ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that there was a reported case of suicide involving a yet to be identified middle-aged man who was found hanging himself on tree in Iseyin in the wee hours last week Thursday.
The incident which happened beside St. Thomas Catholic School, Oja-Agbe, Iseyin-Abeokuta road caused pandemonium as residents rushed to the place to identify the man.
It was reliably gathered that the man was said to have complained to some friends on Wednesday about an accumulated debt caused by sports betting.
The dangling body of the man was still on the tree on Friday, which indicated that his members of family were yet to be informed.
As at the time of filling this report efforts to get more pieces of information from the Iseyin Divisional Police Authority proved abortive, as a close police source said the case was yet to be officially reported at the station.
Why I don’t believe in God” Seun Kuti reveals Seun Kuti, a Nigerian musician, singer, and the youngest son of Afrobeat Pioneer, Fela Kuti, has revealed why he doesn’t believe in God.
In an interview with Hip TV, he made it clear that he doesn’t believe in the concept that people believe in when it comes to God.
According to him, he doesn’t believe in the concept that anyone is responsible for the creation and doesn’t see any reason why such a person is supposed to be giving credit.
Seun Kuti noted how 80% of human beings are living in hunger and yet, we are supposed to be God’s most prized possession. He added that he doesn’t believe in God, especially in the concept that people believe in him.
The singer made it known that despite it all, he believes there is something, but not like how we are being told.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that Nigeria’s economy would be sustainable if attention is shifted from oil to the non oil sector.
He said the nation could achieve this by diversifying into mineral resources, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and technology.
Speaking at the 6th Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable and 74th Posthumous Birthday, organized by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan on Saturday, Governor Abiodun noted that the world is gradually moving away from fossil fuel, hence the need for the country to begin to look for other sources of revenue.
He said: “As I have mentioned earlier, the world is slowly moving away from fossil fuels as more countries embark on energy transition, therefore the need to actively diversified economy into non-oil sectors such as mineral resources, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and technology.
“Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of over 40 commercially viable mineral and natural resources that we as a people and government have not explored. While no official figures have been put forward, industry experts report that Nigeria’s solid mineral deposits are valued at over $1 trillion with some estimates as high as $5 trillion.
“Take, for example, my State, Ogun State, where we have over 15 natural mineral resources present in commercial quantities in all our local governments but only actively mine limestone, granite and laterite.
“In fact, we are the largest producer of solid mineral resources in Nigeria and account for just over 32.04 metric tons of mineral resources or 37.6% of national output.
“Imagine if, as a country, we are able to tap into all other solid minerals like gold, lithium, tantalite (a crucial mineral for electronics manufacturing), tin, barite, etc. The possibilities are endless, especially if we engage in value-chain addition in the country.”
He said the theme of the roundtable, “Re-engineering Nigeria For Sustainable Development: Options, Costs and Prospects”, was apt, as factors like youth engagement, collaboration with international organizations and neighbouring countries, embracing technological advancement and fostering innovation could accelerate economic diversification and growth.
Governor Abiodun lamented Nigeria’s over- reliance on oil exports, which he said exposes her mono-economy as unsustainable in the face of volatility of oil prices due to supply and demand, market forces, vandalization and oil theft.
Prince Abiodun emphasized that re-engineering Nigeria for sustainable development is an intricate and multifaceted endeavour, expressing optimism that the nation’s abundant resources and youthful population provide the needed solid foundation, but that addressing challenges such as infrastructure deficits, and economic diversification was imperative.
Senator Ajimobi, the governor stated, was as quintessential as he was kind, gifted and an exceptional communicator, who through hardwork, attained early success in the oil and gas industry and emerged a developmental political juggernaut worthy of emulation.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, attributed the nation’s problems to leadership and fellowship issues.
He said that though Nigeria is blessed with abundance of resources and has contributed quality men and women to lead many international organizations, she is still far from development due to lack of quality leadership.
He lamented that many multi-nationals are pulling out of Nigeria because of high cost of doing business in the country, noting that it was high time Nigeria began to focus on education, youth development, technical training, while the health and power sector should be revitalized and leadership and fellowship issues should be dealt with.
Moderator of the event, Tajudeen Akanji, in his opening remarks, said that despite the nation’s wealth, it does not show on the citizens as there is poverty in the land.
He said to re-engineer the country entails broad and general education for all, reasonable income for the people, functional middle class, functional administration, social services, and respect for the rule of law.
The maiden Edition of Oba Ghandi Olaoye Golf tournament kickstarted on Saturday morning with a tee off by the Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege 111.
Oba Ghandi who arrived the Ogbomoso Recreation club venue with chairman Central Planning Commitee Professor Adesola Adepoju, traditional chiefs and others was recieved by the president of the club Dr Akin Oladeji John Brown, Captain of the club Chief Pekun Olaleye among others.
The king and his entourage were conducted round the exhibition ground and later commissioned the ORC Golf Section.
Oba Ghandi who commended the initiative of the Ogbomoso Recreation Club expresses his delight at the level of transformation at the club and promises to ensure more investment in sport
He also said “We will make this event annual event that will attract golfers from all over the world to Ogbomoso and that will have great impact on the economy of Ogbomoso”
President of the Club Dr Akin. Oladeji John Brown in an interview with journalists said they organized the tournament to mark the historical event taking place in Ogbomoso which is the coronation of Oba Ghandi Olaoye
He added that Over 150 Golfers from all over the country have arrived to participate in the tournament and i believe by next year more pro golfers will be part of it
We are ready to work with Kabiesi to make Ogbomoso a hub of sport tourism with golf tournament as an attraction that will drive people down to this city.
The progr will end today with gala night and presentation of prize fo winners and others
A truck carrying cement crashed yesterday (15th December 2023) at Iwo road Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The incident happened due to brake failure, our correspondent gathered.
The truck with the plate number ‘EPE 661 XV’, caused collisions but no life was lost, ODUDUWA NEWS reporter observed.
A tricycle, three cars – a Toyota Corola with plate number ‘AAA 959 GG’, a Micra taxi cab with the plate number ‘MNY 427 YN’ and a Toyota Sienna with the plate number ‘AGL 629HF’, were destroyed during the crash. Some occupants of the affected vehicles sustained slight injuries.
The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Dare Ogundare has paid an on the spot assessment to the banks which were attacked by armed robbers in Ikere Ekiti yesterday.
The commissioner who was accompanied by some other top officers of the Command, expressed sadness over the attack, assuring the people of Ikere that those behind the attack would be brought to Justice.
In a statement, the commissioner directed the Ikere area commander and all tactical teams within the command to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book, this is has he commiserated with the family of those who were fatally affected.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti police Command in the statement said its tactical squads as well as the military who were deployed to trail the unknown assailants engaged the hoodlums who abandoned the three vehicles and two motorcycles they used for the operation and escaped into the bush. The vehicles and motorcycles were recovered to the station.
The men of the underworld had yesterday attacked two commercial banks in Ikere, namely Access and Wema banks with three persons including two operatives of The Western Nigeria Security Network. code-named Amotekun Corps feared dead while many others sustained injuries.
The Ogun State Government has asked 17 communities in Ijebu-East/North Local Government Area to vacate the elephant conservation area in the Omo Forest Reserve.
The communities, whom government tagged “illegal farmers and timber contractors” were ordered to vacate the area on or before January 15, 2024.
The state Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, gave the order during a meeting with farmers, village heads and timber contractors at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Oludotun, through a release by the Press Officer, Ministry of Forestry, Luke Adebesin, on Wednesday, accused the 17 communities of encroaching on the buffer zones of the forest reserve.
According to the commissioner, “The 17 communities are: Eseke, Tamitami, Bridge, Korede, Fatai, Sojukorodo, Etemi- Gerade, Onigburugburu, Erifun, Aba Alhaja, Erimogan, Ologunna, Ori Apata, Imaba, Apora, Fatai 2 and Yomi Iga.”
Oludotun pointed out that planting cocoa seedlings within the state’s forest reserves was illegal, warning that any cocoa seedlings found within the forest after the exit date would be duly sanctioned.
“The state Ministry of Forestry will not fold its arm and allow illegalities to continue within its forest reserves, any timber contractor found to be involved in cocoa plantation within the reserves, the government property hammer of such contractor will be withdrawn,” he said.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Timothy Olatunji, called on timber contractors to cooperate with the ministry to put an end to “the unwholesome activities within the forest reserves.”
Also, the representatives of timber contractors, Kunle Kalejaye and Alhaja Ranti Bambi, were said to have expressed dismay at the violation of government’s directive by some miscreants, promising to complement the Ministry’s efforts in curbing the illicit act.
The Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun has said that the Ogun State Agro-Cargo Airport, when completed, would add value to the lives of the people and contribute to the rapid growth of the state’s and the nation’s economy.
The Minister stated this while fielding questions from newsmen after being conducted round the airport by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The minister described the airport as a major economic project of the Prince Abiodun-led administration, which, when fully operational, will be a game-changer for the state.
He said: “I have had the opportunity to be here before and I know that the ARISE Agro-Cargo Industrial and Export Processing Zone, is a major economic achievement that speaks to the possibility of rapid growth of the economy, which is the objective of Mr. President to have more investments like this.
“It is the type of investment that grows the economy, that creates jobs, that reduces poverty and it is good for the people of Ogun State in particular as well as Nigeria in general that new economic life is being breath into the area.
“As for this particular facility, this airport which is reputable to have the longest runway in Nigeria, I can see the terminal building receiving finishing touches to make it a full blown international passengers and cargo airport.”
Edun who described the project as “very impressive” with high standard, said the governor has leveraged on his experience in the corporate world, coupled with zeal, efficiency and attention to details, to execute major projects in the state, saying the airport is a testimony.
Speaking further, the Minister said: “I congratulate the governor and the people of Ogun State on what has been achieved so far but more importantly, we look forward to the end result which is the creation of jobs, increased production, increased opportunities for farmers to produce and sell their products at good price and in good time without any of the usual post harvest lost and lose on transit that one get from agricultural products.
“The airport is good for the economy of Ogun State and Nigeria, and we would like to see more of this. We encourage other states to join the private sector to achieve such.”
He said the government at the centre is working towards creating a stable economy through the creation of a business-friendly environment to attract both local and foreign investors to the country.
“We have to get the economy going, get the inflation down, stabilize the exchange rate and get the export and export revenue increased so that it can be a source of funding for the growing the economy,” he added.
The finance minister, who acknowledged the current hardship in the country, however, emphasized that government has come up with some intervention schemes to cushion the effects, noting that transition period when reforms are implemented, always come with pain, assuring that there is hope in the days to come.
“We have wide range of intervention programmes like the provision of fertilizer, food for the people around the country, extra funding for states for infrastructure, funding for production of rice, wheat, maize and cassava and funding, including Grants, free money for Small, Medium Scale Enterprises, particularly the smallest (micro), among others,” Edun submitted.
The Oyo State Commissioner of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Williams Akin-Funmilayo, has stated that the planned Housing Estate Project, Baywood Estate, will not consume the Agodi Botanical Gardens.
The commissioner, who noted that some residents of the state have confused the site of the planned estate to include Agodi Botanical Gardens, clarified that while the garden sits on 9.11 hectares of land, the large expanse of 46.3 hectares of forest behind the Gardens is to be converted to Baywood Housing Estate.
Akin-Funmilayo stated this while conducting newsmen round the Agodi Botanical Gardens and the planned site of the estate, noting that the clarifications became important to educate the people of the state.
Noting that Agodi Gardens is one of the remaining legacies inherited by the Governor ‘ Seyi Makinde administration, the commissioner maintained that the recreational facility will be protected and even upgraded to an international Botanical Garden in due course.
The commissioner equally debunked the false allegation that the state government had been cutting down the trees in the forest, adding that the state government has taken the decision that 80 per cent of the trees in the forest would be retained despite the housing estate project.
Akin-Funmilayo, who took journalists round the forest, explained that the government has taken the proactive step to convert the forest to a housing estate because the forest has become a hideout for hoodlums, thieves, kidnappers and perpetrators of many heinous acts, not only in the night but also in broad daylight.
He said the conversion of the forest to a housing estate is a laudable development that would benefit the people of the state by reducing housing deficit.
Speaking to newsmen after the tour of the two sites, the commissioner explained the different segmentations of the vast land, saying “there are three identities here; the garden, fishery department, and forest, which the state government is trying to build on. Agodi Garden remains intact. But the forest has become a threat, which we have heard and seen. Many people have lost their lives here. Hoodlums and thieves waylay people around the corridor even during broad daylight. Moving from Parliament Road to Premier Junction can be dreadful.
“I believe that you as journalists are now aware of where the proposed estate is going to be sited and I believe you have seen for yourselves that trees here are still intact and they have not been brought down as being insinuated.
“Behind me is Agodi Gardens and this river divides the Agodi Gardens and our prospective estate. At the extreme there, we have the zoological garden, which is still there.”
The commissioner, who showed a survey plan of the area to newsmen, indicated that the whole expanse of land comprised the Agodi Gardens, Office of the Department of Fisheries, and the forest and that the portion that belonged to Agodi Gardens is 9.1 hectares, with trees marking the natural division between the garden and the rest of the land, while fishery department sits on 1.2 hectares of land at the corner.
“The rest of the forest is 46.63 hectares, which is now being developed into Baywood Estate. There is no directive, policy or instruction from any quarters that says Agodi Garden should be converted to a housing estate and there is no intention to alter the constructions here. So, the idea that the garden will be converted is a figment of the imagination of the people who refuse to seek the truth,” he said. Responding to how the conversion of forest to a housing estate could impact on climatic conditions, the commissioner said: “One of the values of this estate is the preservation of these trees and that is why the name of the estate is ‘Baywood.’ So, the wood is highly significant.
“Oyo State residents should know and rest assured that the government will preserve this forest to the best of our ability, because this administration understands the implications of deforestation and its import on climate change. There might be a few casualties in the provision of infrastructure, but I can tell you that they will be re-planted.
“When this project is completed, it is going to be in a world of its own and a beauty to behold. So, I am reassuring you that the state government has nothing to do with Agodi Gardens as far as the estate construction is concerned. The area that will be converted to an estate is where we are now.
“The reality is that people cannot pass through this road freely between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m.without fear, because of the high rate of criminality around this corner and the fact that there is vast forest to escape into. Thus, the government is justified for trying to add value to the environment by providing housing instead of keeping the forest and allowing it to remain a habitat for criminals, kidnappers, and evil doers in the society.
“The government of Oyo State does not have any intention to convert Agodi Garden to a housing estate. The plan is to upgrade the garden to an international botanical garden, which will serve the people of Oyo State better than it is right now,” Akin-Funmilayo added.
In an intense three-day competition, the duo of Taiwo Moyosore and Obadimu Olasubomi of Grace Point College has emerged as the overall winner of the MECAMA Educational Games The Busy Brains Competition 2.0 Edition, held at the International Conference Centre, Lead City University Ibadan from December 11th to 13th, 2023. The competition, which was jointly organized by Lead Radio 106.3 and Algorithm Educational Concepts, Ibadan, saw 32 schools with 64 participants competing in the MARCO and E’MARCO Games of the five games in MECAMA Educational Games, to promote critical-thinking and problem-solving skills among students through engaging and competitive gameplay. The participants showcased their strategic thinking, teamwork and quick decision-making skills throughout the competition, creating an electrifying atmosphere at the venue.
The inventor of MECAMA Educational Games, Mr Akinwole Adebayo Najeem, who is a lecturer at the Mathematics Dept, Federal College of Education Iwo, appreciated the contributions of The Busy Brains Competition 2.0 Edition under the leadership of Mr Wole Akinwumi and the Games Development Manager, Mr Adeyemi Diamond. He also thanked Mr Kanyisola Owoeye, CEO of Lead Radio, for his collaborative effort.
In his opening speech, Mr Akinwole noted that the purpose of the competition was to challenge the students’ knowledge, skills and creativity in a fun and competitive environment. He added that the event was also a celebration of learning and a showcase of the hard work, dedication, and talent of all the participants.
Officials present at the event included Alhaji M. A. Yusuf, the Registrar of Federal College of Education Iwo, Mr Opeyemi Oyedepo, Mrs Seun Aladesuyi, Mrs Eniola Lateefat, Dr Mustapha, Mr Taofeek Oladokun, among other dignitaries.
Lead City Int’l School II represented by Oluwtoba Divine and Babawibe Jemimah and Lead City Int’l School I represented by Efua Dirisu and Adebola Olawuyi came second and third place respectively.
The first, second, and third place winners received cash prizes of 150,000, 100,000, and 50,000 respectively. Mr Wole Akinwumi announced that the participants would be celebrated with the cheques in their various schools next term.
Two special awards were also given out at the event. MARKS COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL won 25,000 for having the highest score point per game and making it to the semi finals, and OYINLOLA INT’L SCHOOL was awarded 10,000 for playing the highest score per turn in E’MARCO.
The organizers expressed their satisfaction with the success of the event and praised all the participants for their impressive display of skills and sportsmanship. They reiterated the importance of such competitions in nurturing the intellectual capabilities of students and preparing them for real-world challenges. They urged government at all levels to encourage innovative ideas that are educative and youth-oriented.
The MECAMA Educational Games The Busy Brains Competition 2.0 Edition was a resounding success, highlighting the importance of fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills among the youth. The event served as a platform for students to demonstrate their mental prowess and strategic abilities.
