Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and the nation’s leading opposition figure, has strongly condemned the recent military parade involving Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu.
He has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, labelling it a gross violation of military tradition.
In a statement released by his media office on Sunday, signed by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed outrage over the event, calling it an aberration for any branch of the Armed Forces to organize a formal parade for a non-designated public figure.
“It is with utter dismay and concern that Nigerians were subjected to a nauseating video circulating online, where a group of young men, armed and in full military procession, bestowed upon the President’s son unwarranted military honours,” the statement read.
Atiku further questioned the legitimacy of the military-like outfit involved, stating that the so-called group, the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” is not a recognized entity within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He emphasized the disturbing fact that the name “Cadet,” associated with young, formally trained military personnel, was exploited by civilians to tarnish the esteemed traditions of the military.
“In an effort to uncover the truth behind this shameless procession, we instructed our legal team and military experts to investigate the so-called ‘Nigeria Cadet Network.’ To no one’s surprise, it was revealed that the group is not a legally registered entity,” Atiku noted. “What is even more alarming is the brazen use of firearms by civilians in this so-called parade — at a time when illegal arms proliferation is at a dangerous high in our country.”
Atiku has now called for an urgent investigation by all relevant security agencies to address the critical concern surrounding the ‘military Honours’.
In a show of unity, over 100 traditional rulers (Obas) from the four local governments of Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo federal constituency of Osun State have endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term in office.
The endorsement was made at an end-of-year summit convened by Representative Bamidele Salam, member representing Ede north, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal constituency in the National Assembly.
The summit, which took place today, Friday, 27th December 2024, saw the Obas formally endorse Governor Adeleke and commend Rep. Salam for his exemplary leadership and dedication to the development of the constituency.
During the summit, Rep. Salam briefed the Obas on the numerous developmental programmes implemented by Governor Adeleke over the last two years.
He explained key achievements in areas such as road infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, and human development, all of which have positively impacted the lives of the people in the state.
According to Salam, these efforts reflect the Governor’s commitment to sustainable growth and his focus on uplifting the state.
Rep Salam said Governor Ademola Adeleke will embark on more landmark projects in the 2025 fiscal year which will enhance the socio-economic development of the four local governments in the constituency.
He promised that other special intervention projects in rural electrification, construction of school buildings, roads rehabilitation and various empowerment programmes will be facilitated through the 2025 Federal budget.
The lawmaker also asked for continuous prayers and counsel from the royal fathers in the years ahead.
At the conclusion of the summit, the communique was read by the Alawo of Awo, Oba Abdulrasak Taiwo Adegboye, who praised Governor Adeleke for his inclusive approach to governa
A group of health practitioners under the aegis of Joint Health Outreach Team has embarked on medical outreach in Iseyin Local Government.
The medical outreach was carried out yesterday at the Palace of Aseyin where several residents of Iseyin especially the aged were given free medical checkup and provided advice where necessary.
The programme was initiated by a group of voluntary medical practitioners drawn from various lines of health care system.
The Coordinator of the Group, Moshood Jimoh Abiola spoke to Oduduwa News correspondent on the significance of the medical outreach.
According to him, they embarked on the initiative to bring medical assistance closer to the people at the grassroots especially the downtrodden in our society.
He said the initiative was borne out of the desire to give back to their community and that they birthed the initiative during their medical training in their various higher institutions of learning.
“We have started this programme and we hope to spread it across all towns and villages in Oke-Ogun. What we do is to offer free medical checkup for our people as you know that ‘health is wealth’.
“We understand that various people find it difficult to check the status of their health due to the harsh economic realities and some are battling one ailment or the other which they do not take into cognizance. We felt the need to offer assistance and check them free of charge while providing drugs for brief ailment and directing them to visit hospital for serious medical attention.
“We are using this medium to advise the government to prioritize health sector and provide proper funding for health care system to be able to function adequately. As we can see several people have been trooping here, this shows that people are concerned about their health status but they are incapacitated due to financial constraint”, said Jimoh.
At least five persons were reportedly abducted by gunmen on Saturday at Obbo-Ayegunle in Ekiti LGA of Kwara State.
The victims were returning to their Odo-Owa base from a marriage ceremony held at Ope town in neighbouring Kogi State when they were abducted at about 4pm.
They include Oloye Oyewole Abolarin, the head of hunters in Odo-Owa, and his wife, Funmilayo Abolarin, Tunde Oladipo and his wife, and one other person identified as Bose, all of Agbele Igbede compound in Odo-Owa community.
The abductors have reached out to the family demanding a N100m ransom for their release.
According to reports, family members and the community have started contributions towards meeting the demand of the kidnappers.
They have also appealed to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and security agencies to come to the rescue of the family.
An unconfirmed report indicated that another kidnap incident occurred on Monday along Omu-Aran highway.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the state police command headquarters, in Ilorin, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, on Tuesday, were not successful as phone calls and a text message sent to her were not responded till the time of filing this report
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.
Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Akure.
“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today Dec.28, at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.
“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 a.m. claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.
“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.
“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.
“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, the Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abass, the Chief of Staff to President Tinbu, Gbajabiamila among other dignatories attended Ode Remo Annual Day.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the Remo Day celebration held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, Governor Abiodun said Remoland has achieved many breakthroughs in the area of agriculture, education, science and technology through a united front
“Over the past years, Remoland has made significant progress, from advancements in agriculture and industrialization to breakthroughs in education and technology. These achievements highlight what a united and visionary community can accomplish.
“Remoland is home to Ogun State Gateway International Airport and is also a reference to the Gateway Agro-cargo Special Processing Zone,” he said.
Prince Abiodun said the Remo Day celebration would continue to be a shining example of how culture could help bring the people together and foster a sense of pride and identity, observing that it would grow to become a major tourism activity that would attract people from around the world.
The celebration, the governor added, is a testimony to the unity, resilience, and progressive spirit of Remoland, adding that it holds a central place in the government agenda for tourism potential and the socio-economic development of the state.
The governor also promised that Community Development Associations whose projects engender growth and enhance development would receive funding from the state government.
He noted that his administration was committed to ensuring that the grassroots experience accelerated development.
He said: “I want to assure all the citizens of Ogun State that our administration will continue to support meaningful community development projects proposed by our Community Development Associations.
“As a government, we are committed to ensuring that all our citizens, especially those at the grassroots, are actively involved in the development process. We will continue to provide the enabling environment for community initiatives and self-help projects.”
Governor Abiodun said his administration has worked diligently to enhance public service, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable development, noting that the promotion and sustenance of cultural and tourism potential in Remoland for future generations would be intensified.
While noting that the government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of development, Prince Abiodun called on individuals, corporate organizations, and the private sector to partner with the state government in its Building Our Future Together Agenda.
The Chairman of this year’s Remo Day Celebration and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbass, noted that the House of Representatives is committed to advancing the cultural aspirations of all Nigerians.
He said as the representatives of the people and the custodians of democratic ideals, it is their duty to ensure that every voice and community is heard, adding, “Our work in the House is driven by the understanding that the strength of a nation lies in the well-being of its people and the preservation of its heritage.”
The Speaker reminded the people of the need to uphold their shared identity and communal spirit, as well as the foundation on which they must build a stronger nation, emphasizing that the values of unity, collaboration, and respect for diversity that define Remoland should prepare them to work towards a nation that is united, prosperous, and forward-looking.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, in his contribution, said with more than 250 ethnic groups, each with its unique tradition, Nigeria remains a beacon of rich culture, celebrated through festivals like Arugungu, Osun-Osogbo, and the new Remo Day celebration.
He said the establishment of the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy and the efforts of the National Council for Arts and Culture underscore the importance of culture as a driver for growth and national cohesion, as it provides platforms for local artisans, encourages cultural exchange, and ensures that Nigeria’s rich heritage is celebrated globally.
He urged the people to take cognizance of the importance of preserving their culture while embracing innovations that the globalized world offers, calling for the empowerment of the youth to explore creativity through workshops, mentorship, and artistic platforms.
In his remarks, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, stated the desire of the Remo and Ijebu people to have a state out of the old Ijebu Province but emphasized, however, that the structure and shape of the new state must be deliberated to ensure transparency, equity, and equality.
He said the Remo Day celebration, which would be held every 27th of December, offers an opportunity to celebrate the spirit, culture, unity, and rich heritage of Remoland, noting that it is not only a festival but a call to celebrate the achievements of the sons and daughters of the land.
While commending Governor Abiodun for being a true representative of Remoland, the monarch lauded him for bringing development to the area and the state in general, urging the people to rededicate themselves to the preservation of their culture and ensure that the zone continues to be the investors’ destiny of choice.
The event was attended by prominent personalities, including members of the national and state legislatures, past governors and deputy governors, traditional rulers, and captains of industry, among others, and featured displays by cultural and age groups.
In a grand display of generosity and appreciation, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has empowered over 1000 constituents with cash gift.
The event, held at the Ori-Oke family residence of the Ogundoyins in Eruwa, Ibarapa East State Constituency, was part of the Speaker’s programs to empower people in his constituency and show appreciation for their immense support.
The 1000 beneficiaries, carefully selected from all 10 wards in the constituency, were overwhelmed with joy as they received the cash gift.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin, while presenting the cash, reiterated his commitment to supporting the businesses of his constituents, as promised.
He also assured them of his continued quality representation, demonstrating his dedication to their welfare.
“Today’s program is a testament to my tireless efforts to uplift my constituents and promote economic growth in my constituency. This initiative is not an isolated incident, it is a continuous exercise. I have continued to demonstrate my commitment to the development of Ibarapa East State Constituency. We are supporting our people’s business activities and boosting their morales. It is my own humble way of giving back to my community. “
The Speaker emphasized the need for unity and collaboration amongst all PDP members in the constituency.
He urged his constituents to continue supporting the present administration, assuring them that their efforts would yield positive results
The program was attended by an array of dignitaries, including party and ward executive officers, party chieftains, and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibarapa East State Constituency.
Recall that, the Speaker in July, 2024 empowered 300 artisans, traders and farmers with N50,000 each to boost their businesses. 100 students got N20,000 each while 110 youths and some community members received N25,000 each.
Oduduwa News has verified that the ace broadcaster, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the ex-Queen of Ooni of Ife, Olori Silekunola Naomi and the School Principal have not been granted bail as speculated on social media.
According to the source at the Iyaganku Magistrate Court who disclosed to Oduduwa News and quoted as saying: “the Court does not sit on Saturday and that it would not be possible to truncate the verdict of a Magistrate on a mere proclamation by purveyors of such fake news unless there is a Court ruling.
“It is a figment of imagination or the purveyors of such fake news intentionally did so to cause distraction in an attempt to achieve mischievous act.
Also, when contacted, a source from Agidigbo FM also alluded to the fact that the ace broadcaster has not been released from detention and that the news of his release should be outrightly rejected.
There was great excitement in Iseyin Community yesterday as the youths embarked on fitness race and walked across the town.
The annual marathon race which started from Town Hall at exactly 7:30am on Friday, 27th of December 2024 had participants drawn from various areas and towns in Iseyin Local Government Council.
The race began from Townhall, Ojaba and ended with a final destination at Technical College, Oluwole.
The President of Iseyin Youth Development Group, Babajide Oniyo while giving his opening remark said, the programme was organised purposely to sensitize and instill confidence in the youths on how they can harness their potentials towards their personal development and Iseyin at large.
He therefore used the ocassion to implore all stakeholders to ensure that they continually support the scheme as they hope to expand the scope of the marathon.
Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Adeyeri III while speaking admonished the youths to be courageous and committed to their dreams and also be a good ambassador of Iseyin city.
He therefore advised that the next edition should not be centred on Iseyin alone and that it should be spread across everywhere while charging the Chairman of Iseyin Local Government to ensure that they make adequate provision for refreshment and logistics in the next edition.
In his words, the Council Chairman, Hon. Rasaq Fadiran affirmed his support for sporting events especially marathon race. He used the ocassion to advise the participants to always be safety conscious in whatever they are doing and that he would continue to support them.
The winners of the marathon race in the male category included: Mukaila Qadri of Anwar-U-Islam (first position); Aderoju Faruk of Anwar-Ul-Islam High School (2nd position) and Busari Ridwanullahi (3rd position) while the female category included: Abdhammed Faidat of Anwar-Ul-Islam High School (1st position); Yekeen Selimot of Aseyin High School (2nd position) and Ademola Selimot of Anwar-Ul-Islam High School (3rd position).
The winners were awarded cash prizes and the programme ended with prayer session. Among the dignatories that graced the ocassion were the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale; Council Chairman, Hon. Rasaq Fadiran; Supervisors, Councillors and chiefs among several others.
The fans of the detained ace broadcaster, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat have stormed Nigerian Television Authority NTA to demand the release of the owner of Agidigbo FM.
The protesters who were chanting “free Oriyomi”, “he doesn’t kill children” and others trooped in their number to register their displeasure over continuous detention of the ace broadcaster.
Recall, Alhaji Oriyomi, Queen Naomi and Principal of Islamic High School were detained over their involvement in the recent stampede death that led to loss of the lives of 35 children in Ibadan.
The trio were arrested along with other six people and brought to Court to face charges levelled against them bordering on negligence, manslaughter and others.
The Magistrate Judge in his ruling remanded them in Agodi Prison till January 13th when the State Director of Public Prosecution DPP would have briefed the Court on the next line of action.
Meanwhile, it has been gathered that the detained organizer of the funfair that led to stampede deaths, ex-Ooni of Ife Queen, Naomi Silekunola has embarked on hunger strike in Agodi Prison.
