Category: News

The Ogun State Government, on Tuesday, dismissed several reports in the media indicating that the state had joined some states of the federation in a case at the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

It added that the issue it is contending in court relates to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)’s Financial Guidelines, which it said unfairly limits the operations of states and local governments in the country.

The Ogun State government issued this rebuttal in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade.

According to the statement, the constitutionality of the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) had since been determined by the Supreme Court, and Ogun State considers discussions on the issue closed.

The Ogun State government stated that it had no factual reason or recent development to reopen the question of the EFCC’s constitutionality, adding that as a federating unit with law enforcement agencies of its own, it had no desire to undermine the Federal Government’s law and order objectives.

Providing clarification on the actual case filed by Ogun State in court, the statement said: “The case Ogun State has filed (SC/CV/912/2024) and the case that several states are party to (SC/CV/178/2023) litigate a very narrow issue that does not attack the constitutionality of the EFCC.

“Nigerians recall the obnoxious naira redesign policy, which was invalidated by the Supreme Court after Ogun State and other states successfully challenged the policy.

“A lesser-known fact is that around that time in January 2023, purporting to act under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Proceeds of Crime Act, and its enabling statute, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) released a Guidelines document and an Advisory which, among other things, placed limits on cash withdrawals by State and Local Governments. Ogun State disagrees with these limits because they do not align with our view of the law and cause significant governance disruptions.

“As such, the suit is targeted at invalidating the NFIU Guidelines and Advisory, insofar as they interfere with the economic and governance interests of Ogun State and its Local Governments.

“Especially now that the Supreme Court has guaranteed the Local Governments’ access to their funds, intrusive subsidiary legislation by unelected bureaucrats in the NFIU ought not to stand in the way of the justified free use of public funds.”

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has granted approval for the recruitment of agriculture extension officers and veterinary doctors.

The governor, who announced the approval on Tuesday, said the recruitment exercise will cover the 33 local government areas of the state.

This was as he also announced the setting up of model farm service centres across the zones and the purchase of motorcycles for Extension Officers for optimal delivery in the agric sector of the state.

Governor Makinde made these known while inaugurating the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee at an event held at the House Chiefs, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, noted that his administration recognises the importance of agriculture in driving economic growth, reducing poverty and boosting food production for the general well-being of residents of the state.

He added that the governor has empowered farmers through various programmes under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER), which was aimed at cushioning the effect of subsidy removal on petroleum products.

He explained that the relief programme, which started in November 2023, has seen the state distribute poultry feeds, fish feeds, piggery feeds, livestock feeds, disinfectants, insecticides, knapsack sprayers, bundles of cassava stems and fertilizers to farmers in addition to the vaccination of cattle against anthrax.

He equally noted that the administration had made available the sum of N1 billion as soft agricultural loans to farmers in the state, among other benefits.

According to Olasunkanmi, over 1,000 farmers in the state have benefitted from the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy, with more than 6,000 acres of land ploughed for farmers, assuring that the tractorisation subsidy will continue in February 2025 to target 16,000 acres of land for the new farming season.

Speaking on the resuscitation of the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee, the commissioner noted that the aim was to revitalise agricultural productivity in order to ensure food security and improve the livelihood of farmers, as they will have access to high quality and improved seeds, information and technologies for boosting productivity and sustaining food security in the state.

The commissioner tasked members of the seed coordinating committee to discharge their duties and see to the boost in food production and agricultural yields.

He added that the committee is a body of experts and researchers, who are expected to bring critical information to the notice of farmers in Oyo State, while Extension Officers will take the information down to the farmers in the rural communities.

“The governor has graciously approved this new Committee to make it all-encompassing and with the objectives of seed multiplication extending to crop cultivation, livestock farming, agro-allied and other activities, which can affect agriculture positively.

“Also, it aims at producing quality certified seeds, inputs for farmers and increase in farm machines through the participation and collaboration of the private sector.

“So, as a member of this committee, you are hereby chosen for your expertise and dedication. Your role is crucial in enhancing seed quality both in crop and livestock production in improving fatness’s livelihood and promoting security.

“You are to promote food security by increasing agricultural production.
“Your committee has the liberty to co-opt experts from any other agencies of government in the local, state, federal, private, public, SMEs enterprises that have valuable contributions.”

In his goodwill message, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and member representing Ibarapa North/Central State Constituency in Oyo Assembly, Honourable Peter Ojedokun, commended Governor Makinde for his support to farmers.

Also in their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Oyo State chapter, Mr Adewumi Abbas and the representative of Baale Agbe in Oyo State, Chief Akande Moshood, lauded the governor for his commitment to the progress of farmers through numerous support programmes.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Christiana Abioye said the committee, which comprises relevant stakeholders in the seed industry, is to plan and determine the state’s seeds requirement annually, encourage timely and effective seed distribution and other inputs to farmers.

Six persons have lost their lives while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a road accident in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Monday morning.

The accident involved a trailer conveying tiles and a lorry loaded with soft drinks on Monday at Oke Eleshin, Amuloko along Akanran Road, Ibadan.

As at the time of filing this report, the officers of Federal Road Safety Corps have evacuated the victims from the scene of the accident.

Among the injured was a pupil whose mother reportedly died in the crash.

Four of the injured who were conveyed to the Amuloko City Hospital nearby included two primary school children treated as out- patients while two with severe injuries have been admitted for proper treatment.

The dead were conveyed to a hospital that was not yet ascertained.

The Ogun State Government at the weekend warned members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) against any move that could lead to the breakdown of law and order in the state.

The government said it would not fold its arms and allow the peaceful atmosphere existing in the state to be threatened by any group.

The government’s position was in reaction to an alleged plan by some members of NURTW operating in Ijebu Ode to challenge the decisions of the established leadership of the Union in the state and, in the process, embarked on a protest to drive home their position.

Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, in a statement, warned the union members that the state government would not hesitate to restrict the activities of the union in public spaces if there is any attempt to breach the peace.

The statement said: “It has come to the attention of the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation that some members of NURTW operating in Ijebu Ode are challenging the decisions of the established NURTW leadership in the state.

“Further to the above, it is reported that disaffected members propose to resort to violence as a means of demonstrating their grievances.

“This bulletin is to notify and remind NURTW and its members of their corporate and personal/individual duty to conduct corporate and personal activities strictly within the ambit of the laws, rules, and regulations that the Constitution of Nigeria demands.

“NURTW and its members are therefore put on notice that the government of Ogun State, under the leadership of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, would not tolerate any disturbance of the peace in Ogun State so painstakingly achieved and sustained throughout the life of this administration.

“The leadership and members of NURTW are enjoined to fully operationalize the constitution of the union and transparently activate the dispute resolution clauses and schedules contained therein as appropriate, and to avoid any action(s) that may endanger lives and property in our dear state.

“Finally, this message serves as a reminder to all stakeholders that parks and garages in Ogun State are public assets for the safe and secure use of all members of the public and not a preserve of third parties, and that, in the wider interest of the public, the government will not hesitate to restrict the activities of unions in public spaces if public safety and/or security is adjudged at risk.”

Aliu Ibrahim, a 41-year-old father, has been accused of having carnal knowledge of his 12-year-old daughter, Rodiat Ibrahim, for two years.

Ibrahim was arrested on October 10 after his estranged wife, Egbebi Temitope, who resides in the Papa Olosun area on Oja-Odan reported him at Oja-Odan Division of the Ogun State Police Command.

Temitope said Aliu Ibrahim allegedly defiled their daughter all the times she stayed with him during her holidays.

She said that she became aware of the assault after she took Rodiat to the State Hospital in Ilaro over untreated vag!nal discharge that has been recurring in the child for an extended period.

At the hospital, it was discovered that her father had allegedly been def!ling her.

Following the report, operatives of Oja-Odan Divisional Police Headquarters swung into action and arrested Ibrahim at about 2:10pm on October 10, 2024.

Preliminary investigation is ongoing by the human rights section of Oja Odan division after which the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal and Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, confirmed Ibrahim’s arrest.

Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has warned that if urgent steps are not taken to support poultry farmers, prices of eggs may increase from the current N5,500 to N10,000 per crate.

They attributed the rising cost of the protein to high cost of transportation as a result of fuel subsidy removal as well as indiscriminate increase in prices of feed by the millers.

The Secretary of PAN, FCT Chapter Musa Hakeem said this at a press briefing to commemorate the World Egg Day on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in Abuja.

Hakeem said the Federal Government must as a matter of urgency declare a State of emergency on Egg production in the country given the serious decline in protein intake, saying Nigerians can not afford to depend on importation of eggs.

“If we should go by the proportional increase in the prices of these factors mentioned earlier, we will be buying eggs at N10,000 per create, but because we wanted to be compassionate, coupled with the important of eggs for health, we left the price at the current price of N5,500.

To the best of my knowledge, the last time we received any grains intervention from the government was three years ago saying other respite by the government to cushion the high prices of food are only read on the pages of the newspaper,” he said.

He called on the government to ensure that they carry PAN along in their intervention activities as they have the data of all the poultry farmers in the FCT.

He lamented that the government is not paying the required attention to the poultry subsector as it has been neglected over time, saying business owners have been operating in their own volition and hoped that the industry does not cr@sh.

An Agro Dealer, Jude Arikogu, also lamented the indiscriminate increase in prices of feed by millers and also the low measurement of the feeds saying “A 25kg bag of feed is hardly up to 23kg when put on our scale.”

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has approved the payment of N73,000 minimum wage for workers in the state.

Aiyedatiwa maintained that his administration went a step further than the federal government approved N70,000 by paying N73,000 to workers due to commitment to the welfare of the people.

The governor disclosed this on Saturday during the flag-off of the Ondo central senatorial district leg of the gubernatorial campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo City, headquarters of Ondo West Local Government Area of the state ahead of the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election in the state.

According to Aiyedatiwa, who reeled out his manifestos to the large crowd of supporters during the campaign, they should convert their backing into votes for the APC to ensure the continuity of developmental initiatives across the state.

“On November 16, I urge everyone gathered here and those who are not present to convert your support into votes for the APC to ensure the continuation of our significant progress in the state.

“Based on reports and my personal observations, I am confident that you all want this administration to continue beyond 2024.

“I see the love and appreciation from you, and I do not take it for granted. The best way to demonstrate this love is to vote for continuity, which will bring even more dividends of democracy.”

“During my time in office, we have initiated several important projects, including those started by the late governor.

“In agriculture, we’ve taken significant strides, boosting food production across the state. We’ve also approved over a billion naira for land clearing and launched various rural road construction projects to facilitate our farmers’ activities and improve productivity in rural areas.”

Police Operatives In Ondo State have apprehended a 34-year-old man, Monday Chukwu, for allegedly stabbing his friend, Kefa Ofando, 30, to death over a N2,000 debt.

Chukwu reportedly stabbed Ofando with a pair of scissors after a heated argument at Akintola village in the Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

Ofando gave up the ghost while he was being rushed to the hospital, having lost much blood due to excessive bleeding.

According to Ondo State Commissioner of Police Oladipo Abayomi, what started as an argument degenerated into the killing of Ofando.

“Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command attached to the Odigbo Divisional Police Headquarters, acting on a complaint, swiftly responded and arrested Monday Chukwu.

“The Suspect allegedly stabbed Kefa Ofando, aged 30, to death while discrete investigation revealed that the deceased had borrowed the suspect the sum of N2,000.

“While demanding the money a few days later, it led to an argument, during which the suspect stabbed the victim with scissors on his neck.”
Source:

Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has said that her husband, President Bola Tinubu, should not be held responsible for the current economic hardship in Nigeria.

She stated this on Thursday while speaking at the palace of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, saying Tinubu’s administration is still very young.

The president’s wife was in Ife to inaugurate a hostel and a 2.7-kilometre road donated to Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile Ife, by the Ooni of Ife and named after her.

“We are just two years into our administration. We are not the cause of the current situation. We are trying to fix it and secure the future.

“We know that subsidy has been removed but with God on our side in the next two years, Nigeria will be greater than this. Those who attempted removing subsidy before could not see it through. But with your prayers in the next two years, we will build a nation for the future,” she said.

ODUDUWA NEWS reports that Nigerians have been groaning under economic hardship since the removal of fuel subsidy which jerked up the pump price of petrol from N198 to N1,030.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, launched the sale of subsidised rice in the state on Thursday, as he disclosed that his administration will soon begin implementing the sale of other subsidised foodstuffs across the twenty local government areas of the state.

Governor Abiodun noted that the implementation of the scheme across the state would help deepen the reach of the initiative, adding that food items like garri, rice, and beans would be sold at largely subsidised prices.

The Governor made this known during the official flag-off ceremony of the sale of rice at subsidised rates to residents of the state by the Federal Government, held at the Arcade Ground of the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

“We will soon be implementing our own version of this scheme from each local government, meaning we will implement this across the twenty local government areas of the state to deepen the reach into our grassroots.

“We will be selling food items like garri, rice, and beans at heavily subsidised prices,” he said.

Governor Abiodun, while noting that both the federal and state governments believe that the key to sustainable development lies in being strategic, guided by the principles of inclusiveness, transparency, fairness, and accountability, commended the state’s Head of Service and his team for a job well done.

Prince Abiodun said that the distribution will cover groups like civil servants at both the federal and state levels, organized private sector, artisans, trade unions, non-governmental organizations, student bodies, market women, community development associations, traditional and religious organizations, among others.

He assured the people of the state that the office of the Head of Service and the Ministry of Agriculture, along with the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), have developed a well-structured template that would ensure a wide and equitable spread of the commodity across the 20 local government areas of the state.

The Governor said that with the flag-off of the sale of the subsidised rice in Abeokuta for Ogun Central Senatorial District, that of Ilaro for Ogun West Senatorial District and Ijebu-Ode for Ogun East Senatorial District would also take off immediately.

Governor Abiodun urged the beneficiaries to maintain law and order at the various sales points and follow the timetable set by the committee to avoid crowding, adding that additional sales points will be established.

“To ensure accountability, there will be no cash payments; payment will be made through Point of Sales (PoS) machines, and beneficiaries will undergo physical verification at the point of sale.

“No double registration will be allowed; NIN will be verified to ensure that we prevent any sharp practices.

“This distribution will be carried out transparently and fairly, ensuring that these palliatives reach those we have targeted,” he said.

The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiative, which he said was a testament to his commitment to tackle the issue of food inflation, adding that the president has shown capacity and love for the people of the country.

He noted that if the sale and distribution of petroleum products were not liberalized by the government, it would have cost the country over N11 trillion in a year.

In his remarks, the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said that the initiative is powered by the Federal Government to enhance the livelihood of the citizens.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who was represented by Mrs. Ayo Ajayi, commended the state for having the best template for the sale of the subsidised rice, adding that the Federal Government would be making use of the template in other states of the country.

Senator Kyari noted that the initiative, which is intended to bring relief to the people, would go a long way in reducing the price of foodstuffs, stating that the procedure involves verification of the National Identity Number (NIN) and the payment of the sum of N40,000 for the subsidised 50 kilograms of rice using the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM).

In his remarks, the state chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Chief Waheed Oloyede, commended Governor Abiodun for the continuous release of funds for the settlement of the gratuities of pensioners in the state, also acknowledging the Governor for being the first in the country to key into the initiative of the Federal Government with the launch of the program.