Author: oduduwanews

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, August 20, 2021, arrested 37 suspected internet fraudsters.

The suspects were arrested at Ibadan and Oyo town, Oyo State following intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet fraud.

The suspects include Kehinde Emmanuel Ayoola, Adewale Adeparosi Samson, Adeniran Tijesunmi Ayobami, Abiodun Olamide, Olaoye Afolabi Bolarinwa, Ajibade Sodiq Ayodeji, Babalola Opeyemi David, Fatunbi Gboluwaga Oludotun, Abdusalam Mojeeb Ololade, Taiwo Emmanuel Olaoluwa and Oyewole Oyewunmi Fred.

Others are Akinboade Fatai Jimmy, Oyewole Samod. Others are: Ishola Akinyemi Labayo, Ayinde Oluwasegun Ridwan, Oladokun Abdulkadri Akolade, Adebayo Dare Basit, Adebayo Tola Kudus, , Oladeji Joseph Popoola Samuel Ayomide, Oladoja Oluwaseun Peter, Olakunbi Feranmi Ayodeji, Khalid Mohammed, Salimon Sodiq and Oparemi Ayomide James.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde and other government officials today attended the induction ceremony of the newly recruited 5,000 teachers in the State.

The induction ceremony which was held at Conference Centre, University of Ibadan had in attendance participants across the 33 local government areas in the State. The snapshots below are for photostory.

By: Emmanuel Dominic

The Ondo State Government on the 23rd, Monday of August released a statement, saying it has promoted over 6,106 workers of the state civil service and has recruited 1,843 new workers to the service.

The government stated, the new workers recruited were in the engineering, health, and education sectors while workers who were promoted cut across all the ministries, departments, and various agencies of the government.

Mr. Niran Adeyemo, the State Head of Service made this in Akure the capital of the state while speaking with the PRESS on the activities to mark the Public Service Day celebration, slated for the 24th and 25th of August 2021.

He then stated that the recruitment and promotion exercise was approved by the state governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu.

In his statement, “The government has promoted a total of 6,128 workers in the civil service. Some of the workers have collected their promotion letters, while some are still collecting theirs now. We have also recruited 1,200 teachers who have undergone training.”

“We have also recently employed 18 qualified engineers into the Ministry of Works to work in the ongoing infrastructural projects across the state. About 625 primary health workers have also been recruited and they had been sent to the 18 local government areas of the State. The few ones that are on temporary appointments have had their appointment regularised.”

Based on the issues of alleged anomalies in the staff salaries, the Head of Service stated that the government pays the workers based on the allocation given to the state, and said the issue would soon be settled.

Mr. Niran then commended the governor,  Mr. Akeredolu administration for taking the well-being of the civil servants as a top priority in which he stated “Recall that this administration inherited seven-month unpaid salaries and allowances. Within a space of about two years, the salary backlogs are almost completely cleared, leaving only a month. To date, the promotions of all eligible officers are being effected and works are in progress for the 2022 promotion exercise,”

Mr. Niran advised the workers to shun unprofessional practices and instead give their very best, saying, “Our motto in our reform effort ‘to do my best for a better should be strictly adhered to. To whom much is given, much is required”

The former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has hosted the National Working Committee of Peoples’ Democratic Party members at his Presidential Villa on Thursday 19th of August at his library where he coached the members of the party on their choice of presidential candidate for 2023 presidential election in the country.

He asked that the pedigree of the aspiring candidate for the elections should be considered when the party is picking their candidate of choice. He asked the party should consider the way the president of the USA is from a two main political parties.

It was gathered that the PDP leaders informed the former President Olusegun Obasanjo not to “siddon look” during this critical time for the country as things are getting worse in the country.

Obasanjo has disclosed in the past that he has ended his 17 years relationship with the PDP members six years ago  on the 16th of February 2015, and has since then not joined any other political party. He claimed he is done with politics when rumor had it that he plans to start a new political party back then . He  still welcomes the party members giving them the necessary advice and suggestion on how to face the future as a concerned citizens and one party.

He made it known to the members of the party after appreciating their visit, that they should study the electoral process of presidential candidates in the America, adding that leaders don’t just get selected because of their wealth but the processes they have gone through determine their qualification. He also made mention of the US following a particular pattern when it comes to selecting a leader, citing the election of the Prime Minister of United Kingdom as an example. Stating that is someone who knows the country, and its system, and has prior knowledge of the country dealings in all areas should be allowed to rule the nation.

He also expressed his dissatisfaction with the country’s financial status, how the country has been busy increasing its debts by borrowing money globally.

He used his tenure as an example of how he ensured that all governors gave account of their foreign investments in their states just to make sure that the country’s financial status was not in wrecking form.    

Isedowo Oluwatosin Temijuayolo

The Ekiti State COVID-19 Task Force monitoring and enforcement team has shut down two popular eateries and a new generation bank in Ado-Ekiti capital city earlier this morning for allegedly violating COVID-19 protocols, put in place by the state government to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

The eateries and the financial institution located at Ajilosun and Irona roads respectively were shut for allegedly violating the COVID-19 prevention guidelines as stipulated by the government.

The Task Force during the weekend, also visited mosques, churches, market places as well business organisations within the state to sensitise them on the need to keep strictly to the pandemic protocols.

The senior special assistant to Governor Kayode Fayemi on Public Health, Dr Jimlas Ogunsakin, while speaking with the newsmen said the routine exercise by the team is with the main aim of  engaging the communities on the need to prevent residents of the state against the third wave of the pandemic.

Lamenting over the situation, Ogunsakin said Ekiti State government has spent millions of naira on the treatment of COVID-19 patients within the last six months.

He revealed that the state had recorded 300 fresh cases of the virus within one week, the development he said was a source of great concern to the government and the people of the state.

“We will continue the sensitisation to all local government areas within the state and ensure that people keep to the protocols” ,he stated.

The Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has given a matching order that we should embark on aggressive sensitisation and community engagement on the need to prevent further spread of the pandemic,” he stated.

By: Adebayo Miracle

An arrest of one Mr Stephen, Afam Ikeanyionwu who was said to be a major suspect of drug dealing was made yesterday Sunday inside a Pentecostal Church in Ojodu Area of Lagos by the NDLEA.

He was currently on the wanted list for making an attempt to export a 69.65KG of cocaine, cannabis and heroin to the UK through export shed of Muritala Muhammed International Airport.

Femi Babafemi who happens to be the Spokesman for the NDLEA, said that Mr Stephen was traced and tracked down to Pentecostal church at Mike Ajari Street, Ojodu- Berger, where he was apprehended as he was stepping out of service.

His arrest was made possible through a lead from one of his colleagues who was arrested while trying to export illicit drugs weighing 69.65kg to the UK and passing through Lagos Airport on the 12 of august Thursday. The illegal bags had been sent to Aiport for exporting the goods through an unregisterd company who also hand it over to a driver to deliver at the export shed.

It was the arrest of this driver and investigation that led the NDLEA to trace back the real owner of the drugs to Mr Stephen Afam Ikeanyionwu and he was arrested three days after a proper investigation.  

Desmond Okoroafor, a 21-year-old man living Aboru, Ipaja Area of Lagos state has been locked up for allegedly kidnapping 8-year-old son of Mr Daniel Chukwudi who was said to be his neighbour.

Desmond was arrested along side one Mr Egwuonwu Iyke, who he worked together with to kidnap the eight year old boy and held him captive in Ajangbadi area which served as their hide out. The two men reached out to the boy’s parent demanding a ransom of #2.5 million Naira for the release of the boy.

The police and securities of the state took up the matter as soon as the parent report the abduction. CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, who happens to be the Spokesperson for the Police in Lagos state reported that Mr Desmond, made use of his chance of always welcome in the family to lure out the eight year old boy from his parent house to their secret hideout which is Ajangbadii. The victim was held  an hostage for good six days before the boy was rescued.

CSP Ajisebutu  finally mentioned the fact that these two arrested suspects will be charged to Court as the Commissioner of Police Mr Hakeem Odumosu has instructed.

The new Olu, Ogiame Atuwatse III, was crowned as the 21st Olu of Warri on Saturday at Ode-Itsekiri, ancestral home of the Itsekiri. .

Having been called upon to speak on behalf of all the Nigerian traditional rulers in his capacity as the natural head of Oduduwa Race worldwide and Co-chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NYCN) to bless the new Olu of Warri and welcome him into the fold, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, described the event as a red-letter day in the Itsekiri Kingdom and in the Oduduwa nation at large.

“The entire Oduduwa Race was elated about your emergence as the Olu of Warri. We are indeed happy and excited with this development.

“We the traditional rulers in Nigeria are all very delighted to welcome you on board as one of our brother kings,

“You can feel the energy in the air in Itsekiri Kingdom, you are loved by your people. I want to appeal to you, you are the father of the entire Itsekiri Kingdom now. You are the father to the good, you are the father to the bad, and you are the father to the ugly. You have to embrace the entire kingdom of Warri, extend a hand of fellowship to all and sundry, make sure that your leadership is a fatherly leadership.

“For today, God almighty and the spirit of our ancestors will continue to guide you, guard you, and lead you right in all the decisions you will be making on this throne of your forebears. We love and we appreciate and we will work with you.” Ooni said.

The representatives of the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II said “We all know what happened there when the Omo N’Oba prayed in the inner chambers of the palace. Omo N’Oba says you are going to live long. Omo N’Oba says your reign shall be peaceful. Omo N’Oba wishes you very well.”

President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie OmoAgege, said he was hopeful the reign of the monarch would witness progress, peace and development in the kingdom.

OmoAgege, whose mother is Itsekiri, later gave his own goodwill message, assuring that he will continue to support the monarch , adding that he should see him as one of his senators in the National Assembly.

Prominent Nigerian traditional rulers pthat graced the coronation occasion on Saturday at Ode Itsekiri include, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, Olowo of Owo kingdom, HRM, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, Ohinoyi of Ebira land, HRM, Alhaji Dr Abdul Rahman Ado Ibrahim, the Oore of Otun-Ekiti, HRM, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, the Akarigbo of Remo, HRM, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Olubosin of Ifetedo, HRM, Oba Akinola Akinrera and others.

Obasanjo on Sunday during the Thanksgiving Service at the palace Chapel urged the new Olu of Warri to unite his people, utilise the wisdom of elders and stay close to God in all his dealings.

“Two things must guide you: one, do not shun the experience and advice of elders, it is useful.

Experience is wisdom, make use of the experience of people around you. Secondly, be very close to God.

You must diligently perform the task God had entrusted to you as this position was given to you by God.

Please note that “His Majesty” carried a lot of responsibilities and I urge you not to shun the experience and advice of the elders.” Obasanjo said.

Also In his speech during the Thanksgiving, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta urged the new Itsekiri monarch to extend the olive branch to any aggrieved Itsekiri.

“I am aware a lot of healing processes are ongoing.
It is time for healing; ensure the entirety of the kingdom comes together. Whether stubborn or not, extend the olive branch to them.

You have a lot of work to do in Nigeria. We cannot afford any distraction at home, so that the larger nation will have your presence in the nation-building.” Okowa said.

His Majesty, Ogiame Tsola Emiko, the 21st Olu of Warri, as a son of the 19th Olu of Warri, Atunwase the 2nd who reigned from 1987 and 2015. He is a bonafide descendant of Oduduwa king of Ile-Ife from whom he derived his princehood and royalty through the lineages of Oranmiyan, Eweka the first Oba of Benin and Omoba Ginuwa, a Prince of Benin who became the first Olu of Warri.

The Acting Registrar of the prestigious Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, Mr Oladele Oladipo, has rejoiced with the Chairman, Governing Council of the institution, Prof. Samuel Ogundiran as he celebrates 55 years of existence.

He described him in a statement sent today to ODUDUWA NEWS as an icon of humanity and a builder of first-class leaders, who has made significant impacts in his career and also towards everyone around him.

Speaking further on the impacts of the Council Chairman in the institution, he appreciated his commitment towards development. “It is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf that the accelerated development and peaceful coexistence among the staff, management, and students of the institution could be attributed to the initiatives and leadership acumen of the institution’s Council Chairman. The institution, Ibarapa, and Oyo State at large will never forget your unending efforts,” he said.

“Sir, you have demonstrated that, good leaders are the stars of the night and the moon that gives light to our path in the dark. I’m glad for your achievements and the attainment of academic heights, Leaders like you are few and uneasy to come by,” he concluded.

He wished him a happy birthday and many happy returns of the day.

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has apologised to the government and people of Ondo State following the Rukuba road attack leading to the killing of their people.

Recall that about 23 people from Ondo, passing through Jos, were killed on August 14, while 23 were reportedly injured.

They were attacked on their way to Ondo along Rukuba Road in Jos North Local Government Area of which more than 30 were rescued by security agents.

Gov. Lalong, through his deputy, Prof. Sonny Tyoden, apologised for the attack that led a delegation from the state to Ondo for a condolence visit, and to formally deliver the survivors of the unfortunate attacks.

The governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, in a statement of apology, stated that the deputy governor explained that the visit was to convey the condolences and apologies of the people and Plateau State government to their families as well as the entire people of Ondo State.

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, while responding, thanked Lalong for his quick intervention and other proactive measures taken to prevent the situation from escalating.

Akeredolu, represented by his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, explained that on receiving the news, immediately went to the cattle market to sympathise with the leadership of the Fulani brethren over the incident.

The governor assured of his administration’s concern on the welfare of all citizens irrespective of their backgrounds, and appreciated his colleague for sending a high level delegation to accompany their people back home.