Coalition of Ekiti Youth, Students Condemns Killing of Traditional Rulers, Kidnap of School children.

Coalition of Ekiti Youth, Students Condemns Killing of Traditional Rulers, Kidnap of School children.

...Solidarises with Oyebanji, mourns departed monarchs.

Youth Organisations and Student bodies in Ekiti State have condemned the gruesome murder of two traditional rulers and abduction of school children in the state by gunmen, describing the incident as horrendous and bestial.

The Coalition of youth and students, who solidarised with Governor Biodun Oyebanji and sympathised with the victims' families, said security operatives must contrive means to nab the perpetrators of the horrendous crime and bring them to justice. 

At a think-tank meeting with the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Gold Adesola Adedayo, in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, they expressed their sympathies with the affected communities, Council of Traditional Rulers and Ekiti state at large on the unfortunate incident, involving the slain royal fathers and the abducted school children.

The coalition condemned in totality, the gruesome murder of Olumojo of Imojo Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Olusola and Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin, describing the incident as painful, regrettable and disheartening.

The coalition viewed the daylight abduction of six primary school students and their teachers in Emure Ekiti as rascally and brazen display of wickedness against the victims.

Determined to curb criminalities in Ekiti, they noted that Mr. Governor recently donated two armoured vehicle personnel carriers, ten operational vehicles and other security equipment in a bid to boost the security architecture of the state.

"We are in absolute solidarity with Mr. Governor as we call on all the youths in the state to remain calm and give the appropriate authority the necessary support required to fish out the culprits. The youth leaders also urge the Youths in the state to inculcate the habit of ‘see something, say something’ in a collaborative effort with the government to ensure there is no repeat of this occurrence wrestling with the peace of our dear state.

"We also condemn the abduction of pupils of Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School, Emure Ekiti. In the same vein, we commend the swift response of the governor to the matter. 

"We charge the Nigeria Police Force, The Nigerian Army, Amotekun and all other security agencies to synergise and rescue the kidnapped children and restore peace and stability to the state".

Those who signed the statement were: Amb. James Oluwasegun Bankole, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Hon. Famuyibo Oluwasegun, NYCN, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses, Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), Ogbeni Olumide Fasuba, Ekiti Youth Arise, Rt. Hon. Tunde Olusanya, Ekiti Youth Parliament, Com. Owolewa Taiwo , National Association of Nigerian Students(NANS), Com. Asaolu Femi, Joint Negotiating Council(JCCC), Com. Abel Adewale, Federation of Ekiti State Students ' Union(FESSU) and Hon. Kolawole Ogundahuns, Renewed Team Ekiti.

Ondo Deputy Governor Adelami pledges ‘total loyalty’ to Aiyedatiwa.

Ondo Deputy Governor Adelami pledges ‘total loyalty’ to Aiyedatiwa.

Newly sworn in deputy governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, has pledged total loyalty to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The deputy governor promised to use his wealth of experience in the public and private sectors for the transformation of the Sunshine State.

Adelami, who spoke after taking his oath of office, expressed confidence that a fresh lease of life had manifested across sectors of the states since Aiyedatiwa became governor.

The deputy governor urged leaders and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) across the state to cooperate with Aiyedatiwa to foster great collaboration and unalloyed unity for the development of the state.

He said: “Mr. Governor, my wealth of experience in both public and private sectors coupled with my connections nationally and internationally are available for you to explore for the wellbeing of our people.

“I’m here to join hands with Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa to serve you and ensure that lives are made more meaningful for you in all facets.”

Aiyedatiwa said last week’s dissolution of the State Executive Council (Exco) was done in good faith.

The governor said the decision was borne out of a genuine response to the yearnings and aspirations of the residents as well as the need to rejuvenate and reinvigorate his administration for maximum delivery on our mandate.

He stressed that there was a need to minimise unnecessary distractions usually associated with Exco members and other appointees in an election year.

“This is the standard practice in sane climes. It is important for government to be less encumbered by politicking and pave way for interested individuals to pursue their aspirations while simultaneously guaranteeing continued enjoyment of good governance to our people in the Sunshine State.

“We have a sacred duty to our people not to sacrifice good governance on the altar of individual through legitimate pursuit of political aspirations. We harbour neither ill-will nor animosity towards anyone,” Aiyedatiwa said.

The governor advised his deputy to handle his portfolio with deserved attention to sustain the current euphoria in the state.

Ogun hails Lafarge’s contributions to economy.

Ogun hails Lafarge’s contributions to economy.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has hailed Lafarge Africa PLC for its impact on industrial activities, providing valuable employment opportunities for residents and fostering skills development.

The governor praised the firm for its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including investments in education, health care and community infrastructure with a view to enhancing the quality of life for Ogun State residents.

During a courtesy visit by the management team of Lafarge Al to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Abiodun thanked the firm for its positive contributions to the socio-economic development of the state.

Acknowledging the company’s longstanding commitment to the local economy, the governor emphasised the crucial role of collaboration with the private sector in addressing the challenges of sustainable economic growth and job creation.

Abiodun said the collaboration between Lafarge and the state government enhanced the resilience of the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the firm demonstrated a strong commitment to the well-being of residents through the provision of equipped clinics for COVID-19 patients, medical supplies.

He assured the company of continued collaboration for the mutual benefit of stakeholders, saying his government was committed to attracting other multinational companies to the state.

Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the company’s commitment to sustainable development is based on four pillars- circular economy, climate and energy and people for its CSR interventions.

 According to him, the cement-manufacturing firm is part of the Holcim Group, one of the world’s leading building material giants dedicated to the sustainable development of every community and every country in which it operates.

Lagos State Govt advises PWDs against drug abuse.

Lagos State Govt advises PWDs against drug abuse.

The Lagos State Government, on Thursday, pledged to combat substance abuse and provide a safe space for persons with disabilities to give them access to rehabilitation services as well as a support system.

The state government also assured PWDs of optimal attention to their well-being to enable them to excel in their endeavours.

Speaking at a town hall with a cluster group on ‘Healthcare Services and Menace of Drug Abuse among the People Living with Disability in Lagos State’, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, said the responsibility of the society was to ensure that healthcare was inclusive, equitable, and tailored towards the unique needs of PWDs.

The town hall was held at the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, on Thursday.

Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Youth Mobilisation, Mr Alabi Oladimeji, the commissioner stressed that the issue of drug and substance abuse among PWDs could no longer be ignored.

He said, “The menace of drug abuse among people with disabilities cannot be ignored. The vulnerabilities faced by individuals with disabilities make them particularly vulnerable to substance abuse, often as a means of coping with pain, isolation, or other challenges.

“It is imperative that we implement preventive measures and establish support systems to address this issue effectively.”

He noted that education and awareness “play a vital role in combating drug abuse.”

“By conducting targeted campaigns and workshops, we can disseminate information about the risks associated with substance abuse, equip individuals with coping mechanisms, and empower them to make informed decisions,” the commissioner said.

 Oyetunde-Lawal, said, “It’s not a conversation that we can shy away from. People abuse alcohol and cigarettes and it is eating up lungs and killing them inside.

“So, we have a problem on our hands and we are hoping that through these engagements we will be able to equip you with the necessary tools that you can use to navigate.”

I will lead Kogi by example, says Ododo.

I will lead Kogi by example, says Ododo.

Governor swears in Exco members, top aides

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has promised to provide leadership by example to the people of the state.

He also promised to put in place a culture of service, probity, transparency and accountability to better serve the residents.

Ododo made the promises in Lokoja, the state capital, while administering the oaths of office on the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade; the Chief of Staff, Ali Bello; members of the State Executive Council (Exco) and his senior aides.

The governor told the appointees that the stakes were high and that the people of the state expected better performance from the new administration.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, said the governor announced that he had put in place a performance evaluation to track and measure the impact of his administration on the lives of the people.

Acknowledging the support his administration had received so far from the residents, the governor said the new government would not renege on its promises.

Ododo advised the new appointees to be fair to everyone in the discharge of their responsibilities while offering their best services to the administration.

Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Mrs. Ayoade assured Ododo that they would not disappoint him and the people of the state.

The new commissioners and their portfolios are: Muizideen Yunus Abdallah (Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice), Muhammed Ihiezu Abdulmutalib (Rural Development and Energy), Momodu Salami Ozigi Deedat (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), Dr. Adams Abdulziz (Health), Mrs. Fatima Momoh (Women Affairs), Mr. Abanika Taiye (Housing and Urban Development), Muhammed Yusuf (Works), Hajiya Rabiyetu Okute (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation), Mr. Timothy Ojoma (Agriculture and Food Security) and Asiwaju Ashiru Idris (Finance, Budget and Economic Planning).

Others are: Bashir Muhammed Abubakar (Solid Mineral and Natural Resources), Mr. Sunday Faleke (Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations), Evangelist Kingsley Fanwo (Information and Communication), Farouk Danladi (Water Resources), Joseph Olwasegun (Environment and Ecological Management), Mr. Wemi Jones (Education), Anyebe Aridaojo Monday (Youth and Sports), and Muhammed Mukhtar Shaibu (Commerce and Industry).

The new senior aides and their portfolios are: Pastor Elijah Evinemi (Head of Service), Air Commodore Jerry Omodara, retired, (State Security Adviser), Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege (Auditor General for Local Government), Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim (Director General of Protocol in Government House), Ismaila Isah (Special Adviser to the Governor on Media), Oladele John Nihi (Chief Press Secretary to the Governor), and Femi Adegboyega (State Legal Adviser).

Kebbi begins N2.99bn modern motor park.

Kebbi begins N2.99bn modern motor park.

The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has flagged off the construction, rehabilitation and modernisation of Birnin Kebbi motor park expected to gulp N2.99bn.

Speaking after kick-starting the project in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, the governor said the gesture was in fulfilment of one of his campaign promises.

Idris, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, said, “The project was meant to give the state capital a befitting outlook through modernisation and rehabilitation of existing structures.

“I urge the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the facility to improve their businesses,” adding, “the more the project is protected, the longer the period it will serve the beneficiaries.”

In his speech, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Umar Faruk-Muslim, recalled that the motor park which was constructed in 1996, had been allowed to deteriorate due to negligence by successive administrations in the state.

According to him, the specifications of the contract include; redesign, reconstruction and modernisation to a befitting motor park to accommodate commercial transit businesses.

Faruk-Muslim advised the beneficiaries to do everything possible to safeguard the project from any form of vandalism to enable it to stand the test of time.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman, Kebbi State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers, Alahaji Atiku Mai-mai-Gwandu, expressed appreciation to the present administration under Kauran Gwandu and pledged to extend all the necessary support to it to succeed.

Mai-mai-Gwandu appealed to members of the union to ensure proper utilisation of the motor park when completed to ease their jobs, boost their revenue base and enhance the internally generated revenue of the state.

The project is expected to be completed in 18 months.

Govt reopens 23 Oyo schools after 10-year shutdown.

Govt reopens 23 Oyo schools after 10-year shutdown.

The Oyo State Government, on Thursday, ordered the reopening of 23 schools in the Atiba, Afijio, Oyo East and Oyo West local government areas of the state, 10 years after they were shut down over land disputes.

The state Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, who waded into the boundary crisis that culminated into the 10-year closure of the schools, said council chairmen would be held responsible should there be a breach of security.

The deputy governor spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan, to fashion out ways of resolving the age-long land dispute.

Lawal, who doubles as the Chairman, Oyo State Boundary Committee, charged the chairmen of Atiba, Afijio, Oyo East and Oyo West to ensure security and peace in their domains.

He added that the Ministry of Education would oversee the schools after reopening, and do whatever was required to put the children back to school.

The deputy governor advised members of the state House of Assembly, representing the affected constituencies to work with community leaders to ensure that children returned to school.

“I appeal to you our elders and chairmen of the affected local governments to consider the future of these children. The primary reason this meeting is held is for the schools that were closed for 10 years to reopen immediately. That is the message from the governor himself.

“We have engaged all the stakeholders, community leaders, honourable members, the chairmen of the various local governments, and we have agreed that schools must reopen in the interest of those children,” the deputy governor said.

Lawal appreciated the Oyo Global Forum, a non-partisan group of professionals from the four councils that constitute the Federal constituency, noting that their interest in the progress of the affected schools was commendable.

He promised that the Office of the Surveyor General would wade into the boundary dispute among the communities, urging the community leaders to adhere to the government’s verdict on the schools.

The affected schools include Community Basic School Obananko, Oyo; Community Basic School Laagbe, Oyo; Pinnock Memorial Baptist School, Aba Epo Oluwatedo, Oyo; Baptist Basic School, Oluwatedo, Oyo; St. Luke Anglican School, Bada Idiyalode, Oyo; L.A. Basic School Ago Oyo; Community Basic School, Igbo Olose, Oyo in Oyo West LG.

Others are Community Basic School Adebimpe, Oyo; Community Basic School, Obasere, Oyo; St. Thomas Anglican School, Alabi Olorunda, Oyo; St. Michael RCM, Apaara Village, Oyo; Methodist Primary School Ajagba, Oyo; Baptist Central School Oniyanrin, Oyo; Bapt Primary School, Aguo, Oyo; ADS Primary School, Baba Elesin, Oyo in the Oyo East LG.

Also affected are L.A. School, Lannite, Oyo; L.A. Primary School Gudugbu Orile, Oyo; L.A. Primary School Gudugbu, Oyo; ADS Primary School Aba Olori, Oyo; ADS Primary Abujakan, Oyo; L.A. Basic School, Alagbon, Oyo; and L.A. Basic School, Imeleke, Oyo also in the Oyo East LG.

The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Salihu Adelabu; the Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Nureni Adeniran; chairmen of the four local governments; traditional leaders, among other stakeholders.