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  • Firm hails Abdullahi’s appointment as NITDA DG

    An Information Communication Technology hub in sub-Saharan Africa, Global IT, has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi as the Director-General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

    Country Director of the Global IT Rasheed Bakare, in a commendation letter to the President, praised the appointment of 39-year-old Abdullahi, whom he described as a digital guru and an industry key player with passion to improve on his predecessors’ achievements in NITDA.

    Bakare said: “Abdullahi, for a couple of years, has shown and proved to be a world-class professional who will use his wide network to take NITDA to the next level, in line with the vision of Mr. President and the agency’s role as the clearing house for IT projects and infrastructural development.”

    Read Also: FG appoints Kashifu Abdullahi as new NITDA boss

    Global IT advised Abdullahi to live above board and justify the confidence reposed in him by the president.

    Abdullahi is a graduate of Computer Science from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and a Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MIT Sloan – trained strategist with 15 years of experience in IT operations, business transformation and solution architecture across the private and public sectors.

    He attended Leadership and Management courses at Harvard University in the United States of America (USA), University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom (UK) and IMD Business School in Switzerland.

  • Guard charged with stealing N2.8m

    A guard, Nasiru Abubakar, on Thursday appeared at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing 8,000 dollars (about N2.8 million) and a phone belonging to an expatriate.

    Abubakar, who lives at Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, is charged with theft.

    Prosecuting Inspector Patrick Ebri said the defendant committed the offence on May 26, at 3pm, at 33A, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way.

    He alleged that Abubakar broke into the house of the complainant, Mrs. Iryna Dubuchenko and stole the 8,000 dollars and a Samsung J7 phone valued at N150,000.

    Read Also: Six in court for alleged membership of cult

    Ebri said the offence contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    After the charge was read to him, he pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate O. O. Fajana admitted the defendant to N300, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    She said the sureties must be relations of the defendant and must be employed.

    Falana ordered that the sureties must show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    The case was adjourned till September 18.

  • Party leaders flay nomination of 27-year-old Fakorede

    Protests on Thursday rocked Oyo State House of Assembly complex with a group calling for the nullification of nomination of 27-year-old Oluwaseun Fakorede, as a commissioner.

    Another group, however, declared support for his nomination, urging the lawmakers to confirm the appointment.

    But the anti-protest had no effect as the lawmakers confirmed and approved the three nominees at plenary.

    Aside Fakorede, the other nominees screened and confirmed as commissioners include Prof. Raphael Afonja and Mrs. Fausat Sani.

    Answering question on what she would do to address child abuse in the state, Mrs. Sani advocated strong punishment for whoever violates child’s right and engages in any form of abuse.

    When questioned on the floor, Afonja stressed the need to support governor Makinde to make Oyo State great again.

    Read Also: Fakorede splashes cash on Under-15 tourney winners

    In his speech, the 27-year-old commissioner-nominee, while responding to question from the lawmakers on plans for the state-owned football club, said the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) is very important to the state government and with the help of stakeholders in the sport world, things will turn around for the club.

    He also promised to work tirelessly for the development of youths.

    Before the plenary, Oyo State chapter National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), in a counter-protest to declare support for the nomination and confirmation of Fakorede said it decided to embark on the mission in solidarity and expression of confidence in the ability of the nomination of Fakorede.

    The group said: “We are here today to solidarise with our brother, Seun Fakorede, on his nomination as a commissioner. This is a laudable nomination because, for years, youths have been on the frontline of advocating that youth should be represented by youth. In fact, youth should take over the leadership of this country.

    “It is joyous and impressive that Governor Seyi Makinde has deemed it fit to nominate, not just someone who falls slightly into the bracket as a youth, but a real youth. He is 27 years. We are happy about the nomination, and we are confident that he will come out victorious and successful after the screening.”

    But, justifying their calls for the nullification of his nomination, Peoples Democratic Party leaders in Ibarapa North Local Government, led by the senatorial chairman of Oyo South, Sir Samuel Olawuwo, said both Fakorede and his father had long left the party and also worked against the victory of Governor Makinde in the last election.

    But when contacted on the alleged call for the nullification of his nomination, Fakorede said the issue is an internal matter that would be settled in due course.

  • Oyetola to use culture, tradition to develop tourism

    Osun State governor Adegboyega Oyetola has said that his administration will promote culture and tradition to develop the state’s tourism sector and attract foreign investment.

    The governor, who spoke at the celebration of this year’s Isese Day in Osogbo, the state capital, said the dynamism of Yoruba culture and tradition has made the race attractive to many world civilisations.

    The  governor, who was represented by the Supervisor for Home, Tourism and Culture, Dr. Bisi Babawale, said many traditional religion adherents at home and in the diaspora have the potentials to attract foreign investment, if the cultural aspect of African tradition is properly harnessed.

    Read Also: Oyetola seeks private partnership to revamp agric sector

    Also yesterday, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, and the Araba of Osogbo, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, have called on the people to pay their taxes promptly to make the state government provide for social and public needs.

    However, they advised the government at all levels to avoid multiple taxation that can put pressure on the people, adding that  though payment of taxes was germane to the socio-economic growth of any society, much burden should not be created for the downtrodden.

    Elebuibon said: “We are aware that people must pay tax but the government at all levels must put into consideration the plight of the masses. God wants us to show love towards each other and be our brothers’ keepers and jettison hatred in our society because there is too much hate around us. We need to show love towards each other so that there will be progress and development in the land.”

  • Olowo gets staff of office today

    The new Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, will today receive the instrument of office from Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Ogunoye is the 13th Olowo.

    He succeeds Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi, who joined his ancestors in April.

    The Olowo, until on Thursday, was a permanent secretary in the Ondo State Civil service.

    He is a lawyer with over 20 years’ experience.

    The new Olowo had served in various capacities in the state civil service before he was elevated to the position of a permanent secretary before his appointment as the new Olowo.

    Ogunoye, who hails from the Ogunoye Ruling House, contested for the stool alongside other contestants from the Ajike and Olagbegi Ruling Houses.

    Read Also: Olowo’s installation ‘ll be hitch-free, says Ondo govt

    Already, the state government said it has concluded the necessary arrangements for his installation ceremony today.

    Commissioner for Information and Orientation Donal Ojogo said the government and stakeholders in Owo had met and perfected security arrangements to ensure a hitch-free ceremony.

    Eminent personalities within and outside Nigeria are expected to attend the occasion

    The Olowo-elect was yesterday officially pulled-out of the Ondo State civil service as a permanent secretary.

    Prince Ogunoye, who will start his traditional rites to the stool today, must have resigned from the public service.

    Officially, he is yet to attain the age of 60 or spend 35years in service.

    At the valedictory session  in the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, the Olowo-elect said his journey in the public service had taught him several experience, particularly in the area of service to the people

    He appreciated Akeredolu, the people of Owo and Ondo State for the opportunity to serve with a promise to be a good representative of Ondo State Civil Service in Owo ancient town

    Until his new position as Olowo-elect, Ogunoye was the Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol in the Governor’s Office at Alagbaka, Akure

    Akeredolu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Olugbenga Ale and the Head of Service, Dare Aragbaye, described Ogunoye’s exit from civil service as historic

    The Permanent secretary on Service Matter, Mr Bayo Philip as well as Pastor Joshua Odeyemi of the Reconciliation House, who saw the selection of the new Olowo-elect as unique and peaceful, advised him to uphold the tradition of his people with total submission to the will of God.

  • Monarchs deny peace move

    The elevated Ibadan monarchs on Thursday denounced the purported peace move being made by some parties involved in the crisis rocking the city’s Traditional Council.

    They described such a plan as a ruse and misleading.

    The crisis, which has pitched the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, against the members of the Olubadan-in-Council may be far from being over with the latest development.

    A section of the media had yesterday reported the peace move, claiming that they were privy to a document, which contained the terms of the peace initiative.

    Read Also: Olubadan chieftaincy case: Appeal Court rejects out-of-court settlement

    But, the elevated traditional rulers said the move is outside their knowledge and have no input from them, adding that as such, it would not be accepted by them for any reason.

    The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who reacted on behalf of his brother monarchs and members of the Olubadan-in-Council, described the alleged peace move as out of tune with them.

    Oba Balogun, who is the next in rank to Olubadan and the leader of the 21 Obas crowned by the former Governor Abiola Ajimobi on August 27, 2017, said there was no way any move could be made in their absence, being the direct beneficiaries of the law that granted them the elevation.

    Oba Balogun said: “We are not averse to a peaceful resolution of the impasse, which was unnecessary in the first instance and which informed the recent rapprochement between the Olubadan palace and some of us.

    “But to smuggle in a peace initiative that we are not part of through the backdoor is not acceptable to us and we reject the process in its entirety.”

     

  • Man arraigned for ‘refusing’ to pay hotel bill

    The police on Thursday arraigned a 27-year-old man, Wole Adekunle, at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly refusing to pay N638,000 hotel bill.

    Adekunle, who lives at Ayobo, Lagos, is charged with three counts of breach of the peace, theft and threat to life, to which he pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ezekiel Ayorinde said the defendant committed the offence on April 10, at Rayban Hotel, Ipaja, Lagos.

    Read Also: Six in court for alleged membership of cult

    He alleged that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace.

    Ayorinde alleged that the defendant accumulated N638,000 bill and refused to pay for no reason, threatening to kill the manager,  Mr. Bamidele Ologun.

    He said when the manager asked for his money, the defendant threatened to kill him.

    Magistrate J. A.  Adegun admitted the defendant to N200,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    He said the sureties should be employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    The case was adjourned till September 16.

  • Commissioner pledges commitment to pilgrims’ welfare

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, has promised to ensure adequate welfare programmes for pilgrims in the state.

    Akinbile-Yussuf, who was the immediate past commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, said she would give her all to consolidate on the achievements recorded by the state in the areas of pilgrims’ welfare during Hajj operations.

    She made the pledge during a reception organised for her honour by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, Alimosho.

    Read Also: Gov. Bello assures Muslim pilgrims of adequate care

    She noted that her new portfolio would not in any way change her desire to give the dividends of democracy to the people of Alimosho.

    She thanked her husband, Alhaji Adegboyega Olubodun-Yussuf, party leaders and loyalists for their support and promised not to disappoint them.

    She said: “Lagos State has achieved so much in terms of pilgrims welfare particularly during Hajj operations where it has been adjudged as the best state that cater very well to the wellbeing of pilgrims.

    ‘’To this end, we will not allow other states to overtake Lagos in this regard. We are going to be creative in our efforts to sustain our leading role in Hajj operations and even Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem.”

    Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of APC in the LCDA, Alhaji Ganiyu Onatoye thanked Governor Babajide Sanwoolu and leaders of the party in Alimosho and the state for reappointing Akinbile-Yussuf as a commissioner.

  • 2,150 Lagos pilgrims return

    No fewer than 2,150 pilgrims from Lagos State have returned to the country.

    The last batch will be in the country today.

    The State’s Amirul-Hajj, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, will lead other Ad hoc Committee members, the board secretary, Mr. Rahman Ishola and other pilgrims.

    A member of the committee, Alhaji Hakeem Bamgbola, thanked Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, for donating over N9 million to the state pilgrims.

    Each Lagos pilgrim got 40 Saudi Riyal (N4,000) last week.

    Bamgbola described the speaker’s gesture as worthwhile.

    He, however, apologised to the pilgrims on the inability of Speaker Gbajabiamila to visit the state pilgrims during his short stay in the Holy Land.

    Read Also: Medview Airlines, NAHCON spat over pilgrims air lift

    Another member of the committee, Ustadh AbdulHakeem Muhammad Lawal, described Lagos as the best and most committed of all the states in Nigeria to hajj operations.

    Ustadh Muhammad Awwal, who arrived with the batch yesterday, said the seamless handling the hajj operations to and from Makkah and ensuring convenience for pilgrims was unprecedented and unmatched by any other state in the federation.

    This feat, according to him, was the reason why Lagos State has continued to receive awards of excellence from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on a yearly basis.

    Also speaking, Alhaji Jubreel AbdulKareem thanked Allah for granting the pilgrims His mercy throughout their stay in the Holy land.

    AbdulKareem, a member of the committee, affirmed that without the grace and mercy of Allah, no human being can boast of single-handedly accomplishing all the necessary activities of the hajj rites.

    While wishing other pilgrims who are still in Saudi Arabia journey mercy back home, he advised those that have arrived not to do anything that would diminish their reward for the hajj.

  • Six in court for alleged membership of cult

    The police on Thursday charged six persons at an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for alleged membership of a cult called ‘One million boys confraternity’.

    The defendants are Shago Safiu, 20; Bala Garba, 21; Muyideen Akinwunmi, 20; Jamiu Sodiq, 25; Bayo Poopola, 19 and Adelani Aderigbe, 24.

    They live at different areas of Agege, Lagos and are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and belonging to an unlawful society.

    Prosecuting Inspector Donjour Perezi said the defendants and others committed the offences on August 9, at about 9pm, at Isokoko, Agege.

    Read Also: Unemployed accused of stealing motorcycles

    Perezi alleged that the defendants and their accomplices conspired to belong to a cult called ‘One million boys confraternity’.

    He said an Inspector of Police, Modupe Ojo, attached to Isokoko Police Station, Agege, brought the defendants to the Anti-Cultism Unit, Gbagada.

    The prosecutor said the defendants were arrested following a raid within the jurisdiction carried out by the station’s DPO, Supol Edmun Afaimu and his team.

    Ruling, Magistrate Mrs. Bukola Mogaji granted each of the defendants N50, 000 bail with one surety in the like sum.