Featured Archives - Page 12 of 15

Bodija Explosion: Makinde Sets Up Relief Disbursement Committee, Calls For Prompt Action

December 24, 2024 by admin

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the committee on the management/disbursement of Bodija Explosion Relief Fund. The governor charged the members of the committee to ensure transparency in carrying out their responsibilities to those that were affected by the incident. Governor Makinde, who inaugurated the 10-man committee on Tuesday, said its job is to oversee the management and disbursement of the relief fund to those who lost properties to the explosion. Recall that on January 16, 2024, an explosion rocked Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija Ibadan, which was later found out to be due to illegal storage of mining devices. Governor Makinde stressed that the government is providing support to the people affected and not compensation, noting that his administration is interested in doing the right thing for the people of the state. He equally added that the road to the Dejo Oyelese Street the scene of the explosion will be fixed while a monument will also be erected around the area. The governor appreciated the various professional bodies that worked with the state when the incident happened for their support, charging them to incorporate people that would work efficiently with the committee and put the resources where needed. The committee is made up of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. bdulraheem Bayo Lawal (chairman); a former deputy governor of Oyo State and Chairman, Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group, Chief Iyiola Oladokun; Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, Chairman, Bodija Estate Residents Association; Alhaji Gafar Bello, Executive Assistant on Finance, Budget and Planning; Mrs Ojuolape Busari, Secretary, Oyo State Emergency Management Agency. Others are nominee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Ibrahim Lawal; nominee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr Oluseye Ojo; nominee of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ibrahim Bello; nominee of Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group, Mrs Arinola Olanipekun and the nominee of the Bodija Estate Residents Association, Mr David Afolayan. In attendance at the inauguration were former deputy governor of Oyo State, Engr Hamid Gbadamosi; wife of former Oyo State governor, Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja; former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sumonu; Chief of Staff to the governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Commissioners and Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal. Others were the Special Adviser to the governor on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), Oyo State PDP Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke; co-chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Chief Wole Oyelese; and chairman of local government chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, among other dignitaries.

(Photos) UI Student,Emerges Winner At 8th Edition Of Super Bowl Debate Competition

December 22, 2024 by admin

Adeleke Maria Chineke Ugochukwu, a student of the University of Ibadan, emerged victorious at the Eighth Edition of the Super Bowl Debate Competition, held at the Alumni Hall, University of Ibadan. The event, themed “This is Nigeria,” featured representatives from 13 institutions across Oyo State, showcasing their oratory and critical thinking skills. Participating institutions included Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Federal School of Survey Oyo, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology Igboora, and Dominican University, among others. The competition unfolded in three stages: a thematic speech on “This is Nigeria,” an impromptu pix-prompt session, and a final round addressing the topic “Heroes of Today.” Chineke Ugochukwu clinched first place with a score of 68.1%, followed by Jacintha Nwachukwu from Dominican University with 66.9% and Kolade Daniella from Abiola Ajimobi Technical University with 63.2%. In his welcome address, Hon. Victor Olojede, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Oyo State on Students’ Affairs, emphasized the importance of empowering young leaders. “Super Bowl is about creating an environment where ideas are exchanged, confidence is built, and future leaders are nurtured,” he said. Dr. Bisi Olawuyi, the competition’s convener and Head of the Department of Communication and Language Arts, University of Ibadan, shared the event’s mission: “This platform isn’t just about highlighting Nigeria’s problems but finding solutions through the perspectives of young people.” He added “My motivation, is trying to build leadership skills,oratorical skills, amongst others. I also believe that it is high time we began to engage young people en sundry national issues. Many of these young people has so many ideas that can transform nigeria and all we need to do is to give them the opportunity by giving them the platform to speak.” Keynote speaker and investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, a former Super Bowl contestant, addressed systemic corruption in Nigeria, urging a return to values like hard work and dignity of labor. “The solution to every Nigerian problem lies in the agency created to solve it,” Soyombo asserted. The winners were rewarded with cash prizes and trophies, with Ugochukwu receiving ₦200,000, Nwachukwu ₦150,000, and Daniella ₦100,000. The competition, which resumed after a four-year hiatus, received renewed support from the Oyo State government, with plans for further collaboration in the future. The Super Bowl Debate Competition continues to serve as a platform for fostering leadership, public speaking, and problem-solving skills among Nigerian youths.

Yuletide: Over 12,000 Vulnerable People Benefit From OYCSDA Psychosocial Support Programme

December 17, 2024 by admin

Over 12,000 people across Oyo State are to benefit from the 2024 Psychosocial Support Programme, organized by the Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA). The programme, which was designed by the World Bank and Oyo State government under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES), was another way to give succor to the less privileged like widows, orphans and people with special needs, was flagged off at Alegongo Community Hall, Akobo, Lagelu Local Government, Ibadan on Tuesday. In his keynote address, the OYCSDA Chairman, Hon. Abideen Adetokunbo Adeaga said like the 251 micro-projects that have benefited over 355,000 beneficiaries in healthcare, education, water and sanitation and erosion control sectors, the psychosocial support programme was targeted at over 12,000 inhabitants across the State. He said the programme encapsulated provision of welfare items like foodstuffs, funds and counseling sessions for the wellbeing of indigent and vulnerable people, which would give them the capacity to deal with the demands and challenges of everyday life, as well as boosting their confidence and energy to partake in the implementation and sustainability of micro-projects in their communities. “These supports are granted to over 12,000 among the most vulnerable in our communities to enhance their ability to deal with demands and challenges of everyday life as well as boosting their confidence and energy to participate in the implementation of micro-projects in their communities. “It is pertinent to appreciate God and the amiable Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde for making these efforts become successful through funding and encouragement, under the NG-CARES programme, the Agency has facilitated the implementation of 251 micro-projects in 114 communities across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, while over 355,000 beneficiaries have being recorded for these micro-projects,” he added. The General Manager, OYCSDA, Mr Salau Jelili reiterated the commitment of the agency to care for the ‘poorest of the poor’ category in the State through interventions in critical sectors of life with micro-projects, while the psychosocial support programme was meant to add a welfare fillip to the households, to enhance social, economic, physical and psychological well-being of the vulnerable population. He charged the beneficiaries to continue to give needed support to the Seyi Makinde-led administration, so as to keep benefiting from dividends of democracy. Present at the event was a strong ally of the State Governor, Hon. Babatunde Tijani (Double-T), the Executive Chairman, Lagelu Local Government, Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen, the State Woman Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaja Wulemot Ibitoye and a member of Oyo State’s Pilgrims’ Board, Alhaja Fatimoh Oluwa, among others.

Anti-Corruption War Must Begin From The Top, Says Obasanjo

December 9, 2024 by admin

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has insisted that Nigeria’s battle against corruption can only be effective and successful if it begins with accountability among top government officials. The former president argued that tackling corruption at the highest levels of leadership would set an example for others and demonstrate the government’s commitment to transparency and integrity. Obasanjo spoke on Sunday night during an interactive session on Zoom tagged “Boiling Point Arena.” The conversation which was aired by some private radio stations in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, focussed on Obasanjo’s legacies in government and his assessment of today’s Nigeria. Obasanjo described corruption as hydra-headed and one that has eaten deep into the fabric of Nigerian society, emphasising that the fight against corruption must start with leadership for it to succeed. “The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head, that is where corruption has to be fought from,” Obasanjo said. The former President also submitted that the fight against corruption must be a consistent and daily affair to nip it in the bud. He added, “Corruption is very hydra-headed and eats deep. I think it was the Sultan of Sokoto, the father of the present Sultan, who said corruption is like a ‘babariga’; if you are folding it on one side, it’s falling apart on the other side. When you carry it on both sides, you cannot hold your hands up and as soon as you put your hands down, it’s falling apart. And that’s corruption. “It’s not a one-day affair. It’s not a one-regime affair. It’s not even a two-regime affair. It has to be consistent. It has to be continual. It has to be a daily affair. Once one regime is let off, it spreads.” He called for a change in the recruitment and appointment of leaders into public offices, insisting that political appointments must be made on merit rather than political or tribal basis. Speaking on leadership, he said self-made leaders or those enthroned by Satan are bound to fail. He insisted that only God makes a leader, and whoever he enthroned would succeed. “So I will say most leaders are prepared by God and they put in place by God and when that happens the chances of success are higher than when you make yourself a leader which may not be the act of God. “And again people saying all leaders are made by God, I don’t accept that. A leader can also be made by Satan. In the case of Job, you can remember Satan was going up and down and went before God and God was commending Job but Satan said Job was upright to God because he has gotten from God.

Ekiti Gov Honours Late CJ With N300m Transformer Project

December 8, 2024 by admin

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the sum of N300m for the purchase of transformers for the various communities unable to connect to electricity in Ekiti East Local Government Area in honour of the state’s late Chief Judge, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye. Oyebanji, who said that that was Adeyeye’s last request, said, “The project is a reflection of the late jurist’s commitment to service and community development and a way to perpetuate his legacy in the local government and beyond”. A statement from the Chief Press Secretary in Ado Ekiti on Sunday stated that Oyebanji disclosed on Friday during the funeral service for the late CJ in his hometown, Araromi Ugbeshi, in the Ekiti East LG. The governor said, “When I was coming here today, and I saw the light in some of our communities, I remembered what he (Adeyeye) told me when I became governor. “He (Justice Adeyeye) said, ‘I’m not a politician, but I listened to your campaign promises; you said you are going to connect Ekiti East and Gbonyin to electricity; I came to remind you.’ “Within one year we got it done. He came back to say, ‘Thank you, but it’s not done completely; there are still some communities where transformers are not good.’ He gave me the list, and by the time he passed, we had not been able to do it because of resources. “So, when I knew I would be coming here today, I called the man in charge of electricity to get me the list of those communities and he brought it to my office yesterday. It is going to cost us N300m and I have approved it just to honour our departed CJ,” the governor said. Oyebanji described the late CJ as “a distinguished legal luminary whose contributions and influence in the judiciary and development of the state are invaluable”. The acting CJ, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, who spoke earlier at a valedictory court session for the late CJ at the State Judiciary Headquarters in Ado Ekiti, described him as “a jurist per excellence”, adding that he was “a visionary, who pursued effective justice delivery and a strong, virile and efficient judiciary with determination, vigour and passion”. Ogunmoye extolled the virtues of the late Adeyeye, adding, “But suffice to say that his death at this time is a robbery to us all – his family, the legal profession, his community, the state, and nation, considering the benefits that could have continued to flow from his fine and exemplary character and his wealth of experience.” The acting CJ enumerated Adeyeye’s achievements in office, including the hitch-free appointment of four judges, the take-off of Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, the commencement of construction of additional court halls, digitalization of the judiciary registry and issuance of several practice directions, and as well commitment to judges’ welfare. Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata, described the late CJ as “an embodiment of dedication, resilience and a man of sound character, a no-nonsense jurist. “Justice Adeyeye used the instrumentality of the law to uplift and protect humanity. His lordship was a man who strongly believed in the sanctity and protection of human rights. His contributions to the Judiciary in Ekiti state are unprecedented,” Apata said.

(Photos) Makinde Commissions Oyo’s First Independent Power Project

December 6, 2024 by admin

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on investors in the energy sector to partner with the state, noting that there is a huge energy market in the state. He stated this on Friday, while commissioning the first phase of the 11 Megawatts Ibadan Hybrid Power Plant, the state’s first-ever Independent Power Project, at the Power House, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. The governor said it had become imperative for the private sector to move in to plug the country’s energy deficiency, noting that his administration’s vision to enhance energy sufficiency in Oyo State was on course with the 11 Megawatts Ibadan Hybrid Power Plant. Governor Makinde stated that the first phase of the project comprises 1 megawatt solar power and 4 megawatts of gas-fired power generator, which would be pivotal to the future development of the state. He added that his government also aims to launch a 500 Megawatts Solar Power Project in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state, which will enable the state to generate its own electricity locally and also be able to export same to other countries. According to the governor, the power plant, a private investment under the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model, which was started two years ago, would contribute to the overall development of the state as part of his administration’s efforts to expand the state’s economy. Governor Makinde noted that other efforts included investments in infrastructure development, interconnecting all the zones for equal development, investment in agribusiness to attract investors as well as heavy investments in security to guarantee a safe and secure environment for the people. He declared that these efforts had culminated into 90 per cent growth in the state’s economy from a N2.75 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019 to N4.05 trillion GDP as of 2022. He said: “We are here to commission the first phase of a project that I believe would serve as the fulcrum that is pivotal to the future development in our dear state. “This power plant is 100 per cent private investment, because the government doesn’t have the money to do everything. But as a government, we provided the enabling environment for investors to know that we are serious people. We have invested in road construction, interconnecting all the zones so that development spreads across the state. “We have focused on agribusiness so that investors come into our state through Private Public Development Partnership. We have invested in security so that we can see our dear state as one of the best investment destinations in Nigeria. “We have taken strategic steps to reduce our infrastructure deficit and the result has been the growth of our economy. Our GDP grew by about 90 per cent — from 2.75trn in 2019 to N4.05trn as of 2022. “But as we speak to these investors, they always talk about one aspect of the economy that should be an absolute game changer, having reliable and uninterrupted power supply. It’s a big deal. “I know where we ought to be as a nation in terms of capacity to generate and distribute electricity, but we are nowhere near that place. That’s why all over the place, we have generators. So, when we had the groundbreaking ceremony here, it became clear to us to go from growth to a game changer for our economy to go to scale, a point where you are just using what you have to stretch the envelope. “The groundbreaking was done on Saturday, 11th of December, 2021. This was two years before the Federal Government gave the go ahead for states to have powers to generate, transmit and distribute their own power. “Now, as a state, we can look at our own power requirements and bridge the gap without looking towards anyone else. And this is exactly the trajectory we are on in Oyo State. “We took advantage of the changing times and worked with the House of Assembly. In February this year, we signed the Oyo State Electricity Regulation Bill into law. So, it is in force now. “We wasted almost a year trying to get approval from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission for this power plant. But for the next power plant, it is now under our own control. It won’t take one month. I am saying to investors now that the coast is clear. “So, today, we are here to commission the first phase of the IPP. I thank our partners for believing in us, because what you have done is to put in your money with the hope that you will recover it from our monthly payment. I give you the assurance that we will not default. “With the completion of this phase, Oyo State has gone from producing electricity at the mini-grid stage to 5MW electricity with 4MW gas and 1MW of solar. You may be thinking that the 5MW is low but let us put this in perspective. Oyo State receives an average of 80MWatts from the national grid. The 5MW is roughly 7 per cent. We may be going to 500MW but, today, we have taken a step.” The governor described the IPP as a game changer, noting that there are, indeed, better days ahead for Oyo State economically. He said, “This is an absolute game changer. We signed an agreement with Shell and they have welded the first pipe and the $100m investment is well on its way. This is a direct investment that is not going through anybody. “Truly, there are better days ahead for the Oyo State economy and all of us here are playing a part in making history. As I said, we are not stopping here. Even if they want to stop us, we won’t stop because we are well on our way. So, we are seeking more investors in the energy sector from the state and there is a market for that.” Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Barr. Temilolu Ashamu, said the vision … Read more

Cameroon Detains Five Nigerian Pastors Over Politician’s Abduction

November 23, 2024 by admin

Five Nigerian pastors and others residing in the Idabato II community of Cameroon, formerly known as the Bakassi Peninsula, have been arrested and detained by the Cameroonian authorities. Their detention followed the kidnap of the community’s Divisional Officer, Ewane Roland, by armed men in early October. A former chairman of the Yoruba community in the defunct Bakassi Peninsula, Eniola Alabo, disclosed this to Saturday PUNCH during an interview on Tuesday. Local media had reported that Roland, alongside another official of the council, Etongo Ismaeil, was whisked away on October 1, 2024, by gunmen who used a flying boat in the coastal area. According to Alabo, the Cameroonian government blamed Nigerians in the area for Roland’s abduction and deployed soldiers to arrest them. “The Gendarmerie came to the community and started shooting sporadically into the air on the day they arrested some of these Nigerians,” Alabo said. The man explained that his compatriots in the troubled community called and explained that the incident had plunged them into panic and anxiety in the border town. During the raid, some Nigerians, including Iseoluwa Eniola, Feran Ajimosun, Idowu Ajimosun, Abiola Ajimosun, Blessing Ajimosun, Sunny Bassey, Feran Samagbeyi, and Godwin were detained in Idabato II. Governor locks down community Saturday PUNCH gathered that Cameroon’s South-West Governor, Bernard Okalia, visited Idabato on October 8, 2024. He was said to have declared a total lockdown of the area, which had mostly Nigerians who were fishermen. Okalia was said to have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to both Nigerians and Cameroonians in the community to produce Roland alive. A clip of the visit, obtained by our correspondent, showed him saying, “All shops are closed…the churches are closed till further notice. No exit, no entry in this whole Idabato.” Alabo said Nigerians in the community were rendered economically handicapped, leading to hunger and frustration. Residents, however, reportedly defied the governor’s order in the first week of November to go about their fishing business. “They stayed at home doing nothing for three weeks. The people were hungry because their source of livelihood was put on hold. They had to go out to eat,” Alabo said. The action was said to have angered the Cameroonian authorities, who deployed soldiers in Idabato on the 10th and 11th of November 2024 to arrest Nigerians in the community. According to Alabo, the soldiers invaded the community and started shooting sporadically in the air, which made many Nigerians suffer varying degrees of injury. Pastors arrested During the lockdown imposed on Nigerians in Idabato II, churches were also locked. But when Nigerians began attending to their normal activities, churches also opened on Sunday to Christians. “Some soldiers invaded the Assembly Church of God in the area and arrested the Nigerian pastors there because they were told not to engage in any activities,” the Bakassi Peninsula ex-leader said. “The names of the pastors arrested by Cameroonian soldiers that day were Adeleke Omoniye, Cascar Ubom, Etim Asuquo, Olamide Ayeye, and Umoh Atete.” Buttressing the claims, one of the Nigerian leaders in Idabato, who identified himself as Johnson for security reasons, said the lives of the pastors were in danger. Johnson said the pastors were whisked away by the Cameroonian soldiers to unknown places. “The Cameroonian soldiers took the pastors away,” Johnson said. “A few days later, we heard that they have been released, but we’ve not seen them.” The source also said the incident forced many people to relocate to neighbouring communities in Akwa Ibom and Cross River. “We are in panic,” the source revealed. “The Cameroonian authorities have made life unbearable for Nigerians in Idabato. We have all the major tribes of Nigeria here. We have Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Efik, and other people.” Woman died During the lockdown, a Nigerian woman, Esther Okon died after giving birth to a baby on the 20th of October, 2024. Okon reportedly bled to death after giving birth as she could not receive any medical treatment from the hospital. One of the executives of the Nigerian Union in Idabato, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed this, adding that the woman had been in labour since 19th October. The source said Okon would not have died if she had been transported to Ibaka in Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State but there was no movement. “It takes only two hours by a speedboat but if we see a flying boat, it is just 45 minutes to get her to Akwa Ibom,” the source said. Confirming the incident, another Nigerian man, who claimed to be Okon’s husband’s friend and did not disclose his identity for security reasons, said her corpse was repatriated to Nigeria after some documents were signed with the Cameroonian authorities. “The corpse was taken to Ibaka in Nigeria after her husband signed some papers with the Cameroonian government,” the source said. Tax payments One of the problems causing conflicts between the Cameroonian authorities and Nigerians in Idabato is the payment of taxes. The authorities had accused Nigerian nationals in Idabato of evading taxes but proof of adherence to the payment of taxes was shown to them on many occasions, Johnson said. “We have documents like receipts issued to us as evidence after the payments of taxes. It is called global tax collected annually,” the source added. Saturday PUNCH gathered that some of the taxes might not have been remitted to appropriate quarters. Failed interventions When asked about the possible intervention of the offices of Consulate-Generals of the two West African countries, the Nigerian nationals said their efforts had not yielded results. “I have gone to the office of the Consulate-General of Cameroon in Nigeria, but nothing happened. I was not allowed to see the woman. I learned that she is a new person appointed,” Alabo said. All efforts to reach the Consulate-General of Cameroon in Nigeria were futile as both numbers and email addresses on their website appeared dormant as of the time of filing this report. NiDCOM reaction Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission disclosed … Read more

Oyo State To Conduct Computer-Based Exams For 15,000 Civil Service Applicants

November 22, 2024 by admin

The Oyo State Government, on Friday, announced that approximately 15,000 candidates would sit for its forthcoming Computer-Based Test for recruitment into various cadres in the civil service. The Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Kamoru Aderibigbe, disclosed this in Ibadan, the state capital, at his office. He said, “The examination will be held from Monday, 25th November 2024, to Thursday, 28th November 2024.” “The approval was given by Governor Seyi Makinde to recruit 900 officers across over 60 cadres in MDAs within the mainstream civil service.” “Out of 22,235 applications received by the commission, 15,000 were deemed qualified to sit for the CBT.” Aderibigbe noted that this recruitment was unprecedented in the history of the state, as no such recruitment had taken place in the last two decades. Historically, recruitment had been done on a cadre basis. “For instance, the current administration recruited 60 Environmental Health personnel in 2020, 692 Education Officers, and 30 state counsel in the same year, while 19 officers were recently recruited for the Ministry of Lands.” “As for the ongoing process, 22,235 applications were successfully submitted on the state government job portal, out of which roughly 15,000, about 67%, were qualified for recruitment into the cadres for which they applied, in line with the scheme of service and the parameters outlined in our Tribune advertisement of 7th October 2024,” he said. Aderibigbe explained that similar cadres have been grouped to sit at the same centre, emphasising that applicants have been divided into two groups to assess their competence. Those applying for positions such as Education Officers, Environmental Health Personnel, Social Welfare, and Youth will sit for the CBT at the Arch. Bamidele Samson CBT Centre, opposite UCH, on Monday, 25th and Tuesday, 26th November, while other candidates will sit for theirs at the Distance Learning CBT Centre, Ajibode, Ibadan, on Thursday, 28th November 2024. He mentioned that invitations had already been sent to successful applicants, advising those yet to receive their invites to visit the government portal and refresh to verify if they are qualified according to the parameters stated in the publication. Aderibigbe advised applicants to arrive at the examination centre at the time indicated on their invitation slips, with a printed copy of their application form and invitation slip.

PDP Criticizes Tinubu For Conferring GCON Title On Indian PM

November 18, 2024 by admin

The Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday faulted President Bola Tinubu for decorating the visiting Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, with the Nigerian second highest national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger. Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, described the President’s action as misplaced priority. But the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Nze Chidi Duru, kicked, arguing that the President didn’t do anything unprecedented. The PDP’s criticism comes a few hours after Tinubu conferred Modi with the highest honour in the land during the Nigeria/India Bilateral meeting held at the Presidential, Abuja. On his part, Modi commiserated with Nigeria over the recent floods that ravaged several cities across the country, including Maiduguri, Borno State. The Indian Prime Minister promised to support Nigeria with 20 tonnes of relief materials. ”We had a very productive discussion with President Tinubu. We talked about adding momentum to our strategic partnership. There is immense scope for ties to flourish even further in sectors like defence, energy, technology, trade, health, education and more,” Modi said. However, the PDP expressed disappointment in Tinubu, wondering why he chose to gift the second highest national honour in the land on the basis of mere friendship. The member of PDP National Working Committee emphasised that though the President has the right and prerogative to confer a national honour on anybody, there must be criteria to show why they deserve it. “It is not something you dish out for the sake of friendship and all of that. I don’t know what the Indian Prime Minister has done to have warranted such an honour. But this is the second highest honour in the land. It is a misplacement of priorities. “I would have thought that the President should have asked the Indian Prime Minister how the Indian economy has been able to move away from being the poverty capital of the world to being one of the fastest growing economies in the world now. The biggest tech moguls across the globe at the moment are all Indians. “Just look at Microsoft, the Silicon Valley in America and startups. They are all being run and set up by Indians. I would have thought that Tinubu, in a bid to shore up the lacuna his cabinet lacks, would have been humble enough to ask the Prime Minister to offer him a clue as to how to help his government and Nigerians. Not dishing out unnecessary awards that the man doesn’t need other than for pictures and commentary,” he said. Continuing, the PDP chieftain took a further swipe at the current administration, saying it wouldn’t stop playing to the gallery with some of its alleged theatrics. Osadolor also wondered if the President took the liberty of asking the visiting PM and his delegation the right questions on investments and how Nigeria can borrow a leaf from the Indians to move the country out of the woods. He said, “Tinubu is not serious. He should leave out frivolities for bigger issues. Now that the Indian Prime Minister has taken it upon himself to visit Africa, yes, we have a significant and sizeable Indian community in Nigeria. But to what end can we maximize and leverage these businesses? “Are we asking the right questions, seeking the right investments and pushing for the right policies? But the distraction from this administration is becoming one too many. I think President Tinubu should wake up from these media gimmicks and focus on the real issues. “Nigerians are hungry and dying. The technologies the Indians are currently deploying globally will help a great deal to solve most of these basic challenges.” But the APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Duru, raised concerns that the PDP was not playing its role as a responsible opposition. He said, “I think the question to ask is, whether there is a precedent in this. Then the next question is if it is within the confines of the power of Mr President to confer such an award. If it is, is the process approved? Once all these questions are answered in the affirmative, it then becomes the discretion of Mr President to confer such honorary award on whom he pleases. “Having said that, it is also important to underscore the fact that we will need to go beyond the politics of emotions to begin to address the issue. So, the PDP is more than welcome to continue to play the role of opposition, which is admirable. “However, we like to see a situation whereby what they put on the table is, with respect, how we can make Nigeria a lot better and more improved that will address the issues facing us as a country. I am talking about things like how do we put food on the table, create a better environment for business to thrive and create a better level playing field. These are things that should worry any of us than to chase shadow.” Meanwhile, a United States of America-based Nigerian security expert, Dr. Sylvester Okere, on Sunday, said the Indian-Nigerian partnership would secure the people’s assets. Okere, who would be among personalities that would be hosted by the Central Association of Private Security Industry from November 21 to 22, 2024 in India, said the invitation by CAPSI to the 19th Security Leadership Summit 2024 in New Delhi was coming at a time when the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi arrived in Nigeria for a state visit. Okere will speak on ‘Indian-Nigerian Partnership in Securing People and Assets,’ as well as other critical security issues affecting both countries. The PUNCH gathered that CAPSI, the umbrella organisation of the Indian private security industry, has ties with some of the leading global security education organisations like the World Association of Detectives, International Federation of Protection Officers, the US-based Association of Investigation and Security Agencies Regulators and the United Kingdom-based Security Institute for training and placement of trained … Read more

Hon Segelu Congratulates Dr Fagade On Appointment As NIHOTOUR DG

November 16, 2024 by admin

A Germany-based Ibadan-born businessman, ICT consultant and politician, Hon Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, has sent out his heart-felt felicitations to the newly appointed Director General (DG) of National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade. The appointment of Dr. Fagade, a marketing communication professional, founder and Managing Director (MD) of Sodium Brand Solutions, as the new NIHOTOUR DG by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was announced on Thursday. Hon Segelu, a governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State for the 2027 elections, described Fagade’s appointment as well-deserved while wishing him a successful tenure in office. A statement issued by Hon Segelu reads: “Dear Dr. Abisoye Fagade, “Congratulations on your well-deserved and remarkable appointment as the Director-General (DG) of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR). This is a significant achievement and a testament to your hard work, dedication, and the immense contributions you have made in your chosen field of discipline and to the country at large. “As the initiator and founder of Oyo Si Ma Dun (OSMD) Foundation, you made tremendous impact on the lives of many, providing succour to Oyo State indigenes both at home and in the diaspora. Via Foundation which you founded about fourteen years ago, you have mobilized young Nigerians and added value to their lives through various training and empowerment efforts. “Your innovative spirit and expertise in marketing communication truly set you apart, and I have no doubt that you will excel in this new role under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As you take on this vital responsibility, know that we are all incredibly proud of you. “With your enormous wealth of experience as an accomplished entrepreneur and brand strategist, I am confident that you will transform and reposition NIHOTOUR, a critical agency of government in the hospitality and tourism industry, for greater efficiency and maximum performance. “Wishing you success and fulfilment in this exciting chapter of your career.”