Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Saki West Bye-Election: PDP, APC in Close Marking Face-Off










Ahead of Saturday's bye-election in some polling units in Saki West Area of Oyo State, tension looms in the camp of the two gladiators. Both PDP and APC stakeholders have started throwing jabs on social media.

A situation report conducted by Oyo Defender on Monday revealed that tension has gripped residents of the area particularly in those polling units where the election are to take place for the fear of electoral violence.

While APC loyalists have started discrediting the work of Hon. Femi Okedoyin Julius for his first tenure as the State Honourable so also the loyalists of PDP Candidates do not stop calling Hon. Shittu Ibrahim all sorts of names.

INEC had earlier declared Mr Shittu Ibrahim of the All Peoples Congress (APC) as winner of the election held on March 18.

It declared that Ibrahim scored 13,692 votes to defeat the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Julius Okedoyin, who scored 13,422 votes.

Dissatisfied with the declaration, Okedoyin and the PDP headed to the tribunal alleging over-voting, irregularity and non-compliance with electoral guidelines.

Delivering a unanimous ruling of the three-man panel, its chairman, Justice Jubril Anaja, held that the petition had merit and that the petitioners proved their allegations beyond reasonable doubt.

Anaja ruled that the cancellation of results from Ward 6 Unit 7 and Ward 11 Unit 19 of the constituency with 1,285 voter cards collected, could substantially affect the outcome of the election.

The tribunal noted that whereas the declared winner led the petitioner by 270 votes in Ward 6, Unit 7 and Ward 11, Unit 19, the number of voters disenfranchised was more than 1,000.

It held that the more than 1,000 voters disenfranchised by INEC in the affected wards might have over-turned the result if they were allowed to vote.

“The certificate of return issued to the first respondent (Ibrahim) by INEC is hereby set aside pending the re-run election to determine the winner of the election for Saki West constituency.

It is a war-like situation in the two councils camp as they awaits the election.

3,300 Households to Benefit From the OY-CARES Social Transfer program


 










The Social Transfer component of the Oyo State COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (OY-CARES) is to benefit no fewer than 3300 poor and vulnerable households in Oyo during the 3rd phase of its implementation via the State Cash Transfer Unit.

This was disclosed by the State Coordinator, Cash Transfer Unit, Mr. Akintunde Gbadamosi, during a day Orientation Training for the third batch of Social Transfer facilitators of OY-CARES across the 33 LGAs in the State held recently at Plaza- De Haruna, Hotel, Oyo town.

According to him, the beneficiaries were drawn from all the 33LGAs in the State from the data mined from the State Operation Coordinating Unit (SOCU).

Gbadamosi said a cash transfer of N10,000 per month to the beneficiaries in the 3rd phase of the program would commence after the ongoing training of the facilitators.

The data from SOCU covers some categories of disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals ranging from aged, chronically ill, physically challenged, urban poor and widows.

The State Coordinator explained further that the OY-CARES program is an emergency operation from the Federal Government domesticated by the State Government which is designed to support budgeted programs of expenditures and interventions at the State level.

He added that the program targets existing and new vulnerable and poor households, in the agricultural value chain, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), affected by the economic crisis informed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The sum of #10,000 per month is awarded to be given for a year to the Social Transfer component beneficiaries to aid their consumption and reduce stress. The transfer, which is card-based will be paid #20,000 bi-monthly”, he said.

It would be recalled that in 2019/2020, a global pandemic called COVID-19 ravaged the universe, with a large proportion of citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable households/ individuals facing challenges on multiple fronts such as losses of labor, income, food, insecurity, etc.

Mr. Gbadamosi stated further that the OY-CARES program is designed to run for a period of two years (2022- 2024) and is being implemented using existing structures at the level of the State and Federal Governments, without creating any add-on project implementation structures.

He stressed further that Oyo State Government in the first phase had 1,755 beneficiaries from 18 LGAs and 1755 beneficiaries from 15 LGAs in the second phase and now 3300 for the third phase from all the 33 LGAs on the delivery platform of Cash Transfer handling Social Transfer (ST).

Facilitators are trained on how to organize and deliver sensitization, data validation, and enrolment activities of Social Transfer at local government and community levels, ensure supervision and monitoring at the LGA level, and then collect, discuss, and possibly resolve reported grievances from communities over the ST process from community grievance persons in the community among others.






Makinde Reiterates Call For Establishment of State Police

 






Governor of Oyo state, ‘Seyi Makinde, has, again, called for the establishment of state police, noting that it has become imperative to surmount the insecurity challenges facing different parts of the country.

The governor, who maintained that the refusal of the Federal Government to approve South-West Governors’ demand to establish state police a few years ago led to the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun, said it is important for the Federal Government to revisit the matter.

Makinde stated this on Tuesday, when he received the Conference of Speakers of State Legislators, South-West Chapter, led by its chairman and Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye.

The speakers paid a courtesy visit to the governor in his office in Ibadan, where he appreciated them for their condolences and words of support over the January 16 explosion in Bodija, Ibadan.

The governor maintained that there is a need for collaboration and cooperation between the executive arm of government and the legislators to deliver dividends of democracy and bring development to the people.

The governor said, “I want to observe that you need to all come together irrespective of the political party that brought you into office. This is a demonstration that the electioneering period is over and you need to have everybody pulling together to govern and deliver dividends of democracy to our people.”

While speaking on the security challenges in the country, Governor Makinde maintained that the establishment of state police is an idea whose time has come and that the fears in some quarters that states would not be able to maintain state police are unfounded.

He cited the example of Oyo State where the payment of salaries and pensions has never been an issue despite the economic challenges in the country.

Makinde said, “A lot of people may not know that before we launched Amotekun in this state, some of us governors went to the Federal Government and we asked to be allowed to set up state police for our various states but we did not get that approval during the time of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I disagreed at that particular time and still disagree to date that the states are not in the position to maintain state police. I have never seen where the Federal Government went to a particular state and gave the police everything they needed. So, the states are already maintaining the police.”

Makinde said that the police are on the exclusive list, but if that responsibility is split and states have to run their police system, they should have access to resources from the federation account to meet the responsibility of maintaining the police.

“So, the issue of being unable to maintain state police will not arise again. Give us the responsibility first and see if certain states will be able to maintain it or not.

“But since we could not get state police, we settled for Amotekun. All the state assemblies in the South West passed a common law for its establishment. So, we have to be pushing for state police, and you lawmakers have a role to play to make that a reality.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislators, South-West, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye described Makinde as a dynamic governor, while he also lauded his efforts in re-engineering the state through various developmental projects.

He commended the governor for his proactiveness and prompt response to the unfortunate incident at Bodija. He also expressed confidence that there would be continuous support and harmonious relationships between the legislative and the executive arms of government for better governance.

In attendance were the Chairman, Nigeria Conference of Speakers and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Olamide Adesanmi and the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Adewale Egbedun.

LG Polls: Deliver PDP Candidates in Your Areas, Makinde tells SAs Fed Constituencies

 







Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has directed his Special Assistants on Federal Constituencies to deliver the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in their areas in the April 2024 Local Government Elections.

The governor said this on Tuesday while inaugurating the Special Adviser and Special Assistants on Federal Constituencies at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

He tasked them to work hard with him to extend dividends of democracy to the people at the federal constituency level, stating that there is a lot of work to be done.

He said: “I want to congratulate Hon. Dare Adeleke and his team. It is a lot of work absolutely and I will tell you why. During the last election, out of the 14 federal constituencies, as a government, we lost nine and we had only five constituencies that are represented by PDP.

We had Ibadan North-West/South-West, Ibadan North-East/South-East, Ogooluwa/Surulere, Iseyin/Itesiwaju, Iwajowa/Kajola and Ibarapa Central/ Ibarapa North. We have to ensure that, at the federal constituency level, we are able to extend dividends of democracy to the people.

“Yes, we have members of the state assembly in most of these federal constituencies but you need to also let them feel a sense of belonging. That is on the one side. On the other side is, you need to mobilise our people to ginger party members.

“We have a local government election coming in April and I want our candidates delivered in all the federal constituencies. So, that is the big task ahead of you. Even this weekend, we also have a bye-election in Saki. So, you have to mobilise our people and one thing I can tell you is that I will give you all the support necessary for you to perform.”

The governor commended foremost politician, Chief Jacob Gbadebo Adetoro, who headed the body of SAs on Federal Constituencies during Omituntun 1.0, for doing a yeoman’s job mobilising people to solve problems in each of the constituencies.

He equally stated that he was confident that the Special Adviser on Federal Constituencies, who is to now coordinate the body, will do a good job, as he is a veteran who had also played at the national level.

In attendance at the event were the chairmen of the Oyo State Elders’ Council and the Oyo State Advisory Council, Dr. Saka Balogun and Barr. Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, respectively and Commissioners in the cabinet.

Others were Alhaji Nureni Akanbi; Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye, a member of the Advisory Council; Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, PDP State Secretary; Mr. Michael Ogunsina, PDP Youth Leader, among others.


Full names of the S.As of Federal Constituencies

(1)Special Adviser Federal constituency matters Hon. Dare Adeleke.

(2) Special Assistant Hon. Ayo Fatokun – Akinyele/Lagelu

(3) Alani Alwajud – Oorelope/Irepo/Olorunsogo

(4). Hon. Julian Nwachukwu – Ibadan North

(5) Alh. Labule Ishola Olasupo – Ib. NW/SW

(6) Hon. Akinajo – Ib. NE/SE

(7) Hon. Olumide Akinlade – Oluyole

(8)Hon. Hezekiah Sanjo Akintola – Ogo-oluwa/Surulere

(9) Hon. Kamorudeen Kayode Obisesan – Egbeda/ Ona-Ara

(10)Hon. Hakeem Adedibu – Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola & Iwajowa

(11)Hon. (Alh.) Monsuru Oduola – Ibarapa North/Central

(12). Hon. Matthew Kayode Akano – Ido/Ibarapa East

(13(( Hon. Waheed Oluwakemi – Saki East/West, Atisbo

(14) Hon. Alawode Liasu – Oyo Federal Constituency

(15) Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Olaniran – Ogbomoso North/South, Oriire

Makinde Inaugurates SAs Federal Constituencies, Charges Them To Deliver PDP CandidatesMakinde Inaugurates SAs Federal Constituencies, Charges Them To Deliver PDP Candidates

 







Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has directed his Special Assistants on Federal Constituencies to deliver the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in their areas in the April 2024 Local Government Elections.

The governor said this on Tuesday while inaugurating the Special Adviser and Special Assistants on Federal Constituencies at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Others were Alhaji Nureni Akanbi; Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye, a member of the Advisory Council; Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, PDP State Secretary; Mr. Michael Ogunsina, PDP Youth Leader, among others.

Monday, January 29, 2024

Ibadan Explosion: Makinde Hosts Peter Obi, Slams Atiku Over Refusal To Commiserate




Governor of Oyo state Seyi Makinde has expressed disappointment over the refusal of his party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to empathize with him despite receiving calls from other opposition candidates.

Governor Makinde made this known when he received the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi at his Agodi office, on Monday, in Ibadan.

Mr. Obi had come to commiserate with Governor Makinde over the recent explosion in Ibadan.

In his address, Governor Seyi Makinde emphasized that political leaders must learn to put politics aside and embrace humanity in situations like this.

He acknowledged Mr. Obi’s visit and commended him for his show of humanity by putting politics aside, despite their political differences.

In his address, Peter Obi described the incident as unfortunate and commended Governor Makinde for his swift response during the crisis.

He stated that while the swift response may not bring back the losses, it provides assurances to the affected persons.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Mom furious after a man at a JAMB CBT center took her number from the system to chat with her 15years old daughter.












A Nigerian mother, simply identified as Iphie Ajike, has called out the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) over the alleged use of her daughter’s contact information by a staff member at a JAMB registration centre.

Iphie alleged that a staff member used the phone number used to set up her daughter’s profile while registering for the JAMB examination to contact her.

In a series of posts via her X handle on Saturday, January 27, she wrote: “I don’t know what goes on in the heads of Nigerian men that makes them so stupid.

“Took Jaya to the CBT centre to register for JAMB today, I used my number to set up her profile and now one of the staff from the centre is chatting me up thinking I’m Jaya. He’s going to FAFO!

Sharing a screenshot of the chat between herself posing as her daughter, Jaya, and the staff member who is reportedly a 22-year-old, in another post, Iphie wrote: “Lol. This guy is committing so many criminal offences at once it’s crazy. He’s still chatting with me.

"He says he got her number from the system after she registered and left cos he couldn’t help himself. JAMB where are my daughter’s data protection rights?

Responding to her, JAMB assured her that her daughters’ information on its database is safe and intact as it does not condone any form of unwholesome practice ensuring her that it matter would be investigated and decisive action taken against the culprit and any accomplices.

JAMB wrote: “Thank you for this information. The Board as a regulatory agency does not condone any form of unwholesome practice that would bring its integrity to disrepute.

“You can rest assured that your ward’s information on our database is safe and intact and that the culprit and his accomplices will be decisively brought to book.

“Kindly DM the details of the CBT Centre and the phone number in question for further investigation or visit any JAMB office nearby to lodge a formal complaint.”

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Oyo Tipper, Lorry, & Quarry PMS Chairman, Akintola Kidnapped

The Chairman of Oyo State Tipper, Lorry And Quarry Park Management System, Alhaji Akeem Akintola, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.



















The unfortunate abduction occurred in the early hours of today (Saturday), around Ajiboye area, Omi Apata, Ibadan, the state capital.

According to a source, the attackers stormed the residence of Alhaji Akeem Akintola popularly known as KUSO and abducted him to an unknown destination.

Multiple sources have confirmed the incident, including a family member and associates who preferred not to be mentioned.

Yahoo Boy stabs parents as black magic soap fails to bring expected fortune



In a fit of fury, a 20-year-old Yahoo Boy (internet fraudster) has stabbed his parents at their home in Ibadan, Oyo State, because his mother refused to reveal her real name for him to activate a black magic soap designed to bring him good fortune.

But for the quick intervention of bystanders, a 20-year-old suspected Yahoo Boy, Daniel Bamidele, would have sent his parents to early graves penultimate Thursday.

Daniel’s mother, Titilayo, was said to have run out of their home in Apabielesin area of Ibadan, Oyo State with serious wounds, calling for help as her son sneaked into their home and attacked her and the father with a machete.

The alarm raised by her had attracted bystanders, some of whom rushed into the house, held Daniel down and dispossessed him of the machete he had used to attack his parents.

When he had been dispossessed of the long knife by neighbours who held him down and freed his father from his grip, Daniel explained that he had been earning a living from cybercrime otherwise called yahoo business for some time.

He said his parents were aware that he already built a three-bedroom bungalow from the proceeds of the cybercrime.

He said he had promised that he would get a store for his mother and stock it with goods so she could become a big trader once he recorded a breakthrough.

He added that his mother and elder brother connived to fleece him of the sum of N2.5 million despite the promise he made to get her a store and stock it with goods.

Daniel said: “I purposely lured my mother from a church programme she was attending, and as soon as we arrived home, I attacked her with a knife and was already inflicting cuts on her body when my father tried to save her from me.

“I attacked my father too because if I had not stabbed both of them, they would have succeeded in killing me.”

Speaking further on his reasons for attacking his mother and father with a knife, Daniel accused his mother of giving him a fake name which rendered useless the magic black soap he had secured from the priest of a white garment church.

He also noted that he made his elder brother his next of kin in his bank documentation but the same elder brother had been trying to play smart with his money.

He said: “I am a 200-level student of LAUTECH (Ladoke Akintola University of Technology) and I have built a three-bedroom bungalow from the money I made from doing yahoo business.

“I am angry with my parents, particularly my mother, for giving me a fake name instead of her real name.

“There is a particular black magic soap that I have been using lately. The soap was given to me by the priest of a white garment church named Mathew.

“I was the one who bought a generator for Pastor Mathew’s church around Ona Grammar School in Ogbomosho.

“The soap was meant to bring me good fortune, but there was the need for me to call my mother’s name into it before it could work.

“My mother told me that her name is Titilayo. But when I called the name into the soap, it did not work. Hence, I got angry and decided to stab her.”

Daniel’s mother, Titilayo, however said she did not collect any money from him. 

She said: “I was called on the phone to come pick up my son from school at LAUTECH when he started exhibiting mental illness.

“When we got home, his father brought a native medicine home and gave him to use. He slept off after taking the medicine.

“However, when he woke up, he demanded the whereabouts of his phone and I told him I did not take his phone. He landed several blows on me.

“He is a liar; I did not collect any money from him.”

But Bamidele’s father accused his wife of being in the know of everything pertaining to how his son ventured into yahoo business and how he built a house from the money he made from the fraudulent activity.

“My wife was the one that indulged him (Daniel). She knew when her son started building a house, yet she did not tell me,” he said.


Fire Razes INEC Ibadan South East Office



The Independent National Electoral Commission in Oyo State has confirmed a fire incident at its Ibadan South East Local Government Area Office.

According to a statement issued in Ibadan by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Adeniran Tella, and made available to newsmen, the fire occurred around 10.30 am on Friday.

The REC stated that the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained but was assumed to have been triggered off by a power surge.

He also stated that no life was lost, adding that only logistic materials got burnt.

While addressing Oyo Defender, Tella added that the incident did not affect the Saki West State Constituency re-run election coming up on February 3. 

Friday, January 26, 2024

Private Jet With VIPs Onboard Crash-Lands In Ibadan



A private jet having about 10 persons onboard including Very Important Personalities (VIPs) has crash-landed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Channels Tv reports that an impeccable source said the jet crash-landed on Friday around 11 am at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport.

The jet with registration number, N580KR, missed the runway into the nearby bush.

Firefighters and rescue officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) were immediately deployed to the scene. But there was no death or casualty recorded.

“It was a private plane from Abuja. It landed safely but overshot the runway. There was no casualty,” a spokesperson for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Carol Adekotujo, told our correspondent over the phone.

When contacted, a spokesman for the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Tunji Oketunmbi, said he would revert but he was yet to do so as of press time.


Wednesday, January 24, 2024

2024 LG Elections: OYSIEC To Begin Recruitment Of Ad-hoc Staff Soon ...Plans Zonal Training For Successful Applicants



The Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) , Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, on Tuesday, said the Commission would soon announce the recruitment process of Ad-hoc staff to be engaged for the forthcoming Chairmanship and Councillorship elections in the state.

Olagunju, while featuring on a Yoruba live program in Ibadan, hinted that the successful applicants will be engaged for the election, scheduled for 27th April, 2024 .

He noted that adequate training will be given to successful applicants with support from staffers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reliable experts in the field of election management for optimum performance.

He added that the training would be done zone by zone for them to have a better understanding of their duties and responsibilities on election day.

On security, Olagunju explained that the commission is not relenting in its efforts to achieve a peaceful election through the support of the security agencies.

According to InsideOyo, he warned residents not to engage in vote buying and other unlawful acts on the day of election.

According to him, ” Electoral offenses attracts different penalties and fines from 12 months to 10 years imprisonment or # 100,000 to # 50,000,000.

Olagunju explained that the mode of the election remains open secret ballot, stressed that residents would have access to results online from the polling units through designated applications .

While enumerating the functions and importance of local government, Olagunju, harped on the need for residents to play their part in the development of their community.

“I must commend the political parties for the understanding, we hold meetings regularly and there is no misconception.

“In 2021, we gave 90 days notice for the election, but this 2024, 365 days was given as a result of the new electoral law.

“Also, we had about 10 court cases relating to party primaries before election in 2021, as we speak, we have no court case.”

“We are going to announce the recruitment process of the ad-hoc staff very soon. Training of staff is compulsory, it will be on zoning basis, we cannot have the training in a place or at a goal because of their population”

“Campaign has been lifted since last year December, and we thank political parties, citizens and residents for willing to participate in the local government councils elections .

Monday, January 22, 2024

Husband Scarcity: Nigerian Lady Woos Other Women Into Polygamy

 











In order to reduce the exponential rise in the population of spinsters in the country, a Nigerian lady Aisha Ohunene Salaudeen, has urged single women to embrace polygamy.

Salaudeen, who hails from Kogi State said rather than hopelessless waiting to be the only wife, the reality is that some women are destined to be second, third or even fourth wives.

Accoding to her, “Sincerely speaking, some of us are destined to be second wife. All you have to do is just accept it with pride,” she wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday, January 21, 2024.

“Bitter truth thou. Some of us might be even 3rd,” she added.

See the post below;


























10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BY NOW; NO 7 WILL SHOCK YOU!

1. Meat and eggs don’t cause any diseases. 

2. Skipping breakfast is an underrated fitness hack.

3.  “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is pure rubb!sh.

4. Fat in a fatty liver does not come from fat in the diet. It's made by the liver from the sugar you eat (mainly fructose).

5. Gout is not caused by red meat. Fructose is the major culprit in gout.

6. Stop doing sit-ups. Sit-ups do more damage to your body than they benefit it. Sit-ups hurt the disc in your back, you end up with back pain. It’s s not going to “roast” your belly fat. Sit-ups are not good for your back and they are really not good for your abs.

7. Noodles are bad for your health.

8. Eba, pounded yam, and fufu are far healthier than wheat and semo.

9. Wheat and semo are the worst food or swallow for someone who is diabetic.

10. Having a pot belly is not a sign of good health. It’s an indication that something is wrong somewhere.

Follow OYO DEFENDER for more.

AFCON GOLDEN BOOT WINNERS FROM 2008 TO DATE.


2008 - Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) 5

2010 - Mohamed Nagui (Egypt) 5

2012 - Manucho (Angola), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Cheick Tidiane Diabate (Mali), Houcine Kharja (Morocco) Chris Katongo (Zambia), Emmanuel Mayuka (Zambia) 3

2013 - Emmanuel Emenike (Nigeria), Mubarak Wakaso (Ghana) 4

2015 - Ahmed Akaichi (Tunisia), Andre Ayew (Ghana), Dieumerci Mbokani (DR Congo), Javier Balboa (Equatorial Guinea), Thievy Biffouma (Congo) 3

2017 - Junior Kabananga (DR Congo) 3

2019 - Odion Ighalo (Nigeria) 5

2021- Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon) 8

2023 -  ?

#AFCON2023

#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023

Ribadu Leads Ibadan Explosion Probe

 Investigation into last
week’s blast in Ibadan has taken a higher dimension with the involvement of 
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.



The ongoing investigation and forensic analysis are spearheaded by the Oyo State government.

It was learnt that Ribadu, will visit the blast site in Bodija on 22nd of January for an on-the-spot assessment and to take a direct briefing from the state government and its investigators.

This will enable Ribadu to decide on how the office of the NSA will collaborate with them.

Also the Minister Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake visited Ibadan on Monday. The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals, is waiting for the outcome of the forensic investigation ordered to ascertain the actual cause of the tragic explosion that rocked Ibadan, Oyo State capital last week.

Thereafter, the minister sent condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and other victims. The minister also commended the Oyo State Government for mobilising relief response.

The minister assures Nigerians that the Federal Government is committed to addressing challenges from the root, hence its resolve to await the outcome of painstaking forensic investigations on the Ibadan explosion before making a definite pronouncement.

Bodija Explosion: Makinde Presents Report To Tinubu

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has presented the report of last Tuesday’s explosion at Dejo Oyelese Close, Adeyi Avenue, Bodija, Ibadan to President Bola Tinubu.







Makinde was at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, to present the report to the president, at the weekend.







The president had earlier commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State following the incident, while he also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) “to work with the Oyo State Government to offer immediate and comprehensive relief to the victims.”











President Tinubu had equally called on all concerned agencies of government to quickly unravel the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

Governor Makinde appreciated the Presidency for its support following the incident, noting that the Oyo State government would do everything possible to provide succour to victims and to fish out and punish those behind the tragedy.



Sunday, January 21, 2024

Chaos As 3SC, Enyimba’s Fans Clash After Home Defeat



The 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League Match Day 19 fixture involving host Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan and Enyimba International ended in chaos on Sunday.

While the match ended 2-1 in favour of the visiting Aba side, it was a chaotic after-match situation as the fans of the home side went berserk.

Some of the fans went looking for the match officials.They claimed the officials robbed their darling team of at least a draw, saying he refused to award a goal in the fourth minute of second half added time.

The situation was some seconds before substitute Izuogu Chibueze went on to score Enyimba’s second goal.

The match officials had to be hurried out of the stadium in an ambulance as the fans broke the doors into their dressing room.

They were in search of the centre referee and second assistant referee in particular, claiming the former had been involved in six away matches played by Enyimba.

Another group of fans were in search of the 3SC management officials, with a specific search for the club chairman, Babatunde Olaniyan.

One of the fans said Mr Olaniyan should be blamed for not ensuring the club got “a fair deal” in match officials’ appointments.

The confused situation even led to the 3SC technical crew shunning the post-match news conference, where their Technical Adviser, Gbenga Ogunbote, had always been ever present.

But, in spite of no explanation coming from the club’s Media Officer, Tosin Omojola, it was learnt that the home team were equally afraid of being attacked by their fans.

“No one is safe at this moment. We will rather stay in our dressing room until everything calms down,” a club official who asked for anonymity said.

According to InsideOyo, the fans had to finally vent their spleen on stadium facilities, breaking several doors and windows in the dressing rooms and the mixed zone area.

During the match, Chijioke Mbaoma gave Enyimba the lead in the 57th minute from a penalty kick.

Kareem Ademola drew the home side level in the 82nd minute, while Chibueze scored the winning goal in the fifth minute of the second half’s five added minutes.

Barbarians Have Taken Over Social Media In Nigeria – Soyinka

 







Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka has expressed worry on the state of social media in Nigeria declaring it to be “taken over by barbarians.”

In a speech delivered at the 48th President’s party and his investiture as an honorary member of the Abeokuta Club in Ogun State on Saturday, Soyinka expressed his deep disappointment with the decline of intellectual discourse and reasoned engagement on platforms that he believed should be fostering these very things.

Soyinka maintained that in other climes, social media remains valid as a means of interaction due to the intellectual content and reasoned engagements deployed by users.

However, he noted that the reverse is the case in Nigeria, where those who have dragged it down have swapped out the intellectual quotient aspect of it.

“I don’t deal in social media. As far as I’m concerned, barbarians have taken over social media and they have swapped the intellectual quotient which used to make and still make social media valid in other societies. Here in this country, social media has been dragged down to the lowest common denominator.

“However, I believe in the community of the intellect of minds and creativity to rescue us from the monstrosity that social media has become (in this country).”

Speaking further, he said the situation has degenerated to a level where even a mere disagreement in an election could lead to one being labelled on social media as having a phobia of others.

He said, “In a situation where disagreement in an election can lead one being labelled something phobia or whatever.

“The social media is awash with accusations of one being a kind of ethnophobic. So strange to me but that is what we have been reduced to. And when that kind of accusation comes, there is no need or value in trying to say you are not. You just say, ‘Thank you very much! The complement of ethnophobia is ethnophilia.”

Soyinka urged the nation’s community of intellectual minds to rescue the country from the monstrosity of social media.

He expressed astonishment and disbelief that people are so power-besotted that they cannot even accept the possibility of losing an election.

“I’m astonished and flabbergasted that people are so power-besotted that they can’t even accept the possibility that they did not win an election,” Soyinka said.

“It does not matter whether you are right or wrong or they are right. It is just a question. Take your facts to the table, let’s examine them carefully, consider the possibility that we may be wrong or you may be wrong but you don’t have to descend into demonisation of the group to which others belong to establish your point.”

Ibadan Explosion: Alake Deploys Mines Inspectorate




Since the unfortunate incident of the Ibadan explosion, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake swung into action immediately to ascertain the real cause(s) of the blast.

President Bola Tinubu, it would be recalled, placed a phone call to the Oyo state governor in the presence of the minister to commiserate with the governor, victims, and people of Oyo state.

Thereafter, the Minister issued a statement of condolence to the victims, commended the succour provided victims by the Oyo governor, and followed up with deploying the State’s Mines Inspectorate to the scene of the explosion to join other security agencies in unravelling what led to the blast.


Already, the Federal Government has ordered forensic investigations to determine the real cause of the blast, the explosives type that triggered it and the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident that led to loss of lives and properties.

Alongside the statement issued by the Minister, personally signed by him, to convey his deepest sympathies to the people of Oyo State, he has also being at the forefront of working with the security agencies to unearth the cause and put mechanisms in place to avert a recurrence.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is important to point out that the present administration has not issued mining license to any one or entity in Oyo state so far.

Just last Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu went a step further to holistically address insecurity around our nation’s natural resources by constituting an inter-ministerial committee led by Dr. Alake to come up with a blueprint to effectively and efficiently secure solid minerals, forests, and marine economy, which constitutes Nigeria’s natural resources.

The committee held a maiden meeting last Friday and has been working round the clock to draw up strategies of achieving the presidential mandate. In the coming days, there will be an expanded meeting with heads of security agencies, which will assist the committee in getting the requisite inputs that will guide it in turning in a robust report to the President.

The Minister assures Nigerians that the Federal Government is committed to addressing challenges from the root, hence its resolve to await the outcome of painstaking forensic investigations on the Ibadan explosion before making a definite pronouncement.

Alake believes that in sensitive situations like this, the security agencies should be allowed to do their job, as against acting on speculations. That way, the people are better informed, culprits can be brought to book, and concerted efforts can be put in place to avoid a recurrence.

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Oyo Assembly Considers Auditors-General Reports On LGAs, Calls For Strict Compliance With Financial Memoranda







 The Oyo state House of Assembly has considered the 2021, 2022 reports of the Auditors-general and financial statement of accounts of the 33 local government area in the state.

The house, through its Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chaired by Honorable Olorunpoto Rahaman, member representing Oyo East, Oyo West State Constituency called for strict compliance with the financial memoranda.

The exercise which started on Monday ended on Friday with the 33 local government areas appearing before the committee.


While speaking with journalists on Friday, the chairman of the committee, Honourable Olorunpoto Rahaman said the committee has been less than impressed with Internally Generated Revenue of the local government areas.

Rahaman noted that the appropriation issue will be sorted by the House committees on Public Accounts, Finance and Appropriations and the Minsitry of Local Government.


His words: “Regarding the IGR, we have been less than impressed. I know that things could be much better. We will be making recommendations to the government on how they can block leakages in revenue, we realized that they are a lot of leakages and there could be a lot of improvement.


“Regarding the issues with the appropriation, yes, the Public Accounts Committee together with the Committee on Finance and Appropriations will settle the issues there with the Minsitry of Local Government.”


While speaking to InsideOyo, the lawmaker also called for training and retraining of the local government staff adding that there were a lot of avoidable errors in the documents submitted to the committee. He also stressed the need to go digital.


He said: “We have observed that the are a lot of gaps between expectations and reality in the aspect of capacity of the people in charge. We believe that things should be much better. There a lot of errors in their papers, avoidable errors. So we believe that there’s is a need for capacity development, there’s a need for training and retraining, ICT Empowerment in our local government level.

“We have dealt with more than 500 documents hard copies in the last 5 days. This is not something that should continue. Our shelves are already filled up with documents, so we want to see how we can get them to go Digital. When they go Digital with documentation, they should also go digital with IGR collections, so we will be able to block leakages.

Save Us From Impending Danger, Avoid Repeat Of Bodija Explosion – Ibadan Residents To Oyo Govt

 







Following an explosion that rocked part of Bodija estate on Tuesday, Resident Associations along General Gas to Iyana Church, on Saturday, seeked the urgent intervention of Oyo state government and other stakeholders over what they termed as ‘impending danger’ possed by indiscriminate sitting of gas stations and petrol stations within the areas.

The residents are seeking government’s intervention to avoid repeat of tragic event that led to loss of lives and properties at Bodija Estate.

Addressing journalists after a meeting of landlords in the area, the Chairman, Kolapo Ishola Residents’ Association, Olalekan Thanni and Vice Chairman, Carlton Gate Residents’ Association, Otunba Jimi Bolusire described the issue as a time bomb waiting to explode if not curtail.

The duo stated that Bodija incident has become an eye opener for them, saying they are acting on Governor Seyi Makindes advice which says ‘if you see something, say something’.

Acccording to them, the danger indiscriminate sitting of gas and petrol stations possed to them is enoumous due to its closeness to schools, churches, and residential areas within the estate.

“After extensive debate of imminent danger particularly in reference to unfortunate incident that occured last Tuesday at Bodija, we are seeing something, we are now saying something, and we expect the authority to do something.” They said.

A communique issued at the end of the meeting read in full: “In the light of the recent event that took lives and destroyed properties at Bodija on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024, we have decided to highlight an impending danger with a potentially more devastating impact if not urgently addressed.

“Within a distance less than 1 km, we have numerous Gas Plants, Gas Tank Farm and Fuel Stations domiciled in very close proximity to Schools, Churches and Residential Communities within the corridor – this constitutes a clear and present danger and a ticking time bomb.

“Specifically, we have a Gas Tank Farm which is less than 5 meters to Valencia School and opposite Mercy Land Fuel Station. This Gas Tank Farm has Gas filled Trucks parked with a Mechanic Village close by where sparks from Welding activities can ignite a devastating explosion accompanied by fireballs.

“Following the meeting held, we have reached the following decisions:

“We specifically call on the Government to address the Gas Tank Farm operated by Gas Land which is near Valencia Schools, various Churches such as Cherubim and Seraphim church, New Covenant church, RCCG and St Luke’s church) and numerous Residential Communities along this corridor.

“Residents would require a review of the Environment Impact Assessment (E.I.A) and approval given to the owners of Gas Plants, Gas Tank Farms and Fuel Stations within our corridor.

“We call on the Oyo State Government to urgently and Regulatory approvals in-order to avoid a repeat of the tragic events at Bodija which led to the loss of lives and properties.


“Residents call on the Government and relevant agencies to review the violation of DPR guidelines and Regulatory approvals in the establishment of Fuel and Gas Facilities within Residential Communities and Public places.


“It is imperative therefore that within the shortest possible time, the Gas Tank Farm be relocated from our communities as it portends potential future explosions.


“Residents will continue to review the safety and security landscape of the Cummunities along General Gas to Iyana Church corridor to guarantee and safeguard the safety of lives and properties.”

Tragedy As Suspected Ritualist Beheads Young Lady Inside Hotel

 









Tragedy struck as an unidentified young lady was beheaded inside a hotel in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

It was gathered that the suspect had checked into the hotel with the deceased, but he later informed the receptionist that he needed to step out briefly.

However, upon entering the suspect’s room, hotel staff discovered the headless body of the young lady.

Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Afolabi Babatola,stated that he had ordered an investigation into the matter.

Babatola said the Adamawa State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, is working tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice and resolve the situation within the confines of the law.

He implored citizens to remain calm, assuring them that effort is being made to ensure their safety.

The Commissioner emphasized that the safety and well-being of all citizens are of utmost importance and that such acts of violence will no longer be tolerated.

He also urged hotel owners to promptly report individuals with questionable character to the police.

The Ariyo family and Najeebah Sisters Regains Freedom, reunite with their family



The four remaining sisters of the Abuja-based lady shot dead by kidnappers, Nabeeha Al-Kadriyah, have regained freedom from their abductors.


The development was confirmed by the family of the kidnap victims in a statement in the early hours of Sunday.

The Oyodefender recalls that the sisters were abducted alongside their father early in January.


When their demand for ransom payment was not met, the kidnappers killed Al-Kadriyah.


They also killed a 13-year-old schoolboy abducted alongside the family of seven.


Those who were freed by their abductors late on Saturday were Najeeba, a 500-level Quantity Surveying student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State; her younger sister, Nadherah, a 300-level Zoology student of ABU; and their twin sisters: Habeeba and Haneesa.



The family in the statement signed by Sherifdeen Al-Kadriyah, said: “Words cannot express the immense gratitude and relief we feel at this moment. It is a true testament to the power of faith and the unwavering support and prayers from every one of you. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank Allah for His mercy and guidance throughout this difficult time.


“However, amidst our celebration and gratitude, we must remember and pray for those who have lost their lives during this process. Their sacrifices must not go unnoticed, and their families must be in our prayers and thoughts.


“May Allah grant them the highest ranks in Jannah, enveloping them with His mercy and forgiveness. May He bring comfort and peace to their grieving families, providing them with strength to endure their loss.


“Our beloved daughters have shown remarkable strength and resilience, and we are overjoyed to have them back in our arms. Their bravery and courage during their time held captive will forever inspire us all. May Allah bless and protect every one of these incredible young women and grant them emotional healing and strength in the days to come.”

3SC GM Dimeji Lawal Loses Dad, Mgt. Pays Condolence Visit

The death has occurred of Pa Taibu Atanda Olanrewaju Lawal, the father of ex international and General Manager of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) Dimeji Lawal.



According to Dimeji Lawal, Pa Lawal passed on early Saturday morning at the age of 86.

Pa Lawal, who would have have clocked 87 in March, left behind children and grand children.



His remains would be committed to mother earth by 4pm, according to Islamic rites.




The Executive Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Honourable Babatunde Olaniyan Akoro, paid a condolence visit to the Felele residence of the team’s acting General Manager, Dimeji Lawal, who lost his father, on Saturday morning.




The chairman was accompanied by the Technical Adviser, Gbenga Ogunbote, the club’s Administrative Officer, Akintomiwa Babayemi, Omololu Waheed, who represented the players, as well as coach Olaitan Ogunbote.

Other dignitaries were also on ground to condole the Lawal family over the demise of Pa Taibu Atanda Olanrewaju Lawal.

They included media guru and publisher of Parrot Extra, Yinka Agboola, chairman. Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Oyo State chapter, Niyi Alebiosu, friends and neighbours.

‘Kabongo’, as the ex international is fondly called, was on hand to receive the visitors, alongside his brother, Muyiwa Lawal, popularly known as ‘Kokoro’.

Nurturing Growth: Unlocking Economic Opportunities through Agricultural Advancement in Oke Ogun Region, Oyo State!

 











By: Alade Akintoye AbdulAziz Nasirudeen


The Oke Ogun region of Nigeria stands out for its abundant agricultural resources, signaling a promising avenue for economic growth. Despite facing recent challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, the region holds immense potential for the advancement of its agricultural sector, promising significant economic benefits. This transformative journey could substantially enhance the well-being of the people in Oke Ogun, provided the right policies and investments are in place, propelling the region into a thriving agricultural hub.


Historically, the Oke Ogun region boasts a vast expanse of arable land, spanning from Saki to Tede, Irawo, Agoare, Oje Owode, Sepeteri, Ofiki, Igboho, Igbeti, Okeho, Iseyin, and other towns within the region, extending to the neighboring Benin Republic. The land is inherently suitable for farming activities and can support a substantial population engaged in agriculture.


The climatic and soil conditions in the region make it conducive for the cultivation of crops such as cassava, soybean, yam, maize, and so on. With strategic management and robust investment, Oke Ogun could emerge as a significant producer of these crops, making substantial contributions to the nation's food security.


However, paramount to the success of agricultural development in Oke Ogun is the assurance of safety and security for farmers and investors. This entails safeguarding both local and foreign investors interested in establishing farms in the region. By establishing a secure environment, Oke Ogun can attract the necessary investment and expertise, solidifying its position as a hub for agricultural production. Historically, Oke Ogun was notable for its safety and peace within the annals of Oyo State.


Should influential personalities and political officeholders lend their unwavering support by prioritizing agricultural development in the region? the impact on the local economy could be substantial. The initiative has the potential to generate numerous jobs in the farming, food processing, and transportation sectors, consequently elevating income levels and enhancing the overall standard of living in the region. 


Additionally, fostering agricultural development would contribute to increased exports and a reduction in dependence on imports, positively influencing the country's balance of trade. Furthermore, a boost in the production of food and other agricultural products could lead to a significant downturn in reliance on imports.


For more enlightenment reach out here!


 Mr. Alade Akintoye Abdulaziz Nasiru Deen


+966560020150

+234 703 534 0504

Courtesy Visit to the Saki-West Local Government Chairman-Elect by the Association of Nigerian Broadcasters(ANBROAD), Oke Ogun Zone.

Earlier yesterday, the Association of Nigerian Broadcasters paid a courtesy visit to the newly elected Chairman of the Local Government, Mr ...