The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Association donates lab equipment, books to alma mater

    Association donates lab equipment, books to alma mater

    The set of 1971 to 1975 of Ibadan Grammar School Old Boys’ Association (IGSOSA) recently converged on the premises of their alma mater for two days in what could be described as an unprecedented re-union to mark 40 years of bidding their school farewell.

    A thanksgiving service was held at the school’s chapel on June 19, this year which was attended by the renowned principal for the set, Chief Ayo Labiyi and the teachers who thaught them various subjects which included Mr Idowu Adenuga (Chemistry), Prof. E.S. Ajibade (Yoruba), Dr Depo Fakunle (Agriculture), Mrs A.E Smith (Physics) and Deborah Bolaji Falade (English Studies and Fine Arts).

    The programme was followed by a cooktail. Classmates at home and in the Diaspora were nostalgic ýabout the good old days. The atmosphere was filled with great laughter and merriment as most of them remembered their escapades, bravery, naughtiness and craftiness.

    Some teachers were remembered, including their nicknames code names and esoteric slangs were freely used to refer to most of them.

    Some Senior Prefects, who attended the event were Mr Joseph Oyedoyin (aka) Oga Jossy andMr Kunle Osinowo.

    The reception programme followed at Emmanuel Alayande Hall and was presided over by Prof. C. Aworh; an old boy who praised the quality of organisation and presentation of the set.

    The chairman of steering committee for the programme, Dr Adebayo Gbadebo-Saba lamented the decay in the education sector within the last three decades and called on all stakeholders, especially the old stuýdents of schools to take a cue from what IGSOSA is doing.

    He paid glowing tributes to the principal and teachers who molded their lives during their days at the school.

    Quality desks and chairs that can conveniently accommodate 180 students as well as laboratory equipment and books were donated by the set to the school. They were received by the Principal, Mr Femi Adekunle.

    Tunde Lashabi, also an old student and current chairman, Nigeria Institution of Builders, proposed a toast and was cheered by other friends of the class, including Dr Tiri Oladimeji, Oloye Gbola Raaji, Jide Lawal, Kayode Adepeju and Mrs Omolara Yusuf.

    Other highlights of the programme included a lecture entitled “Education in Nigeria which was delivered by Dr Depo Fakunle and presentation of awards to the Principal and teachers.

    Speaking on behalf of recipients of the awards, Mrs A.E. Smith appreciated members of the set and thanked God for being able to impact positively on humanity.

    Addresing journalists after the event, Mr Idowu Adenuja, who had headed many high-brow public schools, expressed appreciation for the students’ gesture.

    He noted that Chemistry is the cutting edge of science, advising students to be serious with their studies as education is now highly competitive.

    About 40 members of the set aýttended the event with their spouses.

    The parting line was “God be with you till we meet like this again”

     

  • Group canvasses youth empowerment

    In its bid towards repositioning and empowering youths in the Yoruba states, O’odua Youth Congress, a socio-cultural organisation has called for the repositioning and enlarging empowerment opportunities for all Yoruba youths.

    The group made the call at a conference held at the Western Hall of Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

    Some of the features of the conference were paper presentations by Mr Olusgeun Oshinowo, Director-General, National Employers’ Commission Association (NECA), Prof. Lateef Sanni of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAB) and Chief Segun Odegbamirespectively.

    Speaking on the essence of the programme, the President of the group, Ogbeni Moronkeji Oladapo isaid: “We conceptualised this conference as one of the vehicles needed to achieve our vision of repositioning and enlarging empowerment opportunities and choices for all Yoruba youths.

    “ It is often said that they youth are the future of any nation but the manner our leaders have piloted our affairs in recent decades indicates that majority of them are without full understanding and implication of this phrase.”

    “ True, there is no denying the fact that government’s actions and inactions are largely responsible for the current difficulties which the youth are experiencing; but going forward, we are convinced that it is no longer sufficient to blame our leaders for making us victims of today’s failures. It is incumbent on us all to make changes necessary to shape tomorrow in our favour.”

    While blaming the failure of the system on government, Oladapo further said: “The issue of unemployment is compounded by our  government’s spending priorities that have always been shaped by political exigencies. Or how do some of our leaders explain annual budgetary system that allocate more fund to city beautification and other non-capital intensive projects than youth-focused developmental programme?“

    He, however, called on the government to demonstrate greater understanding of these challenges by blocking loopholes and gaps inherent in current youths’ policy formulation and implementation.

     

  • Health centre gets borehole, generating set

    Health centre gets borehole, generating set

    Members of staff of Oyo State branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have donated borehole and generating centre to Ojoo Health Centre in Akinyele Local Government area of Oyo State.

    The branch controller of the bank, Mr. Musbau Olatinwo said the donation informed by the plight of the less-privileged persons in the society, adding that the project was financed through members’ monthly savings.

    Olatinwo said similar donations had been made to support host communities, saying “we owe Ibadan a lot and so many intervention programmes all over the country are being carried out to make the bank’s impact felt in all facets of human endeavour.

    “Over the years, we have been spending billions of Naira on our host communities to sponsor identifiable area of needs such as building classrooms and provision of potable water, among others. And this is financed by members of staff of the bank. “Today is my happiest moment in the one year I have spent in this branch. It is a continuous thing and we will be glad to be back here to do more,” Olatinwo said.

    Olatinwo further assured all residents of Ibadan that the CBN would continue to give priority to the needs of the people across the communities to make life meaningful for all people of diverse backgrounds in the society.

    Speaking at the event, the head of local government ýadministration in Akinyele Local Government Area, Mr. Akin Akinpelu praised the members of staff for the gesture, pointing out that the donation was coming at a time when it was most needed due to excruciating economic crisis which was hampering government’s efforts at meeting all the yearnings of the people.

    The Chief Matron of the centre, Alhaja B. A. Shittu described the borehole project as timely, saying “he, who gives water, gives life”.

     

  • Ekiti battles flooding

    In its determination to prevent the perennial flood incidents in several parts of the state, the Ekiti State government has dredged over 32 kilometres of water ways and river channels in Ado-Ekiti since the inception of the Fayose-led administration.

    The Commissioner for Environment, Bisi Kolawole revealed this in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital when members of the State House of Assembly Committee on Environment visited him in his office.

    Kolawole explained that the achievement was part of efforts of the state government to prevent flooding in some perennial flood-prone areas.

    He reeled off some of the rivers and water ways that have been dredged to include Ofin Stream and its tributaries (8,200m); Odo Ayo-Bawa (4,000m), Basiri (3,200m) and the NTA/Orubaloye/Omisanjana (1,500m).

    The commissioner added that the Adere/Omisanjana/Water ways (5,200m), Christ Girls’ School, Dalimore/Akeju (8,450m) and Emirin/Poly (1,800m) have also been dredged.

    Noting that work has commenced on the dredging of waterways in Ilawe in Ekiti West Local Government Area, he assured that dredging of Diamond Bank/Awedele Waterways would soon commence in order to prevent avoidable flooding of the new market.

    He said the dredging work has gone beyond the state capital, even as he assured that government is determined to dredge all waterways in any flood-prone area.

    Kolawole, however, warned residents of the state to avoid dumping garbage in the water ways as such act could block free flow of the water which could lead to flooding.

    Commenting on the proposed house-to-house waste collection scheduled to begin soon, the commissioner explained that the concept would assist in keeping the state clean as well as boost revenue generation as the people would be expected to pay a token for the disposal of their garbage.

     

  • ‘We’ll turn Ondo into tourists’ centre’

    ‘We’ll turn Ondo into tourists’ centre’

    Prominent indigenes of Ondo Kingdom in Ondo State have vowed to make all annual traditional festivals unique to enable them to attract tourists to the ancient community. They said this would make real their long vision of making Ondo a city by December this year.

    The indigenes spoke with journalists during this year’s Odun Oba Festival to honour their monarch, the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo. They also said Ondo town is rich in culture, which they said could add value to the town and the economy of the state.

    The annual Oba festival is celebrated by Osemawe during which his wife, children and subjects pay homage to him.

    The three-day event begins with Olojas (the market women) paying homage to the king, followed by the high chiefs and his immediate family.

    The chairman of Ondo West Local Government Area, Abiola Makinde described the festival as unrivalled in the custom of the ancient town.  Makinde, who said the festival was part of tradition and culture of Ondo town noted that it was put in place to display the cultural heritage of the people.

    He further noted that the festival, if properly harnessed, could attract tourists to the town thereby help in generating employment opportunities for the unemployed youth.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the realisation of Ondo vision 2015 which aims at turning the ancient town into a city by December this year.

    Odun Oba is one of the 44 traditional festivals usually celebrated in Ondo town when indigenes who reside in every part of the world return home to honour the monarch.

    A prominent Ondo Chief, Wole Benson, explained that Odun Oba Festival has become one of the important festivals that serve as unifying platforms for Osemawe and the his chiefs on one hand and the people on the other.

    The elated monarch danced around the town in company of his family, praying for the people.

    The celebration of this year’s Odun Oba Festival began on July 4, with the paying of homage by the people of the town to the palace of Osemawe.

    Other activities that featured during the festival included musical concert, exhibition of Ondo cultural artefacts, tree planting and launch of Ondo City Vision 2015.

  • How to curb accidents dominates stakeholders’ meeting

    How to curb accidents dominates stakeholders’ meeting

    Worried by the incessant occurrence of road mishaps on the Oka-Akoko/Abuja Road, stakeholders in road safety and prevention of car accidents had converged on Oka-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State recently to deliberate on ways of preventing accidents which have become common phenomenon on the highway.

    The convergence aimed at curbing accidents on the ever-busy road which is said to be prone to road accidents. The deliberation lasted for 10 hours. After the meeting which featured arguments, intrigues and technical submissions, the stakeholders proffered measures that could help in preventing road accidents on the road which links the Southern part of the country with the North.

    Fatal accidents are said to occur on the Oka-Akoko/Abuja Road on daily basis. According to statistics presented by the representative of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) who was one of the discussants at the stakeholders’ meeting held at the Franklin Adefarati Hall in the centre of the ancient town, more than 250 lives have been lost on the road.

    This year alone, 45 accidents had occurred on the road, with an average of six accidents happening each day and at different locations of the highway.

    Accidents on the busy road are said to be caused majorly by the topography of the road which was constructed on a valley between hills.

    Another cause of accidents on the road which links the Southwest with Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, is heavy-duty trucks, especially those belonging to construction companies that ply the road both in the day and at night times. This, the residents say, is responsible for the killing of many members of the community.

    At the stakeholders’ meeting attended by representatives of the Oloka of Oka-Akoko, Akoko Descendants Union (ADU), the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the FRSC and other Para-military organisations, the discussants agreed that accidents would continue to occur on the road unless the Federal Government reconstructs it.

    Also, a member representing Akoko South West/East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole and other top government functionaries at local and state levels attended the meeting. They called for Federal Government’s intervention on the road to prevent further loss of lives.

    The people of Oka-Akoko, Akungba-Akoko and Ikare-Akoko who claimed to have been the major victims of the accident on the road attended the meeting in droves, even as they also called for the intervention of the Federal and state governments in curbing the occurrence of accidents on the road.

    While addressing the people, the convener of the meeting, Wale Gidado said the

    stakeholders’ meeting was called to present a common position to the Federal Government through the National Assembly on the challenges the people of the area are experiencing, urging the Federal Government to urgently construct the road for the benefit of the people of the communities where the road traversed in Ondo State.

    He noted that the road has caused the untimely death of many residents of Oka-Akoko, recalling that “on a single day, six accidents occurred at different locations on the road and members of the families of those who died in the accidents are still living with the ugly memory at present.

    “This is the reason why we are calling on the Federal Government to do something urgently to prevent further deaths on the road.

    “Our children cannot go out the way they want both in the day and at night. We can’t allow our children to go to school on their own, all for the fear of accident on the highway that passed through here to Abuja. Particularly, trucks plying the road are often responsible for many of the accidents on the road,” he said.

    Gidado recalled that the Federal Government had awarded contract for the construction of the road in 1996, saying “we had thought that the road would bring development to our town and other communities around us, but the road has brought untold problem and calamity to us as a community as it had caused the deaths of many of our dear people.

  • Campaign against hepatitis heightens

    Concerned about the alarming rate of hepatitis infection in the country, Fidson Healthcare Plc has called for nation-wide preventive action against the scourge.

    It also urged Nigerians to prevent viral hepatitis infection by knowing their status through tests, vaccination and adequate treatment for the string of hepatitis virus known as hepatitis A, B, C, D and E that cause chronic liver diseases that affect millions of people worldwide.

    While speaking during the commemoration of the World Hepatitis Day whose theme was “Prevent Hepatitis: Act Now”, recently, the Marketing Manager of the leading pharmaceutical firm, Mr Friday Enaholo said the call became necessary following Federal Ministry of Health statistics which states that over 20 million Nigerians are currently infected with the hepatitis virus.

    The figure, he said, represents a substantial percentage of the 400 million people reportedly living with hepatitis B and C worldwide as reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The reports also revealed that 1.4 million people die every year due to these infections.

    Mr Enaholo said the report is very alarming, as it shows that on the average, one out of every 12 Nigerians is infected with the hepatitis virus.

    “The data is worrisome and calls for national preventive actions that should involve every Nigerian. Every stakeholder within the health sector and members of the public has a role to play; either in the area of policy formulation, compliance and living healthy and hygienic lifestyle,” he said.

    Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by one of the five hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D and E which are transmitted through different routes. Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through contaminated food and water; Hepatitis B – through unsafe blood and other bodily fluids; Hepatitis C is transmitted mostly through infectious blood while Hepatitis D serves as an additional infection in the presence of Hepatitis B.

    These viruses cause acute hepatitis which is characterised by fatigue, loss of appetite, fever and jaundice. In addition, hepatitis B and C infections can become chronic leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

    Mr Enaholo further said the diseases are preventable, but regretted that most people, especially those living in rural or semi-urban areas of developing countries don’t even know how to prevent them.

    “This is why as a company; we are actively participating in this global campaign by enlightening Nigerians through all possible communication channels, on how they can prevent the hepatitis scourge,” he said.

    He, therefore, advised Nigerians to avoid unsafe blood, unsafe injections and sharing of drug-injection equipment that can result in hepatitis infection. He also maintained that safe and effective vaccine can protect the individual from hepatitis B infection.

  • Police vow to rid Lagos of miscreants

    Police vow to rid Lagos of miscreants

    In line with Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Fatai Owoseni’s commitment to ensure maximum security of lives and property across the state, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) has declared war on miscreants and traffic robbers.

    This is coming at a time residents ýwere worried that charlatans have returned on the highways and bridges, unleashing terror on motorists and passersby even in broad daylight.

    From Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Badagry Expressway, Agege Motor Road, Ijora, Ikorodu Road to Eko and Third Mainland Bridges, victims of robbery attacks relive their encounters on daily basis, with many accusing the security agencies of complacency.

    But, with the arrest of over 181 suspects across different areas of the state in July by the RRS under newly deployed Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Tunji Disu, observers believe the ‘bad boys’ have started retreating.

    They urged the police to fashion out modalities that will mop up illegal arms as well as stop criminal elements before they execute their plans.

    Observers also believe that for effective policing, the state government must be willing to adequately utilise the Security Trust Fund by providing all the necessary tools and trainings required by the police.

    Commenting on the spate of traffic robberies, a taxi driver who identified himself as Olushola said: “Though the situation is not as bad as it was about four months ago, the traffic robbers have reduced their attacks but they are still operating. If it was before, I cannot drive through Oshodi and Toyota without winding up.

    “They just hang around, including little children. They usually attacked people even during the day. Once there is small traffic, you dare not wind down or leave your car unlocked.

    “I have seen them attack many people on several occasions, pointing gun or knife at their victims.

    “But with the presence of policemen in most of these dark spots even late in the night, the criminals are gradually withdrawingý.

    “The police need to do more, especially now that Christmas celebration is drawing near. They have to look for a way to ensure there is 24-hour surveillance across Lagos.

    “All those areas with bridges should be raided because teenagers who are part of these gangs hide there and smoke Indian hemps and act as spies for the older criminals.”

    ýIn a chat with Southwest Report on how the 181 suspects were identified, Disu said the time of their arrests was considered.

    He said: “There is no way we would have arrested innocent people because the raids were carried out around 1:00 a.m. After mopping up, we interrogated the arrested persons and those who could explain what they were doing in the locations at that time were allowed to go.

    “When I was posted to head the RRS, we did crime mapping in line with the directives of the CP and located areas that are prone to crimes.

    ”We identified Oshodi, Ikorodu and Ijora, among others as areas where traffic robbers, bag snatchers as well as those who steal from children and in houses were rampant. So, we decided to start with those areas with greater number.

    ”We raided under the bridges and other hideouts of the miscreants and in most cases, the suspects put up resistance.

    “We discovered that they post spies, including juveniles on ground who informed them of police arrival. At times we saw their spies playing cards.

    “We were able to arrest the 181 because of the commitment of my men. They have shown great understanding and have remained committed to our drive to ensure that Lagos is safe for residents and business.

    “Residents of Lagos should not be afraid. They should go to sleep with their eyes closed because the police would clampdown on criminals.

    ”But as you know, the police cannot do much without information. That is why we are appealing to the public to furnish us with useful information that will assist us serve them better.

    “We have opened social media accounts so that people can reach us once any crime is being committed around them. We have Facebook, Twitter and e-mail accounts and there are people manning them round the clock.

    “For Facebook, the account is rapidresponsesquad; Twitter is @response squad and e-mail address is rapidresponsesquad@gmail.com.

    People should not hesitate to send information that will aid the police to keep criminal elements at bay.”

    Disu also disclosed that all the suspects have been handed over to the relevant offices for further action, adding that the raid would continue until the hoodlums are out of business.

    On what the RRS was doing in respect of incessant cult clashes in some areas of the state, Disu said the CP has issued a directive to all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders to fish out criminal elements obstructing public peace, adding that no stone will be left unturned in maintaining peace and security across the state.

     

  • Ondo community seeks upgrade of monarch

    Ondo community seeks upgrade of monarch

    Members of the Uso community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State have appealed to the state government to upgrade their traditional ruler from his present status of grade “C” to grade “A” chief. The community said the upgrade is long overdue.

    The chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Mr. Emmanuel Ayodele made the appeal during the installation of Oba Ademola Adebiyi Olanipekun III as the 24th Oloba of Uso.

    The stool became vacant when the former traditional ruler, Oba Albert Adebayo Olanipekun II joined his ancestors on September 30, 2011.

    He lamented that since the state government released the White Paper on the Morgan Chieftaincy Review Commission in 1979, their monarch has been a grade ‘C’ chief.

    Ayodele, who gave a brief history of the community, said though they were merged with Owo Local Government Area by the British Colonial Administration, they migrated from Oba-Ile in Akure Kingdom.

    The community leader claimed that Oloba of Uso was among the earliest kings that had reign in Yoruba land after settling in the present Uso land in about 1288 A.D.

    “Your Excellency, no student of any institution anywhere in the world can be made to remain in the same class for a period of 36 years without promotion. Such a student will either be asked to withdraw from such institution or promoted on compassionate grounds.

    “Our Oba has remained on grade “C” since the Ondo State Government released the White Paper on the Morgan Chieftaincy Review Commission in 1979.

    We use this opportunity to passionately plead with you to upgrade Oloba of Uso from grade ‘C’ to ‘A’,” he stated.

  • More kidnappers in police net in Ekiti

    More kidnappers in police net in Ekiti

    Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose has praised the state police command and the Department of State Security (DSS) for their efforts towards ridding the state of kidnapping and other violent criminals, saying the collaboration among the state government, police and the DSS in fighting crime is yielding fruit.

    Governor Fayose spoke during the swearing-in of the new executive of the state chapter of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) where he revealed that three more suspected kidnappers have been arrested. He, however, regretted the alleged involvement of commercial drivers in the crime.

    He said information available to him showed that commercial transporters were being used by kidnappers to abduct innocent people with the intention of receiving ransom from them.

    He urged drivers to join hands with his administration to curtail the activities of kidnappers and other criminals.

    Describing drivers unions as important stakeholders in the state, Fayose urged them to be security conscious in the performance of their duties in moving people, goods and services.

    Fayose said: “Three more kidnappers have been arrested. The moment you suspect the activities of bad people, let the police know. We thank God that our efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes are yielding fruit.

    “I want to commend you for contributing immensely to the development of the state’s economy, but don’t allow yourselves to be used by evil doers.

    “You can see that some kidnappers were paraded recently. Information from them revealed that they have been using some of your members.

    Earlier in the week, 12 suspected kidnappers were arrested in the state through the joint efforts of the police and Department of State Services (DSS).

    The 12 suspects are believed to be members of a kidnap syndicate responsible for abductions of residents and visitors to the state recently.

    They include a self-acclaimed pastor, Babatunde Balogun, two women and 10 others. Balogun was said to be giving spiritual support to the kidnapping suspects in return for a share of ransom money made by the suspects.

    Four other kidnap suspects now at large have been declared wanted by security agencies. They are Kenneth Ozor, Jonathan Ozor, Kehinde Adeleye and Sunday Ogunleye.

    They were said to be responsible for the kidnap of a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Akingbade and an Associate Prof. at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Dr. Femi Omisore recently along Ido-Ekiti axis.

    Speaking at the parade of the suspects in Ado Ekiti with Governor Fayose in attendance, DSS Director, Duke Fubara and Police Commissioner, Etop James, disclosed that the suspects had confessed to the crime.

    Police chief James revealed that the state command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad has been working very hard to prevent a resurgence of kidnapping in Ekiti State.

    DSS boss Fubara explained that the collaboration between his agency and the police has been yielding fruit, adding that no effort would be spared to rid the state of kidnapping and other crimes.

    Fubara said: “We could all attest to the fact that the kidnappers terrorised the state from the first week of May this year. Their activities brought a lot of trauma to the people.

    “Though, some of the victims have been released, we did not give in. We did investigation and we increased our network and the result is what you are seeing today.

    “What we discovered with the composition of these suspects was that some of them were members of the inmates that escaped during the November 30, last year jailbreak in Ekiti.”

    Fayose, who described the war against kidnapping and other violent crimes as a “collective fight” warned opposition politicians against politicising kidnapping and other criminal acts.

    While praising security agencies for their bravery in tackling crimes, Fayose attributed upsurge in crimes to the November 30, last year jailbreak at Ado-Ekiti Prisons, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to re-arrest those that escaped.

    Fayose said: “It is a collective fight. We have to fight this together, so that all of us can sleep with two eyes closed.

    “Ekiti has been under great torment since last year’s jailbreak incident. But we want you to beam your searchlights on the neighbouring states such as Delta, Osun and Ondo because we had the trace that people used to come from outside to train our people here in kidnapping and make use of them.

    “If you study this very well, you will understand that the networks have been widened and we have to do everything to break it”.