The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Institute, club sign pact on skill acquisition

    The Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Association of Lions Club, District 404B1, Nigeria, on skill acquisition and training of youth and women in the district.

    The institute will educate them on capital needed for the project. The Bank of Industry (BOI) will also fund participants’ businesses and technology plans.

    The agreement was reached in Abeokuta during the investiture of Waheed Kadiri as the District Governor of Lions 404B1.

    Senator Adegbenga Kaka, who chaired the event, commended the institution and the club for the initiative, which he noted will go a long way in diversifying the economy.

  • ‘I’ll provide purposeful leadership’

    Residents of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State have been assured of purposeful and responsible leadership, if a former supervisor for market and revenue generation, Mr. Peter Ajayi, is voted into power as chairman during the forthcoming local council election.

    This was contained in a press release from the Peter Ajayi Campaign Organisation (PACO). According to the release, which was signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Okunade Adekunle, the former supervisor gave the assurance during his recent interaction with the residents.

    Ajayi, who is contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), according to the release, said the residents of the local government deserve more than they have benefitted from successive governments in the council. He added that he would carry along all stakeholders in his government, if given a chance.

    Adekunle stated: “Grassroots development is the bedrock of national development. With Ajayi’s experience in revenue generation, he is in a better position to mobilise resources for the implementation of projects that will impact on the lives of the people.

    “Our government would make sure that the projects to be executed within the LCDA are executed by professional contractors who are residents of the council, thereby boosting the economy of the area, including creation of job opportunities for the teeming youths of the LCDA.

    “The local council under Ajayi’s watch would not engage in projects that do not have a direct bearing on the lives of the people.”

    The release also quoted the aspirant as saying that the people of Ejigbo will be consulted widely before he embarks on any capital project, “because they must have input in the process of policy formulation and implementation”.

    It added that Ajayi’s policies and programmes will centre on youths and women empowerment, infrastructural development, senior citizens’ welfare, education, good health care service delivery, as well as security and creation of an enabling environment for business in the area.

     

  • Sumptuous culture at Udiroko Festival

    THE   Udiroko Festival has become the most important cultural fiesta in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. Every year, it serves as platform to celebrate the growth and development of the city.

    The festival, otherwise known as Odun Olorunborun, marks the beginning of New Year in the Ado-Ekiti Traditional Calendar and offers the citizens the opportunity to gather in order to deliberate on issues affecting their community.

    The festival was a by-product of Ajase Ewi, the Ewi’s supernatural power of conquest as he was not only regarded as a king, but also as the supreme military commander of his army.

    When the kingdom became larger, the administrative and cultural demands of his office did not allow the Ewi to go on military expeditions anymore. He, therefore delegated his military responsibilities to his immediate senior officers who later became traditional war chiefs.

    During the period, Ado people would assemble under the Iroko tree in Ewi’s palace to welcome the military officers and the assembly was also a platform for celebrating the congregation of the indigenes, the return of military leaders and other mercenaries and emissaries from sub-ordinate kings, chiefs and messengers carrying different gifts and food items from the rulers of Ewi’s vassal states.

    Ado-Ekiti has come a long way since its ancestors left Ile-Ife, regarded as the cradle of the Yoruba race for Benin and arrived at the present location via Ido-Ani, Oka Akoko (both in present-day Ondo State), Agbado and Iluomoba.

    History has it that Udiroko is as old as Ado itself as the name of the town literally means “here we have settled”.

    Having settled at the present location under the leadership of Ewi Awamaro, prayers were offered under the Iroko tree at the palace for God’s protection and to offer thanks for the achievements recorded in the previous years.

    Udiroko also gives an opportunity to the chiefs, groups, natives and guests to pay homage to the Ewi, who uses the opportunity to speak on key issues affecting his kingdom.

    The cultural landmark is also regarded as the beginning of a new planting season, as farmers go to their farms to clear the land to plant crops in expectation of a bumper harvest in the coming year.

    It should be noted that the reigning Ewi, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, the Aladesanmi III has taken Udiroko to a higher pedestal in terms of packaging, publicity, marketing, merchandising and etching it on the nation’s cultural map.

    Oba Adejugbe’s ingenuity and sophistication has transformed the Udiroko Festival to a national and international festival which is now accessed on the Internet, even as it attracts foreigners.

    The week-long event featured prayers at the palace for peace and development of Ado-Ekiti by Christian clerics, a news conference addressed by the Ewi, Festival Anniversary Lecture delivered by former Deputy Governor, Dr Sikiru Lawal, Health Talk, Ayo Olopon Competition, Ewi Football Cup Competition, visit to the sick and the aged, Jumat Service, performance by cultural troupes, Princes’ and Princesses’ Night and Church Thanksgiving Service.

    This year’s edition of Udiroko Festival has lived up to its billings as the people of Ado-Ekiti led by the Ewi used it as an opportunity to celebrate Governor Ayo Fayose who was credited with key landmark projects in the palace.

    The major project is the new amphitheatre in the palace square which was carried out by his administration to give people who attend the festival the opportunity to sit comfortably. It also added colour and glamour to the arena.

    The city was throbbing for several hours as indigenes, visitors, friends and associates thronged the palace amphitheatre, where robust traditional displays showcased the rich cultural heritage of Ekiti people.

    The festival was attended by Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo and Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Kenneth Kobani and Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Kola Oluwawole.

    The Ewi wore a special cone-shaped crown with colourful strings located on its edge all around. He sat calmly with his wife, the Eyesorun, Olori Margaret Abosede Adejugbe and at the raised steps to the palace door.

    The king waved his irukere (horsetail) intermittently in acknowledgement of encomiums, homage and obeisance paid him by his subjects and visitors who witnessed the festival.

    Those who paid homage to the Ewi included traditional chiefs, quarter chiefs, Iwarefas, the Elegbes (traditional warriors), the Efas, (traditional police), the Oloris (the queens), the Omo Owas, (princes and princesses), the market women, the Hausa community, the Igbo community, the Idoma community,  Ebira community, the Agbekoyas, politicians, artisans, drivers’ unions, youths and students.

    The homage of Chief Bafon, the traditional generalissimo of Ado-Ekiti, was breath-taking despite that he has advanced in age. His dance steps and wielding of traditional sword drew applause from the crowd.

    Politicians from the two major parties in the state, the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) appeared at the festival to test their popularity.

    Aspirants believed to be nursing ambition ahead of the next elections trooped to the festival with their friends and admirers to identify with the people of Ado-Ekiti whose votes they would need at the next polls.

    The President-General of Ado Progressives Union (APU), Chief Obafemi Ojo, said though the APU, the umbrella body of all associations in Ado-Ekiti, is non-partisan, there was no way the union would not commend Fayose for the various projects that are being executed in the town.

    Ojo, who is also the Bobajiro of Ado-Ekiti, described Fayose as an extra-ordinary person.

    “The Ado Progressive Union is non-partisan. I am neither a member of the APC nor PDP. This governor is not an ordinary person. In our culture, he can be described as Akanda eniyan. It is not common for a governor to be elected a governor a second time. He is a performer by every standard.

    “We, Ado sons and daughters, appreciate you for the various achievements in Ekiti State in general and Ado-Ekiti in particular. Your name will be etched on the amphitheatre in Ewi’s palace for generations yet unborn to see. We hereby say thank you for your contributions to Udiroko 2015 and 2016,” he said.

    Speaking in same manner, Oba Adejugbe described Fayose as Godsend ýto Ado and Ekiti State.

    “I am indeed very grateful to the Government of Ekiti State led by Peter Ayodele Fayose, a pragmatic , committed beacon of excellence and a hardworking governor for the massive road construction work being carried out in Ado metropolis such as Onala/Tinuola Road, De-Head (Bawa Estate)-Adetiloye Road, Awedele-Secretariat Road dual carriage way, Adunni Olayinka Women Development Centre, the Erekesan under construction, and the flyover under construction, just to mention a few; all within 18 months of assumption of office.

    “The ongoing flyover project deserves commendation. The government equally extends its developmental programmes such as road construction and provision of health facilities to other parts of the state.

    “I pray that Almighty God will give the governor the ability to complete all the laudable projects he has embarked upon for the overall development of Ekiti State.

    “I sincerely thank the governor for the completion of this Royal Gallery (amphitheatre) in Ewi’s palace. The community was getting fed up with financing the projects when he came to our rescue. Ado-Ekiti shall ever remain grateful to you.

    “Like Oliver Twist, I plead with the governor to complete the Oba Adejugbe Hospital for urgent and effective health care delivery,” he said.

    The Chairman, Ado Local Government Areaý, Ayodeji Ogunsakin, stated that the people would not forget Fayose’s contributions to the development of their community.

    “Ado people are behind you. You have performed well. You have stabilised the political arena and made things beneficial for us all. You have achieved a lot despite the poor finances of the state and the huge debt profile you inherited from the previous administration. I thank you on behalf of Ado people,” the local government chief said.

    This year’s Udiroko Festival also witnessed the foundation-laying ceremony of a new palace hall. It was performed by Governor Dankwambo who promised to support the project, attend next year’s event and witness the inauguration of the project.

    Dankwambo said: “Ekiti and Gombe have things in common. The two states were among the six states created about 20 years ago. What I saw during the Udiroko Festival really impressed me and by next edition, God willing, I will come with more people from Gombe to celebrate with you. I will also adequately support this hall project and hope to be here when it is inaugurated.”

    Fayose, in his remarks, advocated that the study of history should be reintroduced in the teaching curriculum of the nation, advising that “without the past, we can’t make out the future.” He described the development as “strange.”

    The governor said: “That’s strange; I heard that for the first time. That must be strange because without the past we can’t make out the future. History must be told for people to learn out of it. I believe in history and I believe in our culture.” Speaking further about the huge success of the festival and his contributions, Fayose said: “The Amphitheatre which I built is here for you to see, the fly over bridge and Oja Oba are on-going. The Onala, Awedele dual carriageway roads and others are being constructed.

    “Another thing that is of note is that since I assumed office, there have not been any politically-motivated killings or harassment and there would never be. Also, the peace in our state has been enhanced.  “The Udiroko Festival provides our people the opportunity to celebrate our cultural heritages with our monarch.

    “Udiroko has become a national festival. Look at the mammoth crowd here. Ekiti has never witnessed this huge crowd in the history of the festival. I will continue to support everything that would enhance our people’s culture, especially Udiroko.”

     

  • Rotary donate projects to community

    Five life-changing projects, among them mosquito nets, vocational centre, power generating set, a signpost promoting communal peace and a micro-credit scheme, were handed over to the Olusanya Community in Agege, a Lagos suburb, by the District 9110 Governor of Rotary Club of Agege, Mr Patrick Ikheloa.

    The projects were executed by the club of Agege. Ikheloa, who led other district 9110 leaders, including two past district governors; Dr Dele Balogun, Chief Somo Omoniyi and the Secretary Samuel Ayetutu as well as other members of the club to the event, also inaugurated the community’s Rotary Community Corps (RCC), a Rotary projects’ ombudsman, a novel idea by the club.

    The Rotary chief praised the Agege community led by the Olu of Agege Oba Kamila Oyedeji Isiba, and other Baales under his domain for their support for Rotary Club in its determination to improve the quality of lives of the less-privileged.

    While turning the sod on the land, Okheloa singled out Bishop Julius Babatunde Olusanya for his selfless service and for giving the club a piece of land on which the vocational centre would be built.

    He described Rotary International as an assembly of business and professional people who are united in the cause of serving humanity, adding that the club would be happy if members of the community pick interest in becoming members.

    The club’s President, Gbenga Sunmonu said the Rotary Club of Agege has adopted Olusanya community, which is made up of Olusanya, Papa Ukwu, Agbajowo and Ifesowapo communities (OPAIC) for its star project for the current Rotary year.

    He said the club would donate an electricity generating set to the community to power the borehole which the club had handed over to the community in May and would be delivering a vocational centre later this year to same community in its desire to ensure that many of the unemployed youths are trained in some skills that would make them self-reliant.

    Sunmonu added that to promote peace among the Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and other nationalities who have been living in harmony in the community, the club also decided to unveil a peace and harmony signpost in the community, even as it is distributing mosquito nets in its quest to promote maternal and child health. He said three persons would benefit from the club’s micro-credit facility.

    He said each of the beneficiaries would be given N60, 000 repayable in eight months.

    Representative of the King, Chief Ishiak Dada praised the club for its commitment to the progress and development of the community. He said the vocational centre would change the face of Agege as many unemployed youths would be able to have new skills through which they could be job creators.

    Among other community leaders at the event were Bishop Olusanya, Prince Olubunmi Ogunji, Chief Musbau Adebari, Alhaji Ibrahim Olohunoyin, Abdulshuaib Hassan, Alhaji Abubakar Aliu, Adisa Adebayo, Pastor Olumide Akinpelu, Ayuba Ayodele and Lukman Olaiya.

    Others were Rotarian Agnes Olatunbi, Mrs Fawole and former Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, among others.

  • Osun gains from free school feeding

    The free feeding and health programmes introduced by the Osun State Government to encourage school enrolment  and attendance as well as enhance pupils’ health has not only become a model for the federal and state governments, but also a platform for agricultural development  and food production. SINA FADARE reports.

    At the outset, the primary objectives of the free school feeding programme introduced by the Osun State Government was aimed at increasing school enrolment, encourage attendance as well as enhance pupils’ health in all public primary schools.

    Farmers appear to be the major beneficiaries of the programme, as they embark on massive food production far which there is ready market.

    The programme has also enhanced the income of local farmers; thus reducing poverty level as all goods are sourced locally.

    On weekly basis, no fewer than 40 heads of cattle; 10,000 crates of eggs; 20,000 chickens, over 400 metric tons of fish are needed to feed the pupils.

    About 500 unemployed youths were trained and empowered for mass fish production under Osun Fisheries Out-Growers Production Scheme (OFOPS).

    The scheme supplies well over 400 metric tons of fish regularly for the school feeding, while cultivation of cocoyam through a cocoyam rebirth programme was also encouraged.

    Over 1,000 cocoyam farmers (selected across the nine federal constituencies) were trained and assisted to mass cultivate pink cocoyam for inclusion in the school feeding menu.

    Today, the number has risen to over 15,000, as more women and young adults have taken to farming; cultivating cocoyam, vegetables, tomatoes and melon.The programme, which began in 2006, has become a success story and indeed a reference model for many states and countries as pupils from kindergarten to primary four in public primary schools are fed daily with balanced foods such as fish, meat, vegetables and fruits that are rich in protein.

    The pupils are de-wormed twice a year. A comprehensive menu which, among other things, would help to develop the brain capacities of the growing children in their formative years was drawn up by stakeholders in the education sector. The team argued that a well-fed pupil is likely to be healthy and more attentive in class than those on empty stomach.

    Addressing delegates from all the states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the school feeding programme, Osun State Deputy Governor, who doubles as the Commissioner for Education under whose supervision the school feeding is carried out, Mrs. Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori noted that the programme began in 2006 as one of the 13 pilot states (Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, inclusive).

    She explained that the Aregbesola-led administration extended the beneficiaries of the school feeding programme in 2012 to primary four pupils and rechristened it Osun School Feeding and Health Programme (O-Meals).

    Mrs. Laoye-Tomori maintained that the free meals in public schools has led to sharp increase in enrolment from 155,318 to 194,253 after four weeks of its implementation, saying that currently over 252,000 pupils are being fed while they remain in school until closing time.

    She said: “According to the Federal Bureau of Statistics Report of 2013, Osun State has the highest primary school enrolment rate in the country and the lowest number of children of school age being out of school.”

    Mrs. Laoye-Tomori said that through the programme, the state was able to capture the actual figures of school pupils being fed under the programme which costs the government the sum of N18 million a week.She said a total of 3,007 food vendors were engaged, trained, kitted with uniforms and made to undergo medical screening.

    The vendors, according to her, were given loans to procure cooking utensils and organised into 124 functional co-operative investment and credit societies for effective administrative purposes.

    Mrs. Laoye-Tomori noted that the success of the programme has attracted compliments and accolades from both local and international forums.

    In 2014, the British Parliament invited the Governor Rauf Aregbesola to talk on the implementation of the school feeding programme for which the Parliament praised him.

    She explained that commendation also turned in from government of South Africa which sponsored her visit to the country.

    While praising the delegates for the visit to have a requisite insight into the dynamics of the school feeding programme, Mrs. Laoye-Tomori advised them to sit back and fashion out what will work for their respective states and people.

  • Ogun shines as NUJ summit recasts Nigeria’s unity quest

    For three days, journalists from across the country gathered in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to brainstorm on the myriad of challenges facing Nigeria and proffer lasting solutions. It was the first National Media Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and critical segments of the society latched on to give their verdict.

    By all standards, the largest convergence of journalists on the Gateway State, the event with the theme “The Media and National Unity” also exposed the host state and its government to media critique and considerable scrutiny, especially in the area of socio-economic growth and infrastructural development.

    That the press played significant role in the political evolution of the country cannot be over-emphasised. From the nationalists struggle for independence to the Civil War era; military rule to eventual enthronement of democracy, the Nigerian journalists have been at the fore of championing noble cause of unity and cohesion.

    Despite cultural diversity and ethnic differences that sometimes threaten peaceful co-existence, the Nigerian media have always risen above primordial sentiment and kept faith with its watchdog responsibility.

    But it appears the press have subtly derailed and now joined the fray of national disintegration. Although media owners and professionals may not readily admit such failing, stakeholders and consumers of media practice have cogent reasons to believe journalists have taken sides lately by amplifying the discordant voices of dissent and division over and above the promoters of national integration and cohesion in the country.

    Taking into cognizance several factors, the summit opened up the journalists’ fold and allowed various assessors to freely touch on those things crucial to Nigeria’s unity vis-à-vis the role expected of members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm. The event was held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex, Abeokuta.

    The first day, August 16, shortly before the meeting formally opened, Governor Ibikunle Amosun received the NUJ National Executive led by its President, Comrade Waheed Odusile, at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.

    Amosun was visibly happy to be host of the maiden edition of the media summit. He said the theme was “key and apt.” The governor noted that the journalists were at home since, historically, journalism had roots in Abeokuta with the advent of Iwe Irohin newspaper. He also recalled that two eminent journalists–late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo and Chief Olusegun Osoba– had once served as governors in the state.

    “Indeed, our greatness is in our diversity. The earlier we all come to the conclusion, the better. Yes, there may be differences. We should dwell more on those things that bind us together as against things that divide us. We are better as a united, indivisible nation,” he said.

    Describing journalism as “a very important profession,” Amosun challenged journalists to channel their energies and resources towards promoting the cause of unity and fighting corrupt practices in the country. He also said journalists should always be on their guard against forces that seek to take advantage of their profession for selfish ends.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo delivered keynote address at the opening ceremony. He was represented by former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Peter Okebukola. He urged journalists to place emphasis on investigative journalism and always set good, altruistic agenda for the nation.

    “One of the greatest countries of the world is the United States of America. It is also one of the most diverse in ethnicity, race and religion. Its greatness is rooted in its diversity which is being utilised to advantage and actively promoted by the American press. I believe we can learn a lot from them in this regard,” Obasanjo added.

    Apart from Amosun, Governors Akinwunmi Ambode and Abdulfatah Ahmed of Lagos and Kwara states respectively also delivered speeches. Ambode was represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, while Kwara State Commissioner for Information, Mahmud Ajeigbe, stood in for Ahmed.

    While expressing concern that the nation’s unity was under threat, Odusile said in his address that the media cannot afford to keep quiet and watch as agents of destruction attempt daily to tear the country apart.

    “We are bothered because we have a stake in this country as patriots, and considering the role the Nigerian press played in securing independence from our colonial masters, championed the cause of unity when we were threatened by civil war and enthroning the democracy that all are now enjoying, keeping quiet would amount to a disservice to the labour of our heroes past,” he said.

    The NUJ President, however, drew attention to the challenges and constraints facing Nigerian journalists, noting that the earlier such problems were addressed, the better for the country.

    “The media industry in Nigeria is in crisis,” Odusile said. “As I speak, many media houses are on their knees and struggling to continue as business concerns. The operating environment is so hostile.

    “Just as the media houses are struggling, the fortune of journalists is not improving either. Many media owners are defaulting in the payment of salaries to their workers with some in arrears of one year and above.

    “A journalist not paid by his employer for months is hungry and vulnerable to corruption and therefore, is a danger to the society. He could call black ‘white,’ depending on what is on offer. Make no mistake about it, this is unethical and the NUJ as a responsible professional body frowns at it, but our jobs are being made difficult by these debtor employers.”

    The second day August 17 was dedicated to summit presentations bordering on germane issues. The topics were “The Media and National Security;” “Financing the Economy for National Unity;” “Social Media and National Cohesion” and “Building a Strong Union.”

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, who was represented by Col. John Agim; former Director-General State Security Service (SSS), Col. Kayode Are (retd); former Minister of Information, Prince Tony Momoh; as well as former NUJ Presidents, Mohammed Sani Zorro and George Izobo, were among the speakers.

    On the last day of the summit, a project tour of Ogun State was undertaken by the contingent of media professionals. They had a feel of the performance of the Amosun administration. The participants were conveyed round the three senatorial districts to physically experience some of the developmental projects executed by the governor.

    The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko, led the team that toured projects in Ogun West Senatorial District. Places visited included the Ilo Awela Road, Iganmode Road, Oju Ore Roundabout, proposed flyover at Sango, Ahmadiyya Road and the newly refurbished Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government secretariat.

     

  • Be God-fearing, cleric urges leaders

    A cleric, Rev. Gabriel Akinbiyi has advised leaders to be God-fearing, even as he said those who had looted the nation’s treasury must be prosecuted.

    He spoke during the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Akoko, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), at St. James’ Anglican Church, Supare-Akoko, Akoko Lagos.

    He decried the monumental corruption perpetrated by government officials, particularly at the federal level, which he said hinders all-round development. He regretted that funds meant for the procurement of weapons to combat Boko Haram terrorists were diverted into private bank accounts; a situation he said rendered soldiers helpless.

    Rev. Akinbiyi frowned at the state of national insecurity, including the incessant kidnappings, Boko Haram insurgency, attacks by Fulani herdsmen and vandalisation of natural gas and crude oil pipelines by the Niger Delta Avengers and other militant groups.

    He, therefore, urged government to proffer solutions to these challenges, while calling on leaders to be committed to the change which they promised Nigerians in order to salvage the nation from total collapse.

    “Life has become difficult for Nigerians with the recent deregulation of the downstream sector which coincided with the increase in tariff of electricity supply, without palliative measures to lessen its effect on Nigerians. It is unfortunate that workers are owed several months of salaries and pensions in about 24 states are not paid.”

    The cleric called on the state and Federal Governments to pay salaries to workers and pensioners being owed, to save people from continuous starvation.

    Rev. Akinbiyi added that with the present depreciation of the Naira, fall in crude oil prices in the international market, government at all levels must put in place machinery to diversify the economy.

    “They must improve other sectors including agriculture, solid minerals, tourism, and other facilities that have high potential to save the nation from the present doldrums,” he said.

    He condemned the plan of the Federal Government to finance grazing reserves for those rearing cattle across the nation, saying it is an act of nepotism and favouritism of one tribe over others. He recommended that government should encourage private establishment of ranches.

    He also called for the attention of the federal and state governments to the lives of Christians being threatened, “especially those in the Northern part of Nigeria where a Christian was beaten up for not observing the Ramadan fasting; the law made by a governor that before you can preach religion, a license must be obtained and the use of Hijab by female Muslim pupils to schools in the South. Nigeria is a secular state where religion is supposed to be voluntary.

    “The Federal and state governments should, therefore, look into these actions with the utmost sincerity to avoid religious crisis,” he said.

    Rev. Akinbiyi also called on government at all levels to create jobs for the unemployed youths to reduce poverty and insecurity.

     

  • In Lagos, wonders are not ceasing

    In Lagos, wonders are not ceasing

    Since emerging as the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has turned the state to a huge construction site. From Oshodi to Agege to Abule Egba, Lekki and many others, one major project or the other is going on. ASSOCIATE EDITOR OLUKOREDE YISHAU X-rays the several actions taken by the administration in the last two weeks

    Lawrence Olawale lives in Ilupeju, Lagos Mainland. His mother stays in Agege, where he grew up. His love for his widowed mother forces him to go and see her at least once in a week.  If not for the mother-child love, Olawale would hardly go to Agege, because of the constant traffic gridlock that is the lot of Pen Cinema bus stop, which leads to his mother’s Orile Road abode.

    Soon, Olawale and others who use the popular Pen Cinema route will not have to worry about traffic gridlock.  A fly-over bridge that will ease the burden of road users is about to be constructed. All thanks to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    The bridge is one of the multi-faceted projects designed to improve people’s living standards. The Pen Cinema Fly-over is the third from the Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration. Those of Abule-Egba and Ajah Roundabout are already being constructed. The pedestrian bridge at the ever-busy Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is already facilitating easy human and vehicular movement.

    Speaking at a news conference in Alausa last week, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ganiyu Johnson said the Pen Cinema fly-over bridge would be completed within 18 to 24 months. He added that the project would start after the conclusion of the preliminary works.

    According to him, the fly-over would be constructed from Oba Ogunji via Ijaiye Road into Agunbiade. It will be 700 meters long.

    Johnson said: “We will expand Oba Ogunji Road and create barriers. The project will also accommodate a generous walkway similar to the Ikorodu Expressway and the bridge will have a free flow all the way to Agunbiade.”

    The administration is also concerned about the traffic gridlock on the Lekki-Epe Expressway. To ease this, three roundabouts— the 4th Roundabout (Elegushi); 5th Roundabout (Jakande) and the 8th Roundabout (VGC)—are to be removed. They will be replaced by traffic lights, expansion of the roads, provision of dedicated turning lanes and additional lay-bys.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi said the removal of the roundabouts on Lekki-Epe Expressway was part of the junction works and traffic system management designed to enhance free flow of traffic.

    Elegushi added that the road was constructed to accommodate about 30,000 vehicles per day, adding that the vehicular movement has now increased to over 50,000 daily. He also said the project would be completed in six months.

    The fly-over bridge and the Lekki-Epe Expressway project are not the only good news residents of Lagos have heard from their governor in the last two weeks.

    The state showed its pace-setting status when it inaugurated the first state-owned helipad for medical emergencies. Ambode and some members of his team were at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja to inaugurate this project geared towards saving lives.

    Ambode said: “This is a life-saving asset and critical complement to the efficient functioning of this Unit (LASUTH) and other emergency services being rendered by the state. The Helipad will also aid the movement of patients from remote areas where health care facilities to provide the level of emergency medication required are not readily available.

    “Over the years, we have witnessed emergency situations which require timely movement of victims to appropriate medical facilities. Keeping in mind that every minute matters in securing the lives of people involved in these incidents, the usual movement by road is not the best option in such situations.

    “Helicopters have, therefore, become an efficient and reliable option which can only be made possible with the availability of helipads within the hospital environment.

    “Given the status of LASUTH, as the state’s flagship tertiary health institution, offering referral services for other public and private medical institutions, it was obvious the helipad had to be located here.”

    The governor added that about a month ago, he inaugurated a 27-bed Critical Care Unit in LASUTH to provide life and organ support system for critically-ill patients, adding that the helipad would facilitate medical evacuation and air ambulance transfer of patients to Trauma Centres.

    He said the provision of the facilities was in line with his administration’s commitment to raise the service delivery capacity of LASUTH and other health facilities.

    He promised that an air ambulance would be provided, adding that the helipad would be manned by specially-trained personnel who will guarantee safe landing at all times.

    The inauguration of the helipad provided the platform for Ambode to inspect some of the abandoned and ongoing projects at LASUTH. Before he left, he announced that the upgrading of the 247-bed and five theatre suits Ayinke House would be ready for use next year.

    The governor added that the Bola Tinubu Health and Diagnostic Centre would soon start operation, saying that approval had been granted for the rehabilitation and upgrade of the state’s 20 secondary and 21 primary health facilities. The bulk purchase of medical equipment required by these facilities is also being carried out.

    For those who have seen the old Nursing School in Ikoyi as abandoned property, new beginning is on the horizon. A Medical Park is springing up there. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been activated in that respect.  Now, the state is on the verge of becoming a hub for medical tourism.

    The governor said: “With the support of our hardworking and dedicated personnel in the health sector, we are confident that we will achieve our set objectives in the health sector, save lives and guarantee a healthy state.”

    The need to continue to do more to improve the security of lives and property in the state has not escaped the attention of the governor in the last two weeks. He has signed two bills aimed at eradicating land grabbing and improving security into law. The laws are Lagos State Properties Protection Law and Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law. The signing of the laws was witnessed by the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem, lawmakers and top government officials.

    Also last week, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, announced plans to deploy 13,000 Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, additional 6,000 street lights and security sensors for surveillance and crime prevention. This will begin in October.

    Another major development in the last two weeks is the visit of members of the Indices and Disbursement Committee of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). Their mission: they came to announce that the Federal Government has approved four oil wells for Lagos and would soon start disbursing the 13 per cent derivation fund to the state.

    With this, Lagos has emerged the first oil-producing state outside the Niger Delta.

    The governor said: “We are very glad to receive this delegation. We also want to thank the Federal Government, most especially President Muhammadu Buhari for making this to happen very promptly. I want to say that this has been the quickest action that has been taken by RMAFC since I have known the Commission.

    “I used to be a former Accountant-General; so, I had a lot of transactions and relationship with the institution called RMAFC. Within a span of about 60 days of when we wrote our letter, and even before we wrote the letter, this technical committee was set up. It gladdens me to say that the institution worked and is working for the good of Nigeria.”

    The governor urged other states to activate their mineral deposits to boost their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    “It would also give us revenue independence in a manner that there would be equal growth from all the nook and crannies of Nigeria. I am happy that RMAFC has taken this step.  They should also encourage other states to engage in such activities that would allow them to be able to activate whatever mineral deposit that we have in the various states in conjunction with the Federal Government, so that we can start to diversify revenue and growth and then create a balanced growth and development for the whole country,” Ambode said.

    Other issues that got the attention of the administration in the last two weeks included the Smart City Project and the Integrated Land Administration Automation project, which Commissioner for Science and Technology, Olufemi Odubiyi said would help promote and encourage a secondary mortgage market and facilitate investment in properties.

    He added that the project would witness the installation of information highway-metro fibre and deployment of 4GLT across the state. Ultimately, he said the government would fully implement e-services, such as e-health and e-agric, among others.

    The way things stand, Ambode seems to be activating his major slogan-Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Loje Wa Logun, which means the progress of Lagos State is paramount to this administration.

     

  • ‘5,653 inmates await trial’

    No fewer than 5,653 inmates are awaiting trial in Lagos prisons, Southwest Report has learnt.

    Spokesman of Nigerian Prisons Service in Lagos, Biyi Jeje, said out of 6, 921 inmates, only 1,008 are convicts.

    He said both the minimum and medium security prisons have exceeded their capacities.

    According to him, the Maximum Security Prison, with a capacity for 1,056, currently has 1,234 inmates.

    The Medium Security Prison, which has capacity for 1,700 inmates, currently has 3, 820, he said.

    Ikoyi Prison, with a capacity for 800, has 2,277 inmates; the female prison with a capacity for 211 currently has 240 inmates, while the Badagry Prison meant for 160 persons, has 350 inmates.

    Jeje, who is also a Correction Officer, said despite the challenges, the prisons have adequate correctional facilities.

    “In all Lagos Prisons, there are hospitals, clinics, churches, mosques, extra-curricular sports centres, different educational systems from primary to the university levels and other standard facilities found in a community for such inmates to live a normal life.

    “Convicts are also entitled to acquire skills such as laundry, welding; tailoring, carpentry, hairdressing, art and craft, theatre art and other skills that will enable them to integrate into society after discharge.

    “We, together with our partners, provide them with the tools to start a trade and monitor them properly so that they don’t go back to crime,” he said.

    He noted that the prisons needed more medical equipment and drugs, vehicles to convey inmates to and from courts, backup team and other logistics to help effectively rehabilitate and reform inmates.

  • Council urges youths on hard work

    Council urges youths on hard work

    The Sole Administrator of Mosan Okunola Local Council Development Area, Lagos State Mr. Rotimi Ogunwuyi has urged youths to shun vices and embrace hard work in order to be useful to themselves and the society.

    He spoke during the distribution of General Certificate Education (GCE) forms to 50 youths of the council.

    Ogunwuyi explained that the country was undergoing a structural change that will turn the country around, adding that the youth must show interest in matters that will enhance their development.

    He further stressed that students should take their studies seriously. This, he said, will ensure their success in any examination, noting that it was time they did away with shortcuts approach to attaining success in their examinations.

    He said: “There is no magic about success. You need to work hard by reading your books always. History has shown that those who apply the principle of hard work excelled in their examinations.

    “It is unfortunate that some youths often resort to unorthodox method by hiring mercenaries and following dubious paths towards attaining success in any examination because they want to pass at all costs. At the end, they pay for such serpentine approach.

    “I therefore urge you in your own interest to work hard. Those who excel will be further assisted in their future careers.”

    Ogunwuyi maintained that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) frowns at special centres where all sorts of abnormalities are perpetuated.

    “You must imbibe the spirit of hard work, diligence and truthfulness in all your dealings. This is the era of change and everything must change positively,” he said.