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  • Youths ‘should seek’ vocational skills

    Youths in Ogun State have been advised to acquire vocational skills, irrespective of their level of education.

    Guest lecturer John Odueko gave the advice at the weekend during a programme, tagged international youth day, organised by Ogun East Senatorial Youth Coalition in Ijebu-Ode Local Government.

    Speaking on the theme: “Transforming Education Through Technical & Vocational skills Inclusion”, Odueko said this would make them independent, and turn them into employers.

    He noted that such youths with technical skills would be an asset to their communities and contribute to society’s development.

    Read Also: ‘Lagos will empower women, youths’

    “Technical and vocational skills make our youths responsible and independent because technical programmes contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation. It can also turn around the unemployment situation, empower the unskilled youths and give them better future and career prospects,” he said.

    Odueko added that vocational courses offer a fast-track education that promises job placement and growth in the workplace.

    A prominent politician in the state, Mr. Ladi Adebutu, urged the government to provide a platform where youths could develop their skills.

    Said he: “Our youths need enlightenment; they need people to teach them the way. I believe our youths are good and responsible; they want to make something good out of life. Hence, the need for partnership between the government and youths. The youth are not asking for too much, it is just that the government should play its roles.”

    President of Ogun East Senatorial Youth Coalition Oriyomi Olufemi, said to achieve greatness, youths in the senatorial district and the state must form a workable synergy to achieve collective goals.

  • ALGON’s president slams sack of Oyo council chiefs

    National President of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Mr Kolade David Alabi has promised to meet with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on the dissolution of council chairmen.

    Alabi spoke with the state’s chapter of the association in Ibadan.

    He urged members to unite in their quest for justice.

    Alabi noted that dissolution of elected council chairmen by new governors was unhealthy for democracy.

    “We need to make our institution work and eschew politics of bitterness. The dissolution of Oyo State local government chairmen by the governor of the state speaks no good of our democratic system.

    ‘’We ought to have moved our democracy beyond partisan pettiness. The occupiers of the seats at the council level are citizens of the state, irrespective of the party they belong to.

    Read Also: Local govts’ dissolution: Oyo ALGON urges governor to obey court order

    “It is time we make democracy more working in Nigeria. Democracy is endangered when the local government chairmen are dissolved illegally because the chairmen do not belong to the party of the state governor.

    “We will critically look into the local government administration law and come up with our stand on it, which will be equally presented to the Presidency and the National Assembly.”

    The ALGON president advised the leadership to be more constructive and peaceful in its approach and presentation towards actualising victory in and outside the court of law.

    He said the case of Ekiti State local government chairmen is a good example.

    “Their case was settled out of court and Governor Kayode Fayemi returned eight out of the 16 dissolved chairmen, which by God’s grace in earnest, others are expected to be returned. I assure you that we are strongly with you; we will do everything possible to support you, we will meet with your governor soon, and hopefully the situation will be corrected,” he said.

    ALGON’s National BOT Chairman Odunayo Ategbero hailed the chapter’s leadership for steps takenr.

    “We are satisfied with your steps; we won’t relent in our effort to making sure the local government autonomy is accomplished. With autonomy, tenure of council chairmen is certain,” Ategbero said.

    State’s ALGON Chairman Prince Abass Aleshinloye hailed the national leadership for its advice and support.

  • APC, PDP trade words over alleged attack on Fayose

    The Ekiti State chapters of the All Progressives Congress and that of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have traded words over the alleged attack on former Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    The PDP alleged that that the ruling party was behind the attack on the former governor – an allegation APC swiftly denied.

    The PDP made the allegations in a statement on Sunday by its chairman, Gboyega Oguntuase.

    He alleged that some hoodlums loyal to the party on Friday attacked Fayose in an attempt to kill him.

    Oguntuase said intimidation and harassment of opposition have been the hallmark of APC, saying hiring thug to silent opposition was obviously the next level in advancing violence in a supposed democratic period.

    He said: “Government is transient. To underscore the reality of this statement, the Zik of Africa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, said: ‘No condition is permanent’. The major lesson in the statement is for rulers to beware of what they do. Those who sow wind reap the whirlwind.

    “We must note that a man so consumed and corrupted by power today will by tomorrow become an ordinary man.

    Read Also: Ekiti Assembly summons Fayose, ex-Speaker, others over alleged financial impropriety

    “It is an irony that leaders, who in obedience to a summon by a legislative body, can be ambushed shortly after the visit to be harassed and threatened with dangerous weapons.

    “We don’t deserve it because nobody harassed the opposition under our watch.

    But, the APC Deputy Chairman, Sola Elesin, dismissed the PDP’s allegation, describing it as a spurious and baseless accusation lacking content of validity.

    Elesin said the opposition party is economical with the truth, saying violence is not one of the ideals of the APC.

    The APC vice Chairman countered the opposition party, saying it is a well-known fact that nobody attacked Fayose, but he “only wants to use it to lay a foundation of violence because they thrive in violence”.

    “Nobody attacked him. He went on a surprise visit to the House of Assembly, when he has not been officially invited. It is a blatant lie.

    “He came to the House and was not harassed, but to hear now that he was attacked by APC is an embarrassment to us. It has not happened in the history of progressive governance in the state to harass or intimidate political opponents.

    “We have not done that in the past and we are not ready to do it anytime. If he is saying he has been attacked, it will be tantamount to falsehood.

    “Nobody attacked him and if anybody attacked him, he is on his own. It was done not at the premises of the Assembly. He said he has street credibility, if that is true, would he be harassed at the market place?” he queried.

    The Assembly had at its plenary session last Thursday summoned Fayose to appear before its committee on Public Account over alleged misappropriation of local government funds while in office without fixed date.

    The ex-governor stormed the Assembly on Friday at about1:15 pm less than 24 four hours after the summon and went straight to the office of Speaker Funminiyi Afuye.

    But the speaker told him to go back and await the official invitation letter from the legislative chamber.

    Fayose alleged that he narrowly escaped being attacked after he left the Assembly as some APC thugs in an unmarked black Hilux Jeep trailed and hauled stones at his vehicle.

  • Abiodun expresses worry over scourge of depression

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has expressed worry over the scourge of depression in the society and its tendency to instigate sufferers into doing the unthinkable.

    Abiodun advised people to undergo regular physical fitness as part of prevention and remedy for depression as well as ensuring optimal mental functioning.

    The governor gave the advice at the weekend at his investiture as the Grand Patron of the Abeokuta Sports Club during the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of the club’s new executive members with Deacon Atilade Bolarinwa as new the President.

    Abiodun, who spoke on the theme of the investiture: “Sound mind in a healthy body”, noted that people cannot be prosperous, if they do not have wholesome health.

    Read Also: Abiodun to reposition public service for effectiveness

    He explained that achieving a healthy living goes beyond medication and diets to include recreation as a vital part of healthy living.

    The governor lauded the club for the honour conferred on him, saying it was an acknowledgement of his modest contribution to the growth and development of humanity.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment towards ensuring an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

    Abiodun added that his administration was poised to turn around the economy of the state for the better, which, according to him, would contribute to individual prosperity.

    The club’s president pledged that it would keep contributing to sports development through organising and sponsoring competitions for both young and the old.

  • FUOYE honours Gargiulo, Ajakaye, Abdullahi at convocation

    The Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has honoured an octogenearian educationist, Chief Guy Gargiulo; Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese Most Reverend Felix Femi Ajakaye and the Muslim cleric, who saved 262 Christians from being killed by insurgents in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi.

    They were awarded honorary doctorate degrees during the university’s second combined convocation ceremony held at the institution’s hall.

    Gargiulo had mentored many Nigerians and rendered a lot of humanitarian services to the nation.

    A former President of Ajuwa Grammar School Old Students’ Association (AOSA) , Dr. Tunji Abayomi, who represented Gargiulo, said the honouree was unique and believed in the uncommon philosophy of selflessness to build the destinies of the people.

    “This man Garguilo is unique and he has built the destinies of many Nigerians, especially from Akoko region of Ondo State. Many of those he mentored are now distinguished scholars.

    Recently, he sold the property of his father, who was an Italian Air Force officer, to buy a tractor to help Akoko farmers. This man deliberately made himself poor for others to be great.”

    Many old students of Ajuwa Grammar School attended the convention to give support to Dr. Abayomi, who stood in for Chief Gargiulo.

    Read Also: Engage in productive activities- FUOYE VC

    Among them are the AOSA President Mr Funsho Akinseye Treasurer, Olubunmi Dada and Mr. Dele Ogunsemoyin.

    Abdullahi hailed the University for finding him worthy of the honour, saying this would spur him to do more for the nation and humanity.

    The Chairman and the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tunde Samuel, warned that it would be a great disservice to the country for rumour peddlers and militant unionists to de-market the university for primordial gains.

    This, he said, may hamper the glowing future FUOYE has as an institution.

    The university’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Kayode Soremekun, said his vision is to transform FUOYE into a model across Africa, as a university, which graduates are of high quality, who can compete anywhere across the globe.

    He said the programmes being offered by the institution are accredited while efforts have been intensified to seek accreditation for Law and Pharmacy Faculties from their respective councils, having been granted the leave to run the two courses by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has assured authorities of the Federal University, Oye -Ekiti, that the campus’ internal roads will soon be tarred by the state government.

    He said it is part of his administration’s commitment to repositioning the institution for improved service delivery.

    Fayemi, who spoke at the university’s convocation in Oye Ekiti, on Saturday, said he had approved the rehabilitation of the campus’ internal roads to ensure that the students study in a conducive and serene academic environment.

    He assured the university of the state government’s commitment to keep partnering the university in the drive to make Ekiti the knowledge zone of Nigeria.

    The governor, who noted that the university was yet to adopt its new name, urged President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the visitor to the university, to ensure that the renaming of the institution after a former governor of the old western state, the late General Adeyinka Adebayo, was given effect.

  • Ukwa West thanks Buhari for appointing Nwogu to NDDC board

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Chief Nwogu Nwogu into the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    A statement by Chairman, Elder Uju Nwarie, reads: “The people of Asa land and the entire indigenes of Ukwa West thank President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing a grassroot man, a thorough bred Asa son to represent Abia State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    “We are happy that the President rewarded loyalty through Nwogu’s appointment. He is an unshakable PMB supporter and little wonder the entire Ukwa West erupted in jubilation once the news of his nomination got to them.”

    Read Also: Women, youth groups back NDDC appointees in C/River

    The chairman warned detractors to stay clear of Ukwa West and stop distracting the President from his next level government.

    According to him, the NDDC was set up to take care of the oil bearing communities of which Ukwa West is one of them.

    He reiterated that nobody can be more in touch with the Asa community than their son, Chief Nwogu. “The people are happy with Nwogu Nwogu and President Buhari for this worthy appointment, ” he added.

  • ‘Carnival Calabar will foster ethnic, religious tolerance’

    The Carnival Calabar will foster ethnic and religious tolerance through art, Cross River State Carnival Commission Chairman Gabe Onah has said.

    He noted that the carnival’s theme, “Humanity”, would be explored using the elements of theatre.

    The chairman said the bands would be interpreting the theme through drama, costume, make up, magic, acrobatics and dance choreography.

    Read Also: Ayade unveils 2019 Carnival Calabar theme

    Onah said: “Since the coming of Governor Ben Ayade, carnival themes have been of contemporary relevance and global in appeal. He believes that artificial barriers are all created by humanity, and so urges that the intellectual content of the carnival should be beyond dance where it must pass a strong message that would make the world a better place.

    “Hence, for carnival 2019, in interpreting the theme ‘Humanity’ as the guiding philosophy, the different bands will depict the human compassionate spirit of good over evil and the need for tolerance among the people of the world; Muslims and Christians; the rich and the poor; the strong and the weak, using all the elements of theatre (drama, costume, make up, magic, acrobatics and dance choreography).”

    The chairman reiterated the commission’s mandate to “espouse lucrative opportunities in a creative economy to change lives through the huge job opportunities… prior to and after the Carnival Calabar. “The carnival planning is deliberately followed in a sustainable manner to achieve the MDG and New partnerships for African Development (NEPAD) frameworks…” he added.

  • Airport closure: Ethiopian Airlines moves flight to Port Harcourt

    Ethiopian Airlines has said it will move flights from Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, which is under repairs, to Port Harcourt tomorrow.

    The Federal Government closed the Enugu Airport to rehabilitate its runway.

    Ethiopian Airline’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mesfin Tasew said flights into Port Harcourt would run till November 23 when repairs are completed at the Enugu airport.

    Read Also: We have not suspended flights operations, says Med-View Airlines

    He said the airline decided to use Port Harcourt to ensure its passengers in Southeast are served.

    “We have planned to shift the Enugu flight to Port Harcourt and we will start operations tomorrow. We will continue operating here until the Enugu airport is ready.

    “Nigeria is the only African country where Ethiopian Airlines has opened four destinations. This demonstrates strengthened bilateral relations between Ethiopian and Nigeria. We will make every effort to provide excellent service in Nigeria as well as across the continent to help our customers access our global network.”A

  • Kogi polls: Audu seeks fresh primary

    One of the aspirants for Kogi State governorship primary, Prince Yahaya Audu, has called for the cancellation of the results of the shadow election conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The primary election was won by Governor Yahaya Bello.

    He called for the conduct of a fresh, free and fair primaries by the party.

    Audu alleged that there was no proper accreditation before the beginning of voting.

    Read Also: Tinubu predicts victory for APC in Kogi, Bayelsa

    He also said the election was conducted without the agents of most of the aspirants, who participated in the primary.

    The aspirant said: “Owing to the above irregularities and several others, I hereby reject in totality the outcome of the primary and wish to call on the national working committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to cancel the result and conduct a fresh, free and fair primary.

    “I also want to use this opportunity to thank my teeming supports and urge them to remain calm and law-abiding as we await the response of the NWC and leaders of our great party.

    “We will wait for the response of the NWC and the party leaders. We will make up our minds after their response.

    “We will consult and continue to consult, wait and see how the party and leaders of the party NWC handles this this issue.”

  • Hijrah: AbdulRazaq warns against prejudice, hatred

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Sunday urged Nigerians to shun prejudice and hatred for one another in the name of religion or other differences.

    He advised the citizens to support the oppressed people of the world.

    AbdulRazaq said in a speech at a rally commemorating the 1441 Islamic New Year (Hijrah) in Ilorin, the state capital, that one major lesson from the travails of the early Muslims and the support they got from their Christian neighbours was that “our common humanity triumphs hatred and prejudice”.

    The governor was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Yusuf Manjo at the event attended by Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and several other dignitaries.

    The governor said the prophet’s migration offered a lot of lessons for the Muslims, non-Muslims and the international community at large.

    “It showed how we can join hands to assist the oppressed and the persecuted for the sake of humanity. I believe these are key lessons for every Nigerian at this critical phase of our country,” AbdulRazaq said at the event organised by the Kwara State chapter of the Hijrah Ummatul Islamiyyah.

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq launches Malaria-Free-Kwara campaign

    “The Hijrah remains an evergreen and historic moment for the Muslim community. That development forms a critical part of human civilisation because the various phases of Hijrah, especially the conduct of the prophet and his lieutenants, exposed us to the global best practices of dealing with oppression and persecution.”

    AbdulRazaq said the 2019 election represented a sort of Hijrah for the people of Kwara as it marked a paradigm shift in their political history, adding, however, that the development meant that things must be done differently to achieve different results.

    He added: “But just like the Hijrah presented the early Muslims with the opportunity to establish a government based on the principle of justice and fairness, I believe our victory in the 2019 polls offered us the opportunity to prove to the naysayers that we are different from the people we criticised so much.

    “This is the time to show everyone that we haven’t been criticising people of yesterday simply because we didn’t have access to the privileges the public office offered them. We must prove to everyone that our anger was in the interest of the people. I believe this is the spirit of Hijrah. And I am ready to lead in this regard. I will not abuse my office. I will not mismanage public resources. And my actions shall be in the best interest of the people.

    “I, therefore, call on every Kwaran to also imbibe the spirit of Hijrah as we face the arduous task of rebuilding our state. Everything that contributed to the pitiable state of our state must be left in the past. We must, in the spirit of Hijrah, embrace prudence and selflessness for the greater good of Kwara.”