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Lagos/ Abeokuta Highway: Senate President, Akpabio Promises Timely Reconstruction

October 16, 2023

Talks are ongoing between the Ogun state government and the Nigerian Senate on how to reconstruct the Lagos Abeokuta expressway.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio disclosed this in Abeokuta, the state capital while attending the Yewa Cultural Festival at the weekend.

The expressway has become so bad so much so that residents of Ogun and neighboring Lagos state have lamented their suffering to the state government to come to their aid by repairing the road.

Even the road is a federal road, the state government has made several interventions in the past by repairing some parts of it to make it motorable.

The road has now totally collapsed due to the torrential rains which have expanded the ditches and portholes.

The suffering will soon be a thing of the past, Akpabio said adding that collaboration is ongoing with the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration to ensure that the rehabilitation is done on time.

Akpabio said he drove on the road to have a first-hand experience of what people are going through.

Akpabio said: “The 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is going to get the list of things you want us to do here.

“I saw the road, two trucks fell on the road, so we ended up spending over two hours on the road. I was determined to go through the road that you go through. Now, I have seen what you have been seeing. From today, I prophesy that your roads are done.

“Yewaland has the greatest number of industries that local governments can ever have in Nigeria, just five local governments. Therefore, we recognize the need to use the best set of contractors to do your roads because of the wear and tear. I assure you that we will be working with our brother, Dapo Abiodun. Your lives will not be the same again.”

Still on Rev. Fr. Obayi’s Outbursts

The Source

October 16, 2023

By Val Obienyem

I have a strong passion for Church history, and my knowledge spans from the initial Church schism to the Reformation and continues through to the present day. A significant factor contributing to issues within the Church was not primarily doctrinal; instead, it was rooted in disobedience, with clergy members defying the instructions of their superiors. As they gained the confidence of their followers, they became progressively more audacious in their actions.

Therefore, when some of us make every effort to stand by and support the Bishops, it’s rooted in our conviction that their appointment to the bishopric was not without merit; they possess admirable qualities. If you have held a position of authority, you can better comprehend the challenges leaders face. I sometimes feel sympathy for bishops because, even within the ranks of the priests they lead, there are a few individuals, little (metaphor intended) demons without respect for the holy water.

I’ve just completed viewing the second video released by Fr. Obayi, in which he grappled with addressing every question from the public in response to his initial video. To provide further clarity, he even cited excerpts from the canon law.

I can assure you that if the Bishop were to share his perspective, although I don’t anticipate he will, it might alter the views of some of us. In any case, wise elders never make judgments without hearing both sides of a story. What I can guarantee, at the very least, is that if we were to hear our Lord Bishop’s account, we would likely be convinced that his actions are driven by a deep love for the Church.

Upon learning that the Diocese declined the offer of land from the Governor, it became clear to me that the Bishop was sending a message about the importance of priests refraining from indiscriminately using the Church’s name to request favour from politicians. Our Lord Bishop must have had a specific message and lesson he aimed to impart!

Based on the information I’ve gathered, I can confidently state that Bishop Onah is endeavoring to maintain control over his priests to prevent them from turning into little demons we talked about who are terrorizing their bishops – pastoral care for the diocese. Seeing a willing partner in Obayi they are already venturing advice.

In his most recent video, Fr. Obayi attempted to defend the notion that Diocesan priests are not restricted from owning property. He cited Can. 278, which states that “Secular clerics have the right to associate with others for the purpose of pursuing ends which benefit the clerical state.” I find his interpretation to be quite mistaken. Is it this term “ends” that he has interpreted as allowing the acquisition of property in one’s personal name? Why would a priest wish to acquire property for clerical purposes in his personal name when those who donate the property do so under the name of the Church? If he constructs an adoration ground under his personal name, and then, in accordance with the authority of Can. 538, the bishop relocates him to another place, will the replacement priest be responsible for a personal or a Church adoration ground?

I’ve consistently advised people that the law, whether civil or canon, is fundamentally rooted in common sense. As a priest, if you hail from an economically disadvantaged background, it only makes sense that if your family lacks shelter and you are in a position to assist them in obtaining one, you can certainly do so without utilizing the Church’s funds.

In order to support his understanding of canon 278, Fr. resorted to a threat to reveal the names of all the priests who own private property from Rome to our local area. Even if such priests exist, is it in the best interest of the Church? Doesn’t this action align with the very abuse that our Lord Bishop is striving to prevent, in accordance with Can. 392(2), which mandates Bishops to be vigilant in preventing abuses in ecclesiastical discipline, including the administration of property, among other aspects?

Those of us at home with Church history know that ownership of property was part of the reason the Church promulgated celibacy. Celibacy is not among the Ten Commandments that are immutable nor is the injunction to man to “increase and multiply” a command. It is part of the decisions the Church took for the advancement of her apostolate. When priests married in the past, they consciously or not put their loyalty to wife and children above their devotion to the Church. For the sake of their children, they were tempted to accumulate money and property. The combined power of propertied priesthood was difficult for the Church to control. In her own wisdom, after many years of thought, the Church concluded that the priest should be totally devoted to God, the Church, and his fellow men; that his moral standard must be higher than that of the people and must confer upon him the prestige necessary for public confidence and reverence. Thus, when in 386, the Roman Synod advised celibacy, it had its reasons. When Pope Siricius ordered celibacy in 387, he was voicing the opinions of the Church. Pope Pius XII, writing in his “Sacra Virginitas,” (Holy Virginity.) Said: “Celibacy is the way of life precisely to devote oneself more freely to divine things, to attain heaven more readily and skilful efforts to lead others more readily to the Kingdom of heaven.”

Struggling to justify property ownership, Fr. contended that secular priests make promises of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience rather than vows. I’m still grappling with this concept. Does it imply that what secular and religious priests profess regarding chastity, poverty, and obedience differs in significance? Does it mean that promises, unlike vows, lack binding force? Does it suggest that Can. 277(1), which states, “Clerics are obliged to observe perfect and perpetual continence for the sake of the kingdom of heaven and therefore are obliged to observe celibacy, which is a special gift of God…,” should be applied differently to various categories of priests?

Father responded to the question regarding Odumeje’s visit to his adoration ground, and he clarified that he never permitted the lifting of the monstrance, as Odumeje had come solely for their bazaar. I don’t have much to add, but priests should exercise caution in their words and interactions. While ecumenism is undoubtedly important, it has its limitations. After all, Canon 277(2) warns against clerics being careless in their associations with individuals likely to cause scandal among the faithful. A priest has both the right and responsibility to guide individuals like Odumeje, but they must be mindful not to generate scandal, considering that Christ associated with people from all walks of life.

All in all, what is evident is that Fr. is upset, and he feels persecuted. However, for those of us who understand that our Lord Bishop is striving to bring his priests into conformity, it’s challenging to pinpoint any fault with his actions. Once the priests comprehend this, the words of Can. 678(1) will hold significance for them. This canon states: “Religious are subject to the authority of bishops, and they are obligated to follow them with devoted humility and respect, particularly in matters related to the care of souls, the public celebration of divine worship, and other apostolic works.”

Obienyem wrote from Awka, Anambra State

Update: LASG Reopens Sealed Mile 12 Market

Akinwale Kasali

October 16, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

After days of closure of the Mile 12 International market by the Lagos State Government, LASG, and the Ministry of Environment following environmental infractions, the Market has been reopened.

The reopening of the market followed a full compliance with environmental standards and safety measures earlier listed as precondition for reopening the shut markets.

The LASG said the market has met the most critical conditions that bordered on the environment and public health, while expediting action on other necessary areas, in line with the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources observation.

Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, said the market was reopened after a thorough assessment, covering various aspects of environmental compliance, waste management practices, and general cleanliness within the market, involving a collaborative effort between Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, and the market stakeholders.

He noted that issues critical to the environment, public health and safety, were not negotiable, as government would not watch those values compromised and eroded by the conduct of few people.

“We cannot continue to be nonchalant about our environment. Our negative attitude towards the environment must stop. The way we treat the environment, is the way the environment treats us. We cannot fold our arms and allow the nonchalance of a few, affect the generality of the people.

“Despite several advocacy and public enlightenment, government is left with no choice than to enforce. The enforcement exercise will be a continuous one, as no Government takes delight in shutting down markets”, he said.

He implored the traders to play by the rules of acceptable standards, putting premium on hygiene for their health and that of the public, stressing that government will not shy away from shutting down any market that returns to old filthy ways.

In the same vein, LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public safety, especially around market facilities in the state.

He said, “The temporary closure of Mile 12 Market was essential to address observed environmental issues. Our aim is to ensure that all markets in Lagos, including Mile 12, operate in line with environmental regulations, creating a safer and healthier trading environment for everyone involved.

We worked closely with Mile 12 Market traders and associations to implement corrective actions, including placement of dino bins, proper waste collection, disposal, employment of waste policing, bin keepers and payment for waste services, among others.”

The LAWMA boss charged traders at the market to show total commitment to the environmental laws of the state, to pave way for a cleaner and healthier environment for both the traders and their customers.

Owode Onirin Market which was also shut down alongside Mile 12 Markets is yet to be reopened as they are yet to meet the environmental standards set by the LASG.

Ondo: Security Agents Abort Planned Protest Over Akeredolu’s Continued Absence, Seals PDP Secretariat

Ayodele Oni

October 16, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Operatives of the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Security (DSS) have sealed the Ondo People’s Democratic Party (PDP) State Secretariat in Akure.

It was gathered that this development, on Monday, is to prevent a peaceful protest by PDP youths demanding for Akeredolu’s whereabouts after being absent from the State since April, 2023.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had on Sunday disclosed that it uncovered plan by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to collaborate with some elements within APC to cause crisis in the State capital.

APC maintained that the protest was needless as its purpose, which is Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu continued absence in the state for over four months would soon be addressed.

Ondo APC argued that the Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has been discharging his official duties and responsibilities without any hitch, irrespective of his location.

“We are very optimistic that our Governor; your performing Governor, will be in our midst in a matter of days.

However, the PDP Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, described the allegation as laughable and said the ruling party is only afraid of its own shadow.

Peretei urged the ruling party to address Akeredolu’s absence from the state and stop the diversionary tactics.

He noted that Akeredolu has been back in the country for over a month and expressed dismay over the Governor’s refusal to return to the state, stating that his absence has caused a total collapse of governance in the state.

He said, “The APC is populated by shameless people. The governor has been absent from his duty post since April this year, yet they are comfortable with the total collapse of governance in the state. The Governor has not been seen in the state since April this year.”

Akeredolu, since his return from medical vacation in Germany, has stayed put in Ibadan, Oyo State from where he is running the State.

Obi: Archbishop Recalls 45 Year Old Incident, Commends Him

The Source

October 15, 2023

The first Papal Nuncio from Nigeria and West Africa, and the highest Nuncio from Africa, who is also the Nuncio to the Czech Republic, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, has testified to how the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has remained consistent in caring for the society for many decades now, stating that it is in Peter Obi’s nature to help and care for those around him.

Archbishop Okolo shared the testimony at Nnewi, during his 40th priestly anniversary thanksgiving, and 15 years as a Nuncio. He stated that Peter Obi did not develop his caring nature recently, but has consistently shown that kindness and empathy are his lifestyle.

He recalled that in the 1970s, when he was a school teacher at All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha, before proceeding to Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, he decided, one day, to visit his younger brother, Jerry Okolo, at Christ the King College, Onitsha. The then Principal of the College, Rev Fr Nicholas Tagbo (of blessed memory) gave him some tins of milk and packets of biscuits to give to his brother.

“When I handed the items to my brother, he said that I should not have bothered, that he had enough. He told me that his classmate, and friend, Peter Obi, would normally go to his mother’s supermarket, bring a carton of milk from his mother, and share with all of them,” Archbishop Okolo narrated.

Whilst showering admiration for Peter Obi’s character, caring lifestyle, and empathy towards humanity, the Nuncio urged him to continue to do the same in service of the nation.

Insecurity: Federal University, Zamfara Relocates Students

Ayodele Oni

October 15, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Following the continued rise in insecurity, Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State, has charged students living in the Damba district to either relocate to Sabon Gida or stay within the Gusau metropolis in the state capital.

Kidnappers had struck more than two times within a month leading to abduction of some students.

A statement by the institution’s information officer, Umar Usman, stated that the students would be more secure in Gusau town or Sabon Gida village.

The statement reads in part, “the university management wishes to urge students to either relocate to Sabon Gida, which is now well secured with armed security operatives or stay within Gusau metropolis.

“This is because they are more vulnerable to bandit attacks when living at the outskirts, especially Damba.”

Usman further stated that the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji and Metro Joint Patrol (Eagle Eye) have successfully rescued all the four kidnapped students of the institution who were abducted on Saturday, 14th October 2023, at Sabon Garin Damba Area, Gusau.

“Two out of the four kidnapped students escaped after they were abducted while the remaining two were rescued after the military troops engaged the bandits on heavy gun battle.”

Bayelsa Teachers Set For Strike Over Minimum Wage

Ayodele Oni

October 15, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Academic programme is being threatened in Bayelsa State, as the Nigeria Union of Teachers, (NUT) is set to call members out to protest the non-payment of N30,000 minimum wage.

NUT threatened that the strike, which will be indefinite, will affect public elementary and secondary schools.

The Union arrived at the decision during an executive meeting after a previous three-day warning strike failed to persuade the Bayelsa Government to take action.

The State Government and Local Councils have been given 14-day deadline by the teachers to address the issue of throughout the state or face strike.

The NUT listed the State and Local Government’s failure to implement the N30,000 minimum salary and to promote primary school teachers in the state as two of its issues.

The Union claimed that because promotion arrears were not paid to the teachers, they went through unimaginable suffering.

It expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s continued disregard for the predicament of teachers who play important roles in the state despite futile attempts to engage them in various fora.

The NUT added that the state’s primary and secondary school teachers had experienced nothing but embarrassment and frustration as a result of the government’s approach.

According to the union, the 14-day ultimatum went into effect on October 13 and that if the problems weren’t resolved within that time, state teachers would be forced to strike.

It was further gathered that the strike notice was approved by all eight of the NUT’s local government sections in Bayelsa.

Anambra: Unknown Gunmen Cripple South East Economy- Obi Of Onitsha

James Orji

October 15, 2023

Respected Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Ontisha has lamented how the activities of criminal elements aka unknown gunmen has crippled the region’s economy.

The traditional ruler made the remark on Saturday during his 22nd Ofala Festival held in Onitsha, Anambra state.

Speaking on the political and economic situation around the country, Igwe Achebe said “state and non-state actors all masquerading as unknown gunmen” are responsible for the worsening economic situation in the region.

He explained that the failure of the country to conduct the last general election satisfactorily is largely responsible for the level of insecurity in the country, adding that the poverty in the country has been made worse following the removal of petrol subsidy by the federal government in May this year.

He slammed the government for rushing to remove the subsidy pain on petrol without adequate consultation with Nigerians on the issue.

Achebe’s remark: “The last 12 months have been most eventful for our dear country, dominated largely by the politics of national elections that took place in February this year. The outcome of the presidential elections, which has been upheld by the Presidential Elections Petitions Tribunal has been further challenged at the Supreme Court.

“Furthermore, the civil society organisations have announced an extended civil disobedience agenda to ‘occupy Nigeria’ in protest against the non-transparency of the presidential election process and the ruling of PEPT.

“The uncertainty that now prevails would have been averted if INEC had convincingly conducted transparent elections with the massive resources at its disposal.

“This has further been complicated by the continuing security concerns in most parts of the country following the eight years of the previous administration, the early economic measures by the new administration, including the unilateral removal of fuel price subsidy without a backup strategy are seriously deepening the hardship in the country.

“It is particularly affecting the lower rungs of the society and in effect, the country is at a dangerous crossroads politically, economically, socially and security-wise.

“In the South-East, we have the aftermath of the last general elections, the complex and protracted security situation involving kidnappers, political thugs, state and non-state actors all masquerading as unknown gunmen as well as the crippling economic strangulation of the region arising from the insecurity and the ill-advised sit-at-home that has cost Ndi Igbo incalculable losses,” he said.

Shetima To Woo Investors At China’s BRI Confab

James Orji

October 15, 2023

As part of the ongoing effort by the federal government to bring foreign capital into the country, Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Sunday, left Abuja to attend the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative, BRI, Forum in Beijing, China.

The vice president will represent President Tinubu at the forum expected to take place between October 16 and 18 hosted by world’s second largest economy, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.

According to a statement released on Sunday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Shettima is attending the forum alongside 130 other world leaders from Africa, Asia and Europe.

Shetima will leverage on the forum to woo investors form across the globe, the statement said.

The vice president is attending the meeting in continuation of an earlier one in 2018 by former President Muhamamdu Buhari.

Apart from the vice president, other federal government delegation to the forum include Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu and the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, amongst others.

Part of the statement read: ”The 2023 edition of the BRI will mark the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) championed by the President of China, Xi Jinping, as an initiative for global infrastructure development strategy.

” Adopted and launched by the government of the People’s Republic of China in 2013.

” The initiative seeks international action to enhance cooperation and promote infrastructure investment in nearly 70 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe through land and maritime routes.

“Nigeria and other partner-countries across the world are to benefit from the initiative in areas of infrastructure investments such as ports, skyscrapers, railroads, roads, bridges, airports, dams and coal-fired power stations.”

Gov Oyebanji Promises To Reduce Tuition Fees Payable In Ekiti State- Owned Tertiary Institutions

Ayodele Oni

October 15, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Cheering news is coming for parents and students in tertiary institutions in Ekiti state as Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, revealed plan to meet stakeholders of state owned institutions on possible way to reduce tuition fees.

There are three tertiary institutions, Ekiti State University, Ado, Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology, Ikere and Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan which are being owned by the state.

According to the governor, part of the effort would be to liaise with the Governing Councils of the Ekiti State University and Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, for possible reduction in the tuition fees .

He also admonished the youths to step out of their comfort zones and take advantage of the opportunities created by his administration to succeed in life .

The governor, who was speaking during a programme tagged “Youth, let’s Us Talk With BAO”, in Ado Ekiti at the weekend, as part of the activities marking the First anniversary assured them of a greater future .

Oyebanji said: “I didn’t create the Ministry of Youth Development by accident. I also adopted the Ekiti Youth Agenda document. We are going to look at this document together to know how to make your lives better.”

He promised to sign the Local Contents Bill into Law to prevent capital flight and mandates contractors to tap into potentials available in Ekiti, rather than going to other states to hire labour.

The governor expressed readiness to provide security and good road facility for investors, so that employment can also be generated from the private sector to reinforce what the government is offering.

“But let me tell you that access to power and leadership requires discipline and you being circumspect. All the leaders need successors that can outmatch and surpass them. They will want to test you and once you fail leadership test, then you can’t be entrusted with power and leadership.

“As youths, learn how to discipline yourselves. Don’t be selfish. Try and have good and sound morality. Try and step out of your comfort zones and go through self denials. But are you ready to go through the furnace? If you can’t do these, you can’t be in position of leadership.

The Governor advised the youth to be hopeful for a better future and refrain from being despondent due to the current socio-economic situations, exuding confidence that Nigeria is destined to be great and requires the sacrifices of all patriotic citizens for it to assume that status.

While answering some of the questions posed to him, Oyebanji advised the youth not to wait for instant solutions to all their problems, urging them to key into available opportunities created by government in sports, arts and culture and other sectors of the economy and stop scouting for shut cuts to success.

The Governor said he agreed to the fact that youth are supposed to be partners in governance, but added that they should make enough sacrifices to develop Ekiti the way he and other Ekiti leaders exhibited while scrambling for the state creation under Gen Sanni Abacha-led Military government.

“Despite that this country is passing through some tough challenges at present, some people are still making it big in legitimate businesses. So, don’t lose hope in this country. Nigeria is destined to be great and it shall be greater. Let us work harder and hope for the best.

“I know the capacity of our youths, if I partner you, it is going to be a win-win situation. This government will continue to accord you respect, because you have shown great understanding. I know you have expectations.

“This government owes you a great deal, we will partner you to ensure we navigate this path together. I come to this office to deny myself of many benefits, so that we can have a good society that can benefit all of us. That is the kind of spirit and mindset you must develop.”

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