The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • How Nigeria came into being in 1914

    How Nigeria came into being in 1914

    One hundred years ago, on 1st January 1914, the country, Nigeria, was born, but the order sealing the amalgamation of the then Southern and Northern protectorates to become the country of Nigeria was signed on November 22, 1913.

    The document was signed in London by the trio of King’s most Excellent Majesty Earl Spencer, Lord Stamfordham and Lord Emmott on behalf of the government of the United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland..

    Obviously, no Nigerian was part of the deal. This, perhaps, accounts for the various agitations for national conferences by the various ethnic nationalities and other stakeholders within the country since shortly after it was born. Rather than abate, agitations for redefinition of terms of engagement get hotter by the day.

    As the nation basks in the ecstasy of the centennial celebration, The Nation reproduces the full text of the document that gave legal birth to Nigeria.

    NIGERIA PROTECTORATE ORDER IN COUNCIL, 1913 AT THE COURT AT WINDSOR CASTLE, THE 22ND DAY OF NOVEMBER, 1913. PRESENT, THE KING’ MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY EARL SPENCER, LORD STAMFORDHAM, LORD EMMOTT

    Whereas by the Foreign Jurisdiction Act, 1890, it is amongst other things, enacted that it shall be lawful for his Majesty, the king of hold, exercise, and has, or may at any time hereafter, have within a foreign country in the same and as an ample a manner as if His Majesty has led acquired that jurisdiction by the cession or conquest of territory.

    And whereas by an Order-in-Council bearing date: the Twenty-seventy day of December, 1889, and known as the Northern Nigeria Order-in-Council, 1889, provision was made for the administration of the Government of the Territories known as Northern Nigeria. And whereas by further Order-in-Council bearing date, March, 1908, and October, 11, 1912, and known respectively as the Nigeria Northern Order-in-Council, 1908 and the Northern Nigeria Order-in-Council, 1912: the Northern Nigeria Order-in-Council, 1899, has been amended.

    And whereas by an Order-in-Council bearing date the Fourth day of February, 1911, and known as the Southern Nigeria Protectorate Order-in-Council, 1911, provision was made for the administration of the Government of the territories known as the protectorate of Southern Nigeria.

    And whereas by further Order-in-Council bearing date, the Twenty-eight day of March, 1912 and known as the Southern Nigeria protectorate Order-in-Council, 1912, the Southern Protectorate Order in Council, 1911, has been amended.

    And whereas by certain Letters Patent passed under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland bearing date at Westminister the Twenty-eight day of February, 1906, His late Majesty King Edward the Seventh did constitute the office of Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Colony of Southern Nigeria and provide  for the Government thereof.

    And whereas his Majesty has this day, by and with the advice of the Privy Council, been pleased to direct that letters patent be passed under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland for the purpose of providing, amongst other thing that the colony of Southern Nigeria, as in the said Letters Patent more fully appears and the draft of the said Letters Patent has this day been approved by His Majesty in Council.

    And whereas, it is expedient to make further and other provision for the peace, order, and good government of the territories, known as the Protectorate of Northern and Southern Nigeria.

    NOW THEREFORE, His Majesty, by virtue and in exercise of the power by the Foreign Jurisdiction Act, 1890, or otherwise in His Majesty vested, is pleased, by and with the advice of His Privy Council, to Order, and it is hereby Ordered, as follows:

    (i) The Order may be cited as the Nigeria Protectorate Order in Council, 1913.

    (ii) This Order shall apply to the territories of African which are bounded on the South by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west, north and north-east by the line of the frontier between the British and French territories, and on the east by the frontier between the British and Provided always that such part of the territories so bounded are within that portion of His Majesty’s Dominion which is known as the Colony of Nigeria, shall not be included within the limits of this Order.  The order shall be known and described as the protectorate of Nigeria

    (iii) In this Order unless the subject or context otherwise requires.  His Majesty includes His Majesty’s heir and successors.  Secretary of State means one of His Majesty’s principal secretaries of state.  Treaty include any treaty, convention, agreement or arrangement, made by or on behalf of her Majesty, with any civilised power, or with any native tribe, appended to any such treaty convention, agreement, or arrangement. Governor means the Governor and commander-in-chief for the time being of the colony of Nigeria and includes every person for the time being administering the Government of the said colony.  ‘Colony’ means the colony of Nigeria. ‘Nigeria’ used without qualification means the colony and protectorate of Nigeria.

    (iv) The Governor and Commander-in-chief for the time being of the colony of Nigeria (hereinafter called the Governor) shall be the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the protectorate of Nigeria and he is hereby authorised, empowered and commanded to exercise on His Majesty’s behalf, all such powers and jurisdiction as His Majesty at any time before or after the passing of this order had or may have within the said territories, and to that end to make or cause to be taken all such measures and to do or cause to be done, all matters and things therein as are lawful and as in the interest of His Majesty’s service he may think expedient, subject to such instruction as he may from time to time receive from His Majesty or through a Secretary of State.

    (v) The Protectorate shall be divided into two or more portions, each under the immediate administration of a Lieutenant-Governor appointed by His Majesty.  Provided that every Lieutenant-Governor shall be under control and authority of the Governor and subject to such instruction as he may from time receive from him.  And provided further that it shall be within the discretion of the Governor, subject always to the approval of a secretary of State, to transfer a Lieutenant-Governor from the administration of one portion of the protectorate to another portion, and to vary the limits of the area administered by a Lieutenant-Governor.

    (vi) Every person appointed to fill the office of Governor shall with all due solemnity, before entering on any of the duties of his office, cause the commission appointing him to be read and publish at such place in the protectorate as he may deem expedient, in the presence of the Chief Justice or some other Judge of Supreme Court, and of such members of the Executive Council to the colony and Protectorate as can conveniently attend, which being done, he shall then and there take before them the Oath of Allegiance in the form provided by an Act passed in the Session Holden in the Thirty-first and Thirty-second years of the Reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, intuited ‘An act to amend the Law relating to promissory Oaths, and likewise the usual Oath of Governor and for the due and impartial administration of Justice, which Oaths the said Chief Justice, or, if he be unavoidably absent, the senior member of the Executive Council then present, is hereby required to administer.

    (vii) The Executive council of the colony of Nigeria shall be and deemed to be the Executive Council of the Protectorate.

    (viii) It shall be lawful for the Governor, from time to time, by ordinance, to provide for the administration of justice, the raising of revenue, and generally for the peace, order and good government of the Protectorate, and of all persons therein, including the prohibition and punishment of acts tending to disturb the public peace.

    Provided as follows:

    1. That nothing in any such ordinance or ordinances contained shall take away or affect any rights secured to any natives in the said territories by any treaties or agreement made on behalf or with the sanction of her Majesty, Queen Victoria. His Late Majesty King Edward the Seventh, or shall be and remain operative and in force, and all pledge and undertaking therein contained shall remain mutually binding on all parties to the same.

    2. That all laws, Ordinances, Proclamations, bylaws and regulations of whatsoever nature in force at the date of the commencement of this force until repealed or revoked by or in pursuance of any Law or Ordinance passed by the Governor.

    3. That the Governor in making Ordinances shall respect any native laws by which the civil relation of any native chiefs, tribes, or populations under His Majesty’s protection are now regulated, except so far as the same may be incompatible with the due exercises of His Majesty’s power and jurisdiction, or clearly injures the welfare of the said natives.

    4. That every suit, action, complaint, matter, or things which shall be pending in any Court within the said territories at the commencement of this Order shall and may be proceeded within such court in like manner as if Order had not been passed.

    (ix) The right is hereby reserved to His Majesty to disallow any such Ordinance as aforesaid.  Such disallowance shall be signified to the Governor through a Secretary of State, and shall take effect from time when the same shall be promulgated by the Governor.  The right is also hereby reserved to His Majesty, with the advice of His Privy Council, from time to time to make all such laws or Ordinances as may appear to him necessary for the peace, order, and good government of the protectorate as fully as’ if this Order had not been made.

    (x) In the making and establishing of all such Ordinance the Governor shall conform to and observe all rules, regulations and directions in that behalf continued in any instruction under His Majesty’s Sign Manual and Signet.

    (xi) Whenever and so often as the Governor is absent from the seat of Government, or is absent in the colony, and any place in the protectorate of Nigeria in the exercise or discharge of any powers or duties conferred or imposed upon him by His Majesty or having obtained leave from His Majesty under His sign Manual and Signet or through a Secretary of State, is absent from the said passage as aforesaid, he may continue to exercise and shall be deemed to be capable of exercising all and every powers invested in him by this order in councilor by any instructions from His majesty and may be an instrument under the public seal appoint any person or person to be his Deputy or Deputies within and part the protectorate during such absence, and in that capacity to exercise, perform and execute for and on behalf of the Governor during such absence but no longer, all such powers and authorities by this order in councilor otherwise vested in the Governor as shall in any by such instrument be specified and limited, but no others.  Every such Deputy shall conform to and observe all such instructions as the Governor shall from time to time address to him for his guidance, provided nevertheless that by the appointment of a Deputy or Deputies as aforesaid the power and authority of the Governor shall not be abridged, altered or in any way affected otherwise than his majesty may at anytime hereafter think proper to direct.

    (xii) Whenever the office of Governor is vacant, or if the Governor is vacant, or if the Governor becomes incapable or is from any cause prevented from acting the duties of his office, then such person may be appointed under the royal sign manual and signed or if there be no such person so appointed, or if such person be absent from Nigeria or unable to act, then the senior member of the Executive council present for the time being in Nigeria shall, during his Majesty’s pleasure, administer the government of the protectorate, first taking the oaths herein before directed to be taken by the Governor, and in the manner herein prescribed which being done, the acting Governor his hereby authorized, empowered and commanded to do and execute, during his Majesty’s pleasure, all things that belong to the office of Governor according to his majesty’s order and according to his Majesty’s instructions and law of the protectorate.

    (xiii)      Whenever the office of the lieutenant Governor becomes vacant or if a lieutenant-Government is administering the Government of the colony and protectorate or is absent from Nigeria or otherwise becomes incapable of or is for any cause prevented from performing the duties of his office, the Governor may, by an instrument under the public seal of the protectorate appoint another officer to act provisionally as lieutenant-Governor.

    Such officer shall cease to act as lieutenant-Governor as soon as either his majesty shall have appointed another officer to the office shall again be capable of performing the duties of the office,or the Governor shall appoint another officer to act provisionally as lieutenant-Governor.

    Such officer shall cease to act as lieutenant-Governor as soon as either His Majesty shall have appointed another officer to the office shall again be capable of performing the duties of the office, or the Governor shall appoint another officer to act provisionally as lieutenant-Governor.

    (xiv)       The Governor may constitute and appoint all such judges commissioners justices of the peace and other necessary officers as may be lawfully constituted and appointed by his Majesty, all of whom unless otherwise provided by law shall hold their officers during pleasure.

    (xv)         The Governor may upon sufficient cause to him appearing, dismiss any public officer not appointed by virtue of a warrant from His Majesty whose pensionable emoluments do not exceed one hundred and fifty pounds of intended dismissal are definitely stead in writing, and communicated to the officer in order that he may have full opportunity of exculpating himself, and the matter is investigated by the governor with the aid of the head for the time being of the department in which the officer is serving.

    The Governor may, upon sufficient cause to him appearing, suspend from the exercise of his office, any person holding any office within the Protectorate whether appointed by virtue of any commission of Warrant from His Majesty, or in His Majesty’s name, or by any other mode of appointment.  Such suspension shall continue and have effect only until His Majesty’s pleasure therein shall be signified to the Governor.  If the suspension is confirmed by a Secretary of State, the Governor shall forthwith cause the officer to be so informed, and there upon his office shall became vacant.  In proceeding to any such suspension, the Governor is strictly to observe the direction in the behalf given to him by any instruction from His Majesty signified through a Secretary of State.

    (xvi) When any crime or offence has been committed within the Protectorate, or for which the offender may be tried therein, the Governor may, as he shall see occasion, in His Majesty’s behalf, grant a pardon to any accomplice in such crime or often, who shall give such information as shall lead to the conviction of the principal offender, or of anyone of such offenders if more than one, and, further, may grant to any offender convicted in any court, or before any judge, justice, magistrate, or other officer within the Protectorate, a pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions or any remission of the sentence passed on such offender, or any respite of the execution of such sentence, for such period as the Governor think fit, and may remit any fines, penalties, or forfeitures due or accrued to His Majesty.

    (xvii) The seal now or hereafter in use as the Public Seal of the Colony of Nigeria shall be and be deemed to be also the Public Seal of the Protectorate of Nigeria, and shall be used for sealing all things whatsoever that shall pass the said Seal.

    (xviii) This order shall come into operation of the First Day of January 1914, and shall be published in the Government Gazette; and the Governor shall give directions for the publication of this Order as such time or times as he thinks proper for giving due publicity thereto within the protectorate of Nigeria.

    (xix) The above-recited Order to Council of the Twenty-seventh day of December 1899, the Nineteenth day of March 1908, the fourth day of February 1911, the Twenty-eight day of March 1912 and the Eleventh day of October 1912,shall from the commencement of this Order be revoked, without prejudice to anything lawfully done thereunder.

    (xx) His Majesty may from time to time revoke, after, add to, or amend this Order.  And the Right Honourable Lewies Harcourt, one of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, is to give the necessary directions herein accordingly.

     

     

  • Okada operators in Surulere ask government for alternative job

    Residents of Surulere 2 constituency in Lagos have appealed to the state government to take a second look at the routes commercial motorcycle operators are prevented from operating in the area.

    The residents made the appeal at a town hall meeting organised by their representative at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun. It was held at the Aguda praying ground in Surulere.

    The state traffic law especially as it affects the operation of commercial motor cyclists was a major contentious issue at the town hall meeting with the operators calling on government to provide them alternative jobs as they have been denied their only source of livelihood.

    Balogun, who is the Chief Whip in the House, reminded the people that it was a state-wide law and does not apply only to the constituency but that like all laws it is subject to review. While advising them to maintain law and order he assured the Okada riders that the government was working at providing them with alternative jobs urging them to be patient.

    According to him, the town hall meeting was to get feedback from constituents on their needs and expectations from government and to hear from them how well they think the government has performed.

    The meeting focused generally on activities of government, legislations passed in the state and how they have impacted on the people. Residents stressed the need for development of infrastructure like roads, drainage, water, schools etc in the constituency.

    In his keynote address, Balogun said that Lagos State is a symbol of good governance, “painstakingly meeting up with the demands of a mega city”, pointing out that “even with the minimal financial allocations from the Federal Government in relation to her population, the state has continued to render excellent services due to the astuteness and sincerity of our public office holders who have managed the state resources adequately”.

    In view of the special position and needs of the state, Balogun reiterated the call for a special grant allocation from the Federal Government to Lagos State based on her status as a former capital and the commercial hub of Nigeria.

    Core participants at the meeting were non-partisan members in the constituency including: CDCs, CDAs, landlord associations, NURTW, traders and artisans. Executive committee members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), leaders and other party members were also in attendance.

    Showering encomium on Balogun for a “wonderful job” he has been doing in the legislative House over the years, Chief D. O. Adenekan, an APC leader in Itire/Ikate, in his welcome address said the lawmaker “has been an icon of success since his foray into politics, pointing out that he has always enjoyed the privilege of leadership role right from his first term in the House.

    “Balogun’s actions and how he discharges his duties speak volume of his tenacity for prudence and accountability in relation to public affairs and I can say he has been representing his constituency very well”, Adenekan said.

     

  • Teenagers shine as Ekiti rewards excellence

    Teenagers shine as Ekiti rewards excellence

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, recently honoured 16 distinguished indigenes of the state at a colourful ceremony in Ado-Ekiti writes Sulaiman Sal-awudeen

    They would be looked at twice, perhaps even thrice or more. At their ages, some other children had remained a subject of nagging comments and ceaseless worries of parents who must brood over unmet needs regarding unbecoming conducts.

    Master Joshua Olamiju and Miss Olayemi Elizabeth Ajayi are not such kind as they are clearly the two enfant freaks of this evening of awards and accolades. Fragile but not frail, their slim gaits and innocent visages easily gave them off as teenagers. They actually are, having just turned 17 years.

    Their attainments at such an early age made them the subject of ceaseless admiration and perhaps silent envy among the audience and dignitaries who had gathered at Lady Jibowu Hall, Governor’s Office Complex, Ado-Ekiti, state capital for the 2013 Merit Awards ceremony.

    Joshua booked a place as an Award recipient for having the best result in the last West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) with nine distinctions while Olayemi did, being one of the four who won a recent National Robotic Space Competition in Lagos and would consequently be representing Nigeria in Denmark at next year’s Space Competition.

    The two were among the sixteen eminent indigenes of the state that were selected from a fairly long list of 60 nominees.

    Another heavyweight on the awardees list was Professor Niyi Osundare, poet laureate and ebullient raconteur who, being unavoidably absent, was represented by his younger sibling, Dr. Foluso Osundare.

    The 13 others included late Professor Daniel Funmilayo Ojo, also known as Ojo Ugbole, a foremost educationist and first professor of Physics in Africa; and Professor. Olufunke Egunjobi, first female Plant Nematologist in Africa.

    Others included a radio presenter, Chief Akinlade Ojo also known as Erugale; late Chief Ojo Ajibola; an indigenous interior decorator, late Chief James Kolawole, renowned Ekiti music exponent; former scribe of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Dr Kunle Olajide; former president of the All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), Elder Enoch Dare and a renowned medical practitioner, Dr Sanya Olurotimi.

    Also, on the list were retired Anglican Bishop of Lagos West, Reverend. Peter Adebiyi; elder statesman and reputed banker, Chief Bandele Falegan;business mogul, Chief Daniel Okoli and presenter and custodian of Ekiti dialect, Mrs Christian Ademulegun.

    Government Science College, Emure-Ekiti was also recognised as the best school in the last WASSCE while Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti bagged the most improved school with an upward movement in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) result from 9% in 2012 to 99.9% in 2013.

    It was an event not just of rousing claps and standing ovations for feats either long or recently attainment, it was also one of a union of classes: scholarship, culture and business as apparent from the line up of awardees.

    At the colourful event were Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; his deputy, Professor Modupe Adelabu; Governor’s wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Secretary to the State Govbernment, Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Dr. Wale Omirin and the Head of Service, Mr. Olubunmi Famosanya.

    Also, present were the interim state chairman, All Progressives Congress, Chief Jide Awe; Commissioners, Special Advisers and Assistants, Permanent Secretaries and other ranking functionaries of the state.

    Speaking at the occasion, Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi stated that the awardees had done the state proud in their respective fields despite the moral decay which now characterises the society.

    Noting that the event would encourage coming generations to redouble efforts to propagate the good name of the state and project her image, the governor maintained that Ekiti people are honourable men and women, adding that it was time conscious efforts were made to project this positive image everywhere.

    Fayemi noted that the people of the state could redeem their lost heritage only by admitting that they have wandered a long way from who they were in the quest to admit cultures which were alien to the Ekiti values.

    According to him, the State Merit award was institutionalised not just to celebrate the high achieving Ekiti indigenes but also as one of the means of restoring the primacy of values in the society.

    He said: “It is sad indeed to observe the sharp decline that our once highly revered culture and tradition has suffered in recent times. Our psyche has been so badly damaged by decades of misrule and the monetisation of our value system with our youth being most affected. It is on this note that as one of the means of restoring the primacy of values in our society, we decided to institutionalise this Annual Awards”.

    The governor added that the award idea was relevant being one of several channels for advancing the efforts to rebuild a wholesome society upon the quintessential ideals which typify and ennoble Ekiti people.

    Congratulating the winners, the governor also commended Chief Okoli, a non-indigene who had been resident in the state for over five decades and who got the award for making Ekiti his home.

    He emphasised that Ekiti had indeed become home to whole legion others like Okoli who, in the spirit of federalism, had equal rights and privileges as indigenes and had consequently supported the vibrancy and cosmopolitan outlook of the state.

    Also, in his remarks, the Commissioner for Special Duties and chairman of the Award committee, Chief Apalara Wole-Adewumi stated that the committee carried out adequate publicity for the nomination of the awardees and got 60 recommendations but pruned down the list to 27 which was forwarded to the governor for approval.

    The 16 finalists, according to Wole-Adewumi, were drawn from different walks of life including academics/scholarship, research, profession, philanthropy, commerce, trade and industries, culture, arts and tradition, youth, sports/music and entertainment, governance and community development.

    Responding on behalf of other award recipients, Professor Egunjobi clarified that none of the awardees lobbied for the recognition, adding that their selection was a result of a painstaking process of recognising those who genuinely deserve awards.

    Egunjobi stated that most of those being awarded had earlier won similar awards from other entities in the past, noting that the one from the state of their birth however remained the best of them.

    She spoke: “I also look forward to a day that our country, Nigeria, will one day honour someone for his sacrifices for this country. That person who I expect that Nigeria will honour one day is our son, Kayode Fayemi. She assured that they would not let the state down but lives as true ambassadors.

    Prof Osundare’s representative, Foluso, stated that the award was significant to the recipient as it would put to bed possible opinions that as a social critic, he would not ordinarily be considered worthy and fitting.

    He said: “Many, indeed feel he does not deserve this kind of award as he, just like many others, had been swimming against the currents. Besides, my brother is not the type who accepts all kinds of awards especially when it comes from praise singers who do not believe in good governance and care for the masses. To have accepted the award is an implicit confidence in this government”.

    Olamiju Joshua explained that the journey had been anything but smooth, adding but “with God, all things are possible.” My advice to young ones is to take life easy and serious. After God, the next is their studies.

    Olayemi Ajayi, who expressed her delight on the accomplishment, said she dreamt of becoming one of the best female Obstetrics and Gynaecologists which would allow her advance the health of women and children.

     

  • The success story of Imota rice processing factory

    The success story of Imota rice processing factory

    Rice production in Lagos has witnessed a significant increase in the last four years as a result of the introduction of technologies which have changed the processes involved in the cultivation and management of rice. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    Abdul Ganiyu has been a rice farmer for a considerable number of years in the grassy area of Ise community, near Epe in Lagos State. He is considered by many local farmers around Ise to be an expert in rice production. Earnings from this occupation help him to take care of his family, especially in training his children in school.

    Through passion and dedication, Ganiyu has become successful in his farming venture. He has discovered that rice farming is more economically viable than other forms of occupation.

    But what processes does Ganiyu go through in the business of rice production? As if he was giving a lecture in a seminar he said: “The process is simple. Just prepare a nursery bed and plant the seeds. After three weeks, the seedlings are ready for transplanting. Note that it is better to plant them in a swampy area. The distance between the plants is one foot.

    “After three months, the rice matures and will be ready for harvesting. From the rice farm, you will harvest bags of unprocessed rice, after which you dry them and then pack them in sacks.”

    Ganiyu told The Nation that rice production could help Nigeria wriggle out of the squeezing poverty level. He opined that if everybody shows commitment to farming, there would be no unemployment or food shortage in Nigeria.

    According to him, he never had interest in farming, let alone rice farming until he lost his job as a professional accountant. He then met a farmer who introduced him to farming. He is one of the farmers involved in Commercial Agriculture Development Programme (CADP) and a product of the Rice for Job Initiative of the Lagos State government.

    His involvement in this gave him good exposure on agriculture, with emphasis on rice farming. He specializes in making ofada rice which has received wide acclaim. His farm produces rice which is processed and packaged into different kilograms ranging from 1kg, 2kg, 5kg and 10kg. The rice is properly par-boiled, milled, de-stoned and winnowed before packaging.

    Under the project, farmers receive seeds, fertiliser and other farm inputs. They are trained by extension officers who help in monitoring the progress of their project.

    The intervention of the Lagos State government through the Commercial Agriculture Development Project has really helped people. Rice is currently one of the country’s biggest imports. Government spends $450m annually to import 70 per cent of the rice is citizens consume.

    Observers have expressed the hope that the intervention could mark a turnaround in the country’s rice fortunes.

    Farmers such as Abdul Ganiyu are trained on how to save and re-invest in the business. Investigation reveals that residents of Lagos buy an average of 10,000 bags of rice monthly.

    In order to boost rice production, farm settlements are springing up, thereby catering for the needs of Lagosians.

    The Lagos State government has inaugurated a rice processing factory at Imota in Ikorodu Local Government Area of the state. The factory has a capacity to produce 20,000 metric tons of rice per year.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Co-operatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal has said the rice mill which is first of its kind in South-west Nigeria, was built with the standard based on Korean technology to process 20,000 tons of paddy rice per year, with additional 10,000 ton storage facility and 45,000 tons capacity storage for finished rice.

    “We have completed the test-run of the factory and are pleased to report that the main product (well-polished rice) compares with the best quality rice from any part of the world. Operating optimally, the rice mill is estimated to produce between 350,000 and 400,000 bags of rice per year,” he said.

    Built by a team of experts from South Korea, the Imota integrated rice mill was completed in January 2012. A study conducted in August 2007 where it was found out that Lagos State population of over 20 million as at then consumes 600,000 metric tons of per boiled milled rice. This translates to 12 million bags of 50 kg rice.

    Also of significant was that the consumption per head in Lagos was put at 34 kg per person per year, which was the highest in Nigeria. In 2008 when the cost of imported rice jumped in the international market from $5,000 to $1,000 per ton, domestic price of bag of rice jumped from N7, 000 to N16, 000.

    As expected, Lagosians were most affected. All these support the fact that Lagos is a megacity with predominantly urban population and the consumers’ preferred staple food is rice.

    It has been assumed that half of all imported rice is sold in Lagos and that all rice brought in legally and illegally through the land borders are consumed in Lagos. Going by these assumptions, it can be said that current consumption of rice in Lagos State can be as much as 1million metric tons per year considering the state’s current population estimate of 20 million.

    The Project Officer, Rice for Jobs Project, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives, Mr. Bola Akinola said the mill processes 2.5 tons of paddy rice per hour which consists of huller, de-stoner polisher, grader, colour sorter and automated bagging and weighing bridge.

    The following are inclusive in the package: 10-ton-soaking tank, a set of per-boiler and steamer, 15- ton capacity drier and 60-ton silo attached to the factory. The factory was built with two other structures for paddy rice storage of 10,000 tons capacity and finished rice store cum office space.

    The complex has 600KVA generator, an industrial borehole and two sets of water tanks; a steel over-head tank of 55,000 litres capacity and sets of ground plastic tanks with a total capacity of 45,000 litres. The mill, with optimum operating capacity can process up to 20,000 tons of rice per year and was estimated to generate at least 50,000 different employment opportunities.

    Apart from the whole grain table rice, the following by products are equally money earners; broken rice used for rice pudding, tuwo, ground rice and rice flour. Rice ban; highly sought after for livestock feeds, oil extra and the cosmetic industry, rice husk used as energy for power generation (with appropriate technology), used in the livestock industry and for briquettes or fuel stock in furnace.

    In view of the land constraint confronting agricultural development in the state, he said the government has acquired lands in other states for the supply of paddy.

    The improved road to the mill has been a boon to the project. The improvement means that an asphalt-paved highway route is needed between Ketu and Ikorodu roads in the future.

    Speaking with our correspondent, the State Project Coordinator, (CADP), Mr. Kehinde Ogunyinka said the project will support the rice mill to improve on its finished products.

    With this, investors will be able to create more warehouse storage facilities, buying industrial driers and promoting a brand that stands for quality.

    He reiterated that it was the vision of the Lagos State government to become a leading hub for excellent, high-yielding rice varieties that also have good grain quality.

    Farmers in Lagos are harvesting at least 3,000 tons of high quality of rice monthly. The benefits of the state government’s interventions are visible as truckloads of rice leave the various farming locations across the state to the market place on daily basis.

    Within the farming settlements, the farmers are becoming self-reliant and accepting the responsibilities and rights of land ownership. The government supports the establishment of self-managed, autonomous producer co-operatives. Farmers are being empowered on how to grow rice and where to sell them.

    A team member, Staple Crops Processing Zones, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Adamu Ibrahim said Lagos is strategically located, providing foreign investors with an ideal platform to invest in Africa.

    He said Lagos is one of the states the government has chosen to site a Staple Crops Processing Zones for rice to enable processors to establish their processing plants. He assured that the Federal Government would prioritise basic infrastructure in the rice zone.

    He further said the Federal Government is prepared to support the Lagos State Government to turn its rice capacity up a notch to improve food security by establishing a regional rice development hub.

    He said the Federal Government will support the Lagos State government to improve rice production and support the fight against food insecurity.

    He said Federal Government shares the same vision to provide sustainable methods of growing rice to improve the well-being of rice producers and consumers.

    He was optimistic the regional hub will emerge from Imota to substantially contribute to the development of the rice sector.

    He said the government chose to invest in Lagos as a result of multiple factors. The state is socially and politically stable and it has an excellent infrastructure which allows investors to set up operations rapidly.

    Ibrahim said the Federal Government wants to support an expansion project within the proposed industrial free zone including Imota rice processing mill to attract private investors to establish improved facilities, collective marketing and high quality machines to process rice.

    Watchers of agricultural development, cultivation, processing and commercialisation of the high grade and nutritious rice in Lagos have said that the project has been a success, even as they agreed that the project has changed the landscape of the agro-industry and it is contributing to food security.

     

  • Excitement as Fayemi takes governance round Ekiti

    Excitement as Fayemi takes governance round Ekiti

    It was an eye-opening trip. Major towns in Ekiti State were not spared. But more importantly, its outcome was roundly adjudged an exemplary lesson in people-centred governance. With infectious glee, the host residents were profuse in accolades, especially head-swelling panegyrics, for their “Action Governor” – Dr Kayode Fayemi. Reason: For sharing leadership baton with them.

    The foundation of the inspiring development was laid when, weeks back, the governor shared a whopping N300 million among over 82 towns for various developmental projects voluntarily initiated by each of the communities. It took place ceremoniously at Oye-Ekiti. Shortly after, a huge money was again distributed to the communities to consolidate the initiative.

    “This is a rare occurrence in the annals of governance. Rather than government dictating to the communities, it allowed them to think out projects that they felt would be of benefit to them and gave them funds to execute them under good supervision. It is a positive novelty that must be emulated,” said Hon Femi Ajibare, an Ikere-born executive assistant to the governor.

    The tumultuous welcome accorded Fayemi and his entourage at Ikere and other neighbouring towns, including Ise and Emure, which benefitted from the gesture, perhaps spoke volumes for its popularity.

    At Ikere, Commissioner for Integration and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon Funminiyi Afuye, a “son of the soil,” played the dual role of a co-host and co-visitor.

    Fayemi inaugurated some projects, including 10 units of lock-up shops at Afao–Ikere; two new health centres at Kajola, two new halls at the palace of the town’s monarch and a newly constructed skills acquisition centre at the School for the Blind.

    Fayemi visited the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adegoke Adegboye, who presented the community’s pains. But he praised Fayemi for the various projects in the town, adding that his people wanted the Ikere-Akure Road dualised. He also wants Ikere-Ilawe, Ikere-Ijan, and Ikere-Ijare roads rehabilitated, among other demands.

    In each of the communities, numbering over six scores, traditional rulers led their subjects – young and old – to receive him in what passed for carnivals. Market men and women, including farmers and artisans, were not left out of the revelry.

    As in the other towns, he visited with top officials in his administration, who defied the biting sun of the day, Fayemi took all the towns in Oye Local Government Area by pleasant storm. He stepped his feet on the 14 communities that make up the council area – Ayegbaju, Isan, Ilemesho, Ayede, Itaji, Oloje, Imojo, Oye, Ire, Ilupeju, Itapa, Osin, Omu and Ijelu.

    Orisunmibare, a rustic settlement that is bereft of notable elements of civilisation like electricity and good road was not left out. The residents beamed with hope at the sight of their governor who, before departing, vowed to turn their fortunes around before long.

    After the interactions kicked-off at Ilasa in Ekiti East Local Government Area on November 1, they were rounded off in Ado Local Government Area with the refrain: “Fayemi carries the people along in the governance of the state.”

    The governor made it clear that he had put his hands on the plough “to do development for and with the people.” He added that his administration was committed without measure, to spreading development to every nook and cranny of the state, explaining that he decided to meet the people in their own communities to see how much impact his administration has made on them so far, inspect ongoing projects and find out from the people, their other needs.

    In Ekiti East Local Government Area, he visited Ilasa, Ikun-Oba, Araromi-Oke, Eda-Ile, Kota-Ekiti, Omuo-Oke, Ayegunle-Ahan, Isinbode and Omuo-Ekiti. Each of the communities presented their priority needs for inclusion in the 2014 Budget.

    As usual, the governor inaugurated many projects and commissioned some. He commissioned a civic centre at Ikun-Oba, a block of quarters at Eda-Ile and opened a viewing centre at Araromi-Oke, where he inspected some self-help projects under construction.

    At Omuo-Oke, his hosts demanded why the trailer park promised them was still in the pipeline. But the governor informed that the ongoing review of the design for the park caused the delay and assured that the contractor handling the project would soon make them smile, even as he would give the community more roads.

    It was also a carnival at the towns and villages in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area. Fayemi was praised for his administration’s developmental strides.

    It was the same encouraging outing at Igbemo, Orun, Afao, Are, Obo, Iworoko, Esure, Iropora, Awo, Eyio, Igede and Iyin. The Onigede of Igede, 80-year-old Oba Emmanuel Aladesuru, was full of prayers for Fayemi and other members of his cabinet.

    The Alare of Are, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi, said “there is no single town, village or community that can claim not to have been touched by Fayemi’s government.”

    Praise songs welcomed the governor to Afao. Chief Deji Fasuan, who spoke for his people, said the town had reaped the fruits of the Fayemi-led administration’s community empowerment initiatives.  At Awo-Ekiti, the National President of Awo Development Union, Mr. Yemi Odetayo, was profound in appreciation for Fayemi for his accomplishments in the town as including the 16-kilometre Awo-Iyin Road, construction of information centre, a block of classrooms and the payment of social security allowances to elderly members of the community, among others. So it was at Iyin, another major town.

    Radiating humility and awe as he sank into a seat amidst the town’s rulers in the presence of ecstatic residents, Fayemi watched as he was being praised for his landmark imprints on the life of Osin community.

    The town’s hall, which his administration recently renovated was the venue of the meeting. It was filled to capacity – songs, songs everywhere!

    Oba Philip Oyediran, who led his subjects in profuse encomiums on the governor, likened his administration’s services to the people to those witnessed in the days of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    However, the community played the proverbial Oliver Twist, demanding potable water and urgent rehabilitation of the road linking the town to Ire, a neighbouring community.

    It was the same story in Itapa. Fayemi got resounding commendation for the “radical reconstruction” of the town’s decrepit health centre, and his readiness to give its monarch’s palace a new look.

    Its traditional ruler, the Owatapa, Oba David Makanjuola, said Fayemi achievements so far did not surprise him. The monarch, who holds a Ph.D in International Relations, recalled that Fayemi was implacably neck-deep in political activism outside the shores of Nigeria during the late Abacha’s inglorious era.

    He noted amid nods of affirmation by his teeming subjects that the governor’s people-oriented programmes had brightened people’s faces.

    “Governor Fayemi won’t vacate the Government House until October 16, 2018!” An impressed resident thundered from the crowd that received the governor with hearty songs. But they gave the governor a challenge: He must waste no time to complete the reconstruction of Itapa-Ijelu Road.

    Fayemi’s stop-over at Isan, his hometown, seemingly took the grain off the saying that a prophet does not enjoy much reverence in his home. It was songs galore at the premises of St. Martin’s Catholic Nursery and Primary School, where he was hosted.

    The traditional ruler of the town, Oba Sunday Ajiboye, a legal practitioner with impressive academic qualifications, might have looked forward to that day. He was the cynosure of all eyes in his royal element. He donned his Sunday best.

    For him, it was a moment to express how much he cherishes the responsible son he has in Fayemi with an outpour of royal blessings on him in local dialect.

    “The very day the Shea butter encounters the sun, that same day it melts. Whoever hurls ashes would have same float back to him. Anyone born of a woman that thinks ill of you (Fayemi) won’t hatch his ploy before meeting his waterloo. You have done so much for Ekiti and we must protect you. Like God did to those rebellious children at Babel, confusion will hit the camp of all your enemies. On our part, we will keep protecting you as we are solidly behind you,” Oba Ajiboye, who likened the governor to the unshakable Rock of Gibraltar, affirmed amid rousing chant of “amen.”

    In all the communities, the governor thanked the people for playing their parts in the governance of the state through the communal initiatives because according to him, the people are the focal point of his administration.

    Not a few, especially in the opposing political camps, were of the insinuation that he might have begun his re-election strategies under the canopy of the visit. But the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Olayinka Oyebode laughed it off, stating that Fayemi had developed a habit of holding meetings with the communities to feel their pulse.

    Oyebode explained: “The tour is to enable the governor inspect ongoing projects, commission completed projects and get the input of the various communities into the 2014 Budget. At such meetings, the communities would present their lists of priority projects for inclusion in the 2014 Budget. The tour of communities and the town hall meetings have become an annual event for the governor since the maiden edition in November 2011. He is running an open administration.

    “Oftentimes, the governor has reiterated that his plans are to “do government with the people, not do government to the people.” To him, it is inappropriate for a governor to just sit down in his cozy office in state capital and assume that he knows all the needs of the people even when the people’s needs actually differ from his perception.

    The governor, Oyebode quoted, once said: “This reason for the annual town hall meetings is to enable the communities have direct input in the budget preparations, so that the budget would in reality be owned by the people and serve their needs.”

     

  • ‘Let’s revisit Ibadan conference’

    ‘Let’s revisit Ibadan conference’

    As the Federal Government prepares to inaugurate a national conference early this year in the midst of the country’s centenary celebration, Prince Adetowo Aderemi, a son of the former Governor of Western Region and late Ooni of Ife,Sir Adesoji Aderemi has called for a return to regionalism first adopted at the national conference held in Ibadan in 1950, in this interview with BISI OLADELE and TAYO JOHNSON

    As a historian with deep interest in Nigerian history, what do you think of the activities lined up by the Federal Government for the centenary celebration of the country?

    That is the same question I have been asking myself every morning. The first point is that those who are making so much noise about the centenary know little about the amalgamation itself. They do not ask questions about why the different protectorates were amalgamated, what made the amalgamation expedient. Why did we have to merge three different units which have very little to show for being a country?

    When the amalgamation was done it was done in England in the Court of Windsor Castle. There was no black man there let alone a Nigerian. It was just a joint decision of Sir Harcourt who was then the Secretary of Economy and Lord Luggard who found out that the Northern protectorate was a hot potato to him and was trying to drop it on somebody that will absorb it. So, the main reason for the amalgamation was just to pass on a burden from the British to Southern Nigeria.

    What was the burden in your own view?

    It was the burden of running the Northern Protectorate at a loss. All the supporting documents are at the National Archives in Ibadan. The North was being run at a loss while the South was been run at a profit. The profit from the South was being taken to England while England was running the North with a subvention of £3,000 per annum. So, that was how Lord Luggard came up with the idea of amalgamation.

    When you look at Luggard’s history he was a soldier who came to serve a company that was running in the North around 1894. When he got here, he went to all the Emirs and promised to protect their interest. When the time came, Luggard was appointed the first commissioner, which is the Chief Executive of the North.

    As far back as 1902, Luggard had asked the British to join the three protectorates together – Northern, Southern and Eastern regions, but was not taken seriously until 1907 when he was taken to Hong Kong where he was being groomed for a special assignment between 1907 and 1912. In 1912, he was brought back to Nigeria, and on October 19, 1912, he was made the Governor of Southern Nigeria. The following day he was made the Governor of Northern Nigeria which means he became the Governor of Nigeria. By that arrangement, Nigeria became unified under one Governor.

    So what he did was to send a paper to Lagos in May, 1913, seeking the joining of the regions, and that paper was put before the Queen. On November 22, 1913, the Queen put her seal and proclaimed the colony of Northern and Southern protectorates of Nigeria and that was how Nigeria was formed. But then, between that period and 1960, Nigeria was run as two countries. The governor was responsible for the running of the North while there was a quasi legislative group running Southern Nigeria. It was in 1922 under Arthur Richard that he asked for three regions when the Clifford constitution did not work. And that was when the NCNC went to London to protest that they did not want it and that it was not the wish of Nigerians. So Clifford was taken away in 1948 and Macpherson came and asked for the views of the different regions.

    So, on January 9, 1950, they met in Ibadan and it was the first time the North, East and the West met as a body. It was called the Ibadan Conference and that was where they drafted a constitution which Macpherson put together. But the bad aspect of it was that on any issue which the North said no, they adopted the North’s position. I remember that my father was there and he said let the River Niger be the boundary between Northern Nigeria and Southern Nigeria with most parts of Kwara and Kogi states as part of Southern region. But on anything of such, the North would say no because they were always treating them as wanting to break. But the British knew that the North could not survive on its own.

    Are you saying that at that Ibadan Conference the unofficial position of the North was that it is either Southern part of Nigeria took their opinion or they pull out of the country?

    Yes! In fact, at a point in time, they were about to break away. So, my father now called a meeting with Yoruba Obas and Northern Emirs. The British had respect for the Northern Emirs to the extent that if they were calling for any meeting they would invite at least five Emirs because Luggard had assured them that he would continue to protect their interest.

    Why would Luggard give such a promise when he knew that two different sets of people were coming together to discuss their future?

    By this time, Luggard had left Nigeria but he handed the promise to his successor‘. But the truth of the matter was that Luggard never liked the Southern Protectorate. That was why he was at loggerheads with Herbert Macaulay throughout his stay here. It was because we had education but the North had no education. We would argue with them what they would not. As far back as 1880, a Yoruba man has become a medical doctor the first lawyer from the North qualified in 1948.  Now, compare 1880 to 1948. In fact, Luggard even promised never to allow the Christians to pollute their children. Hence, churches were not allowed there. It was Clifford that said if we continued this way the gap would get wider. He then formed the Katsina Teachers College in 1932 as compared to 1859 when CMS Grammar School was formed. So the disparity was so much.

    What was the outcome of that Ibadan Conference in 1950 on Nigeria as a country?

    The outcome was that Nigeria would have three regions and each region would be headed by a governor with a House of Assembly. Each region would have its own executive which would run the regions. There would be a Federal Government in Lagos. There would be what we call the Federal Government territory, which will overlook the affairs of all these three regions. And after that, we would begin to discuss and allow Nigerians to participate in governance.  In August and September 1951, elections were held in the three regions. In the North it was by some arrangements. In the West it was by adult suffrage. In the East it was by those who can pay tax.

    When the 1950 conference finished, that was when political activities started. Chief Obafemi Awolowo called all his friends – Dosumu, Rewane, Shonibare etc and he launched the Action Group in March, 1950. The mistake most people make is thinking that the party started in Owo. It was the first party convention that was held in April in Owo for the people that did not attend the Ibadan meeting, having heard that the party had been formed. So, they met in Owo and started the party.

    When Macpherson started the district contribution to constitution, Dikko, the first medical doctor from the North who qualified in 1948 was sent to the Katsina Teachers College to form Northern Peoples Congress (NPC). But in 1951, civil servants were not allowed to contest. Because Dr Dikko was a civil servant, he had to give up the leadership of the group to Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa, Aliu Bida, and Shettima. By the end of 1951, it was clear that the Action Group has won in the West, the NCNC in the East and NPC in the North. When the NPC was being formed, Aminu Kano did not like the idea of the colonial leadership. So, he broke off and formed Northern Element Progressive Union (NEPU). So, the colonials did not allow the party to see the light of the day. They rigged just to ensure that the status quo in the north was maintained and that was how we got into 1952. Part of the agreement at the 1950 conference was that there would be a House of Representatives in Lagos where each region would send a representative. They also formed the House of Chiefs in the West in 1951 but the North has had it since 1947 and in the East there was none. So, the rule was that from the House of Chiefs in the West and North, members should be sent to Lagos. But the East also had one in 1958.

    Judging by this rich history, what is your opinion on the centenary celebration and the activities that are going on the anniversary?

    What government should have done other than ordering gold plated mobile phone which will cost N6 million per piece and others which they are now denying is that they should publish a magazine and let Nigerians know their history. That is what the Americans, Indians and the Chinese have done. If you do not know where you are coming from how will you know where you are going? I was ashamed when a service of commendation was held for Mrs Tejumade Alakija at St James Cathedral (Oke Bola, Ibadan) just about three weeks ago. The clergy man who officiated did not know the name of the Governor of Osun State. Many Nigerians do not know anything about Nigeria. When I was doing a project for one of the telecommunications companies I got to places where you will not believe are part of Nigeria. When you get to Abuja also you will not believe what you are seeing. The original plan for Abuja was to be a civil servant town but today no decision can be taken without getting to Abuja. The best contract is also there. What I would have suggested instead of all these elaborate dinners and lectures and all that is for Nigerians to know the truth. For once, let Nigerians know exactly why there was an amalgamation. Many people go into marriage without knowing the reason why they are getting married but they can keep their marriage if they are honest to themselves and adjust. Each time I hear them talk about the centenary celebration I marvel because most of them do not know anything about amalgamation and the independence in 1960, they are all just trying to make quick money and to deceive us by saying that it will be funded by corporate bodies. No corporate body knows the truth about amalgamation. When Chief Obasanjo was launching his private library in Ota, one oil firm said it would not participate because it was not their headache but it was being threatened by Kupolokun and others that they would withdraw its licence. Everybody was dropping money for a private project. You will see the people that will become very rich at the end of this centenary celebration which the government said will run for one year. It is sickening. Let people know that the amalgamation was done without the consent of the people, and we have done it for 100 years. For us to map out another 100 years, let us know why we should continue as one single entity.

    Do you think the national conference is significant, coming at this time?

    The whole thing is being manipulated. Why Okurounmu? It’s just for it to look like your son is there. The president set up a committee in Abuja and handpicked half of those that will be present there. The end of Okunronmu panel will be a waste. Let us go back to the 1950 Ibadan Conference discussions. Let us adopt a proper federation. Let us have a weak centre not to break. Let the regions contribute to their development.

    What was the relationship between your father and Chief Awolowo?

    It was a father and son relationship. In 1983, I went to see Chief Awolowo at Ikenne and he said my father was the person that saved the Yorubas because he single handedly financed the Egbe Omo Oduduwa from which the Action Group took the bulk of its members. At one time when he had a disagreement with Action Group in 1959 when Fani Kayode was running (on the party’s ticket) for the Federal House of Representatives, and Fani Kayode insulted my father’s chiefs, my father told Chief Awolowo to remove Fani Kayode and put another person but Chief Awolowo told my father that it is democracy and we have already chosen him to represent us. My father brought in Omisade, just about four months to the election. Omisade defeated Fani Kayode with 6000 votes.

    But what we heard was that Fani Kayode opposed your father then on an issue of benefit to the people of Ile-Ife and that was the reason the Kabiyesi did not like him again?

    That is not true. Fani Kayode’s father came to Ife as an Evangelist. He was from Ekiti. Let them point to the family they came from in Ile-Ife? I do not want to start a fresh crisis but Fani Kayode insulted my father’s chiefs over some local government issues. It was not a confrontation between my father and Fani Kayode but he was insulting his chiefs, and he said if he can insult his chiefs, that means he was insulting him too.  When Fani Kayode was defeated then, he went through the back door to get to the western House of Assembly in 1951 with the pretence that he was back with the Ooni. My father did not have anything against Fani Kayode. He saw him as his son because Fani Kayode and my father’s eldest son were best of friends and they were both lawyers. So he saw him as his son. My father was one person you can never offend. If he wanted to cause problem after the May 27 judgment by the Privy Council, he could have done that. Chief Akintola came to meet him and said: “Kabiyesi. I want to make you a Minister.” But he declined. He said he had been Minister in 1952, Chairman of Chiefs and was governor. He saw it as an insult. That was how he left him in the sitting room. When he (Akintola) found out that Ooni was no longer coming down he left the palace.

    If your father was alive today what advice do you think he will give Jonathan concerning this centenary?

    He will just tell him to go and do things right first. They are not doing things right. With due respect to Mr President there is this culture of impunity, otherwise why is Stella Oduah still a minister? In a civilised society Oduah will be on suspension, whether she has said the fault is with the Managing Director of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority or Ngozi-Iweala who authorized the N10 million waiver or not. This case is sickening. Go and count the number of vehicles she is having. Once upon a time when Nigeria Airways had only one flying plane, they have over 120 cars for its officials. Today we don’t even have a national airline and somebody who is a minister there is buying a bullet-proof car instead of thinking about getting an airline for the country. What we are saying is that if things are to be done right let us go back to the basics.

    How do you think Nigeria can achieve true federalism?

    By those in authority being honest, let us be truthful with ourselves.

    How can we correct the failure of the present system of government?

    Let us go back to the regional government. What I am saying is that we should go back to the basics and see how we can strengthen our society. In 1930, when my father became the Ooni he told me a story that in the following year that he was crowned the Ooni he looked at the town and discovered that there was no change.

    There was one Rev. Cole who was going to Ilesa to establish Ilesa Grammar School. My father’s friend, Rev Adejumo, now said let us go and greet the Ooni. That was how my father stopped him and asked him to establish Oduduwa College which was established January 22, 1932. The British made it to look like Agrey Memorial School, which was established on April 4, 1932. My father said so soon he found out that there was a relative peace in the town because all the children had to go to school by force even after they have completed their Standard six. It was this same Rev Cole that told my father that some people were planting something that is called Cocoa which was brought from Brazil and it is a money-making seed. That was how my father directed all the people in the land to find a farm and he provided the seeds. That was how Ife became the biggest producer of Cocoa after five years. So, in the morning the children went to school and before dawn the parents were in the farm and there was a relatively peace in the land.

    If you were given an opportunity to attend this national conference, what would you advocate for?

    Let us have true federalism, growth and development. There can’t be growth without development. If we are able to puncture corruption, you will find everybody saying this government will have zero tolerance for corruption, but corruption has not ceased. We cannot completely eradicate it but let it be at a minimal level.

     

  • Councillor floats free health mission, empowerment programme for constituents

    A Supervisory Councilor for Health in Irepodun-Ifelodun Local Government area of Ekiti State, Alhaji Awolokun Akinsola Azeez has organised a one-day free health mission in Igede-Ekiti for residents across the council.

    The programme, which attracted scores of beneficiaries held at Ilamoye Health Centre in Igede-Ekiti equally witnessed an empowerment programme, including cash gifts for some needy ones across the 12 towns making up the council.

    According to him, the purpose was to create awareness among the people that “health is wealth and people should be more interested in their health condition.”

    Awolokun clarified that the state Governor Kayode Fayemi has sponsored a number of free health missions across the 16 councils of the state, an idea he said needed to be complemented at the council level by well-meaning individuals.

    He said: “Today, we are here to support Governor Kayode Fayemi in furthering the health is wealth programme which is contained in his free health missions.

    “Having been following the governor’s various health missions one would know that people at the grassroots have consistently turned out well for the programmes, meaning that they value their health.

    “Further, as the council’s Supervisory Councilor for Health, I feel those I represent should have something to benefit directly from me. People are being treated for common ailments like Diabetes, Onchocerciasis called Narun in Yoruba and fever while there is also free testing and councelling for HIV and AIDS. Given what we have here, we can conveniently accommodate 1,000.

    “But there is an observation I have been making with our people. Without the health mission, people don’t patronise the hospitals. They don’t even deliver in the hospitals. They prefer religious and traditional homes. As a way out, the current administration in the council has now come up with some sort of enlightenment campaigns across the 12 towns in the council”, he said.

    Awolokun noted the reason for the empowerment was to support families whose businesses had wound up, adding that “whatever anyone can muster to remedy and repair lives, we should learn to do them within the shortest time”.

    One of the beneficiaries of the portable generators given out, Akanni Babatunde, explained it would support his barbing business, adding “however good you are, you have to have a generator to be taken as serious. I thank Alhaji for this great gift. May Allah continue to help him.”

    Another beneficiary, Iyabo Agbaje, maintained that the cash gift would enable her return to her trade of frying yam by the roadside. I finished up my fund when one of my children took ill and needed care. By the time he became well again, I had spent all the money I used for my business.”

    Awolokun said further: “We will still give people empowerment today as well. I will present portable generator that can serve them at the Ilamoye Health Centre. Also, there are old people who are currently not receiving the Social Security Benefits. Thirty of such elders across communities in the council have been selected.

    “While about 200 primary school pupils will get free exercise books and pens, some youths and executive council members in Ward C in Ilamoye will equally benefit a sum of a N100,000.”

    Meanwhile, Chief Akinwumi Michael Kola, Onchocerciasis Control Manager in Irepodun-Ifelodun council explained that Onchocerciasis is an ailment in which people should be more interested as it causes blindness in bits but very steadily.

    “This is a common affliction in the tropics which our people should show more interest in, saying “the disease is very dangerous. This is why we have decided to treat people afflicted with it as well. Those who are not able to get the drugs today can always come to the council. The drug which we are also giving here today is ever available and it is given free.”

  • Former Speaker urges Nigerians to assist orphans, fetes 1,000 needy

    Former Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly (OGHA), Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo, has urged wealthy Nigerians to emulate the giving spirit of an American donor, Bill Gate, and give towards the support of the needy members of the society.

    Oladipo who is a serving Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, said when a needy and less-privileged Nigerian is lifted up from deprivation or lack, the society and the country are lifted up as well.

    According to him, the Government should not be left to bear the burden of helping the needy hence the propriety of individuals and corporate organisations lending a supportive hand.

    Speaking in Sagamu while launching Kokumo Oladipo Memorial Foundation in memory of his late father, he recalled that if a well meaning individual had not taken up the responsibility of catering for him when he was orphaned at a tender age, his life would have been sharply differently from the success story it is today.

    The Foundation, he said, was initiated in remembrance of his late father Papa Kokumo who died in a fatal motor accident four years after the death of his  mother, leaving him and four other of his siblings  as orphans at a very tender age when parental love and guidance were most needed.

    Oladipo said: ”Bill Gate did not empower but he believed he could put his money in some places that can reduce maternal – child mortality and also fight malaria. If you pull a life up, you have saved a generation.”

    At the event which also featured empowerment for adults as well as end of year party for 1,000 less-privileged children and school pupils, he also noted that the Foundation would provide “healthcare and welfare services” to the needy indigenes and residents of Ogun State.

    According to Oladipo, in spite of the demise of his parents, God stood and supported him through the benevolence of kind hearted family members throughout the tough time.

    He noted that there were lots of less privileged children and orphans who may be going through similar ordeal but urged them to have courage, trust in God and have the determination to succeed irrespective of their challenges.

  • Illegal demolition threatens peace in Akure

    Illegal demolition threatens peace in Akure

    The relative peace in Akure, the Ondo State is being threatened following illegal demolition of structures in the outskirts of the state capital.

    Last Saturday, residents of Onigari area, along Irese road woke up to see a bull dozer pulling down their buildings on a purported Court order allegedly obtained by one Dr. Olumide Abiola.

    As the earth-moving equipment commenced the mass destruction of the buildings, the aggrieved residents trooped out in thousands to protect their rights which were being trampled upon by Abiola. The buildings in question were built on a disputed family land.

    Owners of the buildings were said to have purchased their plots of land several years ago from the original owner, Late Madam Oluwamarin Famese, with some of her children also involved in the sale.

    It was learnt that the problem started when Late Famese died and her death paved way for one of the children Dr Abiola to institute a legal action against the other children among whom is Mr Ojo Omojowo, who is presently residing in the area and also owning several buildings there.

    At the end of the protracted crisis, the Court gave judgment that since the land had not been demarcated for everyone (in the family) to have his or her own share, the entire land according to the presiding Judge Justice Yemi Akintan-Osadebe must be vested on the family with its head, Chief Moses Ogundulu as the person who has the prescribed authority to dispose any part of the land.

    Though, it was gathered that the said litigant is not the head of the family, he was said to have gone to Court without the knowledge of the owners of the existing structures on the land to obtain court order to take possession of the land. The court it was learnt was misled into believing that the owners of the buildings were duly served.

    It was a rude shock to the house owners when Policemen in large number led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Okuta Elerinla accompanied Dr Abiola to serve the Court Order to the people in order to take possession of their land.

    After few hours, some hefty men armed with dangerous weapons reportedly stormed the disputed area to ensure that some houses were pulled down.

    However, the timely intervention of Policemen from Okuta Elerinla, Ijapo Police Station and the Area Commander’s Office saved the situation from degenerating into bloody skirmishes.

    No fewer than eight residents were allegedly macheted by the hoodlums and were rushed to nearby private hospital.

    However, calm was eventually restored on the orders of the Area Commander, Edward Ajegun, who promised that his office would write a comprehensive report with the advice of the Police Commissioner and Commissioner for Justice, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN).

    The affected residents have appealed to Governor Olusegun Mimiko to save their souls and urged him to investigate the true position on the issue for justice to prevail.

    They said the demolition of their buildings under any circumstance would bring untold hardship to them, particularly as most of the affected landlords are Public Servants who had obtained loans to provide shelter for themselves.

    The Legal Adviser to the Petitioners, Mr Dapo Agbede described the development as unfortunate, stressing that he has filed relevant papers to counter the action in Court and protest the injustice meted to his clients.

    He affirmed his trust in the Judiciary as the last hope of the common people.

    Agbede advised the affected people to maintain peace on the issue, promising that the issue would be resolve.

     

  • Osun Farmers’ Festival reflecting govt’s success in agric

    Osun Farmers’ Festival reflecting govt’s success in agric

    Rounding off the year 2013, in a grand style in Osogbo, farmers in Osun State have held their annual festival and food fair tagged farmers’ show.

    The ceremony held at the sprawling football field of the Technical College in Osogbo, the state capital last week was huge success. Farmers across the state came with their farm produce, raw and in processed form.

    The governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, his deputy, Otunba Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and the Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Olayinka Owoeye, and the chief host, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Wale Adedoyin among others were in attendance.

    According to the Coordinator, Quick Intervention Programme (QIIP), Mr. Dele Ogundipe, the farmers’ show was a reflection of the Aregbesola administration’s success in agriculture.

    He said: “Governor Rauf Aregbesola has assisted farmers a lot. His administration had used many platforms like Osun Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Programme (OREAP), Quick Impact Intervention Programme (QIIP), Osun State Agricultural Development Corporation (OSSADEP) and many others to make farming attractive and lucrative. If we look at the number of participants at this year farmers’ show we can say without a contradiction that things have significantly improved in agriculture in the state. People were not forced or dragged to participate; they came of their own volition. For instance, rice would be grown twice a year unlike when it was once a year.”

    Enjoining more people, particularly youths to participate in farming, he said the state government’s resources are more focused than ever before on ensuring that farmers and the state are better off. By 2014 I can confidently say that there will be increase in agricultural production.”

    To achieve optimum result in supporting farmers, the state government has encouraged framers to form cooperative groups. Under QIIP, no fewer than 77 of such cooperative groups known as cluster farmers are in existence. In Ife Odan, 28 of such groups plant yam which are later processed into elubo (yam flour.)

    In Onilapa/Songbe, Egbedore Local Government Area, 22 cooperative groups of farmers plant rice. In Kuta, Ayedire Local Government, farmers in 20 cooperative groups plant vegetable and in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government, 20 cooperative groups of farmers plant sweet potatoes.

    When the governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola with his entourage was going round the pavilions to inspect product on exhibition, farmers interacted with him and some of them, apart from hailing him brought their challenges before him. Farmers in Iwo Local Government, who speacilaise in planting and exporting foreign vegetables like cucumber, water mellon, marrow, tonquer, candle, golden melon, sweet pepper and so on demanded marketing and financial support from the governor. Their leader, Mr. Kehinde Amuda, told Ogbeni Aregbesola to empower them because their products bring quick returns that youths are attracted to.

    In Ife East Local Government, farmers, who mainly specialise on cocoa production, told the governor that there was increase in their yield in the last two years, attributing the development to government’s favourable policies, availability of farm inputs like fertilisers and herbicide.

    However, an agricultural extension worker, who preferred not to be mentioned complained that there are lots of “political farmers,” who deprived the real farmers access to inputs and consequently reduce the farmers’ productivity. He advised that when the government is giving out loans and other inputs the agricultural extension workers should always be involved because they are the ones who could identify the real farmers.