Category: Featured

Three traditional rulers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been confirmed dead in an auto crash in the state on Friday.

Nine other persons were also said to have been injured in a separate accident on the same day.

ODUDUWA NEWS gathered that the affected monarchs lost their lives in a road accident involving Benz E230 with number plate OLODOGBO and a commercial Scania Truck with registration number 301 XF at Aje Iye in the local government area.

Investigation further revealed that two of the affected monarchs died on the spot, while the third person died a few hours later at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, where he was rushed.

“The affected monarchs are Olodogbo of Odogbo, Onibowula of Bowula and Alayetoro of Ayetoro in Oriire Local Government.”

Six passengers were involved in the crash, but the three survivors are undergoing treatment at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. The affected passengers were going for a social function at the nearby community when the accident occurred, ” a witness told newsmen.

The state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Joshua Adekanye, confirmed the incident.

“It was a head on collision involving a private and commercial vehicles on Ogbomoso-Oyo Wxpressway. The survivors are undergoing treatment at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital while the corpses of the victims have been deposited at the morgue of the same hospital,”he added.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday, presented N703.03billion Budget Proposal for the year 2024 to the state House of Assembly.

This is against the N472.250billion budgeted for the 2023 fiscal year.

Giving a breakdown of the budget tagged “The Budget of Sustained Growth and Development,” the governor noted that it is made up of N287.37 billion Recurrent and N415.66 billion Capital expenditures.

He explained that N95.05 billion will be used for Personnel Costs, N27.35 billion as Consolidated Revenue while N59.09 billion will go for Public Debt Charges.

Speaking further, Prince Abiodun noted that N105.88 billion is for Overhead Cost while Capital Expenditure will gulp N415.66 billion.

On sectoral allocation, he said the sum of N109.219 billion, representing 16% will go for education, N81.185 billion representing 12% will be for health, while N28.886 billion, representing four percent will be for housing and Community Development. Also, the governor disclosed that a sum of N14.218 billion, representing two per cent, will go for agriculture and industry, while N209.122 billion, representing 30%, is allocated to infrastructure.

Others are N22.872 billion, representing three per cent for recreation and culture, N28.692, representing four per cent for social protection, while general public service, executive organ will gulp N31.125 billion, representing four percent.

The state government is to spend N34.954 billion for General Public Service Financial and Fiscal Affairs, representing five percent, N1.939 billion, representing 0.3% for General Public Service- General Personel Service, and N12.187 billion, representing two percent for Public Order and Safety.

The governor also said that Economic Affairs will take N3.083 billion, representing 0.4%, Judiciary N7.029 billion, representing one percent, Legislature, N14.412 billion, representing two percent, while N104.114 billion, representing 15% is for the Statewide.

The expenditure policy of the government in 2024, the governor maintained, is designed to achieve the strategic objectives of the Ogun State Economic Development Plan and Strategy 2021 – 2025, including fiscal sustainability; human capital development; food security; improved business environment; energy sufficiency; improving transport infrastructure; and promoting industrialization, focusing on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

While highlighting the key capital projects for year 2024, the governor said: “The physical capital projects in the 2024 budget include; Light up Ogun Project to include procurement and installation of transformers statewide whilst partnering with the private sector to experience uninterrupted power supply in 24 months. The Hosting of the 2024 Ogun National Sports Festival.

“Construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of roads across the state, including major ones such as Lagos–Ota-Abeokuta Expressway; Ofada-Owode Road, Lagos Garage – Ikangba – Ilese Road, Ota-Lafenwa-Itele-Ayobo Road; Ita Oshin, Ibara-Orile-Ijoga Orile – Ibooro – Imasayi Road, OPIC Estate Internal Roads, Agbara, 250km Statewide construction in all three (3) senatorial districts road infrastructure to support the 2024 Ogun National Sports Festival.”

He said his administration would focus on the construction of infrastructure at the various Economic Development Clusters, while efforts would be made to extend the Lagos Blue Line Metro Rail Project into Agbara, as well as the extension of the Lagos Red Line Metro Rail Project to Ijoko and Ifo/Kajola in line with the execution of the State’s multi-modal transport plan under the Lagos-Ogun Joint Development Commission initiative.

The governor who emphasized the need to further secure the state, said additional security networks would be deployed and communication systems procured for security personnel, stressing the need for the installation of intelligence and on-street transport management and enforcement systems in all the three senatorial districts of the state.

Governor Abiodun added: “Our administration will construct over 2,000 housing units in various locations across the State like Warewa, Sagamu, Iperu, Ibara, Ayetoro Road (Abeokuta), OGTV Village, Ijebu-Ode, etc. Water reticulation projects to connect more households to potable water supply having completed the Urban Water Supply Project.

“Training the youth on Digital Solutions to enhance youth involvement in Agriculture. Refurbishment and renovation of technical colleges and vocational centers.Construction and Rehabilitation of Blocks of Classrooms, Technical Workshop/Science Laboratory at the Primary and Secondary Schools with the provision of furniture and equipment across the Four (4) Divisions in the State”.

He said as at 30th of September 2023, the state had achieved 74.39% of the pro-rated revenue target for this year’s budget, noting that that budget credibility as determined by performance was the best the State ever had in its financial management history, even as he assured that his administration was poised to finish this year at well above 75% performance.

Speaking earlier, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo applauded the cordial relationship between the executive and the legislative arms, saying this has culminated in the socio-economic development of the state.

He promised that the House of Assembly would work towards giving the Bill accelerated passage for the government to continue its developmental stride.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once more suggested that several local refineries are poised to commence the production of petroleum products.

It’s worth remembering that shortly after assuming office, the President announced that the Port Harcourt refinery would recommence operations by December 2023.

During the 11th Convocation ceremony of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) over the weekend, the President hinted that the exorbitant fuel price would decrease when the local refineries become operational.

“Very soon, some of our local refineries will start production, and the current exorbitant prices of fuel energy will be greatly reduced,” he said.

The President, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Professor Garba Sharubutu, acknowledged the prevailing economic hardship in the country but assured that it would soon subside.

He appealed for patience and continued support of Nigerians for his administration as efforts were made to address the challenges in the country.

“Bear with us and remain resolutely in support of this administration as we would leave no stone unturned in reversing the severe hardships that our people are currently passing through.

Part of the supplementary budget that the Parliament has approved will be applied to bring interventions at critical segments of the agricultural sector.

“The burden of insecurity is clearly a major challenge in Nigeria, but I assure you that in no distant time, it will become history.”

The President tasked universities of Agriculture in the country to rise to food scarcity challenges.

As a nation, we are looking up to the Universities to innovatively drive the transformation of our Agricultural sector to achieve food security and the Sustainable Development Goals.”

He promised that his administration would continue to provide the needed support to specialized universities and agric-related institutions to fulfil their mandate.

The President urged private organizations to collaborate with Universities of Agriculture, fostering partnerships and linkages to enhance agricultural research findings with a mutually beneficial goal.

President Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s myriad challenges but emphasized his dedicated efforts to address and resolve them.

“This administration is aware of the myriad of socio-economic and political problems that the citizens of our nation are passing through. We are, however, determined to find a lasting solution to the tough times”, Tinubu said.

“Our policy instruments are currently being fine-tuned with the view to dealing firmly with the causes and not the symptoms of the problems.

Tinubu extended his best wishes to the graduands and encouraged them to “help fast-track the rapid development of our country.”

He assured of his government’s continued support in providing and improving infrastructure in tertiary institutions.

Meanwhile, a total of 8,369 graduates witnessed the conferral of degrees, with 121 achieving first-class honours and 1,941 attaining second-class upper division.

Within the cohort, 3,063 graduands earned Second Class Lower Division, 1,121 secured Third Class, and six obtained Passes.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, presented additional statistics for the graduating students, including 6,917 Bachelor’s degrees, 159 Post Graduate Diplomas, 802 Master’s degrees, and 491 Doctorate degrees.

He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fulfilling its core mandate, highlighting the noteworthy contributions of its products and staff in research and job creation.

In his valedictory speech, the Best Graduating student, Ikechukwu Nicholas Chukwuka (majoring in Computer Engineering), expressed gratitude to God for the grace to emerge as the best overall.

Chukwuka, who achieved a remarkable 4.90 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), revealed that although he initially aspired to study Law, his passion for Computer Engineering led to a change of heart.

Tension hovers around the Ojo area of Lagos State following the killing of a suspected cult gang leader in the area at the weekend.

The deceased, simply identified as Shulee, was said to be the number two man of the Eiye confraternity in the area.

Shulee was allegedly hacked down by members of a rival group in the area and his head cut off.

Residents alleged that the head of the deceased was sent to the camp of Eiye as a sign of the rivals stamping their authority in the area.

A resident who refused to be named for fear of being tracked said: “Shulee is the number two man of Eiye in Ojo. His activities had been notorious. He did not look back when killing rival gang members. He was feared in the entire Ojo, Okomaiko and Ajangbadi areas.

“There has been tension in the entire Ojo since his death was announced. The leaders of the Alaba International Market have advised traders not to stay outside late.”

Another source alleged that the deceased was tracked down to an area around Alaba Rago and that he was eventually killed around PPL bus stop.

Since his killing, there have been several notices in social media warning residents not to stay outside their houses late.

The Lagos State police spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, said, “I am not aware of any such killing and there is no tension anywhere in the state.”

The Coroner Court in Lagos state has revealed that the most crucial aspect of an autopsy to determine the cause of death of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad, is being conducted in the United States of America.

The state counsel, O. Akinde also told the Coroner Magistrate, Adetayo Shotobi on Wednesday, that the autopsy into the external body of the deceased had been completed.

Akinde made the disclosure following the concerns by the counsel to Mohbad’s father, David Fadimu, NKay Music Worldwide, and O.S.A. Aranmolaran, representative of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikorodu.

According to the state counsel; “The toxicology test, which has to do with the internal body, is being done in the US.”

The disclosure comes as a shock to many because few weeks ago, the Lagos police command said the autopsy had been concluded and they were waiting for the result.

The post reads; “Mohbad: Autopsy Update. The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform the public that the autopsy procedure for Mr. Mohbad has been successfully completed. Further information will be provided as soon as the results are available.”

Police PRO Ben Hundeyin added; “Autopsy has been concluded. Awaiting result… #JusticeForMohad #Justice4Mohbad.”

Reacting, Nigerian music sensation, Bella Shmurda called on police authorities to arrest the people responsible for the death of his colleague, Mohbad.

He took to microblogging site, Twitter and declared that if justice is delayed then it is the same as, injustice and he is more concerned about those that assaulted and oppressed Mohbad when he was alive.

He wrote; “Delayed justice is injustice. Bring out those who oppressed and maltreated the hell out of him when he was alive that the goal. Autopsy or not he no concern me. Unless our govt don’t have feelings.

Lagos State government has responded to claims by the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, suggesting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu spent taxpayers’ money to pay lawyers that defended him at the state’s election petition. Debunking the rumour in a statement released on Monday night, the state Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, revealed that Sanwo-Olu did not approve the payment on discovering the irregularities surrounding it.

He debunked the claim, clearing that the document on which the LP candidate based his claims was not from the state coffers.

Omotosho urged scrutiny of the state’s spending should be based on fact.

A post on ‘X’ by Labour Party (LP) candidate Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, on November 19, 2023 alleged – without any proof whatsoever- that the Lagos State Government funded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s legal dispute after the March 18, 2023 election. This is not true. The allegation was supported by a document that neither carried the logo of the Lagos State Government nor the endorsement of any of its officials. It was simply another ploy to deceive the public about a non-existent payment ofN50,000,000 to four lawyers,” statement by Omotosho read.

While it is worthwhile for patriotic individuals to scrutinise the finances of the Lagos State Government, the outcome of such inquiry must always be based on verified facts and nothing but the truth. The transaction referenced by Mr. Rhodes-Vivour never took place. There was a payment request, which was not approved by Mr Governor when the Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice drew his attention to it because it is irregular,” it added.

ODUDUWA NEWS recalls that Rhodes-Vivour had earlier accused the Lagos state governor of spending the state’s fund on his election litigation.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has directed all public officials, appointed and elected, to start wearing Adire Osun every Wednesday to boost the industry and enhance the cultural strengths of the state.

In a circular issued by the Head of Service, Mr. Ayanleye Aina, Governor Adeleke noted that the directive affected all categories of public servants across ministries, departments, and agencies of government including tertiary institutions, local governments, local development council, and area office.

Consequently, every Wednesday is adopted as Adire Osun Day with all accounting officers and heads of agencies expected to comply with the directive.

Additionally, all political appointees are also expected to comply with the directive from the State Executive Council to special advisers and other categories of appointees.

Governor Adeleke had presented the subject at the last State Executive Council meeting with unanimous approval and adoption.

The Governor noted that Adire has its source from Osun state, noting that the new decision will reassert the traditional claim of Osun to the Adire genre.

The Governor recalled his bilateral meeting with the Ogun state Governor, Dapo Abiodun where both Governors resolved to host an annual celebration of Adire Day.

Governor Adeleke further announced his administration’s plan to create mini-industrial clusters to support the Adire industry and other craft sub-sectors in the state.

“Our administration is working on the creation of SME industrial clusters. The Adire and other craft sub-sectors will be supported to grow and flourish.

“By this decision, we are determined to rebuild the Adire industry that is under threat from foreign mass producers. We are poised to breathe life into our culture with Osun as the cradle of the Yoruba nation”, the Governor stated.