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..as Mimiko, political associates, professional colleagues, family bid Betiku farewell

Christians have been advised to lead by example and make sure they live their lives beyond listening to the word of God without putting it into practice.

The Parish Priest, Rev. Father Stephen Akinnusoye, gave the advice on Friday during the funeral service of the former Chairman/CEO of Owena Press Limited, publishers of The Hope Newspaper, Mr Bode Woye Betiku.

At the well attended funeral service held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Akinjagunla, Ondo, a litany of tributes were read in honour of the man popularly known as ‘Hammer Head’ by his friends and admirers, including the immediate past Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade.

Eminent politicians, prominent Ondo indigenes, media gurus, family and friends on Friday bid farewell to the veteran journalist.

Fr. Akinnusoye said man, who was created in God’s image and likeness was not meant to die after creation, but man’s disobedience to God brought death upon the earth.

Describing the late Bode Betiku as a God fearing man, the cleric said his joy was that he had Christ and lived selflessly during his lifetime.

Akinnusoye who said physical death is inevitable, admonished all and sundry to watch their conducts and be prepared for death, noting that the spiritual death after exit from the world could be avoided by making the right choice of accepting Jesus and living a holy life.

According to him: “death is certain and it will come when it wills. That is why each day of our lives is important to God. There is need for us to prepare every moment of our lives for death.”

“The situation in Nigeria today has imposed a lot on our minds to the extent that people are now more afraid of death, but certainly death will come. Death is cheap today in the country, but to live is costly. That is why we must learn to live our lives beyond listening to word of God. Whatever you hear from God through His word, you must translate it to pratical and make use of it.”

“Betiku touched many lives during his lifetime, although nobody is perfect, and for that reason we will continue to pray for the imperfect side of the deceased that God should look kindly upon and grant him admittance into his kingdom. His journey has ended because we know anybody born of woman is old enough to die, it does not matter how short or long.

“Bode Betiku loved his wife, children, family, culture and the town, Ondo kingdom so much and never pretended about it. He lived a selfless life and also lived his life for others. He never thought of leaving at this time, but it has pleased his own creator to call him home at the age of 69.” He said.

In his tribute, the Catholic Bishop of Diocese Ondo, Most Rev. Dr Jude Ayodeji Arogundade described late Bode as a wonderful and decent gentleman who wanted to do his best for everyone.

Arogundade said: “Bode was a wonderful and decent human being, this is the time we need him most, but God knows why he had to call him at this time.

“Betiku was a complete gentleman who did his best for everybody. He wanted a beautiful country and state. May God grant him eternal rest.

“He worked tiredlessly to make the church a cynosure of all eyes, he was active in the life of Ondo State and Ondo city.”

Also, the Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, who was a friend and political leader to the deceased, described him as an energetic and boisterous brother who spent his life well.

Mimiko noted that Bode in his writings as Hammer Head, his sobriquet, during his days in the journalistic trenches either in the stables of Compass Mail or The Hope, the state owned newspaper, where he called the shot as CEO, Bode was lucid, logical and convincing.

The former governor who was popularly known as Iroko, added that it was common knowledge that Betiku played critical roles in the ‘Labour Party’s struggle to retrieve our mandate’ and as an effective communicator of government programmes in “my eight years as governor of our Ondo state.”

Mimiko further stated in his tribute that the deceased was a dedicated family man, a loving husband to his wife (Ibiyemi), and such a wonderful father to his children.

He concluded that “what is clear is that Bode left a legacy of commitment, dedication and courage. These values, I pray, will guide the wonderful family he left behind.”

His wife, Ibiyemi Bode-Betiku wrote in her tribute that the death of her husband was shocking, devastating and heartbreaking.

She described the deceased as a loving husband, adviser, confidant, mentor, destiny helper and a good man who was always ready to help at his own expense.

Other sympathisers who spoke about the deceased, advised members of his family to encourage themselves by giving thanks to God always, noting that his legacies will live on forever.

Among the dignitaries who attended the funeral service were; former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, his former Chief of Staff, Dr Kola Ademujimi, former Majority Leader in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Dayo Akinsoyinu, some former members of the Assembly, former Head of Service, Mr Toyin Akinkuotu and his wife, politicians, media practitioners, technocrats, Chiefs and community leaders among others.

Late Mr Bode Woye Betiku, who died on June 19, aged 69, was a veteran journalist, author of many books, politician and astute administrator.

The Ondo State House of Assembly has passed into law, a bill to regulate security, rearing and grazing of livestock and estalishment of ranches into law.

The House at its plenary on Thursday also passed into law two other bills, which are: a bill for a law to provide for the management of funds acruing to the Ondo State Judiciary from the consolidated revenue fund of the state and a bill for a law to eliminate violence in private and public life and prohibition of all forms of violence against persons.

Report of the Committees set up to scrutinise the three bills had earlier been presented to the House at its plenary.

Presenting the report on grazing bill, Chairman House Committee on Agriculture, Honourable Taofeek Oladele observed that the bill when passed into law will prevent destruction of farm crops in the state.

He added that it will address clashes between herders and farmers, enhance the growth of livestock farming, prevent control and manage the spread of diseases and as well encourage modern techniques of animal husbandry.

While briefing the House, it was made known that necessary areas of the bill has been scrutinized. Honourable Oladele urged the House to consider it for passage.

After thorough debate on the bill, it was considered necessary for approval and the Speaker, Rt Honourable (Prophet) Oleyelogun Bamidele David ruled in favour of the bill after a voice vote.

In the same vein, while presenting the report on the bill on prohibition of violence against person, Honourable Akintomide Akinrogunde observed that the bill when passed into law will not only assist in eliminating violence against persons in public and private life but reduce attacks on women, children and other vulnerable persons.

Akinrogunde called on members to consider major amendments to clauses of the bill and consider it for passage.

Also, the bill for a law on the management of funds acruing to the Judiciary from the consolidated revenue of Ondo State was presented by the Selection Committee.

While presenting the report, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Honourable Aderoboye Samuel Ademoye observed that the bill when passed into law will regulate management of funds in the Judicial arm of government.

He added that the bill when it becomes law would enhance the welfare of Judiciary Staff, regulate procurement processes in the sector and as well enhance dispensation of Justice.

Aderoboye enjoined members to consider the bill for passage as it has been subjected to proper scrutiny by the Committee.

After proper debate on the bills motions were moved for their adoption and they were adopted through voice votes.

In the meantime the House of Assembly has pledged to partner with the Federal Road Safety Corps towards ensuring safety on roads in Ondo State.

While playing host to the Ondo State Sector Commander of FRSC in his office, the Speaker, Rt Honourable ( Prophet) Oleyelogun Bamidele David said this will be achieved through valuable law and motion.
He enjoined the Sector Commander to furnish the House with necessary documents on areas of assistance to guide Members appropriately.

The Sector Commander, Ondo State Command, Ahmed Tahir Hassan had earlier briefed the Speaker of challenges encountered while trying to secure safety in Ondo State roads.

He sought the support of the House to tackle traffic jams at critical points in the state.

The Sector Commander also pledged to train drivers of the Assembly on road safety.

Akogun Olugbenga Omole,
Chairman House Committee on Information,Youth and Sports Development.

The wife of Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho, has been abducted by the gunmen who attacked his house in the early hours of Thursday.

This is according to the leader of the umbrella body of Yoruba self-determination groups, Ilana Omo Oodua, Emeritus Professor Banji Akintoye.

He said this in a statement personally signed by him and made available to newsmen by his Communications Manager, Mr. Maxwell Adeleye.

The statement was titled, ‘Yoruba Nation: Elements of the Nigerian Army, Accompanied by International Terrorists hired by the Nigerian State attacked Sunday Ighoho’s Residence – Akintoye.’

According to the Communications Manager, Akintoye alleged that “the assailants were all dressed in military uniform and spoke French language fluently.

“He further said that the gunmen killed seven occupants in the building and whisked Igboho’s wife and several others away.”

The incident happened 72 hours to the Yoruba Nation rally slated for Saturday in Lagos which will be attended by Akintoye and Igboho.

Punch

…calls for calm at OAUSTECH host community.

Hon. Dele Gboluga Ikengboju, the lawmaker representing Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, has shown concern on the news dominating the social media of reported hoodlums’ infiltration on the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) and the host communities in Okitipupa Local Government Area.

“In the past few days, there have been various reports of criminal elements invading homes and students’ hostels to perpetrate all sorts of atrocities, ranging from robbery, sexual harassment, physical assault, and intimidation of peaceful residents, including students and visitors.

“The situation becomes more worrisome when it is degenerating into an altercation between the Students and the indigenes of the host communities.”

Hon. Gboluga wishes to caution the parties involved to “desist from taking any action capable of breaching the law and disrupting the peaceful coexistence among residents.”

He, therefore, calls for calm even as he urges security agencies and all concerned stakeholders to swing into action to arrest the situation by ensuring that a thorough investigation is carried out to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the fracas as well as bringing the culprits to book.

While reaffirming his commitment to the welfare and safety of all residents in Ikaleland, the lawmaker wishes to emphasize clearly that Ikaleland will not be home to any form of criminality or civil disturbances as every resident have the right to peaceful living.

Signed

Oyeniyi Iwakun

Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to the Member, House Of Representatives, Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.

The lawmaker representing Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, Hon. Dele Gboluga Ikengboju has identified excessive partisanship as a major factor that erodes and undermines parliament’s capacity to effectively check the executive.

Pharmacist Gboluga was speaking as a guest speaker on the topic “21st Century Legislation: Role of Young Parliamentarians In Effective Governance”  at a Legislative Summit organized by the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) National Body (Senate Arm) in Akure being Thursday, 24th June 2021.

Hon. Gboluga Ikengboju, who was represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Barr. Olumide Ogunje posited that “the legislature all over the world is an institution saddled with the responsibility of law-making (i.e legislation), representation, and oversight.” Noted that the legislature is the face and image of the people.

In his lecture, the legislator expressed that the wishes of the masses could be channelled through the legislature for actualization.

While advocating for greater youth inclusiveness in decision making towards galvanizing popular support and legitimacy, Hon. Gboluga acknowledges the population strength of the youth “as the engines of social, economic, industrial, and technological development thus he encouraged the young people not only to participate in politics and governance but to aspire for seats in National legislatures.

He said “the introduction of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run legislation in Nigeria which inter alia lowered the age limits for people vying for political office is a vivid example” thus making the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a global organization for national parliaments to set up the Young Parliamentary Forum (YPF) to boost the participation of young people in parliaments and ensure young parliamentarians fully participate in the work of parliament”.

The distinguished lawmaker in corroborating his point said the young parliamentarians are expected to bring their youthfulness, agility and vibrancy to bear in Legislative activities noting that they should be at the forefront of promoting people-centred legislation in the parliament. He opined that they should be seen advancing the cause of the vulnerable people, especially the needy in the youth, women, children and the physically challenged.

He, therefore, charged the youths to entreat members of their fold to employ and deploy legitimate means and strategies like negotiation, persuasion, lobbying, compromise and consensus, to pursue the realization of their legislative agenda for the good of the society.

While encouraging young people to be at the vanguard of activism against maladministration and corruption in government, the renowned pharmacist noted that they should not sit on the fence or take side with the pervasive corruption in government.

The dynamic lawmaker hopes to see young parliamentarians aspire for bigger roles in the legislative arm such as speaker, clerk, chief whip and others to increase their influence in advancing the interest of their people in the legislature.

Signed

Oyeniyi Iwakun

Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to the house of representatives member.

The leadership of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) in Ondo State have vowed that workers in the state will no longer accept percentage salaries from the state government.

This is contained in a Communique issued at the end of the emergency Meeting Of TUC SEC and SAC held in Akure on Saturday.

The workers lamented the untold hardship they are going through, amidst high prices of essential commodities.

The workers also charged Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to immediately retool the finances of the state government to enable his administration settle salary arrears of workers from March, 2021 to date.

The labour Union empathized with workers on the current economic situation in the country especially the astronomical increase in the prices of food and other essential items.

The TUC leadership which commended the Ondo State Health insurance scheme, however called on the state government not to commence its implementation until all issues surrounding it like amount deductible, coverage areas of the scheme and until when arrears of salaries are fully paid and government resumes 100 percent salaries payment.

Below is the full text of the communique as obtained by Nigerian cable news online:

BEING THE COMMUNIQUE OF THE EMMERGENCY MEETING OF THE STATE EXECUTIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL OF THE TRADE UNION CONGRESS OF NIGERIA, ONDO STATE HELD ON THURSDAY, 24TH JUNE 2021 AT THE CONGRESS SECRETARIAT, ALAGBAKA, AKURE.

The State Executive and Administrative Councils of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Ondo State met on Thursday, 24th June 2021 and extensively deliberated on a number of issues ranging from the percentage payment of workers’ salaries; the implementation of Ondo State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme; and the Non-capturing of secondary school teachers by the Federal Mortgage Bank etc and resolved as follows:

The Council expressed satisfaction with the disposition of Ondo State Government to the various ongoing capital projects in the state.

The SAC and SEC in-session empathised with workers on the current economic situation in the country especially the astronomical increase in the prices of food items.

Having carefully examined the plethora of concerns of workers on percentage payment of salaries by the state government especially at this critical time, and with the ever rising prices of food items, drugs and medication, and other basic amenities of life, which are no longer within the reach of ordinary Nigerians, the council therefore calls on the state government to re-engineer its finances to offset the four months arrears of workers salaries and halt any further percentage payment of workers’ salaries as workers will no longer accept any form of percentage payment of their monthly salaries henceforth.

The council embraces the Ondo State Health insurance scheme as laudable but calls on the state government not to commence its implementation until all issues surrounding it, eg, amount deductible, coverage areas of the scheme etc and arrears of salaries are fully paid and government resumes 100 percent payment of monthly salaries.

The council resolved to invite the leadership of the Federal Mortgage bank for a meeting to know why secondary school teachers are yet to join the National housing scheme.