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Tag: Omu-Aran

  • 1,000 people benefit from free healthcare services in Kwara

    1,000 people benefit from free healthcare services in Kwara

    No fewer than 1,000 people have benefited from free healthcare services, including eye examination and care and other different eye ailments in Omu-Aran, Kwara.

    Reports say that the two-day free healthcare services, being the fifth in the series since its inception in 2013, was organised by an NGO, Aro Bamgbose Empowerment Foundation.

    Its Coordinator, Dr Musa Bello, said that it was a programme set up to coincide with the Sallah, Christmas and New Year periods in order to cover large number of beneficiaries.

    Bello said that the programme also attracted residents from the three wards of Omu-Aran and other neighbouring communities of Ajase, Oko, Oke-Onigbin, Oro, Ipetu, Aran-Orin, among others.

    According to him, apart from free diagnosis, treatment and drugs, beneficiaries were also offered basic tips and rudiments on fire safety and prevention.

    He said that the beneficiaries also received detailed counselling on A to Z of Lassa Fever and similar diseases in order to guide against unwarranted infections.

    Read also: Aisha Buhari provides free medical services for 3,000 patients in Zamfara

    Bello said that most of the beneficiaries received free medical test, treatment and drugs for diseases like malaria, typhoid fever, hypertension, arthritis and diabetes, among others.

    He said that the programme was basically targeted at bringing healthcare delivery closer to people in the rural communities, especially the less privileged.

    “The free healthcare services are designed to complement the government’s efforts geared toward improving the health status of people, especially in the rural areas.

    Bello said that the foundation was in the process of making a comprehensive documentation and analysis of its medical findings over the years as a reference point for improving healthcare delivery.

    “It is our hope that this documentary will, in no small measures, assist the governments and other relevant health institutions to strategise and plan ahead.

    “We were able to discover that malaria, arthritis and hypertension are more prevalence among the people.

    “Many of the beneficiaries, especially those from remote villages and communities, are ignorant of their health conditions.

    “This is why the foundation organised this programme as part of its support to ensure unhindered access to improved healthcare delivery to people at the grassroots,” he said.

    In his remarks, Chief Adekunle Oyinloye, the foundation chairman, said that the programme was his way of contributing to the development of the society.

    Oyinloye, who is also the Managing Director, Infrastructure Bank, Abuja, urged Nigerians to always avail themselves of the benefit of free healthcare services being provided nationwide.

    “I got to know that many people, as a result of financial challenge, have turned away from the hospitals in seeking medical assistance.

    “Many of them have become bed-ridden and lost hope, even over an ailment that could not cost more than N1, 000 to treat and manage.

    “So, it is our hope that if we can assist to bear their medical needs to some extent, they can then channel their resources to other things as education and welfare of their wards,” he added.

    NAN

  • Oyedepo calls for peaceful succession to Olomu throne in Kwara

    Oyedepo calls for peaceful succession to Olomu throne in Kwara

    Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church (a.k.a Winners Chapel ) has called for peaceful succession to the throne of Olomu of Omu-Aran in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.

    Oyedepo, an indigene of Omu-Aran, made the call on Tuesday during an annual general meeting of Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) held at Omu-Aran City Complex.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the throne became vacant following the death of 64-year-old Oba Charles Ibitoye on Dec. 1 during an illness.

    Oyedepo urged the Olomu-in-council and the ODA leadership to ensure transparency in the selection of the next king.

    “I think we are capable of handling our domestic affairs successfully by ourselves.

    “We should not give room for external influence or rancour in choosing our leader or leaders.

    “We have people of proven integrity and immense wisdom including professors, permanent secretaries, industrialists and the likes in our midst,” he said.

    The cleric said that the death of some kingmakers within the year called for more prayers by the community.

    The ODA President, Chief Bisi Adeyemi, said that the association had embraced peace, unity, education, security and infrastructure maintenance as catalysts for socio-economic development of the community.

    He said that the association had given attention to the town’s waterworks, Agbaa River bridge and some road projects.

    Adeyemi called for donations toward the rehabilitation of the Omu-Aran City Complex to enable it to continue to serve the purpose for which it was built.

    “The community is lucky to have three 500 KVA and 300 KVA transformers to boost power supply,’’ remarked.

    Chief Festus Awoniyi, the Peru Tayero of Omu-Aran, who led the Olomu-in-council, urged the people to remain united and peaceful.

    He said that the council was working tirelessly to ensure that the death of Ibitoye would not create unnecessary vacuum in the administration of the community.

    The Chief Imam of Omu-Aran, Alhaji Sodiq Afolayan, urged the community members to use dialogue rather than confrontation to resolve disputes.

    Chief Jide Adebayo, the Chairman of Omu-Aran Festival of Clubs 2017, announced the postponement of the festival scheduled for Dec. 30.

    Adebayo, a former NAN Director, said that the postponement was in honour of the late Ibitoye.

  • Olayanju is Landmark Varsity’s VC

    Olayanju is Landmark Varsity’s VC

    The Board of Regents (BoR) of Landmark University, Omu Aran, Kwara State, has appointed a professor of Agricultural Mechanisation, Adeniyi Olayanju, as the third Vice-Chancellor of the university.

    His appointment took effect from Tuesday, August 1.

    Until his appointment, Olayanju was the immediate past Dean, Student Affairs, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB), where he rose to the zenith of his academic career with enviable professional accolades.

    The development followed the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past VC Prof Aize Obayan by the proprietor of LMU- Living Faith Church Worldwide.

    Also, the BoR appointed Dr Azubuike Ezenwoke as Registrar, who  succeeds Dr John Izebere, whose appointment has expired.

    According to a statement made available by the university, the information was disclosed by the Secretary to the board, Temidayo Eseyin, during the institution’s fourth convocation.

    Eseyin, a lawyer, noted that Olayanju emerged via a credible process that certified his competence with proofs in line with the agrarian mandate of the university.

    In her short address, Obayan who won many awards as VC, and was instrumental to a series of MoU with notable institutions and bodies, appreciated God and the Chancellor Dr David Oyedepo for the privilege offered her to serve. She also appreciated the support of the management team andeveryone who worked hard to make her tenure a success.

    Obayan sought support for Olayanju, whom she described him as a prolific and an individual who would validate the strategic plan and research agenda of the university.

    Olayanju lauded the agrarian revolution of the university, noting its Africa’s dignity reclamation agenda. According to him, the university is occupying a significant position on the global education road map because food security is a global concern.

    Olayanju had forays into institutions and bodies, such as: the Nigerian Institute of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE); Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE); Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST); and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), among many others.

  • Eagles victory worthy Sallah gift to Nigerians – Fans

    Eagles victory worthy Sallah gift to Nigerians – Fans

    Football fans in Omu-Aran , Kwara on Thursday said Super Eagles victory against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the World Cup qualifier on Friday would be a wonderful Sallah gift for Nigeria.

    The fans who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) charged the Super Eagles to put in their best to secure victory in the match.

    The fans contended that the match slated to hold at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo, coincides with the Eid-el-Kabir festival, as such “is a sign of divine luck for the eagles.”

    The fans charge the Eagle to utilise the home advantage to secure the maximum three points against their opponent in the spirit of the celebration.

    Zakariyau Bello, Chairman, Super Eagles Supporters Club, Omu-Aran said he was elated that the match would hold on Sallah day.

    “I will not deceive you we have performed prayers for the Super Eagles to beat the Cameroonians and secure the maximum points.

    “The match coinciding with Sallah has even given us the needed morale booster and the Eagles should also use the opportunity to come out victorious which will be our Sallah gift.

    “This is not only for the Muslims celebrating Sallah but entire Nigerians,” he said.

    Abdullahi Adeoye, a Viewing Centre Operator, said the fans are already in high spirit in readiness for a full blown celebration after an expected resounding victory for the Eagles.

    “This will be a double celebration as the Muslims will have returned back from the praying ground to give their maximum support to the Super Eagles,” he said.

    Adeoye, however, urged the team and its handlers to remain focus and unperturbed by the star studded Cameroonian side.

    Yemi Aransiola, Director, Oyeyemi Sports Academy, Omu-Aran, urged the team not to allow the recent high performance of their opponents distract their plan.

    “They should not give that respect to the Indomitable Lions; they should remain confident and focused  in their game, and with this the team will come out victorious,” he said.

  • How commitment saw me to the top, by Landmark’s best

    How commitment saw me to the top, by Landmark’s best

    At 21, Olajuwon Ezekiel is a certified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The graduate of Accounting and Finance from Landmark University, Omu Aran, Kwara State, also emerged the university’s valedictorian at its 2017 convocation with Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.88. In this interview with ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA, Olajuwon, who hails from Osun State, shares his grass to grace story and  how his commitment earned him both local and international reckoning.

    How did the journey begin?

    When I was in secondary school, I was about to choose between Commercial subjects and Sciences.  My dad actually preferred sciences because he wanted me to become a medical doctor. But I told him I had interest in a business career. My dad never forced but encouraged me, and today I’m grateful I did not regret that decision.

    To what extent does Accounting appeal to you?

    Accounting is something I love to do. Another reason is that Accounting is seen as a language in business. I’m thinking of acquiring knowledge in other areas relevant to business such as Business Law.

    How did you cope combining school and professional exams?

    It’s all about getting one’s priority right! For instance, since my 100-Level I’d engaged in these professional exams. I started from Accounting Technicians Scheme West Africa then to ICAN (Institute of  Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) and then ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).Really,it was demanding; but if you love what you do there is nothing to fear . It’s all about ‘this is what I want to do and I must give my best to it’. Besides in Accounting, one area helps the other. Professional knowledge is like advanced  studies, it makes the academic a bit easier. So, I tried to marry both because there is a kind of positive correlation between the two.

    How is your social life like?

    First, I don’t have any girlfriend!

    Sometimes my friends in school would tease me that I don’t have social life; but I tell them this is not the time for it yet. If I must attend a party, I would rather  do something corporate that will add more value in me. In fact, there was not time to attend social life because I spent most of my time studying for either my school or professional exams, or even taking up academic projects for my colleagues or giving professional guide to those willing to venture into one kind of business or the other.

    Who is your inspiration?

    My dad. I also have a mentor Dr Tony Nwanji who has been there for me since my 100-Level. He was our former dean. He inspired me to always aspire for more because he (Nwanji) has more than 13 professional qualifications.  Sometimes our stance on issue also conflict.

    Could you give an instance?

    I remember in my 200-Level, Dr Nwanji advised me to suspend my ICAN exam and focus on how to get the best out of my first degree which to him, is like the foundation. But I felt otherwise since I’d done my ATS 1 to 3 and believed I could move on. Thank God I did not agree with the decision at the time.

    Could you recall two unforgettable experiences while in school?

    When I was writing my final ICAN exam, I had not received enough lectures. This was coupled with our system of studying here which keeps every student very busy. Then I was disturbed thinking of how to cope because I did not want my performance in both to drop and that landed me at the Health Centre. At the centre, my blood pressure was checked morning, afternoon and evening and I was told it had gone up. But I told them you people are just keeping me here because my mind was actually somewhere else. I wasn’t getting enough books to consult and I needed to pass. At the end I passed all the five papers I registered for at the professional level.

    The second experience was when we just started school, most of my course mates didn’t reckon with me because of my small stature. But after the first semester exam, everybody was all over me. The lesson I learned from that experience was that when you are committed and be the best in your game, people will look for you and not the other way round.

    What is your future plan?

    I’m hoping to get into the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms, (Deloitte LLP, Pricewaterhousecooper, KPMG, and Ernst&Young) or top consulting firms which for me, are a great place to work. I have heard that it is not easy getting into those firms; but if I can do something like this at this age, I am determined to work harder and consolidate on my achievements. I’m planning going into consulting or audit firms and through which I can develop my capacity.

    My ultimate dream is having my personal business. All that I’ve acquired so far is theoretical. I need to have that practical experience and that is why I’m targeting those global auditing firms, work with them for a few years before starting mine.

  • Entrepreneurship: Expert laments inconsistency in government policies

    A finance expert, Dr Joseph Falaye, has blamed inadequate entrepreneurship development in the country to inconsistency in government policies and programmes.

    Falaye, a lecturer in the Finance and Account Department, Landmark University, made this assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran, Kwara, on Wednesday.

    He noted that lack of continuity in implementing government’s long term framework on entrepreneurship development plans was doing more harm than good to transforming the sector.

    “Things must be well coordinated, especially at the level of government to achieve the desired result.

    “There has been lack of workable vision and sustainable development mechanism towards utilising entrepreneurship as a viable alternative for economic recovery.

    “Policies, programmes and ideas of successive governments in the country have been lopsided.

    “They have remained stagnant, subjected to individual influence and inconsistency contrary to what obtains in developed economies,” he said.

    Falaye said appointment into headship of the nation’s financial body such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should be on merit, devoid of any political interference to move the sector forward.

    He also lamented the difficulties in accessing credit facilities and lack of adequate feedbacks on government public intervention programmes to address the grey areas.

    Falaye said that irregular financial regimes as regards the lending rate by successive administrations had continued to dampen the morale of potential entrepreneurs in the country.

    “The problem persisted in spite of the genuine passion, interest and efficient productive mindset shown by these teeming unemployed youths,’’ he said.

    The don called for a synergy between the three tiers of government in the areas of adequate financial backing and infrastructure to boost investment in entrepreneurial and skill acquisition development.

    According to him, such intervention is needed, especially at this critical period to encourage youth active participation in entrepreneurial programmes, thereby promoting self reliance.

     

  • Agric research: Consultant seeks special intervention fund for universities

    A consultant agriculturist, Mr Simon Adelodun on Tuesday emphasised the need for the nation’s in universities to receive special intervention fund for research projects on agriculture.

    Adelodun made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.

    He said that innovation and technology could propel the development of agriculture as a viable economic alternative with sufficient funding.

    Adelodun, who is a consultant with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), said that intervention was imperative to enable the country adopt globally acceptable standards in agricultural practice and development.

    He said that such government intervention would help in boosting the capacities of tertiary institutions in practical agriculture to transform the nation’s economy.

    The FAO consultant said that most farmers record huge losses in the country because of wastage as a result to improper storage method and facilities.

    “Adequate funding for research in agriculture will in no small measure assist the universities in meeting up with the challenges of repositioning and provide agriculture entrepreneurship skills to their graduates.

    “Different varieties of less rainfall depended crops and plants for different climates and vegetations have been developed in overseas through research.

    “With the arrays of experts in the sector and adequate funding  for research projects, Nigeria can go places as far as agriculture development is concerned,” he said.

    Adelodun stressed the need to encourage the youths, including female undergraduates to embrace `agri-preneurship’.

    The consultant also advocated for the promotion of import substitution for raw materials to boost the agricultural sector.

    Adelodun expressed support for ban of importation of  agricultural raw materials as the measure was aimed at ensuring that those items were produced locally.

    “Such intervention is needed to stimulate local production and engender backward and forward linkages between primary productions in the agricultural industry,” he added.

     

  • Pomp as Omu-Aran tennis club serves off

    Pomp as Omu-Aran tennis club serves off

    It was an atmosphere of conviviality as royalty mixed freely with sportsmanship in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, on Sunday, March19, 2017.

    It was the inauguration of the Omu-Aran Tennis Club at the prestigious Mucenty Hotel in the ancient Igbomina city.

    Amid thunderous drum beats, the royal train of four first class traditional rulers in the state, led by the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Oladele Ibitoye, Adogbajale bi Ileke II, were ushered into the arena.

    The other royal fathers were the Alofa of IIoffa, Oba Adeniyi Dada; Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Oba Solomon Oloyede; the Olosi of Osi (Kwara State), Oba Saliu Adasofegbe (all first class obas) and the Owalobo of Obo-Ile, Oba Olusegun Adebayo. The Oloroso of Oro-Ago was represented by the President of Oro-Ago Progressive Union, Mr. Richard Olusola.

    They added colour to the occasion as they jettisoned their usual traditional attires and beads for trendy track suits, trainers and tennis racquets.

    ”Today’s event is a dream come true,” said an elated Alhaji Bisi Salami, the Chairman of Mucenty Hotels and initiator of the tennis club, in his address of welcome.

    Salami said that the objectives of the club were to promote fitness among the elders, social interaction among the elites and the youths in Omu-Aran and its environs.

    The Chairman said that while the hotel would provide the necessary facilities for the club, it will run independent of the hotel management as its membership would be by subscription.

    Alhaji Salami said that members of the club would also have special discounted rates in the hotel’s other sport facilities like the swimming pool and gymnasium.

    Unveiling the Club Logo, the Olomu commended the initiatives of Alhaji Salami in the socio-economic transformation of Omu-Aran since the hotel debuted in 2011 and urged other well-to-do people in the town to emulate him.

    Through sports, Oba Ibitoye said that lives of the youths could be positively impacted, noting that sports had long become formidable sources of wealth creation.

    He urged the club not only to promote recreational activities but also tennis trainings and competitions among primary and secondary schools in the state.

    In his own remarks, the Alofa said that through sporting activities, healthy living could be sustained.

    Oba Dada, who was once Chairman, Kaduna State Lawn Tennis Association, said that whoever engages in active sports would spend less on medications.

    With dexterous serves and volleys, the Alofa demonstrated tennis skills reminiscent of the Andre Agassis, John McEnroes and Boris Beckers of this world when he paired with the Olomu against the Olosi and Olusin in a demonstration match to declare the court open.

    Also at the occasion, the Olosi formally inaugurated the hotel’s swimming pool and lauded the leadership role of Omu-Aran in the socio-economic and political development of Kwara South senatorial district and the state as a whole.

    Oba Adasofegbe said that it was not a mean achievement for the first minister (Moses Olarewaju) and the first military governor of the state (retired Brig.-Gen. David Bamigboye) to have come from the town.

    Another highlight of the occasion was the election of the club’s interim board which comprised Waliu Sanni as President, Dapo Asaolu as secretary and Lanre Babalola as Club captain.

    Among other dignities at the event were retired Maj.-Gen. Yemi Abidoye, a former commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture in the state, Otunba Jide Adebayo, Dr. Tajudeen Adeyemo, Dr. Jimoh Ajisafe and the principal of Government Secondary School, Omu-Aran, Mr. Segun Abifarin.

  • Omu-Aran: First Bank re-opens after 3 years of closure

    Omu-Aran: First Bank re-opens after 3 years of closure

    The Omu-Aran branch of First Bank Plc, closed in May 2013 due to armed robbery attack, has been re-opened, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    NAN recalled that in Nov. 12, 2016 during the 2016 Annual Omu-Aran Festival of clubs, Mr Festus Egbodofo, Business Development Manager of First Bank in Kwara, announced that skeletal services would soon commence in Omu-Aran branch of the bank.

    In his goodwill message at the occasion, Egbodofo commended the people of Omu-Aran for their commitment to ensure adequate protection of lives and properties in the town.

    Investigation conducted by NAN correspondent indicated that the management of First Bank had in the last two weeks being renovating the bank’s building in Omu-Aran in readiness for banking operations.

    NAN correspondent, who visited the bank premises on Aperan Way on Tuesday, reports that skeletal services had indeed commenced at the bank.

    Several customers were seen carrying out transactions.

    A top official of the bank, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the development.

    He said that the bank would operate skeletal services from 10 a.m till 12 noon for the time being until restoration of normal services

    “As you can see, we have started attending to customers, especially regarding re-activating of old accounts and opening of new ones,” the source said.

    In his reaction to the development, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye, lauded the management of the bank for being sensitive to the plight of their customers since the indefinite closure.

    “We are most grateful for the honour done to us by the management of First Bank by fulfilling the promise of re-opening the branch made during the last Omu-Aran Festival of Clubs.

    Also speaking, Chief Suleiman Atolagbe-Labiaka, an iron rod merchant, thanked the Olomu-in-Council and members of Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) for ensuring the re-opening of the bank’s branch.

    He said that the indefinite closure of the bank had impacted negatively on the socio-economic development of the community.

    In his reaction, Chief Bisi Adeyemi, President, ODA, pledged that the association would support the management and staff to ensure uninterrupted services at the bank.

  • 400 students benefit from varsity career counselling initiative

    No fewer than 400 Senior Secondary School students in Omu-Aran, have benefitted from a career counselling initiative organised by Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, which attracted students in SS III offering science-related subjects was organised under the Landmark University Community Development Impact Initiative (LMUCDII).

    The chairman of the initiative, Mr Abiodun Okunola, said the programme was part of the institution’s corporate social responsibility to the people of its host community.

    Okunola said the need for the students to be well guided in making the right choice of courses that would benefit their future academic career informed the organisation of the programme.

    “We felt the students getting to that stage in their academic pursuit needed a kind of professional counselling and tutelage to assist them to make the right choice of courses.

    “They needed to be wary of the requirements, prospect, challenges and benefit derivable from all the available courses that would suit their future plans,” he said.

    Okunola said the institution, through the initiative, had also partnered with some youths and had visited orphanages in its efforts to impact positively on the less privileged in the society.

    “We are already in partnership with Omu-Aran Youth Forum through our agrarian revolution drive toward encouraging the youths to embrace agriculture as a business and as a vocation,” he said.

    Mr Joseph Olisa, a medical officer at the Landmark Medical Centre, Omu-Aran, in a presentation, stressed the need for students wishing to offer medical courses to be patient, diligent and honest.

    Elder James Dada, Landmark University Farm Manager, in his remarks, said there was urgent need to make agriculture-related courses more attractive, especially to female senior secondary school students.

    Dada advocated for expansion of agriculture-related activities, such as farmers clubs in schools to allow for a wider participation of students in crop production and other aspect of farming.

    Mr Alabi Ifekunle, an SSIII student of Landmark Secondary School, Omu-Aran, thanked the organiser for their efforts, describing the programme as “an eye opener’’.

    The other schools that participated in the programme were Omu-Aran High School, ECWA Girls Secondary School, Omu-Aran, Government Christian College, and Ansarul Islam Secondary School, Omu-Aran.