Oduduwa News

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Thursday unveiled series of traditional medicines made from local herbs for boosting human’s immune system against infectious diseases, including the rampaging Coronavirus disease.

The products launched were Verozil – an immune booster, Bitter Leaf Capsule – specially researched and produced to attack diabetes and high blood pressure, Vision Pro – an herbal product that tackles eye problems and Rio Capsule – which regulates men’s sexual disorder.

The product launch which held at the Ile-Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, was done through a platform called Herbal Remedies International with the Ooni as its Chairman, in partnership with the ace traditionalist; Dr. Akintunde Ayeni, C.E.O./Chairman, YEMKEM International LTD.

Addressing newsmen, Ooni Ogunwusi who wondered why the African continent inports medicines and other medical ingredients from developed countries, explained that it is a proven fact which is equally established by the World Health Organization that Africa and indeed Nigeria have the best herbs which could be used for vaccine production.

“We are not doing this in isolation and I am happy to inform you that the National Assembly is currently working on a bill of the Federal Executive Council, on medical research that is alternative to orthodox medicine which is the herbal medicine.

“The Bill is to develop and regulate Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Nigeria. We will endeavor to align with global trends in Traditional Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, there is no doubt that the bill as drafted will greatly enhance the practice of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine and generally facilitate the integration of the practice into the health in Nigeria and capable of contributing to the GDP growth of the country.”

“I am very honoured to be in partnership with the best when it comes to alternative medicine practice in Nigeria, YEMKEM International who has been in the industry for the past 40 years. He owns the largest production plant in Nigeria.

“We have been on this for over one year during which we have worked with various stakeholders in the health sector including the NAFDAC, Federal and Osun State Ministries of Health, Standard Organization of Nigeria and many others who have been so supportive.

“To the glory of God, NAFDAC gave us all the approvals last September but I insisted that the products be packaged properly. To the glory of God, these products have been tested especially on thousands of Covid-19 patients including some in positions of authority who are currently free from the pandemic.”

“Now that we have gotten here, our focus is to employ one hundred thousand (100,000) youths within the next fifteen months. This will be achieved virtually.” The Ooni said.

In his goodwill message, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation, Mr. Afolabi Imoukhuede, commended the Ooni over the innovation, adding that many youths would be engaged productively through this initiative.

Mr. Afolabi said, “If you study the value chain associated with this innovation right from the cultivation of herbs, production, packaging and distribution, it is obvious that many jobs will be created and countless doors of opportunities will be opened for our youths.

“I am impressed about this and I wish to commend the Ooni who has continued to lead from the front among other frontiers. This shows that he is committed to the development of our dear country and all of us should emulate him.”

In the same vein, Chairman of YEMKEM Int’l LTD. Dr. Akintunde Ayeni, described the development as his greatest achievement since over forty years of practice, explaining that such landmark achievement is more spectacular because it is coming from Ile-Ife; source of mankind and natural headquarters of the Oduduwa Race worldwide.

“It was not easy and I wish to state that the Ooni who conceived the idea, gave us all supports including huge sum of money which made this a great success. In the whole of Nigeria, Kabiyesi (Ooni) is the only traditional ruler who has shown immeasurable commitment to the development of alternative medicine. He has been supportive morally, financially and spiritually and I appeal to other monarchs to emulate these good virtues.” Dr. Ayeni stated.

Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, Osun State Ministry of Health, Mr. Gbenga Adepoju, pledged government’s support for the products, noting the country has what it takes to solve her problems.

Mr. Adepoju, who is the Director of Public Health in the Ministry, said, “Kabiyesi’s activities in the development of a vaccine against Covid-19 is a huge addition to our efforts as a government. As we keep fighting against this common enemy, I want to implore us to keep observing the Covid-19 protocols including wearing of nose masks, observing social distancing and maintaining personal hygiene.”

In their separate speeches, National Agency for Food, Drugs, Administration and Control (NAFDAC) who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Jimoh Abubakar and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) represented by Engineer Gideon Amosun, jointly declared their organizations’ support for the innovation, commending the frontline African monarch over the medical breakthrough.

It will be recalled, that Ooni Ogunwusi who is the natural leader of the Yoruba race worldwide had last year proffered African herbal medicine as remedies against the Covid-19 pandemic. The African foremost monarch swiftly assembled a team of professionals including a professor of public health and a WHO consultant, Professor Olapeju Esimai who led the team that distributed motorized fumigators across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja FCT as the Ooni’s contribution in the fight against the pandemic.

The 24-year-old Student of University of Ibadan, known as Ayodeji Emmanuel, was kidnapped, on Monday evening, within his father’s poultry farm at about 5 p.m. was released this evening around 7:15pm.

His release was known through his Twitter handle, he said “I was released at 7:15pm today I am currently with my family.”

…Details later

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has vowed to ensure that all reactionary elements within the rank and file of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Southwest are fought and defeated.

Makinde who is the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Southwest, also warned the National Working Committee of the party against postponing the zonal Congress of the party billed to hold on 6th March, 2021.

Makinde gave the warning during a press briefing held on Thursday at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Makinde noted that the party in the zone will explore all avenues that are legitimate to get everyone to do what is right for the party.

Speaking further, Governor Makinde affirmed that the PDP in the zone is ready to have a Congress that will produce the Zonal Executives that are acceptable to the majority of the people of the Southwest.

He noted that as the only PDP Governor in the zone, he has keen interest in the growth and development of the party. Makinde, however played down the possibility of having a parallel Congress.

A motorist on Thursday knocked down a police officer off a bridge into a canal while trying to escape arrest in Lagos State.

The incident happened around the army resettlement centre in the Oshodi area of the state.

The driver of the Toyota Highlander was being apprehended by police officers and officials of Lagos Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) for driving against traffic an offence popularly referred to as one way.

Officials of LASTMA confirmed to Channels Television that the policeman broke his arm as a result of the incident and that he is now hospitalised.

The driver has been arrested.

The video of the incident has generated reactions on social media with the Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor, Gboyega Akosile condemning the action of the driver.

THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE TO SHUT DOWN FOR 24HRS TO REMOVE REHABILITATION EQUIPMENT

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to shut the Third Mainland Bridge from midnight on Friday, 26th to midnight on Saturday, 27th February 2021, for the removal of equipment used for the replacement of expansion joints, among others.

A statement signed by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, stated that the total closure of the bridge for 24 hours is to enable the contractors remove all the heavy equipment used during the rehabilitation process and allow the full reopening of the Oworonshoki and Adeniji bound lanes to traffic.

The Commissioner, therefore, advised motorists coming from Ogudu, Alapere and Gbagada to use Ikorodu Road, Jibowu and Yaba as alternative routes, while Iyana Oworoshoki-bound traffic from Lagos-Island, Iddo, Oyingbo, Adekunle and Yaba are enjoined to use Herbert Macaulay Way, Jibowu and Ikorodu Road as alternative routes during the period.

While assuring that Traffic Management Personnel would be deployed along the alternative routes to minimise and address any traffic impediments, Oladeinde commended Lagosians for their cooperation during the prolonged repair works on the Bridge, declaring that the bridge is now safe for use by all and sundry when fully reopened.

The PDP is falling apart in the southwest as the crisis between Fayose and Governor Makinde worsens – Fayose, former Ekiti state governor, has warned the current Oyo state governor that he will work against him if he continues to disrespect him – The former governor boasted that he played a significant role in bringing Makinde to power in 2019.

The crisis between Ayodele Fayose, ex-governor of Ekiti state, and Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, took another twist on Wednesday, February 24, as the former threatened to work against the latter. The Punch reported that Governor Fayose warned Makinde that he will work against him if he does not stop disrespecting him. Former Ekiti governor, Fayose, threatens to work against Governor Makinde of Oyo state if he does not stop “disrespecting” him.

He was quoted to have said: “If Governor Makinde continues to disrespect me, I will work against him.” Being the only governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the southwest, a faction of the party recognised Makinde as the region’s leader. PDP crisis deepens as Makinde, Fayose set to hold parallel zonal congress.

Fayose, who used to be the only PDP governor in the southwest, however, insisted Makinde is not his leader, adding that he played a strong role in his election as Oyo governor in 2019. Makinde who is only serving his first term is constitutionally allowed to run for a second term in the 2023 general elections. The former Ekiti state governor has, however, threatened to work against his re-election if he does not stop disrespecting him. Asked what the problem is between him and Governor Makinde, Fayose said: “He (Makinde) is the one to tell you if there is any bone of contention. In this West, I am his brother, I am his father.” Fayose further boasted that he was the one who presented the PDP’s flag to Makinde in 2019, which, according to him, implies that he is a “senior officer”. The former Ekiti governor said accepting the flag from him indicated that Makinde saw him as a leader at the time.

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has charged the Federal and state governments to direct economic policies and other laudable programmes at the entire citizenry.

Ooni Ogunwusi, the Co-Chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) gave the charge during the 2021 edition of the annual celebration of Aje Festival at his Ile-Oodua palace, on Monday in Ile-Ife globally accepted ancestral home for Yoruba race and all the descendants of Oduduwa home and abroad. .

The Ooni who lauded Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government over several economic programmes and policies like the, recent employment of 774,000 Nigerians across the country and other interventions also advised the government to do more for the Nigerian masses by using cultural tourism as a veritable means for economic revolution.

“For us to progress as a country, we must ensure that our wealth goes round especially to the poor and other vulnerable members of the society. We cannot keep having strikingly rich few Nigerians and uncountable ones wallowing in abject poverty. To do this, the government must look at cultural tourism as a veritable tool for revolutionizing the economy before its too late. The Ooni decried.

While explaining the basis for the Aje Festival celebrations, the African foremost monarch who is also the Natural overall father for the Oodua race worldwide explained that it is a unique way through which the Yoruba people globally remember the deity which is known for wealth and riches.

“Aje is a deity which is known for wealth and riches. Its annual celebration as you have witnessed today is to acknowledge its relevance to us as people, especially its indispensable nature to us.

“Did you see the struggle for it during the procession to and from the Aje temple? That is the spirit of Aje, all of us are not rich because it is not easy to accumulate wealth.

“We are not devaluing the currency by spraying it to our people, we only do it on a special day like this to spread happiness. In the olden days, it was cowries, sometimes ago it was coins, nowadays it is naira notes and we hold it in a very high esteem.” The Ooni noted.

Coordinator of the annual Aje Festival, Princess(Dr) Oluwatoyin Kolade expressed happiness for the massive turnout of participants from within and outside Nigeria without even pre publicity. Toyin Kolade, the Ilesa born international trader and great philanthropist gave all credit to Ooni Ogunwusi for the opportunity given her to contribute to cultural development of the Oodua race, pledging her continued loyalty and commitment to the development of the prestigious Yoruba cultural heritage.

“My father the Ooni is loaded with productive dynamism and great innovations for our race and African continent as a whole, especially in the area of cultural tourism revolution. He appointed me as his cultural ambassador in charge of Aje festival 4 years ago and with his unflinching support I have so far enjoyed, this Aje festival which was merely a local affair before 5 years ago has today become one of the important Nigeria cultural festivals with participants from all over the world. This Ooni is God sent, Wallahi!! “. Toyin Kolade said.

The Oore of Otun-Ekiti & Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, the Obaro of Kabba Oba Joseph and Onisale of Isale who led the delegation from Republic of Benin were among the traditional rulers joined other dignitaries including Nollywood stars like, Iya Rainbow, Lanre Hassan (Iya Awero) and others to witness the event while the Fuji music maestro, Abass Akande (Obesere) thrilled the guests.

AJE OLOKUN the goddess of wealth is among the loved ones out of the 401 deities(Irunmoles) that formed the first dynasty of mankind known as Ife Oodaye. These deities are still being celebrated in lle-lfe and globally till date.

The main capacity and strength of the goddess of wealth is to provide sufficient wealth and greater economic benefits for whoever worships the Almighty God through her.

AJE can be found everywhere; waters, air, land, trees, fire, etc. It is a deity synonymous with cowries which were being spent globally before the advent of present currencies.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reinstated the erstwhile cancelled Hijrah holiday and pledged that during his administration, Oyo State will celebrate the Mawlid al-Nabawi holiday (birth of Prophet Mohammed SAW) alongside the rest of the world.

Speaking earlier today at the Mawlid al-Nabawi celebration held at the Government House Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan, the Governor said, “Last year, due to the pandemic and other issues, we were unable to celebrate the Mawlid al-Nabawi as expected.

“So, this year when the S.A Islamic affairs reached out to me concerning the Mawlid celebration, he proposed a big gathering and I agreed.

“Now, we know what is right and I am pledging that from this day forward, we will hold the Mawlid celebration together with the whole world.”

”Also, by popular demand from the Clerics including the Chief Imam and the people of Oyo State represented here today, we are reinstating the Hijirah holiday.

“We will also observe Hijrah as a public holiday here in Oyo State.”

Meanwhile, Gov Makinde debunked rumours that the government prevents Muslim girls from wearing hijabs in schools.

He said, “Some people have questioned why I didn’t allow girls to use hijabs in school. I am here to say that since I took over as the governor of the state, there has been no government policy that prevents girls from using hijabs.”

Finally, the governor called on residents of the state to contribute their quota to make sure that the peace and security committee that was recently inaugurated works effectively.

He said, “I want to urge everyone present here today to contribute their quota to make sure that the peace and security committee that was recently inaugurated which includes our religious, traditional and political leaders work effectively.

“Whenever a report gets to me from the committee, whatever is necessary and needed will be done.

“Don’t be afraid because the governor is doing everything to ensure the safety of every citizen and resident of Oyo State.

“Let’s cooperate with this administration to work towards the growth and development of the state.”

The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC) has sealed some production factories engaged in packaged water production for falling short of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Executive Secretary of LSWRC, Mrs. Funke Adepoju, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the level of poor and unwholesome practices discovered in some water factories in the State were not only disheartening but frightening.

She said as the regulatory body empowered by law to enforce standards, the LSWRC would not fold its arms and watch some individuals put the lives of residents in jeopardy on account of economic gains, and that every necessary effort would be mustered to protect the people from consuming unwholesome water.

Mrs. Adepoju said, “Yes, we are not all out to hound businesses. On the contrary, we want water producers to do business and thrive. However, in doing business, safety procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) must be strictly observed”.

Disclosing that enforcement operations were carried out at some water production factories in the State with on-site testing kits, the Executive Secretary said the result confirmed that most of them operated far below safety parameters.

“As the regulatory body empowered by Section 313 (h) of the Lagos State Environmental Management Protection Law, 2017, to regulate the activities of those engaged in the provision, consumption, treatment, packaging, sales and supply of bottled drinking water contained in bottles or polythene bags, our principal interest is to ensure acceptable standards”, she stated.

While vowing that the enforcement exercise would be intensified and sustained, Adepoju noted that the Commission is working with relevant stakeholders such as the Association of Water Producers (ATWAP) and Water Producers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), among others, to enforce standards.

She said the sealed facilities would remain shut until the owners of such factories strictly comply with all safety procedures and duly register for further monitoring in order to facilitate compliance with best practices in future.

Adepoju urged residents to report any water production factory in their neighbourhood that is suspected to engage in unwholesome practices to the Commission for appropriate action, emphasising the need for people to key into the Safe Water Campaign of the Commission and work with the government to protect residents.

“Water producers, beverage producers, bottling companies and operators in the water abstraction and production industry must come to terms with the fact that the LSWRC would not shy away from strictly enforcing regulatory provisions in the bid to ensure residents consume only safe and hygienic water”, the Executive Secretary said.

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, has given reasons why he nominated Taofeek Arapaja, former deputy governor of the state, as nominee for the chairmanship post in the zone, which he said had earlier been zoned to the state.

Speaking at the zonal caucus meeting in Ibadan on Tuesday, said he pitied members of the party who do not align with his faction.

He noted that the name of Arapaja was arrived at after thorough consultations across the state, adding that he was also chosen as the state’s nominee because whoever would be zonal chairman should have depth and experience.

He said: “I want to also urge that, for each of our state, let us ensure there is inclusiveness. All the tendencies in our different states, let us all come together and agree on whoever we want to put in each of those positions so that by the time we get here by March 6th, the exercise will be funfair. That will be my expectation and message to everybody.

“I asked some of our members to go around to consult our leaders and they came back with a feedback message. They said in South-West, we need depth; we need experienced and honest person and the name they gave me was Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja to lead the charge. And I told them we will unveil him at this meeting.

“I also said he will go to all the states to meet with you and tell you his vision and some of the things he wants to do to ensure that South West plays a major and critical role in redeeming this country. I believe the way we have done in Oyo State is what we want replicated in other states of the zone.”

He stated that the meeting heralded a zonal congress that would help put in place a new PDP zonal executive in the South-West region, which, according to him, will help to install a new government at the federal, National Assembly and state levels in 2023.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank the reconciliation committee we set up, ably led by former Governor Oyinlola. He made sure that the necessary things were done to bring everyone together. At the end of the day, I believe we will have a reconciled and united party in Southwest PDP.

“We are on the verge of history. A lot of people may not know but I can give you the assurance that our coming together to put in our executives that will lead our party in the South-West zone is history in the making. This is because there cannot be redemption for our country without the participation of the South-West. And our party will provide right leadership for the country in 2023.

“The journey to install PDP in 2023 is starting now with this zonal congress. So, I can only pity those who are staying outside and throwing stones inside. I want to also state that history will record their position accurately. I will encourage us to urge them to come in. We have the reconciliation committee already. This committee has been trying to reach out to them and they have said they are not ready to participate.

“We will continue to reach out to them because if we are all united, we have the chance to redeem Nigeria,” the governor said.

He added the zone had during the last meeting, zoned out executive positions to the six states.

Makinde also called for inclusiveness in all the six states of the zone, urging leaders to go back home and arrive at amicable arrangement to fill posts zoned to their respective states. He said that his expectation and message to all leaders were that they should peacefully select the candidates for posts zoned to each state as well as the ex-officio members, as, according to him, the election of ex-officios would also take place during the congress.

The governor also urged leaders to pay attention to the party’s directive that 30 per cent of all posts should be conceded to women.