Ibadan blast: FG sets up committee to review laws on explosives.

Ibadan blast: FG sets up committee to review laws on explosives.

The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday said it has set up a committee to review the laws guiding the control of explosives in the country.

This is coming after the devastating explosion that rocked the ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, on Tuesday night,

The committee would determine whether these were violated by the illegal miners identified in the preliminary investigations by security agencies, the Minister of Defense, Mohammed Abubakar, told State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

The council, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, expressed worries about the incident, noting the need to avert future occurrences.

At least two persons were confirmed dead and over 80 were injured in the explosion also which destroyed several buildings, vehicles, and other properties.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who visited the scene of the explosion, confirmed the casualties, adding that the explosion occurred at Adeyi Avenue, Bodija.

However, settlers say the blast was heard and felt kilometres away in many parts of the city.

Makinde said preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the blast was triggered by illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija.

Abubakar said despite preliminary investigations linking the incident to explosives stored by illegal miners; the authorities are not ruling out gas as a possible cause.

However, federal agents are on the ground to ascertain the proximate and remote causes of the incident.

Fielding questions on the issue, he said, “The first question has to do with the Ibadan explosion where the governor said that preliminary investigation suggested that there are some explosives around the area where it happened that are owned by some illegal miners.

“Well, we have seen that report. There is another report suggesting that it was a gas explosion. So, our team is there trying to find out the cause.

“But for the council to be proactive, it has already set up the committee that I told you to look into how the control of explosives law was broken if, indeed, there are explosives around the area where this incident happened.”

The Minister said the committee was set up to review the laws guiding the control of explosives “to see where the chain is broken and see how it can be fixed and gather more information if this is happening rampantly around the country.”

“You all know that there are strict rules in the storage, movement and ownership of these explosives and the rules are being monitored. If there is any case of breakdown, we will find out and deal with it,” he added.

Earlier, Tinubu called on the relevant government agencies to “fish out” and “punish” those responsible for what he called “reckless behaviour” that triggered the blast.

He expressed sadness over the incident, which he described as “worrisome.”

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President said, “It is worrisome that the cause of the blast is being attributed to the activities of illegal miners.

“Those behind the inexcusable and reckless behaviour that has created the conditions for the sad incident to occur must be fished out and punished.”

Matter Christi Girls High School Pays Courtesy Call to Igede LG Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, Celebrating Academic Excellence.

Matter Christi Girls High School Pays Courtesy Call to Igede LG Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, Celebrating Academic Excellence.

In the early hours of Tuesday, 16th January, 2023, the management and students' representatives of the Matter Christi Girls High School, aka School of Princesses, Igede-Ekiti, led by Reverend Sister Victor Ndukwu, paid a courtesy call on the Executive Chairman, Irepodun/Ifelodun local government, Hon Gbenga Oluwatuyi. 

The visit, according to Reverend Sister Ndukwu, was to congratulate the LG boss on his victory at the polls and consequent inauguration as the chairman of the local government. While presenting the school, the team described Matter Christi Girls High School as holder of a 3-time unbeaten academic record as the best private school in Ekiti state. The School of Princesses, as a result of her outstanding and sterling academic performance, represented Ekiti State Government in a national academic competition. Expectedly, the school emerged as the first runner-up through out the federation.

In his response, the Executive Chairman, Mr Gbenga Oluwatuyi, expressed his happiness and satisfaction with the academic records of the school. "I am not unaware of the excellent performance of Matter Christi Girls High School, Igede-Ekiti. Apart from the fact that the school continues to make us proud as the host community, I am more delighted by the way the school management maintains the academic standard through instilling discipline and fear of God". Oluwatuyi retorted.

The chairman promised to support and partner with the school where and when necessary to ensure robust and unfettered relationship for the prosperity of both the school community and the local government.

It is worthy of note that Matter Christi also owns a College of Health, Sciences and Technology  in Igede-Ekiti. The college has a standard health facility that provides medical services to the host community at affordable costs.

Governor Oyebanji Inaugurates Olowe of Ise Art Foundation's Board of Trustees, Paving the Way for a World-Class Museum.

Governor Oyebanji Inaugurates Olowe of Ise Art Foundation's Board of Trustees, Paving the Way for a World-Class Museum.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a significant step towards the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, Governor Biodun Oyebanji inaugurated the Board of Trustees of the Olowe of Ise Art Foundation on Wednesday, January 17th, at the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti. The foundation, dedicated to celebrating the works of the late world-renowned Carver Olowe, aims to amplify the artistic legacy on a global scale.

During the inauguration ceremony, Governor Oyebanji expressed his dedication to the cultural development of Ekiti State and the nation at large. The establishment of the Olowe of Ise Art Foundation is seen as a pivotal move towards not only preserving the rich cultural heritage but also positioning Ekiti as a hub for the arts.

The late Carver Olowe, renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship, has left an indelible mark on the global art scene. The foundation's mission goes beyond celebrating his artistic prowess; it also aspires to realize a world-class museum in Ise Ekiti, further solidifying the region's place on the international cultural map.

The Board of Trustees, consisting of prominent figures in the realms of arts, culture, and the creative economy, gathered to commend Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to championing this cultural initiative. The foundation's primary objectives include promoting the artworks of Carver Olowe, whose creations are displayed in major museums across America and Europe.

Members of the Board of Trustees, all distinguished figures in their respective fields, praised Governor Oyebanji for spearheading this visionary project. They underscored the positive impact it will have on tourism and the state's economy, emphasizing the potential for cultural endeavors to contribute significantly to overall development.

As Ekiti looks towards a future where its cultural treasures are not only preserved but also shared with the world, the inauguration of the Olowe of Ise Art Foundation's Board of Trustees marks a historic moment in the state's cultural evolution. The foundation is poised to become a beacon of cultural pride and a testament to the state's commitment to fostering creativity, heritage, and artistic expression.

Ekiti Assembly Condemns Attack On Medical Officials, Directs Its Standing Committees To Investigate The Act.

Ekiti Assembly Condemns Attack On Medical Officials, Directs Its Standing Committees To Investigate The Act.

The Ekiti State House of Assembly on Tuesday condemned the attack on some health workers on duty at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado Ekiti by suspected hoodlums on January 15, 2024.

The Assembly also ordered proper investigation which should be carried out by the House Committee on Security and Special Duties in conjunction with Committee on Health and Human Services for necessary legislative action.

The action followed a matter of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Abimbola Solanke Chairman, House Committee on Health, Human Services and HIV/AIDS and debated at the Assembly's parliamentary session on Tuesday.

The Assembly noted that the Hospital is supposed to be a safe place for the caregivers to carry out their professional roles by making well the ailing and devoid imminent and serious danger to their life or health while on duty.

According to the Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, ”It is sad and unfortunate that while these hardworking health workers were performing their lawful and professional duties on the 15th day of January, 2024 as Nigerians were honouring members of the Armed Forces and its veterans, some yet to be identified thugs turned the EKSUTH health facilities into theatre of war, assaulted some health workers physically while others have to look for escape routes for safety after been subjected to physiological and psychological trauma by these men.

“This singular deed and action of these hoodlums on the health workers of EKSUTH is uncivilized, barbaric and should be checked and investigated by relevant Committees of the House. Such unspeakable act is condemnable in its entirety,” Aribasoye said.

The House in its resolutions pointed out that what happened in EKSUTH beats the imagination of all the members as it could happen in any public office. So the House will not look away on such matter.

The House, however, directs its joint Committees on Security and Health to conduct thorough investigation and give a holistic report back to the House on the cause of the attack in seven days.

The House commends the magnanimity of the leadership of the health workers labour unions for puting the strike action occasioned by the incident on hold, saying the action was a demonstration of patriotism and empathy towards ordinary citizens who would have been most impacted by an indefinite strike.

He stated, “We, as the political arm and representatives of the people, empathized with the hospital's trade unions and the management over the assault the health workers suffered in the tertiary health Institution. We can assure you that we shall exercise every legislative power within the ambit of the law to allow health workers to exercise their full rights and privileges while discharging their lawful duties," Aribasoye concluded.

Ekiti Ring Road Phase I Restructured to Avoid Demolitions, Affirms Commissioner for Works Adebayo.

Ekiti Ring Road Phase I Restructured to Avoid Demolitions, Affirms Commissioner for Works Adebayo. 

Ekiti State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Sola Adebayo, has assured residents of Iworoko, Are and Afao Ekiti communities that the Ekiti Ring Road Phase I has been restructured to avert demolition of houses in the communities that the construction works would pass through.

Mr. Adebayo who gave the assurance in Ado Ekiti, stressed the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji administration to the general well-being of the people while rapidly developing the State. He  added that the State Government would not do anything that would jeopardize the economy, peace and tranquillity of the people.  

Adebayo assured that the Government would not compromise on standards; adding that going by International best practice, a ring road is a road or a series of connected roads encircling a town, city or country. 

He emphasized that the most common purpose of a ring road is to assist in reducing traffic volumes in the urban centres, by offering an alternative route around the city for drivers who do not need to stop in the city centre. It is also meant to open up new development areas.

According to him, the focus is to develop the State and improve the lot of the people using efficient techniques, methods, processes or technology to contain waste and keep the people and the environment safe.

He solicited the continued support and understanding of all stakeholders, stressing the need for residents of the State to take ownership of projects in their respective domains, with the culture of collective responsibility to protect their interests. 

Chief Bisi Akande A Last Man Standing In Progressive Politics As He Clocks 85, Says Adebayo Temitope.

Chief Bisi Akande A Last Man Standing In Progressive Politics As He Clocks 85, Says Adebayo Temitope.

The longest serving  former Personal Assistant to late Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Pastor Adebayo Temitope, has described the Celebrant, Chief Bisi Akande as a last man standing  in the progressive family. He made the statement in his congratulatory message to the former Governor of Osun State and first interim chairman of APC on the occasion of his 85th Birthday Anniversary. 

Adebayo Temitope described the Celebrant as a  lucky man  specially made by God. He said Baba Akande achieved what the past progressive Leaders like Papa Awolowo, Pa, Adekule Ajasin, Senator Abraham Adesanya,Chief Bola Ige and Senator Ayo Fasanmi,  struggled to achieve for the Yoruba race but they couldn't.  Baba Akande achieved it by ensuring and witnessing a core progressive man, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being voted to lead the Nigerian government at the centre. 

We thank God for having Baba Bisi Akande, a principled man who is full of progressive ideologies  

Wherever Baba has the opportunity to serve, he  always makes history.  As Executive Governor of Osun, Baba built the state sprawling secretariat and the governor's office called Bola Ige House, which is being enjoyed by successive administrations in osun State. As the first interim national chairman of the APC, Baba formed a strong opposition party that dethroned the ruling party in government. Any time Baba Akande and my late Boss, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, met each other, they always discussed about the long prophetic vision that a day will come when a man of core progressive extraction will rule this Country.  It is unfortunate that Senator Ayo Fasanmi had gone to the glory beyond three years ago when the fulfilment of the vision came to fruition. It is my joy that Chief Bisi Akande has gotten good reports to deliver to the Past Leaders when they meet in heaven.

I pray for the grace of God upon your life, Sir, to enjoy His mercy and goodness on your service to God and humanity.  The statement concluded.

Oyebanji Celebrates Bisi Akande At 85.

Oyebanji Celebrates Bisi Akande At 85.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated former Osun State Governor and first interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande on the occasion of his 85th birthday.

The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said Chief Akande's legacies as a nationalist, statesman, political leader, democrat and impact maker have contributed to the development of Osun State, Southwest and Nigeria as a whole.

He noted that Chief Akande has become a respected voice in the Nigerian federation in critical times and a man whose influence and honour resonate across party lines in search for a united and indivisible nation.

The Ekiti Chief Executive pointed out that Chief Akande would forever be celebrated as one of the leading lights of the then fledgling APC which he nurtured alongside other party leaders to become a strong election winning platform transmuted from an opposition party to a ruling party.

Governor Oyebanji described Chief Akande as an exemplary leader contemporary political office holders and aspiring politicians should emulate for building a good name that has survived the unpredictable terrain of politics in Nigeria.

According to him, Chief Akande is a political legend whose virtues of accountability, transparency and selfless service to humanity should be continued to be celebrated as ingredients of purposeful leadership needed by the masses.

He noted that the celebrant is a study in political fidelity judging by his loyalty to his political leader, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Awoism as an ideology as an instrument of social change.

Governor Oyebanji said Chief Akande has consistently upheld the ideals of pro-people progressivism and was subsequently rewarded with enviable political positions like Secretary to the State Government and Deputy Governor in old Oyo State and Governor in Osun State.

He said the government and the people of Ekiti State identify with Chief Akande on his 85th birthday and would always wish him well for more service to Nigeria in years ahead.