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Doctors’ strike: Gbajabiamila visits NARD’s Secretariat

For the first time in the history of Government/Labour Industrial dispute resolution, the leadership of the House of Representatives led by Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, has met with the leadership of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) at the association’s secretariat over the strike action declared by the doctors.

The Speaker said the leadership coming to the secretariat to hold the meeting was to appreciate the respect and understanding the association had shown for the Speaker and the House to suspend the strike to allow for the resolution of the issues.

He said: “The decision to visit you is a clear message that we are with you because the role of doctors cannot be understated and to thank you for calling off the strike because of what we have done.

“We are here to encourage and thank you for calling off the strike and give you assurances that the House will be there with you, talking with the executive on what needs to be done”.

In its determination to proffer an enduring resolution of contending issues with resident doctors in the country, the leadership of the House of Representatives will next week invite the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, over the issue of industrial action by the doctors, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila disclosed on Tuesday.

According to Gbajabiamila, the meeting will be over how to secure the commitment of the Minister to the execution of the Memorandum of Action entered into between the government and members of NARD.

The Speaker, while meeting with the executive of the NARD led by the President, Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, at the association’s secretariat in Abuja, assured that the House would ensure an amicable and acceptable resolution of the contentious hazard allowance issue among others.

Recall that the resident doctors had suspended the industrial action that began on April 1, 2021, after 10 days of its commencement.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker noted that though it was impossible to accommodate the hazard allowance in the 2021 National Budget, the House would ensure that it was included in the supplementary budget.

While commending the doctors for suspending the strike on the request of the House, the Speaker said, “Even the constitution talks about essential services, but there’s nothing as essential a service than that which seeks to save and protect lives.”

Saying that the House believes that “the labourer must earn his wages,” Gbajabiamila said “We’ll monitor issues being processed, the IPPIS, training fund, hazard allowances which the House championed at the peak of the Covid-19 crisis.

“All the issues will be addressed. We’re looking to come to a reasonable and acceptable hazard allowance as well as the training fund, which when the supplementary budget is introduced, we hope and expect to justify why this should be accommodated

“I think it was an oversight in the last budget, but we will do everything we need to do to see how we can capture that.

“We are inviting Finance Minister next week so that we can talk and see how as best as we can accommodate all these issues and cement the Memorandum of Action”.

On why the leadership of the House had to visit the NARD secretariat for the meeting, the Speaker said it was to appreciate the respect and understanding the association has shown for the Speaker and the House to suspend the strike to allow for the resolution of the issues.

He said: “The decision to visit you is a clear message that we are with you because the role of doctors cannot be understated and to thank you for calling off the strike because of what we have done.

“We are here to encourage and thank you for calling off the strike and give you assurances that the House will be there with you, talking with the executive on what needs to be done”.

Earlier, the president of the association, Okhuaihesuyi, who expressed appreciation for the visit, said the strike was called off on the heels of the intervention of the Speaker and the House.

While thanking the Speaker for all his previous interventions, he noted that the association has entered into a Memorandum of Action with the Executive and work has commenced on some of the issues.

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Ondo State Government embarks on construction of Ikaram-Akunu Akoko road

The construction of the 8.625km Ikaram-Akunu road in Akoko Northwest local government by the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration has almost reached the completion stage.

Governor Akeredolu flagged off the construction of the road during his 3rd Anniversary in office in February 2020 after many years of neglect.

The road was last constructed 18 years ago during the administration of the late former Governor Adebayo Adefarati.

The Ikaram-Akunu road is the nerve that connects the North and the Southwest, as people coming from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Osun states and even Ondo State to Lokoja in Kogi state ply the road.

The Commissioner for Lands and Infrastructure, Engr. Raimi Olayiwola Aminu said the road is being constructed to specification to accommodate heavy-duty vehicles and for it to stand the test of time.

Speaking during an inspection of the project, Engr. Aminu expressed satisfaction with the level of work done, adding that the contractor is still working within the time frame given.

The Lands and Infrastructure Commissioner noted that the concrete work is almost completed, saying there are hydraulic structures of various sizes.

“The base course used is not laterite, it is a crushed stone base. We specifically designed that for this road because of the expected volume of traffic on the road after completion.

“If not the temporary blockage at Ikare axis, articulated vehicles like Dangote trucks and other of that nature would have been passing through the road. But we cannot stop them. That is why we prepared it in such a way it can accommodate such vehicles transversing the road.

“So, it is one of the best roads we can see in this area or the southwest. The road is in three segments. We have the Akunnu-Ikaram axis of about 8.625km. We Akunnu-Ikaram-Oke-Agbe axis which is 7km and we have some sections of the township roads which is 1km. The total kilometres of the project is 18.625km.

“From the explanation given by the contractor, he promised to deliver between one to two months. But we will prefer the two months because of the nature of the outstanding job. We have even rushed the contractor more than necessary. Secondly, we are approaching the rainy season which will slow them down a bit. So, all these factors ought to be put into consideration.

“The road is one of the major roads own by the government. It is the nerve connecting Ondo State and the Northern part of the country. Anybody going to Abuja, Kabba, Okene, Lokoja from any part of the South West, this is the road they always pass through.

“Also, there is a very thick population in this area which is in the northern senatorial district of the state. They deserve the road and that is why Governor Akeredolu gave it to them.“ Engr. Raimi said.

He recalled that when the road was flagged off, many people believed that it was an election gimmick, adding that despite the paucity of fund everywhere, Governor Akeredolu has decided to construct the road.

Earlier, the contractor Engineer, Engr. Edgard Barakat of the CARREGGIATA Nigeria Limited said the project will be delivered between one and two months.

“As regards the quality of the project, engineers from the Ministry of Lands and Infrastructure are always with us to monitor the asphalt laying. They are making sure that the temperature is correct. They are also monitoring the mixing at our quarry which is very close to the site here. We are working within our best to deliver between one or two months but I hope that we will deliver within one month.“ He said.

Similarly, the Project Consultant, Engr Kasali Adebayo Shittu explained that the contractor is currently working on the pavement, adding that the pavement consists of sub-base and stone-base.

He said the contractor is seriously working and has assured that the section of the project will be completed within a month or two.

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Ramadan: Gov. Makinde felicitates Muslims

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has felicitated with Muslims in the state for witnessing the commencement of yet another Ramadan fasting.

The governor, in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, urged Islamic faithful to pray relentlessly during the fasting period and specifically ask the Almighty Allah to show mercy on the people.

He said that Muslims must embrace the piety demanded of them during the Ramadan and ask Allah to put an end to novel Covid 19 which is ravaging the whole world.

He also enjoined Muslims in the state to use the month-long fasting period to pray for peace of the State and the Country at large.

According to him, sacrifice and increased prayers are important and critical at this time, when the world is fighting a vicious Coronavirous pandemic. According to him: “It was regretabble that Muslims in the state and across the country cannot observe the Ramadan the way they have been used to over the years, the situation should only be seen as part of the sacrifice we all have to make at this time.”

He added : I am aware our Muslim brothers have been told that they would not be able to gather for Tafsir, Iftar and Tarawih prayers during the month-long Ramadan, due to the restrictions brought upon us all by the Covid 19 pandemic.

“I enjoin you all to see this as a reflection of the sober mood the world has been thrown into as a result of the pandemic.

“Please use the opportunity of this month of blessings to seek Allah’s forgiveness to make the pandemic a thing of the past.

He also admonished Muslims to tune their minds to the messages of love, brotherliness and peaceful co-existence inherent in the messages of the Holy Prophet, while also being their brothers’ keepers.

The statement further read: “As our Muslim brothers and sisters are expected to adhere strictly to abstinence from food and other things during the month of Ramadan, I wish to enjoin them to extend their hands of fellowship to other fellow Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

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JUST IN: Gunmen kidnap 3 women on Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road

Kidnappers struck again, on Monday morning, at Onipe Community, on Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road, abducting three women.

The victims are Mrs Okeowo, Mrs Abosede Adebayo and Mrs Bola Ogunrinde.

Mrs Ogunrinde, suspected to be a military officer, was said to have driven a Toyota RAV-4, with registration number AGL 66 FY.

ODUDUWA NEWS learnt that the armed kidnappers jumped on the road from the bush around Onipe Community, at about 8:20 a.m, shooting sporadically, and went away with the victims to an unknown destination.

It was further learnt that when the case was reported at Idi Ayunre police station, the Divisional Police Officer, who led a patrol team, was joined by the Officer-in-Charge of Anti-Kidnapping Unit and his team, operatives of Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), local hunters and vigilante group members, and had been combing the bush since the incident occurred, with the aim of rescuing the victims and arresting the kidnappers.

It will be noted that the abductors had recently switched to the road to operate, and had carried out at least two operations.

They had kidnapped three quarry site workers and a female commuter, on April 6, while the police secured their freedom, on April 9.

Also, on March 15, the kidnappers struck at Ibuso Gbooro, close to Dally Junction, by a quarry site, and abducted two bank officials, two commuters and a palm wine tapper.

When contacted, the police spokesman in the state, DSP Adewale Osifeso confirmed the story, saying that the combined teams of AKS, Idi Ayunre Division, other tactical teams, as well as local hunters and vigilante group, had been active on the trail of the gunmen.

Osifeso added that the security agents were making efforts to rescue the victims and arrest the suspects.

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Oyo PDP calls for reconciliation of aggrieved members as Arapaja emerges S’west zonal chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Oyo State chapter, has congratulated the winner of the party’s just concluded south west zonal congress which held on Monday 12th of April in Osogbo, Osun state capital, and declared that the victory of Amb Taofeek Arapaja is a victory for PDP and and a step ahead in improving on internal democracy within the party in Nigeria.

The statement maintained that the outcome of the party’s congress is a “win win” for both Arapaja and Olafeso stressing that there is no loser in the end of the exercise as Arapaja’s victory remains a win for PDP as a party.

The party commended Governor Seyi Makinde for the deployment of his exceptional political skills to ensure the victory of the former deputy governor of Oyo state as the new PDP Chairman, south west zone.

The ruling party in Oyo state in a congratulatory message contained in a press statement signed by its state Publicity Secretary, Engr Akeem Olatunji, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday 13th of April, described the show of brotherhood displayed by Governor Seyi Makinde and former governor Ayo Fayose at the congress venue in Osogbo, the capital city of Osun state as ‘unprecedented and remarkable’.

The party also commended Amb Arapaja’s fellow contender, Eddy Olafeso for his genuine display of true sportsmanship before and after the congress, and urged party members in the state and across SW zone to emulate and imbibe such spirit as the party commences the process of genuine reconciliation and rebuilding.

The statement reads: “We want to use this opportunity to congratulate Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja on his well deserved victory at the just concluded PDP South West Zonal Congress which held in Osogbo, Osun state capital.

“Efforts of our very own ‘GSM’ Governor Seyi Makinde as the leader of PDP in Oyo state and the south west zone in ensuring that Oyo state candidate at the just concluded South West Zonal congress, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja who is also a former deputy governor of Oyo state and former Nigeria’s ambassador to the republic of Jordan, is immeasurable and will go down history lane as another landmark achievements.

“It is noteworthy to emphasize that despite the differences between the two revered leaders and contenders at the south west zonal congress, our detractors and opponents in other political parties expected a rancorous outcome which in their imaginations would polarize our great party along interests line but with such display of exceptional leadership by both Governor Makinde and former governor Ayo Fayose in a genuine brotherly embrace at the congress.

“Both Amb Arapaja and Olafeso are not new in the politics of Nigeria having held several positions both in politics and government at various times in the past therefore, reaffirming our faith and trust in their vast experiences to genuinely reconcile all aggrieved members within the party across the south west zone in order to forge a more united and stronger front which will properly position PDP to take over reins of power from the ruling APC come 2023.

“As the ruling party in Oyo state under the able leadership of our ‘Mr Talk and Do’ governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, we are not unmindful of the fact that as members of one large family, there are some of our brothers and sisters with grievances but with such loud statement made by our leaders, Ayo Fayose and GSM at the congress in Osogbo, we are undoubtedly on the path of genuine reconciliation and rebuilding.

“We therefore, urge our party members who may be aggrieved for whatever reasons to sheath their sword and join hands with Governor Makinde and Amb Arapaja to rebuild and reposition our great party for greater electoral success in future.

“It is unfortunate for our detractors in the opposition parties with particular interest in dividing us using the instrumentality of personal interests as against collective will and party supremacy, but with genuine love, dedication and commitment to the will of our great party as shown by our leaders, we have further shown that PDP is ready to become the ruling party at the federal government level come 2023.

“We therefore commend the entire PDP leadership in Oyo state for aligning with the vision of Governor Makinde to reposition the state and make it first among firsts by providing maximum support for the present government under the governor’s able leadership.

“As a party, we will always endeavor to take every available opportunity to deepen the tenets of internal democracy within our party and give every member equal and adequate sense of belonging as we are well known for.

“We sincerely thank Governor Seyi Makinde, former governor Ayo Fayose, Amb Taofeek Arapaja, Eddy Olafeso, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Governor Segun Oni, Dr Saka Balogun, Mr Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) Chief Bode George, Senator Abiodun Olujimi, Senator Hosea Agboola, Hon Dayo Ogungbenro, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, Hon Dare Adeleke, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja and all our elders and leaders in PDP for showing and setting us on the path of genuine reconciliation, rebuilding, and party repositioning, and we say for the sake of emphasis, the time for genuine reconciliation and rebuilding is now.

“Congratulations to the new Peoples Democratic Party South West Zone Executives.”

  1. Chairman- Amb. Taofeek Arapaja.
  2. Secretary – Chief Rahman Owokoniran.
  3. Treasurer- Mr Samson Omotoyosi. .
  4. Organizing Secretary- Barr. Amuwa Benson.
  5. Publicity Secretary- Chief Olusanya Atofarati.
  6. Financial Secretary – Mr Adewoyin Rasaq
  7. Legal Adviser- Barr. Gbenga Kukoyi.
  8. Auditor- Dr. Adeola Adewumi.
  9. Women Leader- Alh. Modinat Adedibu.
  10. Youth Leader- Mr Bamidele Seyi Abiola.
  11. Zonal Ex.Officio- Adeola Santos.
  12. Zonal Ex.Officio- Modupe Adetokunbo.
  13. Zonal Ex.Officio- Araoye Sikiru.
  14. Zonal Ex.Officio- Olugbenga Idowu.
  15. Zonal Ex.Officio- Segun Adewale Aeroland.
  16. Zonal Ex.Officio- Lanre Fajuyi. &
    Natl Ex.Officio- Olakunle Paul.
    Natl Ex.Officio- David Kolawole Vaughan.
    Natl Ex.Officio- Ogunrinde Emmanuel.
    Natl Ex- Faboyede Clement.
    Natl Ex- Taiwo Kabiru.
    Natl Ex- Oluwakemi Olayiwola.
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Gov. Oyetola greets Osun Muslims as Ramadan commences

Governor of The State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, has sent greetings to Muslim faithful in the State and around the world as they commence the 1442 AH Ramadan fasting, following the sighting of the moon.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan in Osogbo, the State capital, on Monday, Oyetola who described the month of Ramadan as a period of spiritual uplift and complete devotion to Allah, encouraged Muslims to take advantage of the Holy month to strengthen their commitment to the service of Allah and humanity.

He was however quick to remind the people to “take cognisance of the fact that Coronavirus is still here with us”, and appealed to them to continue to observe safety protocols at places of worship and ensure they use their nose masks.

Oyetola further said: “I congratulate Muslim faithful in Osun and around the globe for witnessing yet another blessed month of Ramadan. We thank Allah who has made this possible.

“As we all know, Ramadan is a period of spiritual uplift and complete devotion to Almighty Allah. We must therefore, take advantage of this Holy month to strengthen our commitment to the service of Allah and humanity.

“We must also endeavour to increase our acts of kindness and generosity by showing love and extending hands of support to the poor and the needy, as it was the usual practice of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

“I pray to Allah to accept all our acts of worship in this blessed month and reward us all abundantly.”

The governor also urged Muslims and Nigerians in general to seize the opportunity of the Holy month to intensify prayers for the continued peace, progress and development of
Osun in particular and Nigeria in general.

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Crescent moon sighted as Saudi Arabia, 9 others declare Ramadan begins tommorow

Green Lane Masjid in Birmingham, 7 other countries confirmed the start of Ramadan following an announcement from Saudi Arabia. Ramadan has been announced for 2021 with the first fast to take place on April 13.

Officials said the majority of Muslims follow announcements from Saudi Arabia, UAE, with at least 7 other countries following suite. Others yet to announce are waiting for verified moon sightings from the UK, Morocco, or elsewhere, so Ramadan can vary by a day or so.

Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC), in Small Heath, Birmingham – the main organiser of the annual Eid celebrations in Birmingham – is among those following the Saudi announcements.

GLMCC said in a statement: “The moon has been sighted which means that Ramadan will commence tomorrow, Tuesday 13th April 2021.

Traditionally, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia observe the holy month on the same dates, while Oman’s religious authority calls Ramadan independently of the rest of the Arabian Gulf.

This difference in dates has been going on for many years but has now come to a point where experts are calling for an end to ‘moon wars’ with the setting up of a UK moon sighting board.

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Lagos Govt set to clamp down on owners of dilapidated buildings, issues 7-day quit notice to occupants

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has issued a seven-day quit notice to the owner and occupants of a dilapidated structure used for both commercial and residential purpose at 2, Brown Street, off Bolade Bus-Stop, Oshodi, after several quit and removal notices had been served to the building without compliance.

The General Manager of LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, in a statement issued by the Agency, said that the quit notice became necessary based on a thorough Structural Integrity/Stability Test (SIT) carried out on the building by a team of LASBCA experts and its sister Agency, Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory.

According to him, the report of the SIT indicated that the building is gravely distressed and a disaster waiting to happen, hence, the need for urgent removal of the structure to prevent loss of lives and property.

Oki advised the traders/residents of the structure to vacate the building for their own good before Thursday, 15th April 2021, to allow the Agency remove the building, stressing that the State government has zero tolerance for building collapse in order to ensure the safety of all residents in Lagos.

He maintained that the government will not fold its arms and watch a highly distressed structure of that magnitude collapse, thereby endangering the lives of the occupants and residents in the area without taking necessary action, reiterating that the State government is committed to protecting the lives and property of its citizens.

The General Manager further enjoined the people to support the government by reporting any distressed and non-conforming building in their vicinity to any LASBCA district office nearest to them, as this will help reduce the rate of building collapse to the barest minimum in the State.

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S’West PDP Congress: Hoodlums arrested with pump action linked to party chieftain

ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that some hoodlums suspected to be linked to a chieftain of PDP in Oyo State, Chief Bisi Olopoeyan have been arrested by security agencies.

It was learnt that the suspected hoodlums while being queried by security agencies confessed to have been ordered by Olopoeyan to disrupt the South-West PDP zonal congress holding currently in Osogbo.

It will be recalled that the battle for the Southwest PDP Zonal Chairman is between the camp of ex-Ekiti governor, Ayodele Fayose and Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

It should be noted that Chief Olopoeyan has been at loggerheads with Governor Seyi Makinde since inception of his administration claiming several times that he has been sidelined from his government. Based on this disposition, Olopoeyan said to have pitched tent with the Fayose camp in the ongoing PDP Southwest Zonal Congress in Osogbo.

ODUDUWA NEWS learnt that the thugs led by their leader identified as Olowoposi were rounded up by the Police in Osogbo with guns and charms found in their possession.

As at the time of filing this report, the Police have taken the suspects to their custody for further investigation.

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