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Tag: Ogun state

  • Monarch urged to serve with sincerity

    Former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun has advised the Osobia of Makun-Omi, Oba Kazeem Adesina Salami of Arinlu Quarters to see his appointment as a call to greater duty and responsibility for his people, even as he urged him to use his wealth of experience to serve his people.

    Amosun gave the advice at the installation and presentation of staff of office to the new oba at Makun-Omi Park in Ogun Waterside East Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    Amosun, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Kinle Osota advised the monarch to contribute positively to the promotion of culture and welfare of the people, adding that his endorsement by the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, was an indication that he would live up to expectations by ensuring that the people in his domain enjoyed the dividends of good governance.

    “Today’s ceremony is another demonstration of government’s commitment to ensuring that Ogun State takes its rightful position in socio-economic development.

    “We realised the fact that the traditional institution and its leadership must be properly positioned and placed as they serve as bridge between people at the grassroots and government. This is why we ensure that prompt action is taken whenever a vacuum exist,” Amosun said.

    Read Also: Southsouth monarchs to Buhari: oil firms shun us

    He, therefore, called on sons and daughters of Makun-Omi to rally round the new Kabiyesi in order to ensure that peace and orderliness reign in the community. While thanking the people of the State for their support in realisation of the “Mission to rebuild” the state

    In his remarks, Oba Adetona, who was represented by the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Yinusa Adekoya appreciated all monarchs from Ogun Waterside for their support, adding that their co-operation with Ijebu Traditional Council had helped in fostering unity and socio-economic development of Ijebu land and its environs.

    In his acceptance speech, Oba Salami appreciated the state government for approving his nomination. He pledged that he would utilise his position to harness the abundant human and material resources of Makun-Omi for the social, economic and political development of the town.

    He also urged sons and daughters of the community home and abroad as well as associates and other well-wishers to join hands with him to ensure rapid development of the area.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Ogun Waterside East LCDA, Alhaji Musa Abajo thanked Amosun for his proven track record of performance for fulfilling his electioneering promises despite paucity of funds. He added that the community had witnessed all-round development during his tenure.

  • Don’t treat your political fathers with disdain, bishop tells Abiodun

    The Diocesan Bishop of Egba, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Adekunle, on Sunday advised Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun not to treat his “fathers-in-politics” with disdain now that he is in power.

    Adekunle urged Abiodun to take cognisance of the fact that the political fathers worked assiduously to ensure his victory at the poll.

    According to him, Abiodun’s victory didn’t come cheaply given the bumpy roads to it.

    Bishop Adekunle gave the advice during his sermon at the post-inauguration thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St. Peters Church, Ake, Abeokuta, the state capital.

    He noted that Abiodun stands a better chance of benefiting from relating with the political fathers and the party’s leaders and avoid taking the wrong path of casting them away from his administration.

    Adekunle warned the governor to be careful of his political peers as they are likely to become a “thorn in the flesh” of his administration.

    Read Also: I’ll not abuse my office, Abiodun pledges

    Noting that he would refrain from  calling them “god-fathers”, the cleric said  god-fathers and fair-weather friends always see politics as business and as such, unstable and flock the corridors of power “when it is sweet and rosy”.

    Citing the gospel of St. Luke, Chapter 14, Adekunle urged Abiodun to also remain steadfast in his fellowship with God and puts Him first in his administration’s agenda.

    He said it is only God that enthrones and dethrones leaders, advising the governor to radically transform the current sorry state of education in Ogun to an enviable class.

    Advocating for a return of mission schools to their original owners as well as building more classrooms, the bishop also enjoined Abiodun to consider how to prioritise technical education, re-education of teachers in the state as well as making the retirees happy, bearing in mind that his parents too were teachers.

    Abiodun declared that he would not abandon any of the ongoing projects, which his predecessor, Ibikunle Amosun, could not complete.

    The governor assured the people that his administration would give rural, township and industrial roads a priority attention, in addition to the educational turnaround of the state as well as the plans to providing the needed atmosphere for Public Private Partnership (PPP) investment drive.

    He assured that the planned state education summit as well as education master plan that would address the decadence in the sector and return the state to its enviable position will be given a priority.

     

     

  • Alake to Olota: I’ll continue to install Obas, Baales in Gbalefa Peninsula, others

    The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has declared that the areas geographically and historically known as Gbalefa Peninsula; comprising Atan, Iju, Adekoyeni and surrounding communities as well as Sango, Ijoko and Itori fall within his domain.

    Oba Gbadebo said on the strength of that, he would continue to install Obas, Baales and community leaders in those areas as they are within his jurisdictions and not that of the Olota of Ota, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege – the traditional leader of the Awori people in Ogun State.

    Addressing reporters at his Ake Palace, Abeokuta, Ogun State at the weekend, Alake stated that the Olota or anyone who is not comfortable with this historical and traditional reality should approach the court for redress, instead of resorting to self-help that could lead to violence and other forms of terror.

    The Alake, who spoke through the Alake-in-Council, also said the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege and residents of Ota are under his (Alake) prescribed authority.

    The Egba monarch, speaking at the news conference through the council comprising the Baagbimo of Egbaland, Chief Akanni Akinwale; the Baapitan, Chief Adebola Lawal; the Bantun, Chief Kehinde Sofenwa and the Baaroyin, Layi Labode, affirmed that Ota land was a conquered territory by Egbaland in 1917, stressing that Ota and its environs were under the then Egba Native Administration and the Alake.

    Oba Obalanlege had recently through the Olota-in-Council accused Alake of Egbaland of installing non-Aworis as royal fathers in Aworiland of Ogun State.

    The Olota, through the Seriki of Ota, Bashorun Olanrewaju, argued that he was the prescribed traditional authority over all lands, towns and villages with the suffix, Ota, including Sango, Gbalefa and all others.

    Read Also: Lai Mohammed, Modibbo Kawu, Dele Alake and the Pinnacle Conundrum

    But, the Alake-in-council at the weekend emphasised that, Ota, Sango, Iju, Gbalefa, Abule Lemomu, Oke-Ore, Adekoyeni, Atan among others were part of lands and settlements captured by the Egbas during war against Ado-Odo in 1843.

    He added that between 1853 and 1900, Ota was ruled by the Egbas through their residents representatives, which till date made the Olota of Ota a member of the Egba Traditional Council.

    The council said despite series of courts’ decisions on issues brought against Alake’s position in all Egba physical and geographical areas, which reconfirmed the legal and traditional jurisdiction of Egbaland on Ota districts, the Olota of Ota and his chiefs resorted to self-help.

    “For those who have little or no knowledge about Ota and its environs or district, between 1900 and now, the Ota people were within the prescribed authority of the Alake. For instance, it was Oba Gbadebo I, the Alake, that appointed Oba Aina Ako, the Olota in 1901.

    “So, Ota and Gbalefa districts from the early time were all under the then Egba Native Administration and the Alake. Ota historically, administratively and through the right of the conquest of 1841 fell on Egba Administration as part of Egbaland. The Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, is currently an active member of the Egba Traditional Council.

    “We are worried that, the Olota and his chiefs have been involving themselves in self-help by engaging in violent visits to Egba towns and villages within Gbalefa, Iju, Atan, Ijoko, Itori, Sango and others,” Alake stated.

    The Alake-in-Council also revealed that the Olota and his people have in fact been on a sort of prowl, by laying fallacious claims to Gbalefa Peninsula.

    It explained that legally, historically and administratively, the Peninsula, which comprises Atan, Iju, Abule Lemomu, Oke-Ore, Adekoyeni, and others, were never and till date, never been part of Aworiland.

    “In actual fact, these areas were conquered from the Egbado people who the Egba accused of colluding with Dahomeans to attack Abeokuta and other parts of Egbaland.

    “It is, therefore, ludicrous that Oba Abdukadir Obalanlege and others could in modern day be going on an expedition to take land that never belonged to his forbears.

    Prominent Obas, Baales, chiefs, residents and many stakeholders from Egbaland, who were in attendance at that news conference included the Olu of Sango; Oba Gbohun Adebayo, Oba Alao Tepede, Chief Biodun Showunmi; Alatan-elect, Oba Samuel Adisa Sodeinde and Olu Of Iju Rev.(Dr) Ebenezer A. Oyeyemi.

  • Honeywell restates commitment to CSR, donates to orphanages

    As part of its corporate social responsibility programmes, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc has made products and cash donations to some orphanage homes. The foremost producer of wheat based products also restated its commitment to positively impact on humanity by giving back to the society through effective CSR activities.

    Managing Director, Mr. Lanre Jaiyeola, who stated this during a visit to some orphanage homes in Lagos and Ogun States where the company donated its products, noted that Honeywell Flour Mills will continue to support good cause in the society especially those that have direct impact on human development.

    Jaiyeola, represented by Tomi Otudeko, Head Innovation and Sustenance, Honeywell Group noted that Honeywell will continue to seize opportunity to make its impact felt in the society, listing such opportunities to include support provided sporting events, entrepreneurship programs, vulnerable groups, etc. “It is our own way of adding value to the people that we believe should have needs within the society, and our own way to alleviate poverty, suffering in the land,” he said.

    Among beneficiaries of latest gestures are the SOS Village, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Little Saints Orphanage and Bethesda Home for the Blind, in Lagos.

  • Terrorism studies: Nigerian Army officer emerges best in UK varsity

    Amid the perpetual clamour by the global human rights organisation, Amnesty International, against the efforts of the Nigerian military in combating insurgency and the accusations that the Armed Forces are doing little or nothing to protect the rights of citizens, a Nigerian Army lawyer, Major Ajibade Azeez Atobatele, of the Directorate of Army Legal Services, studying in the United Kingdom, has made the country proud. He distinguished himself by finishing with a distinction in International Human Rights and Terrorism Law, coming top in his class.
    The Nigerian Army officer also bagged the Best Dissertation Award of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Lancaster, one of the top 10 universities in the United Kingdom. He was honoured at the convocation ceremony of the University, which was held in the UK. Attesting further to Atobatele’s brilliant academic performance, the Director of Postgraduate Programmes in the Lancaster University Law School, Prof. Sigrun Skogly, confirmed, in a letter written to the Nigerian Embassy in London, that the Army officer performed exceptionally well and achieved the highest mark of his cohort – a mark she described as rarely awarded by the university.
    The Law School further confirmed that Atobatele had been offered a doctoral degree admission in order to further his research on legal issues surrounding the war against insurgency in Nigeria.
     This remarkable feat by the Nigerian Army officer is coming on the heels of the scathing criticisms by Amnesty International, which has always been at loggerheads with the Nigerian government over alleged poor human rights records of the country, especially with regard to the perennial fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the North Eastern part of the country.
    Indeed, this development has been described as a confirmation of the efforts of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and those of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, who believes that the war against Boko Haram is not only to be fought in the battle trenches, but also on the intellectual sphere. Not only that, this development has also substantiated the recent claims by the Defence Headquarters that serious steps were being taken by the military and other security agencies to ensure that in any operation, human rights issues must be held sacrosanct and that in all her institutions in the country, from the lowest to the highest, the importance and essence of human rights laws during armed conflicts are taught.
    The need to combat the seeming international antagonism championed by the AI against the Nigerian government and the Army compelled the top brass of the Nigerian Army, led by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, to restrategise and take certain concrete steps to reposition the Army in its fight against terrorism and insurgency with a view to improving the human rights record of the force. The Federal Government recognised that a way to achieve this was through the provision of higher education opportunities in human rights for Army officers.
    Therefore, in line with his vision “to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles,” as well as prove Amnesty International, which is always accusing the military of gross human rights violation, wrong, Buratai deemed it fit to allow officers to undertake special courses focusing on human rights protection in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
    The Nigerian military and the country are now set to reap the fruits of this ingenuity and investment by the chief of Army staff.
    Buoyed by Atobatele’s brilliant and excellent performance in its LLM course in International Human Rights and Terrorism Law, the university has also immediately offered him a place in its Doctor of Philosophy programme for the 2019 academic session.
    Documented testimonials obtained by our correspondent from the UK-based highbrow university attest to Ajibade’s “exceptional brilliance” throughout his course of study at the Lancaster University Law School.
    The General Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Comrade Olayinka Folarin, expressed confidence that allowing military officers to go for such courses in human rights and returning to apply the knowledge acquired, regarding the observance of the rules of engagement, would ultimately help to regulate the conduct of troops during operations.
    Folarin added that the efforts by the Army to improve respect for human rights of persons during their operations would also result in raising the rating of the country’s human rights record in the global arena.
    The CDHR general secretary said, “I believe it will regulate their conduct as far as human rights is concerned in the fight against terrorism. It is a welcome development. It will enhance their performance; it will enhance their conduct. We just believe that by having their men studying such courses and coming back to apply it, it would go a long way in building confidence in the Nigerian military because everyone should be accorded his or her human rights. We must know that human right is the cornerstone of any professional practice.
    “We just hope that the Nigerian military will see reason why they should be humane in their conduct and also take time to listen accordingly to the voice of the people. And the mentality that they are trained to kill can easily be addressed when the respect for human rights is there. When they are acquainted with what human rights entail and when they also understand that Nigeria is also party to several international treaties on human and people’s rights; it will assist them in their performance, in their operations. It will make them to be more professional and it will put our country in tune with the rest of the
    world.”
    Speaking in the same vein, a defence analyst and strategist, Mr. Adesola Olatunji, said allowing military officers to undergo such courses would go a long way in checking the alleged violation of human rights of citizens by military personnel involved in combating terrorism and insurgency across the country.
    The military expert added that the development would also improve the poor rating of the human rights record of both the military and the Nigerian nation by international human rights
    bodies.
    “This development has brought to the fore, the commitment of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, in having a professionally responsive Army discharging its constitutional role in strict compliance with the various international conventions on human rights, especially in its war against terrorism,” he said.
    Military authorities decline to comment
     However, efforts by our correspondent to reach the Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army, Major Gen. L.O. Adeosun, for an update on the outstanding performance of the brilliant officer proved abortive.
     Adeosun did not pick calls made to his phone and also did not reply text messages sent to him as at the time of filing this report.

  • Police arrest 31-yr-old gunman at Ogun gov’s inauguration

    The police in Ogun State on Friday confirmed the arrest of 31-year old Oluwaseun Fakoyejo at MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, venue of the inauguration of Ogun State Governor Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun on Wednesday May 29.

    The arrest of the suspect followed  intelligence  received by the police command that some hoodlums were at the stadium to ferment trouble which made the Police to be more vigilant during the ceremony.

    Spokesman of the State Police Command, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi said the suspect was arrested in the wake of attacks unleashed on people at the stadium shortly after the new governor and dignitaries departed the stadium.

    Read Also: Police arrest man with short gun at Abiodun’s inauguration

    Other suspected miscreants were said to have fled while one locally made single barrel pistol and four live cartridges were recovered from the suspect.

    “Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bashir Makama has ordered a thorough investigation of the suspect, in order to apprehend  his fleeing accomplices.’’

  • Ogun workers honour ex-deputy governor

    The  immediate past Ogun State Deputy Governor Chief Yetunde Onanuga has been described as an exemplary leader and a caring mother, who is always concerned about the welfare of her workers.

    The commendation was made by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Reverend Gbenle Olugbebi, during  a get-together event organised in her honour by staff of her office at the State Secretariat, Oke-Imosan, Abeokuta.

    Olugbegi described  Chief Onanuga   as a quintessential leader, who in the course of her doubling appointment as deputy governor and the ministry’s commissioner turned the place around and impacted positively in the lives of the rural dwellers through growth.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Mr. Wale Ogunyomade and the  Director  of Survey , Ken Salem Onasose, noted that her sense of humour, conviviality and sharp memory has distinguished her, adding that she exuded a great feeling of a caring mother, with humanity and rectitude.

    Read Also: Amosun and Ogun workers

    A statement by the Press Officer, Office of the State Deputy Governor, Femi Olayinka, said other staffers also took turns to eulogise Mrs. Onanuga saying that she had been very supportive in their shared dreams and had in no small way added value to governance, which had taken Ogun State to the next level.

    In her response, the deputy governor appreciated her staff for the honour done and the great support she enjoyed throughout her four years, attributing her success to God’s backing and the support of the people.

    A book written by Jide Adejumo,  Fola Sogbiyeju,  Soji Ogunkunle and Femi Olayinka, which chronicled the deputy governor’s stewardship in office was thereafter lunched and presented.  Other dignitaries at the event include the Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Boundary Matters, Pastor Ilemobayo Olorunwo ,Senior Special Assistant  to the Deputy Governor Mrs. Abiodun Oyedele, the management  and staff of the ministry among others.

     

  • Ogun reiterates commitment to forest resources protection

    Ogun State Ministry of Forestry has re-affirmed its commitment to preserve its forest resources.

    Its Permanent Secretary, Mr. Dolapo Adewunmi, gave the assurance after a stakeholders’ meeting with officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, led by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye and the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Area J4 Forest Reserve.

    Adewunmi said in line with the 2004 agreement between government and cocoa farmers in its forest reserves, the ministry is empowered to protect its reserves and resources against deforestation. These include: extension of farm-land beyond allocated areas  and destruction of government trees for cocoa planting, among others.

    He explained that the position of the government on cocoa farmers and the people residing within the forest reserves had not changed, adding that the two ministries had agreed to set up a committee to monitor compliance.

    Read Also: 11 children die in road crashes in Ogun- FRSC

    ‘’The ministry has the responsibility to protect and develop its forest reserves; cocoa farmers operating within the reserves must respect the agreement and comply with all rules and regulations.There will be no further planting of new cocoa, expansion of farm lands beyond allocated areas or destruction of government trees,’’ he said.

    Mrs. Ogunleye advised stakeholders to stop planting new cocoa and keep to the agreement.

  • Butcher steals N77,000 worth of Ponmo

    A 34-year-old butcher, Idris Wale, on Tuesday in Lagos appeared at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing Ponmo (cow skin) valued at N77,000.

    Wale, who lives at Sango in Ogun State, is charged with two counts of theft and damage to property.

    Prosecuting Inspector Josephine Ikhayere said the defendant committed the offence on May 4, at Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos.

    She alleged that the defendant stole the cow skin belonging to Mrs. Ajike Ayeseru.

    Read Also: Butcher arraigned for ‘attempting to steal from church’

    Ikhayere alleged that the defendant also damaged the complainant’s store’s padlocks where the Ponmo was kept.

    She added that the defendant was caught while trying to sell the stolen Ponmo.

    The offence, the prosecutor said, contravened sections 287 and 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Magistrate O.O. Ekundayo admitted the defendant to N50, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

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

    The case continues on June 11.

  • Four suspected cultists held for murder

    The Police in Ogun State have arrested for suspected cultists for alleged murder of a 26-year-old man identified as Saibu Azeez on Friday.

    The suspects, Opeyemi Olalekan, Azeez Ologundudu, Emanuel Omoboriowo and Anigilaje Babatunde were said to have stormed a birthday party at 34, Oyedele Close, Abule Lemode, Ijoko around 2am, where they stabbed the deceased on his stomach and also stabbed another man on the head.

    It was gathered that the party was organised by Oluwatoye Ogun at his father’s house and the suspects in a bid to get Azeez, stabbed Ogun’s father on the head.

    With broken bottles, the cultists were said to have unleashed terror on other attendees at the party just to get Azeez, suspected to be a rival cult member.

    Read Also: 75 suspected cultists arrested in Anambra

    Those who sustained injuries were said to have been rushed to the hospital for treatment but Azeez died in the process.

    Confirming the incident, spokesman Abimbola Oyeyemi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) said policemen from Agbado led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Aloko Amodu responded to a distress call from the party venue.

    He said preliminary investigation revealed Azeez was a suspected member of a rival cult and those who attacked him were on a likely reprisal mission.

    “The arrested suspects have all confessed to be members of a rival cult group. The corpse of the deceased has been deposited in the morgue for autopsy.

    “The Commissioner of Police Bashir Makama has ordered the transfer of the suspects to homicide section for discreet investigation. He reiterates his earlier stance against cultism in the state and vowed not to rest until the vice is completely stamped out,” said Oyeyemi.