Author: oduduwanews

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that the Green Chamber would focus its attention on bills and motions that would improve the ease of doing business and unlock economic potential.

Gbajabiamila, in an address to welcome his colleagues from the Christmas and New Year break during the resumption of plenary on Wednesday, said the House would make frantic efforts to surpass its achievements of last year.

He said though the Legislature does not have the control of the various security agencies, it would ensure the use of its appropriation powers to hold those responsible accountable as well as continue to collaborate with the Executive arm to improve the security situation in the country.

“In the 2021 legislative year, we will focus the attention of the House of Representatives on bills and motions that improve ease of doing business and unlock economic potential by stripping away restrictive regulation and ending predatory regulatory practices that deprive our young people the opportunity to conquer new frontiers.

“In this age of technology and innovation, of daring and enterprise, we cannot risk implementing policies that handicap our ability as a nation to participate in new markets and profit from emerging industries,” he said.

He added that “the true test of government is in our ability to protect the most vulnerable amongst us. We cannot separate the goal of economic prosperity from the ambition to ensure that all our people live in a just society free from abuse of power and protected by a justice system built on fairness and the rule of law.

“Therefore, we will shortly begin considering Bills to amend the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. We will follow up with a long-overdue review of the Trafficking In Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement And Administration Act and other legislation that seek to deliver a justice system that works for all.”

He said the constitution vests the responsibility of security and welfare of the people on all those that have sworn to serve in government, saying “Every time a citizen going about their business is killed or kidnapped, loses their property or livelihood, we have failed in our obligation.

“From the abundance of these failures has emerged a culture of self-help in matters of internal security that portends grave danger for our nation’s continued existence.”

Thus, Gbajabiamila called on Nigerians from all walks of life to put all the differences that exist among them aside and unite to face the challenges that confront the country.

“If ever there was a time for us to put aside all other considerations, especially the petty concerns of partisanship and politics, it is now.

“If ever there was a time to set aside our differences of tribe and religion to focus on a concerted effort to defeat the challenges of insurgency and banditry, communal violence, and the violent struggle over land, that time is now.

“The forces that threaten our lives and property, our sovereignty and nationhood, do not make any exceptions based on the God we pray to or the language of our native tongue.”

Noting that the House commenced the new year with a renewed commitment to legislative action that drives the course of progress and brings the House closer to achieving the highest aspirations it holds for the nation, Gbajabiamila said “we remain dedicated to the lofty, yet clear ambitions we articulated in our Legislative Agenda when we resumed in the 9th Assembly.”

He said despite the challenges the House faced last year, it was able to pass meaningful and potentially transformative legislation such as the Nigerian Police Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, Physically-Challenged (Empowerment) Bill, Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act (Amendment) Bill, and the Companies and Allied Matters Act, amongst many others.

In view of current realities, Gbajabiamila craved the indulgence of his colleagues to be careful with coming up with bills that seek to establish new institutions.

“At a time of reduced revenue, with preexisting and worsening infrastructure deficits requiring significant investments, we cannot afford to keep establishing more institutions that impose a permanent liability on government income. I am not unmindful of the realities that often necessitate such legislation, yet we cannot ignore the facts that lie before us.”

Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Igboho came into the spotlight after he asked Fulani herders to vacate Ibarapa area of Oyo state.

He has openly addressed the public and his supporters on his agitation for the protection of the Yoruba from ”killer” herdsmen.

He has also granted interviews on the issues.

But the youth leader said he noticed some fake news about him has been making the rounds.

In the short viral video, Igboho introduced one Olayomi Koiki whom he said would speak on his behalf henceforth.

Igboho said: “I have been seeing fake news flying here and there, some said I’m not scared of civil war, any news that you see henceforth that is not from Koiki don’t believe it.

“Anything Koiki says about me is true because we sleep and wake up together every day.”

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences Unit, on Monday, supervised the public auction of 83 forfeited vehicles on the orders of the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court for the violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018.

Speaking to journalists at the Auction, held at the premises of the State Taskforce in Alausa, Ikeja, in accordance with the forfeiture order of the Court, the Coordinator, Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court, Mrs. Arinola Ogbara said the process was transparent.

She revealed that some vehicle owners, whose cars were among those impounded, have been told to pay a fine to retrieve their cars based on the strength of evidence they presented at the Mobile Court.

According to her, the State government will continue to clampdown on recalcitrant motorists who have a habit of driving against traffic (one-way) in violation of the Traffic Law, stressing that there is an urgent need to sanitise the State of reckless drivers who break the law with impunity.

On his part, the Chairman of the State Taskforce, CSP Shola Jejeloye, said the exercise was not meant to punish but to enforce compliance with the Law among vehicle owners, adding that the practice of driving against traffic in flagrant disobedience of the law has impeded the free flow of traffic on major roads across Lagos.

“I do not see what we have come to do today as an auction but as a correction and deterrent for some road users. The Lagos Commissioner of Police has instructed us to go out there as policemen and do our best to ensure a free flow of traffic on Lagos roads”, he said.

The well organised and transparent public auction, conducted by a licensed Auctioneer, Mr. Ade Onanuga of CR Limited Auction House, was witnessed by the Chairman of the State Taskforce, the Coordinator of the State Special Offences Mobile Court and representatives of the Ministry of Justice as well as members of the public.

,,, Urges Security Agents to flush out Criminals from Forest Reserves in the State.

The Oyo State House of Assembly says all hands must be on deck at the moment to ensure that the high rate of killings, kidnappings, banditry, armed robbery, cult clash and other forms of crimes across the State are addressed and reduced drastically.

This is just as the House of Assembly appealed to the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde to set up Open Grazing Prohibition Task Force to ensure full implementation of the anti-open hearing and grazing law across the State.

This was part of the resolutions of the House on Tuesday while deliberating on how to stem the tide of insecurity in the State.

The motion jointly sponsored by Hon Babajide Adebayo (Ibadan North 2) and Hon Kazeem Isiaka (Oyo East/West) noted that insecurity , which has assumed a worrisome dimension across the State is having its toll on the socio-economic activities of the people.

The House said the issue of herders / farmers clashes and destruction of farmlands by cattle would only be addressed if the State Government commences full implementation of anti-Open hearing and grazing law already passed into law.

According to them , in line with the provision of the law , there is the need for the State Government to establish Open Grazing Prohibition Task Force to implement and ensure full compliance with the law.

The House charged its Committee on Agriculture to liaise with the State Government on the process of implementing the law , and the level of progress made on the applications of the anti-open hearing and grazing law.

The lawmakers, who took turns to condemn the situation recalled with bitterness the lives of promising indigenes of Oyo State who were cut short by the criminals in Ibarapaland and Okeogun as well as other part of the State by kidnappers suspected to be of Fulani descent..

In their remarks, Hon Akeem Adedibu (Iwajowa), Hon Sunkanmi Babalola (Egbeda) and member representing Ibarapa Central/North State Constituency, Hon Peter Ojedokun recounted their close encounters or that of their loved ones with the kidnappers and wondered why it was difficult and virtually impossible for Security Agents to track down the Criminals who collect huge ransom from their victims and at even kill them.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon Muhammad Fadeyi, the Majority Leader, Hon Sanjo Adedoyin and the Minority Leader, Hon Asimiyu Alarape decried a situation where some Criminals have taken over the Forest reserves in the State, and called on Amotekun Corps and Security Agents to comb all the suspected hideouts of the Criminals and other hotspots across the State.

Others , Hon Adeola Bamidele (Iseyin/Itesiwaju), Hon Olamide Okagoke (Ib. North East 1), Hon Saminu Gbadamosi (Atisbo/Saki East), Hon Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi (Ib. South West 2) and Hon Mabaje Rasak(Ido) commended the efforts of the Oyo State Governor so far and urged all security agents to work together towards achieving a crime free society in Oyo State.

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin said the House of Assembly was not against any ethnic group in the state , but added that it was time for security agents to deal decisively with anyone caught causing breach of peace in any form .

He assured that, the Legislature will give all necessary support to the State Government towards ensuring full implementation of all necessary laws including the anti-open hearing and grazing law, adding that the use of Open Grazing Prohibition Task Force will help greatly in the implementation of the law.

Oyo State government has announced that the three kilometers Ogbomoso township road under reconstruction by the State Ministry of Public Works and Transport will be completed six months before the earlier scheduled time.

The State Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Prof Dahud Sangodoyin made the revelation on Monday while monitoring ongoing projects in the Ogbomoso axis.

Sangodoyin said that the Under-G Stadium, Lautech Second Gate road would be fully completed by the end of February 2021.

Prof. Sangodoyin expressed satisfaction with the level, pace and quality of work done, adding that “about 70% of the work has been done and the remaining 30% will be concluded by the end of the month.

“This is heartwarming to know and I want to appreciate the people that have been working day and night to make this dream of our governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde in providing motorable roads across the State achievable.”

It will be recalled that the road reconstruction was awarded on the 3rd of August 2020, and was scheduled to be completed in August 2021 through direct labour by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

No fever than 80 armed Fulani herdsmen were arrested by the men of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, on Monday.

A top police officer at Testing Ground Police Command, Ibadan confirmed the development to newsmen in Ibadan on Tuesday.

“Yes, they were handed over to us but we have transferred them to state police command for more investigation. We all need to be more vigilant and report any suspecious moves in our community,” he said.

The Fulani were intercepted at the Iwo Road area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

According to a report, they were armed with dangerous weapons like bows, arrows and daggers.

Apart from that, sources told reporters in Ibadan that there were about 25 motorcycles along with cattle in their truck.

Upon interrogation, the men were reported to have told the Amotekun operatives that they were going to Lagos and Ogun states.

The search was said to have attracted residents who trooped to the scene, but to prevent a crisis, the security agents were said to have led the truck and its occupants to the police station at Testing Ground area in Iwo Road.

They were said to have been handed over to the police at the station for further interrogation.

As part of efforts to broker peace and restore unity between Erin-Osun and Ilobu, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola on Monday, held a peace meeting with the traditional rulers of the two towns, the Elerin of Erin-Osun, Oba Yusuff Omoloye Oyagbodun II and the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan II.

At the meeting which also had in attendance the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Almoroof Adekunle Magbagbeola, the monarchs pledged to prevail on their people to eschew violence and embrace peace, in the interest of all.

Details later

The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has enjoined Accounting Officers, Procurement Officers and other relevant personnel of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the State Government to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Public Procurement Law of the State.

The Head of Service, who gave the charge during the opening ceremony of the annual Public Procurement Clinic organised by the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (PPA), held on Monday via Zoom, stressed the need to abide by the Procurement Law and other relevant guidelines to achieve the plans and projects contained in the approved budget of the State without circumventing the Law.

Muri-Okunola, represented at the ceremony by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Samson Ajibade, commended the Agency for its giant strides to enhance the implementation of the Public Procurement Law of the State, stressing that it is commendable that the PPA is planning to migrate the procurement process of 97 additional MDAs of the State into the e-Procurement platform before the end of the year.

He implored Accounting Officers and other personnel involved with the implementation of the Procurement Law to brace up for the challenge posed by the deployment of technology to drive public procurement in the State, saying “the development will significantly enhance the ease of doing business policy being vigorously pursued by the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu led administration.

The HoS also enjoined the General Manager of the Agency and his team not to rest on their oars, urging them to deploy creative strategies that would enable Contractors, Suppliers, Service Providers and the State Government to do business together in a fair, transparent, competitive and seamless manner as envisaged by the Law establishing the Agency.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman, Governing Board of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, who is also the Honourable Commissioner for Finance in the State, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, applauded the Agency’s partnership and collaboration with key revenue-generating MDAs, including the Ministry of Finance, Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) and the Central Internal Audit Office, among others, to facilitate easy payment of revenue to the coffers of the State Government.

Dr. Olowo urged all MDAs in the State to place more emphasis on the preparation of sound procurement plans to meet the targets and objectives set by the State Government for effective delivery of public goods and services.

He restated the commitment of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu towards ensuring due process and compliance with the Procurement Law in all procurement activities, assuring that the State Government would continue to support the Agency in carrying out programmes and activities that would further enhance the culture of due process among stakeholders and facilitate the ease of doing business with the State Government.

The Chairman encouraged Procurement Officers to actively participate in the review sessions to enable them prepare procurement plans that would assist in the delivery of goods and services to the people as provided in the approved budget of the State.

Earlier in his welcome address, the General Manager of the Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, explained that preparation of the Procurement Plan for a procuring entity is the responsibility of the Department/Unit and not that of the Procurement Officer alone, pointing out that all hands must be on deck while a Procurement Plan is being developed.

He stated that the Agency places so much importance on the annual Procurement Planning Clinic because it offers the Agency the opportunity to critically scrutinise the Procurement Plans of all MDAs with a view to finding out whether such Plans are in conformity with the approved budgets of the MDAs and giving necessary guidance when deviations are observed in the plans.

While noting that the Agency was making giant strides in the automation of the public procurement process of the State, Onafowote recalled that starting with the online registration of Contractors, Suppliers and Service Providers in the first quarter of 2019 to the deployment of e-Procurement Solution Modules, as well as the procurement processes of 10 MDAs, the Agency had left no one in doubt about its commitment to the continuous enhancement of the ease of doing business policy of the present administration in Lagos State.

The permanent site of the Titan Farm in Ibadan is projected to be ready for use in six months time.

This is contained in a statement made available to the pressmem by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Gbenga Olatunbosun while unveiling the company’s new plans.

According to him, the company is also constructing a financial distribution hub in Lekki amongst other projects for the year.

“Top on the list of these new plans is a financial distribution hub in Lekki, and a permanent site of the company’s activities, which is expected to be ready in the next six months in Ibadan.

“We have grown trees for one and a half year before we launched it and no product was sold out till June 2020,” he noted.

He argued that there is a significant limitation to what farmers in the country can do because government not supply them with adequate resources to engage in agriculture sustainably.

Mr Eniola Gbenga Olatunbosun who dabbled a little into his personal life said he came into the company with a mandate to help his workers better their lives by making them think beyond their horizon and discover alternative means to money-making.

This, he said, would create a corruption-free society if adhered to.

Mr Gbenga a core real estate person, said he balances real estate with agriculture. 

Speaking on the project and the plans of the foremost rice growing company, Titan, he said the company has embarked on realizing the first major rice plant in the south-west to which is slated to be launched in the next 6months.

On what value the company is offering to Nigerians, he said: “We have quality and affordable plans in our company.” 

“The company has a lot of lands across Nigeria, but particularly in the south-west.”

Titan, he said, is offering lands to buyers who will thereafter be regarded as investors. The investors only need to invest their money in the company while the company works and give back to the investors yearly. However, he noted that the investors are required to sign a lease agreement with the company  to help them manage the land while a lease of #10,000 per year is paid to them yearly for five years. In addition to the lease, the investors will be paid #250,000 per year. However, after the agreed period of five years, the investor has the liberty to sell the land to the company or any other party.

He noted the different ways by which individuals and organizations can partner with the company. Among them, is to serve as the agent of the company. The advantage of being an agent is that one is entitled to 10% on the condition that the agent(s) sells ten lands. 

Among other things, the agent will also be entitled to a fully equipped office. However, this is on the condition that such an agent bring 6 customers to the company every month.

As part of plans and benefits of investing in Titans, investors whose child needs scholarship will be catered for by the company on the condition that he/she maintains the merit.

Also, investors can seek out foreign admission through the company, of which the cost will be shouldered by the company according to the investments.

He added that all of these plans will be hatched immediately after the official launching of the company.

The Commandant of the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), Col. Olayinka Olayanju.(rtd) has declared that Ibarapaland is safe and free of killer herdsmen and kidnappers.

The Commandant, who stated this in a statement made available in Ibadan, said that he will volunteer to lead anyone who is interested in taking a tour of parts of Ibarapaland earlier hit by herders/farmers crisis.

He also denounced some audio and video posts in the social media, which tend to raise what he called “clearly unfounded alarms” about the Ibarapa security situation, saying that he has been moving in and out of the area for days now.

According to him, farmers and the law- abiding people in the area are going about their businesses without molestation.

The Commandant, who stated this in a statement made available in Ibadan, said that he will volunteer to lead anyone who is interested in taking a tour of parts of Ibarapaland earlier hit by herders/farmers crisis.
He also denounced some audio and video posts in the social media, which tend to raise what he called “clearly unfounded alarms” about the Ibarapa security situation, saying that he has been moving in and out of the area for days now.

According to him, farmers and the law- abiding people in the area are going about their businesses without molestation.

The statement read: “Anyone desirous of finding out the truth about the security situation in Ibarapaland contrary to the video/ audio being circulated in various forum can key into this opportunity.

“I will personally provide escorts to and from Ibadan to Igangan general areas anytime this week.

“You can organise yourselves and inform me if you are interested in finding out the true position of things in Ibarapaland.

“I will be ready to move, just give me 10hrs headstart.

“I am in Aiyete and I ‘ve been moving around Ibarapaland freely, no one has reported any adverse security issue to me apart from isolated case involving a fulani mansaid to have been killed in his house in a remote village around Eruwa in Ibarapa East on Saturday, by yet to be identified assailants. No security challenges observed in Ibarapa Central and North contrary to rumours been peddled.

“We are fully on the trail of those responsible for the said murder in conjunction with other security agencies and we assure all that the attackers and their motives will soon be uncovered.”