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Obaseki to probe Oshiomhole’s hospital contracts

Editor July 8, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

The Edo Government says it will probe contracts for construction of structures and supply of equipment to Benin Central Hospital, awarded by the administration of Adams Oshiomhole.

Mr Cruise Osage, Special Adviser to Edo Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Benin, saying a Commission of inquiry would soon be constituted to probe the contracts.

According to the Governor’s Aide, the action for probe was necessitated by numerous calls on the government to look into the contracts in which billions of taxpayers’ money were expended on poorly executed projects under the regime of Adams Oshiomhole, past Governor and incumbent APC National Chairman.

He said the Commission of Enquiry would have a mandate to ascertain if details of contract terms were adhered to, especially the quality of materials used for the building.

Osagie said the Commission of Enquiry would also determine the extent of irregularities regarding the purchase of equipment among others.

“The state government will investigate allegations of fraud and irregularities with the contract for procurement of the hospital equipment,” he said.

The aide stated that the commission would unravel why the equipment contracted were yet to be supplied and other claims made by the contractors.

He said, “the contractors who handled the building had questions to answer including the shoddy jobs done among others.

Osagie said works were ongoing at the hospital to patch up parts of the Hospital, as parts of the poorly constructed facilities leading to collapse of the roof in some sections.

No going back on Oyo EFCC, says Makinde

Editor July 4, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

Governor Seyi Makinde has assured that he will not renege on his plans to set up a state anti-graft agency to be christened Oyo state Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He also declared that not less than N60billion of the state monies are in wrong hands.

The governor solicited support of the judiciary to actualise the plans, promising he would not negotiate the independence of the third arm of Government in his administration of the state.

The Governor made the disclosure on Thursday when he paid a courtesy call on the judiciary at the State High Court, Moshood Abiola Way (former Ring Road), Ibadan.

He was received by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Munta Abimbola in the company of other judges, registrars, deputy registrars and other top officials of the state judiciary, as well as members of Judicial Service Commission.

Makinde said: “The independence of judiciary in the state is non-negotiable and I promise that my administration would be completely transparent in terms of finances of the state.

“I have asked that a committee be set up that will administer the funds coming to Oyo State and we will have a member of the judiciary to be a part of that committee.

“I need your support. During my inaugural address, I promised to set up Oyo State Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. It is not a joke.

“I am very serious about it. I am also serious about what I said regarding waving my immunity to come before that commission if I am found wanting in managing the resources of Oyo State.

“The bill has been prepared and it is going to Oyo State House of Assembly. Once it is passed, I want your support to implement and execute.

“We have on record, at least close to N50billion to N60billion of Oyo State money in wrong hands.

“Maybe we are being sensational, maybe we have a vendetta against our political opponents, I am sure very shortly the ball will be in your court to look at it dispassionately.

“I am saying before you that don’t listen to us if we send anybody to you that we want you to help us persecute this individual or that individual for political reasons. We want you to follow your mind.”

He added: “I said that Oyo State is technically bankrupt. I mean it. This state is bankrupt.

“This is our current situation, and it is our reality. However, it is not the end of the story. What we are getting from the Federation Account and the IGR, when you put them together and we net off salaries, not even the cost of administration, we are talking of roughly N500million available for every other thing.

“Also, we have verified at least N150billion in debt. This morning, I met with the pensioners. The retired primary school teachers, they were owed about N60billion in backward of pension arrears.

“Now, the good news is that Oyo State has the capacity to exit all of these debts. We have the capacity to be prosperous. In land mass, Oyo State is as big as Belgium.

“In terms of weather, from derived Savannah in the north of the state, or the way to the south of the state where we have rain forest, you can practically grow on every inch of land available in Oyo State.”

Speaking on the judgment obtained by local government chairmen his administration sacked in the state, Makinde said: “The judiciary is a very important arm of government and its independence is non-negotiable.

“So, what you should expect from us is a validation of that independence of the judiciary.

“Before we came in, if I take the issue of local government and local council development areas (LCDA) administration in Oyo State, I know they got a judgment, saying that the governor should not dissolve them. I am not a lawyer. I am actually a layman as far as legal issues are concerned.

“But I asked people to interpret to me and they said from all intents and purposes, it was an anticipatory judgment.

“I stand before you to say to you that as the executive governor of Oyo State, I will not interfere in how you go about carrying out your functions. You are free to go against us.

“If the people who have come before you are right, tell us. I give you the assurance that we will obey your judgment. You are the final hope of the common folks. They look up to you.”

Woman, 20, stabs husband to death in Anambra

Editor June 29, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

The police in Anambra State have arrested one Makoduchukwu Ndubisi for allegedly stabbing her husband to death.

John Bosko Ngu was reportedly stabbed on his chest with a sharp knife over a yet to be ascertained feud.

Anambra police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, said on Saturday that the corpse of the husband has been deposited at a morgue.

“At about 8am today, police detectives attached to 33 Police Station Onitsha arrested one Makoduchukwu Ndubisi, 20, of No 16 Donking Street Nsugbe in Anambra East LGA of Anambra State.

“Suspect allegedly had a scuffle with her husband, one John Bosko Ngu, aged 35 years of the same address and stabbed him on his chest with a sharp knife.

“Scene was visited by police detectives and victim rushed to Boromeo Hospital Onitsha for medical attention but was certified dead on arrival by a medical doctor.

“Corpse was deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy; exhibit recovered and case is under investigation to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident,” Mr Mohammed said.

Kidnappers demand N5m to free driver abducted in Ondo

Editor June 27, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

Abductors of Felix Akinde, a commercial driver who was kidnapped on Tuesday, have demanded a ransom of N5 million.

Akinde was abducted at Ita-Ogbolu, Akure north local government area of Ondo state when he was conveying nine passengers to Onitsha in Anambra state.

He had picked up the passengers at Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti state and was heading to his destination when the attackers struck around 6am.

The gunmen abandoned the vehicle by the roadside while they marched Akinde and other victims into the forest.

A family source said on Thursday that those holding Akinde made their demand during a telephone conversation on Wednesday.

“The kidnappers have contacted us, they are demanding a ransom of N5 million,” the source said

“They confirmed that he is with them and that he would not be released until they get the ransom. They have called again today to find out if the money is ready. The five million naira is just too much for us. I don’t know where they want us to see such amount.”

Femi Joseph, spokesman of the Ondo police command, said policemen were on the trail of the kidnappers.

Akinde’s vehicle was seen inside the police station in the community. While a police officer on duty denied knowledge of the attack, Undie Adie, the state commissioner of police, confirmed the incident, but said only one person was kidnapped.

A corn seller less than 200 meters to the spot where the incident occurred said that the attackers took advantage of the deplorable condition of the road.

She said she saw the vehicle parked in the middle of road when she was going to the farm in the morning.

“Around 6am when my husband and I were going to the farm, we saw a red bus at NYSC junction with all the doors opened,” she had said.

“Our thought was that the vehicle had a mechanical fault but we later realised that it was attacked. This road is bad, that’s why it’s easy for the kidnappers to attack them. We are appealing to Governor Akeredolu to help look into this road before they finished kidnapping all of us.”

Akeredolu ‘asked’ cabinet to work against APC in 2019 polls

Editor June 21, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

Sola Amodeni, former commissioner for urban and physical planning in Ondo state, says Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of the state, instructed all his cabinet members to work for Action Alliance (AA) candidates during the last national assembly elections.

Tunji Abayomi, an associate of Akeredolu, who was elected under the platform of the the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2016, was the candidate of AA in Ondo north senatorial district in the 2019 elections.

The APC did not fare well in the state during the elections as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defeated Buhari in Ondo.

This fuelled discontent against Akeredolu within the party hierarchy. The national working committee of the ruling party had accused him of anti-party activities and suspended him.

Amodeni, who is among the three commissioners the governor sacked on Monday, told select media organisations that the governor worked against the ruling party in the elections.

“He (Akeredolu) instructed us to work for Action Alliance candidates. That’s not a secret. He had cause to do that because some candidates were imposed on the people of Ondo state,” he said.

“What we would have expected was that the matter should have been resolved but he (Akeredolu) choose that line… let’s just save the rest for posterity.”

Asked if he followed the governor’s instruction and worked for AA, Amodeni said, “Well to some extent, I worked for AA. Initially, I objected but I was convinced to obey the governor… I have no cause to deny it.

Amodeni

It has come and gone, we have all learnt from that; it’s not good to impose candidates. APC didn’t hold primary elections in Ondo state, don’t let us deceive ourselves. We didn’t hold primary anywhere. The committee that came from Abuja didn’t hold any primary, they just selected some persons. At the state level here, we also wrote different names. There was no internal democracy.”

Amodeni refused to give an assessment of Akeredolu’s administration, saying it’s too early since he just left the government.

“When it comes to assessing the government, I won’t be in position to do that because I just left. I want the public to decide and assess for now. I will be able to do that probably after few months,” he said.

“It’s like somebody that is playing on the football pitch, he may not know the performance of his team until he goes on recess or sits back and watch the playback of the match.”

Amodeni said during his time as a commissioner, he did not know what the state got as allocation from the federal government.

The politician, who also served under Olusegun Mimiko, Akeredolu’s predecessor, added that he did not award a single contract from the time he was appointed till he was asked to leave.

“During the time of Mimiko, the quantum of money coming to this state can’t be compared to what comes now. As a commissioner under Mimiko, you can award a contract to the tune of 1 million naira and management committee can award 2 to 3 million naira contract but in this dispensation, I don’t know of others, but I doubt if any commissioner can award N1 naira contract because the fund is not even there. So I can’t really blame Mr Governor in totality because of paucity or fund.

“From beginning till the time I left, my salary was N297,000 monthly. Cabinet members of Ondo state receive the least in Nigeria. I had to pay my driver, my personal assistant and fuel my car. Most of the times, I use my personal car because there is no official car. As a commissioner, I didn’t know what the state got as allocation. I can’t even say I know it at all.”

Akeredolu sacks Works Commissioner, two others

Editor June 18, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

As part of the efforts being made to reposition his cabinet for optimum performance aimed at ensuring that the administration delivers on its mandate to the people, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has rejigged his cabinet.

The Governor made the announcement at the end of the State Executive Council meeting, held on Monday, inside the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Akure.
Three commissioners were relieved of their duties.

They are:
1. Prince Solagbade Amodeni of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
2. It. Hon. Taofiq Abdusalam of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructures.
3. Alhaji Ismaila Olurimisi of the Ministry of Culture.

The Governor thanks the three of them for service to the good people of Ondo State and wish them well in their future endeavours.

They are directed to handover all government’s property in their possession to the Permanent Secretaries of their respective ministries.
The Governor has therefore nominated the following for the position of commissioners:

1. Mrs Yetunde Adeyanju
2. Mrs Titilayo Adeyemi
3. Mr Temitayo Oluwatuyi
4. Hon. Fatai Olotu
5. Akindotun Olubunmi Owanikin Esq

The names of the nominees will be forwarded to the state House of Assembly for confirmation.

Similarly, Governor Akeredolu has appointed two new Special Advisers. They are:
1. Hon Babatunde Kolawole 2. Hon Oyebo Aladetan

Governor Akeredolu wishes the new appointees well in their new offices.
He vows that the people will continue to be at the centre of the policies of his administration, while he continues to deliver the dividends of good governance to the people of the state.

Segun Ajiboye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

Gov. Makinde appoints Taiwo Adisa as CPS

Editor June 3, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has appointed Mr Taiwo Adisa, an editor with the Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, as his Chief Press Secretary.

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was confirmed in a statement signed by the Chief of Staff of the governor, Chief Bisi Ilaka, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Monday evening.

Until his appointment, Adisa was the Group Politics Editor and Abuja Bureau Chief of Tribune Newspapers.

” He had earlier served as Special Assistant (Media Relations) to former President of the Senate, Senator Adolphus Wabara between 2003 and May 2005.

”He was educated at the University of Ibadan where he earned BA and MA degrees in Communication and Language Arts.

”He had an illustrious career in Journalism spanning The News Tempo Magazines, The Punch Newspapers and lately Tribune which he joined in July 2005.

”Apart from serving as the Group Politics Editor and Abuja Bureau Chief of Tribune, he also runs a weekly column in the Sunday Tribune called The Lynx-Eye, which he uses to dissect political developments across the country.

”Adisa, who hails from Ogbomoso South Local Government of the state, is currently undertaking a Ph.D programme in Media Arts at the University of Abuja,” the statement said. (NAN)

Zamfara to spend N83m on Sallah cows

Editor June 3, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

Bello Matawalle, governor of Zamfara, has approved N83 million for the purchase of 750 cows for Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Idris Gusau, the governor’s spokesman, disclosed this in a statement.

He said the cows will be distributed to the less-privileged, internally displaced persons (IDPs), orphans and widows in the 147 wards of the 14 local government areas in the state.

The spokesman said the measure is part of the present administration’s commitments to improve the welfare of the people.

“The cows would be slaughtered and shared to enable them to celebrate Eid- el-Fitr despite the current economic hardship and security challenges confronting the state,” he said.

Matawalle urged residents of the state to use the ongoing Ramadan period and the forthcoming celebration to pray for peace, stability and development of the state.

The federal government has already declared Tuesday, June 4 and Wednesday, June 5 as public holidays for the celebration.

Matawalle was declared winner of the Zamfara governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the supreme court nullified the candidacies of all All Progressives Congress (APC) contestants who participated in the state election.

Gov. Makinde cancels appointment of new Oyo Perm Secs

Editor May 31, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, has reversed the appointment of 15 new permanent secretaries made by the immediate past Gov. Abiola Ajimobi.

Makinde, who gave the directives at a meeting he had with all permanent secretaries in the state on Friday, asked the concerned officials to return to their former positions.

He also promised to scrutinise all appointments made and contracts awarded after the election by the former ruling party (APC) in the state.

He described the appointments made and contracts awarded by the last administration after the declaration of PDP as winner of the governorship election as landmines set up for him.

Prince Dotun Oyelade, the spokesperson of the Seyi Makinde Campaign Organisation, confirmed the reversal of the appointments.

According to Oyelade, Gov. Makinde will be very consistent with all his campaign promises and this is not an exception.

”The governor has said that all transactions either contractually or in terms of appointments and promotions that were done
from March 11 to May 28 would be given closer scrutiny,” he said.

The spokesman alleged that the brazen attitude that borders on attempt to block the success of the current administration led to decision and action of the governor.

”The governor decided to reverse many of the policies and actions of the Abiola Ajimobi administration made at the eve of his exit because they were borne out of malice.” Oyelade stated.

Lateness: Borno governor to punish 11,865 civil servants

Editor May 31, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

Governor Umara Zulum of Borno State, on Friday, recommended punishment to 11,865 civil servants who went to work late when the governor paid an unscheduled visit to the state secretariat.

The governor, who arrived at the Musa Usman Secretariat in company of the Head of Service, Alhaji Muhammed Hassan, also rewarded 135 civil servants for dedication to work.

Zulum said he met only 10 members of staff when he arrived the secretariat at 8.30 a.m., with most offices closed, noting that only 135 other civil servants came to work as at 9.40 a.m.

He directed the Head of Service to compile names of the affected workers, adding that disciplinary actions must be taken against them.

He added: “Yesterday, I received the leadership of the NLC, where we had extensive consultations and they raised their concerns, among which were non-payment of salaries, pension, gratuities to some certain categories of staff that have not been captured by the Biometric verification.

“Some have complaints that they have been captured and they are yet to get their salaries while other complaints were on leave grant as well as annual increments.

“In my wisdom, I decided to visit the secretariat to determine desirability or otherwise of paying the civil servants. But to my dismay, only 135 civil servants were in the office. So, what justification do we have to pay the civil servants?

“I am ready to pay; I am ready to work closely with the civil servants but there is no food for lazy people. We must enshrine discipline in our system. People must come to work and erring officials shall be dealt with, no matter how high placed he or she is.

“I have given directives for the payment of all salary increment, leave grants and annual increment to the 135 staff for their dedication to work.

“This administration will critically examine the request of the civil servants on one hand, but on the other hand, they must also justify the confidence repose on them,” he said.

He said that the government would redesign and strengthen the biometric system to fast-track payment of all workers’ entitlements and benefit.

Umara said that the government was working closely with the NLC to fashion out sustainable solutions toward payment of the N20 billion outstanding pension and gratuity arrears owed in the state.

In his remarks, Mr Bulama Abiso, the state NLC Chairman, lauded the governor for the giant steps he is taking in revitalising the civil service.

“I want to reassure you, Your Excellency, that we are coming out in full force to make sure that civil servants live up to expectation,” Abiso said.

Day after swearing-in, Yobe governor picks third wife

Editor May 30, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

A day after he took the oath of office as executive governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni has tied the knot on Thursday.

The bride, Ummi Adama Gaidam, is the daughter of the immediate-past governor of Yobe State, Ibrahim Gaidam. The bride, who currently studying in Saudi Arabia, is coming as the third wife.

Insiders said it was Mr Buni who sought the hands of Ummi in marriage without initially the knowledge of her father in order to strengthen their political relationship.

It was reliably gathered the lowkey marriage was solemnized at Mr Gaidam’s residence at Sabon Fegi area Damaturu, the state capital.

“The bales of kolanut were presented yesterday, and the wedding Fatiha took place today in the presence of a few family members,” said a family source who preferred anonymity.

Mr Buni, the immediate-past National Secretary of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC, was anointed by Mr Gaidam to succeed him as governor. He was sworn-in on Wednesday by the state Chief Judge, Justice Garba Na Baruma.

Popular prophetess found dead in Abakaliki

Editor May 28, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

The Ebonyi Police Command says police authorities are working to unravel the cause of death of a popular prophetess in Ebonyi, who was found dead along Ezza Road, Abakaliki, recently.

Loveth Odah, Police Public Relations Officer, who briefed journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday on the incident, said that investigation is ongoing to ascertain the actual cause of death of the deceased.

According to police report, the deceased, Felicia Agwu, a native of Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi, was found dead along Ezza Road area of Abakaliki.
Agwu was a popular prophetess in one of the new generation churches, while her ministry is located in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

He said: “A woman in her early 50s was found lying lifeless along the Ezza Road axis of Abakaliki on May 18, when a good-spirited Nigerian called the attention of the command, which quickly mobilised to the scene.
“Our men got to the scene, took the woman to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead by a medical expert.
“The cause of her death is yet unknown, but we have launched investigation to ascertain the real cause of death.

“There were no injuries found on her body to establish a case of criminal attack on the deceased, so, for now we are having a case of ‘sudden’ death until we conclude our investigation.

“We implore the family of the deceased and the public with vital information that would help the police in their investigation, to contact the command.”

Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria gathered that the deceased was recently treated of hernia and was still recuperating before embarking on the journey from Oshiegbe in Ezza North, when she met her sudden death.

Protesters litter Edo Assembly with faeces

Editor May 24, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

Protesters comprising members of the Edo State civil society have littered the entrance of the Edo State House of Assembly over a bill passed by the lawmakers criminalising electricity theft.

The protesters prepared ‘obituary’ poster of Speaker Kabiru Adjoto and invited ‘babalawos’ to the protest ground.

They dropped several other objects and painted parts of the Assembly wall with palm oil.

The electricity theft bill waiting for assent of Governor Godwin Obaseki stipulated two years jail term for anybody that engaged in electricity theft.

It also prescribed a special court for electricity consumers in the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) who bypass and engage in illegal connection.

Addressing journalist, Speaker Adjoto said the protesters were sponsored by some politicians and those he termed disgruntled lawmakers in the assembly.

Speaker Adjoto said the lawmakers only domesticated the existing federal law against electricity theft which stipulated 21 years jail term.

Adjoto explained that the bill also stipulated conditions upon which someone could be charged for electricity theft.

He said the assembly would seek all legal options to redeem its image following accusations that the BEDC Electricity Plc paid N50m to sponsor the bill.

The Speaker said lawmakers involved in sponsoring the protest would be sanctioned according to the rules of the house.

His words: “The relevant laws will be applied to make the civil society proved that we collected money. The onus is for them to make proof available to the courts.

“There is more to it than electricity theft. They brought herbalist to be invoking incantations on my picture.”

How gunmen killed Igbinedion varsity lecturer – Police

Editor May 20, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

Edo Commissioner of Police, Mohammed DanMallam, on Sunday confirmed the killing of a lecturer with the Igbinedion University, Okada, near Benin, by suspected kidnappers.

DanMallam said the lecturer, Kelvin Izevbekhai, was killed in an attempted escape bid when the victims were being marched into the forest by the kidnappers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the gunmen were said to be operating near Okada junction along the Benin-Lagos highway.

It was learnt that the gunmen abducted Izevbekhai and other passengers in the bus they were travelling in.

“The driver of the minibus was said to have fled into the bush along with four other passengers.

“Unfortunately, one of the passengers who tried to escape during the abduction was killed by the gunmen. The police went after the kidnappers in the bush and succeeded in rescuing the victims.”

He said the police were working on a new strategy which entails taking the war to the kidnappers’ den in the jungle, adding that it is the best way to tackle the scourge.

Spokesman for the university, Jide Ilugbo, who confirmed the killing described it as “barbaric.”

İlugbo said late Izevbekhai was a First Class graduate and was employed in the university in 2016.

He said it was now dangerous to travel on the Benin-Lagos highway due to frequent attacks by armed robbers and kidnappers.

The official said it was unfortunate he ran into hoodlums, saying that the trailer parked before Okada junction is a hideout for criminals.

Herdsmen presence scare farmers in Abia

Editor May 16, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

The presence of herdsmen in Ohuru Isi-Miri community in the Aba North Local Government Area of Abia has put farmers in the community, especially women on edge.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited the community on Thursday reports that gloom has descended on the community, due to the inability of people to cultivate their farms.

The presence of the herdsmen has sparked intense fear among residents, with many of them, especially women now shunning farming, to avoid getting raped or killed by herdsmen.

NAN learnt that the the herdsmen have found a home at an empty land owned by Nigerian Breweries, near Ohuru Isi-Miri town, making the place a no-go for people.

At a meeting in Aba on Thursday women from the community, pleaded with the Abia government to step in to dislodge the herders from their farmlands.

One of the women, Mrs Mercy Samuel, said she secured a land to farm in the community but that the presence of the herdsmen had prevented her from working on her farm.

“Please tell Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu to help us remove the herdsmen and their cows before they kill us.

“I cannot farm because of the menace of herdsmen. Each time I enter my farm, my heart misses beats and my body begins to shake.

“Government should please intervene to save our lives.”

Another farmer, Mrs Joanna Nwankwo, lamented that watching the animals destroy her crops had always made her sick and hopeless.

She pleaded with Ikpeazu to come to the rescue of farmers before herdsmen would wipe them out through destruction of their means of livelihood.

According her colleague, Mrs Peace Moses: “herdsmen have become a threat to our existence.

“They come into our farms to graze. If you look around the farm you will see how cows have eaten our newly planted crops, leaving nothing but stumps of crops.

“The maize and cassava you’re seeing should have reached maturity by now but constant grazing on our farms by herdsmen does not allow the crops to grow.

“We borrowed money to buy land and cultivate the crops but now that herdsmen have turned it to grazing field, I wonder how we can get money to pay government that lent us money to do farm work.

Other women, including Mrs Charity Bara, Uloma Okezie, Roseline Uduuko and Salome Samuel, took turns to speak on the development, pleading with government to come to their rescue.

They said that government should assist them with loans for them to start all over again during the next farming season. (NAN)

I won’t share govt funds with greedy people — Obaseki

Editor May 16, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, says he will not share government funds meant for the development of the state with a handful of individuals who are trying to blackmail his government.

Obaseki said this on Wednesday at the graduation of a new batch of teachers under the Edo Supporting Teachers to Achieve Results initiative, nicknamed ‘Edo STAR.’

According to a statement made available to journalists, the initiative is an arm of the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation programme, known as ‘Edo-BEST.’

The statement quoted Obaseki as saying that he was not alone in pursuing sustainable development for the state.

He said, “I want to assure you that my party (the All Progressives Congress) is solidly behind me. I am not standing on my own. So, ignore what you are reading in a section of the media.

“Those are people who want me to give them the money I should be using to train our teachers, provide for our children and develop the state.

“I will never give our people’s money to them.”

The governor said his administration was determined to use the resources in the state for development, especially in the education and health sectors.

“We do not have all the money in Edo State, but whatever we have, no matter how little, will be used to prioritise education and health care.

“What is important to us are things that affect the ordinary Edo citizens. Those are the things the APC and I stand for,” Obaseki said.

The governor said the digital teaching and learning system deployed in public primary schools in the state would be replicated in private primary schools to ensure that no child was left behind.

He commended the graduate teachers for successfully completing the programme, saying their training would improve learning in schools.

Ajimobi renames roads, institutions after Lam Adesina, Alaafin, Olubadan, Soun, Ladoja, Akala, others

Editor May 14, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has approved the renaming of some roads and institutions after prominent indigenes in recognition of their contributions to the state.

Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun, said in a statement that the decision was in recognition of the individuals’ contributions to the development of the state, career and humanity.

Among the beneficiaries are former governors Lam Adesina (now late), Rashidi Ladoja, Adebayo Alao-Akala and the incumbent, Abiola Ajimobi.

Also on the list were Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji and Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi, among others.

Arulogun said that the Challenge – Efunsetan road would now be known as Lam Adesina road, Elebu road now officially Alao-Akala Way, Monatan – Olodo road now Rashidi Ladoja road, while Idi-Ape – Bashorun Akobo road is now Abiola Ajimobi way.

He said that Ibadan/Oyo Express/Iseyin-Owode with spur to Akesan-Palace and Old Ibadan-Oyo road would now be known as Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi III road and Eleyele-Dugbe ANCE road is now Oba Saliu Adetunji road.

The commissioner said that Ilorin Express Junction-Ikoyi – Takie – Palace – Ogbomoso Grammar School road would now be known as Soun Oyewumi Ajagungbade road.

Arulogun listed others as Ijokodo – Apete road now Ambassador Olu Sanu road; Onireke-Agbarigo road now Onikepo Akande road and Festac road at Mokola now Adebayo Faleti road.

He said that Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora would now be known as Lam Adesina College of Agriculture and Technology, while Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa is now Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa.

The commissioner said that Maternal & Peadiatric Centre, Olodo, Ibadan would now be known as Abiola Ajimobi Maternal & Paediaitric Centre, while the newly constructed Zonal Mediation Centre in Ogbomoso is now Justice Atilade Ojo Mediation Centre.

He said that the flyover constructed at Mokola in Ibadan by the present administration would now be known as Transformation Flyover.

Arulogun stressed that the process for the amendment of the enabling laws for the institutions would commence immediately.

He said that the governor would from Wednesday inaugurate some completed projects, among which were Oba Akinbiyi Model School and Dualization of Challenge Roundabout-Efunsetan Roundabout (Phase II).

Also on the list are Rehabilitated/Constructed 3.6km Ijokodo-Apete road with Associated Bridge Works, Zonal Mediation Centre in Ogbomoso and Abiola Ajimobi Maternal & Paediaitric Centre, Olodo, Ibadan.

Others are the Archive Management and Record Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan, Raw Materials Display Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan, Islamic Model School, Mini Water Scheme, Iganna and Ogunpa Market.

Maiduguri records first rainfall in 2019

Editor May 9, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

Residents of Maiduguri on Wednesday celebrated the first rainfall of the year recorded in the town, expressing relief that the excruciating hot weather would now subside.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that areas like Bulumkutu and Baga road recorded downpour, while Custom and Tashan Bama axis in the metropolis recorded drizzles, accompanied by strong wind.

The rain, which started around 4:45 p.m. and lasted for about 45 minutes, was sequel to days of extreme hot temperature hovering above 44 degree Celsius.

Malam Buba Umar, a resident, said the early arrival of the rainfall took him by surprise.

“I was never anticipating seeing rainfall at this moment; I guess it was because of the unbearable heat.

“The weather was very hot; even the water in the tap is very hot. I have been sleeping outside for the past weeks because of the heat,” he said.

Mr Abba Makinta, another resident, said the downpour was a relief for the people in the metropolis.

“The heat was making life unbearable for the residents, especially with ongoing Ramadan fast.

“It will ease the intensity of heat and make life comfortable for the residents,” he said.

Also, Aliyu Babba, an ice block vendor, said he had been making brisk business due to high demand occasioned by the excruciating heat in the area.

Babba said that he now sold about 300 pieces of ice block as against 150 in the past weeks, adding that the price of ice had also increased to N70, as against its old price of N40.

“I make nothing less than N20, 000 on daily basis from the sales of ice blocks; for me, the heat is a big business,” he said.

Alhaji Musa Shehu, said he spent about N700 daily buying ice blocks and cold drinks.

He therefore expressed joy over the sudden change in weather.

Puff Adder operatives arrest 16 suspected kidnappers, robbers in Kogi

Editor May 8, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

Operatives of Operation Puff Adder have arrested 16 persons suspected to be kidnappers, armed robbers and terrorists in Kogi.

Parading the suspects before newsmen on Wednesday in Lokoja, the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Hakeem Busari, said they were arrested at different times in some parts of the state.

He said that six of them were suspected kidnappers operating in Nasarawa and Kogi states.

Two of them, according to Busari, were arrested for kidnapping a seven-year-old boy at Odo Ape community in Kogi State.

He said that the suspects kept their victim for nine days and had come out to pick up the ransom of N1m from the parents when they were arrested.

Busari said that four other suspected kidnappers were arrested following a tip off.

He also said that two other suspects were arrested for threatening the chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area.

The commissioner said that a suspected Boko Haram member was arrested in Okene, based on information received from the Edo Police Command.

According to him, three other persons were arrested for armed robbery in Ganaja area of Lokoja on May 3.

He said that the gang specialised in robbing motorcycles and killing or grievously injuring their victims.

Busari said that two Bahajaj motorcycles were recovered from the suspects.

The commissioner also said two persons were arrested for entering Ajaokuta Steel Complex, allegedly to steal.

He said that three rifles, including two pump action guns and a locally made pistol were recovered from the kidnap and robbery suspects.

Normalcy returns to Gombe as curfew lifted

Editor April 28, 2019 From The States, Latest Leave a comment

Security agencies, including the army, have confirmed that normalcy has returned to Gombe metropolis after Saturday’s violence amidst the burial of some youths.

The violence caused the state government to impose a curfew on Saturday at about 3 pm.

The curfew was on Sunday relaxed after due consultation with the security agencies in the state.

On April 22, a vehicle killed ten members of the Boys Brigade during Easter procession in the metropolis, while 30 others sustaining injuries of various degrees.

The deceased were on Saturday buried in Gombe.

Violence was erupted in Gombe as some youths threatened to retaliate the deaths.

The situation compelled the state government to impose a curfew that lasted for 15 hours.

DSP Merry Malum, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state police command said that normalcy had returned.

Security agencies have stationed their personnel at strategic locations to monitor and respond swiftly to threat.

She called on the people of the state to be law abiding.

Shops at the markets, motor parks, schools and other business outfit were open for normal activities on Sunday as there was heavy presence of security personnel in some flashpoins within the metropolis to ensure law and order (NAN)

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