The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Ogun to set up committee for Alaba Lawson’s burial, says Abiodun

    Ogun to set up committee for Alaba Lawson’s burial, says Abiodun

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has disclosed plans by the state government to set up a committee that will work out a befitting funeral for the late Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs.) Alaba Lawson.

    She died on Saturday at the age of 72 after a brief illness.

    Prince Abiodun, paying a condolence visit to the family of the late educationist, philanthropist, business woman and women’s rights advocate in Abeokuta at the weekend, described the deceased as a passionate and selfless woman, who was also a great advocate of women’s rights.

    The governor said he was saddened by the suddenness of her death, adding that the committee to be set up by the state government would liaise with the Lawson family to begin the process of giving her a befitting burial.

    “We will be with you throughout this very trying period. We are setting up a committee of the state to interface with the family so that we can begin to plan the final rights to give Mama a befitting burial.”

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    “Your mother was many things to many people. She was a very hard-working woman, a very principled woman, she would call a spade a spade, she will say it as it is. Whatever she wouldn’t say in front of you, she would not say it behind you.

    “She was a very intentional woman, a very passionate woman, a very selfless woman, she was a big philanthropist, she gave with her heart and soul.”

    Responding on behalf of the family, the deceased’s son, Akinola, thanking Governor Abiodun for supporting the aspirations of their mother, also acknowledged him for looking out for the welfare of their late mother during her period at hospital.

  • Ondo commissioner to steer DAWN 

    Ondo commissioner to steer DAWN 

    As part of its mandate to ensure sustainable development in the Southwest, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has appointed Ondo State Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Prince Boye Ologbese, as chairman, state focal officer, to evaluate, coordinate and maintain relations trajectory to the region.

    Ologbese, addressing reporters in Akure, said the appointment was an offshoot of the meeting with state focal representatives to DAWN Commission held in Ibadan, Oyo State, recently.

    Lauding Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Ologbese said his interventions in the region such as establishing Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps; actualisation of Ondo deep seaport; export driven port for regional enhancement and mechanisms for farm production; boost in agricultural capacity of the state and stabilising the forex market of the nation had presented Ondo State with great opportunities for economic expansion and partnership.

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    “Peace and security play a crucial role in strengthening the regional economic integration of any society. It is indeed a rare opportunity given me to serve in such capacity for value addition,” he said.

    Ologbese called on other Southwest sister-state focal representatives to DAWN Commission for a more collective action, promising a harmonised effort to ensure the mandate of the commission is accomplished.

    Speaking at the meeting, the Director General, DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, said the appointment was deserving based on the brilliant contributions from Ondo State Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations to the commission and for upholding the core values of regional integration in enhancing the economic growth of the region.

  • We’ll deliver Olodo bridge on schedule, says contractor

    We’ll deliver Olodo bridge on schedule, says contractor

    The contractor handling Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo road, Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd, has assured the people of Oyo State, especially users of the road, that all hands are on deck to finish the reconstruction of Olodo bridge on schedule.

    The company’s Executive Director, Abel Adeleke, an engineer; said this at the weekend while answering questions on the extent of work done on the bridge.

    Oyo State Government had awarded the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo road, which is a federal road, to Peculiar Ultimate Concerns, to relieve the pains of users of the road.

    However, the rains of July 30 washed away Olodo bridge, which is on the road, while the reconstruction was still ongoing.

    Adeleke said: “I am aware of the complaints of commuters on Olodo Bridge. We feel their pains and we are doing everything within our power to ensure the bridge is delivered on schedule. But unfortunately, bridge construction cannot be rushed. It has to go through the normal process.

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    “It is our wish to at least fix the bridge as soon as we can and continue with the road construction, but that cannot be done. We cannot jump any stage of the process.”

    “Right now, what we are doing is piling. This is like the foundation of the bridge. You know when you are constructing a skyscraper, you spend quite a lot of time on the foundation. That is the stage we are at now. We have completed about 50 per cent of that.

    “I want to plead with the people of Oyo State to bear with us. I am assuring them that we shall deliver a bridge that all of us will be proud of, a bridge that will serve us for many years.”           

    He added that his organisation realised the importance of the bridge to thousands of people, who daily made use of it and would not keep them waiting for long.

  • Methodist Cathedral celebrates 70th anniversary

    Methodist Cathedral celebrates 70th anniversary

    All is now set for members and well- wishers of Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Blessing, Palm Avenue, Mushin, Lagos to celebrate the 70th years anniversary of its existence as a church.

    The Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, Sir Bola Awe, said: “To celebrate the glory of God on its church and members, activities have been lined up to celebrate the occasion. The programme started last Saturday and will end on November 5.

    “There was an awareness rally last Saturday in the vicinity where the church is located on Palm Avenue to kick start a powerful three-day revival at the cathedral, which will start at 5pm daily. “This will be followed by visitation to select less privileged homes and some elderly members as part of the church’s Corporate Social Responsibilities.

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    “In the same vein of giving back to its immediate environment, free medical outreach will be extended to everyone that comes around on November 3 at the Cathedral. While an anniversary lecture will come up on the same day with a theme: ‘Methodism yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’, to be delivered by Sir Gbolahan Obayomi.”

    This will be followed on November 4 with a Remembrance and Awards service where select members (living and departed) will be recognised for their contributions towards the creation, sustenance and purposeful leadership for the future of the Cathedral.

    “This week long celebrations will come to an end with a special thanksgiving service and a N500m Appeal Fund Raising for the new ultra–modern hall on November 5 during the 9am service.”

    The Chief Host, the Bishop of Lagos West Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ezekiel Akande, said the cathedral, to the glory of God, since its creation 70 years ago, had achieved a lot of great things in terms of spiritual growth and expansion.

  • Lagos celebrates ‘Ideas Day’

    Lagos celebrates ‘Ideas Day’

    Lagos State has celebrated the 2023 Public Service Ideas Day, a platform through which innovative ideas proposed by civil servants are presented and the top three selected for implementation. The theme was ‘Building a Future-Ready Public Service’.

    Three of the five ideas presented were selected. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development won with its idea on paying compensation to families that will be displaced for the 4th Mainland Bridge; Maternal and Child Centre of the Amuwo Odofin General Hospital came second for proposing Apnea Machine to address infant death in sleep, the Ministry of Basic Education came third with its proposal of compulsory hearing, sight and speech impairment checks for pupils in government primary schools to address them early on.

    Head of Service Bode Agoro, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, describe innovation in the public sector as not just about technological advancements, but ‘also about finding creative solutions to complex problems, improving public services, and fostering a more efficient and responsive government’.

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    He said: “Innovation is the key to solving the pressing challenges that our society face. Traditional approaches and bureaucratic challenges often hinder progress, and so it is time to break free from these constraints and embrace innovation as a tool for positive change. However, one of the first steps towards fostering innovation in the public service is to create an environment that encourages freedom of space, thought, knowledge experimentation and risk-taking.

    “Thus, innovation in the Lagos State Public Service is not just a buzzword; it is a necessity. We must embrace innovation as a tool to address the complex challenges we face and improve public services, by creating an enabling environment for us to heard and not just seen.

    “I encourage you to continue to embrace the Office of Transformation Creativity and Innovation (OTCI) towards the full realisation of its mandate whenever they visit your MDAs, as it is the internal consultant for the state on Organisational Planning, Mandate Alignment/Mapping, Service Delivery, Reforms Linkage, Creativity and innovation. The OTCI is ready to catapult the Public Service with requisite impetus in order to perform effectively and efficiently in discharging the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the present administration.”

    Director-General, Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation, Mrs. Toyin Anjous-Ademuyiwa, said the Ideas Day was a way to bring out public servants with great ideas, and embrace the ideas.

    “We have public servants with great ideas and we should start embracing then before looking elsewhere. We need to hear the ideas and see how they can be implemented so that public servants can feel they are also part of solutions to challenges.

    “Building a future is what we are doing. Without these ideas, you won’t see relevance of public servants. Many of them have great ideas but keep it to themselves. That is why our office is there to encourage freedom of speech, space, knowledge, expression, creativity and innovation. In the last four years, we have been trying to ensure a different mindset, knowing that we can add value in a way that is meaningful to the Lagos State government.

    “Six ideas were presented last year and three won. The first two have been implemented and the third is awaiting approval. The winners today will also get monetary awards and Mr Governor’s Special Award. The winning ideas will also be implemented.”

  • Transport sector for reforms

    Transport sector for reforms

    Lagos State has introduced the Bus Industry Transition Programme (BITP) to restructure the transport industry by incorporating existing bus operators and their routes into a future Quality Bus Corridors (QBS).

    According to the Commissioner for Transport, Olwuaseun Osiyemi, the BITP is at creating a policy framework to restructure the existing bus industry and develop a new business model.

    This, he said, will curb the unscrupulous activities associated with the yellow commercial buses.

    Osiyemi spoke during a familiarisation meeting with the House of Assembly Committee on Transportation, headed by Temitope Adewale.

    He said: “The BITP is something that Lagosians should embrace. It is a three-year model plan to migrate the informal sector and marry them to the formal sector. We all know the madness associated with our yellow buses.

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    “Work is ongoing and, presently, there is data gathering to ensure we know the routes that are plied and the number of commuters. We are involving the transport unions to reassure them we are not yanking off whatever it is they are doing; we are only formalising the sector in such a way that we will have an efficient transportation system and build the kind of Mega City we crave for.

    “It involves a lot of stakeholder engagements to be able to explain, especially what we are planning to do with the transport unions, so that they will be in the know of what we are trying to do. It will come out well, and I can assure you that by the time we are done, the kind of Mega City that we pray for will come to play.”

    On the role the House of Assembly could play in aiding activities of the Transport Ministry, Osiyemi reiterated that functions of the House cannot be overemphasised, adding that the support of lawmakers is needed to help the ministry move forward.

    “The legislature, of course, has a lot of roles to play in what we do because the lawmakers coordinate and assist in forming policies and regulations, and in getting our budget, planning, and funding right…”

  • Manufacturers seek multiple tax harmonisation

    Manufacturers seek multiple tax harmonisation

    Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said its members are fed up with diverse taxes by agencies of the federal, state and local authorities.

    It lamented that government agencies regulated the same manufacturing process, using similar checklists “and this has resulted in increase in production costs.” 

    Speaking in Ibadan at the weekend at the 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti  branch of MAN with the theme: ‘Tax Regime and Effects on Manufacturing: A Strategic Approach for Manufacturers’, the Chairman of the branch, Lanre Popoola, listed the taxes such as Capital Income Tax (CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Stamp Duties, Personal Income Tax, Withholding Tax and Industrial Training Fund Tax, among others.

    He urged regulatory agencies within the branch comprising Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states to harmonise their taxes and levies, saying discounts and concessions should also be given to manufacturing outfits, especially members of the association, to reduce imposed financial burden. 

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    Popoola said tax net should also be expanded to bring in new tax payers, which would generate more revenue for the government, rather than putting pressure on manufacturers.

    He said: “On a daily basis, vehicles of members transporting raw materials and manufactured goods are harassed by consultants, who use tout tactics to demand diverse taxes and levies. Many times, these entities behave unprofessional to company personnel.”

    He said despite challenges facing his members, they had shown resilience and determination and would continue to produce high quality goods, create jobs and contribute to the growth of the country’s economy.

    Popoola lauded the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms constituted by the Federal Government, saying his members were hopeful that recommendations of the committee would lead to cessation of multiple and illegal taxation on manufacturers.

  • Eleko’s 80th birthday: Isale Eko descendants donates to clinic

    Eleko’s 80th birthday: Isale Eko descendants donates to clinic

    The Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) has exdonated medical facilities to Iga Idungaran Community Health Centre in Lagos in commemoration of the 80th birthday of the Eleko, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.

    In a statement by its Chairman, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), the IDU said the milestone is a testament to a lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the community.

    The union said Oba Akiolu’s legacy is deeply interwoven with the history and identity of Lagos, adding that his reign has been marked by wisdom, grace, and a profound dedication to the well-being of his subjects.

    The group insisted that under his leadership, Lagos has witnessed remarkable growth and development as a centre of commerce and culture.

    The group said Oba Akiolu should be celebrated for his benevolence, candour, and bravery, stressing that the monarch’s impact on the  well-being of the people of Lagos and Nigeria has been profound.

    IDU added that the retired Assistant Inspector General of Police should also be celebrated for his modernization of the palace,  the construction of a guest house, library, and health centre.

    It noted that the Iga Idunganran Health Centre was funded by the monarch to provide free healthcare services to the community.

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    IDU added: “He has also been instrumental in securing employment opportunities for numerous Lagos indigenes within the Lagos State, Federal Government, and private organizations. Additionally, he has been at the forefront of the return of properties belonging to Lagos indigenes, including the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, from the Federal Government.

    “Our revered monarch has been a resolute and effective leader, ensuring peace and harmony in his domain through timely and astute guidance to his subjects and governmental bodies. Oba Akiolu’s reign has witnessed the progress of his subjects in all aspects of human life, including the attainment of the highest offices in the nation.

    “As the traditional custodian of our heritage, Oba Akiolu has been a source of inspiration and guidance to Isale Eko and the wider Lagos community. His commitment to preserving our cultural heritage while also promoting progress and modernization is a testament to his visionary leadership.

    K’ade pe lori,

    ki bata pe lese

    Ki ase pe lenu

    Omo obalufon,

    Omo erin jogun ola,

    Omo Oba ado kenme, bini arokun tayo,

    Omo oba ologunkutere asa logun,

    Orisha ni e be ,

    e ma be kutere,

    Orisha a gba obi,

    kutere a gba odindin ori eni,

    omo atupa idunganran,

    Igba odun odun kan ni oooooo Olowo Eko Baba Fuad

    We wish His Royal Majesty, many more years of purposeful leadership as the Oba of Lagos, filled with good health and tranquillity,” Kazeem was quoted in the press statement.

  • Ododo is best man for the job, says Bello

    Ododo is best man for the job, says Bello

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello yesterday described the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Usmsn Ododo, as the best man for the job.

    The governor returned to his native Ebiraland to campaign for the former Accountant-General, who he said will surpass his achievements.

    A large crowd of party faithful and supporters converged on Okene, where Bello raised Ododo’s hand and called for endorsement by the natives.

    Some chieftains of opposition parties defected to the ruling party at the rally.

    Excited at the crowd, thd governor, who also tendered his stewardship, thanked the people for their support.

    He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his quality leadership and unflinching support for Kogi State, adding that the party in the APC chapter will not disappoint him on November 11.

    Bello said:  “This unprecedented crowd is an indication that the APC has won. We have no opposition in Kogi Central and in Kogi State. We did it before, we will do it again come November 11.

    “As an administration, we have done our best by uniting the people of the State. We met, on assumption of office, fault lines of disunity, ethnicity and injustice. But under our administration, we have been able to mend all the fault lines and Kogi State is now united.

    “We have created employment. We built infrastructure. We empowered our women and youth like never before under any administration in the State since creation. We have made fairness, equity, justice our priority.

    “I can assure you that we are leaving Kogi State better than we met it for the incoming administration. Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo is a capable hand. He is competence personified. Let’s support him to build on the legacies we have created.”

    The governor assured that the elections would be violence-free, urging them to come out on poll day to cast their votes for APC.

    He said would his the ground running, provide jobs and foster unity, if elected.

    Bello urged security agencies to continue the good job they had been doing in the state and clamp down on criminals before, during and after the elections.

    The Minister of Steel Development and Director General, Kogi State APC Governorship Campaign Council, Shaibu Abubakar Audu, said APC will retain the state.

    He said: “This crowd gathered here today is unprecedented in the political history of Kogi State. In my years of following the politics of Kogi State, without mincing words, this is a game changer, a final nail on the aspiration of the opposition political parties in the State.

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    “The vision of Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, which has attracted this crowd is to provide agricultural revolution across the State, with massive crops produced across the senatorial district. We are here to pursue a Kogi agenda and not an ethnic agenda. The incoming administration will build on the legacies of Governor Yahaya Bello in massively providing infrastructure and empowerment for the people.

    “The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is interested in the revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant. He has asked that Ajaokuta be declared an industrial park. The President is also interested in ensuring that the free trade scheme across Nigeria is reviewed so that Ajaokuta can be declared a free trade zone.”

    Audu added: “Once that is done, it would create massive jobs; 500,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created for our teeming youths. This is the reason the President is concerned and has said we cannot afford to outsource a critical State like Kogi State to a hostile opposition party. Kogi State will remain an APC State.”

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mohammed Jamiu Asuku, said the people of Kogi Central had, by the mammoth crowd, testified to the great achievements of Bello.

    He said:””The mammoth crowd is a testimony that indeed Governor Yahaya Bello has done more than enough for the people of the State. The mammoth crowd is a testimony that indeed the APC has chosen an acceptable candidate.

    “The people of Kogi Central have, by today’s turnout, resolved to vote massively for Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo and Comr. Salifu Joel.”

    A community leader, Hajia Halima Alfa, commended Bello, describing him as a prophet well respected at home.

    She said:”I have never seen this kind of crowd in Kogi State in my entire political life, since I started attending rallies in 1999. Kogi Central is no doubt APC. History will no doubt be made come November 11, as the district will produce the highest vote for the APC.”

    Mohamed Idris, son of former Governor of Kogi State, Ibrahim Idris, who publicly declared his support for the APC candidate, urged the people of Kogi Central, and the state at large, to follow the man and party that know the road, insisting that there was no vacancy in Lugard House for opposition parties.

    Ododo said he would not fail Kogi, urging the people to vote for him.

    He said: “I will continue to deliver on the mandate of our party for the development of Kogi State and the wellbeing of our good people. We are serious about meeting the yearnings and aspirations of our people. We have been doing that under my mentor, Governor Yahaya Bello, and we will continue to do so.”

  • Why Uzodimma should be re-elected, by cleric

    Why Uzodimma should be re-elected, by cleric

    Lagos priest, Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi of the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, has explained why Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma should be re-elected.

    The spiritual leader, who hails from Ubulu-Ihejifor in Oru-West Council, Imo State, praised the governor’s exceptional leadership and vision for the state.

    Obi, known for his influence and spiritual guidance for people in the southeast region, spoke passionately about the governor’s achievements and dedication to the well-being of the people.

    The pastor commended  Uzodimma for his commitment to the overall development of Imo State and Igboland in general, especially his intervention during the demolition exercise carried out by the Lagos State government, which affected people of southeast extraction.

    He also praised the governor for his performance in key areas including healthcare, economic development, education, and infrastructure. He particularly hailed him for heeding his cry about the deplorable condition of the road leading to his village.

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    He said: “My interest in the Imo Governorship election is peace. I know that people listen to me and respect me enough because they know I am a man of integrity. I want to use this opportunity to praise Governor Uzodimma because we must praise him when he does well.

    “When Lagos started demolishing houses of Igbo people, Uzodimma was the only governor from the southeast who went to meet the Lagos State Governor. They dialogued, and the demolition was stopped.

    “There was a time I cried out about the road leading to my village, which was abandoned by previous governors, and Uzodimma listened to me and promised that the road would be fixed. He has fulfilled his promises, as the contractors are now set to begin the renovation of the road.”

    “I thank the governor for his intervention in Lagos, for what he has been doing in Imo State, and for what he will continue to do after the election. So, Imolites, go out there, vote wisely, and don’t be deceived.”

    The cleric praised of Uzodimma for his leadership, vision, and achievements underscores the momentum and support that the governor’s reelection campaign is building.