Officers, made an impactful visit to the National Assembly on Thursday. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Honourable Kareem Tajudeen Abisodun, the representative for Saki West, Saki East, and ATISBO Federal Constituency.

The meeting fostered a positive atmosphere as discussions centered on the university’s progress and future development. Honourable Abisodun expressed enthusiasm for the establishment of the university, commending the management team for their dedication and efforts. He assured of his commitment to collaborating with fellow House members to comprehensively support the university’s objectives.

The Vice Chancellor and his team are grateful for Honourable Abisodun’s encouraging words and immediate show of support, reinforcing the institution’s mission to elevate educational standards and foster community growth.

1. By Moshood Alawiye

In Nigeria’s ever-energetic public conversation, we often debate politics, economics, and religion. But beneath the noise lies a quieter, more difficult question — one about who gets to be seen, heard, and treated as fully human. Across this country, many Nigerians live at the edges of visibility — people whose differences, identities, or ambitions do not fit easily into established expectations. Some are young people struggling to reconcile their personal realities with laws and norms that deny them recognition. Others are women whose careers and dreams shrink under the weight of tradition. Together, they form what might be called the unseen Nigerians — those who live within society’s moral and cultural blind spots.

The Cost of Being Invisible
In 2014, Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act made global headlines. Beyond prohibiting same-sex unions, it created a climate in which simply being perceived as “different” became dangerous. Many Nigerians withdrew further into silence, fearful of the law, the pulpit, and public opinion. Whatever one’s moral or religious stance, the result is clear in that, entire groups of citizens now live with constant fear of rejection, blackmail, and violence. It is a heavy burden for anyone to carry which is to feel that one’s country, culture, and community see your existence as a threat. The purpose of revisiting this issue is not to advocate for or against any lifestyle. It is to ask a deeper civic question: what does it say about a nation when difference itself becomes a crime?
Religion and culture are often cited in defence of exclusion. Yet both Christianity and Islam, Nigeria’s dominant faiths, place compassion at their core. “Love thy neighbour,” and “Do not judge, lest ye be judged,” are not mere scriptural slogans but are moral instructions. The challenge before us is not whether faith should guide society, but whether our interpretations of faith still reflect the mercy and humility we claim to value.

When Ambition Has a Gender
Exclusion takes other forms too — subtler, quieter, but just as costly. In Nigeria, a woman’s career and ambition are still often seen as temporary pursuits that must yield once marriage and motherhood begin. The unspoken assumption remains that a woman’s professional drive is admirable until it collides with domestic responsibility. This expectation, sometimes called the ambition tax, is paid daily by millions of women. It shows up in workplace discrimination, pay gaps, and social attitudes that praise men for working late but question women for doing the same. A man’s ambition is celebrated as family devotion; a woman’s is too often seen as neglect. The consequences go beyond individual frustration. When women’s potential is stifled, the entire economy loses out. Studies consistently show that societies with higher female participation in the workforce are more prosperous, innovative, and stable. Yet many Nigerian women still find themselves choosing between family loyalty and personal growth — a choice men are rarely asked to make.
Culture, Change, and the Courage to Rethink

The instinct to defend culture is understandable. But culture, by its nature, evolves. Our ancestors once justified practices — from twin killings to the exclusion of widows — that later generations rejected as unjust. Each reform was resisted in the name of “tradition,” yet history remembers those who had the courage to rethink. Today, our challenge is different but familiar which is how to uphold morality without losing humanity. To question a tradition or a law is not to reject it; it is to ask whether it still serves justice in our present reality. Faith and culture should guide us toward empathy, not away from it. True cultural pride lies not in how fiercely we exclude, but in how fairly we treat one another — especially those who cannot easily defend themselves.
A Nation of Shared Dignity

The way a society treats its most vulnerable says more about its moral strength than its rhetoric or religiosity. Whether it is the woman forced to abandon her career, the young man living in fear of rejection, or the child taught to hide their true self, the pattern is the same: we are too quick to judge, too slow to understand. No one is asking Nigerians to abandon faith, family, or tradition. The call is simpler: to see one another clearly. To accept that compassion does not weaken us; it dignifies us. A just Nigeria is not one where everyone must think or live alike. It is one where everyone can exist without fear — where a woman’s ambition is seen as strength, not rebellion; where moral conviction does not become a licence for cruelty; and where we recognise that every human life, however different, carries the same divine spark. The task before us is not to modernise our values but to humanise them. In doing so, we honour the best of our heritage — the belief that community, kindness, and fairness are the truest expressions of who we are.

Tension is rising in Ekiti State ahead of the scheduled visit of Engr. Kayode Ojo, a prominent contender in the 2026 governorship race, following allegations of threats directed at one of his supporters.

According to Mrs. Adenle, a local resident, the Ikere Local Government Chairman, Hon. Olu Adamolekun, and the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Victor, reportedly threatened her regarding her mobilization efforts for Ojo’s campaign. Mrs. Adenle alleged that the officials warned her to avoid Ikere and Ado, particularly as Ojo prepares for his consultation tour ahead of the All Progressive Congress (APC) primary election set for October 27, 2025.

Mrs. Adenle stated that she has alerted the police about the threats but continues to fear for her safety. She has called on authorities to ensure her protection.

Efforts to contact Hon. Olu Adamolekun and Mr. Victor for their comments on the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

In spite of the prevailing tension, supporters of Engr. Kayode Ojo are being encouraged to maintain peace and show up in large numbers to welcome the aspirant, who is seen by many as a credible and community-focused leader dedicated to the advancement of Ekiti State.

(Source: Solid Star News)

Are you ready to embark on a transformative educational journey? Under the visionary leadership of Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE), the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, we are proud to announce that our institution is ranked among Nigeria’s Top 10 Most Ethically Responsible Federal Polytechnics!

Why Choose Federal Polytechnic Ayede?

Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of ethics, creating a nurturing environment for our students.

Vision: Our management team, led by Dr. Abdul-Hameed, is committed to innovation and excellence, designing programs that prepare you for success in your chosen field.

Transformation: Experience a holistic educational approach that shapes both your academic and personal growth.

Accolades That Speak Volumes:

Integrity Icon of Nigeria

Best Rector of the Year

Face of Living Hero in Academia

These prestigious honors underscore our commitment to integrity, excellence, and transformational education. At Federal Polytechnic Ayede, we don’t just educate; we inspire, empower, and lead!

Join Us for the 2025/2026 Academic Year!

Take the first step towards your future. Apply now for admissions and become part of a community that values your aspirations and dreams!

Federal Polytechnic Ayede has been ranked 7th in the latest national assessment of Nigerian higher institutions.

The ranking carried out by an international body, Pole Global Marketing, which is part of a comprehensive evaluation involving over 180 universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, underscores the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

The ranking highlights Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s ascent among Nigeria’s elite educational institutions, outpacing many established universities and polytechnics.

The top ten ranking from number to one to ten includes: Federal Polytechnic Ilaro; Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo; University of Lagos, Akoka; Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi; Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science & Technology, Ikere-Ekiti; Yobe State University, Damaturu; Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Ogbomoso, Oyo State; Federal University, Otuoke; Yaba College of Technology, Yaba; and Federal University, Gashua.

Speaking on Sunday, the Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Hon. Yakubu Dati, commended the Management under the leadership of Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed.

Dati said, “The achievement is particularly notable for the Polytechnic, which is considered relatively young compared to its peers.

“Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed has been credited with driving transformational progress through strategic emphasis on quality education and industry partnerships.

“So, on behalf of the Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, I commend the Rector and the Management for putting the institution on the map for good. The feat did not come as a surprise due to the untiring effort of the Management under the watch of the Rector.

“I beseech the Rector and the Management to do more for the progress and development of the institution.”

Meanwhile, the Rector stated that the ranking reflects the dedication of the staff, commitment of students, and support from all stakeholders, highlighting the institution’s mission to inspire innovation and promote national development.

In recent years, Federal Polytechnic Ayede has experienced significant infrastructure development, curriculum modernisation, and accreditation of new academic programs. The Polytechnic aims to continue its focus on bold initiatives in renewable energy, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and STEM education.

Dr. Abdul-Hameed emphasised that Federal Polytechnic Ayede is committed to producing highly skilled graduates through a blend of academic rigor and practical training.

In a resounding recognition of visionary leadership and dedication to academic excellence, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, FNSE, FISE, FNIEEE, FIMC, the Pioneer Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, has been conferred with the prestigious Face of Living Hero of Academic World Award 2025.

The award, presented by the Life Value Awareness and Leadership Secure Initiative (LIVALSI) at a ceremony held at Madam Edo Junction, Opposite NYSC Camp, Kubwa, Abuja, honours Dr. Abdul-Hameed as the “Distinguished Pioneer Leadership in Technical Education and Best Rector of the Year, 2025.”

According to the organizers, the award celebrates the Rector’s exceptional leadership qualities, his philanthropic impact, and his unwavering commitment to academic innovation, technical education, and entrepreneurship training in Nigeria. Dr. Abdul-Hameed’s tenure has seen Federal Polytechnic Ayede grow rapidly into a beacon of practical education, industry-relevant training, and youth empowerment.

Since assuming office as the pioneer Rector, Engr. Dr. Abdul-Hameed has led a transformative mission, building a solid foundation for the institution through strategic development, infrastructural expansion, and stakeholder engagement. His forward-thinking leadership has positioned the Polytechnic as a model for technical institutions nationwide.

The award comes at a significant moment — Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day — symbolizing hope and progress in the nation’s education sector. In his acceptance remarks, the Rector reaffirmed his commitment to raising future-ready graduates and supporting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

This latest recognition further cements Dr. Abdul-Hameed’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost education administrators, whose work continues to inspire excellence, innovation, and national development.

Congratulations to a true academic hero.

Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Ogbomoso, Oyo State has joined other institutions across the country in celebrating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, with a call on citizens to embrace unity, peace and collective development.

The Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, in a statement by the acting Director of Information, Communication and Public Relations of the Polytechnic, Mr. Sunday Adepoju, congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad and other critical stakeholders in the education sector and beyond, too numerous to mention and all Nigerians on the historic occasion.

Dr. Abdul-Hamed described the 65th independence anniversary as “a moment of sober reflection, hope and renewed determination to build a greater Nigeria.”

According to him, “Federal Polytechnic Ayede is delighted to identify with the entire nation at this significant milestone. Sixty-five years after independence, we believe Nigeria still has the potential to rise stronger as one united and prosperous country.”

The statement commended President Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda, which, it said, has rekindled confidence in the nation’s socio-economic prospects.

“We particularly acknowledge the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has set Nigeria on a path of transformation and progress. We are optimistic that with sustained commitment, Nigerians will begin to experience positive changes across all sectors,” the statement read.

The institution also used the opportunity to reaffirm its dedication to producing skilled manpower for national growth and development.

“At Federal Polytechnic Ayede, we remain committed to training competent, innovative and patriotic graduates who will contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development. We see education as a key driver in the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement added.

Abdul-Hameed, who was yesterday bestowed with Integrity Icon of Nigeria (IION) award by the Centre for Ethics and Self-Value Orientation (CESVO), prayed for peace, unity and stability in the country, while urging Nigerians to continue to work together for the success of the nation’s democratic journey.