Category: South West

Ogun State government on Friday signed a $400m Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a foreign firm, Arise Integrated Industrial Platform, on the development of Olokola Free Trade Zone and Remo Agro-Processing Zone.

Governor Dapo Abiodun signed the MoU with the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arise Integrated Industrial Platform, Gagan Gupta, at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Abeokuta.

Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony, Mr. Gupta, disclosed that his organisation would focus on the Olokola Free Trade Zone and the Remo Agro-Processing zone.

He explained that the $400m would be expended for the completion of phase one of the projects, saying by July 2023, the investment would be higher.

According to him, his organization would focus on developing the infrastructure at the Olokola Free Trade Zone as well as the Remo Cluster Area and the Agro Cargo airport in the area of agro-processing.

Gupta who also noted that the intention of the group was to ensure that work starts on the industrial zone by the first of July this year, added that the group would also focus more on the upstream sector.

The Arise Integrated Industrial Platform founder added that his company would bring equity to the floor by leaving 35% open for national players and the state, saying “we would be glad to have Ogun State as a partner”.

“Our ethical-moral is that we will have  65% equity and leave 35% open for the national players, including Ogun State. We want the state to be our partner and the state will take some equity and the national players will take some equity,” he stressed.

Gupta commended the level of information made available by the state government to his team when it came to an assessment of the zones to be invested in.

Responding, Governor Abiodun commended the company for choosing Ogun and noted that the project would not only create employment opportunities; but also be a training hub as the company would set up a technical training centre to train artisans for the sustenance of the project.

He said: “We are happy to find a partner that is Afrocentric that understands the sub-region and all the issues that pertain to the people and is ready to spend over $400m. We are indeed very excited that you are in Ogun State.

“I am glad you are setting up two Economic Zones, one in Olokola which will deal with mobility and automobiles, and the other one,  the Remo Cluster which will take care of agro-processing. We will support you and we will leave no stone unturned. Our support to you will be total. The infrastructure you will bring will lead to more investors coming to our state.”

Monarchs in Ogun State have urged traders across the state to desist from selling contraband items and pursue legitimate commercial activities to avoid contravening the laws.

Speaking on Tuesday while hosting the new controller of Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), Comptroller Makinde Bamidele, the Alake of Abeokuta and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, and the Agura of Gbaguraland, Oba Sabur Babajide Bakre urged traders in the state to obey the laws guiding trading activities and shun rice smuggling, illegal importation of vehicles, as well as frozen chickens, among others.

Makinde, while speaking at the palaces of the two monarchs, said his command understood the roles of the traditional rulers as a grassroots institution highly necessary in the crusade against smuggling, particularly when citizenry enlightenment is needed.

He noted that the current synergy between Customs and the traditional institution in Ogun State must be sustained towards ensuring seamless societal trading activities across the state,.

Makinde however, urged the monarch not to relent in their efforts, but continually enlighten their subjects on the dangers and the economic implications of dealing in smuggled items, notwithstanding the current economic situations of the country.

In his response, the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo pledged the supports of the traditional rulers in the state for the Customs towards ensuring that smuggling activities are suppressed across the state.

Oba Gbadebo however, declared that his palace would not disturb the Customs’ operations in the state, but continually pray for the successes of the NCS personnel because of the enormous tasks they render to the country with dedication.

In his own response, Oba Bakre assured the new NCS Controller that the traditional institution in the state would do their best towards ensuring that the traders in their respective domains embrace legitimate trading, stressing that crimes is not a way out of the current economic hardship being experienced nationwide.

Ahead of this Easter celebrations, Kwara State Police Command has beefed up security in the state.

Also, the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said that it has deployed no fewer than 800 personnel for specific operations during the celebrations.

The police command said that it has directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and all Tactical Units to be on alert to their responsibilities throughout the period of the festivities as always.

The command charged the officers deployed for the exercise to be professional in the discharge of their duties, “as no report of any security breach (es) would be tolerated.”

Police spokesperson, Ajayi Okasanmi said: “Consequently, he has activated all critical security assets available to the command in ensuring a hitch-free celebration.

“Members of the public are advised to go about their normal lawful endeavors, they should also exercise moderation while enjoying the holidays.

“The command advises members of the public to make prompt information of any suspected activity and character in their environment available to the command, using the following phone numbers. 08125275046, 0803209560.”

Spokesman of NSCDC Babawale Afolabi said that the 800 personnel deployed were drawn from various departments and units of the corps especially, the armed squad unit, Anti- vandal, Intelligence and investigations, operations, counter terrorisim.

He added that the personnel would complement the efforts of other sister agencies to ensure hitch-free celebrations.

The defection of Engineer Joseph Tegbe, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyo State from the party to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been described as a clarion call for the leadership of the party to quickly intervene in the crisis in the State chapter of APC in order to avoid the further exit of other prominent members.

The call was made by Bolaji Tunji, former Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy to late Senator Abiola Ajimobi. Tunji who is aspiring to contest for the House of Representatives seat on the platform of APC in Ogbomoso North, South, and Oriire Federal constituency said the defection of Engineer Tegbe has shown that if nothing was done, the APC would witness the further exit of disgruntled party members.

He said:: “ Clearly; if nothing is done quickly, the Oyo APC would clearly see the further exit from the party. Many are dissatisfied with the present scenario, believing that the national leadership, especially the previous Caretaker executive was complicit in the crisis in Oyo APC and the crisis in other State chapters of the party”.

” Inability to resolve this problem will keep the APC in continued opposition in Oyo State. It will also further weaken the party as others may decide to pitch their camps elsewhere. It is thus important to quickly find a solution to the present crisis.”

He added:  “Today, Oyo State is unable to secure its citizens, armed robbery incidents in every part of the State is a daily occurrence, roads are in State of disrepair, refuse on street medians, reversing the trend of the previous administration’ s robust solid waste disposal system. The much-acclaimed street lights provide more darkness than light as it has stopped working in most of the streets. Unfortunately, APC should keep the government on its toes is bedevilled by its own self-made crisis”. Efforts must be made to quickly resolve all the issues causing the present problem in the State chapter of the party”,  he said.

Osun gubernatorial candidate for Young Progressive Party (YPP) Dr Ademola Bayonle (DAB) has said the forthcoming election is the best opportunity for Nigerians for youths and civil societies to entrench their commitment to create a thriving society.

DAB maintained the outcome of Osun 2022 can influence politician’s permutations for fielding candidates and campaign promises in 2023.

He said all efforts and hands must be on deck to beam light on the gubernatorial election.

According to him, issues like youth inclusion in governance, women’s right and others should take centre stages during the exercise.

He said: “With the ENDSARS protest climaxing agitations over insecurity and youth maltreatment within the society, the best way to hold people in government accountable is to signal our dissatisfaction with a ballot revolution in 2022 elections.

ENDSARS started from Osun, despite its national impact, the state continues to experience Incessant extra judiciary killings.

“What better way can we transform our agitations to actions than electing our own who understand the long suffering of the youths?

“The upcoming gubernatorial election in Osun is the perfect avenue to sum up our grievances with our ballots.”

DAB earned his medical degree from the premier university in Nigeria and Master’s from Boston University, Massachusetts.

His running mate, Mrs. Funmi Adeagbo a female educationist demonstrates respect for gender equality, diversity in governance and solidarity with the affirmative action for women.

He urged the Nigerians to look beyond party politics.

The people of Ilawe-Ekiti in Ekiti Southwest Council Area of Ekiti State have tackled the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over its comments faulting the establishment of six additional law school campuses.

They described the NBA’s statement as nothing but a mere expression of opinion that holds no water, saying it lacked

power to prevent the Federal Government from exercising its power to create the  campuses, where the town benefited.

Speaking at an event at the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, the NBA National President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, had warned against the proliferation of law school campuses, saying such could undermine the profession.

But at a news conference heralding the 10th coronation anniversary of Alawe, Oba Ajibade Alabi, yesterday, the community said it was right for the National Assembly to have considered the town worthy of having a campus of the school.

The Chairman, Anniversary Committee, Capt. Kunle Layiwola, hailed Oba Alabi, a former diplomat in South Africa and other countries representing the country, for his commitment to the development of the town

He said: “Law school issue has been thoroughly discussed. Campuses have been coming up before now. So what the NBA said was a mere academic exercise.

“It is the government that has power to establish law schools. The Senate has passed the bill creating more campuses. The House of Representatives will soon pass same. We appeared before the Senate Committee on Judiciary to defend our position and nothing has changed as we speak. It will be sited here.“

“In UK and US, there are many law school campuses. Over 5,000 students graduated as Law students and could not be enrolled in law school for lack of space. If the Senate Committee on Judiciary could find it expedient to establish more campuses, so be it.”

Layiwola said part of the events lined up for the celebration would be the launching of the N300 million banana processing industry that would bring radical development to the community.

He added that the governor’s wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, would be conferred with the honorary chieftaincy title of Akorewolu of Ilawe-Ekiti , while nine others would become honorary chiefs of the town.

Layiwola said that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana and six other prominent indigenes would be bestowed with honorary awards, for their contributions to the development of the town.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State yesterday reiterated its commitment to welfare programmes for the masses.

The chapter donated food, drinks and other consumables to 14 orphanages across the three senatorial districts.

The welfare package is the initiative of the Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, a cleric and grassroots politician, who said the month of Ramadan and Easter period had made the extension of the duty of care to the needy more compelling.

Noting that the orphanages were facing hard times, the chairman said they needed assistance from public-spirited people.

He said the welfare programme was consistent with the antecedent of APC as a people-friendly party.

Ojelabi said: “Our government is desirous of reducing poverty among our people, irrespective of ethnic and religious backgrounds. WAEC and NECO fees are paid by our government for students in public schools. We have our skill acquisition centres to equip youths for future. With N5,000 or N7,000, you can access our free medical service.”

The items were handed over to the homes at the party secretariat on Acme Road, Ogba, Ikeja.

Ojelabi, who described Lagos APC as a compassionate and people-oriented chapter, urged the centres to use them for the intended purpose.

The chairman was accompanied by his deputy, Mayegun, Vice Chairman Olayinka Oladunjoye (Lagos East), Publicity Secretary Seye Oladejo and other officers.

Representatives of the orphanage homes, including Mother Theresa, Hope of the Future, Finger of God, Compassionate, Little Saints, Last Hope, Peace of Life Goodwill and Beautiful Gate thanked the party for its generosity.

One of them, Ganiyu Oladosu, said the gesture, if emulated by other corporate organisations and governments, would stop banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

Lamenting the neglect of the poor and needy in the society, he said no fewer than 1,000 children sleep in motor parks in many parts of Lagos State.

Ojelabi said the items were donated in appreciation of the role of the homes in catering for the less privileged with their meagre resources on behalf of the society.

He said: “You are making them better citizens of the country. If they are neglected, they will become liabilities to the society. It is not that we are buoyant, but we must reach out to you as a progressive party.

“APC is for the comfort of the people, the masses, the less privileged; to complement the efforts of the government. You are small in number. We are starting small. We will sustain the yearly programme.”

Kola Abiola, eldest son of the late MKO Abiola, presumed winner of June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, has joined the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

He was formally accepted into the party yesterday at its national secretariat in Abuja by the National Chairman, Mr. Falalu Bello.

Bello said: “I formally welcome you into our fold. Your antecedents speak volumes.”

Earlier, Abiola said: “Today makes my formal inroad after 27 years, back into politics.

“I particularly picked to come back into politics through the PRP for some good reasons.

“I have gone back to the history of Nigeria to look at the party that truly represents Nigeria.

“I have gone back and I have found out that the oldest living party is the PRP; it still holds those ideals of what Nigeria and democratic practice should be like.”

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq yesterday warned parties against non-adherence to the 2022 Electoral Act in picking their candidates for the 2023 general election.

He said any violation of the act “can undo whatever efforts of any political party or candidate if we fall foul of them.”

The governor urged parties to adhere to the Electoral Act 2022 in the choice of their candidates.

He said there were new provisions in the Electoral Act that were revolutionary.

Represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, the governor spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, at a one-day capacity building seminar on the new Electoral Act 2022 for political office holders aspiring for elective offices.

He urged government appointees eyeing elective offices to go through the new Electoral Act “because ignorance is not an excuse in law.”

“It is on this note that I send my best wishes to all our appointees who are leaving to contest elective offices. This is in the spirit of Section 84 (12) of the Act.

“Whatever happens at the primaries, please remember that this is one family and everyone belongs in the room.

“To win the 2023 elections, all of us must recommit ourselves to the whole essence and spirit of ‘Otoge’. We must remind ourselves always that Kwara cannot go back to the era where the destiny of our people was tied to an individual. We may disagree as progressives. That is normal. But we must never lose focus of the burden of history. To that extent, I call for unity, peaceful conduct, discipline, fairness, selflessness and respect for rule of law as we go into our primaries,” AbdulRazaq said.

Organised Labour in Ondo State, under the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), has donated 30 motorcycles worth over N10million to the Ondo State Security Network code-named Amotekun Corps.

The donation is happening at a time the state government owes workers salaries and other allowances.

Ondo Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Sunday Adeleye, said the donation was because the Amotekun Corps had helped to reduce crimes across the state.

He said Organised Labour had watched Amotekun operated with no political interest.

Adeleye said: “We thought about what we can do by way of corporate social responsibility. We contributed money to carry out this project. We discussed with Amotekun and we were told kidnappers and criminals stay in the forest and vehicles cannot get to those places.”

“Government still owes us salaries and allowances. We did this because of the security of lives and property in the state.”

Ondo Chairman of the JNC, Fabunmi Oluwaloye, said the workers would repay the fund for the project from their salary.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, represented by his Special Adviser on Union Matters, Dare Aragbaiye, said the gesture showed that workers were happy with his administration.

He said the workers were concerned about the safety, security and welfare of the people.

“Our workers in Ondo State are not just special; they are also contributing to a special cause like Amotekun under the leadership of Akogun Adetunji Adeleye.

“I want to say that this is big challenge to others stakeholders in Ondo State. This is a clarion call to stakeholders and everyone to emulate this good gesture of our workers in Ondo State to support the Amotekun. Let us join hands to support Amotekun, this is our hope of securing the state.”