Somewhere in Ikotun, Lagos State.
Tag: SEGUN ODUNAYO
-
MMM Nigeria Donates N1m to Orphanage Home in Plateau
Mavrodi Mondial Movement (MMM) Nigeria has donated the sum of One Million to Jofin Orphanage Home, Jos, Plateau State for its massive renovation.
The financial gesture, according to the online community, is in fulfilment of its commitment to bringing smile to the faces of the needy and downtrodden through philanthropy.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Home, which has since begun the renovation work, Mrs Onyeukwu Chidiebere, Head of Services of the Home, thanked MMM for the cash donation, saying the gesture will go a long way in helping to carry out the facelift the Home needs.
In an appreciation letter sent to MMM, a copy of which was made available to our reporter, Mrs Chidiebere stated: “ our hearts are filled with gratitude to have you be a supporter of the great vision despite challenges of all sort, you never know the magnitude of euphoria that overwhelmed us when we got your support. You have given us room to believe that truly, God is by our side.”
In spite of obvious lull in the activities of the movement in the country, findings show that it has been forking out cash donations to numerous NGOs to help them actualize their vision and mission in addition to giving relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
-
Fayose’s aide warns Ekiti CNPP against blackmail
The personal assistant to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State on General Administration and Stomach Infrastructure, Mr. Sunshine Anifowose has described the media report authored by the Chairman of the State Chapter of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Mr Tunde Ogunlola that himself and seven other aides and associates of his boss are security threat, as unfounded, baseless and unsubstantiated.
In a statement personally signed by Anifowose and given to our correspondent in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, he alleged that Ogunlola was instigated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to issue the statement just to rubbish the recent statement credited to the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of South West, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo that Ekiti State has the lowest crime rate in Nigeria.
Anifowose who described himself as a responsible man from a reputable family, said unlike Ekiti under the immediate past Governor, Kayode Fayemi that witnessed about ten political killings and violence, the state under his boss, Fayose, has been very peaceful and orderly, just as recently posited by the Nigeria Police.
The statement reads: “Acting the already prepared script of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, one Mr. Tunde Ogunlola, who claimed to be the Chairman of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in Ekiti State, on Saturday the 9th of June, 2016, in a petition dispatched to the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Idris Ibrahim and the Director General of the Directorate of State Services, DSS, Alhaji Lawal Daura, described my humble self, Sunshine Anifowose and seven other aides and associates of the Governor as threat to the security of our dear State.
“As long as i would have loved to ignore this imaginary tale, however, the concerns so far shown by my friends and family members’ within and outside the shore of Nigeria necessitated this rebuttal.
“I want to say explicitly for posterity, that firstly, this accusation against my esteemed person is an outstanding lie from the pit of hell. This is an attempt to tarnish my irrefutable integrity. Let me say for the sake of emphasis that i am a responsible man from a reputable family.
“I am known for zero tolerance for gangsterism, hooliganism and violence. I have never been arrested by nor detained by or at any police formation in the country neither have i ever been charged to any court for any crime or been remanded in any prison custody within or outside Nigeria.
“I want to put it to Mr. Tunde Ogunlola and his paymasters that their latest petition is a satanic attempt to rubbish the statement credited to the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of South West, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo on June 1st 2016 as published by virtually all Newspapers in Nigeria that Ekiti State, under the leadership of my boss, Dr. Peter Ayo Fayose, has the lowest crime rate in Nigeria.
“I say without gainsay that we in the Fayose’s political camp align ourselves with the position of DIG Adebanjo on the state of security in Ekiti State. It is on record that ever since Fayose became Governor 30 months ago; our state has not witnessed any political killing neither has any opposition gladiator or member been attacked, assaulted or molested by any agent of the incumbent for political reason.
“Also, compared to other states of the federation, our state has the lowest cases of armed robbery and kidnapping in Nigeria. Also, violent demonstrations and communal clash are not synonymous to our state.
“I therefore advice the police and DSS to place APC leaders, especially, Tunde Ogunlola, the state publicity secretary of the party, Taiwo Olatunbosun and their cronies in Ekiti on security watch because from our past experience, their modus operandi is that they always accuse people of whatever evil plans they plan to perpetrate.
“I reiterate the fact that Gov. Fayose is the father of all in Ekiti at the moment. He respects the Elders, the traditional institutions and the rights of the people to associate. When Fayemi was to be made Minister, Fayose called on Senators from Ekiti State to ensure that he’s cleared without any hindrance.”
Anifowose said that despite the barrage of insults being passed against Fayose daily on Social Media, Newspapers, TV and Radio by some APC Governorship Aspirants and their supporters, the Governor has refused to be provoked.
The Governor’s aide stated that opposition members have been coming to Ado-Ekiti, the state capital to hold rallies even against the electoral law without being attacked.
-
Tuition hike: Student groups storm YABATECH, demand reversal
Students under the auspices of the National Association of Nigerian students and the Alliance of Nigerian students against Neo-liberal Attacks have stormed Yaba college of Technology to protest the “anti-student” policies in the institution.
The student groups alleged the management of incessant increment in the institution’s tuition fees, proscription of the student Union Government, and the suspension of 21 students last year over their alleged roles in a protest last year.
In a recent protest, students from within and outside the institution converged at the gate with placards bearing various inscriptions like; “Bring back our comrades”, “we say no to increment in our school fees,” “Recession in the land, the increments must be reversed” among others. They also sang solidarity songs.
Before long, men of the Nigerian police force arrived at the scene in large numbers. Not bothered by the presence of security men, the students continued their protest until the Registrar of the institution and the Dean of Students Affairs, Mr Oladipo Ademola came to address the crowd.
He was said to have instructed them to come up with a seven man committee for a meeting with the management as he could not speak with them all. The Protesting students latter moved downed to the sport complex where members that made up the seven man committee were chosen.
The protesting students on Thursday Speaking with The Nation’s CampusLife, Akinola Abiodun, the director of Travel and Exchange of the National Association of Nigerian Students said the protest was to demand for a better deal for the students, requesting that the 21 students suspended last year and the proscribed Students Union Government be reinstated as well as a downward reversal of the increased fees.
He said: “In the last two years, there has been no students Union Government in this institution. During this period, the school fees has been increased twice. From #19,500 the fee was increased to #23,400 and to #34,000.
“For fresh students, the increment was from #23,000 to #35,000 and for the part-time students it was increased from 55,000 to 84,000. Most of the students have been tortured with this, some have had to defer their studies by a session to raise money.”
He added that he was one of the students suspended for his involvement in the February 10, 2016 protest noting that they are all yet to be reinstated.
The General Secretary of the Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-libral Attacks, Adeyeye Olorunfemi noted that his group joined the protest to express their disdain over the injustice meted on students in the school, adding that: “The acceptance fee has been increased from 10,000 to 20,000, this is a hundred percent increase. When we looked at the break down of the fee, we found some discrepancies for example is the medical examination and XRay.
“The Rector and other members of the management refused to come out, when we confronted the Medical director to explain the difference between the Media examination and the xray fee in the new school fee structure to us he ran away. Although the registrar has promised to look into all this.”
When CampusLife visited the Dean of Students Affairs, Mr Oladipo Ademola he declined giving comment on this. He claimed not to be aware of any protest on campus.
Also, all efforts to get the Public Relations Officer of the institution proved abortive. He was said to have attended a function, same we were told he was absent.
-
Reorientate Nigerians about the environment – Group urges govt
The Nigerian government has been urged to reorientate the populace on how to treat and care for the environment.
In commemoration of world environment day, groups organized walk comprising of pupils of various schools across Lagos state starting from Ikeja local government secretariat and ended at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa, Ikeja.
The walk which lasted about two hours saw the children carry solidarity placards in support of the environment. One of the organizers, Nancy Olatunji said the walk tagged: “The Green Walk” was meant to create awareness for the environment to the public.
She said: “We are trying to create awareness for the environment. The environment is going bad by the day and everything is wrong with it. America is the highest polluters of the environment and it’s bad. Africa contributes just five percent of pollution in the world yet we are paying for what we didn’t really create.”
She also stated that the walk was to sensitize Lagosians about the environment and she urged the government to reorientate the Nigerian people about the dangers of polluting the environment.
Reiterating a similar opinion, Jini Sebakunzi, another organizer of the event urged Nigerian government to encourage her citizens to protect the environment.
“If the government speaks to the citizens, they will listen. They need to tell people to treat the climate well. The Nigerian environment is littered with filth, people throw dirt anywhere which is not good enough,” he said.
The convener of the event, Mike Ologunoye said pupils were chosen to participate in the walk so as to inculcate into them the culture of keeping the environment clean.
He said: “the kids were chosen to participate in the event because they are the future leaders, they will be able to learn to treat the environment with utmost care.”
A participant, Olowoniyi Sumibare, a pupil from Joy Children’s school urged people to stop throwing dirt on the streets for the sake of the environment.
-
Obasanjo, Gana, others celebrate Badejo at 70
Friends, well-wishers and religious leaders gathered last weekend to celebrate Pastor Wilson Badejo, the immediate past General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel church, Nigeria.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, chairman of the occasion described the septuagenarian as a “good man” who performed well in all his endeavors. “As a farmer, he performed well, as a pastor he did the same, he is also a good family man”, Obasanjo said.
He went on to recount his many years of friendship with the Ogun State born farmer cum pastor, “I learned a lot from Dr. Badejo, when I left office as an unwanted Head of State, I needed something to do and all the lessons I got from him about the farming business were put into practice.” He also declared that Badejo was the one praying for his release while in jail.
Similarly, former Vice Presidential aspirant and convener of Save Nigeria Group, Pastor Tunde Bakare, the guest speaker of the program described Badejo as “a man of many parts” who has lived a “purposeful life”. He described him as a mentor with whom he has had a great relationship over the years and the man who commissioned his church, Latter Rain Assembly.
Former Minister of Information, Prof Jerry Gana who was the chief launcher for Wilson Badejo’s newly written book, ‘My Spiritual Odyssey’ described him as a man of honour who speaks the truth at all times.
Former Deputy Governor in charge of Operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Tunde Lemo, Archbishop Lanre Obembe of Elshadai Bible Church and Pastor Yomi Kasali of Foundation of Truth Assembly were some of the dignitaries that graced the event.
-
Expectations for the week
May 29 every year is celebrated as Democracy day in Nigeria.
Today marks the 18th anniversary of the country’s return to democratic rule.
President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in as Nigeria’s fourth executive President on May 29, 2015.
The message of CHANGE and hope was circulated across the country during the electioneering period, many Nigerians believed that the country will blossom immediately there was a change in leadership.
However, the same enthusiasm found in Nigerians two years ago cannot really be said to exist at the same level now. In his speech earlier today, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo stated – “I firmly believe that we have put the most difficult phase behind us, and we are witnesses to the ever-increasing intensity of the light at the end of the tunnel. We ask for your continued cooperation and support, to enable us realise all our best intentions and ambitions for Nigeria”.
The Acting President said the country has gone beyond its most difficult phase and he has told Nigerians to expect “light at the end of the tunnel”. He went on to say, “Nigeria belongs to all of us. No one person or group of persons is more important or more entitled than the other in this space that we all call home”.
The speech of Prof. Osinbajo sounds enticing, it’s clear that the government has great plans for the Nigerian people but how fulfilled will Nigerians be two years from now? Will these good “intentions” and “ambitions” translate to results or will Nigerians be left disappointed after the expiration of this tenure, time will tell.
Last week, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State was accused of double registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after a picture of him registering was in an enclosed room that has gone viral on social media. One wonders if the youthful Governor lacks advisers or just love to flout electoral rules.
Did they not inform him of how embarrassing the situation will become if the public gets to find out of the action? First, why register twice when you can transfer your voter’s card down to your current location? Moreover, even if one is to register for the voting card, can you not register just like normal people do and not take the INEC official to a closed room? His actions have brought condemnation on him from his party, INEC and Nigerians across different walks of life.
However, an explanation from the Kogi State Governor to explain his side of the story will be expected by very many who are already castigating his actions, hopefully, that will come this week.
Follow @Segun_Odunayo
-
Expectations for the week
Last week, reports from the media had it that a certain Governor in the country has diverted funds from the Paris Club refund meant for the betterment of the states and Nigerian people.
It was reported that the anti-graft agency, Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) exposed that millions of dollars was diverted for private use by the Governor.
This has attracted wide criticism from the Nigerian people, they are angry that such large sum can be embezzled by a government official despite the tight economic condition presently faced by the country.
A particular online medium gave the name of the Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz
Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari as the man behind the corrupt action. It was included that Gov. Yari used the funds to build a hotel in Lagos.
Earlier today (Monday), the governor claimed he isn’t building any hotel in Lagos. In a statement released today by the Head of Media and Public Affairs of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Abulrazque B. Barkindo;
Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar has said emphatically that he does not even own a plot of land in Lagos not to talk of a hotel.
But the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials in Lagos claimed as follows: that “they have found a hotel being constructed by Governor Yari of Zamfara state with $3m he stole from London-Paris Club loan refund to Nigerian states. Hopefully, the public will get the full understanding of this ongoing ‘drama’ soon.
One was of the major highlights of last week was the release of 82 Chibok girls abducted three years ago, the development brought joy and happiness to people within and even outside the shores of the country.
However, a week after the rescue, the girls haven’t been released to meet their families. The necessary authorities responsible for their re-orientation for integration back into the normal society should hasten up as the friends, families and well-wishers of the girls will be eager to have them back in their arms.
FeedBack:
For opinions and commentary about topical national issues discussed on this column, send your views to damzy.odunayo@gmail.com or follow on Twitter @Segun_Odunayo
-
Nigerians urged to study in Holland
The Netherlands Alumni Association of Nigeria (NAAN) has urged Nigerians to attend the Study in Holland Fair Lagos scheduled to hold at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos on Saturday, 10th June 2017 from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
According to Olusesan Olukoya, the coordinator of the alumni body in Nigeria, the study in Holland Fair will be a platform for intending students to meet one-on -one with the representatives of institutions of their choices.
He said the program is a rare opportunity that has been designed for Nigerians seeking international undergraduate, postgraduate and/or professional education courses in the Netherlands to get direct advice on the opportunities available to them for study in the Kingdom of the Netherlands on scholarship and paid courses.
-
Expectations for the week
Many Nigerians who slept early yesterday evening must just be finding the news of the departure of President Buhari shocking this morning. The Nigerian President has gone on medical leave and has handed over power to the Vice – President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. After a few weeks of not appearing in public, many Nigerians felt concern for their President’s health, his absence at Federal Executive Council meetings further fueled suspicions that all was not well with him.
Last Friday, he appeared in mosque for the Jumaat prayers but he still wasn’t looking too good. Now that he’s gone abroad for further treatment, people are glad that the President will get the best medical attention and the country will still be in capable hands.
Nigerians are hopeful that the country will experience positive changes under Acting President Yemi Osinbajo just like the last time President Buhari went on medical leave in London.
Yesterday, 82 Chibok girls abducted by Boko haram were swapped by the Federal Government for some commanders of the sect. This cheering news has brought smiles to the faces of many Nigerians who have been concerned about the whereabout of the girls.
Just before his departure for London, President Buhari addressed the girls in Aso Rock. Of course, there has been many questions asked which includes – Why did the Nigerian government have to negotiate with a terrorist organization? Why did it take so long before these girls were released? When will the remaining girls be released?
Anyway, we cannot but give kudos to the Federal Government for rescuing these girls. Their friends and family members must be highly delighted to have them back; hopefully, the other captured girls will be brought back safe and sound.
The National Assembly has proclaimed that the 2017 budget will be ready this week; in fact, it will be ready by Tuesday, 9th May 2017. Members of the Senate have assured Nigerians that the budget will be ready tomorrow. Already, the budget is behind schedule and should have been in operation by now. However, it remains to be seen if the budget will be passed tomorrow as promised or not.
Last week, many Nigerians received with delight the news by Musician cum actor, Bankole Wellignton and actress, Adesua Etomi that they were going to get married. Both celebrities took to their Instagram accounts to announce their love story to the world, they both gave a history of their story and this received pleasant goodwill messages from fellow celebrities and many Nigerians.
Last Saturday, Bankole and Adesua had their introduction ceremony and many celebrity friends of the couple were in attendance. From this corner, we are wishing them a happy married life and we are praying they keep the status despite the many challenges that may be faced.