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Tag: Ondo state

  • New Olowo, Ogunoye installed

    The new Olowo of Owo in Ondo state, Prince Gbadegesin Ogunoye, was on Friday installed as the 33rd Owo monarch.

    The traditional rites started very early and were witnessed by residents of the town and other guests.

    Speaking to reporters, the Ojumu of Owo, Chief Olanrewaju Famakinwa, said that the rites became necessary as being laid down by customs and culture of the ancient town.

    Famakinwa said that the monarch chose sword of peace in the course of the rite.

    He said: “Oba Ogunoye who is being installed today chose a sword which signifies peace.

    “Traditionally, before Olowo is installed, he will have to choose a sword at Oke Mapo and it is believed that whatever one he chooses will tell how his reign will be.

    “Coincidentally, he chose the same sword chosen by his father more than 30 years ago and the sword represents sword.”

    Read Also: Olowo stool: Why I’m most qualified –Ogunoye

    Also, the Agbaomolowo of Owo, Chief Idowu Oludaye, said the day was a good one for the ancient town because there was a new monarch.

    He described the new Olowo as a man of honour, patience and humility, hoping his reign would bring peace, prosperity and development to the town.

    Oludaye urged Oba Ogunoye to accommodate all and sundry, advising the residents of the town to support him.

    He said there will be coronation of the new Olowo in the next 17 days.

    Also the Adanigbo Onula, Chief Kunle Ijalana, said the day was spectacular because it was another success recorded in the town.

    Ijalana prayed that the new monarch would reign longer than those before him.

    Oba Ogunoye was selected as Olowo after getting 14 votes out of 15 on July 12 after demise of late Oba Victor Olateru- Olagbegi who died on April 18, 2019, aged 77.

    The legal practitioner voluntarily resigned as Permanent Secretary in the state civil service on Thursday to ascend the throne of his ancestors.

  • Ondo okays selection of new Olowo

    The Ondo State Executive Council has approved the selection and final ratification of Prince Gbadegesin Ogunoye as the new Olowo of Owo, in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

    Briefing reporters after the state executive meeting, which lasted for over seven hours, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, said the state government appreciates the Owo Local Government and the Senior Omolowos for the peaceful process and procedures leading to the emergence of the new monarch.

    Ojogo said: “One of the key issues that was discussed at council is the issue of the Olowo of Owo. You will recall that the Olowo stool is a grade A stool and recognized by government  under the Chiefs law of 1984.

    “The stool became vacant after the demise of Oba Victor Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi, and as expected,  the selection process commenced and it followed due process and today, the climax of the process was brought to the council by the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs

    “It is  with gratitude to God and profound thanks to the Local Government and the Senior Omolowos that Council today, gave approval for the selection and final ratification of Prince Ogunoye Ajibade as the new Olowo of Owo kingdom.

    “The thrust of the process is that Prince Ogunoye is now the Olowo-elect as graciously approved by the State Executive Council. You will recall that Olowo stool is among the prominent ones we have, not only in Ondo State, but in the entire South West

    “I have the approval of the governor to thank the senior Omolowos for the selection and final ratification of the Olowo elect. This is the final process for the selection and appointment of the new Olowo. There are no legal encumbrances since the ministry of justice has also cleared it.”

    The government spokesperson also disclosed that the state government has effected the upgrading of Chief Beniah Adeola Idiogbe from Oloja of Aboto to the position of Alaboto of Aboto in Ilaje local government area of the state.

    Read Also: Olowo-elect for coronation August 23

    He said the request for the upgrade had been approved by the State Executive Council twelve years ago, adding that the present government came in and decided to effect the upgrade.

    The information commissioner said: “Another issue that council looked at was the traditional stool of Alaboto of Aboto. This is not a new process. The process had been approved almost 12 years ago (2007). An existing Oloja of Aboto has been upgraded to the stool of Alaboto of Aboto.

    “In other words, Council has approved the elevation of Chief Beniah Adeola Idiogbe from the position of Oloja of Aboto to Alaboto of Aboto.

    “It’s not a new one. One or two administrative encumbrances had delayed the pronouncement. We met in on ground and Government felt justice must be served. It’s not a fresh process. Council gave approval since 2007, but it wasn’t effected.”

     

  • Insecurity: Soyinka calls for state of emergency in South West

    Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has called for declaration of state of emergency due to the security challenges in the South West Zone.

    Soyinka made the call on Thursday in Akure on the sidelines of the D.O Fagunwa Study Group International Conference held to celebrate his 85th birthday.

    The conference had as theme: ” Wole Soyinka, DO Fagunwa and the Yoruba Artistic Heritage.”

    The literary giant said that the most appropriate measure to take in view of the insecurity that had pervaded the whole of the South West was to declare a state of emergency across the region.

    “As regards the insecurity in the South West, there is an emergency. There should be a declaration of security emergency through out the land and measures taken accordingly.

    “There are many directions of security lapses, you know it here, especially in Ondo State, it is a calamity through out the whole nation. There is an emergency,” he said.

    The first African Nobel Laureate said the governors, especially those in the South West geo-political zone, must work assiduously toward tackling the menace of insecurity.

    Soyinka, however, expressed gratitude to Ondo State Government for celebrating his 85th birthday and the completion of the ‘Dome’ which was meant to celebrate art and culture.

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said the nation had allowed unreasonable competition, ethnicism, tribalism, corruption, political and economic ownership of the nation to slow down the pace of self-realisation.

    According to Akeredolu, in Africa, the challenge has moved largely from the legitimacy of governance institutions to its responsiveness to the need for a coordinated plan for cultural integration, economic development and general human capital development.

    Read Also: ‘Soyinka deserves highest national honour’

    The governor was, however, excited at the 85th birthday celebration of Soyinka, whom he described as his mentor and supporter.

    Akeredolu described Soyinka as a first class academic, playwright, poet, novelist, and great human condition activist.

    He said that Soyinka’s life was a lesson for public office holders because he had elevated the art of partisan living as the biggest ideal of social reclamation.

    “I join other well meaning Nigerians and the world at large to wish you, our great emblem of decency and justice, a happy 85th birthday!

    “I am fully convinced that your gathering here is another of those creative moments of rethinking our journey as a nation and our health as a society in search of its own civilisation.

    “I have read a bit of the book of proceeding of your last conference and I am convinced of the vigour, depth and clear headedness with which your Study Group addresses the myriad of challenges that the human mind faces in its quest for self reinvention and reclamation.

    “For all that we know, humanity is passing through some of its trying periods. Globally, definition of peace, progress, liberty and prosperity is interrogating the best of our civilisation today.

    “From leadership crisis which torments the sanest of public organisations to the fearful response of a traumatised followership, the narrative is clear: we must check and recheck the path on which we tread,” Akeredolu said.

  • Akeredolu…Two-and-a-half years later

    While taking his oath of office on Friday, February 24, 2017, Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) gave the people of Ondo State a message of “hope, clear agenda of prosperity and a vision of life abundant.”

    In marshaling his plans to ensure that his blueprint of abundant prosperity for the people succeeds, Akeredolu had set up a Strategic Development and Policy Implementation Committee, to set the tone for the new administration.

    The committee, which was made up of seasoned technocrats, came up with a five-point agenda that was aimed at: 1. Job creation through agriculture, entrepreneurship and industrialisation; 2. Massive infrastructural development and maintenance; 3. Provision of functional education and technological growth; 4. Provision of accessible and quality health care and social service delivery and 5 Rural development and community extension services.

    A little over two-and-a-half years after, Akeredolu has delivered on those promises, scoring high marks on the people’s score sheet. For a man who is determined to make a mark and leave the state better than he met it, nothing less was expected of him.

    In his first year in office, Governor Akeredolu recorded unprecedented success in road construction. Taking into consideration the economic situation of the state at the time, the number of roads constructed was nothing but magical.

    The administration inherited decayed and derelict infrastructure. The roads, even in the capital city, were pockmarked with craters and gullies. For the people, especially those of the northern and southern senatorial districts, the roads had become death traps.

    From Ikare-Akoko to Oka-Akoko and to other areas in Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas, stories of multiple deaths caused by damaged portions of the roads became a daily feature of our lives.

    At the notorious Oke-Oka and Oke-Alabojuto roads in Oka and Ikare respectively, entire families have been wiped out multiple times.

    But, in two years, the story has changed. Governor Akeredolu has done what many thought was impossible and there are new songs on the lips of the people. The mythical Oke-Alabojuto Hill in Ikare has given way to the bulldozers deployed by Akeredolu, leaving the people marveling.

    And in Owo, the ancient town has been further opened up for development with dual carriage ways, fitted with beautiful street lights. This transformation of the town has led to a coinage by the people: Ogho ti segwa, which translates into Owo is now beautiful.

    In the Central Senatorial Zone, Akure is gradually wearing a true status of a state capital. The major roads around the capital city are wearing new looks. Residents of the State Hospital Road, Oke-Ogba, Iwalewa, Abusoro, Isarun, Idanre, Igbara-Oke and many other towns are hailing the governor for a good job, while the construction of new road networks in the Alagbaka area has continued to wow the people who now refer to the area as their own Banana Island.

    Good things are happening in the Southern Senatorial District. The first ever overhead bridge in Ondo State is nearing completion in Ore. Aside from the aesthetics; the bridge is expected to put an end to the traffic problems which travellers encounter at the Ore-Benin Expressway intersection.

    Months after the construction of the roads in Sabome and Ajagba has been completed, the people are still in wonderland. This was the opinion of Sunday Leji, a resident who said the people never believed anything good could come from the government to the people.

    With no single senatorial zone left out of the major infrastructural boost blowing across the state, the Governor Akeredolu administration has completed the construction of more than 50 roads and still counting.

    The governor, from his first day in office, has maintained his unflinching interest in the welfare of workers of the public service. For him, the workers’ welfare is very strategic to the success of the government.

    On assumption of office in February, 2017, Akeredolu met a disturbing state of affairs. The workers were being owed a backlog of seven months’ salaries. The children were sent out of school because their parents could not pay their fees, and families separated because the man could not perform his responsibility of catering to the needs of his family.

    The workers have moved on from a season when they looked to the future with little hope and their children were sent out of school because their parents could not pay their fees, to a new season of abundance and hope.

    Akeredolu has kept to his vow, clearing six of the seven months’ salary backlogs. For the first time in a long while, the workers have earned their salaries more than 24 months unbroken! The government has also paid the workers their leave allowances. Without doubt, these are feats some people said were impossible to achieve a little less than two years ago.

    Within two-and-a-half years, the governor appointed about 44 permanent secretaries, righting the wrongs that have been done to many top civil servants by past administrations.

    Currently, the state is gradually changing the ignoble tag of a ‘civil service’ state to a state driven by industries and privately-oriented businesses. From less than N500, 000 every month, the Akeredolu administration has grown the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to a little less than N2 billion every month.

    It was, therefore, no mean feat when the Joint Tax Board (JTB), a body of all the tax authorities in Nigeria, declared Ondo State as the most improved state in internal revenue generation for last year.

    To sustain the feat and continue to boost the state’s revenue generation drive, the state recently employed about 234 young graduates.

    To ensure that the gains of the last two-and-a-half years are not reversed, the administration has embarked on a massive industrial revolution that is already changing the face of the state. On the last count, no fewer than five new industries have settled and began operations in the Ore Industrial Hub.

    The last time a deliberate and genuine efforts with visible results were made to industrialise the state was during the administration of the first civilian governor, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, between 1979 and 1984. The Oluwa Glass Company and the Okitipupa Oil Palm were the pride of the state at the time.

  • Ondo, Edo, others to benefit from Lions Club’s health care programmes

    Worried by the unacceptable health situation of many Nigerians, the Lions Club International, District 404 A1, Nigeria has embarked on some projects that will meet the health needs of the people.

    Notable among them are the establishment of a dialysis centre in Ondo State, sight preservation and awareness, diabetes awareness and action, measles initiative and action, paediatric cancer in Benin-City, campaign against environmental pollution and provision of relief for the hungry and less privileged, among others.

    Meanwhile, the district has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences and Adcem Health Services Limited for the construction of the centre. These two institutions have the operational experience and expertise in the field and would act as technical partners.

    The Ondo State University, it was gathered, has already allocated a piece of land towards the project. Adcem Health Services is the representative of Fresenius International, the world’s leading manufacturer of Haemodialysis equipment.

    The estimated cost for the project, according to the District Governor, Lion Adekunle Adedipe, is over N50 million. Apart from individual and membership contributions, it is hoped that the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF), the parent body would assist meaningfully by way of grants to accomplish the project.

    During the signing of the MoU for the project in Lagos, Adedipe explained that “in the 2019-2020 fiscal years, the district intends to build a 10-bed dialysis centre in Akure, Ondo State. He expressed the concern at the moment, Akure which was home to almost 600, 000 people, does not have a functional dialysis centre and in the entire state of four million people.

    “There are only two functional units with a combined total of six beds; the district governor regretted that lives were being needlessly lost due to lack of interventions.

    “”Excellence in Service” as the theme for this year,” he said, “would be characterised by integrity, timeliness, quality, diligence, commitment, sacrifice and focus. The district will endeavour to achieve excellence in everything we embark upon this year.

    “We will be accountable to all our donors and deliver quality projects within our specified timeline through diligence, commitment and sacrifice by our members,” Adedipe said.

    Continuing, he said. “Lions year runs from July through June of the following year. In Nigeria, there are four districts that make up the multiple districts 404; they are 404A1, 404A2, 404B1 and 404B2. District 404A1 caters for communities in Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo and Delta states.”

    He said there were over 2,100 Lions in 89 clubs in the district most of who are constantly engaged in one form of community service or the other.

    He, nevertheless, appreciated members’ contributions that have helped in improving their communities and the lot of the underprivileged.

    Adedipe also said there is plan to screen about 500 people per region or 5, 000 people in the entire district.

    According to him, 100 pairs of eye glasses would be made available for every region based on need, totaling about 1,000 pairs for the entire district. There are also plans for drugs for 2,000 people across the district, or 200 per region.

    “To this end, there’s plan to carry out at least 10 cataract surgeries per region or 100 across the district,” he said. He added that the issue of cornea transplant(s) will also be addressed as the need arises.

    “Again, advocacy/awareness campaign would be undertaken during the fiscal year under consideration, using radio jingles, hand bills and T-shirts. About 1,000 people per region (500 in rural communities and 500 in urban communities or 10, 000 people across the entire district would be screened, those determined to be at risk would be tested and follow up with intervention until they are able to take care of themselves.

    “There will also be training for primary health care workers in at least 20 primary health care centres (PHCs) across the district with a view to making them capable of intervening in accordance to the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard.

    “The district would work with the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Diabetes Awareness Tojuarae Foundation and the National Primary Health care Department and Agency (NPHDA),” he added.

    On measles initiative and action, Adedipe said the district would support regions with logistics and materials in order to deliver much-needed vaccinations, adding that the dangers of measles menace cannot be overstated.

    “In addition, the district would identify a hospital in Benin-City which currently has an Oncology Department with a view to determining how best to support activities towards eradication and/or management of paediatric cancer.

    “We shall also adopt the use of radio jingles and online blogging to create and sustain awareness and encourage parents to subject their children to early evacuation,” he stated.

    He further said. “In the course of this Lions year, a seminar shall be organised to sensitise the country to the dangers of the menace and suggest possible actions that could be taken immediately.”

    Adedipe said the seminar would take place in Lagos while clubs are encouraged to organise clearing of plastic waste within their communities.

    He stated that by the end of the Lions’ year, lives of people in the district would have been positively touched while significant contributions to sustainable growth and development of the various communities would have been made.

    The Area Leader (LCIF), Laitan Onolaja, an Engineer, said the foundation provides funding and gives grants to countries where Lions Clubs exist as a way of supporting various projects that are large. LCIF, he said, had been giving grants to take care of areas such as sight, relief for disaster victims.

    According to him, the district relies on donations from various corporate bodies and individuals and members’ contributions for various projects.

  • Ondo varsity decries sexual assault on student

    Authorities of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State have condemned in strongest term, the sexual assault on one of its students by one of the soldiers stationed at a check point between Akungba Akoko and Ikare Akoko.

    The University, after its preliminary investigation, noted with concern and amazement that a soldier of the Federal Republic Nigeria, whose duty, among others, is to protect lives of its citizens can turn round to exhibit such reprobate tendencies.

    The Institution, while commending the swift action taken so far by the Brigade Commander on this inhuman and brazen assault on a defenseless and innocent student, called on the authorities of the Nigerian Army to deal decisively with the perpetrator(s) of the act against humanity.

    Read Also: Tribunal sacks Ondo PDP Reps member

    A statement by its Acting Registrar, Opeoluwa Akinfemiwa said “We are not unaware of the security situation in the country, we strongly request that the checkpoint be dismantled and the soldiers moved to between Oba-Akoko and Ose where kidnappings and robberies occur, almost, on a daily basis”.

    The University however called for calm and assured students that it would continue to ensure that adequate security measures are put in place to enable them continue to pursue their academic activities without molestation.

     

  • Ondo Assembly lauds Buhari over Alasoadura’s ministerial appointment

    The Ondo State House of Assembly on Friday lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for making a right choice by appointing Senator Tayo Alasoadura as a minister representing the state in the federal cabinet.

    Through its Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun, the Assembly congratulated the minister-designate and immediate past Senator representing Ondo Central senatorial district of the state.

    on his appointment and successful screening by the Senate.

    According to Oleyelogun, Alasoadura’s appointment by President Buhari would add more value to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo and Nigeria as a whole.

    The Speaker described Alasoadura’s appointment as a reward for his hard-work, commitment and loyalty to the ideal of the APC and the Nigeria project.

    He also commended the Senator for his efforts at ensuring that the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) saw the light of the day for the good of the country.

    Read Also: ‘We’ll not tolerate Fulani Vigilante group in Ondo’

    He stressed, that, as an astute accountant and administrator of good repute, the house did not doubt the capacity and competence of Alasoadura to represent the state well in the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    Oleyelogun also commended governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his support, which culminated in the appointment of the lawmaker.

    Meanwhile, the Ondo State chapter of the APC has charged the ministerial nominees to further energise the government to improve on security, and measures aimed at bringing succour to Nigerians when they assume office.

    The party noted, that, this is a sure way to dispel misgivings and negativity among the populace, and rekindled their hope and confidence.

    A statement by its spokesman, Alex Kalejaiye, stressed, that, it was not by accident that President Buhari selected some of the most experienced and best brains from among the lots available in the country.

    The APC said: “The onus lies on those selected to justify the huge confidence reposed in them by conceiving and implementing workable policies, particularly in areas that are very key to the overall security and wellbeing of Nigerians.”

  • Regent hails ‘Senior Omolowos’ over peaceful selection of Olowo-elect

    THE Regent of Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State, Princess Elizabeth Olayinka Orogun, on Friday lauded the smooth process of appointing the new Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.

    According to her, the process is worthy of emulation for other communities, especially those with vacant stools.

    This is to guard against allowing regents to stay more than expected during the period of interregnum.

    Orogun commended Governor Oluwarootimi Akeredolu for the commencement of Ikaram-Akunu-Ikakumo road project, which has remained in a very deplorable condition for years and affecting the socio-economic growth of the area noted for bumper food production.

    Read Also: Group submits security bill to Ondo Assembly

    The regent also appreciated the appointment of their kinsman, Fatai Olotu, as a commissioner in Ondo State by Akeredolu.

    She, however, pleaded with security agents to do more in the axis which shared boundaries with Ore and Edo in order to reduce armed robbery and kidnapping that are rampant in the area.

    The regent appealed to youths and school leavers not to wait for white collar jobs alone, rather they should try their hands on other lucrative ventures that will make them self employed.

     

  • Prominent Nigerians at receiving end of kidnapping

    IN an instance of the gross insecurity that has become the lot of the country in recent times, Nigerians woke up on Friday last week to the news of gruesome murder of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers. Mrs Olakunrin was said to be travelling in her private vehicle from Akure to Ore, both in Ondo State, when the gunmen emerged from a bush at the Kajola section of the road and attacked her vehicle alongside others.

    According to the spokesman of the Ondo State Police Command, Femi Joseph, the hoodlums, numbering about 15, attacked two vehicles, namely a Toyota Land Cruiser in which the deceased was travelling with four others, and a Toyota Camry. The four others in Olakunrin’s vehicle were also said to have been abducted before they were rescued by the police. The three occupants of the Toyota Camry were also said to have been rescued from the suspected kidnappers after they were abducted.

    While the dust was yet to settle over the ugly incident, some gunmen invaded the family house of former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia in Odoni, Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa State around 2 am on Monday, and abducted his 76-year-old mother, Mrs Beauty Ogere Siasia.

    It was the second time the hapless woman would be kidnapped by hoodlums, having suffered the same fate in November 2015 before she was released after 12 days in their den. Unconfirmed reports said the hapless former Super Eagles player had to part with a princely sum of N50 million as ransom for his beloved mother.

    But nonagenarian Fasoranti and Coach Samson Siasia are not alone in their ordeal. Many other prominent Nigerians have suffered the same fate in recent years.

    Olu Falae

    Dare-devil hoodlums posted about the most instructive sign of danger on September 21, 2015 when former Secretary to the Federal Government (SFG) and former presidential candidate of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), Chief Olu Falae, was abducted on his 77th birthday from his farm in Ilado village, Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, by attacked his over 200 workers before they whisked him away. Many of his workers, including the farm manager identified simply as Bruno, were said to have suffered machete cuts and had to be admitted in different hospitals around Akure.

    Reports from the family said the herdsmen who abducted Falae had been having issues with the workers in the farm over grazing and destruction of the farmland by their cows. They, however, mobilised themselves, invaded the farm in large numbers and attacked the workers before abducting the politician.

    The workers were said to have fled in different directions when the herdsmen started shooting into the air. They were also said to have beaten up the National Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP) and dragged him on the floor when he refused to go with them.

    The statesman regained his freedom after three days in captivity. Some suspects arrested over his abduction said they kidnapped him in order to get some money for the celebration of the Muslim festival Eid-el-Kabir.

    Mike Ozekhome

    Popular lawyer, rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome, was kidnapped by gunmen at the Ehor stretch of the Benin-Auchi Road on August 23, 2013 and did not regain his freedom until he had spent 20 odd days in the den of his abductors. Reports said that four policemen who responded to a distress call from a witness and tried to prevent the kidnappers from taking him away were shot dead in the resultant gun battle.

    Reports said that the kidnappers, who rode in a Toyota Hilux pick-up and a Toyota Camry car, shot at the front right-side tyre of the Toyota Prado conveying Ozekhome who was on his way to Estako, Edo State. He and his driver were subsequently abducted.

    Detailing the gruesome 20-day ordeal he faced in the den of kidnappers, Ozekhome described the experience as a form of psychological torture.

    “Every day at the detention centre, there were threats from the kidnappers saying they would kill us and chop us up and send our body parts to our families. They said they would make it so the Nigerian state would know there is no security. It was a horrific experience, spine chilling, physically debilitating and mentally shattering,” he was quoted as saying.

    Ozekhome’s abductors initially demanded a ransom of N800 million but later reduced it to N100 million. He, however, said he did not know if payment was made for his release.

    Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

    Although former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has never been kidnapped personally, like Siasia, she has been one of the prominent Nigerians at the receiving end of the kidnapping saga tormenting the country in recent years because her beloved mother was abducted, and she was no doubt the ultimate target of the ransom-seeking hoodlums.

    Kamene Okonjo, an 82-year-old retired professor, was abducted on December 9, 2012 from the palace of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-uku, Delta State, Obi Chukwuka Okonjo. while Okonjo-Iweala held sway as the Minister of Finance. The hapless octogenarian woman was not set free until she had spent five days in the custody of her abductors. The armed gang of about 10 men were said to have seized her at the gate of the palace at Ogbe-ofu and took her away.Okonjo-Iweala

    An eyewitness who relived the incident said: “The abductors, when they walked into the compound, were heavily armed. They were about 10. They bailed up the men fixing the interlocking tiles and asked them to lie face down. Immediately they saw her (victim) coming towards the gate with her maid to serve the workers drinks, they bundled her into a waiting Golf car.”

    While there were speculations that about N12 million was paid to secure the release of the octogenarian, former Delta State governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan said that no dime was paid, adding that her captors probably decided to let her go because they were under pressure.

    “The army and police have been on their trail and a lot of raids have been done. I think because of the heat, they dropped her off on the highway,” he said.

    John Obi Mikel

    The World Cup adventure of Nigeria in Russia last year was dampened with the abduction of the father of the captain of the senior national football team, John Obi Mikel, by gunmen while the tournament was in progress. Indeed, the incident occurred hours before Mikel led Nigeria into their final World Cup group phase tie against Argentina. It was to the credit of the Super Eagles skipper that he featured in the match without betraying any emotion even though he learnt about it moments before.

    According to reports, Mikel’s father, Micheal Obi, and his driver, Ishaya John, were abducted on the Makurdi-Enugu Road while travelling from Jos on June 29, 2018. Their abductors were reported to have demanded N10 million as ransom, but the police in Enugu State were on hand to rescue the former Chelsea midfielder’s father, his driver and the Toyota Prado jeep they rode in.

    A statement via the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, said: “It was gathered that Pa Michael Obi and his driver were abducted along Makurdi-Enugu Road on his way from Jos in his grey-coloured Toyota Prado jeep with registration number: MUS 604 CG and taken to an unknown destination through the thick forest part of the area.

    They were, however, rescued about three days later by operatives of the Ninth Mile Division of the command in a forest in the Udi area of Enugu after a gun battle between the police and the kidnappers.

    Charles Soludo

    Former governor of Central Bank, Prof. Charles Soludo had a taste of the bitter pill of kidnapping on October 28, 2009 when his 78-year-old father was abducted by gunmen. Although it was widely believed that the abduction of the father of the former CBN governor, who was contesting the governorship seat of Anambra State was politically motivated, Pa Simon Soludo’s abductors demanded N500 million as ransom.

    Pa Simeon Soludo, was kidnapped by gunmen from his country home in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. Reports said it was the second time the septuagenarian father of Soludo would suffer attack from assailants, having lost an eye in January 2006 after he was attacked and left for dead in the same village.

    He did not regain his freedom until November 4, almost one week after he was abducted. The circumstances of his release were not clear, but reports said he was escorted back home by the Anambra State Commissioner of Police after he was set free by his abductors. It was not also clear whether a ransom was paid to the abductors after scaling down the ransom from N500 million to N300 million.

    Oluwole Rotimi

    Not even army generals are saved the trauma of kidnapping, a menace that has held the country by the jugular in recent years. That much will be admitted by former governor of old Western State, Gen. Oluwole Rotimi (rtd), whose wife was abducted in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on December 10, 2012, a day after Prof. Kamene Okonjo, mother of former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was kidnapped.

    According to reports, Titi Rotimi was kidnapped around 6:30 pm in front of her company, AOK Logistics Limited, located on Old Ife Road in Ibadan. She was said to have been abducted by four armed men while she was leaving her office at the close of work. The then spokesman of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayodele Lanade, said the victim was driving away in her black Mercedes Benz car when she was blocked by her abductors.

    Two security men attached to her company were said to have removed the barricade on the gate for her car to drive out of the office complex. In the process, two armed men approached and ordered her driver to stop the car at gun point. A green Nissan Primera suddenly reversed and blocked her car while she was ordered to get into the Nissan car.

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    The hapless woman was not released until 17 days after she was kidnapped, and it was in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. It was not clear if any ransom was paid before she was set free.

    Elisha Abbo

    For newly elected senator representing Adamawa North Constituency, his foray into the National Assembly has been a baptism of fire. Just as he was smarting from the outrage that attended his attack on a nursing mother in a sex toy shop in Abuja, gunmen numbering about 13 invaded his family home in Mubi, Adamawa State, killing his uncle, David Ella, before they bolted with his stepmother who had just been delivered of a baby 11 days earlier.

    Narrating the incident, Senator Abbo said: “About 13 men armed with AK-47 rifles invaded my family house around 1 am on Saturday and shot my uncle dead.

    “They dragged my father and brothers out of their rooms and went after my stepmother when they were told that my biological mother was dead. They took the poor woman away and left behind her 11 day-old child.

    “My stepmother is still with the kidnappers now. The kidnappers have called me, using a Cameroonian MTN number, but they had yet to demand a ransom.”Senator Abbo

    He the queried: “Of what use is the army barracks and the mobile police base in Mubi when they cannot go into the bush and dislodge the kidnappers?

    “The kidnappers are using the ransoms they are collecting to fund terrorism in this country.  That’s just the truth.”

    Iyabo Anisulowo

    Former Minister of State for Education and the senator who represented Ogun West Senatorial district between 2003 and 2007, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, was kidnapped alongside her security aide in Igbogila area of Ogun State on April 26, 2016. She was abducted in a commando fashion by four armed men as she was returning with three others in her SUV from her farm at Sawonjo community in Yewa-North Local Government Area around 6 pm, and she ended up spending seven days with her captors.

    An aide of the ex-minister who witnessed the incident said: “They ordered the three of us who were with Mama (Anisulowo) down from the vehicle. They collected our phones and beat us with machetes. The men spoke in both English and Yoruba. Mama kept asking them what they wanted, but they did not answer. It was around evening we discovered the abandoned SUV around Iganokoto.”

    She was, however, rescued on May 3, 2016, hours after the Ogun State Police Command promised to pay N5 million reward to any informant who could offer useful information that would lead to her being rescued.

    Reliving her ordeal after she regained her freedom, she said she lived on water only for days, adding that she had forgiven her captors.

    She said: “We fell down many times and the silencer (exhaust pipe) of the bike burnt me but they didn’t allow me to cry. They said I should shut up because they didn’t want anyone to see them. I was confused because I never thought such a thing could happen, especially in my area.”

    Although her abductors demanded the sum of N100 million for her release, it is not certain if any ransom was paid in the end.

  • Southwest governors flay call for Fulani to leave Southern Nigeria

    Governors in southwest states, on Friday, reacted to a statement credited to the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), asking persons of Fulani extraction, resident in the southern part of the country, to return to the north.

    They described the claim as most unfortunate, divisive and retrogressive.

    A statement personally signed by the forum’s chairman and the Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, said, “With no intention to engage anyone, it is incumbent on us, as elected representatives of our people in the southwest region of the country, to denounce this divisive and retrogressive statement in the strongest terms possible.

    Akeredolu said, “It is appalling, to assert the least, that the tragic incident, which claimed the life of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, the daughter of Pa Fasoranti, the leader of Afenifere, would be used by certain persons to advance the cause of parochial and prebendal politics.

    ”We intend to get to the root of the sad occurrence as we await the findings of security agencies on the unfortunate incident,” he said.

    Akeredolu said the governors and the people of the southwest are working assiduously, to find lasting solutions to the current security challenges and curtail the nefarious activities of undesirable elements bent on wrecking the country’s peace.

    He said: “We are not unaware of the antics of certain elements, who hope to garner political mileage from the contrived crises in virtually all parts of the country. We are equally convinced that this confusion serves the narrow interests of some persons.

    Read Also: Akeredolu is chair Southwest Governors’ Forum

    ”The country has a rich history; she has had to encounter adversities in the course of her transition to nationhood. She has overcome them all. This distraction will also pass. We look up to the security agencies to take cohesive steps to curtail this major challenge of insecurity which engenders hopelessness.

    ”We can only enjoin all citizens, on our part, to be patient and continue to cooperate with them as they combat the festering crises. We on our part have taken great strides with the hope that great success will be achieved.

    ”We, however, note, with discomfiture, the unpatriotic acts of some Nigerians, who will stop at nothing in their bid to undermine the Federal Government.

    The forum reiterated the commitment of the governors and the people of the southwest to the nationhood project, as they continue to address the challenges confronting the people, saying: ”We will promote, with renewed vigour, all activities which encourage amity among our people”.

    The southwest governors called on all persons of Fulani extraction, and indeed all Nigerians from other parts of the country, resident in the southwest region, to discountenance NEF’s unpatriotic outburst and other self-serving organisations of opportunists.

    The forum welcomed all Nigerians, who have legitimate reasons to be in the region, stressing that the governments and people of the southwest would protect all persons regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds.