The Ogun State Police Command on Friday confirmed the mob killing of a motorcycle thief, John Udoh, in the early hours of Friday at Atoyo Okeigbo community, Aruba Sagamu, while his partner, Peter Ubong, was critically injured.
An irate mob has beaten an alleged motorcycle thief identified as John Udoh, to death at Atoyo Okeigbo community, Aruba Sagamu, in Ogun State.
The suspect’s alleged accomplice, Peter Ubong, was critically injured during the incident which occurred in the early hours of Friday, October 18, 2024.
The spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Omolola Odutola, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday said that a five-man gang invaded the community at about 2:am, attacked one Emeka Ruben and stole his motorcycle valued at N1.2m.
A Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver in Lagos, Andrew Nice Omininikoron, has denied allegations of raping and murdering 22-year-old passenger Oluwabamise Ayanwola, claiming that three male passengers committed the crime.
Testifying before Justice Sherifat Sonaike during court proceedings, Omininikoron, led by his counsel Abayomi Omotubora, alleged that the men raped Ayanwola and threw her out of the bus.
Omininikoron was initially arraigned in March 2022 on charges of rape, conspiracy, and murder. Prosecutors accused him of conspiring to rape and kill Ayanwola on February 26, 2022, after she boarded his bus along the Lekki-Ajah expressway.
The defendant admitted to illegally picking up Ayanwola after official hours at Chevron bus stop, and described how three male passengers later boarded the bus and one pointed a gun at him. He claimed the men assaulted Ayanwola before pushing her out of the bus.
Despite his claims, Omininikoron fled after learning Ayanwola was missing and was later arrested in Ogun State. Under cross-examination, he denied knowledge of voice notes Ayanwola sent to a friend during the journey, expressing concern for her safety.
The trial has faced delays, with Justice Sonaike expressing displeasure and adjourning the case to October 21, 2024, for further examination.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of popular Nollywood actor and Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) national secretary, Chief Alhaji Ayobami Olabiyi, also known as Bobo B. The actor reportedly passed away after a brief illness at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Olabiyi, a beloved figure in Nollywood, was the former governor of TAMPAN’s Oyo State chapter and was known for his contributions to the industry both on and off the screen. His death was confirmed by the current TAMPAN Oyo State governor, Bose Akinola, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
Olabiyi had been scheduled to appear on a movie set in Oyo last month but was unable to do so due to his declining health. He was later admitted to UCH, where he passed on.
In a statement, Akinola said, “I have a directive to announce the death of our TAMPAN national general secretary, Chief Alhaji Musadshir Ayobami Olabiyi ‘Bobo B.’ May God give his family and the entire TAMPAN members globally the fortitude to bear the loss. Insha Allah, Amen.”
Colleagues have taken to social media to express their grief, paying tribute to the late actor’s jovial nature and impact on the industry. Fellow actor Abidemi Temitayo recalled a fond memory from a movie set, expressing shock at his sudden death, while Princess Adenike Ajoke prayed for his soul to rest in peace.
Olabiyi’s passing marks a significant loss for Nollywood, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the growth of Nigerian theatre and film. The industry will miss him dearly.
The current minimum wage in Lagos state is N85k. I will come back in January and report that I have raised the minimum wage of public workers in Lagos to N100k. I believe my people deserve decent wages.
The statement was made known today by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sango-Olu while featuring in a programme Politics Today on Channels TV as anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.
Ahead of the November 16 gubernatorial election in Ondo state, the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), through it’s Southwest leader and Oyo state Governor, Engr.Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, called for the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola.
There had been petitions before now by an independent body , against State REC to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)headquarters, about an alleged unholy alliance between the REC and Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa ,the All People’s Congress (APC) candidate in the scheduled election and the state governor.
The independent body had through the petition, revealed, at least two secret meetings the REC who is also an indigene of Ondo state, had with Aiyedatiwa who is believed to be the REC’s close ally.
Governor Makinde called for the removal of the REC in Akure during the Campaign Flag Off ceremony of the PDP which had major PDP stakeholders in attendance.
Calling for the REC’s removal, a visibly excited Makinde, facing the sea of heads at the flag off venue said ” I want to say emphatically and without mincing words , that the Resident Electoral Commissioner ( REC) in Ondo State must be removed and a neutral person used to replace her, because she is an indigene of Ondo State and our findings revealed that she is partisan.
” We must create a level playing ground for all the political parties involved in this coming gubernatorial election in Ondo State” Gov Makinde said
“The election must be free and fair and with all these am seeing here today , PDP will surely take Ondo State back from APC that has impoverished the masses” the Oyo State Governor and the leader of the party in the SouthWest said.
” I must also admonish my people in Ondo State that they should shun all forms of voting and collecting money ( Dibo ko sebe) because it won’t take us anywhere infact that’s what put Nigeria in the present problems we are having as a nation now ” the Governor submitted.
Also at the event where the Chairman PDP Governor’s forum, H E Bala Muhammad, Governor of Bauchi State who registered his confidence in the party’s victory on November 16, he assured the Party’s candidate , H E Agboola Ajayi and his running mate Festus Akingbaso a.k.a Fessywest, of the support of the party as a whole and all the governors elected on the platform of the party especially.
” All PDP Governors are with you in Ondo State, we are surely behind Agboola Ajayi in taking over Ondo State for PDP.” the Bauchi State governor maintained.
The carnival like event was a practical demonstration of love and support for the PDP candidate, Ajayi, as the party’s flag was handed over to him by the Party’s National Acting Chairman, Amb. Iliya Umar Damagun.
Also present at the event are the host Governor , Senator Ademola Adeleke of Osun state and the National Chairman of the Ondo State Gubernatorial Campaign Council, Chairman of the PDP BOT, represented by the forner Governor of Ebony State, H E Sam Egwu, all members of the PDP National Working Committee, SouthWest National Secretary , Hon Ramon Owokoniran among others .
Agboola Ajayi and his running mate, Hon Festus Akingbaso will fly the PDP flag as the people of Ondo State go to the polls in a few weeks time .
The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a Bill to rename Okeogun Polytechnic, Saki to Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki in Honor of the late Elderstateman, Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso
The Bill was passed after the presentation of the report of the Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Education (Tertiary Institutions, Science and Technology) which considered the Bill.
The report was read by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi
Tagged “Okeogun Polytechnic Saki Amendment Bill, 2024, the Bill was passed after Clause by Clause consideration of the report.
Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso died on September 2, 2024 at the age of 86. He served as the Secretary to the State Government, SSG between 1999 and 2003 during the administration of Former Governor Lamidi Adesina.
He was elected into the Oyo state house of assembly in 1979 before Bola Ige, a former governor of the state, appointed him commissioner same year.
Until his death, Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso was the Babalaje of Saki land.
The Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin said the Bill was to honor and recognise Chief Michael Koleoso’s significant contributions to Okeogun and indeed Oyo State
The Ogun State Government, on Tuesday, dismissed several reports in the media indicating that the state had joined some states of the federation in a case at the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
It added that the issue it is contending in court relates to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)’s Financial Guidelines, which it said unfairly limits the operations of states and local governments in the country.
The Ogun State government issued this rebuttal in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade.
According to the statement, the constitutionality of the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) had since been determined by the Supreme Court, and Ogun State considers discussions on the issue closed.
The Ogun State government stated that it had no factual reason or recent development to reopen the question of the EFCC’s constitutionality, adding that as a federating unit with law enforcement agencies of its own, it had no desire to undermine the Federal Government’s law and order objectives.
Providing clarification on the actual case filed by Ogun State in court, the statement said: “The case Ogun State has filed (SC/CV/912/2024) and the case that several states are party to (SC/CV/178/2023) litigate a very narrow issue that does not attack the constitutionality of the EFCC.
“Nigerians recall the obnoxious naira redesign policy, which was invalidated by the Supreme Court after Ogun State and other states successfully challenged the policy.
“A lesser-known fact is that around that time in January 2023, purporting to act under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Proceeds of Crime Act, and its enabling statute, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) released a Guidelines document and an Advisory which, among other things, placed limits on cash withdrawals by State and Local Governments. Ogun State disagrees with these limits because they do not align with our view of the law and cause significant governance disruptions.
“As such, the suit is targeted at invalidating the NFIU Guidelines and Advisory, insofar as they interfere with the economic and governance interests of Ogun State and its Local Governments.
“Especially now that the Supreme Court has guaranteed the Local Governments’ access to their funds, intrusive subsidiary legislation by unelected bureaucrats in the NFIU ought not to stand in the way of the justified free use of public funds.”
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has granted approval for the recruitment of agriculture extension officers and veterinary doctors.
The governor, who announced the approval on Tuesday, said the recruitment exercise will cover the 33 local government areas of the state.
This was as he also announced the setting up of model farm service centres across the zones and the purchase of motorcycles for Extension Officers for optimal delivery in the agric sector of the state.
Governor Makinde made these known while inaugurating the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee at an event held at the House Chiefs, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, noted that his administration recognises the importance of agriculture in driving economic growth, reducing poverty and boosting food production for the general well-being of residents of the state.
He added that the governor has empowered farmers through various programmes under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER), which was aimed at cushioning the effect of subsidy removal on petroleum products.
He explained that the relief programme, which started in November 2023, has seen the state distribute poultry feeds, fish feeds, piggery feeds, livestock feeds, disinfectants, insecticides, knapsack sprayers, bundles of cassava stems and fertilizers to farmers in addition to the vaccination of cattle against anthrax.
He equally noted that the administration had made available the sum of N1 billion as soft agricultural loans to farmers in the state, among other benefits.
According to Olasunkanmi, over 1,000 farmers in the state have benefitted from the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy, with more than 6,000 acres of land ploughed for farmers, assuring that the tractorisation subsidy will continue in February 2025 to target 16,000 acres of land for the new farming season.
Speaking on the resuscitation of the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee, the commissioner noted that the aim was to revitalise agricultural productivity in order to ensure food security and improve the livelihood of farmers, as they will have access to high quality and improved seeds, information and technologies for boosting productivity and sustaining food security in the state.
The commissioner tasked members of the seed coordinating committee to discharge their duties and see to the boost in food production and agricultural yields.
He added that the committee is a body of experts and researchers, who are expected to bring critical information to the notice of farmers in Oyo State, while Extension Officers will take the information down to the farmers in the rural communities.
“The governor has graciously approved this new Committee to make it all-encompassing and with the objectives of seed multiplication extending to crop cultivation, livestock farming, agro-allied and other activities, which can affect agriculture positively.
“Also, it aims at producing quality certified seeds, inputs for farmers and increase in farm machines through the participation and collaboration of the private sector.
“So, as a member of this committee, you are hereby chosen for your expertise and dedication. Your role is crucial in enhancing seed quality both in crop and livestock production in improving fatness’s livelihood and promoting security.
“You are to promote food security by increasing agricultural production. “Your committee has the liberty to co-opt experts from any other agencies of government in the local, state, federal, private, public, SMEs enterprises that have valuable contributions.”
In his goodwill message, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and member representing Ibarapa North/Central State Constituency in Oyo Assembly, Honourable Peter Ojedokun, commended Governor Makinde for his support to farmers.
Also in their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Oyo State chapter, Mr Adewumi Abbas and the representative of Baale Agbe in Oyo State, Chief Akande Moshood, lauded the governor for his commitment to the progress of farmers through numerous support programmes.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Christiana Abioye said the committee, which comprises relevant stakeholders in the seed industry, is to plan and determine the state’s seeds requirement annually, encourage timely and effective seed distribution and other inputs to farmers.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the sum of N77,000 as the minimum wage for the lowest worker in the state, and the payment takes immediate effect.
This decision was revealed after a meeting of the State Government led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and the leadership of the Organized Labour in Ogun State, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), to discuss the implementation of the new minimum wage.
Talabi said the meeting was at the instance of Governor Abiodun, who he stated has directed that no worker in the state should earn less than N77,000 starting from the month of October.
He stated that Prince Abiodun means well for the people of the state and has proactively taken steps to further ameliorate the suffering of the people, adding that the Governor has also advised the organized private sector to take a cue from the policy, as their workers are not exempt from the economic realities in the country, to improve the living standards of people in the state holistically.
The SSG also noted that the Governor has therefore advised that the private sector should dialogue with their relevant stakeholders to arrive at a commensurate minimum wage for the sector while he will set up a monitoring team to see how it is implemented by the private sector to ensure no one is short-changed.
On his part, the State NLC Chairman, Comrade Hameed Benco, said the organized labour in the state is very pleased with the Governor having approved the N77,000 in consultation with labour leaders, which today is the highest in the country.
Benco noted that some states that have implemented the new minimum wage are paying N70,000, while some pay N70,250 or less, adding that the other sectorial salaries will be affected accordingly.
He also mentioned that the government has graciously approved the submission of labour that the new basic salary should not be taxed.
In the same vein, Comrade Akeem Lasisi of the TUC and his counterpart, Comrade Isa Olude of the JNC, commended the government for being worker-friendly, while they noted that consequential adjustments for pensioners and other matters will be announced after due consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
In his reaction, Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said the approval of the generous minimum wage for workers underscores the responsiveness and sensitivity of the Governor and the government to the plight of the workers and the general populace of the state.
Onasanya expressed optimism that the gestures by the government will further boost the morale of the workers in committing themselves to the implementation of the government’s policies.
