Author: oduduwanews

The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC) has sealed some production factories engaged in packaged water production for falling short of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Executive Secretary of LSWRC, Mrs. Funke Adepoju, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the level of poor and unwholesome practices discovered in some water factories in the State were not only disheartening but frightening.

She said as the regulatory body empowered by law to enforce standards, the LSWRC would not fold its arms and watch some individuals put the lives of residents in jeopardy on account of economic gains, and that every necessary effort would be mustered to protect the people from consuming unwholesome water.

Mrs. Adepoju said, “Yes, we are not all out to hound businesses. On the contrary, we want water producers to do business and thrive. However, in doing business, safety procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) must be strictly observed”.

Disclosing that enforcement operations were carried out at some water production factories in the State with on-site testing kits, the Executive Secretary said the result confirmed that most of them operated far below safety parameters.

“As the regulatory body empowered by Section 313 (h) of the Lagos State Environmental Management Protection Law, 2017, to regulate the activities of those engaged in the provision, consumption, treatment, packaging, sales and supply of bottled drinking water contained in bottles or polythene bags, our principal interest is to ensure acceptable standards”, she stated.

While vowing that the enforcement exercise would be intensified and sustained, Adepoju noted that the Commission is working with relevant stakeholders such as the Association of Water Producers (ATWAP) and Water Producers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), among others, to enforce standards.

She said the sealed facilities would remain shut until the owners of such factories strictly comply with all safety procedures and duly register for further monitoring in order to facilitate compliance with best practices in future.

Adepoju urged residents to report any water production factory in their neighbourhood that is suspected to engage in unwholesome practices to the Commission for appropriate action, emphasising the need for people to key into the Safe Water Campaign of the Commission and work with the government to protect residents.

“Water producers, beverage producers, bottling companies and operators in the water abstraction and production industry must come to terms with the fact that the LSWRC would not shy away from strictly enforcing regulatory provisions in the bid to ensure residents consume only safe and hygienic water”, the Executive Secretary said.

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, has given reasons why he nominated Taofeek Arapaja, former deputy governor of the state, as nominee for the chairmanship post in the zone, which he said had earlier been zoned to the state.

Speaking at the zonal caucus meeting in Ibadan on Tuesday, said he pitied members of the party who do not align with his faction.

He noted that the name of Arapaja was arrived at after thorough consultations across the state, adding that he was also chosen as the state’s nominee because whoever would be zonal chairman should have depth and experience.

He said: “I want to also urge that, for each of our state, let us ensure there is inclusiveness. All the tendencies in our different states, let us all come together and agree on whoever we want to put in each of those positions so that by the time we get here by March 6th, the exercise will be funfair. That will be my expectation and message to everybody.

“I asked some of our members to go around to consult our leaders and they came back with a feedback message. They said in South-West, we need depth; we need experienced and honest person and the name they gave me was Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja to lead the charge. And I told them we will unveil him at this meeting.

“I also said he will go to all the states to meet with you and tell you his vision and some of the things he wants to do to ensure that South West plays a major and critical role in redeeming this country. I believe the way we have done in Oyo State is what we want replicated in other states of the zone.”

He stated that the meeting heralded a zonal congress that would help put in place a new PDP zonal executive in the South-West region, which, according to him, will help to install a new government at the federal, National Assembly and state levels in 2023.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank the reconciliation committee we set up, ably led by former Governor Oyinlola. He made sure that the necessary things were done to bring everyone together. At the end of the day, I believe we will have a reconciled and united party in Southwest PDP.

“We are on the verge of history. A lot of people may not know but I can give you the assurance that our coming together to put in our executives that will lead our party in the South-West zone is history in the making. This is because there cannot be redemption for our country without the participation of the South-West. And our party will provide right leadership for the country in 2023.

“The journey to install PDP in 2023 is starting now with this zonal congress. So, I can only pity those who are staying outside and throwing stones inside. I want to also state that history will record their position accurately. I will encourage us to urge them to come in. We have the reconciliation committee already. This committee has been trying to reach out to them and they have said they are not ready to participate.

“We will continue to reach out to them because if we are all united, we have the chance to redeem Nigeria,” the governor said.

He added the zone had during the last meeting, zoned out executive positions to the six states.

Makinde also called for inclusiveness in all the six states of the zone, urging leaders to go back home and arrive at amicable arrangement to fill posts zoned to their respective states. He said that his expectation and message to all leaders were that they should peacefully select the candidates for posts zoned to each state as well as the ex-officio members, as, according to him, the election of ex-officios would also take place during the congress.

The governor also urged leaders to pay attention to the party’s directive that 30 per cent of all posts should be conceded to women.

The inauguration ceremony of the Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN as the 6th democratically elected Governor of Ondo State is currently holding.

Details later.

LASTMA TO INVESTIGATE EXTORTION ALLEGATION – GENERAL MANAGER

… Cautions Motorists Against Offering Bribes To Traffic Officers

The General Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Authourity (LASTMA), Mr. Olajide Oduyoye, has disclosed that the Agency will investigate an alleged extortion claim contained in a viral post on Facebook by a Lagos motorist accusing some LASTMA officials of extorting N11,300 from him at one of the zonal commands in Agege.

Oduyoye gave an assurance that the photographic evidence provided by the complainant will be scrutinised and any officer found culpable would be made to face the consequences under the extant rule of the State Civil Service as specified.

While encouraging members of the public to always come forward with their complaints with evidence against corrupt officials, the General Manager, however, pointed out that there are many LASTMA officers that are dedicated, conscientious and professional in carrying out their official functions as observed during the LASTMA CONNECT programme aired on Traffic Radio with many Lagosians acknowledging the good work of traffic-control personnel.

He also advised all road users in Lagos to obey the traffic regulations so as not to run foul of the Law, stressing that some violators are fond of offering traffic personnel bribes to avoid prosecution without realising that the law frowns on both the giver and the taker.

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Monday launched an Adire textile production hub; a cultural centre built on a 30,000 square meters of land with a vision to empower the youths through the revival of local fabrics.

While declaring the hub opened within the premises of the Ife Ground Resorts, Ile-Ife, Ooni Ogunwusi revealed that the ancient Adire textile is an agelong tradition of Ife, from where he said it was taken to the Abeokuta by the Egbas and other parts of the world.

“Our vision is to empower our youths because that is the way to go, if we empower them they won’t be interested in protests and other things that might disrupt the system. A lot of them will be productively engaged and I am happy to inform you that we are doing that already.

“We are working with the textile department of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and other tertiary institutions across the country as well as Yoruba speaking countries like Cuba, Brazil, Venezuela among others.

“This innovation is a clear message to all that lots can be achieved through local technology and intelligence. Look at this whole place, it was built and decorated through local intelligence whole these fine touches were done with local fabrics (Adire).

“This is the beginning and I can assure you that we have mapped out plans to take it across the entire country and beyond.” The Ooni said.

Earlier in her address, Co-founder of the textile hub, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, described the concept as a viable means of youth empowerment, cultural promotion and cultural exchange.

“His Majesty decided that we should launch this production hub during this year’s Aje festival because She is about wealth creation and entrepreneurship and textile hub aims to provide a lot of wealth creation opportunities for the local artisans in Ile-Ife who work with us and the hub will enable them to increase their production capacity and generate sustainable involved for themselves.

“Most important, His Majesty will also want the hub up engage in the use of sustainable practices, including researching and using dyes that are not harmful to the environment. He has emphasized that we make use of Elu leaf in Ile-Ife, which is also known as the indigo leaf as this is a resource that is yet to be tapped and can bring wealth creation to the local community.” Princess Ademiluyi said.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has blamed the growing sectional activism which he said is gradually replacing National patriotism on the faulty and twisted federalism operated in the country.

He lamented that most Nigerians are losing faith in “Unity in Diversity” sloganeering while urging that the only opportunity to restore national consciousness is through True Federalism.

Governor Akeredolu spoke at a Public Lecture organized as part of the activities marking his 2nd Term Inauguration with the theme “Towards A New Nigeria: From Federal Fatherism To A CommonWealth.”

The Lecture was delivered virtually by the President, African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina.

Arakunrin Akeredolu said rather than building the Nation, Nigerians are more inclined to ethnic nationalism, adding that the people have resorted to clannish satisfaction in place of nation-building.

While identifying insecurity as the most potent threat to national belief, Governor Akeredolu stressed that the consequences are increasingly becoming more daring, adding that the time to act is now.

Speaking on the efforts of the Southwest Governors in tackling insecurity, he said their fight is against criminality and not targeted at any ethnic nationality or business.

He said;” we are against criminality and we shall fight criminality with every legal means. It is in the interest of our collective wellbeing.

“All we require is the support and understanding of all Federating Units, including the Federal Government. The simple truth is that we have lived in self-denial amid an excruciating pain that is almost cancerous now.“

“Notwithstanding our challenges today, my firm belief in the Nigerian Project is strengthened by my fact of a true Nigerian.

“That I desire a more United Nigeria with every ingredient of freedom, rule of law, patriotism, love, mutual respect and harmony is an understatement. And I am prepared to fight for it legitimately for the benefit of all.”

Earlier in his Lecture, Dr Adesina said with good governance and a better accountability system, with a zero-tolerance for corruption, more economically stronger constituents states would emerge.

The AFDB boss called for a change in the relational mindset between the states and the Federal government, saying the fulcrum should be the states, while the centre would support them and not lord over them.

Adesina said there should be a new Nigeria where massive wealth would be unleashed across the states.

Present at the event were; the Chairman of Occasion, Yobe state Governor and Chairman APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, who was represented by the former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, minister of state for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Donald Tayo Alasoadura, former deputy governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Engr. Ade Adetimehin and other important dignitaries.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has ordered the reopening of Shasha community following the recent clash between Yoruba and Hausa communities in the market.

The governor directed that the market should be reopened immediately.

The decision to reopen the market was reached during a meeting between the governor and Shasha community leaders at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Following the recent clash which led to the loss of lives and property, Makinde (Oyo), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Bello Matawalle (Zamfara), Abubakar Bagudu (Kebbi), and Abubakar Bello (Niger) had visited the market in Ibadan to proffer a lasting solution to the recent clash between Yoruba and Hausa communities there.

The team, which included security heads in the state, Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Security, Mr. Fatai Owoseni; Chairman, Advisory Council, Senator Hosea Agboola; and former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sumonu, were received warmly to the palaces of the Baale of Shasha and Seriki Shasha.

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, played host to the Ovie of Ozoro kingdom, Delta State, Ovietobore Ogbogbo, on Saturday at his Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.

While receiving the monarch who was flanked by his queen, chiefs and other dignitaries from the Delta kingdom, Ooni Ogunwusi admonished that Africans and indeed Nigerians should not dispose their cultural heritage on the basis of confliction with religion.

The Ooni who is the Spiritual head of the Yoruba race explained that there are distinctions between religion and culture and they must be carefully studied and practiced with one not encroaching on the other.

“How can you be sitting on honey and milk and not enjoying? Something is not adding up and what you need to do is to visit your history. I am aware of your rich cultural heritage, please do not throw them away for civilization or religion.

“You need to know the difference between cultural heritage and spirituality. Visit your history and look into those things your ancestors used to do, do not think you are worshipping idols.

“I am the spiritual head of the Yoruba people and I am saying it with all authority. When you get home, gather your elders and speak to your ancestors, they will hear you. Don’t fight, just speak to the land of Uzoro and it’ll hear you.” The Ooni advised.

On the South-South kingdom’s relationship with their Yoruba counterpart in the Southwest part of Nigeria, Ooni Ogunwusi revealed that they belong to Oluyare Compound in Ife and their lineage remain unambiguously known to all.

“Oranmiyan who was an Ife Prince left home to establish the Benin kingdom from which Ozoro emanated from, now you see we are one. I want you to visit the Orun Oba Ado groove, Oduduwa groove, Oranmiyan groove and other places of significance to help you get the clear picture of what I am saying.

Earlier in his speech, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, Ovietobore Ogbogbo, described the Ooni as a wonderful monarch whose leadership knacks are immeasurable.

“I decided to come here to have a feel of home and I am convinced that this is home, this is root. I am so happy and excited to tap from the grace and I pray that this shall be the beginning of good things in Ife and Ozoro kingdoms.

Guests at the event including the Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, were thrilled with performances of palace cultural dancers, drummers and the Princesses from Ozoro Kingdom who made the big day colourful.

tHe management of Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora has made it kwnown to the public that the school has not been shut down contrary to the report that the school has been closed indefinitely. This was made known today in a release made available by the Register to the newsmen by which reads in part:

“The general public are hereby notified that Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora has not been shut, the School is still in session but academic activities was only disrupted by student.

” Similarly, the management express surprise at the hasty decision of the Students Union Government of the institution to disrupt academic activities without first presenting its agitations to the management of the institution.

“According to the Students Union president Comrade Salahudeen Hameed Olasunkanmi who spoke with the Acting Registrar of the institution said, “the protest was aimed at drawing the attention of stakeholders to the poor funding of education.”

“It is however, worrisome that some individuals for reasons best known to them decided to mislead members of the public by distorting the facts under whatever guise in order to bring the good name of the management of the institution to a disrepute.

“It should be noted that the Management has never turned deaf hears to the needs of Students and other materials that would make the stay of students on campus an enjoyable one.

” For the records, Students of Oyo State College of” Agriculture and Technology, Igboora can attest to the fact that they are usually treated as very important personalities, while students’ matters are giving priority attention within the available resources.

“It is therefore not true that poor treatment was meted out to students of the institution or that the students were protesting as a result of neglect in the hand of the school management.

” With respect to amenities, it is no gainsaying that the institution has state of the art facilities for teaching and learning, while some are due for upgrading, but efforts are underway to fix such.”

The Management said the institution has up to 10 boreholes that supply water to the various departments in the college, while the health centre of the institution which was donated by the Ibarapa Central Local Government, has experienced personnel that provide medical assistance to ailing students.

“Also, the institution is connected to the national grid and generators are available at the various departments for power supply.”

Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday secured the conviction of one Oluwatoyin Henry before Justice Sherifat Adeyemi of the Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State on one count of obtaining by false pretences.

According to the commission’s spokesperson, Wilson Square, on Monday, the suspect is a student of Ladothe ke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.

The charge reads: “That you Oluwatoyin Henry sometime in 2019, at Ogbomoso, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of one thousand two hundred United States of America dollars ($1,200) from one Betty Mosley, when you falsely presented to him that you are a citizen of United States of America by name Amanda, who is in love with him, which representations you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence.”

The convict pleaded guilty to the amended charge after a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution and was convicted and sentenced to six months in prison.

However, he was also ordered to restitute the sum of $1,200 to his victim, and forfeit his iPhone 11, one Infinix Hot 5 and a Nokia phone to the Nigerian government.