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Ekiti: Gov Oyebanji Orders Construction Of New Toilet At NYSC Camp

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has reacted to the incident at the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Orientation Camp, giving a marching order for the immediate construction of toilet facilities at the camp.

The State Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Adesola Adedayo who made this known in Ado Ekiti, said that the Governor was particularly disturbed with the news of the collapse of a toilet facility at the camp.

He added that it was however a relief that the two female corps members involved in the incident sustained minor injuries and are medically stable.

Adedayo, who is also the Chairman of the NYSC Governing Council in the State, said he promptly moved to the camp for an on-the-spot- assessment of the situation immediately he was informed about the collapse of the toilet facility.

Expressing empathy for the affected Corps members, Adedayo assured that victims are stable and placed under observation at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido- Ekiti, adding that the situation is under control.

“I have gone round the camp to assess the situation of the Orientation camp and the two Corps members are doing fine now, they are stable, they are fine.

“The consultant Doctor at the NYSC camp had attended to them. They have also been taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Ido Ekiti for further examination.

“The Doctor confirmed that they are fine and actually did not want to send them to the Teaching Hospital but we deemed it necessary for observation and assurance that there won’t be other complications.

“Our Governor has been supporting NYSC in Ekiti State. We have been supporting them every time they have orientation camp and we will continue to support them.

“No stone would be left unturned to forestall similar occurrences in future but I must assure you that the Corps members are safe, the orientation camp is calm and the two affected female Corps members are also safe.”

Niger/Delta Is Nigeria’s Economic Engine – Gov Aiyedatiwa

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has said that Niger Delta, with its vast natural resources and cultural richness, has long been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic engine.

He has, therefore, urged the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to give priority to projects that will meet the peculiar needs of each of the oil producing States in the country.

The Governor maintained that implementing generic policies and initiatives without putting into consideration the peculiar challenges and comparative advantages of each State is one of the major banes of development in the Niger Delta.

Governor Aiyedatiwa stated this while delivering his goodwill message at the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit, organised by the NDDC at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, in Portharcourt, Rivers State, on Friday.

He said: “The Theme of this Summit, ‘Renewed Hope for Sustainable Development in the Niger Delta’ is not only apposite but essential as we navigate the complexities of development in our beloved region.

“This theme resonates deeply with me as it aligns with our administration’s vision for Ondo State and the region.

“In Ondo State, we have implemented various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development, including investments in infrastructure, education and healthcare.

“We have continued to prioritize environmental protection, job creation and collaboration with private sector, recognizing their roles in driving economic growth.

“Niger Delta, with its vast natural resources and cultural richness, has long been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic engine.

“However, it is no secret that our region has also faced numerous challenges ranging from environmental degradation, economic disparity, to social unrest, to mention a few.

“These issues have not only hindered our growth but have also stifled the potential of our vibrant and industrious communities.

“While we go ahead with our discussions that will make us arrive at the strategic decisions that will guide the path to peace, progress and prosperity of the Niger Delta people, we should not forget that the sustainable development in the Niger Delta is not a task for one entity but a collective responsibility.

“The synergy among the Federal Government, State Governments, local communities and the private sector is crucial.

“The NDDC, as a key driver of development in the region, must continue to engage with all relevant parties to ensure that projects are not only impactful but also reflective of the true needs of our communities.

“It goes without saying that our greatest asset is our people. Education, healthcare, and skills acquisition must be at the forefront of our development agenda.

“We must invest in our youths, providing them with the tools and opportunities to innovate and lead. By focusing on human capital development, we create a foundation for long-term economic growth and stability.”

Highliting the environmental challenges in the region, such as oil spills, gas flaring, sea incursion and deforestation, the Governor said “sustainable development requires us to adopt environmentally friendly practices and invest in technologies that mitigate harm to our ecosystem.

“We all know that robust infrastructure is the backbone of any thriving economy. Roads, bridges, healthcare facilities, and schools are essential for the well-being of our people.

“The NDDC has made significant strides in this area, but more needs to be done. We must ensure that infrastructural projects are executed efficiently, transparently and sustainably.”

Why APC Top Notch Ditched Party In Kano For PDP

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Senator Masud Doguwa

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The ranks of the opposition All Progress Congress, APC, in Kano, on Friday, July 12, 2024, further depleted.

This followed the unexpected defection of one of  its pillars in Kano South Senatorial Zone, Senator Masud Doguwa to the rival  Peoples Democratic Party PDP.

Doguwa, who was in the Senate of the National Assembly between 1999 and 2003 on the platform of the PDP  is well acknowledged for his grassroot mobilization ability.

His defection, along side his followers is  a home- coming.

Rationalizing his  decision to part ways with the APC, Senator Doguwa cited abandonment, and lack of direction on the part of the party, as well as its  perceived pursuit of anti- people policies .

In a statement, he said:  “After wide range of consultations with our people, we have decided to resign our membership of the APC and all its committees effective immediately”

He pointedly accused APC of delighting in implementing policies that are harmful to the people .

He, also, expressed unhappiness with the non- involvement of critical stakeholders in the running of the Party.

His defection marks, yet, another in the series of some low and high profile members that have dumped APC in Kano following its loss of the 2023 Gubernatorial seat.

But while Senator Doguwa chose to pitch tent with the PDP, others  before him largely swelled the rank of the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, in the State.

Nigeria’s  Exports Through Tin Can Port Hits Over N1.3 Trillion in Six Months As Customs Generates N575 Billion

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Comptroller Deraa Nnadi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A total value of commercial goods  exported by the Nigeria between January and June 2024, through the Tin Can Island Port stands at  One Trillion,Thirty Two Billion, Six Hundred and One Million, Forty Four Thousand ,Seven Hundred  and Seventy Four Naira( N1,032,601,044,744.00).

The Port, also, within the period under review, yielded the sum of over N575 billion as customs revenue collections.

This represents an improved revenue of over N315 billion against about N 260 billion generated during the corresponding period in 2023.

The Area Controller, Tin Can Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Services, NCS, Comptroller Deraa Nnadi, who disclosed this at a press briefing on Friday, July 12, 2024 noted that a total of 489,594 .50 MT of goods were exported through the Port as against 291,436 metric tones within the same period in 2023.

According to him, Soya beans was the highest export commodity with a value of over N92 billion.

Correspondingly, self adhesive was the lowest export with a value of a little over N17 billion.

Comptroller Nnadi stated that the increase in revenue were as a result of the dedication and unwavering commitment of the  Service in the areas of revenue  generation, trade facilitations, and a robust   enforcement of anti-smuggling rules.

The Tin Can Port NCS Comptroller, disclosed that the Command has been uncompromising in the pursuit of its  anti-smuggling activities which has led to a considerable  number of seizures within the first half of 2024.

“Customs being the lead Agency at the Ports through its Enforcement Unit has coordinated several 100% physical examinations under my supervision in collaboration with critical stakeholders to ensure that the command is freed of any form of non-compliance with the international trade cycle.

“Some of the items seized include three plastic drums concealing several packets of cannabis Indica, forty six bags containing two thousand ,one hundred and seventy two kg imported from Canada..

“The approximate street value of the illicit substances is N,3,216,000,000,00.”

Comptroller Nnadi informed that in all, about nine billion Naira worth of seizures were made within the period under review.

He expressed satisfaction with the abilities of the Command in stopping the injection of large quantities of arms, ammunition, and dangerous drugs into  Nigeria’s system.

The NCS Tin Can Command Comptroller, also, appreciated critical stakeholders in the system for the giant strides made.

“We continue to express our appreciation for the  support and clear sense of direction from the Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Management of Nigeria Customs Service for their relentless and continuous efforts towards strengthening the capacity of the Service, and introducing innovative methods to perform its statutory responsibilities in line with international best practices .

“I also appreciate the contributions of my Management team, as well as officers and men of the Command.” Nnadi stated.

Eight Chinese Nationals, Nigerian Arraigned In Abuja, Over Illegal Mining Activities In Abia

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Eight Chinese Nationals arrested in Abia

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Eight Chinese Nationals and a Nigerian have been arraigned before an Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Justice  J.K. Omotosho on charges bordering on illegal mining activities.

The accused were arrested by a combined team of Operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and Mining Marshals of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals   over alleged illegal mining activities in Lakpaukwu area, Umuchieze ,in Umunneochi Local Council of Abia state.

A statement issued on Friday, July 12, 2024 in Abuja, by the media aide to the Minister of Solid Minerals, Segun Tomori, said the suspects were arraigned  Thursday July 11, on a 3- count charge bordering on mining without lawful authority, and obstruction of lawful mining operations.

Justice Omotosho remanded the nine suspects at the Kuje Correctional facility, after taking pleas and arguments from both the prosecution and defendants’ legal teams.

Those arraigned were Shen Yongchan,Mo Baixian,Xiao Bin ,Huang Xu Fa,Ma Bingli, Yang Jian,Li Peiyin,and Que Wenyong .

Others are Hiyk Edward Desmond and Wanda Company Limited .

The accused are to be remanded until the next adjourned  date for the continuation of trials.

The statement noted that the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, in his determination to halt illegal mining of Nigeria’s mineral resources established the Mining Marshals, otherwise named “Operation Hayakin Kogo”

According to the statement, the setting up of the monitoring team is line with the cardinal components of the Minister’s 7-point agenda to restore sanity in the mining industry.

The Mining marshals who are  under the Command of ACC John Onoja, comprises 2,570 operatives and are  charged with the task of combating cartels and syndicates illegally operating in the mining industry.

Alake has assured of upscaling the operations of the Marshals through the provision of more equipment and modern technological tools for the purpose of properly protecting the industry from the activities of illegal miners.

Finally, Olakulehin Mounts Throne As 42nd Olubadan, Governor Makinde Presents Staff Of Office

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Oba Owolabi Olakulehin - Olubadan

By Akinwale Kasali

Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, 89,  has mounted the Throne of his forebears as the New Olubadan of Ibadan Land.

Olakulehin has been crowned the 42nd Olubadan. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday, presented the Staff of Office and the Instrument of Office to him.

The installation of the new Olubadan brings an end to the Obaship tussle that sprung up after the demise of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who joined his forefathers at the age of 81. He reigned for only two years.

The coronation of the New Olubadan took place at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the State Capital.

“By the power conferred upon me as the Governor by sub-sections (1) and (2) of Section 20 of the Chiefs Law Cap 28 Vol.1 Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000, I hereby present the Instrument/Staff of Office, which symbolises your authority as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin”, Governor Makinde said.

Dignitaries at the coronation include the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja; Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, who represented President Bola Tinubu, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun,  Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal,  Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, among others.

LG Financial Autonomy: IPAC Hails Supreme Court, Says Governors’ Grip On LG Funds Broken

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Yusuf Mamman Dantalle

By Akinwale Kasali

The verdict by the Supreme Court on the Local Government Autonomy has been applauded by Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC. It described the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling as a masterstroke that has broken the grip of State Governors on Council funds.

At a Press conference in Abuja on Friday, IPAC’s National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, expressed his appreciation for the judgment, and emphasised that it represents a significant victory for democracy and development in Nigeria.

Dantalle called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to monitor the funds released to Local Governments to ensure they are used for the people’s benefit.

IPAC said: “The Supreme Court has again shown that it is the temple of justice and the beacon of hope for all aggrieved people. The judgement has restored citizens’ confidence in the Judiciary as we strive to fix the Nation and make it great again.

“The Federal Government’s action in instituting the suit to liberate the 774 Local Governments from the clutches of State Governors is the best decision it has taken so far. It is a giant step forward in revamping the economy and bolstering grassroots development across the country.

“This judgment is a significant victory for democracy and development in Nigeria. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should immediately set up a monitoring team to ensure funds released to Local Governments are prudently and judiciously used for the good of the people.

“Nigerians desire and deserve credible elections as sovereignty resides in the people”, Dantalle stated.

NYSC Orientation Camp Building Collapses In Ekiti, Corps Members Injured

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ondo NYSC Orientation Camp

By Ayodele Oni

Confirming the fears over dilapidated condition of facilities at the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Ekiti State, the walls of one of the buildings collapsed early Friday.

This has led to  apprehension at the  Orientation Camp in Ise-Emure, as some of the youth corps members sustained various degrees of injuries.

It was gathered that the female section of the hostel, close to the bathroom, collapsed, leading to many corps members who were still asleep to jump out of bed.

“The wall of one of the female hostels collapsed this morning (Friday).

“It was the bathroom wall which caved in when they were planning to take their bath.

“But thank God, people rushed down there to retrieve them from the rubble.

“They have been stabilized at the clinic and they will get further medical treatments.”

The corps members are currently in the camp for the three weeks compulsory orientation camp.

An official of the NYSC who confirmed the incident said only two corps members were affected and had been stabilized at the camp’s clinic.

He called on parents, guardians and stakeholders not to panic over the incident, adding that it had no serious negative impact on the corps members.

Reacting to the incident, the Director General of the NYSC, Brig Gen Y. D. Ahmed appealed to Ekiti state government to equip the scheme at the state level with sustainable facilities for welfare and security of Corpers deployed to the state.

This was contained in a statement by the director of information of the NYSC, Eddy Mogwa.

The statement reads “The management of the NYSC wishes to inform the general public about the collapsed convenience that occured in the early hours of today, Friday, 12 July, 2024 at Ekiti state camp in Ise Ensure and assure that the situation is under control.”

Leadership Crisis In Ondo NLC Chapter As Two Chairmen Emerge

By
Ayodele Oni
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NLC Strike

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) is embroiled in constitutional and leadership tussles as two unionists are laying claim to the chairmanship.

The two claimants are Victor Amoko and  Olapade Ademola.

Ademola was elected on Thursday at a special meeting of the Ondo NLC State Executive Council (SEC) attended by 22 affiliate unions and presided over by the NLC Vice Chairperson, Busola Adewumi.

The election, according to the affiliate unions, was because Amoko has retired from the public service.

But Amoko said he remained the Ondo NLC Chairman because he was still in active service.

Amoko explained that the state government approved extension of service for teachers in the state, but that some leaders said he would not be NLC Chairman while in extended service.

“I am not retired. In Ondo, the Governor granted an elongation of service of which I am a beneficiary. They said I will not be allowed to use the elongation period as NLC Chairman.

“I still pay my dues during this time and it is payment of dues that makes me NLC member. They wrote to NLC national body on my issue but no reply.

“I am still the chairman. I have not received letter to tell me I have been replaced. I know the government still recognize me as NLC Chairman.”

Meanwhile, other affiliates unions such as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) which boycotted the meeting where Ademola was elected have declared the election as null and void.

The unions said Amoko remained Ondo NLC chairman as spelt out in the body’s constitution.

Ondo NULGE President, Federick Akinrinola, who spoke on behalf of the unions, said the election of Ademola was an aberration and violation of NLC constitution.

Akinrinola explained that the 300 affiliate unions would not recognize Ademola as its Chairman.

“Our demand is that the kangaroo election is illegal. We are totally against the illegality. It is an aberration.

“It is not a matter of bye election but constitution. Who can hold forth in the absence of the Chairman? It is the Vice Chairman.

“The election is illegal and we will not recognize the new Chairman. Other affiliates will not recognize him. The national body of NLC was not present in their kangaroo election.

“If they do not do the needful. The NUT and NULGE and other affiliates will leave the NLC.

“Their antics is that Amoko should go on retirement, but former President Buhari approved service elongation for teachers and the Ondo State government has adopted it.

“We still have NLC Chairman; NLC is a well structured union throughout the federation. The constitution stated clearly that in the absence of Chairman, only the Vice chairman can summon SEC meeting.

“The person who summoned that is Vice Chairman, NLC Women Wing. The Woman is not eligible. Since the NULGE, NUT and other affiliate know that the meeting was not properly summoned, we decided to boycott the meeting.”

President Tinubu Names National Theatre After Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, Celebrates Him At 90

By
Ayodele Oni
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Wole Soyinka and Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with Nigeria’s literary colossus and global icon, Prof Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, famously known as Wole Soyinka, on his 90th birthday, which comes up on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

Prof Soyinka, also known as Kongi, is a globally celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, and documentarian.

He is also a foremost advocate of good governance and of a fair and just society.

He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986 – the first African to win the Prize in that category.

The Nobel Prize Laureate is a recipient of many other reputable awards, such as the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature; Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award; Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, (Lifetime Achievement); and the Europe Theatre Prize – (Special Prize).

President Tinubu, in a statement by Ajuri Ngalele , his spokesman, describes Soyinka as one of the finest minds of his generation; conforming to the highest standards of human enlightenment, but unyielding to injustice, oppression, and base impulses.

The President salutes one of Nigeria’s living repositories of history, knowledge, and courage, and commends him for his valiant efforts in the trenches for the nation’s future both as a pro-democracy champion and as a trenchant voice against corruption and maladministration over several decades.

“Our paths crossed during our just struggle for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria, following the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election.

“When faced with a trial in absentia and death sentence by the military regime at home, he galvanized opposition in exile through NALICON and NADECO.

“His global stature made him the face of our struggle to validate June 12 and restore democracy in Nigeria.

“Today, I join the world to celebrate his profound influence on generations of writers, scholars, and activists, who have been inspired by his work. I celebrate him for giving us the spark to fight and confront military dictators in our country.

“I am, accordingly, delighted to have the honour to announce the decision of the Federal Government to rename the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.”

President Tinubu wishes Professor Soyinka many more years in good health and creative fulfilment as a global force for change.

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