The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Muyiwa Oladipo

  • Rainstorm wrecks havoc in Omu-Aran, Kwara

    Not less than 50 houses had their roofs  blown off following a torrential rainstorm in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, on Wednesday night.

    The rainfall, which first started on a peacefully around 7 pm, lasted for about three hours.

    It was later accompanied by heavy storm destroying roof tops, uprooting tree branches and damaging electricity poles and cables in the process.

    Some of the houses affected are those located along Taiwo road, Agan-Oru market and Okore, Ile-Nla Area in the town.

    Two elderly persons were said to have been injured by falling roofing sheets and planks during the rainfall and were immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital for treatment.

    A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who went round to monitor the development on Thursday reports that some of the victims were seen salvaging their property from the affected houses.

    Other victims had already hired the services of carpenters to remove the damaged roofing sheets and planks in readiness for proper renovation.

    Some of the buildings also had their walls cracked or pulled down following the impact of the storm.

    Mr Abiodun Ogun, the Bussiness Manager, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Omu-Aran Bussiness Hub, reacting, said his men had swung into action in order to repair the affected poles and cables.

    “My men from the Fault Detection and Repair Section are already on the field and it is hoped that electricity supply will be restored very soon.

    “We are therefore appealing to our teeming customers for their understanding in this circumstance,’’ he said.

    Mr Adelodun Adewale, a victim of the rainstorm said that it was a divine intervention that his family escaped the impact of the falling roofing sheets and planks by whiskers.

    READ ALSO: 48 houses destroyed, 285 persons homeless in Plateau rainstorms

    “We had already retired to the bedroom when the rain first started normally.

    “After about two hours, the storm started and we decided to leave for the inner room and not quite five minutes later, the roof the building was blown off.

    “But we thank God that everyone in the house escaped unhurt.

    “Our appeal is to ask for assistance from all tiers of government, spirited groups and wealthy individuals in order alleviate our suffering,’’ he said.

    Mr Muyiwa Oladipo, the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area, during an on-the-spot assessment of the development, praised God that no life was lost during the incident.

    He commiserated with victims and promised to contact the relevant state government agencies for possible assistance.

  • Ecobank reopens in Omu-Aran, five years after closure

    Ecobank branch in Omu-Aran, Kwara, closed since May, 2013, following a robbery attack has begun skeletal services, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

    A News Agency of Nigeria correspondent reports that, although the bank had yet to throw its gate open to customers, the bank’s Automated Teller Machines (ATM) had been activated and functioning.

    Scores of customers were seen queuing up to make transactions on the ATM’s when News Agency of Nigeria visited the bank’s premises along Aperan Way in the metropolis on Tuesday morning.

    The bank was among two other banks attacked by armed bandits many years ago, resulting in the killing of three persons and an undisclosed amount of cash carted away in the process.

    Prior to the re-opening of the bank’s main branch in the town, the bank only maintained a cash centre inside the premises of Landmark University, specifically for the students.

    First Bank began skeletal operations in 2017 three years after the robbery attack, following intense pressure from the people of the community.

    The community in its bid to woo the banks back to business, few months after the incident, bought two Hilux security vehicles for the police in order to enhance its patrol and surveillance operations.

    The management of Ecobank had commenced renovation of the bank’s building in a bid to join First bank around April but was forced to abandon the plan following another robbery attack in Offa.

    Read Also: Ecobank supports orphanages in Lagos, Ibadan others

    The residents, especially banks’ customers in separate interviews with News Agency of Nigeria, described the re-opening as “heartwarming, unprecedented and a welcome development’’.

    “We are gradually going back to the good old days as far as banking is concerned in Omu-Aran. This re-opening of another bank is a big relief to us and we are happy,’’ Azeez Abiodun, a civil servant, said.

    Mrs Esther Omobolanle, a trader, said she had been anxiously looking forward to the re-opening of the bank’s branch in order to continue her transactions with the bank.

    “I was forced to open another account with First Bank when the bank refused to open after the robbery attack but I am the happiest person today as the bank has showed its commitment to fully start operation, ‘’ she said.

    Mr Muyiwa Oladipo, the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, praised the bank’s management for acceding to the yearnings and aspirations of its teeming customers in the area.

    He pledged its administration’s unrelenting support toward ensuring adequate protection that would enhance safe banking operations for bank customers and generality of the people.

    Chief Bisi Adeyemi, President, Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), on his part, expressed the community’s appreciation to the management of the bank for its magnanimity in re-opening the bank’s branch.

    An official of the bank, who preferred anonymity, told News Agency of Nigeria that the bank was already in the process of mobilising its staff in order to commence full banking transactions in the branch.

    NAN

  • Kwara community rejoices over appointment of new monarch

    An atmosphere of joy pervaded the Omu-Aran community in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara on Saturday following the approval of a new monarch.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the government had given approval to Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti who was the kingmakers’ nomination to fill the vacant throne of the Olomu of Omu-Aran.

    Adeoti’s approval was contained in a statement signed by the Kwara State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Saidu Abeeb in Ilorin on Friday.

    Abeeb had earlier presented the certificate of appointment as the new traditional ruler of the community to Adeoti in his office.

    This development came barely nine months after the death of the last occupant of the throne, Oba Charles Ibitoye, who joined his ancestors on Nov. 30, 2017 after a brief illness.

    Ibitoye, from Ijawusi ruling house, ascended the throne in 1993.

    The News Agency of Nigeria correspondent in the community reports that scores of people ranging from artisans, traders, businessmen and women were seen dancing and rejoicing round the town over the appointment of the new monarch.

    Scores of people were also at the Ijoko compound of the Olomu-elect as early as 9am to felicitate with the family and the community.

    Chief Bisi Adeyemi, President, Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) described the development as “heartwarming”.

    “It is a thing of joy for us in Omu-Aran that this historical event is happening during our lifetime.

    “We give kudos to the people of the community, particularly the kingmakers, the government and other critical stakeholders, for their untiring and selfless support while the process lasted.

    “We pray that the reign of the new monarch witness peace, unity and tranquility,” he told News Agency of Nigeria.

    Read Also: Breaking: Kwara governor picks Senate nomination form

    Mrs Mogbonjubola Awoniyi, the Iyaloja (Market Leader) in Irepodun Local Government Area, on her part, described Adeoti’s appointment as a “round peg in a round hole”.

    Pastor Doyin Lawal, President, Omu-Aran Youth Forum (OYF), in his own contribution, pledged the support of the youths to the Olomu-elect and the Olomu-In-Council in moving the community forward.

    “We will not relent toward ensuring the enabling environment and atmosphere for peace and unity to reign in our community” he said.

    Mr Muyiwa Oladipo, the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, on his part, applauded the State Government for yielding to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the community over the throne.

    He urged both the indigenes and non-indigenes in the community to imbibe tolerance, harmony and peaceful co-existence in their dealings.

    The Olomu-elect, Oba Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti, who hails from Olomu-Efon ruling house, was born on Sept. 22 1956 into the family of Malam and Mrs Yusuf Amuda Adeoti Awoyinka of Ijoko compound, Omu-Aran.

    He attended Saint Paul’s Anglican School Omu-Aran and Government Secondary School, Ilorin for his primary and secondary education respectively.

    Adeoti proceeded to the famous Kaduna Polytechnic, where he obtained his O.N.D., H.N.D. and P.G.D. in Urban and Regional Planning. He also obtained M.Sc. in Environmental Management.

    His work experience commenced with the Kwara State Housing Corporation. He also worked with Kwara State Ministry of Works, Lands and Survey, the Ministry of Lands and Housing, and the Kwara State Town Planning and Development Authority.

    He served and rose through the ranks to become the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive of the Town Planning and Development Authority for two terms before he voluntarily withdrew his service in May 2018.

  • 2019 Election: FRSC boss warns officers against partisanship

    Mr Sunday Maku, Sector Commander, FRSC Kwara Sector Command, on Monday warned officers and men of the organisation against supporting any political party in the coming general elections.

    Maku gave the advice during an interaction with officers and men of FRSC Omu-Aran Unit Command in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.

    The team also visited the council’s Chairman, Muyiwa Oladipo as well as the newly installed Eesa of Omu-Aran, Chief Jide Adebayo.

    “You must not have preference for any political party or engage in using the commission’s properties to favour a particular party.

    “You must treat each of the parties equally in accordance with laid down rules and regulations,” he said.

    The sector commander said the advice became necessary as the processes toward the 2019 general election gathers momentum.

    He said the charge was part of the resolutions reached at a recent forum of the commission.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Maku’s visit to the unit was part of the 2nd quarter routine tour of units and outposts under the state command toward sensitisation of officers.

    Maku said the commission’s top hierarchy was working assiduously toward ensuring that the welfare of the officers and men attract utmost priority.

    In his remark, Oladipo commended the organisation for ensuring noticeable reduction in road crashes within the council.

    He pledged his administration’s readiness toward involving workable synergy with the commission and other stakeholders toward ensuring safety on the roads.

    The council boss lauded the officers and men of FRSC Omu-Aran Unit Command for their foresight, dedication to duty and uprightness.

    He also used the opportunity to request for consideration for Omu-Aran indigenes for employment slots in the FRSC’s recruitment exercise.

    Adebayo, on his part, said the community attached utmost priority toward security of lives and property and other related issues.

    He pledged the support of the traditional council in ensuring total compliance with the commission’s zero tolerance to road accident-initiative by road users.

    “It is on good record that the community single handedly built the bungalow housing the Police Area Commander.

    “Aside building more police posts for effective policing, it also donated two security vehicles to the police to aid crime combat,” he said.

    Adebayo promised to convey the sector commander’s comments of appreciation to the Olomu-In-Council at its next Friday’s weekly meetin

  • Kwara LG boss donates to Special Needs School

    Kwara LG boss donates to Special Needs School

    Mr Muyiwa Oladipo, Chairman, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara has advised Nigerians to imbibe the habit of being their brother’s keeper, especially to the less-privileged in the society.

    Oladipo gave the advice in Omu-Aran on Wednesday while handing over an undisclosed amount of money to the management of St. Paul’s School for Special Needs, Omu-Aran, Kwara.

    He said that the gesture was targeted at bringing succour to pupils, teachers and management to assist in the smooth running of the school.

    He said the donation was also in line with the state government policy of making qualitative and quantitative education affordable and accessible to all categories of the populace.

    “It is part of our desire and mandate as elected officers of the council to ensure that all categories of students in the council are adequately impacted in their academic pursuit.

    Read Also: Providing a stable economic platform for Kwara

    “Notwithstanding the lean purse and resources of the council occasioned by the dwindling allocation from the Federation Account, we will not relent in the discharge of our civic responsibilities.

    “We are at the same time optimistic that this little cash incentive will assist the management in the smooth administration of the school, particularly in the area of logistics.”

    Oladipo also pledged to liaise with the council’s health department to make quality healthcare services accessible to the pupils.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Headmaster, Mr Raphael Olaoye, described the visit as the first of its kind in the school’s history by any elected government official or philanthropist, since its establishment.

    He listed some of the challenges confronting the school as inadequate funding, logistics and insufficient teaching and learning materials.

    “We will forever be grateful to this administration for identifying with our school and promise the judicious use of this kind gesture,” Olaoye added.

    The Newsmen reports that the visit was part of the administration’s familiarisation tour of facilities and institutions within the council, following its inauguration a few months ago.

    Among the pupils of the school are those with Down’s Syndrome, the crippled, the deaf and dumb.

    NAN

     

  • Ogun targets N4bn revenue in 2018

    Ogun targets N4bn revenue in 2018

    Ogun state ‘s Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Bimbo Ashiru, on Monday said the ministry had put in place machinery to generate  N4billion in  revenue next year.

    Ashiru said  this while defending the ministry’s 2018 budget proposal at the Ogun House of Assembly  in Abeokuta.

    The commissioner explained the amount proposed by the ministry was achievable, saying the ministry had mapped out strategies  to block all leakages in revenue collection.

    He said the ministry had proposed to generate N200million from registration of trade and artisans in the state while N3billion would be generated from haulage.

    “The ministry intends to intensify efforts on monitoring and enforcement for effective collections of haulage fee across the state.

    “There are over 24,000 business premises payers in the state. The sum of N300million is budgeted to be generated from registration and renewal of business premises.

    “N500million will be generated from inspection of quarries, monitoring of activities of quarry operators, regulation of illegal mining in the state and collection of surface rent,’’ he said.

    Read also: Shopping malls: Ogun to revoke unused allocations

    Ashiru also said that the ministry had proposed to spend the sum N740million on capital expenditure while N420million had been earmarked for recurrent expenditure.

    Defending the budget of his ministry, Mr Muyiwa Oladipo, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, said that the ministry had earmarked N2.6billion as its total expenditure for 2018.

    Oladipo explained that the ministry had also proposed to put in place a museum in each of the three senatorial districts in  the state.

    “There is no museum in Ogun East. We intend having one to be called `Museum of Cultural Heritage and Data’.

    “The likes of Ogunde museum will complement that of the state,’’ he said.

    Declaring the budget defence open, Deputy Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, said  the exercise was not meant to witchhunt  any Ministry, Department  or Agency, but part of the constitutional duties of the house.

    NAN

  • Enuanwa is BAIP’s Miss tourism international 2017

    Enuanwa is BAIP’s Miss tourism international 2017

    After a keenly contested competition, University of Ilorin Theatre Arts graduate, Enuanwa Blessing has been crowned Miss Tourism International Nigeria, 2017.

    She defeated 35 other girls to emerge the winner, of The Beauty of Africa International pageant (BAIP) 2017.

    Speaking shortly after she was crowned, the stunned Queen said; “I am so happy. Words cannot describe my joy. I want to dedicate my victory to God first, my family, my friends, my fans and all those who voted for me. My Pet project is going to be geared towards creating awareness about the dangers of domestic violence.I want to

    I want to especially appreciate the Judges for selecting me as the winner for this year BAIP 2017 contest, and to Mr. Daniel Opuene, the President of the BAIP, for accepting the Judges decisions and giving me this great 0pportunity to wear the most prestigious and most expensive crown in Africa.”

    Currently, in its 11th edition, the pageant seeks to promote African unity by redefining the African narrative through initiatives geared towards empowering the youths.

    In attendance were RT. Hon. Muyiwa Oladipo, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ogun State; Mr. Andrea Pompermaier, the Consulate General Italian Embassy Nigeria; Representatives from the US Embassy, Nigeria and Kola Ayanwale, MD. Centrespread and a host of others.

    On hand to entertain were a comedienne, Helen Paul, Gordons and Sound Sultan while the event was anchored by Basorge Taria.