Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has declared Monday as a public holiday in commemoration of Hijrah, 1443 AH.

The State Commissioner for Home Affair, Mr Tajudeen Lawal, while speaking on behalf of the Governor on Friday, enjoined the people of the State to use the period of the holiday to pray for the growth and development of the State and Nigeria..

Meanwhile, the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has called on other states across the country and the federal government to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic Hijrah Calendar 1443 A.H, as a public holiday.

The National President of MMPN, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said such a declaration would be in line with the rule of law, fairness and justice.

He commended state governors who had declared public holiday for Islamic New Year, especially in the Northern part of the country as well as Oyo and Osun states in South West, urging others to emulate their colleagues.

Balogun urged the federal government to give recognition to the Islamic New Year in the interest of fairness as benefitted by the Christian brethren on every January 1.

According to him, “Muharram 1 is the Islamic calendar equivalent of January 1 which is observed as a public holiday in Nigeria.

“Muslims worldwide will usher in the new Islamic year Hijrah 1443 A.H. on Monday, Aug. 9, 2021.

“Muharram 1, is our own January 1, we want both the federal and state governments alike to declare it as such in the interest of religious harmony in the country”, Balogun said.

He implored Muslims to rededicate themselves to the cause of building an egalitarian society and join hands with other Nigerians in moving the nation forward.

The Osun Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality, Human Rights Violations and Related Extra Judicial Killings, on Thursday presented its report to the State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, for consideration and implementation.

This is even as the Governor pledged his Administration’s readiness to implement the recommendations of the Panel in a manner that shall ensure that justice is served to all concened.

Recall that the Panel which was inaugurated by Governor Oyetola, on 22nd of October, 2020 was charged to unravel matters relating to police brutality, human rights violations and related extra judicial killings in the State.

Speaking during the presentation of the report at the Executive Council’s Lounge, Governor’s Office, State Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo, Governor Oyetola said his Administration was fully committed to the instrument that would strengthen the weakest link of Omoluabi family chain in the State.

He said the Administration has instituted structures to ensure justice for all at all times, emphasizing that “we have resolved that never in our Omoluabi ecosystem shall our people be subjected to injustice by elements that are strange to us.”

Oyetola noted that his Adminstration has been harnessing the available resources
to take care of the interest of the youth and the people as part of efforts to empower them to find useful expressions for their innate talents, skills and competencies so that they can contribute their quota to the development of the State.

He said: “You will all recall that about nine months ago, we inaugurated this 12-member Panel, ably led by Justice Akin Oladimeji, a Rtd. Justice of the High Court, to grant justice to the weak.

“The Panel had a six- month deadline to submit its report. In line with their training, integrity and professional dictum that justice delayed is justice denied, the panel are here today to present their report.

“There is no doubt that the tissues of injustice that gave rise to this Panel are strange to us. They are alien to the elements that announced us to the world as the most peaceful State in Nigeria.

“The inherent canvass of injustice is out of character to us and they were the reasons we rose to the occasion to give justice to the oppressed no matter the costs, as we believe no price is too much to pay for justice and peace.

“We resolved to heal the wounds of those that hurt among us so as to reintegrate them into our fold, get the best out of them and move on as one big, strong family.

“As a people, we reject a culture that reduced our citizens to victims of injustice and democracy they fought hard to enthrone in their fatherland.

“Today, we shall determine to work together as a family and take the weakest of the weak by the hand as we walk the lane of sustainable freedom, progress, peace and development.

“We have instituted structures to ensure justice for all at all times. We have resolved that never in our Omoluabi ecosystem shall our people be subjected to injustice by elements that are strange to us. Going forward, let us resolve to make all the external and internal institutions and individual citizens to conform to our Omoluabi ethos to build a State we shall forever be proud of.

“The heroes of this initiative are the weakest of the weak among us who slammed the door against hope in the face of tyranny and oppression but woke up the following day to discover that hope was at their doorsteps.

“I assure them and the good people of Osun that we shall implement the recommendations of this Panel in a manner that shall ensure that justice is served to all people.”

Governor Oyetola commended members of the Panel for giving their best to comfort the oppressed and to strengthen the weakest in the society.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Panel, Justice Akin David Oladimeji (rtd.) disclosed that out of 34 memoranda received, a total of 13 of the 34 petitions considered were however dismissed/struck out for various reasons as stated in the report.

He said the reasons for the dismissal of the said petitions ranged from personal withdrawal by the petitioners, lack of diligent prosecutions, lack of competence and being outside the panel’s terms of reference.

Justice Oladimeji noted that 23 petitions were considered on merit out of which two were dismissed after hearing. He said recommendations were given by the panel in respect of 21 which are contained in the report that is being submitted to Governor for consideration and further action.

According to him, the Panel, in the course of its sitting, observed that the major problems confronting the country were caused by the police, hence the need for the Panel to make some recommendations, including ensuring proper recruitment into the Police Force or any other security agency without political consideration and subjection of appointed officers to psychiatric test.

“The panel also observed that all the security agencies in the country lack proper monitoring and recommended that the Federal Government should establish an independent body to be saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the affairs of police and other security agencies.

“Also, it was observed that almost one third of the petitions received by the panel has judgement debts with huge amount of money to be enforced against the Nigeria Police Force, most of which were not defended in court as a result of which the panel recommended that the Police Service Commission should look into the and address situations whereby law suits filed against the Nigeria Police are often not defended by the Police, thereby resulting in huge Judgment debts against the Nigeria Police,” Oladimeji stated.

While imploring the Governor to take a critical assessment of the report for proper implementation, Justice Oladimeji noted that a thorough, and faithful implementation of the report will go a long way in resolving most of the challenges facing security architecture in the country and Osun State in particular.

Justice Oladimeji added that the prompt action of the government on the report would further help to restore the hope of getting justice for infractions or violations of Fundamental Human Rights as guaranteed and enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said the Panel had taken the interest of all into consideration in making its recommendations for the monetary awards.

“As we are presenting this report, we await the Government decision on it and it is very important to note that it is the Government that is constitutionally empowered to pay compensation. Our recommendations are subject to acceptability by Government.

“It is worthy of note that in making our recommendations for the monetary awards, we took into consideration the interest of all stakeholders in ensuring that justice is done,” Oladimeji added.

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has today sworn in the newly confirmed 7 commissioners. The swearing-in was taken place today at the State Secretariat in Ibadan.

The six commissioners retained the portfolios they were supervising before the dissolution while the immediate past Commissioner for Women Affairs, Alhaja Fausat Ajoke Sanni was redeployed to Ministry of Special Duties.

The governor, while speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan, stated that names of the remaining commissioners would soon be made public.

He equally charged the reappointed commissioners to explore more innovative ways to deliver on their mandate and positively touch the lives of the good people of the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that the composition of the whole cabinet will be completed in the next few weeks.

The statement added that six of the reappointed commissioners retained their former Ministries, while the immediate past Commissioner for Women Affairs, Alhaja Faosat Ajoke Sanni was deployed to the Ministry of Special Duties.

The newly sworn-in commissioners include Mr. Akinola Ojo (Finance); Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, SAN (Justice); Chief Bayo Lawal (Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters) and Prof. Dahud Sangodoyin (Public Works).
Others are Mr. Ayansiju Lawal (Establishment and Training); Mr. Temilolu Ashamu (Energy and Mineral Resources) and Mrs. Faosat Sanni (Special Duties).

The news reaching ODUDUWA NEWS has it that some armed robbers have attacked two different banks in Iree community in Osun state.

According to the report, robbers, who arrived the banks located within the same location around 3:50 pm on Thursday were said to have operated for about 15 minutes before leaving the scene.

Confirming the urgly incident, an eyewitnesses said that the robbers were shooting sporadically into the air while escaping through Iree-Ada road, while one person was reportedly killed by a stray bullet during the robbery incident.
Spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, SP Yemisi Opalola confirmed the incident and disclosed that police have been deployed to the scene.

At the time of filing this report, police officers have taken over the premises of the incident to restore normalcy.

The Nigerian Indigenous National Alliance for Self-determination has called on the Governments of the United States, Britain, France, Russia, Germany, and other top European and Western Countries to impose heavy sanctions on the Nigerian Government for undermining democracy and continuously abusing human rights.

The group also urged the American Government and European Countries to stop selling arms to the Nigerian Government, alleging that previous arms sold to the Buhari-led regime with borrowed funds have found their way into the hands of herdsmen, Boko Haram, ISIS, and other terrorists that are currently terrorising the Indigenous people of the South and Middle Belt of Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement by the Communications manager to NINAS, Mr. Maxwell Adeleye,

NINAS is the umbrella body of leading regional Self-determination Groups in the South and Middle Belt of Nigeria with Ilana Omo Oodua representing the Yoruba bloc, Lower Niger Congress representing the South-South and South East, and Middle Belt Forum representing the Middle Belt bloc.

The CFM signatories who wrote the petition to the US Government and European Countries, according to the statement included a renowned Historian, Emeritus Professor Banji Akintoye, former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo; respected Varsity Don, Prof. Yusuf Turaki, Secretary-General of NINAS, Barr. Tony Nnadi, Pioneer Commissioner for Education in Osun State and National Chairman of Ilana Omo Oodua, Professor Wale Adeniran, amongst others.

Part of the letter read, “We the people of the South and Middle Belt under the aegis of Nigerian Indigenous National Alliance for Self-determination call on you to sanction the government of Nigeria for undermining democratic ethics and abusing people’s rights to live; to own property; to liberty; to dignity; to peaceful assembly and to self-determination.

“The Arms being sold to the Nigerian Government with funds borrowed from your territory are now being used to kill, oppress, harass, intimidate and strangulate harmless protesters and defenseless people of the South and Middle Belt of Nigeria who are exercising their rights to self-determination and peaceful assembly.

“Boko Haram Terrorists, Fulani herdsmen, and Bandits are now maiming, harassing, and killing our people on the roads and in their farmlands with same arms and ammunitions bought from your countries with impunity.

“Today, peaceful protest is an aberration in Nigeria. Opposition voices are now being arrested and caged behind the bar for demanding good governance and their inalienable right to self-determination.

“Freedom of speech is now an essential commodity in Nigeria. The leadership of Nigeria is now censoring the media to prevent free speech to alert the world to the ongoing genocide. Social Media is now under threat in Nigeria.

“We appeal to you, in the interest of peace-loving people of the South and Middle Belt of Nigeria to halt further sale of Arms to the Nigerian Government until the country surrenders the sovereignty of the people back to them.

“For the record, our cardinal demand as a group is for the Nigerian Government to function as the transitional government while a United Nations supervised referendum is organised so the people can exercise their self-determination right and end to unitary Nigeria which has been turned into an apartheid state.

“We demand unconditional abolition of 1999 Constitution of Nigeria which we have shown to be a fraud perpetrated against the people of the South and Middle Belt of Nigeria given that the people did NOT make it.”

A high-powered delegation comprising the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu and a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency I, Hon Desmond Elliot, among other government officials on Tuesday visited the Magodo residence of late Nollywood Actress, Rachael Oniga to condole with the deceased’s family.

The Commissioner presented a Letter of Condolence to a representative of the family, stating that the visit was at the instance of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

According to Mrs. Akinbile-Yusuf, the deceased actress made an impact in the industry that made it impossible for anyone not to pay tribute and acknowledge her contributions to Nollywood.

She urged the family to accept the shocking death as an act of God, imploring them to avail the State Government information about the burial details so that the necessary support can be extended.

“We share in your grief, this is not a loss to the film or entertainment industry alone or the immediate family members. It is a huge loss to the State Government and specifically to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture”, she stated.

In his address, Mr. Desmond Elliot, consoled the family, saying “Please, accept our condolences, it’s a loss to us as a people and as a State. The Governor and other government officials are also heartbroken”.

Responding on behalf of the family, a brother-in-law to late Rachael Oniga, Engr. Abimbola Odusote, said, “We appreciate the State Governor, Deputy Governor, Members of Lagos State House of Assembly and the delegates that the Governor has sent to come and commiserate with us at this time, may God bless you all”.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Arts, Princess Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi and some Directors from the Ministry were also part of the delegation that visited the deceased’s family.

LASG

ForAGreaterLagos

In his resolve to stem the tide of insecurity in the state, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has nominated the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams as the state’s ambassador for the Western Nigeria Security Network, WNSN, known as Amotekun.

The governor also presented a brand new Jack Pick up Van to Aare Adams as a pilot vehicle with three members of the security outfit as part of Adams’ security entourages.

Speaking while receiving the van at his Omole Phase 2 residence in Lagos yesterday, Adams described the gesture as commendable, stressing that the security of the state remains the topmost priority of every government.

He also applauded the governor’s courage in ensuring that the state is safe for residents, insisting that governor Makinde’s efforts at reducing the tempo of insecurity in the state, by allocating ten million naira each to all the local government in the state had really paid off.

Iba Adams said the office of the Aareonakakanfo will continue to complement the efforts of the security outfit in reducing the spate of insecurity across the state.

He said: “I want to appreciate our amiable governor for this worthy honour, and I hope other governors in the region will replicate this gesture, particularly, at this time when we are faced with the various security challenges across the southwest.

“Security is a sacred responsibility of the Aareonakakanfo, and for the governor to have recognised that is highly commendable.

“Now that Oyo state government has identified with us as the ambassador of the state Western Nigeria Security Network outfit (Amotekun), it is a call to service.

“As the Oyo state ambassador of Amotekun, I will use the office of the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland to complement the efforts of the state government in addressing the security deficit across the state.

“More importantly, I hope other states in the southwest, including Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Ogun and Lagos will replicate this gesture bearing in mind that the stool and office of the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland are solely for all the states in the southwest and it is the responsibility of the governors to take care of the paraphernalia of the office.”

Meanwhile, the leader of the Oyo state Amotekun team, Comrade Akinro Kazeem Babalola said the state government gesture is in line with its resolve to reduce crime and the spate of insecurity in the state.

He said governor Makinde’s zero-tolerance to crime has rekindled people’s hope in the government

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has today inaugurated newly elected local government council chairmen.

This was contained in a statement released today by the governor via his official Facebook account as read in part:

“Today, at the induction programme for the 57 elected Council Chairmen, I charged the new leaders of the third tier of government in Lagos State to devote their resources to people-oriented programmes that will address poverty and accelerate good governance at the grassroots.

“I reminded the council chairmen that the manifesto of the APC on whose platform they came to power gives priority to programmes focusing on development and people’s welfare. I stated that it was incumbent on them to sustain the support, trust and confidence of the people by promoting purposeful, result-oriented and inclusive governance.

“The party’s people-centred ideas and programmes have, over the years, been implemented meticulously at the Federal level and in Lagos to the admiration and satisfaction of our people, who, in return, have remained consistent and unwavering in their support and loyalty to our party.

“As Local Government Chief Executives, they have important responsibilities as Security Officers in their domains, serving as an early-warning security system for law enforcement and security agencies, and for the State Government.

“Council Chairmen must have eyes and ears to the ground, working closely with local and traditional institutions, market, transport and artisan unions, youth groups, and religious organisations to defuse those seemingly minor tensions that have the tendency to blow up into unmanageable situations.

“I also used the occasion to give a progress report on the 377 projects kicked off last year by the State Government across the wards and bring the new council helmsmen to speed on them”.

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday approved the report of its committee on establishment which recommended the reduction of pensions to former governors and other affected officials by 50 percent.

The committee also expunged the provision of houses in Abuja and Lagos for former governors as stipulated in an earlier law operated by the state.

The report further showed a reduction in the number of vehicles to be made available to former governors and their deputies.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, suggested that former governors should get two vehicles (a car and a van) instead of three as recommended by the committee.

He also suggested that the amended bill should provide that the cars be changed every four years instead of the three years recommended by the report.

While some of the lawmakers, at plenary, had suggested for an upward review of the pension for the affected public office holders by 75 percent, others urged that the pension remain as stipulated in the old law.

However, Obasa argued that it should be left at 50 percent, especially as the report had recommended the removal of houses and reduced other benefits.

While recalling the recent murder of the president of Haiti, Obasa said it was necessary to also secure the lives of the former office holders.

“By virtue of my office, I have seen former Speakers who we just had to intervene in their lives because of the situations they found themselves outside office. We have also seen former governors in a very bad situation,” he said.

Obasa noted the argument of his colleagues that the projected downward review of the pension for the former governors and others could also be affected by inflation and other economic considerations, but reminded that the House must meet the wishes of the people one of which is a cut in the cost of governance.

“There is no argument, we must realise that this is democracy and it is all about the people. We are here because of the people. When we represent people, it is good for us to listen to them as well.

“We must realise that we would always go back to the people for support. So when we hearken to their agitations and reduce what existed, it shows that we listen,” Obasa told his colleagues adding that his suggestion for further reduction of the number of cars was because “as you age, your needs continue to decrease.”

Earlier some of the lawmakers had supported the report of the committee saying it would have a positive impact on the internally generated revenue of the state.

The leadership of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) on Wednesday lauded the Administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun for continuously taking the welfare and general well-being of the residents, particularly workers, as priority since assumption of office.

The Union also applauded the Governor for restoring the lost hope of the workforce in the State through the prompt implementation of his workers-friendly policies and programmes that had corrected so many lapses of the past.

The members of the Union consequently threw their weight behind the Governor and endorsed him for second term, saying they would do all things possible to re-elect him for giving them the best place they deserved as proletariats.

This is even as Oyetola bagged the Workers-Friendly Governor Award as a symbol of appreciation of many of his efforts to advance the cause of workers in the country at large and Osun in particular.

In his acceptance speech, Governor Oyetola appreciated the leadership and members of the Union for being supportive of his Administration since inception.

He commended Osun workers for their high sense of diligence, commitment, loyalty and passion for the government as being displayed in their collective quest to move the State to greater heights.

“I appreciate the National leadership of the Nigeria Civil Service Union for the visit and welcome you formally to Osun. I equally thank you for choosing Osun as the host for your Southwest Zonal Meeting.

“As a government, we have been enjoying the hands of fellowship from our workers since we came on board and I must confess to you that I am overwhelmed by the show of love which you all displayed.

“Our government is workers friendly. We have been partners in progress. Labour played a significant role in my emergence as the candidate of our party and subsequently my emergence as the Governor of the State.

“As you all know, our government has been fulfilling its promise made to ensure the payment of full salaries as and when due. We have also not failed in our responsibility to ensure payment of full pensions and gratuities regularly since 2018, including gradual clearing of the backlog of arrears inherited.

“We have provided robust Health Insurance Scheme for our workers and our Administration has also upgraded over 200 members of staff of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital just as we also pardoned 962 civil servants who had been pencilled for demotion for embarking on further studies without approval.

“And above all, we are paying Minimum Wage despite the obvious economic challenges in the country. These and many others are being done by our government to show that we value our workers and will never do anything to undermine their welfare.

“We are going to do more for workers. You have demonstrated that you are good partners in progress. I am very honoured today by the presence of your members who came from far and near.

“It is therefore a very cherished honour that will no doubt continue to boost our resolve to constantly put our teeming workers first.

“I wish to, once again, thank you all for finding me worthy of this honour. It is a call to do more for our hardworking workers and for the people of our great State. I shall not disappoint you,” he added.

He therefore dedicated the award to the good people of the State, particularly workers for their unflinching and unalloyed support.

Speaking on behalf of the members of the Union at a One-Day Retreat and Award Presentation of the award of Nigeria Civil Service Union Southwest Zone, held at the Staff Development Centre, State Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo, the National President of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Comrade Lawrence Uchechukwu Amaechi, lauded the tremendous achievements the Administration had recorded in the last two and half years.

Amaechi, who described Governor Oyetola as the best among the equals in the country, noted that the Union would continue to be grateful for the good gesture the Administration had extended to workers so far.

According to him, it was good to celebrate the inimitable hands of fellowship being extended to workers in the State by the Oyetola- led Administration.

“We have been following the progress of Union across the country, and Osun stood out as a State where the welfare of workers was attended to without negotiation.

“We are grateful to you because you have done very well since taking over leadership responsibility. We know what you inherited, but today, the story is different because workers across the State are happy.

“You are not among the bad leaders we have in this country. You are a good man. And when a good man leads, people’s lives get better.

“It is on record that Osun is among the States where we didn’t negotiate before the minimum wage was approved and paid to workers.

“I give kudos to the Governor for keeping faith with the workers’ welfare. I was here few years ago, but I couldn’t see smile on the faces of our colleagues because they were being paid half salaries and owed. But we thank God that today they receive their salaries and pensions in full.

“It is in recognition of this that we were resolved to give you an award because of your good deeds and excellent performance across sectors of the economy. I am here today to join my members not because of anything but because you have demonstrated leadership that caters for the interest of all, most importantly the workforce.

“In fact, you have done very well in Osun. We don’t just give awards to people, but to those that deserve it. You deserve it. That is why we have resolved to give you as a show of appreciation for your resilience, doggedness, commitment and passion for the socioeconomic development and general welfare of the people, particularly workers in Osun.

“It is very expedient that workers of Osun have seen the light through your commitment to good governance. I promise our continued cooperation and loyalty to advance the State,” he added.

Earlier in his welcome address, State Chairman, NCSU, Comrade Abimbola Arapasopo, commended the Governor for being faithful to his electioneering promises made to reposition the civil service and make life meaningful and worthwhile for all categories of workers in the State.

Arapasopo who acknowledged the Governor for doing great things out of the obvious meagre resources, noted that the Adminstration has been doing excellently well in all spheres of life.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Jacob Babatunde Adekomi, and State Chairman Joint Negotiation Council, Comrade Bayo Adejumo, appreciated the Governor for promoting the welfare and well-being of workers in the State.

In his remarks, the Head of Service of the State, Dr. Festus Olowogboyega Oyebade, lauded Oyetola for being passionate about everything that concerns the welfare and wellbeing of workers.

He added that Oyetola has proved himself as a father beyond the call of his official duties.

“No leader in the history of Osun has accomplished what Oyetola has done in terms of relationship with workers. He lives by the principles of recognising the other person, not just by names but by needs. He is a very disciplined man with money, materials and other resources,” Oyebade said.

Those in attendance were Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola; Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Alabi; Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye; some members of the State House of Assembly; Deputy Chief of Staff, Prince Abdulah Binuyo; some members of the State Executive Council; members of the State Civil Service, State Labour Leaders, among others.