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GTCO Fashion Week Unique Opportunity For Local Retailers- Agbaje

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The Group Managing Directors, GTCO Segun Agbaje says the 2023 edition of the GTCO Fashion is another opportunity for local fashion retailers to showcase and reposition their businesses.

A yearly event, the GTCO Fashion Week is a consumer-focused fair designed to showcase the best of Africa’s finest fashion to a global audience.

Speaking on the event expected to hold later this year, Agbaje, said: “Fashion is not just about making items of clothing or style accessories, it is about exploring feelings and channelling creative expressions to create experiences that resonate with various buyers, across different markets.

“The GTCO Fashion Weekend is constantly evolving to reflect the rapid growth of the global fashion industry in terms of size and sophistication, as we continue to draw on the endless possibilities in fashion retail to create better outcomes for individuals, indigenous businesses, and our communities.

“The landscape for fashion design is always shifting; so too are the needs of consumers. The 2023 GTCO Fashion Weekend provides a unique opportunity for local fashion retailers to seize on emerging trends and buyers’ preferences to reposition their businesses and thrive amidst the uncertainties and complexities of the future.”

The two-day event will feature retail exhibitions, masterclasses, and runway shows together with free stalls for over 120 fashion retailers.

The 6th edition is scheduled to take place at the GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos between November 11 and 12, 2023, the bank said in a statement.

Rights’ Abuse: 2 Businessmen Sue IGP For N10bn

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Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

Two businessmen have sued the Inspector General of Police, IGP, and five other persons for N10 billion for alleged violation harassment and violation of their human rights.

In a matter that’s now before the Federal High court in Abuja, Ibrahim Shehu Tenimu and Jemima Monosoko Shehu, who claimed to be Directors with an indigenous Paz Oil Nigeria Limited, accused one Dr Kamoru Yusuf, who is the chief executive of Kam Steel Integrated Limited of using the instrumentalities of the police force in the country to breach their fundamental human rights.

Apart from the IGP, others named in the case are the Nigeria Police Force, NPF; Commissioner of Police in Kwara State Command, Superintendent of Police Sadiq Sule; Dr. Yusuf, and his Company, Kam Steel Integrated Limited as defendants.

According to the plaintiffs, Dr Yusuf who is the fifth defendant in the case was using police through the State Intelligence Bureau, SIB, of Kwara State Command to intimidate, harass, witch hunt, and oppress them and their family members over a pure civil transaction.

The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1278/2023, was instituted by Akintoye Balogun, against the defendants on behalf of the applicants.

In the suit before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, the plaintiffs are seeking the following prayers from the court: “A declaration that the serial acts of intimidation, incessant invitations and persistent threats of the 1st to 4th respondents (the Police) to invite, witch-hunt, arrest, detain, embarrass and humiliate them on the alleged prompting and instigation of the 5th Respondent (Dr. Kamoru Yusuf), amount to a violation of their fundamental rights as enshrined in sections 35, 37, 39, and 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“A declaration that the serial acts of intimidation, incessant invitations and persistent threats of the 1st to 4th respondents to invite, witch-hunt, arrest, detain, embarrass and humiliate the applicants herein, on the prompting and instigation of the 5th respondent, over civil transactions between the applicants and the 5th and 6th respondents is illegal, unlawful, wrongful, unconstitutional and constitute a blatant violation of the applicant’s fundamental rights as enshrined in sections 35 to 37, 39, and 41 of the 1999 Constitution.

“A declaration that the violent invasion, viet armis of the 1st applicant’s residence at Plot 1, Ibrahim Shehu Tenimu Close, Gwarimpa, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by operatives of the 1st to 4th respondents at the instigation of the 5th respondent, on the 1st and the 2nd of August 2023 to arrest the 1st and 2nd Applicants, without a warrant or a court order to that effect, is ultra vires the powers of the respondents is illegal, unconstitutional and constitutes a violation of the applicants’ fundamental rights to privacy and dignity of human person as guaranteed by sections 34 and 37of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

“A declaration that the applicants are entitled to a public apology and adequate compensation from the respondents as provided for in sections 35 (6) and 46 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as altered, Sections 314 (1) and 323 (1), (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, for the blatant violation of the Applicants’ fundamental rights, over a civil transaction.”

They applied for an order of perpetual injunction to restrain the respondents from the continuous invitations, witch-hunting, arresting and attempts to arrest, detain, embarrass and humiliate them.

They prayed for an order directing the respondents jointly and severally, to pay them a sum of N10 billion only as exemplary damages for the wanton and grave violation of their fundamental rights without following the due process of the law.

Justice Olajuwon has yet to fix a date for the hearing of the case.

University Education: Falana Warns Against Fees Hike

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Femi Falana

Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, has warned the federal government not to hike fees in public-owned universities in the country.

The rights lawyer gave the warning following the recent increase in fees paid by students of some universities.

He also spoke after the federal government said university autonomy is one of its priorities.

This, according to analysts, means that the government no longer want to fund public owned universities.

The University of Lagos, UNILAG, has recently jerked up its tuition and other fees by over 70 percent but was forced to reduce the fees by barely 20 percent after the students shut down the school for days.

At the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile Ife Osun state, the school authority, and the student union are still at loggerheads after the varsity increased fees for incoming and old students.

Other universities are set to increase their fees in a matter of time, according to those close to university management authorities in the country.

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, the umbrella body for student unions in the country has kicked against the hike in fees for public-run higher institutions.

Speaking on Arise television on Sunday, Falana said it is wrong to commercialize education in the country, citing section 18 of the 1999 Constitution which provides that education from primary to the university levels must be free in the country.

The federal government has cited the paucity of funds for its failure to provide education free of charge in the country, but Falana said there are enough resources to provide free education, adding that the government must make it a priority.

He also lamented the exodus of educated young Nigerians abroad, saying the trend seems not to bother the government.

“How can you spend money to train your own citizens to serve other governments?” Falana said.

With the current situation in the country, the SAN stated that poor people will not be able to afford education for their children.

He said: “What is the way forward? We need to make three percent of the profit of every company go into funding of education. Again, under the UBE Act, the Compulsory Free Education Act provides that state government will contribute counterpart funding to the money released by federal government for Universal Basic Education.

“So every Nigerian child from primary to junior secondary school should be educated at the expense of the state. If the law is implemented we would not have our children roaming the street.”

Ekiti Recalls Head Of Delegation To National Youth Games Over Poor Kitting Of Athletes

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, is outraged over what he called the poor kitting of athlete’s representing the state at the ongoing 7th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta state.

He has, therefore, ordered a recall of the General Manager of the State Sports Council, Mr. Adekunle Adeyemi from the fiesta to account for the poor kitting of the state’s athletes at the opening session of the competition.

The directive followed the shabby appearance of the State contingent at the march-past event during the opening ceremony of the National Youths Games.

Adeyemi is expected to explain circumstances leading to the shabby kitting of the state athletes at the opening session, which photograph is circulating online.

He was directed to hand over to the next most senior official at the Games and return home immediately.

The official, who will act as Head of the Delegation, is to oversee the welfare and wellbeing of the athletes at the competition.

A statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun in Ado Ekiti, on Sunday, described the development as unfortunate.

It, however, added  that the State would take full responsibility for the regrettable incident.

The Commissioner, maintained that the state Government made adequate provision for the team’s participation at the Games.

He restated the commitment of the Oyebanji administration to providing platforms for Ekiti youths to exhibit their God – given talents in line with the youth development and job creation agenda of the administration.

ACF Flays Abduction Of Female Students In Zamfara, Says It’s Threat To Education

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Federal University Gusau Zamfra State

By Ayodele Oni

Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF) has observed that the recent abduction of some female students of the Federal University, Gusau, (FUG) will have negative effect on education in the North.

The Northern Group, in a statement on Sunday by its Publicity Secretary,

Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, notes that “It is with utter consternation that the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) received news about the abduction of mostly female students of the Federal University Gusau (FUGUS), from their private hostels, at Sabon Gida Village, Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

“Although official information about the incidence is scanty, relative to the enormity of the incidence, personal testimonies from witnesses to the disturbing incident suggests that the attack was well planned, coordinated and executed by the bandits/terrorists.

“Evidently, female students were specifically targeted, and the bandits were at the crime scene fully prepared.

“Efforts to repel the bandits by elements of the Nigerian Army neither deterred nor stopped the bandits from going off with a yet-to-be fully ascertained number of hapless victims.

“ACF condemns the abductions in the strongest of terms. It is very disconcerting that such a most unfortunate criminal incident is not the first of its kind in memory, but it certainly is one abduction far too many to occur in any community in Nigeria, nor elsewhere in the world.

“A pointer to the unfolding tragedy is in an apparent voice note on social media where a girl was heard stating that her father had called her home, ordering that her pursuit of a university degree be abandoned; another was heard advising intending candidates for admission not to select this particular institution as place of choice.

“This is an absolutely and highly regrettable development to be condemned in all its ramifications.   ACF therefore Commiserates with the victims of the attack, their parents and FUGUS;

“Calls for and prays for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted students unharmed;  Commends the security forces for their gallant response, even if ineffective in stopping the bandits in their sordid mission.

“ACF calls on the security forces not to relent in the efforts to contain banditry and terrorism in Zamfara State and elsewhere in the country.

“Commends the Zamfara State Government for its timely and quick response to the situation through a high-powered delegation on a confidence-building visit to the scene to commiserate and reassure the community about the Government’s commitment to citizens’ safety and security.

“As well, ACF commends the Zamfara State Government for immediately convening a meeting with the security agencies to review the situation and re-strategize.

“ACF finally calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to spare no efforts in ensuring that the abducted students are released unharmed forthwith.

“As always, ACF urges the FGN to rejig Nigeria’s security architecture and to come up with new multi-pronged containment strategies against security and related existential threats bedevilling schools and indeed all communities.

“Such new strategies should aim at the total eradication of the scourge of banditry and terrorism country-wide. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Governor Yahaya Bello Discloses Future After Office, Says God Has Been Kind To Him

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Yahaya Bello
Yahaya Bello

By Akinwale Kasali

With few months to the expiration of his tenure as the Governor of Kogi State, Governor Yahaya Bello has said that when he leaves the saddle, his attention will shift to supporting President Bola Tinubu to succeed as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Governor said this is his ambition, pointing out that all Nigerians would succeed if  President  Tinubu succeeds.

He made this statements at an interactive session with Journalists at the 3rd Annual Governor Yahaya Bello, GYB, Seminar for Nigeria’s Political & Crime Correspondents/Editors today in  Abuja.

He stressed that over the years and till now, God has been kind to him.

“I thank God for my successes and achievements as Governor of Kogi. I know where I met the State and am happy with where I have taken the State.

“I believe that the APC candidate, Usman Ododo, will build on the solid foundation we have laid down for Kogi,” the Governor said.

He stressed that the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship Candidate at the upcoming Election in the State would record a landslide win.

Our unity is why APC  wins in Kogi and will continue to win.

“Our party is one. You cannot satisfy everyone. However, there are internal mechanisms in the APC to resolve issues and we always utilise that,” he said.

In a paper titled; “Unity in a Multi–Ethnic, Multi-Religious Society, the Kogi Story” the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, said candidates should campaign on merit.

“Any candidate who campaigns on the basis of ethnic sentiments is incompetent.”

Speaking at the Seminar, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Chris Isiguzo, tasked Journalists with responsible and ethical journalism.

In his paper, “ Off Season Elections, Journalists as Responsible Watchdogs”, Isiguzo said there was a need for journalists to ensure transparency, check all facts and verify all information in their reportage.

The NUJ president noted that off-season elections presented challenges and opportunities for journalists to fulfill their role as responsible watchdogs of society.

“I encourage all of us to approach the job with a sense of duty, knowing that the quality of our reporting can influence the future of our nation.”

Governor Sani Canvasses Investment, Support From Saudi Arabia

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Kaduna State Government has canvassed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for investment and support.

Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the State Deputy Governor made this disclosure at an event to celebrate the 93rd National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at The Afficent Event Centre,  Kano.

Balarabe thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the goodwill and continued support to Nigeria, Kano State and Kaduna by extension.

She further said that Kaduna State was open for business and called for more support from the Kindom of Saudi to Kaduna State especially in the area of investment.

She said, “I stand here representing the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani who is unfortunately absent in this event. He has asked me to extend his warm felicitation to the Consul General and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“I want to thank you for all the support you have been giving Nigeria, Kano and indeed Kaduna State. We pray that we will have more.

“Kaduna State has been open for business for a long time. We have expanded our frontiers and we hope to feel the impact of your presence in Kaduna State because it can open so many areas for collaboration in education, health, and so on.

“We are focusing on human capital development and we hope that our efforts in that area will be supplemented by the support we will have from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“On behalf of the people and government of Kaduna State, I say congratulations and we pray that we will have many National Day celebrations.”

The Consul General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Khalil Ahmed Alwami hosted the event that was well attended by the Governor of Kano State, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf who served as the guest of honour, Governors of Kaduna, Jigawa, Gombe and Zamfara States were also represented by their deputies.

Traditional Rulers were also part of the dignitaries that graced the occasion.

Peter Obi’s Bond with Nsukka, the Charity Story

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Peter Obi in Nsukka

By Ike Abonyi

On January 12, 2023, ahead of the February 25th election, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi visited the University town of Nsukka, in Enugu state for a Town Hall meeting. Obi had finished and was to sneak into a waiting helicopter to fly him to Enugu, the state capital for the day’s campaign. But to OBI’S shock thousands of youths lay arm bush waiting to see and touch him. Security operatives had a hectic challenge rescuing the Presidential candidate from the crowd of admirers. Even the helicopter pilot had to help in yanking him to safety.

After the incident, there was a conversation about the dramatic incident wondering why Obi was so loved by the people of Nsukka. Could it be because he was a student of the University in the town, University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN in the 80s when most of his current admirers were not even born or what?

But on an investigation, it’s being discovered that OBI’S long-time charity work in Nsukka is the undercurrent to the People’s emotional attachment.

Just as UNN is the biggest educational institution in Nsukka, Bishop Shanahan Hospital is the biggest health institution in the town. While UNN is owned by the government to keep getting steady funding, Bishop Shanahan Hospital is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka and has been struggling financially.

The School of Nursing of the Hospital even lost accreditation and the hospital was deteriorating because of the dearth of equipment and the needed infrastructure.

In 2013 Most Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah took over as Bishop of Nsukka Diocese and began the process of rehabilitating the historic health institution. The Bishop found a helper in the former Governor of Anambra state, Obi who after listening to the pitiable story of the Bishop about the institution visited the school in 2021 and decided to help. Obi determined to return the School of Nursing to the lost glory promised to donate N100m to the Institution. He gave out N50m at a start.

Last week Obi was in Nsukka to bring a balance of N50m and promised to add another N50 bringing the sum to N150m

This assistance, as noted by the Institution’s Provost, Rev. Fr. Kevin Ndu, played a pivotal role in the institution’s improvements and in securing multiple accreditations from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

On presenting the additional cheque of  50 Million Naira yesterday,  Obi emphasized the paramount significance of the healthcare sector in any country. He clarified that Bishop Shanahan Specialist Hospital holds a central role as the primary healthcare facility in the Enugu North Senatorial District. He affirmed that bolstering this healthcare institution will contribute to enhanced healthcare services for the community.

Obi expressed his gratitude towards the Hospital’s Proprietor, Most Rev. Godfrey Onah, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, as well as the dedicated Management of the Institution. He commended their outstanding efforts in ensuring the hospital’s ongoing mission of training competent healthcare professionals and providing excellent healthcare services to the community. He highlighted the significant role that the Church plays in societal development, emphasizing its contributions in various parts of the nation.

Obi emphasized the importance of government support for the church’s developmental initiatives, particularly in the fields of healthcare and education. Unfortunately, he noted that due to leadership failures in the country, the situation often reverses, with the government imposing taxes on some of these projects. During his tenure as the Governor of Anambra State, he took measures to ensure that no school or hospital affiliated with the church faced taxation. He aimed to provide encouragement and recognition for their significant contributions to societal development.

Obi expressed his gratitude to both past and present administrations of Enugu State for their substantial support in this project. He also extended his appreciation to the dedicated nurses and other healthcare providers, urging them to maintain their unwavering commitment to serving humanity. He emphasized the crucial role they play in the healthcare sector.

Further in his words: “Again, I pledge to continue to contribute to the human development in Nigeria through investment in health and education sectors. This is borne out of my strong desire to contribute to societal development. I am eager to see a better Nigeria and I am ready to build a New Nigeria that will be beneficial to all. By supporting healthcare facilities and investing aggressively in the health sector, we will give better lives to our people and develop into a better nation. This is our dream for the New Nigeria and we know it is possible.”

Expressing their gratitude for Obi’s financial and moral backing, Most Rev. Godfrey Onah, the Hospital’s Proprietor and Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, hailed Obi as a steadfast contributor to national development through investments in societal advancement.

“No matter the circumstances, Nigerians recognize your exceptional contributions. We deeply appreciate your visit and your unwavering support. Your generosity is not new to us; two years ago, you visited us and donated N100 million, and we knew it wasn’t your first time. You’ve consistently visited Nsukka, quietly extending your help to remote schools and hospitals without seeking praise. Your actions are driven by a genuine commitment to improving our society, and for that, we are truly grateful,” Onah remarked.

Delta State Allocates N78b For Federal Roads

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By Ayodele Oni

To improve conditions of federal highways in Delta State, Federal Government and State government have entered into collaborative efforts, with the state government announcing an allocation of N78 billion to improve and maintain various federal roads within the State.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori disclosed this on Saturday during a meeting with the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, in Asaba.

The Governor stated that “The Executive Council has approved over N78 billion for federal road projects, and we are interested in collaborating on this, irrespective of political party affiliations.

“I want to welcome and congratulate you on your appointment. I have received the Minister of Works, who also inspected the Benin to Warri and East-West roads. I’m set to receive the Minister for Sports to discuss youth sports matters.

“I trust that appointing someone from this region to the Ministry of Niger Delta Development will bring about positive changes.

“You’ve witnessed the challenges firsthand. This region contributes significantly to the country’s resources but often receives very little in return.

“This is your opportunity, and I urge you to do what is right. Shortcuts often lead to road failures, and those who engage in such practices are often from this region.

“Having served in the National Assembly and now transitioning to this role as Minister, I trust that you’re well aware of the challenges.

“Our communities are suffering from erosion, and the existence of the NDDC and the Ministry is to focus on the Niger Delta. You have the opportunity to prove your worth, Mr. Minister.”

Earlier, the Minister expressed his gratitude for the audience granted to him on a Saturday at Government House.

He added “If individuals like us, who have been with the PDP since its inception in 1998, can easily transition to the other side, I have no doubt that you may consider joining us in the APC.

“I extend warm greetings from President Bola Tinubu and would like to clarify that our purpose in being here is to inspect some of the projects initiated by the Ministry and the NDDC.

“The message is quite clear and singular: we believe in the need to collaborate closely with the state governors to ensure peace and foster development.

“The governor is the primary stakeholder in the state, and, having been in government for a significant period, you understand the issues and the intricacies of achieving peace.”

The Minister also explained that President Bola Tinubu’s placed priorities on food security, poverty reduction, access to capital, economic growth, job creation, inclusivity, fairness, rule of law, and the fight against corruption.

He emphasized the importance of achieving these goals for the betterment of Nigeria and assured that the Ministry is fully committed to pursuing these priorities to achieve the desired development.

He further noted that certain roads, such as Warri to Benin, Auchi to Ekpoma and Benin, and Calabar to Uyo, are in an unacceptable condition.

“Addressing these road issues requires collaborative efforts between the governors, the Ministry, and the NDDC through tripartite agreements.

“Mr. President’s focus is on results, and we are determined to do whatever it takes to achieve these results. I trust that this partnership would enhance the quality of transportation infrastructure and foster regional development.”

Gov Oyebanji Seeks Truce Between Farmers, Herdsmen, Constitutes Peace Committee

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Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

In the wake of renewed hostility between farmers and herdsmen in Ekiti state,  Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has reconstituted the state’s Farmers/Herders Peace Committee consisting of some critical stakeholders.

The move is part of efforts of the state government to mitigate clashes between farmers and herders and ensure greater level of productivity in crop and livestock agriculture.

Speaking during the Inauguration of the committee at the Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the initiative would lead to the transformation of the agricultural sector and boost food security in Ekiti state.

The Governor recalled that the committee was first constituted during the last administration in response to the need for the state to have a mechanism for resolution of incessant conflicts between farmers and herders, adding that Ekiti State is the first to put in place an effective conflict resolution mechanism in the entire south west geo-political zone.

This, according to him, has helped to keep farmers/herders crisis at a very low ebb compared to other states in different parts of the country.

The Governor pointed out that the state government, in its drive to boost the economy and create employment opportunities for the people has attracted private investors to develop the agricultural sub-sector of the state.

To enhance this, the need to reconstitute the committee in order to pave way for a conducive business environment and reposition it for a more defined direction.

Governor Oyebanji, however said there were still reports about farm destruction, farmland degradation, water pollution, farm grazing and physical attacks on the farms among others which invariably were not only potential causes of violent crisis, but a threat to peace and food security in the state.

“We also had to deal with kidnappings many of which herders were suspected or indeed arrested as culprits. This trend has to be reversed so as not to create an atmosphere of chaos, vengeance, retribution and lawlessness, hence, the need to reconstitute this committee in order to reposition it for a more defined direction in response to the urgent reality of today.

“For fairness and equity, all interested stakeholders are included in the committee including cattle-breeders, herdsmen, farmers, security out fits, drivers’ unions, market women, traditional rulers, youths and others.

“It is our responsibility to sustain the confidence of our Agricultural business owners and other stakeholders that their investments are secured in Ekiti.

“Let me assure all the citizens that the committee, which is headed by the special Adviser on Security Matters, Retired Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana and other eminent personalities will be just and proactive in their conflict resolution assignments.”

The Governor added that the various crises between farmers and herders as well as other crimes in communities posed great threats to peace and food security in the state, urging the committee members to work in synergy with all stakeholders to ensure their cooperation.

He assured that Amotekun and Anti grazing corps in the state would be further strengthened to work with other security outfits for collaboration and effectiveness, most especially in the rural areas.

All relevant stakeholders including cattle breeders, herdsmen, farmers, security outfits, drivers unions, market women, traditional rulers, youths, among others are duly represented in the committee to ensure fairness and equity.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, who expressed his appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for prioritizing issues concerning farmers, said the committee would facilitate the present administration shared prosperity agenda.