Category: South West

A United Kingdom-trained management consultant, Dr. Adekanmbi Akinseye, has urged the electorate in Oyo State to support the re-election bid of Governor Seyi Makinde, so that he can continue his legacy projects after the 2023 general election.

Adekanmbi, the founder of Aderoju Ayoade Adekanmbi Foundation, said Makinde had touched critical areas in the state.

She advised the voters to rally round the governor in the coming election.

Speaking with reporters in Ibadan about her readiness to represent Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency in 2023, the philanthropist, who is also a PhD holder in Mathematics, said members of her constituency called on her to represent them in the next political dispensation, and she was ready to serve them.

She said Makinde deserved a second term because of his achievements in education, security, agriculture and infrastructural development.

“I am enjoining the electorate to support the governor’s re-election ambition. It is nice for people to encourage something good. The governor has done well.”

A leading aspirant for Oyo South Senatorial District in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olooye Adegboyega Adegoke, has obtained nomination and expression of interest forms for the 2023 general election.

He said he was the man to give the district the best representation it deserved.

Speaking with reporters at the weekend at the party’s headquarters in Abuja after he picked the forms, Adegoke, the Aare-Onibon Balogun of Ibadanland, said his aspiration was borne out of service to the people of the senatorial district and the state as a whole.

The senatorial hopeful, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), hoped that he would emerge victorious at the primary and general elections.

He said Oyo South, the soul of the state, deserved the best representation “than what it is currently getting.”

Adegoke, an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife and University of Cambridge Judge Business School Advanced Leadership Programme and a philanthropist par excellence, said: “This is the first step any serious aspirant must take. This is where we will separate men from the boys. It is a gradual process.

“I am sure that success is ours by the grace of Almighty God. I am committed to the cause and with support and commitment from my people, and our loyalty to the party, I know definitely that we are going to succeed and be victorious for the benefit of mankind, the development of Oyo South, Oyo State and Nigeria in general.”

Kwara State Government will on May 16 kick-start its data-driven Education Transformation Project (KwaraLEARN) across 365 primary schools, Chairman Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Prof Shehu Adaramaja has said.

Adaramaja, who made this known in Ilorin at a news briefing, said the programme would begin across 365 primary schools in Baruten, Offa, Ilorin East and Ilorin West local governments.

The KwaraLEARN intervention by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration is a public education transformation programme to improve teaching and learning, using innovative technology, data-driven platforms, high-quality learning materials, effective training and continuous coaching and support for teachers and school administrators.

“KwaraLEARN could not have come at a better time, given the challenges education is facing in Nigeria as captured by a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report delivered during a recent programme,” he said.

“Starting with governance, Kwara State Ministry of Education, KwaraSUBEB and our technical partner, NewGlobe, developed a project communication and coordination plan to guide the management of the programme.

“Stakeholder sensitisation campaigns have also happened in the four pilot local governments, with meetings held with traditional rulers, education trade union representatives and education secretaries, among others. Today, KwaraLEARN has completed academic field studies in randomly selected schools to learn about teachers’ English fluency and proficiency, pupil oral reading fluency and foundational numeracy,” Adaramaja added.

He said the process employed by KwaraLEARN had been systematic and scientific to achieve the desired learning outcome.

Adaramaja said the decision to start the project was sequel to the critical achievements the state had earlier recorded in academics, governance, stakeholder engagements, operations, school inspection, technology, job creation, leadership and development.

On the selection of the four local governments for the pilot scheme of KwaraLEARN, Adaramaja said the local governments were randomly picked due to population from the rural and urban centres to check the outcome before a statewide operation.

The SUBEB chairman noted that KwaraLEARN’s key achievements in operations and technology included the delivery of 4,329 teacher tablets and smartphones; procurement of 250 blackboards; hiring of IT operation teams, set up of teacher tablets and validation of tech applications in schools.

On the first phase of induction training, which took place at Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin, the chairman said 1,813 teachers and headteachers from across 227 schools in Baruten and Ilorin West local governments had participated, adding that the second phase would start on May 5 with prospective participants from Ilorin East and Offa local governments.

”The induction training, which is a pivotal element of KwaraLEARN, has concluded its first wave. Since its commencement on April 19 at Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin, 1,813 teachers and headteachers from across 227 schools in Baruten and Ilorin West local governments have participated, while the second wave of the induction training will start on May 5, and is expected to have over 1,500 participants from Offa and Ilorin East local governments

”Our technical partner, NewGlobe, has done a tremendous job in ensuring that participants are on the right teaching trajectory by deploying experienced personnel and facilities such as teachers’ smartphones, tablets and applications for the exercise.

“It is worthy of note that the teachers have shown great enthusiasm and a keen interest in becoming a better version of themselves during the training.”

Adaramaja said the programme was also creating a long socio-economic value chain that benefited Kwarans through  job opportunities.

“For example, KwaraLEARN has created jobs by hiring school inspection associates and workers to train, support, coach and mentor the headteachers and teachers. We have onboarded schools’ workers to get them prepared and build their capacity for the fieldwork. Forty-three job offers have been made, while 38 full-time workers have been hired so far. We are training 3,500 teachers drawn from across the state, who will implement this programme beginning in May.

“The essence of this programme – and the preparations that have gone into the pre-launch activities – is to ensure that Kwara State will not be one of the states where primary school pupils have poor learning outcomes. The whole agenda is to ensure that we give every Kwara child a solid foundation, and that regardless of a child’s birth location or the income level of their parents, or their level of literacy, all children in Kwara State can achieve their full potential and compete favourably with their peers across Nigeria and the world.

“KwaraLEARN will demonstrate that, with the right innovation, training, materials and support, government schools can deliver radically better learning outcomes for children. With the right investments so far made and more to be committed, this success can and will be seen in a very short number of years, so that this generation of children will have the potential to transform the state.”

Barely a month after Prince Saka Matemilola was declared Olowu-elect of Owu Kingdom in Abeokuta, Ogun State, by the kingmakers, another prince, Tajudeen Adelani and a princess, Aminat Adesina, from two royal families, have petitioned the state government, warning it against appointing Matemilola as the Olowu-elect.

The Olowu stool became vacant, following the death of Oba Adegboyega Dosumu, who joined his ancestors on December 12, 2021.

Prince Adelani and Princess Adesina said a non-indigene of the Owu kingdom could not ascend the throne of Olowu stool, alleging that Matemilola was not an indigene.

Matemilola is one of the seven princes screened by the Owu kingmakers led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on March 30.

They were nominated by the Otileta Ruling House, the next in line to produce new Olowu.

The seven candidates screened include an Archbishop of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Adegbemi Adewale, with 1,027 scores at the end of the ruling house selection. He holds a doctoral degree in African Law from the University of Ibadan and from Ile Aderinoye, Prince Adelani Oladimeji from Ile Omoleefon, and a registered town planner; Dr. Saka Matemilola, a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers with a doctoral degree from University of Cambridge from Ile Soke and Olatidoye Olaniyi, a retired permanent secretary in Ogun State Civil Service from Soke.

Others are Prince Adeyanju Bakinson, a registered town planner from Ile Otopo; Simeon Soyele, a veteran journalist from Ile Lumosa and Adesina Adelani, a project management consultant from Ile Soke.

Obasanjo, the Balogun of Owu, on March 30 led other kingmakers in the statutory selection process, which produced Prince Matemilola as the next Olowu of Owu Kingdom.

It was gathered that the kingmakers has forwarded their report to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who is expected to announce the next Olowu of Owu Kingdom.

But two petitioners from the royal families are asking Governor Abiodun and Obasanjo-led kingmakers to guard against appointing a “non-indigene” as the next Olowu of Owu kingdom.

One of the petitioners, Adelani, is said to be a delegate representative of Ile Omoleefon, one of the compounds that make up Otileta Ruling House, while the female petitioner, Princess Adesina, is the Secretary of Aderinoye compound in the same ruling house.

Adelani and Adesina in their separate petitions to the Ministries of Justice, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, claimed that Matemilola “is a native of Ibadan in Ibadan North East Local Government of Oyo State.”

They insisted that the candidate had alluded to his Ibadan indigeneship in an affidavit he swore to dated May 15, 2000, at the High Court Registry, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Photocopies of the affidavit attached to the separate petitions as acknowledged by both Ministries of Justice, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs were obtained by our correspondent in Abeokuta.

Adelani, in his petition, pointed out that “in the form submitted by Prince Saka Adelola Matemilola, it was discovered that he is not from Ile Soke, which he claimed (evidence attached), but the house and the kingmakers did not take cognisance of it.”

According to the petitioners, Matemilola should not be allowed to become their king.

Adesina said Matemilola is “unqualified being a non-indigene” to the throne and appealed to Governor Abiodun and the kingmakers to “stop the desecration of our customs and tradition in Owu kingdom.”

Responding to the allegation, Matemilola described the affidavit where he swore to being an indigene of Ibadan as “correct and consistent.”

He, however, declined further comment on his alleged non-indigene of the Owu kingdom.

Matemilola said: “What I am saying is that affidavit is absolutely correct and consistent and I also have birth certificate to it, which shows I was born in Ibadan. So, just check the consistency of that, check the meaning of the word ‘native’ as oppose to the word ‘indigene,’ then do your story.

“Apart from that, no other reaction from me.”

Dr Olusegun Osinkolu was the Director-General, Buhari/Osinbajo campaign in Ekiti in 2019. In this interview RASAQ IBRAHIM, he spoke he spoke about the prospects of APC flagbearer, Mr Biodun Oyebanji in the June 18 governorship poll, his senatorial ambition and other sundry issues.

 

The June 18 governorship poll in Ekiti is around the corner. Do you think APC is in good stead to emerge victorious?

Well, election is not like Mathematics that 2+2 can be 4, but we know you can only win election based on the structures you have and acceptability among the voters. The APC is a popular party in Ekiti, having spent 12 years in the saddle of governance. Our leader, Otunba Niyi Adebayo ruled between 1999 and 2003. Also, the present Governor and my good leader and friend, Governor Kayode Fayemi governed for the first term between 2010 and 2014 and got reelected in 2018 and his tenure would lapse on October 15, 2022. What I am trying to expatiate here is that, a party with this rich history can’t but command high popularity in Ekiti. And you can’t rule out one thing, our party has not done badly in terms of delivery of democracy dividends. I am not claiming that we are perfect or claim that everything has been done perfectly, but we can boldly say that we have not disappointed the masses and we have done creditably well within the limited resources accruing to the state. So, talk of solid structures across all the strata and parading of party bigs, APC has an upper hand in this election. Though, we are not going to take people for granted. We are going to campaign very hard and showcase our scorecard to Ekiti voters to win this election. I can say boldly that we are set for victory.

Are you saying campaign alone will be enough for you to win? What of the crisis within APC?

I agree with you, approaching a major election with a divided house is not something that can be underplayed or glossed over. The situation has to be handled holistically. I have been following the events as they unfold and I can say that the party is aware of the need to undertake some trouble- shooting efforts and that was why they set up a reconciliation committee, headed by the Deputy Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi and other elderly people in our party, who command respect to reach out to those that are aggrieved and I know they have started the process. As we speak, many aggrieved governorship aspirants are already working with the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Biodun Oyebanji to win on June 18. I also learnt that the campaign team of our aspirant, led by its Director- General, Hon. Cyril Fasuyi also met with some party leaders across the Senatorial districts recently to appeal for understanding. No human institution can be perfect, but I believe that the party must learn how to do justice to all members to reduce internal squabbles. The party must up its games and keep the tempo of reconciliation efforts and if this can be sustained, victory is sure for APC in this coming election.

Another threat to the governorship poll is the choices of candidates the party will make in the National and state Assembly primaries. Do you foresee any trouble?

Well, this depends on how we handle the situation. Let me say this clearly, even if the party conducts free and fair primaries, some people who lost out will still be aggrieved. They will raise dust and lay claim to flimsy excuses to discredit the process. But , the way we handle the primaries would go a long way in determining whether the party will crash or not. You can’t impose brazenly and expect people to clap for you, there would be a serious backlash. I want to advise that even when the party believes in consensus in certain places, let them do it with caution. Let them honour other contestants who are not the favourites by begging and persuading them to step down. Don’t treat them as if they are nothing. Don’t hide under undemocratic belief that party is supreme to subjugate the voices of people. There is nothing wrong with consensus, but it has to be done honourably, not with impunity. That is my advice.

You have been endorsed by some groups in Ekiti North for 2023 Senatorial contest. How prepared are you for the battle?

It is not me that is ready, it was my people that said I should contest. In politics, you will get to a stage that the people will know your value and urge you to contest for certain positions, that is exactly what is happening. I have paid my dues in Ekiti North by my closeness and generosity to the people despite not holding any position. My people are beginning to see that some people were trying to sideline me in the party despite my investment in APC. It is funny that those who have not contributed anything were being alotted positions. People are no longer comfortable with this style, let people be rewarded based on their loyalty and contributions. So, this my ambition is being propelled by people across the five local governments in Ekiti North, who knew my worth and contributions and think time has come for me to be rewarded.

Are you sure of victory in the primary?

I can’t stand here and start boasting because I have to subject myself to the delegates drawn across the five local governments in the area and the party leadership. You are a journalist, go and do your independent findings, if there is any free and fair primary in that district today, over 70 percent of the delegates will vote for me. They know who I am and what I am capable of doing. They know that serving the people selflessly has become my hobby. They know that I don’t feel comfortable when people are suffering. They have seen that sterling leadership quality in me and these are the people that are urging me to plunge into the race and I am well prepared for it. Though,my action is without prejudice to what the leadership will do and the way and manner they do it will determine whether we will accept the process or not.

What if the leaders opt for consensus. What will be your reaction?

I think I captured that earlier. Someone like me can’t disrespect party leadership in whatever way they handle our internal affairs. What we are saying is the process through which that was done and what they have in the offing to pacify those who respected the party’s decisions. It is not always good and right for those who at one time or the other made sacrifices and stepped for candidates to be sidelined completely without the party looking their ways for compensation. This is inhuman and ungodly. The party must first respect the members before expecting any respect from those they are governing within the confine of the reciprocity principle. Respect they say is reciprocal.

You spoke about contributions to APC. Can you give insights into contributions that had endeared you to the people?

I can’t continue to mention all I have done for APC individually and collectively to promote cohesion and unity . But speaking generally, I think I made very strong contributions to strengthen and popularise the Action Congress of Nigeria that metamorphosed to APC. We were in the trenches together for over three and half years and fought together during the rerun elections that brought Governor Kayode Fayemi to government. Even when we lost reelection in 2014, I never defected despite the pressures from some politicians. It is even sad that those who crossed to our party from other parties are even getting patronages more than those of us that had been steadfast. I am not saying this can’t happen sparingly in any political setting, but the reward system must also identify some committed members like me and recognise them with positions. In the 2019 presidential election, the party in recognition of my quality and competence made me the Director General, Buhari/Osinbajo campaign Council in Ekiti and we delivered defeating PDP with over 50,000 votes. In fact, that was enough credit to my personality in APC.

Are you relying on that feat to clinch the Senatorial ticket?

Yes, it was part of my scorecards. Let me tell you, some people in other states who served in the same office as Director-General of Buhari/Osinbajo campaign Council and failed to deliver were recognised with appointments. I haven’t complained to anybody that I was not appointed or recognised, but that feat was big enough for me to be flaunting around if I am one of those typical politicians that boast around when they win elections. I haven’t done that, but it justified the fact that I merit and deserve being recognised in APC and I have proof to substantiate my claim based on verifiable contributions I have made before and now.

The coming gubernatorial election will be pivotal to APC’s successes in the State and National Assembly elections. What can you say about the personality of your candidate, Hon Biodun Oyebanji?

Well, I have known Hon Biodun Oyebanji for decades. We are both former bankers, though we worked in different banks before also coming to port in the same political party. If I am to analyse him based on his candidature, I will say without iota of doubt that he is a very competent , experienced and accessible person that will make a good governor. Ekiti people are purely agrarian and in most cases what they need in their leaders is accessibility, respect and recognition, not money, not favour as many thought. Let me tell you this, governorship seat is a very sensitive position that can’t be occupied by one charlatan or inexperienced individual. Biodun Oyebanji had worked as a lecturer, which gives him vast knowledge about education sector. He had worked as a banker, which gave him advantage to know much about finance and budgeting. He had been Chief of Staff, Commissioner and Secretary to the State Government, which had broadened his knowledge about politics and governance. I have no doubt that he will be a good governor for Ekiti people .

As the Ramadan celebration comes to an end, Owlet, Africa’s first social media Marketplace has reiterated its plan for its customers in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya by gifting them a free meal of their choice from their favorite food or grocery vendors to break their fast.

The ongoing giveaway will run through the end of Ramadan celebrations.

During the cause of the celebration, over a hundred Owlet App users in these countries listed above broke their fast with extra special meals from their favorite vendors, courtesy of The Owlet.

The tech company chose to make beautiful moments for Muslims around the continent – as a way to give back.

The Owlet Chief Executive Officer, Elijah Olusehinde Kolawole, spoke on the special campaign run by his company saying, “We understand how important these times are for our Muslim users, and this is our token of encouragement to them.”

“We have a lot of Muslims on our teams so we know how much this reflective period means for them. The initiative was a team decision to randomly gift our dear consumers. It is always a good time to show kindness, especially during a tough time like this globally. We chose to spread a little cheer to as many corners as possible.”

He also reaffirmed Owlet’s desire to keep smiles on faces throughout the holy season. “For us, this is not a one-day thing. It is continuous. We will continue showing love to our Muslim brethren and try to be there with them through this delicate time. Trying to make them happy as they seek the face of God.”

The Owlet is one of the breakout startups of 2022. The digital marketplace powered by social media has been making healthy strides since its inception in 2019, powering into four other African countries this year. With the Ramadan giftings, Africa’s first social media marketplace continues to show openness, devotion and diversity are mantras the company strongly upholds.

To enjoy ongoing Iftar gifting, simply download the Owlet App. Take a screenshot of a food or groceries vendor you would love to be gifted from, share your screenshot and Owlet username with the hashtag #RamadanWithOwlet.T&C apply

Police in Lagos have arrested a 28-year-old traffic gridlock robber, Emeka Igwe, also known as Odogwu. The police recovered three pistols from him. Police spokesman in Lagos State, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest on the police twitter handled yesterday.

He tweeted that the suspect, who fled when his accomplices were arrested on April 5, has been apprehended.”The suspect and his group, members of ‘Aro-Baga’ cult group rob people of their valuables in traffic gridlocks. Following relentless follow-up investigation, Igwe, leader of the gang, previously at large, has been arrested,’’ Hundeyin twitted.

Hundeyin had issued a statement on April 7 indicating that Igwe escaped while three of his accomplices were arrested. He stated then that Igwe’s accomplices were arrested following a tip-off from Lagosians to officers on routine patrol in Ladipo and Oshodi areas.

He twitted yesterday that Igwe, the fleeing gang leader was eventually nabbed and three locally-made pistols were recovered from him.Hundeyin added that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abiodun Alabi, had directed that the suspect and exhibits be transferred to a Special Squad for further investigation and prosecution.

 

Multiple vehicles accident that occurred at Ogun State stretch of Lagos Ibadan expressway has left seven persons – one female and six adult males, dead and five other persons with injuries.

The crash occurred at about 19  40pm on Friday opposite Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office  in Ogunmakin KM 27 on Lagos – Ibadan expressway. Two vehicles marked LSR696XS (Mazda bus) and T-4889LA truck were involved.

The injured victims were rescued and taken to Victory Hospital Ogere for treatment while the dead bodies were deposited at a private morgue, FOS Morgue Ipara, Ogun State.

The Sector Commander FRSC Ogun Corps Commander Ahmed Umar  who described the crash as an avoidable act, identified suspected cause as excessive speed which led to loss of control on the part of the Mazda bus.

Umar added that the Mazda bus having lost control, ran into a moving truck.

He cautioned motorists to always be safety conscious by applying common sense speed limit especially if it was raining.

He reiterated on speed violation among motorists  and advised motorists to drive defensively

While commiserating with families of the victims, the  sector commander enjoined them to contact the FRSC Command in Ogunmaki area of Ogun State  for details of the crash and reclaim the properties of the victims recovered  from the scene of the crash.

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has been warned not to interfere in the politics of Ogun State and allow the people to decide who governs them.

A political pressure group, Ogun Bibire Unity Forum, said this in a statement issued by its Organizing Secretary, Otunba Oluwatobi Sofela.

Fayemi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, had said on Thursday that his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun deserved to be elected for second term in office, saying that the governor has performed beyond imagination.

Fayemi who made this known in Abeokuta during a visit to Governor Abiodun said “As Chairman of the Governor’s Forum, I was elected to protect and to promote every governor who is a member of my forum, so, you shouldn’t be surprised if I want him back.”

In his reaction, Sofela wondered why the Ekiti State Governor would want the good people of Ogun State to continue to suffer from poor leadership in the hands of dishonest people.

“Let Fayemi leave Ogun State alone. Ogun is not Ekiti. He should let Ogun people decide who governs them,” Sofela said.

He also urged Fayemi to concentrate on what he described as his “epileptic 2023 presidential ambition”, as his style of politics in Ekiti State is not attractive to the people of Ogun State.

Saying such remark coming from Fayemi was an attempt to foist an undemocratic and tyrannical leadership on Ogun people, he said, “Fayemi should know that Ogun State is not Ekiti State where he has succeeded in enslaving the conscience of the people and used his position as the NGF Chairman to intimidate and allow tyranny reign.