Oduduwa News

As 2027 general elections draw closer, a lot of permutations and scenarios are being conceived by aspirants and political associates from the ruling party in Oyo State. These scenarios are not limited to only the ruling party but also the opposition party, other political lightweights are equally plotting their own schemes with the ambition to take over Agodi seat in the next political dispensation.

The intrigues and political manouvering that usually trail every political circle have already started with political associates and loyalists already pitching their tents with their preferred aspirants.

In corroboration to the above assertion, a group of political associates has begun drumming support for the former Senator of Oyo North Senatorial District, Senator Hosea Agboola popularly known as Halleluyah. The group in a show of solidarity displayed their banner hanged with the inscriptions of “Tested & Trusted, Halleluyah 2027, Asesile Ni Abowaba”.

According to a member of the group who spoke to Oduduwa News and did not want his name in the print said, they decided to use the ocassion of the recently held Christmas party at the residence of the party chieftain in Igbojaye, Itesiwaju Local Government to launch the solidarity movement.

The members of the group hinged their decision on the antecedents of Senator Halleluyah who according to them is renowned for his philanthropic activities and the wealth of political knowledge that have helped a lot of politicians in the State.

Though, the party chieftain has neither confirmed nor denounced his intention to run for the governorship position publicly but his fans and his loyalists have been drumming support for him.

Recall, the relationship between the PDP Chieftain, Senator Hosea Halleluyah and the Executive Governor of the State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has gone sour and this was in connection to their political interest in the last 2023 general elections. Makinde and three other PDP governors pitched their tent with the former Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike who failed to clinch the Party’s presidential ticket while Halleluyah and his loyalists declared support for Atiku Abubakar, who eventually won the Party’s presidential ticket.

In the twist of events, Oyo State Governor, Makinde and three other governors teamed up with the then Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike to form a parralel group called G-5 as a rebel against their Party’s presidential flagbearer and declared their support for the incumbent President Bola Tinubu who was the presidential flagbearer of APC and eventually became the Landlord of Aso Rock.

The Oyo State Government has said that the distribution of letters of appointment to 5,600 newly recruited basic school teachers in the state will begin on Monday, January 6, 2025.

The distribution exercise will take place at Local government Universal Basic Education Authorities, LGUBEAs situated in all local government areas across Oyo state.

The Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran stated this today during a meeting with Education Secretaries in Ibadan.

Dr. Adeniran charged the new teachers to be innovative and embrace modern techniques and approach in imparting knowledge.

Adeniran, who restated the Board’s zero tolerance for examination malpractices, said the new teachers’ appointments take effect from January 1st, 2025.

He, however, noted that about 12 local governments are overbloated with teachers, while some local governments are understaffed, saying a redistribution will be done to ensure equity and justice.

Dr. Adeniran urged the newly recruited teachers to display patriotic commitment, high level of integrity, and professional diligence to your duties.

“As young teachers, you are expected to be creative, adaptive, talented, and progressive. We urge you to be innovative, I therefore urge you to be the teacher for this age and the game-changing teacher for the future,” he said.

“You will be expected to be part of our dream for the revolutionalize the basic education sub-sector”, the Chairman added.

Speaking further, he said, “This is yet another testimony in our quest to reposition basic education in Oyo State in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s campaign promises to our people, especially in the rural areas, many of which, have shortage of teachers as a result of retirements and other issues.”

“The first batch of 5,600 newly recruited teachers out of 7,000 who were successful after the rigorous recruitment processes will receive their letters from Monday.”

Adeniran also disclosed that the Seyi Makinde government has paid N2.5 Billion as counterpart fund for the 2022 & 2023 UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects, to enable basic schools and junior secondary schools to continue enjoying unhindered infrastructural development.

While congratulating the new teachers, the Chairman advised them to demonstrate the highest level of professional ethics, urging them not to fail in their professional code of conduct as teachers.

The Chairman commended Governor Seyi Makinde for approving the appointment to fill vacant position in the education industry, stating that his intervention in the sub-sector has placed Oyo in the forefront among its peers.

He listed the LGUBEA offices in the 33 Local government areas as follows:

1. Ido LGUBEA- SDP office, Iyana, Akufo.
2. Ibadan South-West LGUBEA- Opp.
   Magara Police Post, Iyaganku Quarters.
3. Ibadan North-West LGUBEA: Opp. NTC Factory Gate, Leaf Road, TESCOM ZONAL office.
4. SAKI-EAST LGUBEA: Opp. Muslim. Grammar School, Ago-Amodu.
5. Ogbomoso North LGUBEA: NDLEA Office, Old Atenda Ogbomoso North.
6. Oluyole LGUBEA- Civil Defence office, Idi-ayunre.
7. Oriire LGUBEA- LGUBEA Office, Ikoyi Ile.
8. Surulere LGUBEA: LGUBEA Office, Iresaadu Township, Onikoko road.
9. Ogo Oluwa LGUBEA: LGUBEA Office, Ajaawa Aroya/Agbeja road.
10. Afijio LGUBEA: Jobele, Old NRC secretariat, Jobele.
11. Irepo LGUBEA: Behind Obada market, Kishi.
12. Atisbo LGUBEA: Tede Town, Alao Akala Library.
13. Ona-Ara LGUBEA: SDP Building, Akanran.
14. Oyo East LGUBEA: Schools Board, Awe road, Oyo.
15. Ibadan North-East LGUBEA: Inside Ibadan North-East Local government, Old Barrack, Iwo road.
16. Ibadan South-East LGUBEA: IMG Alake, Along Lekan Salami House.
17. Iseyin LGUBEA: St. Paul Anglican Primary School, Okutapemo, Iseyin.
18. Itesiwaju LGUBEA: Baptist Basic School, Along Ilero road, Otu.
19. Saki West LGUBEA: Inside Wewe LCDA, Idi-Araba, Oje owode road, Saki.
20. Akinyele LGUBEA: Along Ijaye road, schools board/Civil Defence office, Moniya.
21. Iwajowa LGUBEA: Iwere Ile, Along Baptist basic school road.
22. Oyo West LGUBEA: LA Basic school, Idi- ope, Oyo.
23. Kajola LGUBEA: Okeho Iganna Grammar School, Okeho.
24. Olorunsogo LGUBEA: UMCA Primary School, Apeeru, Igbeti.
25. Oorelope LGUBEA: LGUBEA Office, beside Wema Bank, Igboho.
26. Egbeda LGUBEA: SDP Secretariat, Beside Egbeda market, Egbeda, Ibadan.
27. Ibarapa-North LGUBEA: African Church school, Ayete.
28. Ibarapa-East LGUBEA: Ibarapa-East local government secretariat, Eruwa.
29. Ibarapa-Central LGUBEA: Old local government secretariat, Saganun, Igboora.
30. Lagelu LGUBEA: Islamic Mission Basic School, Lalupon.
31. Atiba LGUBEA: Entrance of Alaafin Palace, Oke-aafin.
32. Ibadan-North LGUBEA: Yidi, Behind A.P Filling Station, Agodi gate, Ibadan.
33. Ogbomoso-South LGUBEA: FRSC Office complex, Ogbomoso High School Area, Ogbomoso.

Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was unable to perform overnight at the musical concert of popular Fuji musician, Alhaji Taye Currency, over safety reasons.

Reports gathered by from various sources said Portable, who had last year, in a viral video, revealed certain details about his love-gone-sour escapades with a lady, dragged residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, stressing that they lacked basic housing roofing accessories, Plaster-Of-Paris, known as POP, which, in his claim, was widely used in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

This diss didn’t augur well with many, especially in Oyo State who took to his social media platforms to vent their displeasure.

Even after he apologised and announced his invitation to perform at the just held Taye Currency concert, many fans advised him not to come.

Portable was visibly absent at the show till the end of the concert, and investigation proved that he arrived at Ibadan and was lodged in a hotel close to the Palms Mall venue, but couldn’t perform at his scheduled time due to security concerns.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) asserts that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2025 New Year Day address further confirms its position and that of most Nigerians that there is no hope in sight for the nation under his administration.

The Party describes the speech as a self-satisfying posturing which further validates the notorious fact that the Tinubu-led APC administration is completely disconnected and unconcerned with the hardship Nigerians are going through as a result of the ill-implemented policies and gross mismanagement of resources under the President’s watch.

Nigerians were appalled that despite the prodding by the PDP and well-meaning citizens, President Tinubu’s New Year speech did not articulate any specific direction for the nation or proffer solution to the myriad of problems caused by APC’s misrule.

President Tinubu’s speech again underlines APC’s insensitivity to the anguish of Nigerians by failing to present any definite policy roadmap towards reducing the price of petroleum products, addressing the widespread hunger in the land and revamping our ailing productive sector.

The speech did not articulate any solution-based direction for the critical sectors of electricity, oil and gas, road infrastructure, food production among other areas that are fundamental to the wellbeing of citizens. It was also pathetically devoid of a precise plan to address unemployment through strategic investment to stimulate multisectoral Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in the country.

If indeed the APC administration has the interest of Nigerians at heart, the New Year address would have made definite pronouncements on the price of fuel especially given that with a deft, transparent and innovative management of resources, economic potentials, comparative advantage, national refining capacity and effective policing of our borders, Nigerians should not pay more than N350 per liter for petrol within the country.

In any case, from the speech, it is clear that the Tinubu-led APC administration lacks the expected patriotic commitment as well as required capacity, competence and skills to effectively harness and manage the resources of the nation for the good of the citizens.

Moreover, President Tinubu’s claim in the speech that Nigerians placed their confidence in him as their President is ludicrous and shows that he is disconnected from the reality of his abysmal perception among Nigerians.

Mr. President must realize that Nigerians have lost faith in his administration, they have since moved on and are eagerly waiting for the next round of election that will mark the end of the nightmare which the APC represents to our nation.

Our Party however counsels President Tinubu to redeem his image by ending the insensitivity of his administration, listen to Nigerians and get more committed and focused on the purpose of governance which is the welfare and security of the people.

A devastating fire broke out on New Year’s Eve in a building located behind Shepherd International College in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The inferno, which occurred on December 31, left the building in ruins, but fortunately, no lives were lost.

The Ekiti State Fire Service responded promptly to the distress call, but unfortunately, the fire had already caused significant damage by the time they arrived.

Despite the destruction, the fact that no one was hurt is a welcome relief.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, refused to grant bail to Olamide Thomas, the nurse and activist, who was detained over her social media remarks against President Bola Tinubu, his son, Seyi Tinubu, and others.

Judge moves the bail hearing for Nurse Olamide Thomas to Tuesday 31st December as Police counsel denied receiving copy of defence application for bail yesterday.

The Police has levelled allegation of cyberbullying against the Nurse for cursing Tinubu’s son, others and concerned citizens are awaiting whether the bail application will be granted today.

The defence lawyers had earlier pleaded with the judge to grant bail to Ms Thomas, who was already held for more than a week, on the grounds of her “long detention and poor health. Rejecting to the request, the judge said he would only entertain a formal, written bail application, which the prosecution would have the opportunity to reply to.

Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, has named Anthony Joshua, former world boxing champion, a “sports ambassador” for the state.

The governor honoured Joshua, whose parents hailed from Sagamu in Ogun, during a visit to the government house in Abeokuta on Monday.

The 35-year-old arrived in Nigeria a few days ago for an end-of-the-year vacation.

In a video of the visit shared by Abiodun on X, Joshua could be seen prostrating for the governor before the two held each other in an embrace.

The governor says the boxer’s visit demonstrates the “bond we share as a people and our collective pride in the success stories that emerge from Ogun State”.

“As a gesture of our collective pride and recognition of his contributions to sports, we were delighted to present him with a letter appointing him as a Sports Ambassador for Ogun State. This appointment underscores our commitment to celebrating excellence and supporting individuals who bring honour and pride to our state.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of new Federal University in Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State.Vice President, Kashim Shettima made the announcement on behalf of federal government during a condolence visit to Bishop Mathew Kukah in Kaduna.

President Bola TinubuSenator Shettima said during the visit that the aim of establishing new University is to expand educational opportunities in the Northeast region.

During the visit, Shettima mentioned ongoing efforts to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, also in Kaduna.

Shettima acknowledged the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, describing it as part of broader efforts to address the region’s security needs.

Shettima praised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for promoting inclusive governance and reiterated that the Federal Government would collaborate with the state to improve infrastructure, particularly roads, in Southern Kaduna.

The Olota of Ota Awori Kingdom, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege, has returned from the United Kingdom to address a reported clash between Egungun worshippers and military personnel in Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The incident, which occurred on Friday, December 27, reportedly sparked tension in parts of the town for three days.

A viral video, which captured the aftermath of the fracas, showed a military personnel lamenting an attack on a military base in Ota.

Sounds of gunshots were heard in the background, while broken glass and stones littered the premises.

The soldier in the video said, “See our base o, see how they destroy soldiers’ barracks for this Otta o.”

A top military source, speaking anonymously, confirmed the incident on Sunday.

The source explained that the clash began when some yet-to-be-identified military personnel allegedly confronted a masquerade during a festival in the community.

“On December 27, some personnel reportedly attacked the Egungun worshippers during their festival. In retaliation, the masquerade worshippers attacked the Nigerian Navy School of Music in Ota with bottles, stones, and other dangerous weapons,” the source said.

The source added that naval personnel fired warning shots to disperse the mob attempting to storm the military base.

Another senior military official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that some community leaders had reached out to the naval authorities to resolve the matter amicably.

The official said, “The people thought some soldiers they had issues with were from our school and mobilized themselves to attack us. We exercised restraint, but the shots fired were to prevent the mob from forcing their way into the premises.”

The source disclosed that the military personnel who appeared in the viral video had been detained for breaching the rules of engagement.

Oba Obalanlege, who spoke to journalists on Sunday, said he cut short his UK holiday to address the situation.

“I was in the UK when the incident happened. I had to cut short my holiday and return this morning. I can assure you that normalcy has returned to Ota,” the monarch said.

The Olota explained that he had visited the naval base and found that the altercation was a minor misunderstanding that had been blown out of proportion.

“The issue has been resolved amicably, and peace has returned to Ota and its environs,” he assured.