To reduce the rate at which disasters occur as well as help ameliorate the suffering of victims of various forms of disaster, the West African Network for Peace Building (WANEP), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has presented a document on risk management to the Oyo State Government.
Receiving the document entitled “Multi-sector Oyo State Camp Coordination Contingency Plan” in his office, the Deputy Governor, who is also the chairman of the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA), Otunba Moses Adeyemo ýassured the organisation of government’s support, urging well-meaning individuals to assist those affected by any form of disaster.
Recalling how the August 26, 2011 flood which ravaged most parts of the state, almost gave the administration a bad ýname few months after it was sworn in, he said only God knows the number of people that died and the number of properties destroyed.
“Some people said we brought disaster but I must tell you that only God knows what will happen in the next minute. We are grateful that since then, through the collaborative efforts of NGOs such as WANEP, such disaster has not occurred againý. Though we cannot eradicate disaster in its entirety, let’s minimise it,” he said.
Continuing, he said: “Since 2006, WANEP has been active in its collaborative efforts to help minimise disasters. Some NGOs will access funds from government under the guise of helping the needy; they end up helping themselves with the fund. WANEP is not such organisation. We have trust in them and we will continue to assist them. I cannot but pray God to imbue them with the strength to continue in their humanitarian gesture.”
Promising to read and apply all the necessary recommendations in order to make the state disaster-freeý, Otunba Adeyemo advised Nigerians to ýpray fervently for the country to survive the current financial crisis it is experiencing.
He revealed that Nigeria is in such financial crisis which, he said; financial experts should help in rescuing her. He assured that Nigeria will surmount most of her problems with the Buhari-led administration.
While presenting the documentý, WANEP’s Head of Programme, Mrs Bukola Ademola-Adelehin revealed that the NGO had done chain of assessments in order to reduce disasters in the state, saying that those ravaged by disaster have been assisted.
She revealed that the group would partner other NGOs to reduce disaster, adding that the document was formally presented for the adoption of the state government.
The group’s State Coordinator, Mr. Kola Hamzat said WANEP is an organisation ýof over 200 NGOs, adding that following the assessment of the damage done during the August, 2011 flood in Ibadan, they rendered assistance to the victims, even as he stated that the Oyo State chapter, with its over 50 collaborating NGOs, is committed to reducing disasters.
A group, Ile Titun/Oke-Odo Progressive Forum in Ibadan Southeast Local Government Area has debunked a rumour being peddled around by a dissident group with the All Progressives Congress (APC), against the immediate past chairman of Ibadan Southeast Local Government Area, Mr Abass Najeemdeen.
In a statement issued by the chairman of the group, Comrade Wasiu Adeyemo and its Secretary, Comrade Isiaka Salaudeen, the group said the allegation levelled against the former council chief aimed at discrediting his personality and intergrity in the eyes of the people and the Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led government.
The group, which described Mr Najeemdeen as a grassroots mobiliser, crusader, and human rights activist whose contributions to the socio-political development of his local government and the state cannot be written off.
The group stressed that the group consists mainly of dissident members in the area who worked for the opposition in order to cause the downfall of Governor Ajimobi during the last election.
“This dissident members needed to be reminded that since assumption of office on August 8, 2011, Alhaji Najeemdeen has been applying his intellect, experience and expertise to the reformation, repositioning and restructuring agenda of Governor Ajimobi-led administration and through his effort, he has revived and redeemed the lost glory of the council,” they said.
They group warned them to desist from all attempts capable of causing disaffection and disunity in the council area and from distracting Governor Ajimobi from delivering on his electioneering promises to the people.
In recognition of his immense contributions to the development of the state in particular and humanity in general, Straight Times, a community newspaper has honoured former Oyo State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Housing, Hon. Ajiboye Omodewu with the icon of grassroots politics award.
He received the award at the launch of the newspaper at the Press Centre of the Oyo State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Iyaganku Ibadan.
Receiving the award, Omodewu said inadequate finance was the main challenge of a community-based newspaper as it is more or less sustained through personal effort. He assured that he would continueý to identify with any cause that would empower the community.
According to him, the newspaper came at a time our communities have been divided. He expressed his happiness that big newspapers such as The Nation, The Punch and Nigerian Tribune had modest beginnings; they have become forces to reckon with in terms of credible news items.
“We have seen newspapers like this in the past but they vanished immediately when they couldn’t cope with the financial implication. Also, the ethics of journalism must not be compromised if a community newspaper is to succeed. It must be compliant with the ideals of a community newspaper,” he said.
He, however, challenged the editorial team of the newspaper to ensure that it publishes stories that would engender peace in the community.
In his paper, Dr. Muyiwa Popoola, a Mass Communication lecturer at the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, said journalism is a determinant factor of achievement in any development-oriented community, saying “that is why we see journalism as the Fourth Estate of the Realm. Life would have been meaningless but for journalism. Can you imagine a community without news? Though it can exist, who has not listened to radio and read newspapers and others? In every society, the press is important.”
Popoola said there could not be any development without rural development. “We cannot achieve national development if our rural areas are underdeveloped. If national development is to take place, people at the grassroots must be told of what is happening; and for this to be achieved, we need a community newspaper. How can community newspapers provide information? It is the commitment of the publisher and determination of the team. They need to be alive to their responsibility. The major role of a community newspaper is the same as expected of a community-oriented medium,” he said.
Contributing, the Grand Patron of the newspaper, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke appreciated the publisher for delving into publishing, urging him on sustainability.
He advised wealthy individuals to contribute to the sustenance of the medium to enable the publisher to go the extra mile, saying the publisher needs aggressive marketing strategies. He also urged them not to lose their integrity in their bid to make money.
An Islamic cleric, Prof. Sabitu Ariyo Olagoke has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to emulate the virtues of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
The cleric made the call during an interactive session with reporters at this year’s Odua news personality programme in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
According to him, the late Yar’Adua was the first governor and President to declare his assets publicly, noting that the action won him so much credibility.
The cleric, a senior lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro advised President Buhari to declare his assets publicly in order to sustain his admirers’ belief in him.
He added that President Buhari should also respect the rule of law as Yar’Adua did when he did not influence the judiciary from removing five governors that were from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as well as commitment in the area of economic management by reducing fuel pump price from N70 to N65 during which the economy did not collapse.
Olagoke also urged President Buhari not to politicise professionalism as a way to promote speedy development and as well listen to pieces of advice from the media, make anti-graft body independent and respect rule of law.
He also enjoined Nigerians to support the present administration with prayers it to succeed in tackling various challenges before it.
A 34-year-old man, Ebenezer Olusola, is to spend the next nine months in prison for selling Indian hemp.
Olusola was convicted by a Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital after he confessed to selling the hard drug to interested consumers.
Delivering judgment, the presiding judge, Justice Isaq Sani, who read the “confessional statement” of the convict to the open court, ordered that Olusola was found guilty of the charge against him.
“I have gone through all the evidences before this court as presented by the prosecution, which included the statement of the convict in writing.
“In the said statement, you, (Ebenezer Olusola) admitted that you started selling Indian hemp to the public since January, 2015 to earn N1,000 daily.
“Olusola also agreed to this court that he was guilty of the offence by pleading guilty. These and many other evidences have proven you guilty of the offence and you are hereby convicted thereof,” Justice Sani ordered.
He, therefore, sentenced the convict to nine months in prison without option of fine, commencing from February 25 this year which was his date of arrest.
Earlier, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) prosecutor, Mr Charles Ugwuja told the court that the convict, on February 25 at Odo-Ori, Igede-Ekiti, in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State dealt in 200 grammes of carnabis sativa otherwise known as Indian hemp.
As agitation for executive positions in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) heightens, a group, Ilaje Coastal Frontiers (ICF) has given reasons it is demanding that the Managing Director slot should be reserved for Ondo State.
The nine states that constitute the Niger Delta region are Akwa-Ibom, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Ondo, Imo, Abia, Edo and Cross River.
The NDDC was established through an act of the National Assembly by the Federal Government in 2000 which replaced the Oil Mineral-Producing Areas Development (OMPADEC) established in 1992.
The Executive positions in the Commission include Chairman, Managing Director (MD), Executive Director, Finance and Administration (EDF&A).
Rising from its meeting in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, ICF said the NDDC act provides for equity and justice in the appointment and distribution of personnel.
A statement signed by its Coordinator, Nelson Mafo noted that even though Section 4 of the NDDC Act stressed that the office of the Chairman shall rotate among member states of the commission in alphabetical order; it has never benefited Ondo State.
Determined to ensure the health of its residents, the Ikeja Local Government Area of Lagos State has carried out environmental sensitisation programme which will guarantee environmental cleanliness in the area, which, in turn, will engender good health for the citizens.
During the programme, the Executive Secretary of the council, Mr. Adekunle Dally-Adeokun called on the residents to co-operate with the council in its efforts to rid the area of waste, so as to promote healthy environment.
He spoke during the environmental sanitation exercise held at the council headquarter recently, even as he said he would work towards ensuring that residents of various communities have attitudinal change on the environment.
Represented by his wife, Layide, he expressed the council’s discontent over the nonchalant attitudes of some of the residents who have formed the habit of dumping domestic wastes indiscriminately.
Stressing that unfriendly habit towards the environment could cause serious health hazards to the people, Mr Dally-Adeokun said such unhealthy trend could hamper the people’s productivity, which invariably could affect the well-being of their families and the entire community.
“A time has come in history when we must shape our actions with a more prudent care for the environment. Through ignorance or indifference, we can do massive and irreversible harm to the earthly environment on which our lives and well-being depend. Conversely, through fuller knowledge and wiser actions, we can achieve for ourselves and our posterity a better life in keeping with human needs and hopes,” Mr. Dally-Adeokun said.
He revealed that the council plans to enlighten the residents of communities within the council area on the importance of clean environment through radio and television jingles.
The Deputy Executive Secretary, Prince Oluranti Olufon and other officials of the council participated in the exercise.
Sanitation tools such as shovels, brooms, rakes and waste disposal nylons were distributed to some residents to encourage them to keep their environments clean.
Mr Dally-Adeokun advised residents to dispose of their domestic wastes properly, even as he warned against blocking drainage channels by dumping garbage in them. This, he said, triggers health problems as well as flooding.
Linking poverty with the environment, Dally-Adeokun said “environmental pundits have raised an alarm that our environment is constantly under threats and evidences show that it equally has numerous problems affecting it. They reeled off these problems to include pollution, acid rain, global warning, destruction of rainforests and other wild habitats, the decline and extinction of thousands of species of animals and plants. This, invariably will lead to poverty and hunger since some of these animals and plants are sources of livelihood for people. If their assertion is unquestionable, then there is a strong link between poverty and environment.”
Also speaking, Prince Olufon said the council was worried by some residents’ non-compliance to proper waste disposal system, even as he expressed the council’s concern over indiscriminate dumping of garbage in water channels by some residents which could have devastating effects on the residents.
He therefore urged members of various communities to ensure clean environment, saying dirty environment poses threat to the health of the citizens.
The Head of Environmental Services and Waste Management Unit, Mr. Kolawale Ajanaku said the people are always enlightened on what are expected of them in terms of keeping the environment clean.
Meanwhile, the council officials inspected some streets such as Obafemi Awolowo, Seriki Aro, Alariogun ,Shanu and Oluwole Philips Avenue, among others to during the exercise.
A former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, who represented Ilaje State Constituency I, Oyebo Aladetan has donated laboratory equipment to three secondary schools in the area. The benefiting schools were Community Grammar School, Ilepepe, C&S Academy, Ugbo-Nla and Progressive Secondary School, Igbokoda, all in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
He said the donation became necessary in order to make the students have adequate science background.
“My motive is to ensure that the students have sound foundation, especially in science education, taking into consideration the dynamism of the society.
“We are now in the computer age where people start with innovation and we should not be lagging behind. My intention is to give them the opportunity to have first-hand experience, touch the equipment and use them for their future benefits,” he said.
He blamed his poor academic background on Science subjects for not being a medical practitioner, saying the secondary school he attended had no laboratory equipment, even as the teacher who taught them General Science was not well grounded on the subjects.
Aladetan said: “Two things motivated my donation of laboratory equipment to these schools; they are my experience in United States where 12 doctors conducted an operation on me and my poor background in science. While in the secondary school, my class teacher would only ask us to define “laboratory and name 10 apparatuses used in laboratory every term.
“Who knows, if I had had the opportunity to experience, touch and use laboratory equipment during my secondary schools period, I would have been a medical doctor.
Subsequent to the death of former Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, on December 1, 2013 after three years’ reign, a new monarch, Oba Patrick Aladetoyinbo from Osupa Ruling House, has been installed by the state government DAMISI OJO reports the colourful ceremony.
For two-and-a-half years, the ancient town of Akure, the Ondo State capital, was under the leadership of a Regent, Princess Adetutu Adesida. This resulted from the death of former Deji of Akure, the late Oba Adebiyi Adesida from the Ojijigogun Ruling House.
Tradition demands that the traditional stool would not be vacant before a substantive Deji is selected through a rigorous traditional process. Therefore, one of the daughters of the late monarch would have to rule as a Regent pending the time a new traditional ruler would be selected by the kingmakers.
In the circumstances, Princess Adesina, who resides abroad, was called upon to take up the traditional headship of the city.
Hearkening to the request of her people, the Regent had to abandon her family and job as a United States-based Pharmacist to respond to communal call to advance the tradition, culture, norms and values of the ancient city. This was supposed to be an interim arrangement, as a situation without a substantive monarch affects the cultural and economic activities of the town. For instance, markets, especially the daily market known as Erekesan Market had to be shut down, even as many other markets in the city were closed in accordance with tradition.
According to the tradition of the Akure Kingdom, the markets are expected to be closed down the day the traditional ruler of the city dies and will remain closed until a new monarch is installed and he will re-open them.
This was the situation till June 9, this year when history was made as a new traditional ruler; Oba Patrick Aladetoyinbo was installed as the 47th Deji of Akure.
This was after Akure had been under the rule of a Regent, Princess Adesida, who was installed as the Regent of Akure in 2013.
•Oba Aladetoyinbo after his installation as the Deji of Akure
However, the intrigues that surrounded the appointment of Oba Aladetoyinbo almost threatened the traditional mien of the town; a development which made some indigenes of the city, especially youths, to protest against the nomination and selection of Aladetoyinbo.
The process that led to Aladetoyinbo’s emergence as the new Deji of Akure began when the Osupa Ruling House where the monarch hails from commenced the nomination process after receiving a letter from the state government through the Akure South Local Government Area to the effect that it was its turn to produce the next Deji of Akure.
Out of 13 Princes from the ruling house who showed interest to become the new Deji of Akure, the name of Aladetoyinbo was the only one presented to the state government through the Akure South Local Government Area; a situation which was condemned by some members of the ruling house who complained that the name of Aladetoyinbo did not go through the Ifa oracle as tradition demands.
The situation prompted some members of the royal family to protest the decision of the ruling house, as they claimed that consultation of the Ifa oracle was a pre-condition in the selection and appointment of the Deji of Akure Kingdom.
It cited successive Dejis who had ruled the city based on the recommendation of Ifa oracle.
Some of the contestants for the stool of the Deji were Samuel Adegboro, Kayode Oluwole, Adegbola Adelani, Kayode Adegbite, Femi Adejuyigbe and Adeolu Adepoju.
Others were Patrick Aladetoyinbo, Leye Agbebi, Ojo Awimoro, Oluyemisi Bello, Damilola Adeyemi, Oluwole Oguntuyi and Ade Falodun.
However, the Head of the Osupa Ruling House, Dr Ade Ogunleye said the family’s decision was in line with the tradition of the town, stressing that all the necessary gods were consulted before the family presented the name of Aladetoyinbo to the kingmakers who later forwarded his name to the state government through Akure South Local Government Area.
He said the State Executive Council approved the name.
This is contrary to the rumours making the round that the family was bribed to present the name of Aladetoyinbo to the kingmakers as the consensus candidate for the stool of the Deji.
Dr Ogunleye said: “We consulted the Ifa oracle and all necessary rituals were carried out. After the necessary traditional steps that we took collectively as a family, we concluded that Aladetoyinbo was fit for the job. And thank God he was not rejected by any of the kingmakers, even as the state government gave his appointment speedy approval.”
Ogunleye also denied speculation that the choice of Oba Aladetoyinbo was as a result of the state government’s interest in him, saying that the family was not instructed by the state Governor, Olusegun Mimiko or any official of the state government to nominate Aladetoyinbo for the position of Deji, but his choice was simply the “will of God”.
However, the deposed traditional ruler of the city, Adesina Adepoju who is still interested in the throne, has dragged the ruling house to the law court, seeking an injunction to restrain the state government, the Osupa Ruling House and the kingmakers from approving any candidate for the stool pending the determination of his suit.
Adepoju, who is also from the Osupa Ruling House, claimed that he was still entitled to the throne, since, according to him, he was wrongly removed from the throne. He further argued that his removal was being challenged in court.
From his sojourn in the United Kingdom, Adepoju headed to the Appeal Court in Akure when his case was struck out at an Ondo State High Court. Judgment has been reserved in the suit at the Appeal Court on whether or not he could be dethroned as the traditional ruler of Akure by the state government under the circumstance on which he was dethroned.
It would be recalled that the state government dethroned Adepoju on June 10, 2010 for allegedly battering his wife, Mrs Bolanle Adepoju, who later died in 2012 after confessing, through the media, that the incident that led to her husband’s banishment was exaggerated.
Adepoju, in a statement, described the state government’s decision to appoint a new Deji of Akure as illegal, considering his case which is still pending before the Court of Appeal in Akure.
However, the late Oba Adebiyi Adesida from Ojijigogun Ruling House was installed in 2010 as the 46th Deji of Akure, but died on December 1, 2013, a situation which paved the way for his daughter, Adetutu to be installed as the Regent of the city.
Southwest Report learnt that the state government’s decision to hasten the process of appointing a new traditional ruler for the city was informed by persistent protests by market women and shop owners at Erekesan Market who are groaning over the closure of their shops since 2013 following the death of Oba Adesida. This, observers believed, might have quickened government’s action to have substantive Deji on the throne in order to facilitate the opening of the market, which was immediately done after Oba Aladetoyinbo was presented with staff of office.
But the appointment of Aladetoyinbo was, however, protested against in major parts of Akure, especially in markets and major streets, as many, mostly youths who are alleged to be working for the interest of the deposed monarch, condemned the process through which Aladetoyinbo emerged as the new monarch.
During one of their protests at the Akure City Hall, the protesters accused the kingmakers of complicity and bribery that made them choose the new monarch, even as they alleged that some prominent indigenes of the city, including Chiefs Olu Falae and Reuben Fasoranti were behind the appointment of Aladetoyinbo as the Deji of Akure.
During the protests which lasted for two days, they carried placards; some of which read: “Mimiko, bring back our Kabieysi”, “Kole Aladetoyinbo is a bald-headed man and he can’t become Deji” and “Iroko save Akure from Fasoranti, Falae, kingmakers,” among others.
During the protest, a member of the Osupa Ruling House, Mrs Adero Adebayo said market women would not accept anybody except Adepoju who was deposed as the traditional ruler of the city by the state government, adding that the deposed monarch should be recalled to occupy the traditional stool for peace to reign in the community.
She further said Akure would not know peace and the reign of the new monarch would be disturbed particularly by the youth. She said: “Adepoju was forced out of the throne, but we still love him being our own and he should be allowed to rule us in Akure till he dies.”
But the kingmakers, headed by the Lisa of Akure Kingdom, High Chief James Olusoga said all traditional rites regarding the selection of Aladetoyinbo had been done by traditionalists in the city and nothing could change the choice of the new monarch as the traditional head of the city.
Chief Rotimi Olusanya, who spoke on behalf of the kingmakers, said they followed all the traditions and norms that guide the selection of the Deji of Akure, adding that the new monarch has commenced traditional rites to ascend the throne of his forefathers.
He revealed that the monarch had gone to Ayere village in Akure North Local Government Area where he will stay for days before he moves to the palace, saying that the monarch would be incommunicado for seven days at Alakure Forest where some traditional rites would also be done before he starts exercising authorities as the Deji of Akure.
According to him, the Palace of the Deji will remain closed until all the traditional rites are concluded, while the monarch would begin to exercise all the authorities that accrue to the stool of Deji as soon as he completes the rites.
•Oba Aladetoyinbo greeting his subjects
Governor Mimiko had declared that the process that led to Oba Aladetoyinbo’s emergence as the Deji of Akure was fair, transparent and conforms to the guideline for the appointment of Deji of Akure and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He urged the people of the ancient city to support the new monarch in the discharge of his duties.
He urged the youth to restrain from being used by some people who might have lost out of the struggle to foment trouble in any part of the city, saying the new monarch is the choice of the people of the city, especially the Osupa Ruling House that presented him, hence the need for calm in all parts of the city.
Speaking during the presentation of Staff of Office, Oba Aladetoyinbo promised to encourage participatory traditional governance within the Akure Kingdom and her various component towns.
He said: “In the last 120 years, it had never been so stressful for kingmakers to assess 13 aspirants that contested for the vacant stool of the Deji of Akure Kingdom.”
The monarch said: “I promise to promote peace, respect for constituted authority and the traditional institution of the city,” warning that he would not condone thuggery, disrespect for law and order or any act of violence in the city.
According to him, the Deji traditional institution would be used as an important agent of meaningful development.
Meanwhile, the Regent who had been ruling the city for over two years, Princess Adesida, has since vacated the palace. Southwest Report gathered that she might have relocated to a new location pending the time she would return to the United States where she was working.
She had earlier denied knowledge of the installation of a new monarch for the city.
It was learnt that the Regent was not contacted when the kingmakers commenced the process of installation of a new monarch.
With the appointment of Oba Aladetoyinbo as the 47th Deji of Akure Kingdom, it is expected that the ancient town would witness fresh socio-economic development .
An Islamic leader in Ondo State, Alhaji Ibrahim Kilani has urged Nigerian political class to emulate the Anglican Communion in the pattern of its succession process to the highest positions in the church which is always devoid of rancour.
Kilani spoke while giving a speech at the Synod of Akoko Diocese holding at the St. Stephens Cathedral Church, Ikare-Akoko._
In attendance were over 500 delegates from various archdeaconries within the diocese led by the Diocesan, Rt. Rev Gabriel Akinbiyi.
Kilani, who is the chairman, Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Akoko North East Local Government Area also praised the leadership role of Akinbiyi in areas of education just like the Ansar ud deen Society of Nigeria (AUD).
The theme of the Synod is “Salvation by Grace through Faith and for Good Work.”
He said:” We need to join hands and pray for the new administration of President Muhammadu Buhari so that the various problems confronting the country can be surmounted and life becomes bearable for the citizens.
The NIREC chairman called for more religious tolerance to facilitate peace that would attract many investors from outside the country for business purposes.
At the occasion, Bishop Akinbiyi urged politicians to give Nigerians positive change that would enable the country to witness economic transformation.
