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Lagos Prepares For Resumption of Schools, Trains School Administrators

The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, LASUBEB, has expressed its readiness to resume classroom academic activities in compliance with the directive of the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, adding that it has completed a two-day capacity building workshop on post-COVID-19 and Classroom Management for its school administrators.

Speaking about the workshop, the Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King, said the training was supported by the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, for School Managers, Administrators, Guidance Counsellors and Teachers.

He added that the programme was designed to further reinforce COVID-19 guidelines and regulations, psychosocial support services and classroom management techniques, while also preparing teachers for the new phase in the Education Sector.

The Chairman assured parents and pupils that LASUBEB has prepared the teachers to adapt to the new reality and adopt relevant hygiene protocols in other to curtail the spread of the deadly virus as schools reopen, describing the COVID-19 era as “a new normal, that we all must learn to live with, accept and be willing to overcome”.

Noting that the re-opening of schools is a process with different stages, namely: pre-opening, re-opening and post-re-opening stages that need to be adequately planned for, Alawiye-King stressed that the Board is not in a rush to resume schools but more focussed on the health and safety of the pupils.

He, however, stated that LASUBEB is prepared for the resumption of academic activities having provided all necessary facilities and infrastructure needed to maintain and comply with COVID-19 safety protocols.

“LASUBEB is ready to enforce and ensure that both public and private schools maintain physical distancing and other safety guidelines”, the Chairman restated.

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Osun to partner with private investors on tourism development

.As State set to get huge financial support

Efforts by the administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to develop the tourism sector of the State of Osun through Public Private Partnership is beginning to yield positive result, as both Sterling Bank Plc and Union Bank have pledged to place Osun atop the list of the states to benefit from their huge financial support for massive transformation of culture and tourism in the country.

Already, a delegation led by an adviser to the African Union and Consultant to the partnering banks, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, had commenced an inspection tour of tourist sites in the State with a view to exploring the possibility of immediate investment in the sector.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the delegation from African Union, Continent Building Initiative, Goge Africa, Sterling Bank and Union Bank on Governor Oyetola at his office on Wednesday, Akinboboye said the choice of Osun as one of the benefitting states, was based on its rich culture, attractive tourist sites and the business-like presentation by the state through its Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Adebisi Obawale when he visited the team in Lagos.

Akinboboye, who disclosed that both Sterling and Union banks had earmarked the sum of N15billion as initial commitment to the development of culture and tourism in the country, noted that Osun with all its attractive tourist sites stood a better chance to benefit immensely from the gesture than any other state.

He expressed satisfaction with Governor Oyetola-led administration’s level of commitment to rejuvenating the tourism sector, just as he assured that Osun will top the list of the benefitting states.

Akinboboye said, “Africa has not been able to compete with other continents of the world in spite of its relatively huge size. We have stunning sites waiting to be transformed to attractive destinations.

“Efforts to build the Africa we want is ongoing. And this has to be done through tourism. We therefore aim at forcing all the leaders in the continent to focus on culture.

“The State of Osun has it all. Sterling Bank has earmarked a sum of N5billion for capital tourism creative development as a starting commitment as it is willing to give us more while its Union Bank counterpart has equally set aside a total sum of N10billion for the same purpose.

“All of us were highly impressed by the presentation by the Osun Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Bisi Obawale and this is the reason we decided that the State is the first to visit.

“I am very pleased to state that all the attractions visited are quite good. I can see the desire in the impressive disposition of Mr. Governor and his team. In my 37 years in this industry, I have never seen this level of commitment.”

In his remarks, Governor Oyetola said the administration would hold tenaciously its vision to create wealth and enhance the standard of living and the general well-being of the citizens through the development of infrastructure, agriculture, mining and tourism.

He added that his administration was investing heavily on infrastructure development as part of efforts to make the State attractive to investors in these critical sectors.

Oyetola expressed delight at the pledge by the two banks to invest huge amount to the tune of N15billion as initial commitment to the advancement of culture and tourism in the country, adding that the gesture was in line with the vision of his government to develop the sector through Public Private Partnership.

“I have always believed that our tourism can only be driven by private sector. We are lucky to be the custodian of the cradle of Yoruba race, which is Ile-Ife. This makes Osun a place to be when it comes to culture. We have seen it before now and I am happy that we have seen people who will make us realise our dreams in tourism. We thank the Sterling Bank, the Union Bank and all other bodies that have shown interest in the development of our culture and tourism.

“We are ready, willing to support in whatever forms to see this through. We are investing heavily in infrastructure to make our State attractive to investors. With this highly welcome development, it is clear that all the good things desired for this sector is beginning to bring the desired result and success is assured,” Governor Oyetola added.

In attendance at the courtesy visit include: the Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Alabi, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola, Deputy Chief of Staff, Prince Abdullahi Binuyo, Head of Service, Dr. Festus Oyebade, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Adebisi Obawale and Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Engr. Lekan Badmus.

Others are Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Olalekan Yinusa, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Adeleke Adebayo, Special Adviser to Governor on Education, Mr. Jamiu Olawumi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Transport, Olatoke Olaniyan and Professor Niyi Akinanso among others.

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Oyo TESCOM CBT: Consultant Explains Reason For Mass Failure

Not less than eight per cent of candidates that sat for the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) Computer Based Test (CBT) sails through to the recommended pass mark, the consultant for the test has said.

The consultant, Dr Muyiwa Bamgbose, said this in an interview with the Newsmen in Ibadan on Thursday.

He explained that more than eight per cent of the candidates scored 50 per cent and above to pass the test.

According to him, candidates in the sciences do not do well in Biology and Chemistry, describing the performance as worrisome, especially in the two subjects.

“I know that in some of the public discussion fora, some people are complaining; some of them said that the Mathematics questions were too many for them.

“There are a set of questions of which the Mathematics questions are just four questions out of 50, but there were some reasoning questions that some of them call Mathematic questions that are not.

“You tell somebody that there are four rooms and there are eight people, how do you want to distribute them? That is a reasoning question and not Mathematics, for instance.

“The reasoning questions were of two types — qualitative and quantitative — those are about eight out of 50 questions.

“Nobody should complain about the results, as a matter of fact, if we are to restrain the test to the subject areas of the teachers, it will not be far from the results we have now.

“Some of them would prefer to be tested in their subject only but that would not make a good teacher.

“A teacher is a leader, so about 40 per cent of the questions are formed from their subject competence.

“If you are a Government subject teacher, then you should be able to teach the students about life’s skills because you’re likely to be more than a teacher such as becoming a principal or vice-principal.

“Then, there are questions on pedagogy; which is the way you teach; and that again is eight questions

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Oyo Cancels Curfew, Converts Isolation Centres to PHCs

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force, headed by Governor Seyi Makinde, has announced the cancellation of the 10 p.m. curfew imposed on the state in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, which contained details of the report of the Task Force meeting held on August 31, 2020, and presided over by the governor, indicated that the curfew has been abolished after a series of reviews.

The Task Force, however, specifically warned operators of Night Clubs to desist from accommodating persons in closed areas within their premises, adding that research has confirmed that the virus spreads faster when people cluster in closed venues.

According to the statement, an advisory would be sent to Night Clubs Owners by the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) arm of the Task Force, which will warn operators not to allow guests into their enclosed areas.The statement further indicated that the Task Force issued another warning to residents of the state to continue to follow the OWN YOUR ACTION initiative of the state’s COVID-19 Task Force, as, according to the Task Force, the state “is not completely out of the woods with regards to COVID-19.

”It explained that the decision by the Governor Makinde-led Task Force to abolish the curfew was premised on the need to reduce the burden on business owners in the state, whom, it said, has been affected by the curfew, especially since the COVID-19 situation has begun to improve in the state.

According to the Task Force, though it appeared that COVID-19 cases are coming down in the state, “the confidence interval could not be determined yet.

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JUST IN: TASUED Students Protest, Reject The Recently Hiked Fuel Price

The students of Tai Solarin University of Education, TASUED, Ijagun, Ogun State have taken to the streets today to demand the reversal of the recently increased fuel price to the previous price.

The President of the Students’ Union Government, Abdul-Azeez Lekan Soneye, said the Nigerian Government had declared war on Nigerian students and it was time for them to fight back or lose it all.

He said, “War is coming. And it will consume everyone of us here if care is not taken. Electricity fee has been hiked by 300%. Petrol is now #160. I mean 160 in some places and not 150 as reported.

“It means landlords would increase house rent to meet up with electricity bills. We shouldn’t forget we were still envisaging problem that will arise as students won’t find it easy to pay for house they didnt occupy for several months after a pandemic that has affected their sponsors’ income.

“With increase in fuel price, shuttle fare on campuses would increase. Price of food items has also increased. It means, cost of living would be so high that it won’t be reasonably affordable to students.

“This is a declaration of war against the generality of the masses and we must confront it now or never.”

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Again, MURIC Faults Oyo TESCOM, Says The CBT ‘Highly Questionable’

Professor Isiaq Akintola, the President of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has again faulted the credibility and outcome of the CBT held by Oyo TESCOM.

Akintola also accused the chairman of the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Pastor Akinade Alamu, of lying against him during his interview on Fresh Radio. The interview was held at 10 am on Monday 31st August, 2020.

MURIC’s allegation was contained in a press statement issued on Thursday, 3rd September, 2020, by its helmsman, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads:

“It will be recalled that MURIC issued a statement on 14th August, 2020 condemning the Christianisation of the Computer Based Test (CBT) that was being organised by Oyo TESCOM. We based the allegation on the fact that Muslim candidates were given bible-based questions.

“TESCOM reacted the next day (15th August, 2020) blaming the computer system for the incident and promising adequate redress. But TESCOM chairman went beyond issuing a press statement by calling the director of MURIC on telephone that same day seeking his cooperation. He also invited the director to his office and the CBT centre although the director declined.

“He therefore asked the director of MURIC to send representatives. The director gave him the telephone number of the chairman of its Oyo State chapter. The latter later confirmed that he had been contacted by TESCOM chairman and invited to come to the CBT centre in the University of Ibadan to monitor the rest of the examination. MURIC headquarters approved the visit in good faith.

“To show goodwill, MURIC reciprocated the next day by issuing a public statement thanking the chairman of TESCOM for reacting quickly to its complaint. However, we did not mention his telephone calls and his invitation to MURIC. This was for strategic reasons. We knew we might need this information in future.

“Based on his invitation, three members of MURIC went for the exercise (the chairman, Dr. Nurudeen Oloso, the Ambassador, Ibrahim Agunbiade and Barrister Abdul Waahid Lawal). They were warmly received and conducted round the venue. They went daily until the examination ended. The involvement of MURIC in the monitoring occurred in an atmosphere of friendliness and the three-man team was even given a Certificate of Recognition while pictures were also taken with TESCOM officials as memorabilia on Friday, 21st August, 2020.

“But to our surprise, the same chairman of TESCOM who invited MURIC to the centre went on air to claim that MURIC came to disrupt the CBT examination. If that is so, why was MURIC eulogised during the closing ceremony? Why did the TESCOM chairman say that the presence of MURIC at the CBT centre lent credibility to the examination? That was an indefensible volte-face. Oyo TESCOM chairman lied. We are shocked to our marrows. We are highly disappointed that a man placed in such a position of trust could lie to the public without batting an eyelid. It is a betrayal, a stab in the back.

“We are also disturbed that the chairman is a pastor. It is a very bad reflection of the abyss of moral decadence into which our religious leaders have sunk. By lying against us on Fresh FM, Pastor Alamu has broken one of the Ten Commandments: Thou shalt not bear false witness against your neighbour (Exodus 20:16).

Read Also: MURIC CONDEMNS CHRISTIANISATION OF OYO TESCOM EXAMINATION

“The Bible also says, “You shall not spread false report about your neighbour’ (Exodus 23:1) but this man went on a live radio to spread falsehood about his Muslim neighbours. Or are we not neighbours just because we happen to be Muslims? Revelation 22:15 classified ‘dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood’ as being ‘outside’.

“For the avoidance of doubt, MURIC is in possession of incontrovertible evidence of Pastor Alamu’s telephone call to its director as well as pictures taken and certificate received at the CBT centre during the closing ceremony. Pictures do not lie. Neither do certificates, at least genuine ones don’t.

“TESCOM chairman has discredited his CBT examination by his own character. Falsehood cannot produce anything credible. You cannot build anything on nothing. Nemo dat quod non habet (You cannot give what you don’t have). Worse still, he has done great damage to interreligious dialogue. Taking a cue from Pator Alamu, it will take a long time before Muslims in Oyo State can trust Christians in public office. TESCOM’s CBT test is hereby declared highly questionable. Its transparency cannot be guaranteed as no result was immediately released.

“A computer-based test that took more than a week to release cannot be free from manipulations. It is not even the computer this time around. It is the finger on the keyboard and the hand that holds the mouse. MURIC cannot vouch for Pastor Alamu’s finger on the CBT keyboard. We therefore pass a vote of no confidence on the whole exercise.”

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Flood: Oyetola warns Osun residents against indiscriminate refuse dumping

…as Osun begins massive dredging of waterways, rivers

The Governor, State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, has admonished the residents of the State to abstain from indiscriminate dumping of refuse particularly in the streams, rivers, drainages and waterways.

The Governor also urged the people to imbibe the spirit of personal hygiene.

He called for attitudinal change among the residents to waste disposal and management, saying government was committed to continually ensuring a flood-free State.

Governor Oyetola spoke on Wednesday during his unscheduled tour of some of the rivers, streams and waterways under dredging and channelisation in Osogbo, the State capital.

It will be recalled that Osun is one of the few States warned recently by the officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to prepare for an imminent flood between the month of August and October this year.

According to the NEMA Director of Operations in charge of Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States, Mr. Olusegun Afolayan, 28 States and 102 Local Government Areas in the country risked being flooded due to the impending heavy rainfall in the country.

Addressing the journalists shortly after the inspection tour as a proactive response to NEMA directive, Governor Oyetola averred that his administration had come up with a sustainable way of managing its rivers, streams and waterways to forestall possible flood incidence.

He said government would not relent in its efforts to continue to open up its rivers and channelise its waterways and streams to ensure free flow of water across the nooks and crannies of the State.

“First and foremost, apart from the fact that some States were warned on the possible floodings in some parts of the country, our administration has been proactive in its efforts to ensure proper control of flood in the State.

“What we are doing here is what we have been doing. We are doing this to ensure that we do not experience flooding in our State. Ordinarily, dredging has become a routine exercise that we do on a regular basis. We dredge our streams, waterways and carnals in anticipation of flood.

“So, I am impressed with what I have seen and with this, we shouldn’t be thinking of flooding around this axis. This exercise is not limited to this place, it cuts across the strategic places across the State, particularly flash points”, Oyetola said.

When asked of the number of rivers and waterways to be dredged to forestall the predicted flood disaster, Oyetola said the State had identified 17 critical areas to be dredged and channelised.

He added that other flash points such as rivers, drainages and streams which were not part of the regular dredging routine had been incorporated to ensure that the State is free from any form of flood disaster.

Oyetola said: “We have some flash points where we believe there would be flood. They are critical areas that we do dredge and aside that, there are other pockets of areas like streams, rivers and waterways that we used to dredge to avoid flood.

“This is an ongoing thing, we shall continue to do it to ensure that we do not have loss of life or property in our State. In some years past, one could experience floodings, but today I can say it categorically that there is nothing as such because it has become a thing of the past”.

The Governor commended the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the All Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun chapter, for their prompt and timely efforts to ensure that the State is safe and secure from flood disaster.

“I must commend the Ministry of Environment and sanitation as well as ALGON for their collaborative efforts.

“I want to appeal to our people not to dump refuse on the waterways, streams or rivers but rather the designated areas. It is an appeal. We don’t want anyone to lose his or her life. We have several means of disposing wastes. We should not dump them indiscriminately because if you prevent water from flowing, it will always find its way”.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Rufus Oyegbile extolled the Governor for taking the lives and property of the citizens as a priority.

He enjoined the residents of the State to adhere to the personal and basic hygienic tips designed to prevent flood, warning them against unlawful disposal of waste in undesignated spaces.

The Governor was accompanied by his Deputy, Mr Benedict Alabi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adeleke Adebayo; and Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs. Funke Egbemode among other members of the State Executive Council.

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Fayose Berates FG Over The Recently Hiked Petrol Price

The erstwhile Ekiti State Governor, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose, on Wednesday, berated the increase in the pump price of premium motor spirit otherwise known as petrol to N151.56 per litre.

The Petroleum Products Marketing Company, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, had on Wednesday increased the ex-depot price of petrol from N138.62 per litre to N151.56 per litre.

The former governor said this via his twitter handle, he said the increase was ludicrous particularly coming at a time the whole world was busy finding solutions to the COVID-19.

Fayose tweeted, “Petrol is now N151.56. The increment was made when other countries are adopting measures to reduce the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on their citizens.

“Just in case those who led the Save Nigeria protests across Nigeria during Peoples Democratic Party government of Dr Goodluck Jonathan are not aware. I warned.”

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My Late Husband Should Be Immortalized, Bose Adedibu Tells Oyo Govt.

Immortalize my late husband, Alhaja Modinat Abosede Adedibu tells Governor Makinde

The wife of the late political gladiator, in Oyo State, Alhaji Lamidi Ariyibi Adedibu, Alhaja Modinat Abosede Adedibu on Tuesday has implored the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to immortalize her late husband.

She said her husband has contributed immensely to the political and economic development of the State and that the only thing that the State government can do to please the family is to immortalize him.

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African leaders attend Akinwumi Adesina’s Inauguration as AfDB President

OduduwaNews has gathered that many African leaders attended the inauguration of the President of African Development Bank, AfDB, Akinwumi Adesina which was held yesterday.

African leaders on Tuesday also reaffirmed their support for the African Development Bank Group and its leadership, under Dr Akinwumi Adesina, as he began his second five-year term with a renewed mandate to foster sustainable development on the continent.

In goodwill messages to mark Adesina’s inauguration, Nigerian President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.); Paul Kagame of Rwanda; Alpha Conde of Guinea; George Weah of Liberia; Sassou Nguesso of Republic of the Congo; and Guinea Bissau’s Umaro Embalo commended the bank’s interventions, especially its assistance to member states in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Dr Adesina, you have our full support as you continue to lead the bank through this COVID-19 period, marked by turmoil but also the prospect of new opportunities for our continent,” Kagame said.

Kagame noted that the bank had played a key role in ensuring that Africa’s interests reflected on the international agenda during the crisis.

Adesina, who first took office as the eight elected president of the bank in 2015, was unanimously re-elected by the Board of Governors with a 100 per cent vote at the end of the bank’s 2020 annual meeting on August 27.

For the first time, the meetings were held virtually due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Buhari noted that the unanimity of Adesina’s re-election was a vote of confidence in his leadership and programmes, especially the bank’s High 5 priority agenda.

If diligently implemented, the High 5s would help Africa to meet most of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN, he noted.

“Under your leadership, the bank has made admirable progress and we are confident that this gain will be consolidated and scaled up in the next five years,” Buhari said in a message presented on his behalf by the bank’s governor for Nigeria.

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