Workers’ Day: NLC calls on FG to be proactive on security, vows to resist proposed bill on minimum wage

As today marks the celebration of Workers Day across Nigeria, the NLC in Oyo state have urged the federal government to find last solution to insecurity in the country.

The NLC chairman in Oyo State, Mr Kayode Martins, called on the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to kidnappings, banditry, insurgence, and terrorism rocking the entire country.

His response was supported by the National President of the Labour Union.

The president, Ayuba Wabba and the TUC counterpart, Quadri Olaleye vowed to resist attempt to remove the minimum wage from the Exclusive list to the Concurrent list.

The lamented that quality wages have been an issue in the face of the rising cost of living.

Wabba said though negotiation has been concluded some states two years ago, they are yet to conclude negotiations on the consequential increase in salaries.
He noted that the national minimum wages serve as social protection by providing a minimum income floor to safeguard low earners.

He lamented that there are attempts by a section of Nigeria’s ruling class to kill the National Minimum Wage by removing it as an item from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.

Breaking: Police Arrest Pro-Yoruba Nation’s Rally Organizers in Abeokuta

ODUDUWA NEWS has just gathered that the Officers of the Nigerian Police Force from the Ogun State Police Command, on Saturday waylaid, and arrested 25 members of Ilana Omo Oodua as they were preparing for a peaceful rally in solidarity with the actualisation of Yoruba Nation in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Ilana Omo Oodua, under the leadership of
a renowned Historian, Emeritus Professor Banji Akintoye, is the umbrella body of all the Yoruba Self-Determination Groups within and beyond the shores of Nigeria.

According to several eyewitnesses who prefered anonymity, the Yoruba Activists, arrested and packed inside a Black Maria, are currently being detained at the Headquarters of the Ogun State Police Command in Abeokuta.

In an electronic statement sent to News Men on Saturday morning, the Media and Communications Secretary of Ilana Omo Oodua, Maxwell Adeleye, gave the names of some of those arrested as Comrade Wasiu Iyanda, Comrade Makanjuola Adigun, and 23 others.

“This is to let the general public know that the centrally-controlled Officers of the Nigerian Police have arrested 25 of our Comrades as they were preparing for the Pro-Yoruba Nation’s rally scheduled to hold today in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

“The arrested Yoruba Patroits were picked up in a commando style in front of the Alake Of Egba’s Palace in Abeokuta, the state capital by over 200 Armed-To-Teeth Officers of the Nigerian Police.

“We want to put it on record that those arrested did not commit any crime, rather, they are being vilified and harassed for exercising their rights to self-determination and peaceful assembly.

“We at Ilana Omo Oodua, renowned for peace and respect for the rules of law, are demanding for the unconditional release of our members with immediate effect or else, there will be mass actions against the Nigerian Police across Yoruba Land commencing from tomorrow.

“We also call on the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to ensure that his state is not used to oppress the Yoruba people in any manner. We want Mr. Governor to remember that whatever happens today becomes history tomorrow”, the statement, concluded.

We sacked Oba Otudeko, Ibukun Awosika, others from Firstbank because of insubordination – CBN

The Central Bank Governor of Nigeria CBN, Godwin Emefiele has explained the reasons behind the suspension of Chairman First Bank Holdings, Oba Otudeko, CEO of First Bank, Ibukun Awosika and others.

The governor explained in a statement released to news men which reads in part:

“I spoke to Dr. Oba Otudeko; he refused to grant my entreaties. I had cause to call two of his major shareholders to ask him to ask the board not to take such decisions without the approval of the CBN, but he refused to pick the calls of these shareholders who are co-owners of the bank.
“I called him a second time and heard one of the shareholders listening to me on another line, begging Dr. Otudeko that he should not take that decision, he insisted on taking that decision.
“We hung up the phone and I sent that shareholder back to the office of Mr. Oba Otudeko to appeal to him to please suspend the decision to remove the MD. He refused to see the shareholder.
“I feel we had done our best and that we would not allow a shareholder who feels that he cannot subject himself to regulatory control and authority to remain as a director of the bank.
“So, we didn’t have any choice but to take this decision.
As we speak, the chairman of the bank was queried, Ibukun Awosika, we are yet to receive any response. In any case, I would imagine that response is no longer necessary.”

EFCC Arrests 33 Suspected Yahoo Boys in Abeokuta

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC has arrested 33 suspected internet fraudsters in Abeokuta.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted the spokesman as saying that the suspects were arrested by the operatives of EFCC on Tuesday at Adigbe, Oloke, Ibara Housing Estate Extension, and Idi Ori areas of Abeokuta.

He said that the arrest, followed actionable intelligence earlier received on their alleged criminal activities of the suspects.

Uwujaren said that items recovered from the suspects include: 18 cars, mobile phones, laptops, and several other incriminating documents.

He said that the suspects would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Oyo Govt Opens Portal For Registration of Youths in Agricbusiness – Here is How To Apply

The Oyo State Government has launched a portal for the registration of Youth Enterpreneurship in Agricbusiness Project. The release made available to news men inviting applications from the public read as thus:

“A major setback of most Agricultural Development programmes across the Country is the failure of Government at all levels to integrate the youths into the mainstream of their numerous Agricultural initiatives.

“To this end, the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, OYSADA is requesting for APPLICATIONS from the youth to participate in the Oyo State Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project, YEAP. This is open to Youth between 25-35years old as well as Tertiary Institutions Graduates who are residing in Oyo State. Application closes on the 9th May, 2021.

Here is the
Application link: https://ats.oyostate.gov.ng/oyosada/yeap/apply

“The Oyo State Youth Entrepreneurship in
Agribusiness Project (YEAP) aims to pursue inclusive agribusiness training for empowering
the youths to actively participate and benefit from emerging opportunities and transformation processes across the agricultural value chain.

“Successful applicants who are facing the challenge of unemployment will be provided with the appropriate agribusiness skills, mentorship, and business startup support via training and hands-on demonstrations.

“The project aims at attaining wealth creation and poverty reduction by building entrepreneurship capacity, creating support linkages, and added value for youths (at least 30% females) within the State”.

Gov. Makinde talks tough on contractors who failed to deliver projects, vows to recover State’s money

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, said, on Friday, that his administration will recover every Kobo of Oyo State’s money in the hands of contractors who failed to deliver on projects.
The governor gave the assurance during an inspection tour of the newly renovated Jericho Nursing Home, Jericho,  Ibadan. He said that he will never allow any fund belonging to Oyo State to be frittered away, adding that he will go after contractors who failed to deliver on assigned projects.A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that  his administration will ensure the people of the state get the desired value for their money.
The governor stated that the previous contractor handling the project did not complete the work, a development, which, he said, was “unacceptable by this administration.”
He said: “Every kobo of Oyo State money that people have taken without delivering value to the people, they will give it back to us.”

Makinde, however, maintained that he is satisfied with the level of on-going renovation work at the hospital by the present administration.
The governor further said: “Well, for the ones that we did, yes I am satisfied. But the previous contractor, we can all see, did not finish the work. We went round to look at the transformer but it is not yet energised and it is just really unacceptable. People may think we are not going to go after them but I can give you the assurance that we will.”
The governor explained that the purpose of the inspection was to examine the renovation work at the hospital and to see some of the challenges being faced by the staff of the hospital.

“Basically, I am here to see the renovation work that has gone on in here and also listen to them about the challenges they are having. As you probably must have known, health is one of the major pillars of this administration. 
“So, we have to keep working to ensure that the health care in Oyo State is well delivered,” Makinde stated.

Sexual Assault: Lagos Govt says Baba Ijesha liable to face life imprisonment if convicted

The alleged sexual assault case battling with by the ace Nollywood actor, Lanre Omirinde popularly known as Baba Ijesha has been said to have generated alot of controversies across all the divides.

It should be recalled that the Nollywood industry has also been divided over the alleged sexual assault case levelled against Baba Ijesha as some have pitched their tent in support while some have lent their voices against the popular actor.

Earlier today, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team has waded into the sexual assault allegation against Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, also known as Baba Ijesha.

Baba Ijesha who is currently in police custody is accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.

In a statement shared by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Lagos, Gboyega Akosile, the LSDSVRT revealed the possible charges Baba Ijesha could face if legal action is carried out against him.

The statement read, “This is to inform members of the public that the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Team is actively following up on the Baba ljesha’s case, we are also in direct contact with the complainant with a view to providing the necessary support.

“We confirm that the duplicate case file has been forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. For the avoidance of doubt, the following allegations are being considered:

“Sexual Assault by Penetration- S 261 of the Criminal law of Lagos State, 2015 punishable by Life imprisonment.

“Attempted Sexual Assault by Penetration-S262 of the Criminal law, punishable by 14 years imprisonment.

“Sexual Assault-S263 of the Criminal Law, punishable by 3 years imprisonment (4) Indecent treatment of a child- S135 of the Criminal Law punishable by 7 years imprisonment.

“We have absolute confidence in the criminal justice system, as well as social support structures in Lagos State in ensuring justice is served in this matter and most importantly, the survivor receives the relevant support on her journey towards healing.

“We, therefore, use this medium to reiterate Lagos State Government’s position of zero tolerance to all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and our firm commitment to ensuring justice for survivors.”

Oyo Govt To Engage Man ‘O War To Secure Secondary, Primary Schools in Oyo State we

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, said on Thursday that his administration plans to engage officers of the Man O’ War Nigeria to assist in providing security and surveillance for primary and secondary schools in the state.

The governor, who made this known when he received the national executives of the Man O’ War Nigeria on a courtesy visit to his office, explained that the recent trend of kidnapping of students, among other security challenges, has become worrisome.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as urging the organisation to double its efforts at the grassroots in order to be able to contribute its quota to stemming the tide of insecurity in the country.

The governor said: “Man O’ War, as an organisation, I know is trying its best. I can testify to the role Man O’ War played during the elections that I participated in as governorship candidate in 2015 and 2019. So, I will renew my commitment in Man O’ War.

“Yes, the nation is faced with insecurity challenges right now all over the place. We have insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West. We have herders/farmers clash in the North-Central zone of the country. And we thought those were far, remote, but now, they are at our door step. “Here also in Oyo State, we have been dealing with kidnapping, farmers/herders clashes and people have suddenly become temperamental.

“Before now, if you were walking on the street, you would see some issues arise and people would settle them amicably. But now, they will almost kill one another. So, this is a period that Man O’ War will need to double its efforts and look at programmes at the grassroots level where we can project more on the issue of citizenship and leadership for our country.

“In schools, we have discussed with the Honourable Commissioner for Education before now on the issue of security. Some of the schools are not properly fenced; hoodlums hibernate in schools.

“I know they have put together a proposal on fencing and having demarcations for all of the schools but this idea of deployment of Man O’ War for security and surveillance is a welcome idea. We will look at the proposal and we should be engaging either the national or state Command Team to ensure that this can see the light of day and I think it is something that we will do.”

The governor assured the Man O’ War that he will resume his sponsorship of the organisation in his personal capacity.
He said : “I will resume the sponsorship and I am doing this in my personal capacity such that when I am no longer the governor, I will continue to do it.”

The governor also used the occasion to donate two utility vehicles to the Oyo State Command and one to the National Command of the organisation, saying: “Today, Oyo State will donate two utility vehicles to the Man O’ War, Oyo State Command and one to the National Command. “Also, on the request for allocation of the former abandoned FRSC office, I don’t know the state of the facility but we have to talk to the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development. Let me also assure you that Oyo State will look for a suitable place that we can allocate to Oyo State Man O’ War.

“And in terms of the sponsorship of Man O’ War National Camp in August, we will support you both from the government side and privately. I will always be proud of the uniform of the Man O’ War. So, I want to use this opportunity to appreciate you for your support and professionalism. During the 2019 election, you played a stabilising role. You were out there to complement the efforts of other security agencies.”

Ooni of Ife Urges Nigerians to Patronize Locally Made Products to Grow Country’s Economy

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has urged Nigerians to patronize locally made products, stating that such gesture is required to grow the country’s economy.

Ooni Ogunwusi made the call on Thursday at his Ile Oodua Palace Ile-Ife, while playing host to management of Titan Multi-business investment L.t.d.; producers of Titan Rice who were on a courtesy visit to the African foremost monarch to formally invite him as the Special Guest of Honour at the commissioning of the Titan Farms Corporate Head office and rice factory located in Ibadan slated to hold in two months time.

The Ooni who is the Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, commended Titan management for their patriotism and originality, while rendering qualitative services to Nigerians.

“We should commend the management of this great company and other few ones across the country for standing up to the challenges in the competitive market, it is obviously not easy. What I want to encourage our people to do is to patronize this brand and I assure Nigerians that they’ll be proud.” The Ooni said.

Earlier in his address, Founder and the Chief Trader of Titan Multi-business investment, Mr. Gbenga Eyiolawi, thanked the Ooni for the kind words, affirming his organization’s readiness to uphold its efficient service delivery mechanism.

“Baba, let me use this chance to explain that Titan is an agro-commodity processing and trading outfit, buying farm produce directly from Nigerian farms and process them with our partner-mills and processing facilities using their High-Tech equipments in the Northern part of the country.

“These processed goods are packaged in our brand and sold directly to distributors across South West Nigeria.

“Pioneer of such goods is our rice brand known as Titan Rice which is produced and packaged in the North and then sold in the south. We started recently and presently have presence in Oyo,Osun,Ogun and Kwara states.

“We do not compete with existing brands as we offer something more unique than others giving priority to our distributors and end users. Titan Rice comes in 50kg,25kg,10kg and 5kg and we pride ourself in the fact that our rice stone free, clean,polished and sweet with less starch content.

“We are able to achieve this through diligent and extensive research and development as we have food processing specialists in our team. We are confident to say that Titan Rice is the most affordable “Grade A” Nigerian Rice.

“We also have Titan Vegetable Oil which is launching into the markets this November. It is going to be of high quality as we only produce and sell premium affordable products.” He stated.

Accepting the invitation, Ooni Ogunwusi pledged his readiness to grace the commissioning ceremony as invited.

Sexual Assault: Police confirms Baba Ijesha is in its custody, says his offence remains bailable

Hakeem Odumosu, the Lagos state commissioner of police (CP), says the offence of Baba Ijesha, the Yoruba actor who admitted to assaulting a 14-year-old girl, remains bailable, unlike rape cases.

A video had earlier surfaced in which the suspect confessed to molesting the minor both when she was seven and 14.

Iyabo Ojo, Nollywood actress, and Comedian Princess, the victim’s foster mother, had protested an alleged plan to release Baba Ijesha as many other prominent figures took to social media to air condemnatory remarks on his action.

Odumosu spoke of the case on Thursday while parading suspects at the police headquarters in Lagos.

The commissioner said Baba Ijesha would remain in custody pending legal advice from the ministry of justice.

Odumosu added that all parties, including the victim and the accused, had been interviewed at the police command on Wednesday.

“You don’t do trial on pages of the newspaper. There are two cases involved in the Baba Ijebu case: he was alleged seven years ago to have defiled a girl and the girl is now 14 years,” the commissioner said.

“At that time, no complaint was made, but last week, a video went viral where he was arrested for sexual assault.

“When a man touches a woman where he is not supposed to, without authority and consent, that is what is called sexual assault. That is exactly what is there. He admitted that he actually assaulted.”

Although Odumosu noted that Baba Ijesha’s offence remains bailable, he was quoted as saying that concerns about possible defilement have been subjected to “thorough investigation”.

“The case of defilement added to it is still under thorough investigation. Sexual assault is a bailable offence, it is not like rape. For three hours yesterday (Wednesday), they were all with me,” the commissioner said.

“I interviewed all of them, including the girl that was allegedly assaulted, the mother of the girl, and Baba Ijesha.

“We have compiled the case and sent it to the DPP, office of the attorney general, and commissioner for justice, Lagos, for legal advice. Based on legal advice, action will be taken. For now, Baba Ijesha is still in our custody.”

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