Category: South West

The Nigeria Bar Association, Osogbo Branch, has named her Robing Center after Osun State-born legal practitioner, Yusuf Ola-Olu Ali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The honour, according to NBA was in recognition of Ali’s sterling performance at the bar and contribution to the development of the legal profession in the country.

This was disclosed by the chairman of the branch, Hassan Agbelekale, while leading members and leaders of Osogbo Bar on a courtesy visit to Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Dr. Khamis Olatunde Badmus to brief him on the inauguration of Yusuf Ali Robing Centre which is expected to take place on June 4, 2022.

The Publicity Secretary of the Association, Dawood Ajetunmobi, in a statement quoted Agbelekale to have said that the Robing Center which is sited on the premise of Osun State High Court of Justice, Osogbo Judicial Division will be the best of its kind in the whole of South-West when completed because of the services it will provide for Lawyers and Paralegals both within and outside the jurisdiction of Osun State.

An aspirant to the House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Afeez Ipesa-Balogun, has said that widows and elderly persons deserve special attention in the Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency.

The aspirant promised his constituents that he would care for the elderly, and widows, carry out remedial works to close all potholes on roads in the constituency, and attend to schools, healthcare issues, among others through a Constituency Trust Fund.

He also said that he would not take salaries and allowances for personal use if given the ticket and voted in.

Ipasa-Balogun, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is aspiring to represent Oshodi Federal Constituency 1, at the National Assembly.

The former Chairman of Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area (LGA), said his salaries and allowances would be channeled towards constituency development.

According to him, he would put in place a Constituency Trust Fund which his salaries and allowances would be paid and applied to all areas of the constituency.

Stressing that his desire to serve was not for self-enrichment, Ipesa-Balogun said his last child was currently undertaking the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

He explained that despite leaving office as a council chairman a long time ago, he lived, worked hard, took good care of himself and solved all necessary problems, including adequately training his children without seeking public funds for personal gains.

He also said he would ensure dedicated persons with integrity are appointed to administer the Trust Fund if he got his party’s ticket.

Kwara state government is set to mitigate problems of perennial floods and strong winds (storms) through the about-to-be-launched Ilorin master plan.

The state government said the ambitious project spanning over 20 years, would gulp millions of Dollars at implementation.

Speaking with reporters in Ilorin, the Executive Chairman, Kwara State Geographic Information System, Abdulmutalib Shittu said the presentation of the new Ilorin city urban masterplan will be held on May 11.

Shittu, who doubles as the chairman of the Ilorin urban master plan working committee said: “This is an exciting development for both the people and the government of the state.”

‘’The new master plan looks ahead to reposition the city for

the next 20 years. With deliberate coverage of trade and investment, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, housing, tourism, education, and infrastructure among other sectors, it sufficiently outlines the challenges and prospects, including action plans for sustainable development of the state.

“This master plan is historically the second since the creation of Kwara State. The first was designed in 1976 during the regime of David Bamgboye and expired 21 years ago. It was long overdue to address the issues of a growing population in Ilorin, plans for road expansion, wastage disposal/management and other aspects that make safe and decent human living possible.

“To design it according to reality and global standards, the state government appointed the services of Dar Al-Handasah consultant ltd in February 2021, they set out immediately by In-Field data collection and stakeholders engagement, population estimates and projections, urban and rural conditions, institutional framework and social infrastructure as well as economic baseline and emerging prospects for the capital city. It is inclusive and encompassing.

“The masterplan will be handy for development partners, and local and foreign investors, putting Kwara as the go-to place in North Central for investments and partnerships.

He added: “We had mapped out strategies through which the new Master plan will be pursued. This included satellite development, urban consolidation, concentric expansion, and asymmetric development. We also identified objectives such as planning, future growth, environment, economy, community, culture, connectivity and infrastructure to guide the implementations.

“We are very convinced that Ilorin urban master plan does not only lay the foundation for future major residential and economic developments in the city, it also seeks to position the state as the most appealing in Nigeria to live and do business. It is a bold vision of providing the best quality of life for all.”

The Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA) has promised to provide support for the family of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) official, Jamiu Issa, who was recently killed on duty by a traffic offender on the Lekki Expressway.

The promise of support was announced when LERSA’s Secretary- General, Mr. Gbemi Adelekan, led the association’s delegation on a condolence visit to the family on Tuesday.

Adelekan assured Issa’s widow and three children that members of the association will not abandon the family.

He said: “Our thoughts and sympathy are with the entire family at this grieving period, while we pray for his soul to continue to rest in perfect peace.

“We want to assure the entire family of our unwavering support at this difficult time. We shall assist the family with material and financial aid to help with getting by with the sudden death of the head of the family,” Adenekan said.

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, on Friday insisted that the unity of Yoruba as a nation must not for any reason be compromised just as he accepted to interface with his colleague Obas in Yorubaland on any issue that would promote Yoruba interest.

The monarch made the remark during the visit of the executive members of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) led by Hon. Wale Oshun and Chief Ayo Afolabi, the Chairman and Secretary respectively to him at his Alarere residence.

Oba Balogun said “Whatever will jealously guide and protect the interest of the Yoruba people will attract my attention. As a freedom fighter myself, I have all through my life sojourn abhorred injustice, lack of fairness, and equity and I cannot at this time change. So, whoever shares that attribute with me has my total support and so you have my blessings”.

Olubadan enjoined ARG to ensure that all acts of divisive tendencies among the various groups within Yorubaland are checked towards ensuring that “we all have a common purpose since our vision is about the genuine freedom of our people to live a meaningful life on their God-given space without let or hindrance. I accept wholeheartedly your request to liaise with my brother Obas on your mission and by the grace of the Almighty Allah, we will reach our destination peacefully”.

Chairman of ARG, Hon. Oshun in his address disclosed that the group was concerned about the position of Yorubaland in the political calculation of the country today, describing it as worrisome. He noted the study of the group about 10 years ago and lamented that the discovery then which was termed ‘North migration to Yorubaland not healthy’.

The ARG boss said: “What we discovered as the North migration then has today blossomed to herdsmen invasion, leaving our land desolate because of the various vices the herdsmen are noted for. We can longer go to farms, what we were producing before like maize, cassava, and soya beans among others are now being imported. We raised the alarm then that the migration of the North to the South had no value to be added to us.

“Our youths that are migrating to Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world are going there with skills and education through which they add value to their various places of abode. Conversely, our best is leaving our territory while the worst is coming to our territory, this is a sad commentary”, the former Federal lawmaker asserted.

Asking the Olubadan to come to the centre of its activities, Hon. Oshun said as a prominent monarch, who came to the throne from a very rich background including sound education, experience, and exposure, “we want to send you on an errand with every sense of humility and responsibility to your colleague Obas on our mission for Yoruba to regain her past glory.

“We know where we were before and we know where we are now which does not in any way justify our ability and capability but being foisted on us by the unholy marriage between us and others. We have embarked on this crusade since about five years ago, criss-crossing all the major palaces across the Yorubaland. By your preeminence position, we are sending Your Imperial Majesty to other Obas on the need to meet and agree on what we as a nation want and pass same to our politicians”, the ARG Chairman said further.

Indigenous groups under the aegis of the Lagos People’s Assembly, have called for the ‘unconditional’ return of Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Governor of Lagos State for a second term.

Speaking during a press conference held in Lagos on Friday, the convener of the group, Ayodeji Emmanuel, said they endorsed Sanwo-Olu because of how he was able to ensure the state remained above the curve economically despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emmanuel said the indigenous groups are appreciative of the governor for ensuring that workers in Lagos didn’t miss their salaries for a single day and for what he described as the people- friendly policies of the government.

“Over the past three years, our state has experienced the transformational leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The last three years has witnessed an unprecedented commitment of his administration to the implementation of the Lagos master plan and he has in every way, justified the confidence reposed in him by the party then.

“Therefore, as we move closer to the critical processes that will culminate in the 2023 general election, it has become imperative, not only to inform the general public of our determination, to return Governor Sanwo-Olu for a second term in office but also, to appreciate and demand, from the leadership of the APC, to return him unconditionally as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2023 election in our state.

“Sanwo-Olu has beyond a reasonable doubt, proved his mettle to lead Lagos State to greater heights based on his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development, the success in tackling coronavirus, strategic solutions to traffic gridlock as well as key interventions in various sectors in the state.’’

Lagos State Government has suspended with immediate effect the entire ad-hoc Committees on Removal of Abandoned Vehicles (RAVC), operating in all the 20 Local Governments (LGs) and 37 Local Council Development Area (LCDAs) in Lagos State.

The suspension which was contained in a directive issued to the Commissioner for Transportation Dr. Frederic Oladeinde by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was as a result of several complaints of extortion and harassment of members of the public by RAVC which is causing embarrassment to the State Government despite several reviews conducted on the operational guidelines of the team.

The governor warned that any ad-hoc team found operating after this notice will be handed over to the Law Enforcement Agencies for trial and prosecution in accordance with the Law of the State as captured in the Traffic Sector Reform Law (TSRL) 2018.

The directive while requesting the general public to take note of the order also advise abandoned vehicle owners which hitherto pose as environmental nuisances, security, and traffic impediment to remove them from the roads as the directive is not an excuse for the negligence of the Traffic Laws of the State.

It would be recalled that the Removal of Abandoned Vehicles Committee, (RAVC) earlier suspension was lifted on 30th December,  2021 in view of several appraisals and reviews of the operational guidelines of the team by the State Government.

The aspiration of the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun to return for a second term received a boost on Friday as the Governor’s Elders Advisory Council, officially endorsed the second term bid of the governor.

Delivering a speech at the Oba’s Complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, chairman of the Council, Chief Oluleye Okuboyejo, particularly commended Abiodun for the increase in the ease of doing business index, which according to him has significantly increased investment in the state.

Okuboyejo noted that Abiodun in the last three years had proved himself to be a great marketer of the state, noting that “his marketing acumen is responsible for the rise of the state’s internally generated revenue.”

“We publicly endorse the second term ambition of our indefatigable governor.

“Having been sworn in on Wednesday, 29th May, 2019 as the governor and the current tenure will lapse on Sunday, 28th May, 2023. The government under your watch is methodical in fashioning the policy agenda around ‘ISEYA’, the delivery of this social contract element has been applauded even by your ardent critics.

“The real selling point of this administration is confirmation that projects inherited from previous administrations have been completed and upgraded where necessary. From the Elite Road in Abeokuta South, Ajilete in Yewa South, Ajebandele in Ijebu-East, Oke-Agbede in Imeko, Awowo in Ewekoro, Alapoti in Ado-Odo-Ota, Ifoyintedo in Ipokia, Ibiade in Ogun Waterside, Ilugun in Odeda and Isiwo in Ijebu-Ode, the story of good performance continued to rend the air”.

He noted that other areas such as  Oke-Sopen in Ijebu- North, Ilishan in Ikenne, Onidundu in Obafemi Owode, Ipara in Remo-North, Ososun in Ifo, Ishote in Sagamu, and Ita-Oshin in Abeokuta-North, among other towns across the state were not neglected, applauded the way and manner which the state government had been able to address issues of social order, protection and security in the state.

Responding, Governor Abiodun who noted that the endorsement by the Governor’s Elders Advisory Council was a position of trust, said that he would not deviate from his mission to rebuild and also continue in the part of honor and integrity.

Abiodun informed the Council that his administration’s efforts this year would be concentrated more on electricity generation and water to further boost the socio-economic development of the State.

“Our focus this year will be on electricity generation and water supply. This is because we feel that those are the areas we need to focus on. We have continued to implement the ISEYA Programmes without leaving any part of the State behind. I promised that we will complete any project that has a direct impact on the lives of our people and that we are also doing”, the governor stated.

He maintained that his administration has touched all sectors of the state economy and ensured that all parts of the state are treated equally in the distribution of projects.

“This mandate was the goodwill of the people of this state and I will not take it for granted knowing fully well that it is not a birthright nor an inheritance. When I was sworn in, I promised to be fair, accountable, consensus-oriented, transparent, just, and equitable to all sections of the state and we are doing just that”, he added.

The governor, however, noted that one of the signature projects of his administration, the cargo airport is progressing steadily.

“The airport that for many preceding years was just an idea, but to the glory of God the runway is being asphalted as we speak. That airport will be truly an international cargo airport and passenger airport. By the grace of God on or before December 2022, an aircraft will land at the airport signaling the commencement of air traffic operations at the airport”, Abiodun pointed out.

While thanking the Elders for believing in his ability and for endorsing him for the second term in office, noted that their action would propel him to work harder.

“What happened this afternoon can only further motivate myself and my team to which I owe all the successes you showered on us.

“You have helped in managing issues at the local government levels. You have helped us with your advice and counsel. Please continue on that path of honesty. Help us superintend on issues that will bring peace in the state, especially during this political era”, the governor stated.

A governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Mr. Sheriff Mustapha, has said the state deserved a quality person as the governor.

He said he was interested in the number one seat because of his love for the masses.

Mustapha said stakeholders must ensure that Governor Seyi Makinde is defeated in the 2023 governorship election, for the betterment of the state.

Mustapha, who spoke on the phone from Atlanta Georgia in the United States of America, said his international experience had positioned him as the best among other contestants.

He said Nigeria was blessed with natural and human resources, which were enough to make life meaningful for the citizens, adding that misplaced priority, arrogance and lack of managerial skills and knowledge remained the major problems of Nigerian leaders.

Mustapha said he had a workable four cardinal points for the people, which he noted would tackle the challenges facing the state.

He said he would focus on youth employment through information technology, massive agricultural development, free quality education and security of lives and property if elected as governor.

The Primate and President of the African Church, His Eminence, Dr. Emmanuel Udofia, has urged Nigerians to pray that a man after God’s heart will emerge as the next president.

He spoke yesterday as the church began its 4th biennial conference at the African Church, Ebenezer Cathedral, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Dr. Udofia, who addressed reporters, said: As the 2023 general election is fast approaching, I advise Nigerians to shun religious discrimination and ethnicity in electing leaders. I advise them to pray for good leaders.

“Political arrangements, permutations, alignments and re-alignments are in top gear towards the elections. I implore political actors and gladiators to play their games according to the rules, being mindful of the fact that politics is not a do or die affair.

“The church needs to intensify on her prayers and sensitisation of her members that we will not be deceived into another slavery and that God will install a man after his own heart to rule this nation.

“While considering the best suitable candidate for the job, I urge Nigerians to shun ethnic and religious sentiments by allowing a man after God’s heart to emerge as the president in 2023, instead of voting blindly for candidates with self-serving intentions. Let’s open our eyes wide this time.

“African Church remains one of the earliest indigenous churches in Nigeria, founded on October 13, 1901 to enable Africans spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and worship God in spirit and in truth without any racial interference.”

He said the theme of the conference: “Redeeming the time”, was to reawake everyone on the critical time the entire world was going through.