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Tag: Abeokuta

  • Bafarawa seeks Obasanjo’s support over presidential bid

    Former governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, on Sunday visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to seek his (Obasanjo) blessings over his presidential ambition in 2019.

    Bafarawa, who led a delegation of his campaign group to Obasanjo in Abeokuta, told the elder statesman that the visit was to seek his “prayers, advice and support”.

    Bafarawa described Obasanjo as his leader and mentor, attributing his success as Sokoto State governor between 1999 and 2007 to advices from the former president.

    He explained that based on Obasanjo’s advice on savings, he left about N11.8 billion in Sokoto State treasury when he left office in 2007.

    The former governor recalled that Obasanjo visited Sokoto State 14 times to commission various projects, adding that he also replicated an all-inclusive government ran by the former president at the Federal  level.

    Bafarawa hailed Obasanjo for his continued interventions at critical stages of the nation’s history, noting that many Nigerians had misunderstood the intentions of the elder statesman.

    He specifically commended the former president for laying the foundation for the crusade against corruption, saying that nobody can successfully lay claim to fighting corruption without recourse to what Obasanjo had done.

    Responding, Obasanjo noted that “Nigeria can be better than what it is now” and pledged his support for any step to lift it up.

    “My own strong belief is that Nigeria deserves better than we have now and we can get better than what we have.

    “I believe the task of moving Nigeria to an enviable height is a collective responsibility and if we fail to act together as we ought to, the nation will not be where it is supposed to be in 2019,” he said.

    The former president recalled his role during Nigeria’s civil war between 1966 and 1970 as well as his travail in prison. “I have made sacrifices for Nigeria and will continue to do so,” he said.

    The elder statesman called for more attention to the welfare of the less-privileged Nigerians and increased educational development, particularly, in the North-East geographical location of the nation to end insurgency.

    He called for new strategies to fix Nigeria, adding that: “we have continued to tread on the old path”.

    Obasanjo advised Bafarawa to strengthen the leadership qualities he identified in him (Bafarawa), including humility, diligence, selflessness and openness.

    The former president also prayed for God’s guidance and support for Bafarawa’s presidential ambition.

  • Jubilations, rekindled hope as Obasanjo storms PDP rally in Ogun

    It was wild jubilations and rekindled hope for thousands of members and supporters of the Ogun State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday evening when former President Olusegun Obasanjo briskly stormed the political rally of a governorship aspirant of PDP in the state, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu.

    Obasanjo who dressed in white kaftan caused not a small stir and contagion of excitements among the crows when he dashed into the rally and waved, an indication in his heart, he wished the party and Oladipupo  Adebutu success in his aspiration.

    Read Also:Soyinka: Obasanjo failed woefully

    Ebora Owu who quitted partisan politics in the build – up to the 2015 general elections, did not speak during the brief moment at the rally that took place at an expanse ground within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    Earlier, the House of Representatives member, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu urged Nigerians in all levels of leadership to provide good governance to the people, saying that is the only way to secure their “exalted positions and wealth.”

    Adebutu said high and mighty fences or trenches could hardly secure but would just entrap one in an environment of poor governance.

    The lawmaker representing Remo Federal Constituency in Ogun State gave the advice at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta, when he met with the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and his chiefs prior to the rally at OOPL.

    He was at the Palace to thank the Paramount ruler for his prayer in 2015 when he was contesting for the current seat being occupied by him at the lower chamber of the National Assembly and to also seek further blessings from the royal father ahead of his 2019 governorship ambition in the state.

    Adebutu said good governance would bring genuine growth and development to the people and curbs corruption.

    He also noted with proper orientation, fear of God and compassion for others, a leader would able to shun corruption.

    According to him, if one has the compassion for others at heart, it would be difficult for one to appropriate collective wealth for persona benefits.

  • Les Blues at exit door?

    A French aka Les Blues victory over Uruguay in the 1st Quarter final of the 2018 World Cup on Friday at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Russia is like a man trying to ride a bicycle up Olumo Rock, a tourist spot in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    On current rating, both have played 4 matches, Uruguay won all (beat Egypt and Saudi each by a lone goal; spanked hosts Russia 3-0 before Cavani’s brace decision Ronaldo’s Portugal 2-1 in R16); scored 7 goals, conceded 2 goals and has +5 goals difference. France won 3 matches ( beat Australia 2-1, Peru 1-0, played goalless with Denmark before the 4-3 thrashing of Argentina in R16) scored 7 goals like Uruguay but conceded 4 goals and has +3 goals difference.

    The implication of this is that France with a record of poor marksmanship may need more than the elasticity of Mbappe and Pepe to score. Before the desperate encounter with Argentina where France scored a whopping 4 goals, they could only squeeze a goal per match, one against Australia but for the own goal by Behich in the 80’, the match would have ended in a draw and that lone goal against Peru scored by Pepe. France was not doing well.

    Book makers are hinging their 47% win vote to France because of the surprise performance against Argentina. 23% feels Uruguay will win while 30% feels there will be a draw and then a penalty shoot-out. Uruguay W1 D4 L3 in their encounters. Suarez scored in the lone victory of June 2013. In their world cup encounters, Uruguay had W1 D2 winning in 1966 with draws in 2002 and 2010.

    There is something Uruguay will not like to hear, they have never won five times in a row in same world cup tournament. Diego Maradona had said the new French wonder boy; Mbappe is like Claudio Canigga a notable Argentinian star who wrecked opposing teams at will. There is a sentimental angle to it.

    Read Also: Brazil are through to the World Cup quarter-finals

    France Forward, Griezmann is team mate with Uruguay defenders Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez at Athletico Madrid. They are so close that Griezmann keeps feeling he is from Uruguay. Godin is the godfather of Griezmann’s daughter. Suarez said Uruguay does not have time for sentiment and Friday will show it.
    Cavani is PSG’s all-time top scorer and is ready to bang in goals for Uruguay. Cavani killed Portugal with his brace. Will he also wreck France? But the news from Russia is that Cavani may not be fit for the match because of a calf injury. Mbappe and Griezmann have scored two goals each for France. The match is 1500 hours WAT.

    The second match at 1900 hours may not go to the wire at all. Belgium v Brazil. Surprised? Kazan Arena will see ‘wenn’ as we say in Warri language meaning they will see American Wonders. Brazil is playing quarter final in consecutive 7th time in world cup. They were beaten two times at this stage in 2006 by France and 2010 by Netherlands. It is important to tell you that European teams knocked out the five times world champions in 2006, 2010 and the last one in Brazil 2014.

    Pundits are always saying Brazil is favorite to win in every tournament, even at this stage, 43% vote a Brazilian victory, 28% say it’s a Belgium win while 29% say it go to the wire and be decided via penalties. Both teams have met five times mostly friendlies. Belgium won in 1963 but Brazil won the three other encounters.

    The only time the ever met in the world cup, was in 2002 Round of 16 and Brazil ran away with a 2 nil victory.

    On current standing, both have played 4 matches each, Brazil has W3, D1 (drew 1-1 with Switzerland; defeated both Costa Rica and Serbia 2 nil each and also dazed Mexico 2-0 in R16), scoring 7 goals conceding 1 and having +6 Goals difference.

    Belgium won all her 4 matches (walloped Panama 3-0; defeated hard fighting Tunisia 4-2; subdued almighty Three Lions 1-0 before edging Japan 3-2 in a pulsating R16), were the high goal scorers with 11 goals conceding 4 goals with +7 goals difference.

    The implication of this is that Belgium may adopt wing play to break the Brazilian defense. Belgium manner of pumping in goals is dangerous for the Samba boys. The Belgians currently eyed to lift the cup will look unto Lukaku already runners up goal scorer with 4 goals and Felaini to use his height to score from corner kicks. Eden Hazard could create hazardous moments for Brazil.

    Marcelo, the tireless horse is coming back for Brazil in the midfield. Refs have started neglecting the theatrics of Neymar in diving or his attitude when tackled.

    He has to watch it. Will Brazil go out again at the quarters?

    Saturday the other quarter finals shall be decided. Sweden v England at 1500 hours and hosts Russia v Croatia at 1900 hours both WAT. We shall periscope those two matches later.

  • My husband is a thief, fraudster – Divorce seeking wife

    A 35- year- old woman, Remiekun Familusi, on Friday  prayed  an Abeokuta Customary Court to dissolve her five-year-old marriage to her husband Olayinka,  over his alleged stealing habit.

    She told the court that their five year marriage was blessed with one child.

    Remilekun alleged that her estranged husband was a thief, fraudster and had always been declared wanted by the people he stole from.

    “He was traced to his father’s house in Ibadan, sometime ago when he stole in Ogun State.

    “He has never been a responsible man. He steals baby food and provisions from supermarkets and brings them to me to feed our baby with.

    “I stopped him from bringing food items to my child who is now five years old when I discovered he was a thief.

    “We never lived together as husband and wife; he has never shown any sign of being responsible.

    “After given birth to our daughter in 2013, I left his parent house where I was staying then,” she said.

    The plaintiff also said her husband was a fraudster, saying that he forged people’s signatures and defrauded them.

    Read Also: Court dissolves 18-year-old marriage over abandonment

    She further hinted the court that her father who was equally in the court, had on many occasions, bailed Olayinka from police custody.

    “There was a time he stole a laptop at Guarantee Trust Bank in one of the branches in Abeokuta, it was my father who bailed him when he was arrested,” she said.

    She however, pleaded with the court to dissolve the union that was never a happy one, and also grant her custody of their only child.

    She also appealed to the court to order Olayinka, to stop coming to her house or the child’s school to cause trouble.

    The respondent, while consenting to the dissolution prayer, disagreed with his wife’s claims that he was not responsible.

    Olayinka disclosed that he never had real love for his wife adding that if not for the child in the union, he would have forsaken the marriage for a long time.

    Claiming that he has always been a responsible father to his child, Olayinka presented copies of teller from the bank, which he claimed to be paying to his wife and the mother-in-law’s account for the upkeep of his daughter.

    Meanwhile, Olayinka told the court that he no longer engaged in stealing saying that God had taken full control of his life.

    Olayinka equally said he approved of the dissolution and prayed the court to grant him accessto his daughter, whom he said that he had not seen for the past one and half years.

    The president of the court, Chief Olalekan Akande adjourned the case until June 6 for possible reconciliation and judgment

  • Nigeria needs N16.56tr for its rail projects — Amaechi

    Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi says Nigeria needs not less than N46 billion dollars (about N16.56 trillion) to construct its three major speed rail lines.

    The minister said this on Tuesday in Papalanto, near Abeokuta, Ogun State during a joint inspection of the Lagos-Ibadan standard rail gauge with the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

    He said the three speed rail line projects – Lagos to Kano, Lagos to Calabar and Port Harcourt to Maiduguri – were crucial to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The minister said that although the government did not have the fund ready to finance the projects, but the President had directed him to source for the fund because of the importance of the projects.

    “We don’t have the money available but we have to source it.

    “The Federal Government must look for the money; we may likely borrow the money because the money is not just there.

    “For now, the Chinese are funding the Lagos to Kano rail project and any of those that we have approached, when they give us money for the other two projects we will gladly take,” he said.

    Amaechi said that the private sector funding of the project was not visible because “there is no way in the world where railway is constructed by private sector.

    “This is because it is a long time investment and the money will not be recovered in time”.

    The minister said that he had approached the Russian Nexim Bank for funding of any of the rail project.

    Speaking on the 156km Lagos-Ibadan rail project, Amaechi said they were working to meet the December 2018 completion deadline.

    He said upon completion, it would take a speed train of 150km per hour that would travel from Lagos to Ibadan in one hour.

    “We will introduce express train that will take off from either Apapa or Ebute Metta straight to Abeokuta and to Ibadan.

    “We will also introduce train that will stop in all the nine stations to give passengers choices,” he said.

    The minister said that no fewer than 7000 jobs have been created by the Lagos-Ibadan rail project.

    Amaechi said that government had commenced rehabilitation of the narrow gauge to reduce the pressure of cargoes on the road, adding that the challenges on the standard gauge were the track.

    He said the track was moving on slow pace of 15km per hour but upon addressing the challenges on the tracks the speed would increase to the maximum 80km per hour.

    On his part, the information minister said that they embarked on the project inspection to showcase the massive work the Buhari administration had done on infrastructure.

  • Ogun residents troop out to collect mosquito nets

    The distribution of mosquito nets has commenced across the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Areas of Ogun State after the exercise was flagged off on Friday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

    The distribution exercise witnessed large turnout of residents at various Distribution Points (DPs), in all the local government areas of the state.

    In Abeokuta North East Local Council Development Area, the distribution was flagged off at Sokori Health Centre, the Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Taofeek Olabode (Talent) charged the beneficiaries of the mosquito nets to make proper use of it in order to kick out malaria from the state.

    He warned the recipient against using the nets for another thing entirely, keep it somewhere or even sell them, noting that the nets have been proven as a cost effective means of fighting malaria.

    The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Officer in the area, Dr. (Mrs.) Shola Adeoye Akinsola said that the people have been given proper orientation on the usage of the mosquito nets.

    Also speaking, the Amoore of Olomore, Alhaji Liafisi Adedeji Ogunrounbi commended the CRS, donor ‘Global Fund’ and the Ogun State government for the nets, noting that it would has a long way in elimination of malaria in the state.

    Baale Ogunrounbi added that the insecticidal nets would also help in reducing the scourge of malaria in the state, which he said has affected many homes in the state.

    “I want to commend the government, CRS donor ‘Global Fund’for this net distribution in the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state because our people have embraced and participated in it and I believe that this will largely reduce the rate of malaria in the state,” Baale Ogunrounbi said.

    The Technical Consultant on the project, Mrs. Wasila Kolo said the residents have been advised on the usage of the insecticidal nets, noting that the nets would come to an end on next week, urging other residents to come out and collect the net.

    Some recipients of the nets, Mrs. Oyeleye Taiwo Adedoyin and Mrs. Nofisat Abiola Abidoye expressed gratitude at the gesture, promising to use the mosquito nets as instructed by the health officials at the Distribution Points (DPs).

    The mosquito net replacement exercise is being facilitated by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in partnership with the Ogun State government with support from Global Fund, and the distribution of the nets exercise for the 3.3 million would last for one week.

  • Man jailed two years for stealing cell phone

    An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Ogun on Wednesday sentenced a 31-year-old man, Oresanya Olamilakan, to two years’ imprisonment for stealing a cell phone valued at N35, 000.

    Olamilakan of no fixed address had pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of break-in and stealing.

    The magistrate, Mr Aliu Soneye, in his judgment said that with the evidence tendered in court, the prosecution had proved its case beyond doubt.

    He then ruled that the accused was guilty of the two charges levelled against him.

    He, therefore, sentenced Olamilakan to one year imprisonment each on the two charges.

    “The sentence will be run concurrently and without an option of fine,” he said.

    The prosecutor, SP Famous Edigbue, had told the court that the convict committed the offences on March 19, at about 1.30 a.m., at the Federal Housing Estate, Olomore in Abeokuta.
    Edigbue said the accused illegally entered the house of the complainant, Mr Arowosegbe Dare, and stole a Piano Spark 4 Plus phone valued at N35, 000.

    He said the offences contravened Sections 410, 411 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Vol. 1, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

    NAN

  • Police arraign transporter for alleged stealing

    The police on Monday arraigned a transporter, Timothy Oyinbe, 32, in  an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing N100,000, belonging to a company, Chukwu bu Ikem Motors.

    The accused, who resides at No. 10, Ogota Road, Abakaliki in Ebonyi, is facing a two-count charge of disobedience to regulations and stealing.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

    The Prosecutor, Sgt. Emmanuel Ajayi, told court that the accused committed the offences on March 17 at No. 169, Abeokuta Express Way, Iyana-Ipaja, near Lagos.

    Ajayi alleged that the accused disobeyed the rules and regulations of the company by taking the company’s bus beyond the booked destination and collected N100, 000 from passengers.

    Read Also: No information on Leah, say Police

    The offences contravened Sections 122 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The News men report that Section 287 stipulates a seven-year imprisonment for offenders.

    The Magistrate, Mrs G.O. Anifowose, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum.

    She said that the surety must be gainfully employed and should also have his address verified by the court.

    Anifowose adjourned the case until April 11 for mention.

    NAN

  • NYSC appeals corps members for improved welfare

    The National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ) has appealed to employers of corps members to provide standard employment opportunities to those serving in their establishments.

    The Ogun State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr John Okpo, made the appeal on Thursday during deliberations at the 2018 Corps Employers workshop held in Abeokuta, Ogun.

    He also advised the employers to allow their corps members access to medical facilities in their places of primary assignments.

    Okpo said that the provision of basic benefits would improve the self worth of the corps members and enable them integrate fully into such establishments.

    “Employers should see corps members, first as human beings, rather than mere ad-hoc staff and as such must ensure they are well-catered for.

    “The best way to motivate and get the best from your staff is by making them feel wanted and comfortable in the course of their duties.

    “Corps members should be provided with medical facilities as available for permanent staff.

    “Employers of corps members should, likewise, strive to give permanent employment to corps members who performed reasonably well during the service year.”

    Read Also:  NYSC blacklists Osun school for attacking corps members

    Okpo said that the laws establishing the NYSC scheme required the employers of corps members to see themselves as partners and stakeholders in the development and training of youths.

    “Your actions or inactions can either destroy or uplift the dreams of the founding fathers of the scheme,” he said.

    He said that the workshop explored issues relating to corps members and their employers.

    The workshop had as its theme: “Tackling Emerging Challenges in Youth Corps Administration through Greater NYSC/Stakeholder Participation.”

    The chairman of the State NYSC Governing Board, Mr Afolabi Afuape, assured the NYSC that the government would continue to discharge its obligations to the scheme.

    Afuape also the Ogun State Commissioner for Youths and Sports said,  “Corps members are change agents, youths with abundant energies  and awesome talents.

    “ When their welfare is prioritized, their level of productivity knows no bounds.

    “It is my fervent belief that all stakeholders will look into the recommendations made with the ultimate aim of moving the scheme forward.”

    He said that the NYSC management would, routinely, monitor employers of corps members to ensure that they provided accommodation for NYSC members serving with them.

    NAN

  • Truck crushes man to death in Ogun

    Truck crushes man to death in Ogun

    One person was confirmed dead in an accident involving a Volvo truck and a Toyota car at Iyana Mortuary area of Abeokuta on Tuesday.

    Mr Clement Oladele, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Ogun, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Abeokuta.

    Oladele said that the accident, which happened at about 12pm, was caused by the truck which  had brake  failure.

    The sector commander, who noted that six persons were involved in the accident, disclosed that the driver of the car died in the accident.

    “The accident involved a Volvo truck with registration number AAB 207 AA and a Toyota car with registration number SMK 152 XR.

    “The truck, which was on top speed, lost control and rammed into the waiting car at the traffic light in Iyana Mortuary.

    “Six persons were involved in the accident; the driver of the car died while two others sustained injuries,” he said.

    The FRSC boss said that the injured persons had been taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta while the corpse of the victim was deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.

     

    NAN