Category: News

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has decried importation of glass into the country despite the huge availability of the needed raw materials for its production in the Sunshine state.

The Governor recalled that when the Moribund Oluwa Glass was functional, it was supplying the then Peugeot glasses for windscreen and mirror as part of the production of the vehicles.

Governor Akeredolu spoke in his office on Thursday while receiving investors from the Horn Glass Industries from Germany led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Stephan Meindl.

The CEO/Chairman, ZMP Industries Limited, Mr Rotimi Ogunsanmi, was also on the investors entourage.

The Ondo State Government had signed a Public Private Partnership agreement with the ZMP Industrial Limited for the establishment of 600 Tonnes per day capacity float glass factory in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

The technical partner for the project, Horn Glass Industries, built Oluwa Glass over 35 years ago.

Receiving the investors in his office, Governor Akeredolu said there is no better company to establish glass factory in the state than the Horn Glass Industries having been involved with the establishment of the Oluwa Glass over three decades ago.

He said: “You are involved with Oluwa Glass and you are the one that built it. I don’t think there is a better company to start a new state-of-the-art Glass Company than you.

“Importation of glass into this country is unfortunate. Oluwa Glass was the one supplying Peugeot windscreen and glass. But government involvement in Oluwa Glass killed it.

“But today, we have equity participation. We are not going to stiffen anyone who is interest in developing the state. Our participation will be minimal so as to make it effective.”

Governor Akeredolu charged the investors to be time conscious, adding that time is of the essence.

“Time is of essence. We are running against time. Please start now. Undoubtedly, we are waiting. The state will be glad to have a glass factory back after 35years,” he noted.

Horn Glass Industries Chief Executive Officer, Mr Stephan Meindl, said his firm is ready to establish the glass factory with modern technology and unwavering commitment.

The Secretary, Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency, Emmanuel Omomowo, who explained the process and terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed, said the Sunshine state is endowed with Silica Sands which has a the raw material needed for the glass production.

“We need to bring in high-net-worth investors to actually collaborate with the state to develop our silica resource and the value of this investment is over 250 Million Euros and when it is converted to Naira, it is over 162 Billion Naira.

“The State Government in this project is having the stake of over 20% while the investor, ZMP Industrial Ltd. has 80% and ZMP Industrial Ltd. is also working in collaboration with a renowned technical partner called Horn Glass Industries.

“That the technical partner, Horn Glass Industries was the one that built Oluwa Glass and now they are coming now to build a new green field glass factory and because it is a joint venture and we have an SPV, Special Purpose Vehicle to drive it.

“It will create a lot of employment, we can talk of investment value that is worth over 160billion that is coming to the State. It will also have other multiplier effects within the State, it is going to enhance our economy, it is going to create job employment, expand our revenue business.

“It is a great deal that is actually coming to the State. And going through their profiles, they have the technical expertise. That is why we are talking of project reference that Oluwa Glass developed over 30 years ago which is going to be built again with newer technology, with a better approach. So, it is a good deal for the State,” he said.

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has urged all stakeholders to support the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), saying that the necessary will must be mustered to completely stamp out the menace of rape, especially against women and girls.

She spoke at the second phase of the Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum organized by her office for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society groups involved in tackling SGBV crimes in the state.

According to a statement by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Olubukonla Nwonah, the forum was with the principal aim of galvanizing action among relevant stakeholders in line with the policy thrust of the state government on zero tolerance for all forms of extreme violence against women, girls, children, and also men and boys.

Speaking, the First Lady said: “To God be the glory that we are able to host the second phase of this stakeholders’ forum designed to scale up the fight against SGBV. Since the first forum in June last year, we have had a series of meetings to identify and work on the missing links between the different MDAs and organizations.

“The meetings were important and revealing. A lot came out of it and MDAs were able to harness their forces to work together. This forum is the second phase for us to meet the various NGOs and Civil Society groups that are closer to the people to understand their roles, challenges, and how to support the fight against SGBV.

“My motto in my secondary school is ‘action not words.’ A lot of talks, a lot of policies have been put in place. For me, it’s time to act more, be faster and be more proactive and that is what we are trying to do.”

Explaining that the Office of the First Lady is noted for social advocacy, she said it was always painful to hear of sexual abuse cases, just as she reiterated the need for all stakeholders to support the fight against the menace.

“A lot of progress has been achieved but there is still a lot to do. It pains my heart and my heart bleeds when I hear that there has been a rape case in any area; in any local government; in any school; in any organization and so on. It is really painful to know that these things are still happening and this reinforces the conviction that we must work collaboratively to stamp it out totally.

“We stand on zero-tolerance against SGBV. It is a lot of work but I know with the support of NGOs and Civil Society groups, we can achieve it. Government cannot do it alone and that is why NGOs are very important. So, my charge to you wonderful people is to go out there and intensify your work in our various communities against SGBV,” the First Lady said.

She also commended the state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the recent signing of the Bill establishing the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency into law, and the appointment of an Executive Secretary in the person of Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, to lead the new agency.

“It is inspiring that the law, which also establishes the Sex Offenders Register, has finally become operational in the state and it is hoped that this will provide a quantum leap in terms of the legal framework to significantly and frontally tackle the menace of domestic and sexual violence, name and shame perpetrators and most importantly provide adequate medical and legal support to the victims,” she said.

The forum was well attended by NGOs and Civil Society groups in the state including Mirabel Centre, Project Alert On Violence Against Women, Women At Risk International Foundation(WARIF), Bimbo Odukoya Foundation, International Federation Of Female Lawyers, Day Spring Helps Ministry, Jashabel Touch A Heart, Eagles Wings Development, Vision Spring Initiatives, Ceceyara Foundation, Child To Child Network, Heartminders Societal, Women Law And Development Centre Nigeria, Women’s Consortium Of Nigeria (WOCON), Women’s Right And Health Project, Community Women’s Rights, African Peace And Conflict Management Foundation, Wuraola Foundation, Safe Haven Children’s Foundation, Stand To End Rape Initiative, Community Health Support And Empowerment Initiative, Humanity Family Foundation For Peace And Development, Virginspride Foundation, Rubis Ink Initiative, Real Women Foundation, and Pukiche Girl Foundation.

Others are God’s Home For Women Foundation, Media Concern Initiatives For Women And Children, African Women Lawyers Association, Center For Corrections And Human Development, Center For Sex Education And Family Life, Chamagne Foundation, Iyaniwura Children Care Foundation, Tonia Bruised But Not Broken, Youth Empowerment Foundation, Bina Al-Amal Foundation, Women Arise For Change, Women Advocates Research And Documentation Centre(Ward C), Child Protection Network, and Centre For Children’s Health Education Orientation And Protection.

At the meeting, members of the groups identified the challenges militating against the fight against SGBV crimes and proffered solutions. They also all signed pledges to signify their commitment to scale up advocacy and war against the menace.

Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has said that Federal Government houses nationwide would be allocated through online applications.

The minister stated this in an interview with Journalists during his inspection of houses under the Federal Government housing project on Thursday, in Bauchi.

He said very soon the process of allocation would start through online applications by the beneficiaries.

“The process is going to be on an online platform, the form will be online and pay online, fill them, you don’t need to give anything under the table. It is first come first served, that is why it takes a little while.

“We also noticed some dampness and drainage issues in the completed houses. Our facility manager would address them and find a way of draining the water for the beneficiaries”, he said.

Fashola pointed out that the houses would be allocated to all Nigerians; everybody is entitled to own the house through the online application.

He said the Federal Government was committed and passionate about solving the nation’s housing deficit.

“The Federal Government is determined to provide houses to the public across all the states of the federation”, the minister added.

He said the first phase of the houses had been completed; the Federal Government would now focus on the second phase to bridge the deficit in housing.

The Minister noted that the housing projects provide jobs to the citizens and boost the economy of the people in the state, as all materials used are bought in the state.

He commended the Bauchi state government for all the necessary support and for providing the land for the construction of the houses.

LAGOS POLICE RESCUE DEBTOR TIED TO A STAKE OVER N4.6M DEBT

A young creditor identified as Oluchi Okoye aka PACA has been arrested by Policemen attached to the Denton Police Station for tying his debtor, Reuben Alozie, to a stake over unpaid N4.6m debt.

The suspect tied the victim to a stick with ropes at No. 29, Abeokuta Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos from 22nd September to 23rd September when he was eventually rescued by the police.

According to the suspect, he resorted to self help after several efforts to recover his money from the victim failed.

The arrest of the suspect was made possible following a complaint lodged at the station by victim’s wife, Angela Reuben who reported that her husband was deprived of his liberty by the suspect who held him hostage.

Following the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu directed that the suspect should be transferred to the Command’s Tactical team for diligent investigation and prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police uses this medium to warn people against taking the law into their own hands instead of taking legal actions to seek justice.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday received the Guinness World Record certificate as holder of the world’s largest anniversary logo made with cupcakes mosaic.

The record was in respect of Lagos State Government’s celebration of the 60th independence anniversary of Nigeria with 60,011 cupcakes mosaic anniversary logo in the world, on October 1, 2020.

The initiative had placed Nigeria and Lagos in the Guinness World Records as holder of the world’s largest anniversary logo made with cupcakes mosaic.

The Certificate of the Guinness World Records for the Largest Cupcakes Mosaic was presented to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina by the Managing Director, Outori Limited and Lead, Fly Africa Initiative, Mr. Wole Olagundoye.

Governor Sanwo-Olu was joined by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Folashade Jaji; Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu and his SDGs and Investment counterpart, Mrs. Solape Hammond to receive the certificate.

Speaking on the presentation, Akinbile-Yussuf, said putting Lagos State in the Guinness Book of World Records was a great feat which the State would leverage for other world records.

Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu has assured Lagosians and investors that his administration would continue to make Lagos a destination of investment and a 21st Century economy.

The Governor gave the assurance on Friday when the New Managing Director/Chief Executive Office of Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Hans Essadi, paid him a courtesy call at the Lagos House Marina.

He said his administration is committed to the realisation of the THEMES agenda and therefore promised a mutually beneficial as well as enduring relationship between Lagos and the company in the areas of education, road infrastructure, employment and sports, among others.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the company had been proactive in putting in place various programmes, especially in the area of promoting sports, youths engagement, education, through its “Maltina Teacher of the Year competition”, adding that Lagos is willing to collaborate with Nigerian Breweries to improve on drainage, the aesthetic and road connectivity of Ijora where the company is situated.

Sanwo-Olu added that investments in infrastructure would facilitate business performance around the area, particularly for the Nigerian Breweries, which holds a strong stake in the corridor, saying the State Government has commenced robust efforts to fasten development particularly across the Iganmu Abebe Village corridor and its environs.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said efforts to sanitise the area from miscreants were intensified to minimise security threats around the corridor.

He said however, that given the huge funds required for the investments, the need for Public Private Partnership was important.

Speaking earlier, the New Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Hans Essadi, said he was excited about the Lagos agenda on education, making Lagos a 21st century economy and its resilient nature, adding that the company is ready to partner with the state.

He disclosed that with innovative strategies, Nigerian Breweries seeks to expand its productivity base, which he projected would facilitate exports to neighboring countries as well as contribute significantly to job creation in Nigeria and Lagos in particular.

In her remarks, the Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries, Mrs. Sade Morgan, said the Maltina Teacher of the Year award was strategic by the organisation to boost the morale of teachers and tutors.

THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ekiti State command has paraded 8 suspects for alleged currency counterfeiting, obtaining money by false pretence, breach of trust, criminal conversions and drug-related offences.

Items recovered from them include substances suspected to be Indian hemp, fake foreign and local currency, a Toyota Matrix car and four travel bags filled with items suspected to be some charms.

Three of them: Shittu Idowu, 47; Ogunkorode Kayode, 51 and Akinyemi Olumide Victor, 29 were accused of duping a complainant from Abuja about N6.7million.

One Abimbola Sunday, 30, was also paraded for using a stolen ATM card to procure an expensive wine worth over N485,000 at a popular hotel in Ado-Ekiti

The NSCDC boss in Ekiti, John Fayemi, also paraded one Ajayi Bose Bamidele, 28, who specialised in job racketeering and said to have collected the sum of N150,000 from an applicant with a promise for a job in NSCDC.

Others are two brothers: Otamini God’s power, 24, and Otamini Wisdom, 22, for defrauding a POS operator of about N150,000, and one Iyiola Abayomi, 30 for theft in Olorunda area of Ado-Ekiti.

Fayemi said they would be charged as soon as the investigation was concluded.

He urged the youths to shun all acts that could lead them to crime, saying the truth and hard work pay.

Oyo State government, on Friday, reassured the residents of the state of its preparedness to prevent the outbreak of cholera in the nooks and crannies of the state.

Speaking at the press conference held at the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Mufutau Ayoola, implored the people to ensure they properly dispose of their faeces and refuse, while improving on their personal hygiene henceforth.

He equally maintained that disease surveillance and notification officers in all the 33 Local Government Areas of the state have been put on red alert to institute preventive measures and sensitization of health professionals, with a view to promptly responding to outbreaks of cholera in our areas.

“The State Ministry of Health wishes to draw the attention of the members of the public to the need to prevent the outbreak of Cholera among the populace.

“Cholera is a water-borne illness which is highly contagious. It is an infection that is transmitted from person to person through faeces oral route, that is through eating food or drinking of water contaminated by faeces, especially where the source of drinking water has been polluted by flooding in unprotected wells as well as attending a large gathering of people during ceremonies such as wedding and funeral and contact with persons with cholera or who died of cholera.

“The disease often presents with frequent watery diarrhea and vomiting and it is common where people practice open defecation.

“Members of the public are hereby implored to always take some precautions and preventive measures. They should avoid drinking water from doubtful sources, e.g streams, wells that have been polluted by floodwater.

“Avoid dumping of faeces and refuse into streams and rivers. Ensure water from doubtful sources is boiled, and cooled before drinking
Regular hand washing after visiting the toilet, bathroom, and attending to anyone stooling.

“Washing fruits and vegetables well with clean water before eating. Cover all foods and drinks from out of reach of house flies.

“The disease surveillance and notification officers in all the 33 LGAS of the State and have been put on alert to institute preventive measures, and sensitization of health professionals in public and private hospitals to promptly respond to the outbreak of Cholera in the event of any occurrence.

“We want to also reassure the populace of effective preparedness for the prevention of outbreak of cholera and wish to implore the populace to properly dispose of their faeces and refuse and improve on their personal hygiene,” he said.

Speaking further, He added that suspected individuals should be referred to the nearest government hospitals for free and quality care service

He, therefore, urged the general public to alert the Ministry of Health by calling the hotlines – 09058704101, 08025245809, to report suspected cases.

A policeman was yesterday feared killed, while scores were injured, following a clash between commercial motorcyclists, popularly called okada, street urchins (area boys) and operatives of Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce), in the Ajao Estate area of the state.

ODUDUWA NEWS learnt that trouble started when Task Force operatives raided the area to clampdown on okada riders and their motorcycles.

The action led to a protest by okada riders with support of street urchins, who unleashed mayhem in the area, destroying cars and properties worth millions of naira.

The raid was part of the task force’s continued measure to put an end to okada riders’ penchant to disregard traffic rules and regulations in Lagos metropolist.

The area about 6:30p.m., most shops on busy Lateef Salami Street, Awoniyi Elemo, Asa-Afriogun and the popular Osolo way were closed, while commuters were stranded, as tricycles popularly called Keke Marwa were off the road, as operators scamper to safety.     But Chairman of the task force, CSP Shola Jejeloye,  in a statement issued yesterday by the Head, Public Affairs Unit, Femi Moliki, reiterated the unit’s resolve not rest on its oars until commercial motorcyclists’ penchant to disregard traffic rules and regulations is drastically reduced in the state.

According to an eyewitness under the condition of anonymity, okada operators are recalcitrant, as they have continued to operate on the expressway, and even park indiscriminately, thereby obstructing free flow of traffic.

He listed  Ikeja along on Agege Motor Road, 2nd Rainbow, Iyana- Isolo, Toyota Bus Stop, and Mile 2, along  Oshodi-Apapa expressway as areas the motorcyclists have continued to operate in total disregard to extant laws.

Giving a breakdown of motorcyclists impounded, Moliki said a total of 410 motorcycles were impounded between last week and Wednesday, September 22 on prohibited routes, while 300 were impounded last week and 110 seized on Wednesday.

He explained that operatives of the agency carried out enforcement in Isolo, Ojodu – Berger, Ojota, Lagos Island and Surulere last week, while the enforcement drive of the agency was also extended to 2nd Rainbow, where it seized 110 motorcycles on Wednesday.

Prominent Nigerians from all walks of life, on Thursday, converged on Osogbo, the Osun State capital, to felicitate with the government and people of Osun, as the State concluded its 30th anniversary celebration with awards presentation to distinguished citizens.

The event had in attendance former and sitting governors across Nigeria, including: Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Dr. Dapo Abiodun who were represented; former Governors of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Alao Akala; Former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake; first class traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi who was represented; Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Achebe, among other dignitaries.

This is even as the Governor of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, charged citizens to pull their collective strength to work, irrespective of their political differences and sentiments, for a greater tomorrow, saying that state-building is a collective enterprise.

Recall that the State had earlier announced that the Banquet and Awards ceremony would be the grand of the series of activities lined up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the creation of Osun, where 28 distinguished and prominent citizens of the State would be honoured.

Describing the event as symbolic, Oyetola, who ensured a minute silence was held in honour of the first Civilian Governor of the State, the late Isiaka Adeleke, said it was deserving to pay tributes to the illustrious men and women who have held sway as leaders of the people.

He said: “We are here today because you all provided direction and showed distinct leadership in a manner that has earned our State its deserved recognition and reputation over the years. We are grateful to you all.

“This banquet and awards is designed to recognise and celebrate our distinguished citizens and friends of the State whose phenomenal contributions in the various fields of endeavour have made Osun proud and have helped to build the Osun of our founding fathers’ dream.

“They are eminent individuals whose contributions and legacies have inspired our people, especially our youths, to believe in our dear State and continue to fly its flag high.

“Twenty-eight persons have received awards in four categories at this event as follows: 11 recipients of Lifetime Achievement Award, 10 recipients of Osun Distinguished Citizen Award, 2 recipients of Legacy Award, while 5 persons got the Osun Merit Award.

“Knowing how blessed we are with the gift of highly-illustrious and accomplished men in all facets of life, we have resolved to continue to honour the best of us. This, we believe, will motivate our teeming youths to aspire high and achieve greater heights.

“On behalf of the government and the good People of Osun, I thank our awardees for their monumental contributions to our dear State, the nation and the world, and for leading lives that inspire us and our posterity to build a greater Osun.

“State building is a collective enterprise. Therefore, we all must, more than ever, pull our collective strength to work irrespective of our political differences and sentiments, for a greater tomorrow.

“We must consider it an urgent task to galvanise our diverse strengths, goodwill and resources to chart a pathway that delivers the Osun of our dreams. That is the least we owe ourselves and the generations coming behind us. We cannot afford to fail.

“I call on all to rise and let us build a better Osun that is reflective of our true potential as the cradle of humanity.”

Governor Oyetola also urged citizens to continue to collaborate with the government to achieve sustainable development promised and already being delivered.

He continued: “Let us drink and toast to our collective success and the avowed resolve of our administration to build a solid structure for trans-generational development in Osun.

“The journey to building a stronger and more prosperous Osun continues with greater resolve and hope from here. I invite you all to come on board”, he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, commended the government of Osun on the awards, describing it as a welcome development because of its potential to ignite high hopes and hunger for diligence and excellence in the youths.

The honourees, under the Osun Lifetime Achievement Award, included: Chief Bisi Akande (former Governor, Osun State), Pastor Enoch Adeboye (General Overseer, RCCG worldwide), Sheikh Abdur’rasheed Hadiyatulla (President, Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria), and General Ipoola Alani Akinrinnade, rtd. (former Chief of Army Staff, Nigeria from October 1979 to April 1980, and then Chief of Defence Staff until 1981 during the Nigerian Second Republic).

Others in the lifetime achievement category are: Asiwaju Hammed Omidiran, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, Prince Tunde Ponle, Professor Olu Aina, Chief Akinwande Akinola, Engr. Joanah Olu Maduka, and Chief Dr. Benjamin Adigun.

The State, under the Legacy Award category, also recognised Dr. Folorunsho Alakija (Chancellor, Osun State University and dynamic philanthropist), and the late Madam Susanne Wenger (a culture and tourism icon).

The Osun Merit Award honourees included Emeritus Prof. Ademola Oyejide, Chief Nike Okundaye, Professor Oye Gureje, Professor Isaac Adewole, and Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN.

The Osun Distinguished Citizens Award honourees included Pastor Matthew Asimolowo, Alagba Yemi Elebubon, Brigadier General Leo Segun Ajiborisha (retired), Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Asiwaju Khamis Olatunde Badmus, Prince Lawal Obelawo, Chief Moses Inaolaji Aboaba, Mr. Adewale Adeyemo, Mr. Kola Adeniji and Mr. Mike Awoyinfa.

Chief Bisi Akande, in appreciating the honours done past leaders, commended the government of Osun for recognising the services and labours of the former governors.

He observed that the journey into the position of power was filled with the good and the bad as the past governors have experienced series of challenges while in power such as labour unrest and difficulties in payment of salaries of workers with the state’s meager resources.

He congratulated and commended past governors for meeting these challenges despite the meager resources that accrued to them from Abuja and called on the people of the state to continue to offer the necessary support to the Administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in order to take osun to an enviable height.

“I congratulate my colleagues for having served the State and I congratulate the people of the State for having reached this height. I pray Osun will continue to grow from strength to strength and I pray all the past leaders will never have reasons to regret the services they have rendered to the State”, Akande said.

One of the high points of the event was the decoration of the former Military Administrators and Governors of the State since its creation in 1991 by the incumbent, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

Governor Oyetola was in turn decorated by former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.