The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • ‘Compensate me over demolished buildings’

    President of Ogun State whose buildings were demolished in the ongoing exercise of urban renewal project of the state, Alhaji Bashiru Akinola Sekoni, has appealed to Governor Amosun to compensate him as he did to other victims of such demolition.

    Alhaji Sekoni accused Governor Amosun of denying him of his right of compensation as he has nobody godfather or anybody in government to plead his case as was done for some of the victims who eventually were compensated.

    Alhaji Sekoni, who apparently has been living in pains since his houses were demolished by the state government, recounts his ordeal to reporters at his residence in Lagos. He said his personal and family houses were among the buildings demolished at Adekunle Fajuyi Road, Odo Oyo, in order to make way for construction of roads.

    He is appealing to the state government to sympathise with him and compensate him with one of the flats built in the community just as it did to other victims of such demolition.

    According to him, Odo Oyo is his ancestral home and he holds many chieftaincy titles in the community and its environs. The titles, he said included Baba Adini of Odo Oyo Mosque, Chairman, Odo Oyo/Igbore Community, Giwa Adini of Igbore, Ekerin Adini of Odo Oyo, Ijeja Abeokuta.

    Denying him of compensation after demolishing his buildings, he said, is like ejecting him and his families from their ancestral home.

    He said the state government assured residents whose properties were marked for demolition that adequate compensation would be paid to them before their houses would be demolished, saying only few of the residents were compensated.

    According to Alhaji Sekoni, several letters have been written to the Governor’s Office concerning the issue without any response.

    He appealed to Governor Amosun to consider his plight and assign one of the flats to him so as not to lose everything.

  • Group seeks end to domestic violence

    Group seeks end to domestic violence

    In March 15 this year, the rejection of a gender and equality bill by Senators generated uproar among Nigerians, especially among the female folks.

    The bill entitled, “A Bill Seeking Gender Parity and Prohibition of Violence against Women” sponsored by Abiodun Olujimi, a Senator from Ekiti State, had sought to bridge the huge gap between the rights of men and women in Nigeria.

    More so, it also sought to end questionable and unpleasant stereotypical practices that encourage discrimination based on gender.

    Most importantly, the bill was firm on prohibition of domestic and sexual violence against women and instituting 18 as the minimum legal age for girls to marry.

    In a country such as Nigeria, where recent cases of child brides have resonated, the bill was considered by most Nigerians as apt and a ready answer to address the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) survey which put the figure of girls said to be married off before they turn 18 to 43 per cent.

    Hardly had the bill been read before dissenting voices from Senators overwhelmed the position of other lawmakers who had earlier given thumps up to the bill.

    Consequently, a voice vote rendered the bill dead on arrival with majority voting against the bill before the Second Reading.

    Though the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki had promised that the bill will be revisited, many Nigerians are doubtful that the Senate will give it a second thought.

    But the Sarah Adebisi Sosan Foundation (SASF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), is leading a fresh campaign to ensure gender equality and an end to all forms of domestic violence as well as the need for government at all levels to respect rights of women and give them equal opportunity that would enable them to contribute to discussions on community development.

    A recent event organised by the foundation to commemorate this year’s edition of International Women’s Day, drew women from all walks of life, which were unanimous in their call for gender balance, especially in the areas of education, employment and an immediate end to all forms of domestic violence.

    Founder of SASF and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan noted that in all sectors, women continue to suffer from gender inequality, which she said hinders their advancement and key contributions they would have made in the development of the society.

    Sosan further stated that there is the need for regular sensitisation of the public to the need for gender balance and formulation of appropriate laws that would free women from all forms of subjugation.

    While describing the theme of the celebration, “The Role of Parents in Gender Equality” as apt, she called on mothers to give equal attention and show love to their female children, noting that often, the boy-child is exempted and accorded respect in domestic affairs while growing up but the girl-child is made to bear so much responsibilities, which she noted is a contributory factor to gender imbalance in the society.

    Sosan urged government at all levels of governance to end disparity against women. She said women that have occupied various positions in the country in the past have proved that women have a lot to contribute to the socio-economic growth of the society, adding that women empowerment and participation in decision-making process is crucial to achieving sustainable global peace and world development.

    She revealed that her foundation, (SASF)  was aimed at empowering women, especially those from poor economic background  by  helping them to gain entrepreneurial skills that would provide them with means of livelihood and free them from the shackles of poverty, while they contribute to the economy of their homes.

    Earlier in her remarks, the guest speaker and former Deputy Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Bola Badmus-Olujobi noted that globally, 31 million girls of primary school age and 32 million girls of lower secondary school age are out of school, with sub-Saharan Africa suffering the lowest proportion of countries with gender parity in education.

    She said: “It is vital that we overcome this gender parity in education because education empowers girls by helping them to achieve other basic human rights and breaking generational poverty cycles.”

     

  • ‘We want to empower many Nigerians’

    Infinity Supreme Alliance, (ISA) a Philippine-based company which offers opportunities in health product and service marketing has been launched in Nigeria.

    Established 17 years ago in Philippine, the company began as a small start-up company to be a revolutionary in the field of online marketing and direct sales.

    Speaking during the launch, the President of the organisation, Rogelio Santillana said the company was launched in the country to create opportunities for Nigerians to live better lives by ensuring financial success for its members, while adhering to the most stringent standards and ethics of the industry.

    “ISA opens its doors to all talented and diligent professionals who believe in the infinite possibility of success. The key mission of ISA is to capacitate its members and provide them with limitless opportunities to create the largest and most sustainable network of Nigerian entrepreneurs who believe in ISA vision,” Santillana said.

    He further noted that the organisation envisions a new breed of entrepreneurs–a class that believes that economic success is possible with the strategic utilisation of time, money and effort to share limitless opportunities that ISA has provided to other individuals who had shown interest in the ISA vision.

    Also speaking during the launch, the Country Director of ISA, Gregory Ashibuogu said he was motivated to join ISA because of what he has engaged in in the past.

    He said: “The opportunity we are bringing to Nigerians is what everybody who is in need of financial freedom can key into. It is a platform where people can be their own boss, make good money and be healthy when they use the product.

    Ashibuogu affirmed further that multilevel marketing is a billion-dollar industry that all Nigerians should take advantage of, even as he said it is one of the reasons for the launch of the company in Nigeria.

    He said the management of the organisation has good managerial policy that cannot be traded for anything.

    He promised that by the time the company celebrates its one year anniversary; more Nigerians would have become multi-millionaires through the organisation.

    “I have been in this business since 1998. I have seen companies collapsed. When we saw that companies were collapsing, we came up to draw a viable marketing system to build a company that will stand for years,” he said.

    The Vice-President of the organisation, Francis Chaves said companies that collapse in the industry fail because of management greediness and lack of vision.

    He said: “We have built a non-collapsing system and structure that will make everybody in our system to be taken care of. Nigeria is the first country where the product has been launched because Nigerians are great people and we want to help them out of poverty.”

    Chaves said he invented the newest revolution in the MLM Binary Industry in 2014, the Dynamic Progression Control System (DPCS) which removes the need for maximum pairs per day and need for “daily flush out”, and removes the need for 5th pair gimmick, and yet keeps the system totally stable in the long run.

  • 10, 000 benefit from group’s free health care

    10, 000 benefit from group’s free health care

    The spate of drug abuse, poor diagnosis and lack of access to quality health care among Nigerians has become worrisome. Most Nigerian youths have become addicted to drug while self-medications have become the order of the day in almost every home.

    According to experts, these have resulted in untimely deaths of individuals and severe medical complications in many.  Worse still, the non-availability of health information has almost made it impossible to prevent even the commonest disease.

    However, in what seems like a rescue mission to improve the quality of health care in Nigeria in consonance with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), INVIVO Health and Beauty Stores introduced a one-stop destination for all health and beauty needs with over 10,000 Nigerians treated free within one year in its three stores located in Lagos, Abuja and Ibadan.

    Speaking during a tour of its facilities in Lagos and Ibadan, the Director, Mr. John Onyeoguzoro, who revealed that plans are underway to treat 2,500,000 Nigerians free annually.

    “Already two more outlets are currently in the pipeline and these will run a pharmacy and treatment room with a resident doctor offering free consultations on daily basis,” he said.

    Onyeoguzoro noted that INVIVO, a subsidiary of Smartmark Limited, was established to address social problems such as lack of access to primary health care; the menace of counterfeit and fake dugs; self-medication and lack of early diagnosis of potentially fatal disease conditions.

    According to him, INVIVO is determined as a patient-centred and health-focused business, to support the government towards achieving its primary health care goals.

    “Health is one of the basic rights of life, but unfortunately a lot of Nigerians don’t have access to it,” he said.

    The Deputy Managing Director explained that the organisation is managed by seasoned professionals who have spent years of their careers in the pharmaceutical sector and understand where gaps exist and to offer solutions.

    Narrating their experiences since inception in 2014, he noted that the incidence of drug abuse is on the rise among young people.

    “There was a time a young boy came here to ask for codeine-based cough and cold syrup. We walked him out because he didn’t come with prescription. We did that because what he asked for are regulated products and subject to abuse.

    Also conducting reporters round its INVIVO health facility in Ibadan, Dr. Funto Ogundapo revealed that no fewer than 3,000 patients have been treated for free in the last 10 months.

    According to Ogundapo, the clinic offers free medical consultancy, partner with Metro free eye checkups and glaucoma screening.

    Other tests she listed included free HIV/Hepatitis B screening, screening for Cervical PAP Smear, Mammography as well as prostrate screening.

    Continuing, she said the clinic also collaborates with Ibadan South West Local Government Primary Health Care Department to provide free immunisation for children aged 0-59 months and offer vaccination for Hepatitis B at a reduced price.

    Noting the importance of health promotion, Ogundapo hinted that the clinic was into preventive, health promotion services and awareness on tests available for each age group and gender.

    “Reproductive, maternal and child services are also available. Counselling and information are given on the use of family planning and contraceptive. Body mass index calculation and weight management counselling are also given with subsequent follow-up of high risk obesity patients for cardiovascular risk assessment for all customers,” she said.

  • Standardised scales to boost trade in Osun

    Recent market survey in Osun State has revealed that the yet-to-be introduced standard scale for measuring goods will bring about trust, justice and equity and boost consumers’ confidence. SINA FADARE reports.

    Osun State has stressed the need to introduce standard weight and measurement scale in transaction of business in markets across the state. The idea, it said, was aimed at giving sellers and buyers value for their money.

    Investigations conducted revealed that the project has been in the pipeline for more than two years during which sensitisation and enlightenment had been carried out; especially among market men and women and other stakeholders to the need to use standardised measuring gauge and weights for transacting commercial activities.

    It was, however, reliably gathered that market men and women as well as other stakeholders embraced the project while more than 40,000 customised measuring weights and gauges had been procured by the state government for distribution to stakeholders at affordable prices.

    Speaking on government’s plans to introduce the standardised weights and measuring gauge, former Commissioner for Commerce, Industries, Co-operatives and Empowerment, Mr. Ismail Adekunle Jaiyeoba Alagbada said the establishment of standardised weights and measures in the state was Federal Government’s directive to all states of the federation.

    He further explained that weights and measures constitute item 63 on the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That is, only the Federal Government can legislate on weights and measures in the country. The laws made in this respect include Weights and Measures Act CAP W3LFN, 2004 (formerly Weights and Measures ACT CAP 467LFN 1999); Pre-Shipment Inspection of Export Act CAP P25LFN, 2004; Weights and Measures Standardisation of Indigenous Measures Regulations, 1992 and the Weights and Measures Fees Regulations.

    Alagbada maintained that standardised weights and measures are critical to establishing consumers’ confidence and equity, adding that all over the world, standardising weights and measurements are critical to equity and justice in an effort to establish consumers’ confidence and economic security.

    “When a housewife buys a bowl of beans and when a butcher sells his portion of meat, there is an implied faith that as goods are exchanged for money, there is just balance for buyer and seller.

    “However, experiences in almost all present-day commercial transactions indicate that such faith is often lacking. Great variations exist in the weights and measures used in different localities; and even at times, in those used by different individuals in the same locality. These often lead to chaotic situation in most market places.

    “Consequently, commercial transactions become laborious, with the attendant high transaction costs, ultimately hindering the pace of growth of trade and commerce. This is unacceptable in a state with high level of religiosity and a goal of becoming regional hub,” Alagbada said.

    He further said that all the existing religions, namely Islam, Christianity and Traditional faith frown at the use of unjust measures.

    The former Commissioner enunciated that the foregoing and the recognition of the growing need for accuracy of measurements, better packaging and display of consumable goods to safeguard health and promotion of cordial social interactions in local market across the state prompted the Osun State government to propose establishment of standardised weights and measures.

    The establishment of weight and measures, he stressed, will positively impact on the economy of the state as it will bring unprecedented ease to trade and commercial transactions. This, no doubt, will increase the pace and volume of transactions among traders and consumers, thereby increasing the volume of commerce.

    While appealing to all stakeholders to embrace the project, Alagbada noted that it will enable the regulation of trade and commerce in goods which are sold or distributed by weight, measure or number and to provide for matters connected therein or incidental thereto. He also said “this is in accordance with the existing Weight and Measure Acts of 1962 as amended in 1974 and made effective in 1975.”

    Speaking on the programme, the President of Market Women Association, Alhaja Asiahu Ashindemade explained that the government had interacted with the association on the weights and measures, assuring that her members are ready to comply with the Federal Government’s directive.

    She said the proposed programme will attract consumers from neighbouring states that will want to take advantage of the novel programme of standardisation of measurements.

    She said: “The programme will create large number of business and employment opportunities for citizens of the state as large number of unemployed youths in the state could acquire vocational training in repairs and maintenance of scales, a skill that will be in high demand as soon as the programme becomes operational.”

    Alhaja Ashindemade noted that the programme was in the interest of the masses as its introduction will give consumers value for what they paid for.

    To ensure its implementation, Alagbada disclosed that monitoring units would be placed at strategic locations across the state to ensure compliance, adding that the control posts are there for people to visit and complain whether they have been cheated or not.

    He said members of the OYES cadets have been trained in ensuring compliance, saying there are penalties for defaulters in accordance with the Weights and Measures Act.

    He, however, denied the claim that the government was introducing it to generate fund in boosting its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), stressing that the aim was to ensure justice and equity in transacting business across the state.

  • Three win pilgrimage promo

    Fortune has smiled on an unemployed graduate in Ekiti State, Segun Adeniran, a civil servant, Emmanuel Olowoyo and two others who won free trips to this year’s Christian pilgrimage after purchasing raffle tickets at the rate of N500.

    They emerged winners at a raffle draw held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. Though the two other winners were not present at the draw, they were, however, notified about the development on telephone.

    The “Win-A-Trip-To-Israel” promo was put together by Fortune Game Limited in collaboration with the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), National Lottery Regulation Commission (NLRC) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    The event was witnessed by Governor Ayo Fayose, who was represented by the Head of Service, Gbenga Faseluka, the NCPC Executive Secretary, John-Kennedy Opara, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) General Evangelist, Pastor Samuel Kayode Abiara represented by Ekiti District Church Council Chairman, Pastor Olu Eyebiokin and Ekiti CAN Chairman, Apostle Peter Ogunkinle, among others.

    Opara revealed that the Federal Government would henceforth cut down its expenses on the sponsorship of pilgrims to Israel; noting that the scheme was an initiative designed  for poor Nigerians to enjoy the benefits of visiting the Holy Land for spiritual rejuvenation.

    He further explained that aside Ekiti State, the programme had been launched in Akwa-Ibom, Enugu and Plateau states, where those who procured the N500 ticket had won and would be sponsored free to Israel.

    Opara said: “This is a very difficult time for Nigeria and we have to look inward. The Federal Government and the state governments can no longer bear the financial burden and that is the essence of this programme.

    “All of us must key into the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari. Only one person cannot bring the desired change. Going to Holy Land is very crucial because it makes one morally transformed and spiritually rejuvenated and these are what we need now in the country.”

    Chairman/Chief Executive of Fortune Games Limited, Senator Ayo Arise, who described the exercise as very transparent, called on Nigerians to support the initiative that would help ease the burden of holy pilgrimage sponsorship on government.

    Arise added that the huge fund being budgeted by government at all levels for sponsorship of the annual exercise, would have been spent on projects that would positively touch the citizenry if Nigerians could embrace the programme.

  • Oke-Ogun obas, ODC bicker over Alaafin’s authority

    Oke-Ogun obas, ODC bicker over Alaafin’s authority

    Recent advertorials in national dailies are signals that all is not well with the relationship between the people of Oke-Ogun and the institution of the Alaafin of Oyo. BISI OLADELE examines the lines of accord and discord between the two as well as the implications of the new trend

    The relationship between the people of Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State and the institution of the Alaafin of Oyo is becoming resentful going by recent advertorials in national newspapers in which suspicions of discord were confirmed. With the public presentation of such facts and allegations, it is safe to posit that the end may be in sight for the relationship that has lasted for centuries.

    Oke-Ogun, a homogenous area which is at the northern part of Oyo State, is knitted together in 10 local government areas.

    In a recent advertorial, the people of Oke-Ogun, speaking under the auspices of the Oke-Ogun Development Council (ODC), faulted opposition of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, to the proposed solidarity visit by traditional rulers in Oke-Ogun to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

    The advertorial, signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the council, Leke Adelere, faulted Oba Adeyemi on some of his claims surrounding promotion of peace and development of the Oke-Ogun area.

    The ODC is the umbrella body encompassing all socio-cultural associations, clubs and professional groups of Oke-Ogun indigenes.

    But the Alaafin is the consenting authority for new traditional rulers to be installed in Oke-Ogun’s many towns and communities. The Oyo State Chiefs Laws authorises the first-class monarch to consent to installation of new obas based on common history.

    But while the Alaafin has played the leadership role to the communities in the area with many obas have allegedly been grudgingly paying obeisance, the elite under the ODC seem to be spoiling for what can be described as a fight for freedom.

    In the advertorial, the ODC criticised Alaafin for sending a letter to each of the obas in the area in which he condemned their plan to pay a solidarity visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, without his approval as the consenting authority.

    The ODC faulted Alaafin’s claim of playing a fatherly role and promoting unity in the area, saying it was all deceit.

    It posited that his letter to the obas “evoked a sad memory of the atavistic age of tsar dealing with the serfs” but emphasised that such era was gone forever, and that the Alaafin should accept the reality of an independent Oke-Ogun.

    The council also cleared one of its own, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, of wrong doing in the scenario. The ODC faulted an alleged claim by the Alaafin that Ojerinde was behind the planned visit to Ooni and vowed that the visit was the idea of the obas, stressing that it would not be abandoned for any reason.

    “You should recognise and accept the existence of the body (Oke-Ogun obas) as a reality and live with it. They have unfettered freedom of association and movement under the Nigerian constitution. And it is under this constitutionally guaranteed freedom that the Oke-Ogun obas in their own free volition and without inducement from anybody, as alleged by your Royal Highness, decided that they would pay a solidarity visit to the new Ooni of Ife, His Royal Highness (HRH) Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11. What permission or consent do they require from you to do that? The planned solidarity visit of the Oke-Ogun obas to Ooni still subsists. It will not be abandoned as a result of your intimidation,” the advertorial read in part.

    But prior to the ODC advertorial, 20 obas from the area paid the Alaafin a solidarity visit, dissociating themselves from the secret plan to visit the Ooni.

    Even after the ODC advertorial, many obas in the area published another advertorial on Sunday in which they pledged their loyalty to the Alaafin. The obas cut across the 10 local government areas in Oke-Ogun.

    Differing from the views of the ODC’s advertorial, 22 obas loyal to the Alaafin issued an advertorial condemning the ODC’s move.

    In the advertorial, they said they viewed the publication by ODC on Wednesday, April 20 as despicable, and an unprecedented abomination which is most unbefitting any civilised person or group in Yoruba land.

    On the issues raised on the publication, the obas said inter alia: “We, the traditional rulers of Oke-Ogun have never been consulted nor held any meeting with the said ODC concerning the content of the press release prior to its publication. Our consent was neither sought nor given.

    “That we state unequivocally that we were not privy to the publication, and we were all shocked to the marrow, and greatly embarrassed by the  publication which does not in any way or shape reflect our unanimous views and considered opinion on the person and office of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi II.

    ‘That all of us, Oke-Ogun traditional rulers openly testify to the honour and respect we have enjoyed in all our interactions and relationships with the Alaafin of Oyo. We have suffered no indignity or insults in the course of our numerous personal and official visits to the palace in Oyo. As a matter of fact , we have enjoyed an unprecedented relationship of mutual respect and honour from the Alaafin.

    “We all support and love the Alaafin and are happy to follow his progressive and purposeful, humane and caring leadership. He has never misled us, neither has he disappointed us in all the years of our following in his footsteps.

    “We hereby condemn in unmistakable terms and in its entirety the content of the ODC publication. We call on the brains behind this publication to openly apologise to the Oke-Ogun obas and people, and to Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo, the permanent chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

     

    Immediate and remote causes of the crisis

     In Oke-Ogun, for some decades, many elite have been expressing concern about the huge power which the Alaafin wields in serving as the consenting authority in selection and installation of obas in the area. They view the traditional and legal authority as casting their people as being subservient to the institution of the Alaafin. But that does not change the law, history or tradition. Yet, the concern is growing steadily among members of the ODC which they tactically express at opportune occasions.

    As implied in the ODC advertorial, elite in the area are nursing bitterness against the Alaafin on the manner in which he wields his power as the consenting authority. The advertorial exposed the silent bitterness among Oke-Ogun indigenes against the Alaafin. The monarch is, however, not unaware of the situation. But he sticks firmly to the law and tradition backed by the common history of the Oyo and Oke-Ogun area of Yoruba land.

    While this remains at the background as a cause of bitterness, the immediate cause of the latest crisis could be situated in the ascension of the new Ooni and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, between December, last year and March this year.

    The glamour and honour accorded the enthronement of the two monarchs as well as the unity agenda of Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi were said to have stirred up Oke-Ogun obas to seek an audience with Oba Ogunwusi.

    The goals, it was gathered, were to key into Ooni’s unity agenda and also find their voices as a bloc of traditional rulers in Yoruba land with adequate recognition.

    It was learnt, however, that Oba Ogunwusi reached out to the Alaafin, informing him of the plan by the monarchs to pay him a solidarity visit.

    The Alaafin viewed the move as a subversion of the law and tradition. He quickly moved to exert authority over most of the obas that are loyal to him. As a result, many of the obas quickly backed out of the idea and expressed their loyalty to the Alaafin.

     

    ODC as a sacrificial lamb?

     

    In the unfolding scenario, ODC seems to be standing alone in its move to intervene in the traditional authority issue. With most obas in the area standing by the Alaafin, the ODC is left in the cold to sort itself out.

    What exactly does the ODC want? As enunciated in the advertorial, the council seeks freedom for its people from the control of the Alaafin in the area of selecting and enthroning obas.

    But whether the dream is realisable or not will be determined by the provisions of the Oyo State Chiefs Law, the Nigerian Constitution, democratic principles, culture, tradition and history.

  • Customs battles smugglers

    Customs battles smugglers

    Officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Customs Command have renewed their efforts to flush out smugglers who take advantage of the nation’s porous land borders to bring in contraband goods into the country. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU reports.

    The Oyo/Osun Customs Command headquarters, venue of the press briefing was filled to capacity. Many stakeholders were present to witness the huge seizures of smuggled goods by the command.

    It was a major achievement recorded by the command in less than two weeks after the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Col. Hameed Ali (retired), visited the command.

    In his motivational speech while addressing the officers and men of the command, Col. Ali called on them to re-double their effort and make life difficult for unrepentant smugglers who are willingly determined to destroy the nation’s economy. That memorable visit may have inspired the officers to wage total war against the smugglers.

    The Command’s Controller, Mr Temitope Ogunkua addressed reporters during the event.

    The elated Controller had, after the press briefing, led the reporters to the places where the seized goods were kept.

    Some of the seized goods included two Prado SUV, three IVECO buses, white Ford bus, a Mazda pick-up van, over 100 bags of rice and 10 (25 litres) gallons of vegetable oil.

    The items, he said, were seized from different border posts in the state.

    According to him, there is no casualty during the operations. He, however, said the suspects were at-large and have been declared wanted.

    The Command said it has discovered scores of illegal distillers operating within its jurisdiction and who produce large quantities of alcoholic beverages but refused to pay excise duty to government. It therefore threatened to arrest them.

    It warned illegal distillers to pay the necessary excise duty to the government or risk arrest and prosecution. Ogunkua said ýthe command had put up intensive surveillance aimed at discovering where the illegal distillers operated.

    He said: “I am following up all already discovered extant factories within the jurisdiction of the command while intensive surveillance will be put in place to discover more of such factories.

    “This will add to the command’s revenue profile. The officers and men of the command are more determined and committed more than ever to rid the command of all smuggling activities.”

    While displaying the items seized, the controller said two black Prado SUV cars were intercepted through intelligence on April 10.

    Also three IVECO bus (white colour) with registration numbers AGL269XK, AE241MEK were seized, while the third which had no registration number was intercepted along Igbo-Ora/Idere axis.

    According to Ogunkua, the buses were loaded with smuggled bags of rice hence the value of duty payable will be ascertained after examination.

    Other goods displayed included a white Ford bus with registration number SMK 679 XM conveying assorted goods which was also intercepted along the same axis.

    Also a blue Mazda pick-up with chassis number JM2BJ14M23-1502744 and a Toyota Hiace pick-up suspected to be smuggled into the country were also intercepted by officers and men of the command.

    “I want to state that the visit of the current management team led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) boosted the morale of officers and ignited a new passion for hard work in them,” he said. ý

    The Controller said the officers and men of the command are more determined and committed than ever before to rid the Oyo/Osun Command of Customs Service of all smuggling activities.

    “We call on all genuine importers of vehicles and other general goods to continue with their businesses,” he said.

  • ‘People’s well-being our priority’

    ‘People’s well-being our priority’

    The Executive Secretary of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Jaiye Alabi has said his administration has evolved policies and programmes to enhance people’s well-being.

    He spoke at an event organised to inform the residents of the council’s  achievements penultimate week.

    He said immediately after he was sworn in, he swung into action to improve the living condition of the people.

    He said he had increased the level of sensitising of the people to the need live healthy lifestyle.

    “Cleanliness is next to Godliness. Again, health is wealth. We will carry out our responsibility with the little income we make. We will fumigate, sanitise and give access to potable water members of the community,” he said.

    Continuing, he said: “Roads are some of the major problems within the community. The council is committed to making some inner roads motorable.

    He praised Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his support in completing Iyana-Ejigbo/Egbe and January 27 (Peter Agha) Roads which has reduced the gridlock experienced by commuters.

    “Also, construction of Lafenwa-Coker and Fadu Streets is ongoing. There will be street light on the two roads as Governor Ambode has directed all local government areas to key in to thelight up Lagos project.  “Twenty-three culverts have been constructed while 33 streets have been graded. Fifty citizens of the community have been trained as environmental officers to make the environment less dirty.

    “The Oke-afa Plank Market which has existed for over 30 years, will be reconstructed. After completion, the market promises to be a befitting legacy that successive administrations will be proud of.”

    He cited markets which include Tejusosho, Alade and Lawanson markets has been successfully reconstructed while Daleko, Ladipo, Mushin, Sabo and Ikorodu markets will soon undergo reconstruction.

    He said the council will  create more opportunities for empowerment and wealth creation for the people.

  • Honour for Lagos lawmaker

    Apostles of Peace Society, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Isolo, has given a Peace Award to the Deputy Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Omotayo Odutan. She is hence admitted into the League of Awardees of the church.

    The initiator and National President of the society, Siyanbola Oladapo described Odutan, who is the 2016 recipient of the award as a friendly, free-minded and peace-loving woman who, according to him, is a sister and friend to the church. He added that the Deputy Chief Whip beat six other equally important and very influential nominees to bag this year’s award.

    “By this award ma, even as you continue to champion the cause of peace, God shall look mercifully upon you and promote you beyond your expectation such that you shall also serve the nation at the federal level,” he said.

    In his address delivered during the 18th Anniversary Dinner in Lagos, Oladapo said the apostles of peace was a society that champions the course of peace both at homes, the nation and the world in general.

    He said the society was made up of philanthropic professionals.

    He noted that Nigeria and the world at large needed peace at this moment of turbulence, religious intolerance, insurgency, ISIS devilish penetration and dominance, terrorism, Boko Haram nuances, unemployment-induced crimes, religious organisations being influenced by the worldly things instead of things of the spirit, economic catastrophe and other phenomena that point to the emergence of anti-Christ.

    According to him, the society has not folded its hands, adding that apart from spiritual efforts; the national body had set up a committee to organise a peace lecture that would feature a leading Muslim organisation founder and another influential Christian cleric where we shall attempt to proffer solutions to religious intolerance and encourage harmonious living among people of this nation and the world.

    “The Hausa of Mile 12, the Ijaws, the road transport union, politicians, civil organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), religious leaders and student union leaders, among others, shall air their views at the event. Everyone should support the initiative which would come up soon,” he said.

    He said the society was committed to facilitating conflict resolution and it’s guided by what he described as the church’s five way test; which include: will it glory God, is it Christ like, will it bring peace to the body of Christ, will it contribute to the growth of the church and will it bring peace to the body of Christ?

    He said the church undertakes programmes that would cater for the well-being of all retired men of God, ensures food bank for the less-privileged people on monthly basis, life-touching projects for communities, including water.

    Others were medical screening and treatment, peace grant/scholarship to indigent but poor students, tracts and sponsorship of religious pragrammes, care for the elderly, economic empowerment, worship sanctuary projects, peace club; deliberate stabilising initiatives in churches where we have chapters, youth development and write-ups on conflict resolution.

    Responding, Hon. Odutan said she would appreciate award that would bring about the enhancement of God’s work, adding that every award had its significance.

    “I don’t receive award anyhow, but I always appreciate any award that would bring about the enhancement of God’s work. I have been coming for their anniversaries though quietly. Out of the six of us nominated, I emerged the winner. The award is a very significant one, and I really appreciate it,” she said.

    “It gives me joy to give to people and enhance their well-being. Each and every one of us has a role to play too. My own role is to help people and identify with the church it her philanthropic projects,” she said.

    She said she would want to be remembered as somebody that put smiles on the faces of so many people. It is not how many houses you built but when you contribute to the well-being of fellow humankind, the legacy you leave behind lives after you.

    She challenged other women who are interested to join politics, adding that they would be mentored.

    “Women must first of all evaluate themselves to know if they can do it, do I want to do it and am I capable of doing it?” she said.