Category: News

A 30-year-old man, Wasiu Olasukomi on Friday was rescued by policemen from a mob in Ede, Osun State after he was allegedly caught picking dried human faeces suspected to be for ritual purposes.

It was gathered that the incident which happened on Friday around 10:30 am attracted a crowd after he was caught. He was said to be carrying a bag and putting the dried human faeces in it.

The mob comprising students were angry and attempted to lynch Olasukomi when the police intervened to rescue the suspect.

It was gathered that some students hurled stones on the policemen and their teachers over the intervention of the police.

Yemisi Opalola, the spokesperson of the Osun Police Command, confirmed that five people were arrested during the incident for attacking police officers. She said the matter was being investigated. 

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has launched the 6th edition of the Noiseless Lagos campaign.

The sensitisation and awareness campaign which took place at Biode Motor Park, Ojota, was geared towards combating noise pollution.

The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, said there was an urgent need to sustain an eco-friendly environment and encourage self-regulatory and voluntary compliance of motorists to the environmental thrust of the state.

She noted that the campaign was continuous and that major parks identified for noise making would be visited and enlightened accordingly.

Chairman of the Motor Park, Chief Micheal Ajilo, who pledged support for the campaign noted that it was illegal to use megaphones to call passengers or engage in unfriendly activities with a warning that defaulters would be punished accordingly.

He expressed his willingness to partner with LASEPA to spread the message to all other parks to proffer a lasting solution to incessant noise emanating from motor park activities in Lagos.

Chief Executive Officer, Decibel Hearing Consultants, Prof. Dele Owolawi, warned against constant noise exposure and called for total care of the ears and prompt reporting of unusual signs once detected.

According to Owolawi, over 100 participants benefited from the free hearing tests while some were referred for further comprehensive medical investigations to prevent hearing loss.

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Saturday urged parents and guardians to keep a close tab on activities of their children and wards, and as well be more security conscious in view of the recent developments in the country.

Speaking at a special Eid-El-Fitr celebration put together by the state government to officially mark the end of Ramadan, held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu said it was important for parents, especially women to talk to their children and also intensify prayers for the peace and development of Nigeria.

According to her, “Lagos, as we all know, is a lovely and loving place to be. We accommodate all the different tribes and ethnic groups. We thank God that this month of Ramadan has been a period where we can look inward, pray more; be more of our brothers’ keepers and take care of one another.

“At this point in time in Nigeria when everyone is talking about insecurity, it is very paramount that each and every one of us takes security very important. Just a few days ago, I was with the Iyaloja General and I was telling her that as mothers, one of the things we could do is pray more (which I know we have been doing a lot) to support our men that are doing so much out there, and also be very vigilant and talk to the wards under us.

“The same message goes to so many numerous women out there. In any gathering we find ourselves that we have been able to keep ourselves together in peace and harmony, rendering selfless service to one another, we should remember our country, Nigeria in our prayers more regularly than before because there is a lot that prayer can do; we should not give up; we should belief that we have someone up there that is more powerful.

“More importantly too, as parents and guardians, we must keep a close tab on the activities of our children and wards. We all have to be vigilant and ‘say something when we see something.’ You are your first security. It starts with the individual and more than before, we must be thoroughly and extremely observant.”

The First Lady described Ramadan as a period that emphasized on the virtues of love, tolerance, forgiveness, brotherhood, sacrifice, self-denial, piety, and generosity, among others, just as she urged the people to imbibe the lessons of the season.

“Beyond Ramadan, it is important for us to imbibe and sustain the principles of the holy month which among others include peace, kindness, compassion and happy co-existence. The holy Prophet held these principles in high esteem and lived His whole life around them.

“We must allow all these virtues to be reflected in our actions, public conduct and inter-personal relations with everyone around us. This way, we will improve on the cordial relationship that exists among the various ethnic groups and adherents of different religions in our state,” she said.

In his goodwill message, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Folashade Jaji, said the event speaks to the uniqueness, oneness and inclusiveness in the state, and above all love and reverence for God.

He said his administration had always relied on God for guidance and support in all its affairs, adding that he viewed religion as a veritable tool to attain good governance.

“We have kept the partnership with religious bodies and have continued to improve in our relationship as we identify with those things that unite us as a people. Today, we have come together to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitri as a people, across all divides and to say loudly to all, that religion in this part of the world can only be a source of strength, unity, progress and development for us,” he said.

Besides, the Governor urged religious leaders to continue to preach religious tolerance among the congregations, adding: “for this has been our main stay in the development and peaceful co-existence of the citizenry of Lagos.”

The event was attended by community leaders as well as Islamic leaders in the state led by the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abu-Nolla, while there were Quranic rendition and musical entertainment by Sauti Arewa, Gawat, Alake Twins and Queen Kafilat Olohungbebe, among others.

Says “Our Rights to Self Determination Inalienable”

Men of the Nigerian Police and DSS had barricaded the venue of the rally, Nelson Mandela Freedom Park to prevent the protesters from gathering but the armed men left the venue upon sighting the well organised and fantastically coordinated tumultuous crowd as they were peacefully singing pro-Yoruba songs and anti-Nigeria melodies without a dint of fear.

The crowd, led from the front by the Secretary General of Ilana Omo Oodua (IOO), Arc. George Akinola, Head of IOO Youth Development, Dr. Akin Adejuwon and other Agitators, expressly
declared that the actualisation of Yoruba Nation is an idea whose time has come, affirming that their rights to self determination is “Inalienable”

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has advised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ignore the rumour that members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are plotting to attack Lagos, noting that it is a ploy to distract the State Governor and his administration from providing good governance for all residents of the State.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina on Thursday, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador (Prof.) George Obiozor, said the “dangerous rumour or statement is aimed to cause division, crises and conflict amongst us.”

Obiozor in his address titled “Violence in any part of Lagos State is violence on all of us” said Ndigbo cannot indulge in any act that will harm the harmonious peace and cordial relationship between Igbo and Yoruba, especially Lagos, which he described as second home of several Ndigbo.

The leader of the Igbo apex socio-cultural organization also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for the exemplary leadership he exhibited at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged Nigeria, especially in Lagos State, adding that the Governor deserved commendation for controlling and restricting the speed of coronavirus with his quick response.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, during a Security Townhall Meeting at the Lagos State secretariat, attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu, and other principal officials in Lagos State on Monday, said there were plans by some groups, which include IPOB to attack ‘soft spots’ in the state.

But responding to the statement, Prof. Obiazor said Igbo nation was renowned for being agents of development and not destruction.

“Today, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in the company of Igbo Elders and Leaders in Lagos, are here to pay you (Governor Sanwo-Olu) a solidarity visit and to further reassure you that Ndigbo are not violent in nature, neither are we known for acts of violence anywhere we live.

“The constant and periodic dangerous insinuations, rumour, gossips and callous statements that Ndigbo in Lagos or any part of Yoruba land contemplate or instigate violence in Lagos or any part of Yoruba land; we wish to state clearly that anywhere this dangerous rumour or statement is emanating from is aimed to cause division, crises and conflict amongst us.

“We think that this rumour is intended to distract the Lagos State Government from its efforts to provide good governance for all and cause disaffection between Ndigbo who live in Lagos and their host community which is the second home of several Ndigbo.

“The quick denial of this rumour by members of IPOB and Yoruba groups in Lagos and across the South West was a source of relief,” he said.

Prof. Obiozor also reiterated Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s total support for Lagos State Government and the security agencies’ patriotic efforts to keep everyone safe in the State and throughout the country.

“I am aware that the Government and good people of Lagos State under your able leadership, and through their hospitable gestures, have continually kept the trust and friendship between Ndigbo and our host communities in Lagos State alive.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo through this medium reiterates total support to the state government and the security agencies in their patriotic efforts to keep everyone safe in Lagos and throughout the country. The Igbo nation is renowned for being agents of development, not destruction. Ndigbo are builders and their contributions to the development of Lagos State are evident and exemplary,” he said.

Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership of continuous good governance, security of lives and properties of all residents in Lagos State.

The Governor said he had no doubt that the Ndigbo are great people, noting that his administration would continue to foster harmonious relationships with all the different tribes and ethnic nationalities in the State.

The courtesy visit was at the instance of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, to clear the air on the rumoured attacks on Lagos by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The Ondo State Security Network Agency Codenamed Amotekun has commenced training for its newly recruited 600 officers drawn from the Oodua People’s Congress, Vilgilante groups, hunters and ex-militants.

Commander of the Ondo Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said the 600 successful candidates were selected out of 14,500 applicants.

Adeleye, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the training program at the Technical College in Owo Local Government area, said the new recruits would undergo basic Amotekun training such as intelligence gathering, combat, arm usage, monitoring, intervention, quick response and other issues.

The Amotekun boss said the security network does not tolerate any act of indiscipline.

He warned them to imbibe all what they would be taught so as to perform well on duty or be summarily dismissed.

“There are 600 trainees in this camp as well as numeral instructors who are professionals in their respective fields.

“You are advised to abide by the rules and regulations as regimentation and discipline are the order of the day.

“You will undergo series of lectures, drills, basic tactics and weapon handling during the course of your training. These would be carefully fashioned purposefully to bring out the best in you.

“The people before you became the bright because of their doggedness and dedication to the society.

The commander warned that Amotekun is not an avenue to oppress another nor embarking on corruption from any one.

“It’s not everyone that started the course that finished. It depends on how much you put out in the training you get,” he said

Senior Special Assistance to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Security, Alahaji Jimoh Dojumo, said the training was part of the state security architecture to ensure adequate security

“They were drawn from different background from the hunters and OPC, Vigilante and various freedom fighters who have on their own contributed to security in the state.

“We are bringing them together to drop what they think they have to now imbibe in them the Amotekun culture in the next six weeks,” he said.

ODUDUWA NEWS has just gathered that men of Nigerian Customs Services on Thursday shot four dead as one seriously injured during a sporadic gunshot in Iseyin, area of Oyo state. 

Some of those hit by stray bullets were residents who went out to enjoy sallah celebration and this has caused tension in the community as family and friends of those affected have started protesting.

Recall that indiscriminate shooting by the Nigerian Customs Personnel recently led to a face-off between them and members of the proscribed Nigerian Union of Transport Workers (NURTW), as the Chairman of the Union in Iseyin was hit by a shot from the Customs officers.

Details later.…

The Founder of Dele Bajaj Foundation (DBF), Mr Usman Bamidele Olohunwa has joined other prominent Nigerians to felicitate and rejoice with Muslims across Ibarapa zone of Oyo state and Nigeria at large.

Mr Dele who described the completion of Ramadan fast as unique blessing from God urges Muslims faithful to immediately start implementing the lessons learnt during the 30 days of fast and also enjoys them to continue propagating actions that promote peace and tranquility in the land.

Mr Dele appreciates the support and love his foundation has enjoyed from the people of Ibarapa society far, he then reiterates his commitments to the betterment and development of Ibarapa land.

In his words, he said : I personally appreciate the love shown and the rain of hospitality showered on us when we launched DBF, It has been a good experience so far as we strive to give back to the society that made us, actions of our people are enough encouragement to do more. I now Want to, again, use this medium to tell our people in Ibarapa that DBF remain resolute in her pursuits for a better Ibarapa. We have a lot of developmental programs in stock that will surely ease the poverty level of our people and better their life.”

Mr Dele then admonishes all Ibarapa residents to be their brothers keeper on the issue of insecurity challenges ravaging the whole land. He said that’s the only way the sad situation can be corrected.

Barka De Sallah, May We Live To Witness More In Good Health.