The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Oyo/Osun Customs command intensifies war against smuggling

    The war against smuggling of prohibited goods into the country by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service in some parts of Southwest, Nigeria appears to be yielding results. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU, who visited some of the borders in Oyo State, reports

    For quite a while now, many residents of towns and cities around the Nigeria-Benin Republic border in Oyo State as well as those living along the routes from the border to such places as Orita, Omi-Adio, Eruwa, Iseyin, Igbojaiye, Saki and some parts of Ibadan, the state capital have been having an unusual respite from the activities of smugglers.

    Until recently, it was a common sight in these areas to see long convoys of smuggled vehicles on top speed trying to escape arrest from officers of the Nigeria Customs Service who were in hot pursuit. Most times the smugglers were armed to the teeth so to speak and often exchanged gunfire with the Customs.

    Some residents who were unfortunate to have been caught either in the exchange of fire, or hit by any of the smuggled vehicles have sad stories to tell.

    One of such residents Fatai Adebisi who sustained injuries when his vehicles was pushed into a ditch by a fast moving convoy of smuggled vehicles along Orile-Ilugun-Omi-Adio road said he would have lost his life, if not for a good Samaritan who rescued him from the ditch.

    Adebisi, whose vehicle almost caught fire when the accident occurred, described those smugglers as enemies of the people.

    Also, at Saki town an elderly man, Sheikh Muideen Akeem narrated how he was hit by smugglers’ bullet in their attempt to escape from the Customs men.

    “It was by the special grace Allah that I’m still alive. People thought I had died when the sad incident happened. I was coming from my farm on the motor-cycle when I was hit by the bullet and fell off the bike. Later, I was taken to a place where the bullet was removed. I learnt it was fired by “Crossers”, that is, those who help the buyers of those vehicles to smuggle them into Nigeria from the neighbouring country when exchanging gunfire with the Customs surveillance team. But, I thank God it is now over,” he said.

    Fortunately, all that seem to be a thing of the past now as there is noticeable calm in the area as the activities of the smugglers have dropped considerably, thanks to the vigilance, determination and doggedness of officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Command to fight smuggling in the area.

    The Oyo State axis of the command shares a wide breath of geographical boundary with Benin Republic while Osun State is land locked.

    To effectively check the borders in Oyo State, two border stations; Aiyegun and Igbokoko  were approved by the command, but for administrative coverage and in view of the porous nature of the borders, there exists eight outposts where patrol and surveillance teams were often noticed.

     Stemming the tide of smuggling through these borders has always been a challenging cause, a fact acknowledged by the Comptroller-in-Charge of Oyo/Osun Command, Mr Richard Oteri. He is particularly worried at the porous nature of these crossing points: “We have a lot of entry and exit points which are very difficult to man. For instance, if you get to Igbokoko, you will realise that it is a difficult terrain to man, you need specialised vehicles to be able to get to the Igbokoko station.

    “The other challenge is that of the attitude of the host community and the attitude of importers. First, the host community sees smuggling as a legitimate business for them because they engage in cross border trade even before the border was fixed. And to them there is nothing illegitimate in it. We have been doing a lot of enlightenment in this regard. We tell them the ills of smuggling, the dangers to the economy and to the health of the nation.

    “The other attitudinal problem is that of importers who go all out to import either vehicles or other items. For instance, in the case of motor vehicles, when they are arrested, the man will tell you, well, you know I went legitimately, I bought a vehicle , I gave to somebody who told me he will do Customs papers and at the end of the day we realised the documents are fake.

    “That is a big challenge. In Customs, our operations are modernised now. Going across the border to buy a vehicle and bringing it into the country, you ought to be aware of the import procedures. When you are the one who went across to make the purchase, you don’t need to engage any tout who calls himself an agent; it is very easy to get your papers as soon as payments are made, you can come to the command, make your declaration and make payment yourself and within 24hours you can have your vehicle. So, this question of ignorance on the part of importers is a big challenge. And in that regard, we are trying to make a lot of sensitisation and enlightenment to let them know this procedure,” the Comptroller said.

    Oteri who expressed joy that a lot of people no longer see smuggling as the only means of living, paid glowing tributes to Alhaji Abdullahi  Dikko Inde, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service for creating an enabling environment and making the service a place of pride for officers to thrive.

    In the past year, the Command in its resolve to intensify the execution of the war against smuggling has made a total of 270 seizures with duty paid value of over N706 million. A total of 12,251 bags of rice were intercepted, with total duty paid value of over N82 million. Additionally, the Command intercepted a total of 52,270 cartons of frozen products with a duty paid value of over N321 million, while a total of 227 vehicles were seized.

  • Zakat foundation gives succor to indigents in Ibadan

    Zakat foundation gives succor to indigents in Ibadan

    No fewer than 39 people benefited from the proceeds of Zakat in Ibadan , Oyo State capital on Sunday as  Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF) staged the maiden edition of its Zakat Distribution Ceremony (ZDC) at the Government Secretariat, Agodi. TAJUDEEN ADE-BANJO and WASIU ADEYEMI report.

    For AbdulSalam Hafeez, the joy of gaining admission into the University of Ibadan has been tempered by constant difficulty in sourcing funds to finance his undergraduate studies.

    A student of Economics, Hafeez’s joy knew no bounds the day he received his letter of admission, but when he thought of how and where to raise the money for his education, his spirit went down. Hafeez is indigent.

    Like him, Kasali Taiwo, is also facing his own financial challenge. A physically challenged person, Taiwo decided not to become a burden on the society, hence his decision to learn the art of shoe making. But as a cobbler, Taiwo is bereft of the needed tools to design and make shoes.

    The same financial limitation also affects Mrs Sariyu Lasisi, a trader who could not meet up with her customers’ increasing demand.

    Last Sunday, the burden of the trio and 36 others was reduced courtesy of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF).

    Taiwo got a shoe-making machine, Mrs Lasisi went home with Deep Freezer while Hafeez received cheque.

    The foundation is a non-governmental and not-for-profit organization established in 2000 and incorporated by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

    ZSF is inspired by Islamic faith to provide welfare and humanitarian services to the poor and needy Nigerians.

    The House of Chiefs inside Governor’s Office, Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan North Local Government was filled to capacity.

    Eminent Ibadan sons and daughters came in early for the foundation’s first Zakat Distribution Ceremony (ZDC).

    Among them were Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Council Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni; The Nation columnist and Chairman, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Media Committee Alhaji Femi Abbas; Alhaja Sekinat Tijani; Alhaji Isiaq Folorunsho; Alhaja Rahmatallah Olaegbe; Hajia Fasila Sulaiman and Hajia Fatimah AbdulWahab.

    The sum of One million, three hundred and thirty-seven thousand one hundred and eighty naira (N1, 337,180) were disbursed to 39 beneficiaries. Out of this amount, economic empowerment for the beneficiaries took 65 per cent;  some of the beneficiaries went home with sewing machine, welding machine, vulcanizing machine, washing machine and various cash awards among others to support their initiatives to become entrepreneurs and self-reliant.

    In his remarks, ZSF Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Imam Abdullahi Shuaib described as historic the arrival of Zakat foundation in Oyo State.

    “As some of you may be aware, we have organized similar ZDCs in Ebonyi, Anambra, Osun, Lagos, Abia, Bayelsa and Rivers States. Today, it is the turn of Oyo State for three reasons. First and foremost, we are here to identify with the less-privileged people of Oyo State who have suffered a lot of deprivations, marginalization and neglect; secondly, to bring the good news of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation’s readiness to wipe off their tears and soothe their pains and thirdly; to empower some of them economically so that they can attain economic independence and become self-reliant,” he said.

    Imam Shuaib said the foundation is committed to the welfare of the poor especially those living below $1US Dollar a day who are more than 63 percent of the over 160 million Nigerians that have been pauperized and traumatised by the mismanagement of the nation’s resources and bad leadership.

    He said: “Against this background, ZSF therefore intervenes by utilising the windows of Zakat (compulsory Alms-giving) and Sadaqat (charity) Fund to accomplish its welfare and humanitarian services to Muslims and non-Muslims suffering from abject poverty in the midst of abundant resources.

    “At ZSF, our commitments to the well-being of these Nigerians are driven by our passion to help add values to the life of the poor and needy people and to also complement the welfare service being rendered by government to its people.

    It is our fervent believe that when individual avoid the culture of extravagance and wastefulness such as indulging in expensive Aso Ebi, organizing multi-million naira marriage, burial and house warming ceremonies while corporate citizens of Nigeria also demonstrate genuine concern about the plights of more than 113 million poor Nigerians and give helping hands to them by donating part of their profits for charity; then, we would be seen as fulfilling our socio-economic and spiritual responsibilities to our brothers and sisters as enjoined by Prophet Muhammad who said ‘Whosoever wakes up in a day and does not feel concerned about the welfare of his fellow brethren, he is not one of them.’ If we all exhibit this kind of positive attitude and disposition to the less-privileged, we have no doubt that it will go a long way to add value to their lives and our country.”

    Imam Shuaib enjoined successful beneficiaries to make the best use of the opportunity at their disposal to be self-reliant in future.

    Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN) Prof Daud Noibi described Zakat as a veritable tool for socio-economic integration, unity and national development.

    According to him, Zakat is likely to reduce jealousy and hatred towards the wealthy if well institutionalized.

    “The various vices that stand in the way of unity and progress are likely to be reduced to the minimum if not totally eradicated. This is likely to be fostered by the reduction of greed on the part of the wealthy, as the joyful payment of Zakat on a regular basis reduces the inordinate love of wealth,” Prof Noibi said.

    Former Oyo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General Alhaji Adebayo Shittu praised the foundation for reviving the age-long prophetic tradition.

    “What the foundation gave out today are not below what politicians give to empower the people despite lots of fund allocated to them but here is an NGO without allocation from either Federal, State or Local Government empowering the people in the real sense, this foundation deserved commendation and be supported,” he said.

    The aim of Zakat, Shittu said, is to bring about practical redistribution of wealth.

    “During the time of Prophet Muhammad, poverty was eradicated through the instrumentality of Zakat. If we can replicate the same thing in Nigeria, we can also eliminate poverty in our country,” he said.

    A senior lecturer at the department of Education Foundation and Counseling , Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Dr Monsurat Musa described the foundation’s gesture as worthwhile.

    Dr Musa who is the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) Public Relations Officers (PRO) said vices in the society will be reduced if the welfare of the populace is properly addressed.

    Taiwo thanked the foundation for the giving him hope to live a normal life, devoid of begging.

    “If more of people like me receive this kind of gesture, street begging will maximally reduced,” he said.

    Hafeez, a student of Economics said he can now concentrate on his studies without fear of funding.

  • Zakat foundation gives succor to indigents in Ibadan

    No fewer than 39 people benefited from the proceeds of Zakat in Ibadan , Oyo State capital on Sunday as Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF) staged the maiden edition of its Zakat Distribution Ceremony (ZDC) at the Government Secretariat, Agodi. TAJUDEEN ADE-BANJO and WASIU ADEYEMI report.

    For AbdulSalam Hafeez, the joy of gaining admission into the University of Ibadan has been tempered by constant difficulty in sourcing funds to finance his undergraduate studies.

    A student of Economics, Hafeez’s joy knew no bounds the day he received his letter of admission, but when he thought of how and where to raise the money for his education, his spirit went down. Hafeez is indigent.

    Like him, Kasali Taiwo, is also facing his own financial challenge. A physically challenged person, Taiwo decided not to become a burden on the society, hence his decision to learn the art of shoe making. But as a cobbler, Taiwo is bereft of the needed tools to design and make shoes.

    The same financial limitation also affects Mrs Sariyu Lasisi, a trader who could not meet up with her customers’ increasing demand.

    Last Sunday, the burden of the trio and 36 others was reduced courtesy of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF).

    Taiwo got a shoe-making machine, Mrs Lasisi went home with Deep Freezer while Hafeez received cheque.

    The foundation is a non-governmental and not-for-profit organization established in 2000 and incorporated by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

    ZSF is inspired by Islamic faith to provide welfare and humanitarian services to the poor and needy Nigerians.

    The House of Chiefs inside Governor’s Office, Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan North Local Government was filled to capacity.

    Eminent Ibadan sons and daughters came in early for the foundation’s first Zakat Distribution Ceremony (ZDC).

    Among them were Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Council Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni; The Nation columnist and Chairman, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Media Committee Alhaji Femi Abbas; Alhaja Sekinat Tijani; Alhaji Isiaq Folorunsho; Alhaja Rahmatallah Olaegbe; Hajia Fasila Sulaiman and Hajia Fatimah AbdulWahab.

    The sum of One million, three hundred and thirty-seven thousand one hundred and eighty naira (N1, 337,180) were disbursed to 39 beneficiaries. Out of this amount, economic empowerment for the beneficiaries took 65 per cent;  some of the beneficiaries went home with sewing machine, welding machine, vulcanizing machine, washing machine and various cash awards among others to support their initiatives to become entrepreneurs and self-reliant.

    In his remarks, ZSF Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Imam Abdullahi Shuaib described as historic the arrival of Zakat foundation in Oyo State.

    “As some of you may be aware, we have organized similar ZDCs in Ebonyi, Anambra, Osun, Lagos, Abia, Bayelsa and Rivers States. Today, it is the turn of Oyo State for three reasons. First and foremost, we are here to identify with the less-privileged people of Oyo State who have suffered a lot of deprivations, marginalization and neglect; secondly, to bring the good news of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation’s readiness to wipe off their tears and soothe their pains and thirdly; to empower some of them economically so that they can attain economic independence and become self-reliant,” he said.

    Imam Shuaib said the foundation is committed to the welfare of the poor especially those living below $1US Dollar a day who are more than 63 percent of the over 160 million Nigerians that have been pauperized and traumatised by the mismanagement of the nation’s resources and bad leadership.

    He said: “Against this background, ZSF therefore intervenes by utilising the windows of Zakat (compulsory Alms-giving) and Sadaqat (charity) Fund to accomplish its welfare and humanitarian services to Muslims and non-Muslims suffering from abject poverty in the midst of abundant resources.

    “At ZSF, our commitments to the well-being of these Nigerians are driven by our passion to help add values to the life of the poor and needy people and to also complement the welfare service being rendered by government to its people.

    It is our fervent believe that when individual avoid the culture of extravagance and wastefulness such as indulging in expensive Aso Ebi, organizing multi-million naira marriage, burial and house warming ceremonies while corporate citizens of Nigeria also demonstrate genuine concern about the plights of more than 113 million poor Nigerians and give helping hands to them by donating part of their profits for charity; then, we would be seen as fulfilling our socio-economic and spiritual responsibilities to our brothers and sisters as enjoined by Prophet Muhammad who said ‘Whosoever wakes up in a day and does not feel concerned about the welfare of his fellow brethren, he is not one of them.’ If we all exhibit this kind of positive attitude and disposition to the less-privileged, we have no doubt that it will go a long way to add value to their lives and our country.”

    Imam Shuaib enjoined successful beneficiaries to make the best use of the opportunity at their disposal to be self-reliant in future.

    Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN) Prof Daud Noibi described Zakat as a veritable tool for socio-economic integration, unity and national development.

    According to him, Zakat is likely to reduce jealousy and hatred towards the wealthy if well institutionalized.

    “The various vices that stand in the way of unity and progress are likely to be reduced to the minimum if not totally eradicated. This is likely to be fostered by the reduction of greed on the part of the wealthy, as the joyful payment of Zakat on a regular basis reduces the inordinate love of wealth,” Prof Noibi said.

    Former Oyo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General Alhaji Adebayo Shittu praised the foundation for reviving the age-long prophetic tradition.

    “What the foundation gave out today are not below what politicians give to empower the people despite lots of fund allocated to them but here is an NGO without allocation from either Federal, State or Local Government empowering the people in the real sense, this foundation deserved commendation and be supported,” he said.

    The aim of Zakat, Shittu said, is to bring about practical redistribution of wealth.

    “During the time of Prophet Muhammad, poverty was eradicated through the instrumentality of Zakat. If we can replicate the same thing in Nigeria, we can also eliminate poverty in our country,” he said.

    A senior lecturer at the department of Education Foundation and Counseling , Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Dr Monsurat Musa described the foundation’s gesture as worthwhile.

    Dr Musa who is the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) Public Relations Officers (PRO) said vices in the society will be reduced if the welfare of the populace is properly addressed.

    Taiwo thanked the foundation for the giving him hope to live a normal life, devoid of begging.

    “If more of people like me receive this kind of gesture, street begging will maximally reduced,” he said.

    Hafeez, a student of Economics said he can now concentrate on his studies without fear of funding.

  • I am not in a hurry to be healed, declares disabled artist

    While most Nigerians in his situation would rather line the streets seeking alms from their well spirited compatriots, Patrick Uwezeh a 35-year-old physically-challenged man has his mind focused on a career that would allow him add value to society.

    Struck down by polio early in life when he was just 23 months old which left his arms and legs paralysed, Patrick has risen to the challenge and gave meaning to the saying that ‘disability is not inability’ as he has firmly established himself as a fine artist of repute in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

    With a clientele that boasts of who is who as well as the less prominent in the society in Oyo State, Patrick has carved a niche for himself painting portraits of both the mighty and the low in his small ’gallery’ tucked somewhere at the newly commissioned Cocoa Mall in Dugbe area of the ancient city.

    But getting to this level has not been easy as Uwezeh readily admitted during a short conversation with The Nation. According to him, it was a long road to success during which he saw the highest mountains and the lowest valleys. In this interview, he talks about his life and how he once left home and spent six years on a mountain following what he claimed was a call from God.

    Excerpts:

    Background

    I  am from Okilato town in Uka local government of  Enugu State. I was born into the Onyeke family in Amogodu and my father’s name is Chief Nwezeh Onyeke. I was bred in Okilato where I had my primary and secondary education. I left the town and went to study Fine Art at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu, after which I left for Lagos and lived at Balogun Street. I worked in Lagos briefly at Broke Street/Marina, in 2005 before I heard a call.

    What call?

    I am a servant of God. God led me to a mountain where I stayed alone for six years. The mountain is on Adekuja Road, Orile- Ilugun. It is called Ori-Oke-Irapada. Nobody knew my where about for six years, including my siblings, my friends and my mother. The reason why I didn’t allow anyone to know my where about was that after I got there I found the Lord’s presence around me and didn’t want any distraction from anybody.

    All through the time I was staying there I was discovering myself and many miracles happened. I later left there to work for a while, but before I left the mountain, I called one of my brothers, who hadn’t talked to me for years. He was surprised to hear my voice and quickly sent for me in Abuja, where I also worked for a while. I later moved from Abuja to Ibadan.

    Childhood days

    My childhood was very challenging, because of my physical disability, though it made me stronger and to work harder. Shortly after I was born, I was hit by polio, when I was one year and eleven months. It led to total paralysis of both arms, legs and some other parts of my body. I couldn’t sit upright, my mother was the one helping me. Much prayers and medications helped to revive my neck, arms, and left leg, which led me to using of crutches.

    Efforts so far

    My God is a God that works with time. Even in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 verse 1 it was stated “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”. There is time for everything and I believe God will heal me at His own time. God even said, “His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts”. I am not in a hurry to be healed by Him. I want Him to take His own time.

    When I was in secondary school, I had a friend that walked up to me and told me to follow him to his church in Lagos called Synagogue Church, where he believed that the man of God will heal me and I will walk again. But, what I knew then was that the Lord is taking His time to heal me. So I rejected his offer.

    My first priority in life is to make heaven, because I had told God that if having a complete upright figure will make me sin and not enter heaven, then he should leave me the way I am, but He should make me a vessel of honour.

    Road to Fine Arts

    Let me say this, Fine Arts is inside my blood. My mother had been my source of inspiration; she’s a teacher but draws wonderful pictures of many things, which I learned from her. So, during my primary and secondary school days, people had known me and my works.

    With this work, I can say I am fulfilled but not totally fulfilled yet, because I have greater plans ahead. Because, I wish to have an Art Gallery where people will be visiting and I want to use my drawings to preach God’s words to people. I have different customers which include the Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company, Dr Adebayo Jimoh, Chairman of Top Services Limited, Chief Tokunbo Omisore, Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi and a host of others.

    Advice to people living

    with disabilities

    My advice to people like me is that they should look for opportunities and never give up. Also people who are endowed should help physically-challenged people and never see them as abnormal.

    Sharing his thoughts with The Nation, Emmanuel Oni, a client of Uwezeh, said that the crippled artist was a shining example for others in his condition, some of whom have lost hope and resorted to begging.

    He described the artist as hardworking and customer friendly. He added: ”People in Patrick’s (Uwezeh) condition should not be hopeless they can learn vocational skills instead of taking to begging as the only way out.

  • Drivers at war in Ekiti as RTEAN members battle to remove leader

    Drivers at war in Ekiti as RTEAN members battle to remove leader

    Muted discontents among members of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Ekiti State against perceived high-handedness of its leader, Mr. Rotimi Olanbiwonninu, has degenerated into a free-for-all in which dangerous objects were used by rival factions to prosecute a supremacy battle. The leadership has stepped down as a national Fact Finding Committee fills the space in the interim, writes Sulaiman Salawudeen

    Penultimate Friday in Ado-Ekiti, capital of the State, was unlike most other days as residents tasted the bitter pill of unrest and fear arising mainly from violent opposition of some members of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) to the leadership of the Association led by its Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Olanbiwonninu (aka Mentilo).

    Although the day started on a peaceful note, it did not however end well within the association as some members mounted road blocks and made bonfires at strategic locations including Old Garage, Okeyinmi, Ojumose,, Ijigbo and Ajilosun Roads. in Ado Ekiti, the state capital to voice their grievance against what they variously described as ‘highhandedness’ and ‘iron fist’ rule of the State Chairman.

    They divided themselves into groups, armed with dangerous weapons and drove their vehicles at dangerous speeds, visiting the motor parks to forcibly dislodge members seen as loyal to Olanbiwonninu.

    Shops and businesses were forced into an early closure while pedestrian and vehicular movements also ceased prematurely, especially around Old Garrage and Ijigbo-Ajilosun areas,  as cries of agony from t5he injured  proceeded intermittently from the motor parks to sully what remained of the evening.

    Thick, black smoke rose into and hung heavy in the air as bellows of fire wailed from burning tyres at several spots around the axis of mayhem, while largely faceless daredevils brandished fearful weapons to corral perceived opposition into vacating the motor parks, the control and administration of which, according to findings, had been at the roots of the problem.

    The aggrieved parties which comprised the State Secretary, Comrade Sesan Ogunlade; Deputy Chairman, Mr. Sunday Adeola; Chapel Chairman, Olokemeji, Mr.  Ajayi Kayode; Chapel Chairman, Ureje, Adeniyi Adebayo (aka Ojuigo); Prince Adewale Abiodun Fagbewesa; Fadairo Akinwale and a minimum of twenty six other chapel chairmen were united by a mission to dislodge Mentilo and “restore a regime of peace and mutual progress to the 17-year-old Union”, insisting that the 8-year reign of the State Chairman must end.

    In consequence, Policemen and later men of the Nigeria Army were drafted to mount guards at several spots to curb further escalation of unrest. The police at a point were forced to fire tear gas shots into the rampaging horde of disgruntled park touts, making residents, especially those staying around Okeyinmi, Ojumose, Ijigbo and Ajilosun areas shed tears right inside their homes and business centres.

    Soon as the tear gas dissipated, the surging soldiers of opposition to the beleaguered Mentilo, who wore fearful looks, returned to the scenes to maintain the glow of unrest. They kept daring the opposition to come out and challenge them and even the police, pacing up and down. At a point, about four separate detachments of policemen failed in the attempt to rein in the throbbing horde.

    By the time the dust settled after six consecutive days of unrest and uncertainty, no fewer than five members comprising mainly those loyal to the troubled Chairman and two police officers, had been taken to the hospitals for treatment, but no life, as findings revealed, was lost.

    The intervention of National Executive Council

    The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association intervened by sending down a five-member Fact finding Committee to take over affairs of the association in the State as the current leadership led by Rotimi Olanbiwonninu was asked to step aside from the office to enable the Committee investigate the causes and make recommendations to NEC.

    Earlier, the National President, Alhaji Shehu Musa Isiwele had held a meeting with the factions attended by the State Chairman, Olanbiwonninu and the Secretary, Com. Ogunlade after which they were directed to allow the Chairman to serve out his term, a recommendation which was rejected and which immediately caused hiccups.

    Just before this meeting, there had been an earlier one held with the groups attended by the National President in which the State Governor Kayode Fayemi denied ever giving Olanbiwonninu N100 million which he was alleged of having mismanaged and which was believed primarily responsible for the problem. Neither of the meetings could bring the situation under control.

    The Committee led by Comrade Philip Nwaigbo from Imo State as chairman, has other members which included Alhaji Lahan Yusuf, Secretary (Kwara), Alhaji Ayinde Rumokun (Lagos) Alhaji Rasak Durojaye (Ogun) and Comrade Adewale Ojo (Ondo).

    The Nwaigbo Committee is expected to complete its assignment by January 19 and return to the national secretariat of the association with a report on the findings.

    Meanwhile, as at last weekend, the whereabouts of the embattled Chairman, were unknown and efforts to trace it proved fruitless.

    While some believed he was arrested by the Force Headquartres in Abuja, others said it was the Directorate of State Security (DSS). Even the Police in the State could offer no assistance in this regard.

    Allegations against Mentilo

    Allegations against the administration of the beleaguered Olanb-iwonninu included high-handedness and arrogating too much powers. Others, according to a list of 30 misconducts contained in a letter forwarded by the aggrieved members to NEC, included converting in various ways the Association’s property into his own; victimisation and use of divide and rule method to foist trouble within the Association; selling of ‘priority’ to his wife, girlfriends and cronies and physical and routine brutalisation of chapel chairmen and ranking members of the Association.

    Noting that a sum of a hundred million given to the Association by the State government had equally vanished, they explained the Chairman had also sacked some elected members of the Association on spurious accusations of being opposed to his administration while a sum of N250,000 contributed by members as support for an ailing  member of the association who was on admission at the State Teaching hospital was equally denied him. But, both the State Governor and the National President have denied that Olanbiwonninu collected any such amount.

    The National President had said: “It is the leaders of the union that are causing the fight. We will take care of that and as soon as I leave this place, I will see the Commissioner of Police and I will decide the matter before I leave this State”, he said.

    One of the aggrieved members spoke: “For about one year now, he had sacked some old members from participating in all activities and had appointed his own family members to replace those ones. You too can confirm all I am saying as a journalist.

    “While doing all these, he goes about accusing those he has been punishing as belonging to rival political camps to curry the favour of the current administration and sustain his punishment on his supposed enemies”, he said.

    How did things get so worse?

    More facts have however emerged concerning the reasons members of the Association were up in arms against Olanbiwonninu. A member named Adeniyi Adebayo (aka Ojuigo), said: “The State Chairman has a long history of abuse of the privileges of his position. So many members have one terrible history or the other to tell about him”.

    Adeniyi, Chapel Chairman, Ureje park, Ado-Ekiti who disclosed he had been placed on suspension through a letter from the Chairman, recalled that since he assumed leadership of the park, he (the chairman) had denied him all the privileges of the position. Said he:”He did not allow me to carry priority. Priority means you are given priority to load passengers at the park anytime irrespective of whether it was your turn or not. Once you are in the park, the turn is automatically your own.

    “But as the chairman, I have the privilege of priority in six units, including Akure, Ikere, Benin, Ondo-Ore, Akungba and Ise. Mentilo sold the six priorities to those he wanted. As the state chairman, Mentilo should not sell priority to members of the union because when he does that he removes every respect you have as Chapel chairman and this is exactly what he does to me and many of our members.

    “Again, given the size of the state, he has access to only five vehicles. But our Chairman has 13 buses which are engaged in priority all over the garages; which means no chapel chairman has priority. Wherever he did not have a bus, he would sell the priority to a member of that Garage and collect N9000. In Ado-Ekiti alone, he has 13 buses and has sold 6 priorities. His child and wife have priorities.

    “You may wish to know how I got the fresh wounds on my body and my face. He was in Abuja last Friday for an event and called Alhaji Kuraku, Akin Falae, Ojo Ghana, Kasali KSK and Olu Ofunoye who are ranking members of Mentilo Vanguard to come and beat me up. I was then in front of Wema Bank. They all came to ask me where I got the letter I took to Emure and Ise to sign with chapel chairmen, I asked them what letter. They were referring to the letter that thirty chapel chairmen signed and forwarded to the headquartres. I was not among those selected to sign but they never allowed me to defend myself.

    “While it is true that someone was carrying his impeachment letter about which was the chairman of Ise, Mathew Arogundade, I am not Arogundade. He most possibly would have known this but, because of his longstanding hatred for me, he said they should include my name among those who wanted to get him out. They applied physical beating and cutlasses on me.

    “It was that day that all the Chairmen generally, numbering 38, decided that it was time for him to go. In all this, Mentilo Vanguard has been responsible. The vanguard is the hit squad,” Adeniyi said.

    Prince Adewale Abiodun Fagbewesa’s experience was however farther into time. In his account, Fagbewesa explained that on a Saturday in 2006, he had an accident on a commercial motorcycle while returning home after work at Ijigbo and he was taken to the hospital, adding that on Monday, he returned to the park at Ajibade lane with his car and sat down.

    “When they saw me after I came down from my car, Mazda 323, they brought a chair for me and I sat down and around 9 in the morning Mentilo came to the park and people greeted him bending their whole body.

    “I could not do this as I was not even comfortable on the seat. I felt like returning home. When he moved closer to my seat, I could only gesture slightly although respectfully as I was not well. He approached me and I bowed very well on my seat again. He queried that why did I greet him like that? I, as well as the others explained that I just had an accident and showed him this.

    “His next move was to give me a serious and heavy slap on my face, blaming me for disrespecting him. I then told him he is a horrible leader and what he did was bad. He accused me of confronting him. He carried a big stone and smashed all the glasses on my car, including the windscreen.

    “Later, I went to the police station where I reported the case. When the police came, Mentilo Vanguard did not allow them to carry the vandalised car. Later, the DPO Okesa ordered again that the car should be evacuated to his station which the officers did. He (Mentilo) came to the station and agreed to settle amicably. I agreed as I did not have anywhere else to go or any other work. Oga (referring to the reporter), can you believe that Mentilo did not repair my vehicle till today in open and total defiance of an agreement with the police. I later repaired the car myself as that is my only means of livelihood.

    In his own account, Fadairo Akinwale, a unit chairman in the association, said on January 17, 2013, Mentilo Vanguard came to his shop in Tosin Aluko Motor Park while preparing to travel. He explained that the Vanguard destroyed his wife’s shop where they sell beer and pepper soup. “They did that because I refused to join the Mentilo Vanguard because the Vanguard members were known to have been committing various atrocities,” he said.

    He clarified that Vanguard had invited him earlier to join them to sack Ojuigo who was the Chapel chairman, adding that he called Ojuigo himself and told him the plans of the Vanguard.

    Said he: ”About twenty of us held that secret meeting on January 12. But on the 17, they came to my wife’s shop and destroyed the entire place. How do I regain what was destroyed because it ran into millions of naira. Other accounts by members brought more revelations regarding how the state chairman had allegedly committed a crime for which he must now pay with his position.”

    The involvement of the association secretary and other executive members

    But, what thickens the plot against the state chairman was not just that nearly 30 Chapel Chairmen have one unsavoury story or the other to tell about their now troubled leader but that even the association secretary, Comrade Sesan Ogunlade is uncomfortable and has fallen out with the state chairman in respect of his alleged misdeeds. So also is the deputy chairman and twelve out of fourteen members of the state executive who have joined all chapel chairmen to petition the national leadership of the association rejecting Olanbiwonninu’s leadership.

    Ogunlade explained that he had conferred with the chairman many times regarding his habitual high-handedness but which has not got him swayed desirably.

    Mentilo’s deputy, Sunday Adeola also spoke of what he called “the atrocities of the chairman,” saying “if I begin to tell you what he has done to me, to our members in the exco, to chapel chairmen and unit heads, we will not leave this place today. Anything I say now, I can say it in his presence as I have done before.

    The embattled state chairman’s defence

    In his defense, the embattled chairman Rotimi Olanbiwonninu denied the allegations of high-handedness and collecting N100 million from Governor Fayemi. He told The Nation that on the day the problem started, he was in Abuja being a member of the National Executive Council which was then billed to meet President Goodluck Jonathan on appointment.

    Said he: “When we heard of the development, the National President advised me to leave and return. I was coming back and when I got to Okene, I gathered that I was actually the target and that I was being asked to go.

    He denied having spent more than eight years, clarifying that he assumed position in 2007, “which makes my administration just six years in office and not eight,” adding it was equally wrong to accuse him of being high-handed and inconsiderate when he does not meddle in the responsibilities and functions of other members of the state executive.

    Olanbiwonninu said: “How can they accuse me of running a one man show. That cannot be true. At the chapel level, they have an executive which is independent of the state. At the unit level, they also have an executive council. It is impossible that I would be running the chapel and unit on my own.

    He noted that it was true that he had been commending the state governor for his good works and development efforts in the state as government’s efforts on roads had benefitted his members more than any other segment of the state. “I have also not collected any N100 million from government as they are saying. If I have such money, I will change my business,” he said.

    On the allegation that he uses Mentilo Vanguard to witch-hunt and oppress members, the troubled chairman admitted that there was a Vanguard, the founding and operations of which belongs to members of the association “who admire me and who said they wanted to appreciate my good works in the association by forming a group with that name.”

    He also clarified that so far, the state government has given the association a total of 16 buses and 40 cars which he instructed the state Public Relations Officer (PRO) to distribute according to laid down procedures with my deputy, secretary and other members of the executive having their own shares.

    “You can investigate yourself and find out that majority of the functions of the administration, I hand them over to the deputy and the secretary. The secretary is the head of administration. He is not to be a spare tyre.

    As the pronouncement of the national president is awaited

    The verdict of the National President is now being awaited. The Fact Finding Committee currently on board in the state will conclude its brief coming Saturday, January 18 and will submit its report on 19th which will be a Sunday. It is on that day that the National President is expected to make a pronouncement on what happens next.

    While it is unclear who the association had resolved to pick as the next state chairman, the findings had indicated that the aggrieved parties have vowed to resume the war should the pronouncement return the current state chairman to the office.

    According to them, “It is a clear no retreat, no surrender situation. The association is prepared to ensure that a new leadership is installed. We have already forgotten the misdeeds of Mentilo, but should attempts be made to return him here, heads will roll.”

     

  • Medical mission breathes life into Osun rural community

    Medical mission breathes life into Osun rural community

    Imesi-Ile in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State recently came alive when some medical experts from the United States visited the sleepy and an agrarian community to attend to some of its ailing residents.

    Hundreds of people, even far beyond the community’s borders, besieged the town’s almost disused health facility, which is under the management of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife.

    It was a very rare opportunity for the residents of the community, who are suffering from various life-threatening diseases and ailments to come forward for cure – all for free.

    Dr. Remi Saseun, an indigene who lives in the United States, led 24 medical personnel, including doctors, theatre nurses, surgeons, laboratory scientists and pharmacists, for the exercise.

    According to Saseun, the medical personnel were in the country under the aegis of the Association of Medical Physicians in America (AMPA). He said the immediate past medical intervention of the association was in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    Saseun, who disclosed that more than N8 million was expended on medication for the five-day free mission, said two resident doctors and a matron in the health facility joined them to treat the people.

    He said they spent extra thousands of naira in procuring anti-malaria drugs from Nigeria because in the United States people don’t have malaria and, therefore, no drugs for such disease in that country. Within three days of the programme, 921 patients were treated. There were 46 surgeries.

    On top of the list of ailments treated were eye problems, such as cataract, diabetes, high blood pressure and hypertension as well as arthritis.

    The officials of the hospitals declined comment because they said they were not authorised to speak but few of the patients expressed joy for the mission which they said had restored their hope and helped them overcome some of their health challenges.

    For instance,  Kehinde Adesiyan, an indigene of the town, lamented that there was no functional government hospital in the community to treat ailments, saying they most times travel as far as Osogbo, Ilesa and Ile-Ife before the residents could receive medical attention for their ailments.

    A refrigerator technician in the community, Peter Aluko; a petty trader, Madam Eunice Esan and a retired civil servant, Pa Adebowale Ajiboye, said they had tremendously benefitted from the medical mission.

    The Secretary of the Imesi-Ile Progressive Association, Pa Jacob Babajide Awowale said, that the people would always be grateful to God and those behind the initiative, particularly, Dr. Remi Saseun.

    However, he joined Dr. Saseun to appeal to governments, both at the state and local government levels, to come to the aid of the people in the rural areas and ensure that they have access to medical care like those in the urban communities.

    “What will  make a big difference in the lives of the people in the rural areas is very small and if various authorities can help these people, their quality of lives would improve and it would make them contribute significantly to national development,” Saseun advised.

     

  • UACN takes prime properties to Oyo

    •Olive Court Estate rises in Ibadan

    UACN Property Development Company Plc (UPDC) has over the years built a reputation for vintage properties in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt but the company is now expanding to Ibadan and some other big cities, writes Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

    For real estate developers, Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt have always been first choice because of the high demand for upscale and exotic properties by the wealthy but this is about to change as UACN Property Development Company Plc (UPDC) is moving into previously untapped markets in Oyo State in a joint venture agreement with the government by building Olive Court estate in Ibadan, the state capital.

    Located on 2.04 hectares of land in the Agodi Government Reservation Area (GRA) opposite the Government House, Olive Court is where the very best of sub-urban living comes to life with beautifully designed, generously spacious houses, coupled with excellent leisure facilities.

    According to UPDC Managing Director, Hakeem Ogunniran, the ancient city of Ibadan has never had anything close to what his real estate company is currently building in the political capital of Southwest, Nigeria.

    Giving a breakdown of the housing units on offer, Ogunniran said, there are 9 units of 5-bedroom detached houses, 22 units of 4-bedroom semi-detached houses and 19 units of 4-bedroom terraces.

    Facilities include swimming pool, gymnasium and children’s play ground. Others are borehole and sewage treatment plant, fire and burglar systems, PHCN and standby generator including ample parking space for residents and visitors.

    The real estate company has also expanded to Calabar, the Cross River capital in a bid to compliment the world acclaimed tourist destination. Tinapa, in yet another joint venture arrangement  with the state government  to develop the Golf Estate, a 178 unit estate very close to the Summit Hill estate that epitomise luxury and pleasurable living that has become the toast of tourists across the world.

    On Pineville estate in Asaba, the UPDC chief said, though it didn’t work out as a joint venture project with the government, the exclusive estate located on one hectare of land in Asaba, the Delta State capital features contemporary design which exudes grace and style, adding to the magnificence of the capital city.

    He said: “Built to instill pride and pleasure in its residents, Pineville adds a touch of exclusivity by offering just 20 housing units which consists of 4 units of 5-bedroom detached houses and 16 units of 4-bedroom semi-detached houses. The units also come with full compliments of UPDC standards and even more”.

    On the reason behind the change in strategy and choice of cities, the UPDC MD said, his firm researched and came into a conclusion which led to the critical decision as a result of some business fundamental factors such as massive infrastructure and urban renewal programmes in the chosen states, the ease of doing business, land reforms and ease of obtaining land tiles etc.

    On plans to make inroads into other states, Ogunniran said that will be a sound business decision based on the efforts of the state government’s concerned to revive their infrastructure and create an enabling environment.

    According to him, real estate development has ceased to be a 100 metre dash but a marathon as investors demand good returns “so our move will only be determined by sound business decisions”.

    Ogunniran said the company’s presence is still very strong in Lagos as it had redeveloped the former FESTAC 77 Hotel into what is today known as Golden Tulip Hotel with all modern trappings. Currently, the company is delivering a mixed development in the hotel known as The Residences, adding that the apartments will be an ideal location for both business and pleasure. “Whether you chose a short let apartment, an office space or decide to make a home of the building, rest assured you will always be in the thick of all the activities and goings-on which its prestigious neigbours have to offer,” he enthused.

    In his words: “The Residences divided into wings will comprise of  88 units of one-bedroom apartments in the Wing 1, while the Wing 2 will accommodate 8 floors of commercial offices and Wing 3 will consists of 18 units of one-bedroom apartments and 46 units of 2-bedroom apartments”.

    In a related development, UPDC has also unveiled James Pinnock Place (Phase 111) Lekki in Lagos on about 3 hectares of land with the waterfront portion of the estate directly facing the Lagoon, ensuring a cool and airy atmosphere for residents. The 83 housing units offer an exceptional lifestyle, and doubles as an excellent investment opportunity as the Lekki axis continues in its phenomenal development. It consists of 11 units of 5-bedroom detached houses, 28 units of 4-bedroom semi-detached houses, 42 units of 3-bedroom apartments and 2 units of 4-bedroom maisonette all with boys’ quarters.

     

  • Odeon, Rex, Scala: Where are the cinema houses?

    Odeon, Rex, Scala: Where are the cinema houses?

    The great cinema houses, such as Queens, Odeon, Scala, KS and Rex cinemas, in Ibadan, which dominated the entertainment scene in the 70s and 80s, have all disappeared unnoticed. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU writes.

    Ibadan, the largest city in Africa south of the Sahara was the place to be back in the days when big cinema houses dominated the entertainment scene.

    Just like in other major cities in Nigeria in the 70s and 80s, going to the cinema was the best way to catch fun especially after a hard day’s work or to kick-off or cap your weekend of enjoyment.

    If you were not at Odeon Cinema at Oke Bola, where you were sure to get good western movies, Chinese blockbusters or epic Nigerians films, you could catch your fun then at Scala Cinema at Sabo, if Indian films were your choice. There was also Queens Cinema at Adamasingba, KS Cinema, Orita Mefa or Rex Cinema. They all offered a variety of films ranging from western to Chinese and Indian, not forgetting the few local films available then.

    Though Indian, American and Chinese films dominated the screens at the cinemas back then, Nigerian movies were not doing badly with the likes of late Hubert Ogunde’s Aiye, Jaiyesinmi; Moses Olaiya’s Orun Mooru; Ade Afolayan’s …. and Jab Adu’s, Bisi Daughter of the River, so popular.

    The pioneering efforts of the doyen of the Nigerian theatre, late Hubert Ogunde in producing full length films based on African experience and in local languages brought many people who hitherto would not go to cinemas out to these places of enjoyment and relaxation. Before the advent of cinemas, Nigerians were used to stage plays by a large ensemble of local artists at town halls and even schools. The arrival of television even introduced a few among the elite to the spectacle of this wonderful tube.

    But the arrival of cinema made a big impression all over and it was followed by even bigger spectacles that pulled a huge crowd of viewers like a wave of the sea. Both old and young found the cinema very fascinating and exciting and led to a boom in the industry.

    The operators, mainly the Indians and Lebanese dominated the business, as most of the major cinema houses were operated by them. With the boom recorded, local operators joined in with great conviction and pushed the other local entrepreneurs further in this direction.

    According to 74 year-old, Alhaji Jamiu Ayinde, a resident of Sabo, Ibadan, by 1970s and 80s, the cinema houses had gained more grounds and were multiplying rapidly in the city.

    He said, ”one Lebanese business man bought the place (Scala Cinema) from the owner, the Oba of Sabo, Alhaji Awudu Zungeru the first Sarkin Hausawa. Sabo Memorial School was adjacent the place where Scala cinema was situated“.

    Alhaji Ayinde, a native of Ilorin who grew up in Sabo recalled that when the Scala Cinema was started by the Lebanese named Mathar Suraj in the early 70s, only few homes had television sets, which were considered a luxury back then, so a lot of people took to the cinema.

    “The cinema business took advantage of this luxury and started gradually to show films with  slide motion pictures.

    “And before you know it, it attracted both young and old. The Scala Cinema then was the most popular and it was full to capacity for both day and night shows.

    “When our local operators discovered that there was a lot of money in it that was when we started hearing of other cinema houses like KS, Rex, and Odeon.

    “They started out by imitating the Lebanese, and Indians who were the first to introduce the cinema houses. But by the late 80s, they were producing their own strikingly original work (local films) which sold very well,” he said.

    By 1990s, local film production had gained reasonable ground in the market as more local actors got involved in film-making, especially on VCDs and later DVDs, a development which put cinemas at a disadvantage, and a gradual decline fell on the industry.

    At this period, many homes have had access to video players, DVD players and there were a number of home videos in the market.

    Mr Olawale Mutiu, who used to patronise cinema houses in Ibadan in 80s gave reason for the recession, saying that cinemas are no longer fashionable because of the advanced technological developments being witnessed in the film industry. He added that nowadays most people would sit in the four corners of their homes to watch various types of films without having to go to cinema houses.

    Today, all the known cinema houses in the city of Ibadan are no more. Instead, the places have turned into either shopping complexes and worship centres.

    For example the famous Scala Cinema at Sabo area Ibadan has been bought and demolished by the new owner to pave for a massive shopping mall, an imposing structure with the inscription Fashad Enterprises, where used cars are sold.

    The Queens Cinema building now houses shops where clothings of different types are sold, while the former Odeon Cinema at Oke-Bola has been turned into a church.

    Following the decline, the Lebanese and Indian operators of cinema business went into bankruptcy and liquidation and were forced out of business after some years. Some left the country while others sold their business premises.

    For instance, Scala Cinema, according to Alhaji Ayinde was bought by a former governor of old Bendel State who could not run the business for long before it collapsed as a result of lack of patronage.

    “If you have any cinema house today, it will only be there for nothing because nobody will go in there to watch films when you can watch films in your house. You have cable TV, DSTV and many others where you can watch anything you like. Well, except you have football viewing centres, that is the only business that is booming as of today and not cinema houses,” a trader who simply identified himself as Akin said.

  • A crime buster to the rescue

    A crime buster to the rescue

    Inspector Usman Abdul Dimka, the officer-in-charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Oyo State Police Command – Skynet Special Squad – is an unusual policeman, with an uncommon zeal to fight crime, especially armed robbery. This has earned him numerous awards including a presidential commendation for bravery and courage. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU writes.

    Apart from possessing special instinct to detect and prevent the commission of crime, Inspector Usman Dimka stood out among his peers when he, through a selfless effort built and equipped a model police station for the Oyo State Police Command.

    003

    With modern facilities, such as CCTV cameras, furnished cell beddings, computerised offices, modern communication gadgets, floor tiles and air conditioned cells, the model police station, situated at the popular Aleshinloye market in the Southwest area of Ibadan, the state capital has not only remained the cynosure of all eyes, but the first of its kind in this part of the country.

    Its inner fittings, clean and beautiful environment put the police station at par with similar facilities anywhere in the developed world and a proof that Nigeria can attain desired development and join the developed economies in spite of all odds.

    Inspector Dimka has indeed carved a niche for himself, and for the Nigeria Police, an organisation which has witnessed serious image crisis over the years arising from greed, corruption and bad leadership.

    In Nigeria, a country where survival is for the fittest and the resilient, Inspector Dimka had strived hard to pull resources together based on his earned reputation, that attracted a flow of good will from  spirited individuals and corporate organisations to build the police station.      He could have decided to channel such goodwill into personal use, but he did otherwise, by choosing to use the resources for the good of many, especially the Nigeria Police.

    Of all the developing countries, Nigeria, the most populous black nation in the world and giant of Africa, is still lagging behind in the area of modern equipment, operational vehicles and other crime fighting equipment for her security agencies especially the police. Non-availability of decent and modern police stations and good working environment for members of the force are also common features of the Nigeria Police.

    As it is all over the world including Nigeria, the police are a public sector service, drawing heavily from the public purse for all their activities, but the poor funding of the force in Nigeria has encouraged public spirited individuals and organisations to lend a helping hand either directly or through the efforts of such people as Inspector Dimka whose zeal for the job of policing is undiluted, knowing fully the nitty-gritty of the force.

    He did his job with uncommon commitment making him a no-match for armed robbers.

    In fact, many held the belief that he has a charm to detect criminals’ hideouts and a special ability to arrest robbers, but according to him, the secret behind his success is hard work, commitment and honesty.

    His love for the job however, paid off when his effort was crowned on April 29, 2013 by the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan with a Presidential commendation award for bravery and courage in engaging hoodlums in series of anti-robbery operations, leading to arrests of many, recovery of arms while serving in Edo, Delta and Oyo states.

    Till date, Inspector Dimka has to his credit 10 different awards as a result of his dedication, courage and bravery in bursting crimes. But the awards and accolades notwithstanding it does appear that the job of combating and nipping in the bud insurgence of crimes and other anti-social vices has just begun for the Plateau State born police officer.

    Speaking at yet another award in his honour in Ibadan recently organised by Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Radio Television Theatre Workers Union (RATTAWU), in conjunction with KP Multi-Links Media Communication and Association on Theatre Practitioners (ANTP), Oyo State chapters, Dimka who has become a household name in the prevention of crimes in Ibadan since arriving the state in October 2009, said the President’s commendation and special handshake received from President Jonathan among other international laurels have taught him that hard work really pays.

    “The perception of the public that policemen are not good people; the training I received from all the leaders I have served and the encouragement from my parents and colleagues alike and the training I received even outside Nigeria which later earned me laurel, continue to spur me to give my best to this nation,” he said.

    The awards, according to him, “shows that people recognise and acknowledge our services in the police force and I am proud to be a police officer and will continue to offer selfless service to the community, state and the nation at large.”

    On how he single-handedly foiled an eight-man robbery gang and inflicted bullet wounds on the fleeing hoodlums thereby preventing felony in Ibadan late 2011, Dimka said, “they were eight and I exchanged bullet fire with them and gunned down some of them and others escaped with bullet wounds. I was happy I achieved that feat because if it had happened the other way round, I would have been a dead person by now, so I thank God”.

  • How Ondo lawmaker escaped assassination

    How Ondo lawmaker escaped assassination

    But for providence, what would have been a tearful Christmas and New Year celebration for the family of the lawmaker representing Okitipupa constituency in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Soji Akinkurolere and the people of the state was averted on December 28, 2013 as the lawmaker narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in his Ilu-titun Osooro residence.

    Last year, the state witnessed series of deaths involving some of its prominent indigenes including a former governor, Olusegun Agagu, former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and son of a former Secretary to the Government of Federation, Chief Olu Falae, Deji Falae, the lawmaker representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Rafael Nomiye among others.

    Hon-Akin-241x300

    Who could have sent the five gunmen and what could have been the offence of the easy going lawmaker to warrant an attempt on his life were the questions on the lips of many, particularly residents of Okitipupa who either witnessed the assassination attempt or heard about the incident.

    His escapade in the hands of the suspects happened in a miraculous way as he thought the end had come on that fateful day. But the bravery of some of his aides who attempted to foil the attack by the gunmen gave the lawmaker who was inside his bedroom when the assassins came ample time to escape through another door with members of his family.

    And with their target having escaped, the gunmen turned their anger on his property and vandalised everything within site in the compound especially vehicles.

    One of Akinkurolere’s neighours who spoke with The Nation but does not want his name in print, said he praised the legislator’s aides whom he said engaged in hot verbal exchanges with the assassins before they forced their way into the compound.

    His words: “I was on the other side of the road when I saw a vehicle parked very close to my own house with some guys sitting inside. I was surprised when I saw that a man, who had been sitting in the front seat of the car, came out and started making phone calls. Few minutes later, he finished the calls and tapped the other guys sitting at the back seat and they headed to the residence of Honourable Akinkurolere. The next thing I heard was sporadic gunshots.

    “I ran inside my house, but I was hearing them shouting that they wanted to see the honourable and they were banging on the gate. I think it was in that process that they forced themselves in the house, but the lawmaker escaped with members of his family before they could get in. I will like to commend the lawmaker’s aides, they made attempt to stop the killers from entering the house, but I think the ammunition they carried was too much for them to fight against”.

    When contacted, Akinkurolere said it was through the grace of God that he escaped from the assassins’ net. He did not know why they were after his life.

    According to him, “how all of us in the residence including my aged father and mother, wife and children escaped the ordeal was inexplicable, but I thank God for everything”

    The Okitipupa Divisional Police Station could not comment on the assassination attempt, but vehicles belonging to the Akinkurolere, riddled with bullets  could be seen parked outside.

    But spokesman for the state police command, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the incident stressing that the case had been transferred to Akure while a business man has been arrested in connection with the assassination attempt, and he is helping police in their investigations.