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A devastating fire outbreak at Olaiya Rainbow Street, Ondo City, in Ondo West Local Government Area, has claimed the lives of a mother and her two children, identified as Bukola and Ife. The tragic incident, which occurred around 11 a.m. on Sunday, destroyed the entire building where they were trapped, leaving their bodies burnt beyond recognition.
Eyewitnesses reported that despite frantic efforts by neighbors to save the victims, their attempts proved futile due to the failure of the Ondo State Fire Service to respond. According to sources, emergency calls to the Fire Service were met with claims of a lack of water and chemicals. Shockingly, an officer allegedly switched off his phone after informing residents of the unavailability of firefighting resources.
As of press time, the cause of the fire remained unknown, while the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at the State General Hospital mortuary in Ondo. The building was reported to belong to a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Ondo West, Mrs. Saratu Adelakun.
Efforts to get a response from the police regarding the incident have been unsuccessful.
The tragic event has sparked outrage and renewed calls for urgent improvements in emergency response infrastructure in the state.
A lone goal from the newly promoted Sunshine Stars’ Under-19 player, Samuel Matthew was all the Owena Whales needed to stroll past Akwa United in Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 24 at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne Ogun State.
The tension soaked encounter began with both sides displaying football artistry to the admiration of the spectators.
Sunshine Stars had missed several goal scoring opportunities before Samuel Matthew hit the target off Waheed Adebayo square pass in the 29th minute.
Matthew now has two goals in as many NPFL home matches for Sunshine Stars.
Michael Olalusi who returned to the team after more than one year on the sideline coordinated Sunshine Stars’ midfield to ensure the defense was not exposed.
Akwa United led by former Sunshine Stars coach, Kennedy Boboye put up a spirited fight to level up but all their antics were well contained by the home team’s back line.
The hostility continued between the relegation threatened sides with Sunshine Stars dictating the pace but unable to increase their lead as the visitors kept it tight in defense.
In his post match interview, Sunshine Stars head coach, Bobola Akinfolarin commended his players for playing to instructions saying the victory will restore the players’ confidence.
Akinfolarin added that the maximum points meant a lot to the team as it will boost the morale of the players and bring out the winning mentality in them.
According to him, “We will continue to work on the lapses we discovered in any game.
“We had a clean sheet with maximum points today which was achieved because we took our time to x-ray the team in the area of letting in goals. We worked on it and it manifested today, we won’t stop until we get better.”
STAKEHOLDERS UNVEIL ILAJE NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2025 AND THE OFFICIAL ESTABLISHMENT OF ILAJE NATION AS AN ORGANIZATION.
Stakeholders of Ilaje race have unveiled arrangements to hold Ilaje National Conference on 22nd and 23rd February 2025 AT BON HOTEL EVENT CENTRE AKURE as the event is desire to welcome sons and daughters of Ilaje land to the official establishment of Ilaje Nation as an Organization during the first edition of the Ilaje National Conference where all sons and daughters of Ilaje land will be converged to discuss fundamental issues affecting the development of Ilaje Nation and proceeding to reunite all Stakeholders.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the National Conference Planning Committee, Chief Benjamin Olomidegun, the main purpose for the Ilaje National Conference 2025, is to midwife concerted efforts by all Stakeholders, irrespective of party affiliations, to facilitate the sustainable development of the Ilaje nation and to establish an Organization which shall stand as a united voice for the interest of all Ilaje Land.
“As applicable globally, no nation, community, or society can enjoy accelerated development without the collective efforts of the citizenry to come together under one umbrella Body and pursue a common goal”.
“We have studied how we were altered vigorously by the lack of unity rather than dichotomy, cultural hindrances, political divisions, selfishness and personal agenda of some political leaders”.
Meanwhile, the conference is arranged through Invitation Details to harmonize ideas and appoint administrators for the Ilaje Nation at the National Conference.
The conference shall discuss external interests and manipulations and to put the dichotomy into rest forever.
According to the planning committee, all invited participants are expected to prepare themselves for administrative tasks to be appointed to serve as the executive Members to speak and represent Ilaje land at every angle. Participants have been invited across various wards, and each ward will appoint a representative to make up the twelve principal positions available for the organization to be established and the twelves representatives will constitute themselves into each available positions into the following Formation: a. President b. Vice President c. Gen. Secretary d. P.R.O e. Financial Secretary f. Treasurer g. Director of Maintenance h. Internal Auditor i. Welfare Director j. Director of Organization k. Director of Sport L. Director of External Affairs
The committee Chairman while reaching out to Stakeholders, traditional rulers, political leaders which includes the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, assures that the establishment of the Organization at the National Conference to speak for Ilaje people home and abroad will strengthen oneness and put away dichotomy as a way of achieving common goals for the interest of Ilaje land.
A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, and presided over by Hon Justice (Prof) Chuka A. Obiozor, has rejected an Ex Parte Application filed by Pastor Amadin Owas and others.
The application sought to challenge the appointments of the Chairman, Managing Director, and Executive Directors of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Following a fervent appeal by the applicants’ lawyer, Ede Asenoguan Esq., the judge refused to grant the order and instead directed that all parties be put on notice.
This decision clears the way for the appointed officials to resume their duties without any legal hurdles.
The applicants had sought an order restraining the appointed officials from assuming office, pending the determination of the substantive suit. However, the court declined to grant the application, opting instead to put all parties on notice.
The case has been adjourned until March 2025, allowing the parties to prepare and respond to the claims.
With this development, there is no impediment to the resumption of office of the Chairman, Managing Director, and Executive Directors of the Management Board of Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Happy birthday to an amazing leader, Hon. (Chief) Mobolaji Omotayo Toyo, Basorun Gbadegun of Apoi Kingdom and CEO/President/Founder of Omotayo Toyo Foundation! I, Thespian Ibukunoluwa Obateru, also known as IBUSCO MR SPORT (OBAT), on behalf of the entire media crew of Omotayo Toyo Foundation, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the incredible impact you’ve made in our lives and the community.
As we celebrate another year of your life, we’re reminded of your selfless dedication to the betterment of society through the Omotayo Toyo Foundation. Your tireless efforts to make a positive difference in the world are truly inspiring, and we feel honored to be a part of your team. Your leadership and vision have been a guiding force for us, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you.
We want to thank you for being a role model and a source of inspiration to us all. Your commitment to excellence, compassion, and kindness is a shining example to us all, and we strive to emulate these qualities in our own lives. We’re thankful for the trust you’ve placed in us and for the chance to be part of your journey.
On your special day, we wish you continued success, good health, and happiness. May your birthday be filled with joy, love, and all your favorite things. We hope you get to relax, unwind, and enjoy the company of loved ones, because you deserve it.
Once again, happy birthday to an extraordinary individual, Hon. (Chief) Mobolaji Omotayo Toyo! We’re excited to see what the future holds for you and the Omotayo Toyo Foundation, and we’re proud to be part of your team.
Gov pays tributes to founding fathers; to constitute committee for 50th anniversary
The Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, says the State is making steady progress towards a destination of all-round development and prosperity.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stated this in his message to the people of Ondo State to mark the 49th creation anniversary of the State.
Ondo State, carved out from the old Western Region, was created on 3rd of February 1976 by the military administration of General Murtala Muhammed.
Since its creation 49 years ago, 19 people have served as governor; 12 military governors and seven civilian governors, including Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was sworn in on the 27th of December 2023.
In his message on the anniversary, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the founding fathers of the State for their courage, foresight and invaluable contributions towards making Ondo State what it is today in terms of sustainable development and inclusive growth, with the potential to be greater.
While promising to continue to build on the worthy legacies of the founding fathers and former governors, Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated the commitment of his administration to maximising the potential of the State for the benefit of the generality of the people.
Congratulating the people of the State on the anniversary, the Governor also called on them to continue to provide support for his administration as he continues to navigate the ship of the State towards a safe harbour.
The Governor added that as the State heads towards its 50th creation anniversary next year, a committee will soon be constituted to draw up the modalities for the Golden celebration of the Sunshine State.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. February 3, 2025.
A COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE CONGRESS OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ), ONDO STATE COUNCIL, HELD ON THURSDAY, 30TH JANUARY 2025, AT THE PRESS CENTRE, PEN CRESCENT, ALAGBAKA-AKURE
The January edition of the Congress was heralded by a special prayer session and was well attended by members from across all chapels. It was presided over by the state chairman, Leke Adegbite.
The Congress deliberated on a varieties of issues, ranging from politics, economy, security and environment to welfare of its members, and resolved as follows;
That the Congress unanimously commended quality leadership being rendered by the State Executives of Ondo NUJ under Prince Leke Adegbite, especially in protecting interests of all journalists practising in Ondo State, urging the Exco not to relent.
That the Congress notes with empathy that workers of Owena Press, publisher of The Hope newspaper, are yet to be captured in the new N73,000 minimum wage approved by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the state workers, calling on Mr Governor to urgently intervene to ensure that our members at The Newspaper outfit benefit from the new minimum wage regime to cushion the negative effects of the economic hardship in Nigeria.
Still on the new minimum wage as it affects our colleagues in NTA, FRCN, NAN and other federal media organizations, that the Congress unanimously called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to monitor the implementation of the new minimum wage at federal level, to prevent further irregualarities in salary payment for federal media workers nationwide.
The Union urges Accountant General of the Federation, AGF, to come up with a proper template of implementing the new minimum wage, so that our members are not unjustly shortchanged.
That the NUJ noted with satisfaction the ongoing repositioning of OSRC/Orange FM media group under the new CEO/DG, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson and encouraged him to sustain the good work he started recently.
That the Congress applauds Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for ensuring successful and peaceful conduct of local government election held recently across the state after many years of not having elected Council bosses and called on the government to hit the ground running in areas of infrastructural development especially at the grassroots.
That the Congress decried the flagrant display of goods on motor ways, especially on major roads in Akure, the state capital as well indiscriminate parking of Tricycles on Arakale/NEPA to Oba Adesida roads, calling on the State Government to create parking spaces for them, while displaced Traders on roads at Alagbaka to NEPA areas in Akure should be provided with suitable marketing spaces.
That the Congress expressed worry that the process of recruiting teachers into public primary and secondary schools in the state was yet to be concluded for about one year that the process started. Ondo NUJ enjoined the State Government to as a matter of urgency clear all the impediments and conclude the recruitment process without delay to save the state education sector from total collapse.
That The Congress commended the new Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Olutokunbo Afolabi for his new security initiative ‘Safe Community’ aimed at resolving communal disputes and ensuring that residents of various communities live peacefully with one another.
That members at the meeting appreciated the immediate past Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu for supporting thehosting of the Congress; while the Union expressed deep gratitude to those who supported the 2024 Ondo NUJ Press Week Celebrations.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s appointment as Minister of Interior by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023 was met with curiosity and skepticism.
However, he has exceeded expectations, showcasing an enigmatic performance that has left many impressed with his leadership capabilities.
Tunji-Ojo’s achievements are numerous and impressive. He launched the “Safe Haven” initiative, which resulted in a 25% reduction in crime rates, and introduced the “Smart Border” solution, reducing illegal border crossings by 30%. He also established the “Disaster Response Unit”, which has responded to natural disasters and emergencies with unprecedented speed and efficiency.
At the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Honourable Minister introduced the “E-Visa” program, reducing visa processing times by 50%, and launched the “Migration Information Data Analysis System” (MIDAS), enhancing border control and immigration management. He also established the “Immigration Service Reform Committee” to modernize the service’s operations and enhance efficiency.
Tunji-Ojo’s reforms at the Nigerian Correctional Service have been equally impressive, with the launch of the “Rehabilitation and Reintegration Initiative,” reducing recidivism rates by 20%, and the introduction of the “Digital Case Management System,” streamlining case management and reducing delays.
Notably, Kuje Medium Custodial Center now wears a new look after the total overhauling, led by the enigmatic Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The facility, which was once plagued by decay and neglect, has been transformed into a modern, state-of-the-art correctional center, complete with improved living conditions, enhanced security features, and expanded rehabilitation programs.
Beyond his official duties, Tunji-Ojo has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to philanthropy, supporting worthy causes across the state and beyond. His leadership has brought about a paradigm shift, leaving an indelible mark on the nation, and inspiring a new generation of leaders to follow in his footsteps.
Tunji-Ojo’s impact extends far beyond the Ministry of Interior. He has been a vocal advocate for justice reform, working tirelessly to promote fairness, equality, and compassion within the justice system. His commitment to transparency and accountability has earned him widespread respect, and his collaborative approach has fostered a new era of cooperation between government agencies, civil society organizations, and community groups.
In conclusion, Tunji-Ojo’s tenure as Minister of Interior has been a resounding success, marked by innovative reforms, improved efficiency, and a commitment to serving the nation.
As he continues to drive positive change, his legacy will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the nation.
Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure have signed 16 new players to strengthen their squad for the second phase of 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The team also promoted three players from their youth team.
In a move aimed at achieving optimum performance, the Owena Whales secured the services of quality players from within and outside the country to complement the efforts of the existing squad.
The new signings include Waheed Adebayo (Lobi Stars), Daniel Edeh (El Gouna, Egypt), Liman Ahmadu (Lobi Stars) Alao Dabani (Lobi Stars),Okeke Vincent (Bendel Insurance), Edafe Vincent (Remo Stars) and Ebuka Anaekwe (Kwara United).
Others are Chukwudi Esobe (Heartland), Sadiq AbduRazak (Niger Tornadoes), Buhari AbdulAfeez (Osun United), Amia Kenneth (Katsina United), Henry Elum (Shooting Stars), Uche Onwuasonaya (Shooting Stars), AJibola Matthew (Lobi Stars),Tosin Akinyemi (Ekimogun) and Tunde Adesua (unattached).
The three promoted youth players are; Ariyo Ikulamberu, Christopher Richards and Samuel Matthew.
President of the club, Bamidele Ologunloluwa said signing new players was necessary given the team’s performance in the first phase of the league.
“We are delighted to welcome the new players into our fold,” Ologunloluwa said.
“These players are household names in the game, both within and beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“We appeal for the continued support and prayers of all stakeholders to lift the team from their current position on the league table,” he added.
Sunshine Stars’ Technical Adviser, Abubakar Bala, expressed confidence that the blend of new and existing players would deliver the desired results.
“Our focus now is to build a team with intense competition in all departments,” Bala said.
Sunshine Stars’ Technical Adviser, Bala Abubakar has declared the team’s readiness for the second stanza of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), in the 2024/2025 season.
Abubakar emphasised his determination to approach every match with focus and intensity, noting that the reverse fixture against Ikorodu City will not be an exception.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, particularly against the Lagos-based side, Abubakar restated his commitment to building formidable and compact squad capable of reclaiming their rightful place among the League’s top teams.
“We are working round the clock to ensure we start the second string of matches on a promising note, beginning with victory in our first match”, Bala said.
“The reverse fixture against Ikorodu City will be tough; they are a strong side and currently holding a comfortable position on the NPFL table.
“Sunshine Stars lost the first leg to them 2-1 so they will be here fighting for points.
“We have prepared adequately and by the end of tomorrow’s game, we would have begun the second stanza on a positive note.
“The team are stronger now hence we are stepping into this round more formidable than ever.”
The former Kwara United coach further revealed that his technical crew has been working tirelessly to transform Sunshine Stars into a highly competitive side, ensuring intense competition for every position.
He highlighted the inclusion of quality players to bolster the squad, complementing the efforts of the older players.
Abubakar also addressed the team’s earlier struggles with converting chances, attributing it to bad composure and poor decision-making in the goal area.
“We have improved significantly in the area of goal-scoring. From the friendly matches played, we were able to capitalise on chances created”, he added
“After tomorrow’s game, our supporters and well-wishers will start seeing a better, well-composed Sunshine Stars.
“With their support and prayers, we are confident the boys will make them proud by the end of the season.”
While acknowledging that Sunshine Stars are not in the danger zone, Abubakar expressed his desire to see them climb out of their current position and achieve a spot among the League’s top 10 teams, which he described as their first target.
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