Home Blog Page 11

N617 PER LITRE OF PETROL IS EXTORTION, SAYS PDP

0

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has slammed the recent hike in the pump price of petrol.

PDP in a statement by its spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, said the increase of fuel from N534 to N617 per litre is extortion.

“Our party insists that the N617 per litre of fuel is excessive, unacceptable and cannot be justified under any guise. This is especially given the economic potential and prospects within our country,” the statement read.

“It is appalling that instead of seeking ways to stabilise and grow the economy, the APC administration has abandoned the welfare of Nigerians which is the primary purpose of government under Section 14 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and left the citizens to the vagaries of market forces and exploitative cabal; a disposition that is characteristic of a government that is not accountable to the people.”

The opposition party said the present dire situation comes as a consequence of APC’s alleged insensitivity, seething corruption, scandalous cluelessness and lack of capacity to effectively steady and manage the nation’s economy.

WAEC fails to tender Abiodun’s certificate copy

The West African Examination Council on Thursday refused to confirm or debunk the authenticity of the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun’s certificate.

An official of the examination body, Olufemi Olaleye, on Thursday, appeared before the tribunal sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital without tendering a copy of Abiodun’s certificate.

The WAEC had earlier been subpoenaed by the tribunal to produce a copy of Abiodun’s 1978 WAEC certificate as attached to the form he filled with the Independent National Electoral Commission before the last election.

The People’s Democratic Party and its candidate in the state in the March 18 governorship election, Ladi Adebutu, had dragged Abiodun and his party, the All Progressives Congress before the tribunal on the ground that the election was rigged.

The PDP and Adebutu had also alleged that Abiodun forged his WAEC certificate.

Adebutu, in his petition, alleged that Abiodun presented a forged WAEC of June 1978 to the INEC, the 1st Respondent on July 25, 2022.

Adebutu further claimed that he had written a letter to the examination body, asking it to verify the authenticity of the certificate presented by Abiodun to it.

But, when the official of the WAEC appeared on Thursday, he was neither with a copy of the certificate, nor did he confirm whether or not the governor sat for the examination as claimed.

FG moves against loan apps bank harassing Nigerians

0

The Federal Government through the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has permanently delisted and begun the process of deleting at least two loan apps from the Google Play Store for harassing Nigerians.

The commission said this on Thursday. The permanently delisted digital lenders are Sycamore Integrated Solutions Limited and Orange Loan and Purple Credit Limited, along with their respective apps — ‘Getloan’ and ‘Camelloan.’

It stated that it came to this decision after investigating the apps.

In a statement signed by the Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Babatunde Irukera, the commission said, “In the course of the commission’s continuing investigation and tracking of these illegally operating digital money lenders, the commission has discovered duplicity by at least two otherwise legally registered digital money lenders on the commission’s approval list.”

It noted that the firms had also engaged in the use of APK to attract borrowers to a process and practice that is illegal and unregulated.

It added, “The companies or apps so far identified, and for which there is supporting evidence of this malfeasance are Sycamore Integrated Solutions Limited and Orange Loan and Purple Credit Limited. They are the owners of ‘Getloan’ and ‘Camelloan’ respectively and occupy Nos. 1 and 65 on the Approved List of the commission, which is available on the commission’s website.

“Accordingly, the Commission has now permanently delisted Sycamore Integrated Solutions Limited and Orange Loan and Purple Credit Limited, along with their respective apps — ‘Getloan’ and ‘Camelloan.’ In addition, the commission has entered an order to Google Playstore and other payment and financial service providers, permanently prohibiting the provision of any services associated with digital lending to Sycamore Integrated Solutions Limited and Orange Loan and Purple Credit Limited.”

Mental Health “The role of Media”

The call came Thursday, at Amaudo Itumbauzo in Bende LGA at the end of a One Day Seminar organised for Media Practitioners in the Southeast with the theme: “Changing The Narratives In Mental Health, The Role Of The Media”, organised by the Methodist Church Nigeria, Amaudo Integrated Mental Health Foundation, in partnership with Abia State Government, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Enugu, and Amaudo UK, on Thursday.

In a communique issued at the end of the seminar which was aimed at educating the media practitioners on basic mental health issues and their role in creating awareness for efficient and human-right-based mental health care in Nigeria, the participants called on the Federal Government to make the study of mental health and other related courses attractive to address the shortage of manpower in the mental health sub-sector.

While calling for increased budgetary provisions towards tackling mental health issues and provision of incentives for medical practitioners and Journalists in the field, the participants also called for the strengthening of relevant government agencies saddled with the responsibility of regulating drug use to restrict access to drugs, especially among the younger population.

They called on Media organisations “to design and dedicate adequate time to publicising mental health issues in their various media outfits as a way of enhancing sensitization of the public”.

They equally called on State Governments to domesticate and implement the new mental health act recently signed into law by the immediate past administration of President Mohammadu Buhari, advising that experts in mental health area should be open to discussing mental health-related issues with the media as a way of educating the public while families of victims of mental ill health should be encouraged to accommodate and assist them appropriately and avoid stigmatization.

Lack of adequate knowledge in the area as a challenge was identified, hence the need for regular seminars/training for Media Practitioners on mental health issues as a way of properly equipping them to eliminate bias in their reportage and enhance the publicity given to mental health issues.

No more ASUU strike, MSSN urges Tinubu

0

The new Amir, Kamoldeen Abiona, is a Mathematics tutor, content writer and Mathematics Olympiad trainer. He holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Lagos.

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit has called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to make as one of its priorities, a determination never to allow Academic Staff Union of Universities and other education unions to embark on strike again.

 MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit, Miftahudeen Thanni, said investing in the education sector was not a luxury but a necessity.

“As we move into a new dispensation of ‘Renewed Hope’ in our national polity, we are urging the Federal Government to pay more attention and improve on the education investment. We don’t want strikes again and this can be achieved by investing more in education.

“It’s a way to invest in peace, as educated individuals are more likely to embrace dialogue, reject extremism, and work towards resolving conflicts through peaceful means.”

The lawmaker representing Ogun Senatorial District, Senator Shuaib Salisu, urged youths to rise up to the challenges of their generation.

Olubadan plotting to strip Ladoja of Otun title – Ally

One Lateef Popoola has told the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, is plotting to deny a former governor of Oyo State, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, his (Ladoja’s) status as Otun Olubadan.

In an affidavit he deposed to before the court, Popoola, who lives in Bodija, Ibadan, claimed that the alleged plot by the Olubadan to strip Ladoja of his title started after Ladoja rejected Governor Seyi Makinde’s offer to elevate Ibadan High Chiefs to crown-wearing Obas.

The PUNCH reports that Ladoja, an Ibadan High Chief, was supposed to be elevated to the status of a crown-wearing Oba, alongside 10 other Ibadan High Chiefs by the governor on July 7, but Ladoja shunned the coronation ceremony.

The ex-governor had earlier stated publicly that he was not interested in the  elevation of Ibadan High Chiefs by Makinde, saying his ambition had always been to become the Olubadan of Ibadan.

In his affidavit filed before the court, Popoola stated, “Traditionally, Ibadan is known to have only a king, which is the Olubadan of Ibadan land (the first defendant), and all the other chiefs are cabinet members of the Olubadan of Ibadan land. It is only the Olubadan of Ibadan land that is to wear a crown, while the chiefs are identified with their beads.

“It is not within the purview of the first defendant (Olubadan) to elevate any of the High Chiefs or member of the Olubadan in Council to the status of His Royal Majesty, as traditionally, the only king known to Ibadan land is the Olubadan of Ibadan land.

“At no point in time did the claimant (Ladoja) signify interest to become His Royal Majesty or to put on a crown.

“To the dismay of the claimant, he started hearing in the media that he would be crowned on the 7th day of July, 2023, when he had never consented to the non-traditional act masterminded by the first defendant (Olubadan).

“Since he had made it known to the first defendant that the act of elevating any of the Olubadan in Council members or High Chiefs to the status of His Royal Majesty is non-traditional, the first defendant had started plotting that if the claimant refused to be crowned, he would be denied of his status as Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land and that he would not be permitted to ascend the throne of Olubadan of Ibadan land when it is his turn.”

The witness maintained that the elevation of Ibadan High Chiefs to the status of Oba was aimed at causing segregation and disharmony in Ibadan land.

Hearing in the lawsuit has yet to begin.

Source: Punch

Attacks by opposition sent me back to school – Adeleke

0

Adeleke spoke at the combined 9th undergraduate and 5th postgraduate convocation ceremonies of the Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, on Sunday, where 75 postgraduate and 537 undergraduate students were conferred with various degrees.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has advised that age should not be seen as a barrier to pursuing educational dreams, saying one of the conditions he was given before his 2022 governorship ambition was for him to complete his education.

The governor, who said after losing 2018 governorship election he was subjected to the worst personality attacks and assaults, added that he had to leave the country to escape attack and to complete his degree programme, after his elder brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke insisted he must complete his education, or forgo his 2022 governorship ambition.

He said, “Dr Tajudeen Adeleke encouraged me to move ahead. Before I went on exile, he called me to a meeting where we discussed.  He told that I should look at what I have been subjected to by those saying I was not educated. He advised that I should go to America for studies.

“At my age then, I successfully re-enrolled and completed my degree programme. I am proud of that achievement and I thank my family and friends for their total support.

“I came back to re-contest in 2022 as a brand new graduate. The rest is now history. What is the lesson? Our age must never be a barrier to educational pursuit. What we need is commitment and passion to succeed.”

He called on Nigerians that desire a good country to contribute their quota to nation-building and stop apportioning blame to those in positions of authority.

Cristiano Ronaldo Gets Guinness World Record

Cristiano Ronaldo Gets Guinness World Record Title for Highest Paid Athlete in 2023!

At 38, he is still breaking records even as he enters the twilight of his career.

The Al-Nassr striker has earned another Guinness World Records title for the highest earnings for an athlete in 2023.

Congratulations to him!

📸: Will Palmer/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

AGEMO: GOING INTO EXTINCTION OR WHAT?

0

AGEMO: GOING INTO EXTINCTION OR WHAT?

Agemo festival is not been celebrated as it used to be. What causes this? What is happening to Agemo festival?. This is the question rocking in the minds of young and old people of Ijebu.
Will you be surprised to know that Agemo is part of Yoruba months?. Well, reading the months of the year in Yoruba , we have the months of agemo.
Any Eulogy(Oriki) of Ijebu without “Omo agemo merindinlogun” is incomplete.
Agemo is part of Ijebu
Agemo is Ijebu
Ijebu is Agemo
Agemo is our heritage
Agemo is Ijebu pride
It was handed over by our forefathers.
Over the years, the celebration of Agemo festival is celebrated well and accordingly.
Agemo is an Ijebu diety which is forbidden to be seen by women.
They are sixteen in numbers with loads (Eru agemo)which emanated from different Ijebu towns. Aside the sixteen, we have others who are without loads (Eru agemo) but they are allowed to come for celebration.

In the year 2020, Covid 19 was all over the world which leads to total lockdown. Agemo festival was not held.
In the year 2021, agemo festival was not done. (Reason best known to the Supreme).
Same happened in the year 2022, AGEMO festival was stopped but the Agemo’s people disagree and only went to Imosan groove to dance and perform necessary rites. It was not done the way it used to.
This year again, AGEMO was stoped (Reason best known to the Supreme) and all AGEMO were only allowed to celebrate in their respective domain.

THE YEAR 2024, WHAT NEXT?

Olalekan Sijuade
CEO, Ijebu Rewa

Simi, Fave, others to perform at Nigerian Idol final

Info Digital Africa, a media consultant to MultiChoice Nigeria, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos.

“These stars have lit up the charts with several smash hits, and they will be expected to set the stage on fire as Nigerian Idol Season 8 wraps up in style.

“After seven weeks of electrifying live performances and nonstop excitement, the season’s grand finale will take place on Sunday, July 16, 2023, from 7 pm.

“Precious Mac and Victory Gbakara are the last two contestants standing, and both have impressed during the course of the season, but only one of them can be crowned the winner.

“The online polls have closed, and by the end of Sunday night, the viewing public will find out who goes home with the grand prize, which adds up to ₦100 million,” the statement read.

It further said the winner of Nigerian Idol Season 8 would walk away with N100m worth of prizes which would include N30m cash prize and other gifts.

The statement also said that viewers could watch the show through the DStv app on multiple devices at no additional cost.

(NAN)

“Sunday’s live show will feature performances from some of Nigeria’s finest artistes, including Simi, Fave, Johnny Drille, and Progress.

Falana slams N’Assembly members, says new allowances illegal

0

Falana, in a press statement released on Sunday, said the move is illegal and contemptuous.

The allocation of N70 billion, disbursed among 306 newly elected members, in addition to N40 billion set aside for the purchase of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and bulletproof cars for principal officials and members, has become contentious with many Nigerians criticizing the lawmakers for being insensitive at a time when the economy is biting hard.

In the statement, Falana called attention to the blatant breach of the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and urged the immediate reversal of these controversial measures.

He said, “Out of sheer insensitivity coupled with impunity, the members of the National Assembly, regardless of political affiliation, conspired to breach the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 by padding the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2023 to provide the so-called palliative of N70 billion for 306 newly elected members.

THE GAME CHANGER REVOLUTIONIZING THE POLICE FORCE

0

Destiny in one’s life will always be manifested with efforts, dedication and commitment. The attainment of higher positions in life is constantly tailored to many driving forces that could be inbuilt and reflections of personal endowments and zeal to succeed.

The case of the new Inspector-General of Police is not an exception and can never be. The journey of Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun to his present position has been occasioned with ups and downs which must be experienced by one who must be great in life. A game changer, catalyst of change and adversement, thrive against all odds.

In the realm of law enforcement, true game changers emerge, transforming traditional approaches and paving the way for innovation and progress. One of such visionary leaders is the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. With an exceptional career spanning decades, his appointment as Acting IGP marks a turning point in Nigeria’s law enforcement landscape. This article delves into Egbetokun’s distinguished career, his appointment as Acting IGP, his dynamic vision for the police, and the objectives and strategies he employs as a game changer.

Kayode Egbetokun’s illustrious career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the revered University of Lagos; MSc in Engineering Analysis also from the University of Lagos, Certificate in Electronic Data Processing/Computer Programming from the same Institution, Masters in Business Administration from Lagos State University, PGD Petroleum Economics from Delta State University, Abraka, and Ph.D Peace and Security Studies from Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, Egbetokun’s journey in law enforcement has left an indelible mark. Throughout his career, he has exhibited a rare blend of competence, dedication, and strategic thinking.

Egbetokun’s career achievements are numerous and impactful. Notably, he has served in the following capacities before his prestigious appointment as the Acting 22nd indigenous Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: Chief Security Officer to Lagos State Governor; Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Police Command where he spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives aimed at curbing crime and fostering community engagement. Officer in Charge of Anti-Fraud Section, FCT Police Command, Abuja, Chief Superintendent of Police (Admin), Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, Area Commander, Osogbo, Osun State Police Command, Area Commander, Gusau, Zamfara State Police Command, Commandant, Police Training School, Ikeja, Lagos, Deputy Commandant, Police College Ikeja, Lagos, Commissioner of Police, SERVICOM, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Commissioner of Police, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Force Headquarters, Abuja, Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Police Command, Ilorin, Commissioner of Police, Medical Admin, Falomo, Lagos State, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, FCT, and Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

It is pertinent to note that Egbetokun has attended several professional courses both home and abroad including: Cadet Officers Course 16, 1990 at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano; Strategic Leadership and Effective Security/Safety Management Course at Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills, Jos, Squadron Commander Course, PMF Training College, Gwoza, Borno State, Combat Operation Course, PMF Training College, Ila Orangun, Osun State, Advance Detective Course (ADC), Police Staff College, Jos, Intermediate Command Course (ICC), Police Staff College, Jos, Strategic Leadership & Command Course (SLCC), Squadron Commander/Combat Operations Course, PMF Training College (Desert Camp Gwoza, Forest Camp Ila), Global Conference on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats, Lyon France, among others.

Recognizing Egbetokun’s outstanding track record and transformative leadership qualities, he was appointed as the Acting Inspector-General of Police on June 19th, 2023 by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Force, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
His appointment was met with resounding approval breeze of hope and calmness in the policing environment, as he brings a fresh perspective and a determination to revolutionize the Nigeria Police Force.

Acting IGP Egbetekun’s mathematical expertise equips him to transform the Nigeria Police by applying analytical thinking and data-driven strategies. He envisions a Police Force that is professionally competent; service driven, rule of law compliant, and people friendly, a Police Force that will effectively support the agenda of government for economic recovery, growth, as well as social and political development of our dear country Nigeria. His vision embodies professionalism, efficiency, accountability and extends beyond traditional law enforcement practices, seeking to establish the police as a trusted ally of the Nigerian people.

Egbetokun aims to create an environment where the Police Force works hand-in-hand with communities, fostering mutual respect and collaboration, with a view to propelling the Police to attaining primacy in the internal security structure of Nigeria.

The Acting IGP’s leadership qualities as well as strategies in tackling complex security challenges have earned him widespread respect and admiration among his peers and the public’s alike. This piece seeks to highlight objectives and strategies for repositioning the Nigeria Police in the right direction being a crucial template for the general reforms we require in the Force

The first and significant policy to be placed on his priority list is restructuring policing methodologies. Egbetokun recognizes the need for a paradigm shift in policing methodologies. He advocates for intelligence-led policing, emphasizing proactive measures to prevent crime rather than a reactive approach. By leveraging technology, data analytics, and information sharing, Egbetokun aims to enhance the police force’s ability to anticipate and combat emerging threats effectively.

Furthermore, to achieve lasting change, Egbetokun places great emphasis on the empowerment of police officers. He believes in investing in their welfare, training, and professional development. By equipping officers with the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills, he aims to foster a culture of excellence and enhance their overall effectiveness in serving the public.

The police boss equally understands that building trust and establishing strong partnerships with the community are essential for effective law enforcement. He seeks to bridge the gap between the police and the public through community-oriented policing initiatives. By actively engaging with citizens, involving community leaders, and promoting dialogue. He aims to create an atmosphere of cooperation and shared responsibility in maintaining public safety.

Acting IGP Kayode Egbetokun is undeniably a game changer, revolutionizing the Nigeria Police Force through visionary leadership and innovative strategies. With a focus on restructuring policing methodologies, empowering officers, fostering community partnerships, and promoting transparency. He is poised to create a Police Force that will not only address security challenges but also become a beacon of trust and reliability for the Nigerian people.

By Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
princemoye@gmail.com