Oduduwa News has gathered that an 18-passenger bus which took off from Ado-Awaye yesterday, was involved in a gbastly accident along Kaduna Highway.
It was reported that some people have been reportedly dead while several others injured and are in critical condition.
According to an indigene of Ado-Awaye who spoke on the condition of anonymity to Oduduwa News, the said bus owned by a Fulani man identified as Habeeb and gave it to someone to be using it for a commercial purpose.
“We have called Habeeb and his Dad and we confirmed he was not the driver that drove the car, probably some other Fulani people drove it themselves going to Kaduna to buy rams”, said by by an indigene.
Oduduwa News gathered that the bus suddenly collided with a truck on Kaduna Expressway and resulted to immediate loss of lives of yet-to-be identified people while several others sustained serious injuries.
As at the time of filing this report, official statement on the accident has not been made by Federal Road Safety Corps.
To further decongest Correctional formations in Ogun State, the Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu has again freed 14 Awaiting trial inmates across the Correctional Centers in the State.
The freed Inmates were released during the Jail delivery exercise held at the State Judiciary Complex, Abeokuta on Friday, 29th November, 2024
Justice Dipeolu who described the Jail delivery exercise as a crucial component of the justice system noted that It is aimed at reviewing cases, expedite justice, rehabilitate, and, most importantly, promote and reintegrate into society individuals who have faced unnecessary lengthy pre-trial detention.
“However, these numerous challenges within our justice system demand our urgent attention and innovative solutions, like the periodic Jail delivery exercise, awarding of non-custodial sentences for minor offences, restitution, and compensation to victims of crimes, among others.” His lordship added.
The Chief Judge further stressed that challenges faced by the Justice System in the recent years include overcrowding in Correctional facilities and delays in court proceedings which according to her, were caused by many factors.
While justifying the importance of the exercise, His Lordship said “the main essence of this program is to ensure that our system promotes reintegration rather than mere punishment for inmates with prolonged stay in custody without their case being determined within the time frame stipulated under the law.”
The Chief Judge concluded by saying that the exercise represents another step towards addressing these challenges in compliance with the Constitutional duty of her office as the Chief Judge of the State, which allows for the review of cases to identify those ready for release, particularly inmates with prolonged detention or serious health issues”.
It will be recalled that 48 inmates were also freed during April, 2024 Jail delivery exercise at Ilaro, Oba and Ibara Correctional Centres of the State.
While releasing the deserving inmates, His Lordship implored them to be of good conduct as they go back into the society and desist from any act that could lure them back into commting crimes.
The Oyo State Government has assured its citizens that there will be no strike in the State even as the National body called for a nationwide strike from Monday.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, gave this assurance in a Press Statement from his office on Saturday.
According to him, the on-going negotiations between the State Government and the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are at an advanced stage and on the verge of implementation.
Besides, the Commissioner said that both parties have unfettered confidence in the sincerity of the negotiations and in the track record of the State Government to fulfil its promises.
Prince Oyelade said that Governor Seyi Makinde did not negotiate with the Labour leaders before he announced a generous ₦80,000 minimum wage which will be implemented as soon as the Consequential Adjustment negotiations are concluded.
He noted that the present administration has not only been worker-friendly with its prompt payment of salaries and pensions on the 25th of every month but has also expanded the workforce with large-scale record recruitment exercises across board.
In the meantime, workers are already looking forward to the prompt payment of the December salaries and the 13th month bonus as it has always been since the Inception of the Seyi Makinde administration.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers in 14 states to proceed on an indefinite strike from Monday to press home the implementation of the new minimum wage.
The affected states are: Ekiti, Oyo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Enugu, Federal Capital Territory, Imo and Nasarawa.
Other states are Sokoto, Yobe, Katsina and Zamfara.
The General Secretary of the NLC, Emmanuel Ugboaja in a November 29,2024 circular to Presidents and General Secretaries of NLC affiliates said the industrial action to “compel implementation of the new national minimum wage should commence in any state that has not complied by the end of November 2024. This position was reinforced by the CWC in Kano on the 27th of November 2024.
“Flowing from the above it is our information that some states have not commenced the said implementation as workers are still being paid on the old structure and there is no subsisting agreement to show a date of commencement of implementations They are as follows: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Federal Capital Territory, Imo, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Oyo, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara states.
“We therefore request that you direct your state councils in the following states to proceed on the said needed actions to compel the implementation as resolved by the NEC & CWC.
“Please do oblige us with copies of your letters to your state councils in this regard for effective mobilisation.”
The new Minimum Wage of N70,000 per month came into effect in July when the bill to that effect was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
The momentum behind Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi’s (JDS) gubernatorial awareness campaign continues to grow as his team extends its mobilization and solidarity tour to Olohunsogo, Oorelope, and Irepo Local Government Areas. This follows the successful engagement in Itesiwaju, Atisbo, Saki West, and Saki East LGs yesterday, as the team remains committed to spreading awareness and garnering grassroots support for Chief Sanusi’s vision for Oyo State.
At today’s gatherings, prominent stakeholders, women leaders, elders, and youth representatives from the local governments came together to discuss the impact of Chief Sanusi’s candidacy and his commitment to inclusive governance. Alhaja Lawal Abegbo, a key leader of the movement, addressed the crowd with passionate remarks. “Chief Dotun Sanusi represents a leader who understands the pain and aspirations of the people, especially those from marginalized regions outside Ibadan,” she said. “His ambition is not just about becoming governor; it is about ensuring no one is left behind. Whether young or old, everyone will have a voice and benefit from his administration after electoral victory. We must see this mission as our collective ambition.”
In response, residents, who included political stakeholders and union leaders, reassured the team of their unwavering support for JDS. They commended his generosity and community development. However, they emphasized that they would like their local governments to remain actively included in developmental plans after the election. “We believe in Chief Dotun Sanusi because he is a man of action, not just words,” “We have seen his contributions to education, healthcare, and community welfare. But we want to ensure that after his victory, our local governments and people are not forgotten. We will rally around him because we know he has what it takes to lead Oyo State into a new era.”
The campaign team highlighted JDS’s commitment to addressing long-standing inequalities in Oyo State, particularly in rural areas often overlooked in development plans. Drawing parallels with the visit to Itesiwaju Local Government earlier, the team reiterated their belief that Chief Sanusi is the best choice for the people of Oyo State. His track record of philanthropy and community-oriented initiatives, coupled with his vision for inclusive governance, continues to inspire confidence among his supporters.
As the mobilization moves forward, the JDS campaign remains steadfast in its mission to connect with every corner of Oyo State, ensuring that all communities understand the transformative potential of his leadership. The people of Olohunsogo, Oorelope, and Irepo have now joined the growing list of supporters rallying around Chief Dotun Sanusi, determined to see his vision for a better Oyo State realized.
The recently held international conference of National Association of Macroeconomic Modellers NAMM offered a myriad of ideas on the best possible way to revive Nigerian economy as experts, policymakers, academicians and other stakeholders renewed the call for evidence-based research and data-driven policy making as only effective way of resuscitating Nigerian economy.
The call for evidence-based policy making was made known at the recently concluded 2-day conference of National Association of Macroeconomic Modellers which began on Wednesday 27th-28th of November, 2024.
The conference has the theme: ‘’Macroeconomic Modelling and Data Science for Economic Development’’.
In his opening speech, the President of NAMM, Prof. Philip Alege, said employing advanced analytical tools was key in understanding and resolving the Nigerian economic situation and that there is need for collaboration between researchers and government parastatals to be able to make effective policies for socioeconomic development of Nigeria.
The chairman of the occasion, Prof. Akin Iwayemi, affirmed that data and models are integral part of socioeconomic development and that concerted efforts must be made by all policymakers to ensure that every decision made is supported with evidence-based research.
Consequently, the Federal Government has vowed to prioritize evidence based research and data-driven policies to unlock economic potentials of Nigeria.
The Federal Government disclosed this through the Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu who was represented by the Chief Planning Officer, Macroeconomic Analysis Department, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Ijeoma Ofiah.
The minister, who was one of the guest speakers, said the federal government recognised the importance of reliable and timely data, flexibility in models, and close collaboration with stakeholders.
Bagudu said the government was committed to addressing the challenges hindering the optimal application of reliable models, including limited data quality, technical capacity gaps, and funding constraints.
The minister said: ‘’We’re also leveraging the Integrated Planning and Reporting Toolkit (IPRT) to align our national development plans with the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063. The Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) remains a cornerstone of our fiscal management strategy, prioritizing fiscal sustainability and discipline.
‘’As we move forward, we recognise the importance of reliable and timely data, flexibility in our models, and close collaboration with stakeholders. We are committed to addressing the challenges hindering the optimal application of reliable models, including limited data quality, technical capacity gaps, and funding constraints.
‘’In conclusion, the effective application of economic models is crucial to evidence-based policy-making. By harnessing the power of these tools and fostering strong collaborations, we can unlock Nigeria’s full economic potential’’.
Other scholars and experts present stressed the need for adequate funding for evidence based research and the development of data driven policies to rescue Nigeria’s economy from doldrums.
Among those who graced the conference were the Statistian-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, who was represented by Dr. Ayo Anthony; Prof. Chris Kalu of Nnamidi Azikiwe University, Prof. Afees Salisu of the Centre for Econometrics and Applied Research [CEAR], President of Nigerian Economic Society NES, Professor Adeola Adenikinju, Dr. Seedwell Hove of the African Development Bank, Dr. Princess Nwankwo of the Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law of UI, Prof. Olusanya Olubusoye and a host of others.
The conference was concluded yesterday after a technical paper presentation by researchers followed by a vote of thanks by the Vice President of NAMM, Professor Olusanya Olubusoye.
Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele has said Nigeria still uses the stamp duty law of 1939.
He stated this at a session with the Senate to discuss the tax reform bills.
He said, “Many of the laws we have today, we inherited from our colonial masters. For example, the Stamp Duty Law is a law of 1939. In 1939, the world had not envisaged that there would be the Internet. Trying to apply a law of 1939 in 2024 does not show that we are a people that are ready for the next generation.”
Oyedele explained that there is a need to write new tax laws as the old ones no longer apply in 2024.
“Because of this, we decided that instead of amending our old laws that we inherited from our colonial masters, why don’t we write new ones for ourselves. This has been done in many countries across the world,” Oyedele stated.
He also said that the committee is trying to harmonise many taxes into fewer high-revenue-yielding ones.
“This is what led to us trying to harmonise so many taxes we have in Nigeria into a few high-revenue broad-based taxes and eliminate those taxes that impose a burden on our poorest people and small businesses so they can have the opportunity to thrive.
“It is when our people are prosperous, that they will have the ability to pay taxes. Our findings reveal that the fiscal system we have today inhibits growth in my private sector experience before my current role, I was involved for over a decade in looking at tax systems in more than 180 countries worldwide and I can tell with all forms of responsibility, Nigeria’s tax system is one of the most backward in the world.
“This cannot help us with our vision of a great country, which is what we desire and truly deserve. We also found out that the Government can do much better in terms of the priority and quality of spending as well as how we borrow in addition to issues around harmonisation of taxes,” he said.
It would be recalled that Oyedele is leading the charge for the controversial proposed Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Bill as President Tinubu had in October sent the tax reform bill, which he said aligns with ongoing financial reforms of the Federal Government to the National Assembly.
In a strategic meeting held in Itesiwaju Local Government, five representatives from each ward, along with 10 women leaders and six prominent elders, convened to intensify awareness and mobilization for Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi’s (JDS) gubernatorial campaign. The gathering aimed to solidify support for JDS, who many believe is the most qualified and compassionate candidate to lead Oyo State.
Speaking at the event, Chief Mrs. Lawal Abegbo, a prominent leader of the team, emphasized that Chief Dotun Sanusi represents the best choice for the people of Oyo State, particularly for regions outside Ibadan that have suffered years of marginalization. “Chief Dotun Sanusi remains a symbol of hope for the people. He will protect the interests of everyone, especially those in areas that have been neglected. Let us see his ambition as our own, as no one young or old will be left behind after his victory,” she said.
In response, the women leaders and elders who spoke expressed their gratitude for Chief Sanusi’s benevolence and unwavering commitment to the people. They acknowledged his significant contributions to their region even before his gubernatorial ambition, citing various philanthropic gestures that have touched lives across the state.
“We have enjoyed Chief Dotun Sanusi’s generosity and care long before he declared his ambition. We are confident he will deliver even greater results if given the opportunity to serve as governor,” one of the women stated.
The Local Government collectively pledged their unwavering support to rally around Chief Sanusi and ensure his electoral victory. They promised to take the message of his vision and leadership to every corner of the local government, reinforcing their commitment to actualizing his ambition.
This meeting in Itesiwaju Local Government further demonstrates the growing momentum behind Chief Dotun Sanusi’s campaign, as communities across Oyo State unite in support of a leader they believe will bring inclusive development and a brighter future for all.
The Ogun State Signage and Advertising Agency has placed a fine of N5 million on anyone caught with fake mobile advert permits in the state.
The agency’s General Manager, Mr Fola Onifade, disclosed this at the unveiling of the 2025 mobile advert permit for the state held at the agency’s office in Abeokuta, the state capital on Wednesday.
Onifade said that just like Oyo and Lagos states, Ogun has also migrated from the printed stickers for the mobile advert permit to e-stickers, saying that this has greatly helped to reduce the incidence of counterfeiting and other activities aimed at sabotaging and shortchanging the government.
He said, “The emergence of e-stickers has greatly reduced the incidence of counterfeiting and the activities of the miscreants. We have been able to reduce the incidence of fake stickers and where this occurred, we were able to identify and deal with it immediately.
“Another challenge that we have also been able to overcome is getting stickers from other states. Some people bring stickers from other states to come and market here. We are ready to cooperate with states that have similar rates to our own but where there is a great discrepancy, we will feel that such effort is directed at swindling the state. We won’t allow it.
“Our rate is N13,500; some states charge as low as N6,500. It would be unfair to allow them to come and sell such in the state. We are ready to cooperate with states that charge similar rates like ours.”
For those who have perfected the act of faking these stickers, Onifade said, “Let me assure you that all hands are on the deck that you don’t succeed in this act of sabotage. The officers of the agency will be all out to check these sabotaging acts and ensure that such people are arrested and punished.
“In addition to daily enforcements, the agency will also carry out unannounced quarterly enforcement and anybody found wanting for non-compliance would be seriously sanctioned. The fine is N100,000, and when a fake sticker is found on your vehicle, the fine is N5m.”
Onifade pleaded for the cooperation and support of the companies and partners working with the agency to record another success story for the 2025 mobile advert permits.
Pictures from the 8-day Fidau prayer in honor of Alhaji Abdul Hameed Akanmu, the beloved father of Iyaloja Saratu Aduke Konibaje. A life well-lived, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and community.
May Allah (SWT) grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus and continue to strengthen the family.
