Category: South West

Two hitherto political ‘enemies’ in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Alhaji Iliyasu Ibrahim and Chief Wole Oke have publicly announced that the rift between them is over.

They said they were uniting for the victory of Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq in the 2023 general election.

The two APC chieftains had over the years been working at cross purposes, following political differences.

They openly reconciled in Bode-Saadu, Moro Local Government, at an empowerment programme organised by the lawmaker representing  Kwara North, Senator Umar Sadiq and attended by Governor AbdulRazaq.

The duo agreed to work for the re-election of the governor and other APC candidates in 2023.

At the programme, 170 Fulani women received cash empowerment. Five hundred bags of 10 kg rice, 20 motorcycles, irrigation equipment, fertilisers and laboratory equipment were donated to beneficiaries and schools.

Ibrahim described the coming together of the two of them as ‘divine and an act of God, ‘ urging the people of the area to give peace a chance.

He said Governor AbdulRazaq had unmatched records of achievements, adding that what the governor had achieved in the last three and a half years had surpassed the 16 years records of the opposition.

Oke hoped that the sustained unity among members of the party would bring about more progress and development in Moro Local Government.

Governor AbdulRazaq, who hailed Sen. Sadiq for empowering his constituents, expressed delight about the presence of the two gladiators at the event.

Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu yesterday presented a budget proposal of N272.736 billion for the 2023 fiscal year to the House of Assembly.

Akeredolu presented the budget tagged: “Budget of Shared Prosperity” to the lawmakers during a plenary sitting presided over by the Speaker Bamidele Oleyelogun, at the newly renovated House of Assembly Complex, Igbatoro road, Akure, which was commissioned last week.

The House of Assembly complex built in 1979 by the late Pa Adekunle Ajasin-led administration was renovated by the Akeredolu Administration

The governor said N143.511 billion was budgeted for capital expenditure and N129.224 billion for recurrent expenditure.

The 2023 budget proposal is higher than that of the total projected Budget outlay for 2022 Fiscal year which was N199,282,437 billion.

Akeredolu disclosed that the 2023 budget was prepared on the basis of the inputs garnered during the Town Hall meetings with various stakeholders across the state.

He noted that the bugged was tailored towards achieving the REDEEMED agenda of his administration which is also in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to the Governor, the projects and programmes carefully selected in the budget cut across critical areas of infrastructure and environment, education, health, social safety -net, security, industrialisation, among others.

Governor Akeredolu said with the resources available to the State Government, his administration has continued to pursue its developmental agenda in areas of priority.

He added that government has been able to record modest achievements across board in various thematic areas of the REDEEMED agenda.

The Governor listed some of the achievements to include construction of more than 450km of roads across the state; construction of over 238 blocks of classrooms; provision of 16, 874 sets of pupil’s furniture and 3,394 Teacher’s furniture; strengthening of Amotekun and other security Agencies in the State through provision of operational vehicles and equipment; empowerment of over 9,068 Youths through ONDEA; rehabilitation of water supply schemes in Araromi Obu, Oke-Igbo, Oba-Akoko, Idoani, Okitipupa and Ilutitun.

Others are distribution of over One Million Cocoa seedlings to Cocoa farmers; peri-urban electrification in the Akure-Irese corridor; regular payment of salaries to State Workers; provision of free maternal health care (Abiyamo/Solayo Scheme) for over 40,000 pregnant women and children; and empowering of 48,761 under the ONDO-CARES Programme.

He commended the Speaker and other members of the House for their passion and timely effort in considering the 2023-2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) as well as the passage of the 2022 Revised Appropriation Bill in response to the exigencies of deepening security, infrastructural development and to cater for the vulnerable.

Governor Akeredolu equally thanked the people of the State for their unflinching belief, confidence, co-operation and support for his Administration.

The Governor informed the Lawmakers that in fulfilling the aims and objectives of the 2023 budget proposal, his administration will pursue policy stance that will entrench efficient spending, curb waste, engender inclusivity, and enable excellent service delivery.

“Notwithstanding the present climate of uncertainty, we are steadfast in our resolve to put the economy on the sustainable path to realize its full growth potential. By the grace of the Almighty God, we shall leave no stone unturned as we continue to build a strong, vibrant and resilient economy, powered by good governance and people-centered programmes,” he added.

Present at the budget presentation are the deputy governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; state chairman of the APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, and several other top government officials.

Residents of Oluyole Federal Constituency on Sunday lauded impact of member of the House of Representatives, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe.

The lawmaker, they said, has matched her promises with achievements in three years of representing them in Abuja.

The residents, who trooped out in their numbers to show support to the lawmaker in Ibadan, said they are happy with her re-election bid.

Pledging their continued support for her, they claimed she is tested and trusted Representative, who has ensured the progress of Oluyole.

The residents, in separate interviews with the newsmen in Ibadan, described Akande-Sadipe as a “worthy representative,’’ given her good performance in the past three years.

Akande-Sadipe, a candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is seeking re-election as a House Representatives member in 2023.

A resident, Mr. Akin Adesanya from Orisunmibare community said the Oluyole Federal representative has ensured her impact is felt in all communities within the Constituency.

He said apart from the different empowerment programmes she has brought to the doorsteps of many, Akande-Sadipe has facilitated installation of transformers in over 16 communities within Oluyole.

Read Also: Mourners storm Ajimobi’s Oluyole residence

Recounting her different light-up Oluyole initiatives, another resident, Mrs. Ibiduni Ologuneru said Akande-Sadipe has facilitated installation of 500KVA transformers in 12 communities, including: Orisunmibare-Pegba Ward3, Alagba-Olomi Ward7, Adewole Ward10, Unity Estate-Idi-Ayunre Ward5, Arogo Ward1, CRIN Odo-Ona Ward5, Iyaloja Ayegun Ward7.

Other communities that benefitted from her 500KVA transformers are: Irepodun Abbey Technical Ward2, Egbeda Atiba Ward3, Kolajo-Agric Ward7, Lafiku Ward1 and Odo-Okun Ward10.

She added that over four communities have also received 300 KVA transformers in Oluyole, courtesy the Representative.

Expressing confidence in her re-election, the Director-General of Akande-Sadipe’s Campaign in Oluyole Federal Constituency, Hon. Idowu Oyewale, said residents would vote for her because they had seen her good works in the Federal Constituency and communities she represents.

“Oluyole has witnessed uncommon transformation in the past three years during her tenure as their rep.

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerians to invest massively in farming as this would go a long way to solving not only the problem of hunger in Nigeria but also boost the economy of the nation.

Obasanjo, who declared open the inauguration of Platform for Africa Women in Smart Climate Agriculture (PAWISCA) at Obasanjo Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State was represented at the two-day event by his wife, Bola Obasanjo.

The second leg of the event took place in Lagos. Obasanjo who is the Patron of PAWISCA said feeding is compulsory to keep life going and when talking about food, we are talking about farming.

“It becomes imperative to encourage men and women about farming, even organic farming in these days that office income alone cannot solve the problem of eating satisfactorily, he said.

The President, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PAWISCA, Miriam Auma Omala-Gauvin, said the major project of PAWISCA in Nigeria includes Water Technology, Agriculture with support to access major markets and international (export); sanitation and AWAB Banking (African Women Advanced Banking).

Omala-Gauving said the aim of the organization is to create generational prosperity so that generation to generation can earn their livelihood, live dignified life, have gainful employment and impact positively on the society.

She also talked about sustainability, promoting organic farming, introduction of new world technology in farming as well as supporting local community farmers through value chain system.

The organisation’s Nigeria Representative, Bishop Bola Oyegbami said the idea of PAWISCA is to provide technical and financial support to upscale women in agro industry, in particular for organic agriculture among others.

The governorship candidate of Accord Party, Oyo State and ex-deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has called on Nigerians to be more active in politics participation in order to influence the society.

Adelabu speaking during the 5th International Conference organized by the Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State tagged; “Resilience and Reinvention in Governance and Accountability for Sustainable Development”, held that, “The colonialists will continue to influence and dictate for us because we are not taking part in changing our own story. Let us actively participate in politics by registering as a voter, to political party and aspire for political positions.

“Nigeria will be better because we have the potentials to make it better but our problem is leadership. Once we get the leadership right; then everything will turn around for the better. I implore everyone of us to participate in politics and our country will be better for it.”

Earlier, the Dean, Faculty of Administration, Professor Funso Adesola explained the importance of the conference, saying, “we shall be assessing, reviewing, planning, restoring, retooling, advocating and monitoring with an indefatigable zeal to take our nation out of the woods, maintain what is good for our people and future as well as key into global best practices.”

In his remarks, OAU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Bamire who was represented by the Deputy VC Academics, Professor Olubola Babalola, appreciated and welcomed the resource persons, participants, staff and students of the faculty to the event.

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has given Staff of Office and Instruments of Appointments to five monarchs in the state who were recently elevated to Obaship status in the state.

Governor Akeredolu had implemented the recommendation of the Justice Chris Ajama Judicial Commission of inquiry into Chieftaincy Matters by recognising and upgrading 62 Chiefs to status of an Oba.

The Obas who got the Staff of Office and Instrument of Office were Oba Olowoniyi Adeniyi Abejoye, the Olurokun of Irokun, Oba Olatuga Anthony Anjorin, the Orunmija of Idigbengben and Oba Kalejaye Rotimi Williams, the Monehin of Obinehin, the Iresi of Osi Kingdom, Oba Olajide David Okunato and Oba J.K Ajomole, the Ojogbabriaka of Ilado Community.

Governor Akeredolu was represented by his Deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa, at Irokun, Idigbengben and Obinehin.

At Ilado and Isi, the Governor was represented by his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Akinwumi Sowore.

Governor Akeredolu said he elevated the Obas to address several disputes and agitations as well as ensure lasting peace in the different communities.

He said his actions were pointer to government’s belief in the efficacy of traditional institution as a vehicle for promoting peace, harmony and unity among the people.

Governor Akeredolu also cautioned traditional rulers to refrain from appointing or installing minor Chiefs outside their jurisdictions, particularly in disputed areas.

His words, “Our Obas as custodians of customs and traditions are the closest to the people at the grassroots level. Mobilisation of people for positive developments, therefore, can best be achieved through them.

“I will not end this address without informing Kabiyesi Iresi and other revered Obas here present that government will not allow or tolerate any domineering tendency by any traditional ruler under any guise. Every Oba in the State should therefore refrain from appointing or installing minor Chiefs outside his jurisdictions, particularly in disputed areas.”

A resident of the Ojo area of Lagos State, Madam Muniratu Saka-Itogbe, is seeking the urgent intervention of the Lagos State Governor Babajide Raji Sanwo-Olu and the Commissioner of Police over an alleged attempt by some members of her family to forcibly take over her property.

Munirat claimed that members of Saka-Itogbe, to which she belongs are using their closeness to a traditional ruler as a shield to covet the said property located at 24, Olojo Drive where her personal house is built.

She alleged that one Ghalib Folami aka Adakeja is the one leading other members of the family to take over her personal property.

Munirat explained that her family members have turned deaf ears to the appeal by the traditional ruler to leave her property for her.

The septuagenarian explained that ‘’Contrary to their claim, the septuagenarian petitioner said she personally acquired the land through her now late elder sibling Alhaja Habibatu around 1979. She bought the property from Ghalib’s father, Erinfolami in 1979 when he (Ghalib) was much younger, and she went ahead to do the survey in 1981, and subsequently put up a modest structure there.

Muniratu said the problem started last year when she decided to hand over the property to a developer to put in a more befitting structure when the developer was stopped from working by some boys working for her family members around October this year

”They (invaders) came on Thursday October 27, and removed the zincs used to cordon off the building. They said I did not formally inform the palace of my plans to put up another building there and that all necessary levies must be paid.”

Speaking with our correspondent on the telephone, Folami, whom she claimed was behind the plot to dispossess her of the property said: “The building does not belong to Madam Munirat. It is a family property built on land that my father, who is her maternal uncle, gave to her father and his siblings for farming for a period. My father neither sold the land to her father nor gave him any receipt.

‘She (Munirat) denied other siblings of their rights to the building and claims the property belongs to her and she has been running around fighting over what does not belong to her, without producing any document to validate her ownership of the property.’’

University of Ibadan alumni under the auspices of “World of Uites” is set to hold the third edition of its dinner and awards night.

This year’s event is scheduled to hold on December 10 at Citi Height Hotel, Ikeja Lagos.

According to the convener, Tobiloba Ogunbanjo, an ex-student and former House Secretary of the Students’ Union, the group, established in February 2017, is a virtual gathering of UI alumni from all walks of life with the aim of keeping them together and building a lasting relationship.

Ogunbanjo also disclosed that over the years, the association has provided welfare support for members, sponsored and also supported some undergraduate activities.

He said: “This year, we will be celebrating the excellence of alumni raising the banner of the alma mater, and this will be an avenue to ritually reconnect old friends together”.

For this year’s event, Distinguished Alumna Yeye Agbaakin Tolanikawo Akande; Asiwaju Hon Seun Fakorede, Commissioner For Youths and Sports Oyo State; Laolu Akande Senior Special Assistant Media to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Hon Samuel Olufemi Apata APC Candidate Somolu Constituency II; Dr. Saheed Ayoola Founder Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (R.A.I.N) and Dotun Oloniyo of BBN and others would be honoured.

As part of its events to mark this year’s 16 days Activism Against gender-based violence, Project Alert on Violence Against Women last week held a One-day Convening on Community Advocacy and Response to SGBV.

The event, which held at the City Mall, Lagos, had as its theme, The Role of Community Surveillance Teams in Lagos State.

In attendance were members of the surveillance teams formed under the Spotlight Initiative project in Nigeria to propagate the message against sexual and gender-based violence in communities and also serve as community watch.

Notably, representatives of the surveillance teams from Yaba, Kosofe, Ajeromi, Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Alimosho and lagos Island Local Governments gave a feedback on their activities, impact and challenges, carrying out their briefs in their respective communities.

A major high point was the presentation of awards to each of the surveillance teams by Project Alert’s Executive Director, Mrs Josephine Effah-Chukwuma.

Also in attendance were the Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Funmi Adegoke; and the Head, Community Engagement, Lagos State Domestic And Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Damilare Adewusi, who represented the agency’s executive Secretary, Ms Lola Vivour-Adeniyi.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has accented to the N21 billion supplementary budget duly passed by the State House of Assembly.

With the development,  the Appropriation for the 2022 fiscal year stands at N122,669,039,657.27, (one hundred and twenty two billion, six hundred and sixty nine million, thirty- nine thousand, six hundred and fifty seven hundred, twenty seven Kobo)  consisting of  N83,907,265,490.61  for recurrent expenditure and  N38,761,774,166.66 for capital expenditure.

The 2022 Appropriation originally was N100, 753,993, 241.60 with recurrent expenditure at N60,459,997,347.79 and capital at N40,293,995,893.81.

Signing the supplementary budget, which is a rejig of the 2022 appropriation to take care of current economic realities and components of the six pillars development agenda of his administration, Oyebanji said the new Appropriation would enable  the administration take care of so many pressing issues crucial to the development of the state.

He commended members of the State House of Assembly for prioritizing the interest of the state above any other considerations by working speedily on the passage of the budget.

The supplementary budget was presented to the House of Assembly in October  with the hope of helping the government deliver on its avowed promises to the people.

Governor Oyebanji, who appealed to the Legislators to give the passage of the 2023 appropriation bill speedy consideration before the end of the year, commended them for their support for the administration.

He gave kudos to members of the House for the amicable resolution of the  recent impasse without external influence. He also called on non APC members to leave the party alone and allow them resolve their issues.

Earlier, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bunmi Adelugba, said the presentation of the supplementary budget was to demonstrate the resolve of the governor to place high premium on accountability, probity and transparency in government spending.

The Speaker assured the Governor of robust and cordial working relationship with the administration to enhance its success.