Author: oduduwanews

Posted on

Osun@30: Fayemi, Akeredolu, Daniel, Obi of Onitsha, others for anniversary awards

The Osun 30th anniversary Banquet and Awards Ceremony is slated to hold at the WOCDIF Event Centre, Osogbo, tomorrow.

Prominent Nigerians, including former and serving governors have confirmed their attendance of the event.

Among the important dignitaries that have confirmed their attendance are Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Southern Governors’ Forum Chairman and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu; former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Christopher Alao Akala; and the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Achebe.

The Banquet and Awards Ceremony is the last of the series of activities lined up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the creation of Osun, where 28 distinguished and prominent citizens of the State are expected to be honoured.

The 30th anniversary celebration kicked off on August 26, with the Governor of the State, Adegboyega Oyetola, featuring on special TV and Radio interview sessions and it was followed by an anniversary colloquium on September 9.

The Colloquium featured high-profile resource persons like Chief Bisi Akande (former Governor, Osun State), Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar (Sultan of Sokoto), Dr. Reuben Abati (former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity), Dr Yemi Farounbi (former Nigerian Ambassador to the Phillipines), Hajia Zainab Okino, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Steve Nwosu and Dr. Segun Aina among others.

In all, 28 distinguished citizens under four broad categories, have been selected by a Jury, on the basis of their service to Osun and contributions to the global and local society and will be honoured tomorrow.

The honourees, under the Osun Lifetime Achievement Award, include Chief Bisi Akande (former Governor, Osun State), Pastor Enoch Adeboye (General Overseer, RCCG worldwide), Sheikh Abdur’rasheed Hadiyatulla (President, Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria), and General Ipoola Alani Akinrinnade, rtd. (former Chief of Army Staff, Nigeria from October 1979 to April 1980, and then Chief of Defence Staff until 1981 during the Nigerian Second Republic).

Others in the lifetime achievement category are Asiwaju Hammed Omidiran, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, Prince Tunde Ponle, Professor Olu Aina, Chief Akinwande Akinola, Engr. Joanah Olu Maduka and Chief Dr. Benjamin Adigun.

The Osun Distinguished Citizens Award honourees include Pastor Matthew Asimolowo, Alagba Yemi Elebuibon, Brigadier General Leo Segun Ajiborisha (retired), Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Asiwaju Khamis Olatunde Badmus, Prince Lawal Obelawo, Chief Moses Inaolaji Aboaba, Mr. Adewale Adeyemo, Mr. Kola Adeniji and Mr. Mike Awoyinfa.

The state, under the Legacy Award category, also recognised Dr. (Mrs.) Folorunsho Alakija (Chancellor, Osun State University and dynamic philanthropist), and Madam Susan Wenger (a culture and tourism icon).

The Osun Merit Award honourees include Emeritus Prof. Ademola Oyejide, Chief Nike Okundaye, Professor Oye Gureje, Professor Isaac Adewole, and Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN.

Posted on

2023: Jonathan Will Give Tinubu A Good Run For APC Presidential Candidate – Sokoto Rep

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, has suggested what would happen to Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the party, if former President Goodluck Jonathan decides to join APC.

Adar, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Sokoto State, said Jonathan would give Tinubu a good run for the APC presidential ticket if he joins the party.

The APC chieftain, however, pointed out that Tinubu stood a better chance to clinch the APC ticket because the party has the majority in the Southwest.

Speaking on Arise Television, Adar said the region where APC holds the majority stands a better chance of clinching the presidential ticket.

He said: “The odds first favour the southwest which had populated the APC because five states are under the leadership of the APC. The South-South has Cross River state and the South East has Imo and Ebonyi.

“Any zone wishing to clinch the presidential ticket should go back to the drawing line and restrategize.

“You don’t expect when the majority of you are in the other party and you are thinking of getting the presidential candidacy of the political party simply because you are making agitations.

“My take is that Tinubu still remains the frontline presidential aspirant of the APC from the South generally.

“Then, of course if President Jonathan joins the APC, he is going to give Tinubu a good fight.”

There are speculations that Jonathan may defect to the APC and possibly clinch the party’s presidential ticket.

Reacting, APC had said the former president would be welcomed into its fold if he decides to defect.

Amid these claims, Jonathan has remained silent.

Posted on

Missing man found dead inside car in Abeokuta

A missing man, identified as Isiaka, has been found dead inside his SUV around Olomore area of Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The family of the deceased had declared him missing three days ago. It was gathered that the family of Isiaka reported the case at Adigbe divisional police headquarters that he left home in his car, but never returned.

It was disclosed that the search for him yielded no result until Tuesday when he was found dead in his car along Olomore area of the Ogun state capital.

The incident was confirmed by the spokesman of the state police command, Abimbola Oyeyemi.

Oyeyemi disclosed that the family of the man has requested for his body to be released for burial according to Islamic rites.

He said police had begun investigation to unravel the cause of his death.

“The man was reported missing about three days ago at Adigbe police station, and a case of missing person was incidented, only for us to get information today that the man’s dead body was discovered inside the vehicle. We are investigating the cause of his death.

“The family has demanded for the corpse to be released because they want to bury him according to Islamic rites,” Oyeyemi said.

Posted on

Nollywood stars protest at Radisson Blu Hotel Over N50m copyright debt

Veteran Nollywood stars like Fred Amata, Yemi Solade, Jede Kosoko and others have staged a non-violent protest at the Radisson Blu hotel, Ikeja. Nollywood celebrities protest at Raddison Blu.

The protest was initiated by the Audio-visual Rights Society (AVRS). Movie stars like Yinka Akanbi, Grace Amah, Ejike Asiegbu and Sunny McDon as well as movie producers and directors were in attendance. The AVRS boss, Alli-Balogun accused the hospitality outfit of refusing to pay for use of their intelligent properties in their different locations across the country.

He further made it known that negotiations with the management of the hospitality company have not yielded any meaningful result hence the need for a peaceful protest against them.

Alli-Balogun also alleged the Radisson Blu owes the copyright collective society to the tune of N50 million.

Posted on

Ace Artist, King Sunny Ade Loses Wife One Day To His 74th Birthday

Veteran singer, King Sunny Ade is bereaved as he has just lost his wife of many years, Risikat Ajoke Adegeye.

A former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, and also a former Chairmanship Aspirant under the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Mrs. Adegeye reportedly died in the early hours of Tuesday, September 21.

The cause of her death is yet unknown. She is survived by her husband and six male children.

KSA will be turning 74 today September 22.

Posted on

Lagos Begins Implementation of New Boarding Fees For Model Colleges

Lagos State Ministry of Education is set to commence the implementation of the experimental fee regime as agreed during a meeting of officials of the Ministry of Education, parents and lawmakers recently.

In a recent statement, the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, explained that the sum of N35,000, as agreed by the stakeholders at the meeting, will be paid by all students of Model Colleges and Upgraded Schools for the next two terms.

She reiterated that no other fees will be charged nor will any intervention be imposed within the period to avoid overburdening parents and also determine the workability of the new boarding school fees.

Mrs. Adefisayo averred that the menu list of the students will also be reviewed and standardised in terms of essential nutrition, noting that the Schools are also expected to incorporate available local menu and seasonal foods.

She also declared that representatives of the parents’ body will be incorporated into the boarding house committee to ensure inclusive supervision, revealing that the resumption of students in Model Colleges and Upgraded Schools commenced on Sunday, 19th September with SS2 students, while new JS1 students and other returning students will follow on the 2nd and 9th of October respectively.

The Commissioner appreciated the parents for their understanding and assured all stakeholders of the continuous support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for quality education.

Posted on

OAU Don Emerges Best Economist In Nigeria

Abayomi A. Adebayo, a professor of Economics from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife emerged the most productive Nigerian researcher in Economics in the 2021 AD Scientific Index ranking of Economists. The don who has all his degrees from the same university has H-index of 25 and i10-index of 46, to become one of the three Economics dons that are among the best 200 researchers in Nigeria. The other two are Uwuigbe Uwalomwa and Akinlo Anthony Enisan who are respectively from Redeemer’s and Covenant universities. Interestingly, Professor Enisan who is the current Vice Chancellor of Redeemer’s University is also a Professor of Economics Here is the full list of the top twenty economists/accountants in Nigeria.

  1. Abayomi Adebayo (Obafemi Awolowo University)
  2. Uwuigbe Uwalomwa (Covenant University)
  3. Akinlo Anthony Enisan (Redeemer’ University)
  4. Chukwuma Charles Soludo (University of Nigeria, Nsukka)
  5. S. A. Yusuf (University of Ibadan)
  6. Onakoya Adegbemi Babatunde (Babcock University)
  7. Adeola Festus Adenikinju (University of Ibadan)
  8. Olopade Bosede Comfort (Adeleke University)
  9. Lawal Adedoyin Isola (Landmark University)
  10. Ogundipe Adeyemi (Covenant University)
  11. Lukman Raimi (American University of Nigeria)
  12. Olanrewaju Olaniyan (University of Ibadan)
  13. Babajide Ayopo Abiola (Covenant University)
  14. Joel Babalola (University of Ibadan)
  15. Musibau Adetunji Babatunde (University of Ibadan)
  16. Fidelis Obioma Ogwumike (University of Ibadan)
  17. Uwuigbe Olubukola Ranti (Covenant University)
  18. Adelowokan Oluwaseyi Adedayo (Olabisi Onabanjo University)
  19. Matthew Augustina Oluwatoyin (Covenant University)
  20. Alege Philip (Covenant University)

One interesting discovery from the list is that Covenant University has the joint highest number of scientists (six) with the University of Ibadan in this top flight. It is also worthy of Note that the only three women among the best economists in Nigeria are from private universities. One of them (Olopade Bosede Comfort) is from Adeleke University while the other two (Babajide Ayopo Abiola and Matthew Augustina Oluwatoyin) are from Covenant University. It is also worthy of note that academics in private universities dominate this list. There are eleven dons from private universities leaving only eight places for federal and one for state universities.

The dominance of private university dons is an indication of the level of funding that these universities give to academic research. Our government universities should also step up and provide sufficient funding for economic research. This will go a long way to raise our economy.

Posted on

Oyo PDP Throws Weight Behind Makinde, Says Aggrieved Members Were ‘Rented Jesters’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oyo State chapter, has replied some members of the party who claimed to be aggrieved and who, on Monday, reportedly passed a vote-of-no-confidence on Governor Seyi Makinde and the present administration, on grounds of lack of personal gratification and political benefits.

This desire is against the overall development and growth of Oyo State.

A signed press statement by the ruling party’s State Publicity Secretary, Engr Akeem Olatunji, on Monday, Sept 20, 2021, and made available to newsmen, indicated that Oyo State Chapter of the PDP is grossly disappointed in the anti-party conduct of the so called disgruntled members who claimed to be aggrieved, wondering if they played politics as a private business for personal gains or for public good and the development of Oyo State.

Oyo State PDP learnt that some members of the party who converged at a private venue in Ibadan, on Monday, accused Governor Makinde of reneging on his promises prior to the 2019 governorship election, leading to what could be termed as passage of vote-of-no-confidence on Governor Makinde.

According to Oyo State PDP, the party wondered why the so called members resorted to blackmail, while embarking on a campaign of self aggrandizement.

The question to ask is: Have these so called members explored all available party mechanisms designed for resolution of internal political misgivings and misunderstandings? The answer is no!

The party’s press statement maintained that while the ruling party acknowledged personal aspirations, political interests and other reasons for political participation by individuals, it strongly frowned at any form of anti-party activities by anyone or group of persons within the party.

Oyo State PDP added that politics is local and should be played based on individual popularity and general acceptability at the grassroots, especially at the ward and local government levels, stressing that anyone who is ready to dine with the devil to destroy his or her own house is merely acting out of gross ignorance of history.

The party maintained that the days of playing on parochial sentiments of the people as a result of poverty of the mind and political illiteracy, are long gone, just as it added that even the person in the hinterland at a very remote area with little or no access to internet or telecommunication is now politically conscious to know the sincere politician who truly loves the masses.

“We want to state unequivocally that no man or woman with genuine love for his or her own household would want to destroy the family except such man or woman has started receiving gratification or personal benefits to accomplish such task.

“There is no part of the world where the political landscape is devoid of mixed feelings from time to time due to presumably unachieved expectations for whatever reason, but that is never a licence to embark on a campaign of sheer political blackmail in order to recruit unsuspecting political members into a selfish, perilous and very personal scheme to bring down a God Sent Man simply because of some unfulfilled personal and political gain, to the detriment of the masses.

Posted on

Ogun Civil Servants Protest Alleged Diversion of N134million Investment Fund By Unity Bank

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Ogun State, on Monday, protested at Unity Bank in Abeokuta over alleged diversion of N134million, being the association’s investments with funds.

Members of the association, signing solidarity songs, stormed Unity Bank branch located at Ita – Eko, Abeokuta, to express their displeasure.

The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions, including : “Ole Ni Unity Bank,” “Funds Not Safe In Unity Bank,” “Unity Bank Stole Our Money”, “No Refund, No Retreat, No Surrender,” among others.

Speaking during the protest, the state chairman of the Association, Comrade Olude Isa Owolabi said the association had instructed the bank to transfer it’s investments into another bank account.

Owolabi said the bank however sent a lesser amount, thereby creating a significant shortage amount from their accounts.

“Sometimes last year, we heard from emergency call that Unity Bank, Abeokuta branch is defrauding customers and because we are Union that is proactive since we have professionals in our midst, we rose to the occasion and instructed Unity bank to transfer some amount of money from our Investment account to another account.

“Unfortunately, Unity Bank transfer lesser the amount we are expecting and we have a shortage of significant amount from our account.

“We have interacted with them many times, we have contacted them, we have written several letters, not less than six or seven and Unity bank did not respond.

“The issue started as early as February this year and as we speak, they have not return our money to us. We cannot continue to wait for Unity bank to be free, they have admitted that they have defrauded us, records are there to show that in our office, they admitted that the money is there and they will transfer as soon as possible since then we have not heard anything from Unity bank”, he stated.

Owolabi puts the total investments fund at N134million, while a total amount of N80million have so far been transferred to the Association, leaving a balance of about N54million.

“When we are looking for transfer, they transfer lesser. The total amount with them N130 million, they transfer only 80 million, leaving about N50 million plus with them and as we speak the 54 million to be precise is still with them, they have yet to transfer it since February when instruction was issued.

“We ask Unity bank to transfer the whole amount to another account for investment because investment depends on your negotiations with the bank or whoever you are investing with because you could have better bargaining elsewhere so we ask them to transfer to another bank account for better dealings”, he added.

A copy of an agreement, dated August 13 and jointly signed by the Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servant of Nigeria (ASCSN), Savings Scheme, Comrade Makinde Bamidele, the Treasurer, Comrade Suliaman Ayodele Jamiu, the SouthWest Regional Manager of Unity Bank, Olanrewaju Olusegun and Abeokuta branch Manager of the bank, Saka Adeleke, on the loss of fund belonging to the Association was obtained by our correspondent.

An official of the bank stated that the bank is not denying the association access to their funds.

He said “the issue is already with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).”

He said until the conclusion of the Investigation on the said matter by the CBN, the bank cannot make any further transfer as requested by the association.

Posted on

Man arrested for impregnating his daughter in Ogun

The police in Ogun State have arrested a 45-year-old man, Olaoluwa Jimoh, for allegedly impregnating his own biological daughter (name withheld).

It was gathered that the suspect, who’s said to have “uncontrollable libido” was arrested on September 16 following a complaint lodged at Ode Remo divisional headquarters by the victim.

According to the victim, she has been living with her father for the past two years, but sometime in June 2021, her father allegedly forcefully had sx with her. She further claimed that since then, she has been rped severally by her father who always thratened to kill her if she dare informed anybody.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, in a statement said, “The 19 years old victim informed the police that her mother has separated from the father long time ago, and that she has been living with her mother until about two years ago when the suspect asked her to come and be living with him. She decided to report, not minding the thr*at of her father, when she discovered that she has got pregnant.

Upon the report, the DPO Ode Remo division, CSP Fasogbon Olayemi quickly detailed his detectives to go after the suspect and he was promptly arrested.”

Oyeymi said on interrogation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the crime but claimed that he was used by the devil.

You cannot copy content of this page