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Tag: Ile –Ife

  • 30 contestants selected for Queen Moremi Beauty Pageant

    Thirty contestants have been selected out of 400 ladies, who applied to contest in the 2018 edition of the Queen Moremi Ajasoro Beauty Pageant, the organisers announced on Tuesday.

    Cultural Ambassador to the project, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the contestants were selected after a two-day screening, held at Ile Ife in Osun.

    She said that the contestants, who must be Yoruba undergraduates, within the ages of 18 to 25 years, were selected by a team of panelists, including culture icons, Woli Arole and Odunlade Adekola.

    Ademiluyi said that the contest, initiated by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi Adeyeye, was aimed at promoting Yoruba culture among young women.

    “The contest showcases our culture, which is really important to His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, it encourages young ladies to discover and learn about their culture.

    “The initiative about the queen is to project leadership roles in the future of our young girls as Queen Moremi Ajasoro did during her life time.

    Read Also: Ooni to celebrate Moremi in Lagos

    “The contest showcases the strength of a woman, dating back to thousands of years, in encouraging young ladies to be selfless and committed to nation building.”

    The culture entrepreneur said that the contest, which started in 2016, commenced its third edition this year with a 10-day camping at Ile Ife.

    “The contest this year commenced in Ile Ife and the grand finale will be held in Abeokuta in Ogun State.

    “The rationale for Abeokuta is to rotate hosting of the cultural event in different Yoruba states every year. In 2016, it was held in Ife. In 2017, it was held in Lagos and the 2018 edition will be held in Abeokuta.”

    According to Ademiluyi, the choice of Ogun is because of the interest of the wife of the Governor of Ogun, Mrs c, who supports the Ooni of Ife, in promoting Yoruba culture.

    Ademiluyi said that the winner of the contest would go home with a brand new car to be provided by the Ife monarch.

    “There is also a cash prize from the QMA Impact Investment Fund. In addition, the winner automatically becomes a young culture ambassador to the Ooni and the House of Oduduwa.

    “She will also enjoy the privilege of becoming a part of the royal entourage for foreign trips,” the project ambassador stated.

    Ademiluyi recalled that the winner of the maiden edition, Miss Blessing Animashaun, was in the royal entourage to UK last year, while the winner in 2017, joined the royal team to Brazil and the U.S. earlier this year.

    Out-going Queen, Miss Shola Shittu, who graduated with a first class degree in automobile engineering, won various awards during her reign.

    Shittu championed the fight against trafficking of young ladies and made tours to various schools, offering scholarships to indigent students in Lagos communities.

    NAN

  • Man in court over alleged N1.2m theft

    A 55-year-old man, Adeteti Ojo, was on Wednesday docked at an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court in Osun over alleged N1.2 million theft.

    The accused is facing a four-count charge bordering on fraud, stealing and threat to life.

    The Prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Osanyintuyi, told the court that the accused committed the offences in 2016 and 2017 at Zenith bank and Fidelity bank branches located at Lagere, Ile-Ife.

    Osanyintuyi said that the accused stole the sum from one Mr Taiwo Omisakin and maliciously broke a contract between them.

    “The intention of the accused was to defraud the complainant of N 1. 283 million by obtained the money under the pretenses of supplying to him,  cocoa beans worth the said amount.

    Read Also: Court jails man four months for stealing cell phone

    “On October 20, at 06:00a.m. at Idita Quarters, Mokuro Road, Ile-Ife, the accused threatened to stab the complainant with a sharp object,’’ he said.

    The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 86, 305A (2), 383 and 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

    The Magistrate, Mr Olalekan Ijiyode, granted him N200,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    He said that the sureties must resides within the court’s jurisdiction.

    The magistrate adjourned the case until Nov 23, for hearing.

    NAN

  • OAU: Students call for improved transport service

    Students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife have called on the management of the institution to resolve the transportation crisis on the campus.

    They made the call in separate interviews over the lack of enough buses for transportation within the campus.

    A student, Tolu Adams said ” the transportation crisis has not yet been resolved despite the promises made by the school management. The management shouldn’t make vain promises when they know they can’t achieve anything as regards the issue.

    ” I miss some of my lectures sometimes when there are not enough buses that can convey me from campus. I had to miss a test last semester due to this same transport issue” he said.

    Timothy Adedeji who spoke with our correspondent expressed displeasure on the transportation crisis which has been a major issue in the campus.

    “The school management should be able to put everything in place when they know their plans. The school has no plans for over 80% of students who stay in town. I almost missed my exam last semester because of this same issue and the management hasn’t done anything yet to curb this”

    “Is it because there is no student union on campus that is why the management is doing all this? The management should be after the welfare of the students and not to make the students suffer” he added

    Kemi Adagunodo pleaded with the management to take a drastic step as regards this transport issue.

    ” If the school management can’t do anything to this issue then more hostels should be built on campus, so students can have access to stay on campus”

    “They should be able to look into this before the new intakes come in before everything gets out of hand ‘ she advised.

  • Olojo Festival: MTN adds colour to Ile-Ife

    As part of MTN Nigeria’s bid to promote and support Nigerian culture, traditions and festivals through its Kulture Fest initiative, the ICT company sponsored the just concluded Olojo Festival In Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    The Olojo Festival celebrates the god of thunder ‘Ogun’ who is popularly believed to be the first son of the progenitor of Yoruba land, Oduduwa.

    The festival was filled with energetic performances from various cultural groups from around and outside of Ile-Ife.

    After seven days in seclusion, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi exited the Iledi House and spoke to the people – asking that the government and Nigerians find ways to promote Yoruba culture.

    With Kulture Fest, MTN Nigeria is sponsoring over 37 festivals from around the country, giving Nigerians following the brand’s activities on social media (#MTNKultureFest) a front row seat to all the untainted arts, culture and historic norms.

     

  • Buhari renews OAUTH CMD, appoints new CMD for UUTH

    President Muhammadu Buhari has renewed the appointment of Professor Victor Adetiloye as the Chief Medical Director, (CMD) Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile – Ife.
    This will be Adetiloye’s second and final tenure.

    Read Also: Buhari, Akeredolu, El-Rufai meet in Aso Rock

    In a press statement signed by Mrs. Boade Akinola, Director, Media and Public Relations, Ministry of Health, Buhari also approved the appointment of Dr. Bassey Emem Abasi as the new Chief Medical Director (CMD), University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for an initial term of four years.
    In their letters signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, the appointees were urged to bring their wealth of experiences to bear in order to upgrade quality service delivery in the health sector.

  • Boss Mustapha visits Omisore in Ile-Ife

    The Secretary to the Government of Federation, Barr Boss Mustapha, has visited Sen Iyiola Omisore in Ile-Ife.

    Mustapha came with Ekiti Governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who has been to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial aspirant, Sen Omisore’s house, three times in the last 24 hours.

    Mustapha’s visit came after another visit by an APC delegation, comprising four state governors, Fayemi and the national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

    The SGF told a Pressmen that Omisore has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he plays politics of maturity.

    He said that his visit was beyond politics as he married from Osun State.

    He described Omisore as his in-law.

    “Omisore has been exemplified among other leaders because of the pivotal role played in the establishment of democracy in Nigeria.

    “Honestly, Omisore needs to be commended, should forget all that happened in the past and come together to build our state and nation at large” he stated.

    In his response, Omisore lauded his visitors and other supporters throughout his journey so far in politics.

    Omisore appealed to all voters to cast their vote to their right choice and maintain peaceful coexistence in the rerun election. (NAN)

  • Osun poll: Group, lawmaker, commend INEC, security operatives

    The Women Arise for Change Initiative, an election monitoring group has commended the large turnout of voters for Osun governorship election on Saturday.

    President of the group, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, who gave the commendation while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ile-Ife, said the turnout of voters was impressive.

    Okei-Odumakin lauded the readiness of the electorate to cast their votes, adding that the group deployed more than 100 observers for the election.

    The rights activist commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the timely arrival of voting materials across the polling units.

    Okei-Odumakin also commended the security agents for displaying high sense of professionalism in discharging their duties.

    “Unlike what we experienced during the Ekiti governorship election, security agencies are very civil and polite in the discharge of their duties here in Osun and we want that to continue,’’ Okei-Odumakin said.

    She also commended politicians for displaying high sense of good conduct so far in the election.

    “So far so good. The election is going on smoothly without any report of ballot snatching or thuggery, ‘’ Okei-Odumakin said.

    Also speaking, Mr Babatunde Olatunji, a member of the Osun House of Assembly, commended INEC for the timely arrival of ad hoc staff and voting materials at the polling units.

    Olatunji (APC-Ife North) said: “Aside that the voters’ turnout was impressive, the process has been peaceful and electorate are excited to exercise their rights.

    “The election materials arrived on time.

    “I am optimistic that the election will be free, fair and devoid of any form of violence.’’

  • Osun Decides 2018: Police arrest four suspected thugs in Ile-Ife

    The Police have arrested four suspected thugs in Ile-Ife.

    They were found with wraps of IndIan Hemp in their pockets.

    The four rode on a bike and the Police said they were suspected to be political thugs.

    They were caught around More in Ile-Ife, not too far from the Ooni’s Palace.

    Read Also: Ile-Ife: Calm after the storm

    A Chief Superintendent of Police Aliyu Shuaibu, who led a team of other officers, told our reporter that the suspects could not satisfactorily explain their mission.

    He said: “They were four on top of a bike, with tattoos. We suspected them and stopped them, knowing that they had a mission.

    “From their physical appearance and their hairstyles, we suspected they were political thugs.

    “We checked their pockets only to see several wraps of Indian Hemp, indicating they were ready to go and smoke and then go and cause trouble. That’s why we took them in.”

  • Ooni advocates for repositioning of African traditional religion

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has advocated for repositioning of African Traditional Religion to make it contribute to the modern world.

    He tasked the adherents of the Traditional Religion to use their powers to solve many challenges facing the nation.

    The Ooni spoke in Ile-Ife when the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Ancient Religion Societies of African Descendants International Council (ARSADIC), who visited the Ile-Oodua Palace to present the Certificate of the association to him as chairman of the BoT.

    ARSADIC is an umbrella body for all adherents of traditional religion worshippers formed in 1775 with headquarters in Ile Ife, Osun State.

    Tasking the traditionalists, the Ooni said they could support Nigeria to overcome many of her contemporary economic and health challenges with their traditional powers.

    According to the foremost Yoruba monarch, the adherents of traditional religion should use their sound knowledge of God and nature in a positive way to solve myriads of challenges facing the contemporary world, especially Nigeria and Africa.

    He said: “Until we begin to make positive contributions to the modern world with our knowledge of God and nature we may not treated fairly and win the world recognition. We are at the Centre of the world in Ile-Ife here and we deserve to be models to all parts of the world. With our religion, we have the best and most efficient means of communicating with the Supreme Being.

    “I don’t believe in misuse of powers. We have this powers because of our sound knowledge of the nature and God. Our dieties are servants of God. Let’s stop wrong use of power.
    Activities of many adherents of Traditional African Religion is not helping us to endear the religion to many people that are interested in joining us. We know God and nature very well. God would not have given us this knowledge, if there would no be need for positive use for the powers.”

    However, he warned the traditionalists not to use their powers to inflict pains on the people, saying those who paint the traditional religion in a bad light with their actions are making it unattractive.

    As parts of plans to re-position the traditional religion to enable it attract more people, Oba Ogunwusi said N200 million should be raised for the activities of ARSADIC.

    Oba Ogunwusi, who donated N1 million to the association, said: “Let’s solve problems and earn good money for ourselves and for this country. To repackage this association, I want us to raise a sum of N200 million. Collectively, we will look for the money.

    “I will give the association a sum of N1million and we will plan towards raising more money to help our association. I want you to be united and work towards a better Yorubal and and Nigeria at large.”

    Briefing the monarch about activities of the association, ARSADIC President, Chief Ifagbenusola Atanda, said since its inuaguration on 7th October, 2016, the association had registered 44 organizations within Nigerian and in the diaspora.

    According to him, plans are under way to register more traditional organizations under ARSADIC.

    Atanda, who disclosed that fund was a major challenge of the association, said the ARSADIC is now giving a priority to giving new orientation to its members to make them align with the advice of the Ooni.

  • OAU suspends six students over cultism

    Six students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife have been suspended by the authorities of the institution.

    The students were suspended after confessing to be members of a secret cult.

    A statement by the university Registrar,  Mrs.  Magaret Omosule,  said that the OAU management on Monday July 2 received  the information two students of the institution were being forced to join a cult group outside the school campus against their will.

    Read Also: Artist decries poor handling of Soyinka’s portraiture at OAU

    The statement read in part: “The security unit of the university promptly swung into action in receiving the information. After a thorough preliminary investigation, twelve students of the university were apprehended and handed over to the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Police to assist with further professional investigation.

    “Following the investigation of the suspected students by the Nigeria Police, the University on 20th August, 2018, received a detailed report of the police findings where it was confirmed that six students of the university had admitted their membership of proscribed groups, thus breaching their Matriculation Oath, Code of Conduct and other pertinent University regulations.

    “So, in accordance with the relevant statutes, the following students have been suspended pending the outcome of investigations by the appropriate Students’ Disciplinary Committee. They are :
    (1) ONYEKWUSI Praise Chinemerem,  Matriculation number ASE / 2014/218
    (2). OJO Abiodun Olamide,  Matriculation number MCB /2012 /149
    (3).UDE John, Matriculation number ASE /2015 /362
    (4). OLADOYE Tobi Olakunmi, Matriculation number EGL /2014/ 383
    (5) AYEYI Damilola Ayomide,  Matriculation number EGL /2016 /075
    (6) DAVIS Jesulayomi Olakunle,  Matriculation number EGL / 2014 /207.”

    The university management assured students and other stakeholders of adequate security.