The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Tinubu’s presidency’ll benefit Lagos immensely – Ogbara

    Tinubu’s presidency’ll benefit Lagos immensely – Ogbara

    A former Commissioner in the Lagos State Audit Service Commission and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Kosofe Federal Constituency for the February 25 National Assembly elections, Hajia Kafilat Ogbara, has urged all residents of Lagos State to vote for the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu as his presidency will give the state a lot of benefits. The APC chieftains assures that the ruling party will win in her constituency and most constituencies in the state, saying “there is no serious opposition to APC in Lagos.”

    Ogbara who expressed confidence in the victory of the APC presidential candidate, said Tinubu’s status as a former governor of the state has ensured that he understands the needs of the state and “there is no doubt that as president, he will not hesitate to do all he can to support the developmental plans of the administration in the state. He is the one that championed the conception of most of these developmental plans. So, his presidency will help facilitate many of the things we have been clamouring for in Lagos state.”

    The APC House of Representatives candidate appealed to Lagosians to set aside ethnic and political differences and support Tinubu’s presidential ambition in the interest of the state. She also lauded the performance of the state governor, Babajide Sanwoolu. According to her, the governor’s performance has made it easier for APC to campaign in many parts of the state. “There is hardly anywhere you will get to in Lagos without seeing something Sanwoolu did. That is why I say we must put the interest of Lagos first and vote for all APC candidates. The party remains the hope of a brighter future for us as a state,” she added.

    Ogbara expressed her preparation for the task ahead if elected as the member representing Kosofe Federal Constituency. “I have been eyeing this seat for two decades. I am well prepared for the tasks ahead and as a grassroots politician; the passion to touch the lives of the people is my driving force. By the grace of God, I will win this election and go ahead to make meaningful impact as the representative of my people,” she said.

  • Historical group demands rebuilding of destroyed TBS’s iconic gate 

    Historical group demands rebuilding of destroyed TBS’s iconic gate 

    An advocacy group, Legacy, has lamented the recent destruction of the iconic gates at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos Island, venue of Nigeria’s Independence Celebration on October 1, 1960.

    It said the move was unlawful and urged the authorities to demand that the gates be replaced by the original design comprising horses and eagles above the gates. 

    The group further demanded that the relevant authorities protect the TBS and other historical properties in the interest of tourism for future generations.The historical and environmental interest group, also known as Legacy 1995, noted that the gates are essentially historical monuments and emblems of Nigeria’s independence.

    Before the demolition, the entrance structure had gigantic sculptures of four white horses hovering above the gate and seven red eagles, which are symbols from the national emblem signifying Strength and Dignity respectively. 

    Other monuments in the square include the Remembrance Arcade (with memorials to World War I, World War II and Nigerian civil war victims) and the 26-storey Independence House, built in 1963 which was for a long time, the tallest building in Nigeria.

    In a statement on Legacy 1995’s social media platforms, the group explained that the TBS is one of the listed sites marked for preservation under the Lagos State Listed Sites (Preservation) Law 2011. 

    It said the law provides a framework for the preservation, protection and restoration of historical properties and cultural heritage sites in the state.It said according to this law, listed sites shall not be altered, demolished or improved upon without the consent of the governor.

    The statement reads: “Legacy has seen with great concern the destruction of a historical monument that has been started at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS). ”We understand that this important property has been sold to a private investor, however, TBS is a listed building: the site is listed as a Grade 1 Monument under Lagos State Law. ”This means that a purchaser must not do anything which changes the way the property looks, he can only restore what may have deteriorated.

    “So far valuable gates have been destroyed and removed, they must be replaced by the original design and the horses and eagles above the gates must be protected. 

    “We appeal to the powers that be to take all necessary measures to protect this and other historical properties in the interest of tourism here and now and for future generations.

  • ‘Sport mitigates youth restiveness’

    ‘Sport mitigates youth restiveness’

    The proprietor of the LanreLeke Sport Academy, Ile-Ogbo in Ayedire Local Government of Osun State, Engr Lanre Adeleke has said sport remain a mechanism to mitigate youth restiveness in Nigeria. 

    This is just as the proprietor of the sport academy commissioned multimillion golf course in the community in company of traditional monarchs including; Olu of Ile-Ogbo, Oba Habeeb Agbaje, Olupo of Olupona, Oba AbdulRauf Oyekanmi and Olowu of Owu Kuta, Oba Hammed Oyelude. 

    Speaking during the address, Engineer Adeleke averred that lack of sufficient sporting space to accommodate the teeming youth population of the country contributed to the restiveness among them.

    He charged individuals and corporate private sector actors to support the government in providing opportunities for Nigerians in the sport sector.

    In their separate remarks, the traditional rulers lauded the efforts of the initiator of the Golf Club for his sense of patriotism and community development which they pointed out influenced his iconic contributions to sport and infrastructural development in the town.

  • Initiative announces scholarship programme for graduates

    Initiative announces scholarship programme for graduates

    I-Scholar Initiative (iSI), a non-profit organisation has announced the commencement of its latest edition of scholarship program. The initiative seeks to mentor and empower young African students in fulfilling their dreams to pursue graduate studies abroad. 

    Since its inception in 2019, the organization has offered scholarships and unparalleled mentorship to scores of Nigerians many of who are studying at various international graduate schools today.

    The application period which commenced January 9, will run through February 10, 2023.

    Some of the benefits of the scholarship programme include; payment of standardised test fees, payment of pre-determined number of graduate school application fees, end-to-end mentoring, and professional networking opportunities.

    According to a statement issued by iSI, interested persons who are ready to apply for admission in the 2023/2024 application window must be graduates of accredited Nigerian institutions with second class upper grade or higher.

    The statement noted that they must also be ready to take the standardised tests latest by August 2023.

    Interested applicants are advised to visit the organization’s website at www.ischolarinitiative.org for details and to submit their applications.

    All inquiries should be sent to applications@ischolarinitiative.org

    Meanwhile, interested members of the public willing to contribute to the cause can also contact the organisation.

  • Group seeks support for Ibadan North Reps PDP candidate

    Group seeks support for Ibadan North Reps PDP candidate

    A group, Young Progressives in Oyo State (YPO), has thrown its weight behind the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives flag-bearer in Ibadan North, Lanre Sarumi, saying he remains the best candidate for the Federal Constituency.

    YPO said Sarumi has comprehensive youth-focus agenda that could liberate the younger generations.

    A statement by YPO President, Wale Adeoye, said Sarumi’s track record is unprecedented and unmatched among the candidates vying for Ibadan North federal constituency.

    The statement reads: “Born Olanrewaju Olalekan Sarumi into the Akintayo Basiri-Sarumi Family of Abebi in Ibadan Oyo state. Sarumi is a Software Technology Delivery Consultant, who has consulted for various sector organisations such as Insurance, Health sector, Government, Non for profit Organisations and more, supporting software implementation at multiple capacity”.

    Read Also : Tinubu’s intervention on Enugu APC crisis yielding positive result – Akinsehinwa

    The group added that Sarumi’s achievements outside office have become a reference point, not only in Ibadan North but in the State capital as a whole.

    “He is building an ultra-modern toilet infrastructure in the Polytechnic Ibadan and pioneered light up project in the inner parts of the city, an initiative his opponent, Akinremi of APC, hurriedly replicated,” the group said.

    The group pointed out that he has embarked on different local empowerment programmes, including medical outreach; employment of four ad-hoc staff at Sabo medical centre; Market women empowerment; bore hole provision; disbursement of busaries to primary school pupils in Okeitunu among others.

  • ‘Remove your vehicles from our stations’

    ‘Remove your vehicles from our stations’

    Lagos Police Command has urged owners of abandoned and recovered vehicles parked at Ago-Okota Division and Alagbado Division to remove them within two weeks or risk forfeiture.

     The vehicles are Liberty Jeep-AKD 177 BH (Ago- Okota division) and Honda Accord car- GX 260 AAA(Alagbado division).

  • Kwara police arrest 23- yr- old for allegedly swindling American lady of $1,000

    Kwara police arrest 23- yr- old for allegedly swindling American lady of $1,000

    Kwara state police command on Friday paraded one Awoleye Joshua Oluwatofunmi (23) for allegedly defrauding an American lady of a sum of $1,000.

    According to the police, the suspect presented himself on a social media platform, TikTok as an American by the name of Howard Adams and defrauded the victim of about $1000.

    The victim is Vonapolouis Moss of 2962, W 64th Court, Merrillville, Indiana 46410, United States.

    Parading the suspect, the state Police Commissioner, Paul Odama said: “On January 12, 2023, based on actionable intelligence, operatives of the command arrested one Awoleye of Sabo- Oke Road, Ilorin, within the premises of a hotel along Flower Garden Road, Ilorin, in company with one Vonapolouis Moss.

    “A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is an Internet fraudster known as Yahoo Boys,

    “The suspect later took a step further by luring the victim to fly into Nigeria on January 9, 2023, through the Muritala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, after which she flew into Ilorin the next day and was received by the suspect.

    “The suspect also deceitfully took an unspecified amount of USD from the victim before she was rescued by police operatives.  The necessary authorities have been contacted for appropriate action.

    “Thee rescued victim has been moved into secure custody by the State Police Command pending her return trip to the USA.’’

  • Osun Club to honour Bisi Akande at 84

    Osun Club to honour Bisi Akande at 84

    The maiden edition of a symposium in honour of a former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, will hold today at the Banquet Hall of the former governor’s residence in Osun State.

    The event which is in commemoration of Chief Akande’s 84th birthday is being organized by the Osun Club of Emerging Leaders.

    Dignitaries expected at the event include a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Benedict Alabi; the Chief Whip, Osun House of Assembly, Babatunde ‘Lekan Olatunji, and a former Osun State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives, and Empowerment, Dr. Bode Olaonipekun.

    A statement issued on Friday by the convener of the programme, David Opeyemi Oye-Oke said that the birth of this annual symposium was to create a platform for qualitative discourse about important national issues, celebrate an exemplary leader; Chief Bisi Akande, and democratize his leadership core values, which are largely ideal to build a desirable Nigeria.

     ”The Symposium will provide a platform for young people to connect and engage in creating trans-generational change in Nigeria. The programme is expected to consciously remove existing barriers to emerging leaders’ political participation”.

  • Road rehabilitation: LASG to divert traffic at Ojota for two weeks

    Road rehabilitation: LASG to divert traffic at Ojota for two weeks

    In furtherance of the rehabilitation works on the Ojota Interchange to Ojota 2nd Pedestrian Bridge portion of Ikorodu Road, the Lagos State Government has announced a two weeks traffic diversion on the Ikorodu bound Service Lane from Monday, 23rd January, 2023.

    The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, in a statement issued on Friday, said the diversion was to correct some asphalt failings observed at the edge of the ramps inwards Iyana-Oworo/Gbagada axis and Seven up on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

    He added that alternative routes have been provided for motorists to use during the stipulated time set for the repairs.

    According to the statement, vehicles coming from Maryland on the service lane will be diverted at the 2nd Pedestrian Bridge into the main carriageway to make a turn at Mile 12 Underpass, and continue their journey on Lagos/Ibadan Expressway or link Demurin Road along Ketu axis of the Expressway.

    The Commissioner assured that the State’s Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA and other Traffic Management Agencies will be on the ground to direct traffic to ease vehicular movements.

    The commissioner, therefore, appealed to residents especially motorists to exercise patience while plying the corridor. He said the construction is aimed at finding a lasting solution to the ever-busy road in line with efficient traffic management and transportation policy of the state government.

  • Lagos amends 2023 school calendar

    Lagos amends 2023 school calendar

    Lagos State government has amended the 2023 harmonised school calendar. 

    A statement issued on Friday and signed by the Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), Mrs Adepeju Adeyemi explained that the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo has approved a change in the dates earlier slated for the mid-term break of the Second Term in the 2022/2023 Academic year from Friday, 24th February to Friday, 3rd March 2023.

    The statement noted that the Director General of the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) Mrs. Abiola Seriki-Ayeni disclosed at a Stakeholders’ meeting held recently that the review of the 2022/2023 harmonised academic calendar was due to the forthcoming general elections.

     The statement read in part: ‘’She(Seriki-Ayeni)  explained that the essence of the engagement is to ensure that everybody is on the same page as regards the second-term school activities and the need to accommodate the forthcoming general elections in its entirety.

    ‘’The DG, who was represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics (OEQA), Mr. Remi Abdul noted that the earlier dates for the mid-term break falls within the election period hence the need for a shift in the date for a week to allow parents pick up their wards from school without hindrance due to the restriction of movement associated with the election days.

    ‘’In furtherance to the change, the first half of the second term is to hold from the 9th of January to Thursday, February 23, 2023, while Open Day for Primary schools will be on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023, and Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 for secondary schools.’’

    The statement added that safeguarding and protecting pupils was needed considering the coincidence of the presidential and National Assembly elections slated for Saturday, February 25, 2023, with the date boarding school students are expected to resume in the earlier schedule for the second term harmonized 2022/2023 academic calendar.