Author: oduduwanews

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.

The Oyo State House of Assembly Thursday confirmed the appointment of all Seven Commissioner nominees forwarded to it by Governor Seyi Makinde.

Recall that Governor Makinde had on Monday forwarded the list of the seven Commissioners to the House of Assembly for screening and ultimately for reappointment.

Their names were announced on the floor of the House on Tuesday by the Speaker, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin while reading the letter to that effect from Governor Seyi Makinde.

The confirmation of the Commissioner nominees followed their appearance and the presentation of reports of their Ministries before the State Legislators.

The Commissioners are Mr Akinola Ojo (Ministry of Finance), Prof Oyelowo Oyewo SAN (Ministry of Justice), Chief Bayo Lawal (Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters) and Prof Dawood Kehinde Sangodoyin (Ministry of Public Works).

Others are Barr Temilolu Nurudeen Ashamu (Ministry of Energy), Mrs Faosat Joke Sanni (Ministry of Women Affairs) and Alhaji Ismaila Ayansiju Lawal , (Ministry of Establishment and Training).

The Lawmakers took turns to ask questions, seek clarifications and give suggestions to the Commissioner designates on moving their various Ministries forward while the Commissioner designates responded one after the other.

The Speaker urged the Commissioners to do more in justifying the confidence reposed in them especially the Governor which led to their reappointment.

” I say congratulations to all our seven returning Commissioners on their reappointment. This is great privilege and another rare opportunity for you to continue in your various Ministries, and also another chance to serve the people of Oyo State. I therefore advise that you take note of all the questions and observations made by the Honorable Members towards moving Oyo State forward. ” Oyo Speaker said.

Speaking on behalf of other Commissioners , the Oyo State Commissioner for the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Bayo Lawal assured that more developmental programs will be embarked upon by their various Ministries to further advance the vision of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Hon Bayo Lawal expressed appreciation to members of the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly for their support for the present administration, and the cordiality existing amongs all the arms of Government in Oyo State.

Prominent Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state; Alhaji Adebisi Olopoeyan has highlighted why he was not present at the Bukola Saraki-led National Reconciliation and Strategy Committee meeting of the PDP at the Oyo State Government House on Tuesday.

The PDP Chieftain explained that he wasn’t at the meeting for security reasons which if he neglected might be dangerous for him.

Olopoeyan and other PDP stakeholders had earlier met with the committee at Carton Gate Hotel, Idi-ape before the said National PDP committee moved to the government house. He confirmed that he was in a meeting with the committee but deliberately refused to attend the enlarged meeting at the Government House based on his security which he said was hinged on his relationship with the state governor; Engr Seyi Makinde.

However, Olopoeyan offered insights into the discussion conducted at the Carton Gate Hotel, stating that the disgruntled members said what they wanted in front of the committee, while those who remain loyal to Governor Makinde presented their views.

“After the meeting in the hotel, I decided not to go for the enlarged meeting at the Government House because of my safety. The government is fraternizing with Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, also known as Auxillary.

“But the committee has not given any judgment. The committee said they gave the governor till the end of this month (August) to reconcile all the aggrieved members. I believe the Saraki-led committee would do the right thing. But I don’t have confidence in Seyi Makinde until I see it done.

“We have not left the party. It is our party. We are together. We don’t want the party to be in disarray. Saraki said he would not allow anyone to destabilize the party. I am not asking for anything other than for the party to be a united one.

“One of the requests that we tabled before the committee is that the PDP executive council in the state should be dissolved. Let the caretaker committee be set up. We are preparing for the congress. Let the caretaker committee organize the congress. All I wanted is the stability of the party.”

Oyo State Governor; Engr Seyi Makinde while speaking at the meeting assured all party faithful to be steadfast in upholding the tenets and values of the PDP and that he has put in place strategies to placate and bring back into the party all aggrieved members of the party stating that this move will position the party on a pedestal and prepare the party ahead of future elections in the state. He further urged party members to place the party interest above personal hates and grievances.

Former President of the Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; former Governors of Cross River and Gombe States, Senator Liyel Imoke and Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo; and former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola were among those in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, yesterday described the two recently elevated Justices of the Court of Appeal from the state as upright Justices.

Hon. Justice Ademola Bola, JCA, and Hon. Justice Olabode Adegbehingbe, JCA, were among the 18 new justices elevated to the Court of Appeal of Nigeria and sworn in on June 28, 2021 in Abuja.

Until their recent elevation, they were Justices in the State High Court, Akure.

At a dinner/reception organised by the state government in their honour, Governor Akeredolu, who said the two Justices are held in high esteem, described them as courageous and fearless jurists.

While congratulating them on their well-deserved elevation, the Governor said the state is proud to have produced upright Justices like them.

The Governor promised to continue to push for more judges from the state to be elevated at both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, saying he will not allow the state to be shortchanged in the scheme of things.

The colourful reception held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), Akure, was attended by members of the two families, several justices and Senior Advocates of Nigeria, captains of industries, friends and well wishers among other eminent personalities.

The Governor also promised that retired judges in the state would be celebrated in their life time, even as he called for prayers for the elevated Justices to be able to discharge the onerous tasks ahead.

The Chairman of the occasion and former President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, appreciated the Governor for the reception in honor of the two justices.

The celebrants, Justice Ademola Bola and Justice Olabode Adegbehingbe thanked the Governor for working tireless to ensure that the state was not shortchanged in the appointments

Also present at the event were the deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his wife, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly led by the speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun; Secretary to the Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Chief of staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale; members of the State Excutive Council, top government functionaries, religious leaders, traditional rulers among other dignitaries.

On Tuesday, the Ibese village in Ogun State’s Yewa North Local Government Area wasOn Tuesday, the Ibese village in Ogun State’s Yewa North Local Government Area was thrown into disarray when Hausa and Yoruba motorcycles battled, leaving seven people presumed dead.

According to ODUDUWA NEWS, the conflict began on Monday between two groups of bikers and escalated into a bloodbath on Tuesday.

The bikers were alleged to be arguing over an increase in daily ticket prices from N600 to N800 at the Dangote Cement Factory intersection.

It was reported that no less than seven people were believed dead in the situation, which was supposed to have turned ethnic.

However, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, could not confirm the number of victims in the situation during an interview with journalists.

He informed locals that the leadership was on top of the issue and advised them to go about their usual lives.

“The problem is presently under control,” stated Oyeyemi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police. It was a little conflict that had escalated into a major crisis.

The Governor of the State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, has sympathised with residents of the State over the adverse effects of Tuesday’s floods that ravaged some areas in the State, particularly Osogbo, the State capital.

Oyetola said government is working hard to forestall future occurrence of the ugly incident as efforts had been put in place to ensure safety against natural disasters.

Governor Oyetola, who spoke during an on-the-spot assessment and inspection tour to some affected areas in the State, also urged residents to stop indiscriminate refuse disposal in the State as it was established that many of the incidents were caused by drainage and waterways blockage.

Oyetola expressed sympathy over the incident and assured that necessary steps would be taken to address the situation as relevant agencies, including emergency response and disaster management teams had been contacted.

Addressing residents of Alie community in Olorunda Local Government Area of the State, Oyetola called for attitudinal change to environment management by the residents.

He said the time had come for residents to adhere strictly to environmental safety tips, saying this remained the only way to permanently put an end to the menace.

“I went round to see things for myself and I’ve seen that the damage was much. We have seen areas requiring interventions like dredging activities. This, we will attend to with immediate effect.

“I sympathise with the residents of the various communities troubled by flood. The rain was indeed torrential, and that informed our tour around the capital city to assess the impact.

“I sincerely sympathise with our people who have lost property to the flood. It was unfortunate, especially as it didn’t spare any quarter.

“From our observation, some of the waterways had blockages due to indiscriminate waste disposal by residents. In some cases, some people have mounted structures (either residential or business) on water passages.

“What we must realise is that water will always find a path for itself. Water can never be hindered, hence the need to always accord it its right of passage.

“What we are concerned about is the safety of our citizens. At this stage, we are not so much bothered about the location of the incident, whether it is a state road or federal road. What matters to us is the safety of the lives and property of our citizens,” Oyetola said.

Some of the areas visited by the Governor were Oke-Ijetu area, Alie community, Gbodofon community, Alekunwodo area, GRA and Lameco areas.

The Governor was accompanied by his Deputy, Mr. Benedict Alabi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola; Deputy Chief of Staff, Prince Abdulah Binuyo; Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Sola Oladepo; Special Adviser on Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Rufus Oyegbile; Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Remi Omowaye; Special Adviser on Works and Transport, Engr. Olatoke Olaniyan; Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs. Funke Egbemode; Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Engr. Olalekan Badmus, among others.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, bolstered the fleet of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) with 102 units of brand new locally assembled compactor trucks and 100 units of double dino waste bins in a bid to reduce turn-around time in waste evacuation within the metropolis, thereby achieving cleaner and healthier environment.

Governor Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the compactor trucks at an elaborate event held at the State House, Alausa, and witnessed by stakeholders in the waste service sector, including Private Sector Participants (PSP) operators.

The assets comprised 30 units of 12-cubic meter trucks, 60 units of 24-cubic meter trucks and 12 hook loaders. They will be complementing over 850 PSP compactor trucks to enhance service delivery in under-served communities across the State.

The compactor trucks were assembled by LAWMA technicians in conjunction with Dangote Sinotruk Manufacturing firm. They are designed according to the local requirements to aid clearing of waste from generating points to transfer-loading stations. Each compactor truck has three years warranty and maintenance package.

Besides, the Governor formally launched a mobile application called “CitiMonitor”, which would enable monitoring and reporting of environmental infractions, including indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

Sanwo-Olu said the new waste collection machinery were not being deployed to edge the PSP operators out of the business. He noted that the compactors would make trips only to public places and major roads to take waste, while the PSP operators would continue with their commercial and residential waste collections.

He said: “Today, we are unveiling new equipment that will enable LAWMA to effectively fulfil its mandate. This is testament to our administration’s determination to secure the public and environmental health of the State, as well as to improve the aesthetic value of the environment in line with Health and Environment pillar of our T.H.E.M.E.S agenda.

“This intervention represents one of the largest singular investments ever in the waste management sector in Lagos. We are confident that the addition of these new assets to our existing ones will quickly bring about visible improvements in waste evacuation and reduce the incidence of blackspots that blight our roads and clog our drains.”

Sanwo-Olu urged the residents to reciprocate the gesture by promptly paying their waste disposal dues to ensure improved service delivery. In the coming weeks, the Governor said LAWMA would be rolling out acquisition scheme to assist willing PSP operators to replace rickety waste collection trucks in their fleet.

He observed that the Government was fully aware of the potential of waste economy, stressing that the waste-to-wealth programme of the State had started to take shape, given the expansion of Lagos Recycling Initiative.

The Governor said there was ongoing rehabilitation work on the State-owned compost facility in Odogunyan, Ikorodu, while the Government has ramped up resources for the construction of three new transfer-loading stations to provide the infrastructure that would facilitate the effective disposal of solid waste.

He said: “I urge Lagosians to take responsibility for the waste we generate and act as responsible citizens at all times. We cannot continue to litter our roads with filth, dump waste on the roadside or in illegal dumpsites, or patronise cart-pushers for waste disposal.

“This intervention calls for a complete change of attitude towards our environment, beginning with basic hygiene at home, proper domestic waste management and ultimately, environment-friendly practices. The quality of our environment directly impacts the quality of the lives we live. A clean environment is a major weapon against diseases and other public health challenges.”

The Governor also charged LAWMA workers who would be operating the new implements to handle them with care and put to good use, reiterating that he would spare no effort in restoring aesthetic of Lagos.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, said it was the second time the State would be witnessing such massive intervention in waste management after the 2008 delivery of 100 compactor trucks to LAWMA by the Babatunde Fashola administration.

“This is a remarkable accomplishment that will enhance the cleanliness and adequate sanitisation. It is part of our resolve towards helping to build the capacity of some of the private investors in the waste management value chain. The real celebration would be when we look back in a few months from now and can see commensurate improvement in the waste management fortunes of the State,” Bello said.

By their design, LAWMA Managing Director, Ibrahim Odumboni, said the new compactors were fabricated to address the problem of liquids dripping from waste trucks – the snag synonymous with second-hand trucks mostly used by PSP operators.

He said the new compactor trucks were fitted with sitting compartments for waste collection assistants to prohibit hanging on the trucks.

Odumboni said the trucks would be distributed across the four operational districts of the agency, while the double dino waste bins would be stationed at muster points across major markets.

“We will not take this intervention for granted, because we know that these assets have been acquired at great cost amid economic challenges and so many other competing needs. I assure Mr. Governor and Lagosians that these working assets will be properly looked after,” the LAWMA boss said.

Representative of Waste Recyclers’ Association, Femi Idowu, described the achievement as “laudable”, saying the Governor had further elevated waste management as a key development agenda in Lagos.

Gov Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN has yesterday inaugurated the first Governing Board of Ondo state office of Public Defender.

Before the Governor appointed the board members, the agency has no Governing Board since it was created 17 years ago. The Agency is saddled with protection of the fundamental Human rights of citizens of Ondo state, particularly the indigent, weak and vulnerable people.

The Governor also unveiled the first pocket Law (Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) published by Ondo state Law Commission. Before now the photocopy of the gazzette was being sold at N2500.

The seven returning Oyo State Commissioners whose names were forwarded to the State House of Assembly by the Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde will be screened by the House on Thursday, 5th of August, 2021.

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin announced this after reading a letter from the Governor requesting for the seven Commissioners to be screened and considered for reappointment.

They are Mr Akinola Ojo (Ministry of Finance), Prof Oyelowo Oyewo SAN (Ministry of Justice), Chief Bayo Lawal (Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters) and Prof Dawood Kehinde Sangodoyin (Ministry of Public Works).

Others are Barr Temilolu Nurudeen Ashamu (Ministry of Energy), Mrs Faosat Joke Sanni (Ministry of Women Affairs) and Alhaji Ismaila Ayansiju Lawal , (Ministry of Establishment and Training).

The letter read ” It will be recalled that this administration dissolved her Executive Council Members some weeks back for further preparation and re-composition for better performance in the coming years.

“Consequent upon this, I wish to inform you that the personalities have been considered suitable to serve the State further as Honorable Commissioners after a review of their performances. “

The Speaker after announcing the appointment of the seven Commissioners said rather than coming to the House on Thursday with their documents and necessary certificates, the appointees should come with copies of reports of their achievements so far as well as their future plans to move Oyo State forward inline with the vision and mission of the present administration led by Engr Seyi Makinde.

” The seven returning Commissioners have been screened before by the Oyo State House of Assembly. We have their relevant documents and certificates with us. However, I will employ them to come and give us progress reports of their activities and other plans they have to move Oyo State forward. We are looking forward to seeing them in the House. “
Hon Ogundoyin stated