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Tag: Osun State

  • OAU gets multi-million naira CAD/CAM world-class laboratory 

    OAU gets multi-million naira CAD/CAM world-class laboratory 

    …OAU VC lauds fintech boss on upgrade of dept. to world-class lab

    The Mechanical Engineering department laboratory at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has received a digital upgrade with state-of-the-art equipment valued in the millions, aimed at benefiting engineers and innovators.

    This enhancement was made possible by the foundation of fintech executive Tosin Eniolorunda, who renovated the laboratory to serve as a Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) facility.

    Eniolorunda, a co-founder of Moniepoint and an alumnus of the department, commissioned the project alongside the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, over the weekend.

    The laboratory, now named after Eniolorunda, aims to bolster Nigerian students’ interest in science and technology, particularly in areas such as prototyping, design, and engineering.

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    Professor Bamire said: “We are very grateful for this laboratory considering that we are almost phasing out some of these things as a result of paucity of funds. This laboratory will help improve and enhance a lot of things within the University for students and staff and also drive collaboration between the academia and industry,” he said. 

    In his remark on donation, Eniolorunda said, “this newly revamped laboratory represents more than just an upgrade, it stands as part of a personal commitment to foster a generation of engineers and innovators to inspired them to think critically and creatively about real-world problems.

    “These state-of-the-art multi-million naira resources will provide students with hands-on experience in the latest CAD/CAM technologies, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of mechanical engineering”. 

  • Crisis may engulf Osun community over choice of monarch

    Crisis may engulf Osun community over choice of monarch

    The serene and agrarian community of Ilu-Iran in Ayedire South Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Osun State may be engulfed in crisis over the choice of who occupies the ancient stool of the community, the Oniran of Ilu-Iran, after the death of the last occupier, Oba Sawiyu Ayinla Alao, Adewolu 1, on May 5, 2023, unless the perceived cries of injustice and impunity are addressed by the state government.

    The Awanibaku family, which is said to be the next ruling house to present candidate for the vacant Oniran stool, has chosen Prince Kazeem Akintayo Adeosun as its candidate in a letter sent to the National President of Royal Union of Owu People (RUOP), Alhaji  Fatai Akinbade.

    In the letter signed by Alfa Saliu Fabunmi, Chief Dauda Akintayo, Pa Suara Akintayo, Mrs. Jaworatu Adeniran, Semiu Orunmo, Alhaja Salimot Olaitan and Mrs. Sariyu Akibu, the family traced the history of the community and its attachment to Awanibaku, asking the elder statesman to ensure Owu heritage is protected.

    In two letters addressed to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs by legal practitioners, copies of which were made available to our reporter, there were allegations of wrongful presentation of candidate said to be a non-indigene for the vacant stool under reference.

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    In the two letters signed by A. T. Abdul Rasaq of Metro Chambers and A. F. Oladiti of Law Office of A. F. Oladiti on behalf of two of the ruling houses, Awanibaku and Orunmo of Ilu-Iran, it was alleged that Kunle Omolola, an indigene of Elefon village with the support of Alhaji Wasiu Akinwon, has been imposed as the candidate for the vacant stool from Olaitan family of Orunmo ruling house.

    It was contended that besides that Omolola is a persona-non-grata as far as Olaitan family is concerned, it is not yet the turn of the family to produce Oniran of Ilu-Iran and that he is just coming to spoil the family’s chance when it becomes appropriate for it to make presentation of candidate in future.

    In one of the letters, it was stated that Omolola, using his political clout and that of his god-father, Alhaji Akinwon, presented himself to the kingmakers and both of them were alleged to have been going around town boasting that they had the necessary political connections to ensure the accomplishment of their mission-becoming the next Oniran of Ilu-Iran.

    In order to accomplish the act, it was alleged that Awanibaku family was denied eligibility form for selection into Obaship of Oniran of Ilu-Iran on the instruction of the Chairman, Ayedire South Local Council Development Area and to further drive home their mission, original kingmakers of the town were sidelined in the selection process.

  • Segilola Resources Gets Interim Injunction Against Osun State Government

    Segilola Resources Gets Interim Injunction Against Osun State Government

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an Interim Injunction in favor of Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), restraining the Osun State Government and its officials from interfering with the company’s mining operations. The order was issued by Justice Emeka Nwite on October 3, 2024, following an ex parte motion filed by the company.

    The injunction prevents the Osun State Government from disrupting the gold mining operations of Segilola Resources or denying the company access to its mining site. This comes amidst ongoing allegations against the company regarding tax liabilities and environmental concerns, accusations that SROL has strongly denied.

    The injunction is set to remain in effect pending the hearing of a Motion on Notice for an Interlocutory Injunction scheduled for October 17, 2024.

    Legal experts suggest that the court’s ruling reinforces the importance of respecting judicial processes in settling disputes, particularly in sensitive mining sectors where operational disruptions can have far-reaching economic implications.

    With the matter now before the court, stakeholders are looking for an interpretation of the relevant provisions of the law as both parties maintain the status quo.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has initiated an investigation into the matter between Segilola Resources and the Osun State Government to restore operational and industrial harmony in the State.

    In a recent statement, the Minister for Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake emphasized the importance of protecting investments in the Nigerian mining sector, stressing that mining falls under the exclusive legislative list, and the Ministry of Solid Minerals should be consulted before any disruptive actions are taken.

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    “I want to emphasize that the Federal Government has been actively promoting investment opportunities in the solid minerals sector around the world. It is crucial to recognize that closing down mining operations by subnational governments could jeopardize our efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and may even lead to divestment by existing companies” Alake cautioned.

    Alake urged both parties “to cooperate with the fact-finding team and allow production to continue while we work through these issues. It is essential that both parties pursue peace and industrial harmony for the benefit of the workers and their families who could be negatively affected by the closure of operations at the factory”.

    Segilola Resources, which operates Nigeria’s first commercial gold mine, is regarded as one of the country’s most successful mining ventures. The company has consistently maintained that it complies with all relevant regulations and remains committed to upholding its responsibilities as a law-abiding corporate entity. Industry observers believe that the resolution of this case could have broader implications for Nigeria’s mining sector and investor confidence.

  • 17 passengers trapped as truck bumps mini bus into stream

    17 passengers trapped as truck bumps mini bus into stream

    No fewer than 17 passengers were trapped as a gas laden truck rammed a mini bus into a stream in Ile-Ife, Osun State yesterday

    The incident occurred at the Old Toll Gate close to Sabo-Lagere on the Ife-Ibadan Expressway via Ife Grand Resorts about 12:45am.

    Sources said some of the passengers in the bus died while others were trapped in the incident.

    It was gathered that the truck lost control and rammed into the mini bus conveying about 17 commuters.

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    Osun State Commandant, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Taofeek Sokunbi explained that his men were on ground to rescue those that were involved and evacuate the vehicles involved.

    Also, the spokesperson, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Osun State Command, Kehinde Adeleke, confirmed that 17 people were trapped in the accident.

    She said:“Operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Police and NSCDC are making frantic efforts to evacuate those trapped.

    “Others that were seriously injured were being conveyed to hospital. Efforts are being made as well to tow the wreckage of the vehicle and the truck to the Police Station for further investigation.“

  • Osun fashion designer, Okada riding against traffic killed, others injured

    Osun fashion designer, Okada riding against traffic killed, others injured

    There was pandemonium in Osogbo capital of Osun State as a private car crushed a fashion designer and Okada rider to death while the motorcyclist was commuting on one-way.

    It was gathered that the fatal accident occurred around 9:10 PM on Friday at Ogo-Oluwa area adjacent Baba Wande Junction.

    One of the residents of the area named Yusuf explained that “the passenger of the Okada rider is named Seun and she was a fashion designer who is also working with a property company in Osogbo. She was returning from Orisunbare where she went to buy sewing materials when the accident occurred.

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    “The Okada man that carried her attempted to cross the road to the junction of her house using one way when the on-coming private car crushed them both to death.”

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola confirmed the incident, saying “The fatal accident occurred at Ogo-Oluwa. It involved a Toyota Rav 4 Jeep with registration number Abuja, KUJ 417 DH which was driven by one Dauda Tewogbade and a Baja motorcycle with registration number Osun, SGB 708 UH.

  • Osun State rolls out digital land & property e-Registry

    Three months after initiating its digital transformation project, the Osun State Government has officially confirmed that the Cadastra360 NG Digital Land & Property e-Registry System is now fully operational across the State.

    The Ministry of Lands, Physical Planning & Urban Development disclosed that thousands of historical land records have been digitised, while title verification can now be completed instantly through the State’s new online portal. The platform also integrates biometric authentication for authorised officers, GIS mapping for parcel boundaries, automated approval workflows, and real-time analytics for monitoring registry activities.

    Government officials report significant early improvements, including faster processing timelines, improved accuracy, and greater revenue accountability through automated billing and receipting. Banks, surveyors, legal firms, and citizens have already begun using the system to validate C of O numbers, check encumbrances, and file new applications.

    According to the Ministry, the deployment marks one of the most comprehensive digital upgrades ever executed within the State’s land sector. The government emphasised that the system was designed and delivered under the leadership of Ayoola Adetutu Oniyinde, Founder/CEO of Cadastra360 NG, who oversaw technical integration, data migration, and compliance with NDPR requirements.

    Officials reaffirmed their commitment to expanding digital services across other land-related processes, describing the system as “a major step toward transparency, efficiency, and modern land governance in Osun State.”

    DISCLAIMER

    This publication is subject to updates and revisions. Kindly note that the information herein may be modified or expanded over time to reflect new developments.

    May 22, 2023

  • Man arraigned for N4.2m ‘fraud’ in Osun

    A 38-year old man, Oluwatoyin Fagbemi, was on Monday arraigned before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Osogbo for alleged N4.2million fraud and theft.

    Fagbemi was arraigned on a two-count charge of obtaining under false pretences and theft.

    The prosecutor ASP Taiwo Adegoke told the court that between 2016 and 2019, the defendant collected goods worth N4,232,250 under the false pretence of selling them and refunding the said amount to the complainant, Ajani Abiola.

    The offences committed, according to the prosecutor, contravened Sections 309 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Cap Vol. 2 Laws of Osun, 2002.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.

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    The defence counsel, Shuiab Gominna, prayed that his client be granted bail in the most liberal terms.

    The Magistrate, Mrs R. A Olayemi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.

    Olayemi said that one of the sureties must be a blood relation while the other should be a civil servant on GL 5.

    She added that a photocopy of the surety’s letter of appointment and evidence of tax payment for  three years till date be deposited with the court.

    The magistrate, who also said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, must also have their addresses verified.

    She adjourned the case till November 25.

  • Osun APC to Oyetola: You’re on threshold of distinguished governance

    THE Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has told Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, that he is on “the threshold of a distinguished career in governance “as he turns 65 today.

    Oyetola’s performance, according to the APC will not “only astound his friends and supporters, it will also confuse his political foes.”

    The party’s director of publicity, Kunle Oyatomi said in a congratulatory message in Osogbo, that   the governor has “a unique opportunity to transform the next decade of his life to one of exceptional service to the state and people of Osun.”

    According to him, “We have no doubts in our minds that this event which comes close to the first anniversary of your governorship, brings with it the good omen that our people desire

    “Regardless that protracted legal challenges considerably hindered your ability to devote full attention to governance, you still had time and the will power to address those urgent issues that impacted the lives of our people.

    “Your efforts on healthcare infrastructure since you assume responsibility as governor have been remarkable.

    “You have also since then resurrected that cost efficient culture, (which predated our Independence), of fixing broken and failed sections of our roads before they become death traps.

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    “You have also refurbished and opened up roads leading to towns, villages and communities that had for some time now been very difficult to access.

    “You have shown extraordinary compassion to civil servants, who might have been in some discomfort, but also for their understanding of your position

    “Above all, you have been spotted and recognized by the world for your commitment to opening access to our rural communities in which regard the French Ambassador to Nigeria came visiting the other day to pledge further assistance to the state.

    “From all of the above, we have no doubt that our governor is on the threshold of a distinguished career in governance that will astound friends and confute foes in the coming months and years.

    “So, by celebrating this birthday event with the state governor, the APC is not only making a statement of delight and confidence in the governor’s ability to govern exceptionally well.”

  • International Breweries launches responsible drinking campaign

    To mark the global Beer Responsible Day, International Breweries Plc, Ilesha, Osun State, has begun a campaign on the importance of responsible drinking.

    This is in line with the United Nations Goal 12, which centres on Responsible Consumption and Production. The commemoration was an initiative of IB’s parent company AB InBev.

    Themed “Drink Smart Today, Celebrate Tomorrow – Let’s Champion Smart Drinking Together”, the celebration encouraged consumers, bar owners and the public to make personal commitments around responsible drinking.

    Consumers were educated on the dangers of drinking and driving, harmful effect of underage drinking and consumption of alcohol by pregnant women.

    They were also advised to pace their alcoholic drinks to not more than one drink per hour, eat food before or while drinking alcohol, alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beverages while drinking.

    IB Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, Otunba Michael Daramola, said advocating responsible drinking was part of the company’s  objectives.

    “Responsible drinking is one of the key pillars of our business. It is a message that is dear to us and we constantly make out time to communicate this message in our sphere of influence. The turnout of our employees was great and we visited a lot of bars in many communities where we operate to interact with consumers, traders and the general public on the best way to consume alcohol responsibly,” he said.

    This year’s theme was inline with efforts by the Beer Sectoral Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to reduce underage drinking.

    The Beer Sectoral Group to which International Breweries belongs has collaborated with the Collingwood Learning Incorporated and Thespian Theatre to launch an underage drinking intervention programme, tagged Smashed.

  • ‘Reckless’ motorcyclist arraigned for murder

    A 28-year old man, Sanya Ajayi was on Wednesday arraigned for murder before a Magistrate Court, Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

    The suspect was arraigned on a two-count charge of reckless driving and murder.

    The prosecutor, Akintunde Jacob, a police inspector, told the court that the accused person committed the offence on September 16, 2019 at Olaiya Junction.

    According to him, the accused person rode an unregistered Bajaj Boxer motorcycle dangerously without regard for traffic rules.

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    He said the reckless riding of the motorcycle by the accused led to the death of a 59-year old man, Fatai Segun Awodoju

    The defence counsel, R.A. Ugu, pleaded for bail for the accused, asking the court to temper justice with mercy.

    In his ruling, the presiding judge, Magistrate Taofeek Badmus, ordered that the accused person be reminded in prison custody.

    He adjourned the case till October 2.