President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the difficult economic conditions in Nigeria, urging citizens to endure what he described as “unintentional hardship” caused by ongoing reforms,
Speaking at the 48th convocation ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Tinubu, represented by Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser on Economy to the Vice President, assured Nigerians that the reforms are designed to benefit everyone in the long run.
Tope Fasua affirmed that President Tinubu’s reform is necessary to set the Nigerian economy on the right path. He however charged Nigerians to exercise patience as the reform is already yielding positive results.
The Ondo State Police Command has reported a tragic incident in which a middle-aged man set his estranged wife ablaze before taking his own life. In a statement shared on Thursday via its official X account, the Command disclosed that the man, whose identity has been withheld, lured his estranged wife to their former home under the pretense of collecting her wardrobe.
However, the encounter took a devastating turn, leaving the man dead and the wife with severe burn injuries. The police confirmed that the woman is receiving medical attention, while investigations are ongoing to uncover the full details of the incident.
The tragedy has sparked discussions about domestic violence and mental health, with many calling for increased support systems and awareness to prevent such occurrences. The statement read:
“Mr A was married to Mrs A, but along the line, they had issues that made them stay apart.
“Mr A called Mrs A to come over and carry a wardrobe. When she got to the house, he started with threats of killing himself but later locked the door so that both of them will die together.
“Mr A, with the aid of fuel and lighter, set himself and Mrs A ablaze. Mr A died on the spot while Mrs A had major burns. In less than 48 hours, Mrs A has been referred to the 3rd hospital. Stay away from toxic partners.”
Authorities have urged the public to prioritize their safety and avoid toxic relationships.
The stakeholders in Oja Agbe, Fiditi, Baba-ode( Akinmorin), Isale Alawe (Awe), Isale Osun and Okediji (Ilora) communities in Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo state have reached an official agreement on Saturday, December 7, 2024 to put a total end to female genital mutilation in their domains.
This was the major highlight of the grand-finale of consensus building with Oyo state government community leaders and law enforcement agencies in Afijio Local Government as regards war against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Speaking at Jobele Secretariat, the Headquarter of Afijio Local Government, venue of the programme, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Center for Comprehensive promotion of Reproductive Health, Mr Oluwole Emmanuel Yelotan, said the programme which had begun since few months ago was set up to ensure that the practice of female genital cutting is gotten rid of in the society.
Mr Yelotan, who stated that the programme of eradication of Female Genital Mutilation in the prominent communities in Afijio Local Government started with a stage of dialogue and sensitization, expressed satisfaction that the programme reached an agreement stage among the community stakeholders.
While lauding the leaders of the five communities in Afijio Local Government, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Center for Comprehensive promotion of Reproductive Health, however, reminded the community leaders that, it is now a criminal offence for anyone to engage in female genital mutilation in their domains.
According to him, female genital cutting now attracts six month imprisonment, saying both the parents who took their girl child for genital cutting and the person that helped them with the genital cutting would henceforth face the wrath of justice, as stipulated in the laws of Oyo state.
Also speaking, one the facilitators of the programme and a member of Peace Wonderful Women of Impact International, Pastor Christianah Omonike Aderibigbe, thanked the stakeholders of communities in Afijio Local Government for their cooperation to ensure the success of the programme.
Mrs Aderibigbe noted that as signposts signifying an end to Female Genital Mutilation have been mounted in all the areas in Afijio Local Government of Oyo state, there is no more excuse for cutting girl child genitals in the Local Government.
In her reactions at the event, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Officer/FGM Coordinator, Oyo state Primary Health Care Board, Mrs Bilikisu Olawoyin appreciated the community leaders’ perseverance during the programme.
Mrs Olawoyin also urged them to comply with the agreement reached on exterminating Female Genital Mutilation, saying Afijio Local Government should lead by example in Oyo state and Nigeria as a whole in putting an end to cutting the genitals of a girl child.
While thanking the Oyo state government and their co-organizers of the programme, the community leaders, among whom were; Chief Bamiji Faremi, the Otun Oniware of Iwareland and Chief Mrs Rachael Adefunmike, the Iyalode of Fiditiland, described the programme as an eye-opening event.
They also promised to go and disclose what they learnt during the programme to the people in their communities by educating them on the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation.
Parts of the highlights of the event were; issuance of certificates on eradication of Female Genital Mutilation to community leaders and community leaders’ signing of agreement with security agencies to wage war against Female genital cutting.
At the event to witness the epoch-making programme organized by Peace Wonderful Women of Impact International in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Oyo State Government as well as Center for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health were; health officials, security operatives and pressmen.
The national caucus leaders of the Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, on Friday paid a solidarity visit to lawyer and author, Mr Dele Farotimi, at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre to deliver a private message from their national leader, Chief Adebanjo and to enquire about his wellbeing.
Farotimi, a member of the national caucus of Afenefere, is being remanded in prison amidst a suit against him for allegedly defaming the founder of the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola.
According to a statement by the Deputy Secretary General, Alade Rotimi-John, the Afenifere leaders expressed their disappointment at “the travesty occasioned by the chief magistrate who presided over the case on Tuesday when he declined to see the need to give urgent attention to an application for bail for a bailable offence, particularly since it is already a deeply disturbing miscarriage of justice for Mr Farotimi to have been remanded in the correctional centre in the first place.”
The statement said, “Afenifere will wait to consider its next line of action after the ruling of the chief magistrate on December 20.
“The national caucus leaders of Afenifere in attendance at the correctional centre today (Friday) included Chief Supo Shonibare, Basorun Segun Sanni, Mrs Nike Olujembola, Mrs Toyin Falade, Pastor Olayemi Olajuyinnu and Mr Tunde Babarinde, among others.”
The leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has stated that she identifies as Yoruba rather than broadly as “Nigerian.”
Speaking with The Spectator in an interview, she explained that her limited connection to northern Nigeria, which she described as a haven for Islamism and Boko Haram, influences her perspective.
According to her, “I find it interesting that everybody defines me as being Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity [Yoruba].
I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, the Boko Haram where Islamism is.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized that there is no “magical solution” to Nigeria’s ongoing electricity challenges, attributing the issues to decades-old infrastructure.
During a visit from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, he noted that while Siemens Energy is making efforts, improvements will take time due to aging transmission lines.
Tinubu also highlighted reforms aimed at decentralizing power generation and distribution, encouraging foreign investment in alternative energy sources.
He assured that the government is committed to utilizing Nigeria’s resources for rural electrification and enhancing the power sector.
The leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has reiterated her controversial stance on Nigeria, stating that she will not shy away from speaking candidly about her homeland. This declaration follows criticism from Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima over her characterization of the country as a “socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.”
In a statement issued through her spokesperson, Badenoch emphasized her commitment to addressing issues with honesty and realism rather than polishing Nigeria’s global image.
“Kemi is not interested in doing Nigeria’s PR; she is the leader of the opposition in the UK,” the spokesperson said. “She tells the truth. She tells it like it is. She’s not going to couch her words, and she stands by what she says.”
Born Olukemi Adegoke in Nigeria, Badenoch has often highlighted her Nigerian heritage but has also been openly critical of the country’s governance and systemic challenges. Her remarks have sparked mixed reactions both in Nigeria and abroad, with some lauding her forthrightness and others accusing her of perpetuating negative stereotypes.
Badenoch’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s political and social landscape. Vice-President Shettima’s rebuke underscored the sensitivity of such remarks from someone of Nigerian descent now holding a prominent position in British politics.
Kemi Badenoch, who adopted her surname after marrying her Scottish husband, Hamish Badenoch, has built a reputation as a straightforward and often polarizing figure. As the first person of Nigerian origin to lead a major UK political party, her comments carry significant weight, amplifying debates on issues of governance, corruption, and national identity.
While the controversy continues to unfold, Badenoch’s refusal to soften her stance demonstrates her commitment to her principles, even at the risk of alienating a segment of her Nigerian audience. Whether this approach will bolster her political career in the UK or strain relations with her country of origin remains to be seen.
The Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, situated along the llisan-Iperu route in Ogun State, has received approval for commercial operations from Nigerian aviation regulatory bodie
In a statement released on Wednesday, the agencies praised the airport’s advanced infrastructure, calling it “world-class” and a “point of pride for Ogun State.”
They pointed out essential facilities such as the control towins, athe amonitori are compliant wity, treativince standards.
The airport is also touted to be among the finest in West Africa.
“There has been notable enhancement in the facilities since my previous visit.
The infrastructure here is comparable to any standard airport around the world,” said Aerodrome and Airspace Stendates ate cAo Mohammed lauded the quality of work carried out under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, stressing the importance of acknowledging the successful completion of the project.
Honourable Kolawole Arowolo, the councillor representing Ward 9 Egbeda Local Government, demonstrated his commitment to grassroots development and the well-being of his constituents by empowering over 80 residents during the Ward 9 PDP general meeting yesterday.
The empowerment initiative, which cost over ₦2 million, included cash gifts and essential items distributed to various groups in the ward. Each beneficiary received a ₦10,000 cash envelope alongside a gas burner valued at ₦30,000. This impactful gesture was aimed at supporting small businesses, households, and the general livelihood of Ward 9 residents. The beneficiaries included: Ward 9 PDP members, Members of the Nigeria Union of Tailors (NUT) and the Nigerian Society of Professional Tailors (NSPT), Hairdressers, Community leaders, including Baales and other members of Ward 9.
During the event, Honourable Kolawole Arowolo assured beneficiaries that this initiative was only the beginning. He pledged that similar empowerment programs would be held consistently throughout his tenure under the Omituntun 2.0 agenda.
“This is a promise fulfilled, and it will not be the last. I am committed to ensuring that everyone in Ward 9 benefits from this administration,” he said. The empowerment program was attended by the acting PDP chairman of Egbeda Local Government, who commended Honourable Arowolo for his dedication to the party’s values and the development of his ward. The Ward 9 PDP executives were also present, expressing their gratitude and encouraging members to continue supporting the party and its leadership. Beneficiaries lauded Honourable Arowolo for his generosity and vision.
“This is a rare act of kindness, and it has come at the right time,” said a member of the NUT. Another beneficiary, a Baale, described the initiative as a step in the right direction to bridge the gap between leaders and the people they serve.
Sensitization Rally on Corruption by NYSC Anti-Corruption CDS Group in Osogbo, Osun State
On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the Anti-Corruption Community Development Service (CDS) group of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Osogbo Local Government Area embarked on a sensitization rally to raise awareness about corruption and its detrimental impact on national development. The event, which began at 9:30 am, took place at the Old Garage and Orisumbare Market in Osogbo, Osun State.
The rally commenced at the Total Filling Station, Old Garage, where the corps members engaged commercial drivers in an enlightening discussion about the pervasive nature of corruption and its adverse effects on the country. The corps members urged the drivers to uphold their civic responsibilities by avoiding any acts of corruption, such as paying bribes to law enforcement officers. They also encouraged them to report any instances of corruption to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) or other anti-graft agencies to help tackle the menace in society.
From the Old Garage, the sensitization campaign extended to Orisumbare Market, reaching various corners of the bustling market. During the interactions, some market women expressed their opinion that the fight against corruption should focus more on government officials rather than ordinary citizens like them. Addressing this concern, one of the corps members explained that while corruption at the government level is well recognized, the campaign is aimed at all levels of society. The corps member emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in curbing corruption, highlighting that every citizen has a role to play in creating a better and corruption-free society.
The corps members expressed hope that the awareness created during the event would inspire individuals to take a stand against corruption and contribute to nation-building.
