Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced the total ban on Okada in some Local Government Councils in Lagos State, effective from June 1st 2022.
The whole of Ikeja, Surulere, Eti Osa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, and Apapa Local Government areas affected.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave this order today while speaking with all DPOs and Area Commanders across the State today at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu says other security agencies will join in the enforcement.
Justice Nathaniel Emmanuel of the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo has affirmed Senator Ademola Adeleke as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Osun governorship election slated for July 16 2022.
The judge dismissed a suit filed by Prince Dotun Babayemi, seeking to be declared the candidate of PDP.
Waterfield Luxury Hotel, Akobo, Ibadan
He nullified the primary election that produced Babayemi, which held at WOCDIF event center, Osogbo on March 8th 2022.
The judgement was delivered amidst heavy security and lasted for one hour 45 minutes.
Justice Emmanuel affirmed Senator Ademola Adeleke as the valid elected PDP candidate for the poll.
Governor Seyi Makinde promised on Wednesday to rename the Ogbomoso-Iseyin route after the late Former Governor of Oyo State, Alao Akala, who died a few months ago.
During his time, the governor stated, late Akala made significant contributions to the growth and development of Oyo state.
Makinde made the announcement during the 76.67-kilometer Ogbomoso – Iseyin Road’s flag-off ceremony, noting that the late Governor was supposed to flag-off the road construction before his death.
“Someone would have been here with me today for the flag-off, but God called him before the date.” That day, I spoke with him and informed his church about it. This is someone who has made a significant contribution to the development of the State.
“I spoke to him and mentioned it to his church that day. This is someone, who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of Oyo State. “The 76.67km road project, upon commissioning, will be named Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala Highway and we will put conspicuous signs every 10km from Ogbomoso to Iseyin that will show that this is Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala,” Makinde stated.
Comrade Lekan Badmus is a columnist with ODUDUWA NEWS and a public opinion analyst based in Ibadan.
Female aspirants in Oyo State
Nigeria has been recording low participation of women in both elective and appointive positions. This is a growing concern to many Nigerians despite the declaration made at the 4th World Conference on women in Beijing which advocated 30% affirmative action.In Nigeria, the National Gender Policy (NGP) recommended 35% affirmative action instead and sought for a more inclusive representation of women. The under representation of women in political participation gained root due to the patriarchal practice inherent in our society; much of which were obvious from pre-colonial era till date. With over two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance, it is instructive to note that Nigeria is yet to produce a female governor in any of the 36 states of the Federation.
Waterfield Luxury Hotel, Akobo, Ibadan.
Without any equivocation, Nigeria is blessed with numerous intelligent women who have made remarkable progress in many professions but with politics as an exemption. From Efunroye Tinubu to Funmilayo Kuti, Alele Williams to Okonjo-Iweala, it could be seen that Nigerian women are of substances. Indeed, around the world, women have been conspicuous by their presence in decision and policy making in government. Very few have had the opportunity and were exemplary. Margaret Thatcher, Hillary Clinton, Sirleaf Johnson and Condloeza Rice are some of the women that have proved that what a man can do, a woman has the wherewithal to maintain or surpass the feat.
Pledges to promote gender equality in all areas of political life have remained comatose. This discrimination is an obstacle to the advancement of women requiring specific attention.To be candid, the concept of democracy will only achieve true and dynamic significance when political policies and national legislation are decided jointly by men and women with equitable regard for the interests and aptitudes of both halves of the population.
Not surprisingly and in keeping with his commitment to gender equality and partnership, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde had mandated People Democratic Party (PDP) to allot three slots for women across the three senatorial regions. Great leaders think alike, Governor El-Rufai has also chosen a woman as his deputy. Women are also well represented in the federal executive council. All these attest to the the fact that Nigeria is blessed with women with scintillating administrative acumen.
Consequently, the likes of Hon. Ramata Agberemi Dabo, Dr. (Mrs) Adejoke Taiwo, Hon. Olufunke Olajide, Hon. Bolanle Sarumi, Hon. Balogun Toyin have thrown their hats to the ring to contest for various elective posts. Most of these women have made remarkable successes in their various endeavours that spread across business, education, health, politics and a host of other enterprising ventures. Their credentials are intimidating.
Prejudice and cultural perceptions of women’s roles and institutional insensitivity have continued to impede women’s access to politics. How can we tolerate a situation where democracy still does not reflect gender parity?
Women’s involvement in government decision making is giving significant political visibility to women’s rights worldwide. Although, women are not a homogeneous group, they tend to be supporters of other women and have been instrumental in placing women’s issues and concerns on to the parliamentary agenda. One such major concern was the physical presence of Mrs Aisha Buhari at the Senate few months ago over a bill on women. This was an attempt directed to expunge all forms of bias against women. It is neither an overstatement nor a ridicule to write that men’s ego has been identified as a fundamental reason for this discrimination. It is also a myopic view that the dual burden of domestic responsibilities and professional obligations are prohibiting women from holding political power. Really, we need women for stability and sustainability of Nigeria’s nascent democracy.
Solutions to this segregation lie in an affirmative action. Secondly, women need training in the fundamentals of politics. They need to understand grassroot politics and start from there. Another way is networking and mentoring. Legislative changes mentioned earlier are needed too and that is where the affirmative action comes in. A quota system that reserves a fraction of electoral positions for women can be legislated. The media must change their attitude towards political coverage of women.They sometimes project women in ways that are irrelevant to leadership, politics or election. The media must help educate people of the dangers of cultural norms and harmful gender stereotypes.
The full and equitable participation of women in public life is essential to sustaining a strong and vibrant democracy. When women are not participating in politics, it is less likely that policies will benefit them. Policies, protocols, conventions and quota systems are rooted in the concept of compensatory justice for specific individuals who were wronged or marginalised. This is what Governor Seyi Makinde was trying to incorporate.
Women are not subordinate to men. Their office is much more beyond the kitchen.We tempt to want to relegate and see them as inconsequential, yet, men run after them. Women are like shadow. The more they turn their backs at men, the more they are run after. This shows that they are somewhat indispensable
I can confidently say that these women are a new breed of politicians who understand the ties that bind human spirits. They certainly have the impetus needed to impact on the nation like thier contemporaries in the world. They are focused, determined and in possession of manifestos that are solutions to the myriads of problems confronting the nation. They are shinning stars who have no time for frivolities and would never be seen dissipating energy on social vices, brigandage and kleptocracy.
Given the sweep of their lives, the scope of their accomplishments, the adoration that they so rightly earn, it is tempting to regard these ebullient women as icons; smiling, serene and detached from the tawdry affairs of lesser women.
Religion, race, and other distinctions should never be permitted to divide inhabitants of Oyo State, according to Governor Seyi Makinde.
The governor made the remarks at the Sasa Market, where he dedicated an ultramodern facility with 200 lock-up shops, 84 open shops, 8 men’s and women’s bathrooms, an office unit, trailer, and parking lots.
Waterfield Luxury Hotel, Akobo, Ibadan.
“I want to admonish you to continue to work together,” he said, addressing the market men and women who will occupy the new facility. The Hausa were with the Seriki when the crisis began, while the Yoruba were with the Baale. Today, though, I’d like everyone to perceive this progress as a symbol of unity.”
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the ultramodern Sasa Market was built following two separate incidents at the old market, quoting the governor as saying that the incidents must never be allowed to recur.
He said: “Let me start by welcoming everyone to this ultramodern Sasa market. This commissioning we are experiencing here today is a moment of rejoicing but I don’t want us to forget how we got to this point. Whoever forgets the mistakes of yesterday will repeat but I pray that we won’t repeat the mistake that brought us to this point.
“The separate incidents that occurred in November 2020 and February 2021 remain a footnote in history that should not repeat itself. We must not allow things like ethnicity, language, religion or any such matters to divide us.
“When the last incident happened, few of my colleagues came because people were concerned throughout Nigeria and you know that if the incident was not well-managed then, it would have spread throughout the whole of the country but we thank God for the management.
“So, I want to appeal to us that this new structure become a symbol of unity and oneness. Each time we come to the market to buy or sell something, let it be a reminder that we are one.
“You see, hunger does not know religion. During the crisis then, the needless losses cut across everybody. So, I want to believe we will never repeat the unfortunate history.
“In this facility, there are 200 lock-up shops, 84 units of open shops, 8 units of toilets for men and women, office units, trailer and car parks. I want to encourage the market users to continue to dwell in peace. The commercial activities, which take place here, and in other parts of our state, are vital to the growth of our economy.”
Governor Makinde, who used the occasion to reiterate the commitment of his administration to building infrastructure that targets the economy of the state, urged residents of the state to be watchful in the coming elections and to ensure that they reject politicians who lack simple knowledge of the state’s situation.
“Yes, I do say that our infrastructure will target our economy. This is one example.
“Recently, a critic, who was part of the past administration said the Moniya-Iseyin road is narrow despite the fact that the same government awarded the contract. Anyway, we collected N1 billion from them when we came in. Please always enlighten them, because they lack that simple knowledge and, on the election day, ensure you drag their faces in the mud.
“When they [APC] were running their government, instead of allowing the people to spread out so much so that those living at Iseyin could be working in Secretariat, Ibadan, they failed to do that.
“But when we came in, we made the movement easy for our people and now, you can spend 45 minutes from Moniya to Iseyin instead of the 3hrs it used to be. That is the correction we made, which is expanding our state economy.
“They also said we are only constructing roads, which according to them, do not have any impact on the lives of our residents. But I can tell you that on the 25th day of every month, the money Oyo State economy gulps is about N14b Naira.
Earlier, the chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Mr. Taoheed Adedigba, lauded Governor Makinde for his excellent achievements in the local government, saying: “Your Excellency, permit me to mention few of your excellent performance in Akinyele Local Government that are already transforming the local government into ultra-modern city that can be compared with Dubai in United Arab Emirates.
“Some of the numerous developmental projects in our dear local government include Ojoo Bus Terminal, tarring of Moniya/Iseyin road, location of Amotekun Headquarters, provision of modern and sophisticated health equipment, resuscitation of the Pacesetter Quarry, lighting up of the local government community and ongoing second phase of Akinyele Farmers’ Market along Akinyele/Oyo road.”
He said his administration at the local government will continue to complement the efforts of the state government and to key into the governor’s vision of restoring the glory of Oyo State.
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and Presidential Aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has denied the allegation by the former National Chairman of the Party, Comrade Adams Oshiomole that he once begged that election be rigged in his favour
Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Hon. Yinka Oyebode said that the allegation which was made on a national television, was not only false, puerile and laughable, it was a figment of the imagination of the former APC Chairman.
He affirmed that Governor Fayemi had never asked Oshiomhole to rig any election for him or any other person and never had any reason to ask for such, urging members of the public to disregard the allegations by Comrade Oshiomhole.
According to Oyebode, Oshiomole apparently is still experiencing a post traumatic stress disorder on account of his removal as Chairman of APC which he said Dr Fayemi was not responsible for.
The statement reads “The Ekiti State Governor has always considered Comrade Oshiomhole a friend and political associate even if they had fundamental differences over his kangaroo approach of disqualifying Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, from the APC primaries and his unconscionable autocratic management of party affairs whilst he was chairman of the party.
“For avoidance of doubt, Governor Fayemi has no reason to approach Comrade Oshiomhole for favours for any election. Governor Fayemi has a stellar track record of being a consummate democrat even in difficult times.
“Many Nigerians can easily recall his historic concession speech in 2014 in an election that was clearly lost to electoral sleight of hand at the behest of the then People’s democratic Party (PDP) –led Federal Government.
“Others will also recall how he spent years in court patiently pursuing the retrieval of his stolen mandate between 2007 and 2010. He has demonstrated nothing but decency, decorum and fidelity to the rule of law in all his years in politics and public office.
“We challenge Mr Oshiomhole to provide the public with independently verifiable evidence of his unsubstantiated claims, if true.
Oyebode said Governor Fayemi remains steadfast in the pursuit of his aspiration to get the APC ticket for the 2023 presidential election. No amount of mudslinging from disenchanted individuals would distract or discourage him.
As reactions continue to trail the alleged burning to death of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto State over allegation of blasphemy, the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, FOMWAN Oyo State chapter has described the action of the killers of the young lady as wrong, inexcusable, condemnable and unjustifiable in the teaching and legal system of Islam.
The Association in a statement issued and signed by its State Amirah, Alhaja (Dr) B.B Oloso said the video of the gruesome murder of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto female student by a mob circulated on social media was disturbing, traumatizing and pathetic.
This is just as the Association insisted that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was insulted, assaulted and attacked in the course of delivering his message by the pagans but he was lenient, patient and tolerant of them all.
Oyo FOMWAN appealed to Nigerians to put an end to killings in the name of religion, ethnic or tribal sentiment.
According to the Oyo State Amirah, Government should do more in prosecuting and punishing people who kill in the name of religion, ethnic or tribal group to serve as deterrent to others hence it called for justice for Deborah Samuel.
” Just as we are demanding justice for Deborah Samuel, we are demanding justice for others killed like her. The case of Habeeb Idris shot and killed in February by some touts of Baptist High School, Oyun in Kwara State is still unresolved.” She said
The Amirah who appealed to all adherents of different religions to tolerate one another and also respect the teachings of the various creeds stressed that whatever is sacred or sacrosanct to different religions should be treated as such by everyone.
” The killing of Miss Deborah Samuel by some aggrieved and angry people over an alleged blasphemous comment on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which she posted on a WhatsApp group was wrong in its entirety. Oyo FOMWAN expresses its condolences to the family of the young lady and calls for indepth investigation into the incident with a view to bringing those involved in the mob action to book.
“Our Prophet, and indeed other Prophets and Messengers of Allah before him, were mocked, insulted and laughed at. This is mentioned in several places in the Quran. Even Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was called a mad man by the pagans in Mecca. Allah says in Quran 48 : 9 that there never came to them a Messenger but was mocked at by his people. There are many instances where in the history of Islam the Holy Prophet Muhammad forgave his worst enemies.
” The story of Abdullah ‘bn Ubay who called Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the most wretched person readily comes to mind. What did he do to the abuser? He did virtually nothing except for the son of the abuser who requested to kill his father but the Prophet did not permit it.
“One time the Holy Prophet was sitting in the company of Abubakar his best friend when some unbelievers came and started abusing and hurling insults at Abubakar cursing him, his father, mother and entire family. Abubakar just sat down quietly without uttering a word. When those people realized Abubakar did not respond, they started cursing the Prophet. At that point, Abubakar could not bear it any longer because of his love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). So he got up and was about to fight the people but the Prophet got up too and started walking away.
” Abubakar was confused. He did not know whether to fight the people or follow the Prophet. So he decided to follow the Prophet and when he got to him and asked why he left. The Prophet said while they were cursing you Angels surrounded us saying Abubakar was committed to the truth. But as soon as you stood up, the Angels flew away and i will not sit in a company where there are no Angels. The Prophet in this story thought Abubakar to be patient in the face of provocation, castigation and even denigration.” Alhaja Oloso recalled.
As the gubernatorial election in Osun State draws closer, the PDP governorship candidate in the forthcoming July election, Senator Ademola Adeleke has boasted that he would spend his way to victory. “I have come with dollars, pound sterlings, euros and others. It is fire for fire”, PDP’s governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke boasts. Below is the video made during campaign tour of Adeleke.
The Adegboyega Oyetola Campaign Council has slammed Senator Ademola Adeleke’s assertion that he had amassed enough real currency to buy Osun and its people for the July 16 governorship election as ludicrous, impossible, and absolutely unacceptable.
The Campaign Council said in a statement signed by its Director-General, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, that Osun was not for sale to the highest bidder, and that the PDP candidate was showing to the Osun electorate on a daily basis that he had nothing to give.
Senator Ademola, the PDP candidate had over the weekend during the party’s Osun Central Campaign rally, said “Osun people, you are the ones to decide. If it is about money, I have enough. I came with plenty money (hitting his pocket with his right hand). And it is not only naira, I came with dollars, pounds and Euro. This time around in Osun, it is fire for fire.”
Reacting to Ademola’s comment, the Oyetola Campaign Council said: “Osun people are not gullible. We have left them in no doubt of the quality our party, the APC and our Administration are made of, including the capacity of our candidate to deliver in the past three and half years. We have proved through our inclusive governance strategy that our people are our strength and that we do not take them for granted and we will never take them for granted. This explains why in spite of the way the 2018 election went, our administration began infrastructure intervention from Ede, the hometown of the PDP candidate.
“Osun people are enlightened, they Know that the State and its citizens are not up for sale to the highest bidder. Therefore, the PDP candidate should keep his money. Or better still, he could deploy those resources to establish industries to provide jobs for the people. This way, he will also be supporting the present Administration’s noticeable efforts in the last three and half years to industrialise the State and change its narrative as a Civil Service State, to one bubbling with economic activities.
“It is on record that the Oyetola-led administration has since inception taken concrete steps to open up the State for investments, and has been able to attract a number of investments into Osun, contributing to the economic growth of the State.
“We assure the PDP candidate that, like the Administration did to other players in the private sector, we will provide a level playing ground for his business to thrive and ensure Osun and its people derive maximum benefit from the investment.
The Campaign Council also cautioned Adeleke against overheating the polity with his incendiary comments and violent tendencies, wondering what he meant by saying ‘it’s fire for fire this time around’.
“As a responsible party, we urge Senator Adeleke and his party to embrace peaceful conduct and decorum in their political engagements and electioneering. We must avoid any comment or action that can jeopardise the peace and stability of our State,” the statement added.
Olasupo said Adelabu’s comments on Fresh FM, an Ibadan radio interview program, on Sunday morning that the construction of the Moniya-Iseyin, Iseyin-Oyo, and Iseyin-Ogbomoso roads was a waste of State resources and unnecessary reeked of a lack of basic economic knowledge and a poor view of human capital development.
Waterfield Luxury Hotel, Akobo, Ibadan.
Adelabu, who appeared on a Sunday radio interview show, accused the Makinde-led administration of wasting resources on the construction of the 76-kilometer Moniya- Iseyin road, claiming that less than half of the budget was spent on it because less than fifty vehicles ply the road daily. The former legislature opined that Chief Adelabu made the statement out of hatred for the people of Iseyin and Oke-Ogun in general, adding that the submission of the former banker showed his myopic worldview about leadership.
He further hinted that from his personal assessments, over hundred trucks, carrying yam, maize and other farm products traversed the Iseyin-Moniya road in less that one hour while others bring household goods, fabrics and other items back to the region from the cities.
“I listened to an interview granted by Oloye Bayo Adelabu on Fresh FM Ibadan and I was like waooo! This is a man that is seeking to rule Oyo State, words coming out of his mouth were unbelievable, this man is suppose to be a First Class graduate of Economics!
“Well let me be specific, especially on the issues he raised that concern me and my root, Iseyin, he made reference to Iseyin-Moniya road being constructed by Governor Seyi Makinde as being a waste of resources and death trap and that you can count no more than fifty vehicles plying the road, haaaaa!!! That is a blatant lie!
Honorable Abiodun Olasupo, the former member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa, has revealed that the All Progressive Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Chief Bayo Adelabu, despite being a first class graduate of Economics, lacked basic economic knowledge.
“This is obviously a gateway road to the Oke-Ogun region and the majority of foods being consumed in the urban centers of the State and the Southwest States come from this axis, I have on several occasions, as a community leader, stood by the road to count the number of trucks daily taking yam and other food items from Iseyin and the rest of Oke-Ogun to Ibadan and our neighboring States, you can count hundreds within an hour everyday, how could he say that does not have economic value?
“He said Oyo-Iseyin road is a waste, this is a road that has historical and economic value as well, it has historical forbearance on the people of Iseyin and Oke-Ogun, he even said Iseyin-Ogbomoso road also does not have a value, how could somebody striving to lead a State under which the people of Iseyin and Oke-Ogun are crucial part, say that?
“If for a singular reason, LAUTECH’s of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources that has been moved to Iseyin is enough, the fact that there is a road that connects the whole Oke-Ogun and Iseyin to Ogbomoso now, makes it easy for lecturers, researchers, students, motorists and other people to travel to and from Ogbomoso from Iseyin under thirty to thirty-five minutes, lecturers will do their lectures and go back to Ogbomoso if they wish, this means there is transfer of knowledge in a conducive economic-driven environment.
“How would somebody that seeks to rule Oyo State in this time and age now say these roads do not have positive economic impacts, three things I understand or take from his rants are that it could be probably out of hatred for the people of Iseyin, secondly and without mincing words, Oloye Bayo Adelabu lacks basic knowledge of Economics and thirdly, his world view about economic development, social and human capital development is very myopic,” Olasupo submitted.
