News

Oyo Govt. Opens Rehabilitated Eleyele-Water Road

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  The Oyo State government has opened the rehabilitated Eleyele-Water road in Ibadan, highlighting the state’s drive toward infrastructure renewal and urban development. The road was opened today by the Chairman, Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency, OYSROMA, Hon. Busoye Ogunlade. Ogunlade, speaking in Ibadan during the opening emphasised the pivotal role of transportation infrastructure in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life in Oyo State. He said the road will ease traffic on the Eleyele- Sango road, saying it will serve as a diversion for those heading towards Ologuneru road. According to the Chairman, the Agency facilitated the repair of deteriorated asphalt sections of the road, stating that the repair work took about a week. “The Eleyele-Water road was completed this year, and today, we are delighted to open it for the use of the people living in this axis. Presently, the Oyo state government is embarking on a massive rehabilitation of roads which encompasses the rehabilitation and upgrading of 4 strategically important roads: Zion plaza-Olusoji; Eleyele-Water; Bashorun Oluwo-nla, and Agbowo roads,” he added. Ogunlade noted that the upgrade on Eleyele-Water road would reduce travel time, minimise flooding, and boost property and business values in the axis. He also called for community involvement in maintaining the roads to ensure their durability. Hon. Busoye Ogunlade commended stakeholders and residents for their support and reaffirmed Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to infrastructure development.

Lagos Butchers Lament As Cow Prices Soar To N1.7m

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  The number of cows Lagos Butchers Lament As Cow Prices Soar To N1.7m daily in Lagos State has dropped from 5,000 to 3,000, according to the Lagos State Butchers Association. The association’s patron, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Lagos. Kazeem said the decline was due to the country’s ongoing socio-economic challenges. He noted that the drop in cattle slaughter began in 2015 due to the Boko Haram insurgency and worsened with the current exchange rate crisis and inflation. “This reduction is due to numerous factors, including economic challenges, terror-related activities, and environmental concerns,” he said. Kazeem expressed concern that the number of slaughtered cows could decline even further due to rising prices in the market. “Previously, we could purchase a cow for between ₦400,000 and ₦500,000, depending on the breed, size, and location, but we now pay between ₦1.6 million and ₦1.7 million for a cow,” he said. He attributed the drop in beef demand to the economic downturn, inflation, and rising cost of living. “Banditry and farmer-herder conflicts have also contributed to reduced cattle production, affecting supply and the number of cows slaughtered in Lagos,” he added. He warned that the decline could negatively impact meat supply in the state. Kazeem, therefore, urged the state government, butchers, and farmers to work together to address the issue. “All hands must be on deck to tackle these challenges and create a more sustainable industry,” he said. The patron also highlighted the impact of climate and environmental factors on cattle rearing. “When temperatures rise, it can cause heat stress, reducing cattle growth rates, milk production, and fertility. “Veterinary doctors from the Lagos State Health Ministry conduct checks to ensure the cows’ health and prevent infections,” Kazeem added. NAN

Alaafin Dissolves Unapproved Coronation Committee

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  The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, has ordered the immediate dissolution of an unauthorised coronation committee allegedly set up by a group of individuals without his approval. In a statement made available on Wednesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the monarch warned that any further meetings or activities related to the committee would be considered illegal and would not be tolerated. Oba Owode emphasised that any committee or event related to his coronation must receive prior approval from his office. The statement, titled “Coronation Committee Setup in Oyo Town—Notice of Cease & Desist”, read in part, “Let it be known to all and sundry that any committee or activity being set up or promoted without the prior consent and approval of His Imperial Majesty and his office shall be deemed unauthorized and will not be allowed to exist. The Alaafin further directed all individuals involved to immediately cease any engagements in connection with the committee. The statement added, “The general public and the organisers of the so-called coronation committee being put together in Oyo Town are hereby notified that no approval or consent was given by the Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owode I. Therefore, further meetings on this subject must stop immediately.” The monarch also stated that any fundraising efforts for the coronation would be at the discretion of the royal family, which would determine the composition of any official committee if the need arose. It stated, “The efforts of the organisers are appreciated, and they will be informed as events unfold should there be any need for their contributions.” He, however, stressed that all initiatives or activities relating to the coronation must be cleared by his office before being made public.

Tinubu Affirms Nigeria’s Commitment To Improved Electricity

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  President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to its citizens by 2030. Tinubu made the declaration as he concluded his participation in the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he joined other African leaders to address the continent’s energy access challenges. This was disclosed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday. The two-day summit, hosted by the Tanzanian government in collaboration with the African Union, African Development Bank, and the World Bank Group, culminated in the adoption of the Dar es Salaam Declaration. The declaration sets a collective target for African nations to provide electricity to 300 million people by 2030. In his speech, delivered by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s commitment to this goal, stressing that energy access would remain a top priority for his administration. He called for a united, collaborative effort among African nations, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to ensure that all Africans have access to electricity in the next decade. “Let us work together to create a brighter future for our citizens, where every African has access to reliable and affordable energy, where our industries thrive, and our economies grow,” Tinubu said. The President seized the opportunity to highlight the strides Nigeria has made in improving its energy access, with the support of international partners. He outlined several ongoing projects, including the $1.1 billion investment by AfDB that will provide electricity to 5 million Nigerians by 2026. He also noted the $200 million Nigeria Electrification Project, aimed at electrifying 500,000 people by the end of 2025, and the planned investments in the Nigeria Desert to Power programme and the Nigeria-Grid Battery Energy Storage System. “These initiatives represent our commitment to improving electricity access for our citizens, especially those in underserved areas. We are making tangible progress towards achieving our goal of providing electricity for all by 2030,” Tinubu said. The President also emphasized Nigeria’s push towards renewable energy, highlighting the government’s efforts to establish an electric vehicle charging infrastructure powered by renewable energy. This move, he said, is part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to sustainable energy solutions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. “Nigeria’s energy sector is growing, and we are incentivizing private sector investments to expand renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and bring electricity to those who need it the most,” he said. Tinubu also underscored the importance of regional cooperation in achieving the energy access goal. He pointed to the collaboration between the Nigerian government and key international development partners like AfDB, the World Bank, and the IFC, which have committed billions in funding for energy projects in Nigeria. Punch

Senate Seeks Support For Army Against Terrorism

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  The Senate on Tuesday, called on Nigerians to rally behind the Army in its fight against terrorism in the country. The red chamber made the plea in a statement issued by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Yar’ Adua (APC, Katsina Central). While commending the Army for its bravery in the campaign against terrorism, the Committee noted that collective support for the troops will go a long way in making the country safer for habitation for Nigerians and citizens of other nations of the world. The statement read, “The Senate Committee on Army commends the Nigerian Army for their exceptional bravery and resilience in combating terrorism. The recent operation on Saturday, January 25, 2025, showcased the Army’s professionalism and dedication as they reclaimed a major insurgent camp in the Mai-Saleh area, bordering Borno and Yobe States. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice during this operation. The nation is forever grateful for their bravery and selflessness. The Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the North East and other parts of the country is truly commendable.” The Senate urged the President Bola Tinubu-led government to prioritize the needs of the Army, adding that the recent successes recorded against insurgents must be sustained. “The achievement marks a significant milestone in the war against terrorism, and we must continue to encourage our military to persevere in their efforts. The progress made so far indicates that we are gaining ground, and the Army is giving its best efforts,” Yar’ Adua further said. The Senate further called on all Nigerians to rally behind the Army and support their endeavours to eradicate terrorism. “Together, we can achieve this goal,” the statement concluded.

Oyo Gov’t To Clamp Down On Street Trading

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  The Oyo State government has announced its readiness to clamp down on the traders selling by the road sides and that serious steps were being taken to address street trading and other vices in the state. The Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, Honourable Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd.) stated this while participating in a radio program that highlights the activities, achievements and prospects of the Oyo State Government tagged ‘Oro Oyo’. Justice Aderemi charged citizens to embrace lawfulness, desist from the indecent act of display of wares in walkways and roadsides as this now attracts fines and penalties with immediate enforcement. ‘’We need to maintain a clean environment, orderliness, coordination and sustainability of the infrastructural architecture of the State in order to attract foreign and local investors for the social-economic development of our dear State” she added. Noting that it has become worrisome having to spend many hours in traffic caused by illegal display of wares by the roads thereby impeding traffic flow, coupled with the negative and harmful effects street trading is having on the lives of residents and State’s image at large. In her words, “Road side traders should get ready to face the full weight of the law and instant legal consequences” Speaking further, Justice Aderemi said enforcement team from OYRLEA in collaboration with the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources would be deployed to carry out an all-around operation on intense sensitization and awareness drive in major market areas like , Bodija, Sanngo, New Bola Ige, Oje, Gate, Dugbe, Challenge -Orita, Aleshinloye, Eleyele, Akobo-General Gas, Bashorun amongst others. Adding that town criers will move round with the team to create maximum awareness before enforcement would then take place. She maintained that it is now illegal to dump refuse on road medians, roundabouts, drainage channels and gutters. However, The enforcement of the order is not to cause panic or misconception among the traders conducting business in the affected areas but to ensure compliance, safety and a thriving environment that is law abiding and safe for all’ in her words.

We’ve Created Enabling Environment For Tech Companies To Thrive – Makinde

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  IBADAN – Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has stated that his government has done a number of things to create an enabling environment for technology-oriented companies and others to thrive in the state. The governor stated this at the weekend while delivering a remark at the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) Summit 1.0 with the theme “The Rain of Transformation Is Upon Us: CEOs Arise,” held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Speaking at the summit, which was attended by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Governor Makinde, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Information Communication Technology, Mr Bayo Akande, said the government has undertaken several efforts towards making the state a conducive environment for technological innovations. He added that his administration has remained focused on creating and nurturing a supportive ecosystem for tech-driven initiatives. He said: “There are few things that the state government is doing such as creating an enabling environment for companies like RAIN to thrive. “This is very important and we have built institutes like Seyi Makinde Innovation and Technology Hub (SMITH), which helps in training students in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. “If you look at our tertiary institutions, we have brought in digital tools to unify our students’ information and management system, which enables companies like RAIN and others. “This is a discussion we are looking to have to then put some of their courses on platforms like this, which can give it a wider reach to citizens of Oyo State in partnership with RAIN. “Oyo State, as at a year ago, charged about N145 per linear meter. That’s in line with the NCC suggested rate. So, we are fully keyed into that to ease the cost of doing business for people who are trying to deliver infrastructure.” Earlier, the convener of the summit, Dr Olusola Ayoola, said that the RAIN summit was convened to bring innovators, entrepreneurs and youths together, saying: “The entrepreneurs are the ones that will pursue the commercial aspect of learning and development of our society while the young people are the ones that represent human capacity to develop such solutions. Olusola emphasised the importance of technology as a transformative force, stating that “technology is not just a tool; it is the backbone of our progress.” Dr. Ayoola called for partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders to harness technological advancements for national development. He articulated a vision where technology serves as a bridge to opportunities, saying that: “We must leverage our collective expertise to turn challenges into opportunities for our youths.”  

Ibadan Chiefs, ICPI, Others Condemn Prolonged Power Outage At UCH

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  IBADAN – The traditional institution in Ibadanland, Chiefs, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), prominent sons and daughters of the ancient city, and other stakeholders has lamented unending power outrage at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. They alleged that many poor people were badly affected on daily basis as a result of power outage at critical units in the hospital, saying Ibadan people and entire people in the state are not happy with the situation. Recall that some patients at the hospital few months ago protested inadequate healthcare delivery as a result of power outrage in the hospital. Recently, students of University of Ibadan (UI) also showed their grievances and protested over the power outrage at the hospital. A statement by ICPI Coordinator on behalf of the stakeholders charged government and concern authorities to wade in and save the hospital, which according to them was an heritage not only to Ibadan but entire southwest and Nigeria as a whole from total collapsing. The stakeholders noted that Ibadan people and entire Oyo state owned 90% of patients at UCH, saying how many Ibadan people or people from Oyo state will have to die before the needful is done. The statement reads, “We are inaundated with the ongoing power outage at UCH, our investigation revealed that UCH are helpless because IBEDC took them from Band B to Band A, how will an hospital that was not able to meet it’s financial requireme being in B and will be to pay now that it has been upgraded to band A? where will they get money to pay? “Their bill monthly was increased from N20m to N40m, and its now N99m per month, where would they see such money? Was the same bill giving to other teaching hospitals across the country, shouldn’t be a concession IBEDC should be doing for teaching hospitals like UCH considering it’s service delivery in health sector? “All effort of UCH management on the issue has been frustrated by IBEDC, for now, UCH didn’t have enough fund to go into alternative power supply like solar and others. “Can we say President Tinubu is not kind enough to Ibadan by giving us Ibadan son as Minister for Power? Adelabu said he is making plan to savage this issues, how many people will have to die as a result of power outage at critical section of UCH? “Where is our political office holders in this matter, UCH has written several letters to the Governor of the state, to federal government and management of IBEDC on the issue to no avail . The management has contacted the Indigenous Group like Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and other Pressure groups, yet no result. “When will the Independent Power Project (IPP) by the state government take effect? How many people will have to die before the magic from the federal ministry of power begin. “Let’s IBEDC restore the light immediately, they shouldn’t allow poor people to die, our leaders and politicians know how to run abroad to seek for medical care whenever the need arises “Ibadan people are not happy, Mogajis are not happy, poor people are dying on daily basis, power must be restore to UCH now unconditionally.”

Aare Olayinka Segelu Commiserates With Governor Makinde Over Elder Brother’s Demise

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  IBADAN – A Germany-based Ibadan-born businessman and politician of high repute, Hon Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, has commiserated with the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde over the demise of his elder brother, Engr Sunday Makinde. Hon. Segelu, a philanthropist and former Personal Assistant (PA) to ex-Speaker Dimeji Bankole, recently installed as Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland, in a statement, said: “As a gubernatorial aspirant under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, I, Aare Chief Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, extend my heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, and the entire Makinde family on the tragic loss of their elder brother, the late Engineer Sunday Makinde. “Engineer Sunday Makinde, who died on January 24, 2025, at the age of 65, will be remembered for his contributions to our state and his role as a beloved family member. The sudden nature of his departure leaves a profound void that will be felt by many. “In this trying time, I stand with Governor Makinde and his family, offering my deepest sympathies. May the memories of Engineer Sunday Makinde and his legacy of service provide solace to his loved ones, including his children and grandchildren. “Let us all come together to honor his life and contributions to society as we support the Makinde family through this period of grief. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Governor Makinde.”

US-Based Nigerians Panic Over Trump’s Mass Deportation Threat

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  Nigerians and other African illegal immigrants in the United States may be the next target for deportation by the American government. The fear of deportation has gripped many Nigerians who are illegally staying in the US, following President Donald Trump’s declaration of war against illegal immigration Trump on his inauguration day as the 47th President of the US signed a series of executive orders aimed at hardening immigration policies, including the stoppage of citizenship by birth for children of illegal immigrants. Trump has signed orders to declare a national emergency at the Mexico-US southern border, stating the deployment of more troops to the area as he threatened to deport “criminal aliens.” The US Justice Department threatened to prosecute local and state authorities that fail to comply with Trump’s immigration directives, which include a pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Following the directive, 538 illegal immigrants were deported from the United States on Thursday. Meanwhile, Trump’s Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, disclosed on her official X handle that ‘the largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway.’ The development has created anxiety amongst the Nigerian communities in the US, as many of them feared deportation. Some US-based Nigerians disclosed that the government would clamp down on Nigerian illegal immigrants after the deportation of Mexicans, Haitians, and Indians. Trump’s staunch supporter and Nigerian-American, Jacob Adegoke, said the current focus was on Mexicans and Haitians, while “The next will be Africans.” A Nigerian media entrepreneur, Obi-West Utchaychukwu, corroborated Adegoke’s statement saying Nigerians had been monitoring the situation but none had yet to be arrested. A lot of Nigerians had become cautious about their movement around the streets. A source in New York who identified as Adebayo for security reasons said, “There’s a lot of apprehension in the Nigerian community right now.” “While I haven’t personally witnessed any arrest, many undocumented Nigerian immigrants are deeply worried about the policies of the new government. My neighbour even called me yesterday, warning me to be cautious when going out, as there are reports of even people with valid papers being targeted by ICE.” In carrying out Trump’s deportation order, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have raided several establishments suspected of harbouring illegal immigrants and making arrests. Immigration officials raided a business in Newark on Wednesday, detaining an American military veteran and multiple undocumented residents. Confirming the incident, another source in New Jersey said, “The viral case of an American veteran being arrested alongside undocumented immigrants has only heightened the panic. However, the fact that some US states are challenging the executive orders is offering a bit of reassurance.” Also, a Nigerian immigration lawyer in Maryland spoke with Sunday PUNCH, saying, “For example, in Newark, New Jersey, they went to a frozen food store to search for illegal immigrants. “More Nigerians fall into that category. Again, people on student visas and similar kinds of visas hoping to transition into something more are also in this group.” Among those who can fall victims are unlawful immigrants with criminal records. Their criminal records may begin to haunt them. The source also revealed that those in the US with student visas and other schemes were also scared of deportation. Punch

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