Oduduwa News

The Governor of the State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Wednesday took the AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine at the Government House, Osogbo.

The vaccine was administered on the Governor by the Chief Medical Director, Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Prof. Peter Olaitan.

The vaccine was also administered on the Wife of the Governor, Kafayat, and the Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Alabi, and some senior officials of the government.

Recall that the State on Tuesday evening formally received 64,240 doses of AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine.

The State government had earlier administered the doses of the vaccine on the frontline medical personnel in line with the protocol and schedule by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.

Speaking at the event, Governor Oyetola said the decision to be part of the first set of citizens to take the vaccine was to build confidence in the public, particularly citizens and residents of the State, that the vaccine is safe.

The Governor noted that the move was also aimed to demonstrate leadership after some of the frontline medical personnel had been vaccinated accordingly.

“As a State, we recorded our first Covid-19 case in March last year, March 25h, to be precise. At first we were frightened.

“We were frightened not because we have no competent hands in our health sector to manage the situation, but largely because of the challenge of paucity of funds.

“Today, I am happy to report that we have given the fight a good shot, notwithstanding the obvious challenges.

“On this note, I want to single out our health workers for their untiring efforts at containing the spread of the virus. We will not relent until we defeat the virus in our State.

“Like I promised yesterday, I have just received my first jab of the vaccine as a demonstration of leadership after some of our frontline medical personnel had been vaccinated in line with the protocol and schedule by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.

“With this, we are beginning to see the end of Covid-19. I encourage Osun citizens and residents to register and present themselves for vaccination”, he said.

The Governor who urged the residents to make themselves available and get vaccinated warned that the move was necessary as part of efforts to permanently eliminate the virus.

He said the administration would do everything possible to treasure the vaccine and ensure its judicious use.

He urged them to always adhere strictly to safety protocols and guidelines as the second wave of the virus is still tormenting the entire world.

“We must however be reminded that taking the vaccine does not mean throwing away the non-pharmaceutical Covid-19 protocols.

“We would like our people to know that Coronavirus is our common enemy. It poses a threat to our lives and livelihood. We therefore, appeal to our citizens and the general public to cooperate with us to tame this deadly virus by not only presenting themselves for vaccination, but by also observing the protocols even after being vaccinated.

“It is not time yet to throw away our Face Masks. It is not yet time to stop washing our hands regularly with soap and water. We will continue to insist on observance of all of them.

“We will as a government enforce them so that in the end, we will all be happy for it. We put ourselves, our families and livelihood in jeopardy when we pander to ignorance and play politics with a life-snuffing virus.

“Let me at this juncture commend our President, Muhammadu Buhari, for providing the right leadership which has helped other States, including our State, to demonstrate capacity to rise to the occasion in our collective efforts to wage the desired war against Covid-19.

“Like I did yesterday, I want to reassure our people that the Sixty-Four Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty doses of the Vaccine we received yesterday will be put into judicious use for the benefit of our people”, Oyetola added.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Pharm. Siji Olamijulo, lauded Governor Oyetola for his keen interest in the good health of the citizens.

He urged residents not to panic or express uncertainty on the administration of the vaccine just as he assured the residents of its safety.

He said the vaccine is like other vaccines as it has no adverse health effect.

The leadership of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) have agreed to stage a Nationwide protest today Wednesday 10th March, to demonstrate their discontent about the plan by the National Assembly to remove Minimum wage from the Exclusive Legislative list.

In a statement on Tuesday, the NLC said the protest will hold in the 36 states’ Houses of Assembly.

The leadership of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) have agreed to stage a Nationwide protest today Wednesday 10th March, to demonstrate their discontent about the plan by the National Assembly to remove Minimum wage from the Exclusive Legislative list.

In a statement on Tuesday, the NLC said the protest will hold in the 36 states’ Houses of Assembly.

It added the protest will start from the Unity Fountain Abuja at 7:30 am to the National Assembly complex.

According to a communiqué jointly signed by NLC President, Ayuba Wabba and the acting General Secretary of the NLC, Ismail Bello, the bill is an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s working class.

“The NEC decided that there will be a national protest action commencing from March 10, 2021, in the Federal Capital Territory and especially to the National Assembly.

“The NEC decided that should the need arise, it has empowered the National Administrative Council of the NLC to declare and enforce a national strike action, especially if the legislators continue on the ruinous path of moving the national minimum wage from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent legislative list,” NLC stated.

ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that the OGUN State House of Assembly on Tuesday unanimously elected a member representing Ogun Waterside State Constituency, Balogun Akeem, as the new Deputy Speaker.

Balogun’s emergence followed the removal of the former deputy speaker, Oludare Kadiri, who represents Ijebu-North II State Constituency, for gross misconduct.

Balogun became the new Deputy Speaker sequel to his nomination by a member representing Remo North State Constituency, Solomon Osho. The motion was seconded by the member, Ijebu-North East constituency, Abayomi Fasuwa; and was unanimously adopted by lawmakers present during plenary.

Earlier, the Clerk and Head of Legislative Service, Mr. Deji Adeyemo presented a report on the vacancy in the office of the Deputy Speaker.

Balogun thereafter, took the oaths of office and that of allegiance respectively, which were administered on him by the Clerk.

Recall that last Thursday, the lawmakers impeached the former deputy speaker from office.

Lagos State has received doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines from the Federal Government.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu while speaking at the 2021 International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation held at Police College, Ikeja.

Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the State Government received the vaccines at 4am on Tuesday, noting that the vaccines have been kept in a safe place.

He assured Lagosians that the State government will soon commence the vaccinations in line with the scheduled guidelines laid down by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

Governor Sanwo-Olu also implored Lagosians to continue to keep to all the COVID-19 protocols like wearing of facemasks, washing and sanitising their hands and observing social distance.

Recall that last week, Nigeria took delivery of about four million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines as part of an overall 16 million doses planned to be delivered to the country in batches over the next few months.

The vaccines were provided by COVAX, in an unprecedented global effort to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

President Muhammadu Buhari and his vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday received shots of the COVID-19 vaccines at the State House, Abuja, and since then other eminent Nigerians have also received it.

The Governor of the State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday said his Administration considers education and moral standing as essential tools for building leaders of tomorrow.

He said his government has also given education its prime place in the scheme of things as part of efforts to ensure sustainable development, all-round growth and transformation.

This is even as the Governor laid the foundation stone of the proposed Minaret International University in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the State.

The proposed university is to be established by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria.

Oyetola, who described education and religion as timeless and potent instruments for the development and transformation of society, said his administration has been providing qualitative, functional and affordable education for the children at all levels.

“The expediency of these two tools is even more compelling today that the society requires moral and ethical rebirth. It is therefore heartening that Minaret International University is combining religion and education to build the character of our youths and help them to acquire knowledge to deliver the future that we desire.

“Our Administration considers education and good moral standing as essential tools for building leaders of tomorrow and ensuring sustainable development. Consequently, we have been providing qualitative, functional and affordable education for our children at all levels.

“As proof of our commitment, we have been funding education as appropriate at all levels. For instance, in this year’s budget, the education sector got substantial share as about Eleven Billion Naira, representing 18 percent was allocated to the sector. Interestingly, 15 to 20 percent is the international benchmark.

“In line with the belief of the State that government cannot solely provide the education the State needs, successive governments have encouraged willing individuals and groups to establish schools at all levels.

“Consequently, Osun is home to top-notch tertiary institutions that are making their contributions to the development of the State and the nation.

“The establishment of Minaret International University is a welcome addition to this family. As a notable, knowledge-seeking and religion savvy institution known for its tradition of excellence, I have no doubt that Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at will build a university that is a centre of excellence in deed and in truth.

“I am also persuaded that the organisation will produce graduates who will be problem solvers and job creators,” Oyetola added.

Commending the leadership of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at for its decision to build a university in the State, Oyetola noted that the establishment of the new citadel of learning would further contribute positively to the educational development in the State.

He said the institution when completed would further help to propagate morality and ethics expected of noble citizens as its contribution to building a peaceful, competitive and prosperous Osun.

“Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria has proved over the years to be a frontline Muslim organisation in the propagation of the Islamic faith.

“It has also demonstrated an irredeemable commitment to the peace, progress and welfare of the people and State of Osun and the nation. These contributions are traceable to the visionary leadership of the organisation.

“On behalf of the Government and People of the State of Osun, I express sincere appreciation to this notable organisation for its services to the State and humanity,” he added.

Earlier, the National Head, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Barrister Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, appreciated the unflinching support received from the State government towards the actualisation of the foundation laying of the project.

He said the leadership of the Muslim organisation was resolute to build an innovative university with a difference and compete favourably with its counterparts across the globe in line with international best practices.

According to him, the proposed university would be value-focused, employment-focused and a world-class tertiary institution for the intellectual and manpower development of human resources for sustainable socioeconomic development nationally, regionally and internationally.

The All Progressives Congress in Oyo state has reacted to a statement credited to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa alleging its party of luring the Governor to join APC.

The APC attributed the denial of clandestine plans of Governor Seyi Makinde to defect from the Peoples’ Democratic Party for known political reasons describing the development as shameful, immoral and regrettable.

It will be recalled that earlier yesterday, the CPS to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa released a statement via his social media handle where he alleged that the APC had taken step to woo Gov. Seyi Makinde to joint its party for the purpose of making him its governorship 2023 flagbearer. Taiwo Adisa further said that such step is an affirmation of greater achievements and successes recorded in Makinde-led administration.

While reacting through a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by the Personal Assistant (Media) to the State Caretaker Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, Olawale Sadare said that “Gov. Makinde played the ostrich by denying apparent moves to join the APC through the back door.

“While we appreciate the fact that there is free entry and free exit in party politics, we are disappointed that a governor can turn a desperado in his bid to be an overlord in the entire political space in a state like Oyo.

“With what Gov. Makinde has just done, genuine democrats and other stakeholders in the nation’s democratic environment have a good cause to renew their fear for the future of democracy and the rule of law.

“Available facts indicate that he (Makinde) had established contacts with a former governor from the Niger Delta region who now lives in Abuja. The same former governor also co-opted some influential gladiators within the APC at the national level to penetrate the south west ostensibly to whittle down the dominance of others who they consider a threat for their own inordinate ambition ahead of 2023. It is on this premise that Gov. Makinde’s overtures were considered and given some backing in principle.

“Even if we were to agree that Gov. Makinde, just like every other person, has the right to join any party of their choice at any point in time, we must set the record straight that Oyo APC cannot consider him an asset or good addition for obvious reasons.

“With virtually all the gladiators involved in the unfortunate coalition arrangement which gave victory to the PDP in the 2019 gubernatorial election now in the APC after deserting him for tenable and justifiable reasons which revolve around insincerity, selfishness and undemocratic traits.

“Meanwhile, Oyo APC has kept intact the machinery with which we won two Senatorial seats out of the available three as well as nine out of the available fourteen House of Representatives seats in the 2019 election.

“If anything, the population of those elected on the platform of our party has increased while more people are coming into the fold in their large numbers. Is it then that we would begin to woo somebody who has been deserted by 90 per cent of his key political benefactors in less than two years in office?

“And with the fate that has befallen members and supporters of the PDP in the state who had hoped for a fair dealing in the build up to the illegal local government election slated for May this year, the Makinde political anthill risks further depletion.

“Therefore, the truth remains that Oyo APC would not need a character like Gov. Makinde who still has a long way to go if he desires to emerge a strong, credible and popular political player during and after his four year tenure.” APC concluded.

ODUDUWA NEWS has just gathered that the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu has suspended the activities of NURTW in the State.

The decision was made following the violent clash between the factions of the Ondo State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers on Tuesday morning, the state government has announced the indefinite suspension of all activities of the union across the state.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr Doyin Odebowale, also ordered the NURTW members to immediately vacate all motor parks across the state.

The government described the clash as unruly and uncultured behaviour of the union leaders which resulted in violent attacks on members and innocent citizens.

The government, however, said the indefinite suspension did not affect Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria who comported themselves in a peaceful manner.

Details to follow…

The Lagos Police Commissioner (CP) Hakeem Odumosu on Monday said the command has taken steps to prevent farmer-herder clashes in neighbouring Ogun State from escalating to Lagos.

He said steps have also been taken to prevent cases of kidnappings and other violent crimes, noting that the command was monitoring happenings across the country and constantly reviewing its security arrangement.

Odumosu said this during an interview with reporters at POWA Hall, Ikeja, before his meeting with Area Commanders, unit heads and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs).

Many communities in Yewa local council of Ogun State including Ketu, Eggua, Oja-Odan, Igan Alade, Gbokoto and Ijoun, Owode-Ketu, Ebutu Igbooro and Imeko Afon were recently deserted with victims fleeing to Benin Republic following deadly fights between farmers and herders.

To prevent a spillover into Lagos communities bordering Ogun, Odumosu said the command had since engaged all stakeholders in those border villages on the need for peaceful co-existence.

“We had a security summit in Ikorodu for people in all those Ogun border communities. All the ethnic groups were represented and at the end of the day, there was an agreement on the need to give peace a chance.

“Also, we have put in place measures like we did during the COVID-19 lockdown. We have ensured that for those border areas, there are levels of checks. Vehicles are stopped and thoroughly inspected before they are allowed in. So, we have always been proactive in Lagos.

“We know that the rainy season is around the corner and so, I want to interact with my DPOs and Commanders on the need to stay alert. We are aware of schools that are being attacked and we cannot fold our arms in Lagos because it is not happening here.

“We will continue to brainstorm the issues between now and after two months we will change the strategy to move the state forward and further reduce the crime rate that Lagos is experiencing now.”

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, has reacted to claims by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the governor was about to defect to the party, declaring that the APC was merely covetous of the great feats achieved by Makinde as governor of Oyo State.

In a statement on Monday, the spokesman said that the plot to lure Makinde to the APC did not come as a surprise.

“One is not surprised that some elements in the APC are busy debating the possibility of Governor Makinde’s defection to the party.

“The unprecedented achievements the governor has recorded in a very short time, especially despite the COVID-19 pandemic, has thoroughly beaten their imagination such that they have concluded it is impossible to raise a candidate to contest against him in 2023.

“As a close watcher of the GSM magic, so to say, one cannot be surprised that the APC in Oyo State is really envious of the great attainments of Governor Makinde.

“Every sector you turn to, he has something positive to show.

“Only last week, he launched the first modern landfill in the country. He is presently constructing the first concrete road in the state, the 12-kilometre Apete-Awotan-Akufo road. This is in addition to the massive road and infrastructure projects that dot the entire Oyo State landscape.

“However, rather than claim that Makinde wants to defect to the APC, the truth the APC elements should tell the world is that their party is attempting to lure the performing governor in order to avert a woeful performance against him in 2023.

“Contrary to the claims of the APC members that the governor has been soft against criticisms by its members, Governor Makinde has not bothered to respond to their baseless criticisms in recent times but has chosen to remain focused on service delivery.

“We also completely reject the claims that his desire to join the APC informed the “soft approach” to the farmers/herders’ crisis.

“Rather, the governor has remained on the side of the law and has always insisted that criminals, whichever tribe they belong, are our enemies and they must be fished out without undue ethnic profiling.

“So, the best thing the APC could come up with right now is to imagine a Makinde as a standard-bearer so he could serve as a surreptitious redemption for the years of locust the party had inflicted on the people of Oyo State.