Author: oduduwanews

The First President of the National Association of Nigerian Students(NANS), formerly known as NUNS, Comrade Sunday Oladele, Danlad is dead.

The incumbent NANS President, Comrade Sunday Asefon announced his departure through his media office, today, Monday and described his exit as a rude shock.

The President of the Association, Comrade Asefon condoled with the family, friends and Nigerian Students over the demise of the first substansive President of NANS.

The President said the death of this foremost and highly respected leader came as a rude shock.

“His legacies and the track records would continue to stay in the memory of Nigerian Students”, Asefon said.

“During his lifetime, Baba Lado was a dogged comrade, human rights activist and progressive leader of high pedigree.

According to the NANS President, he further maintained that the deceased used his entire life for the struggles for emancipation of Nigerian Students and masses.

The NANS President, Asefon prayed that may God give the family and friends of the departed soul the fortitude to bear what he described as irreparable loss.

“I know the agony and pain you’re experiencing at the moment, but for the fact that death is inevitable, we have no power of our own to enliven him. This reason, we need to accept this as faith”, Asefon concluded.

No fewer than five persons were crushed to death by a fully loaded petrol tanker on Monday at Celica area on new Ife-Ibadan road, Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State.

It was gathered that the petroleum tanker lost control, rammed into a Micra car and plunged into a nearby ditch with the Micra car.

Mrs Uche Chukwurah, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in the state, confirmed the incident on Monday.

Chukwurah described the accident as fatal, resulting in the death of five persons, three male and two female adults.

She said that the accident involved two vehicles which included a fully loaded petroleum tanker and a Micra taxi car.

The sector commander said that the tanker had a brake failure, lost control and rammed into the Micra car leading to the death of all passengers in the Micra car.

“The whole people inside the Micra car crashed to death and nobody was rescued alive.

“The deceased has been deposited at the Adeoyo Hospital mortuary,” she said.

Chukwurah further said that men of the Fire Service were also at the scene to prevent fire outbreaks in the area.

The national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Prince Uche Secondus has declared he will not resign. He said the minority calling for his resignation should come clean on his offence.

The PDP National chairman broke his silence in a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Ike Abonyi.

The statement reads: “The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus has said that he will not resign his position.

“Prince Secondus said in a short statement from his media office that nothing so far warrants his resignation from the party position and those tiny minority calling for his resignation should come clean and tell party members across the country his offense why he should resign. “He said he will remain focussed and committed to the ideals of the party which he swore to protect and defend upon his election.”

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, felicitates the Honorable Minister of Labour, Productivity and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, on his 69th birth anniversary.

Governor Akeredolu salutes Ngige’s uncommon resilience and commitment to national cause and service of the nation.

The Governor notes that Ngige, having served as Governor of Anambra State, a Senator and now the current minister of the Federal Republic, has served the country meritoriously.

While describing Ngige’s passion to service as admirable, Governor Akeredolu says his professional experiences and outstanding services to humanity has become an asset to the President Buhari led administration.

“Onwa as I fondly call him is an unpretentious man. He’s blunt and unapologetic. A man of the people, Ngige’s simplicity has made his assignment as Ombusman between government, employers and labour generally very easy.

“ At this time when so much is expected from the government, particularly from the labour community, I like to salute Onwa’s dedication and interventions in labour matters; it has ensured relative peace and progress in labour Sector generally and in particular, instilled sanity and stability in the sector.

“I wish my good brother and friend, a symbol of detribalized Nigerian, a very happy birthday filled with blessings and happiness. Congratulations, Onwa.

The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the release of promotion letters to qualified Civil/Public servants eligible for the outstanding years 2017 – 2020 promotions.

In a press release signed by the Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Alh Kamoru Aderibigbe, the promotions take effect nominally from the month of January or July of each respective years for each of the considered eligible officers for the respective promotion years in line with the statutory promotion parameters while the financial effective date of promotion shall start from 1st August, 2021.

It will be recalled that His Excellency, the Governor, had granted the approval for the promotion of four consecutive promotion years despite the prevalent economic crunch.

The Civil Service Commission in collaboration with appropriate Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government in the State had meticulously processed the promotions to ensure due diligence.

The statement added that all the officers that have been duly promoted will begin to collect their letters of promotion without further delay.

Alh Chief Kamoru Abíọ́dún Adéríbigbé also said that this is the first time in the history of the State that a sitting Governor will approve arrears of promotion that was owed by the preceding administration in the face of dwindling resources, even without Labour unrest.

He therefore charged all civil/public servants in the State to reciprocate the kind gesture of the Governor by putting in their best in the service of the State.

The Chairman finally appreciated His Excellency, the Governor, for his commitment towards making life better for workers, pensioners and by extension, the entire people of Oyo State.

In a bid to avert further crisis in the party, the National Vice-chairmen of the party had an emergency meeting in Abuja on Sunday 8th August 2021 to review the situation of the party.

In a press release signed by the Southwest National Vice-chairman of PDP Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja and made available by his Media Aide, Bamitale Ibrahim, said the national Vice-chairmen in their meeting made some resolutions and a stated below:

•That the National Chairman of the party Prince Uche Secondus, Should resign and save the party from further disintegration being witness presently in the party.

•That the resignation of it’s national officers is as a result of the inert leadership of the National Chairman, and as well the movement of Governor of the party to the failed ruling party.

•They as well resolved that all Party stakeholders and party faithful should remain calm and resolute to the party as the party is the only hope of all Nigerians.

The resolution was jointly signed by the National Vice-chairman of people Democratic party (PDP) from South West Zone Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja, South South Zone Chief Dan Osi, South East Chief (Dr) Ali Odefa and North Central Dankas Shau .

Loatsad Promomedia Limited, an outdoor advertising company, owned by Seyi Tinubu, son of the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday testified before the Lagos State Judicial Panel on restitution for victims of SARS related abuses and other matters.

The Panel was set up by the state government following massive reports of police brutalities necessitating the #EndSarsProtests.

Loatsad Promomedia had been in the eye of the storm following the October 2020 incident at Lekki tollgate, in which the company was accused of deliberately switching off lights to pave the way for shooting of harmless protesting youths.

The company secretary of the Loatsad Promomedia, in the testimony before the panel, stated that the company through the head of human resources directed members of staff to shut down all it’s billboards in Lagos State before 3pm and vacate sites to enable them get home before 4pm which was the commencement time of the 24 hour curfew imposed by the Lagos state government on the 20th of October 2020.

“Thus, the only staff of loatsad promomedia limited on ground at the Lekki tollgate plaza was the man in charge of the generator who turned off the billboard and left for home at 3pm according to the head of human resources directives,” the company secretary said.

According to Loatsad promomedia limited company secretary, the company is the owner of the billboard situated atop the Lekki tollgate booth at Admiralty way, Lekki and based on the directive of the head of human resources, the billboard at Lekki tollgate plaza was turned off at 3pm just like for it’s other billboards at Falomo, Isolo, Surulere and Ikoyi.

Earlier on, the witness had informed the panel that due to Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the company’s operations were adversely affected as most members of staff worked from home, save for some operations staff who went to locations only when their attention were needed.

The witness also stated that due to the pandemic, the company’s billboard operated for about 12 hours in a day in some locations based on an arrangement between the company and it’s client and at other places, it was shut down due to the lockdown since people who are the target of the billboard have been restricted from moving about.

Under cross examination by the LCC counsel, loatsad promomedia limited company secretary said the company is a private entity and is in no way related to Lekki Concession Company (LCC).

When asked for the source of power supply to the billboard at the Lekki tollgate plaza, the witness stated that the billboard makes use of public power supply and generator owned by the company which it detailed a personnel to be in charge of at the Lekki tollgate plaza as the only staff of the company domiciled there.

On whether it rendered any support to the protesters in any form during the protest, the company secretary said some of the protesters contacted the company to upload their messages on the billboard and the company obliged them the services free and at discounted price.

He also said the protesters approached to make use of the company generator to power the DJ and his equipment, that the company obliged but when they could not get cables to connect the generator because of the distance, the organizers sourced for their own source of power supply.

The witness stated that the company facilities were vandalized as cables and batteries were stolen of which the company lodged a complaint at the Nigeria police force Maroko division which investigated the crime and arrested some culprits.

Under cross examination by Mr A. J. Owonikoko (SAN) counsel to Lagos State government, the witness stated that the shutting down of it’s billboards all over Lagos State including the Lekki tollgate plaza was as a result of the imposition of curfew by the Lagos State government, because doing otherwise would have meant keeping some staff on ground which will have amounted to violation of the curfew with it’s attendant consequences.

When asked how it expected it facilities to be protected in view of the imposition of curfew, witness said the company expected the state to do that, but unfortunately it’s facilities were vandalized and materials stolen.

On the relationship between loatsad promomedia limited and Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the witness said the only relationship that existed between both entities was a business relationship.

The panel adjourned the matter to 17th August 2021 for further hearing.

As the new Islamic Calendar year 1443 commences across the World, the Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria, FOMWAN Oyo State Chapter has urged the people to move away from all forms of social vices, and allow the high level of religiosity and spirituality of Nigerians to manifest in their character, conduct and dealings with one another.

Oyo FOMWAN made the appeal in a New Hijrah 1443 message issued and signed by its Amirah, Alhaja (Dr) B.B Oloso in Ibadan.

The statement rejoiced with the millions of Muslims across the world and especially the Islamic faithful in Nigeria on the very auspicious occasion of the beginning of another twelve months of the Lunar calendar (Hijrah 1443).

” To Allah be the glory for yet another Islamic year, Hijrah 1443. Oyo FOMWAN is using this opportunity to appreciate Allah, the most Gracious for sparing our lives to witness the new Islamic year. Let us recall that the Islamic year began with the Migration of Prophet Muhammad and his companions from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. This means that it has been 1443 years since Prophet Muhammad’s migration. He was commanded by Allah to leave the city of Mecca , his hometown where he and his adherents were being persecuted, victimized and oppressed for Medina. Their only sin as alleged by the idolators of Mecca at that time was their firm believe in oneness of Allah and their rejection of the worship of any deity other than Allah.

” I therefore want to appeal to us all to resolve to migrate from all sorts of social vices which have pervaded every nook and cranny of our nation and embrace good moral conduct and virtues capable of moving us closer to our Creator and earning us His love and mercy. ” Alhaja Oloso counselled.

The FOMWAN Amirah who applauded the decision of the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde to return Hijrah Holiday, described the announcement of Tuesday (Muharram 1st, 1443) as public holiday for the Muslims in the State as a gesture capable of portraying the Governor as an unbiased Leader while it will also help to further enhance and promote peaceful co-existence amongst adherents of different faiths.

” Special thanks to Governor Seyi Makinde for declaring Tuesday as a public holiday. This is a good development. ” She said.

While wishing all members of FOMWAN in Nigeria and particularly Oyo State a happy new Islamic year, Alhaja Oloso also extended same to all members of other Islamic Organizations and prayed to Allah to fill the new year with His mercy, favor, peace and security for the entire nation.

The Popular radio station in Ibadan, Fresh FM has lost its Manager, David Ajiboye.

The news of the demise was made known today by one of the staff members, Samson Akinde on behalf of the founder, Yinka Ayefele as read in part.

“With heavy heart, the Management and Staff of Fresh FM Nigeria and Merry Makers Band, announce the sudden and sad demise of our Station Manager at Fresh 106.9 FM, Ado Ekiti, Mr. David Ajiboye.

“Mr. Ajiboye died this Sunday (August 8, 2021) evening at an Ibadan – based hospital after a brief illness which lasted for a few days.

“Mr. Ajiboye was a foundation member of the music arm of Yinka Ayefele Limited as the Publicist to Dr. Yinka Ayefele and the Merry Makers Band.

“He was a prominent person who assisted Dr. Yinka Ayefele as a partner and later as a management staff member of Fresh 105.9 FM, Ibadan from the ideation period to fruition in 2015.

“We are indeed devastated by this sad event which has also affected our operations. Kind bear with us at this trying time”.

The apex leader of the umbrella body of Yoruba Self-Determination Groups, Ilana Omo Oodua, Professor Banji Akintoye, has reacted to media reports that he has left Nigeria to escape the plots of the Nigerian Government to arrest him.

Akintoye confirmed that he is truly in the Republic of Benin, but not on the run, as widely reported.

In a statement made available to News Men on Sunday by his Communications Manager, Mr. Maxwell Adeleye, the Emeritus Professor of History said he is in the Francophone country to coordinate and supervise how to legally rescue the detained Yoruba Nation Activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, fondly called “Ighoho”, from government remand as soon as possible.

Akintoye, a member of the Nigerian Senate in the Second Republic, said just like Ighoho, he has committed no offense against the Nigerian Laws to warrant being arrested, intimidated or harassed.

Like a valiant soldier, Akintoye vowed to return to Nigeria as soon as Ighoho is released by the government of Benin Republic to continue the struggle for the actualisation of Yoruba Nation, saying “it is No Retreat, No Surrender”

“Myself, the President-General and Professor Wale Adeniran (Chairman) of Ilana Omo Oodua, are currently in the Republic of Benin as reported, but not on the run.

“We are here to supervise and coordinate, by all legal and and other means, the struggle for the release of our son and patriot, Sunday Adeyemo Igboho, detained by the Government from custody.

“By demanding peaceful self-determination for the Yoruba Nation, i am not breaking any law, since self-determination is recognized by the International and Nigerian laws to be an inalienable right of every Nationality, large or small, in the world.

“I have earned a solid reputation as a highly respectable advocate of a peaceful self-determination struggle. I have even written a book on the subject which is already being used as a manual by Yoruba self-determination advocates and organizations.

“Irrespective of what the Nigerian Government may be planning against me, I want to say without any fear or intimidation that I will be returning to Nigeria immediately Ighoho is released from the custody. I can’t be intimidated because I’ve not committed any offense, just like Sunday Igboho.

“Let me tell all Yoruba People across the world that there’s no cause for alarm. I didn’t flee to anywhere. I am in Benin Republic running your errands. The struggle is no retreat, no surrender.

The renowned Scholar also debunked the media reports stating that Igboho has been abandoned, and that the Activist is personally funding the court cases against the Governments of Nigeria and Benin Republic to secure his (Ighoho) and his aides’ release, saying “socio-cultural and self-determination groups within and beyond the shores of Nigeria under my supervision paid for every dime spent in Cotonou, Lagos and Abuja respectively till date on the court cases.”

He said “the only court case not under my co-ordination and supervision, and which the Yoruba socio-cultural and self-determination Groups are not paying for is the one in Ibadan High Court, Oyo State.

“The Lawyer handling the Ibadan case, Chief Yomi Aliyu, SAN, said we should leave it to him, and that we should not bother on the funding, but the Yoruba Groups and Patriots under my supervision are completely responsible for the funding of the court cases in Abuja, Lagos and Cotonou”, the statement, says.