The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) is immensely proud and delighted to extend its heartfelt congratulations to Senator Sarafadeen Alli on his prestigious elevation to the esteemed position of Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland. This significant honor is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the values, traditions, and development of our beloved Ibadanland.
Senator Sarafadeen Alli’s elevation is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of his tireless dedication to the service of our great city and its people. As a distinguished public servant, community leader, and advocate for progress, Senator Alli has consistently demonstrated an exceptional capacity for leadership, integrity, and vision. His journey to this revered position has been marked by a profound commitment to the welfare of Ibadan indigenes, and his elevation to Ekarun Balogun is a well-deserved recognition of his enduring contributions.
Throughout his illustrious career, Senator Alli has been a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only in the political arena but also within the social and cultural fabric of Ibadanland. His efforts have significantly impacted the lives of many, fostering a spirit of unity, progress, and resilience. As Ekarun Balogun, we are confident that he will continue to uphold the values that define our cherished traditions, while also embracing the innovations that will lead Ibadanland into a brighter future.
The CCII is deeply appreciative of Senator Alli’s unwavering support for our initiatives, and we are excited about the prospects of working closely with him in this new capacity. His elevation comes at a time when Ibadanland is poised for greater achievements, and we believe that under his guidance, the future of our city will be marked by sustained growth, development, and cultural renaissance.
As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we wish Senator Sarafadeen Alli wisdom, strength, and continued success in his new role. May his elevation as Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland be filled with achievements that further enhance the legacy of our forefathers and inspire the generations to come.
Once again, congratulations to Senator Sarafadeen Alli and other elevated Obas and High Chiefs, The entire CCII and the people of Ibadanland stand proudly beside you all, ready to support your vision and leadership as you continue to serve our great city with distinction. Oye a tunbo ma te si waju.
Warmest regards, Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole President-General, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII)
The Founder of an NGO, Baby Blue Angels Foundation, doubled as Senior Special Assistant to Governor Makinde on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. (Mrs) Ramata Agberemi Dabo (RAD), has distributed over 200 food packs to vulnerable persons in her constituency amid the lingering economic crisis rocking the country.
Ramata, in her usual philanthropic style occasioned by her birthday celebration, distributed the food packs across the wards in Akinyele Local Government and Lagelu Local Government.
In her birthday goodwill message, the current Senior Special Assistant to Governor Makinde on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, said it’s important to use the special occasion of her birthday to identify with the vulnerable constituents during this time of of economic hardship followed by several policies initiated by the Federal Government.
“To throw a social party and entertain guests when the majority of our people are struggling to meet their basic needs, particularly food, will be a smack of crass insensitivity,” she stated. I opted to celebrate by giving food packs to more than 200 households in the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, therefore I shelved all social activities.
Agberemi, who prayed to God to spare her life for many more years in good health and wealth to be supporting the less privileged, expressed her sincere gratitude to the Almighty God for the opportunity to be alive and to celebrate her birthday.
She attributed her kind gesture as a means to bring succor to the downtrodden in the society at a time when Nigerians are facing acute hunger.
In showering of encomiums, the government functionaries have begun celebrating the political icon. They described Agberemi as a role model for women in public service and one who has earned through her unrelenting spirit and exemplary service.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, says the command has arrested seven suspects involved in the alleged murder of a graduate of the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Mojisola Awesu.
Mojisola, 21, who was invited to Ilorin, the state capital, by a dismissed student of Summit University, Offa, Adebayo Happiness, to act as his girlfriend at a party for a fee of N15,000, was allegedly murdered in a hotel where she was lodged on Friday, August 9, 2024.
During the parade of some suspects at the police headquarters in Ilorin on Friday, Olaiya said seven suspects had been arrested in connection with the alleged murder.
The police boss said, “Those arrested included the prime suspect, Adebayo Happiness, his parents, Pastor Adebayo Adeniyi and his wife, Mrs Bukola Adeniyi; Miss Kolawola Timileyin who linked the deceased with the prime suspect as well as three workers of the hotel where she was lodged and gruesomely killed.
“The hotel workers arrested included Adeoye Adeola, Lawal Amina and Bulus Peter.”
According to the police boss, after the murder was committed, the suspect “returned to Offa and concealed the stolen phone in his hostel wardrobe. Through careful and discreet investigation, Mr and Mrs Adebayo Adeniyi, the suspect’s parents, were apprehended.
“Following their son’s arrest, they attempted to tamper with evidence by retrieving Adebayo Joshua Happiness’ belongings from his school. It was discovered that Mrs Adeniyi Bukola had removed the SIM card from the deceased’s iPhone and concealed it within a wall some distance from their residence.
“Contrary to Adebayo Joshua Happiness’ initial claim that he had discarded the phone into the Afelele River, Offa, both the iPhone and SIM card were recovered from his parents’ possession.
“After further investigation, it was discovered that the hotel staff on duty found the deceased’s body in the room and unlawfully disposed of her body at the refuse dump.”
The CP said that upon completion of the investigation, the suspects would be “duly charged to court to face the full extent of the law.
“We assure the public that the Kwara State Police Command remains committed to ensuring justice and maintaining peace and security within the community. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
Seasons and history are truly spectacular, with men and women making lasting impacts that we will never forget. Despite not having wings, they are angels! Our initial meeting had a strong emotional impact on me. I was unaware that Prof. Elizabeth Adenike Emeke was 70 years old until a few months ago. She is a bundle of energy and the personification of all that is pure. Thanks for the grace that keeps her going. We met in 2000 or thereabout at a gathering of the Ibadan Descendants Union (IDU), University of Ibadan/The Polytechnic, Ibadan. The Union is a sociocultural organisation for Ibadan natives who work at the Polytechnic and University of Ibadan to network professionally and socially. It is interesting to note that IDU is one of the three societies, clubs, and unions that came together to form the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) in 1982. I had the honour of working for CCII in many capacities, including acting as the Secretary-General from 2003 to 2005 and the National Public Relations Officer from 2007 to 2009, among others. Ever since our initial meeting, she has been referring to me as “my brother,” as though we are related by blood. Yeah, we are! I’m from Ibadanland’s Yemetu Oje Igosun axis, while she is from the Oke-Ofa Babasale axis. She served with great credit ever since her employment at the University of Ibadan, as well as everywhere else they benefited from her efforts. As a respected dignitary of the Catholic Church, she ably fulfilled her role as a member of the governing boards of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan’s private schools in Ibadanland. Prof. Emeke is an experienced researcher and educational evaluator with over 70 articles in local, national, and worldwide journals, as well as Books of Reading. Being married in a culturally diverse setting to Diokpa Emeke, having travelled extensively within and outside the country, and having served in various administrative and service-oriented capacities, she is sensitive to cultural diversifications in teaching, research, evaluation, and interpersonal relationships. She is comfortable engaging with people at all levels and in a variety of circumstances. Prof. Emeke is proficient in the use of Yoruba, English, and Igbo languages. I have a special relationship with the husband, Diokpa Emeke too. He head-hunted me for a position and came to my house to discuss the matter with me. How Diokpa was able to identify my house and knock at my door, I don’t know in UI? It was a mouth-watering offer which I declined. It is another story for another day. I apologised to him for his love and gesture. Diokpa did it because of my relationship with my Auntie and to strengthen the bond between Yoruba and Igbo. Can anybody separate us? No!
By hard labour rather than by chance, you become what you envisioned. Professor of Educational Evaluation, Science, and Counseling Psychology, Adenike, my Auntie believes, feels, embraces, and becomes it. She completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the esteemed University of Ibadan. Not only is she a highly referenced Google Scholar, but she is also a dynamic, lively instructor and committed researcher.
While some people are just interested in the short-term and long-term, stakeholders defend sustainability over the long run. Her time serving as a pioneer member of the University of Ibadan Research Foundation’s (UIRF) Board of Directors speaks for itself. She has an excellent work ethic. I recall anchoring an Inaugural Lecture in the University’s legendary Trenchard Hall and informing the audience, “In case you are feeling falling or funny, please draw the attention of our ushers to your health challenge, who will notify medical personnel from the University Health Service, also known as the Jaja Clinic for necessary attention. In the event of an emergency, there are side exits in the Hall through which you can exit.” According to Prof Emeke, someone who sat next to her stated that I sounded like a scaremonger. However, her daughter, who was with her in the Hall responded, “The man is correct because it is the practice in organisations that value safety. You must inform such a large gathering about the safety protocol.” Every idea shared and every opportunity seized by her helped us achieve the heights in the university. Kudos to her efforts! Her valedictory lecture titled, “SOJOURNING IN NIGERIA’S PREMIER UNIVERSITY: A COUNSELLOR- EVALUATOR’s JOURNEY OF GROWTH, RESILIENCE, AND HOPE” is scheduled for 2nd September, 2024, in the Trenchard Hall of the University of Ibadan. However, I am busy, and she is aware of it. I will try to attend. I admire her. I know her thoughts will resonate with our thoughts. Wrapping up, “as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” -John F. Kennedy, former President of the United States of America. 70 hearty cheers to a remarkable woman of distinction! May Prof. Elizabeth Adenike Emeke continue to be blessed with good health, sound mind, and happiness as she celebrates this milestone. Cheers, ma!
Olatunji Muhammed Oladejo, JP, MNIPR, MANUPA Director, Ibadan University Press (Publishing House) University of Ibadan Saturday, 31 August, 2024.
On path to select new Alaafin, the Ladigbolu Royal Family, Oyo, on Thursday, stressed the need for the Oyomesi kingmakers to go back to the drawing board in the selection of the new paramount ruler for the ancient town.
This was made known in a statement signed by Akinade Ladigbolu on behalf of the royal family in the Oyo State capital as obtained by ODUDUWA NEWS.
It will be recalled that there has been a crisis over the selection of a new monarch after the demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who joined his ancestors on April 22, 2022. He ruled for 52 years and died at 81.
The kingmakers, also known as the Oyomesi, had in a suit marked HOY/38/2023 before the Oyo State High Court, sought to restrain Governor Seyi Makinde from rejecting Prince Lukuman Gbadegesin, whom they said they unanimously selected in a September 30, 2023 meeting.
Samson Ajao, a 27-year-old Nigerian from Osogbo, Osun State, has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading aloud, achieving an astounding 215 hours. This remarkable feat surpasses the previous record of 124 hours set by Kyrgyzstan’s Rysbai Isakov in 2022.
Ajao read continuously from around 100 books, covering topics such as finance, sales, management, leadership, politics, health, and mental wellness. His record-breaking attempt was driven by a desire to promote literacy and inspire a reading culture in Nigeria.
Throughout the marathon, Ajao adhered to strict rules, including a maximum 30-second pause between readings and accumulating five minutes of rest per hour, totaling two hours of rest per day. These breaks were his only opportunity to eat, sleep, use the bathroom, or change clothes.
Supporters, including Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Ngozi Adeleke and Education Commissioner Dipo Eluwole, gathered to cheer him on during his attempt. After successfully completing the “read-a-thon,” Ajao celebrated with a parade alongside his proud parents and supporters.
The Guinness World Records organization highlighted the long history of this record, dating back to 1987, and praised Ajao’s determination and endurance in achieving this monumental accomplishment.
The prospective applicants into the Forest Rangers Operatives (AMO D) of the Amotekun Corps will begin to know their fate as the Corps just announced screening dates for prospective Forest Guard candidates.
The Corps in a statement made available to newsmen said the screening exercise has been designed to carefully select best and skilled candidates into the forest guard section.
Important Details:
– Screening Exercise Commencement Date: Monday, 2nd September – 21st September 2024 – Requirements: Prospective applicants are required to come along with their recruitment forms duly signed by each sectional leader stated on the form.
The Corps used the medium to implore all eligible applicants to take advantage of this opportunity to serve their community and contribute to the safety and security of Oyo State.
Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed disappointment at the current economic state of the country, especially since the assumption of office by President Bola Tinubu.
They lamented that the Tinubu-led administration in one year has left Nigerians worse off than they were at the beginning.
This was stated in a communiqué issued at the end of its quarterly meeting presided over by the Deputy Leader, Oladipo Olaitan, held on Tuesday at Isanya-Ogbo, Ogun State.
Afenifere, while maintaining that the country is troubled by pervasive hardship, hunger, insecurity, and massive unemployment, noted that the present administration lacked the forethought and insight regarding the handling of public funds.
The Federal Road Safety Commission says 16 persons were burnt to death in an accident that occurred along Ore-Ondo highway.
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Wednesday said 16 persons were burnt to death, while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries, in an accident that occurred at Ajue community along Ore-Ondo highway.
Ondo State Sector Commander of FRSC, Samuel Ibitoye said the accident happened at 8pm on Monday night and rescue operation ended at 11pm.
Ibitoye who noted the accident involved a Totota Hiace and a truck noted that two other passengers escaped the tragedy.
Ibitoye who said preliminary investigation revealed the cause of the incident to over speeding and wrongful overtaking which unfortunately led to a head collision.
However, the sector commander said investigations on what led to the accident has not been concluded.
He urged motorists to drive while noting defensive technics and not to claim right.
He also identified over speeding as major cause if accidents on Nigeria roads.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has vowed that the military will not overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu. He made this declaration on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the COAS Combined 2nd and 3rd Quarters Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Lagbaja stated that the Nigerian Army has built a new prestige over the past 25 years by allowing safe democratic rule and will not allow itself to be used to undemocratically bring some interests to power. He attributed the calls for military intervention to young Nigerians who did not experience the country’s past military rule.
The Army Chief also highlighted the government’s support for the military, including the recent purchase of two Bell UH-1 Huey helicopters equipped with advanced sensors and enablers. He also mentioned the welfare of widows and family members of fallen heroes, which remains on course.
Lagbaja also addressed the recent nationwide hunger protest, stating that it was an eye-opener that food and social security issues can snowball into physical security challenges. He pledged the Army’s resolve to review its agricultural policy and provide security cover for farmers in critical farming communities.
