Oduduwa News

June 24, 2021June 24, 2021

Oduduwa Republic Agitators Ask Nigerians To Sign Petition For Referendum

The umbrella body of Yoruba self-determination groups, Ilana Omo Oodua, has endorsed the ongoing petition being pushed by the Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination (NINAS), which urged the Federal Government to conduct a referendum in Igbo and Yoruba lands.

In a statement signed by the leader of the Yoruba nation agitators, Prof. Banji Akintoye, and made available to The Guardian, yesterday, by his Communications Manager, Mr. Maxwell Adeleye, Nigerians, especially Yoruba people within and beyond the shores of the country, were asked to sign the petition to support the agitation for a referendum.

Akintoye, who is also the Chairman of NINAS, described the petition as the first major step towards the conduct of a referendum that would make or mar the actualisation of the sovereign Yoruba nation from Nigeria.

The statement stated: “We the Yoruba people must now move forward to accomplish the Yoruba nation’s self-determination by holding a referendum.

It added: “Already, some patriots under the umbrella of NINAS have now started to circulate a petition that we Yoruba, Igbo, Niger/Delta and Middle Belt want a referendum.

“I urge all the millions of Yoruba people within and beyond Nigeria to vote in support of that petition. However, the chances are that the Federal Government will answer no.

“Alternatively, we might take our petition to the state governments and demand that they should grant us a referendum. Since the state governments are our own elected governments, we have a much better chance to compel them to do what we want. What we need is to mount intense pressure on them. We must not take no for answer.

“Finally, we can take our petition to the United Nations and demand they come and arrange the referendum.”

June 24, 2021June 24, 2021

Lagos Needs N300bn Annually To Achieve Universal Access To Water – Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday said the state government was working assiduously to bridge the huge deficit in water supply to residents, assuring that the phase II of Adiyan Water Project which now stands at 80 per cent completion stage would soon become operational.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke at the second edition of annual International Water Conference organized by the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, said the state government was quite aware of the 540 Million Gallons Per Day (MGD) demand and every necessary effort would be mustered to ensure residents have access to clean and safe water.

The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat said: “The Lagos State Water Supply Master Plan estimates daily water demand in the city at 540 million gallons per day (MGD) but production by the Lagos State Water Corporation (LSWC) stands at 210 MGD. This shows a clear deficit of over 300MGD, which translates to less than 40% access to clean, and safe water.

“As a government, we are not oblivious of this gap and its consequences on the health of our populace. In order to close this gap, I toured the Lagos Water Corporation Facilities at Adiyan, Iju and Akute at the inception of my administration.

“We have expended resources on these facilities and I am happy to tell you that the Adiyan II plant that will bring additional 70 MGD to the already existing water capacity will soon become operational.”

He said the conference, with the theme: “Water Security and Investment Opportunities in Megacities: A case of Lagos State,” was targeted at harnessing how Lagos as a State and an emerging Smart City can develop ideas for water security and to create investment opportunities in the water sector like other megacities.

He added that the nexus between water security and socio-economic growth could not be overemphasized, just as he described access to clean water as a fundamental right, which to a large extent determines how well people flourish even when other basic rights are in place.

The Governor said with a population of over 22 million people, there was no better time than now to make calculated decisions on what must be done to actualize the goal of an efficient water sector that is complemented with high returns on smart investments, adding that concerted efforts have also been made to regulate the sector to protect residents.

“As you know, health and environment are two key pillars of my administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Development Agenda and this conference is vital to the accomplishment of some of our key deliverables for these pivotal sectors.

“With the Sustainable Development Goal 6 as our anchor, we have committed major resources to groundwater quality control, drinking water quality regulation, and packaged water service oversight. All these are being done to improve Lagosians’ productivity and quality of life.

“Through LASWARCO, we have been able to curb unwholesome water production and indiscriminate drilling of boreholes, which is a major contributor to lower aquifer and flooding,” he said.

Earlier, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello said the conference was intentionally organized to focus on solutions and results capable of unbundling the obstacles to financial viability and access to clean water and sanitation through experimental knowledge, and also significantly improve on the indices of water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in the state.

Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Mrs Funke Adepoju said the conference was aimed at deepening conversations around expanding access to water and investment opportunities in the state, adding that recommendations at the end of the conference would be very useful, going forward.

In her goodwill message, Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere said for Lagos to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets on universal access to water, an annual sector spending of N300billion would have to be committed, while Nigeria would have to spend $2.1bn annually in capital, operations and maintenance to meet SDG 6.

June 23, 2021June 23, 2021

Baby of #EndSARS protester christened, gets scholarship award

The baby of the teenager arrested during the EndSARS protest in Akure was christened on Wednesday, with the wife of Ooni of Ife, Olori Naomi Ogunwusi, offering the baby scholarship to secondary school level.

Apart from the scholarship, Olori Ogunwusi also presented the new baby and the mother food items, toiletries and baby items, with a promise to visit the family from time to time.

According to her, she was touched by the plight of the baby and the mother and decided to come personally to witness the christening of the baby and give support to them

She assured that many groups who have shown interest to support the baby and the mother will soon visit the family, urging all women not to lose hope in every situation they find themselves in.

She said “when I got the news of her release on bail, I was elated and I was moved to tears and touched that she gave birth in the prison custody.

“This baby must be special and I want to assure the mother and the baby and the entire family that I will stay with the family. Kemisola should take me as her mother, sister and friend.”

The venue of the christening, Vera Christian Assembly in Ayedun area of Akure was witnessed by many, and the church was full to the brim despite the heavy downpour.

Some of the names of the boy include Eriponmile, Elijah, Okikianu, Oluwanifemi son of Temitope.

It will be recalled that the Ondo State High Court sitting in Olokuta Medium Prison in Akure, on Tuesday, granted bail to Kemisola Ogunniyi after spending eight months in prison custody.

Kemisola was granted bail in the sum of N10 million and a surety in like sum by Justice Omolara Adejumo who presided over the case.

She was charged for arson, conspiracy, riotous assembly, stealing and malicious damage.

The young girl gave birth to a baby boy in prison custody last Wednesday, while the state government expressed its readiness to secure her bail.

Source: Tribute Online

June 23, 2021June 23, 2021

Power Outage: We have embarked on construction of five megawatt plant in Ekiti – Fayemi

Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi on Tuesday commissioned an Independent Power Plant project at the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), with an assurance that the State Government would continue to support the institution’s initiative to achieve its visions of becoming a globally renowned institution.

Dr Fayemi who alongside the Osemowe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo, former Governor of Ekiti State, Engr Segun Oni, Chairman Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Prof Abba Waziri, and other reputable individuals performed the foundation laying of nibe other projects at the ABUAD industrial Park, described the Founder of the institution as a man of endless possibilities.

The Governor explained that Aare Babalola’s intention of building a power plant project in the institution five years ago prompted his administration to commence the construction of a five megawatt power plant two years ago to address the electricity challenges confronting the people of the State.

He described the establishment of the IPP projects in the institution as revolutionary with the hope that more of such would spring up in the State to address the epileptic power supply in the State.

The Governor maintained that he was awed with the ABUAD Founder’s audacity of imagination and determination to succeed in achieving huge projects, adding that he has challenged and demonstrated a mindset of possibilities to those in leadership positions.

Governor Fayemi commended Aare Babalola for contributing immensely to government projects especially the airport project for which he had committed himself to constructing a terminal building. He noted that the airport project and the Ekiti knowledge zone are two major projects of his administration situated along ABUAD axis to inject more life into the environment.

He said: “Aare Afe Babalola is an uncommon gift to us in Ekiti State and Nigeria by extension and the globe also by extension and no amount of encomium and adulation would be enough in appreciating how much of the gift he is to us in Ekiti.

“His Audacity of imagination and determination when he wants to accomplish the task. We have just gone round to either Commission or laid the foundation of nine projects. When we calculate what the projects will cost, it is possible dampen a man’s spirit if it is going to be possible.

“This institution is fast becoming a state within a state, because When you have an independent power project, a water project, a secondary school, different components in the farm, there is an hospital; which I regard as the best in the country, I go everywhere promoting it, you understand why I said we have a state within a state.

“One of the things Baba has done so well is to challenge those of us in leadership, as I indicated earlier he spoke to me five years ago about the IPP project and we were also looking for how we can improve on the electricity challenge in the State, two years ago we started an independent power project for the State whose credit goes to baba on no uncertain ground because he was able to show that these things are doable it is no rocket science once you put your mind to it.”

Dr Fayemi who also laid the foundation of the bottle recycling factory at the ABUAD industrial plant, said the initiative was a thought for the future to address the imminent challenges of climatic changes.

Other projects commissioned at the ABUAD industrial park are herbal Drug production factory, FESTO facts center, MDF/HDF Wood processing factory, Intravenous fluid manufacturing Factory, Rice processing factory, Cassava factory, Poundo yam factory, Pepper Drying and processing factory.

Earlier in his speech the Pro Chancellor of the institution and former minister of Education, Prof Tunde Adeniran described Aare Babalola as an inimitable reference point in hard work, honesty, resourcefulness, philanthropy and has the capacity to turn impossibility to possibility. The Pro-chancellor also donated his library to the institution.

The colourful event also featured the presentation of one of the first class product of ABUAD who had been offered admission for a PhD programme in Oxford without going through LLM programme.

June 23, 2021June 23, 2021

#EndSARS: Ondo Court Grants N10m Bail To 18-Year-Old Protester Who Gave Birth In Prison

The Ondo high court has granted bail to Kemisola Ogunniyi, an 18-year-old girl detained over the #EndSARS protest in the state.

Ogunniyi, who has been in custody since October 2020, gave birth to a baby boy last Wednesday.

Omolara Adejumo, the judge, granted Kemisola bail in the sum of N10 million and a surety in like sum on Tuesday.

Ogunniyi was arrested with three others by security operatives during the #EndSARS protest last year.

She and the other suspects were accused of being part of those who razed the state secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure during the protest.

They were charged with conspiracy to commit arson, riotous assembly, stealing, and malicious damage and were remanded in Surulere prison in Ondo west LGA of the state.

The other suspects are Ojo Samuel, Ayodele Bukunmi, and Ani Obinna.

In a letter to Oluwatoyin Akeredolu, Ondo chief judge, Tope Tomekun, her lawyer, had said Ogunniyi was innocent of the crime preferred against her.

Tomekun said the teenager was on her way to the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) to collect money for her mother’s treatment when she was apprehended by the Nigerian Army at random and handed over to the police for investigation.

“She was later alleged to be part of those who set the APC Secretariat, Akure, on fire during the EndSARS protest that took place in October 2020,” he had said.

“I write to you sir, first as a lawyer and in furtherance of my conviction as a believer in humanitarian cause of justice, to appeal to you sir, that for the sake of the sinless newborn baby and in the interest of justice, to give directive that this matter be given an urgent hearing.”

June 23, 2021June 23, 2021

Lagos Assembly Moves To Criminalise Illegal Trade In Human Parts

A bill to criminalise illegal trading in human organs has scaled second reading at the Lagos State House of Assembly with the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, describing it as one of the best things to happen to the state.

Before committing the bill to the House committee on Health, Obasa said the bill should also make provision to criminalise the activities of ritualists.

He directed that the administration of criminal justice law be studied so that the Organ Harvest and Transplantation bill being considered can be all-encompassing.

Earlier, the chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Hakeem Sokunle (Oshodi-Isolo 1), explained that the bill captures the legal framework for the regulation of organ transplantation from donors either living or dead to patients in need.

Sokunle said the bill has seven parts with 37 sub-sections and tries to curb illegal trade in human parts.

Under its offence and penalties clause, the bill states that a person who removes the organ of another person for a reason other than for therapeutic purposes commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 10 years without an option of fine.

The bill also stipulates that a person or any hospital and “who, for the purposes of transplant, conducts, associates with, or helps in any manner in the removal of any organ without authority commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N5 million or a term of 10 years.

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Gbolahon Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2), said that the bill would help in putting a stop to organ trafficking. He called the attention of his colleagues to some grey areas in the bill.

Hon. Rotimi Olowo (Somolu 1) condemned the act of harvesting organs for monetary gain in some parts of Nigeria adding that the bill would put an end to such as well as protect minors and the mentally ill.

Olowo argued that the bill would bring about the sanctity of life and human dignity, adding that penalties for such acts should be stiffer than what was prescribed in the bill.

The lawmaker added that the bill provides for certified medical laboratories for the organs donated by donors and that this is aimed at stopping the involvement of quacks and the criminally minded.

Also, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, lamented the high rate of organ trafficking in the country, adding that the bill was all encompassing and that it should be supported by all members of the House.

The Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, described the bill as a product of deep reflection on the part of the state government.

Itemisinng the various processes of organ transplantation as prescribed by the bill, Agunbiade added that it would improve procedure and discourage the act of organ harvesting for financial gain.

“The bill will ensure that organ transplanting is not all-comers affair in the health sector in Lagos,” Agunbiade said.

June 23, 2021June 23, 2021

NASS OAU Impeached President, Gen. Sec, Fin. Sec, to Conduct Bye-Election

Following the removal of three principal officers from office by the Departmental Representatives Council of Nigerian Association of Science Students, Obafemi Awolowo University, the Council announces the date for Bye-Election.

You will recall that the President, General Secretary and Financial Secretary of the Association were impeached at the last Parliamentary sitting of the house following the report of misappropriation of funds, embezzlement and office misconduct by the three offices.

According to the release made available to our reporter by the House signed by the Speaker, DSP and Clerk, it reads “This is to notify members of the Nigerian Association of Science Students OAU that the following
individuals have been removed from offices previously occupied by them having been found guilty of
fraud, forgery, mismanagement of funds, gross misconduct and other offenses punishable by the DRC
Adewale Olaiya Martins ( Coded )- Office of the President
Odeyemi Temitayo ( Tee smart) – Office of the Financial secretary
Hassan Joshua ( Chicago Pr )- Office of the General Secretary”

The house, in accordance to the Constituion directed the Vice President to resume position as the President of the Union.
“Due to this, the Vice president in person of Adedire Ikeade Oyinkansola ( Miss Tonia) automatically
assumes the post of President according to the sacrosanct constitution Article (IV) Section 4 subsection(II)b
‘The Vice President shall automatically assume the post of the President in the event of a removal or
resignation of the elected NASS president’.”

“A bye- election has been scheduled to hold at the next DRC sitting on:
Saturday 26th of June 2021
Time: 3:00pm
Venue: PY(239) White House
For the following offices:

OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT ( Part 4)
OFFICE OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ( Part 3/4)
OFFICE OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY ( Part 4)

June 23, 2021June 23, 2021

Makinde Approves Take Off Grant For Establishment of LAUTECH Campus in Iseyin

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has approved the relocation and establishment of College of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH to Iseyin.

According to the state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the university would commence steps to work with the community to ensure that land is provided for the establishment of that college.

He said: “As mandated, in the course of the University, we will commence steps to ensure that the approval of the NUC and also that the Ministry of Education and the management of LAUTECH work with the community to ensure that land is provided for the establishment of that

A take-off grant was also established for the

Makinde on Tuesday, also kicked off the payment of the Oyo State Land Use Charge by paying bills on his private properties, charging property owners in the state to follow suit by paying their Land Use Charge.

While speaking shortly after the 11th Executive Council meeting of 2021, held at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the Governor maintained that the payment of the charge would help the government to generate additional revenues to develop the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the Executive Council also granted approvals for the commencement of the Oyo State Residents’ Registration Programme, the forwarding of three Bills to the State House of Assembly.

The bills include the State Audit Bill, Assessment and Collection of Personal Income Tax Bill and the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology Bill.

The statement indicated that the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun; Commissioner for Justice; Professor Oyelowo Oyewo; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye and his Finance counterpart, Mr. Akinola Ojo, as well as the Special Assistant to the governor on Information Communication Technology, Mr. Bayo Akande, jointly addressed the media on the different items.

The state’s Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Ojo, while explaining the Land Use Charge maintained that the charge is not a new tax and that it “is to ensure that Oyo State has the revenues required to carry out all the exceptional projects to uplift our people from poverty to prosperity.”

Ojo said that the state government has, in the last one year, embarked on data capturing and enumeration of properties, adding that the charge, which will be paid annually, has been designed in such a way that the value of properties would determine the amount to be

He added that the payment could be made over a period of time, with incentives for early payment and penalties for defaulting, saying: “At the Exco today, the governor flagged off the payment of the Land Use charge, which was one of his cardinal electioneering promises.

“He made it known that throughout the time he has been living in Oyo State, he has never received a bill for Land Use Charge. And what we have done in this administration is to enumerate all the properties in Oyo State and all the properties in the state now have a unique I.D and we have also delivered bills to every property in the state.

“The process is easy and quick. Anybody who has a smartphone can use it to take a picture of the QR code on the top right corner of the Bill. With that, you get a quick populated screen where you just need to insert some fields, capture some essential details, which is your name, email address, contact phone number and follow the prompt. And at your convenience, you can pay your land use charge bill as long as you have an ATM card and a smart phone. That is the easiest way of paying your land use charge bill.

“You can also go to the bank if you don’t have a smartphone, present your bill and you will be allowed to pay the bill. You can also go to the Ministry of Lands, where there is a dedicated office where you can pay the bill and get the receipt.

“So, we encourage every resident of Oyo State to embrace this lofty idea and ensure that we find a way to revolutionise this state.”

Similarly, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo (SAN), stated that the Executive Council of the state considered and approved for onward transmission to the House of Assembly, the Audit Bill, the Assessment and Collection of Private Income Tax Bill and the Oyo State College of Agriculture Technology Bill.

According to Oyewo, the Audit Bill, is an initiative of the World Bank, the Federal Government and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and it is intended to improve the activities of the office of the Auditor-General of the state and the local government to ensure accountability and transparency.

He added that the state is also forwarding to the Assembly the “Oyo State assessment and collection of personal income tax regulation, which prohibits consultants and other third parties from accessing and collecting personal income tax on behalf of the state. This function will now be performed by Oyo State Internal Revenue Service.

“The last is the Oyo State College of Agriculture Technology Bill. This Bill is to enhance the status of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology from a Monotechnic to Polytechnic, so that it will be able to enjoy the status of accessing funds and participate in the Education Trust Fund. https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/page

“And this is to also improve on the services it can provide to the people of Oyo State in the educational sector including the expansion of programmes and also the standardisation of the structure we have.

“This, we believe, will impact positively on the quality and type of education that is being offered by this institution,” Oyewo added.

Speaking on the approval for the commencement of residents’ registration programme, the Special Assistant on ICT, Akande, explained that as a government that believes in using data, science and logic to drive development, the state government is embarking on the residents’ registration programme in order to develop a database that will enable it to plan better for the development and security of the state.

He noted that the state government has embarked on similar exercises for farmers, government workers and other sectors and that the results have been helpful in planning and executive of different policies, adding that the enumeration and registration of residents would be an ongoing exercise.

“Today, at the Executive Council meeting, the Exco approved the Oyo State residents registration programme. It is a programme that involves the enumeration and registration of all residents of Oyo State.

“This is in a bid by His Excellency to secure the state, so we can know the people coming into and going out of the state.

“This will also enable the government to plan more effectively. It will also help in revenue collection as we can then bring more residents under the Oyo State catchment.

“It will help the government provide more resources based on the data that we have gotten from the registration,” Akande said.

June 22, 2021June 22, 2021

JUST IN: Oyo Assembly Debates Bill On Autonomy, Scales Through 2nd Reading

Oyo Assembly Funds Management Bill passes 2nd reading.

A law to provide for the management of funds accruing to the Oyo State House of Assembly from the consolidated revenue fund of the State scaled through 2nd reading ,Tuesday in the house.

The bill has consequently been referred to the Oyo State House Committee on Public Account and Appropriation for further scrutiny and deliberations.

It is meant to ensure accountability, transparency, effective and efficient utilization of funds and other related matters.

When operational, the House of Assembly shall manage its capital and recurrent expenditure in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

The bill was sponsored by the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin and eight others .

The bill is imperative as the States Assembly across the country prepare to become financially autonomous.

The Speaker, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin said the bill which is being deliberated upon by all the 36 Houses of Assembly was aimed at enhancing and ensuring proper management of the income and expenditure of the Legislatures across the Country.

Hon Ogundoyin assured that the bill will be painstakingly deliberated upon in order to give legal support and framework to the finances of the House of Assembly.

In his contribution, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Muhammad Fadeyi said the bill will give total freedom to the Legislature and put an end to their dependence on the Executive arm of Government.

Other Lawmakers, the Majority Leader, Hon Sanjo Adedoyin, Hon Kazeem Isiaka Tunde (Oyo East/West), Hon Wumi Oladeji (Ogbomoso North) and Hon Babatunde Adeola (Iseyin/Itesiwaju) called for thorough scrutiny.

They said there should not be ambiguity in the bill as it meant to guarantee the rule of law , and enhance the concept of separation of power

June 22, 2021June 22, 2021

Breaking: Nigerian Army Arrest Suspected Bandit Heading To Oyo State With Military Kits

Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating along Mokwa-Jebba road, have arrested a fleeing bandit during a stop and search operation along the road on Sunday.

The arrest was effected at about 9:00pm, when the troops intercepted a car traveling from Zuru to Ibadan. The vigilant troops spotted an occupant of the vehicle, who claimed to be Sgt. Aminu Sule.

Upon a body search, the occupant was found to be in possession of a pair of camouflage uniform, military boots, knife and substance suspected to be charms.

On further interrogation, the suspect confessed to be traveling to Ogbomosho in Oyo state. He further claimed that the uniform and boots belonged to his brother who is a soldier.

However, on closely scrutinizing the suspect, he was discovered to be fleeing from the ongoing operations in Niger state to a safe haven. The suspect was immediately apprehended and handed over to the police at Mokwa for further investigation.

The heat on bandits and other criminal elements in Niger State has caused them to start fleeing to supposed safe heavens. Members of the public, particularly around Niger and contiguous states are therefore enjoined to be vigilant and report any suspected movement of fleeing bandits to security agencies.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Faruk Yahaya, has assured law abiding citizens of Niger State and indeed Nigeria of the safety of their lives and property.

He further enjoined them to be wary of such sinister movements by fleeing bandits and continue to support the security agencies with useful information to enable them maintain peace and security of the country.