Author: oduduwanews

ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that the Commander of the Oyo State Security Network Agency also known as Amotekun, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd) has made a clarification on the statement he made while granting interview on a radio Programme, insinuating some media got it wrong.

The story quoted him [Olayanju] to have accused some aides of the Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, of “being behind the unrest in Ibadan, the state capital.”

He said one SA to the Governor only put pressure on them to release somebody arrested while holding carnival.

Olayanju maintained that it was equally untrue that he accused some aides of the governor of having links with arrested hoodlums, stating that mischief makers had only twisted his words to suit their evil intentions.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, Olayanju said that though he appeared on Fresh FM’s Situation Room and a Yoruba programme, Dende Oro, most of the things the news reporter claimed he said were taken out of context.

He said: “I never said anything like Governor Makinde’s aides having links with arrested hoodlums. Somebody called in on the programme and said that Amotekun and the Police are supporting hoodlums. But I said there had been times we apprehended some hoodlums and when their people came to beg us to release them, we refused and told them they were already with the Police. That was what I said.

“Another thing I said was that the only time we released somebody was when a member of the House of Assembly came to meet us and said one of the persons arrested was not part of those that committed the crime in the area, which happened to be his constituency.

“I said since the Honourable was an elected official and part of the government, he could not have lied to us. So, that was why we released the person to him.

“I also said one SA to the Governor put pressure on us to release somebody and we said no and that the fellow had been transferred to the Police. I said I told that S.A to go and deal with the Police. That was all I said.”

He further clarified that the SA in question actually called him in respect of some persons arrested for holding a carnival during the Yuletide, after the government had pronounced a ban on carnivals.

He said: “What has carnival enforcement and an appeal to release those arrested have to do with such headline?”

The Amotekun commander maintained that his agency has been up and doing since it was put in place, noting that he could not have gone on air to badmouth an administration that means well for the state and has been doing everything possible to improve its security architecture.

Olayanju warned media men to be wary of sensationalising stories to the extent of falsehood, noting that as members of the fourth estate of the realm, they owed the society the responsibility to report only the truth.

The Oyo State government has compelled road side traders to disengage from street trading within 7 days with effect from Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 to Tuesday 12th, January 2021.

The Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Abdulateef Idowu Oyeleke gave the directive on behalf of the State Government while sensitizing the road side traders yesterday at Molete under bridge, Challenge, Ringroad and Eleyele market in Ibadan, reiterating that the present administration has zero tolerance for street trading, because of the hazards associated with the act.

Idowu decried the environmental nuisance constituted by the road side traders by displaying their wares on the roadside, an act which he said was at the detriment of the safety of the traders and buyers.

There have been reports of trailers and other vehicles losing control and killing roadside traders within Ibadan metropolis and other parts of Oyo State.

The government also emphasized the clean and green initiative which he maintained should be embraced by all and sundry so as to add aesthetics on many of the major roads and also to check traffic gridlock, caused by street traders.

The Commissioner said the State governor has fulfilled his promise not to rid the major roads around markets in Oyo State of street traders until alternative spaces and shops were created for them, which according to him has been done at the Scout Camp Neighborhood market among others.

“It would be recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier stated that provisions would be made for street traders before disengaging them from the streets.

“To that effect, the Scout Camp Neighborhood market have been made available for the traders to occupy free of charge this year, while they will also be enjoying the essential amenities in the market such as the generating plant, Bore hole water supply and security of the market,” he added.

Dr. Oyeleke further said that traders should visit the Ministry of Trade for proper allocation of the shops.

He hinted that it has become an offence for anybody to sell on the roadside starting from next week, as anyone caught would face the wrath of the law.

…says initiative complementing state’s effort to reduce unemployment

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Tuesday, kicked off the Extended Special Public Works Programme of the Federal Government, saying it is a step in the right direction to address the unemployment challenge and to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The governor maintained that the programme, which is targeted at empowering 1,000 beneficiaries in each of the 774 local governments of the country, for about three months, will complement the efforts of the Oyo State government to tackle unemployment in the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that Governor Makinde, who was represented by the deputy governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, kicked off the programme at the premises of Akinyele Local Government Secretariat, Moniya, Ibadan.

He said: “This programme is a step in the right direction. In Oyo State, when we see a good initiative, we are always sure to commend it. This programme is targeted to reach 1,000 beneficiaries in each of our 33 local governments.

“Though it will be for three months, it is an initiative that will complement the efforts of our government to tackle unemployment across the nooks and crannies of Oyo State.

“In Oyo State, we are already putting up efforts to address the unemployment challenge. Soon, the state will issue employment letters to 5,000 teachers and 2,000 non-teaching staff. These people will be in permanent employment for 35 years.

“We are also going to issue letters of employment to medical and paramedical staffers, while state counsels have already been given their employment letters. All these efforts will deplete unemployment in the state. So, you will agree with me that the extended special public works programme is complementing our efforts.”

The governor, who lauded the initiative, admonished its beneficiaries to demonstrate good conduct, stating that it is a great opportunity for them and that the conduct of the pioneer beneficiaries will determine whether or not it would last or be short-lived.

“To the participants of this programme, this is a great opportunity for you. To whom much is given, much is expected; you can use the opportunity of this programme to do well for yourselves and even convince the government to make it continue or to terminate it. If you do well, the Federal Government can even increase the beneficiaries to 2,000 per local government,” he added.

He equally charged the members of the committee of the programme to always carry the state government along in the selection process so as to make it more transparent and generally acceptable to all and sundry in the state.

Earlier, the Acting Director-General, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mallam Abubakar Nuhu, who was represented by the state coordinator, Mrs. Olayemi Olayinka, said that the programme is a significant step in Nigeria’s quest to win the war against mass unemployment and to ameliorate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic.

He described the programme as “the single most far-reaching grassroots-based employment creation initiative in the history of our great nation.”

In his remark, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who was represented by Captain Ajao Olufemi, said the programme was organised to address the ballooning population of the unemployed and rising insecurity in some parts of the country and to cushion the adverse socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He noted that the Federal Government will closely monitor the implementation of the programme to ascertain the efficient utilisation of the resources, human/material committed to the programme.

Similarly, the chairman, Oyo State Selection Committee, Mr. Ope Salami, advised the beneficiaries to see the programme as a golden opportunity that can be used to take them out of poverty in the nearest future.

Salami equally commended the Makinde government for demonstrating a non-partisan disposition during the processes leading up to the kick-off, even as he commended the Akinyele Local Government chairman, Mr. Taoreed Adedigba, for his cooperation with the committee.

The event had in attendance the representatives of the Alaafin of Oyo, Olubadan of Ibadan, Soun of Ogbomoso, the Senator representing Oyo Central, Teslim Folarin and a host of others.

Six Thousand and Two Hundred (6, 200) bags of 10kg CACOVID rice were on Monday distributed by the Osun Government to the members of Muslim and Christian Communities in the State.

The distribution was in continuation of the distribution the over 40,000 10kg bags of rice donated to the State by the Private Sector Coalition Against Covid-19 (CACOVID) as part of efforts to cushion the effect of the global Coronavirus pandemic.

This is just as the State government said that it has followed the equitable distribution template to ensure that every segment of the population benefits from the gesture.

Receiving the stimulus package at the Government Secretariat, Osogbo, the leadership of the State Muslim and Christian Communities eulogised the State government for taking the struggle of life-supporting programmes to the grassroots through the religious leaders.

The Assistant Secretary, Osun Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Clement Fayemi, commended the Administration of Governor Oyetola for taking the welfare and well-being of the citizens as his priority.

Fayemi who described the gesture as timely and rewarding, noted that the initiative would go a long way to meet the most critical need of the people, particularly the vulnerable at the grassroots.

He applauded the style of distribution adopted by the State, which according to him had facilitated the inclusion and incorporation of religious groups in the mode of distribution of the palliative.

“First of all, I must commend the Osun Government through the leadership of CACOVID for bringing this succour to our people at this critical time.

“We are very appreciative of this gesture and we do hope that the hands of fellowship extended would in no small measure help to meet the needs of the beneficiaries.

“We are very glad that they remembered us. God will continue to remember them.

“On behalf of the State Chairman, CAN, Bishop Ogunrinde, we are very appreciative of this noble gesture”, he added.

Also, the Mufasir of Osogbo, Alhaji Maroof Ishola, expressed profound gratitude to the donor for counting adherents of the two faiths worthy of the palliative.

Ishola also appreciated the State government for taking into cognisance the vulnerable individuals among the adherents of the both faiths.

“We are very delighted to be here today to receive the food item (rice) donated to the State by CACOVID. This is a good development for the needy as it will help to put smile to their faces.

“I am particularly glad that our people are remembered in the distribution process. I commend the State government through Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for his Administration’s resolve to guarantee the security and welfare of the citizenry.

“As we are taking this to our people, we shall ensure that it gets to them in all the Local Governments and we shall distribute it accordingly and as planned”, he added.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Dr. Bode Olaonipekun, expressed satisfaction at the people’s positive feedback and applause of the government’s distribution template.

Olaonipekun said the government’s distribution template which was designed to accommodate every segment of the population, particularly the vulnerable groups, had helped to evaluate the level of reach since the commencement of the distribution.

“The template we adopted gives room for proper monitoring and evaluation of the exercise and this has really helped us to evaluate the strength of the distribution so far.

“As you all know, the distribution is still ongoing. We distribute on receipt, and this technique has been the driving force through which we reach out massively to the target beneficiaries of the rice component of the CACOVID palliative.

“We shall continue to do this until the last bag is released”, he stated.

Lagos State Government has deployed 1,250 special Constabulary in order to boost community policing in the State.

Sanwo-Olu Urges Lagosians to support initiative, Cooperate With Officers.

Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday deployed 1,250 Special Constabulary Officers for community policing to boost security in different parts of the State.

Community Policing is an initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Muhammed Adamu, to complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police to effectively combat crime and criminal activities.

Speaking at the passing-out parade of the Community Policing Special Constabulary Officers held at Police College, Ikeja, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, appealed to all Lagosians, especially community leaders and associations to support community policing by cooperating with the officers.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, assured the Special Police Constabularies that his administration will provide everything they will require to carry out their assignment most efficiently and effectively.

He said the passing out parade of 1,250 Special Constabulary officers who have undergone series of trainings specially designed to equip them with the skills required for the job is an indication of the commitment of Lagos State Government to community policing initiative.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also congratulated and commended the chairmen and members of the State Community Policing Advisory Committee and the State Community Policing Committee for their efforts and progress that has been recorded so far in making community policing initiative a reality in Lagos State.

He said: “The issue of security and safety of lives and property have been a major source of concern, which requires deliberate and urgent attention by the government, and the cooperation of all citizens. In an attempt to address this challenge, there was a national consensus on the need to embrace community policing which has been identified as a potent strategy that will complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police to effectiveiy combat crime and criminal activities.

“I want to appeal to all Lagoslans especially community leaders and associations to support this initiative by cooperating with these officers. They are no strangers but people that are known to you within your community. Let us therefore embrace this initiative to improve security and safety of lives and property within our various communities.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also implored the Special Police Constabulary to operate within the operational guidelines that had been given to them.

He said: “You must understand that you have been recruited to perform a very important job which is about improving on the existing security architecture and making it more effective.

“Your major responsibility is to support the operations of the State Police Command through the provision of credible and timely intelligence on activities within the community which might result in perpetration of crime and threat to safety of lives and property.

“In carrying out your responsibility, it is very important that you operate within the operational guidelines that have been given to you. In recognition of the importance attached to the duty you have been recruited to perform.

“I want to assure you that the State government will accord your welfare priority attention. We will also provide everything that you will require to carry out your assignment most efficiently and effectively.”

Speaking earlier, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Adamu who was represented at by Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Olasupo Ajani, warned the Special Constabulary officers not to see themselves as conventional police officers.

He said: “You are expected to be a link and to build a good relationship between police and the general public. As you might have known, you as Community Policing officers are very strong stakeholders in maintaining law and order and the protection of lives and property.

“You should always remember the local knowledge you were taught and make use of it wherever you may find yourselves.

“Lastly, you are warned not to wear any other police uniform except the black uniform issued to you. Do not wear blue or the camouflage uniform of the conventional police officers”

In their goodwill messages during the passing-out parade, representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of the State Services (DSS), community and religious leaders promised to support community policing initiative in their various community and Lagos State at large.

January 5, 2021

Press Statement

PDP: Osun State Secretariat

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alerts Nigerians of clandestine plots by certain individuals to set up a strange office in Osogbo, Osun state, and purport such to be the Osun State secretariat of the PDP.

For the avoidance of doubts, the PDP states in unequivocal terms that our legitimate state secretariat in Osun State remains our office located at Km 3, Ikirun Road, beside Federal Road Safety Corps Office, Biket Area, Osogbo, Osun state.

It is imperative to state that our great party does not operate or recognize any other state secretariat in Osun State other than the above stated.

All party members, critical stakeholders and supporters, particularly in Osun state and the nation at large, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all security agencies, the media and the general public should take note and be guided by this accordingly.

The leadership of the PDP charges all our members in Osun state to continue to work together and not be distracted by any such divisive plots, especially at this time that our party is working relentlessly to rescue our nation from misrule.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

Government of Ekiti State has approved the disbursement of N62Million loan to 220 staffers of the State Teaching Service Commission as housing loan.

A statement from the office of the Chairman of the Commission, Hon Babatunde Abegunde made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, explained that the beneficiaries are made up of both teachers in public secondary schools and non-teaching staff.

Abegunde said that a Cumulative amount of N340, 754,231.74 has been disbursed since the inception of the Fayemi led administration in October 2018 to 2,459 beneficiaries.

Expressing appreciation to Governor Kayode Fayemi for the good gesture, Hon Abegunde noted that the continuous release of funds to the housing and vehicle loans schemes since the inception of his administration has been a source of encouragement and motivation to teachers and other categories of workers in the Commission.

He said the housing and car loan scheme is a demonstration of Governor Fayemi’s commitment to the welfare of workers adding that the administration would leave no stone unturned towards making life more meaningful for workers in the State.

Advising those that are yet to benefit from the scheme to exercise patience, Abegunde assured that the loans are revolving and therefore continuous adding that it will soon reach more beneficiaries.

He charged the workers to reciprocate the government good gesture by showing commitment and diligence at their duty posts, stressing that they should make loyalty and dedication to duty their watchwords.

A 23years old identified as Jumoke Kehinde has allegedly committed suicide in her home at the Kajola area of Akure , Ondo State , after she was suspended from work for coming late last Thursday .
The dead body of the lady, who worked at a popular shopping mall in Akure , was said to have been found in her room after she allegedly took a substance suspected to be an insecticide .
Mr Taiwo, a manager in the organisation , who gave his name simply as Taiwo , confirmed the incident and said the deceased along with some other staff members was suspended for reporting late to work last Thursday , he expressed surprise that Jumoke could take her own life .

“ On that day , she was seen arranging her table getting ready for the day ’ s sales as she appeared happy , but she later left the mall around 11 am after receiving the suspension letter.
“ Around 4 pm , a distress call was received in the office that she was not feeling fine . One of the management staff went to check on her. Jumoke was found on the floor of her room shivering , while her mouth smelled of the insecticide . No empty can of the substance was found anywhere as she was rushed to hospital. After some time at the hospital, she was pronounced dead .” he said.

One of the deceased colleague, who pleaded anonymity , said Jumoke never showed any sign that she would commit sucide after she was given the suspension letter.

“ Her mother called her but she couldn’ t say anything and was just crying on the phone . The mother kept calling her line but later could not get through again ; so, she sent someone to check on her. The person found her on the floor writhing in pain . We had to quickly call the office and rushed her to hospital” the colleague stated.

“ We all know that when you come late here, you will be suspended for a few days without payment. But I don ’ t see any reason why such an issue should make her commit suicide .” he added.

Meanwhile, the body of the deceased has been evacuated to a mog from where she would be prepared for burial.

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on Monday, noted that he does not want to talk about President Muhammadu Buhari’s government for the sake of his sanity.
He, however, described the Lagos-Abeokuta-Ibadan railway as a long-overdue project. The playwright stated this during an interview with Kaftan TV.

Soyinka when asked if the railway project is a plus to the current government, he said, “I don’t want to talk about Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. I think it is best for my sanity just to avoid that overall question. I can take bits and pieces of Nigeria’s present predicament but I think for one’s sense of balance, one must forget the existence of the Buhari administration.”

He said he has seen roads in Nigeria for years as a death trap while rail transport had been neglected. He said on two occasions he had spent over six hours on the road from Lagos to Abeokuta.

Soyinka while speaking on the train project said, “It is a work in progress but it is a very impressive work in progress considering the difficulty of really executing anything in this country… I think we are looking at a virtual transport revolution which is long overdue.”

“I have spent, on the road between Lagos and Abeokuta six hours. A few weeks ago at the launching of my novel in Abeokuta, I left Lagos…. The journey took about seven hours,” Soyinka said.