oduduwanews, Author at Oduduwa News

July 24, 2022July 24, 2022

Ondo Gov, Akeredolu Decries Spate Of Abandoned Projects In Nigeria

**Waterfield Luxury Hotel Akobo, Ibadan**

Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has decried the spate of abandoned projects in Nigeria.

Governor Akeredolu said abandoning projects at this critical period in the economic life of the country is not cost-effective.

The Governor, who identified corruption, resource control, project goals, contractor selection and supervision as some of the major challenges behind abandoned projects, noted that a reasonable government must work towards achieving a successful completion of projects in its state.

Governor Akeredolu spoke on Saturday at the First Business Doctorate Degree of the University of Cambridge Graduation Ceremony held at the University’s Arms Hotel, United Kingdom.

The Governor, who was a guest speaker, described Megaproject as an excellent accelerator if properly planned and executed.

Governor Akeredolu spoke on the topic: ”The Paradox Of Abandoned Megaprojects In Nigeria.”

He said: ”The Ondo State Government, under our leadership, has completed several megaprojects. These projects exacted considerable pressure on the severely lean resources of the State. These megaprojects have gobbled billions of Naira.

“While some have been completed and delivered, several others, some of which are complex, may take over five years or so to be completed. Our administration has continued to construct roads, bridges, among other infrastructures.

“We made a solemn pledge on assumption of office that we would complete all projects abandoned by our predecessors in office. We are not unaware of the acute paucity of funds for the execution of projects.

“We are, however, poised to fulfill our promise as best as the financial situation permits. We intend to complete all projects in the lifetime of our government. We do not intend to handover any abandoned project to our successor.

“Megaprojects, such as the Ore Bridge, provide the necessary support for government deliverables and economic transformation, which is readily discernible in our GDP. So, where it is properly planned and executed, megaproject is an excellent development accelerator.

“Given the resources such a project can take, abandoning projects at this critical period of our economic lives is not cost effective. The challenges are not only limited to developing countries as over £30 billion (British pounds) has been spent on the Cross-rail Project in England without completion. This is a terrible example of a project going bad in developed countries.

“Specific to Nigeria and as pointed out in the thesis, just three abandoned projects equal 60% of our national debt. The Lagos-Badagry Express Road, the Ajaokuta Steel Project, and the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Project. At all times, the Federal Government abandoned 60% of every project and the Nigeria National Library, where over N200 billion has been spent, is abandoned. The project is on the 5th floor of a 13-floor building project.

“The Federal Government has been on site for over 25 years without meaningful progress. Again, the megaproject takes around 10% of global GDP and over $9 trillion yearly. It is the case that Universities globally should rise to the challenges of acquiring and engaging new knowledge on megaprojects.”

The Governor also congratulated the Billionaire businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, who obtained the Doctor of Business Degree of the University.

“I am told it is the first time the University of Cambridge will be awarding her first Doctor of Business Degree in the last over 800 years.” Governor Akeredolu said.

He noted that the incredible performance of Dr. Jimoh at the University of Cambridge comes with hard work and commitment to primary goals, adding that the business mogul has invested time in the institution.

July 24, 2022July 24, 2022

Descendants Of Oduduwa Must Unite, Ooni Renews Call For Unity As Dosumu Crowned Yeye Oodua

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Friday renewed his unending call for love and unity of all descendants of Oduduwa, noting that such gesture will further enhance the prosperity of the Yoruba people wherever they might be in the world.

Ooni Ogunwusi who is the co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria made the call at the Ile Nla auditorium of his Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife while installing the Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, Erelu Abiola Dosumu, as the Yeye Oodua and Queen Mother of the House of Oduduwa.

The Ooni explained that descendants of Oduduwa must be united and agree even as they respect one another’s stance on politics, religion and other sentiments for peace and development across the land.

Justifying the choice of Erelu Dosumu, the Ooni said, “It is an unanimous decision of the Ife Traditional Council and major stakeholders of Oodua race, agreeing that her character, personality and her wealth of experience as an international business woman, a royal ambassador and a great icon of the African culture perfectly qualify her to step into the big shoes earlier worn by late Chief Mrs HID Awolowo as the immediate past Yeye Oodua.

“In almost half-a-Century of public life, Erelu Dosumu has proven herself to be an outstanding woman of stamina, integrity and far-reaching influence. In 1980 late Kabiyesi Adeyinka Oyekan, the Oba of Lagos, installed her as the Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos. With that appointment, she became the right hand person of the Oba of Lagos. Since then, she has executed her charge with maturity, sagacity, courage and commitment. Indeed since then, the beautiful and ageless Queen mother, has become an enviable cultural Face of Lagos; its traditional allure and ageless charm.” Ooni said.

While making her speech during the ceremony, the newly crowned Yeye Oodua expressed profound appreciation to Ooni Ogunwusi, Ife indigenes and Oduduwa Race worldwide for the honour bestowed on her and her family with the highly exalted position. She promised to work assiduously for the preservation the Yoruba culture and strengthen the unity of members of the Oduduwa race globally.

“I am honoured to be recognised by the Arole Oodua,, and being singled out among the great and deserving women of our time. This is a huge responsibility and I strongly believe that during my time, I will work assiduously to preserve our culture and strengthen the unity of Yoruba land. I am grateful for the prayers and the huge turnout of friends and families who came from far and near for this important occasion”. Yeye Oodua said.

The cultural event which was attended by prominent personalities across the country, was heavily attended by notable Yoruba traditional rulers including the Orangun of Ile-Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun
Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, Alayemore of Ido-Osun, Oba Adedapo Aderemi, Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, Olofin of Isheri Awori, Oba Adekunle Bamgbade, Olota of Ota-Awori, Oba(Prof) Adeyemi Obalanlege, Ajero of Ijero-ekiti, Oba Adewole Adebayo, Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Alara of Ilara-Epe, Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Olowa of Igbara-Oke, Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Awoniyi, Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, Aladeshonyin of Odo Noforija Ọba Babatunde Ogunlaja, Olugbon of Ile-Igbon, Oba Olusola Alao, Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejinmi Alagbado, and many others.

July 24, 2022July 24, 2022

2023: Atiku challenges Tinubu to one hour TV interview

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has challenged his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant at least one hour television interview before speaking against his comments on Arise TV.

Lagos Reporters reports that Atiku, former vice-president, while appearing on Arise TV programme, berated Tinubu for selecting a fellow Muslim, former Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima as running mate.

According to Atiku, the same faith ticket separated them when Tinubu lobbied to be his running mate in 2007.

But Tinubu’s Campaign Organisation in a statement on Saturday, said the PDP presidential candidate lied and was unprepared for the job of presidency.

Tinubu, in the statement, analyzed six areas Atiku lied in his interview, as he argued that contrary to Atiku’s claim, it was the PDP candidate that wanted him to be his running mate.

Reacting to Tinubu’s outburst, Atiku in a statement by its Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Saturday, said he was amused to read the knee-jerk response from the Tinubu Campaign Organisation, challenging the APC candidate to grant the same interview.

The former Vice President said he was not surprised at Tinubu’s response because he has not sat down to do any prolonged interview for obvious reasons.

The statement reads partly, “We would like to challenge Bola Tinubu to subject himself to an hour long interview, like the Waziri did, and if he is able to be as articulate and mentally present as our candidate, then he can talk.

“Until then, we will only want to remind him and his yes men that they are not in a position to point fingers when they have not sat on the hot seat.”

July 24, 2022July 24, 2022

LAUTECH: We Only Had Meeting With Our Staff Unions, We Were Truly Impersonated – SUG President Insists

The Students’ Union President of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH has insisted that they were truly impersonated in a recently held stakeholders’ meeting with Governor Makinde convened to resolve lingering ASUU strike.

Recall, ODUDUWA NEWS had earlier reported how the Students’ Union distanced itself from the purported LAUTECH stakeholders’ meeting with Gov Makinde, claiming such meeting was held with rented student leaders.

The Students , Uionn President, Adeboye Anuoluwa in a media chat with ODUDUWA NEWS today claimed that they maintained their stance and that they only held meeting with their staff unions.

He said, those who claimed that the issue has been resolved were those who impersonated us and we immediately frowned against it by making a press statement on the issue.

“Though, we commend Gov Makinde for the bold step taken to ensure that the school hasten resumption. However, some closed associates of the government are using the opportunity to impersonate us for the reason best known to them”, said Union President.

July 24, 2022July 24, 2022

ASUU Strike: LAUTECH Students Deny Participating In Stakeholders’ Meeting With Makinde

The student union government of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho has called out Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the Oyo state press secretary over alleged impersonation of current union members at the organized meeting to resolved issues surrounding renaming of the school.

In a press release sent to ODUDUWA NEWS by the SUG Public Relations Officer disclosed that no current union member was invited to the stakeholders meeting organized by the state government, hence the union want the state press secretary to revealed to the public those who represented them in the meeting.

Read The Full Press Release Here:

PRESS RELEASE

No present Students’ Union Leader attended the LAUTECH Stakeholders’ meeting.

While we appreciate and commend the efforts put in place to resolve all issues in LAUTECH, we want to inform the gentlemen of the press and media that no present Students’ Union Leader received an invite or attended the LAUTECH Stakeholders meeting with the Governor.

Recall that we had on Tuesday met with the Committee on Education, Oyo State House of Assembly in the presence of the Governing Council Chairman and Management of the University and also addressed the press on the need for the suspension of the renaming of LAUTECH and resolving LAUTECH ASUU strike.

We hereby call out the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa to tell us those who represent the interest of current Students’ Union Leaders as stated in his press release circulating around.

We considered this as a form of impersonation of the Leadership of the present Students’ Union Leaders.

July 24, 2022July 24, 2022

Litigation: Don’t Work With APC To Truncate Adeleke’s Victory, Osun PDP Tells Babayemi

Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued stern warning to former governorship aspirant of the party, Dotun Babayemi to stop further legal action if truly he is a genuine member of the party.

The party specifically frowned at apparent attempt by the aspirant to become a tool of the All Progressive Congress(APC) to truncate the overwhelming victory of PDP at the governorship poll, declaring that such treachery is an exercise in futility.

In a statement issued by the Caretaker Chairman of the party, Dr Akindele Adekunle, the party described as worrisome Babayemi’s refusal to listen to calls by elders of his group who urged him to discontinue legal challenge on Osun PDP primary, reminding him that he is increasingly emerging as an instrument of a defeated governor who is struggling to come to term with his crushing defeat at the poll.

While the aspirant had filed several cases and failed to upturn due process decision of the party, the party noted that the last ruling of the Court of Appeal should put paid to further litigation on the primary, warning that any decision to pursue the issue further will smack of open anti-party activity and a direct disrespect for the people of Osun state who voted massively for Senator Ademola Adeleke.

The party hinted that a very dangerous and self-destructive dimension is the emerging alleged collaboration between Babayemi and the APC to continue the primary case, affirming that such evil alliance will end in further legal defeat as the aspirant has no strong legal basis for his many litigations.

From the beginning of the litigation to date, it was obvious the aspirant was only holding unto straws as the primary that produced Senator Adeleke fulfilled all extant regulations and legal requirements in line with the electoral act among others.

The party not only duly authorized the primary, the right delegates participated at the right venue with right statutory supervision while a valid court order equally mandated the holding and organisation of the governorship primary.

We are therefore constrained to call on Babayemi to toe the path of honour and embrace the overwhelming choice of Osun people. Any hope of stealing people’s mandate for Senator Ademola Adeleke through the backdoor is a venture doomed from conception. Enough is enough.

Signed

Dr Akindele Adekunle
Chairman, CTC
Peoples Democratic Party
Osun State Chapter

July 24, 2022July 24, 2022

I Became President By Accident, Take Over Power And Don’t Wait For Tommorrow, Obasanjo Tells Youths

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Saturday, said everything about him, including his emergence as both a military Head of State and President of Nigeria, was by accident.

Obasanjo, who was an ex-military Head of State before he was elected as a civilian President in 1999, said he was a farmer by choice and not by accident.

Speaking on Saturday on a live radio interview with Segun Odegbami on Eagles7 Sports 103.7 FM, Abeokuta, Obasanjo said he was always proud to be addressed as a farmer.

Odegbami had asked Obasanjo to speak about what he termed his “romance with farming.”

In response, the former president said, “I don’t like the word you used, ‘romance with farming’. I am a farmer. What do you mean by romance. Everything I have done in my life is by accident. The only thing that is not accidental is farming. Every other thing that I’ve been is by accident. And you called that romance? No! What do you mean by romance?

“You know my beginning. I was born and bred in a village. I went to school by accident. My father just said, ‘won’t you do something different?’ So I went into farming.

“When you look at countries that have made it, they developed on agriculture. First, for the purpose of food security; second, for the purpose of processing what they get from their farms, which is the beginning of industrialisation. Third, to give it out as export, which is for the purpose of foreign exchange; and fourth, as a means of generating employment for the youth.”

Meanwhile, Obasanjo advised Nigerian youths to take over leadership positions right now.

Obasanjo said youths should not allow anyone to address them as leaders of tomorrow, saying the tomorrow may never come.

Obasanjo said some corrupt leaders would destroy the so-called tomorrow if the younger generation failed to rise up and take their future in their hands.

He said, “My advice for Nigerian youths is that, never let anybody tell you that you are the leaders of tomorrow. If you wait for tomorrow before you take over leadership, that tomorrow may not come. They will destroy it.

“This is the time, youths get up and make it happen.”

July 23, 2022July 23, 2022

My Son Was Burnt By His Wife Because Of Jealousy, Deceased Mother Claims

The mother of Bolutife, a man from Cairo who was killed by his wife Ifeoluwa on Saturday in Koka, Osun state, said his son’s wife must have been acting out of envy when she lit him ablaze.

On Sunday, July 17, Ifeoluwa set fire to Bolutife’s house in Koka, Osun State because she thought he was having an extramarital affair. He suffered serious burns, and she fled the scene.

Bolutife eventually passed away at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo state, while police started looking for Ifeoluwa, another person who passed away last Thursday after ingesting poison.

But when the bereaved mother, who claimed Bolutife was her last child, spoke to reporters on Saturday, she revealed that Ifeoluwa typically checked through her husband’s phone.

She said the couple got married last year September, adding that some members of the family initially opposed Bolutife getting married to her, but he insisted that she was the one he wanted as his wife.

She said, “Apart from her being a jealous type, she was decent as a lady. She was not adulterous. She was able to last that long in our house because she was not involved in indecent acts as a young lady but she used to check through her husband’s phone.

“Whenever she did that after she observed that he was chatting with anyone, even if the person was Bolutife’s elder in the family, she would become jealous.

“That was her only flaw and I used to talk to her to desist from such acts. Some members of the family opposed Bolutife having her as a wife but my son insisted that she was the one he liked.”

July 23, 2022July 23, 2022

Recruitment: GAMUT Invites Suitably Qualified Candidates (See Details To Apply)

Gamut Security and Escort Services is looking to recruit in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Niger, and FCT. All applicants must be able to read and write. Applicants should be ready to undergo drug and psychological screening.

Applicant should send their CV and correspondence to gamutesctservices@gmail.com. Indicate the position that you are applying for in the subject line. The statement on the vacant positions was sent to ODUDUWA NEWS by the Director of the company as highlighted thus:

Relationship Manager – Starting salary, between #50,000 – #60,000.
Education/Experience requirement: Must have management experience and a minimum of BSc/HND.
State Operations Manager – Salary is between #70,000 – #120,000.
Education/Experience requirement: Must have management experience. A minimum of 5 years of Military Paramilitary or police Experience is a must. Must be honorably discharged from duty. Education and other work experiences in the security industry can substitute for military experience.
Certified Security Officer Trainer – Starting salary, between #45,000 – #60,000.
Education/Experience requirement: Instructor or teaching experience is a plus. Military or Paramilitary experience is a must. Must be honorably discharged from the service. Education requirement: Minimum of BSc/HND.
Chief Security Officer – Starting salary, #40,000 – #50,000.
Education/Experience requirement: Security supervisory experience is a plus. In addition, OND and 4 years of Security Experience or 3 years of University or Polytechnic education and 3 years of Security Experience or HND/BSC and 2 years of Security Experience or MSc or more with at least 1 year of Security Experience. Military or Paramilitary experience will count. Must be honorably discharged from the service.
Secretary – Starting salary, between #25,000 – #35,000.
Education/Experience requirement: Minimum of 2 years of office work experience and a minimum of OND.
Marketer – Commissioned based and other incentives.
Education/Experience requirement: Previous marketing experience is required, and some college education is a must.
Security Officer I – Salary, #30,000.
Education/Experience requirement: Secondary school diploma and 5 years of Security Experience. Prior military, paramilitary, and police training will count towards experience. However, the person must be honorable discharged from service.
Security Officer II – Salary, #35,000.
Education/Experience requirement: OND and 4 years of Security Experience. Prior military, paramilitary, and police training will count towards experience. However, the person must be honorable discharged from service.
Security Officer III – Salary, #40,000.
Education/Experience requirement: 3 years of University or Polytechnic education and 3 years of Security Experience. Prior military, paramilitary, and police training will count towards experience. However, the person must be honorable discharged from service.
Security Officer IV – Salary, #45,000.
Education/Experience requirement: HND or BSC and 2 years of Security Experience. Prior military, paramilitary, and police training will count towards experience. However, the person must be honorable discharged from service.
Security Officer V (Bouncer) – Salary, #50,000.
Education/Experience requirement: Minimum of 3 years of bouncer experience in events and/or hotels and lounges. Must maintain the body and physique that is expected of a bouncer.

July 23, 2022July 23, 2022

Atiku Cheated System, He Is A Lawbreaker, Says Tinubu Group

Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, has come under fire from the Tinubu Campaign Organization for admitting that he ran a side business while working for the Nigeria Customs Service.

In an interview with Arise TV on Friday, Atiku disclosed that he operated a cab service while working for the Customs.

TCO criticized Atiku’s assertion that his acts weren’t against the law.

Atiku was referred to as a “lawbreaker” in a statement by TCO’s Director of Media & Communication, Bayo Onanuga.

Onanuga said, “PDP candidate is a lawbreaker. It was most shocking Atiku admitted that he cheated the system for decades and engaged in gross misconduct as a government worker. As a customs officer at the Idi-Iroko border, Atiku revealed that he ran a commercial taxi service, claiming ‘there is no law stopping public officers from doing business in Nigeria”. He punched harder, claiming there is no conflict of interest in doing so.

“We found this to be untrue. Every officer in the civil service is expected to comply with a code of conduct and service rules which bar civil and public servants from engaging in private business while in government employment to the detriment of the service he/she is employed to render to the public.

“The 1999 constitution further codifies this in Part I, Fifth Schedule, Section of 2 (b). It says a public officer shall not, except where he is not employed on full-time basis engage or participate in the management or running of any private business, profession or trade. The rules however allow a public officer to engage in farming.

“We wonder which rule or which law Atiku was relying upon for his gross misconduct as a public officer. It is our considered view that Atiku gamed the system all through his career in public service, culminating in his founding of the Intel Logistics along with Late Shehu Yar’Adua and some Italians, even while he was still in the employment of the Nigeria Customs Service.”