Author: oduduwanews

Earlier yesterday, the residents of Olorisa-Oko community in Akinyele Local Government of Oyo State, led a protest to the State Secretariat, Ibadan, urging Governor Seyi Makinde to reconsider its planned acquisition of hundreds of hectares of land for a new city called “Ilu Tuntun” district.

According to ODUDUWA NEWS Correspondent at the scene of protest, the community people bearing placards with several inscriptions, bemoaned that no fewer than 50,000 residents spread across 23 communities from OlorisaOko to Onkoko were about to be rendered homeless if the state government goes ahead with its plan to acquire over 1,500 hectares of land for the district.

Noting that governments in the past had, in the same Akinyele local government, acquired over hundreds of hectares of land for the Dry Port project, Circular Road project, railway line project, car park and housing projects, abattoir, the protesting residents lamented that further acquisition of land, in the area, will lead to homelessness, loss of present and future earnings from farming, loss of our clients’ age-long cultural heritage.

They urged Makinde to reconsider the proposed acquisition of the remaining land at the Olorisa-Oko community earmarked for the Ilu Tuntun Business District and utilize remaining portions of previously acquired land or other local government areas within Ibadan for the project.

Vice-chairman of one of the affected communities, Abeowu Akuro, Mrs Mary Adeniji, said the reality that their land was to be acquired dawned on them when a signboard showing the map of the land space to be acquired was erected in the area.

Adeniji said: “A signboard has been erected therefrom Alarere till Serafu in Olorisa Oko. They have taken many communities. This is the seventh time government will come here for the acquisition of land. Is Akinyele the only local government in Oyo state?

“We had no issues when federal government acquired hectares of land for dry port but this is another acquisition by the state government for Ile Tuntun Business District. Where are they chasing us to? There is virgin land. We know that the governor is compassionate.

“All Nigerians should help beg Governor Seyi Makinde. We are farmers; the state government should not take away our means of livelihood. We feed our children from the land. We have nowhere to go to.”

Another resident of Olorisa-Oko, Mr Seriki Kazeem said the area is not against development strides, but questioned what alternative the state government had for them if they are asked to leave their houses.

Seriki said: “We are not anti-development in any way. We are elites, intellectuals. We are not riff-raffs. You cannot just throw us out of our houses. This is not a military government.

“The government wants to build Ilutuntun business district. We appreciate development strides but you don’t pull down a fence simply because you want to build another one.

“You want to build a new housing project you don’t have to destroy the ones met on the ground. When you destroy that, where do you want the residents to go to?

“There are more than 50,000 residents in Olorisa-Oko; where do you want these residents to go to? There is no provision for us.

“Out of the 300 hectares of land that the federal government acquired, only about 90 hectares have been accessed. We still have 210 hectares lying fallow.

“What do you need additional 1,500 hectares for? Don’t destroy people’s houses. Please, help us to beg Governor Seyi Makinde.”

However, in a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo state governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, on Thursday, Governor Seyi Makinde was quoted as explaining that the state government was acquiring the land in the spirit of having pockets of first world environments across the state.

Makinde was quoted as stating that the state acquired about 4,000 hectares of land to build “Ilu Tuntun” which will serve as an example of a world-class environment that can subsequently be replicated across the state.

Makinde said: “We acquired about 4,000 hectares of land where we want to build a new city called ‘Ilu Tuntun’. And why are we saying that?

“I have been all over the world, especially South Africa, which is the midway between the African setting and Europe, they do have people that are struggling just like us here.

“When you go to some places, it is pure first world. They have everything working. “They put in all the plans and you have places that are third-world as we are.

“So, if we cannot have a first-world environment all over the place, let us have pockets of the first-world environment. Even if it is 4km by 4km at a time.

“When you have one operational, you have the second and the third. By the time you have it all over the place, you are only thinking about connecting them in a general form. So, we have quite a bit to do.

“The people that started this country had good plans and it is one of the things we currently enjoy in Oyo State. When people say the governor is doing well, the secret is that I am not doing any new plan. I go out there and dust what our founding fathers had done in the past.

“So, some of our fore-fathers already made the plans. They have put in all the hard work, it is for us to dust them up and work on them. For us as a government, we want to partner with you.

“So, I believe that it is an opportunity for the president and everyone here, including the Oyo State chairman, for you to come forward and see how we can work together on that. We are completely open to working with local resources and local expertise.”

…Expresses joy that the kick-off has vindicated his struggle at State Assembly.

The honourable member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, Hon. Dele Adeola has commended the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for the successful commencement of operations of LAUTECH satelite campus in Iseyin.

Adeola made this known yesterday while giving his personal explanation at the floor of the House of Assembly.
He was quoted as saying, “it is no longer news that the satellite campus of LAUTECH has kicked off its operations in Iseyin and when going back to the memory lane on how the journey to the monumental achievement by Makinde-led administration started, it should be a resounding joy for all and sundry. Today, glory be to God that we are at the Plenary to witness the successful kick-off of the campus despite the disagreement, conflict of interest and controversies that surrounded its establishment.

He said “when a man of vision is at the helm of affairs, the impossibility becomes possible. Higher institution has been a long dream of Iseyin town and the people of the town had lobbyied in the past to have tertiary institution by embarking on political moves and financial contributions but all to no avail until the recent feat where the campus was sited without so much ado.

“You will recall that we had in the past made moves to have Federal Poly Ede, LAUTECH Ogbomosho, Oyo State College of Education Lanlate, Oyo State Technical University, Federal Poly Ayede but all our efforts were  proven abortive and the hope was dashed but today Gov Makinde has redeemed the image from pains to gains by siting a University in Iseyin.

“The whole community rejoices and says thank you.

“It is on this note, on behalf of the good people of Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, I express our profound gratitude to Gov. Seyi Makinde for the great achievement no administration in the history of Oyo State has ever achieved in Iseyin”.

He however used the ocassion to urge the good people of Iseyin and Oke-Ogun at large to collaborate extensively with the institution and be accommodating with both staff and students for sustainable growth and development of the town.

While rounding up, he solicited for the support of the people of Iseyin towards the success of Makinde-led administration and appreciated the Speaker of the House and all members of the ninth Assembly for their support and another landmark achievement.

Oduduwa News.

By: Isedowo Oluwatosin Temijuayolo

The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, has used the occasion of the 2021 Udiroko Festival to offer prayers for the end of COVID-19 and its variants in the country and indeed the global community.

The monarch, who also offered prayers for peace, prosperity and development of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State and Nigeria, said COVID-19 which had caused large number of deaths, impacted negatively on the world economies and resulted in hardship for millions, required divine solution, hence the prayer of the community on the auspicious occasion.

Oba Adejugbe who spoke in Ado Ekiti during the celebration of the yearly Udiroko Festival in his palace, said that the festival, which signified new year for the community, “is an expressive way to celebrate our glorious heritage, customs and traditions. It is meant to appreciate God for his mercies for Ado people all over the world.”

He said, “Since last year, the celebration of Udiroko has not been the same, it has been low keyed devoid of pomp and pageantry it deserves as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and this year again, Delta-COVID, which does not give room for large gathering to avoid spread of the disease.

The traditional ruler urged people of the state particularly residents of the state capital, “to observe COVID-19 protocols and guidelines in order to avoid being infected with the virus and its Delta variant and as well to stop its spread in the state.

“I urge you to be security conscious and ensure to keep to the rules and regulations guiding the spread of Delta COVID-19 variants because the safety of an individual is the safety of the people. Avoid large gatherings and be hygienic while always putting on your nose mask”.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Command, have arrested one Ladeji Kelvin Babatunde for allegedly obtaining over N38,000,000.00( Thirty-eight Million Naira) from suspected internet fraudsters in order to prevent their arrest by the Commission.

The defendant allegedly impersonated officers of the Commission and obtained the sum of money by false pretence from the suspected cybercriminals.

Upon his arrest, a four-bedroom uncompleted apartment located at Ikola Road, Alagbado, Lagos, which was developed with the proceeds of the perpetrated fraud, was recovered from him.

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has called on the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to caution the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) from making inflammatory statements capable of setting NIgeria on fire.

AYCF National President, Alh. Yerima Shettima expressed this in a statement he personally signed and made available to press on Thursday August 26, 2021.

“We have followed with keen interest, the news of an inflammatory remark making the rounds about the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos and credited to the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE).

“The Yoruba elders, who spoke through a former National President of YCE, Dansaaki Samuel Agbede, asked the Lagos State Government to stop its recognition for the Sarkin Fulani,” it said.

The group said that they are unsettled by this position coming from elders who are supposed be guardians of the people and should be taking the lead in ensuring tolerance, peace and harmony between the people of Lagos State and their neighbours from any part of the country, moreso Northern Nigeria.

They said that the office of the traditional Sarkin Fulani of Lagos is an estimated 150 years old and it reflects and represents the general interest of Fulanis resident in the area.

“It was therefore misplaced to see the YCE trying to forcefully liken the estimated 150 year old Lagos case to that of Edo State, which is comparatively new.

“It is evident that for the past 150 years, nothing tragic has ever happened to the relationship between these ambassadors of the Fulani tribes, primarily because of the successful enlightenment strategy in support of tolerance and harmony by the Fulani monarchy in Lagos.

“Most importantly, there is no law in Nigeria that says another person’s crime elsewhere makes someone somewhere automatically guilty of the same wrongdoing,” the statement said.

It added that, “If contrary were the case, we in the North would have asked our leaders or governors not to recognize people from other parts of Nigeria in areas like Kano, Katsina, Kaduna or any State in the region.

“It is for this recognition for the rights of others and unconditional tolerance that you can find Yorubas, Igbos and other Nigerian monarchs being accorded due respect and formal recognition in every part of the North. For us, tolerance is a necessary ingredient of unity and harmony,” it said.

AYCF emphasized that these traditional leaders of the Fulani are no more than ambassadors of their people, representing the beautiful cultural and religious heritage of their people.

“The historical and cultural values of the Nigerian Fulani can be gleaned from their presence (in more recent times) in France. Germany, the United States and other parts of Europe.

“This example is simply a proof that no society thrives without men and women of goodwill to serve as the custodians of their people’s culture and development concerns,” it added.

They therefore, advised the YCE to tread cautiously on the issue because it represents a potentially dangerous proposition

“We urge the Lagos State Government to quickly intercede in this matter by calling the YCE to order, to avert an avoidable breach of peace built over a period of an estimated 150 years

“We are compelled to draw attention to the YCE’s position on good time in order to elicit appropriate constitutional and legal action to maintain the tolerance, harmony and respect for the historical and cultural values that have held these Fulani as good neighbours.

“We insist that this is one sure way to avert a potentially regrettable decision being propounded by the YCE.

“We are disturbed by the YCE’s latest campaign that seeks to obliterate the respect and recognition of the Sarkin Fulani monarch because of the current situation in the country, notably the security challenge.

“We also find it quite childish that the YCE is making a fuss about illegal immigrants in Lagos, something that should be an issue for the either the NIA, the Nigeria Immigrations Service and the DSS. By the way, how does such a purely security issue connect to due recognition for the Sarkin Fulani?” It queried.

The statement said that YCE got its facts all twisted because there is so much disconnect in most of the issues they raised.

“We don’t support any action of intolerance, capable of further worsening the nation’s security challenge. It is our candid view that the YCE needs to be cautioned from potentially inflammatory declarations that could breed division among Nigerians in Lagos, who have been living as understanding neighbours for some 150 years.

“We take exception to any motive that could lead to undue interference with traditional and cultural values of a people in a democratic setting. This, we dare say, is a ticking time-bomb,” it said.

AYCF said that they are aware that the Lagos State Government has well-enlightened cabinet members who won’t condone any move that could lead to a breach of the peace and we hope they rise to the occasion.

“We don’t think Governor Sanwo-Olu would condone such a dangerously divisive stand of the YCE, considering the importance of tolerance and harmony that has made Lagos the economic and commercial giant of this country for many decades,” it concluded.

The Governor of Info State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu has paid a visit to the former Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), H.E Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the company of Governor of Ekiti State, H.E Kayode Fayemi. The below snapshot is for photostory.

Lagos State Government today commenced the administration of the Moderna COVID vaccine at the designated 183 vaccination sites across the State.

State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi who stated this today after receiving a preliminary monitoring report of the vaccination exercise from the Social Mobilization Team expressed satisfaction at the conduct of the exercise at most of the sites visited.

He noted that the turnout of citizens who had enrolled for the vaccine at various vaccination sites is encouraging, adding that it is an indication of impressive vaccination uptake.

While noting that he is aware of pockets of challenges at some sites, the Commissioner assured that all the glitches noticed would be addressed for better service delivery.

He said: “I’m impressed by the report from the field. We had a good start for the first day. It can only get better, and I can assure you that all the challenges encountered today would be resolved to ensure a seamless exercise going forward.

“I would like to appreciate the team of dedicated staff who are driving this exercise as well as Lagosians for their turn out, cooperation and adherence to COVID protocols at our various sites. Efforts of all stakeholders has helped ensure the success of day one of the vaccination campaign”.

Abayomi stated that eligible citizens who are interested in getting the Moderna vaccine can book on the NPHCDA E-registration on portal – https://nphcda.vaccination.gov.ng/ to get vaccinated.

He noted that the E- registration is a mandatory criteria for the vaccination adding that only citizens who registered on the E-registration site would be attended to at the vaccination sites.

Vaccination sites monitored include; Sango PHC in Agege LG; Ogba, Ifako, Agbado and Iju PHCs in Ifako-Ijaiye LG; Oregun, Opebi and Ojodu PHC in Ikeja; Merian PHC in Alimosho LGA; and Ogudu PHC in Kosofe.

Others are, Sura, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan PHCs and Lagos Island Maternity Hospital in Lagos Island LG; Shogunle and Oshodi PHCs in Oshodi-Isolo LG; and Palm Avenue PHC in mushin.

Some of the vaccinees who spoke to the monitoring team expressed satisfaction at conduct of the exercise adding however that the process could get better in the coming days.

A vaccinee, Mr. Banabas Amadi, who got vaccinated at the Ogba PHC testified that the process was seamless right from the E-registration to the actual vaccination at the site.

He encouraged citizens who are yet to receive the vaccine to take advantage of the opportunity to get vaccinated stressing that the process is easy and fast.

He said: “I just got vaccinated. It was an interesting experience. I registered online and the process was seamless. Getting here, it was initially a bit rowdy but it is calm now. I guess it is because this is the first day, but the process is generally fast and I believe it can get better. I commend the government and everybody in charge of this vaccination process”.