The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • NIPOST floats e-commerce platform

    The Nigeria Postal Services (NIPOST) has called on Nigerians to make use of its e-commerce platform to conduct businesses and increase their income base.

    The Ekiti Area Postal Manager, Mrs. Ijeoma Akinwumi, who made the call at a briefing to mark the first anniversary of its creation, said the agency also operates e-banking services as part of measures to diversify its operations.

    The NIPOST chief further explained that entrepreneurs can avail themselves of other opportunities offered by the agency which include EMS, haulage and logistics as well as “Post-Cash”, among others.

    Mrs. Akinwumi said many Nigerians have failed to take advantage of some of the newly introduced services by the agency, because they have not tested the effectiveness of these services.

    She, however, appealed to Ekiti State government to assist the agency to complete its administrative office, which is undergoing renovation for efficient service delivery to the people.

    Mrs. Akinwumi said: “The advent of telecommunication in Nigeria has helped Postal Services to diversify its operations extensively.

    “As a result of the coming into operation of telecommunication, we now have e-banking and e-commerce almost in every area of life.

    “When doing e-commerce, you must have a physical place where items can be sent and collected; the Nigeria Postal Services offers this opportunity.”

  • ‘Pray for Buhari’

    A cleric Oluwole Sali has urged Nigerians to pray for President Muhamm-adu Buhari so that he would fulfill his electoral promises for the people.

    He gave the advice in Lagos at a seven-day prayer programme for the good of the country. He said both Muslims and Christians should be involved in serious prayers to avert serious problems in the country.

    He described President Buhari as God-send, adding that the President was ordained by God for a special assignment. He, however, noted that there are certain inhibitive forces that want to prevent his good intentions for the country.

    Sali said: “Where there are children of light, children of darkness want confusion and wickedness to continue. There are those who benefit from confusion and wickedness who will not want PMB’s anti-corruption war to succeed.

    He said: “There is abundant grace for President Buhari God has granted him because of the special work he is to accomplish. Many things are happening that are purely manipulations of the powers of darkness to cause confusion and bloodshed. Many are working to discredit this government but the Lord will frustrate them. Children of God should just rise up and pray. When “I mean Children of God, I mean men of God who are not after money and what they will gain; men of God who love this country as their own and are willing to bleed like Apostle Ayo Babalola for the nation to be blessed.

    “It takes men of God who are not blinded by religious bigotry and denominational egos to see the mark of God Almighty upon President Buhari as it was upon Cyrus who gave the commandment of the rebuilding of Jerusalem. If the children of God will pray fervently and be patient, God will answer them, Prophet Sali,” added.

  • LASEPA seals off 70 facilities for noise pollution

    The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed off Sporta Suites Hotel and Restaurant in Magodo, Lagos, for alleged non-compliance with environmental laws.

    The hotel was part of the 70 of such facilities that were sealed off as a result of noise pollution allegations levelled against them.

    Also sealed were about 13 religious houses and a plastic recycling company located in different parts of the state on account of noise and air pollution.

    LASEPA’s General Manager, Rasheed Adebola Shabi said the exercise was part of an ongoing war against noise and air pollution in Lagos State.

    He said over 70 churches, 25 mosques and 11 nightclubs have already been pencilled down to be sealed by the agency during the exercise.

    The facilities, Shabi said, were sealed off for allegedly not complying fully with the agency’s instruction on noise and air pollution, saying the enforcement was carried out after several warnings by the agency to the owners to abate the pollution were not heeded to.

    Shabi said LASEPA doesn’t seal off people’s property or facilities indiscriminately. He noted that before sealing off someone’s property, the agency must have given several warnings and failure to yield or comply with the warnings results in sealing off such property.

    Air and noise pollution/emissions, Shabi said, are parts of what the agency is kicking against.

    He said before any operation, residents of the area must have variously written petitions on the impact of noise pollution from places of worship, commercial bus drivers and those who use loud speakers while selling their wares.

    Shabi said research by LASEPA in the last two to three years, revealed that most of the religious houses do not have Lagos State approval to operate, adding that most hotels and club houses also do not have fiscal planning approval.

    “Before you can build any hotel anywhere in the world, there must be an environmental impact assessment.

    “There are people using trucks to sell their products with speakers to disturb the peace of Lagosians. Soon, we will begin to tow these trucks to get them off the streets,” he said.

    He added that Lagosians needed to live in peace and LASEPA would continue to fight for the peace of residents of Lagos.

    He further said the defaulters would be fined and compelled to sign an undertaking or put in place an action plan to forestall a recurrence, before the facilities would be unsealed.

    The operation took place in areas such as Ijaiye-Ojokoro, Meiran, Ogba, Aguda and Magodo, among others.

    Some of the affected churches included Celestial Church of Christ, (Ebenezer Parish), Abule Titun, Alakuko, Solution Life Ministry, Ogba, Aguda, Zoe Ministries Worldwide, Ojodu and The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Akiode.

  • Foundation fetes the needy at Sallah

    Foundation fetes the needy at Sallah

    The yearly Ramadan Outreach of the Bola Tinubu Foundation (BTF) was held at Onikan Stasium on Lagos Island last Saturday. The needy went home with gifts and cash, MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE reports

    The Onikan Stadium on Lagos Island was a beehive of activities on Saturday. It was a day the disabled, the aged and other less privileged persons gathered to benefit from the Ramadan Outreach organised by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Foundation (BTF).

    The foundation has been reaching out to the needy through provision of food items, cash, clothes, cooking items and toiletries to enable them to participate in any Muslim festivities. The event used to be held at Idowu Tailor Street, Victoria Island where the foundation’s office is located.

    This time around, it was shifted to Onikan Stadium in order to accommodate large recipients expected at the event.

    Prior to the day, information had reached the people that the foundation would provide Sallah items for the poor to enable them to celebrate.

    To prevent the event from being hijacked by hoodlums, policemen and other para-military personnel were drawn from the civil defence and others. Sniffer dogs were also controlled by plain-clothed security personnel that patrolled the venue.

    Despite the presence of policemen and other security personnel, it took beneficiaries hectic time to receive their gifts.

    To avoid unforeseen challenges that might likely to be encountered at the gate, people started trooping to the venue in the wee hours of the day. So, by 9:00 a.m. when the event commenced, the mammoth crowd at the venue became almost uncontrollable.

    To maintain decorum at the venue, special gates were allocated to women, men while the disabled assembled in certain area to be taken in by the officials of the foundation.

    The situation almost turned out nasty when street urchins popularly known as Area Boys became lords of the day as they flex muscles at every entrance into the stadium. The police fired tear gas to calm situation when it was becoming rowdy. The police had to take such action when the street urchins constituted threat to innocent people.

    Despite the initial hitches at the entrance, those who were genuinely accredited for the gifts were happy after collecting what was packaged for them.

    Those who were cleared assembled on a single file, and were given cash and other items. The beneficiaries expressed joy that the foundation was reaching out to the poor in order to make them have a sense of belonging during Sallah and Christmas celebrations.

    Speaking to Southwest Report, an official of the foundation, Femi Oyatolu said about 6,000 items were packed for the beneficiaries who had been issued with tickets.

    Oyatolu, who is a Special Assistant to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, explained that the choice of Onikan Stadium was to ensure enough space that will enable the large crowd have easy movement. According to him, the last time the foundation made donation to the poor, 2000 people benefitted.

    Oyatolu noted that those who had tickets would go home with item to enable them celebrate the Sallah. He said the foundation is specifically for the needy, the aged and people whose means of livelihood is unmaintainable.

    He said: “The foundation believes in reaching out to the poor and the needy, to give them something to celebrate, no matter how small, with their families at festival periods.

    “Basically, what his Excellency Asiwaju Tinubu is trying to do is to give back to the society. At least, he tries to give them something that can put smiles on their faces. We have packaged about 6,000 gift items for the people and we will ensure that those who were genuinely accredited get the items.

    One of the beneficiaries, Alhaja Moriamo Sule thanked Asiwaju Tinubu for the gesture. She said that was the second time she had benefited from the foundation, stressing that the collection process in the previous ones was not as hectic as that of Onikan Stadium.

    “It was like a thug of war to get into this venue, but I thank God that my effort yielded results. Now, I will go home to prepare for the Sallah. At least, members of my family will have something to eat, though we will buy some other things apart from what we have gotten.’’

    Seventy-two-year-old Mr. Bolaji Kadiri was not that lucky. He said he arrived at the venue before 7 in the morning but was unable to find his way into the stadium.

    He expressed dismay that street urchins hijacked the purpose which the foundation was meant to serve.

    “You can see them at the gates banging and yelling. Some of them have taken drugs and all manner of things. They are causing trouble for those who want to enter and are even stealing people’s belongings. I have genuine pass to go in for Asiwaju’s Sallah gift, but each time I meander my way, I got stuck. So, I had to retreat for my own safety.

    “The police have tried to disperse them but they have become difficult to control. I am sure they don’t want to fire tear gas because of old people like us. The organisers should think of a better way to address some of the hitches in future. As it is, I may return home without collecting my items today.’’

    Mrs. Rosemary Gbogidi from Somolu Local Government Area said the foundation should decentralise the collection process by holding the event in a more spacious venue, adding that by so doing, the stress would be minimised.

    She said the gesture is a noble one, but it makes no sense if people suffer to receive what was meant to make them happy.

    She said: “This is the first time I had collected the foundation’s gift items and May God bless Asiwaju for what he is doing for the people. He is a great man who hates to see people suffering. He likes the masses to a fault and would not tolerate anybody who makes the people to suffer.

    “I will suggest that the items should be taken to each local government where people who have genuine pass can collect their items. The items should equally be well monitored to prevent diversion of the items by people who may thwart the original purpose of the foundation. May God add more years to the life of Asiwaju because he cares for the less-privileged persons.’’

    One of the disabled persons, Sunday Adesina expressed joy that the physically-challenged were included. He, however, expressed his reservations about the rigorous process which the people went through before they could collect their gifts at the venue.

    He said: “Greet Asiwaju for me. God will be with him. But my wheelchair was compressed when I tried to pass through the gate. Those boys did not even care whether we are physically-challenged or not; they were pushing us here and there. Please, tell Asiwaju to buy me another wheelchair since the one I have had damaged.

    “You can see the rice and other items that I collected. I will take them home so that my mother will eat from it. I am already in the Sallah mood, when I got my gift and cash. May God bless him and the Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.’’

    Sherifat Alao, a petty trader, expressed happiness over the gesture, but suggested that the items should not be taken to local government areas for distribution.

    “Asiwaju is the father of the masses; God will continue to bless him. I learnt nobody sees Asiwaju and goes back home sad. They said the man cares for his workers. We will continue to pray from him. I want to also thank his wife, Senator Oluremi who is a strong pillar behind our baba,” she said.

  • Annual convention

    The women of the Apostolic Church of Nigeria, Great Ilasa Area branch have celebrated the 14th edition of their yearly convention in Lagos.

    With the guidance of members of its Executive Council, the women in attendance discussed issues concerning the welfare, advancement and participation of women in leadership at various levels.

  • Centre partners firm on skilled technicians

    To plug the shortfall in the supply of highly skilled technicians in Nigeria, the Educational Advancement Centre (EAC), Ibadan, has partnered with an Indian training institute, Orion Edutech, to offer world-class vocational training to willing youths and women.

    Unveiling the project in its Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State headquarters last week, EAC Director, Mr Muyiwa Bamgbose, said the firm embarked on the initiative because of the alarming rate of unemployment and the acute shortage of skilled technicians in Nigeria which many times, create employment opportunities for skilled technicians who are nationals of neighboring countries.

    Besides, Bamgbose said many Nigerian graduates are unemployable due to the wide gap between the gown and town as well as lack of opportunities for graduates to acquire relevant experience in their chosen careers due to unemployment.

    But the project will offer quality and affordable vocational training to enrollees in several areas such as Catering, Mobile Phones and Computer Repair, Hotel and Hospitality Management, Beauty and Wellness, Apparel Manufacturing and Design, IT/ITES/Computing and Networking, BPO and Retail Management as well as Nursing.

    “You see a newly built house and find out that the plumbing work is terribly done or you see the mechanic doing trial-and-error on your car. That’s why I concluded that Nigeria needs a vocational skills programme.” he said.

    While addressing stakeholders at the launch, the Head, Global Alliance of the firm, Mr Rohit Venaik, explained that Orion Edutech’s programme is run from India, stressing that online learning is the firm’s greatest strength. He said it was the reason the firm has made deep penetration in India and countries across South East Asia and Africa with over 250 state-of-the-art training and counseling centres across the countries.

    He added that Orion’s methods combine traditional and modern teaching methods which include Computer Based Training, Blended training through Learning Management System (LMS) and face-to-face learning, Live Instructor-Led Online Training on desktops, laptops, tablets and smart devices, E-learning, M-learning and Educational e-governance

    Mr. Venaik explained that apart from teaching the actual skills, instructors equip the students with three other skills – Domain Knowledge (knowledge of the industry interested in), People Skills and Industry Experience.

    According Venaik, the online teaching method is very effective as the students learn through direct online communication with their tutors as well as videos for demonstration. He added that offline materials are also provided in case of internet network failures or fluctuations.

    An Indian based course, like other foreign courses, is ordinarily expected to be expensive but Venaik said that that pricing is the most important factor in the training. The courses cost as low as $200, according to him.

    Launching the project, Oyo State Governor,  Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Bureau for Investments Promotion and Public Private Partnerships, Mr. Yinka Fatoki, expressed government’s support for the new initiative.

    The governor said the firm came at the right time. He commended the EAC  for the initiative and disclosed that the introduction of the project in the state was in line with the government’s current promotion of self-employment and entrepreneurship as solutions to unemployment.

    He promised that graduates of the  EAC-Orion Edutech programme were welcome to explore the N2 billion funding for Small and Medium Enterprises.

    His  words: “Part of what the government is doing to encourage self employment is the creation of ‘Agri Oyo’ progrmme to encourage Agriculture. Also the government has created a N2 billion funding programme for SMEs in conjunction with the CBN and another N1 billion funding programme with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to support manufacturing-related enterprises. So, graduates of this programme will be welcome to tap into these windows.”

    The training involves live lectures from eminent professors from India, United Dtates of America (USA) and Canada, international placement assistance, opportunities for internships, 24/7 dedicated call centre helpline from India and certifications from diploma to PhD level.

    o plug the shortfall in the supply of highly skilled technicians in Nigeria, the Educational Advancement Centre (EAC), Ibadan, has partnered with an Indian training institute, Orion Edutech, to offer world-class vocational training to willing youths and women.

    Unveiling the project in its Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State headquarters last week, EAC Director, Mr Muyiwa Bamgbose, said the firm embarked on the initiative because of the alarming rate of unemployment and the acute shortage of skilled technicians in Nigeria which many times, create employment opportunities for skilled technicians who are nationals of neighboring countries.

    Besides, Bamgbose said many Nigerian graduates are unemployable due to the wide gap between the gown and town as well as lack of opportunities for graduates to acquire relevant experience in their chosen careers due to unemployment.

    But the project will offer quality and affordable vocational training to enrollees in several areas such as Catering, Mobile Phones and Computer Repair, Hotel and Hospitality Management, Beauty and Wellness, Apparel Manufacturing and Design, IT/ITES/Computing and Networking, BPO and Retail Management as well as Nursing.

    “You see a newly built house and find out that the plumbing work is terribly done or you see the mechanic doing trial-and-error on your car. That’s why I concluded that Nigeria needs a vocational skills programme.” he said.

    While addressing stakeholders at the launch, the Head, Global Alliance of the firm, Mr Rohit Venaik, explained that Orion Edutech’s programme is run from India, stressing that online learning is the firm’s greatest strength. He said it was the reason the firm has made deep penetration in India and countries across South East Asia and Africa with over 250 state-of-the-art training and counseling centres across the countries.

    He added that Orion’s methods combine traditional and modern teaching methods which include Computer Based Training, Blended training through Learning Management System (LMS) and face-to-face learning, Live Instructor-Led Online Training on desktops, laptops, tablets and smart devices, E-learning, M-learning and Educational e-governance

    Mr. Venaik explained that apart from teaching the actual skills, instructors equip the students with three other skills – Domain Knowledge (knowledge of the industry interested in), People Skills and Industry Experience.

    According Venaik, the online teaching method is very effective as the students learn through direct online communication with their tutors as well as videos for demonstration. He added that offline materials are also provided in case of internet network failures or fluctuations.

    An Indian based course, like other foreign courses, is ordinarily expected to be expensive but Venaik said that that pricing is the most important factor in the training. The courses cost as low as $200, according to him.

    Launching the project, Oyo State Governor,  Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Bureau for Investments Promotion and Public Private Partnerships, Mr. Yinka Fatoki, expressed government’s support for the new initiative.

    The governor said the firm came at the right time. He commended the EAC  for the initiative and disclosed that the introduction of the project in the state was in line with the government’s current promotion of self-employment and entrepreneurship as solutions to unemployment.

    He promised that graduates of the  EAC-Orion Edutech programme were welcome to explore the N2 billion funding for Small and Medium Enterprises.

    His  words: “Part of what the government is doing to encourage self employment is the creation of ‘Agri Oyo’ progrmme to encourage Agriculture. Also the government has created a N2 billion funding programme for SMEs in conjunction with the CBN and another N1 billion funding programme with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to support manufacturing-related enterprises. So, graduates of this programme will be welcome to tap into these windows.”

    The training involves live lectures from eminent professors from India, United Dtates of America (USA) and Canada, international placement assistance, opportunities for internships, 24/7 dedicated call centre helpline from India and certifications from diploma to PhD level.

  • Olubadan, others praise council chief

    Olubadan, others praise council chief

    Joy is n the air for a former State Secretary of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State, Hon. Wasiu Olatubosun, who bagged a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Mass Communication last weekend.

    Olatubosun, who is the current Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Ibadan North West Local Government, obtained a PhD in Mass Communication at Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, at the weekend.

    He was appointed to the same position in August, 2011 by Governor Abiola Ajimobi following the party’s victory in the election. Olatunbosun was so deeply involved in political activities that his announcement of completing the academic programme left many in shock. They wondered how he managed to combine intense political activities with rigorous academic research, particularly the political campaign of the last year election in which he served as the Chairman, Contact and Mobilisation Committee of the Abiola Ajimobi Campaign Organisation.

    The surprise led to an outpouring of congratulatory messages for the graduand since announcement of the completion of the academic programme last month.

    At the convocation ground at the weekend, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, hailed Olatubosun, saying he showed the capacity to excel in whatever he lays his hands on.

    The monarch, who was represented by the Osi Balogun Olubadan, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, said: “We are very proud of him. Despite the tight schedule he has, he still found time to go through this course. It s marvelous. We are proud of him. I wish him more successes. I pray he becomes a professor.

    “My advice to others is that people should not think that they are old or that because they are in positions, they cannot study again. If Olatubosun can find time in spite of the tigh schedule, rigorous electioneering campaign and others, nobody has excuse not to study more. It is a very hard task. I want people to emulate him. It is never too late.”

    Also eulogizing the politician for obtaining the highest degree while serving in a political office and mobilising the grassroots political machinery, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Akin Oke, said Olatubosun deserves commendation for the new feat.

    His words: “It is gratifying that a man like Ogbeni Wasiu Olatubosun who is known for his passion, commitment and hard work, has made it in the field of academics while still contributing his quota well in politics and public administration. He is our pride in the APC and we congratulate him on this enviable achievement.”

    After obtaining Bachelor of Education degree in Language Arts at the University of Ibadan in 1994, Olatubosun obtained an M. A. In Communication and Language Arts in the same university in 2002 after which he obtained M. Sc. Mass Communication at the University of Lagos in 2007.

    Olatubosun had worked as News Editor at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) from 1996 to 97 and as Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Olabisi Onabanjo University before being appointed as the Chairman, Ibadan North West Local Government since 2011.

     

  • Don’t relent on your unity mission, Ooni told

    Don’t relent on your unity mission, Ooni told

    The Alahun of Ahun in Efon, Ekiti State Jacob Adelowo has urged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi to ensure the continued socio-political and cultural well-being of the Yoruba.
    He made the call during a courtesy visit to the Ife monarch recently. He added that the development of Yoruba land should be embraced by well-meaning Nigerians from the Southwest geo-political zone.
    Adelowo further explained that Yoruba land looks forward to the Ife traditional institution to ensure peace and progress for the people. He said Yoruba people are among the sophisticated ethnic groups in the world.
    Adelowo said the people of Ahun who came from Ife centuries ago, hold tenaciously to the strong belief that Ife is the cradle of civilisation, stressing that Ahun and other Yoruba people will continue to seek the blessings of Ife for better life.
    He said when Alahun Moka-Moye took members of the Ogbooru Adimula-Ilare Royal House from Ile-Ife to settle at Efon in Ekiti, the historical sojourn led to a well-established cultural tie among the people.
    Presenting a book entitled A Brief History of Ahun Efon to the Ooni, Adelowo said: “Alahun gave Efon its present name ‘Efon’ because the people were catching buffalos alive.
    “The buffalos usually prevented people from settling on the land and embark on their means of subsistence. Alahun Mokamoya was able to suppress the threat from the rampaging buffalos. In view of this exploit, the place became known as Efon land.”
    He added that the socio-cultural and religious links between Ife and Ahun were so enormous that, it will be a disservice to generations yet unborn if the history is not documented for posterity.
    “In fact, the Alahun moved from Ife to Ahun with all the monarchical paraphernalia. They are still replete in the Ahun traditional institution in the present circumstance.
    “I must say we thank your imperial Majesty for granting this delegation audience. We pray for wisdom, knowledge and understanding for you to play your fatherly role in the Yoruba nation.”
    Responding, Ooni Ogunwusi said the visit was timely, adding that he would always respond to whatever would lead to the unity and progress of the entire Yoruba land.
    He commended Adelowo, his wife Olori Olayinka who presented the book and other members, noting that the visit was a home-coming visit.
    He added that the people should feel free to make their proposals because the unity of the entire Yoruba land could not be superseded by any narrow interest.

  • Ondo lawmaker doles out cash, cars, others to constituents

    Ondo lawmaker doles out cash, cars, others to constituents

    The lawmaker representing Akoko Northwest/Northeast Federal Constituency, Hon Friday Olemija, has dolled out cash and other items to his constituents.
    Among the items distributed at Ikare-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko Northeast are cars, tricycles, motorcycles, deep freezers, grinding machines, sowing machines, hair dryers, plasma television sets, electricity generating sets, musical instruments and wheel chairs for the handicapped with substantial cash.
    The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker, who is the former chairman of Akoko Northeast Local Government, Ikare-Akoko, praised the people of his constituency for the support rendered to him during the last year general elections.
    According to him, “to whom much is given, much is expected from such person and in fulfilment of my campaign promises, I have to make my people happy.”
    Olemija said in spite of the economic downturn in the country, he still obliged to put smiles on the faces of the people in his constituency.
    He said he had sponsored three bills on roads in the lower chamber to better the lot of his people, while providing boreholes in many towns.
    He promised that such gesture would be continuous.
    Olemija urged the Ondo State government to pay the salary arrears of the public servants.
    “The state government has no reason to owe its workers salary, considering the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and Federal allocation accrued to the state monthly,” he said.
    He lamented that no fewer than 35 civil servants and pensioners have died due to lack of money for medication.
    The lawmaker, who decried the poor condition of workers in the employ of the Ondo State government, said the state has enough resources to cater for the needs of its workers without leaning on the Federal Government.
    He said Ondo State is blessed with abundant mineral resources, and being part of the Niger Delta states receives more allocation than many states in the Southwest, and wondered why the state government owes its workers five months salaries.
    Olemija expressed worry on what he described as poor welfare of workers in the state, saying the Mimiko-led administration has little respect for the state’s work force.
    He challenged the state government to pay the workers all their outstanding salary arrears, even as he urged the workers to fight for their right and ensure that the state government understands their plight.
    He maintained that the state is economically buoyant to pay its workers and execute physical projects in all the Local Government Areas in the state, adding that government’s insensitivity to the welfare of the people accounts for the under development.
    The legislator advised the people to vote for APC in the governorship election for the state to experience the development it deserves.
    Some beneficiaries of the legislator’s kindness appreciated him for fulfilling part of his promises, urging him to continue impacting on the lives of the people.

  • Ndigbo in Isolo APC resolve crisis

    It’s cheery news that the crisis rocking the Igbo camp of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Isolo Local Council Development Area has been resolved.
    The hatchet often precipitated by leadership tussle or greed among the leaders has been buried with the formation of a new group, United Igbo Group in APC.
    The membership is drawn from the existing Igbo Mandate in APC, Igbo Vision in APC and Southeast APC Forum.
    The mission of the group is to create focus and direction for Ndigbo in Isolo politics and ensure credible Igbo leadership among political players.
    It is also to discourage sycophancy and greed among the Igbo politicians in party matters.
    A statement signed by the interim chairman of the group, Pastor Ndubisi, O. Nwachukwu, said “the group cannot continue to watch selfish individuals to truncate the unity and peaceful co-existence among the Igbo in APC in Isolo LCDA. “We advocate that Ndigbo must live in peace with their fellow Yoruba politicians,” he said.
    It would be recalled that the Igbo camp of Isolo LCDA was engulfed by series of crises before 2015 elections. Former Governor Babatunde Fashola had brought various Igbo groups to form Igbo United Political Coalition (IUPC) soon after his election.
    The IUPC later split into two factions; with one holding meetings in Apapa while the other held its meetings somewhere in Agidingbi in Ikeja.
    Before the 2015 general elections, Fashola brought the factions together again but perhaps this was done in a haste which did not yield any political or electoral gain to APC. No doubt, these crises had always constituted political misfortune for the party.
    The statement further said that to resolve the crisis permanently, it must be agreed that there is a problem arising from the controversy of 2015 and seek for a way of bringing everyone on board as a family.
    It also said: “We, through this medium, passionately call on the National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu through Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and State Chairman of the APC to wade into the crisis to avoid the sad experience of 2015 elections.
    “One danger or issue we must address in Isolo LCDA is caucus affiliations which has eaten deep into the fabrics of the party, where those in power believe strongly in winner takes all, dictating who should have what, not minding whether it is in interest of the party or not.
    “We also dissociate ourselves from any communiqué released at the purported June 18, 2016 Igbo stakeholders’ summit which was not all-embracing.