The Nation Newspaper

Tag: COMMUNITY

  • Peace returns to community two decades after

    Peace returns to community two decades after

    Peace has finally returned to Aribila village in the Odogunyan area of Ikorodu after warring factions in the community settled their dispute.

    Truce was brokered after factions of the Oteniya Family were deposed to terms of settlement on December 15 2023 at the Ikorodu High Court.

    The factions of the Oteniya descendant family- Oladipupo,  Ige, and Yussuf Olubi branches represented by Akeem Oteniya; Iyabo Oladipupo Oteniya; Quadri Babatunde Oteniya; Saliu Oteniya; Prince Michael Oladunjoye; Tunji Busari Esq and Godiya Osuyi Esq who signed the terms of settlement.

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    According to the terms of the agreement, the feuding parties agreed among other things,” that Aribila Village was a heritage of the Oteniya descendant family which was fought in the law court by the family and a judgment was given in favour of the family by his Lordship, Hon. Justice T. A. O Oyekan Abdullahi of the High Court of Lagos State on December 10 2009 in suit No: ID/527/2009, that a large parcel of land being lying and situate at Aribila village, Odogunyan near Ikorodu Lagos measuring 51.

  • Fish out Warri community attack culprits, group tells IG

    Fish out Warri community attack culprits, group tells IG

    An Itsekiri organisation, Ugbarajo Iwere Leaders Foundation (UILF), has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to fish out suspected youths currently at large, and their sponsors, for attempting to disrupt the visit of the Olu of Warri, HM Ogiame Atuwatse III, to Okere community in Warri South council area of Delta state, weekend.

    Rising from an emergency meeting which held in Warri,  yesterday, the foundation “condemned in its entirety, the attack by a group of dissident youths” purportedly led by David Iwere, Lucky Esu, Phillip Awani, Austin Lori and Napoleon Tseke Ogidi on the community.

    Four of the suspects, Iwere (57), Awani (57), Lori (52) and Ogidi (47) were Tuesday, arraigned in charge No: FHC/WR/18c/2024, before the Federal High Court, Warri on four count charges of conspiracy to wit: terrorism; cybercrime; conspiracy to wit: attempted murder and attempted murder.

    The case was adjourned till April 2, while the four defendants were remanded at the Warri Correctional Facility, Okere.

    Read Also: Time has preserved Awo’s principles, legacies – Tinubu

    Meanwhile, a statement made available to reporters by a member of the Publicity Committee of the foundation, Oritsetimeyin Orugbo, urged the police boss to not only fish out the suspects, but ensure that they were arraigned along with the current accused persons.

    Orugbo said: “This group of people have for the past one year been terrorizing the Okere Community with the idea of advancing their ideology of rejecting the successful succession of the 21st Olu of Warri to the Throne.

    “While we agree that minorities and in the extant case, most micro-minorities can have their say, their say has to be within the ambit of the law.

  • Confusion in Osun community over two kings

    Confusion in Osun community over two kings

    There is confusion at Iree community in Boripe Local Government of Osun State, as Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday appointed another king.

    The Nation recalls that Oba Ademola Ponle was appointed in 2022 during the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, but he was challenged at the court by some chiefs of the community.

    When Governor Adeleke was sworn in, he suspended Oba Ponle and constituted a committee to review the appointment. After one year, Adeleke issued a White Paper stating that the case should be withdrawn and a fresh selection process should begin.

    A statement yesterday by the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, said Governor Adeleke had approved the appointment of Prince Muritala Oyelakin from Oyekun Ruling House as the new Aare of Iree.

    He said the decision was reached after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the governor.

    Read Also: Time has preserved Awo’s principles, legacies – Tinubu

    Reacting to the appointment of Prince Oyelakin, Oba Ponle said he remained the king of the community because he still had the instruments of office as Aare of Iree.

    He berated the decision of the state government, saying, “the decision of the government fell foul of the White Paper they issued. They stated in the document that court cases against the process that produce me must be withdrawn before any appointment, but that was never done. The decision of the state government is null and void because I remain the king.”

  • Rivers community begins mourning today

    Rivers community begins mourning today

    • Markets, offices, schools, churches,  mosques to be shut  

    All markets, offices, schools,  churches and mosques in Isiokpo, Rivers State, will today be shut as the community begins days of mourning for its illustrious son, Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen Chizoba ,and son, Chizzy.

    Wigwe,  Group Executive Director of Access Holdings Plc;  Chizoba and Chizzy died in a helicopter accident in the United States (U.S.) on Friday.

    News of the mourning period ordered by the monarch of Isiokpo Ancient Kingdom, Eze  Blessing Wagor, was announced yesterday before youths of the community embarked on a procession, calling for the ashes of the deceased to be brought home for burial.

    A   community source told The Nation that the announcement of the mourning was made by the community’s town crier . 

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    The source, who did not reveal  the number of days the mourning would last,  said that  all mourners were expected to converge at “Isiokpo Roundabout in black attire tomorrow (today).”

    He said: “Our Eze said that no business, including markets, churches, even schools and mosques, will not open tomorrow (today). Everybody is to come out at Isiopko Roundabout, where we will stay till the evening.

    “I believe  that the mourning days will continue in the community after Wednesday (today), but it will not be a total shutdown of activities after tomorrow (today)..” 

    Kinsmen, gateman

    recount his life and time

    At his Omueke village in Isiokpo, gloom and sorrow pervaded the air when The Nation correspondent visited. 

    From the gateman of the Wigwe’large, shiny and neatly interlocked family compound to elders at the village square came only eulogies of a man whose passing left a hole in their hearts. 

    While some described him as a peace-maker and humane personality, others, including his country home’s gateman, said they would never forget his philanthropic nature.

    Ninety–one–year–old chief of Omueke, Eze Robinson Amadi, said: “Herbert was such a good son of our village. He is our number one in everything. The vacuum his death has left in this village will be hard to fill at least in my life’s time.

    “What this man you people are talking about has done in this Omueke is enormous.  He restored unity in this village. Let Wigwe not hear that there is a quarrel between brothers or compounds, he will come home and go straight to the people concerned to make peace among them.

    “The moment he had spoken, that was the end of the matter. Nobody will ever hear it again and genuine peace will be seen again radiating from among the people.

     “I don’t think that there is anybody that will fit into his shoes….this village has suffered a huge and irritable loss.”

     Another kingsman,   Elder Anokwuru Achieonwu, said despite his wealth, Wigwe remained humble and open.

    “Wigwe was a playful and free man. Any time he is at home, people go in and out of the compound freely. When he had the chance, he would come out to interact with people,  reconciling those quarrelling. He never behaved the way a typical African or  Nigerian big man behaves. I mean sitting in his house and expecting people to come and bow to him.  Wigwe was different.” Achieonwu said.

    Naming the university Wigwe was building in the community as one of his numerous legacies, he added that he(Wigwe) always gifted his kinsmen food items, including bags of rice, every Christmas. 

    His words: “ We are very sad about the death of Herbert. He is building a university for us. Apart from that, he was a philanthropist who always helped the community in various ways such as giving us bags of rice and other things every Christmas season.

    “We were even expecting that of last Christmas  before what has happened now.”

    The Wigwe family compound gateman, who did not give his name, said he was in shock.

      “My Oga (boss) was a good man. I am in shock because he was also a simple person. I  don’t have problems at all working here,” he said in an emotion-laden voice.

    Youths want ashes brought home

    Isiokpo youths who held a procession in the community asked the Federal Government to ensure that the ashes of the three Wigwes were brought home.  

      “Since we cannot have the bodies of the helicopter accident victims intact, we want their ashes returned to us so we can have something to give them a befitting burial,” said one of the youths.  

  • Community urges firm to restore power one year after

    Community urges firm to restore power one year after

    Residents of  Adesan, Mowe, Ogunrun, Eguu,  Aberan communities in Obafemi Owode Local Government in Ogun State have appealed to  Ibadan Electric Distribution Company (IBEDC) to reconnect them to power supply one year after.

     The communities, under their Community Development Association (CDA), lamented their losses.

     Baale of Adesan, Tajudeen Adesolu, said the community cannot fight the Disco, hence, the appeal.

     “We urge IBEDC to restore power to us. Why would my neighbours enjoy power by IBEDC and my community would be out of supply? Yet, this has not prevented us from receiving bills. We are appealing to IBEDC to restore power to the community,’’ he said.

    Amuludun of Igbein, Chief Bamidele Nasiru, said: “Epileptic power supply should be a thing of the past, not to talk of blackout. We want the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to intervene and help our community,” he said.

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      Businesswoman, Mrs Yemisi Babalola, bemoaned the damage the blackout caused her business.

     “I sell frozen foods and the business thrives when there is regular power. But since the one year of power failure, I have spent a huge amount in fuel which has eroded my profit,” she noted.

     Speaking on behalf of other CDA chairmen in Adesan, Gafar Adeyemi, said the youth had written to IBEDC to address the  challenges but to no avail.

     A community leader, Mr. Akanni Lawal, described the situation as hopeless, saying they had not had electricity in about a year.

    At the end of the meeting, the community resolved not to honour any bills from IBEDC, warning the Disco to desist from distributing bills to their community until electricity was restored.

  • Indigenes seek govt’s intervention as oil spill ravages Akwa Ibom community

    Indigenes seek govt’s intervention as oil spill ravages Akwa Ibom community

    Indigenes of Iba Oku in Uyo Local Government of Akwa Ibom State have called for  Federal Government’s intervention over incessant oil spill, which has  ravaged their community.

    The Nation gathered that the spills, which started four days ago, have polluted the community’s river, killing fishes, destroying farmlands, economic trees and other valuables.

    One of leaders in the village, Mr. Francis Elijah, lamented the devastating impact of the spills, saying if not contained, the community could go into extinction.

    “The only source of potable water has been polluted by the spills. The adjoining communities of Nduetong Oku and Afaha Oku can face danger if urgent action is not taken by relevant authorities to clean the spills and mitigate the impact of the problem on the host communities,” he said.

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    He urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to intervene by cleaning the spills, saying remedial measures to stop the flow should be put in place since, according to him, “there is no oil firm operating in the area for now.”

    Another resident, Comrade Solomon, a youth leader, said the community could be affected by the spills, “if urgent measures are not taken to prevent escalation.”

    He warned the people scooping crude from the river to “steer clear and stop exposing themselves to danger.”

    The village head of Iba Oku, Etteidung Mbeke, has declared the zone a no-go- area and alerted operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to cordon off the areas pending further measures by the government to address the problem.

  • Foundation empowers community

    Foundation empowers community

    Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has lauded Hayat Foundation’s community development.

     He spoke when he inaugurated a  school as well as a clinic, donated to Eika-Ohizenyi community by the foundation.

    The govenor lauded its founder, Amina Bello, for her dedication in providing critical services to the community in Okehi Local Government.

     He urged privileged residdents to contribute  to advancing riral development.

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     The governor promised the school would benefit from government’s free education, which covers primary and secondary school pupils.

     He said government would assign teachers, oversee construction of access road, and provide bus.

     Amina Bello said she was committed to giving back to society.

     Bello, wife of the governor, promised the clinic would offer three days free medical care to residents.

     She encouraged members of the community to take advantage of the intervention.

     The projects were unveiled to mark the 16th birthday of Bello’s son, Hayatula, in whose name the foundation was set up to cater for children, especially those with special needs, the elderly, and vulnerable.

  • Community leaders hail Akande-Sadipe on road project

    Community leaders hail Akande-Sadipe on road project

    Community leaders and residents in Olomi Olojuoro, Ibadan have commended the lawmaker representing Oluyole Federal constituency, Hon Tolulope Akande-Sadipe over her efforts to find a lasting solution to bad road in the area

    The stakeholders demanded capable and dependable company to take charge of the road construction. 

    They stressed the critical importance of community safety and prosperity, citing numerous accidents and loss of lives due to the deteriorating conditions of roads. 

    A traditional leader in the area, Oyewale Samuel, said: “We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to our honorable representative Akande-Sadipe  for her unwavering intervention. We believe the federal government will take the necessary actions to ensure the road’s completion within a reasonable timeframe, taxpayers money cannot be squandered.”

    “If other representatives emulate Sadipe’s dedication, we can all reap the dividends of democracy and see our tax work for us.”

    During a site visit last Thursday, the House of Representatives ad hoc committee led by its chairman, Hon. Kwamoti Laori uncovered disturbing details on extensive delays in the Olomi Olojuoro road construction project. 

    The committee expressed dissatisfaction with its findings, sparking calls for the termination of DC Contractors’ involvement in the beleaguered project.

    The pivotal investigative visit, according to the committee an integral component of their ongoing inquiry, witnessed the convergence of community leaders, landlords, and concerned residents. 

    The committee commended the House for their unwavering commitment to unearthing the truth, thanking Hon. Akande-Sadipe, who has consistently advocated for her constituents’ welfare throughout the ordeal.

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    Originally slated for a 24-month completion timeline when awarded in 2018, the Olomi Olojuoro road project has raised serious concerns due to what residents described as DC Contractors’ sluggish progress and poor quality of work over a span of five years. 

    Hon. Kwamoti said “The current pace suggests that DC Contractors may extend this project over an astounding 40-year period if actions are not taken. Such a timeline is entirely unacceptable, we represent the people, and we are here because the House sent us, there must be accountability for tax payers money.”

    The Ministry’s Supervisor, Engr. Abayomi Olusada expressed frustration, highlighting numerous warnings to the contractor over lethargic and poor pace of work..

    Regarding contract termination, Olusada clarified that it falls within the purview of the ministry’s legal department.

  • Community-based organisations praises govt on MYICN project

    Community-based organisations praises govt on MYICN project

    Some community-based organisations (CBOs) have praised a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Alive and Thrive, for its Maternal Infants and Young Child Nutrition (MYICN) project across the local government areas (LGAs) in Lagos State. The CBOs gave the commendation separately during a media visit organised by Alive and Thrive to CBOs on its MYICN project. With the support of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Alive and Thrive in 2022 inaugurated the Maternal Infants and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) Project to scale up access to nutrition in seven states  across the country. The organisation is partnering CBOs to implement the MYICN project in communities across the country.

     Mr Hassan Yussuf, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of Champagne Foundation, said the MYICN project had helped the foundation to improve the nutritional status of people in communities. Yussuf said that the foundation, which focused on orphans, vulnerable children and pregnant women, had been able to link more vulnerable pregnant women with Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). “The Alive and Thrive MYICN project has helped us to improve nutritional status and boost the nutritional needs of vulnerable children with engaged in the communities including Alimosho, Mushin and Badagry LGAs in Lagos. Initially we noticed that some women prefer to go to traditional birth healers to take their delivery but with the MYICN project, we have been able to link more women to the various PHCs,” Yussuf said.

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     Also, Dr. Cassandra Akinde, Executive Director of The Neo Child Initiative (TNCI), said the organisation’s partnership with Alive and Thrive MYICN project had yielded positive results in the area of visibility. Akinde said the organisation was currently implementing the MYICN projects in Epe and Shomolu local government areas in Lagos State. “We started the MYICN partnership with Alive and Thrive in 2022 and it has been fruitful in terms of visibility and community presences in Lagos. We no longer target children alone but we are also targeting family members, healthcare workers, community leaders in the area of capacity building. We have implemented the MYICN project in Epe and Shomolu LGAs and we intend to extend it to Ibeju Lekki, Kosofe and Ikorodu next,” she said.

     Omolayo Ogunyemi, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of Good Women Association (GWA), said the MYICN project had helped the organisation to engage more adolescents and vulnerable girls. Ogunyemi said the organisation would continue to leverage on the partnership with Alive and Thrive to make life meaningful for young girls. “Our partnership with Alive and Thrive has given the organisation more platforms to advocate for the girl child. We have implemented the MYICN project in seven PHCs in Apapa LGA and 11 PHCs on Lagos Island presently,” she said.

  • Ngige’s community: We need peace, unity not crisis again

    Ngige’s community: We need peace, unity not crisis again

    • 80-yr-old prime minister leads protest

    The people of Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State have said those fomenting trouble in the community should desist henceforth, as the people need peace and unity.

    The community is where the former governor and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige hails from.

    Addressing reporters Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Awka, the leaders of the community, led by an  80-year-old traditional prime minister, Chief Ben Udeze, said the community had only one monarch and not two.

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    The elder statesman said peace had eluded the community for a long time, therefore, some of the disgruntled elements fanning the embers of discord should give peace a chance.

    Udeze, said that the people of Alor were happy with their traditional ruler, Igwe Mac-Anthony Okonkwo, adding that they had confidence in his ability .

    Speaking on behalf of the Concerned Citizens of Alor community, the spokesperson for the troubled community, Rev. Innocent Peace-Udochukwu, said it should be known that the court cases were still- ongoing including that of the Appeal Court, of which, no ruling had been made.

    According to Peace-Udochukwu,”We’re using this medium to call on the court to fairly and expeditiously resolve this matter, and we urge all members of our community and indeed, friends of Ndi-Alor to reject the misinformation being spread and to support our monarch during this challenging time.

    This conflict has deep roots, dating back to about nine years. It’s driven by a small group of individuals who seek to gain power and influence by sowing seeds of division and discrediting the monarch despite every effort being made to reach a peaceful resolution to the unwarranted crisis.

    “Their selfish actions are disrespectful to the community and its rich history, and undermine the stability and prosperity of the community as a whole,” he said.