Author: oduduwanews

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday said the first civilian governor of the State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, will continue to live in the hearts of Lagosians and Nigerians at large till eternity.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the legacy left behind by the late Jakande would remain with Lagosians for a long time to come, describing Jakande, a former Minister of Works, as a detribalised Nigerian, who was outstanding in all his achievements.

Sanwo-Olu added that the former governor known as ‘Baba Kekere’ lived a righteous life and will live forever in people’s hearts.

Governor Sanwo-Olu who spoke on Sunday at the 40th day Memorial Service of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande at the Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa in Ikeja, said the first civilian governor has laid a foundation, which nobody can erase in Lagos State.

He said: “This service is indeed deserving for our late father, the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande. We cannot celebrate him enough and we will continue to celebrate him forever for the life that this detribalised Nigerian and outstanding Lagosian lived.

“He built the foundation that all of us are enjoying today. He will continue to live in the hearts of several children and even unborn children because he has indeed laid the foundation for something that nobody can erase.

“Romans 14:8 says that; ‘For if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.’ This is synonymous with today’s sermon titled ‘The righteous lives forever.’ So when we say the righteous will live forever, indeed we can say that Baba Jakande has earned it and we know that he will live forever.”

Reading from Isaiah 41:10, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged family of the deceased to have faith in God Almighty.

He said: “Isaiah 41:10 says ‘Do not fear; for I am with you: be not be dismayed; for I am thy God: I will uphold you with my right hand.’ God will uphold the wife and children of Alhaji Lateef Jakande forever. Lord will also uphold Lagos State and every one of us.”

In his sermon, titled, “The Righteous Shall Live Forever” the Lord Bishop, Diocese of Lagos (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. (Dr) Humphrey Olumakaiye, said the definition of righteous man is not about being an angel or a saint but a man that has touched lives while he is alive and used his positions to create opportunities and touched the lives of the people who can never pay him back.

He therefore urged political office holders to see their positions as a great opportunity to serve and benefit the people, noting that righteous people are always concerned about the welfare of God’s creation, which the late Jakande stood for in his lifetime.

Bishop Olumakaiye, who described late Jakande as humble and humane, said the former governor during his tenure never used religion as a tool to divide the state in providing leadership and dividends of democracy for the people of Lagos.

He said Jakande achieved a lot within four years in office and demonstrated service to the masses by providing free education, medical care, low-cost housing and infrastructure, among others for the benefits of not only Lagosians, but entire Nigerians.

Also, Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rt. Rev. (Dr) Stephen Adegbite, said his generation will never forget Jakande and other Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) governors in the Second Republic because of how they impacted people’s lives through the people oriented programmes of the party.

During the memorial service also attended by the First Lady, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Jakande’s widow, Alhaja Abimbola and her children, former Lagos Deputy Governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, members of the State Executive Council, Body of Permanent Secretaries, Clerics, among others, prayers were offered for the family of late Jakande, who died on February 11, 2021 at the age of 91.

Clergies also prayed for Governor Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and their families, the executive, legislature and judiciary arms of government, the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, peaceful Lagos and the country in general.

A group agitating for the proposed Oduduwa Republic has launched a new National Currency which will be known as ‘FADAKA’ which means silver.

The announcement was made by the group via its Twitter account on Sunday, March 21.

A new currency for the proposed Yoruba nation, Oduduwa Republic has been introduced by a southwest group.

ODUDUWA NEWS gathered that the group posted the image of the proposed currency on its Twitter handle @OduduwaRepublic, on Sunday, March 21.

The released currency under ‘Ooduwa Reserve Bank’ which appears like a pilot design has most Yoruba cultural heritage inscribed on it. The banknote made available includes 20 Odua currencies which look identical to the N200 note.

The Lagos State Government has noted that the COVID vaccination exercise that commenced five days ago was successful with an impressive and encouraging turnout of residents.

A release signed by the Director of Public Affairs in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, clarified that the vaccination takes place on weekdays only i.e. Monday – Friday, explaining that the exercise will not hold on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st March 2021 as well as other weekends.

He gave an assurance that the exercise will resume on Monday, 22nd March 2021, in all the 88 approved vaccination centres for health workers, frontline staff and essential duty personnel that have been identified to participate in the first phase of the campaign.

The Defence Headquarters says it is demeaning to allege that the Nigerian military stooped so low to the extent of “spying” on the acclaimed Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo also known as Sunday Igboho.

This comes after Igboho and his cohorts had in a viral video released on Friday alleged that “soldiers” sent by the Federal Government were seen surveying the residence of Sunday Igboho at Soka in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

But responding to the allegations in a statement on Saturday, acting director of Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Benard Onyeuko, said, “While the Defence Headquarters has no interest dragging or joining issues with Sunday Adeyemo or his associates, it is pertinent to clear the air and address these allegations squarely.

“For the records, it should be noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, are highly professional in the discharge of their duties, with well-defined roles, responsibilities and duties in its mandate of securing the territorial integrity of the Nigerian Nation.

“As such, the Military cannot stoop so low to such extent to “spy” on one individual, as wildly and loosely alleged.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is a highly disciplined and professional organization with extant laws and regulations which guide the actions of its personnel in the conduct of their duties.

“As such, it is practically impossible for military personnel on official duty to conduct themselves in such manner as alleged by Adeyemo and his cohorts,” the statement read.

Onyeuko maintained that preliminary investigations so far revealed that one of the alleged “soldiers” is a serial impersonator, warning that individuals and groups should desist from disparaging the enviable reputation of the Military.

He added, “For the avoidance of doubt, preliminary investigation has so far revealed that one of the alleged “soldiers” is a serial impersonator.

“Meanwhile credible eyewitnesses and sources have also revealed that some associates of Igboho went in pursuit of some individuals when the motorbike conveying the impersonator and one Nigerian Air Force personnel ran into them.

“The duo were immediately apprehended and taken to the said “IGBOHO House” at Soka before Ibadan toll gate where they were branded as spies. Furthermore, investigations are currently underway by Nigerian Airforce and the Nigerian Army to unravel the actual circumstances which played out on the day.

“The Defence Headquarters hereby warns individuals and groups to desist from disparaging the enviable reputation of the Nigerian Military by dragging it into its petty issues to gain political mileage. Such actions will not be condoned in the future.”

Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde on Saturday disclosed that no governor in the state has ever handed over to his successor after the expiration of their tenure in office.

Makinde while speaking during the Inauguration and Duty Commencement Service of the 8th President of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, held at the CAC International Headquarters, Ibadan promised that he would be the first governor in the state to hand over to his successor.

He said, “No governor has ever handed over to his successor in this state, Baba Lam Adeshina didn’t hand over to his successor, former governor Ladoja, Ladoja didn’t hand over to former governor Adebayo Alao Akala, Akala didn’t hand over to Abiola Ajimobi, and Ajimobi also didn’t hand over to me, but am standing in front of the altar of God, I will be the first governor to hand over to my successor.”

Makinde however commended the smooth process that led to the inauguration of the new CAC President, saying that though Nigeria is at the cross road, but priority of all Nigerians should be how to end crisis of division in the nation.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has condemned, in strong terms, the violence that marred Saturday’s bye-election in Ekiti East Constituency 1 of the State House Assembly, saying that no one involved in the dastardly act would go unpunished.

This was contained in a statement signed and released to newsmen today by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode.

Consequently, the Governor has directed the State Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Mobayo, to ensure that everybody involved in the violent act are apprehended and brought to book regardless of their party affiliation.

The Governor also commiserated with the families of those reported to have been killed in the mayhem as well as those who sustained injuries.

“This violence is most unwarranted, and deeply disturbing. I have instructed the police authorities to fish out the perpetrators and ensure they face the music. Our condolences to the families that lost loved ones and those who were injured. Government would not relent in efforts to always ensure safety of lives and properties. We shall ensure all purveyors of violence are brought to book.”, the Governor added.

Governor Kayode Fayemi also wishes to reiterate the commitment of his administration to upholding the sacredness of life and sanctity of the electoral process.

At least three people, including a female police officer, have been killed in violence that ensued during the by-election for Ekiti East Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly.

The seat became vacant following the death of Juwa Adegbuyi in February, who represented the constituency.

It was gathered that political thugs unleashed mayhem on voters and security agents on Saturday.

There are allegations that the All Progressives Congress sponsored the thugs, who unleashed violence on voters and security personnel at different polling units.

Five other persons are reportedly receiving treatment from a private hospital as a result of the incidents.

The shootings happened three hours into the poll at Ward 7, Unit 7 of the Senator representing Ekiti South, Biodun Olujimi.

The senator only escaped by whiskers as the political thugs went on a rampage in her polling units.

HAJJ 2021: LAGOS PROMISES STRESS-FREE COVID-19 VACCINATION FOR INTENDING PILGRIMS

The Lagos State Government has given assurances that COVID-19 vaccine will be administered on every Intending Pilgrim from the State before embarking on the Y2021 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, gave the assurance on Thursday while delivering his opening remarks at a training programme organised by the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for Schedule Officers, Ulamah and Hajj Guides at the Shamsi Adisa Thomas (SAT) Mosque Hall, GRA, Ikeja.

He emphasised that the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, would do everything possible to ensure that each of the intending pilgrims is vaccinated despite the fact that the number of vaccines given to the State by the Federal Government is inadequate for the population.

Speaking further on the theme of the workshop “Way Forward for Year 2021 Hajj Operation and Preparation”, Elegushi urged the participants to see their appointment as Schedule Officers, Ulamah and Hajj Guides as a call to the service of Allah and trust for which they would be held accountable by God on the day of judgement.

He urged them to be good ambassadors of the State and carry out their assignments to the best of their ability, noting that the participants are faced with a very sensitive assignment of seeing to the welfare of the intending pilgrims both in Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

While calling for synergy and harmonious working relationship between the participants, he reiterated that the training became imperative because the State is not ready to jeopardise its enviable position as the best in Nigeria when it comes to Hajj operations, adding that only teamwork and commitment to efficient and effective service delivery to the intending pilgrims would sustain the State’s leadership position.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Rahman Ishola, expressed his appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat for their unflinching support to the Board.

He added that with their support, the Board is poised to successfully implement the administration’s policy of providing seamless Hajj experience for all its intending pilgrims irrespective of tribe, class and educational background.

Facilitators at the well-attended training programme included the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Islamic Matters, Mr. Jebe-Abdullai Ahmad who gave a lecture on the topic ‘Relationship between the Schedule Officers, Ulamah and Intending Pilgrims’.

Others are Dr. Mutiu Olakunle Afariogun, a Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), who presented a paper on ‘How to Manage Stress’ and Mr. Awe Jamiu, a Chief Administrative and Human Resource officer with the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency who presented a paper on ‘Hajj Overview’.

ODUDUWA NEWS has just gathered that there was a robbery incident at Agbowo area of Ibadan early hours of Saturday which claimed one life and left many injured.

It was learnt that the armed robbers armed to teeth invaded the area at exactly 2am, midnight of Saturday 20th March, 2021 and carted away many valuable properties.

One man was reportedly killed and several others injured while the robbers were carrying out their operation in the said area.

As at the time of filing this report, Oyo Police Command has not made known to the public its official statement regarding the incident.

The crisis rocking PDP in Ogun State might have been finally laid to rest owing to the recent steps taken by the Reconciliation Cmmittee constituted to find a lasting solution to the lingering crisis in the State.

The Chairman of the Committee, erstwhile Senate President of Nigeria, Senator Bukola Saraki while addressing newsmen said its committee has brought the aggrieved parties together and that they have all agreed to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign in the party.

Shortly after the address, the official PDP tweeted the resolution of the committee which reads in part:

” Today, the PDP Reconciliation & Strategy Committee successfully resolved the decade-long crisis in the Ogun State Chapter of the PDP.

“This crisis that has lingered on for the past ten years between the groups led by late Buruji Kashamu and Hon. Ladi Adebutu — has had each of them instituting different court cases, obtaining injunctions and dissolving executive committees.

“These actions have combined to weaken the party in the state and made many people to believe that the differences would never be resolved. As a matter of fact, the crisis is responsible for the loss of the PDP in the state during the past three general elections.

“Today, both parties have resolved to work together and withdraw all pending court cases. They agree that PDP remains the best umbrella under which the unity and development of Nigeria can be achieved, sustained and guaranteed. They have all signed an agreement to that effect.

“We appreciate the magnanimity, maturity, patriotism and the give-and-take spirit displayed by both parties — as well as other leaders in the resolution of this issue. Now, PDP is set to re-establish itself as the party that will take control of Ogun State from 2023.

“We are inspired that if, with the support of Almighty God, we have achieved success in Ogun PDP — which was one of the most difficult and complex — then, as we move from state to state, we will continue to make tangible progress”.