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  • OPC leader backs community policing

    OPC leader backs community policing

    President of the Oodua People’s Congress Reformed (OPC-R), Chief Dare Adesope has thrown his weight behind the creation of community policing as recently canvassed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

    Sanwo-Olu, recently, at a town hall meeting tagged, ‘Community policing: emphasizing, Building a safer Nigeria together,’ organized by the Ministry of Police Affairs at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, called for a yardstick that will serve as a guide for effective community policing within the state and the country at large.

    Adesope urged the Lagos governor to consider the local security operatives who are more familiar with their terrain and also know their neighbourhood like the back of their palm.

     “Community policing is not a new concept to us as a nation. It has, over the years, been at the center of conversations on the best strategy to adopt in order to effectively address the challenge of insecurity manifesting in rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism, among others,’’ he said.

    Read Also; Ondo: Who emerges Aiyedatiwa’s deputy?

    Expatiating further, Adesope explained that community policing creates a partnership between law enforcement and residents. The more involved law enforcement is with the residents they are sworn to protect, the more residents can help law enforcement achieve their goals.

    He noted that the problems of armed robbery, kidnappings for ransom, ritual killings, herdsmen attacks, assassinations, terrorism, insurgency, internet fraud, and Ponzi schemes or investment swindling, among others, have created the greatest challenges to the Nigerian Police Force.

    Reacting to the controversial remarks of the President General of apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, during a recent visit to Lagos, when he claimed that the Igbo developed Lagos to what it is, Adesope said: ‘’If Igbo decide to tell their children an untrue story about Yoruba territory then we should start telling our children too about the visitors that are claiming ownership, they claim we have sold our lands to them but that is not true because a certificate of occupancy only means one can occupy for a certain period which does not give one total ownership.’’

  • LCDA holds interdenominational Carol concert

    LCDA holds interdenominational Carol concert

    Ifelodun Local Council Development Area of Lagos State has held its 3rd interdenominational carol concert.

    The concert was held at St. Matheuw Catholic Church, Amukoko, Lagos, under the chairmanship of Mayor Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, who is also the chairman of the Ifelodun LCDA.

    Speaking during the concert, The All Progressives Congress (APC) West Senatorial leader and the Baba Oba of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa urged Mayor Okeowo to continue to initiate policies and programmes that will unite the people of Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA and Ifelodun LCDA.

    “No effort is too much to ensure peace, unity, and progress in our society, Ajeromi Ifelodun LG and Ifelodun LCDA remain one, look at the number of dignities that came from Ajeromi Ifelodun to grace this occasion it is a clear indication that we are one indivisible entity,” Prince Oluwa who was accompanied to the event by his adorable wife Yeye Iretioluwa said.

    Read Also; FULL LIST: All past Ondo governors dead except Mimiko

    In his speech, Okeowo said the main purpose of organizing the Carol Concert was to give glory and honor to God for His blessings upon the council area. We have touched almost all the segments of society such as education, health care delivery system, road, security, empowerment, palliatives and others.

    ‘’ This is the right time to provide spiritual needs of the people. This is an inter-denominational service, Christians are here, Muslims are here, and traditionalists are also here to be a part of the songs, praises, Dance, and drumming unto God almighty. Nine Bible lessons were read by stakeholders, ’’he added.

    The Chairman of G10 in Ifelodun LCDA, and a former member of the House of Represeñtatives, Hon Taiwo Oyewole  Adenekan commended the Chairman for the initiative, advised the residents to live in harmony and cheerfully with the needy.

    Present at the occasion were the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom  Oba Morufdeen Oyekunle Atanda Oluwa; Chairman of Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Kamal Ayinde Bayeiwu and his wife; former member of the House of Represeñtatives, Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, the former Executive Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun LG Dr. Abiola Ajijola; the immediate past Chairman of Ifelodun LCDA, Hon. Fatai Ajidagba and his wife, General Manager of  Ferry Service, Hon Ladi Balogun, Ifelodun LCDA’s APC Chairman, Hon.  Olalekan Babalola, among others.

  • POWA complex demolition: Traders’ protest paralyses activities at computer village

    POWA complex demolition: Traders’ protest paralyses activities at computer village

    Commercial activities at the Police Officers Wives Association Complex (POWA Complex), Computer Village Ikeja, Lagos, were paralysed on Friday following a protest by traders over plans to demolish the complex.

    Shops and stores were opened for business while the protest lasted.

    However, on Friday all the gates leading to the complex were under lock and key.

    Read Also; Ondo: Who emerges Aiyedatiwa’s deputy?

    The traders, led by the leadership of the complex, displayed a banner containing the court injunction secured by them, preventing the demolition of the complex.

    They marched through some major streets in Ikeja, singing solidarity songs, to the Alausa Secretariat to register their protest with the state government.

    Chairman of the complex, Tayo Shittu told reporters that they decided to continue the protest due to the 24-hour eviction notice they received from the task force on Thursday afternoon.

  • Makinde directs payment of N200,000 monthly subvention by LGs to Legion

    Makinde directs payment of N200,000 monthly subvention by LGs to Legion

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has directed the 33 local government areas to provide the sum of N200,000 as monthly subvention and running costs for the office of the Nigerian Legion in their domain.

    He also said the sum of N500,000 has been approved for the State Council of the Legion in Oyo State.

    This is as the state government pledged the sum of N10 million for veterans and departed heroes of the Armed Forces.

     Governor Makinde gave the directive and donated in response to earlier requests of the Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Dr. Ogunkojo Adeyemi which also included demand for official vehicles, renovation of the council headquarters of the legion, increment of the salary of its personnel working at the State Secretariat, Ibadan among others.

    The event was the launch of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund Raising Week held at the executive council chambers of the Oyo State Governor’s office, Ibadan, on Thursday.

    Read Also; FULL LIST: All past Ondo governors dead except Mimiko

    Speaking, Makinde appreciated the efforts of the Armed Forces, serving, retired, and late, in preserving the nation’s democracy even to the extent of paying the supreme price.

    He noted that men of the Armed Forces were deserving of great applause and support as they are usually proactive and work even in less conducive environments.

    On his part, the governor also made a personal donation of N1 million.

    Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Adeyemi called for increased support from the government, individuals, organisations for families of ex-servicemen and persons who committed their lives to the security and peace of Nigeria.

    Highpoint of the event was the decoration of the governor with the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem by the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni.

    The event was witnessed by Security chieftains including, General Officer Commanding the 2nd Division of Nigeria Army, Major-General Bamidele Ali Alabi, and the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Adebola Hamzat among others.

  • Abiodun signs N703.028bn 2024 budget into law

    Abiodun signs N703.028bn 2024 budget into law

    Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has said that the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N703.028bn signed into law will further enhance the development of the state and make it Nigeria’s infrastructure capital.

    The governor stated this while signing the Bill into law after it was presented to him by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, supported by principal officers of the Assembly at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.

    It will be recalled that the Budget tagged “Budget of Sustain Growth and Development,” was submitted to the House on November 30th, 2024, by Governor Abiodun.

    Speaking after signing the Budget, the governor said that the state has continued to grow in leaps and bounds in the last five years, noting that the budget is a testament to his administration’s commitment to irrevocable implementation of its vision.

    He said: “When we assumed office on the 29 of May 2019, we were committed to a vision to ensure that we create an enabling environment for investments and investors to strive in Ogun State, believing that that is very fundamental to the economic development of our state and the individual prosperity of our people.

    Read Also; Ondo: Who emerges Aiyedatiwa’s deputy?

    “Today, we have a budget that has become law, that is more than twice our budget when we assumed office. Year after year, we have successfully implemented our budget to the tune of a minimum of 70 percent.

    “The economy of our state has continued to grow; we have been accorded the rightful place as the state with the most improved economy in Nigeria, the fastest growing economy in the country, one of the two most viable states in Nigeria, one of the two states whose Internally Generated Revenue exceed Federal Allocation. These have been made possible by the collective hard work and commitment of all of you. These hard works, I, as the captain of the ship, remain very grateful.”

    He said his government would continue to build on the solid foundation that had been laid, just as he promised to be fair and equitable to all sections of the state in project implementation and execution.

    “My promise to the people of the state is that we will continue to build on the solid foundation that we have established. We will remain just, fair and equitable. We will continue to ensure that we do not develop any part of this state at the expense of another.”

    “We will ensure that we are inclusive and participatory, we are accountable and obey the rule of law and ensure that everybody continues to have a say on how we govern them,” the governor assured.

    Governor Abiodun thanked members of the Assembly for working very hard and ensuring that the budget passed through thorough scrutiny before passage, commending their sense of patriotism to the state.

    “Today is a day short of 30 days after we submitted this proposal and in between then, there have been public holidays and weekends. The House has denied itself any of these breaks. They worked very hard and tirelessly. They irrevocably and resolutely committed to ensuring that this budget was indeed subjected to thorough examination. They went on a budget retreat immediately.

    “This gesture and commitment to the oath that you swore to, the commitment to continue the representation of your different constituencies, could not be forgotten in a hurry,” Abiodun promised.

  • Ondo Assembly hikes 2024 budget by N10bn

    Ondo Assembly hikes 2024 budget by N10bn

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has signed the 2024 Appropriation bill of NN395, 257,000,000.00 into law.

     Aiyedatiwa presented a budget proposal of N385bn but the lawmakers hiked it with N10bn after meeting with all MDAs.

    The budget represented 56.23% of Capital Expenditure and 43.77% to cover the Recurrent Expenditure.

    Aiyedatiwa promised to sustain a cordial relationship with the Legislature as one of the good legacies of his predecessor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Read Also; FULL LIST: All past Ondo governors dead except Mimiko

    He said his administration would continue to improve on revenue drive and cut down on recurrent costs given the prevailing economic realities.

    He said: “The focus of this Budget as said in my Budget Speech, is human capital development.  Emphasis would also be placed on climate change, clean and sustainable environment, rural development, and food security while ongoing legacy infrastructural projects of our dear departed Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON would be completed.

    “We would keep meeting salary, pension, and gratuity obligations to our serving and retired officers, as applicable.”

  • Prerogative of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu grants freedom to 246 inmates

    Prerogative of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu grants freedom to 246 inmates

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has approved the release of 246 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State.

    He also commuted 39 inmates on death row to life imprisonment.

    The decision announced yesterday night followed the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

    The exercise is also under the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (amended).

    Read Also; Ondo: Who emerges Aiyedatiwa’s deputy?

    The Governor signed the release and committal orders on December 20, 2023, in cognizance of the New Year Celebrations.

    A press statement signed by Director, Public Affairs, Grace Alo said the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications in line with the applicable guidelines.

    “The Council took note of the information provided by the correctional authorities, the nature of offence, period of incarceration, age, health and behavioral conduct of the inmates.”

    “The approval for the release of the inmates is in line with the commitment of Mr. Governor to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms”, it added.

  • Mutfwang harps on role of church in promoting peace

    Mutfwang harps on role of church in promoting peace

    Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has harped on the vital role of the Church in fostering peace and harmonious coexistence in Nigeria.

    He stressed the need for collaborative efforts among religious groups to address the prevalent security challenges affecting Plateau and parts of the Middle Belt.

    Governor Mutfwang made these remarks during a condolence visit at New Government House Little Rayfield, Jos, where he received Bishop Francis Wale-Oke, the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).

    Read Also; Ondo: Who emerges Aiyedatiwa’s deputy?

    Expressing gratitude for the PFN’s visit, he acknowledged its potential to boost the morale for bereaved families and inspire further government action to address the ongoing unrest.

    Having entered politics to contribute to Plateau State’s development, Governor Mutfwang urged religious leaders, including the PFN, to support his efforts in making the state a source of national pride.

    PFN President Bishop Francis Wale-Oke condemned the recent spate of attacks in the state, describing them as senseless and barbaric.

    Mutfwang also welcomed the Northern Senator’s Forum, led by the Chairman, Senator Abdul Ningi.

    Expressing gratitude for the visit, Governor Mutfwang thanked President Bola Tinubu for sending a delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, saying this is a demonstration of the political will to combat coordinated violence in Plateau.

    Senator Abdul Ningi, representing the Northern Senator’s Forum, expressed deep sorrow over the Christmas Eve attacks in Plateau State and decried the general insecurity in the northern region.

  • Ortom, Moro, Uba, others pay tribute to Ngbede’s late mother

    Ortom, Moro, Uba, others pay tribute to Ngbede’s late mother

    The mother of Sir John Ngbede, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 election in Benue State, Mrs Otiti Ilodu Ngbede who died recently was today laid to rest in Obagaji, Agatu local government area.

    Prominent sons and daughters of the state who were at the funeral included the immediate past governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, his Deputy Engr Benson Abounu, Senator Abba Moro, 2023 PDP governorship candidate in the state, Rt Hon Titus Uba, wife of former Senate President, Helen Mark, the member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Hon Ojema Ojotu and members of the Benue State Working Committee of PDP who were led to the burial by the Deputy State Chairman of the party, Isaac Mffo.

    Read Also; FULL LIST: All past Ondo governors dead except Mimiko

    Paying tribute to the matriarch of the Ngbede Obochi family, Chief Ortom said the deceased was a good woman who touched many lives positively and was committed to the service of God and humanity.

    Earlier in a homily, the Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rev Dr Oliver Ali Abba tasked Christians to always live in a way they would be remembered for their good deeds when they are gone.

  • I will fight infrastructure battle in Benue, says Alia

    I will fight infrastructure battle in Benue, says Alia

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has promised to intensify the infrastructure battle in the Northcentral State next year.

    The governor, who signed the 2024 budget passed by the House of Assembly in Makurdi, the state capital, described it as a budget of infrastructure, job creation and poverty alleviation.

    He said: “Infrastructural development is the backbone of any thriving society. It lays the foundation for progress and economic growth. With this budget, we are investing significantly in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure.”

    Fr. Alia added: “The Budget of Infrastructure, Job Creation and Poverty Alleviation, which draws life from our Policy Document tagged “A Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue” after revision from the Benue State House of Assembly, has an aggregated financing to the sum of N225,727,395,206.97K) only.

    “The disaggregated sum of the total 2024 budget comprised of a total recurrent expenditure of N110,511,233,965.99K) only which represents 48.9% of the total budget.”

    Read Also; Ondo: Who emerges Aiyedatiwa’s deputy?

    The governor explained that the capital head stood at N115,240,361,240.99, representing represent 51.1per cent of the total budget.

    However, he said the deficit financing stood at N34,691,000,000.00, which represents 15.3% of the budget.

    Fr. Alia said the estimate represented a clear and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the people and the growth of our great state, adding that “it is a roadmap that charts the course for a future where our communities thrive, our economy flourishes, and our citizens enjoy an improved quality of life.”

    He stressed: “This budget is a beacon of hope for job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs. We understand the importance of job creation in fostering a dynamic and resilient economy.

    “By allocating resources to various sectors, we aim to stimulate economic activities that will, in turn, generate employment opportunities. Whether through public works projects, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, agriculture or investments in emerging industries, in which we are committed to creating a conducive environment for job growth.”