Claims by Mary Daniel, the Oshodi amputee hawker that she lost a leg in an accident that killed all passengers, including her parents when she was a teenager, have been discovered as false, it was learnt on Wednesday evening.
Daniel became a sensation weeks ago after pictures of her selling water at Oshodi emerged on social media and attracted sympathy from Nigerians across the world.
Daniel, in an interview, claimed she was an orphan with a baby and an aged grandmother to fend for.
She narrated how life dealt her several blows and she had to drop out of school and hit the streets to make ends meet.
Following her harrowing tales, Nigerians started donating money through her bank account made public with about N25m raised.
This prompted the state government to immediately shelter her to prevent criminals from taking advantage of her sudden fortune.
Just few days ago, a celebrity birthday party was held in her honour featuring many cakes, fanfare, photoshoots, among others.
All was going well for the young lady until the state government discovered on Thursday her father was alive.
It was also detected she was amputated from birth.
It was gathered Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu immediately handed her over to officials of the social welfare for investigation following revelations her case was staged.
Daniel, it was gathered, was receiving strange calls from those who staged her story with threats to reveal the truth unless she gave them their share of the money.
It was learnt Sanwo-Olu handed her over to officials of welfare in the presence of the police and some Kogi leaders, who attested her father was alive. Commissioner of Police Hakeem Odumosu said the young woman was in the custody of officials of the Social Welfare and not the police as earlier reported.
“The police were there but she was not handed over to us. She was handed over to the Social Welfare. There were irregularities and lies in the account of her life she gave.
“It was discovered that contrary to her claim that her parents died during an accident that left her amputated, it was discovered that her father is very much alive and that she was amputated from birth.
“It was also discovered that her presence in Oshodi was staged. Those working with her played on the intelligence of Nigerians to get donations for her.
” It came to light when the people started threatening her. She promised some N500,000 others different amounts and was planning to return to her home state when the information leaked. “I had to attach some policemen to her to prevent any attack on her when she went to the bank. We suspected those people might follow her but everything went well as they were not seen.
“Presently, the state government is preventing her from accessing the money.
“The government does not want a situation where it will become a trend for people to cook up stories, manipulate the people to get donations,” Odumosu explained.
In a bid to further press for the payment of their allowances and other entitlements, striking staffers of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, have declared three days of fasting and prayers.
The strike, which is still ongoing, was called by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) of the teaching hospital.
They said they were owed several months of salaries, allowances, and deductions.
The fasting and prayers, according to them, was to seek the face of God and his intervention in their plight.
The union also accused the state government of insensitivity.
They vowed they would continue the strike until all their demands, including the outstanding gross salaries and other allowances were met.
The JOHESU Chairman, EKSUTH chapter, Omotola Farotimi, who spoke at the hospital on Tuesday after the prayer session tagged, “O’ Lord Heal Our Land,” stated that the programme started on Monday and would end on Wednesday.
“We are seeking the face of God, because things are not easy for our members,” she said.
“We believe that with God all things are possible. No one can underrate the power of God, that is why we call on Him to heal our land.”
Ms Farotimi alongside JOHESU State Chairman, Ajoloko Femi, urged the government to renovate and equip the Dental and Opthamology building and all other departments in the hospital with modern working equipment for workers to operate effectively.
They noted that they had earlier met with the leadership of the Ekiti State House of Assembly to mediate on the prolonged strike, hoping that the issues would be resolved without delay, but noted that no solutions had been found.
They called on Ekiti indigenes and Nigerians to show understanding and help in finding a solution to the problem.
The lawmaker representing Ile-oluji-Okeigbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Mayowa Akinfolarin has finally donated the remaining three (3) out of Five (5) transformers to be delivered to his constituency.
It would be recalled that on 11th and 17th March, Rt. Hon Mayowa Akinfolarin, donated 500KVA transformers to Otun/Showboy and Orita Odigbo communities respectively.
Today, Okeigbo town gets a 500KVA capacity transformer while Ileoluji gets 500KVA capacity transformer as well and Orotedo community in Ajue ward of Odigbo LG gets a 300KVA capacity transformer.
Also delivered with the transformers are all needed equipments for its full installation, to boost public power supply to the area.
Akinfolarin, who also doubled as the chairman, House committee on FRSC assured the constituents, that the transformers would help to improve the sagging power supply to the rural communities.
Upon delivery, the Engineer in charge of installation will immediately move to site for the installation of the transformers and will be put to use after all conditions have been satisfactorily met.
This is another promise of Rt.Hon Mayowa Akinfolarin electioneering campaign to the people of his federal constituency fulfilled. He promised to bring the dividend of democracy to the doorsteps of the people and he is working round the clock to achieve.
He assured the good people of Odigbo and Ileoluji/Okeigbo federal constituency that he will not relent and he will continue to do more God willing as he continue the use of the mandate given to him.
In their remarks, one of the OkeIgbo community leaders, Mr S.A Adesope (A.K.A Yankeedodo) and Mr Idowu Sunday the AUD Chairman, both thanked the people’s representative and promised him the support of OkeIgbo people in any of his future political endeavours.
Mr Oyebade Olumide, Ileoluji Community Youth leader who happened to be in charged of Ileoluji Community public utilities appreciated the Lawmaker on behalf of the entire Ileoluji people.
Also, Chief Raphael Adenitire, the Oloja of Orotedo community applauded Akinfolarin, he said Orotedo community had been in total darkness for the past Ten (10) years. He said the community would never be ingrate to the Lawmaker that restored light in their life and the community.
The prominent Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemi also known as Sunday Igboho has repelled the alleged soldier invasion at his Soka, Ibadan residence in the early hours of Monday.
In a video recorded by Igboho’s spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, it was alleged that soldiers of the Nigeria Army attempted to put the house under siege, with a probable attempt to arrest the activist.
Drawing attention of the international community to the development, Koiki who described the situation as a huge challenge, called on all Yoruba sons and daughters to rise in solidarity and fight for their ‘freedom’.
“We are more than capable to secure ourselves, we have chased them far from here, I am sure you can hear gunshots. That is them shooting from afar, we cannot be intimidated because we are fully prepared and ready for them.” Koiki stated.
On who could be responsible for the alleged attack, Koiki who linked the situation to the Federal government explained that the Governor Seyi Makinde-led Oyo state government would have a hand in it.
“By tomorrow morning, I am sure the government would come with false press statements, that it was a set of unknown soldiers, that was the same tactic they used to attack Fela’s mother. They equally used it during #EndSARS.
“They brought us letter sometimes ago but we rejected it because letter was what they used to kill Dele Giwa. We have chosen to be peaceful only for them to keep looking for our trouble which we won’t hesitate to give to them,” Koiki boasted.
It would be recalled that Nigeria Police and their counterparts from the Department of State Service (DSS) in February was alleged to have teamed up and reportedly tried to arrest Igboho on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
However, the allegation was denied by both the Police and the DSS, describing it as a fake.
.. .describes him as a worthy son the state should be proud of
The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN has described his main challenger in the last two governorship elections, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN as a worthy son the State should be proud of.
Beside describing Jegede’s virtue of humility as legendary, Governor Akeredolu says notwithstanding the last two political outings in which they were both the major players, their bonds of friendship, brotherliness and professionalism remain very strong.
“It is without doubt that Tayo remains an appreciable figure in our dear State. His palpable passion for the State is incurable even as he remains one worthy son we should all be proud of in Ondo State.
“Between Tayo and I, there have been two keenly contested governorship elections which to the Glory of God, have both come my way. In spite of this, our friendship, brotherliness and professional bonds have remained strong and largely unaffected.
“In all these, our shared commonality and virtues have played a big role. But above all, Tayo’s legendary humility deserves a huge commendation.
“As Tayo clocks 60, it is our profound prayer for God to keep him in good, sound health and increased wisdom to achieve his heart desires. On behalf of my Adorable Betty and the good people of Ondo State, I congratulate my dear brother, learned friend and worthy compatriot.
“CONGRATULATIONS. All honour, glory and adoration belong to the Lord for seeing you to this enviable age. Asodunmodun, àsosùmòsù, igba odun odun kan. Age gracefully!”.
Signed
Olabode Richard Olatunde Chief Press Secretary To the Governor of Ondo State
A district head in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue state, Utambe Adzer, has been allegedly held by soldiers of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) who took him into custody early hours of Saturday after reportedly finding some weapons at his palace.
Our correspondent gathered that the soldiers also allegedly uncovered another set of arms and ammunition at the palace of the former’s counterpart, the district head of Lumbuv, Chief Teran Kwaghbo in same Ukum area.
It was learnt that while Adzer was taken into custody by the soldiers, Kwaghbo escaped arrest but his palace according to the residents of the area was allegedly torched by the soldiers.
Witnesses from the area alleged that weapons were uncovered in both palaces during the raid carried out by the soldiers in the monarchs’ homes between Friday night and Saturday morning respectively.
A witness claimed that he first saw the soldiers around the palace of the first monarch on Friday night and that weapons were brought out of the house while the royal father was led away by the military personnel, adding that by Saturday morning, the second monarch’s palace was besieged by the soldiers.
The Sankera axis, comprising Ukum, Kastina-Ala and Logo, had suffered severely from the activities of armed bandits and communal clashes for a long period now.
The criminalities in the axis had been blamed on armed bandits suspected to be loyal to the late Benue’s criminal kingpin, Terwase Akwaza popularly known as ‘Gana.’
Meanwhile, the new Force Commander of OPWS, Brigadier General Clement Apere, could not be reached for comments on the matter.
Apere’s predecessor, Major General Adeyemi Yekini, had however often referred our correspondent to the Information Unit of the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Residents of Eyin-Apata community in Ajipowo Akure, have called on Ondo State government to come to their aid by urgently constructing a standard bridge and road for easy access in and out of the area.
Many residents of the Eyin Apata community could not leave their homes on Thursday, April 22,2021 for many hours as the only bridge that provides access for them was overflown with water following an early morning downpour.
The situation made the bridge and its link road impassable for many hours while foot paths around it were equally flooded.
Some of the residents in separate interviews said the bridge was built through communal effort many years ago and it is no longer have the capacity for the river which keeps expanding yearly.
One of them, Mrs Dunni Adebisi lamented that most children in the community do not go to school anytime it rains heavily because flood often takes over the only access to the area.
Another resident, Mr Solomon Oluwagbemi noted that the situation poses great danger to the lives of residents as the road is often flooded during rainy season.
Also speaking on the situation, Mr. Isaac Temidayo, said, “it Is high time the only bridge in Eyin-Apata, Ajipowo area is to be rebuilt and its road to be constructed now that the rains have fully set in”.
The residents unanimously called on government to rescue the community from the problem of perennial flooding.
The Head of Circulation, Owena Press Limited, publisher of The Hope Newspaper, Mr Arowolo Afolabi, also known as Baba Aro, has been described as a complete gentleman who is understanding in term of human relation
The Editor of The Hope Newspaper, Mr. Akindele Adubuola, gave this description while wishing him a Happy birthday and also bowing out of service.
Adubuola said, “He is someone I look forward to meet, everyday for his kind human nature.
“We’ve been working together for over 20 years, and ever since then, I have never heard him having a disagreement with another person just for a day.
The Editor, therefore, on behalf of the entire Staff and Management of Owena Press Limited, Publishers of The Hope Newspaper, wish him a belated birthday.
In the same vein, Former Chairman, Vendors Association of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, Prince Olateju Kenny Adesina, who also wish the celebrant a special and excellent birthday, described him has one of the experience and the oldest one the Association have, working in a Newspaper industry presently.
“In Akure I usually called him brother Aro because l passed through him when l was working with vanguard Newspaper and later got transfer to Akure, he is a tolerating and disciplined man.
“Whenever the Association had any misunderstanding he usually come to rescue us.
Earlier, the celebrity, Mr Arowolo Folorunsho Afolabi, popularly known as, “Baba Aro” while speaking on his retirement, thanked God for everything he has done for him from the Genesis of his life to where he is today.
Narrating the journey so far with our correspondent, Arowolo said, “though the journey was rough, full of ups and downs but one with God is a majority. “I thank God for what he has done for me for the past 60yrs.”
Mrs Afolabi, wife to the celebrity wished her husband a happy birthday, described him as a man of integrity, peace and trustworthy with free mind to people, not a betrayal and having delight in other people’s progress.
Meanwhile, other staff members wished him a Happy birthday at 60,even as he retires from the service of Owena Press Limited.
Below are the Excerpt;
Mrs Agbede, (Staff at The Hope Newspaper)
Chief Aro as I fondly call him is a humble man, gentle , generous, amiable, respectful to everybody who come across him, very accommodating. He is a cheerful giver , for over 25yrs of working together I didn’t see him having grudges with anybody, always smiling.
“I pray that God in His own Mercy will give him long life to reaps the fruits of his good labour with good health, Long life sir Igba Odun Odun kan ni o”.
Femi Atolagbe (Staff at The Hope Newspaper)
“Baba Aro as fondly called is a father to all, very accommodating, peace maker. He is a good Adviser, mentor to me personally, the saying that problem shared is half solve fit into baba perfectly, because when u get to him with any problem after his admonishing it will look as if you have no problem. I learnt a lot from him, I wish him Happy Birthday. “
Kayode Olabanji, (Staff at The Hope Newspaper)
Baba Aro as fondly called, is a man of dignity, he does not discriminate, despite his position and age, he will not use that to oppress you, he worked diligently.
He communicates with you like you are age mates, and plays with everybody. He will never support anyone plotting bad against you. He would cautioned you for a wrong done and advised you on the way forward.
His words of encouragement had enhanced and kept me going with a record of success even more than expectations. I do appreciate him for the fatherly roles he has played in my life. Despite the fact that we met at The Hope Newspapers, it like we have knew each other longtime ago.
No doubt, he posses the role of a good father and a good leader
I wish him long life and prosperity in good health in Jesus Name. He shall live to eat very well the fruit of his labour in the Mighty Name of God. Happy 60th birthday to our Daddy.
Adeniyi Ayodele Noah, Chairman all sales representative.
Aro as we all fondly call him is an honest, friendly, amiable man, down to heart and frankly on issues ,
Aro is a man of the people , in those days he love play around with his pairs where he was given a nickname AKAMO EKUN, which is still appreciate up to date when he meet some of good old friends.
He is a good family man you always see him in company of his wife and children He is a good elderly man always firm when issue are brought to him at any level highly respected by all and sundry
I wish him the best as he turned another year congratulations sir
Dr Charles Israel Afolabi, President, Fire Academy Nigeria
Firstly I have to thank God that it is a journey he started well and ending well, Arowolo has being my sibling and i know him to be highly intelligent young man and very proactive in all his endeavours, and that is why he is able to take the journey so far and now that he is ending it now, obviously, i give thanks to God for being with him through out the service, and also wish him a belated birthday with longlife and prosperity.
Adeoye Oluwatoyin, (Staff of the Hope Newspaper)
My oga is an easy going man, fun to be with, very generous and kind and man of his words , may God almighty be with him to have full peace for his retirement in Jesus name and wishing hin happy birthday
Saheed Ibrahim (Staff of The Hope Newspaper)
He is a gentleman to the core and a good leader per excellence.
You can never hear anything about he quarrelling with anyone, he does his job and always at peace with everyone.
With a gentle smile, he greets you warmly whenever he sees you. He is such a good man, I wish him happy birthday to him.
Arowolo, joined Owena Press Limited, Publishers of The Hope Newspaper in August 1, 1997 as a Circulation officer and later got promoted to Head of Circulation where he bowed out of service.
The Ondo born man was happily married and blessed with four wonderful children among which is Omo’ba Kayode Afolabi, the Publisher of Newsline Online News.
The National Orientation Agency, Ondo State Directorate has directed the good people of Ondo State to come out en-masse to clean their surroundings during this month Environmental Sanitation Exercise slated for Saturday 24th April 2021.
The exercise holds between the hours of 7:00am and 10:00am with full restriction of both vehicular and human movements.
The directive is contained in a press statement made available to newsmen by the Ondo state NOA Acting Director, Mrs Olawumi Famuyiwa through the Agency PRO, Ralph Oguntibeju.
NOA reiterated that the task of making our environment clean is the responsibility of all citizens, resident in the state.
She enjoined the people to guide against unwholesome practices of indiscriminate dumping of refuse to volatile area, as it could constitute environmental health hazard to the overall well-being of citizenry especially now that we are gradually moving into raining season.
Mrs Famuyiwa charged stakeholders in the environmental Sanitation project to braze up to the challenge of making this month edition a huge success.
She warned those who are in the habit of contravening the provision of the extant law of the exercise to desist as anyone caught by law enforcement agents during the exercise would be prosecuted except for people on essential services emergencies duty.
The armed bandits who kidnapped students of Greenfield University, have shot dead three of the abducted students.
The armed bandits had on Tuesday night kidnapped an unspecified number of students at the institution located at Kasarami village off Kaduna-Abuja Road in Chikun LGA.
The remains of the three students were found today (Friday), in Kwanan Bature village, a location close to the university and have been evacuated to a mortuary by the Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan and Force Commander, Operation Thunder Strike, Lt.Col. MH Abdullahi.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai has condemned the killing of the three students as sheer wickedness, inhumanity and an outright desecration of human lives by vile entities.
He went on to say that the armed bandits represent the worst of humankind and must be fought at all cost for the violent wickedness they represent.
