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  • ADC collapses structure, joins Ondo APC

    The camp of the opposition parties in Ondo State depleted on Friday as several hundreds of members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) collapsed their political structure to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    The members in Akure South Local Government Area include the executive and elders of ADC, with over 700 followers from all the eleven political wards in the local government area.

    The decampees were received into the party by the state chairman, Engr Ade Adetimehin, who handed them over to the governor of the state and leader of the party in the state, Arakunrin  Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    The new members were received with funfair at the party secretariat along Oyemekun road, Akure at an event which had Governor Akeredolu and other leaders of the party in attendance.

    The state Chairman described APC as a “party of equality for members with clear-cut welfarist ideology for the masses.”

    Read Also: Ondo 2020: I will contest against Akeredolu

    He assured the new members of level playing ground, adding that they have equal rights and will receive same treatment as the old members of the party.

    Adetimehin said the unprecedented performance of Akeredolu across sectors and in all parts of the state have made the project of continuity easy for APC in the state.

    Hon Femi Bello, who led the decampees, said the collapse of the political structures of ADC in Akure South Local Government Area and the decision to fuse with APC was an unconditional and unanimous decision of all members of ADC in the local government, adding that the decision was also in appreciation of the remarkable performance of the APC controlled government in Ondo State.

    He said the monumental performance of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu that have dotted the entire landscape of the sunshine state, coupled with the programmes of the administration, which are daily impacting the lives of the people are major attractions of the former ADC members to APC.

    While declaring the preparedness of his fellow decampees to work hard at consolidating the hold of the APC in Ondo State, Hon Bello said the transformations which the Akeredolu administration has brought to Akure could not have been surpassed if the governor were to have been an Akure person.

    In his remarks, Akeredolu, appreciated the new members of the APC and assured them that all loyal and committed members would not be disappointed having their party in government.

    He said despite the lean resources at the disposal of the state government, several landmark projects initiated by it have been delivered or in varying degrees of completion for the well-being of the people of the state.

    Akeredolu said the industrialization policy of his administration which gave rise to the Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub in Ore have berthed no few that seven different manufacturing and production companies with employment running into thousands for able bodied citizens of the state.

    The governor, who said that the state would soon witness greater development, assured that the much awaited exploration of the second world largest bitumen deposit in the state would begin very soon while the first flyover in the state would be delivered before the end of the year in Ore.

  • Presidency faults UN rapporteur report on violence in Nigeria

    The Presidency on Friday faulted the United Nations rapporteur report on violence in Nigeria.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, described the report as disappointing.

    He said: “We have read press reports of the UN rapporteur on violence in Nigeria.

    “While we agree that the violence in Nigeria, or in any country, is a major concern and that there is a rippling effect, we are disappointed that the rapporteur was silent on intra-group violence.

    “In Benue, Taraba, Cross River States and many parts of the country, most of the casualties result from intra-group, inter-group and community violence.

    ‘Many of the displaced persons across the nation are also victims of these conflicts.”

    He pointed out that the Federal and State governments have handled violence in the country effectively.

    “There is absolutely no doubt that violence between farmers and herders, which has a long history in our country spiked in recent years but the effectiveness with which the Federal and State authorities responded made a big difference.

    “Calm has virtually returned to all parts affected by the peculiar violence.

    “Therefore, we are saddened that the rapporteur did not address intra-ethnic conflicts and cattle rustling as key elements in herder/farmer conflicts. In Benue State for instance, the Tiv/Jukun conflict and kidnapping is a major problem.

    Read Also: Igbo presidency: Ngige, Sagay disagree on zoning

    “We are glad that local communities have fully realized this, and scholars with a strong motivation for peace and stability in their communities and the nation are trying to address the problem.

    “Ignoring the salient issues will not help to solve the problem. If you are going to address violence and the general insecurity in Nigeria, incidents everywhere should be part of the narrative. Not addressing this might make it easier to blame the Federal Government, but national peace and security is community based and a collective responsibility.”

    According to him, arrests, prosecution and locking people up are only small parts of National Security and Safety strategy.

    He went on: “In Benue State as cited earlier, the work of a US scholar of Tiv extraction, Professor Dick Adzenge deserves special mention for attempting to get aspects of violence addressed.

    “The expectation that arresting and putting people in prison is the only credible response to violence is a mistake. Professor Adzenge and a few others like him are working with young people, traditional rulers and communities to seek peaceful resolution of conflicts and encourage peaceful co-existence.

    “The sort of effort we are talking about here has so far revealed interesting facts about the problem in Benue State that cannot be ignored.

    “And it is the sort of support we seek from the UN rapporteur in reporting, not the report that scratches the surface of the subject then ends up blaming the government under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

    The UN representative, he said, needed to be truthful and even-handed in her assignment.

  • Five dead, 10 others injured as bus bursts into flame on expressway

    Five passengers were charred and 10 others suffered some degrees of burns on Friday when a bus conveying them burst into a flames, after it had somersaulted at the Onigari corridor of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

    The lone crash occurred in the morning when a commercial bus coming from Sokoto stopped over briefly in Ibadan to pick Lagos bound passengers and shortly after taken off, the driver lost control of the wheel, smashed into the road median and tumbled many times over before balls fire erupted from the crash.

    The Route Commander and  Public Education Officer of Federal Road Safety Corps, Ogun State Command, quoted the Sector Commander, Clement Oladele, as saying five persons died in the accident while 10 others were injured.

    She stated:  “The lone crash involved a commercial bus that  travelled all the way from Sokoto State but stopped briefly in Ibadan to pick other passengers. The bus was heading towards Lagos State before it lost control, at Onigari due to excessive speed, and collided with the road median with  the bus upturning and  bursting into flames.

    Read Also: Two die in Port Harcourt, Asaba accidents

    “The crash involved 18 passengers comprising 17 male adults and 1 female adult .

    “A total of 10 male adults sustained injuries from the crash but five of the passengers unfortunately died from the crash comprising four male adults and a female adult.”

    The commuter bus was a white coloured Mazda bus with registration number WWD 302CB

    “The FRSC Ogun State Sector Commander , Clement Oladele commiserates  with the families of  the crash victims and advised members of the public whose relatives travelled, requiring more information about the crash, should contact the FRSC Command at KM27 Ibadan – Lagos Expressway at Ogunmakin or the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) , Sagamu, where the injured victims were rescued to.”

    According to the Route Commander, the remains of those killed in the crash were also deposited at the OOUTH mortuary.

    She urged  motorists to drive cautiously on the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway as it is still undergoing rehabilitation, recommending 50km per hour as safe speed at construction area while  passengers should always  caution their drivers observed driving recklessly.

  • Oyo redeems pledge of N500,000 bursary to Law school students

    The government of Oyo State has redeemed its pledge of N500,000 bursary to indigenes of the State in the Nigerian Law School.

    A statement by the Special Assistant (Print Media) to the Governor, Moses Alao, indicated on Friday that the 2019/2020 Backlog Session of the Forum of Oyo State indigenes in the Nigerian Law School had confirmed the payment in an appreciation letter to the governor.

    Governor Seyi Makinde had on August 6, approved the payment of N500,000 to each indigene of the state in the  2019/2020 Backlog Session of the Law school, who are 120 in all.

    The letter signed by the chairman of the Students’ Forum, Olaniyi Ogunlade and the secretary, Akani Christiana, showed appreciation to Governor Makinde for releasing the N60 million bursary he approved for the Forum in July.

    Read Also: Makinde’s victory God-ordained, says Bishop Wale Oke

    The Forum, in the letter dated 20 September, 2019, expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde following the issuance of cheques to the students by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Daud Sangodoyin.

    The Commissioner, who issued cheques to 107 of the beneficiaries, who had been cleared, stated that the determination of Governor Makinde to restore the glory of the State in the education sector made him approve the bursary award, noting that no stone would be left unturned in the administration’s effort to deliver quality education.

    He maintained that the State had rolled out different programmes to improve the standard of education in the State, including the free distribution of textbooks and exercise books to all secondary school students, the organisation of extra-mural classes for SS3 students and the general improvement of education infrastructure, noting that with the solid foundation being laid by the administration, there could be no doubt that the education sector would experience a huge turnaround in a short time.

    The statement recalls that the last time Oyo State indigenes in the Law School benefitted from a bursary award was in 2012, when they were paid N100,000 each.

  • How to reduce dementia’s risk — Expert

    A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), well known as the Gabi-Williams Alzheimer’s Foundation (GWAF), has, as a prelude to the marking of the World Alzheimer’s Day holding today, held a robust public awareness campaign on how to address the universal upsurge of the devastating disease.

    The foundation kicked off the annual World Alzheimer’s Day pre-activities with a public lecture that brought together key stakeholders to discuss critical issues in the field of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

    The lecture, which was delivered with the theme, “How to Reduce the Risk of Dementia,” by Prof. Gbenga Ogedegbe – a renowned professor of Population Health and Medicine and Associate Vice-Chancellor, New York University School of Medicine, dwelled extensively on effective measures to be taken to help Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers in managing the dreaded disease.

    In the lecture, Prof. Ogedegbe described Alzheimer’s as a very dangerous disease that affects the brain, disrupting the patient’s cognitive function, causing progressive death of brain cells and heavily inflicting memory loss and confusion with time or place, among other human destructions.

    Read Also: You and your mental health (5)

    The professor, who is also Director, Center for Health Behavior Change, disclosed that there is no definite cure yet for Alzheimer’s disease, but was quick to make it clear that scientific evidence indicates that the risk of the disease can be reduced by regular exercise, eating healthy food, fruits and vegetables, staying socially active and regularly getting a goodnight sleep.

    Expressing deep concern on the increased prevalence of dementia in Nigeria and its present huge burden to patients, caregivers and healthcare system, the highly acclaimed professor revealed that dementia is a rapidly growing public health problem affecting around 50million people globally.

    Going further, he pointed out that there are nearly 10million new cases every year and that the disease has been properly identified as a major cause of disability and dependency among older people.

    In conclusion, Prof. Ogedegbe observed that the disease has become a severe economic burden on society as a whole with the cost of caring for people with dementia estimated to rise to US$ 2trillion annually.

    The lecture was rounded off with arts exhibition and auction.

    Eminent personalities present at the lecture included, Mr. Eric Duru of Mental Health and Substance Abuse- Public Health Department, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Remi Desalu former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Abisola Williams- Chairman, GWAF Board of Trustees and a host of other dignitaries.

  • Bolanle Awe, Osuntokun, Dosumu, others for Kiriji war anniversary lecture

    Yoruba leaders from all sectors of life are set to meet in Ibadan, the Oyo Sate capital, to participate in a public lecture themed Yoruba: Today, Yesterday and Tomorrow.

    The event is to mark the 126th anniversary of the Kiriji War, the civil war that engulfed Yoruba land from 1877 to 1893.

    Read Also: Nigeria may not celebrate 100th Independence anniversary – Bisi Akande

    The public lecture is slated to take place at the House of Chiefs on Monday 23rd of September will start at 10 AM.

    The event will be chaired by Historian, Prof Bolanle Awe while the keynote lecture will be delivered by Prof Banji Akintoye, the newly elected Yoruba Leader.

    The event which was organized by the Yoruba Heritage Group will witness discussants including Dr Kunle Olajide, Dr Kunle Olajide, Chief Segun Odegbami, Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosummu and Prof Jide Osuntokun.

  • Senate may review security architecture, says Lawan

    The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has hinted that the upper legislative chamber might review the nation’s security architecture to address emerging security challenges across the country.

    Lawan however said the proposed review would be carried out in collaboration with the executive arm of government, as he stressed the urgent need for improvement in the nation’s security situation.

    The Senate President, however, did not elaborate on the scope and sphere of the pending review. He spoke with journalists in Abuja yesterday shortly after his arrival from a foreign trip.

    Lawan said: “In the Eighth Senate, we had an ad-hoc committee that I was privileged to chair, to review the security architecture of the country. We are going to look into that report and, of course, in addition, other contemporary issues that affect security in the country.

    “We intend to do those things that would ensure that the security situation in the country improves and this we would do with the executive arm of government, as this cannot be done alone.”

    The Senate President disclosed that the National Assembly had received the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which he said was sent by the executive while he was away.

    “I have been informed that the executive arm of government has sent the request for the MTEF to the Senate, and I am sure that will be the first thing that would be looked into when we resume next week.

    Read Also: Troops kill seven key commanders of Boko Haram terrorists in Lake Chad

    “We hope to take on the MTEF within the first legislative week.

    “Our committee on finance will be saddled with its first major responsibility; that it works expeditiously on the FSP/MTEF request of the executive arm of government, and the budget will come after that,” Lawan said.

    He also expressed the readiness of the National Assembly to receive the 2020 Appropriation Bill anytime soon, saying that the executive was working assiduously to ensure that the document is presented to the legislature by month end.

    “We are hopeful and optimistic as well as hungry and thirsty to receive the 2020 appropriation bill. I am aware that the executive arm of government is working assiduously to ensure that the appropriation bill for the year 2020 is presented to the National Assembly at the end of this month.

    “The National Assembly will work so hard to ensure that the 2020 budget is passed before we go on Christmas break.

    This is one issue that we hope to take head-on to ensure that we reverse the undesirable trend of the budget.

    “We believe this can be achieved, as doing so would make the economy better and predictable. We also think an early passage of the 2020 appropriations bill will have a desirable impact on Nigerians,” he said.

    On the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, Lawan said the Senate would look into the matter on resumption.

    “You recall that this issue was reviewed before we went on recess. The Senate felt as an institution, that our citizens’ diplomacy must be protected wherever they go in the world.

    “The government must be there for them, and I am happy that after the xenophobic crisis, the federal government was able to take a position.

    “We need to be much more resolute. Whatever the situation is, our citizens must be protected. If someone runs foul of the laws of a country, there are processes and procedures on how such a person can be prosecuted.

    “Therefore, we must try to protect our citizens. I also think we must be proactive to tell our citizens that if they choose to live in any country, they must ensure they stay within the limits of the laws of that country, just as we expect of foreigners in ours.”

  • Troops kill seven key commanders of Boko Haram terrorists in Lake Chad

    The Nigerian Army yesterday said seven key commanders of Boko Haram terrorists were killed in the Lake Chad region following their bombardment by troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force and operation Lafiya Dole.

    It gave their names as Abba Mainoik, Bukar Dunokaube, Abu Kololo and Abor Lime, said to be an Arab.

    A statement signed by Army spokesman Col Sagir Musa named the others as Mann Chari, Abu Hamza and Dawoud Abdoulaye.

    The statement reads: “The MNJTF and the Nigerian Armed Forces are in celebrative mood today and have been basking in the successes of their combined efforts of artillery and air bombardments of suspected hideouts of erstwhile Boko Haram/ISWAP at the Tumbus of Lake Chad region that neutralised many including key commanders.

    “However, it was mourning and a monumental setback for the erstwhile Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters hibernating at the triangular area.

    Read Also: Boko Haram: Army assures Maiduguri residents of safety

    “Reliable information coming out from the inner circles of the demented and criminal group’s enclave escaping to Sudan and Central African Republic indicates that no fewer than seven of their key commanders have been wasted by the superior forces of the MNJTF.

    “The neutralised commanders are said to be Abba Mainok, Bukar Dunokaube, Abu kololo, Abor Kime (said to be of Arab origin – likely their ISIS trainer), Mann Chari, Dawoud Abdoulaye (from Mali) and Abu Hamza.

    “All these were said to be commanders of various Tumbus controlling fighters before they were decisively dealt with and sent to the pit of hell by the military bombardment.

    “Although these names may not be real and may likely be nicknames or alias, nonetheless, it is an unprecedented feat in our quest to clear the remnants of these criminals in the area. Consequently, efforts are ongoing to get more information on their true identities.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai, had through the Theatre Commander Multinational Joint Task Force and the Commander Operation LAFIYA DOLE commended the troops for this great efforts and enjoined them to do more.”

  • Motorists, commuters stranded in Lagos as fuel tanker falls on Otedola bridge

    A diesel tanker fell on Otedola Bridge, Lagos, last night causing a massive gridlock at the Lagos end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

    The brake of the tanker was said to have failed.

    Emergency workers rushed to the scene to prevent a fire outbreak.

    Read Also: Video: Tanker falls, spills fuel on Otedola bridge

    The Lagos State Traffic Management said the tanker was evacuated at 9:40 PM yesterday about   five hours after the incident occurred.

    Thousands of motorists and commuters were stranded on the route for as long as the gridlock caused by the accident lasted.

    Many commuters were seen walking to get to their destination.

  • Oshodi miscreants devise plot to escape police raid

    Suspected miscreants in Oshodi, who escaped police raid by the whiskers may have devised new plan to beat further arrest by law enforcement agents.

    No fewer than 71 suspected miscreants were arrested by personnel of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences on Wednesday.

    When our reporter visited the area on Thursday evening, a number of the boys were sighted loitering around the railway line.

    Sources said the boys now come around in the evening when personnel of the Lagos Task Force are not around to apprehend them.

    Read Also: Task force nabs 71 miscreants in early morning raid at Oshodi

    It was said that a number of them who escaped the recent police raid still sleep in shacks along the railway line.

    ‘’The boys no longer come out in the morning. They would go to other parts of the state and return in the evening from 7 PM when Task Force operative are no longer around.

    ‘’They still come around to smoke Indian hemp and indulge in pick pocketing as usual. Operatives of the Lagos Task Force would need to step up their surveillance in order to discourage the boys from regrouping to further their nefarious activities like snatching people’s bags and valuables here,’’ said a source who asked not to be named.