Exclusive Reporters

Exclusive Reporters are committed to delivering credible, insightful, and impactful stories that matter. We go beyond headlines to bring our readers exclusive reports, in-depth analysis and human-interest stories that shape conversations and inspire change. At ExclusiveStory. News, journalism is more than reporting; it’s about truth, balance, and responsibility. Our team of dedicated reporters, writers, and editors works tirelessly to uncover facts, amplify voices, and shed light on issues that affect everyday lives across Nigeria and beyond. From politics to business, aviation, governance, lifestyle, and social development, we strive to inform, educate, and engage our audience with accuracy, speed, and integrity. Our Mission: To uphold the highest standards of journalism by providing exclusive, factual, and unbiased news that empowers readers and promotes transparency in society. Our Vision: To be one of Nigeria’s most trusted online news sources, where truth meets exclusivity, and every story makes an impact.

  • Consistency , Progress: an Imperative for Retaining Olawande as Minister of State for Youth Devt

    by

    By Dayo Joseph

    Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of State for Youth Development, has left an indelible mark in the lives of young Nigerians.

    His dedication, vision, and leadership have transformed the youth development landscape, empowering countless young people across the country.

    The Ministry of Youth has revolutionised the lives of Nigerian youths. Over seven million of our great youths, over the next two years will benefit through Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) initiative

    This dynamic platform is dedicated to empowering youths through education and skill-building, with the ambitious goal of positively impacting millions of lives across Nigeria.

    The comprehensive program includes job fairs, online and live classes, a vibrant digital community, start-up support, youth engagement in politics, and a lifetime resource hub. By providing access to these resources and opportunities, NiYA is set to unlock the potential of Nigerian youths and equip them for success.

    With a goal of generating five million jobs over the next four years, NiYA is poised to make a significant impact on the country’s economy and society.

    This is a testament to the Federal Ministry of Youth’s commitment to investing in the future of Nigeria’s young people.

    He established 20 vocational training centers, equipping over 10,000 young people with marketable skills and promoting entrepreneurship.

    The Minister launched the “National Youth Mentorship Initiative,” pairing young people with successful professionals and entrepreneurs and the “Youth Entrepreneurship Fund,” providing access to capital and funding for over 5,000 young entrepreneurs.

    He fostered partnerships with private sector organizations, creating over 10,000 job opportunities and promoting economic growth and also established the “National Youth Entrepreneurship Program,” providing training, mentorship, and support for young entrepreneurs.

    Ayodele Olawande’s achievements as Minister of State for Youth Development are a testament to his unwavering commitment to empowering young Nigerians.

    Engr. Olawande stands out as a shining example of a Minister who has truly delivered on his promises in President Tinubu’s administration.

    He has consistently demonstrated a remarkable commitment to youth development and progress, leaving a lasting impact across various sectors and echelons of the economy.

    His dedication to the empowerment of young Nigerians and driving economic growth has been nothing short of impressive, making him a valuable asset to the administration.

    His retention is crucial to sustaining the momentum of youth development and ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of our great nation.

    Let us unite to support his continued leadership and mentorship, shaping a brighter future for all.

  • Minister drums support for Ondo APC ahead of governorship elections

    Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has made a rallying call to all party faithful and stakeholders to unite behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship elections in Ondo State.

    To energise the party’s grassroots support, the Minister has mobilised resources to facilitate ward meetings across all eleven wards in Akure, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity among party members.

    These meetings aim to strengthen party cohesion, address concerns, and inspire supporters to work towards a common goal. Olawande expressed his unwavering confidence in the party’s candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the APC’s vision for Ondo State’s prosperity.

    He urged all stakeholders to work together to secure a resounding victory, paving the way for a brighter future for the state.

    His words: “The upcoming election is a pivotal moment for our beloved state. Let us work together to ensure a triumphant outcome for our party and a brighter future for Ondo State.

    “We owe it to ourselves, our children, and generations yet to come to build a prosperous and thriving state,” Olawande emphasized.

    The APC Chairman in Akure South Local Government, Chief Fesobi Akinmolayan, applauded the noble gesture of the Honourable Minister.

    According to him, ” theMinister is setting a new standard for other political appointees. His commitment to the party’s success is unwavering, and we appreciate his dedication to moving our party forward.”

    The ward meetings, which have already begun, have seen enthusiastic turnout and positive feedback from party members.

  • Kunle Ajayi, Ondo AAC Gubernatorial Candidate, Commends The Supreme Court On The Affirmation Of Local Government Autonomy

    The Gubernatorial Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the November 16th Ondo State Elections, Kunle ‘Wizeman’ Ajayi commends the Supreme Court for it’s affirmation of Local Government Autonomy.

    In it’s lead judgement read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court observed that the refusal of state government on financial autonomy for local governments has gone on for over two decades.

    The Supreme Court also said Local governments has since stopped receiving the money meant for them from the state governors who act in their stead. The supreme court therefore ordered that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves.

    This is also a great victory for the National Association of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and workers generally in Nigeria as their long fights has now come to success.

    The AAC candidate believes that Local Government is the closest to the people and should be the centre point of development. Sadly, governors have been usurping this for primitive accumulation of wealth and power. So, the position of the Supreme Court will engender democracy and help more Nigerians to hold their Leaders accountable.

    This judgement is also a great loss to Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other governors who had gone to court to battle against Local Government Autonomy. We warned them that the truth will prevail. These governors hate democracy and believe that Nigerians must be exploited more in order to satisfy their greed. Now, they have lost woefully!

    We call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to dissolve Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) immediately. The agency is more or less a section of the ruling party and it’s quite anti-democratic!

    We remember with nostalgia how our party, the African Action Congress (AAC) was robbed in the last Ondo State Local Government Elections in 2020. And we are happy that we protested this in a long and well detailed petition, but sadly, the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu never constituted the Elections Tribunal to look into our grievances. Such is the tyrannical methods governors use in hoodwinking democracy from below.

    Finally, the African Action Congress (AAC) urge INEC to immediately meet with all Local Government stakeholders and draw a timetable for a uniform Local Government Elections nationwide. We will continue to push for real democracy even when rogue forces are so reluctant to give up!

    Signed,
    Abiodun Lijofi,
    Spokesperson,
    Ajayi/Dada IrapadaOndo Gubernatorial Campaign Committee.
    11th July, 2024.

  • Ondo 2024: Ajayi didn’t accord me, Mimiko political relevance – Tofowomo

    A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Ondo State, Sen. Nicholas Tofowomo, says the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Mr Agboola Ajayi, did not accord him and former Gov. Olusegun Mimiko any political relevance.

    Tofowomo, who represented Ondo South Senatorial District at the Ninth Assembly, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Okitipupa.

    Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa is the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the governorship election scheduled for Nov.16, Ajayi is the PDP standard bearer.

    Tofowomo said it was unfortunate that both himself and Mimiko, who was governor of the state between 2009 and 2017, were not given any specific role to play in the preparation for the forthcoming election.

    The former senator said that he called Ajayi and congratulated him immediately he won the PDP governorship ticket to show that he never had anything against him.

    “In the PDP’s electoral committee list, former Gov. Olusegun Mimiko is number 78 while I am number 139 or so.

    “With the list, I can understand that neither the former governor nor me was accorded any political relevance in the selection of members of the team,” he said.

    Consequently, Tofowomo said he could not say categorically who would win the governorship election between Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi.

    The former lawmaker, who said that he could only talk of what he was sure of, pointing out that since he was not aware of the preparations, he could not boast of PDP winning the election.

    “I can only talk and boast about what I am sure of; that is why I said I am not certain if Aiyedatiwa or Ajayi will win the election. However, I wish both of them good luck.

    “My supporters have been asking me where should they go but I told them to hold on until I will be able to tell them where to go at the appropriate time,” he said.

    The former senator, however, said that he was not planning to defect to any party, stressing that he remained a bona fide member and strong chieftain of PDP.

    Recalls that Ajayi and Tofowomo contested the Ondo South Senatorial primary on May 22, 2022, with Ajayi emerging the winner with 78 votes to defeat Tofowomo who scored 74 votes.

    Efforts to get the reaction of Ajayi proved abortive, as calls made to his phone was not going through as at the time of filing this report.

    NAN

  • ODIEC postpones LG elections indefinitely

    by

    The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) has indefinitely postponed the elections for the 18 Local Governments and 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

    The indefinite postponement was announced by the Chairman of ODIEC, Dr. Joseph Aremo, during a stakeholders’ meeting held yesterday in Akure, the state capital.

    It should be recalled that the election was earlier rescheduled to take place on July 13.

    According to the commission, the postponement became necessary due to the non-compliance of political parties with the electoral process.

    Dr. Aremo said, “The political parties did not submit their nomination forms and did not comply with the adjusted timetable from the last meeting.

    “As a precursor to the conduct of the election, between June 26 and 28, 2024, parties were expected to submit the lists of their agents.

    “In the last meeting with the leaders of IPAC, the commission informed them that the July 13 date set for the election was sacrosanct. We also stated that we would not be changing it.

    “The commission explained that even if only two parties were ready for the election, the poll would still be conducted.

    “At the meeting, they all agreed to comply with the guidelines and timetable. However, as I speak, not a single party has complied. No valid nomination form was submitted.

    “It is incumbent upon us to review the entire process and decide on the next steps.

    “Our concern is to conduct free and fair elections at the grassroots level, leading to the emergence of local leadership.

    “But we realized that there was non-compliance with the rules and regulations. This led us to the decision to postpone the election,” he stated.

    Commenting on the matter, the State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Olaoluwa Adesanya, said the decision of the council members not to participate in the election was reached during a meeting.

    “We agreed among ourselves that no political parties should submit nomination forms because we want to meet with the Governor to understand what is happening in the government.

    “We knew that the commission would have nothing to work with without the submission of nomination forms.

    “Though we are an advisory body, we are not opposed to the Governor, as we are part of his government. We have trust in ODIEC to perform effectively.

    “ODIEC is an independent body, and in this aspect, it is a matter between the Governor and the political parties,” he concluded.

    The Hope

  • Femi Fadairo Holds Thanksgiving in Akure, Pledges More Support for Governor Aiyedatiwa

    by

    The Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement to the Governor of Ondo State, Femi Fadairo, has held a thanksgiving service in Akure to express his gratitude to God and appreciate Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his recent appointment.

    The event, which took place at the Redeem Christian church of God in Bolajoko, Oke Aro, Akure, saw Fadairo and his immediate family on Sunday appreciating various stakeholders for their support.

    Fadairo was recently appointed as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Engagement, Central.

    During the service, Fadairo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for entrusting him with the opportunity to give back to his community through his role in community engagement.

    He praised the governor’s efforts in driving development and fostering growth across the state, which have positively impacted every local government in Ondo State.

    Fadairo also expressed deep gratitude to his parents for their unwavering prayers and support throughout his journey. He acknowledged their role in his personal and professional achievements, emphasizing the importance of family in his life.

    Looking ahead to the upcoming gubernatorial election, Fadairo pledged to actively engage and mobilize the people in his community to vote massively for Governor Aiyedatiwa.

    He vowed to leverage his position and influence to ensure strong voter turnout and support for the governor, citing Aiyedatiwa’s proven track record and dedication to the state’s progress.

    The thanksgiving service was attended by secretary to the state government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, various dignitaries, community leaders, and well wishers, all of whom expressed their support for both Fadairo and Governor Aiyedatiwa.

    Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, endorsed Femi Fadairo as the ideal person for the job, highlighting his notable presence in society and his leadership in youth development and engagement.

    He urged everyone to support Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the upcoming gubernatorial election, while also expressing gratitude to Fadairo for his efforts in involving the community in politics.

    As the state prepares for the forthcoming election, Femi Fadairo’s pledge signifies a strong backing for Governor Aiyedatiwa, reinforcing the governor’s position and highlighting the unity and determination within the community to continue on the path of development and growth.

    Also speaking, APC Stalwart, Barr. Olumuyiwa Adu, congratulated Fadairo on his appointment and urged him to continue doing well for the people he is to serve.

    The Member Representing Akure South/Akure North at the Ondo State House of Assembly,Prince Derin Adesida commended the doggedness of the Fadairo in the Akure politics.

  • Okitipupa-born Data Analyst Offers Partnership to Ondo State Government on Data Digitization

    by

    Oyewunmi Akeremale Commends Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Administration and Proposes Technological Collaboration

    Ondo State, Nigeria – Oyewunmi Akeremale, a distinguished data analyst hailing from Okitipupa Local Government and now based in the United States, has expressed his commendation for the government of Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Governor of Ondo State. Akeremale, a founding partner of Alphatech Integrated Hub Limited, has also offered to partner with the state on the ambitious project of data digitization.

    In a statement released on Monday, Akeremale praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration for its progressive initiatives and commitment to the development of Ondo State. “Governor Aiyedatiwa’s vision for Ondo State is truly commendable,” Akeremale said. “His administration’s focus on innovation and modernization is a significant step towards ensuring sustainable development and efficient governance.”

    Akeremale highlighted the critical role of data digitization in enhancing governmental operations and service delivery. He pointed out that digitizing the state’s data infrastructure would streamline processes, improve transparency, and facilitate better decision-making. “In the digital age, data is an invaluable asset. By leveraging modern technology, the Ondo State Government can optimize its resources, improve public services, and foster economic growth,” Akeremale explained.

    As a founding partner of Alphatech Integrated Hub Limited, Akeremale brings extensive experience and expertise in data analysis and technological solutions. Alphatech Integrated Hub Limited is a renowned tech company specializing in data management, analytics, and digital transformation services. The company has successfully implemented numerous projects in both the public and private sectors, making it a valuable partner for the Ondo State Government.

    Akeremale’s proposal includes a comprehensive plan for the digitization of Ondo State’s data systems. This plan encompasses the integration of cutting-edge technology to manage data efficiently, training programs for government personnel to enhance their digital skills, and the establishment of a robust data governance framework to ensure the security and integrity of information.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa, in response to Akeremale’s proposal, expressed his appreciation for the offer and his enthusiasm for potential collaboration. “We are delighted to receive such a generous offer from one of our own, Oyewunmi Akeremale. His expertise and vision align perfectly with our administration’s goals. We look forward to exploring this partnership further and realizing the benefits of data digitization for the people of Ondo State,” the governor stated.

    The proposed partnership between the Ondo State Government and Alphatech Integrated Hub Limited marks a significant step towards embracing technological advancements in governance. If actualized, this collaboration has the potential to transform Ondo State into a model of digital efficiency and innovation.

    About Oyewunmi Akeremale
    Oyewunmi Akeremale is a data analyst with a profound passion for leveraging technology to drive development. Born and raised in Okitipupa Local Government, Akeremale has built a successful career in the United States, working with top-tier companies and organizations to harness the power of data. His commitment to giving back to his community and fostering growth in Ondo State underscores his dedication to sustainable development and technological progress.

    About Alphatech Integrated Hub Limited
    Alphatech Integrated Hub Limited is a leading technology company specializing in data management, analytics, and digital transformation. With a track record of delivering innovative solutions, Alphatech is dedicated to helping organizations optimize their operations and achieve their strategic objectives through the power of data.

    For further information, please contact:

    Alphatech Integrated Hub Limited Public Relations Department
    Email:
    alphatechhubmail@gmail.com
    Phone: +23463169364

    Ondo State Government Public Relations Office
    Email:
    Phone:

  • ‘Odatiwa’ Ambassadors For 2024 World Teqball Qualifiers

    by

    Ondo State representatives to the 2024 World Teqball qualifiers ‘Odatiwa’ Ambassadors are battle ready for the Championship scheduled for Abia state.

    Chairman of Teqball Association in Ondo State, Seun Betiku stated this at the state’s sports complex in Akure on Thursday.

    Betiku who is also the President of People United By Sports (PUBS) disclosed that his organisation will be responsible for all the expenses of the athletes and their coach.

    He said the championship will hold at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba from 9th to 13th of this month.

    Betiku noted that government at all levels need support from private sectors and individuals to rapidly develop sports in the state, saying government can not do it alone.

    He said: “Coach Mark Oloruntoba will lead three female, one male making four athletes tagged: ‘Odatiwa’ Ambassadors to the 3- day championship with the arrival of participants slated for 09 – 07-2024.”

    The ‘Odatiwa Ambassadors’ include; Vice captain of Sunshine Queens, Kehinde Aganmuyi, Jenifer Ukam, Ololade Akintunde and Dotun Olafisoye .

    “We are seriously preparing with hard training for the championship and with God on our side, we are hoping for good outing in Abia State.

    “We are going to compete in male singles, female singles, mix doubles and female doubles,” he said.

    He thanked members of People United By Sports PUBS and other contributors for their financial support and encouragement.

  • I spent 24 years in prison for following friend to police station — Lukman Adeyemi

    by

    In a harrowing account of injustice within the Nigerian criminal justice system, Lukman Adeyemi recounts his 24-year ordeal behind bars, a consequence of a misguided act of loyalty towards a friend. His narrative sheds light on the flaws and injustices prevalent within the system, leading to prolonged and unjust incarceration.

    Adeyemi describes his initial encounter with the system as a descent into hopelessness, spending nine years in pre-trial detention, followed by an agonizing 15 years on death row. The conditions he faced were nothing short of torture, reminiscent of a dark and endless nightmare. Recalling moments of interrogation by SARS Police officers, he vividly portrays the physical and psychological torment endured as he was coerced into admitting to crimes he had no knowledge of, under duress and threat.

    Reflecting on his incredulity at being held accountable for another’s transgressions, he questions the system’s integrity and fairness. Despite being an innocent bystander caught in the web of injustice, he found himself entangled in a legal quagmire that seemed insurmountable. His decision to accompany his friend to the police station, out of a sense of loyalty and duty, inadvertently led to his own wrongful arrest and subsequent incarceration.

    Throughout his years of imprisonment, he faced skepticism and disbelief when attempting to share his truth with others. The prevailing sentiment of doubt and suspicion only added to his misery, as he grappled with the weight of false accusations and a lack of justice.

    However, a glimmer of hope emerged when he crossed paths with the Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation (CJMR) and his team, who offered support and advocacy on his behalf.

    The intervention of the Organization, headed by Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi, brought a renewed sense of optimism and possibility, signaling a potential breakthrough in his quest for freedom.

    His story

    Lukman Adeyemi walking to freedom.
    “I am Lukman Adeyemi, a native of Iwerele, Iwajowa Local Government, Oyo State. I am a Bricklayer by profession. I was 26 years old when I had this problem. In August 2000, after returning home from work with a friend living with me, Ismaila Lasisi, we were told that the Police came to look for Ismaila and he was asked to report himself in the station.

    “I immediately decided to follow him to the station, lo and behold I was arrested and detained along with him. I was tortured to the point of death over a crime I knew nothing about, right from the police station. I had a close shave with the death over a murder of a woman who was hired by some ex-friends of Ismaila Lasisi to fetch water for them at the construction site. The woman left home in the morning and she never returned home.

    “Ismaila Lasisi once lived with them. He begged to come and live with me after he had a misunderstanding with these people in March. I knew these people from a far distance. Our paths never crossed in life for anything. This was how I was charged to court along with these people over an offence I never had any knowledge of. In 2009 we were sentenced to death. We filed separate appeals but the appeal failed to the Supreme Court.

    “My story of innocence to whoever cared to listen fell on deaf ears, with many questioning, ‘If you’re not one of them, why mention your name?’ ‘If truly you are innocent why can’t court free you?’

    “I felt abandoned by truth itself. I spent 24 years behind bars like 24 hours, a sleepless night that lasted for two decades.

    “In June 2023 one of the officers of the Correctional Service, Deputy Superintendent of Correctional (DSC) AbdulKareem Awesu introduced my case to a Pastor and I spoke with him on phone. 

    “On 17th July 2023, a group Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation, CJMR, led by Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi visited us at the Ibara Correctional Service where they listened to all of us including the culprits who exonerated us. The organization went with all our judgement and shed light on our innocence. June 14, 2024 shall remain evergreen and memorable day in my life. Light shone upon me, rain fell on my head for the first time and I saw the moon for the first time.

    “I never knew I could pay for the sin of another man. How could I have committed an offense and still boldly walk into a police station to report myself?

    “I am grateful that the organization Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation intervened on my behalf, a beacon of hope in a sea of despair. Her belief in my innocence reignited the flame of justice within me, propelling me toward the possibility of redemption.”

    Pastor Hezekiah Deboboye Olujobi the Executive Director of Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation, CJMR, an NGO based in Ibadan shed light on the innocence of Lukman Adeyemi and Ismaila Lasisi.

    His words: “Our attention was drawn to the complaints of these two people on their claim of innocence by the Welfare Officer DCP Awesu, who invited us to come and help these people assuring us of their innocence and the effort made through the legal process without justice.

    “We came down to Ibara Custodial Centre,  Abeokuta, to hear from them. The two perpetrators confided in us that truly, they were the ones who committed the crime and that the two people were totally innocent of the crime. We adjusted our seats to hear them very well.

    “It was a long drilling of questions on their parts. But yet they insisted on their innocence. What they said carried no weight in my ears until I read through the judgement that convicted them.  We obtained their judgements from both the trial court and the Supreme Court for our review. We noticed the presentation of the state before the appellate court could never allow the court to shift ground.

    “Lukman Adeyemi and his friend filed a separate appeal to the Court of Appeal, to the Supreme Court. We realized that none of the lawyers explored the way of arresting each person in this case. This is what the lawyer at the trial court should have done but very unfortunately he couldn’t. Failure of the perpetrators to declear them innocent of the crime could not have helped them at that time. The course of probing the way of arrest of the individuals in the case unfolded the truth on this matter.

    Evidence
    “In the record of proceedings, we stumbled on the evidence of the PW1. The police officer in charge of the case gave evidence before the Court that the first defender was referred to him from Ilaro police divisional office to Abeokuta with one Esther Shitu. Then he jumped to how he arrested them and how the defender led him to Shaki in his father’s house, and how the head of the deceased was recovered under his bed in his room at his father’s house.

    “While reading through their separate judgements, it was a contradiction. They said they took the head of the deceased to the house of the herbalist at Sepeteri. Then I asked the first defender who was the lady that was arrested along with you from Ilaro to Abeokuta? He told us that was the lady he sent to go and call the deceased from the house of her husband in the morning.

    “He said: ‘It was the lady the police first arrested. It was her arrest that led to the arrest of my elder brother, it was my elder brother who orchestrated my arrest’.

    “The second question: where did you take the head of the deceased to? He said: ‘we took it to the herbalist at Sepeteri who promised to make ritual money for them’. Where is the herbalist and the lady? ‘They have been released at the station’.

    “With all the analysis and the evidence in the record, we forwarded our findings to the office of the Attorney-General of Ogun State and the Committee for the Board of Prerogative of Mercy and they considered our appeal. Is not about their story, it is about the fact that the record corroborated their story.”

    … points out the poor lawyering, police misinformation
    Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi, the Executive Director of the Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation, identifies poor lawyering, misleading information from the police, and the prosecutors’ relentless pursuit of convictions as key factors contributing to wrongful convictions in Nigeria such as Lukman Adeyemi.

    While police evidence is typically held in high regard within the justice system, not all evidence presented in court is accurate or reliable, with some officers providing false information or making errors.

    Recognizing that judges are fallible, the appellate process exists to rectify potential errors from lower courts. However, if justice remains elusive after exhausting legal avenues, the Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation steps in to review court evidence and present cases to the Board of Mercy for consideration.

    This approach embodies the essence of Restorative Justice.

    Centre for Justice Mercy and Reconciliation records
    The organization has successfully facilitated the release of over 20 individuals wrongfully convicted and secured the freedom of more than 600 individuals unlawfully detained in South West Nigeria Custodial Service.

    Additionally, they have reintegrated over 300 individuals back into society. Currently, they have 12 inmates on death row and 10 awaiting trial cases under review for intervention. For those awaiting trial, they collaborate with pro bono lawyers to represent them in various high courts in Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States, providing support for transportation and motivation to ensure their presence in court.

    In cases where individuals have been detained for extended periods without legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the organization advocates their rights by demanding updates on their case files from the Ministry of Justice. If no case file is found, they escalate the matter to the office of the Chief Judge for resolution.

    The support received from the Ogun State Chief Judge, Honorable Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu FICMC, FHNR, the Ogun State Ministry of Justice, and the former Chief Judge of Oyo State, Honorable Justice Munktar Abimbola (Rtd), has been instrumental in advancing these initiatives.

    Their impactful activities span across Oyo, Ogun, and Osun States, demonstrating their commitment to addressing injustice wherever it may occur.

    With the efforts of the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Committee for Board of Mercy, Ogun and Governor Dapo Abiodun, Lukman Adeyemi and Ismaila Lasisi’s innocence was finally recognized. The real perpetrators confessed, leading to their release.

    They express gratitude to all who played a role in their eventual freedom, acknowledging the challenges faced and lives lost during his wrongful imprisonment.

    Currently, Lukman Adeyemi and Ismaila Lasisi are at the CJMR Halfway Home for recovery and reintegration process.

    Vanguard

  • Ogunwumiju Commissions Constituency Office in Ondo, empowers hundreds of constituents with business funding

    by

    In a significant stride towards community development and empowerment, Otunba Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju (OMO), the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ondo State House of Assembly and Honorable Member representing Ondo West Constituency 1, commissioned a new Constituency Office Annex in Yaba, Ondo.

    This strategic initiative aims to bolster support for small-scale businesses across all six wards within the constituency.

    The event, which drew a diverse crowd of local business owners, community leaders, and enthusiastic residents, was marked by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, speeches, and an atmosphere of celebration.

    Otunba Ogunwumiju, in his address, highlighted the significance of the new office in enhancing accessibility to governmental support and resources for small-scale enterprises.

    “This Constituency Office Annex is not just a building; it represents our commitment to fostering economic growth and empowering our people,” Otunba Ogunwumiju stated. “Small-scale businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and it is imperative that we provide them with the necessary tools and support to thrive.”

    The establishment of the office is part of a broader initiative aimed at driving sustainable economic development in Ondo West Constituency 1.

    The office will serve as a resource hub, offering business advisory services, access to microcredit facilities, and various forms of support tailored to the needs of small-scale entrepreneurs.

    Local business owner Adebayo Adekunle expressed his enthusiasm about the new office. “This is a welcome development for us,” he said. “Having a dedicated office where we can seek guidance and support will go a long way in helping our businesses grow and succeed.”

    Community leaders also lauded the initiative, noting its potential to stimulate economic activity and improve the standard of living for residents. “Otunba Ogunwumiju has always been a champion for the people, and this new office is a testament to his unwavering commitment to our community,” remarked Chief Oladimeji Adedayo, a prominent figure in the constituency.

    The commissioning of the Constituency Office Annex is expected to be the first of many efforts by Otunba Ogunwumiju to enhance economic opportunities and foster community development.

    His proactive approach to governance and dedication to the welfare of his constituents continue to set a positive example for other public officials.

    As the new office opens its doors, it promises to be a beacon of hope and progress for small-scale businesses and the wider community in Ondo West Constituency 1.

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started