Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde has disclosed that based on credible facts and verifiable data there were no evidences of COVID-19 second wave in the state
The Governor who made this known in a press briefing held at the government house, however stressed that adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols must be strictly complied with as government would not relent in its funding and synergy with health institutions in the continuing effort to reduce further spread of COVID-19 in the state
While reeling out data on numbers of COVID-19 test already conducted by the state, numbers of positive cases and recoveries, Governor Makinde explained that though the federal government had promised to distribute about 100,000 vaccines across states with Oyo state getting about 1,800 vaccines, the state would consider contacting a COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing company to get sufficient quantity for the state
Speaking on insecurity in the state, Governor Makinde admitted that there are frictions between the Oyo state Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun and the Nigerian Police, adding that a committee would be set up to resolve the possible frictions and foster cordial work relationship between the security outfits
Governor Makinde also expressed regret that there were plans in some quarters to ensure the state security outfit Amotekun fail and cautioned the media against report that might incite public tension, noting that a security communication channel for Amotekun would be set up to reduce spread of false information on the activities of the corps
In a bid to further address insecurity in the state, the Governor restated that government would duly register members of the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repairers and Riders Association of Nigeria, ACOMORAN, and other affiliate associations to properly regulate their activities in order to identify those hiding under the association to disturb the peace of the state. [1/13, 22:04] Ajani Kayode: Okay.
It is disturbing that as a country, we are still lost in the debate of school reopening despite the fact that we are in the 21st century. It needs to be made known that the fact that we are debating school re-opening shows governmental inefficiency and, it exposes, yet, again, the hypocrisy of this ‘change’ government, because, academic activities should not have been suspended if it were to be a government that is prepared for governance.
Considering the fact that this government rode in on the promise of ‘change’, one would have thought that genuine change will be witnessed in the country, but, unfortunately, the change has been from darkness to doom which is a testament to the fact that the change we were promised as a people is a cosmetic change of name, face and colour characteristics. Major General Buhari claims that education is a priority for him, but since he came to power in 2015, budgetary allocation to the educational sector has been reducing and he is now proposing a paltry sum which is less than 6% for this year, this has already been passed by the National Assembly. Meanwhile, this is pale in comparison with the UNESCO set-standard of at least 26% of a government’s budget to be devoted to education.
I have said it on many platforms that we should discontinue fooling ourselves with that ignominious misnomer by regarding the country as “the Giant of Africa” because ours is only a Giant in reverse order. Ours is a country which has seen over two score years and is still unable to stand upright, let alone walk, much less run. Meanwhile, during the time of the departure of the British colonial masters, the country was considered as one of the emerging great nations of the world like the proverbial child of great promise. Unfortunately, Nigeria under today’s dispensation has no worthy heritage to protect as our ‘dealers’ would want us to believe, what we have are merely corruption, kidnapping, bloodletting, banditry, legislative paedophiles, executive rascality, unemployable breeds of graduates amongst others.
With the evident failure of successive governments in the country to massively invest in the educational sector which would have prepared us for a time like this, it is going to be easier for the proverbial camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for this country to sustain any form of virtual learning because there are no such provisions on our campuses before this time.
I have read quite a number of press texts against the Academic Staff Union of Universities even by our much-celebrated heads of Nigerian Ivory Towers and I shook my head in disdain. It would have been permissible if such aggressive campaign were to be coming from the younger generation, because, many of them are yet to wake up to the reality that their beloved country is not just starting to wobble and fumble, it has been like that for decades. I find it pathetic that while many of us are trying all we could to educate the ill-fated younger generation in order to find a way out of the woods we have found ourselves as a people, we are getting more and more entrenched in it due to the collaboration between the State and their agents which include some persons in the academia that are agitating for school re-opening when it is evident that the government has not shown any commitment to ensure safe reopening of schools.
Indeed, the woes that hampered Nigeria’s progress are not unconnected with our resolve as a people to keep quiet when we need to jaw-jaw and take decisive actions in terms of governance and our blind loyalty to party politics. Sanity is now being slaughtered on the slab of party affiliation and our people now throw dangerous narratives all in the name of political correctness to justify governmental failure.
It is not a gainsaying that government exists for the State and not the State for the government. Ironically, this government has neither for once being responsive nor responsible and all efforts to bring it to account has always been futile most especially with the activities of those conceited around the rocky height as sycophants.
The call for school reopening is an attempt to endanger the lives of both students and staffs on our campuses because, as it stands today, there is no safe haven that could serve as shelter for us against covid-19 except for each and everyone to take necessary precautionary steps which include but not limited to avoiding crowded place(s). And, in reality, there is no higher institution of learning in the country that can boast of not having over-crowded lecture theaters to the extent that students now have to sit on bare floor while receiving lectures. This is not to talk of inhabitable halls of residence.
In fact, it is not in doubt that the call for school reopening poses serious threat on both staff and students on our campuses and all assurances in the contrary by this government cannot be trusted, because this is a government that has failed to fulfil its electoral promises with the people of Nigeria. This is also a government which underfunds education and promotes policies of privatisation and commercialisation which is not unexpected from an anti-poor capitalist government which sole aim is to enrich itself and other members of the ruling class.
So, in order to avoid a situation whereby we would be made guinea pigs by this useless government, we must resist every plan to expose the citizens to danger of contracting covid-19 which school reopening poses. In fact, we must start an increased agitation for shutting down of public places while government make provision for palliatives.
To wrap it off, this is not a position against the dear need for resumption of schools, rather, a call to focus attention on how quality of education has been in jeopardy for decades and begs for fixing. The ASUU drama has been a pointer. We are in a delicate dilemma between choosing to resume physical classes amidst unguaranteed safety from the ravaging pandemic and a virtual class that would obviously lack technical know-how cum qualitative resources. The former is looking suicidal while the latter is further guaranteeing mass failure or poorly-baked graduates. However, the both conditions point to a common thing or cause, that is, a terribly underfunded education, and this is where Nigerian students should choose their fights wisely.
Kazeem Olalekan Israel (GANI) writes from Ibadan, Nigeria.
•Urges Lagos Judiciary To Remain Example Of Equity, Fairness
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged members of the Lagos State Judiciary, to remain an example of equity, fairness and do their work with integrity at the highest level.
The Governor, who promised that his administration would not be deterred or shy away from its responsibilities to make life more comfortable for judges in Lagos State, reassured members of the judiciary that his government would continue to accord them the necessary support required to discharge their duties diligently to the people of the State.
Speaking during the swearing in of a 51-year-old Deputy Chief Registrar (Special Duties) Lagos Division, Mrs. Olubukola Florence Aigbokhaevbo and 40-year-old legal practitioner, Mr. Rahman Adesola Oshodi, as High Court Judges in Lagos State, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the judges earned their nominations and appointments to the High Court of the state based on their sterling credentials and experience in their respective areas of engagement.
He said: “We have enjoyed tremendous support from the judiciary led by the Chief Judge who constantly brings forward leadership that is second to none. And the least we can do is to continue to ensure that we give that arm of government all they require to continue to administer justice, to be the voice for the voiceless and to continue to let our citizens believe that Lagos State Judiciary is working well for all of them.
“We will continue to ensure that we give our judicial arm of government all they require to continue to do what they know best, which is to serve our citizens. Our government realises and appreciates the services and sacrifices of our judges, even at these difficult times as they continue to respond to the needs of our citizens.
“I want the new justices to use this opportunity to reassure our citizen and the judiciary that you would continue to remain an example of equity and fairness, doing your work with integrity at the highest level. Those are the things that delight us and what we want to hear. I wish the Lagos judiciary all the very best.”
Speaking earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), said swearing in of the two judges was one of the constitutionally recognised functions of Lagos State Governor to oil the wheels of the judiciary.
He said the newly appointed justices were the two that top the selection process.
In his remark, the Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Kazeem Alogba said the occasion was another testimony of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to the judiciary and administration of justice in the state.
He informed the Governor that seven justices would retire this year and therefore stressed the need for their replacement.
Giving a vote of assurance on behalf of the newly sworn in judges, Justice Olubukola Aigbokhaevbo assured that they would administer justice with integrity and fairness in order to take the judiciary to higher heights.
Justice Aigbokhaevbo, who commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his efforts and passion for justice in the state, promised that they will not disappoint the governor and people of the State.
Governor Makinde has assured Citizens of the State that Major Projects embarked by his administration will be completed this year, he made this known while delivering his speech at the 2021 interfaith prayer held at the state Secretariat, Ibadan on Wednesday 13th January.
The governor also commended the state workforce for their performance and efforts towards a successful year 2020 and urged them to renew their commitments in the current year with a view to achieving better results.
Governor Makinde made this known while delivering his speech at the 2021 interfaith prayer held at the state Secretariat, Ibadan on Wednesday 13th January.”
He said, “First, let me thank God for the gift of life and His protection over us all in the past year.
“2020 has been described in many quarters as a tough year. We did not survive last year because we are tougher, we survived only by His Grace. And that is why it is good that we are holding this inter-faith service in gratitude.
“Gratitude is something that a lot of us take for granted. Somehow, a lot of us feel that we can only express gratitude when everything is fine.
“But we know that as far as this world is concerned, everything cannot be great all the time. So, we must be grateful for what we have. In showing gratitude, we will receive even more. We are starting this year in good spirits. We are confident that this year, the seeds we planted in the previous year will yield good fruits. We are looking forward to commissioning various projects that we started last year. For example, the 65km Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin road, will be commissioned this year.
“Also lined up for commissioning are The 21km Airport- Ajia-New Ife Express road with a spur to Amuloko; The 12km Apete-Awotan-Akufo road; The 3km Under G Stadium-LAUTECH-2nd Gate road; The 5km Gedu-Oroki-Sabo-Asipa road; The 12.5km dualisation of Challenge-Odo Ona Elewe-Apata road and The 10km Saki Township road dualisation amongst others.
“Asides these, we will also be commissioning the remodelled Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, the four bus terminals at Iwo Road, New Ife Road, Challenge and Ojoo in Ibadan as well as the bike and bus terminal at Agodi Gate, Ibadan. The Akesan Market razed down by an inferno in January 2020 will also be commissioned this year.
“We heard some people wondering last year if we will continue paying salaries promptly given the hardship occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic meltdown. Well, by the grace of God, we are not owing any salaries.
“We even surprised them more by paying 13th month salaries for the second time running at a time when other states are owing their workers. In fact, we have spent about N9.3 billion to pay pensions and gratuities owed by the previous administration so far and we will continue to pay to clear up the backlog. Also, as you may be aware, there is a backlog of outstanding promotions from 2016.
“This will be addressed this year. Furthermore, deserving civil servants will have the opportunity to get up to grade level 17 under our watch. Let me reassure you that we will continue to prioritise the welfare of the civil servants in Oyo State.
“Yes, we are expecting that 2021 will come with its own challenges. Two things that are making the headlines right now all over the country and indeed Oyo State is the COVID-19 pandemic which started last year and cases of insecurity.
“I want to assure you that our administration is on top of the matter. Shortly after this, I will be holding a press conference to address some of these issues. I will be sharing some of the steps we are taking to make things better in 2021.
“Once again, let me thank you all for the support you are giving our administration despite all odds. The general consensus is that we have started well. I have heard people say, we hope he continues like this. Well, let me remind you that when our administration took over just about one year and six months ago, our promise was to serve.
“We remain unwavering in that resolve. We shall continue to serve the people of Oyo State and put their interests first. For those of us in government, let us not forget this pledge that we made to the people of Oyo State.
“I give the same advice as I did during the inter-faith service to usher in 2020. As you begin this year, 2021 ask yourself: in what way will I be a better person at my job this year? This honest self-examination and appraisal and acting on this appraisal are what will make 2021 better than 2020.”
Governor of The State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, has congratulated President of 9th Senate, Distinguished Senator Ahmad Lawan, who turns 62 today.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, the governor said he joins Lawan’s immediate family, political associates, friends and colleagues at the National Assembly to wish him an amazing 62nd birthday.
Oyetola described the Senate President as “a worthy leader, fine lawmaker, progressive politician and patriotic Nigerian who has continued to contribute to the development and unity of Nigeria through quality and excellent lawmaking, beginning from his days at the House of Representatives.”
He also hailed Lawan for demonstrating capacity and providing purposeful, responsive and inclusive leadership at the National Assembly, which he said, was evidenced by the numerous achievements recorded by the Assembly since June 2019.
According to him, the Senate President’s exemplary leadership style is also responsible for the existing harmonious relationship between the legislature and the executive arms of government.
The governor prayed Almighty Allah to grant the Senate President long life and continue to protect and guide him in the service to the nation and humanity.
The Ilero Community of Kajola Local Government area of Oyo state hosted PDP leaders across the ten Local Government areas of the state on Tuesday, 12th January, 2021where they unanimously endorsed Governor Seyi Makinde for a 2nd term in office.
The party gave justification for its decision as it lauded His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde’s infrastructural strides in the oke ogun zone ranging from the almost completed reconstruction of Moniya/Iseyin Road, the Contract for Award of the Iseyin/Ogbomoso Road, the reconstruction of the OYSADA headquarters in Saki, the contract award for Saki/Igboho Road, upgrade of the General Hospital, Saki to a Specialist Hospital status, the construction of Sporting stadia in Saki and Iseyin, amongst others.
The Party also seized the opportunity to appreciate the Governor for the recent appointment of Alh. Siju Lawal as the Commissioner for Establishments as well as other appointments given to the zone by the State Government. This, coupled with the quarterly relocation of the State apparatus of government to the oke ogun zone.
The party leaders concluded by calling for unity and cohesion amongst the various interests in the party as progress can only be sustained when various individual tendencies unite to forge ahead under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde.
The meeting had in attendance Chairman State Advisory Council, Senator Hosea Agboola, the former Deputy Governor of the State, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, Alh. Alli Oyedeji Dodo, the South West PDP Chairman, Mr. Dayo Ogungnenro, Hon. Akeem Mustapha, Kajola Constituency, Hon. Surveyor Dele Adeola, Iseyin/Itesiwaju Constituency, Engr. Muda Ogunsola (Former Chairman Saki East), Alh. Ismail Adedeji (Former chairman, Atisbo), Hon. Sheikh Mudasiru Sekoni from Igboho, Hon. Abass Olopoeyan from Kajola, Baba Saka and Alh. Anibiire from Iwajowa Local Government.
Also at the meeting were appointees from the zone such as, Hon. Siju Lawal, Commissioner for Establishments, Rt. Hon. Dr. Musah Abdulwasi, Chairman House of Assembly Service Commission, Elder Debo Adejumobi, Chairman Culture and Tourism, Barr. Bayo Lawal, Housing Corporations (represented), Alh. Afees Tijani, Mr. Lukman Adisa Adamawa and Mr. Ajibike Lateef (S.A. Federal Constituencies)Alh. Isiak Kolajo, Civil service commission, Alh. Mudasiru Awujoola, TESCOM, Mrs. Nike Arewa, Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Hassan Ogundoke, House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon Obaniyi Aremu, BCOS, Mr. Fasasi Adeagbo, OYSTROMA, Mr. Shittu Jimoh, WCOS. Mr. Tajudeen Olori, Sports Council and Alh. Muritala Salaudeen of the State Pension Board. Members of the Tertiary institutions’ Governing Council in attendance are Hon. Lukman Balogun, OYCARTECH. Alh. R.O. Muslim, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Alh. Alliu Tajudeen, Lanlate, Barr. Jide Ojolowo, IbadanPoly, Mr. Adedope Elijah, OYCARTECH and Alhaja Alhassan Sakirat, EACOED
Local government caretaker Chairmen present at the meeting are Mr. Mufutau Abilawon, Iseyin, Ojo Akintola, Itesiwaju, Jelili Oyinloye, Iwajowa, Mrs. Adeniran Ramat, Saki East, Omirinde Sarafadeen, Asabari LCDA, Ogunleke Timothy, Araromi LCDA, Mr. Afolabi Salimonu, Kajola and Oyediran Gideon, Iwa LCDA.
Other leaders at the meeting are Arch. Bash Lawal, Chief. Doyin Babalola, Alh. Yakubu Oladoja, Alh. Alani Alwajud, Mr. Tajudeen Adeniran, Chief Gbola Adeleke, Chief Isaac Oke Agada, Mr. Mutiu Badmos Adesoji, Baba OwoOkola, Alh. Jimoh Olajide (Oro), Alh. Ganiyu Opeloyeru, Chief Adedokun Adelani, Chief Oladoja Oluko, Alh. Sikiru Ikuogbogun, Alh. Nasiru Salami, Alh. Yekeen Owoade, Alh. Yisau Awoke, Alh. Ganiyu Okearan.
Others are Chief Ajala, Mr. Owolabi Ganiyu, Jagunmolu Abbey, Councillor Rasaq Aderenle, Joseph Olaniyan Oosa, Alh. Nasiru Ayinde Ogede, Alh. Yinusa Insha Allah, Mr. Jimoh Rewire, Alh. Abdullah Oje Owode, Alh. Mumini Ibiposi, Mr. Moshood Ishola.
Local government Party Chairmen present include: Mr. H. O. Oladosu, Itesiwaju, Alh. Adeoti Azeez, Orelope, Alh. Wasiu Ayesoro, Saki West, Mr.Muftau Soliu, Iseyin, Mr. Ojeniyi Johnson, Kajola.
Many local and ward executives of the party were also in attendance including prominent members of coalition parties.
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ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Muhammed have ordered the redeployment of the oyo state commissioner of police Mr Nwachuckwu Enwonwu, and replaces him with first female officer to head the force in the state Mrs. Ngozi Onadeko.
Mrs. Ngozi Onadeko Vivian who was just promoted to the level of commissioner in thr police service was deployed from delta state.
The order, according to police sources, was given yesterday by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.
The posting, with those of other commissioners of police to various commands, is with immediate effect.
The state police public relations officer, who Was recently promoted to the rank of Chief Suprintendent of Police CSP, Olugbenga Fadeyi, could not be reached for comment as at press time. Text message sent to his line has not be replied as at the time of filing this report.
The previously announced resumption date by the ministry of education which is January 18, 2020 have been said to be no longer feasible.
The Minster for education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu have said considering the surge in number of infected persons with COVID-19, the previously announced date might no longer be feasible.
The Honorable Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu gave the hint on Monday in Abuja at the joint national briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19. The PTF had in December 2020 asked schools in the country to remain closed until January 18, 2021.
When we decided on that date, it was just a target towards what we are working on. Of course we are keeping it in view and looking at what is happening in the society and then it is supposed to be subject to constant review. Even today at the PTF meeting, we looked at the rising figures and thought we should probably take another look at it. On the January 18, 2021 date for school resumption, we are reviewing it’ he said.
The minister added that the issue was considered at the PTF meeting held on Monday and that the ministry would continue discussions on it today, Tuesday, 12 January 2021-
The Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business Districts has intensified the sensitisation of stakeholders operating with the Lagos Island Business Districts about the emergence of the second wave of COVID-19 in the State.
Speaking at different sensitisation meetings with representatives of CDC/CDA, NURTW and Market Associations operating within the Lagos Island Business District over the weekend, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business Districts, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, called on the leadership of the unions to ensure total compliance with the health guidelines issued by the State Government to curb the spread of the second wave of COVID-19.
Oyerinde said the sensitisation meetings became necessary following the observed increase in the number of those affected due to the general laxity, false sense of security, non-adherence to safety guidelines by citizens, re-opening of schools, large religious congregations, social gatherings and entertainment, among others as well as the large volume of visitors coming into the Lagos Island business district daily.
The Special Adviser called for lifestyle adjustments by adhering strictly to all COVID-19 protocols in order to flatten the curve of the global pandemic.
He urged the leadership of the associations to prevail on their members to adhere strictly to all safety protocols including proper and regular use of face masks, adhering to physical distancing guidelines and avoiding mass gatherings.
While imploring the leadership of transport unions within the Lagos Island Business District to join the fight against the spread of the disease by always checking the temperature of passengers, Oyerinde advised them to ensure that physical distancing protocols relating to the number of passengers allowed in their commercial vehicles are strictly observed.
He said “We noted that as the economy reopens for business and the influx of a large number of visitors coming to the business district daily, there is the need to continually enlighten traders, business owners and visitors against violating COVID-19 protocols as well as avoiding traffic and environmental laws infringement. Most traders are beginning to lose consciousness of the need to obey health guidelines against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic”.
“We have printed enlightenment materials to further enlighten visitors and traders within the CBD zone and our enlightenment and advocacy team will regularly visit markets and streets, especially Balogun, UBA/Tinubu, Ereko/Martins, Alli Balogun, Nnamdi Azikiwe streets, outer and inner Marina and Idumota axis to ensure that everyone coming to the Island on a daily basis for business and private visits are sensitised on the need to obey the COVID-19 protocols as well as keeping the business district safe and clean”, Oyerinde added.
Urging Lagosians to be safety conscious as they come to the Lagos Island business district to engage in business transactions, the Special Adviser said that CBD enforcement unit and other government agencies are ready to ensure that health, traffic, environmental and other security challenges associated with the high influx of shoppers and traders into the Island are curtailed and well managed.
He, however, warned street traders using the walkways and kerbs to display their goods as well as motorists parking on bridges to desist from the practice as the State will continue to impound vehicles parked and goods displayed on walkways and kerbs.
