Author: oduduwanews

There has been indication that the prices of foodstuffs have surged and will go higher if the strike embarked upon by food and cattle dealers under the umbrella of the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria on Thursday is sustained for long.

According to the Union, the strike will halt the flow of food and cattle from the North to the South until the Federal Government addresses their concerns.

Below are some of their demands and reasons for embarking on strike:

1. President of the union, Muhammad Tahir, said dealers suffer intimidation, humiliation and destruction of their goods.
2. The union said that it lost 151 members during the #EndSARS protests last October and another 100 during the Shasha market crisis in Ibadan weeks back.
3. Members of the union said they were subjected to illegal roadblocks on the highways.
4. They are demanding N450 billion compensation from the government for the losses suffered by union members
5. An agreement between state governments and the union that members will not be attacked during violent episodes in states.

Suspected fulani gun men have kidnapped two fufu seller in Ayetoro- Olorunda road, Imala, Abeokuta North L.G.

Our correspondent gathered that the abductors had demanded the sum of N5million ransom each from the victims.

Dailypost reported that the abductors had waylaid the traders on Saturday, at about 4:45 am in Iwofin, an area around Olorunda, kidnapping about five people including the driver of the vehicle, one Kamorudeen Olateju, and the traders.

The driver was reportedly abducted alongside one Ms Saidat Adediran and three other passengers.

The incident was said to have been reported at the Imala police divisional headquarters by two relatives of the abductees, Abubakar Olateju of Emado quarters and Kehinde Adediran, residing at Obon Oselu, all in Ayetoro.

A source said that the gunmen accosted the driver, who is also known as Charger, and whisked him away with the passengers.

Explaining further, the source said the two fufu traders produced the goods in wholesale and supply retailers at the market every market day.
According to the source, the kidnappers took advantage of the failed portion on the road as they emerged from the bush and took the two traders away.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, on Sunday, confirmed the incident but said only two people were abducted.
Oyeyemi said the officers of the command had arrested one of the kidnappers.

When asked if the abductors were Fulani herdsmen, Oyeyemi said the suspect in the police custody “is a Fulani man.”

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Thursday unveiled series of traditional medicines made from local herbs for boosting human’s immune system against infectious diseases, including the rampaging Coronavirus disease.

The products launched were Verozil – an immune booster, Bitter Leaf Capsule – specially researched and produced to attack diabetes and high blood pressure, Vision Pro – an herbal product that tackles eye problems and Rio Capsule – which regulates men’s sexual disorder.

The product launch which held at the Ile-Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, was done through a platform called Herbal Remedies International with the Ooni as its Chairman, in partnership with the ace traditionalist; Dr. Akintunde Ayeni, C.E.O./Chairman, YEMKEM International LTD.

Addressing newsmen, Ooni Ogunwusi who wondered why the African continent inports medicines and other medical ingredients from developed countries, explained that it is a proven fact which is equally established by the World Health Organization that Africa and indeed Nigeria have the best herbs which could be used for vaccine production.

“We are not doing this in isolation and I am happy to inform you that the National Assembly is currently working on a bill of the Federal Executive Council, on medical research that is alternative to orthodox medicine which is the herbal medicine.

“The Bill is to develop and regulate Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Nigeria. We will endeavor to align with global trends in Traditional Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, there is no doubt that the bill as drafted will greatly enhance the practice of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine and generally facilitate the integration of the practice into the health in Nigeria and capable of contributing to the GDP growth of the country.”

“I am very honoured to be in partnership with the best when it comes to alternative medicine practice in Nigeria, YEMKEM International who has been in the industry for the past 40 years. He owns the largest production plant in Nigeria.

“We have been on this for over one year during which we have worked with various stakeholders in the health sector including the NAFDAC, Federal and Osun State Ministries of Health, Standard Organization of Nigeria and many others who have been so supportive.

“To the glory of God, NAFDAC gave us all the approvals last September but I insisted that the products be packaged properly. To the glory of God, these products have been tested especially on thousands of Covid-19 patients including some in positions of authority who are currently free from the pandemic.”

“Now that we have gotten here, our focus is to employ one hundred thousand (100,000) youths within the next fifteen months. This will be achieved virtually.” The Ooni said.

In his goodwill message, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation, Mr. Afolabi Imoukhuede, commended the Ooni over the innovation, adding that many youths would be engaged productively through this initiative.

Mr. Afolabi said, “If you study the value chain associated with this innovation right from the cultivation of herbs, production, packaging and distribution, it is obvious that many jobs will be created and countless doors of opportunities will be opened for our youths.

“I am impressed about this and I wish to commend the Ooni who has continued to lead from the front among other frontiers. This shows that he is committed to the development of our dear country and all of us should emulate him.”

In the same vein, Chairman of YEMKEM Int’l LTD. Dr. Akintunde Ayeni, described the development as his greatest achievement since over forty years of practice, explaining that such landmark achievement is more spectacular because it is coming from Ile-Ife; source of mankind and natural headquarters of the Oduduwa Race worldwide.

“It was not easy and I wish to state that the Ooni who conceived the idea, gave us all supports including huge sum of money which made this a great success. In the whole of Nigeria, Kabiyesi (Ooni) is the only traditional ruler who has shown immeasurable commitment to the development of alternative medicine. He has been supportive morally, financially and spiritually and I appeal to other monarchs to emulate these good virtues.” Dr. Ayeni stated.

Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, Osun State Ministry of Health, Mr. Gbenga Adepoju, pledged government’s support for the products, noting the country has what it takes to solve her problems.

Mr. Adepoju, who is the Director of Public Health in the Ministry, said, “Kabiyesi’s activities in the development of a vaccine against Covid-19 is a huge addition to our efforts as a government. As we keep fighting against this common enemy, I want to implore us to keep observing the Covid-19 protocols including wearing of nose masks, observing social distancing and maintaining personal hygiene.”

In their separate speeches, National Agency for Food, Drugs, Administration and Control (NAFDAC) who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Jimoh Abubakar and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) represented by Engineer Gideon Amosun, jointly declared their organizations’ support for the innovation, commending the frontline African monarch over the medical breakthrough.

It will be recalled, that Ooni Ogunwusi who is the natural leader of the Yoruba race worldwide had last year proffered African herbal medicine as remedies against the Covid-19 pandemic. The African foremost monarch swiftly assembled a team of professionals including a professor of public health and a WHO consultant, Professor Olapeju Esimai who led the team that distributed motorized fumigators across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja FCT as the Ooni’s contribution in the fight against the pandemic.

The 24-year-old Student of University of Ibadan, known as Ayodeji Emmanuel, was kidnapped, on Monday evening, within his father’s poultry farm at about 5 p.m. was released this evening around 7:15pm.

His release was known through his Twitter handle, he said “I was released at 7:15pm today I am currently with my family.”

…Details later

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has vowed to ensure that all reactionary elements within the rank and file of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Southwest are fought and defeated.

Makinde who is the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Southwest, also warned the National Working Committee of the party against postponing the zonal Congress of the party billed to hold on 6th March, 2021.

Makinde gave the warning during a press briefing held on Thursday at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Makinde noted that the party in the zone will explore all avenues that are legitimate to get everyone to do what is right for the party.

Speaking further, Governor Makinde affirmed that the PDP in the zone is ready to have a Congress that will produce the Zonal Executives that are acceptable to the majority of the people of the Southwest.

He noted that as the only PDP Governor in the zone, he has keen interest in the growth and development of the party. Makinde, however played down the possibility of having a parallel Congress.

A motorist on Thursday knocked down a police officer off a bridge into a canal while trying to escape arrest in Lagos State.

The incident happened around the army resettlement centre in the Oshodi area of the state.

The driver of the Toyota Highlander was being apprehended by police officers and officials of Lagos Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) for driving against traffic an offence popularly referred to as one way.

Officials of LASTMA confirmed to Channels Television that the policeman broke his arm as a result of the incident and that he is now hospitalised.

The driver has been arrested.

The video of the incident has generated reactions on social media with the Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor, Gboyega Akosile condemning the action of the driver.

THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE TO SHUT DOWN FOR 24HRS TO REMOVE REHABILITATION EQUIPMENT

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to shut the Third Mainland Bridge from midnight on Friday, 26th to midnight on Saturday, 27th February 2021, for the removal of equipment used for the replacement of expansion joints, among others.

A statement signed by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, stated that the total closure of the bridge for 24 hours is to enable the contractors remove all the heavy equipment used during the rehabilitation process and allow the full reopening of the Oworonshoki and Adeniji bound lanes to traffic.

The Commissioner, therefore, advised motorists coming from Ogudu, Alapere and Gbagada to use Ikorodu Road, Jibowu and Yaba as alternative routes, while Iyana Oworoshoki-bound traffic from Lagos-Island, Iddo, Oyingbo, Adekunle and Yaba are enjoined to use Herbert Macaulay Way, Jibowu and Ikorodu Road as alternative routes during the period.

While assuring that Traffic Management Personnel would be deployed along the alternative routes to minimise and address any traffic impediments, Oladeinde commended Lagosians for their cooperation during the prolonged repair works on the Bridge, declaring that the bridge is now safe for use by all and sundry when fully reopened.

The PDP is falling apart in the southwest as the crisis between Fayose and Governor Makinde worsens – Fayose, former Ekiti state governor, has warned the current Oyo state governor that he will work against him if he continues to disrespect him – The former governor boasted that he played a significant role in bringing Makinde to power in 2019.

The crisis between Ayodele Fayose, ex-governor of Ekiti state, and Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, took another twist on Wednesday, February 24, as the former threatened to work against the latter. The Punch reported that Governor Fayose warned Makinde that he will work against him if he does not stop disrespecting him. Former Ekiti governor, Fayose, threatens to work against Governor Makinde of Oyo state if he does not stop “disrespecting” him.

He was quoted to have said: “If Governor Makinde continues to disrespect me, I will work against him.” Being the only governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the southwest, a faction of the party recognised Makinde as the region’s leader. PDP crisis deepens as Makinde, Fayose set to hold parallel zonal congress.

Fayose, who used to be the only PDP governor in the southwest, however, insisted Makinde is not his leader, adding that he played a strong role in his election as Oyo governor in 2019. Makinde who is only serving his first term is constitutionally allowed to run for a second term in the 2023 general elections. The former Ekiti state governor has, however, threatened to work against his re-election if he does not stop disrespecting him. Asked what the problem is between him and Governor Makinde, Fayose said: “He (Makinde) is the one to tell you if there is any bone of contention. In this West, I am his brother, I am his father.” Fayose further boasted that he was the one who presented the PDP’s flag to Makinde in 2019, which, according to him, implies that he is a “senior officer”. The former Ekiti governor said accepting the flag from him indicated that Makinde saw him as a leader at the time.

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has charged the Federal and state governments to direct economic policies and other laudable programmes at the entire citizenry.

Ooni Ogunwusi, the Co-Chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) gave the charge during the 2021 edition of the annual celebration of Aje Festival at his Ile-Oodua palace, on Monday in Ile-Ife globally accepted ancestral home for Yoruba race and all the descendants of Oduduwa home and abroad. .

The Ooni who lauded Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government over several economic programmes and policies like the, recent employment of 774,000 Nigerians across the country and other interventions also advised the government to do more for the Nigerian masses by using cultural tourism as a veritable means for economic revolution.

“For us to progress as a country, we must ensure that our wealth goes round especially to the poor and other vulnerable members of the society. We cannot keep having strikingly rich few Nigerians and uncountable ones wallowing in abject poverty. To do this, the government must look at cultural tourism as a veritable tool for revolutionizing the economy before its too late. The Ooni decried.

While explaining the basis for the Aje Festival celebrations, the African foremost monarch who is also the Natural overall father for the Oodua race worldwide explained that it is a unique way through which the Yoruba people globally remember the deity which is known for wealth and riches.

“Aje is a deity which is known for wealth and riches. Its annual celebration as you have witnessed today is to acknowledge its relevance to us as people, especially its indispensable nature to us.

“Did you see the struggle for it during the procession to and from the Aje temple? That is the spirit of Aje, all of us are not rich because it is not easy to accumulate wealth.

“We are not devaluing the currency by spraying it to our people, we only do it on a special day like this to spread happiness. In the olden days, it was cowries, sometimes ago it was coins, nowadays it is naira notes and we hold it in a very high esteem.” The Ooni noted.

Coordinator of the annual Aje Festival, Princess(Dr) Oluwatoyin Kolade expressed happiness for the massive turnout of participants from within and outside Nigeria without even pre publicity. Toyin Kolade, the Ilesa born international trader and great philanthropist gave all credit to Ooni Ogunwusi for the opportunity given her to contribute to cultural development of the Oodua race, pledging her continued loyalty and commitment to the development of the prestigious Yoruba cultural heritage.

“My father the Ooni is loaded with productive dynamism and great innovations for our race and African continent as a whole, especially in the area of cultural tourism revolution. He appointed me as his cultural ambassador in charge of Aje festival 4 years ago and with his unflinching support I have so far enjoyed, this Aje festival which was merely a local affair before 5 years ago has today become one of the important Nigeria cultural festivals with participants from all over the world. This Ooni is God sent, Wallahi!! “. Toyin Kolade said.

The Oore of Otun-Ekiti & Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, the Obaro of Kabba Oba Joseph and Onisale of Isale who led the delegation from Republic of Benin were among the traditional rulers joined other dignitaries including Nollywood stars like, Iya Rainbow, Lanre Hassan (Iya Awero) and others to witness the event while the Fuji music maestro, Abass Akande (Obesere) thrilled the guests.

AJE OLOKUN the goddess of wealth is among the loved ones out of the 401 deities(Irunmoles) that formed the first dynasty of mankind known as Ife Oodaye. These deities are still being celebrated in lle-lfe and globally till date.

The main capacity and strength of the goddess of wealth is to provide sufficient wealth and greater economic benefits for whoever worships the Almighty God through her.

AJE can be found everywhere; waters, air, land, trees, fire, etc. It is a deity synonymous with cowries which were being spent globally before the advent of present currencies.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reinstated the erstwhile cancelled Hijrah holiday and pledged that during his administration, Oyo State will celebrate the Mawlid al-Nabawi holiday (birth of Prophet Mohammed SAW) alongside the rest of the world.

Speaking earlier today at the Mawlid al-Nabawi celebration held at the Government House Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan, the Governor said, “Last year, due to the pandemic and other issues, we were unable to celebrate the Mawlid al-Nabawi as expected.

“So, this year when the S.A Islamic affairs reached out to me concerning the Mawlid celebration, he proposed a big gathering and I agreed.

“Now, we know what is right and I am pledging that from this day forward, we will hold the Mawlid celebration together with the whole world.”

”Also, by popular demand from the Clerics including the Chief Imam and the people of Oyo State represented here today, we are reinstating the Hijirah holiday.

“We will also observe Hijrah as a public holiday here in Oyo State.”

Meanwhile, Gov Makinde debunked rumours that the government prevents Muslim girls from wearing hijabs in schools.

He said, “Some people have questioned why I didn’t allow girls to use hijabs in school. I am here to say that since I took over as the governor of the state, there has been no government policy that prevents girls from using hijabs.”

Finally, the governor called on residents of the state to contribute their quota to make sure that the peace and security committee that was recently inaugurated works effectively.

He said, “I want to urge everyone present here today to contribute their quota to make sure that the peace and security committee that was recently inaugurated which includes our religious, traditional and political leaders work effectively.

“Whenever a report gets to me from the committee, whatever is necessary and needed will be done.

“Don’t be afraid because the governor is doing everything to ensure the safety of every citizen and resident of Oyo State.

“Let’s cooperate with this administration to work towards the growth and development of the state.”