Category: News

President Bola Tinubu, has raised the alarm over alleged attempts by some people to cash in on the current economic challenges in the country to undermine and destroy democracy.

The President, however, promised to preserve democracy and protect the rights, freedoms, and liberties of Nigerians.

He added that the Federal Government negotiated in good faith and with open arms with organised labour on a new national minimum wage.

He promised to as soon as possible send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of the law for the next five years or less.

In his nationwide broadcast, today on Democracy Day, the President noted that some persons sacrificed their lives to ensure that democratic government was put in place about 25 years ago.

His words: “My dear compatriots, Nigeria faced a decision of untold gravity 25 years ago: Whether to veer towards a better destination or continue aimlessly in the fog of dictatorship.

“We made the right choice then. We must continue with that choice now.

“As Nigerians, we must remind ourselves that no matter how complicated democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run. We must also be aware that there are those among us who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given.

“These people do this not to make things better but to subject all other people and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you.

“This is the great battle of our day and the major reason we specially celebrate this Democracy day.”
The President said that Nigeria’s democracy is more than a historic fact, noting that it is a living, breathing reality.

He further said that the true meaning of the day is not to focus solely on the great deeds of the past that have brought the country to her present point.

He said: “Yes, we pay eternal honour to those who laid down their lives, sacrificing everything to pave the way for the nation.

“I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and obvious beneficiary of the fruits of those historic efforts.

“As president of this nation, I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance. I vow to do my utmost best to protect your rights, freedoms, and liberties as citizens of Nigeria.
“Even more than that, I pledge to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as our way of life.

“I come before you also to declare that our most important work remains before us. This real test has never been whether we would rise to challenge the slings of misfortune and grievous pain of dictatorship.

“The real test is whether we shall lower our guards as the shadow of despotism and its evident physical danger fade.”

48-man Proposal Writing Committee has been constituted by the University of Ibadan management team in response to the Call for Applications for Round 3 of the 100&Change MacArthur Foundation Grant Application 2024.

Recall, University of Ibadan was a beneficiary of the scheme in 2002 where the Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law CPEEL was established as a training and academic research institute.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, who is the Chairman of the Committee while inaugurating the committee constituted to map out plans and strategies on how to win the 2024 grant reaffirmed his commitment to ensure that the gains of the University from the MacArthur Foundation grants are sustained.

He said the University had re-examined its failed 2016 Proposal with a view to addressing its shortcomings.

The Vice-Chancellor said the University intends to collaborate with other MacArthur Grants beneficiary universities as well as such organisations as the Consortium for Advanced Research and Training in Africa (CARTA) and the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA).

Other Principal Officers of the University gave goodwill messages to encourage the Committee in achieving success for the University.

The MacArthur Grants Liaison Officer, Professor Rotimi A. Oderinde said University of Ibadan first benefited from the MacArthur Grants in 2002, and out of the five universities identified then, UI is the only one where the MacArthur Grant is still subsisting.

He said the University of Ibadan seeks to be the Hub for other African countries, especially in the areas of research and academic excellence.

A member of the Committee, Professor Aderemi Raji-Oyelade, commended the spirit of scholarship within the University of Ibadan, saying this enables the University to dream big, provide solutions and achieve success.

The 100&Change competition is for a single $100 million grant to help solve one of the world’s most critical social challenges. The third round of 100&Change remains open to organizations and collaborations working in any field, anywhere in the world. Proposals must identify a problem and offer a solution that promises significant and durable change.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has emerged as the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum.

Sanwo-Olu was elected as the Chairman of the forum during a meeting on Monday in Lagos attended by the six Governors in the region.

He succeeds the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.

The meeting, held at the Government House in Lagos, was attended by Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State), Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Ademola Adeleke (Osun State), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti State), and Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

The wife of the Chairman of Kajola Local Government, Alhaja Bilikisu Mustapha has congratulated the First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs. Tamunomini Olufunke on the occasion of her 52nd birthday anniversary.

Alhaja in her felicitation message said, “we have another opportunity to honour a woman of grace, a brilliant example of a virtuous woman, a supportive wife and caring mother of the state, and one with a large heart.

“Mrs. Makinde is a gem far above rubies. She is well-known by her admirers as a compassionate woman, a pillar of support for the family. When she speaks, wisdom is not only heard but also clearly seen, and the law of kindness is spoken on her tongue. It is her compassionate heart that has been the driving force behind the various programmes and initiatives of the Office of the First Lady of Oyo State aimed at making a positive difference.

“I think can say equivocally without equivocation that she is a blessing to Oyo state since I am one of her admirers who closely monitored her programmes and also documented some of her accomplishments, especially the one pertaining to the development of the people at the grassroots and the general wellbeing of the less privileged through numerous initiatives”.

At the final funeral ceremony of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Lekan Balogun, Allí-Okunmade II, Governor Seyi Makinde, who was the chief host, while making his speech, was quoted to have said that the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin Akinloyè, would be coronated when he is strong enough. Governor Makinde made the statement against the now public knowledge that Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin is coping with some ailment that affects his strength. Since yesterday that Governor Makinde was said to have made the statement, mostly negative reactions have trailed the Governor’s pronouncement. Some concerned Ibadan natives have been calling on Governor Makinde to rescind his decision and allow Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin to be coronated as soon as possible. Some other people reacting saw Governor Makinde’s action in delaying the coronation of the new Olubadan as an attempt to desecrate Olúbàdàn stool. Someone even wrote to say that Governor Makinde was attempting to put Ibadan on a warpath.

However, this writer seeks to put the issue in a correct perspective. Governor Seyi Makinde did not err by his statement that Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin would only be coronated when he is strong. A section of Oyo Chiefs Law states unequivocally that the reigning Governor’s approval is needed before any Olubadan can be coronated. After having sent the name of the next person to ascend Olubadan throne to the Governor for approval, certain conditions are stipulated that the person ascending the throne must meet before the approval is given. Parts of the conditions include: that the Olubadan-designate must not have criminal records or be an ex-convict; that he must be HALE and HEARTY; must not be incapacitated, to mention a few of the conditions. Without sentiments, Governor Makinde appears to have hinged his pronouncement to delay the coronation on the conditions of Hale and Hearty and a perceived partial incapacitation of the Olubadan-designate. By this pronouncement, Governor Makinde has only acted true to what the Oyo Chiefs Law says, a law he wasn’t a party to when constitued, apart from the little amendment made to the law a few months ago by the State Assembly and assented to by Governor Makinde.

That said, this writer appeals to Governor Seyi Makinde, himself a Yoruba man, who understands the place of culture and tradition in resolving knotty issues in Yorubaland, to reconsider his stance and ensure that a befitting coronation of Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland is quickly done so that Ibadan can move forward from the stalemate occasioned by the death of Oba Lekan Balogun in March this year.

There were precedents in Ibadan where the coronation of new Olubadan is concerned. From the late Oba Yesufu Oloyede Aṣanike, to late Oba Emmanuel Adegboyega Adeyemo, to late Oba Yinusa Ogundipe Arapasowu, to late Oba Odulana Odugade, to late Oba Saliu Adetunji, to the recently late Oba Lekan Balogun, there were issues of health challenges that they all had before ascending Olubadan throne. But without paying lip service to the provisions of Oyo Chiefs Law, culture and tradition were considered in each instance of the times the late Olubadans were enthroned. Almost all of the late Olubadans mentioned earlier spent an average of tens years or a little less on the throne despite the glaring health challenges they had. This writer has written in the past, in the thick of the recent Ibadan chieftancy imbroglio, how the late Olubadans battled various ailments before they were coronated.

Ibadan has been without its revered king since the last three months or thereabouts. Ibadan has missed the guidance, the wisdom and the directives of its Olubadan. With vacancy in Olubadan palace, Ibadan feels culturally and traditionally naked. These reasons and more are why Governor Makinde has to revisit the issue and approve a speedy coronation of Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin Akinloyè as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Maroof Asudemade writes from Isalẹ jẹbu, Ibadan.

In a significant development, the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri, has announced the apprehension of the individual responsible for trafficking underage girls to Ghana. Thanks to the efforts of Chief Callistus, Chairman of Nido Ghana, the trafficker has been brought to justice and will face legal proceedings in Ghana next week.

Expressing her appreciation for Chief Callistus’s dedication in ensuring the arrest of the perpetrator, Abike Dabiri tweeted about the rescue mission, stating, “These are young girls trafficked to Ghana for prostitution. Very, very heartbreaking.”

Moreover, additional sets of trafficked girls have been rescued in Ghana, with arrangements being made to bring them back to Nigeria. Abike Dabiri assured that the rescued girls will be repatriated soon, emphasizing the importance of the collaboration between the Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities in combating such crimes.

The swift action taken in this case highlights the commitment of both nations to safeguard the rights and well-being of vulnerable individuals impacted by human trafficking.

Residents of Ibadan gathered to pay their last respects as the state government held a state burial for the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, late Oba Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II. The ceremony took place at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium), Oke-Ado, Ibadan, attracting many dignitaries.

Among those in attendance were the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, Chief of Baales of Ibadanland, Baale Bamidele Folorunso Ige, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Segun Olayiwola.

Governor Makinde affirmed that the Olubadan-elect, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will be crowned as the 43rd Olubadan soon, as all due processes have been followed. He described the late king as selfless and loving, and he expressed his appreciation to the guests who attended the ceremony.

The late monarch joined his ancestors on Thursday, March 14, and was buried on Friday, March 15, after a reign of two years

Police in Lagos on Friday, June 7, apprehended Ogujiofor Emeka, 41, and Desmond Chima, 31 for involvement in the illegal production of adulterated alcoholic drinks at Oko-Arin Market on Lagos Island.

Other suspects were said to have escaped. The raid resulted in the recovery of a substantial quantity of suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages and production materials.

The Police hinted they will be charged to Court upon conclusion of investigation.

Details later.

The Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Abel has commissioned a project done by a member of the corps, Mr. Ije Hilary Chinedu who was serving at Progressive secondary Grammar School, Ado Awaye , Araromi LCDA, Iseyin Local Government,Oyo State.

Speaking at the occasion which was held on June 6, 2024 at Ado Hill Tourism Centre Hall, Ago Afin, Agelu Road, Ado Awaye, the State Coordinator expressed his joy for being part of the historic event and he deeply appreciated Corper Ije Hilary Chinedu for the good initiative and his determination to make the project for the benefits of the tourists. Mr.Abel extended his appreciation to the sponsor, Engineer Joseph Adesope, the CEO Jossy Ade Technical services, Ibadan and Kabiesi Alado of Ado-Awaye Land, His Royal Majesty Oba Rev’d Ademola Olugbile Folakanmi for the significant roles and royal support given to Corper Ije Hilary to achieve his dream.

He concluded by advising every corps member in the state to emulate the good gesture as demonstrated by Corper Ije Hilary Chinedu. He further advised them to be a good ambassador to their host community and that they should be determined to make an indelible impact that would continue to speak volume of them after the expiration of the national service.

Mr.Abel acknowledged and identified himself with the transformation work going on at the tourist center and he announced a donation of amount to support the ongoing developmental work on behalf of the Oyo State NYSC and charged all sons and daughters of Ado Awaye home and diaspora to support Kabiesi in his drive to taking the town to the world map.

In his own address, the sponsor of the project who is also one of the illustrious sons of Ado Awaye, Engineer Joseph Adesope, CEO, Jossy Ade Technical services expressed his happiness for being part of the historic event. Speaking further, he identified power of good relationship as a major factor for the possibility of the project. He said he met Corper Ije Hilary at his place of assignment, Progressive secondary Grammar School Ado Awaye when he came for their inter -house sport athletic competition and the relationship was maintained with him. Engineer Adesope stated further that, when Corp Hilary shared the vision with him he accepted it wholeheartedly with a promise to give him all the required supports, having realized the type of person he is and the beauty of the project he had proposed to carry out. He therefore described him as a gentleman and God fearing individual.The erudite Engineer concluded his address by advising every corps member in attendance to always factor good relationship in whatever they are doing and he prayed for them.

Kabiesi Alado of Ado-Awaye, His Royal Majesty Oba Rev’d Ademola Olugbile Folakanmi Makuledoye II Odubade I, who was the host monarch, in his address appreciated the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Abel for his degree of love and commitment to the development of Ado Hill Tourism Center as demonstrated in his swift response to the letter of request for the posting of corps members to the Ado Hill Tourism center. Kabiesi Alado while speaking further described Corper Hilary as young man full of vision with a strong desire to achieve same regardless of any stunting blocks across his way. Alado said and as quoted, “when Hilary met me in my compound and introduced his plans, I intended to facilitate his repost to the tourist center but I couldn’t do that anymore due to logistics reason. Hence the reason for my request from the state Coordinator. So, I thank you for being there for us,” His Royal Majesty concluded his address by advising the entire corps members to always read to become a leader in the future.

He equally encouraged them as well to have a good mindset in order to make a positive impact at the center and wherever they find themselves and he announced a donation of certain amount to launch the book.

Shortly after his address, the launching of the book and commissioning of the project took place and they all proceeded on hiking to Iyake Suspended Lake immediately after the commissioning.

The Federal Government has increased its offer of a new national minimum wage to N62,000, while organized labour has reduced its demand from N494,000 to N250,000.

The new offer was made barely few hours the Nigerian Governors Forum rejected the N60,000 minimum wage offered to the Labour by the Federal Government.

Already the Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage has adjourned as there was no consensus at the meeting.

The organized private sector also backed the government offer of N62,000.