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Prophet Allegedly Rapes 13 Years Old In Ekiti, Remanded In Prison

By
Ayodele Oni
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Law and Court

By Ayodele Oni

It was a show of shame as a 45 years old prophet was docked in Ekiti state for allegedly raping a teenager.

The Chief Magistrate Court, sitting in Ado Ekiti, has granted an order to remand the Prophet, Adeleye Akingbaso in the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Ado Ekiti, till September when the case is slated for mention.

According to the charge, Prophet Adeleye Akingbaso “was reasonably suspected” to have committed offence of rape on a 13 years old girl, at Ajowa Area of Ado Ekiti on 25th July, 2022.

In her statement to the Police, the victim said, “the Prophet is my mothers’ man-friend, he used to sleep in our house, on that day, my mummy left for night duty but the Prophet slept in our house.

“In the midnight, he woke me and said I had bed wet, I said no, he gave me shea butter and salt to rub my private part, I did as he directed, when I woke on the second day, I saw him beside me and discovered that I have been raped, he warned me not to tell anybody because I will run mad.

“He came back on the third day, he said, he wanted to renew what he gave me earlier by having sex with me, I ran out of the house and inform our neighbours.

“They called my mother and narrated what happened to me, he was arrested and handed over to the Police.”

Requesting for the remand order, the Police Prosecutor, Inspector Bamigbade Olumide said, granting the order will allow Police complete  investigation and forward the duplicate case file to office of Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice and the order was granted.

The case has been adjourned till 29th September, 2022 for mention.

If found guilty, according to child abuse law on Ekiti state, his name will be published publicly in available media, as part of punishments to serve as deterrent.

FG Mulls Special Intervention In Road Transporation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prince Ademola Adegoroye

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of State for Transportation, Ademola Adegoroye, has announced plans by the Federal Government for a special intervention that will make land transportation more seamless for Nigerians.

According to the Minister, President Muhammadu Buhari has already approved the proposed special scheme for mass transit to be driven by transport operators for ease of transportation across the country.

Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said Prince Adegoroye made the disclosure, while hosting a delegation of the Zonal Office of Zenith Bank in Abuja.

The Minister, who said the details of the intervention are now being perfected by the committee set up by the Ministry of Transportation, urged the management of the bank to partner with the federal government on the implementation of the scheme.

“The President is greatly interested in this special scheme and he has given us the green light to proceed and we are already engaging transport operators and other stakeholders to put finishing touches to it. This attests to Mr. President’s genuine care for Nigerians.

“As directed by Mr. President, the details are now being worked out with the relevant stakeholders and I can assure you that this scheme will touch every part of the country and will make land transportation experience better for igerians.”

The Minister, who appreciated the bank officials for the visit, urged them to continue to partner with the Ministry and contribute their quota to President Buhari’s transport revolution ongoing in the country.

Speaking earlier, the Assistant General Manager of the bank, Abuja Zonal Office, Mr. Aburime Ehimare, who said his bank has always been a partner with the Ministry, said the visit was to further cement the working relationship that has existed between the Ministry and the bank for many years.

Ehimare, who congratulated Prince Adegoroye on his appointment as Minister, described him as a man with a history of performance and assured him of the support of the management and staff of the bank in the operations of the Transport Ministry.

The Manager said as partners, the bank will continue to explore more ways of adding value to the projects, policies and programmes of the federal government on transportation.

2023: Tinubu Seeks Obasanjo’s Support Against Atiku, Obi

By
James Orji
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Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress, APC presidential candidate is seeking the support of former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his 2023 presidential bid.

The APC flag bearer and former Lagos Governor, it was learnt has scheduled a meeting with Obasanjo today as part of his nationwide consultation to galvanise support for his quest to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

The development comes after Obasanjo said last month that he regretted picking Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the PDP as his running mate in 1999.

Recall that Obasanjo and Atiku went their separate ways at the tail end of their administration in 2007, after the former president accused his vice of corruption.

Obasanjo will never support Atiku’s bid to be president, sources close to the former leader said on Wednesday.

The sources however did not say whether this will be a boost for Tinubu, who is also considered as political rival to the former president.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kunle Somorin, said in a statement on Wednesday that Tinubu will meet the former president after addressing supporters at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, the state capital.
 “Learnt that the Presidential Candidateof the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be visiting Abeokuta, Ogun State today, Wednesday, August 17, 2022.
“He’s scheduled to visit President Olusegun Obasanjo at 10.00am and address the people at the MKO Abiola Int’l Stadium immediately after,” Somorin said in a terse statement made available to newsmen.

Another statement signed by the APC State Chairman, Yemi Sanusi said “all Exco members and Party Chairmen are to attend promptly.”

“Asiwaju Visits Ogun State: This is to inform you that the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be visiting Abeokuta, Ogun State today, Wednesday, August 17, 2022.

“All Exco members and Party Chairmen are to attend promptly.Time: 10.00 am,” it reads.

Terrorism: Ondo To Reward Informants

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State government has gone a step forward in its quest to curb terrorism in the state.

Government has placed the sum of N50,000 as reward for anyone that exposes or reports incident leading to the arrest of kidnappers or other criminals in the state.

Briefing newsmen shortly after the weekly State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, said the development was to further encourage citizens to give useful and timely information about criminal activities in any part of the state.

She said “From now on, anyone who reports a crime and we follow the trail, and it leads to a successful prosecution of the criminal, that person will be offered a reward of fifty thousand naira.

“We want people in Ondo state to say something when they see something. We want our people to be proactive in the area of security to rid Ondo State of criminals, bandits and terrorists.”

The Commissioner added that the Council acknowledged the appreciation and commendation from the residents which followed the good initiative of the government to have a toll free line.

The Toll Free line is 0800-555-5555. Anybody can call to give security tips and report any criminal activities in his or her area.

She called for timely reportage of criminal activities, saying the government would protect anybody who reports or gives useful information about criminal activities in his area.

The state government had earlier ordered installation of Close Circuit Television, (CCTV) in public places to complement deployment of security agents to guard against security breaches.

Duro Onabule, CPS To Former Military President, Babangida, Dies At 83

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Chief Duro Onabule

By Akinwale Kasali

For former Military President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida it is a mixture of sadness and joy.

As he is celebrating his 81st Birthday on Wednesday, April 17, he is, at the same time,  mourning the death  of his former celebrated Chief Press Secretary, Chief Duro Onabule.

Onabule, whose death occurred in the early hours of Tuesday was part of the Babangida Military Government from 1985-1993.

The demise of the veteran journalist was disclosed by Chief Eric Teniola a close friend and associate to some members of his family. He was 83 years old.

The cause of his death is uncertain, but it was gathered that he was hale and heartya few days ago before death came calling.

Onabule was National Editor of National Concord from 1984 to 1985 and later became Chief Press Secretary to President Babangida.

He was the Spokesman to Babangida when government gagged, and Media Houses with proscription to make them conform to the code of conduct set up by the administration.

Since the end of the IBB regime, Onabule lived a private life, and maintained a column, until recently, in Newspapers.

Jonathan Felicitates Babangida As He Turns 81

By
The Source
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Jonathan and Ibrahim Babangida

Ex-President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has felicitated former military President Ge. Ibrahim Babagida on the occasion of his 81st birthday.

Dr. Jonathan in a goodwill message he personally signed, described Babangida as a courageous leader who has contributed so much to the unity and development of the nation.

Ex-President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has felicitated former military President Ge. Ibrahim Babagida on the occasion of his 81st birthday.

Dr. Jonathan in a goodwill message he personally signed, described Babangida as a courageous leader who has contributed so much to the unity and development of the nation.
The former President also highlighted the octogenarian’s vital roles in fostering peace and friendship in the country, stating that he has continued to inspire many people across the land.

Dr. Jonathan stated further: “I join your family, friends and other well-wishers to felicitate you as you celebrate your 81st birthday.

“As a military officer and President you made significant contributions to the development and prosperity of our country.

“Your excellency, as you  celebrate, I pray God to grant you peace, joy and long life in good health and the strength to carry on with the good works you are doing for our beloved country.  On behalf of my family, I wish you a happy birthday.”

The former President also highlighted the octogenarian’s vital roles in fostering peace and friendship in the country, stating that he has continued to inspire many people across the land.  Dr. Jonathan stated further: “I join your family, friends and other well-wishers to felicitate you as you celebrate your 81st birthday.“As a military officer and President you made significant contributions to the development and prosperity of our country.“Your excellency, as you  celebrate, I pray God to grant you peace, joy and long life in good health and the strength to carry on with the good works you are doing for our beloved country.  On behalf of my family, I wish you a happy birthday.”

How My Allies Asked Me To Run For Presidency, Turned Against Me – Wike

By
The Source
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By Charles Igbo

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has explained why some of his allies abandoned him and have, instead, ganged up against him.

Wike also narrated how, after they presented a letter to him on his last birthday, and asked him to run for the office of President, they abandoned him and went to Abuja to work against his aspiration, including ganging up to lobby against his becoming the Vice  Presidential candidate after he lost at the Presidential Primary.

Wike spoke at the 74th birthday Party which he organized for former Governor of the State, Dr Peter Odili.

He said during his last birthday, they came and presented him with a letter, and asked him to run for the  office of the President. After they presented him with the letter, Wike said he asked them who amongst them would like to succeed him as Governor. All but one person, according to Wike, raised their hands.

But, again, Wike also disclosed that each and everyone of them, agreed to support whoever I wanted as my successor. He revealed that they signed an agreement, which was prepared by OCJ Okocha, SAN, to accept whoever won the Governorship Primary.

The allegation in the State is that none of them paid a kobo for the Governorship forms which was N50m per person. Wike, according to the allegation, paid for the forms for all of them.

Wike, however, said that they reneged as soon as none of them got the ticket for the Governorsip seat.

He said  they  turned against him. He dismissed them as traitors who now accuse him of a third term ambition.

The ticket was won by a former Accountant General of the State, Sim Fubara. Fubara was the Accountant General under Wike, and resigned on time, allegedly, on Wike’s prompting, to view for the ticket.

Wike: “On my last birthday, 12 midnight, some of our elders called to see me. They said they came to wish me happy birthday.

“Then, they presented me with a letter that I should run for President. All of them, including Dr Abike Sekibo signed the document. I said okay, you people too should go and give me someone who will be Governor after me. They all sat there looking left and right.

“I asked them those of you who are interested should raise your hands. Everybody raised hand. One person didn’t raise his hand, Senator Bari Mpigi. I asked why he was not interested. He replied, Sir, let me hold what God has given me. I don’t want to lose the two.”

None of them made it. And that soured their relationship with the Governor. A source told this medium that they had expected that one person, amongst them, would pick the ticket. They did not expect the Governor to pick a civil servant. They accuse Wike of deceit and betrayal. So, they turned against him.

Wike: “They went to Abuja that I must not be Vice President. I also read yesterday (August 14), when I was in Paris, one of them saying that if they did to me what they did to Odili, that I will collapse the system.

Even though Wike refrained from mentioning names, speculations are that Sekibo, a former Minister for Transportation and Senator Lee Maeba, were among those who Wike disappointed.

It was Maeba who first made it public that some of them have fallen out with Wike. In an interview with a National Newspaper a few days ago, he disclosed that their problem with Wike stemmed from their solidarity visit to the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, a move that stung Wike like a bee.

IBB@81: Posterity Will Remember You For Setting Up Democracy infrastructure –Secondus

By
The Source
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Uche Secondus and Ibrahim Babangida

The former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus has congratulated the former military President Ibrahim Babangida on his 81st birthday anniversary.

Prince Secondus praised General Babangida for his unique leadership quality that endeared him to many Nigerians across the divide.

He also noted General Babangida’s role in establishing the democratic infrastructures in the country  like the building of the National Assembly complex, the Aso Rock seat of the Presidency and the Supreme Court all under the three arms zone.

In a statement signed on his behalf by his Media Adviser, Ike Abonyi, Prince Secondus said that all these set General Babangida out as a staunch believer in democracy.

The immediate past PDP National Chairman recalled that in his three and half years tenure, General Babangida was a utility source for guidance on how to deepen and grow our party and indeed democracy.

Prince Secondus finally prayed God to grant General Babangida many more blissful years ahead to continue in his elder statesmanly role to the nation. He prayed God to grant him graceful aging.

Imo Presents Unique Security Challenge – IGP; Lauds Uzodimma

By
The Source
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Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali,  says Imo State presents a unique security challenge. He also commended Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for his efforts in ensuring that security operatives are provided with materials needed for the security of lives and property of the citizenry.

He spoke on Tuesday in Owerri while commissioning 10 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) and other security gadgets donated to the police by Governor Uzodimma.

According to the Governor’s Media Adviser/ Chief Press Secretary, Oguike Nwachuku, the IGP said no Governor in the country has supported the Police and other security agencies in the country the way Governor Uzodimma has done despite the economic crunch.

He said Imo State presents a unique security challenge and requires a leader like Governor Uzodimma who understands the importance of security to State and national development to manage the situation.

Highlighting that security in the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) is in the exclusive list he said yet, the Governor has given practical meaning to the sections of the constitution by demonstrating strong determination to assist Police through the donation and deployment of the security assets to protect Imo people and others.

He noted that the procurement and launch of the brand new Armoured Personnel Carriers will change the security architecture in the State and make their work easier.

He pleaded for the continued assistance of the Governor in the maintenance of the assets for effective and efficient deployment.

Alkali thanked the Governor for the donation of the 10 new APCs and promised that they would be put to good use as they would go a long a way in helping the police protect the people of Imo State.

He regretted that the once peaceful and economically viable state has of late been challenged by insecurity, and promised that the equipment are investments in the right direction by the government of Imo State.

In his remarks, the Governor said his government will continue to be grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari and the security agencies for the sacrifices they make towards ensuring that Imo State is secured.

Governor Uzodimma regretted that lives of security operatives and innocent civilians have been needless destroyed by those behind insecurity in Imo State and notes that the APCs will assist the police do their work of protecting the lives and property of Imo citizens better.

He recalled that his government has invested so much in the provision of vehicles and other equipment the police and other security agencies need to do their work and noted that the government will for ever remain grateful to them for the sacrifices they have been making in the course of discharging their duties in Imo courageously.

Governor Uzodimma said that there can be no development be it in the Communities, State or Nation without peace and security, and assured that Imo State Govenrment under his watch will do her best to protect lives and property of Imo Citizens.

He said despite all the efforts of his Government and the Security Agencies “the sponsors of insecurity are not relenting in their nefarious acts aimed at making the State ungovernable.”

“This they are doing by engaging in all forms of propaganda, blackmail and mudslinging.”

He thanked the IGP for being physically present at the commissioning and handover ceremony.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner of Police Imo Command, Mohammed Barde eulogized Governor  Uzodimma for his “uncommon dynamism, security consciousness and exceptional support and encouragement given to the command.”

He acknowledged, not just the Governor’s provisions of operational vehicles which has enhanced the smooth operational performance and efficiency of the command, but the Governor’s cash gift of N5million to each of the 21 officers and men who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism in Imo State.

Barde also thanked Alkali for his strategic vision for Nigeria which he said has helped the Police in Nigeria and Imo State in particular to accomplish all they have achieved so far, noting that the general security situation in the State has considerably improved.

In a vote of thanks, the Imo State Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Services, Dr. Ugorji O Ugorji thanked the Governor for making Imo State secure inspite of the distractions he has faced since coming into office.

He equally thanked the IGP for being physically present to commission and receive the brand new Armoured Personnel Carriers.

Ekiti, Six Other States Benefit From World Bank Education Grant

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ondo School

By Ayodele Oni

The World Bank has released the sum of $25 million under its School Improvement Grant (SIG) to Ekiti and other six states in the country.

Not less than 203 public schools in the State have been shortlisted to benefit from the SIG.

Flagging off the disbursement of the fund under the ‘World bank Agile Project’ in Ado-Ekiti, on Tuesday, the wife of the state Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, said the initiative was geared toward boosting adolescent children’s access to education in Ekiti.

Erelu Fayemi stated that a total of seven states had been listed to benefit from the scholastic programme, with Ekiti being the only beneficiary in the entire 17 Southern states.

The first lady added that in the past, girls were being treated as people of no value, saying parents must begin to change their orientations and treat all genders with equal respect.

“Ekiti will receive a sum of $25m that will be released for a period of five years. This project was not designed for any state in the South, it was designed for the North due to the ways cultural and religious hindrances are affecting the girls’ children there negatively.

“But when Governor Kayode Fayemi was lobbied by the World Bank to talk to his governor colleagues on the project concept, that was where he ensured that Ekiti’s name was also enlisted as a beneficiary.

“As the World Bank was talking to the Northern Governors, he knew quite well that all the issues and criteria they were talking about were already understood and being implemented in Ekiti and that was how the name of Ekiti State was considered worthy of being enlisted.”

The Governor’s wife revealed that Nigeria has a total of 13 million out-of-school children, regretting that 60 per cent of the victims were identified to be girls.

She said the staggering and mindboggling statistics accounted for why she has been consistently  advocating for robust empowerment for girls and protection of their rights, particularly keeping them safe in schools.

“Am particularly optimistic that this project will address issues of keeping girls in school initiative of the state government, boost school enrolment, improve learning conditions in schools, support girls’ education, and empower girls in digital training and remote sensing.

“Under the SIG fund, facilities like toilets that can improve the well-being of girls in schools will be provided.

“It will provide instructional materials, ensure equal opportunities for education for both boys and girls, support indigent students, provide effective hygiene for girls and treatment for survivors of sexual molestations.

“We must not allow a culture that considers a girl to be of less value to a boy. We must break the cycle of generational poverty that allows girls to continually live a life of abuse.”

Describing education as the only thriving industry in Ekiti, that be sustained and protected, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, said only seven states of Borno, Katsina, Kano, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kebbi and Plateau are to benefit from the programme.

The project coordinator of the SIG Agile Project, Mrs Oluwayemi Alokan, appealed to the stakeholders to take ownership of the projects being executed under this programme, saying all the schools have been credited through the SIG accounts provided by stakeholders.

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