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  • FG Declares Monday Public Holiday

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    The Federal Government has declared Monday October 3, 2022, as public holiday to mark the nation’s 62nd Independence Anniversary Celebration.

    Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

    According to a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, the minister congratulated all Nigerians on this year’s celebration and assured of government’s commitment to tackling all the challenges facing the nation and bring smiles to the faces of all the people.

    “The world is going through dire economic and security challenges which have also affected our nation. However, I am assuring us all that the government will not abandon the people, but will continue to confront all these challenges with all the might at our disposal until respite comes our way”, the Minister said.

    Aregbesola reiterated the eminent position of Nigeria in the comity of nations and the greatness ahead of the country if Nigerians work hard at it as a people.

    “Our warmth, welcoming spirit and love as well as our unbounded human capital and the richness of our land, make Nigeria unarguably the leading black nation in the world and Africa’s pride and beacon of hope. If we can rally ourselves together to harness our potentials, we shall be the greatest nation on the earth.

    “A country of over 200 million people whose natural talents, grit and passion glitter like the precious diamond that we are; Nigerians are sparkling like diamonds in the pack, whether in the academia, science and technology, business, innovation, music, entertainment, fashion or culture” Aregbesola said.

    The Minister admonished Nigerians to use the occasion of the celebration to reflect on the challenges facing the nation and the role individuals can play in addressing them.

    He urged Nigerians to work hard, shun any attraction to get rich through criminal and other immoral means, saying only through productivity can an individual and the nation create wealth and get rich.

    While wishing Nigerians a memorable independence celebration, he reminded them of the fact that the nation’s founding fathers, in spite of the differences in faith, tribe and tongue, still came together for Nigeria’s independence.

    “Though our nation is going through challenges, especially on security, these challenges are temporary and do not define us. We are defined by the greatness of the Nigerian people in our diversity, strength, ingenuity and resilience.

    “We shall overcome all the challenges. A time is coming when we shall look at this period in retrospect and give thanks to the most high for the stormy waters we have waded through and the triumphs we have recorded over the challenges that look so huge and gargantuan today”, he stated.

    He therefore, called on all Nigerians to join hands together with the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration in its quest to ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, both at home and abroad as this, he said, shall be a befitting tribute to our heroes past.

    The Minister urged Nigerians to shun violence of any kind and be security conscious, asking them to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agency and through the N-Alert application on Android and IOS.

    “When you see something do N-Alert for prompt response from security agents”, he charged.

  • Wike, ten other  PDP Governors  shun Atiku’s presidential campaign Inauguration 

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    Eleven governors and former governors boycotted the inauguration of the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja today.

    The absentees were in the camp of the governor of Rivers State, Nyesome Wike. who were demanding the sacking or removal of the National Chairman of the party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu as a precondition for truce .

    It is however not clear whether some of them sent in apologies or given reasons for failing to appear physically at the big event.

    -Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike

    2-Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde

    3-Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom

    4-Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu

    5-Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

    6-Ex Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang

    7-Ex Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo

    8-Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose

    9-Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko

    10-Former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke

    11-Bode George of Lagos

    12-Jerry Gana

    13- Dan Orbih from Edo and a host of others.

  • 2023 Campaign Kick-Off: Ajimotokin Calls for Issue-based Campaigns

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    The Executive Chairman, Irele Local Government, Hon. (Barr.) Olusegun Ajimotokin has called for issue-based campaigns in the build-up to the 2023 general elections.

    Hon. Ajimotokin made this call as INEC blows the whistle for the kick-off of the 2023 general elections campaigns today.

    He urged candidates of the political parties to present feasible plans while campaigning for the elections.

    “I, therefore, urge politicians to focus on issue-based campaigns and desist from disinformation or fake news. It is also important that politicians desist from using religion and ethnicity to further divide the country. The level of division we have seen is enough, It is time for us to unite,” Ajimotokin stated.

    He urged Nigerians most especially the good people of Irele Local Government to keep supporting the All Progressive Congress in the continued efforts at turning around the country and sustaining its unity adding that Politicians must understand the plight of Nigerians and desist from any action that will lead to disunity”.

    He commends the efforts being made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) so far and charged the body to ensure free, fair and credible general elections next year.

    Signed:
    Victor Adedeji,
    Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman,
    Irele Local Government.

    September 28, 2022.

  • Gov Akeredolu resolve is to spare no effort in protecting the people

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    PRESS STATEMENT

    The reasons adduced by Garba Shehu in his Press statement for the continued refusal to approve of the use of sophisticated weapons by state security outfits can no longer be plausible in the face of increasing security challenges being faced by the people.

    The assertion of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity on the use of automatic weapons by State Security outfits betrays the current realities across the country. His attempt to justify the use of AK47 by the Vigilantes of Katsina State for training stands logic on it head.

    The report by the TVC News that went viral showed the Kastina State Vigilantee training with AK47. This is the same weapon which approval has vehemently been refused for the use of Amotekun Corps and other State Security Outfits.

    The questions Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, asks are:
    i. Where did the guns come from?
    ii. Who approved their use?
    iii. Were the guns returned to the armoury after use?
    iv. The AK47, as seen from the TVC news report, was about usage. If not, what purpose does training with the guns serve?

    It is rather suspicious that Garba Shehu elected himself as the spokesperson for the Kastina State government. Whereas, the Katsina State has not come out openly to deny the statement of Governor Akeredolu on the use of AK47 by Vigilantes of Katsina State during training.

    Governor Akeredolu has reiterated that State Security outfits backed by law whether in the Western Nigeria, Katsina, Borno, Benue or any Northern State must have access to the same sophisticated weapons that the criminals have. It time to face down these enemies of the people.

    It is illogical to continue to fight hardened marauders who bear sophisticated weaponry to kidnap and maim our people with bare hands. We cannot fight armed enemies of the people with our bare hands.

    It is our firm belief that the government has a fundamental duty to protect the people. It is a task that must be accomplished without excuse.

    Governor Akeredolu is determined to spare no efforts in protecting the people. He has vowed to explore every available legal and constitutional means to secure the state and its people.

    The Southern Nigeria Governors Forum has called for the establishment of State Police. The 19 Northern State Governors and Northern Traditional Rulers Council have also supported the call for State Police.

    The call by the sub-national should be heeded and change effected where necessary.

    Every Governor sworn to an oath to protect the state and the people. The sub-national must be allowed to put in place security forces as a counter-balancing force to face these marauders who have unchecked access to sophisticated weapons.

    It is high time we tackled these conflict entrepreneurs and restore the confidence of the people. We can not do the same thing time and again and expect different result.

    Governor Akeredolu is irrevocably committed to the security of the people, particularly his state. He will continue to speak up in defense of the people. He is very much committed to the realization of constitutional amendment to reflect the current realities.

    Signed:
    Richard Olatunde
    Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
    September 28, 2022.

  • Garba Shehu to Akeredolu: No State authorised to procure automatic weapons

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    The Presidency wishes to strongly assert that there is no state, not Katsina, not any other state in the federation, that has been authorized to procure automatic weapons for their security outfits.

    Under this administration, the President has repeatedly made it clear that nobody is allowed to illegally carry AK-47 or any other automatic weapons and that they must surrender them.

    Where they fail to do so, the law enforcement agencies have been given clear directives to deal with any such outlaws.

    Under the existing regulations, only the Office of the National Security Adviser can issue such authorization, upon proper clearance by the President and Commander-in-Chief and as it is at this moment, no such approvals have been issued to any state government.

    In the specific Katsina State often cited, the Governor, Aminu Bello Masari wrote to explain that the administration invited the Provost of the Civil Defence Training College in Katsina to train their Vigilantes for a five-day period “in the handling and operations of Pump Action Rifles,” emphasizing that “the Vigilantes were not trained to take over the responsibilities of the security agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria but to assist them.”

    The Presidency appreciates the active involvement of states with security matters.

    As they continue to expand their capabilities as well as their active collaboration with law enforcement agencies of the federation, the joint efforts continue to yield good results, thwarting attempts of terrorists to wreak havoc and destruction on communities.

    The President in particular has expressed happiness that in the last couple of years, security outfits mandated by state governments have been associated with several important initiatives, and reports have reached him of acts of utmost bravery and professionalism.

    He thanks them for their alertness that is helping to defeat nefarious plots against targets at grassroots levels.

    He, however, cautions against the politicization of security.

    See also  Nigerians Reacts As Shehu Sani Shares Pictures Of Peter Obi Carrying A Travelling Bag

    Government at the centre with a national mandate cannot afford to alienate Ondo State or any other state for that matter on the important issue of security and urges leaders at various levels to exercise restraint in their speech, even as we are in a political season.

    Akelicious

  • How I kidnapped three Edo residents, shot one – Suspect

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    A herder in Okada area of Edo State, Usman Mohammed, has been arrested in connection with the kidnap of three residents of the Yoruba community in the Ovia North East Local Government of Edo State.

    The self-confessed kidnapper revealed that one of the victims, Segun  Oyekanmi, was shot to death and his corpse dumped in a bush in Uhen community in the same local government.

    Late Segun and two others identified as Sunday Kima (63) and Margret James (35), were driving home on September 17, 2022, when four armed kidnappers intercepted their vehicle and marched them into the bush.

    When news of the kidnap reached the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Police Command, CP Abutu Yaro, he directed the leader of the Command Intelligence Response Squad (CIRRS), SP Collins Osagie to comb the bush for the victims.

    Six days later, Mohammed, a popular herder in Okada town was arrested by the CIRRS. He took the detectives to the bush in Uhen community where the remains of Oyekanmi were dumped. On closer observation, he was discovered to have been fired twice.

    Explaining how Oyekanmi was killed, Mohammed said, “Sule is the leader of the gang.   We were born here in Edo state but we are from Katsina state.  We drove cows here.

    “On that day, Sule accompanied by Mama and Bello, came to meet me. Sule said we should go and kidnap and get money.  Two of them were armed. We went to the road, blocked the vehicle, and took the victims out of the vehicle.

    “As we were walking, he asked Oyekanmi a question. But Oyekanmi was rude to Sule. In anger, Sule told us to move aside. I begged Sule not to kill the man. He said he would shoot me if I intervened.  We all stepped aside and he fired the man twice and told us to continue moving with the rest of the victims.

    “Sule has fled to Lagos while the two others may still be in Okada. I was not an opportunity to get my share of the ransom before I was arrested,” he stated.

    The Commissioner of Police, it was gathered, has ordered the detectives to go after fleeing members of the gang, reiterating the command’s resolve to rid the state of kidnappers. 

    Credit: Vanguard

  • Stakeholders Declare Fasting, Prayer Over Selling Of Sunshine Stars FC

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    Stakeholders in Ondo State have declared three days fasting and prayers over alleged selling off of Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure by the current administration in the State.

    The Ondo State Football Stakeholders Forum led by Otunba Dele Ologbese said Thursday, Friday and Saturday have been set aside to pray to God to change the mind of the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the planned selling of State’s pride and heritage.

    The Chairman of Ologbese Global Sports, in a chat with Newsmen in Akure noted that it’s only God that can change the rigid mind of the government against gifting the 27 years old club, founded by former Ondo State Military Administrator, Col.Ahmed Usman.

    He said: “We believe it’s only God that can help change the mindsets of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa from selling off Sunshine Stars FC which is our ‘pride and heritage”.

    According to him, “with the look of things they’re hell bent in selling off the Club despite persistent cries of stakeholders over this decision and we have absolute faith that God will surely answer our prayers.”

    “Since the news broke out some few weeks ago that Ondo State Government had perfected plans to sell off the club for a peanut and Government had not come out to deny the story which is a pointer to the fact that they are hell bent on selling the club outrightly as against the proposed Public Private Partnership which we have rejected because no club in Nigeria operates under such arrangement, we have no option than to call on all football loving people of Ondo State to join us in the three days fasting and prayers sessions starting on Thursday, September 29, 2022 “

    “We want to put it on record, because, Governor may not be aware that those advising him to sell the club for a partry sum of One hundred and fifty million naira only are doing so for their own selfish interests. We are aware that those planning to buy the club will eventually sell it to a relegated Premiership Clubside in Northern Nigeria at a price in the region of One Billion Naira”.

    “We like to reiterate that selling of Sunshine Stars Football Club is against the common interests of the good people of Ondo State and for this we strongly appeal to Mr Governor to stop engaging in actions that would affect his image and his administration negatively”, he said.

  • Ayetoro sea incursion: community leaders appeal for quick interventions

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    Community leaders at Ayetoro, in the Ilaje local government area of Ondo state, have again cried out over the damages causes by sea incursion in the area.

    The leaders explained how the peace  the community used to enjoy has now become a mirage therefore appealed to the government for quickly intervention.

    Community leaders,  Mr Bankole Joshua, Prince Thompson Omoyelu Akingboye, Ayetoro Youth PRO and Mrs Akinluwa Cecelia, were all recounted the great dilapidation in the community, saying  hardship has now become part of the daily life of their people. 

    They made the appeals while receiving the Ondo State Chapter of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) during its reconnaissance survey to access the impact of sea incursion and damages in the ancient town of the community.

    The trip was in partnership with the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) and was aimed at assessing the level of the havoc caused by the natural disaster and to notify the appropriate national, international authorities, and to also  make recommendations that can mitigate the situation.

    According to them, the community used to be many kilometres away from the sea. But today, a greater part of the community has been overtaken by water. 

    “The once beautiful and prosperous Ayetoro community has now become a shanty and its people are greatly traumatized. Almost half of the community has been taken over by the recurring sea surge. Houses, schools and worship centres have been wiped away. The people are now homeless, with no means of livelihood.

    They appealed to the government and all relevant bodies to speedily rescue the community and allow its people to return to their normal lives.

    In her response, the leaders of the team, Mrs Bola Akinyanmi,  sympathized with the  people on their loss. She emphasized that having visited the community a couple of years ago, she can understand their collective plights.

    Mrs Akinyanmi informed the people of the purpose of their visit.

     According to her, “the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) is a Non-Governmental Organisation with experts from different professions and sectors.

    “I see how agitated the people in this community are today. This is quite understandable. Some years back, I was in Ayetoro and the situation was not as bad as this. We came to do some advocacy during the Ebola crisis. The church where we met then can no longer be found. Schools, houses and roads can no longer be found. I want to encourage you not to give up. Sometimes, things get so bad that they attract solutions.

    “But I can also let you know that this sea incursion is not peculiar to Ayetoro. Other communities are also feeling the effect. I am begging you that in everything we do, safety first. Let us encourage our people not to live in the threatened areas. 

    “This is a natural occurrence, I want to thank you for bearing with nature this far. But by the grace of God who created nature, the solution will come not too long”. Akinyanmi said.

    Also speaking Engr. Stephen Ogunsemore (Director, Project Planning & Development) assured the people that the Commission will communicate to all necessary stakeholders the level of devastation, and see how  succour could be brought to the community.

    Apostle Sola Orisamoluwa (Director, Human Resources & Business Development) who is also a leader in  Ayetoro community stressed that OSOPADEC as an interventionist agency will not fold its arms when communities in its mandate areas are confronted with human and natural challenges.

     He said the Commission facilitated the visit of the body (NES) so that they can assess the level of devastation of the Ayetoro Community. The body as part of its assignments is expected to make recommendations to concerned authorities.

    In his words: “the effect of the incursion is immeasurable and unquantifiable. We have lost so much in terms of our land mass, shelter, schools, roads and churches. But by the grace of almighty God, the solution will come soonest, our happiness and loss shall be restored”.

  • Akeredolu represents what Nigerians desire at this time – Peter Obi

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    •Condoles Ondo Gov Over Mum’s Passage

    •We’ll Give Her A Glorious Funeral- Gov Akeredolu

    The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, on Tuesday said the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, represents what Nigerians desire at this present time.

    Obi described Governor Akeredolu as a leader who speaks the truth at all times no matter the consequences.

    The LP Presidential candidate spoke during a condolence visit to the Governor at the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.

    Also on ground to receive him were the wife of the Governor, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu; the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; the Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale; Director General of the Project Performance and Implementation Monitoring Unit and grandson of the deceased, Mr Babajide Akeredolu among others.

    Obi, who said things are going wrong in the country because people choose to keep quiet, commended the Governor for speaking up for the people.

    He charged Governor Akeredolu to continue to take every necessary step to protect his people, adding that the Governor is doing the right thing.

    Obi said: “I urge you to continue in that direction. You represent one of those things Nigerians desire, ability to speak the truth no matter the consequences.

    “What is lacking in Nigeria is that we choose to keep quiet when things are going wrong. You have a man here who always speaks when things are going wrong, and I urge you to continue.”

    He supported Governor Akeredolu on his move to arm the Amotekun Corps, saying the Governor must continue to do his best to defend his people.

    “Arm those special security poeple. Take every step to protect your people. It is important and it is your duty. I’m happy that you are speaking out always when necessary. May God Almighty continue to be with you and bless all of you.” He added.

    Obi condoled the Governor on the demise of his mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu, JP, praying God to grant her eternal rest.

    The LP presidential standard bearer equally used the occasion to commiserate with the Governor over the sad incident at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where 41 people were killed and several other injured.

    In his response, Governor Akeredolu appreciated Obi and his entourage for finding time to visit him.

    Akeredolu, who said what happened on June 5 at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, was horrendous, also described the sad incident as unexpected and uncommon, especially in the Southern part of the country.

    On the death of his mother, the Governor said she would surely be missed even though she left at the ripe age of 90 years.

    He expressed joy that all of her late mother’s children survived her, saying she would be given a glorious and befitting burial.

    Richard Olatunde
    Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
    September 27, 2022.

    📸 Olawale Abolade.

  • President Buhari to confer CON national honour on Gov Akeredolu

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    Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has been named as one of the recipients of the 2022 National Honour Award of the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    This was contained in a letter from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs signed by the Minister, Senator George Akume.

    The Minister in the letter, which read in parts, said: “I have the honour to formally inform you that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has approved the conferment of the National Honours on you, in the rank of CON (Commander of the Order of the Niger).

    “The investiture ceremony is scheduled to take place at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja on Tuesday, 11th October 2022 at 9:00 am”.

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