The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Sanwo-Olu opens Yaba overpass bridge

    Sanwo-Olu opens Yaba overpass bridge

    • Governor awards Blue Rail Line Phase II contract

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has opened the Yaba Overpass Bridge.

    He promised that the other three on the Red Line route -Ikeja, Mushin and Oyingbo- will be opened before the end of the year.

    Sanwo-Olu, who expressed joy about the bridge’ completion, noted that it would improve traffic flow within the Yaba/Ojuelegba axis, reduce travel time, provide aesthetically-pleasant environment and improve the safety of lives and property. 

    The governor warned against trading and illegal activities on the bridge and the rail tracks, especially illegal parking by commercial drivers.

    He called for cooperation with officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management, Authority (LASTMA).

    Governor Sanwo-Olu hinted that contract for the second phase of the Blue Rail line had been signed, and the contractor had moved to site.

    Read Also: Wike approves funds to maintain Abuja Nat’l Mosque, Christian Centre

    He reiterated government’s commitment to further improving transportation through the intermodal transport system.

    He said: “We are looking at other rail lines for implementation. These are the Green Line, a 68-kilometre rail route from Marina to Lekki Free Zone, and the Purple Line, 60 kilometres in length from Redemption Camp to Ojo. We are convinced that these two lines will improve the travel experience of our people, reduce congestion, reduce gas emissions and improve people’s lifestyles.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, our transport projects have been implemented at huge cost. We should not feel unconcerned when societal enemies are bent on destroying our commonwealth. We should be concerned because great societies are built and sustained when their people take ownership of their infrastructure. I, therefore, ask you all to protect this bridge from vandals and other societal enemies. This bridge is not a market place; the steps, ramps and sidewalks are not for displaying wares. Our law enforcement agencies have been given instructions to ensure zero tolerance for any misuse of this facility.

    “This is the last warning to those engaged in illegal trading on the railway tracks. For your own safety and the safety of others, leave the tracks immediately. To our informal bus operators, the era of lining buses on the roadway is over. Please ensure buses are parked within the space provided for your operations.”

    Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LAMATA), Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, said the Ikeja and Oyingbo bridges would be opened soon, while the one in Mushin would be completed before the end of the year.”

  • Bayelsa making progress under Diri, says Obasanjo

    Bayelsa making progress under Diri, says Obasanjo

    Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has praised Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri for his sterling performance.

    He said the state is making progress in all sectors of the economy.

    Chief Obasanjo hailed the governor for consolidating the legacies of his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson.

    He spoke yesterday during the 12th Bayelsa State Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene-Yenagoa.

    The former president said: “What I saw is more than what I expected. What you have here in Bayelsa that you have to cherish is peace. Comparatively, you have greater peace than other parts of the country.

    “You have security. Peace without security is no peace. Security without peace is no security. Here you have security, you have peace and you have stability.

    “If what is happening here is replicated in other states in Nigeria, then we will say we have a good country.”

    Governor Diri thanked Chief Obasanjo for honouring and identifying with the people and government of the state.

    He attributed his achievements to the support and cooperation of ‘Bayelsans’ and divine grace.

    The governor said: “Bayelsans want peace and development. The former governor laid the foundation upon which we are building and everybody who comes to the state acknowledges the peace and security. So, we cannot go back to the era of violence, impunity and brigandage. The essence of government is to bring peace, development and progress.

    “Today, we have added value to the development of Bayelsa. We are embarking on meaningful projects and programmes and we thank God for His grace to do these things.”

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    He appreciated leaders of the state, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that he would have attended the event if he had not travelled out of the country.

    The lawmaker representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District and former governor of the state, Senator Seriake Dickson, appreciated Diri for sustaining the legacies of his administration, particularly road projects, annual thanksgiving, morning devotion at the Government House and monthly praise night.

    He said he was a fulfilled man because he successfully handed over power without rancour and the state was peaceful and on the path of development.

    The guest preacher, Pastor Lazarus Muoka of The Lord’s Chosen, Charismatic Revival Movement, delivered a sermon with the theme: “Blessed Are You.”

    He described Bayelsa as a blessed land, which God gave mineral resources.

    Chief Obasanjo inaugurated the second phase of the ongoing Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie senatorial road from Igeibiri to Angiama in Southern Ijaw Local Government.

    The former president lauded the developmental efforts of Dr. Jonathan, who started the project as well as Senator Dickson for continuing it.

  • Monarch seeks support for Tinubu

    Monarch seeks support for Tinubu

    By Emmanuel Oladesu 

    The paramount ruler of Mainland and its surrounding regions, Oba Bashir Oloto, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the Supreme Court. 

    He urged Nigerians to support him, saying politics is over.

    Oba Oloto, in a statement by his media aide, Adeyinka Olayiwola, hailed the Supreme Court judgment, which affirmed President Tinubu’s victory, as a “momentous one” that has advanced Nigeria’s electoral laws and judicial jurisprudence.

    He said: “The Supreme Court’s verdict marks the conclusion of the legal disputes surrounding the 2023 presidential election, and admirers of democracy should acknowledge the judiciary’s commitment to enriching our nation’s democratic principles through its wise judgments.

    “On behalf of the esteemed people of Mainland kingdom, the global All Progressives Congress (APC) family and myself, I extend warm congratulations to our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Vice-President Senator Kashim Shettima for their victory at the Supreme Court and for emerging as the champions and victors of the 2023 presidential election.

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    “The judgment has put an end to the unnecessary disputes, distractions, unwarranted controversies and legal battles that marred the 2023 presidential election. It is my wish that the opposition parties will unite with our President in advancing Nigeria for the collective benefit of the nation.” 

    Oba Oloto urged politicians to prioritise the nation’s interest, underscoring that the country transcended any individual. 

    He appealed to the parties involved in the legal dispute to collaborate with President Tinubu in moving the nation forward.

    Said he: “May Almighty God give President Tinubu good health, wisdom, knowledge and understanding to lead Nigeria successfully and productively.”

  • Adeleke appoints 309 board members

    Adeleke appoints 309 board members

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday appointed 309 people as members of non-statutory boards as well as chairmen, secretaries and members of local government education boards. 

    The governor in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the appointments take immediate effect and urged the appointees to observe the rule of law, due process and procurement laws in their doings. 

    The statement said: “The governor had appointed chairmen and vice chairmen of the non-statutory boards. 

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    “The board members are: Uniosun board, Gbadeshin Lawal, Prof. David Oladeji, Tunji Omole, Olawale .A. Oludayo, Hassan Adegoke, Prof. Aworemi and Dr. Kamoru Kadiri. 

    Other boards are University of Ilesa, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree; Osun State College of Education, Ila and Esa-Oke, College of Health Technology, Ilesa; Local Government Service Commission, Hospital Management Board, SUBEB, Pilgrims Welfare (Muslim and Christian wings), Osun Council for Art and Culture, Osun Tourism Board, Osun Internal Revenue, Water Corporation and Osun State LGEA Boards in local councils. 

  • 714 graduates as OUI holds 11th convocation

    714 graduates as OUI holds 11th convocation

    No fewer than 714 students will be graduating today as Oduduwa University Ipetumodu (OUI), Osun State, holds its 11th convocation.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Ikechukwu Uche, made this known yesterday during a news conference ahead of today’s event. 

    He said of the 714 ‘graduands’, 694 would be conferred with first degree. 

    He said 15 students made First Class, while 221 made Second Class Upper Division and 398 made Second Class Lower Division. The VC said 62 students fell into the Third Class Division.

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    He said the ‘graduands’ would be awarded their degrees during the grand finale of the convocation at Ramon Adedoyin Presidential Hall of the university.

    The VC said personalities from all parts of Nigeria and across the world would attend the convocation and the 14th Founder’s Day celebration. 

    The title of the Convocation Lecture is: “Exodus of Skilled Labour In Nigeria: Magnitude, Causes and Impact on National Development”. It was delivered by Prof. Elijah B. Agbaje under the chairmanship of Prof. Goke Lalude. 

  • Gunmen abduct speaker’s chief of staff

    Gunmen abduct speaker’s chief of staff

    Gunmen have abducted a journalist, Usman Sahabi, who is also the chief of staff to Adamawa State House of Assembly Speaker Bathiya Wesley.

    Sahabi was abducted about 1am yesterday from his home at Wurro-Chekke, a community in Yola South Local Government, according to sources.

    “Five gunmen stormed his home at 1am and forcefully entered his room, kidnapping him at gunpoint,” one of the sources said.

    Read Also: Wike approves funds to maintain Abuja Nat’l Mosque, Christian Centre

    Sahabi, an employee of Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), was reporting from the assembly before the speaker named him as his chief of staff.

    Sahabi’s brother told our correspondent before noon yesterday that the abductors had called the family, demanding N20million ransom.

    Police spokesman SP Sulaiman Nguroje confirmed the abduction.

    He said the command had deployed operational assets to ensure his rescue.

  • Teenagers kill man for resisting wife’s kidnap

    Teenagers kill man for resisting wife’s kidnap

    Two teenagers have been arrested by the Bauchi Police Command for allegedly killing a 25-year-old man, Ibrahim Ahmadu, who resisted their attempt to abduct his wife. 

    The incident occurred at Bazai village in Shira Local Government of Bauchi State on October 10.

    According to a statement by the police spokesman, SP Mohammed Wakil, the suspects, 20-year-old Auwalu Idk and Habibu Buba resorted to violence, hitting Ahmadu in the forehead with sticks as he fought to protect his wife, Amina Sani. 

    Read Also: Fubara: Rivers NASS caucus declares support for Wike

    The statement said Ahmadu died following the internal injuries he sustained during the attack. He was certified dead by a doctor at the General Hospital in Yana.

    The case was said to have been reported at Shira Police Division by an anonymous person, leading to the arrest of the suspects. 

    The police said investigation was ongoing, adding that the suspects would be arraigned after investigation.

  • Foundation gives palliatives to 300 residents

    Foundation gives palliatives to 300 residents

    No fewer than 300 indigent Ikeja residents have received food palliatives presented by the Prince Adeyinka Illo (PAI) Foundation, to cushion the effect of the biting harsh economy occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

    The Chairman of the foundation, Prince Adeyinka Illo, said the palliatives were part of his efforts to reach many people, who might not have been reached by the government in the distribution of palliatives.

    The prince, one of the children of the late Oba of Ikeja, Oba Momodu Illo, said the foundation was borne out of the knowledge that government could not do it alone, adding that “this period calls for people who are well to do in the society to support the government in making life more abundant for the people.”

    He said: “Today, we have put together 300 food packages to support the government and help Ikeja residents cushion the effect of subsidy removal.”

    Read Also: Wike approves funds to maintain Abuja Nat’l Mosque, Christian Centre

    Illo said soon, the foundation would come up with medical outreach that would go from ward to ward in Ikeja, bringing medicare to communities in the state capital.

    “This is besides a free JAMB form and free tutorial that will be unveiled next year to assist students in the local government get ahead and not have their education truncated for lack of funds.”

    The National President of Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN), High Chief M. A. Aragbaye, praised the convener for having it in mind to improve the lot of the people, especially the downtrodden, who were badly hit by the rocketing prices of food items.

    The Regent of Ikeja, Prince Adekunle Apena, advised beneficiaries to make good use of the packs.

    He prayed for the donor.

  • Ogun community decries illegal dredging at Iyesi-Ota

    Ogun community decries illegal dredging at Iyesi-Ota

    Residents of Iyesi-Ota, a community in Ado Odo Ota Local Government of Ogun State, have raised the alarm over the activities of illegal sand dredgers in their community.

    They said their activities posed environmental danger to their lives and also threatened their buildings.

    Speaking to our correspondent, one of the landlords, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being attacked, said: “The executives of Itesiwaju Community Development Association (an association of community landlords) held a meeting with a certain Baale in the community, who is the arrowhead of the dredgers, about a year ago, to sign an agreement to be responsible for any damage posed by the planned dredging, but he declined. We even offered him suggestions on what he can do: to build  a bridge across the stream in the community as a link to the adjoining community.

    “When he failed to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) we presented to him, he moved to Osuke, but he was chased away, prevented from dredging on their land by the residents and he therefore returned to Iyesi.”

    According to him, “the Baale warned some executives of the CDA not to interfere with the project, as Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege, have given their blessings to dredge the stream.

    “He even placed sacrifices at junctions to scare and deter some landlords, who complained that the dredging posed danger to their lives and buildings.”

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    One of the residents recounted how the Baale bragged of having the backing of the governor.

    “Efforts to get the attention of Governor Abiodun to call them to order have proved abortive. The environmental hazards, noise pollution and tremor the dredging is posing to our buildings and lives is frightening. Many residents, some of whom are retirees, may be sent to their early graves by the noise pollution and tremors.

    “We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Abiodun and Olota to save our lives and properties.”

  • Two remanded for allegedly shooting Customs officers

    Two remanded for allegedly shooting Customs officers

    Justice A. A. Okeke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State yesterday remanded Lateef Odugbemi and Waliu Oladeji for allegedly attacking and shooting officials of Zone A, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ikeja, Lagos.

    The incident reportedly occurred on May 27, 2023 at Tapa, Ibarapa North Local Government of Oyo State.

    The suspects were accused of barricading the road and shooting at Customs officers, which resulted in some of the officers sustaining injuries.

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    They were also accused of firing at the Customs vehicle, assaulting  A. O. Ekundayo, a Customs Officer, by shooting him in the head, causing him bodily injury, and obstructing Customs officers on duty by barricading the road.

    The defendants, who were arraigned on a four-count charge, pleaded not guilty.

    Justice Okeke adjourned the matter till January 24 and 25, 2024 for hearing, saying the defendants should be remanded at a correctional centre within the jurisdiction of the court.