Lagos State Environmental Taskforce operatives have arrested 27 individuals, including 15 minors, for allegedly engaging in the act of street begging.
This was confirmed by the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, via his official X handle (@tokunbo_wahab) on Wednesday.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday, targeted major routes across the Lagos metropolis, including Awolowo Way, Falomo Roundabout in Ikoyi, and Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue along the Lekki Road.
The commissioner stated that the special operation was aimed at addressing public nuisances and ensuring the safety and orderliness of the city. “The task force monitored and carried out a special purpose operation against persons constituting public nuisance across the metropolis,” Wahab wrote.
“Twenty-seven persons, including 15 minors, involved in the unlawful act of street begging in the middle of vehicular traffic and hold-ups, were apprehended during the operation.”He added that the arrested individuals would be transferred to appropriate government facilities in accordance with relevant laws.
“This is in a bid to apprehend and get rid of destitutes in the areas,” Wahab noted. The Lagos State government’s renewed crackdown on street begging highlights its commitment to maintaining law and order while addressing issues related to public safety and welfare.
The Oyo State Government has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives resulting from a stampede at a private children’s fun fair in Ibadan. The incident, which occurred at Basorun Islamic High School in the early hours of today, claimed the lives of several children and left many others injured.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the state government confirmed its swift response to the incident by mobilizing a rapid response team. Victims were immediately transported to various hospitals across Ibadan for urgent medical care.
The Commissioner praised the prompt action of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for deploying all available medical response teams to assist at the scene. He also assured the public that the state government is committed to supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time.
The statement clarified that the Oyo State Government was not involved in the planning or logistics of the private event and stressed the need for proper coordination and safety measures for events involving children and vulnerable groups.
Authorities are awaiting a comprehensive report from the Commissioner of Police to ascertain the total number of victims and determine the circumstances leading to the tragic event.
Concerned parents have been advised to check the following hospitals in Ibadan for information on their children, providing valid identification:
Patnas Hospital, Basorun
Western Hospital, Basorun
Ringroad State Hospital
Molly Specialist Hospital
University College Hospital (UCH)
The Oyo State Government extended its heartfelt condolences to the affected families and urged the public to remain calm and cooperative as investigations continue and do necessary support is provided to the victims.
Gov. Adeleke Promises ‘Pardon’ For Segun Olowookere, A Young Man On Death Row For Stealing Fowl, Eggs In Oyan, Odo-Otin LGA Osun State, Nigeria.
Segun, who was reportedly ordered to get executed by hanging for stealing a fowl and eggs in his uncle’s farm a few years ago, may eventually get rescued from the precarious situation as Governor Ademola Adeleke has intervened and disclosed plans to wield the clemency power.
Segun Olowookere currently on death row at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison was declared convicted by Osun State High Court, Ikirun, and he was ordered to get executed by hanging for robbing a poultry farm in Oyan, Odo-Otin local government, Osun State where he stole a fowl and eggs.
Segun has reportedly spent 14 years behind bars.
Segun’s mother, Mrs. Folashade Olowookere had while talking on a podcast on Thursday, appealed to Governor Adeleke to grant clemency to her son.
The governor has ordered the Attorney General to intervene in the matter and ensure that the young man is granted a pardon before the end of the year.
“I have read about the case. I recognize the separation of powers in our democracy. In this particular case, I have directed the Commissioner for Justice to initiate the process to grant clemency to the young man.
Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives.
I assure the public that the matter is receiving my direct attention. A sense of urgency is also attached to our response to the matter as a responsible state government.
No fewer than five children have been reportedly dead at the Christmas funfair organised by ex-wife of Ooni of Ife, Queen Naomi Silekunola in partnership with Agidigbo FM in Ibadan, a radio station owned by ace broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat.
The children said to have stampeded themselves to death due to uncontrollable crowd that besieged the venue.
It was learnt that the Christmas bumper that was organized by her foundation, Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS) came to an abrupt end over the sad incident.
There were conflicting reports about the number of casualties but the BBC reported that a policeman confirmed that at least five children were dead.
The affected children were rushed to the University of Ibadan College Hospital (UCH) where some of them were confirmed dead.
Previous editions of the annual Christmas funfair organised by WINGS were successfully held in Ogun and Ondo states.
A resident of Ibadan who spoke to ODUDUWANEWS said news of the 2024 funfair spread after Naomi Silekunola’s appearance on a radio programme hosted by Ibadan-based Hamzat Oriyomi on Tuesday.
Many people from Ibadan and nearby towns started converging at Islamic High School, Bashorun venue of the event after the radio show and many of them slept there overnight.
Early reports indicated that people started trampling over themselves shortly after the programme started.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, presented a total budget of N49.7tn to the joint session of the National Assembly.
The budget tagged, “Restoration budget, securing peace and building prosperity.”Tinubu noted that the budget seeks to restore macroeconomic growth and build the economy.He commended the resilience of Nigerians amid growing economic indices.
“In the year 2024, it was projected at 3.2%, and against predictions of our country, we have made significant progress. Our economic economy grew by 3.46%.
The improvement we have witnessed in the year 2024 budget has led all of us into the 2025 budget.”The president told the joint Assembly of the National Assembly that inflation will decline according to the budget projections.He also pledged a reduction in Foreign Exchange.
He said, “The budget projects inflation will decline from the current rate of 34.6% to 15% next year. The exchange rate will improve from approximately N1700 per dollar to N1500 and the base crude oil production assumption of 2.06 barrels per day.
“The projections are based upon the following observations. Reduce the importation of petroleum products alongside increased exports of finish, petroleum products, and bumper harvest, driven by enhanced security, reducing reliance on food imports, and increasing foreign exchange influence through foreign portfolio investments.
“I have crude oil output an export coupled will substantial reduction and upstream oil and gas production costs.”Giving the breakdown, Tinubu stated that hat “Defence and Security will gulp, N4.91tn; Housing, N4.06tn; Health, N2.48tn and Education, 3,58tn.
”He assured Nigerians that the time for lamentation is over and the time to act is now.Laying the budget, he said, “I hereby lay down the 2025 budget before the National Assembly, titled, ‘Restoration budget, securing peace and building prosperity.”
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has praised the Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, for organizing a successful Vocational Training program for 500 trainees drawn from the Local Government.
The Speaker gave the commendation while presenting certificates and working tools to the beneficiaries at a ceremony held on Tuesday at the Oluyole Local Government Secretariat, Idi Ayunre, Ibadan.
The ceremony also featured presentation of distinguished Merit Awards to some outstanding individuals and corporate organisations that have made positive impacts on Oluyole Local Government.
The 500 trainees graduates who undergone a 4-week skill and vocational Life Enhancement Training Programme acquired valuable skills in various areas, including Fabric & Souvenirs, Food Technology, Makeup & Gele tying, Home Essentials, Barbing & Dreadlocks, and Kampala making.
The event also recognized individuals and corporate organizations that have made a positive impact on Oluyole Local Government, highlighting the importance of community partnerships and collaborations.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin, who was the special guest of honor at the event, expressed his admiration for the initiative
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin commended Engr. Akeem Olatunji for his leadership sagacity.
The Speaker said the Council boss had embarked on numerous initiatives and projects aimed at improving the lives of Oluyole residents.
“I want to specially appreciate the Chairman, Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji For the empowerment and vocational training programme. It is also laudable that the Local Government appreciated individuals who have impacted the council positively. This empowerment program and awards ceremony embody the kind of positive change expected from Local Councils.”
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin urged other local government chairmen to emulate Engr. Olatunji’s example.
I will like to acknowledge and recalle some of the remarkable achievements of Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Engr. Akeem Olatunji some of which include the construction of a Grade A Customary Court, empowerment of over 500 persons, and the establishment of an Amotekun base to enhance security in the area. Additionally, he successfully electrified the LG Secretariat and its environs, bringing light to the community after years of darkness.
“Other notable achievements are the construction of administrative offices for various agencies, rehabilitation of roads, and provision of free medical outreach, free eye treatment, and eye surgery for residents where over 500 residents received free eye treatment and glasses, while 20 individuals underwent free eye surgery for severe cataracts. These initiatives demonstrate Engr. Olatunji’s commitment to improving the lives of Oluyole residents and providing essential services to the community. This is really commendable. Well-done, Engr Akeem Olatunji.” Oyo Speaker said
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented a new policy limiting daily cash withdrawals via Point of Sale (PoS) terminals to N100,000 per customer. This measure is part of the CBN’s ongoing efforts to promote a cashless economy, address challenges, combat fraud, and establish uniform operational standards across the financial industry.
In addition to the PoS withdrawal limit, the CBN has set a weekly cash withdrawal limit of N500,000 per customer, regardless of the channel used. Each agent’s daily cumulative cash-out limit is capped at N1,200,000. These directives apply to all deposit money banks, microfinance banks, mobile money operators, and super-agents.
The CBN has emphasized that principals of agents are responsible for ensuring compliance with these directives and have warned that breaches will attract appropriate penalties, including monetary and administrative sanctions.
This policy aims to encourage the use of electronic payment systems, reduce the volume of cash in circulation, and enhance the efficiency of financial transactions in Nigeria.
The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended two suspected ritualists in Oja Odan, Yewa North Local Government Area of the state. The suspects identified as Monday Ogunniyi and Oladeyo Idowu, were arrested following a report of an alleged abduction that led to a shocking discovery of human remains.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed that the case unfolded after Oladeyo Idowu, a resident of the School 4 area in Oja Odan, reported the abduction of Regina Oladeyo at a police station.
According to the police, Idowu accused Ogunniyi of abducting Regina, which prompted officers to investigate further. During their operation, the police uncovered human remains at a location linked to the suspects.
Odutola explained that the police investigations led to the discovery of Regina Oladeyo at the residence of Monday Ogunniyi, located at the Okegbala area of Oja Odan.
The statement read, “During questioning, Ogunniyi admitted to abducting Regina but alleged that he and the complainant, Oladeyo Idowu, were involved in ritual activities that required human remains.
Further investigations revealed an arrangement between the two men to procure human parts from a decomposing corpse for their ritual purposes.
“On December 16, 2024, at about 1630 hrs a man named Oladeyo Idowu from School 4 Area Oja Odan came to the police station to report a case of abduction involving Monday Ogunniyi, who resides in the Okegbala area of Oja Odan.
“The individual who was abducted, Regina Oladeyo, was located in the suspect’s home. During questioning, Monday Ogunniyi confessed to the abduction, but also claimed that he and the complainant were involved in rituals using human remains. “Investigations uncovered that Monday Ogunniyi and Oladeyo Idowu had an arrangement to obtain human parts from a decomposing corpse for their rituals.”
The PPRO said a team of detectives visited the site where they discovered a dried human skeleton with female clothing draped over the bones near a river in the Afige area of Oja Odan.
“The initial suspect, Monday Ogunniyi, provided a confession implicating Oladeyo Idowu regarding the storage and dismemberment of the corpse, along with the taking of photographs and the recovery of some exhibits.
“The case will be forwarded to the SCID Eleweran for further investigation,” she added.
An Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa has ordered Governor Ademola Adeleke, and Ilesa kingmakers not to nominate a new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.The court’s decision followed a suit numbered HIL/117/2024, filed by Prince Debo Adeyemi and 10 others on behalf of members of the Ofokutu Royal Family of Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House.
Other defendants in the case, apart from Adeleke, include the Obanla of Ijesaland, Chief Folorunso Adeniyi, and 11 other kingmakers, the Ijesa Central Traditional Council, the Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Adesuyi Haastrup, and the Osun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
The applicants sought an order preventing Adeleke, his government officials, and Ilesa kingmakers from taking steps to appoint Haastrup or any other person as the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed regarding the stool.Upon hearing the application, Justice A. Aderibigbe granted the reliefs sought by the applicants, issuing an order of interim injunction dated December 16, 2024.
The order partly read, “ An order of interim injunction is granted, restraining the 14th, 20th, 21th, and 22nd defendant/respondents from taking steps regarding the presentation, nomination, selection, election or installing or appointing the 16th defendant/respondent or any person as Owa of ljesa land or Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesa land or taking further steps as regards the subject matter of this suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice already filed on the suit.”
Government workers in Oyo State will begin to enjoy the ₦80,000 minimum wage from January 2025.
A statement from the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stated that the Oyo State Government this morning reached an agreement with organized labour on the implementation of the minimum wage and consequential adjustments.
Reaching the agreement, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo and the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, led others in signing for Government while Comrade Kayode Martins of the NLC and Comrade Bosun Olabiyi of the TUC alongside other labour leaders signed for the organised labour.
The negotiating council agreed that the new minimum wage salary structure shall be effective nominally from July 1st, 2024 but financially from January 1st, 2025.
According to the Commissioner, those who retire between July 1st and December 31st 2024 will have their retirement benefits calculated on the basis of the new minimum wage.
The statement implored all ministries and extra-ministerial departments to be more aggressive in their revenue generation drive to significantly improve the IGR of the State.
The Commissioner said that already, the State Government pays over ₦6 billion monthly on salaries and wages, culminating in over ₦77 billion yearly, making Oyo State one of the third highest paying State employers of labour throughout the Federation.
While government workers will begin the year 2025 with the bumper salary scale across board, they are also waiting to end the year 2024 with the traditional 13th month salary as they have enjoyed since 2019 under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
