The Chairman of Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Shakiru AbdulGafar, yesterday said the arrest of an official of the board, Tajudeen Anifowoshe, had nothing to do with the issue of ram sacrifice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during Hajj exercise.

Anifowoshe was arrested for allegedly duping about 20 intending pilgrims of millions of naira.

AbdulGafar said the ram sacrifice issue had been addressed by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdullahi Jebe and board members in the Holy Land.

AbdulGafar, popularly called Mofasaye, said Anifowoshe’s arrest by security operatives from Zone 2 was in relation to collection of money from unsuspecting intending pilgrims to help them facilitate their visas for the pilgrimage.

He said: “The process for this year’s Hajj has been clearly explained by the Commissioner for Home Affairs that priority would be given to those who paid in 2020 and 2021 based on first come first serve. When it became obvious that the slots given to Lagos State would not be enough, another news briefing was called where the commissioner announced that the state would not be selling form for this year’s Hajj because the slots allocated by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) couldn’t meet up with the available people that had paid.

“It is unfortunate that Anifowoshe tried to circumvent the laid down procedures by extorting unsuspecting intending pilgrims. However, when the ministry got a hint about his unethical action, he was summoned, but refused to appear for questioning.”

Further investigation by The Nation shows that the civil service rules on such matter were applied, which led to issuance of queries and suspension of his salary. With all these actions, he refused to make himself available for questioning.

The aggrieved intending pilgrims, thereafter, took the matter to the police.

This, The Nation learnt, led to his arrest by the Zone 2 operatives.

AbdulGafar, however, urged Lagosians to be wary of fraudulent people, as every inquiry on hajj exercise can be directed to the Public Affairs unit of any government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs.)

Osun State Government rose from its weekly Executive Council meeting yesterday with a stern warning to those beating the drum of violence and bloodshed to desist, or else they will be made to dance to their evil rhythm.

This followed recent assassinations of chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, and violent attacks on party members and government officials, including the wife of the governor, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola.

Calling for calm among peace loving people of the state, including functionaries of the government and members of the APC, the state government said it was aware of plans by the opposition to further unleash terror on government officials and members of the APC in the days ahead.

In a statement to reporters by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode, the government called for calm among its officials and members of the APC, saying they should not allow themselves to be drawn out by those on an adventure of terror.

“The government is very worried about the spate of politically-motivated assassinations in Osun, a state that has enjoyed peace and tranquillity in the last four years and has earned its rating as the nation’s safest place.

“Sadly, innocent and peace-loving people are beginning to live in fear since the announcement of the results of the governorship election, because of a revival of the violent culture that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is known for.

“Specifically, government officials and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress have been targeted in all of these attacks. More shocking was the ambush and violent attack launched on the governor’s wife in Ede, the hometown of Mr Ademola Adeleke, which left people in her convoy injured. Indeed, there is nothing to prove that the attack was not targeted at Governor Adegboyega Oyetola himself.

“We have intelligence reports that more of such attacks are being planned and targeted at government officials and chieftains of the ruling party in order to further heat up the polity of the state and, by extension, disrupt the peace of the state.

“The state is calling on local and national security agencies, and especially the Inspector-General of Police, to rise to the occasion and ensure the safety of Osun citizens and especially protect government officials from the onslaught of the PDP and its terror allies.

“The government in the saddle is a responsible and peaceful one, and has since not fought back because it doesn’t believe in heating up the polity of the state. It has simply minded its business and continued to deliver on its promises to citizens, which it is constitutionally bound to do till November 27.

“The government is also calling for calm among its functionaries and party chieftains that are being harassed. Please, do not succumb to the provocations of those whose main interest is to thrash the gains Osun has recorded in terms of peace and tranquillity.

“Those whose desire is to shed blood of the innocent, peace-loving Osun people should not forget that those who live by the sword will be felled by the same weapon.

“Finally, government wishes to reaffirm that no one should test its resolve to deploy the full powers of the law to make the state safe for all, including members of the opposition themselves. A word should be enough for the wise,” the government said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State yesterday filed a reply to the petition written by Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the victory of governor-elect Senator Ademola Adeleke before the Election Petition Tribunal.

Oyetola had filed the petition before the court challenging the governorship election result of July 16, alleging that there was over voting in 749 polling units.

PDP, the third defendant, submitted its reply to the tribunal sitting in Osogbo, saying the petition lacked merit.

Speaking after the submission was made, the Secretary of the Legal Committee, Ashim Abioye, told The Nation:  “We ask that the tribunal should dismiss the petition filed by Oyetola because it is baseless and lacks merit. The allegations in the petition are frivolous. The election that produced Senator Adeleke was free, fair and credible.

“We are before the tribunal. PDP is set to file its own reply to the petition of the APC and Governor Oyelola as required by the rules. The witnesses must be present physically before the secretary to the tribunal to sign their witness statements on oath. So, all these people here are witnesses and they have come to show themselves before the secretary that they are ready to sign their witnesses’ statement on oath. We have 21 days ultimatum to file our reply, but this is the 14th day and to show that we are ever ready. We are ever ready as a boy scout to tell you that we are not running anywhere.”

He said there were over 100 witnesses, stressing that the petition of Oyetola was dead on arrival.

“We are confident that the tribunal will do justice to this. You know they’ve made so much hype about service on the governor-elect. You know the security situation in Ede. You can see security hitches here and there. So, the administration that has not been able to secure the state properly, we cannot just open the gate of the governor-elect to anybody to walk in. This is why the law has made provision for substituted service.

“I can tell you that we are confident of victory and like I always say, the petition is time wasting. In fact, it is an empty shell,” Abioye said.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said the Gateway Agro Cargo Airport in Ilishan Remo will run commercial flights when completed.

Authorities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have indicated interest in establishing their operational bases at the airport.

Prince Abiodun made this known at an interactive meeting with leaders of community development councils and associations in the 20 local governments, held in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He said some airlines had shown interest in operating commercial flights at the airport, which would boost the state’s economy.

“Work is ongoing at our Cargo Airport at Ilisan-Remo. I want to inform you that Nigerian Air Force and the Nigeria Customs Service have written to me that they will like to have their operational bases at the airport when it is ready.

“Some commercial airlines operating in the country have also shown interest in the airport. That means by the grace of God, when the airport starts operations this December, people in Ogun State will have the opportunity to board their flights from there to anywhere they want to go, rather than going to Lagos,” he said.

The governor said his administration’s decision to build the airport is to ensure the state benefits from being the industrial hub of the country, as well as the value chains that come from such a gigantic project.

The agro-cargo airport was revived by the current administration after being abandoned by former governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Its construction began in March. When completed by December, it will probably become the fastest constructed airport on the continent.

The project, when operational, will provide 25,000 jobs for the indigenes.

Prince Abiodun also spoke about plans by his administration to further open up the state for more investment and social activities.

He said the Ogun Light Up project that would ensure constant power in the state would start in Abeokuta and spread to other parts of the state, adding that Mowe, Ibafo and Abeokuta would benefit from the urbanisation project.

The governor told community leaders that his administration had started implementing its Multimodal Transportation System with the launch of a pilot Bus Transit programme in Abeokuta.

He said the reconstruction of major federal roads such as the Ijebu-Ode-Epe, Sagamu-Siun-Abeokuta and Atan-Lusada-Agbara roads, was to ensure that people carried out economic activities without stress.

The Supreme Head of Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Nigeria, Dr. Solomon Alao, has urged Nigerians to pray for the success of next year’s elections.

He also implored youths to shun thuggery and violence during the campaigns.

“We should remember our son, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” said the eminent cleric, who noted that Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s “second term is automatic.”

Alao reflected on the preparations for the 2023 elections during the ‘diamond jubilee celebration and fund raising for 200 KVA generator and coaster bus’ at the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Oke Ayo Igbala Irapada, Orientation, Iganmu, Lagos, superintended by Olorunfunmi Basorun, Second Republic Secretary to Lagos State Government.

The theme of the celebration was: ‘The Covenant God.’

Guests included Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bayo Osiyemi,  House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila,  represented by Mrs. Bamidele Hussein, Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, represented by Dr. Saheed Ibikunle of Universal Basic Education Board, former House of Assembly member and one-time commissioner Bimpe Akinsola, House of Assembly candidate Moshood Aro, Chairman of Igbogbo-Bayeku Council Sesan Daini, and his Ijede Council counterpart, Motunrayo Alogba.

Basorun, a member of Lagos APC Governance Advisory Council (GAC), thanked God for the 60th anniversary of the church, which he said had become a veritable vehicle for propagating evangelism.

He paid tribute to the founding fathers of the church, including Oludotun Okeyemi, Solomon Olaye, Jacob Adebiyi, Solomon Omopariola and Mrs. Comfort Thomas for their contributions to its development.

Urging Nigerians to pray for the country on a daily basis, Alao lamented that Nigeria was moving towards a precipice.

He said: “We must pray for the success of the 2023 general election. Blessed be those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love it will prosper. We should remember our son, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“As the campaign draws nearer, youths should avoid thuggery and violence. We can have a stable country and a violent-free poll. Those who have permanent voter cards (PVCs) should vote. Don’t say politics is dirty. Let all contestants play according to the rules. Tinubu is not a man of violence. Don’t do anything that will discredit him.”

Exuding confidence about Sanwo-Olu’s re-election bid, Alao said: “His second term is automatic. This will be accomplished if you go out to vote.”

Donors included Gbajabiamila (N2million), Abiru (N2.5million), Ojelabi (N100,000), Prince Abiodun Ogunleye (N100,000), Commissioner for Environment Tunji Bello (N200,000), Daini (N250,000), Ikorodu Local Government (N1million) and managing director of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) (N500,000).

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has been commended for “outstanding performance” by the Group Managing Director and CEO of Sujimoto Group, Sijibomi Ogundele.

Ogundele said he was excited as an Ogun indigene to have seen all the governor’s accomplishments.

He described the governor as strategic and intentional about transforming the state into an industrial capital of the nation, especially with the new Agro-Cargo Airport, dubbed as the first truly International Cargo Airport in Nigeria and the fastest constructed airport on the continent.

Ogundele hinted that the consultant who worked on the project was the same consultant that Designed the Dubai Airport and other international airports around the world, including the one in Abu Dhabi Airport.

He said the construction which started in less than a year is set to be launched in December 2022.

“From June 2019 till date, the governor has constructed and reconstructed roads spanning 270.88 kilometres. In addition, over 300km of roads have been rehabilitated across the state within the period under review.

“From the rebuilding of the Abeokuta-Sagamu interchange road to the Epe-Ijebu Ode Expressway, and the different infrastructural development, including improvement in Education and quality healthcare, I was very excited and privileged to sit down with the governor this morning, and listen to the things he has done and his lofty dreams for his next term, God willing,” Ogundele said.

Read Also: Abiodun underscores role of Artisans in economic growth

On another project that Abiodun has started – the jetty in Iwopin Beach area of the state – the “Luxury King” said it would bring in revenue through the state port services.

“Through the persuasion of the governor, I saw that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has already started building a jetty in Iwopin Beach, which will leverage and explore the waterway and shipping potential of the state, driving another source of revenue through port services.

“Having competent people to lead institutions is one of the hallmarks of Abiodun’s administration and we are not surprised when he appointed Arc. Abiodun Fari-Arole, a super architect and a successful businessman who has also committed himself to drive the OPIC institution to the next level.

“With over 21 million housing deficit in Nigeria, it is no doubt that affordable housing is also an integral part of Abiodun’s infrastructural master plan. I was opportune to visit some of the OPIC estates and notable housing projects across the states and I must admit that I am proud to have a governor that is a man of his word, one who takes fulfilling his promises a serious business.

“Notable among the state housing projects embarked upon are Prince Court Estate located at Kemta Estate, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta under the First Phase of the project as well as the ongoing 2000 units, including King’s Court Estate (Abeokuta); Laderin Civil Servants Scheme; Ilaro, Ota; Ijebu-Ode and Sagamu,” he said.

Ogundele added that he stopped by to see a new construction branch of Providus Bank at Abeokuta slated to be completed by the end of September 2022.

“The project, a 21st-century banking hall that will change the skyline of Abeokuta and influence the narrative for architecture. Thanks to Providus Bank for believing in Sujimoto and allowing us to do what we love to do best.

“If there is one thing I have learnt from the achievements of the Ogun State government in less than four years, it is that nothing can stop the extraordinary vision of a man who has made the ultimate and sincere interest of his people, his ultimate goal. Leadership thrives on a collective vision! The gateway state under the leadership of His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun is definitely on the path to greatness,” he added.

The second edition of Plumbers conference powered by Bathrooms Direct in conjunction with Bagno Technik is set to hold in Lagos and Abuja on the 31stof August, 2022.

This year’s conference themed “ The use of Technology in simplifying plumbing solutions” enlightens and empowers plumbers in Nigeria with skill sets needed to succeed in the plumbing industry. Plumbers will gain new and updated knowledge in plumbing and discover new business opportunities by becoming part of the community.

Plumbers also stand a chance to win tools needed in their profession during the conference through activities that will be organised.

Speaking on the upcoming conference, Princess Kay-Olufade; the Divisional Head of Bathrooms Direct, said “the purpose of this conference is to take the plumbing industry to the next level. We work with a lot of plumbers in installing sanitary wares for our clients, this is our way of providing opportunities for them and training them to be the best in their craft. The previous edition was a success and we look forward to achieving a higher success rate in this year’s edition.”

Bathrooms Direct and Bagno Technik are both subsidiaries of the Black Pelican Group. Bathrooms Direct is the business unit of BPL distributing low-priced but high-quality sanitary wares, kitchen, tiles and doors targeted at meeting the demands of middle- and low-income earners.

Bagno Technik is the installation and maintenance arm of the business with its multinational team of trained engineers and installers.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday, paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdulganiy Salawudeen Adekunle at the king’s palace.

Chief Obasanjo who was accompanied to Iseyin by the former Secretary to Oyo State government, Chief Olayiwola Olakojo prayed for the repose of the soul of the king.

He assured the wives and children of the late Aseyin of his support towards their future endeavours.

He said “I was supposed to have been here since the death of Kabiyesi but for many national assignments that have been taking me across Africa and beyond. Today we came through Ibadan to check on one of us, Chief Omololu Olunloyo who is critically ill, I pray God gives him quick recovery.

“We do not need to be sermonizing you, we cannot blame God for what he has done, our prayer is that all he left behind continue to prosper.

“I will still be in constant touch with the palace along with Mayegun (Chief Olayiwola Olakojo) and I will reach out to the Queens and the children with our support,” he said.

Oba Abdulganiy Salawudeen Adekunle Oloogunebi Ajinese 1, who died in the early hours of Sunday July 24, 2022 was 62 years old and reigned for 15 years on the throne.

Marking the 2022 Isese Festival, the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association, Osun State, and (TRAWSO) has condemned spate of ritual killings in the county. The body dissociated themselves from any practice of money ritual killings urging Christian and Muslim leadership to stand against it.

The president of the association, Dr Oluseyi Atanda, in his address during the festival held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park via Old Garage, Osogbo yesterday, said, “The Isese festival for this year stands out as we have taken the bull by the horn to challenge the menace in the society and also by dissociating true traditionalist from money ritual. We appeal to both the Christian and Muslim leadership, and above all, all stakeholders in the society who truly love and obey God to outrightly condemn money ritual.”

He bemoaned the spate of ritual killing saying, “Looking at the alarming rate, who knows whose relative would be kidnapped next for money ritual? We are all stakeholders. This is why the theme of this year’s festival is targeted at finding a way out of the prevalence of money rituals in the society.”

Meanwhile, in the prediction for 2023, Atanda disclosed that Ifa spiritual message to Nigeria warned politicians from cross carpeting and urged government to be more proactive in tackling security challenges because marauders are plotting more attacks in Southwest states.