Following the announcement of a new dress code for female police officers in Nigeria by the Inspector General of Police last week, the National body of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, FOMWAN has hailed the new policy describing it as one that is fair to female officers irrespective of ethnic or religious backgrounds.
The new dress code permits female police officers to wear stud earrings and hijab under their berets or peak caps while in uniform.
A statement issued in Abuja by its National Amirah , Hajia Rafi’ah Idowu Sanni, FOMWAN commended the Nigerian Police Force for introducing the policy at this period when some individuals, corporate organizations and institutions of learning in the country are sentimentally averse to the use of hijabs by female muslims.
” This is a unique development in the history of the Nigerian Police Force. Kudos to the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba for the approval. With this development, the Nigerian Force has become the first Security Agency in the country to introduce the policy which granted permission to willing female muslim police officers to wear hijabs with their uniforms.
” We are happy that the IGP was quoted as saying that the dress code was in line with international best practices and it is also to address the growing concern for gender mainstreaming and respect for culture and diversity ” Hajia Rafi’ah Idowu Sanni added.
The FOMWAN Amirah appealed to Police authorities in all zones across the country to allow for the implementation of the new policy without any form of harassment, discrimination or victimization of the willing female officers
She called on other security agencies across the country to follow the footsteps of the Nigerian Police by approving the same dress code for their female officers adding that such a policy will no doubt enhance commitment to duty while equally encouraging more female muslims to consider a career in the security services.
” I can say without any fear of contradictions that hijabs had long been approved as part of the uniforms of the Police , Army and Naval officers in many developed climes hence we should not see this as another form of extremism or what some religious bigots in Nigeria will term as Islamization agenda. Female muslims are never comfortable not wearing their hijabs as commanded in the Quran. This new dress code will enable muslim sisters to fulfill one of the most important commandments of Allah which is to cover their heads. This will enable them to contribute their quota to nation building. ” FOMWAN National Amirah stressed
She however enjoined all muslim female police officers willing to adorn the hijab as approved by the force to distinguish themselves by upholding Islamic moral teachings and principles always so as to be the best examples for others.
” FOMWAN is appealing to our Muslimah in the Police Force to be of the best moral standards as exemplified by holy prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Hijab is our pride and our identity. It represents modesty, decency and spirituality. It attracts respect hence anyone wearing it must be of good conduct and character all the time. We congratulate the NPF for being the trail blazer in this regard.”
Residents of Ebute in Oyingbo have called on the Lagos State Government to come to their rescue as Area boys clash shut down activities in the area for 2days.
Affected area include : Willoughby by Herbert Macaulay, Market Street by Bola, Freeman by Willoughby, Cemetery by Willoughby, Redeem church junction. Etc
According to a resident they break into shops overnight and stole goods Worth million’s of naira.
I am tired, they stole 5 power Motorcycles, one of the shop owner Chinedu said.
Baba Ijesha told the court that the foster mother of the minor, Princess, had called and requested him to be part of the movie production.
“On April 19, 2021, Princess sent me a message that she wanted to start a production and she would like me to play the role of a lover boy which I replied ‘okay’.
“She said the story is about rape and she wanted to tell the story in another dimension,”.
The defence counsel tendered before the court, a printout of WhatsApp message between Princess and the defendant, which was admitted into evidence by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo.
“I asked for the movie location but she told me to come over to her house.”
“Before I entered, Princess met me at the balcony that the movie production was a Lagos State project, adding that the state wanted her to be the face of ‘anti child molestation.’
“She told me to improvise and create a story by myself. I told her the house was dark when I entered. She said we should rehearse that she would use her phone.
“Princess told me to kiss and suck the br€ast of the child, adding that the dress the girl was wearing was purposely for the role the girl wanted to play.
“She would leave the room so that the child would not be shy to play out the role.
“All those things we are seeing in that video is just acting. My lord check my record when it comes to acting, I can kill myself and die for acting. She was the one directing and filming my angles,” he said.
Baba Ijesha told the court that himself and Princess were directors of the movie, adding that she told him he could act out the scene in the kitchen as well.
“She told me I could go into the kitchen as well. She told the girl in question you remember what I told you, when I leave the room now, act out your role perfectly.
“The girl removed my shoe and I started acting out my role. I romanced her based on the movie role Princess gave me.
“As I was acting with the girl, kissing and licking her fingers, I was also whispering to her ‘hey do not look at the camera’.
“Suddenly, I saw like eight people including Princess, entered the room and started beating her”.
The Segun Oni Movements has accused the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of being behind the trending propaganda against the former governor of the state, Asiwaju Segun Oni on funds and fuel scarcity.
The two dying parties resulted in these dirty lies against the backdrop of the impending failure that the massive reception that was given to Segun Oni by the people of Ekiti State when he arrived at the state during the week has indicated.
This was contained in a statement that was made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti by the Director of Media and Publicity, Segun Oni Movements, Jackson Adebayo during the weekend.
In the statement, Adebayo maintained that both APC and PDP can not deny the fact that they’re actually in a jittery mood at present, a burden that the massive reception of Asiwaju Segun Oni has placed on them which they taught could only be combatted with cheap blackmail and dirty propaganda.
The movement noted that the two parties have lost senses of discernment if by now they still see Segun Oni’s aspirations from the selfish angle they belong rather than the Ekiti project, hence they came out with the story that Oni is begging for funds from the leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Adebayo explained that Oni does not need to beg for money on this project because it’s not an ambition laced with greed and corruptible mind which the leadership of the two parties represents.
He added that everybody knows Oni as a pleasant, deligent, and contented personality who would not go cap in hand on anything even in the face of penury.
Adebayo stressed that the two lame parties should rather cover their faces in shame for writing stories that don’t exist and put the name of Segun Oni like the one on fuel scarcity which the former governor never spoke about.
He stated that Asiwaju Segun Oni, as a cultured politician and an astute administrator would not just issue sensational statements for the sake of being heard but rather would choose to address issues at the appropriate time and place as the case may be.
SOM spokesperson alluded that it is just unfortunate that instead of the present government looking for the solution to the lingering fuel scarcity that has befallen the state like a plague, the government and her political partners in PDP are busy writing stories in the name of Segun Oni to blackmail him.
“We want to categorically tell both APC and PDP that all this propaganda is belated because Ekiti people have discovered the antics of both parties, hence they’ve decided to pitch their tent with Asiwaju Segun Oni.”
Adebayo explained that the avaricious character of the leadership of the two parties has exposed them to ridicule to the extent that an average Ekiti man does not want to associate with them.
The Erelu Okin of Kemta Kingdom, Pearl Chidinma Ogbolu, has apologised for sharing petrol as a souvenir at her installation party.
The apology was sequel to the backlash from Nigerians over the viral video where kegs of petrol with stickers “Erelu Okin Foundation Installation Party” were shared at the ceremony.
The kegs of petrol were seen handed to guests at the party to celebrate Ogbu’s installation as Erelu Okin of Orile Kemta at the Havillah Event Place, Oniru in Lagos.
Petrol
Ogbolu, who took to her verified Instagram page on Saturday, wrote: “I want to use this medium to apologise for the momentarily indiscretion of bringing fuel Souvernirs into the hall.
“My intent was just to show appreciation to my guests for turning up at my event at these hard times.
“I have paused to reflect and truly apologise and I thank you all for your understanding and criticisms.”
The First Technical University, Ibadan on Saturday, 5th March, 2022 held their first Convocation ceremony under the Vice-Chancellorship of Professor Ayobami Salami.
The Visitor to the Institution, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde was Governor ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun. While delivery the message of the State Government, Mrs Adeosun explained that focus has shifted from white collar jobs to self-employment, adding that attention has shifted towards institutions that prepare graduate job providers and not mere job seekers.
The governor, while congratulating the eminent personalities that were conferred with distinguished fellowship award of First Technical University (Tech-U), Ibadan, requested for more assistance in terms of donations for the development of the Institution.
He said: “I am greatly delighted to be here today on the occasion of the maiden Convocation Ceremonies of this citadel of learning – First Technical University (Tech-U), Ibadan.“This epoch-making event is not only significant in the history of this great Institution, it also provides more opportunities for the re-engineering of the State and its lost glory in the area of vocational and entrepreneurship skills. Before I dwell further, let me on behalf of myself and the entire State Executive Council congratulate the Vice-Chancellor of this Institution, Professor Ayo Salami together with his team for this milestone and being a part of this historic event.“However, it is not how long that matters but how well. It is in this background that I congratulate the graduands for the successful completion of your programmes.“By implication, the graduands have satisfied all academic board requirements for the award of degrees of the Institution. “Let me point out at this juncture that the graduands have been certified to be worthy in learning and character.“Also, I am aware that the kind of training that this Institution provides exposes students to practicals in various fields of their studies. “It is no gainsaying, therefore, that these graduands have acquired the necessary skills in vocational training, skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development as prerequisite for self-reliance and job creation.” According to him, in today’s world, emphasis has shifted from white collar jobs, which he said are not readily available, to self-employment.“In essence therefore, attention has shifted towards institutions that prepare graduate job providers and not mere job seekers. This is in line with the current global reality which is bent towards institutions that produce self-reliant graduates either through gainful employment or personal investment after graduation, he said.”He congratulated the eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in their respective callings and have been considered worthy to be conferred with distinguished fellowship award of First Technical University (Tech-U), Ibadan.He expressed happiness that many of the awardees were already contributing towards the upliftment of the Institution, while also praising the host communities for the cordial relationship that exists between them and Tech-U.“It is, however, pertinent at this juncture to seek more support in terms of donation from all and sundry towards the advancement of the Institution,” the governor said.He further submitted: “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I, on behalf of the State Government, I wish to acknowledge the landmark achievements of Tech-U in the areas of research and development, as well as collaboration with donor agencies, sister Institutions and international organizations. Some of these partnerships have further earned the State international recognition and funding of notable projects in the Institution.
“Let me reiterate that this administration sees education as a key aspect of growth and development. And that is why it forms an integral part of the four-point service agenda. Our goal is to ensure free and qualitative education in a bid towards lifting the people from poverty and underdevelopment. This is why we have been ambitiously investing in education at all levels.We believe that education should liberate society, help to fight poverty, defeat unemployment, and engender industry. I am glad to note that the First Technical University (Tech-U), Ibadan, is being propelled along this line.”He acknowledged the fact that the institution is growing, and that the growth covers all segments of the University administration in terms of high-quality students, increase in qualified human resources and infrastructural development geared towards promoting a functional institution.”“In the current order, it has been discovered that funding and maintenance of public Institutions and infrastructure can no longer be satisfactorily managed by government alone. In line with this imperative order is the clarion call to management of institutions to search for grants, research collaboration and sponsorship of research and other developmental needs. I truly believe that things would get better but the support of all stakeholders in the Oyo State project is important.”He quoted Jesse Jackson, sayiing : “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, I know, I can achieve it” and declared that the graduands should allow the quote continue to echo in their mind as they go into the world.
He added that the graduands must also be guided by the African proverb which says that the firewood we gathered in our youth is what we will warm ourselves with in old age.In his address,the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ayobami Salami, said that Tech-U is a very unique Institution that ensures that apart from the normal degree programme, every student must go through a Diploma programme in Entrepreneurship and a certificate programme in one other international language apart from English.He said the Institution has recorded many achievements within the short time of its existence, saying that in the latest ranking by NUC,the Tech-U is 7th among all the state Universities, and 27th among all the universities ranked in Nigeria.The VC, hinted that the University within two years of commencement of academic activities won three international research grants with a combined worth of over $450,000 and host of many others.He appreciated the governor of Oyo state for giving free hand to run the Institution and allowing local government scholarship scheme to continue unhindered.
He therefore announced that the first class graduands who are interested in academic pursuits have been offered automatic employment immediately after their National Youths Service.
He added that the school has secured the support of the local and international partners to award scholarship to all that accept the offer, to enable them have international exposure through Master degree training in the United States of America as well as Brazil.The institution later conferred awards of honorary doctorate degrees on Chief (Dr.)Tunde Afolabi, the institution’s Chancellor, notable entreprenuer, Chief Adebayo Akande, former Head of Service of the Federation, Chief Mrs. Amal Pepple, Professor if history, Toyin Falola and the Managing Director of Guarantee Trust Bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje..
Members of the traditional institutions in Ondo South Senatorial District have unanimously endorsed the presidential ambitions of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Announced today at the familiarization visit/meeting with monarchs in Ondo South senatorial district.
In attendance the Olugbo of Ugbo land, Oba Akinruntan said this endorsement is based on the impact of Tinubu in the southwest and Nigeria at Large.
The Leaders of APC and their members were not left out as they all pledged their loyalty and sang praises of the Jagaban himself. His familiarization tour continues ahead of the 2023 elections.
The Lagos State Government has sealed Havilah Events Centre, Victoria Island for hosting a party during which litres of premium motor spirit (Petrol) in jerry can were given out as souvenirs.
The enforcement was jointly carried out by the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command.
Two officials of the centre were arrested today while Lagos Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi has directed that all those involved be arrested.
The arrest was on the directive of the Lagos State Government that the centre be sealed and all parties involved arrested.
The Human Rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN has condemned the recently announced dress code by Nigerian Police Force and asked the that the dress code be suspended.
In a statement released today by the lawyer via his Facebook account as read in part:
“On March 4, 2022, the Inspector-General of Police purported to unveil a new dress code for the Nigeria Police Force, especially female officers, who are to be allowed to wear coverings or hijab, etc.
“The religion of public officers, including members of the security agencies, should be a private matter to them. The Inspector-General of Police is not competent to use the platform of his office to enforce religion.
“Section 10 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stipulates that government and all its agencies should be neutral in religious matters.
“Section 42 of the same Constitution prohibits discrimination in all its ramifications. In this regard, there will be no end to confusion attending the new dress code prescribed by the IGP.
What will be the official uniform for police women who are in the Catholic Church?
How should policemen and women who are in the Celestial Church dress up when the practice of their church is against wearing shoes at all?
And how should traditionalists who are in the police force dress up, with charms and amulets round their uniforms?
The Nigeria Police has existed as an institution since 1945 and it is strange that of all the issues confronting that agency, such as low morale, poor welfare, poor infrastructure, poor training, poor welfare, etc, religious adornment should be the priority of the Inspector-General of Police.
The police should focus on combating crime, improve citizens engagement and help guaranty safety of lives and property. The religious preferences of policemen and women should be their private matters”.
The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority OYRTMA has condemned news flying around on a renowned online news media where it was alleged of corrupt practices in it’s operations.
This was contained in a statement made available today by the Agency as read in part:
“Our attention has been drawn to a news publication making the rounds on social media with allegations that the Authority receives fines into private company’s account, credited to one Oluseye Ojo.
“While we appreciate the writer for showing concerns about the operations of the Authority, we berate his article for lack of merit as he relied solely on the reports of a known serial traffic offender and political opposition figure, one Mr. Arisekola Ojo who is bent on tarnishing not only the hard earned reputation of the Authority but that of the Oyo State Government.
“Ordinarily, we would not have responded to such cheap blackmail but for the sake of unsuspecting members of the public, this rejoinder becomes imperative for outright rebuttal of Mr. Oluseye’s baseless and unsubstantiated claims.
“For public knowledge, our investigations has revealed that the said offender, Mr. Arisekola Ojo is known to be a perpetual lawbreaker who has been arrested severally by road traffic officials for contravening numerous traffic laws and stipulations such as disobeying traffic light, taking one-way route among others. His recklessness on the road in recent past, our investigations revealed has caused road traffic accidents that inflicted severe injuries to other road users. His inability to disavow the offence for which his vehicle was earlier today impounded further proves that he is an adamant road traffic offender.
“Therefore, it is only shocking that an acclaimed journalist of repute like Mr. Oluseye Ojo who had more than thrice in the past capitulated on his relationship with the Authority to seek for release of impounded vehicles for which the Executive Chairman had to personally pay the fines, could easily be used for pecuniary gains to peddle such unsubstantiated claims against an Agency with which he shares a personal relationship and enjoy unfettered access to its leadership throughout its chain of command.
“Albeit the Authority is unperturbed by these allegations, it is crucial we state in unequivocal terms that in accordance with Section 17(N) of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority Law, 2009 as amended is empowered to “enter into agreement(s) with any person or Corporate Organizations for the supply, construction, CAPACITY BUILDING, manufacture, maintenance or repair of any property whether moveable or immovable, WHICH IS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE AUTHORITY”.
“This is the constitutional clause with which some local Governments explored in synergizing with the Authority as shown in the document attached below.
“These Local Governments, as evidenced below, employ the services of private towing trucks to carry out their operations and as such, fines are paid to the government coffers and service charges to the designated accounts of the towing companies.
“While the Authority under the Executive Chairman, Mogaji Akin Fagbemi Ph.D operates an open-door policy that entertains public complaints from over 7million residents of Oyo State in order to improve service delivery, we frown at fabricated stories capable of misleading the public particularly by jounalists yawning for cheap popularity by tapping from the good name of the Authority and Government particularly as we gradually gravitate toward political season in the country”.
