Nothing But Fact
Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello, Ibadan-born Islamic preacher, is dead.
Though details of his death were sketchy as at press time, ODUDUWA NEWS confirmed from the Facebook page of another preacher, Sheikh Taofeeq Akewugbagold
May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
Details later.
The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, on Thursday evening nabbed one Abosede Ojo, a middle aged job seeker who allegedly falsified her job portal result.
Dr. Nureni Adeniran, OYOSUBEB’s Chairman, said the suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation.
Adeniran said that the suspect, who sat for the recruitment cbt examination scored 36, but decided to connive with an examination syndicate who allegedly produced a fake congratulatory message for her.
He explained that the suspect was apprehended during a verification exercise put in place by the Board, for qualified candidates.
Adeniran further explained that the suspect confessed that she did not come for the interview, but liaised with her husband to get herself a congratulatory message.
According to him, the police is on a trail of transactions between the suspect and the cyber-cafe where she got the printout.
He said “the suspect has be handed over to the police, and the board, would track and also apprehend others involved in the illicit act.”
”My advice to others is that they should stop such illicit acts”, Adeniran advised.
An head on collision between a heavy laden truck and a commercial Micra taxi has claimed four lives while two persons were seriously injured in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
According to report by the Deputy state commander, rescue and recovery, OYRTMA, Mr. Adisa Oluwakayode the accident happened around General Gas Express way, along Iwo Road to Ojoo axis of Ibadan on Thursday 5th December, 2024 at about 11:45 pm.
It was gathered that the trailer drove against traffic through one way, colliding with a commercial Micra Taxi with registration number BDG680HL
Newsarena.ng also learnt that the dead bodies have been deposited in a mortuary while the injured victims were rushed to an undisclosed hospital by the Oyo state Road Transport Management Agency, OYRTMA’s rescue and recovery team in collaboration with Amotekun and Nigeria police personnel who were at the scene for quick intervention.
In a bid to strengthen education and digitalize educational learning in Oyo State, The State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde will be commissioning 200-capacity Computer Based Centre at the State Library located at Dugbe on January 15th, 2024.
The 200-capacity computer centre is a public private partnership between Oyo State Government and BINATECH Engineering Services Limited.
The computer centre when inaugurated will be equipped with modern facilities and will address the desires of Oyo State Students to access modern learning materials as well as a hub for JAMB CBT and other computer based exams.
While speaking, the Director of the engineering firm handling the construction of the Computer Centre, BINATECH, Engr O. A. Abiodun said the construction of the Computer Centre was borne out of the desire and vision of the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde towards the development of educational sector having invested heavily in human capacity development as a result of massive recruitment of qualified personnels in our public schools in recent time.
The Library which has not been given desired attention in the past has been brought back to life by the present administration with the ongoing construction of Computer Centre.
The December 2024 induction ceremony of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria (CILGPAN) held at the ICAN Building, The Polytechnic, Ibadan was colourful and enriching with the conferment of Fellows, Members and Associates of the Institutes on seasoned administrators, academics and graduate students who passed the Institute’s qualifying examinations.
In his address, the Registrar\CEO of the Institute Dr. Uche Okereke (FCPA) congratulated all the candidates noting that the institute found them worthy and encouraged them to do more as professionals using their expertise to promote local government administration and sustainable national development. According to the Registrar, the Institute since inception in 1996 has been committed to ensuring members discharged their administrative duties professionally, and promotes the ideals of the Institute.
Dr. Okereke added that the Institute which finally got legislated officially by an Act of Parliament through The Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria (CILGPAN) Act No 1. of 2017 and gazette via Government Notice No 7, No 19, Vol. 105 of the Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria issued on the 29 January, 2018 will continue to play vital roles in the development and training of highly qualified manpower for Local Government and Public Sector.
Also at the event, the heads, Department of Local Government and Development Studies; and Department of Public Administration both of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Barrister Kazeem Oladepo (FCPA) and Dr. Oyekunle Oyewo (FCPA) respectively joined the Registrar Dr. Okereke to congratulate the newly conferred Fellows, Members and Associates of the Institute. They advocated professionalism, discipline and urged them to be good ambassadors of the Institute.
Some of the personalities who benefitted from the Institute’s fellowships are Mr. Kolawole Amusat-Gbenla, Mr. Caleb Arulogun, Mr. Kayode Sanni and Mrs Bushro Adeleke. In his response to this new feat, Mr. Amusat-Gbenla, a disaster risk management expert, extend his profound appreciation to the Institute for founding him and others worthy of the highest certification of the institute, he noted that for him, it is a call to do more by promoting localization of disaster risk management in all vulnerable communities in Nigeria. He added that ‘as a Fellow of CILGPAN, I will liaise with the council to localize disaster risk reduction trainings across all Local Governments in Nigeria, and also agitate for the establishment of Local Emergency Management Committees in all our Local Governments.
Other dignitaries at the event includes Dr. Bukola Akinola (FCPA) who is the Director of the Continue Education Centre, Poly Ibadan, Mr. Akeem Ganiyu(FCPA), Mr. Serif Ajao(FCPA), Alhaji Moruf Oyetunji and host of others.
The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reconcile with former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, fostering unity within the political fold. The monarch made the appeal during a visit by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FERMA, Chukwuemeka Agbasi, to his palace in Lagos.
Goronyo and Agbasi were in Lagos for a two-day working tour, inspecting facilities and commissioning key infrastructure projects in the state. Speaking during their visit, Oba Akiolu highlighted the need for unity among political leaders, stressing that forgiveness and collaboration are essential for national progress.
Meanwhile, Rauf Aregbesola, who served as Minister of Interior and a former Governor of Osun State, continues to mobilize support for the Omoluabi Progressives Caucus, a splinter group within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During a stakeholders’ meeting in Ilesa, Aregbesola reaffirmed the group’s commitment to reclaiming both the state and national leadership for unity and development. Addressing members, he emphasized the need for resilience, dedication, and adherence to the caucus’ core values of discipline, courage, and competence.
In a post on his verified X handle, Aregbesola expressed satisfaction with the growing membership of the Omoluabi Progressives Caucus. “The ongoing membership registration exercise has recorded remarkable growth. I encourage everyone to continue inviting more people to join our ranks and strengthen our collective resolve,” he said.
As the APC navigates internal divisions in Osun and other states, the Oba of Lagos’ call for reconciliation between Tinubu and Aregbesola is seen as a significant step towards fostering unity within the party. Both leaders, with a shared political history, are influential figures whose alignment could have far-reaching implications for the APC’s cohesion and success at both state and national levels.
Observers are keenly watching how these developments wil
I join other Nigerians to celebrate a remarkable individual, Professor David Olusoji Adejumo, as he marks his 68th birthday. A distinguished academic, seasoned administrator, and dedicated public servant, Professor Adejumo has left an indelible mark on the educational landscape of Nigeria.Born on December 3, 1956, in Ibadan, Professor Adejumo’s academic journey began at the Ibadan Grammar School, where he laid the foundation for his future success. He proceeded to the University of Ibadan, earning his BSc, MSc, and PhD in Animal Science, all within a span of eight years.
Professor Adejumo’s contributions to education and public service are numerous. As the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) from 2007 to 2011, he implemented innovative programmes, such as the “Adopt a School” initiative, which promoted private sector involvement in public education. His tenure also saw the mass recruitment of teachers and the establishment of school marshals to maintain discipline.
Throughout his career, Professor Adejumo has held various positions, including Chairman of the Governing Council of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Special Adviser to the Oyo State Government on Agriculture and Food Production, and Member of the Federal Government panel on the review of the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB).In his native Ìbàdàn, Prof. Adejumo is the first Ajírọ́ba of Ìbàdànland and Ẹ̀kẹrin of Omí-Àdìó, positioning him as 4th in line to the throne of the Ọlọ́mí of Ọ̀mi-Adio.As we celebrate Professor Adejumo’s 68th birthday, I honour his dedication to education, his commitment to public service, and his tireless efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians. I wish him many more years of good health, happiness, and continued service to humanity.
Happy birthday, Sir!!!Cheers!!!
Tunji Oladejo, JP, MNIPR, MANUPADirector Ibadan University Press (Publishing House)University of Ibadan.
As Oyo State prepares for the next gubernatorial election, the political atmosphere is ripe for strategic decisions that will shape the state’s future. Among the leading aspirants, Engr. Jubril Dotun Sanusi (JDS) emerges as a beacon of hope and progress. To maximize his impact and position Oyo State for growth, it is imperative that JDS seeks the gubernatorial ticket under the All Progressives Congress (APC). The leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ushered in a new era of progressive governance in Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s ability to galvanize national resources, foster infrastructural development, and drive economic policies is unparalleled. Oyo State, under the APC, stands to benefit immensely from this federal advantage. By aligning with the APC and leveraging Tinubu’s leadership, JDS can position Oyo State as a priority for federal projects, investments, and policies. This strategic alignment ensures that Oyo will no longer operate in isolation but will instead thrive as a key player in Nigeria’s developmental agenda. Jubril Dotun Sanusi has consistently demonstrated a leadership style rooted in vision, pragmatism, and inclusivity—values that align seamlessly with Tinubu’s governance philosophy. Like Tinubu, JDS is a builder of alliances and a unifier of diverse interests.
His track record of fostering community development, creating jobs, and driving innovation mirrors the progressive ideals that Tinubu champions at the federal level. Tinubu’s ability to nurture leaders and drive transformation through collaboration is evident in his governance legacy. JDS, as a product of these principles, is uniquely positioned to replicate this success in Oyo State. His candidature under the APC banner will undoubtedly bolster the party’s mission of delivering impactful governance at all levels. The recent by-elections in Edo and Ondo States have highlighted the strategic importance of aligning state politics with federal influence. Under the APC, these states have demonstrated how federal support can amplify governance outcomes and ensure electoral success. For Oyo State to tap into this federal might, JDS must lead the charge under the APC platform.
With his widespread support across all 33 local governments, as identified by Abegbo Lawal’s research, JDS is the ideal candidate to unite the state and leverage federal resources for transformative development. JDS’s past political alignments during the 2023 presidential and gubernatorial elections showcased his ability to identify and collaborate with the right leaders for progress.
By seeking the APC ticket, he will solidify his alliances within the party and position himself as a unifying figure capable of bringing all stakeholders together under a common vision for Oyo State. The APC, led by Tinubu, represents a coalition of progressive minds committed to Nigeria’s growth. JDS’s entry into the gubernatorial race under this platform will not only galvanize support within the party but also inspire confidence among the electorate, ensuring a landslide victory that secures Oyo State’s future. Engr. Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the people of Oyo State are ready for your leadership. As a progressive leader who embodies the values of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, your decision to seek the APC gubernatorial ticket is not just a political move but a commitment to Oyo’s future.
This is your moment to unite Oyo State under the federal umbrella and bring about unprecedented development. Seize the opportunity, lead with courage, and ensure that Oyo State becomes a model of progress, powered by the vision of Tinubu and the strength of the APC.
Signed:
Alhaja Abegbo Lawal.
JDS support group.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has condemned the arrest of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, over alleged criminal libel, describing it as illegal. Farotimi’s arrest, which took place in Lagos on Tuesday, was disclosed by Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, in a post on his X handle.
In a statement issued shortly after, Falana criticized the arrest and demanded Farotimi’s unconditional release, asserting that Lagos State had decriminalized defamation over a decade ago.
“Lagos State is among the two states in Nigeria that have decriminalized defamation in its entirety,” Falana said. He referenced a 2021 Supreme Court ruling in the case of Aviomoh v Commissioner of Police & Anor., where Justice Helen Ogunwumiju affirmed that defamation was removed from Lagos’ criminal law in 2011.
Falana argued that the arrest contravened the legal position established by the court, adding, “In demanding Mr. Farotimi’s unconditional release from illegal custody, I wish to state, without any fear of contradiction, that the current state of the law prohibits such actions.”
The arrest has sparked widespread reactions from human rights activists and legal practitioners, who view it as a potential violation of Farotimi’s rights.
Farotimi, known for his outspoken views and activism, has long been a vocal advocate for justice and good governance in Nigeria. His detention has added to ongoing discussions about the balance between free speech and legal boundaries in the country.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from the Lagos State Police Command regarding the arrest or the allegations of libel. Observers are closely monitoring developments as calls for Farotimi’s release continue to grow.
The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has refuted claims by Northern governors and elites that they were not consulted on the controversial Tax Reform Bill. Speaking during a town hall meeting on the bill organized by Channels Television, Oyedele emphasized that consultations were extensive and inclusive.
The Tax Reform Bill, which has faced stiff opposition from Northern elites, particularly over its Value Added Tax (VAT) provisions, has sparked a national debate. Critics, including Senator Ali Ndume and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, argue that the bill disproportionately favors Lagos State at the expense of the North.
The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill proposes significant changes to VAT distribution. Under Section 77, the federal government’s share of VAT revenue would reduce from 15% to 10%, while state governments would receive 55% and local government councils 35%. Additionally, 60% of the VAT allocation would be distributed based on consumption metrics.
Oyedele defended the reforms, asserting that the committee prioritized consultations. “We consulted. We had one session with the Governors’ Forum. They won’t say we didn’t consult them. They’re saying we need to consult more, which we agree with. But it is not correct to say that we did not consult,” he said.
The tax expert detailed the consultation process, which included engagements with the National Economic Council, finance commissioners, internal revenue service heads, and governors across geopolitical zones. However, Oyedele admitted that some governors were unavailable during these sessions.
On the contentious establishment of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Oyedele explained that the move was aimed at enhancing efficiency in revenue collection.
“Our revenue collection is less than 20% of what South Africa’s revenue service collects. This is not about scrapping agencies or introducing new taxes; it’s about institutional reform to optimize revenue,” he clarified.
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