Tinubu Intervenes in Fubara and Wike Dispute, Aims for Resolution.

Tinubu Intervenes in Fubara and Wike Dispute, Aims for Resolution.

President Bola Tinubu has waded into the political and security crisis unfolding in Rivers State.

The relationship between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and his predecessor in office and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, suffered a setback following attempts by a section of the state House of Assembly to impeach the governor.

Blame for the attempted impeachment of Governor Fubara is being placed on Wike, with sources accusing him of being the hidden hand orchestrating the actions of the House of Assembly faction behind the impeachment efforts.

The president used the opportunity of Tuesday’s meeting of the Police Council, which both the governor and the FCT Minister attended as members, to ostensibly end the feud between the two political allies.

Governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed, disclosed the president’s intervention while briefing correspondents on the outcome of the Police Council’s meeting, held at the State House, Abuja.

Despite their feud, Fubara and Wike had earlier exchanged pleasantries inside the Council Chambers venue of the meeting before it commenced.

Muhammed, who is the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) also disclosed that the opposition governors have resolved to work with the president because he has shown good faith by not interfering with gubernatorial cases brought before the courts by PDP members.

Oyebanji Mourns Death of Ekiti Building Collapse Victim, Says Disaster Painful, Distressing.

Oyebanji Mourns Death of Ekiti Building Collapse Victim, Says Disaster Painful, Distressing.

....Urges owners of dilapidated buildings to relocate.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, grieved over the death of a 13-year old girl in a building collapse disaster that happened in Igede- Ekiti, headquarters of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, today, Tuesday, October 31.

The governor, described the incident as devastating and agonising, calling on occupants of dilapidated buildings across the state to relocate to safeguard their lives.

Oyebanji said this, on Tuesday, during his visit to the site of the building collapse, where a couple, had lost a 13-year old girl, with parents and two other siblings, got trapped and injured in a storey building collapse and now receiving treatments in the hospital.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, also visited Adeyinka Adebayo General Hospital, where some of the victims are receiving medicare to show sympathies and wish them quick recuperation.

Commenting on the incident, Oyebanji revealed that the government will foot the medical bills of the victims, while directing the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA) to arrange for another habitable residence for the embattled family.

Oyebanji revealed that he has directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani to oversee the medical treatments of the victims and ensure that they are given the best to fasttrack their full recovery.

To forestall such occurrence in the state, Oyebanji said the Ministry of Physical and Urban Planning, would begin aggressive enforcement of laws that would dislodge those living in dangerously unhabitable buildings across the state.

Oyebanji said the government has existing laws that govern building habitation, saying this would be stringently executed to halt reoccurence of such sordid and devastating scenario. 

The governor appealed to the victims' family to take the sadness with equanimity, promising that the government shall take all necessary actions to support those receiving treatments to bring them back to their feet sound and safe.

"This is one incident that really saddened my heart. How could we lost precious human life to such an avoidable circumstance? The building must have been giving some signs for long.

" If you check very well, the adjoining buildings are not even safe. The government agents will visit here soon to assess those houses and probably pull them down.

"I sympathise with the family and admirers of the victims. This is indeed a trying time for all of us, but we must learn one or two lessons from this and take actions that would safeguard our lives by being careful with the choice of buildings we will live in.

"We have enough regulations and extant laws that guide building residency in Ekiti and our people should comply while trying to apply these laws; it is for their own benefit, which is to ensure safety and avoidable loss of the precious lives of our people. 

"We want to appeal to our people, especially those still living in residence suspected to be dilapidated to quickly relocate, so that nobody will suffer such calamity again in our dear state". 

One of the children of the landlord, Lanre Olagunju, who received the entourage, disclosed that the incident occured around 2am on Tuesday and confirmed that one casualty was recorded.

Olagunju further revealed that the building didn't give prior notice or suspicion before the sudden collapse, saying other occupants of the other wing of the building had immediately relocated after a close shave with death.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Council, Chief Babatola Ogundana, disclosed that the council had marked some buildings in Igede Ekiti for demolition, calling on the state government to swing into action and implement this for the safety of the people. 

Ogundana appreciated the governor for his swift response and actions taken to assuage the feelings of the victims, saying these further confirmed that Oyebanji is running a people-centric government. 

Also on the entourage of the governor, was the Permanent Secretary, EKSEMA, Mr. Jide Borode, among other top government functionaries.

Chairman's Contributions Boost Agric Department in Gbonyin LCDA with Essential Farm Tools.

Chairman's Contributions Boost Agric Department in Gbonyin LCDA with Essential Farm Tools.

In a heartfelt message, the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mrs. Olaito E O, expresses profound gratitude for the Chairman's exceptional support.

In a heartwarming letter addressed to the Chairman, the Deputy Director of Agriculture and the entire staff of the Agriculture Department in Gbonyin Local Council Development Area (LCDA) extended their deepest appreciation for the Chairman's remarkable kindness and invaluable contributions to the department.

The Chairman's unwavering support was acknowledged as instrumental in propelling the Agriculture Department to new heights, reflecting his exceptional leadership within the community. Notably, his recent contributions facilitated the acquisition of essential farm tools, such as rain boots, cutlasses, hoes, files, and more. These tools have significantly improved the efficiency of farming activities and positively impacted the lives of dedicated staff members.

The department expressed genuine gratitude for the Chairman's understanding of their needs and his commitment to fulfilling them. They also lauded his continuous support and encouragement, which have been a source of inspiration, driving them to strive for excellence and seek opportunities for further development.

In light of these developments, the Agriculture Department humbly requested additional farm tools, firmly believing that the Chairman's vision and commitment would enable them to accomplish even more together.

The Chairman's leadership was commended as an inspiration to all, particularly due to his profound understanding of the challenges faced by the Agriculture Department and his relentless efforts to address them. The bonds he has forged with the entire workforce have made daily tasks more rewarding, productive, and fulfilling.

The message concluded with an assurance of the Agriculture Department's confidence in the Chairman's continued guidance, stating their belief that the department would flourish and make significant strides in the field of agriculture within Gbonyin LCDA.

The Chairman was thanked for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the growth and development of the community, signifying the deep impact he has had on the Agric Department and the LCDA as a whole.

Local Council Chairman Urges Increased Security Measures for Year-End and Yuletide Season.

Local Council Chairman Urges Increased Security Measures for Year-End and Yuletide Season.

In a security and intelligence meeting at the Gbonyin Local Council Development Area, the Executive Chairman, Hon Oluwadamilare, calls on security operatives to enhance the safety of the local community.

The Chairman emphasized the importance of safeguarding lives and properties within the council area, urging security personnel to implement effective policing strategies, especially with the year-end and yuletide season approaching.

Hon Oluwadamilare commended the security personnel for their efforts in maintaining safety over the past two months. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with their inability to secure the release of kidnapping victims from an incident that occurred along the Aisegba/Iluomoba road more than three months ago and bring the culprits to justice.

In response to these concerns, the Chairman announced plans to increase the presence of police officers in the three communities within the council area. He also appealed to the local community to provide valuable information to security personnel to aid in their efforts to maintain law and order.

Additionally, the Chairman assured continued support from his administration to the security personnel in their ongoing mission to eliminate criminal activities from the region.

The security and intelligence meeting was attended by representatives from various security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun, and Peace Corps. Notably, Ajagun of Iluomoba Ekiti, Oba Jimoh Olugbenga Adetiba, was also present at the gathering.

Messi defeats Haaland, emerges Winner of 2023 Ballon D’Or.

Messi defeats Haaland, emerges Winner of 2023 Ballon D’Or.

The Argentine and Inter Miami player, Lionel Messi on Monday night won the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards for the 8th time.

Messi had previously clinched the award in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and now 2023.

Lionel Messi completed football! How Argentina's World Cup hero won the 2023 Ballon d'Or over Erling Haaland

James Westwood

Inter Miami's diminutive genius is fully deserving of a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or, despite a frustrating 2022-23 season at club level

“It’s been an absolute privilege to watch Lionel Messi for nearly two decades. Moment after moment of spellbinding, breathtakingly joyous football. He’s a gift from the footballing Gods. So pleased that he’s lifted the ultimate prize in our sport. Gracias y felicidades, campeón.”

Former Barcelona striker Gary Lineker has always been an outspoken champion of Messi, to the point that some critics have accused him of bias in his coverage as a presenter for BBC Sport. But his post-World Cup final tribute to the Argentina captain on social media was perfect.

It was impossible not to feel emotional at the sight of Messi lifting the one trophy that had eluded him for so long in Qatar. He had fallen short with Argentina at the final stage in 2014, and had struggled with the burden of huge expectations on the international stage ever since his debut as a long-haired teenager nine years earlier.

Messi's majestic performances over the course of his 21-year career at Barcelona earned him seven Ballons d'Or - along with a host of La Liga and Champions League titles - but there were those that still questioned his eligibility for the unofficial title of the greatest of player all time due to his struggles at the World Cup.

Any lingering doubts were erased once and for all during the 2022 tournament as Messi led his country to glory in the Middle East. Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni was blessed with an exceptional squad, as the likes of Angel Di Maria, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Cristian Romero and flamboyant goalkeeper Emi Martinez all played key roles in their triumph.

But it was Messi who inspired them. He delivered time and time again when the Albiceleste needed something special to find a breakthrough or finish off an opponent, and held the team together in moments of adversity.

It truly was breath-taking to watch him unleash the full scope of his creative talents, and a joy to see him let his guard down to revel in the magnitude of his greatest achievement when it was all over. Messi completed football - and in doing so secured an eighth Ballon d'Or.

Erling Haaland was rightly in the debate for the 2023 award after firing Manchester City to the treble in his debut season at the Etihad Stadium, and his case was helped by the fact that Messi did not enjoy anywhere near the same success at Paris Saint-Germain.

But in reality, there was no comparison between the two men in terms of individual performance. Messi was once again the best player in the world in 2022-23.

Inter Miami's diminutive genius is fully deserving of a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or, despite a frustrating 2022-23 season at club level

“It’s been an absolute privilege to watch Lionel Messi for nearly two decades. Moment after moment of spellbinding, breathtakingly joyous football. He’s a gift from the footballing Gods. So pleased that he’s lifted the ultimate prize in our sport. Gracias y felicidades, campeón.”

Messi's World Cup legacy

Messi scored seven goals at the 2022 World Cup, just one fewer than eventual Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe. He finished the tournament with the joint-highest number of assists (three) and key passes (21), and recorded more shots on target than any other player (13).

The former PSG and Barcelona forward also became the first player in World Cup history to score in the group stage, last 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final at a single tournament - while picking up a record haul of five Man of the Match awards.

When the time came to hand out the Golden Ball for the best player of the Qatar competition, there could only be one winner. Messi is now the only man to ever claim the prize twice, having also been recognised for his performances at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

New Nigeria People’s Party Chief hails CAC founder Olowere.

New Nigeria People’s Party Chief hails CAC founder Olowere.

Chieftain of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP),  Olufemi Ajadi, has said the late founder of Christ Apostolic Church, (CAC), Ibadan, Pastor Michael Olowere, is a man of God, who lived a Christ-like life.

Ajadi, who addressed reporters at the thanksgiving service for Olowere, (Baba Automatic), said he was a genuine man of God.

He said Olowere taught him and others how to worship God, adding although the cleric was dead, his ministry would continue to live on.

“I lived and slept in Pastor Olowere’s church for two years. I kept my clothes under a bench on the church premises, but see who I am today? I have contested for Ogun State governor, and I believe his prayer will manifest and I will occupy the seat,” Ajadi said.

He thanked Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who contributed to the burial of the founder, who died in July.

Gov poll: Imo govt plans full booking of Owerri hotels.

Gov poll: Imo govt plans full booking of Owerri hotels.

Ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Imo State, the state government is in moves to book all the rooms in all hotels in Owerri, the state capital.

The state Commissioner for Tourism, Jerry Egemba, in a memo addressed to all Chief Executive Officers of all the hotels in the Owerri metropolis, stated that the state government would pay for all the rooms in the hotels starting from November 4 to November 11.

The memo, dated November 25, which was sighted by our correspondent in Owerri on Monday, requested all the CEOs of the hotels to forward the details of their hotels and accommodation bills on or before Thursday, October 26 for payment by the state government.

The correspondence was titled, “Request for reservation of all your hotel rooms from November 4 to November 11, 2023.”

It read, “I wish to refer to the above subject and inform you that the Ministry of Tourism intends to rent and occupy all the rooms in your hotel no matter the size and classification from Saturday, November 4 to Saturday, November 11, 2023, at your usual cost per room for full occupation.

“I, therefore, request you to submit to my office before 12 noon, tomorrow, Thursday, 26 October 2023, details of your accommodation bills for all the rooms covering the period for settlement.”

Reacting to the development, the Director of New Media and Publicity of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Lancelot Obiaku, said that the state government was afraid of defeat.

“It is very clear that the state government knows that the people of the state have rejected it, otherwise, why are they requesting to occupy all the hotels in Owerri from now till the elections if it is not the fear of the opposition? The PDP will defeat the APC on November 11. It is very clear,” he said.