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  • Primary: APC faithful in Ojo, Badagry stage peaceful protests

    Some members of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ojo Local Government area of Lagos state, under the aegis of the ‘Concerned Leaders of APC’, yesterday braved the heavy downpour to stage a protest against alleged plan to impose a candidate on the party for the Ojo Federal Constituency. They appealed to APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and other leaders to save the partly from implosion by ensuring the aspirant that won the primary is announced the party’s flag-bearer.

    The group said they suspect attempts by certain elements within the party to subvert the people’s will by manipulating the primary election to favour an aspirant that emerged third during the exercise. The group said: “Hon. Durosinmi scored 3,798 votes followed by Hon. Taiwo Saheed with 2, 587 votes, while Hon. Lanre Ogunyemi who came distant third with1,753 votes appeared in the purported list.

    “We are seeking quick intervention to call on the people that are behind this illegal act. The people of Ojo Federal Constituency have expressed their choice by voting massively for Hon. Durosinmi. Our plea is in the spirit of justice and fairness as propagated by our party, the A PC.” The petition was signed by Chairman APC Ojo Local Government, Hon. Joel Tudonu and his counterpart at Iba LCDA, Hon. Babatunde Lawal, as well as Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, a former House of Representatives member .

    Similarly, APC youths from Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), under the aegis of Badagry Youths Alliance for APC, on Saturday protested over alleged plan to impose a candidate for the Badagry Federal Constituency election in 2019. According to the youths who carried placards with various inscriptions, there was the need for justice and a level playing field for all aspirants in the just concluded primaries of the party.

    The protest was to express their grievances over the planned imposition and rejection of result. The protesters arrived at the State Secretariat in Acme, with placards, expressing their rejection of the alleged imposition plan. Zosu Solomon, the spokesman of the group, said it became expedient at this time to call on the Alhaji Tunde Balogun, the state chairman of the party to wade into the matter in order to save it from an imminent defeat in 2019 elections.

     

  • ‘Cultist’ die in shootout with police

    An alleged notorious cultist Olamide Oloruntobi, 31, was on Tuesday night killed during a gun battle with policemen at Ishashi, Ojo.

    Oloruntobi, described as the infant terrible by the police, was said to have been the leader of the Aiye cult group in that area.

    It was gathered that the deceased was gunned down at about 8:50pm, at Durosooto Street, Celenizer, New Mebamu, Ishashi.

    Hoodlums allegedly led by the deceased were said to be terrorising residents of the street when information got to the Divisional Police Officer (DPP) Ishashi Amuda Abolaji, a Superintendent (SP).

    Abolaji, it was learnt, led policemen to the area and were engaged in gunbattle with the criminals.

    According to police spokesman Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent (CSP), the criminals opened fire on the cops who retaliated and at the end of the exchange, Oloruntobi was found dead.

    Read Also: Police raises alarm over plot to make Osun rerun violent

    Oti said: “His locally made pistol with one live ammunition had been recovered while the corpse had been deposited at Badagry General Hospital mortuary for autopsy.

    “Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal has charged the DPO to arrest fleeing members of the gang. He has equally directed the head of the Intelligence Unit of the Command to assist the DPO in that regard.

    “The CP said that the death of a cultist is not a thing of joy. He therefore calls on parents and community leaders to prevail on their children or subjects who are members of these unlawful groups to renounce cultism and surrender their weapons to the police.

    “He added that he will personally receive them and together with other stakeholders, ensure their reintegration into the society.“

  • Osun: Two men face N4.2m fraud charge

    Two men — Micheal Ojo and Matthew Emmanuel — were on Thursday charged with N4.2 million fraud at an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court following a failed business transaction.

    The accused — Ojo, 33, and Emmanuel, 22 — who are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and fraud, have entered a `not guilty’ plea.

    But the Prosecutor, Insp. Joshua Oladoye, insisted that the accused committed the offences on Jan. 14 at 10. 00 a.m. at Power Line area of Osogbo.

    Oladoye said the accused conspired to defraud the complainant, Owolabi Tajudeen, of N4.2 million after a failed business transaction.

    According to him, the complainant gave the money to the accused to help him manage a fish pond but they converted all the proceeds from the business to their personal use.

    “Ojo was given N3.7 million by the complainant to help him manage a fish pond and he later stole some fish worth about N500,000.

    “The business was grounded and the duo failed to fulfill their own side of the transaction to repay the complainant.

    “The accused is expected to pay the sum of N3.7 million, being the capital with the N500,000, the value of the stolen fish, totaling N4.2 million to the complainant,” Oladoye told the court.

    Read Also: Osun 2018: Akinbade, Adeleke declare interest

    The offences contravened Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2003.

    Counsel to the accused, Mr Oyegbemi Adediran, urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.

    In her ruling, Magistrate Adebimpe Ajanaku granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 and two sureties each in the like sum.

    Ajanaku said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and show evidence of tax payments.

    She said one of the sureties must be a civil servant on Grade Level 10 while the other must be a close relation of the accused. The case was adjourned until June 7 for hearing.

    NAN

  • LASU: Life returns to admin block,non-academic staff resume

    Life on Thursday gradually returned to many offices that had been affected by the three-month old strike of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities at the Lagos State University ( LASU ), Ojo.

    The Newsmen reports that non-academic activities commenced in the university following the suspension of the nationwide strike embarked by the Joint Action Committee ( JAC ) of NASU.

    A Newsman correspondent who visited the university campus in Ojo reports that life was bouncing back at the Administrative Block, Examination and Record Office and Faculty Offices, among others.

    Services such as electricity and water supply that had also been partially affected had also been restored in areas visited.

    Mr Albert Aguso, Chairman, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions ( NASU ), LASU chapter, told the Newsmen that his members had resumed their duties.

    Aguso said the resumption was in compliance to the national directive to suspend the three month old strike on Wednesday evening.

    “We have resumed and all offices that were under lock have been re-opened, but because the national did not get across to us on the development until late night on Wednesday, some of our members could not resume.

    “We have, however, scheduled our congress for Friday, for proper transmission of information to our members on further directives,” he said.

    Read Also:  Land dispute: ‘LASU’s claim spurious’

    Aguso said the Federal Government’s offer to pay 11 per cent out of the outstanding arrears within five weeks of the suspension of the strike was not the best, but had been accepted by the non-academic staff.

    “It is good for us to always value time. Since the Federal Government knows what they ought to do, they would have done so, rather than allow the strike linger for so long.

    “Though the 11 per cent offered to us is unfair compared to what ASUU was offered, our national union thought it wise to accept it, just to allow the system running,” he said.

    Aguso urged the Federal Government to fulfil its promise within the stipulated time, to prevent the union resuming its suspended strike, which is unpalatable to the education system.

    Newsmen reports that the non-academic unions of universities embarked on the strike since Dec. 4, 2017 due to the inability of the Federal Government to implement a 2009 agreement with them. ‎

    The affected unions are the National Association of Academic Technologists ( NAAT ), NASU and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities ( SSANU ).‎ ‎

    They bemoaned poor governance and administrative lapses in the university system, shortfall in payment of staff salaries and other issues which needed to be addressed holistically.

    The JAC Chairman of the unions, Samson Ugwuoke, announced the decision of the unions to suspend its strike at a briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Ugwuoke said: “Based on extensive consultations with our various organs, we hereby announce the suspension of the strike action embarked upon by JAC with effect from March 14″.

    NAN

  • LASU no longer using Ojuelegba, Anthony campuses – Spokesman

    LASU no longer using Ojuelegba, Anthony campuses – Spokesman

    The Lagos State University ( LASU ) says it has phased out external programmes at Ojuelegba and Anthony Village Campuses and is no longer in business with its former partners on the premises.

    LASU spokesman, Adekoya Martins said on Tuesday in Lagos that the off campus buildings at Ojuelegba and Anthony Village in Lagos did not belong to the university.

    Reports say that LASU had in 2017 phased out its external campus programme and replaced it with Open and Distance Learning and Research Institute ( ODLRI ) which was approved by the National University Commission ( NUC ) last month.

    Read also: Two years on, LASU VC takes stock

    Martins said LASU had since relocated its School of Communication from Ojuelegba to its Ojo main campus after vacating the building.

    He explained that the Ojuelegba building, which formerly housed its School of Communication, was donated to LASU by Late Alhaji Adebola Adegunwa but the change of ownership could not be effected.

    “For now, LASU does not have business with those buildings which belong to the former partners of the university.

    “The owners are, however, free to use their buildings for whatever they wish to use it for,’’ he said.

    Martins further said that LASU would soon erase its name and identity from the said buildings to dissociate the university from them.

    NAN

  • Driver docked as conductor allegedly falls off bus, dies

    Driver docked as conductor allegedly falls off bus, dies

    A 25-year-old commercial bus driver, John Okoye, who allegedly drove  recklessly, causing his conductor to fall off the vehicle and die, was on Monday brought before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    Okoye, who resides at Adensin Street,  Igando, a Lagos suburb, is facing a charge of manslaughter.

    The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Uche Simeon, told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 14, 2017, at 8.00p.m., along Iyana-Iba/Igando Road, Ojo Lagos.

    Simeon said that the accused, on the fateful day, drove his Volkswagen bus with Registration No. LND 374 XU in a reckless manner.

    “The conductor, Matthias Nwoge, fell off the bus in motion due to the driver’s reckless driving while in a haste to carry passengers at the bus stop.

    Read Also: Driver in court over abduction of neighbour’s wife

    “Nwoge was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead,” he said.

    The offence contravened Section 227 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Section 227 stipulates life imprisonment for offenders.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty of the offence.

    In his ruling, the Magistrate, Mr A. A. Adesanya, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    He said one of the sureties should be a blood relation of the accused and the other a community leader or a clergy.

    Adesanya adjourned the case until March 12 for mention. \

    NAN

  • Ekiti 2018: PDP will be defeated – Ojo

    Ekiti 2018: PDP will be defeated – Ojo

    Kayode Ojo is a member of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti state. The Ikoro-Ekiti-born politician is seeking to succeed Governor Ayodele Fayose in 2018. In this interview with Daniel Adeleye, he predicts the defeat of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming governorship election in the state. Excerpts;

    WHY are you contesting the governorship seat in Ekiti State?   I am aspiring for the position because I want to help my people and liberate them from the present situation which is far below acceptable standard. Our acronym has been ‘Fountain of Knowledge’. Presently, can we really say that we are still the fountain of knowledg? Even if we are at all, are we translating that knowledge into prosperity and development of the State? So basically, I am vying for that position to right the wrongs of the past and set the pace for the development of Ekiti State.

     

    Your party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), has been labeled as unpopular in the state. Don’t you think that may count against the party in the election?

    No, I don’t think so. I disagree with those who are saying that. APC is popular in Ekiti. We are not a party of hardship. Unfortunately, Ayo Fayose sees himself as governing over his own estate. So there is no opportunity for our people to do any transaction with government. And this is very important. Ekiti people may be struggling but they are not beggars. In APC, we have reputable people across the state. So, come 2018, once we secure the ticket of our party to contest the election, the issue of hunger and hardship will be a thing of the past.

    Do you think having over 40 governorship aspirants is healthy for APC?

    A lot of people have been saying that there are too many aspirants in APC, but I disagree. Even in my hometown, Ikoro Ekiti, we have three contestants. One of us recently stepped down leaving two of us in the race. The many contestants would allow the electorates to choose. So to me, it’s a matter of choice and I don’t think that can be a disadvantage. The only thing that can make that a disadvantage is if there is manipulation of system during primary election. But as long as we have free, fair and credible primary, there would be no problem. If you win; you win, and if you lose; you lose. And at the end of the day, it’s still one party and all of us would be winners when we support one candidate and the party remains one united entity.

    Are you not afraid that APC may not manage the primary process well contestants?

    I am not afraid at all. Because in life, you look at the antecedents of the people you are dealing with. Primary elections have been done in Ondo and Anambra states successfully. I believe it’s not going to be different in Ekiti. There would be free, fair and transparent primary. I also know that the national executive of the party would be committed to conduct free, fair and credible primary. So I have no doubt in my mind that the party would remain united after the primary election.

    There are two former governors in the race, and there are some aspirants calling on them to step down and play the role of statesmen in the election. How would you react to that?

    I know that the constitution of Nigeria gives everybody equal right to contest as long as you are qualified to do so. If they choose to contest, I welcome them on board. As for me, I am focused on my own candidacy. My own focus is to work assiduously to secure the ticket and liberate my people from their present predicament when I become the governor of Ekiti State.

    If given the opportunity to govern Ekiti State, what would you do differently?

    Unfortunately, over the years, Ekiti State has been relying solely on federal allocation to function. We’ll recall that during the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, the price of oil was as high as $114/120 per barrel. But unfortunately, when the current administration came on board in 2015, the price crashed to about $26-28 a barrel. We are still more or less a mono mineral resource economy. If oil price can drop as low as $30 per barrel, then we lost over 70 percent of our economy.

    That is why most states cannot pay salaries. We can’t continue like that and therefore we have to change direction and use our God given ability to look inward and generate more revenue through the commercialization of a lot of things and make Ekiti State economic viable. That is when people should come to the State for transactions, not only when we have funerals, birthdays and weddings. So our focus is going to be on how to make Ekiti State an industrial state. We have a lot of raw materials in the state which nobody is tapping into. We are going to have a blueprint on how we to make the state economically vibrant.

    Recently, Lagos State announced a budget of over N1trillion for 2018 fiscal year, that is a record. No state in Nigeria that has achieved that feat. It’s because Lagos State is ready to generate enough revenue. So Ekiti State too has what it takes to stand tall among other States in Nigeria. But we need commitment buckled with experience. And what do I mean by experience, I mean we need somebody who has been able to turn N1 to N2. That’s the kind of leadership we need in Ekiti State, so that we can tap into what we have and use them to generate more revenue to develop the State.

  • ASUU demands Panel of Inquiry into LASU crisis

    ASUU demands Panel of Inquiry into LASU crisis

    The Lagos Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on Wednesday demanded the setting up of an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the crisis at the Lagos State University, Ojo and the attendant sacking of seven lecturers among others.

    The Lagos Zone of ASUU comprising of Federal and State universities in Lagos and Ogun, also called on the Kogi State Government to reverse its decision regarding the sacking of over 150 academic staff of the Kogi State University, Ayungba and re – instate the affected lecturers.

    Addressing journalists at the ASUU office in Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB) Abeokuta, the Lagos Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Olusiji Sowande, described the treatment mete out to their colleagues in Lagos and Kogi State Universities as acts of “impunity and crude political onslaught” on the union.

    Olusiji added that they were calculated to “intimidate, harass and decimate” lecturers in both institutions.

    According to him, the zone was mandated by the national body of the union to look into the crises at LASU and KSU and give recommendations.

    The Zonal Coordinator briefed journalists in company of other ASUU executives –  Deji Agboola of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Dr John Fayemi of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, and Dr. Dele Ashiru of University of Lagos.

    Others are; Dr Akinloye Oyewumi of Lagos State University and Dr Adebayo Oni of FUNAAB.

    He alleged that members of the union in LASU were being hounded by the Vice-chancellor, Prof. Lanre Fagbohun, for demanding constitution of a functional budget monitoring committee.

    He also said members had asked for evidence of proper utilisation of the N1.3bn NEEDs Assessment Revitalisation fund released to the institution in 2013.

    Sowande explained that their colleagues incurred the wrath of the management of LASU for demanding the implementation of Earned Academic Allowances components of the ASUU-FGN 2009 Agreement.

    He said the union had written a letter to the visitor to the institution, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, over the issue.

    The Union also expressed its displeasure over the recent increment of acceptance fee from N10,000 to N20,000 by the Institution .

    He said:  “ASUU, Lagos zone joins the Education Right Campaign in calling for an independent panel of inquiry on the unfolding crisis in LASU with a view to resolving it before the crisis becomes a monster that will be difficult to curtail.

    “We call on governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to call some of his functionaries to order as there are evidences that they are working  in tandem with Vice  Chancellor of LASU  and some members of the governing council to fuel the crisis in LASU

    “Our union should not be held responsible for any eventual crisis in LASU.

    “The real motive of the LASU’s management for hounding our members is to silence them and we are going to resist it.

    “We want an independent panel of inquiry to be set up by the visitor, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. If this is not done, the problem will keep reoccurring.

    “A case in point is that of the treasurer of LASU branch, Dr. Oluwakemi Aboderin-Sonibare was queried for demanding that her promotion should be correctly dated”.

    On Kogi Varsity crisis, Sowande condemned the sacking of 150 members of academic staff of the University, describing it as impunity and high-handedness by the state governor, Yahaya Bello.

    He urged the state government to reverse the decision on the sacking of the 150 academic staff of the Kogi State University.

  • DJ TURBO D: How I became Korede Bello’s official DJ

    DJ TURBO D: How I became Korede Bello’s official DJ

    Having studied Biochemistry at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Betiku Oluwatobi Austin aka DJ Turbo D, however found his calling as a Dj. Turbo D, who is at present a deejay at Eko FM, Lagos, also doubles as Korede Bello’s official DJ. In this interview with ADENIYI ADEWOYIN, he speaks about his relationship with Mavins Records artiste, Korede Bello, differences between playing in a radio station, among other issues. Excerpts:

    HOW did you start deejaying?

    It started from dancing, I used to dance in a group called ‘Assigned.’ That was in 2002. From there, it all came in when we had a party, I was the social director. I had to bring Dj for every event. Along the line, I was like, ‘ahh  this dee jay was going on and on so I decided to try it.’ In 2003, I started deejaying in my area, Agege, Abulegba, organising shows. From there, I was opportune to be on shows and radio.

    How has it been since then?

    It’s been great and we’ve been pushing it. We’re trying, playing in various club, although (for) shows, it has not been easy. The challenges, the work is really tasking. You know you have to think of how to deliver at the party, play at a gig, make people dance that’s the most difficult task to control your crowd.

    What are the similarities of being a radio deejay and club deejay?

    For me, I have been in radio all my life, since have started  working  as a radio deejay. I’ve had feel of club as well as I have played in street carnivals. I think the only difference is what we play on radio. We have to be careful with NBC songs. Not all songs go on air. We have to sync with program that goes on air, same thing goes to street. That’s the differences. We also turn up on radio too, but not all songs can be played on radio.

    Talking about NBC, do you think they are working effectively?

    Sorry to say but it’s like they are sleeping ooo. I don’t know, probably there is a protocol before the board decides. Maybe it takes them time before they talk about it. They have to schedule meetings to talk about the song but with that time alone, I’m sorry to say that song is already going. They are trying to put the music industry together for people to sing good music but all these our artistes these days are all trying to find hits. So, I don’t blame anybody singing anything. I don’t blame NBC, I don’t blame the artiste. My own is that everybody should just do good music.

    As a deejay, have you had upcoming artistes coming to you for promo?

    I’ve had artists come to me to play their music. Now, you need a lot of capital to do your music. I supported a lot of them. Some of them don’t come back to appreciate. We have heard some of them go up, they are now down and now trying to come back.

    From 2007 to 2017 it’s been ten years. What has been your staying power?

    I’m still learning and upcoming, I won’t say I’m prefect. It’s been great, thanks to God because it’s not easy trying to merge deejaying, radio and school. Back then, I would leave school from LASU to Eko FM. It was really tasking beause I was studying a great course.

    What plans do you have for this profession?

    We are planning on doing something about it. Planning on going international to see how wide it is. I don’t believe what we are doing now in Nigeria is the best. I know there are still things we can bring down here. I’m trying to do one or two courses regarding music production and presentation.

    So as a deejay, we know you are very busy from radio. How have you been able to shuttle with your busy schedule and all?

    It got busy when I started working with Korede Bello. We would have to go for show, moving around state to state, outside Nigeria, trying to put one or two things together. Sometimes, I don’t even go to work, had to give excuse. It’s been fun all the way. Working with him has been great and we still strong. I’m also dropping my song soon with him.

    How did you meet Korede Bello?

    I got a call that from a friend that a record label wanted to recruit DJs and that I should come around. When I got there, I found out it was Mavin records. I was like ‘wow.’ That was the first time I met don jazzy. It was fun. Then I was assigned to Korede Bello as his DJ. Since then we have been good. He is my guy!

    That makes you a Mavin family?

    Yes.

    How would you describe Mavin? The music house is yet to deliver a hit song like in previous years…

    There are hit songs now, but I can’t say anything about them, But I can talk about Korede Bello and Tiwa savage. They have been bringing out singles. It’s been good.

    As Korede Bello’s official Dj, do you take part in his music production or do you advice on what songs to do?

    We do, working also with Caspertament his manager. We sit down and discuss on how we should do it.

    How has it been working with him?

    He is very humble, we blend together. Age is just a number. I don’t see it as any biggie, working with him is good.

    How long have you been dee jaying for Korede Bello?

    From 2013. Now, it’s been four years.

    And you have no single with him?

    We are working on something. We have recorded three songs, one produced by Altims, which shall be dropping soon. And it’s ready but still trying to figure out what the title will be. When it all started, I wanted to give him time as well to pick up. I didn’t want to choke him with recording because probably he dropped singles. In the industry, you need to plan. If I had dropped one then, I don’t think it would have been the right time then. I think now is the right time and I’m ready to face that music. Let me see how it feels like to drop a single.

    Are you single?

    Yes, I’m single (Laughs)

    What’s you type of woman?

    A God-fearing woman, dark and humble.

    As a dee jay, which are your top five songs you play in shows?

    In no particular order, I will say Wande Coal (Iskaba), Small Doctor (Penalty), Korede Bello (Godwin), 9ice (Living Things). For me, every song depends on how you mix them.

    What are the moments that turned everything for you?

    When I graduated from LASU. I was like, ‘I’m done with this. I need to face the DJ work.’ It’s not been easy trying to connect with parties, going for shows. I’m just happy.

  • Suspected armed robber dies in gun duel

    Suspected armed robber dies in gun duel

    Policemen attached to the Ijanikin Division, Ojo, a Lagos suburb, Monday killed a suspected armed robber and recovered arms, ammunition.

    It was gathered that the suspect was a member of a five-man gang, who operated on a motorcycle marked LAR929VW.

    They were said to have held residents of Oto/Awori hostage when a patrol team stormed the area.

    It was learnt that a gun war ensued which led to the death of one of the suspects, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

    Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesman, Olarinde Famous-Cole, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) said two locally made pistols with five unexpected cartridges were recovered. He said the suspects also abandoned their operational motorcycle, which the police also recovered.

    “The corpse has been evacuated to Badagry General Hospital Morgue for autopsy. Effort is being made to arrest other fleeing hoodlums,” said Famous-Cole.