The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Parents, teachers preach moderation in discipline

    Parents, teachers preach moderation in discipline

    To curb cases of excessive beating, parents and teachers have advocated moderation and regularisation in child discipline across the country.

    The call came on the heels of the death of 12-year-old Emmanuel Amidu after he was alleged flogged by his mathematics teacher at Agbara, Lagos, on May 12.

    Parents and teachers, who spoke at Avo Pizza Fabolous, Arepo, during this year’s Children’s Day celebration, said it was important that discipline be not left in the hands of schools alone.

    The host, Mrs. Folashade Shona, who feted children from selected schools in the area, urged parents to imbibe the culture of correcting their wards by words.

    She reminded them they were crucial in shaping the lives of their children, adding that constant flogging was not the way to go.

    “Children are our future and parents must raise their children in a godly manner. Parents must instil discipline in their children first before anyone else. However, there should be moderation in disciplining children. Even when you beat them, you should also know to use your words next time. Whatever canning you’re doing on your children should be at minimum and should not be the only resort in child discipline,” she noted.

    Read Also; Govt to settle varsity, poly teachers’ pay with N34b

    A movie producer, Funsho Adegeye, frowned at corporal punishments in schools, saying teachers must not beat their pupils.

    He said: “Corporal punishment should not be done at all. Sometimes, when you bully a child with cane, you will lose him or her. It should not be encouraged. There are better ways to instil discipline in children.

    “My father understood this when I was young. He didn’t bully me with a cane, rather, he withdrew the things I loved till I was sorry and came back to my senses.”

    But another teacher, Jumoke Fatoye, said a little discipline was necessary, advising parents and teachers to carry out such acts with love.

    “In some aspects a little discipline is necessary for children. Like the popular saying ‘spare the rod and spoil the child’. It is however, important to embrace them afterwards as parents and as teachers,” she noted.

  • Oyetola warns against violence

    Oyetola warns against violence

    Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has warned opposition parties against fomenting violence or disrupting the peace of the state.

    He warned that his administration will no longer tolerate a repeat of last week’s attack on journalists and his supporters in Gbongan.

    Oyetola spoke during a meeting organised by Osun Civic Engagement Office with members of Nigeria Professional Photographers and Videographers Association in Osogbo.

    Read Also: Oyetola: I’ll not let Osun people down

    The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, urged the opposition parties to play politics according to the rule of the game.

    He said: “I want the opposition parties to please play the game according to the rules. I don’t want any violence in Osun. We are a peace loving state. We are seen to be one of the most peaceful state in Nigeria. I don’t want anything that will affect the peace of our state. Do your campaign as expected. The incident in Gbongan will never be tolerated again.

    “We’ve been going about doing our campaigns peacefully; I expect the opposition parties to emulate same.”

  • Gbolahan Ogunleye wins Ikorodu I ticket 

    Gbolahan Ogunleye wins Ikorodu I ticket 

    The son of Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Lagos State deputy governor, Gbolahan, has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the House of Assembly in Ikorodu Constituency 1.

    He defeated Majority Leader Sanai Agunbiade, who has represented the constituency for almost 20 years.

    The primary held at Ikorodu West Local Council Developmental Area (LCDA) secretariat in Ogolonto.

    Read Also: Ogboru wins Delta APGA governorship ticket

    Accreditation started at 3:50 pm and was conducted under the heavy presence of security personnel and witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    APC Electoral Committee leader, Bosun Talabi, while announcing the result, said Ogunleye scored 38 votes to defeat the incumbent, Agunbiade with no votes.

    Talabi said 55 ad hoc delegates, drawn from wards in the constituency, were accredited, adding that there was one invalid vote.

    He said: “After the sorting and counting of votes, Gbolahan Ogunleye scored 38 votes, Gafar Bolowotan scored 16 votes, Bolaji Isikalu scored one vote while Hon. Sanai Agunbiade scored no vote.”

    The local government party chairman, Waheed Animashaun, hailed the process, saying that it was free and fair. He, however, frowned at the late delivery of electoral materials.

  • Oluwo to APC: present a formidable candidate 

    Oluwo to APC: present a formidable candidate 

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has warned leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southwest against disunity which ‘may cause the region to lose the presidency’.

    He also advised the party to push forward a ‘formidable and intimidating candidate as its presidential flagbearer’ for the 2023 election.

    Oba Akanbi, in a statement yesterday, expressed disappointment at the raging division among Yoruba political leaders in the APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He also enjoined Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to reunite his political house in the interest of the Yoruba race.

    He said: “Reuniting the Yoruba political forces in the APC can be achieved by subduing the individual ego of its actors. This is the most critical time in the political history of Yorubaland. As a father, I’m worried. Yoruba socio-elite and socio-political platforms should gear up. We must not make another mistake. The golden opportunity is here.

    Read Also: Adelabu dumps APC, to announce next move in 48hrs

    “I call on the Southwest APC and PDP, national leader of the party Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, all Southwest Governors and ministers, ex and serving, to suppress their ego and sustain the political strength of Yorubaland. If Yoruba fail the 2023 poll, it will have a perennial touch on the future political fate of our race.

    “My assessment depicts a house divided within itself; it is a single house of a leader. Most of the prominent aspirants from Yorubaland in the ruling party are from the same house and graduated from the same school of thought. As such, it is expected of them to have similar agenda for the nation. The agenda can be harmonised for a single candidate to have a victorious primary outing.

    “Yoruba should present a formidable and intimidating candidate whose credit and merit cut across the nation. The handwriting on the wall is clear; we should bury our egos to move the mountains. Missing the golden opportunity will be a collective failure. I’m hopeful the ball has not crossed the bar.”

    The royal father also urged the Southwest leaders to summon an urgent political meeting to strengthen the region’s chances in the election.

  • Osun 2022: Oyetola warns opposition against violence

    Osun 2022: Oyetola warns opposition against violence

    Osun Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has warned opposition parties against political violence ahead of the July 16 governorship election in the State.

    Oyetola said his administration will no longer tolerate the repeat of an attack on journalists as well his supporters by an opposition party during his campaign in Gbongan town last Monday.

    The Governor said this during a meeting organised by Osun Civic Engagement Office with members of Nigeria Professional Photographers and Videographers Association Osun Chapter on Sunday in Osogbo.

    Represented by his Special his Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the Governor urged the opposition parties to play the game of politics according to the rule of the game.

    “I want to say this, very important, I want the opposition parties to please play the game according to the rules.

    ” I don’t want any violence in Osun. We are a peace loving state. We are seen to be one of the most peaceful state in Nigeria.

    “I don’t want anything that will affect the peace of our state. Do your campaign as expected. The incident in Gbongan will never be tolerated again.

    “We’ve been going about doing our campaigns peacefully. I expect the opposition parties to emulate our peaceful campaign across the state.

    “There must be no reason for any violence when it comes to campaign or the election itself”, he said.

    Oyetola however said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is fully prepared to win the election, adding that APC is the party to beat anytime, any day.

    The Governor, who noted that his administration would not relent in giving the best to the masses, said many undeniable work had been done in the last three and half years to move the state forward.

    He said that his administration has embarked on socioeconomic and infrastructure development of the state through remarkable impacts in people-oriented governance agenda.

    Oyetola said that has made him geared effort towards building an enduring economy, where people’s wellbeing and pursuit of happiness would become the hallmark of development.

    He said: ” In every polity, there exists an inextricable link between economic sustenance and human capacity development.

    “This is why no responsible government can sit idle without engaging its people productively in all forms of commercial and industrial activities.

    “And this because human resource remains the hub around which sustainable development can be fostered.

    “I sincerely appreciate the people of the state for their support for us in the state, but you need to show more of this support in the coming election.

    “As you know, I always protect your interest and this is obvious in all our developmental programmes and projects across the state”.

    The Governor, however, appreciated members of the association for supporting his administration and promised that he would continue to provide an enabling environment for their businesses.

    He appealed to the electorate, who are yet to get their Permanent Voter Cards to get it so as to support him and APC in winning the election.

    Chairman of the association, Mr Isaac Adegoke, commended the governor for various developmental projects across, as well as his unique approach to good governance through continuous engagement with the people.

    Adegoke also appreciated the contribution of the civic engagement centre in reaching out to different social strata in the state.

    He promised that members of the association would work towards the re-election of the governor.

  • Ekiti Reps aspirant commits to poverty alleviation, others

    Ekiti Reps aspirant commits to poverty alleviation, others

    Senior Special Assistant to Ekiti Governor on Public Health, Dr Jimlas Ogunsakin, who is running for the Federal House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said he will be committed to providing monetary support to each ward monthly which will cover the elderly, the people living with disabilities, the indigents and others, if elected.

    He also said this will support the state government efforts especially the owo-arugbo programme of the Kayode Fayemi- led government.

    Speaking with The Nation, Ogunsakin said he would strengthen the health systems through sustainable policies across all tiers of service delivery towards taking Nigeria health sector to enviable heights.

    He said: ” I am poised to drive sustainable innovation in healthcare, improve health sector indices and strengthen health systems through sustainable health policies and institutional strengthening across all tiers of service delivery towards taking Nigeria health sector to enviable heights.”

    He also noted that tractors will be made available to farmers during planting season across the constituency.

    He added he will assist farmers facilitate loans and grants from various organs of government and donors who supports the agric business and all its value chain.

    The health expert noted that it was imperative to launch the Conditional Cash Transfer programme to boost small businesses across the constituency and empower women to have access to funds to improve their market size and enlarge their small enterprises.

    Ogunsakin said the Export Skills Acquisition and Mentoring Program(ESAMP) would be explored.

    According to him,in collaboration with top leaders in international trade finance, 50 beneficiaries would be selected from the constituency for training,adding that they would be given seed money and grants to start their export businesses.

    On capacity development he said: “Human Capacity Development agenda will cut across all spheres. We will help the young people to build technical skills, vocational skills, and other skills required and equip them with the necessary and required tools to earn a living and support their families.

    “There will be partnership with the state government to address the mental health challenges in my constituency by removing everyone with mental illnesses walking the streets naked and providing holistic care and reunite them back to their families.

    “People living with disabilities in my constituency will be catered for and prosthesis and other equipment that can help them to have a better quality of life will be provided,” he added.

    On plans for graduates,he said: ” The Constituency Internship Program will promote development of skills that is relevant to get employed in the 21st Century . 100 Graduates will be selected to in a year to participate. We will deploy them to various sectors and spheres of influence and pay stipends. This will make them ready for market in all sectors they choose to function.”

    Ogunsakin who maintained that a robust healthcare system was crucial said:” The Ulera Arugbo programme will cover the health needs of the elderly within the constituency. We will support our elderly to improve the quality of their life in old age. This programme will provide physical, mental and social health needs for the elderly.

    “Due to the Burden of Health Care on the finances of families, and in line with the new National Health Insurance Authority Bill that has just been signed to Law by the President, I will enrol and pay for Health Insurance packages for 100 families in a year to have access to free healthcare. I will partner with Ekiti State Health Insurance Agency to make this happen.

    “We will organise bi- annual medical outreach programmes across all the towns and villages in my constituency, this will help reach the marginalized. There will be provision of on the spot medical assistance to people in the core villages who have limited access to health facilities,” he added.

  • Kwarans celebrate Lawal’s victory

    Kwarans celebrate Lawal’s victory

    Indigenes and residents of Kwara State have celebrated Hakeem Lawal for emerging governorship candidate of the Social Democatric Party (PSDP) at the primaries.

    Hakeem is the son of the late former Governor Mohammed Lawal.

    Leader of TalknSip Inc, a civil society group, Sheik Akin, said Hakeem’s emergence showed that a ‘new dawn of leadership is at hand in Kwara State’.

    Top party chieftain, Hajia Gogo Abidemi, who promised to roll out the biggest weapon in the state’s campaign history, described Hakeem as ‘the most qualified candidate who embodies all Kwara masses can ever hope for in a leader.

    She added: “This election requires every single one of us to help steer Kwara in the right direction and reclaim its promises. For far too long, the state stewardship has settled for less than what it could offer in terms of leadership substance, and this election must be different. Kwara’s biggest deficit as an entity is simply the absence of visionary leadership and the capacity to unlock that vision, and that’s fundamentally what Hakeem Lawal brings to the table.”

  • No booster jab, no hajj, says Lagos

    No booster jab, no hajj, says Lagos

    Lagos State has said intending pilgrims must take the COVID-19 booster jab or refused entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Commissioner for Home Affairs Prince Anofiu Elegushi, in a statement, also said weekend lectures for intending pilgrims began last Saturday in all the local government areas.

    He urged them to attend the lecturs because they are ‘designed to keep them abreast of the ethics and activities of Hajj exercise in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

    Elegushi, who said lectures would run simultaneously in all the local government areas for about three weeks, added that they have been digitalised to afford the pilgrims the opportunity to learn from the Ulamah (Islamic scholars), who have been adequately prepared to strengthen their knowledge and also expose them to facts about some historical sites in the Holy land.

    Meanwhile, the Board has concluded arrangement with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for the compulsory screening of pilgrims to ascertain their health status before the spiritual journey.

    The screening continues at the Shamsi Adisa Thomas (SAT) Mosque hall in GRA, Ikeja, until today, while administration of the COVID-19 booster jab by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board is also ongoing at the councils.

    The Saudi Ministry of Health, through its embassy in Abuja, has also released health requirements and guidelines for the 2022 Hajj.

    The ministry is madating the compulsory use of facemasks whether indoors or outdoors in Saudi Arabia. It also said foreign pilgrims must pay for health insurance that covers cost of COVID-19 treatment while in the Kingdom. Apart from exempting persons over 65 years from performing the Hajj, high risk pilgrims, categorised as those with severe ailments like active cancer or organ impairment, are also restricted from participating in the exercise.

    Equally, the guideline mandates completion of basic immunization programs before arrival into the Kingdom. These immunizations Covid-19 vaccination, yellow fever inoculation, meningococcal meningitis vaccination received not less than 10 days to arrival in the Kingdom: its certificate should indicate date the immunization was dispensed.

    Furthermore, the ministry requests evidence of poliomyelitis vaccine shot administered not less than four weeks to arrival in Saudi Arabia and not over 12 months ago. Notwithstanding the polio vaccination evidence, travellers from countries with known cases of wild polio would be administered with one dose of bOPV at the entry point (the droplets Nigerians usually receive upon arrival in Saudi Arabia), the guideline states.

    In addition to presentation of a Covid-19 negative test result done 72 hours before arrival into the Kingdom, the medical team is required to provide isolation centers in Nigeria’s local clinics.

  • Abiru plans ‘Innovation Lab’ for Ikorodu

    Abiru plans ‘Innovation Lab’ for Ikorodu

    Plans are underway by Senator Tokunbo Abiru to build an ‘Innovation Lab’ at Ikorodu as part of his digital empowerment scheme for Lagos East.

    About 150 youths are pioneer beneficiaries of the five pilot programmes which have taken off.

    Abiru said: “Nigeria has failed to maximise the opportunities of the agricultural and industrial ages. Now, we are in the digital revolution age. We, therefore, cannot afford to miss out on the enormous opportunities available in this innovation and digital age.

    “This is the compelling rationale behind the establishment of The Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL). The COVID-19 pandemic has made remote work fashionable; the rise in robotics and artificial intelligence all point to the fact that we either brace up for technology or we lose out again.”

    The senator, who spoke at the contract signing for the project, said the most enduring empowerment for young people and entrepreneurs in Lagos East is to leverage on his global exposure and experience to make them globally competitive, by equipping them with premium digital, innovative and technological skills.

    Abiru said while doing this, he had resisted the temptation of replicating ICT centres that abound all around without really addressing the dearth in digital and technology skills.

    The senator added that he settled for ‘Co-creation Hub’ to handle the project because of its proven track records in training and placements of tech talents.

    He said: “Through the Tokunbo Abiru Constituency Team (TACT) Foundation, I am partnering the Co-creation Hub (Cc-HUB), a renowned technology and Social Enterprise company in Lagos, with outlets in Kenya and Rwanda and the United Kingdom.

    “In 2021, Cc-Hub, with my team, conducted a survey, using human centred design approach across selected locations in Lagos East. The preponderance of responses from constituents surveyed informed the design of the five pilot programmes.”

  • Contractor, monarch clash over land

    Contractor, monarch clash over land

    THE contractor handling the Federal Government housing project in Ondo State, Otunba Ademola Akin-Benson, has vowed to resort to self help and defend himself against incessant attacks on his workers by thugs.

    Ademola, who is Chairman of Medaville Building and Construction company, accused the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, of sending the thugs to disrupt work at the estate.

    According to him, the project occupies 36 hectares of land but the monarch is laying claim to 3.7 hectares.

    He said: “We are fully prepared. It is now time to defend our land, our territory. If they come here now, we will exchange with whatever they come with. We are ready. We do not have problem with the state government but the Deji of Akure. We will not tolerate acts of hooliganism by the Deji again.

    “The court has granted an order to continue work while the court case goes on, but the Deji has been sponsoring all sorts of miscreants to attack the workers. In the last two years, there have been about 40 attacks. This week, they have come two times. They kidnapped two of my workers, and went away with working tools and some bags of cement.

    His lawyer, Femi Emodamori, said contempt charges would be preferred against the monarch. He said the law permits an individual to defend his property when the need arose.

    “The police has been lackadaisical in enforcing the law against the Deji of Akure. There is constitutional right to self defence and defence of property. I have advised my client to mobilise fully and defend this property. The law permits that you could kill in the process of defending your property. Whatever happens, the state and the police will take responsibility. We are taking contempt charge against the Akure monarch.”

    But Oba Aladetoyinbo, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Michael Adeyeye, insisted that the land in dispute belonged to a deity and is of traditional importance to the Akure people because prayers are offered for the good of the land.

    “The issue here is between him and the community which the Deji represents. It is true that part of the land was acquired to build a low cost housing estate, but it is now a case of encroachment beyond what was acquired…”