A Chief Magistrate in Ondo State, Olateju Odenusi-Fadeyi, has ordered the remand of a 15-year-old female student of Anglican Grammar School, Arigidi Akoko, for allegedly stabbing her colleague, Habib Salau, aged 17, to death.
The magistrate ordered her remanded at the Ondo State Juvenile Home, in Akure, pending advice from the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP.
The magistrate, however, did not take her plea.
The SS3 student, is standing trial for allegedly stabbing the 17-year old deceased, Habib Salau, with a knife during a scuffle between them after school hours.
The defendant was brought to court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder.
Police Prosecutor, Josephine Awana, had earlier informed the court that the young offender and one other at large, on October 3, about 3:30p.m., at Imo, Arigidi Akoko, conspired to commit murder.
Awana, alleged that the defendant killed Salau, by stabbing him with a knife during a fight.
The prosecutor told the court, “The defendant accused the deceased of accosting her on the way home after a misunderstanding between them.
“It resulted in a fight and the defendant said someone gave her a knife and ordered her to stab the deceased on the neck.”
The offences, according to the prosecution, contravene Sections 124 and 319(1) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
Awana asked the court to remand the offender at the correctional facility, pending the issuance of advice from the DPP.
For the third time in as many months, the Proples Democratic Party, PDP, has postponed its National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting.
The meeting, which was originally scheduled for August, was first shifted to September. Then it was moved to October 2, and now shifted to November 28.
The latest decision to shift the meeting was taken at the an enlarged meeting of the PDP Governors Forum with the Board of Trustees, BoT; National Working Committee, NWC, and former governors, among others.
The meeting, which started at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, lasted till the early hours of Wednesday.
Reading a communique issued after the meeting, the Chairman of the PDP-GF, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, said the decision was to allow party leaders consentrate on the forthcoming Ondo governorship election.
He said: “Rising from the consultative meeting of the various organs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Party resolved as follows:
“The National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting originally slated for October 24, 2024, has been rescheduled to November 28, 2024.
The postponement is to ensure that the party goes into the forthcoming Ondo gubernatorial election of November 16, 2024 with the unity and strength demanded to unseat the floundering All Progressive Congress, APC, government in the state.
Reiterating the need for unity in the face of efforts by detractors to divide the party, the meeting called on all members to shun divisive utterances that could undermine ongoing efforts at strengthening the party to effectively play its role as the country’s main opposition, preparatory to taking over in 2027.
President Bola Tinubu has appointed seven new ministers to his cabinet, further shaping the direction of his administration. The appointments were announced following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, marking another significant reshuffle within the government.
Notable among the new appointees is Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who will serve as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, while Jumoke Oduwole has been assigned to the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
Nentawe Yilwatda was chosen to replace suspended Minister Betta Edu as the head of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi was appointed as the new Minister of Labour & Employment, a critical role as the country faces employment challenges.
In other appointments, Idi Mukhtar Maiha will take on the position of Minister of Livestock Development, and Yusuf Abdullahi Ata has been named Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development. Suwaiba Said Ahmad was appointed Minister of State for Education, further bolstering the leadership in a sector undergoing reform.
Additionally, President Tinubu approved the appointment of Shehu Dikko as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), which will now assume the responsibilities of the dissolved Ministry of Sports Development. Sunday Dare, the former Minister of Sports under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, has been named Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation. He will work from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
This reshuffle reflects Tinubu’s strategy to address key national issues and streamline governance as the administration continues to evolve. Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on the new ministers’ impact across various sectors.
In a significant move aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s energy landscape, President Bola Tinubu has unveiled new fuel pricing options for motorists. During a meeting with executives from the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO) at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu announced that motorists can now choose between purchasing petrol at N1,000 per litre or compressed natural gas (CNG) at N200 per Standard Cubic Meter.
“This initiative allows motorists the flexibility to select their fuel source while encouraging a shift towards more sustainable energy options,” said Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman. He emphasized that the government will also provide incentives for commercial drivers to convert from petrol to CNG at no cost.
The President praised NIPCO for its contributions to Nigeria’s energy transition, particularly its support for the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI). He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for private sector investments, which is crucial for expanding the country’s CNG infrastructure.
NIPCO director Ramesh Kasangra expressed gratitude for the government’s support and reiterated the company’s commitment to investing in infrastructure to make CNG more accessible across Nigeria. With over 40 years of experience in various sectors, NIPCO aims to play a pivotal role in the country’s energy transition efforts.
This initiative marks a transformative step towards enhancing energy efficiency and promoting economic growth, as Nigeria continues to navigate its energy challenges.
Ganduje vows to keep APC’s strategy for capturing Ondo, Oyo, and Osun a secret, saying he won’t reveal the party’s tactics.
On Sunday, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledged to secure victories for his party in Ondo, Oyo, and Osun states.
Ganduje predicted that the APC would achieve victory throughout the entire Southwest, beginning with the Ondo governorship election on November 16.
Ganduje spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, while leading the APC National Working Committee.
He stated, “In this geopolitical zone, we must achieve full support for the APC. Ondo State should take the lead in these efforts. As for Oyo and Osun states, we’ll bring them under our control without disclosing our strategies just yet. We are carefully planning to ensure unwavering backing for President Bola Tinubu.”
In the upcoming election, we are firmly supporting Governor Aiyedatiwa. We have organized at the national level to ensure a successful outcome and I am pleased to announce that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will serve as Chairman of the National Campaign Council.
This election is a necessary undertaking. We are inspired by the substantial gathering of stakeholders, which demonstrates unity, solidarity, and enthusiasm within the party.
“We anticipate receiving 90 percent of the votes in the upcoming governorship election. It’s important to go from house to house and engage with neighbors, ensuring they turn out to vote.”
……Scores 14 Communities High on Quality Delivery, Timely Completion
The Chairman, Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA), Hon. Abideen Adetokunbo Adeaga, has presented ‘certificates of completion’ to fourteen communities across the State, for completing the first twenty-eight micro projects funded in 2024.
Adeaga, who was accompanied on the Board’s Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation tours alongside members of the board and management of the agency on Tuesday 15th October, 2024 and ended the exercise at Igboora, Ibarapa Central local government on Monday.
Among the communities visited are Lagbedu Orile at Ogo-Oluwa local government, Ajaawa, Olorunsogo-Ifesowapo at Ogbomoso North local government, Oremeji-Atolu-Idi Oro at Ona Ara local government, Ibadan, Ope-Odu/Alapata/Oja Baale community at Lagelu local government, Irewolede community at Ogbomoso South local government, Abebi-Opo Yeosa-Ifesowapo community at Ibadan North local government, Ibadan and Oorelope community, Oorelope local government.
Others are Okan-Awuru community at Saki East local government, Sepeteri, Irawo Parapo community at Atisbo local government, Lagun community at Lagelu local government, Ibadan, Olorunbawase/Oke Odo community at Ibarapa Central local government, Igboora, Idera Oluwa community at Ibadan North-East local government, Ibadan, Aroro Makinde community at Akinyele local government and Kobomoje-Ogundepo community at Ibadan South-East local government, Ibadan.
According to the Chairman, many of the communities implemented construction or renovation of blocks of classrooms with provision of new furniture with VIP toilets and drilling of motorized boreholes, while others undertook the construction of community health centers, stocked with basic health equipment, with drilling of boreholes and some constructed culverts and line drainages to control flood.
In his words, Adeaga scored the fourteen communities high in their performance, saying they did the job within the specific time allotted, used quality materials for the works and collaborated to give the projects the required maintenance after completion to ensure sustainability.
“I score the communities 85% for the job they have done, it is a testimony to the fact that they have adopted the projects as their own from the first day they were funded and started the works, you can see the quality materials used for the works, it gives us the assurance that the projects will outlast their generation, because they also gave us assurance that they will monitor and give it the best utilization.
“These fourteen communities have given us hope that the efforts of our amiable governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to put smile on the faces of communities across the State on the strategic intervention areas of education, water, health and erosion control, are not in vain, we appreciate them for staying the course and owning the project.
“As we used this milestone achieved on the first projects funded in 2024 to celebrate the one year in office of the board’s Chairman of the agency, we appreciate the Governor for his support by approving another twenty-eight project after the one just completed and another one hundred and thirty two micro-projects for sixty-six communities that was disbursed last week, which is unprecedented.
“Like it was reported after the disbursement last week, the Governor also graciously approved the review of the project fund from #15million per Community Development Plan (CDP) to #18million naira to cushion the effects of the current materials’ price increase, this goes to show that he is very interested in the well being of our people.
“I also want to appreciate the support of the World Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria and other stakeholders in the effort of developing the communities, while not forgetting the resilience of the workforce at the agency, they did very well,” Adeaga said.
The President, International Council For Ifa Religion, Chief Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode has opined that the present economic crisis bedeviling the country, emanated from the foreign culture of greed, acquired by Nigerians.
He said this over the weekend while delivering a special lecture titled “Foreign Culture In Yoruba Land: Its Negative Impacts On The Economy Of The Land,” at the 2024’s celebration of Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, which held at Ilaji Resorts, Akanran, Ibadan.
In his address, Fakayode noted that foreign cultures came into Nigeria and Yoruba land through the introduction of alien religions, which made compulsory for the people to also accept their language, dressing mode, socioeconomic style and behaviors while the Yorubas have been known for the Omoluabi ethos of hard work, contentment, trustworthiness, before the advent of foreign culture, which he said contaminated the early characters.
Fatunde pointed that greedy acquisition syndrome among political, religious and traditional leaders led to formulation of policies, laws and regulations as well as actions that have secluded the majority from actualizing their economic potentials while the few people in the corridors of power, continue to amass wealth, to the detriment of all, calling on all to go back to the old habit of Omoluabi, speak the truth and lead others with the fear of God.
“Foreign culture is the alien traditions which are not indigenous to the Yoruba. Among the alien cultures that are popular in our midst are those from the white and that of the Arab. Nowadays, foreign cultures are dominant in our land and the introduction of foreign culture to our land were due to the following factors which include the coming of Islam in the 14th century and the British occupation of the 19th century.
“When we are talking about Yoruba people, the term ‘Omoluabi’ keeps surfacing. It is obvious that one of the names that the race was known for before being christened ‘Yoruba’ is Omoluabi. Unfortunately today, many Yoruba do not understand the meaning of the word Omoluabi because of the controversy surrounding the etymology of the term; some previous writers said it is the offspring of a man known as ‘Noah’ that are referred to as Omoluabi. While those who believe in such explanation are proud of it, those who know better will be chuckling.
“This is a serious issue because it is another way of subjugating Yoruba people, it is meant to turn the landlord to a tenant and turning aboriginals to strangers. The truth is that Omoluabi is used to refer to a child of Olu-Iwa, the one who takes after Olu-Iwa, that behaves like Olu-Iwa or followers of Olu-Iwa.
“Who is Olu-Iwa? Among the Divinities (Orisas), he is no other person than Ọ̀rúnmìlà. Whoever is of good character and patience like Orunmila is called ‘Abiwapele Omo Orunmila (one with gentle character like Ọ̀rúnmìlà).
“Omoluabi attitude shows good behavior with perseverance and patience, not greedy, fraudulent, selfish, proud and violent, which are traceable attitudes of the white and Arabians.
“Today, bad habits like lying, stealing, political and economic conspiracies, and human killing have trampled good habits to death in our politicians, leaders of thought, religious leaders and youths and the consequences are reflected in the economy. Farmers cannot harvest their farms without paying ransom to kidnappers while governments and security agencies collaborate or look the other way.
“For our economy to overcome all the challenges, we need to do away with foreign culture which has taken away good morals, so that we all become Omoluabi,” he admonished.
A Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an order restraining the Lagos State Government from vaccinating school children without the written consent of their parents or guardians. The ruling came after an application filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Equity International and Initiative, seeking to stop the state from administering vaccines to children in schools.
Presided over by Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, the court ruled that the Lagos State Government, along with its agents and officials, must halt any planned vaccination of children in schools until the Motion on Notice is determined. The respondents in the case include the Lagos State Government, Commissioner for Education, Permanent Secretary of Basic and Secondary Education, and others.
The ruling affects the proposed mass vaccination campaign that was set to begin on October 23, 2024, as outlined in official circulars. The court emphasized that no vaccination should be carried out without prior written consent from parents or guardians.
Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Barrister Mobisola Odimegwu stated that the court’s order puts the planned mass vaccination on hold until December 9, 2024, and urged Nigerians to stay informed about health measures and vaccination options.
The state Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee set up by Governor Ademola Adeleke will soon complete its assignment for necessary approval by the State Governor, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi has disclosed.
Responding to recent news reports on the nationwide implementation of the new minimum wage, the Commissioner stated that the Committee approved by Governor Ademola Adeleke has been working assiduously to conclude the assignment without hitch.
He said the Negotiation Committee is mandated to come up with recommendations to the government on the consequential adjustments arising from the minimum wage Law.
Quoting a circular from the Office of the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, the Commissioner listed the members of the committee with the Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Akinleye leading the government team.
The labour side is led by the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Arapasopo Abimbola Christopher.
Other members of the government team include the Head of Service, Commissioner for Finance; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Commissioner for Information; Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Human Resources; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning; Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office; Solicitor General / Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Governments; Accountant-General; Director (Public Service Establishments); and the Director (Labour & Industrial Relations).
Members from the trade union side include Comrade Bimbo Fasasi; Comrade Lasun Akindele; Comrade Kehinde N. Ogungbangbe; Comrade Victor Amusan; Comrade Emmanuel Olawuyi; Comrade Abdullateef Babatunde; Comrade Akinjide Akinlami; Comrade Ojo Akintunde; Comrade Akeem Adekunle; Comrade Johnson Adegoke; Comrade Ganiyu Salawu; Comrade Waheed Oyeyemi; and Comrade Adeniran Lekan.
The state government under Governor Ademola Adeleke is committed to a sustainable implementation of the minimum wage in line with the administration’s five point agenda.
…I had no godfather, political experience, lost two Senate bids
…Why Nigeria mustn’t become a one-party state
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he is qualified and old enough to speak for himself on any issue without mincing words.
He was reacting to speculations that he was plotting to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
According to him, speculations about his political future were unsolicited.
Makinde warned Nigerians about the dangers inherent in allowing Nigeria to slide into a one-party state.
The governor who spoke to reporters in Fashola Farm in Oyo, yesterday, explained that, if he had anything to say about his political future, he would do so publicly.
He said, “ We didn’t do this (Host PDP reporters’ retreat) because somebody has a presidential ambition. No comment, nothing. But all I can say to you is, I’m old enough if I want to do something, I will come out and say, this is what I want to do.
“So, no speculation, nobody can push my agenda. I will push my agenda when the time comes.”
Makinde recalled that with the support of the people of Oyo State, he defied several odds including two failed Senate attempts before his election into office as Governor.
The Governor said, “Oyo State people took a decision in 2019. We did not have a godfather. Nobody sponsored me, nobody gave me a dime for us to get in here but the people of Oyo State decided, we wanted to give this opportunity to an outsider.
“And before that, you will see videos saying that Oh, Seyi, what has he done before? Has he been a councillor? No. Has he been to the House of Representatives? No. What about the Senate? I tried twice but was rejected.
“So, experience in politics – No experience in governance but I’ve done well for myself in business and they said we’ll give you the opportunity and before that time, the whole of the South West was APC, all six states.
“But in Oyo State, we chose to be different. Because I had no experience, I wanted to convince the people.
“We produced a document, Road Map to accelerated development of Oyo State, 2019-2023 and I said to the people, this is it in black and white, hold me accountable and they gave us the opportunity. Thank God it is being done. “
The governor also cautioned Nigerians against allowing the nation to slide into a one-party state.
He said, “Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state so that others will have the opportunity to showcase their talents.”
Makinde reiterated his commitment to re-enacting the development strides recorded by great leaders who put the South West on the global map with their innovative approach to governance.
He recalled that farm settlements such as Fashola Farms were conceptualized and made functional in the 1950s by Chief Obafemi Awolowo with breeds of cattle and other livestock.
Revenue generated from the proceeds of Cocoa he said were used to build Cocoa House which was the first skyscraper at the time.
He said, “If you go to Tel Aviv in Israel,. You’ll see the first one they built and many more have followed.”
Speaking on the legacy he desires to leave behind, Makinde said he would like to be remembered for building institutions that will guarantee good governance irrespective of whoever occupies the office of governor.
