The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi has proceeded with his campaign in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, despite a report by Labour party that its presidential candidate’s aircraft was grounded in Lagos.
The party in a statement by Diran Onifade one of its spokespersons, said it will not cancel the rally despite the decision of federal authority to ground the aircraft that was supposed to fly Obi to Ibadan.
The party had accused the powers -that-be in Abuja for grounding the aircraft, in spite of the logistic problem that this has created the party said the campaign will still proceed as planned.
Onifade said the aircraft that was supposed to convey the party leade s to the state was grounded for “regulatory reasons”, adding that the plane had not been grounded contrary to speculations.
According to him, “The Obidient plane was grounded today by the powers that be “for regulatory reasons” only. Please ignore any mischievous rumour. Our massive rally in Ibadan is going on as planned.”
The presidential candidate of the party is one of the leading candidates in the 2023 presidential election, described by political pundits as a three horse race between Obi, Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and, Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP
One Prince Lukman Olatunji Gboleru was reportedly killed over attempt by yet to be identified persons to access the locked palace of Akirun of Ikirun in Ifelodun local government area of Osun state.
This is as three fire fighters deployed to the town to quench fire that razed part of the palace were attacked by mob, preventing them from accessing the palace. It was gathered that some security operatives exchanged gunshot at the entrance of the palace with some hoodlums which eventually resulted to the deceased death. Findings gathered that some hoodlums jumped into the palace and set part of it on fire.
An elder brother to the deceased, Prince Tajudeen Gboleru disclosed to newsmen that the deceased led some people towards the palace upon hearing that some persons attempted to forcefully gain access into the palace. According to him, I heard that there was gunshots in front of the palace by security operatives with some people and he was killed right in front of the palace. “I don’t know who really shoot him but there was gunshot by soldiers and police and he was killed.”
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the state Fire Service Department, Adekunle Ibrahim said the department was alerted to the fire incident by police and personnel were deployed to quench the fire.
“However, a mod stopped the vehicle from accessing the palace and our personnel were attacked. Three of them have been taken to the hospital as I speak with you. “I don’t know the source of the fire, but we were told that some person set part of the palace on fire due to the chieftaicncy crisis in the town”, he said. As at the time of filling this report security operatives have been deployed into the town, as resident abandoned their businesses for safety.
Attempt to get reaction from the state police spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola proved abortive as she did not pick calls put through to her phone.
As part of his administration’s effort to ensure quick take-off of academic activities at the newly approved and licenced University of Ilesa, Osun Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday, inaugurated the Governing Council of the University.
The immediate past Minister of Health and Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole chairs the Council.
This is even as the Governor charged members of the Council on fairness and proactiveness towards ensuring the financial sustainability of the institution.
Members of the Governing Council are: Chief Akinwande Akinola – Pioneer General Manager, International Breweries Ltd; Professor Sola Akinrinade – Pioneer Vice Chancellor, Osun State University; Chief Bayo Jimoh,- Former Group Managing Director Odua Investment Company; Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola – Chief of Staff to the Governor of Osun State; Professor Labo Popoola Former Vice Chancellor, Osun State University.
Others are: Professor Oluyemisi Obilade – Former Vice Chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education; Mr. Rasheed Sarumi-GMD, SaroAfrica; Representative of the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Osun State; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Osun State; Statutory internal members from the University as provided for in the Establishment Law, who would be added upon the take-off of the University; Prof. Kayode Ijaduola and Dr. Dada who will serve as the Council’s Secretary.
Recall that the administration of Governor Oyetola had earlier approached the State House of Assembly for the upgrade of Osun State College of Education, Ilesa to a full-fledged university after which it was approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Inaugurating members of the Governing Council, at the State Executive Council Lounge, Governor’s office, Abere, Osogbo, Governor Oyetola, said the idea of this new University had become necessary to further expand access to qualitative education, among other opportunities, for the young population.
“As a State known for excellence in all spheres, we envision a citadel of excellence that will enter the nation’s educational space as a leader in the university’s tripartite mandate of teaching, research and community service and provide competitive graduates that will transform the State’s economy in line with our Development Agenda and rule their world.
“In order to also underscore our commitment to excellence, we employed the services of KPMG to offer advisory services on the smooth take-off of the University.
“This is the profile of the University we have invited your Eminences into, believing that your individual records of distinction will deliver the excellence and internationalization that we envision.
“I, therefore, urge you to engrain in the university as employers of the staff of its staff, the principles of impeccable university governance, merit-driven appointment of staff and students’ admission, internationalization of the university, sustainable university funding to achieve self-sustainability, staff/student discipline, entrepreneurship, and stable university calendar that will sustainably rank the university as one of the globally-recognised universities.
“Just as our administration has demonstrated that delivering service in a depressed economy is doable, we charge you to demonstrate to the world that academic excellence is possible in the nation’s depressing university system”, the governor added.
Responding on behalf of members of the Governing Council, Chief Akinwande Akinola, assured of their readiness to hit the ground running.
“It is a great honour that has been bestowed on all of us to be part of the pioneer Governing Council of this great University. I am responding on behalf of the Chairman and we can assure you that you have given us an enduring legacy.
“There’s is no doubt in the fact that Mr Governor’s name will be published in gold. The upgrade of this university took us 30 years and nobody will forget what Mr. Governor has bestowed on us, and everybody is happy on this gesture.
“It will be forever written that during Oyetola’s reign, the College was upgraded. You have given us the mandate which we will deliver to the best of our ability and when you hear of the university in five years’ time, you will be happy. The university will continue to shine,” he said.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday unveiled the re-designed Naira Notes.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele had on Tuesday said the president will unveil the newly designed N1,000, N500 and N200 notes.
The unveiling today, marks the first time in 19 years, Nigeria will be redesigning it’s currency notes.
At a briefing after the ceremony before the Federal executive council meeting, the CBN governor debunked insinuations that the early unveiling of new notes is a means to target any Nigerian.
Mr Emefiele appealed to members of the public that there is no need to perpetuate any such information.
He maintained that there will be heavy restriction on the volume of cash that people can withdraw over the counter, as it works with the EFCC to monitor the purpose of any heavy transactions.
For Oduduwanews Personality Interview, our team had a media chat with the Chairman of Waterfield Luxury Hotel, Akobo Ibadan, Mr Hamid Ismail.
Speaking on how hotel business is surviving, Mr Ismail stated that every business owner in Nigeria is only hopeful that thing will get better. “Our big generator runs on 150litres of diseal for 24hrs, as at January, a litre was around N200, now it’s around N800 per litre, what is driving business owner in Nigeria is Hope”
Speaking about electricity, he decried the epileptic power supply, including the high tariff which has negatively affected the growth of businesses in the State.
Speaking futher, he appealed to the government to be tax friendly with hoteliers, and be magnanimous in their policy, most especially duplication and creation of unnecessary tax levies, like the emission control tax, among others.
Speaking about business development and expansion in Ibadan, Mr Ismail stated that the sons and daughters of Ibadan spread all over the world who are interested in the development of the city have been making alot of efforts towards that, and that’s evident in new buildings and structures that are all over the place for business development and growth of the city.
Speaking on the State of the Nation, Mr Ismail stated that the call for restructuring is a constitutional matter, and it’s only the National Assembly that can effectively initiate such process. He emphasized, that any promise by any president or presidential candidate on restructuring of the country is only making a promise which himself knows that can’t fly. That promise is usually made to cajole people and curry the people’s support during electioneeing time because there’s a limit to what executive order can do”
“Restructuring is a constitutional matter, and it’s only the National Assembly that can make that happen, the best any president can do is to follow former President Jonathan’s step by calling for a National Confab.
The document gotten and drafted by the people from their recommendations at the National Confab will still need to be forwarded to the National Assembly for a deliberation and must be supported by 2/3 of members, before passing it down to the State House of Assemblies”
As the former Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, he discussed the exchange rate problem and gave insight on the Nigerian economy. He described multiple exchange rates we are operating and called for holistic approach to maintain equilibrium at the forex market.
He said, “most of the people at the helms of affairs lack patriotism which makes it difficult to put national interest first in their policy making”.
“Unstable exchange rate has been the genesis of the economic problem we are facing. A mismatch in current account balance leads to exchange rate problem and resultant effect on the prices of commodities”.
Men of Ogun state Police Command on Saturday 19th of November 2022, arrested one pastor and two others for abducting and killing a 39 years old man Adekunle Muyiwa and dismembered his body for ritual purpose.
The suspects, Idowu Abel, Clement Adeniyi and Pastor Felix Ajadi were arrested following a report lodged at Owode Yewa divisional headquarters on the 15th of November 2022 by one Oluwaseyi Adekunle, the elder brother of the victim, who reported that his younger brother left home since 10th of November 2022 and didn’t return since then .
Upon the report, the DPO Owode Yewa division, CSP Mohammed S. Baba, detailed his Crack detectives to unravel the mystery behind the sudden disappearance of the man.
In the course of their investigation, it was discovered that Idowu Abel was the person who came to pick the missing man from his house on that fateful day.
Upon the discovery, the said Idowu Abel was traced and arrested. On interrogation, Idowu Abel confessed that the victim, who happened to be his bossom friend was lured out by him and taken to his second accomplice, Clement Adeniyi”s farm where he was killed and butchered to pieces.
He confessed further that it was one herbalist who was introduced to him by pastor Felix Ajadi that requested for human head,heart,two hands and legs. He stated further that the said herbalist who is now at large promised to pay him the sum of #200,000 if he is able to get the listed human parts for him.
He explained further that the herbalist paid #80,000 as advance payment with the promise to pay the balance of #120,000 on receiving the items.
After collecting the advance payment, Idowu Abel went to his bossom friend Muyiwa Adekunle and asked him to escort him to somewhere. Being a long time friend, the victim who didn’t suspect any foul play followed him innocently, and he was taken to the farm of Clement Adeniyi where they killed him and dismembered his body. His head was cut off, the heart was also removed.
The remaining parts was hurriedly buried in a shallow grave in the said farm.
His confession led to the arrest of Clement Adeniyi and Pastor Felix Ajadi, while the herbalist who was simply identified as Abeeb a.k.a Boko has taken to flight.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Bankole , has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to Homicide section of the state Criminal Investigation Departments for discreet investigation. He also directed that the fleeing herbalist must be hunted for and brought to book.
Oyo State Government, on Tuesday, approved the award of the contract for the construction of a Magistrate Court and a Police Station at the Olomi Correctional Centre, Ibadan.
The projects which will be delivered through the Alternative Project Funding Approach (APFA) is expected to be completed in six months.
The State Executive Council which made the approval, also approved the renovation of the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, explained that the Federal Government had proposed to relocate the Agodi Correctional Centre to Olomi in Ibadan, adding that the state government decided to construct the Magistrate Court around the Olomi Correctional Centre to ease justice delivery in the State.
The statement said that by constructing the Court, the state government resolved to key into the security architecture as designed by the Federal Government and strengthen the judicial system. The statement further indicated that the State’s Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Prof. Daud Sangodoyin and the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Hon Siju Lawal, provided details of the contracts while briefing newsmen shortly after the State executive council meeting held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Prof. Sangodoyin said: “The Council considered the construction of Magistrate Court and Police Station at Olomi Correctional Centre in Ibadan. Recall that the Federal Government had proposed to relocate that of Agodi to Olomi. And for our state to key into the security architecture and strengthen the judicial system, we considered the move. This will ease justice delivery in Oyo State.“So, today, we approved the construction of the magistrate court and police station at the cost of N456,979,164,28k to Messrs Dunton Ltd. It will go for a duration of six months through APFA. “We have a two month moratorium after which we will pay the contractor for a year, beginning from February 2023 to January 2024.
“Similarly, the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Hon. Siju Lawal announced that the executive council also approved the renovation of Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, which is a formal training school in the old Western state, which he said has been abandoned for many years.He said, “Today, we unanimously approved the general renovation of Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, which is a formal training school in the old Western state. It has been abandoned and neglected for many years but the renovation was approved.“After the renovation, we believe it will compete favourably well with its counterparts in the whole of the federation.
“The project will cost a sum of N121, 48,978,83k and was awarded to All-time Nigeria Ltd with duration of 12 weeks. Thirty per cent payment has also been approved to fast-track the completion of the project.”In addition, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, also told newsmen that Council meeting discussed government’s efforts at curbing the menace of kidnapping along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway and other areas.He said: “At the meeting, we discussed the efforts being made by the state government to curb the menace of kidnapping along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway and other areas.“We are also putting in place a water-tight security to ensure that people in the state can sleep with their eyes closed.“The other one is the issue of promotion of workers. We observed that some officers who are supposed to be promoted were denied due to systematic error.
“We discovered that 1,629 were affected by this error. As a result, they were not considered for promotion, which falls within 2017 and 2020.“So, the Council graciously approved that the officers involved be allowed to get their promotions unhindered.”
The people of ancient town of Ado Awaye, Araromi LCDA in Oke Ogun region of Oyo State on Saturday 19th November, 2022, celebrated the Iyake International Annual Festival.
The ocassion which was kickstarted on the 16th November and came to an end on Saturday 19th had the the Oyo State Commissioner for Establishment, Trade and Investments,Alhaji Siju Lawal representing Gov. Seyi Makinde and Barrister Iyiola Oladokun, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, as the Chairman of the occasion.
The event which took place at the festival arena, foot of Ado mountain, Ago Afin, Ado Awaye, Araromi LCDA, Iseyin Local Government, Oke Ogun region of Oyo State witnessed some interesting programmes of activities such as cultural display, boxing, speeches, beauty contest, music, among others.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Mr.Bola Olalere while speaking, appreqciated Kabiesi Alado of Ado Awaye for giving him the privilege to head the Central Planning Committee of this year 2022 edition of Iyake international festival .The Chairman said,” I have always seen Iyake Suspended lake as one of our heritages in Oke Ogun that is wasting away and needing a different approach to make it world class destination. When I see the calibre of people in the Committee selected by his Royal Majesty which cuts across different fields of professional give me courage that we shall succeed in the assignment “.
The Chairman stated further that, to achieve the target, they started reaching out to indigenes of Oke-Ogun and Oyo State in general for possible assistance which gave them the power to embark on the rehabilitation of the 50 steps and erection of the entrance gate at the Ado mountain. He therefore called on every indigene and residents of Oke-Ogun and Oyo State in general to join hands by donating bags of cements and other needed materials to do the required job.
In his royal address, the Alado of Ado Awaye kingdom who was also the Royal Chief host welcomed all dignitaries present at the occasion. Speaking further, Kabiesi said,”we are here to celebrate history and wonders of the only two natural suspended lakes in the world-Iya Alaro and Iyake lakes being the major one, and other mystical heritages on Ado mountain. Ado Awaye is not only rich in history and culture, it also has what it takes to contribute greatly to the development of Oyo State and turn around Nigeria’s economy “. According to Kabiesi, Iyake suspended lake in Ado Awaye has been rated the third among the 7 wonders of the world, thus, it is a tourist attraction to behold. The first cassava Sorbitol Factory in Africa located at Ado Awaye is another giant economic booster for the state. Ado Awaye is also blessed with grade “A” kaolin deposit which is the major material for pharmaceutical products “.
Furthermore, His royal Majesty stated that, as a matter of fact, Ado-Awaye has become an important world center because of many local and international visitors coming in for tourism activities. Oba Folakanmi added that for us to maximise the economic potentials of Ado Awaye and turn it into a magnificent tourist destination, we need to put in place some supporting facilities, such as; construction of fibre rope railings with iron at every three metres along the road to the mountain, construction of 5-square meters model resting points along the road leading to the top of the mountain, building of good hotel accommodations for tourists, repair of the steps leading to the mountain top, among others. Kabiesi Alado therefore appealed to the government of Oyo State and other stakeholders to support the course in the interest of economic development of state at large.
In his good will message, the Iseyin born Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Barrister Hammed Raaji SAN appreciated His Royal Majesty, Oba Rev’d Ademola Olugbile Folakanmi for his strong determination to develop Ado-Awaye through tourism heritage development. The Oke-Ogun born legal luminary opened that we should not be waiting for government to do every needs because of the meagre financial resources in the state and he promised to reconstruct 200 hundreds steps out of remaining 300 steps in honour of Governor Seyi Makinde, Barrister Bayo Lawal, Deputy Governor, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and Kabiesi Alado of Ado Awaye as part of his own contribution.
The Chairman of the occasion who is also an indigene of Ado Awaye, Barrister Iyiola Oladokun in his good will message equally appreciated Kabiesi Alado of Ado Awaye for his untiring efforts towards the development of Ado Awaye and Iyake Suspended lake in particular. Barrister Iyiola Oladokun in his further address established that Iyake lake was a unique one compared with the other one in Colorado, USA, which is man-made. He therefore charged the state government to develop the site for the economic development of the state and he appreciated Barrister Hammed Raaji for his contributions towards the development of Ogun region.
The Oyo State Commissioner for establishment, trade and investment, Hon. Shiju Lawal,while speaking on behalf of the State Goernor, Engr. Abiodun Makinde, reiterated the Oyo State Government commitment to transform Ado Mountain Tourism Center to a global standard. He added that the 2023 budget has taken care of the monumental projects of the state government which were to be carried out at Ado Awaye tourism center. He concluded his address by appreciated His royal majesty for his genuine love for the people of his kingdom as evidently manifested in his quest to improve their standard of living through tourism industrial development.
The Chairman, Oyo State Tourism Board, Ajetumobi and S A to His Excellency on tourism, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, on a separate note equally corroborated the speech of the Honourable Commissioner on the Oyo State position to carry out the monumental projects and it’s budgetary provision in the 2023 budget appropriation.
Mr. Bolanle Bukola Opeyemi,who represented the CEO, Psaltry International Limited, as one of the special guests at the occasion when he was speaking, mentioned some of the positive contributions previously made by his company to the development of Ado Awaye in general and he pledged on behalf of his boss to renovate 50 steps up to the Ado mountain as part of the company’s contribution.
Other dignitaries at the event were members of Araromi Traditional Council, Iseyin Local Government Traditional Council, Kabiesi Elero of Ilero, Oniserin of Iserin land, Oba Abdulrasheed Motolase, among others.
Nollywood actress, Nkechi Sunday, has met the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
She revealed this via her Instagram account on Monday.
Recall, Nkechi Blessing had earlier sought to become one of Ooni’s queens few weeks when the foremost traditional ruler tied knots with his six queens.
Nkechi posted on social media, saying she was painstakingly waiting for her turn to become queen in Ile-Ife.
Sharing a picture of herself and the king, Nkechi said, “Ever met a jovial king? Well this picture says it all, I have never laughed this hard in a long time.
“Thank you soo much for the warm reception His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja (11) #ooniadimulaife God bless your existence Kabiesi”.
The Ondo State Police Command on Monday confirmed the abduction of Richard Omosehin, who is a former Senior Special Assistant to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
The police said they had begun a search for the victim while an investigation into the matter had also commenced
It was gathered that the former governor’s aide was kidnapped at his residence in Igbekebo, the headquarters of Ese Odo Local Government Area of the state, on Saturday.
According to a source, the bandits numbering about six, came to the community on a speed boat and went to the private house of the victim where he was dragged into the boat, and they sped off.
The source said, ” The incident happened at about 2am on Saturday. Immediately, people invited the police, but by the time the policemen arrived at the place, the kidnappers had taken the man (victim) away. ”
The monarch of Igbekebo town, Oba Simon Dabo, who confirmed the incident on a radio programme, disclosed that the victim was allowed to call his wife from of the den of the kidnapper and the gunmen had demanded a sum of N100m for his release.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, said efforts were ongoing to set the victim free unhurt.
“We are already making efforts to rescue the victim and investigation had begun,” the PPRO stated.
