Oduduwa News

Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi has just been reported to have taken first dose of the Astro Zeneca vaccine today.

The governor having flagged off the vaccination in Ekiti State said he had not experienced any side effect and that he would encouraged Ekiti people to take the vaccine. Details later.

The electoral committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which monitored the local government primaries in Oyo State, has declared that the process was free, fair and credible.

Chairman of the panel, Senator Abdul Ningi, who spoke at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, the state capital, when his committee presented its report to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, said that the committee was impressed by the conduct of the primaries.
Senator Ningi, who led members of the panel to the Government House, said that the electioneering procedure was satisfactory to the committee.
A statement by Mr. Taiwo Adisa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, quoted the governor as saying in his response that the good job done by the Ningi-led committee has set the tone for the deepening of democracy in Oyo State.
The governor equally urged party leaders to unite all members of the party, especially those not satisfied with the outcome of the primary exercise, stating that there are many positions left to be filled and that everyone would be carried along.
Governor Makinde, who stated that the PDP is back for good in the state and the the government would consolidate on the good works it has been doing, maintained that the government has begun the process for the conduct of local government elections less than two years after it got office, whereas the previous government did not conduct local government election in seven years.
Speaking while presenting the report of the committee, Ningi said: “So far, so good, the electioneering process is satisfactory to us as a committee. This is among the very best local government primaries that I have attended. I am satisfied, especially with the openness of the state government and the party.
“We discovered there was a free and fair election because we went round the metropolis. We went to the outskirts of the city to witness the local council election and we are satisfied with what we have seen.”
He added that Governor Makinde allowed them to do their work without any hindrance, while also thanking the national headquarters of the PDP for sending them to conduct the primaries in the state.
He also urged party members to eschew violence and desperation that can affect the oneness of the party.
“Your emergence as the governor and a leader in the PDP, is a testimony to the services you have rendered to this state. Your Excellency, we are happy that you have accorded us reasonable hospitality.
“We thank you and the party for giving us access to all the discussions. We thank the national headquarters for sending us to come to Oyo to conduct the primaries. Our party members should eschew violence and desperation.”
He equally stated that PDP views Oyo State as very strategic in the South-West and that the party wanted to create opportunities for people to make sure there is a sense of belonging, hence the local government election.
He maintained that his committee ensured that all those that need to know are aware that it was around for the assignment.
“We partook in the consultation between the committee set up by the state and the party and we are satisfied.
“Where we discovered gaps, we called the attention of the leadership of the party to it and it did the needful. Truth is, we cannot satisfy everybody. There will always be losers and winners.” Ningi said.
Similarly, the secretary of the committee, Chief Afolabi Akanni, said the party wanted harmony, oneness and the spirit of give and take, while also commending the developmental strides of the governor in the areas of urbanization, rural development and road construction as trail-blazing.
He equally appealled to members, stakeholders, and leaders to come together and see the party as their own.
While recieving the report, Governor Makinde thanked the committee members for their commitment and dedication to duty.
He said: “I just want to say thank you on behalf of our party and also the government and good people of Oyo State. We want to say thank you for being with us for one week. I am sure you planned for two or three days but you saw what was on ground and decided to do a thorough job, not minding other commitments that you may have had. So, we say thank you to your team for your commitment and dedication to duty.”
The governor appealed to aggrieved members of the party to eschew violence and come together to strengthen the party.
He explained that what the electoral committee has done was to set the foundation to deepen democracy in the state and set PDP on the path of consolidation particularly in Oyo State and South-West in general.
“Incidentally, the governor recounted, “exactly this date, two years ago, 9th of March 2019, was the exact date we had the election that brought PDP back into Oyo State. And prior to March 2019, there was no PDP government in the Southwestern part of Nigeria.
“But on this date, history was made. And on this date, today, you presented the report of the electoral committee to us and what you have done is to, again, set the foundation to deepen democracy in our state and set PDP on the path of consolidation, in Oyo State in particular and South West in general.”
Governor Makinde then appealed to PDP members to accept the outcome of the elections with open minds, while also charging the leaders to find means of reconciling the aggrieved members, saying there are various positions to be occupied.
The governor said: “For some of our people that are aggrieved because of the outcome of this process, yes, it is only God that can give power to anybody. If it is not your turn today, it may be your turn tomorrow. But one thing we must not do is to pollute the well in which we may want to drink water from in the future.
“So, please it is time for us to begin the process of reconciliation. We must bring everyone together and ensure there are no victors nor losers.”
He asked party leaders to appeal to those that are dissatisfied because, according to him, only God gives power.
“To those our leaders that have not been satisfied, I want to say it is the same family. We all worked to bring this party together to bring about this government. We may have disagreements on certain issues but we should find those things that unite us. You may be dissatisfied with certain things but we can, at least, discuss.”
He explained that the previous administration in the state did not conduct local government elections for seven years, adding, however, that the present administration has started the process of conducting election in less than two years.
He stated : “To the entire state, we are saying to you that PDP is back for good. Whereas, the previous administration could not conduct LG election in this state for more than seven years. But we have been here for less than two years and have set the ball rolling.
He equally added that his administration has funded OYSIEC very well and ensured it is independent.
He said, “we funded OYSIEC. We ensured it is independent. The OYSIEC chairman is not a card-carrying member of any political party. If they have any information to the contrary, let them bring it out. Truth is, this government is above board.
“So, we are here to consolidate on the achievements we have recorded so far and we solicit for your support as we move towards the conduct of state-wide LG election on the 15th of May 2021. So, I thank the National Chairman for giving us support and for sending this team. We could not have asked for a better team.”
Signed
Taiwo Adisa
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde
March 10, 2021.

Governor of Ondo State Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa have received the 1st jab of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines in Akure. Details later.

The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission, has commenced a five-day residential training for teachers in the inclusive units/special schools on effective teaching and learning towards achieving functional inclusive education in the State.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King, said that the education transformation agenda of the present administration is the responsibility of all, stressing that to achieve inclusive education in the basic education sector, collaboration, motivation and partnership are required.

“As a State, we are very much concerned about human development, capacity building and teachers impact”, he added.

Alawiye-King also pointed out that in order to enhance equity in learning and promote inclusiveness, the Board will continue to empower the teachers.

While commending teachers’ efforts in the education sector, particularly those who facilitate knowledge in the special education units, the Executive Chairman applauded women in the teaching profession for their contributions to education in the State in commemoration of International Women’s Day, noting that women make up to 60% of the workforce.

He implored participants to take advantage of the workshop in order to achieve positive learning outcomes in the classroom.

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.