Tragic Loss: Military Honors Fallen Personnel with Mass Burial Following Niger State Ambush.

Tragic Loss: Military Honors Fallen Personnel with Mass Burial Following Niger State Ambush.

In a somber event that underscores the sacrifices made by military personnel, the armed forces are currently presiding over a mass burial for their fallen comrades who lost their lives in a tragic ambush and subsequent air crash that occurred in Niger State.

The devastating incident took place on August 14, 2023, when a group of armed bandits launched a surprise attack on troops stationed in Niger State. The attack resulted in the untimely demise of 14 soldiers, with an additional seven sustaining injuries as they valiantly defended their post.

The gravity of the situation led to the immediate mobilization of the Nigeria Air Force's evacuation aircraft. However, in a heart-wrenching turn of events, the aircraft crashed, claiming the lives of all passengers on board, including two skilled pilots and two crew members. This catastrophic accident further deepened the sense of loss and grief within the military community.

The fallen heroes who will be laid to rest are:

• Late Major SA Oni
• Late Flight Lieutenant Anthony Duryumsu
• Late Flight Lieutenant Ibrahim Adamu
• Late Lieutenant Gm Odusami
• Late Lieutenant Us Alkali
• Late Sergeant Faruk Mohammed
• Late Corporal Ibrahim Garba
• Late Corporal Chiroma Pogu
• Late Corporal Adama Isaac
• Late Corporal Haruna Jamilu
• Late Corporal Samaila Bashiru
• Late Able Seaman Suleiman Mk (Nigerian Navy)
• Late Corporal Jauro Amos (Nigeria Air Force)
• Late Lance Corporal Sunday Okopi
• Late Lance Corporal Ekpanyo Edetd
• Late Lance Corporal Alaribe Daniel (Nigeria Air Force)
• Late Lance Corporal Brigss Stephen (Nigeria Air Force)
• Late Lance Corporal Yakubu Ayuba
• Late Lance Corporal Nura Mohammed
• Late Private Habib Aliyu
• Late Private Tanko Waje
• Late Air Craft Man Abubakar Abdulrahaman (Nigeria Air Force)

The military ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and challenges faced by these brave men and women as they selflessly defend their nation's security. As the fallen heroes are laid to rest, the nation collectively mourns their loss and expresses gratitude for their unwavering dedication."

NMA, NAGGMDP Urge Ondo State Government to Implement 100% Hazard Allowance for Medical Practitioners.

NMA, NAGGMDP Urge Ondo State Government to Implement 100% Hazard Allowance for Medical Practitioners.

In a concerted effort to curb brain drain within the healthcare sector and bolster the provision of quality medical services, the Ondo State Chapter Executive Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA SEC) and the Executive Council of the National Association Of General Government Medical And Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) have jointly called upon the Ondo State Government to expeditiously implement a 100% Hazard Allowance for their members.

Leadership representatives from NMA and NAGGMDP, headed by Dr. Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe, the State Chairman of NMA, conveyed that the state government had previously agreed to disburse the hazard allowance and clear any arrears owed. Regrettably, these agreements have yet to be executed.

This vital appeal was articulated during a courtesy visit to the Acting Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, by the leadership of NMA, NAGGMDP, the Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), and the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD). The visit took place at the official premises in Akure on Friday.

A press release signed by Dr. Oluwaseun Akinbohun-Sado, the state Publicity Secretary of NAGGMDP, underscores the gravity of the brain drain challenge within Ondo State's healthcare system.

Dr. Adeyemi-Osowe highlighted the impediments impacting efficient healthcare delivery in the state, chiefly centered around members' welfare. He then presented a comprehensive list of demands to the Acting Governor.

Foremost among these demands is the immediate implementation of a 100% Hazard Allowance, a commitment that the government had already assented to, including the settlement of pending arrears that have remained outstanding.

Furthermore, Dr. Adeyemi-Osowe emphasized the critical need for competitive employment prospects for doctors within Ondo State. He stressed that achieving pay parity with medical practitioners in Federal Institutions in neighboring states holds paramount importance.

The plea for the adoption of the 100% Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS) aligning with the recently released June 2023 CONMESS Circular took center stage. The proposed implementation date of June 2023, deviating from the current payment of 92% based on the 2014 Circular, was strongly urged. The elevation of the entrance level from 12.3 to 13.2 was also highlighted as a key point.

During the engagement, Dr. Adeyemi-Osowe expressed gratitude for the ongoing infrastructural projects at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex (UNIMEDTHC) and the ORANGHIS health scheme, praising the State Government for these initiatives.

In response, Acting Governor Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the lucidity, specificity, and feasibility of the requests, reaffirming the government's commitment to taking requisite actions.

In pursuit of their objectives, the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and its affiliated bodies in the state intend to pursue a follow-up meeting with Prof. Faduyile, the Governor's Special Adviser on Health Matters, and other pertinent stakeholders.

OYEBANJI HAILS AXXESS BOSS, OLAJIDE’S APPOINTMENT AS CCA BOARD CHAIRMAN.

OYEBANJI HAILS AXXESS BOSS, OLAJIDE’S APPOINTMENT AS CCA BOARD CHAIRMAN.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has hailed the election of Ekiti State -born healthcare technologist and investor, Mr John Olajide as chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA).

The Governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described Olajide’s  election as an acknowledgement of his innovative contributions to various fields of human endeavours which have positively impacted the lives of millions of people across the globe.

Governor Oyebanji described Olajide as a worthy Ekiti son who has done the State proud by demonstrating competence, diligence, hardwork, courage , integrity and excellence for which Ekiti people are known, in everything he does.

The Governor added that Olajide had positioned himself as a leading light in innovation across the globe, having made great impact by empowering healthcare organizations with state-of-the-art software solutions during the COVID-19 era which posed major health threat to the world. This, according to the Governor, is in addition to other breakthroughs he had recorded in other fields. 

While commending Olajide for his exploits at the international level, Oyebanji said it is worth noting that the new CCA Chairman is also blazing the trail in his home country with multi- million dollar investments in agribusiness, hospitality and technology, thereby creating thousands of job opportunities. 

“I am not surprised at Olajide’s elevation as Chairman of the Board of Corporate Council on Africa (CCA). He is a man of vision, who places much premium on excellence and innovation. I have no doubt that he has all it takes to lead the Corporate Council on Africa to another era of prosperity and technological breakthroughs that would serve mankind”.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate Mr Olajide on this new appointment and wish him success as he continues to shine and inspire more Nigerian and Ekiti youths to achieve more”, Oyebanji said.

Labour Party National Chairman Lamidi Apapa Speaks Out Following Court Verdict on Abure's Faction.

Labour Party National Chairman Lamidi Apapa Speaks Out Following Court Verdict on Abure's Faction.

In a recent press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, August 24, Lamidi Apapa, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), addressed the ongoing crisis within the party following a court verdict that favored his faction. The court of appeal had ruled against the Julius Abure-led faction and ordered the recognition of governorship candidates produced by Apapa's faction for the upcoming November 11 governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states.

Apapa began by reminding attendees of the prior developments in the case. He highlighted that on April 5, the FCT High Court had restrained Abure and his associates from representing themselves as national officers of the party. Consequently, the party designated Apapa, the Deputy National Chairman, as the acting national chairman in accordance with its constitution.

Citing this progression, Apapa explained, "Following these events, the party under my leadership communicated with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reschedule the primary election date set by Abure from April 15 to April 16." Despite the restraining order, Abure proceeded to hold primaries for the states of Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa on those specified dates.

Apapa continued, "In response to my conducted primary, a candidate who participated in Abure's primary contested my candidate's legitimacy, asserting that Abure's candidates were the true representatives." This disagreement led to a legal battle, culminating in a ruling by the Federal High Court in Owerri Division. The court declared Apapa's primaries to be valid, noting that Abure had conducted his primaries while under a restraining order.

As a result of this legal victory, Apapa firmly conveyed his stance during the press conference. "Only candidates endorsed by me will be allowed to participate in the governorship elections scheduled for November 11 in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo," he affirmed.

The press conference shed light on the ongoing internal dispute within the Labour Party, underscoring the complexities of selecting candidates for the upcoming elections. With the court's verdict in favor of Apapa's faction, the LP's focus now shifts to the preparation and consolidation of their candidates' campaigns as the election date approaches.

Ekiti First Lady Partners With Foundation On Waste-To-Wealth Initiative.

Ekiti First Lady Partners With Foundation On Waste-To-Wealth Initiative.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has said she would partner with Tokunbo Ajila-Jakande Foundation on its Waste-to-Wealth Initiative and other efforts to ensure a cleaner and safer environment.

Dr. Oyebanji gave the commitment when she received the Founder of the Foundation, Mrs. Tokunbo Ajila-Jakande, who led members of her team to the Office of the First Lady in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

The First Lady also took delivery of a giant waste collector donated to her office by the Foundation appreciating the donation as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.

She was also presented with some products like schoolbags, laptop bags and other materials that were produced from sachet water nylons during the visit which she described as laudable.

Dr. Oyebanji who particularly picked interest in turning waste products like sachet water nylons and plastic bottles into useful products like schoolbags.

Ekiti Council Chair, Ojo Commissions SIEC, NSCDC's Office Building.

Ekiti Council Chair, Ojo Commissions SIEC, NSCDC's Office Building.  

....as he charges the officers to justify the purpose for constructing the office building through their improved working performances. 

In Pic: (Engr.) Hon. Toyin Ojo, The Executive Chairman of Ado-Central Local Council Development Area.

The executive chairman of Ado-Central Local Council Development Area, Ado-Ekiti, Hon. (Engr.) Toyin Ojo, has inaugurated a newly constructed office building project running  into millions of naira to provide conducive office accommodations for officials of the State Independent Electoral Commission  (SIEC) and the Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) Ado Central LCDA's Area office and  security  post respectively.

Ojo, while making  his remarks at the  event  on Thursday, August 24, 2023, appreciated the God Almighty for being faithful to him in all fronts to go this far in delivering dividends of democracy to the people since  he assumed office almost two- year ago .He thanked Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi for the prompt release of money meant for local goverments and giving the  council chairmen  free hands to operate without any undue interference in their affairs. Ojo said his adminstration  embarked  on construction of office  building for NSCDC as part of his avow commitment to secure  the lives and property of his people . 

"As a  chief security officer in my council area, it remains my constitutional responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and property of my people. And one of the very best ways to guarantee safety of my people is to provide condusive office accommodation for the security personnel to boost their morale "

Speaking on the office accommodation built for the SIEC, Ojo said the gesture would enable the officials of the Commission in his council area to secure their electorial materials and settle down properly to carry out their statutory responsibility of conducting reliable, free, fair and acceptable elections. 

In Pic: The Newly Constructed Building for officials of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) and the Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) at Oke - Oniyo, Ado - Ekiti.

The council chief executive officer disclosed that his government happened  to be the first in the history of Ekiti State Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas to have built a befitting  office accommodation fraught with necessary facilities for the SIEC. " I can proudly say it any where in the state, I remain the first council chairman to have initiated, completed and  commissioned a beffiting office accommodation for the State Electoral Body in Ekiti State since the emergence of what is constitutionally recognised as SIEC today "Ojo declared .

He further reiterated his administration"s commitment and readiness to always prioritise the needs and welfare of his people. The chairman appealed to the Ekiti State Commandant of NSCDC to deplore more    security personnel to complement the efforts of existing officers .

 Commenting on the  efforts of the council helmsman at the event, Ekiti State Chairman  of SIEC, Hon. Justice  Cornelius Akintayo (rtd) commended the chairman for deeming it appropriate to build a beffiting office for his staff. Akintayo said his officers in some local governments and newly created LCDAs didn't have offices where to convienently carry out their  duties. " Let me expressly say this, you happen to the first local government chairman to have built permanent office accommodation for the Commission in the local government area in the state. Our officers in some local goverments don't even have accommodations  to perform their functions effectively. I want to use this forum to call on the other council chairmen copy this lofty idea from you "

The SIEC chairman solicited for the support and cooperation of the council boss in term of logistics during the forthcoming local government elections calling on the relevant  stakeholders to partner  with the Commission with a view to conduct credible, reliable, free and fair elections .

In his  remarks, the Ekiti State Commandant of NSCDC, represented by Assistance Commandant, Mr. Maha lauded the chairman for creating enabling  working environment for their officers and promised to strengthen the security of the area." With this noble gesture of yours in  providing office accommodation for our officers, you have really  motivated us into action and I promise you we will provide adequate security in your council area. 

On his part , the Ado- Ekiti APC party chairman, Hon. Michael Akinleye eulogized the council chairman's exceptional performance in office. He described Engr. Toyin Ojo as a proud ambassador of the party saying all the projects he  embarked upon since assumption of office have seriously enhanced  the fortunes  of the APC as party. Akinleye assured SIEC of APC's cooperation and support by presenting credible candidates during forthcoming local government  elections .

The multi-millions naira office building project is built closely to the secretariat in Oke - Oniyo, Ado - Ekiti. It has all the necessary facilities for the convienent of the users.

The event has in attendance; Ekiti State SIEC chairman, Hon. Justice Cornelius Akintayo (rtd), representative of State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Maha, wife of Ado Central chairman, Mrs Mary Matta Toyin Ojo among others.

Hon. Bakare Kicks Off Distribution of Palliatives In Irewolede LCDA,Commends Federal Govt's Initiative.

Hon. Bakare Kicks Off Distribution of Palliatives In Irewolede LCDA,Commends Federal Govt's Initiative.

The Executive Chairperson of Irewolede Local Council Development Area (LCDA),Hon. (Mrs) Dupe Bakare has commended President Bola Tinubu's palliative Initiative to cushion the effects of the removal of petrol subsidy.

Hon. Bakare gave the commendation on Wednesday,while monitoring the distribution of 30 bags of rice, received from the state government to the three Wards in the LCDA.

The federal government had last week Thursday approved 5billion naira for each of the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT for procurement of food items and fertilizer as part of efforts to alleviate the sufferings occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy.

Hon. Bakare said her government had put measures in place to make sure that the palliatives reaches the targeted beneficiaries, particularly the poor and less privileged across the LCDA without hitches.

She commended Ekiti state government under the leadership of governor Biodun Oyebanji for releasing the palliatives on time,said this further affirmed the leadership qualities of the Governor.

The Council Boss warned the Committees put in place for the distribution of the palliatives in each communities against politicisation and discrimination, said the items are meant for all vulnerables, irrespective of political affiliations.