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Tag: Nigerian Newspapers

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Police warn against street carnivals in Oyo

    THE Oyo State Police Command yesterday gave a stern warning to organisers of street carnivals to be wary of disgruntled youths and idle individuals, who are always willing to use such avenues to extort money, intimidate their perceived rivals and commit crimes.

    Some residents were in the habit of organising street carnivals, especially during the Ileya festival, which on many occasions turned violent and bloody.

    The police, however, said it would not hesitate to deal ruthlessly with anyone found in the act of disturbing public peace during and after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, under any guise.

    Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Obaseki approves immediate payment of August salary

    In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olugbenga Fadeyi, the command said the police would not stand by and watch some violent individuals or groups under the aegis of carnivals to engage in activities that would disturb the peace of the environment or that may lead to a breakdown of law and order.

    “Consequently, organisers of such unapproved street carnivals should be ready to bear the consequences of any negative fallout before, during and after the celebrations,” the police said.

  • Ondo poly union hails Akeredolu over re-absorption of sacked workers

    Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnic (SSANIP), Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) chapter has hailed Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for ordering the reabsorption of disengaged 59 workers at the polytechnic’s staff primary and secondary schools.

    Speaking with reporters in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the SSANIP chapter’s chairman, Comrade Chris Olowolade, described the mode of the sack by the management and governing council as unacceptable.

    He, however, lauded Akeredolu for his timely intervention.

    Olowolade accused the polytechnic’s authorities of treating the disengaged staff school’s workers like lepers.

    Read Also: Akeredolu appoints SSA on Diaspora Affairs.

    He said: “We want to appreciate our Governor Akeredolu for directing reabsorption of the disengaged workers.

    “Staff schools are an integral section of the polytechnic; the staff there are employees of the polytechnic since its creation.”

    The SSANIP chairman said it was unpopular for the governing council to decide to privatise the staff school, when the school is performing optimally in both academics and extra-curricular activities.

    “Education is a social responsibility and not a profit-making venture,” he said.

    Olowolade added that it was unfair for the management and the governing council to treat the staff of the polytechnic staff school negatively at the crucial period of their careers.

  • Oyo Assembly confirms Makinde’s commissioner-nominees

    THE Oyo State House of Assembly yesterday screened and confirmed 14 commissioner-nominees sent to it by Governor Seyi Makinde.

    Their names were contained in a message the governor sent to the House and read at the plenary by the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, on July 25.

    Among those confirmed are four former lawmakers in the House of Assembly – Mr. Kehinde Ayoola (former Speaker), Mr. Adeniyi Farinto, Mrs. Funmilayo Orisadeyi (the only female nominee) and Mr. Ojemuyiwa Ojekunle.

    In accordance with tradition, the former lawmakers were asked to take a bow and go after they briefly introduced themselves.

    The decision to allow the former lawmakers take a bow and go followed motions moved and seconded by the Assembly members.

    Read Also: Lagos Assembly ad hoc committee drills eight commissioner-nominees

    Others cleared are former Director-General, Seyi Makinde Campaign Organisation Chief Bayo Ojo, Dr. Bashir Abiodun Bello, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, Prof. Dawud Sangodoyin, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye and Mr. Adeniyi Olabode Adebisi.

    The nominees confirmed also include Mr. Raheem Abdulraheem, Mr. Seun Ashamu, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun and Mr. Akinola Ojo.

    The nominees were differently grilled by the lawmakers, who asked them probing questions bothering on their professional and educational experiences and how they intend to bring their wealth of knowledge and training to bear in the various positions they are being considered for.

    Most of the nominees expressed happiness at their nomination by the governor and described the opportunity as a call to serve the people of Oyo State and also contribute to good governance as promised by the PDP-led administration.

    Addressing reporters after the plenary that lasted about seven hours, Ogundoyin expressed satisfaction with the calibre, intelligence and educational pedigree of those confirmed.

    He added that the team would give fresh impetus into Governor Makinde-led administration, calling on them to ensure they put to use their years of experience in the private sector to run the public sector.

    Ogundoyin appealed to the people to show understanding by supporting the government and giving it time to translate its good intentions into reality.

    Also, the House screened and confirmed the appointment of Dr. Nureni Adeniran as chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). Mr. Akeem Oladeji and Mr. Dayo Ogungbenro were confirmed as full time members of the board.

    The nominees are expected to be sworn in by the governor soon.

  • Oyetola: we’ll reward hard work, diligence in civil service

    OSUN State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has said his government will reward civil servants found to be diligent, loyal and committed to their duties.

    He made the pledge in Osogbo yesterday during the swearing-in of the Executive Secretary of Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), Mr. Wahab Adeniran Adewoyin, as a permanent secretary.

    The governor, who said more permanent secretaries would soon be appointed, noted that Adewoyin’s appointment was a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to rewarding hard work.

    He added that for the state to attain its prime position and stand out among the comity of states, its citizens, particularly workers, must contribute their quota to the growth and development of the state.

    Describing the civil service as the ‘engine room’ of the government, the governor said the time has come for the workers to further dedicate themselves to things capable of bringing about an all-round growth and development in the state.

    Read Also: The Sun man Omipidan is Oyetola’s CPS

    Appealing to the civil servants to support the administration by keying into policies and programmes designed to take the state to the next level of development, Oyetola urged them to see the promotion of Adewoyin, as a clarion call to serve the good people of the state by putting in their best towards the actualisation of the collective agenda of developing the state.

    He said: “I congratulate the new permanent secretary on this appointment, which is a reward for loyalty and dedication to duties. His appointment is long overdue. When we came in 2011, Adewoyin was already a director. I’ve always known him to be a hardworking man, particularly when he was the director of protocol. I am sure he must have lost hope of becoming a permanent secretary, but nothing can be late with God’s support.

    “This appointment, you would agree with me, is also a demonstration of our commitment to rewarding hard work. We will appoint more permanent secretaries and give priority to training and retraining of civil servants.

    “Your promotion is strictly by merit and not by sentiment or favouritism. You have distinguished yourself as a dedicated and committed public official. You have remained diligent and committed to service since I know you, and this had been justified in the success you have been making in any of the places that you have been posted to.

    “There is no doubt that you have shown absolute seriousness and commitment to duty, which has today earned you this promotion.”

    Adewoyin expressed profound gratitude to the governor for finding him worthy of the promotion.

    He pledged to do more and contribute greatly to the growth of the state

  • Indian ‘swallows rat poison after arrest for N116m fraud’

    AN Indian, Lokesh Parwani, who allegedly attempted to commit suicide after he was arrested for an alleged N116 million fraud, on Thursday appeared at an Igbosere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

    The Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (Force CIID), Annex, Alagbon-Ikoyi, Lagos arraigned Parwani, the personnel manager of an Indian-owned firm in Lagos, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and attempted suicide.

    Police counsel Morufu Animashaun alleged that Parwani and his accomplices, now on the run, conspired and defrauded his employer of the money on July 19, at Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    He said the defendant’s employer reported the fraud to the police, who, after investigation, confronted Parwani with the allegations on July 26.

    The police arrested Parwani, but he allegedly attempted to take his life by quickly eating ‘Super Kill Action Ready Bait Cake’, a rat poison.

    The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 411, 280(1) and 235 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 and punishable under sections 287 and 407 of the same law.

    Read Also: Indian hemp suspect held

    The defendant pleaded not guilty.

    Following his plea, Animashaun prayed the court to remand Parwani at prison custody pending trial.

    But the defendant’s lawyers, Gani Oyerevuegbe and Mustapha Danisi, opposed him.

    They said Parwani had no criminal record and applied for his bail “in the most liberal terms.”

    “We will ensure his appearance in court for trial,” they added.

    In a bench ruling, Chief Magistrate K. K. Awoyinka granted the defendant N1million bail with two sureties in the like sum, one of who must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 10 in the Lagos State civil service.

    Both sureties must be residents of Lagos State, must provide evidence of three years tax payment, “payable to the state government.

    “Each surety must furnish the court with account statements with a standing balance of N1.5 million and two recent passport photographs. The defendant should deposit his international passport with the chief registrar,” Mrs. Awoyinka said.

    She ordered the prosecution to verify compliance with the bail terms.

    Awoyinka remanded Parwani in prison custody pending fulfilment of the bail terms and adjourned till September 2.

     

  • Kidnapped monarch, wife regain freedom

    THE kidnapped Enugu monarch, Igwe Sunday Orji of Obom-Agbogugu, in Awgu Local Government, and his wife, Alice, have been rescued.

    A family source said they regained freedom on Wednesday night.

    They were kidnapped on Sunday evening near Agbogugu-Ihe junction, on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, while returning from the reception and thanksgiving mass in honour of the mother of the Catholic Bishop of Awgu Diocese.

    They were abducted at the area where Rev Fr Paul Offu was shot dead three days earlier.

    Read Also: Monarch kidnapped in Enugu

    A family member told our correspondent that an undisclosed ransom was paid.

    The kidnappers, suspected to be herdsmen, had initially contacted the family and demanded N50millon ransom. They later reduced it to N20million.

    Police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu confirmed the release of the monarch and his wife.

     

  • Don’t relocate MAUSTECH, Egba chief tells Abiodun

    THE Balogun of Oba Kingdom, an Egba community, Chief Olayiwola Balogun, yesterday explained that he was the one that advised former Governor Ibikunle Amosun to establish the Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology (MAUSTECH), Abeokuta, in honour of the late winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

    Olayiwola urged Governor Dapo Abiodun, “in the interest of peace and tranquillity in Ogun”, not to cancel the new university or relocate it outside Abeokuta.

    The Balogun, in a letter, titled: “Relocation or Cancellation of Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology”, which was addressed to Abiodun, reminded him of the two state-owned universities in the state, saying none was sited in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    He stated that of the 13 state-owned tertiary institutions in Ogun, seven are located in Ogun East (Ijebu – Remo) axis and the remaining six were distributed equally between Ogun Central (Egba) and Ogun West (Yewa-Awori).

    Read Also: Ogun APC kicks as Amosun appoints VC, others for MAUSTECH

    He also stressed that 90 per cent of the management staff of the said institutions come from Ogun East.

    He dared the governor to controvert him by carrying out a census of the staff of the state’s tertiary institutions.

    But, Coalition of Interest of Ogun West has declared that what the people of the zone want is a “public university” and not an additional polytechnic.

    The group said the zone already has enough polytechnics – the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa, and does not need additional one as represented by the newly created Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia.

    The group, while speaking through the former Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Rahmon Bello, and renowned historian, Prof. Anthony Asiwaju, said Ogun West people want the new Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia, changed to University of Science and Technology, Ipokia.

  • Girl found dead in hotel

    A YET-to-be identified girl has been found dead in a hotel at Amukpe area of Sapele town, in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.

    The Nation gathered that the deceased had lodged in the hotel with a male partner, who was suspected to be her boyfriend.

    It was learnt that some of the hotel workers, however, suspected foul play when they saw the boyfriend trying to escape from the hotel.

    They reportedly stopped him and followed him to the room where he lodged with his lover, but found the girl dead.

    Read Also: ‘Why Delta State needs a female governor’

    The workers were said to have raised the alarm, held the suspect and handed him over to the police.

    The Nation gathered that the girl entered the bar of the hotel with the young man; they both drank Campari before they retired to the room.

    The Delta State Police Command confirmed the death and arrest.

    Spokesman Adeyinka Adeleke said: “Yes it’s true. They told me about somebody who died in a hotel room.

    “Be careful about that story because we don’t know the reason or what might have killed her. But they said they are suspecting fumigation. Be careful about what you write about it. We are not really sure about it, but it’s true.”

     

  • Faith is antidote for receiving God’s blessings, says Adeboye

    The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has advised Christians to have faith in God and hasten to His word to enable them overcome life’s challenges.

    He said: “God may speak to a multitude of people but it is the one who hearkens diligently that will hear Him. God spoke on Mount Camel and it was one person that heard the sound of abundance of rain.

    “The power behind a statement determines who speaks. When you have faith in the one who speaks, it will affect the way you behave.”

    Adeboye spoke on Thursday at the ongoing 67th annual convention of the church on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, with the theme: “And God Said”.

    The eminent cleric said the Almighty God has the power and authority to proclaim a thing and make it to come to past.

    Speaking on the topic: All Will Be Well, he explained that the power behind a statement determines who makes it.

    Highlighting various meanings of the topic, Adeboye noted that when God makes a pronouncement, nobody can stop or hinder Him.

    Read Also: Adeboye to Nigerians: there’s wisdom in following God’s words

    “To the sick, you will recover from your sickness because He is the one who can repair what is wrong. To the poor, your poverty will be over. To the one who has failed, you will never fail again. To the barren, you shall be fruitful. To the captive, God is saying forces of darkness will leave you alone because He is the Lord of hosts,” he said.

    The ICU, the third in a series of ultra-modern health projects facilitated by

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO) and an arm of the church, His Love Foundation, inaugurated an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) yesterday at the Redemption Camp, headquarters of the church.

    It was the third in the series. The first and second were donated to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, and Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos.

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun cut the tape to open the facility in the presence of some traditional rulers from Lagos and Ogun states.

    On the state of the nation, Adeboye said any effort to restructure the nation must take into account a special constitutional role for the nation’s monarchs.

    He said: “I am convinced beyond all doubts that any restructuring that Nigeria may need must have a very special place for traditional rulers. Any form of government in Nigeria, which does not recognise the traditional rulers or push them to the background, is faulty. This is because they have been ruling us before the British came and they are doing a good job.

    “The British have come and gone, our traditional rulers are still our traditional rulers. In whatever restructuring we are doing, we have to consider them.”

  • Insecurity chasing away investors – Maduka

    The worsening insecurity in the land is not good news for investment, the Founder, President and Chairman of Cocharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, said on Friday.

    The popular businessman spoke at The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM),Vision House, Utako, Abuja, during its Leading Edge Conference with the theme: From mourning to dancing.

    Maduka, who is also a renowned philanthropist, noted that vices, such as kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and other elements of insecurity plaguing the country were chasing investors away from the country.

    He said: “Obviously, the environment is not right. There’s no need to fool ourselves. Government has a lot to do to create confidence.

    Read Also: Tackling insecurity in Southwest

    “Talking about investors, these are people who have already made money: they’re capitalists. But nobody loves money more than his life.

    “When you’re coming from the airport and somebody with two AK47 rifles is escorting you, you know you’re going to the war front. Have you seen people going to make investment at the war front?

    “So, we need to fix this country and get to a level of confidence where true investors will come. People who are coming now have something to take out; they don’t have a five or 10-year plan.”