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No need for reconciling with Ajimobi, says Akintola

By
Peter Ayoade
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“But if a man; a beneficiary of my goodwill now says “I agree that you are my benefactor but I may decide to pay you back with evil; I may under pay you and I may not even pay you at all”
By Adams Akorede
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Adeniyi Akintola has ruled out further relationship with a former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi following the fallout of the 2019 general elections.

 

Akintola in an interview with The PUNCH had told the reporter who sought to know if there could be room for a reconciliation to spare him of such a needless venture.
The Pacesetter News reproduced below ‘the balance’ of the interview.
Q: Since your failed bid to pick the Oyo APC gubernatorial ticket, it appears you are no longer on speaking terms with the former Governor Ajimobi?
Yes, there is no basis for that. There is a level at which man should not descend no matter what. We had our relationship together. But if a man; a beneficiary of my goodwill now says “I agree that you are my benefactor but I may decide to pay you back with evil; I may under pay you and I may not even pay you at all”.
Q: Did he say that or mere hearsay?
No. He said it to my face. And people were there including his own brother.
Q: And are you sure he said all that?
He has been telling people before then and later said it to my face. People who had been appealing to me did not know the fundamental nature of our differences. Those issues were so fundamental and there is no need for reconciling with such a person. I am not quarrelling and I am not having any issue against him but further relationship? Please spare me.
Q: What future for your party?
Our party would bounce back. Oyo people are progressives in nature. What happen is that at a stage, we took electorate for granted. We failed to understand the fact that those of us who are registered members of political parties are not up to two percent of the entire populace. And we became swollen headed and they decided to deal with us. We didn’t lose to the PDP, we lost to ourselves. It was APC against APC.
Q: What efforts have been put in place to calm fraying nerves including you?
Those of us who understand this, know that without the support of some compatriots, we won’t be there. When some people think that they are more than the electorate, the electorate decided to teach us lesson. On the day of election, one of his commissioners called me and said some structures failed us and I asked him, “did you know that those structures exist when you are taking people for granted?”
Q: Your supporters expected you to move to another party when you couldn’t pick the ticket of APC but you declined…
Yes. Thanks to Governor Seyi Makinde; Dare Adeleke; Prince Dotun Oyelade because they actually made efforts for me to cross over and pick Oyo South senatorial ticket. But what would I say to some people because there is something I leanrt from Chief Bola Ige that I would not forget. You are not to engage in fight with anybody; you must know the opponents you are facing but you should first of all appreciate people behind you. If I move to PDP, what I would be telling Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; former Governor Fashola, chief Bisi Akande? What would I tell Chief Bola Ige and Awolowo when I meet them in heaven?
Q: Does that mean you are an unrepentant progressive?
Yes, I am an unrepentant progressive.
Q: But some of them are criminally intelligent?
Yes. Every party has its plus and minus. The perception is different from what you think. People belief that PDP is an enclave of all sorts of people; drug pushers, etc but we have very many good people in that PDP. For those of us in APC, the perception is that we are propagandists, highly intelligent but criminally minded. These are the perceptions but not all of us are propagandists; not all of us are criminally intelligent and not all of us have intelligent without integrity. It is a perception and we would continue to correct those perceptions. People alleged of us of being master of propaganda as if PDP is not also engaging in propaganda.

EFCC arrests Fidelity Employee for allegedly stealing N137m

By
Peter Ayoade
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibadan zonal office, has arrested one Kehinde Olumide Agbabiaka, a sales agent of Fidelity Bank Plc.
His arrest was sequel to a petition jointly penned by the bank’s Regional Security Officer and the Cluster Control and Compliance Manager, in which it was alleged that the suspect suppressed, diverted and stole a total sum of N137,000,000 from personal and corporate accounts of a customer in ibadan.
Filed on August 20, 2019, the petition alleged that Agbabiaka committed the offence between January 2017 and July 2019.
The suspect, who was the account officer attached to the customer, was said to be visiting the business premises of the victim weekly to collect cash with the understanding that he would remit same to his accounts domiciled in the bank’s Challenge, Ibadan branch.
But, instead of depositing the money, Agbabiaka was said to have at different times remitted only a portion and on many occasions diverted the whole sum to personal use.
In order to cover its criminal acts, the suspect, according to the petition, would rather issue fictitious bank slips to deceive the customer that he truly deposited the sums.
This continued until the customer reviewed the statement of his account and reconciled same with the cash collection register. It was then they discovered Agbabiaka’s fraudulent deeds, prompting the bank to put up the petition.
So far, the EFCC investigators have established a prima facie case of diversion and stealing against the suspect.
Further investigations also revealed that he had used the suppressed sums to build houses, purchase cars, invest in fixed deposits and insurance policies. He also gave part of the loot to people as friendly loans.
Some of the items have been recovered and registered as exhibits.
The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

NOA urges citizens to respect nation’s symbols

By
Peter Ayoade
-

 

The National orientation Agency, Oyo State Directorate on Monday observed the National Ordinance Day across the 33 local Government areas of the state.

The event is aimed at re-awakening the citizens to the features of Nigeria’s National symbols and why they must be respected.

This the state Director of the Agency, Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu said, is in line towards realizing the Agency’s overaching objective in raising  the consciousness of Nigerians to their civic duties.

In a press release signed by Dosunmu , she maintained that  the need to sensitize the public on how to deal with National symbols has become increasingly important as the agency’s public opinion poll recently conducted, has shown high level lackadaisical attitudes of many people as regards   the National symbols.

Mrs Dosunmu reiterated  that ‘’ a Nation’s Symbols are its identities that stand it out among other nations , therefore, the National symbols should be a citizen ‘s pride and should be held in high reverence at all times’’.

She berated the way some people and even organizations sometimes hoist the Nigerian Flag in haphazard manner, spend mutilated and unkempt  National currencies , keep their international passports in a shoddy manner and even the way they sing National Anthem and pledge carelessly among others.

She stressed that all the national symbols have their own rules guiding them that should not be breached for whatever reason.

The NOA Director urges the citizens to be patriotic and show their love for the country in the way they uphold the National symbols. ‘This, she added should be a continuous practice and not a one-off exercise that should be observed only on National Ordinance Day”.

Religious groups agree to modifications on 17-day Oro festival

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Ademola Babalola
Religious groups consisting of Muslims, Christians and Oro worshipers have reportedly agreed that there would be modifications to the 17-day Oro festival which begins on September 22.
A source in Iseyin local  government told The Punch on Monday.
He said the agreement was reached by delegates of the three major religious groups.
According to him, they have now agreed that the celebration be marked on September 22 being the first, seventh day and 17th day to worship their deity.
The truce followed a meeting convened by elders, princes and princesses of Iseyin land held at the palace of Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdulganiy Adekunle, on Saturday.
At the meeting were elder Salaudeen Adelere; Alhaja Mistura Adeyeri; the Chief Imam of Iseyinland, Sheikh AbdulAkeem Olajori; the Chairman Christians Association of Nigeria, Iseyin local government branch, Rev. Christopher Olugbade and the Jagun Ilado of Iseyin agreed that the last court order issued by a high court in 2000 should be adhered to strictly for this year’s celebration.
It was unanimously agreed that Oro adherents are allowed to perform all their rites between 5:30pm and 5:00am on the first day, seventh day and 17th day while they maintain 8:00pm and 5:00am on other days.
At the meeting that had Basorun of Iseyin Land, Chief Oyegbenle Adelodun, Ikolaba of Iseyin land, Chief Ismail Odubiyi and other chiefs of Aseyin in attendance, the religious groups appealed to one another not to infringe on rights of anybody throughout the festive period.
The delegates agreed that adequate security should be provided by Aseyin-in-Council to forestall breakdown of law and order by any of the religious belief.
While lauding their understanding that fostered peaceful conduct of the meeting, Elder Olalere and generality of chiefs of Aseyin of Iseyin appealed that nobody should attack the Oro worshippers and vise versa.
They also warned Oro worshipers not to set out of their respective quarters unless it’s 5:30pm on the three days while assuring them that if they abide by the order, nobody would attack them and the town will be peaceful.

Oyo PDP, APC differ on Makinde’s tribunal victory

By
Peter Ayoade
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The ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the opposition All Progressives Congress in Oyo state on Monday differed over the tribunal’s judgment which upheld the victory of Governor Seyi Makinde at the March 9 election.
Makinde of the PDP was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission. He polled 515,621 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr. Bayo Adelabu  of the APC who had 357,982 votes.
Adelabu thereafter approached the tribunal and sought a reversal of Makinde’s victory.
But in upholding Makinde’s victory, the Chairman of the tribunal three-man tribunal, Justice Muhammed Sirajo who delivered the unanimous judgment said the testimonies of the ward and local government agents, called by the petitioners could, not be relied upon.
According to the tribunal, the agents were unable to speak the truth and merely relied on what they were told by the polling unit agents.

He said that 32 pieces of evidence, out of the 69 witnesses called by the petitioners were hearsay because the petitioners were ward and local government collation agents while the remaining 37 were polling unit agents.

Sirajo said that the petitioners called 69 witnesses and tendered 4,164 exhibits while the respondents called 15 witnesses.

He said the testimony of an eye witness must come from the polling unit agents who witnessed all that happened from the beginning to the end during the election.

The tribunal said that the petitioners also failed to tender necessary documents that would assist members of the tribunal in proving ballot paper accounting.

He said that it was not only the responsibilities of petitioners to tender documents but also to prove that the alleged irregularities in the election substantially affected the outcome of the election.

Sirajo said that the petitioners failed to prove that the respondents were not validly elected by majority of lawful votes.

“The petitioner failed to prove the allegation of non-compliance, non-accreditation, over voting and corrupt practices that would warrant the tribunal to nullify the election,“ he said.

Expectedly, the State Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha, congratulated Makinde, for his resounding victory at the tribunal.

Mustapha in a statement released by the Publicity Secretary of the party in the State, Mr. Akeem Olatunji, said that the judiciary should be commended for upholding the wishes of the people as demonstrated by the pattern of voting in the last gubernatorial election by declaring Makinde as the winner.
According to the party, the state gubernatorial election petition tribunal, by its landmark ruling, had helped to restore hope to Nigerians that “judgment is not for sale.”
Mustapha saluted the judges for putting honesty, justice and fear of God above any other considerations to carry out their professional callings.
But the opposition APC through a statement by its state Publicity Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Olatunde referred the tribunal ruling to its team of legal experts for necessary recommendation “which the party hopes to follow appropriately.”
Oyo APC thanked its members for being law abiding and assured them to await the next line of action, in due course.

UCH opens Interventional Radiology Centre

By
Peter Ayoade
-

 

The University College Hospital, Ibadan, has launched an Interventional Radiology Centre to reduce morbidity and mortality rate associated with chronic and life changing diseases like breast cancer.
The UCH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, made this known on Tuesday at the ongoing three-day Interventional Radiology Symposium at Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall of the hospital.
The project, according to Otegbayo was made possible through a partnership of the tertiary institution with the RAD-AID International, a US-based non-profit organisation.
Interventional Radiology, which is a subspecialty of Diagnostic Radiology, is the minimally invasive, image-guided treatment of medical conditions through breakthrough techniques that once required open surgery.
Otegbayo, represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr Victor Akinmoladun, said that IR offers one of the most advanced accurate diagnosis and treatment protocols in diseases like cancer.
“UCH is committed to this project. We have a team that have gone out for the required training.
“We desire that the hospital, not only becomes the hub for Interventional Radiology in terms of service provision, but also provide the platform for research activities as well as training for the West African sub-region.
“Interventional radiology is a minimally invasive type of care that cuts across virtually all specialties and aspects of medicine.
“For instance, IR can be used in successful nonsurgical treatment of cases like fibroid, which is common in black women, intractable severe pain and some types of cancer, that is why it called minimally invasive,” he said.
Otegbayo said that while the cost might be inaccessible to some due to expensive materials and equipment, it is not particularly meant for the rich.
“While we know the unfortunate reality of the out of pocket payment for healthcare, we hope to address this issue over time and make it accessible to all.
“However, this is not exactly a care meant for the rich and some people, even go abroad for this same service.
“So, if those services are here, we believe that a lot of those who have the means to travel abroad may reconsider to have it here in Nigeria.
“This means getting the type of procedure here will be cheaper in the long run coupled with quicker recovery time and shorter hospital stay,” he said.
Prof. Biodun Adeyinka, Head of Interventional Radiology Team, UCH, described IR as an advancement in medicine that could replace unnecessary surgical procedures and effectively reduce morbidity and mortality rate of diseases like breast cancer.
“IR is going to rejuvenate breast cancer therapy in the country by making it easier and quicker to get accurate diagnosis.
“The quicker you diagnose the better for the treatment and reduction in morbidity and mortality,” he said.
Adeyinka, a Consultant Radiologist, commended RAD-AID International for providing the needed support which made it possible to kick-start such technologically advanced treatment in a government-owned tertiary hospital.
“UCH has been earmarked as the centre for training, and we appreciate RAD-AID for helping us to achieve this dream.
“They have made commitment to continue to support us by bringing in resource persons from the United States and also through donations of materials and equipment which will help us undertake this project successfully,” he said.
In his remarks, Dr Stephen Hunt, said that introduction of IR in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery process would pave the way as a leader in quality and effective healthcare system.
Hunt, who is an Associate Professor of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, United States, said that by leveraging on the benefits of IR, healthcare providers could diagnose and treat complex medical conditions with unprecedented precision.
“I came from the United State in order to help initiate the first IR training in Nigeria.
“I was in Nigeria last year to carry out a survey on where this project could take of, and we decided on UCH.
“The introduction of IR is going to improve patients’ experience for many reasons like addressing the problem of inadequate number of surgeons and lengthy hospital stays and risk of complications,” he said.
Hunt assured stakeholders that opening of an IR Department in UCH would not be another “white elephant” project.
He said that the RAD-AID team was fully committed to providing the needed support, services, equipment and materials to make it a success.

Recall Envoy, close South African Embassy in Nigeria, Rep tells FG

By
Peter Ayoade
-
The Vice Chairman, House of Representatives committee on science and technology, Musiliudeen Akinremi on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to recall Nigeria’s envoy to South Africa and close down the SA’s embassy in the country within the next 24 hours.
Describing Monday’s killings of Nigerians in South Africa as heinous, Akinremi also decried international communities’ continuous silence on the endless attacks on Nigerians in foreign lands.
 Akinremi in a chat with journalists, said ‘enough is enough and an injustice to one is an injustice to all.”
The lawmaker from Ibadan North federal constituency area of Oyo state, asked those perpetrating the dastard acts to go back to their history and would know how Nigerian government stood by their country and its people during the Apartheid, and on very many occasions.

“These actions taken against Nigerians by South Africans is so unjustified and is an international crime against humanity.

“As lawmakers and voice of Nigerian people, we must rise up to this occasion and call on President Muhammadu Buhari to do something against South Africa interests in Nigeria.
“We must continue to insist on the rule of law and the observance of due process at all times.
“Let the law there take its course whenever crimes are committed by Nigerians.
“Our government appears to have been too silent about these happenings. Its very sad and disturbing.
“I think there should be a diplomatic face-off between Nigeria and South Africa by now.
“We should recall the Nigerian Ambassador and consequently give a 24-hour notice to his South African counterpart to vacate our country.
“More stringent measures are proposed to follow. The incessant killings and molestation are not acceptable in any sane society.
“Let us wake up from our slumber. Exploration by our people for greener pastures elsewhere should not be an invitation to graveyards because, Decapitation is not solution to a headache,” Akinremi fumed.
Akinremi argued further that the South African government was engaging in a conspiracy act for its alleged silence and inability to arrest the culprits.
He added that since Buhari was elected to protect lives of citizens wherever they are, it behoves on the federal government to rise to this clarion call and safeguard the lives and business interests of Nigerians, “as we are doing here to protect all South African investments and its people.”

Xenophobia: Police shield South African Investments from attacks in Oyo

By
Peter Ayoade
-

 

The Oyo State police command on Wednesday took over all South African investments in Ibadan, the state capital.

This follows the attack visited on the MTN business centre at Bodija, by irate youths who set the outlet ablaze.

Our correspondent who went round the Ibadan business district at Dugbe observed heavy presence of security operatives at Shoprite, Dugbe; Palms Mall which is the biggest Shoprite in Nigeria, on Ring road; the MTN zonal office, also on the same road; the Stanbic IBTC banks, including their ATM galleries and the Multichoice.

Confirming the heavy deployment of anti-riot officers and others, the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Gbenga Fadeyi who confirmed the attacks stated that “all South African investments in the state had been properly secured.”

On ‘Think Oyo platform’, a relative of one of the victims, according to a message shared by Derin Omowon, concerning killings in South Africa, said, “what’s terrible with reprisal attacks from Nigerians?

“Should I send you a video of how my brother’s electrical shop on small street in Johannesburg was looted and his wife burnt to ashes?

“Since our government won’t say or do anything, let everything about South Africa be destroyed, we have been in tears since Monday in my family,” he stated.

Another guy consoling the bereaved, wrote: “take heart my dear. Last July, about two months ago, I personally survived by whiskers from the murderous J’burg boys.”

Also speaking about the attack on MTN office at Bodija, a Commander of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency, Ayoade Adeoye stated that the men of the traffic agency arrived the scene of the incident at about 10:30pm on Tuesday when it got the information of the attack on the MTN building.

According to him, “some people on motorcycles were said to have arrived at the building and were asking the security men on duty some questions which they were unable to respond to.

“They, then descended on them and beat them. They came with can of petrol which they used to burn the building.

“The police and other security agencies were here with us. We have been here since that time ensuring that there is no traffic problem as people come down here to see what has happened”

Punch correspondent who was at the scene saw some of those working in the office expressing shock and were making phone calls. They refused to speak with the press but were facially depressed.

A man who had come to MTN to retrieve his SIM card which he claimed was stolen the day before expressed disappointment. “I was not aware that something like this has happened. I was coming down to retrieve my line because my phone was stolen yesterday. I am shocked to see this now”

An on-air personality, Adedeji Ademola said Nigerians should consider other approaches other than violence.

He noted that the building that housed the MTN building belonged to a Nigerian who along with other Nigerians working in that office have become victims.

“We may decide to boycott their services. Stay away from buying from them and allow government to step up diplomatic relations. Doing this (burning) is not good for the livelihood of Nigerians who are already pushed below poverty level.”

The Commissioner of Police in the State, Shina Olukolu had earlier warned reaidents to desist from any planned protest.

Olukolu in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Gbenga Fadeyi, said that ‘the attention of Police in Oyo State, has been drawn by credible sources that some aggrieved Nigerians have perfected plans to carry out coordinated attacks on South Africa economic interest in Nigeria including Shoprite etc.

“The faceless organizers are advised to desist from this planned dastard act as it is an ill wind that will blow no one any good.

“The police in Oyo State wish to seize this opportunity to appeal to the aggrieved citizens for calm and allow the government to use diplomatic means to resolve the logjam.”

Ibadan Obas Tussle: Why We can’t remove our Crowns, says Balogun

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Ademola Babalola
The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun on Wednesday disclosed that removal of their crowns was not part of the ongoing reconciliation with the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
Balogun who was elevated to crown-wearing Oba alongside 20 others, at a ceremony of August 27, 2017 by former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, maintained that only the court could stop them from wearing the crowns.
A media house had on Tuesday reported that the high chiefs had given up their crowns in difference to the supremacy of Olubadan.
Balogun who had always held Olubadan in high esteem and severally revered him as a father, said, “we didn’t give ourselves crowns. We were made kings by the law and no other law has asked us to stop wearing it.”
He continued, “where did they (media) get the idea that we had dropped our crowns from?
“Media people are just creating unnecessary crisis in the Olubadan-in-council.
“We and the Olubadan did not discuss the issue of our crowns at all.

“We even have no right to abandon it (crowns),” Balogun added in a brief phone chat with our correspondent.

Responding, the Olubadan cautioned against inflammatory remarks in the media.

The Media Officer to Olubadan, Adeola Oloko who was evasive in making further comments, simply added, “lets allow sleeping dogs to lie”.

Insecurity: Alaafin applauds police, South-West Govs for partnering OPC

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Ademola Babalola
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has applauded the police and the Southwest Governors on the recent move to partner with the Aare Gani Adams – led Oodua Peoples Congress in their efforts to curb the spate of insecurity in the zone.
Oba Adeyemi made this known on Wednesday shortly after he held a closed- door meeting with the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, at the palace in Oyo.
Adams had visited the Oyo Palace, on his way back from Ogbomosho, where he met with royal fathers, including the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Jimoh Oladunni, the Onijabata of Jabata, and the Ajase monarch.
Adams said the ancient city had, in the past, produced six Aare Onakakanfos all together, where the  recent OPC’s National Coordinating Council meeting was also held.
Speaking, Alaafin said, with the new move, the police have shown a lot of commitment to stop the spate of insecurity in the region.
He said the partnership with the OPC will definitely bring the much needed peace and tranquility across the Southwest.
“As custodian of Yoruba culture, the traditional rulers have the native intelligence of their respective domains and kingdoms.
“We are very close to the people at the grassroots, and on daily basis, we are fed with information that is crucial to the growth and development of the region.”
“For instance, in Oyo town and its environs, I have all the information from across all the 14 local governments in the state. So, the traditional rulers will always have their ears on the grounds on all issues, especially, issues that have to do with the safety and security of their respective domains.”
Alaafin said after meeting with the Aare Onakakanfo, they have fine tuned the strategies and methods of approach, saying OPC will incorporate other notable groups, including the Vigilante, Agbakoyas and other reputable security outfits.
Oba Adeyemi expressed optimism on the new move by the Inspector General of Police, saying efforts should be made to fast track the initiative, with effective modalities put in place to get all the stakeholders involved without further delay.
Meanwhile, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, said now that the police and the southwest governors are ready to partner with the OPC,he would call a meeting  with leaders of other security outfits and stakeholders, including the Agbekoyas, Vigilantes, leadership of all  community hunters, and other relevant security outfits across the southwest.

Makinde Assents Revised N182 bn Budget

By
Peter Ayoade
-
Oyo state governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde has signed the revised 2019 budget of N182 billion into law.
The state house of assembly had on Tuesday reviewed the 2019 budget of N285 billion signed into law by the immediate past Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
It therefore removed N103 billion from it, leaving the state with N182 billion to spend for the year.
Speaking at the signing in ceremony held at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s office, Makinde said the earlier budget was unrealistic, pointing out that the budget performance would be poor if government adopt it as passed by the eight Assembly.
Makinde promised that he would work harder to improve the economy of the state and internally generated revenue to enhance higher budget allocations next year.
The governor therefore urged the people to support his administration in the task of developing the state.
Speaker of the state house, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin noted that the need to plan according to the resources necessitated the revised budget.
Mr Ogundoyin said the assembly would continue to discharge its duties diligently for the betterment of the state.

Akinremi, Ibadan North Rep hails Olubadan at 91

By
Peter Ayoade
-

 

By Ridwan Oyebamiji

 

The lawmaker representing Ibadan North federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Prince Musiliudeen Olaide Akinremi has congratulated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji as he clocks 91 years on Monday.

 

A statement made available by the media office of the lawmaker quoted the APC lawmaker, eulogising Oba Adetunji for the rare gift of life that Allah bestowed on him for over nine decades.

 

Akinremi who is the Vice Chairman, House committee on Science and Technology, called on the subjects of the first class monarch to use the opportunity of the celebration to seek for continuous peace of Ibadanland under the reign of Oba Adetunji.

 

He also thumbed up for the Olubadan as a colourful monarch whose life of service to humanity has been remarkable in both his private business and administration of the city of Ibadan.

 

Akinremi popularly called Jagaban said, “our Kabiyesi, the Olubadan has weathered the storm over the years. I thank Almighty Allah for bestowing the Olubadan with the grace of reaching this milestone in sound mind and quality health.

 

“This celebration presents a rare opportunity for all the high chiefs to sheath their swords and embrace long lasting peace in the Olubadan-In-Council.

 

“Ibadan is our proud heritage and Olubadan is our symbol of royalty. I therefore pray that the ongoing efforts at resolving the grievances between the Kabiyesi and some High Chiefs, end in ‘no Victor, no vanquish situation and ‘win win’ for all sides.

 

“Kabiyesi, may your reign further spur this land to greater glory and more abundance. You will celebrate more years in quality health and sound mind. As one of your subjects, I, Prince Musiliudeen Olaide Adewale Akinremi is proud of your towering influence among the comity of other Obas in Yorubaland,” the statement further stated.

 

 

Prof. Banji Akintoye emerges New Yoruba Leader

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Adams Akorede
 
Amidst the presence of notable Yoruba leaders including a 135-year-old Pa Olamilekan Akekaka, an 84-year-old professor of history, Adebanji Akintoye was elected on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo state.
 
The session moderated by an activist, Dr. Tunde Amusat was convened by Comrade Victor Taiwo, founder of Oodua Redemption Alliance.
 
Taiwo said a notable Yoruba leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo had been severally contacted to be the new leader but he turned down the offer on age ground.
 
In attendance at the Glory View Hotel, Bodija, Ibadan at the gathering tagged “Assembly of all Yoruba groups worldwide” were Baale of Ekotedo, Chief Taye Ayorinde; Chief Deji Osibogun; clergymen; members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (New Era); Oodua Redemption Alliance; Majiyagbe Oodua Vanguard; Awari Omo Oduduwa; among others.
Akintoye was unanimously adopted by the overwhelming people in attendance.
 
Sheikh Abdukraheem Aduranigba , Chief Imam of Yorubaland representing Yorubas in Kwara and Kogi states had moved the motion for Akintoye as new leader.
 
The overwhelming majority including all the elders present backed Akintoye’s nomination.
 
Amidst loud applause, Akintoye was adopted as the fourth Yoruba leader, coming after the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo; Pa Adekunle Ajasin and Senator Abraham Adesanya.
 
With 14 leadership qualities itemised by the convener, Akintoye was said to possess wisdom, high intellect, patriotism to Yoruba cause, passionate commitment, bravery, uncompromising trait, probity, honesty, truthfulness, integrity, friendliness, sense of arbitration, physical agility, mental alertness, accessibility and amiability.

21 New Kings may lose Crowns to Olubadan as Makinde opts for out-of-court Settlement

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Adams Akorede
The appeal filed by former Governor of Oyo state, Abiola Ajimobi challenging the nullification of all the processes that led to the crowing of 21 kings in a single day in Ibadan, may soon be withdrawn by the incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde, any moment from now.
A two-page ‘terms of settlement’ dated August 20 and signed by the counsel to a former Governor Rashidi Ladoja; the Osi Olubadan who challenged the installation of new kings and got judgment, Mr. Michael Lana and Mr. Gbadegesin Adetunji Wasiu, the Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary of Oyo state, stated the procedure for settlement.
Tagged ‘official service’ and received by the Registrar of the court of appeal on Tuesday, the Governor of the state, who is the appellant/applicant and appellant/defendant, Ladoja and Justice Boade Akintunde (for himself and on behalf of all members of the judicial commission of inquiry on Olubadan chieftaincy), respectively agreed as follows:-
The terms of settlement which carried both the appeal number CA/99 & 99A/2018 and suit no. M/317/2017 stated that the report of Boade-led commission of inquiry created disharmony “because of the subsequent elevation of chiefs in Ibadan among the chiefs and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
It also observed the fact that the new administration of Oyo State stands on the of rule of law and the two parties have also recognised the fact that the House of Assembly has not amended the Chiefs Law of Oyo State.
The need for truce was further premised on the fact that amendment could have probably given legal backing to the gazette that led to the installation of the 21 new kings.
Makinde, according to a top government aide who spoke to Pacesetter News on anonymity believed that there is the need to restore peace, communal interests and relationships that existed before the said report and gazette in Ibadanland.
 
The terms for truce stated further that the parties had met and agreed that all gazettes affecting the chieftaincy laws of Ibadanland issued during the pendency of the appeal be set aside, particularly gazette no. 3, volume 43 dated 29th March, 2018 being Oyo state legal notice nos 20 to 67.
 
It also made reference to the judgment of the state high court in suit no. M/317/2017 between Ladoja against the Governor of Oyo state and another.
 
The aide said the Governor has taken it upon himself to discontinue the matter where Ajimobi left it, adding that, “the governor will reconcile all parties involved to foster unity and harmony in the protection of the tradition of Ibadanland as relates to the chieftaincy laws of Ibadanland.”
Ajimobi had, on Sunday August 27, 2017 crowned all the 21 kings. Ladoja who was also a beneficiary stayed away from the ceremony and instituted a court action, which gave him victory.
Justice Olajumoke Aiki of an the State High Court delivered the judgment on January 19, 2018, and declared that the Justice Boade-led Judicial Commission of Enquiry that reviewed the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and other Related Chieftaincies in Ibadanland as unconstitutional, illegal, null, void and of no effect.
But administration of Ajimobi appealed the judgment, giving 11 grounds why the judgment of the lower court should be upturned.
The appeal was still pending when the the All Progressives Congress-led government left power on May 29, 2019, to which pave way for Makinde’s Peoples Democratic Party.

Global IT lauds Buhari over Appointment of 39-year-old Abdullahi as new NITDA DG

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Rebecca Akinkanju

 

An Information Communication Technology hub in sub-Saharan Africa, ‘Global IT’ on Wednesday lauded President Muhammadu Buhari over the appointment of Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi as the new Director-General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency.

The country’s director of the the Global IT, Rasheed Bakare in a commendation letter to the President, applauded the appointment of the 39-year-old Abdullahi, who they described as ‘a digital guru and industry key player’ with passion to surpass predecessors’ achievements in NITDA.

According to Bakare, “Abdullahi, for a couple of years has shown and proven to be a world class professional who will use his wide network to take NITDA to the next level, in line with the vision of Mr. President and the agency’s role as the clearing house for all IT projects and infrastructural development in the country.”

The Global IT which congratulated Abdullahi on his well deserved appointment, admonished him to leave above board and justify the confidence reposed in him by the president.

The new NITDA boss was born on February 21, 1980. He is a graduate of Computer Science from the prestigious Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi and Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MIT Sloan – trained strategist with 15 years of experience in IT operations, business transformation and solution architecture, across both private and public sectors.

 

He attended Leadership and Management courses at Harvard University in the USA, University of Cambridge in the UK and IMD Business School in Switzerland.

As the 1st Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) in Nigeria’s Public Sector, he is also a certified project manager and solution architect. He also has many professional certifications in networking, telecommunications, service management and Solution design such as: Huawei telecommunications engineer, Cisco design professional, ITIL, Prince2, etc.

 

He has worked at Galaxy Backbone as Network Engineer, IP Network Field Engineer, Senior Network & Lead, IP Operations Team, and Senior Solution Architect & Lead, Technical Solution Design Team between 2004 to 2013.

 

In 2014, he joined Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a Technology Architect, where he dedicated his time to developing Technology Architecture Repository that gives 360 view of the Bank’s IT infrastructure and easy decision on new IT investment. He was part of the team that executed software license rationalization which has increased cost savings for the bank in license annual subscriptions.

Mr Abdullahi was a key resource in the development of IT standards for the apex bank, which has reduced mean time to deploy/integrate new system by over 20%. One of his major achievements as a Technology architect was the production of 7 Solution Architectures for critical IT initiatives that helped in achieving cashless society in Nigeria.

 

He joined NITDA in 2017 as Technical Assistant to the Director General/CEO. Being the IT regulatory body in Nigeria mandated to implement National ICT policy, he Managed execution of strategy which has increased ICT contribution to Nigerian GDP by over 13% in Q2 2018.

 

The new DG coordinated Local Content initiatives that has increased ICT local production by over 200% in 2017.

He also overhauled IT clearance process and encouraged shared services among agencies. This has helped Federal Government saved over 16Bn NGN from IT projects.

 

Mr Abdullahi also oversaw procurement process that has reduced cost of major projects by over 5% in two consecutive annual procurement cycles.

 

Additionally, he managed project execution that has implemented over 300 IT infrastructure intervention.

Mr Abdullahi is a member of both British Computer Society (BCS) and Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) in addition to many memberships to his credit.

He is a recipient of 100 Leading Telecom and ICT Personalities in Nigeria – By Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).

Mr Abdullahi is from Hadejia, Jigawa State, and he is married with children.

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