Author: oduduwanews

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed that no fewer than 35 lives of the children that were stampeded have been lost.

The Police made the disclosure today in a statement made available to newsmen.

The Police also disclosed that various individuals connected to the incident have been arrested and currently in custody. The arrest was made following a tragic stampede that occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, during a funfaire held at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan.

Oduduwa News also confirmed that the ace broadcaster, the owner of Agidigbo FM, a radio station partnered with the organizers of the funfair that led to loss of many lives has been hospitalized and is currently undergoing treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

The event, organized by the Wings Foundation and media partners Agidigbo FM, was intended to be a funfair for children, but turned into a nightmare as chaos erupted.

Oyo state Police Public Relation Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso confirmed this development in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

According to the Police, the arrested individuals include key figures involved in organizing and overseeing the event.

They are Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, 31, the primary sponsor of the event, along with Fasasi Abdulahi, the Principal of Islamic High School; Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin.

The Police disclosed that these individuals face various charges related to their roles in the tragic incident.

ODUDUWA NEWS reports that the stampede resulted in the deaths of 35 minors, with six others left critically injured. The injured children are currently receiving medical treatment at various facilities.

The police assured that the public that the case is being treated with the utmost seriousness, as the investigation has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Iyaganku.

The Police stated that the Deputy Commissioner of Police is personally overseeing the investigation.

The Oyo State Police Command however, extended its condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.

“We sympathize with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assure the good people of the state that justice will be served accordingly,” he said.

Authorities have also assured residents in the affected area that additional police presence and high-level patrols will be deployed to prevent any potential disturbances or exploitation of the situation by criminal elements.

The Oyo State Police Command urged the public to stay calm and to reach out to emergency services in the event of any further incidents. The toll-free emergency line for the Oyo State Call Response Center is 615, and the Police Command Control Room can be reached at 08081768614, 09054133071, or 09061299291.

“The investigation continues, and the Oyo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring justice is served for the victims of this devastating event., ” The statement concluded.

In a commendable gesture aimed at boosting morale and rewarding diligence, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the payment of a 100% 13th month salary for all public servants in the state.

This incentive extends to employees of Local Governments (LGs), Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC).

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s decision has been widely lauded as a thoughtful recognition of the hard work and dedication of the state’s workforce. The initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers.

ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that at least 16 children have been confirmed dead at a tragic stampede during a Christmas celebration in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The confirmation was made known by the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

The event, organized by Queen Naomi in partnership with Agidigbo radio station, known for its popular broadcast, attracted a large crowd on Wednesday due to promises of gifts, resulting in a stampede.

The stampede occurred as attendees surged for the giveaways, leading to many children being trampled in the chaos.

Numerous injured children were transported to the University of Ibadan College Hospital (UCH), where some were pronounced dead upon arrival, while medical personnel worked to treat the others.

News of the tragedy quickly spread across social media, prompting widespread reactions. Several users on X (formerly Twitter) shared their accounts of the incident and its aftermath.

One user lamented, “Many families have lost their children due to the pursuit of free gifts… UCH is overwhelmed with deceased children.
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The Oyo State Government has announced the arrest of the organisers of a children’s party in Ibadan which led to the death of about 16 children.

The deadly stampede occurred at a children’s Christmas party in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. The incident took place on Wednesday morning at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan. The funfair was organized by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat.

Confirming the development, Governor Seyi Makinde said the main organizers have been taken into custody. He also disclosed in a statement that the government has commenced a thorough investigation into the matter.

The statement said: “Earlier yesterday, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries.

“This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.

“We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue. We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue.

The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.

“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody.“I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable.

Please remain calm as the security agencies investigate this unfortunate incident.”“Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen,” Makinde added.

Lagos State Environmental Taskforce operatives have arrested 27 individuals, including 15 minors, for allegedly engaging in the act of street begging.

This was confirmed by the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, via his official X handle (@tokunbo_wahab) on Wednesday.

The operation, carried out on Tuesday, targeted major routes across the Lagos metropolis, including Awolowo Way, Falomo Roundabout in Ikoyi, and Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue along the Lekki Road.

The commissioner stated that the special operation was aimed at addressing public nuisances and ensuring the safety and orderliness of the city. “The task force monitored and carried out a special purpose operation against persons constituting public nuisance across the metropolis,” Wahab wrote.

“Twenty-seven persons, including 15 minors, involved in the unlawful act of street begging in the middle of vehicular traffic and hold-ups, were apprehended during the operation.”He added that the arrested individuals would be transferred to appropriate government facilities in accordance with relevant laws.

“This is in a bid to apprehend and get rid of destitutes in the areas,” Wahab noted. The Lagos State government’s renewed crackdown on street begging highlights its commitment to maintaining law and order while addressing issues related to public safety and welfare.

The Oyo State Government has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives resulting from a stampede at a private children’s fun fair in Ibadan. The incident, which occurred at Basorun Islamic High School in the early hours of today, claimed the lives of several children and left many others injured.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the state government confirmed its swift response to the incident by mobilizing a rapid response team. Victims were immediately transported to various hospitals across Ibadan for urgent medical care.

The Commissioner praised the prompt action of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for deploying all available medical response teams to assist at the scene. He also assured the public that the state government is committed to supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time.

The statement clarified that the Oyo State Government was not involved in the planning or logistics of the private event and stressed the need for proper coordination and safety measures for events involving children and vulnerable groups.

Authorities are awaiting a comprehensive report from the Commissioner of Police to ascertain the total number of victims and determine the circumstances leading to the tragic event.

Concerned parents have been advised to check the following hospitals in Ibadan for information on their children, providing valid identification:

Patnas Hospital, Basorun

Western Hospital, Basorun

Ringroad State Hospital

Molly Specialist Hospital

University College Hospital (UCH)

The Oyo State Government extended its heartfelt condolences to the affected families and urged the public to remain calm and cooperative as investigations continue and do necessary support is provided to the victims.

Gov. Adeleke Promises ‘Pardon’ For Segun Olowookere, A Young Man On Death Row For Stealing Fowl, Eggs In Oyan, Odo-Otin LGA Osun State, Nigeria.

Segun, who was reportedly ordered to get executed by hanging for stealing a fowl and eggs in his uncle’s farm a few years ago, may eventually get rescued from the precarious situation as Governor Ademola Adeleke has intervened and disclosed plans to wield the clemency power.

Segun Olowookere currently on death row at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison was declared convicted by Osun State High Court, Ikirun, and he was ordered to get executed by hanging for robbing a poultry farm in Oyan, Odo-Otin local government, Osun State where he stole a fowl and eggs.

Segun has reportedly spent 14 years behind bars.

Segun’s mother, Mrs. Folashade Olowookere had while talking on a podcast on Thursday, appealed to Governor Adeleke to grant clemency to her son.

The governor has ordered the Attorney General to intervene in the matter and ensure that the young man is granted a pardon before the end of the year.

“I have read about the case. I recognize the separation of powers in our democracy. In this particular case, I have directed the Commissioner for Justice to initiate the process to grant clemency to the young man.

Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives.

I assure the public that the matter is receiving my direct attention. A sense of urgency is also attached to our response to the matter as a responsible state government.

No fewer than five children have been reportedly dead at the Christmas funfair organised by ex-wife of Ooni of Ife, Queen Naomi Silekunola in partnership with Agidigbo FM in Ibadan, a radio station owned by ace broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat.

The children said to have stampeded themselves to death due to uncontrollable crowd that besieged the venue.

It was learnt that the Christmas bumper that was organized by her foundation, Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS) came to an abrupt end over the sad incident.

There were conflicting reports about the number of casualties but the BBC reported that a policeman confirmed that at least five children were dead.

The affected children were rushed to the University of Ibadan College Hospital (UCH) where some of them were confirmed dead.

Previous editions of the annual Christmas funfair organised by WINGS were successfully held in Ogun and Ondo states.

A resident of Ibadan who spoke to ODUDUWANEWS said news of the 2024 funfair spread after Naomi Silekunola’s appearance on a radio programme hosted by Ibadan-based Hamzat Oriyomi on Tuesday.

Many people from Ibadan and nearby towns started converging at Islamic High School, Bashorun venue of the event after the radio show and many of them slept there overnight.

Early reports indicated that people started trampling over themselves shortly after the programme started.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, presented a total budget of N49.7tn to the joint session of the National Assembly.

The budget tagged, “Restoration budget, securing peace and building prosperity.”Tinubu noted that the budget seeks to restore macroeconomic growth and build the economy.He commended the resilience of Nigerians amid growing economic indices.

“In the year 2024, it was projected at 3.2%, and against predictions of our country, we have made significant progress. Our economic economy grew by 3.46%.

The improvement we have witnessed in the year 2024 budget has led all of us into the 2025 budget.”The president told the joint Assembly of the National Assembly that inflation will decline according to the budget projections.He also pledged a reduction in Foreign Exchange.

He said, “The budget projects inflation will decline from the current rate of 34.6% to 15% next year. The exchange rate will improve from approximately N1700 per dollar to N1500 and the base crude oil production assumption of 2.06 barrels per day.

“The projections are based upon the following observations. Reduce the importation of petroleum products alongside increased exports of finish, petroleum products, and bumper harvest, driven by enhanced security, reducing reliance on food imports, and increasing foreign exchange influence through foreign portfolio investments.

“I have crude oil output an export coupled will substantial reduction and upstream oil and gas production costs.”Giving the breakdown, Tinubu stated that hat “Defence and Security will gulp, N4.91tn; Housing, N4.06tn; Health, N2.48tn and Education, 3,58tn.

”He assured Nigerians that the time for lamentation is over and the time to act is now.Laying the budget, he said, “I hereby lay down the 2025 budget before the National Assembly, titled, ‘Restoration budget, securing peace and building prosperity.”

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has praised the Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, for organizing a successful Vocational Training program for 500 trainees drawn from the Local Government.

The Speaker gave the commendation while presenting certificates and working tools to the beneficiaries at a ceremony held on Tuesday at the Oluyole Local Government Secretariat, Idi Ayunre, Ibadan.

The ceremony also featured presentation of distinguished Merit Awards to some outstanding individuals and corporate organisations that have made positive impacts on Oluyole Local Government.

The 500 trainees graduates who undergone a 4-week skill and vocational Life Enhancement Training Programme acquired valuable skills in various areas, including Fabric & Souvenirs, Food Technology, Makeup & Gele tying, Home Essentials, Barbing & Dreadlocks, and Kampala making.

The event also recognized individuals and corporate organizations that have made a positive impact on Oluyole Local Government, highlighting the importance of community partnerships and collaborations.

Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin, who was the special guest of honor at the event, expressed his admiration for the initiative

Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin commended Engr. Akeem Olatunji for his leadership sagacity.

The Speaker said the Council boss had embarked on numerous initiatives and projects aimed at improving the lives of Oluyole residents.

“I want to specially appreciate the Chairman, Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji For the empowerment and vocational training programme. It is also laudable that the Local Government appreciated individuals who have impacted the council positively. This empowerment program and awards ceremony embody the kind of positive change expected from Local Councils.”

Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin urged other local government chairmen to emulate Engr. Olatunji’s example.

I will like to acknowledge and recalle some of the remarkable achievements of Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Engr. Akeem Olatunji some of which include the construction of a Grade A Customary Court, empowerment of over 500 persons, and the establishment of an Amotekun base to enhance security in the area. Additionally, he successfully electrified the LG Secretariat and its environs, bringing light to the community after years of darkness.

“Other notable achievements are the construction of administrative offices for various agencies, rehabilitation of roads, and provision of free medical outreach, free eye treatment, and eye surgery for residents where over 500 residents received free eye treatment and glasses, while 20 individuals underwent free eye surgery for severe cataracts. These initiatives demonstrate Engr. Olatunji’s commitment to improving the lives of Oluyole residents and providing essential services to the community. This is really commendable. Well-done, Engr Akeem Olatunji.” Oyo Speaker said