Author: oduduwanews

The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has inaugurated the 10-man Committee on the Management/Disbursement of Bodija Explosion Relief Fund be led by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal.

Governor Makinde disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen via his official Twitter handle as read in part:

“In my remarks, I charged the members of the committee to ensure transparency and efficiency in carrying out their responsibilities to those who were affected by the Bodija Incident on 16 January 2024.

“I also said that we have awarded the contract to fix the roads in that area and will be building a monument to honour those who lost their lives.

“Other members of the committee are:
Chief Iyiola Oladokun, a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and Chairman, Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group;
Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, Chairman, Bodija Estate Residents Association;
Alhaji Gafar Bello, Executive Assistant on Finance, Budget and Planning;
Mrs Ojuolape Busari, Secretary, Oyo State Emergency Management Agency;
Mr Ibrahim Lawal, the nominee of the Nigerian Bar Association;
Mr Oluseye Ojo, the nominee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists;
Engr. Ibrahim Bello; the nominee of the Nigerian Society of Engineers;
Mrs Arinola Olanipekun, the nominee of Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group and
Mr David Afolayan, the nominee of the Bodija Estate Residents Association”.

The Ogun State House of AsseAssembly on Tuesday passed the year 2025 Appropriation Bill of N1,054,542,020,147 presented to it by the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, exactly 20 days ago.

The passed bill has a slight adjustments in the recurrent expenditures of about 21 agencies, just as the capital expenditures of five agencies were also slightly adjusted, alongside the revenue targets of two agencies.

The passage of the Appropriation Bill followed the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation by its Chairman, Hon. Musefiu Lamidi, who thereafter moved the motion for its adoption, seconded by his Deputy, Hon. Wahab Haruna, and supported by the whole House during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The bill was later read and adopted clause by clause before the Committee of the Whole House, after which the motion for the third reading was moved by the Majority Leader, Yusuf Sheriff, seconded by the Minority Leader, Lukman Adeleye, and supported by all the lawmakers through a unanimous voice vote, while the Clerk/Head of the Legislative Service, Mr. Sakiru Adebakin, read the bill for the third time before the lawmakers.

The Speaker, therefore, directed that the clean copy of the bill be forwarded to the Governor for his assent.

Some of the agencies that had their budget proposals adjusted included the Ministry of Budget and Planning, which had its estimate increased from N1.475 billion to N1.902 billion, giving an increase of N427 million; while that of the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives was also increased from N1.780 billion to N2.499 billion, giving an increment of N719 million.

Others, like the State Ministry of Health, were increased from N3.806 billion to N4.116 billion, just as the State Teaching Service Commission’s budget proposal moved from N34.412 billion to N35.912 billion, with that of the State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) moving from N1.347 billion to N1.372 billion; while that of the State Hospital, Sokenu Abeokuta, also got an addition from N3.208 billion to N3.348 billion.

Also, Ogun State Security Network (Amotekun) had its budget proposal increased from N765 million to N1.575 billion; while that of the State Environment Protection Agency moved from N252 million to N262 million, just as the State Library Board’s budget proposal, amongst others, was increased from N147 million to N177 million.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of 160 new Supervisory Councilors and Special Assistants across all 33 local government areas in the state.

The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo disclosed this to newsmen in Ibadan on Tuesday, December 24.

The Commissioner, who also disclosed that the list, which comprised of 93 Supervisory Councilors and 67 Special Assistants includes persons living with disabilities (PLWD), marked a significant step towards social inclusion in governance.

Otunba Ojo otherwise called ‘Ijaya’ stated that the 33 Local Government Executive Chairmen have also been directed to immediately swear in the new appointees.

According to the Commissioner, the new appointees were selected based on merit, competence, and their capacity to contribute to the Makinde administration’s agenda of sustainable development especially at the grassroots.

He added that the decision aligns with the governor’s promise to ensure that all segments of society have a voice in decision-making processes under the present administration in the state.

He explained that the appointments aim to strengthen the governance framework at the local government level to ensure effective service delivery to the people of Oyo State.

“This administration is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or background, is represented in governance, and this is so because the present administration believes in the talents and potential of all individuals, including persons living with disabilities.

The Commissioner also emphasized the need for the newly appointed officials to prioritize the welfare of their local communities while urging them to work closely with local stakeholders to address pressing issues and deliver impactful projects.

The Councilor representing Ward One, Ado-Awaye, Iseyin Local Government, Hon. Adepoju Mathew Olaniyi has rehabilitated well of Ago Afin Area, Agelu Road, Ado-Awaye, Iseyin Local Government.

The well water had in the past served the source of water for the people of Ado-Awaye but abandoned for over a decade not until recent time hat it was rehabilitated and given a facelift.

“As you know that our main function is little legislative work within the council and within my capability I have decided to do the rehabilitation for my constituents so that they can be having access to clean water especially at this dry season.

I am also planning to embark on several programmes such as medical outreach where several people will benefit.

“Once I perfect all plans I will begin the medical outreach to attend to urgent medical treatment for the aged and less privileged”, said Adepoju.

The Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Mr. Abdullah Fasasi, ex-Queen of Ooni of Ife, Silekunola Naomi and ace broadcaster, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat have just been remanded at the Nigeria correctional centre, Agodi, Oyo.

The trio alongside other six people were arrested following the demise of 35 children who lost their lives to a stampede at the funfair organized by enstranged Queen.

The Chief Magistrate sitting in Iyaganku, Bisi Ogunkanmi remanded the three defendants on four count charges bordering on conspiracy and murder in connection with the children funfair stampede in Ibadan on Wednesday.

The three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Meanwhile, The case has been adjourned till the 14th of January 2025.

Recall that thirty five people among whom are children lost their lives during a stampede at an end of year event held at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared his resolve to ensure the controversial tax reform efforts by his administration see the light of the day.

The President on Monday during his maiden media chat in Ikoyi, Lagos, noted that the reform has come to stay.

“Tax reform is here to stay. We cannot just continue to do what we do in yesteryears in today’s economy,” he said.

“The reform is pro-poor and it is to widen the tax net, so we can have more people paying.

“The hallmark of a good leader is the ability to do what you have to do at the time it ought to be done.”

When asked about his plans to manage the pushback from the Northern leaders, especially over proposed changes in sharing of Value Added Tax (VAT) following the introduction of the tax reform bills, he said “Tax matters are subject of debate, and negotiations until you reach concessions. I don’t mind cutting edges. I will.”

Recall that the bills, which caused uproar in sections of the country, including on the floors of the National Assembly, have passed second reading at the Senate.

Meanwhile, former Senate Chip Whip and Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, in a statement on Sunday, insisted that the tax reform bills should be withdrawn for more consultations, noting the bills are not only against the northern part but the entire nation.

According to Ndume, his opposition to the bills was not borne out of sentiment but the need to review certain sections of the bills, adding that the North is never a liability to any region but an asset to the country.

ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that the Principal of Islamic High School Bashorun Ibadan, Abdullah Fasasi will be charged to Court today alongside the ace broadcaster, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat and Prophetess Naomi at the Magistrate Court, Iyaganku by 9am.

It was gathered that the ace broadcaster, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat was arrested immediately after the directive given to the State Police Command that everybody that took part in organizing the event be brought to book.

Recall, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun took over the investigation of the Ibadan funfair stampede that led to the demise of 35 children.

The ex-queen of Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi who was the organizer of the funfair along with six other accomplices had earlier been arrested by the Police but said to have been rushed to hospital to receive urgent medical attention. She was quickly rushed to the Police Hospital and responded immediately to treatment.

As at the time of filing this report, the chargess levelled against them have not been made known to the public but they might be charged for negligence and manslaughter.

Details later.

The Lagos State Government has issued a stern directive mandating all individuals and groups intending to distribute gifts to vulnerable residents to seek clearance before proceeding. This measure is aimed at preventing potential stampedes and ensuring public safety.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, emphasized the importance of this new requirement in a statement released on Monday. According to Omotoso, the Lagos State Safety Commission will oversee the clearance process, ensuring that organizers meet the stipulated safety standards.

“The Lagos State Government has observed with serious concern the stampedes that have occurred during philanthropic activities in various parts of the country,” the statement read. “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu extends his sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones in such tragic incidents.”

To avert similar tragedies in Lagos, the government has urged organizers to collaborate with the Safety Commission, which is equipped to manage crowd control and ensure safety at large gatherings. The agency will work in partnership with security personnel to enforce these measures.

Organizers can register their events and obtain clearance through the Safety Commission’s platform, ensuring compliance with the government’s safety protocols.

The statement further warned that any individual or group found distributing items without prior clearance would face legal consequences.

“The Government has activated all its safety mechanisms following a directive from Mr. Governor, who has also summoned a meeting of all safety agencies to address this issue. Furthermore, ongoing advocacy against fire outbreaks, flooding, and other hazards will be intensified,” Omotoso added.

This directive underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and promoting responsible philanthropy within the state. Residents and organizations are urged to adhere strictly to these guidelines to avoid penalties and ensure the safety of all.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, on Sunday identified poverty and criminal negligence as the main cause of the stampede that has led to the loss of Nigerians recently.

In a statement, the human rights lawyer also called for justice for the dead and injured victims, while chronicling some incidents that involved the distribution of food and cash distribution in the country.

He described the events as a national tragedy and called for systemic reforms to protect the dignity and lives of the citizens.

“There is also a sociological dimension to this national shame of episodic loss lives in stampedes triggered by mass hunger in the land,” Falana said.

“This should not be ignored. It is the unpardonable lack of respect for the dignity of the poor on the part of the members of the middle and upper classes involved in charity.”

He argued that organisers of charitable events should apply decency and demonstrate humanity while distributing food or cash items to the vulnerable.

To the senior lawyer, no member of the elite invites others to lunch by throwing the food. The class prejudice inherent in the humanitarian culture in Nigeria is worthy of reflection.

“Since the individuals whose criminal negligence led to the avoidable tragedies are members of the ruling class the federal government and state governments have not gone beyond sending condolence messages to the survivors and the family members of the casualties.

“Therefore, the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond has resolved to mobilise lawyers to institute civil suits to ensure that the survivors and family members of the casualties are adequately compensated,” he added.

In the last three days, at least 65 persons have lost their lives in stampedes that occurred during food distribution events in Anambra, Oyo, and the federal capital territory (FCT).

While over 35 persons, mostly children, died on Wednesday during a stampede that occurred at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, 10 people died on Saturday during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama area of Abuja.

Many people had gathered at the church premises for an event to distribute relief items, just as the carnival organisers reportedly offered free food items to the first 5,000 attendees.

On Saturday, at least 20 people reportedly died in the Ojika community of Anambra during a stampede that occurred at a rice and gift-sharing event.

The Federal Government has announced Wednesday 25th, Thursday 26th of December 2024, and Wednesday 1st of January, 2025 as public holidays for the celebration of Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year respectively.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, through the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

According to the statement, the minister extended warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of the season as a time to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.

The Minister also called on Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the nation for national development.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” said Dr. Tunji-Ojo.

He assured citizens of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.

“While wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, the Minister expressed his confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s Administration ushering in the new year, a better and prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world”, the statement added.