Search
Home Blog Page 346

Oyo Impounds 395 Vehicles, 60 Motobikes in Seven Months

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Adams Akorede
The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority has revealed that 395 vehicles and 60 motorcycles have been impounded from January, this year.
The Director, Administrative and Supply, OYRTMA, Mr Tunde Aiki disclosed this in an interview after one of the agency’s operations on Wednesday in Ibadan.
The operation which took place around Agodi-Gate area, Ibadan saw the agency’s officials defying heavy rainfall to arrest traffic law offenders.
OYRTMA held the responsibility of maintaining the State’s road traffic laws as well as maintaining orderliness and control in the road traffic system of the state.
Aiki noted that the existence of the agency was not to generate revenue for the government through collection of  fines from traffic law offenders as most people believed, but to increase the compliance level of road users to traffic laws.
“We have discovered that more commercial road users violates basic traffic laws, especially those who do not make use of the designated bus stops as their pick up or drop off points for passengers and offences committed by private motorists are more grievous which include leaving one’s lane to face an oncoming vehicle and parking inappropriately on the road.
“We want to appeal to pedestrians and motorists to always take into consideration the safety of other road users as well as acquaint themselves with the traffic laws of the state.”
Meanwhile, some road users who spoke with our correspondent commended the agency for their efforts in ensuring a traffic friendly environment in the state but however called on the government to create more motor parks for both commercial and private users.
A private motorist, Mr Obinna Chukwu said “We know that what  OYRTMA is doing is for the good and safety of everyone, but most times the unavailability of motor parks especially for private motorists causes a lot of issues. So if the government can build motor parks at designated and busy places in the state, it will go a long way to reduce the clumsiness on our roads”.

Makinde tasks Council Administrators on Accountability

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Ridwan Oyebamiji
Oyo State government has called on local government administrators to be accountable to the people at the grassroot so as to make the leadership style operating at the State level cascade to the local government.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Orisadeyi said this on Tuesday while hosting members of Conference of Local Government Administrators at his office in Ibadan.
Orisadeyi said for the people at the grassroot to key onto the policies and programmes of the seyi Makinde administration and give their maximum support, they should be carried along on what the local government administration have in stock for them.
She called for periodic stakeholders’ meetings between the local government and their respective communities so as to engender open government system which she said the incumbent governor held sacrosanct.
“While appreciating this visit, I want to call your attention to the need to carry the people at the local government or the grassroot along on the programmes and policies of the present administration.
” The government at the State will always rely on your capacity to represent its interest in extending good governance to our people.
“No individual will fail to support government when the government is always carrying the individual along as regards its plans to develop the people and physical infrastructures.”
Speaking on her capacity to perform as a woman commissioner, Orisadeyi said she would bring to bear, her experience in administration and as a lawmaker at the State House Assembly in administering the ministry.
Hon. Oyadeyi is the first woman to hold the office of the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
The former lawmaker appealed to the Local Government Administrators to cooperate with her and be diligent in the discharge of their duties for a better Oyo state.
The chairman of the conference of Heads of Local Government Administration, Mr. Waheed Raji, who led the team, said they came to congratulate the commissioner on her appointment and to commit their support to all government programmes for the development of the local government areas in the State.

600 Million People lack Access to Electricity in Africa – UNILAG DVC

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Adams Fakorede

 

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola on Tuesday said that over 600 million people in Africa lacked access to electricity.

Ogunsola at a public lecture on “Africa rising: harnessing the power of disruptive technology to bridge the development divide in education and health – an imperative for tertiary education,” said 600 million Africans accounted for the one billion people without electricity globally.

She stated this at the 7th annual public lecture of the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa, held at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.

According to her, Nigeria must therefore embrace the use of renewable solar energy to increase access to electricity at home and the continent.

While maintaining that the digital revolution requires energy, the don attributed low access to electricity to high population growth rate and uneven development.

She advised the government to urgently work on how to control the population saying unless the population is controlled, infrastructure development would not match a geometrically growing population.

Ogunsola tasked Nigeria on data generation for the future, advising that the Nigerian government should also address health care system problems.

The varsity don further maintained that for Nigerian health institutions to be ready for the future, it must digitize patient records in an electronic management system.

The university administrator who disclosed that very few countries of the world spend over one percent of their Gross Domestic Product on research, lamented that Nigeria spends less than one percent of her GDP on research.

According to her, government must invest in human capital development rather than in infrastructure saying only a literate populace would develop infrastructure.

“The digital revolution is dependent on energy. The access rate to electricity in Africa has been slowly rising since 2000 and currently stands at 43percent but Africa accounts for 600m of the one billion people globally without access to electricity.

“The projection for sub-saharan Africa is that access will double by 2030 but there will still be about 600million without access due to high population growth rates and uneven development.

“This low rate of access can be turned to a major advantage with the embrace of renewable energy such as solar energy”

In his speech, Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka who was represented by the Provost College of Medicine, Prof. Oluwabunmi Olopade-Olaopa said that Africa researchers must conduct locally relevant researches that could leapfrog the continent into a global power.

According to him, African scientists are more relevant to solving Africa’s problems.

Preventable Blindness: Rotary Club calls for Philanthropic Support

By
Peter Ayoade
-
Pacesetter

By Admin

The Rotary Club of Ibadan, Jericho Metro District 9125 on Tuesday, called for philanthropic funding and partnership to reverse the trend of preventable blindness in the country.

The humanitarian organisation made this call during a community eye outreach conducted in Kuola, Apata area of Ibadan on Tuesday.

The eye outreach which involved free eye screening, free cataract surgery and free drugs was conducted by the Rotary Club in collaboration with the Opthamology Department of the University College Hospital, Ibadan and Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre, Ibadan.

The President of Rotary Club, Jericho Metro, Mrs Bisi Yomi-Layinka, said that through their collaborative support, Rotarians would easily reach out to hundreds of thousands of people across the country who have limited access to quality and timely healthcare.

“On behalf of the Board and members of Rotary Club if Ibadan-Jericho Metro, I welcome you to this edition of Eye Outreach.

“Our Club is made up of professionals of diverse professions.We work in communities bringing succor to them.

“We have been having this program for five years in partnership with UCH and Kakanfo Inn in schools and communities.

“Since inception about 5000 people have benefitted with 20 participants benefitting from our free cataract operations.

“Today,  we are looking to screen a minimum of 50 persons while two participants will benefit from the free Cataract operation; two identified beneficiaries will be expected to follow the team to UCH today to enable the operation to be done tomorrow.

She reiterated that members of the club would continue to undertake meaningful initiatives that will impact the lives of many people, especially in the rural areas.

“We seize this opportunity to call on other individuals and corporate organisations to join hands with us by sponsoring this project so that it can reach more communities and a wider audience,” she said.

The Chief Nursing Officer at the Community Eye Outreach Department, UCH, Mrs Grace Illuyomade, said that cataract and glaucoma are two leading causes of a preventable blindness in the country.

She  said that the public health burden of preventable blindness remained cumbersome due to lack of easy access to healthcare, untimely medical intervention poverty and low level of public awareness.

“Preventable blindness is blindness which could be either treated or prevented by known means.

“Although there are many other causes of vision loss, glaucoma and cataract are the two leading causes in the country.

“We are appealing to philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of these indigent patients, many of whom cannot surgical fees, and this has resulted in blindness in many cases,” she said.

Illuyomade said that the collaborative support will also boost effort of community eye outreach to provide quality medical care and intervention in hard to reach rural areas.

According to her,  by helping to improve the lives of people in rural areas it will contribute to efforts aimed at solving the problem of preventable blindness in the rural communities.

An Octogenarian, Ahamadu Bello, who was diagnosed with cataract during the free screening said that the outreach was a worthy cause for those who couldn’t afford medical checks.

Bello said he had been experiencing the symptoms for over two years, but ignorance and cost of medical care made him helpless from seeking intervention.

Unveiling Dr. Salako idris: New Lagos Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development

By
Peter Ayoade
-

“stakeholders see his appointment as breath of fresh air among Lagos commissioners”

Stakeholders in Lagos state and Nigeria at large have described the appointment of Dr. Salako Idris as the new Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban development by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu like a square peg in a square hole and is expected to be a breath of fresh air in Lagos civil service.

The appointment of personnel into any office or position should elicit some excitement. Appointments are a call to duty and a call to serve and make a difference.  They should not be viewed lightly or seen as funfair or used as some form of patronage, but should be viewed as a serious issue. This is because when one gets the appointments wrong, or makes the wrong choice, it can cause incalculable damage, as well as breed mediocrity and incompetence.  Appointments are meant to be inspiring; fortunately, that can be said of the appointment of  Dr. Salako Idris.

According to those familiar with the sector, the appointment of Dr. Salako Idris is encouraging, inspiring and worth celebrating as he’s seen as a square peg in a square hole, who until his appointment was the Managing Partner at Adesanya Salako & Associates; member of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) and a member at the Town Planning Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC).

As a first-time Commissioner, Dr Salako Idris is expected to win the confidence of the people within the shortest possible time, by reassuring them that he is the right man for the job. Like other commissioners, the new Lagos State helmsman has the onerous task of translating his promises to action. Governor Sanwo-Olu who chose him is not expecting anything less than good governance and the implementation of programs that will impact on lives of Lagos citizens and residents.

Lagos is a city with enormous opportunities and potential. A cultural melting pot, it is estimated that an average of 6,000 persons from various parts of the country come into Lagos daily. Thus, the city is only growing in population but without corresponding infrastructure development, a challenge Dr. Salako ldris has the right credentials to solve.

Dr Salako Idris was born in 1968 in Lagos, Nigeria to Nigerian parents from Lagos State. He earned a Bachelor of Technology in Urban and Regional Planning, Federal University of Technology Akure and went ahead to obtain M.Sc. and PhD in the same field [Urban, Regional Planning] at the prestigious University of Lagos State (Unilag).

He is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and a member of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON). Dr. Idris commenced his career in urban and rural planning as an Estate officer at Jide Taiwo & Co. between 1997-1998. He joined Hussplan Consult – Planning Practice as a Town Planner in 1998. He was an Environmental Officer at b-Environmental between 2001-2010.

He, however, joined the public sector between 2001-2003 as a Town Planning Officer at Oshodi-Isolo Local Planning Authority. Dr. Idris established Adesalako & Associates in 2004, where he has managed, conceptualized; as well as executed several projects in Nigeria.

Among these many projects include but not limited to: Ikorodu Sub-Region Master Plan (2016-2036); Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (2016); Large/medium/Small Scale Agro-Industrial Parks at Imota Ikorodu; Mowo, Lagos-Badagry Expressway; Ibeju-Lekki;  Ijanikin; Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Lagos State Government (2013-2015); Preparation of Development Schemes for the Redevelopment of Agbado Oke Odo Unity  Market, Alagbado Lagos State, 2013; Development of an Environmental Preservation Control and Conservation Database for the Niger Delta; Preparation of Environmental Impact Analysis Report/Planning Technical Study Reports for the New Tejuosho Market (Phase 1); Medium and Large Scale Industrial Park, Ilara-Igbonla, Epe.

Others include: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Lagos State Government (2014); Project Manager, Ogun State Sub Regional Plan (Ogun Waterside and Ijebu East Local Governments-Sub-Region 5) 2007; Preparation of Development Schemes for the Redevelopment of Kuyasin Awuse Market and the New Kotangowa Market, Lagos State, (2009); Development plan for a Leprosarium at Ijebu Itele, by the Redeemed Christian Church of God ; Project Planner, Ogun State Sub Regional Plan (Ogun Waterside and Ijebu East Local  Governments, 2006).

Makinde: Why I Appointed Owoseni, former Lagos Police Commissioner as Special Adviser

By
Peter Ayoade
-

 

By Adams Akorede

 

The urge to deliver on the security of lives and property, being one of the four pillars of my administration’s commitment to develop Oyo state made me to appoint a former Commissioner of Police in Lagos and Benue states, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, as Special Adviser on Security Matters.

The Governor of Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde made this known in a statement on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa.

Makinde said Owoseni’s appointment, took effect from August 1.

The statement indicated that Owoseni’s appointment falls in line with the recognition of security as one of the four pillars of the Makinde administration in Oyo State.

Governor Makinde had also promised to unveil a new security architecture for the state before his first 100 days in office.

The Governor, in the letter of appointment, wished Mr. Owoseni, who has been working as a security consultant since his retirement from the police after 35 years of meritorious service, success in his new assignment.

Governor Makinde also urged Owoseni to discharge his duties with absolute loyalty and dedication.

The retired Commissioner of Police was born on August 17, 1962. He retired from the Nigeria Police with the enviable rank of Commissioner of Police earlier this year.

Owoseni, a holder of a Bachelor of Arts Bachelor in International Studies and Diplomacy from the University of Benin and a Diploma in Police Management (DPM) from the University of Jos, as well as several certificates in police and professional courses at the local and international levels, began his police career in the early 80s.

He rose through the ranks as an Inspector of Police and became the Commissioner of Police in charge of General Investigations at the   Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID), Abuja.

He also served as the Commissioner of Police (CP) in Lagos State, the commercial capital/nerve centre of Nigeria, which has a Police strength of over 30,000 personnel, the highest in country.

He was reputed to have served more than two years on the Lagos hot seat, ranking among the five longest serving (out of about 35) Commissioners of Police, who had served in the State.

While on his tour of duty in Lagos, he effectively harnessed and utilised the available human and material resources to ensure safety of lives and properties as well as providing the enabling environment for social and economic development of the former Nigerian Federal Capital city.

He was subsequently deployed to Benue State at the height of the Herdsmen and Farmers clashes and he was reputed to have recorded   remarkable achievements towards quelling the spate of violence in the food basket state.

He equally served as Commissioner of Police (Administration), at the Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja, where he made immense contributions especially by ensuring the success of the collaborations between the UNDP and the Police towards the successful conduct of the 2015 general elections.

It is also on record that Owoseni contributed immensely to the overall performance of the Nigeria Police Force in the 2015 general elections particularly in the areas of personnel training and writing/production of “Handbook on guidelines for Police Officers deployed on election duties,” (the first time ever in the Police).

The retired Commissioner of Police also served as an Expert on Mission and Seconded Staff (at managerial level -P5 position) to the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) and the African Union- United Nations Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), while he made significant input (UN Police Component) into the United Nations Security Council Resolution on UNAMID, including the different levels of support programmes offered to the African Union by the United Nations, Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UN-DPKO).

The statement indicated that the newly-appointed Special Adviser on Security Matters is expected to bring his wealth of experience garnered over the decades through many local and international assignments to bear on the security situation in the Pacesetter state.

Makinde is borrowing over N1bn Monthly to pay LG salaries – Oyo ALGON

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Adams Akorede
The embattled local government chairmen sacked by Governor Seyi Makinde has disclosed that the state government was leaving on borrowing spree, in order to be seen as nice.
The ousted ALGON chairman, Mr. Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye who made the allegation in a recent chat with this reporter, said that the government borrows over N1 billion monthly to pay council workers since June.
Responding to a question on Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) June 1 deadline for governors to allow councils access funds from the federation account without interference, “I don’t think they have been following it. In the state/councils joint account, no transaction should occur without the primary owner which is the democratically elected officials.
“I believe no transaction has occurred in the State Joint Allocation Committee otherwise called JAC since we left office because they refused to recognise chairmen to work with; there is no way even if that money goes to councils, they can’t have access to it,” Alesinloye claimed.
On how they have been paying salaries till date, Alesinloye said, “I learnt they have been borrowing money to pay because they don’t want anything negative to happen to their government.
“So they have been rallying round to source for money to pay local government workers.
“There is no way they can access the money coming from Abuja to local governments for now.
“We have written letters to the banks and I am sure the banks have not been honouring their cheques. They (Oyo government) don’t have access to the money.
“NFIU should monitor it because the money is meant for democratically elected chairmen, not the caretaker arrangement.
“And I know that NFIU is monitoring the disbursement and there is no way they would make any transaction in that joint account.
“If they do, that will be an illegal operation of councils funds and it is an illegal thing to do.
“You may wish to ask me for how long they would sustain it, under the guise of populism, because you want to be seen to be nice; to be good, to be people-oriented, no problem but for how long can they sustain such borrowing?
He puts the monthly salaries of council workers at over N1.1 billion.
Responding to the NFIU directive and the claims by the ousted ALGON boss, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa said there was no iota of truth in the claim by Alesinloye, just as he said the NFIU had been taken to court.
Adisa said, “but the Nigerian Governors Forum took that matter to court. As far as the matter is in court, status quo remains. Each state can now design how it manages its local governments.”
Asked to comment on the claim that the state government had been borrowing to pay council workers, Adisa said, “the state House of Assembly passes law on the running of the local governments.
“The matter is in court. The NFIU can’t do anything for now.
“The so-called ALGON wants to remain in the news. They want to remain relevant. Whatever they are saying, let them continue. We don’t want to engage them,” Adisa stressed.
Reminded of the claim by Alesinloye that the state government borrowed to pay June and July salaries, Adisa said, “it is not true. If they have such evidence, let them show the media.”

Again, Parents, Students drag UI to Court over Hijab Use in International School

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Ademola Babalola
Some Muslim parents whose daughters were banned by the authority of the University of Ibadan International School from wearing Hijab (head scarf) have returned to court to enforce what they termed as fundamental human rights of their wards in line with their religious belief.
The Hijab controversy became a public issue in November last year when the parents under the banner of UI-ISI Muslim Parents’ Forum petitioned the University of Ibadan, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) UI who doubled as Chairman of the board of Governors of the school; the school principal, Mrs. Phebean Olowe and the school for disallowing female Muslim students in the school to wear Hijab.
The crisis generated a lot of arguments for and against from parents, students, academic and other stakeholders, the development which led to the shutting of the school for a week.
The Muslim parents on behalf of their wards later approached an Oyo state High Court in Ibadan, asking it to mandate the school to allow their wards to use Hijab on top of their school uniforms.
However, Justice Ladiran Akintola of the State High Court 9, on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, struck out the fundamental human rights suit filed by the parents on behalf of their wards.
Akintola in his ruling, premised his judgement on the fact that the section of the constitution on human rights issues should be filed individually and not collectively as done by the parents.
The Muslim parents while speaking on Sunday, said that they had complied with the court directive to file their matters separately.
Chairman, Muslim Parents’ Forum of the School, Alhaji Abdurahman Balogun while said that the applicants have now complied with the court directive to file the matter individually.
Balogun said, “We are back in court. This is to inform you all that sequel to court directive to file the matter individually as regards Fundamental Human Rights, we had since complied and new cases  assigned as follows:
(1) Fareedah Moshood vs UI is on Monday 19 Aug 2019 at High Court main premises ring road before a vacation judge;
(2) Hamdallah Olosunde vs UI is coming on 20-8-19 before court 17 Iyaganku;
(3) Iman Akinoso vs UI is coming on 20-8-19 before court 17 Iyaganku;
(4) Raheemah Akinlusi vs UI is coming on 21-8-19 before court 17 Iyaganku;
(5) Ikhlas Badru vs UI is coming on 21-8-19 before court 17 Iyaganku;
(6) Mahmudah Babarinde vs UI  is on  27 Aug 2019 at high court main premises ring road  before a vacation judge;
(7) Aakifah Dokpesi vs UI  is on 27 Aug 2019 at High Court main premises Ring Road  before a vacation judge and
(8) Aaliyah Dokpesi vs UI is on 27 Aug 2019 at High Court main premises Ring Road  before a vacation judge.

Balogun maintained that the decision of the students to return to court is simply to “liberate our children and Muslims who were oppressed, intimidated and coerced not to express their faith freedom as guaranteed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

With over One Million Population, Rep seeks Splitting of Constituency

By
Peter Ayoade
-
With over one million population, Rep seeks splitting of constituency
By Rebecca Akinkanju
With the growing population of over one million people across Iseyin, Kajola, Itesiwaju and Iwajowa local governments in Oyo state, the member representing the area in the House of Representatives, Shina Peller has demanded the splitting of the constituency into two.
Keller, at a town hall meeting attended by the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Andulganiy Adekunle; a former Rep member in the area, Dr Wale Okediran; students, artisans and chiefs, assured that he would sponsor a bill to make case for the matter.
Peller said the nation cannot grow in the face of injustice which placed some federal constituencies at the receiving end.
The lawmaker said he would rally his colleagues in the house and senators for inclusion of the area in the constitution amendment.
Speaking to journalists during a town hall meeting and N10 million empowerment at the Iseyin city hall, Peller said, the huge size of the constituency and its large population necessitated the move to seek for a legislation for the splitting of the constituency into two to ensure that development gets to the people at the grassroot.
According to the APC lawmaker, aside the fact that Oyo state remains the largest state in the country, there is urgent need to push for the splitting of the constituency .
He said ” The population of the four Local Governments is over one million . And the land mass is more than many other federal constituencies in the country. I remember one day i went to Somolu to Bariga in Lagos , within 35minutes you traveled from Somolu to Bariga .
” Here from Iseyin to Kojola you will spend more than three hours travelling , and that is within one federal constituency. Iseyin has eleven wards, Kajola has eleven wards, Itesiwaju has ten wards, and Iwajowa has ten . And in total i’m representing 42 wards . “
 He expressed grave concern over security challenges faced by the people , saying that contrary to rumours that the federal was jettison the state police, the National Assembly would soon come up with a legislation for the establishment of local policing to further strenghten the existing security architecture in the country.
He the inaugural  meeting which is coming two months after the 2019 general election, was in line with his campaign promise of meeting the people every two months .
” As for me, i believe in challenges . And i like to challenge myself . I believe so much in public opinion if the people have electric me to represent them, there must be periodic meetings and give them feedback on what i have done so far , and meeting them would help me to see myself how far i have gone and also help me to see my mistakes and correct them to be a better person ,” he said.

Declare State of Emergency to restore Peace in South West – Don tells Govs

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Yakubu Temitope
The Director, Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof. Tajudeen Akanji on Friday called on the Governors in the South West region to declare state of emergency as a measure to restore peace and security in the zone. 
Akanji made this appeal as guest speaker at the 4th Surveyor Lasisi Lasupo Ali Annual Lecture entitled, “Emerging Security Threats, State Stability and Economic Development of South Western Nigeria”, organized by Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Oyo State.
At the event were the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Muhammed Fadeyi; Chairman of the occasion, Mr Adelodun Olaiya; NIS National President, Mr. Alabo Charles and Chairman, Oyo State branch of NIS, Mr. Aderemi Kobiowu.
Akanji said that one of the panacea to the problem of insecurity which he said is alien to the region, is “for the governors to declare a state of emergency as a measure to restore peace and security to the region.”
He indicated that the drivers of insecurity include globalization which he said has broken down trade barriers between nations, expansion and integration of economies as well as people.
Akanji called on the Nigerian government to reorganize its security and military formations by introducing state policing and as well address the poverty and unemployment in the country.
He blamed the high rate of crime in Nigeria to a number of factors including “the state’s incapacity to forecast and address early warning signals on insecurity. “Most of the challenges we face are results of governance deficit.
“Although insecurity is a global phenomenon, the difference between communities and states with security issues is their proactiveness and ability to prepare, forecast, project, confront and recover from the security challenges.”
Ogundoyin in his address, said as part of efforts to nip the security challenges in the bud, the State government would soon unveil a new security architecture.
“We have taken security for granted in Nigeria. I recall that while we were growing up, we could move around freely without any fear.
“Oyo State House of Assembly is ready to partner with the Nigerian Institution of Surveyor in all possible ways including ways to ensure security in Oyo Sate.”
Olaiya lauded the efforts of NIS, Oyo State for considering it appropriate to honour Pa L. L. Ali with the annual lecture series saying the gesture shows the recognition of selfless service and respect “Baba” has for the profession.
Olaiya who spoke on behalf of L. L. Ali Family said Pa Ali’s honesty, discipline and virtues, have now constituted lasting heritage which brought about the annual lecture in honour of the celebrant.
Charles said the annual lecture in honour of the septuagenarian is the best thing for the man who has paid his due not only to the surveying profession but to humanity.
Kobiowu said the 98-year old Surveyor L. L. Ali is a colossus in the surveying profession because of his uncompromising respect for the ethics of the job in his active days and therefore he is being celebrated with the annual lecture.

Senatorial: Folarin floors Sunmonu, Ilaka at tribunal 

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Ridwan Oyebamiji
The National Assembly/state assembly election petition tribunal sitting in Ibadan, on Friday dismissed the petitions filed by the immediate past Senator Monsurat Sunmonu of the African Democratic Congress and Chief Bisi Ilaka of the Peoples Democratic Party, both from Oyo central against the election of Senator Teslim Folarin of the All Progressives Congress.
In dismissing the petitions, the election petition panel, chaired by D. M. Igyusu, but read by Sikiru Owodunni, the-three man panel unanimously agreed that both petitions lacked merit.
They were of the opinion that none of petitioners was able to substantiate claims of over-voting and electoral malpractices, pleaded against Folarin’s victory
The court awarded cost of N20, 000 against the petitioners, in favour of all respondents; Folarin, Independent National Electoral Commission and the APC.
Reacting to the judgement, Folarin, thanked God for the judgement and particularly thanked the judiciary for being the last hope of the common man.
He eulogised members of his senatorial district for voting massively for him and was delighted that their decision to elect him has been affirmed by the courts.
 He enjoined both petitioners to now respect the wish of the electorate and join hands in moving Oyo Central forward.
Counsel to both Sunmonu and Ilaka said they had their clients instructions to proceed on appeal against Folarin’s victory.

Pay Tax, Lets Break Poverty in Oyo, Makinde tells Citizens

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Rebecca Akinkanju
In order to be able to fulfill his promises on provision of social amenities, enduring infrastructures, regular payment of government obligations and other amenities, the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has pleaded for the support of different stakeholders operating in the State on adequate deductions, prompt Remittance of Taxes and other levies.
This was stated during a One Day Sensitization workshop on Computations, Deductions and Remittances for Federal and State Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as Tertiary Institutions in the state held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariats, Ibadan.
Speaking on behalf of Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Internal Revenue Service, Aremo John Adeleke reiterated that the intention of the present administration was not going to over-burden any business enterprise either small or big but rather to ensure government get its fair and reasonable share of all its eligible tax revenue.
Makinde said, “Presently, the fluctuations and other complex gyrations of the international Oil market and the global economy means unstable and often lower revenue from Federal allocation. The need to look inward to generate enough internal revenue to cater for the much societal demand has never been this much.
“We count on Companies and other businesses to ensure they regularly deduct and remit their employees’ PAYE tax to covers of our treasury. This will ensure mutual reciprocation of right and duties on the part of all parties. I regard such complying institutions, business and contractors as friends of my government and corporate citizens of this State of enduring opportunities.”
Welcoming the participants in his speech, Aremo Adeleke tasked Professional Bodies, Tax Professionals, Consultants, Taxpayers and Agents to discharge their responsibilities as stipulated by the National Tax Policy of 2017.
He also urged all MDAs, Federal and State as well as Tertiary Institutions to ensure they give patronage only to individuals and companies with a record of regular and up to date remittance of their employees’ Pay As You Earn (PAYE).
In his remark, the head of the partnering firm, Mr Femi Adeniji explained that the workshop was about sensitizing various agencies about their responsibility that pertained to tax and other dues, adding that participants will be taught the right ways of making deductions so as not to shortchange the government.
The workshop had in attendance officials of State and Federal Ministries,Directorates and Agencies (MDAs),private business sectors representatives and other stakeholders.

Polaris Launches Swift Non-Collateral Salary Advance Solution to Customers

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Adams Akorede

 

In line with its commitment tocreating innovative financial solutions, Polaris Bank has launched a quick credit solution called “Polaris Salary Advance” that requires no collateral to access.

 

Polaris Salary Advance is a customer-led product that enables employees to get up to 50% of their net monthly salary to meet basic needs before their next payday. The product is designed to provide short term financing to its customers via convenient and accessible digital channels such as the mobile phone. 

 

Explaining the key features that set the new solution apart from competition, the Bank’s Group Head, Products & Markets Development, Adebimpe Ihekuna disclosed that the product is designed to provide leverage for consumers to meet pressing financial needs such as paying their child/ward school fees, emergencies requiring funding, bill payments, amongst other needs.

According to Mrs. Ihekuna, the facility is very easy to access: “All you needed do is to dial *833*12# to connect to Polaris USSD Banking, a dialog box appears showing customer’s eligible loan amount and option to input required loan amount; next menu shows the requested loan amount with the pricing, with an option to select ‘1-Accept’ or ‘2-Decline and the customer selects ‘1 –Accept’, and loan amount is immediately disbursed into customer’s salary account.

“Beyond the financial empowerment that Polaris Salary Advance offers to our customers, access to such soft loans improve consumer lifestyle and help them to be in charge of their resources rather than banking on uncertain sources”, the Product manager remarked. 

Polaris Bank is a customer-centric bank positioned to deliver industry-defining products, services and platforms across all the key market segments.

 

Be Your Brother’s Keeper, Akinremi Jagaban tells Constituents

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Ridwan Oyebamiji
The Vice Chairman, House of Representatives committee on science and technology, Hon. Musiliudeen Olaide Akinremi has congratulated Muslim brothers, sisters and all the people of Ibadan North federal constituency on this year’s Eid-el-kabir celebration.
 
Akinremi popularly called Jagaban in a Sallah message to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji; all the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), council of Imams,  Alfas, Mogajis, chiefs, market men and women, students and artisans in Ibadan North, prayed Allah to grant everyone the grace to celebrate many more years in good health and abundant wealth.
 
He tasked all to remember those who could not celebrate (as they would have loved to) for one reason or the other, in their prayers.
Akinremi Jagaban said “that this year’s sallah coincided with the Church service of our Christian counterparts is a confirmation that God wants all to coexist in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.”
The Ibadan North federal lawmaker therefore admonished all to be their brother’s keeper and celebrate with moderation.
He recalled the reason for the celebration, and tasked all not to lose hope.
According to Akinremi Jagaban, “we must not lose hope. If Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) could receive a ram to replace his son at the last minute, there must be light at the end of the tunnel for Nigeria. Let us keep the fire of hope burning.”
He enjoined everyone to remember President Muhammadu Buhari, and indeed all leaders at the federal and state levels in their prayers for God to touch their hearts to do good for the citizens.
Akinremi reassured the people of his constituency of his commitment to strive hard to deliver on all his electioneering promises.
He therefore solicited for their prayers at all times.

Ladoja, Alaafin task Buhari on Insecurity

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Rebecca Akinkanju

A former Governor of Oyo state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on Sunday proferred solutions to the spate of insecurity in the country.

While Ladoja spoke to journalists after Eid prayer in Ibadan, the Alaafin in his EId El Kabir message, through his Chief Press Officer, Bode Durojaiye, said “what we need, as a nation, are sincere, concerted and sustained efforts towards propagating the kind of God-consciousness demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim””.

This, the royal father asserted, will surely guarantee for our nation and for us as individuals a lasting solution to all the challenges confronting us and our life here on earth will be much more peaceful, trouble-free, while the hereafter eternally glorious.

Ladoja also said the government is not sincere in its approach to finding a lasting solution to the myriads of challenges facing the country adding that, if they are ready they will first look at the root causes of the challenges and tackle the same headlong.

 He said the people do not trust the government any more because the government has not fulfilled its promises to the people, adding that there is the need for frank talk between the people and the government to restore mutual confidence to tackle the various insecurity challenges in different parts of the country.

“You know most of the time they talk about insecurity, we don’t sit down to look at the root cause of the problem. If we try to look at the root cause of the problem, then we will know that all these insecurities have got a root.

“And if we are not careful, we will be complicating it. Look at the Shiites people that were said to have been banned. They are calling for another jihad. You know people take their religion very seriously and they will not want their religion to be killed. And that is another problem in our hands.

“The root cause is a question of equity. This is a conventional government both at the federal, state and local level. It was set up by a constitution and the constitution provides for the three arms of government. So, if one arm is dominating the other, then you cannot have the desired peace.

“Why should the court grant El-Zakzaky bail and they refuse to release him? And now the people are saying, release our leader, after all, he has been granted bail and if you don’t want to release him, then take him to court.

“Then if the court ask them to jail him, then its another thing. But, they didn’t take him to court and they didn’t release him and his people are worried and they said the man is sick.

“God forbids, if he dies in detention, we are looking for another problem and these are some of the issues that heightened insecurity apart from the fact that some people also capitalized on these issues.

“We have had some people who stage-managed their own kidnappings. We have had people who kidnapped their parents and so it is a very complex issue and I don’t think
that it is limited to Southwest and it is not limited to anywhere.

“But, I believe the government should look at it from the angle that, there must be root causes. The one of Boko Haram has been technically defeated and yet Generals are dying and soldiers are dying. The Governor of Borno even said nearly three-quarter of his state is not habitable. So, we are not frank with ourselves and we are not sincere with ourselves.

“I say between the government and the people, there must be the trust. A lot of people don’t trust the government again because they tell a lot of lies and if we don’t know if it is the same thing the new cabinet will do. So, these are the things, we are not sincere with ourselves and that is the root cause of insecurity.

“If you report an incident with the security operatives, are you sure the same security operatives will not reveal the identity of the person who gave them the information?”

On the essence of the celebration, Ladoja said people must learn to make and keep their promises either to fellow men and or to God, adding that a life of sacrifice as depicted by Prophet Ibrahim must always be put into practice saying “there is nothing bigger than sacrifice.

Ladoja also cleared air on his purported retirement from politics, saying he is still active in ‘developmental politics’ but said he will not contest for any political office again.

He said “Is it possible for someone to retire from politics? Are you not a politician? And so, what are they talking about? All I said was that I am not contesting again. Is that retirement? That is not retirement.

“I say I am not contesting again but I will always go for developmental politics. Whether I am in partisan or non-partisan politics, if there are any developmental politics, I will always go for it anywhere in Nigeria. So, it is not a question of ‘siddon-look’, I am not ‘siddoning look’.

1...345346347...362Page 346 of 362

© 2023 All Rights Reserved. Website Designed by: Samtech Media (+2348103682435)