News

FG Officially Increases NYSC Monthly Allowance Above N33,000

by

  Federal Government has officially increased the monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from N33,000 to N77,000, effective July 2024. This change is in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024, and it’s a significant boost to the corps members’ welfare package. This development follows the enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024, aimed at enhancing the welfare of corps members. The approval was communicated through a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, dated September 25, 2024, and signed by Chairman Ekpo Nta. According to Caroline Embu, Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, NYSC, the Director-General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, had advocated for a robust welfare package for corps members during a visit to the Commission. In a statement released on Wednesday night, Embu confirmed the approval, stating that the NYSC Boss is thankful to the Federal Government for the timely gesture. She stated that the enhanced allowance aims to boost the morale of NYSC members and motivate them to contribute more effectively to national development. Embu said, “The Federal Government has approved the increase of Corps Members’ monthly allowance to Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira (N77,000) with effect from July 2024. This is in line with the enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. “Before this, the Director General, NYSC Brigadier General YD Ahmed, had paid an advocacy visit to the Chairman in which he solicited a robust welfare package for Corps Members. “The NYSC Boss is thankful to the Federal Government for the timely gesture and is optimistic that it will not only bring much-needed succor to the Corps Members but also boost their morale and motivate them to do even more, in their service to the nation. “Before this increase, the monthly allowance for Corps Members was Thirty-Three Thousand Naira (N33,000).

Armed Men Abduct Ogun Journalist, Location Unknown

by

    The Publisher of the Newsjaunts online news platform, Seun Odunlami was abducted by suspected armed men in the Oke-Ilewo area of Ogun State on Wednesday. Odunlami was taken around 1:00 pm while standing outside a bank, where he had gone to conduct a transaction with a colleague. Speaking on the issue, the colleague who was at the scene said the suspected’ armed men arrived in a car and whisked Odunlamin away. When other colleagues called to ask where he was being taken, Odunlami replied that the suspected armed men identified themselves as the Special Fraud Unit, taking him to Ikoyi. “The gunmen arrived in a car, handcuffed Seun, and dragged him in”, the colleague recounted. “When I called him on the phone, he said they were from the Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi”. Idunlami’s phone was switched off after the abduction, leaving him incommunicado

Makinde Reabsorbs, Promotes 1,800 Workers; Compensates State Anthem Composers; Praises Florence Ajimobi

by

  Oyo State Government has reviewed the promotion of 1,629 State workers including Nurses who were adversely affected by administrative error during the 2017-2020 promotion exercise. In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, after the Executive Council Meeting yesterday, government also approved the prayers of the State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni,for the reinstatement of 47 civil servants who were wrongfully dismissed from the service during the last administration. Also, 124 workers who were dismissed in 2012 have equally been pardoned. The Commissioner said that 823 workers who were dismissed by the previous administration on the ground of fake certificates submission have their dismissal upheld while 180 who were employed at the twilight of the exit of the last administration in 2019 have their termination approved by the Council. In another development, the Commissioner for Information said that finally ₦25million (Twenty-five million naira) has been approved by the Council as compensation for the Composers of the State Anthem “Asiwaju Ni Wa.” In approving the compensation, the President of Council and Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, acknowledged the initiative and foresightedness of the wife of the former Governor, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi. Additionally, the Composers will be given a parcel of land each, have streets named after them, while the Ministry of Information and Orientation will produce a documentary on the history behind the State anthem. According to the Commissioner, *_Asiwaju Ni Wa_* became the official anthem of the State about a decade ago without any form of compensation for the Composers which made the Council to set up a Committee last year. Prince Oyelade also said that the Council approved the presentation by the Commissioner for Public Works, Prof. Daud Sangodoyin, for road markings, kerbs painting and patching on designated roads in Ibadan metropolis through Direct-Labour Intervention adding that the kerbs will be painted in Oyo State colours. The Executive Council Meeting also approved the following Bills for onward transmission to the State House of Assembly as presented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Abiodun Aikomo. They include: 1. The Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology Bill, 2024; 2. The Oyo State Flood Management Agency Bill, 2024, and 3. The Oyo State Drug and Health Commodity Management Agency Bill 2024. According to the Commissioner, these new Bills are expected to have a positive impact on the State’s Healthcare System, Infrastructure, and overall development.

EFCC Summons Bobrisky and Very DarkMan in Connection With N15m Bribery Case

by

    EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede has invited Martins Otse, a.k.a VeryDarkMan, and Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, over bribery allegations against personnel of the Commission. This is as the Chairman of the Commission ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged bribery of some officers of the commission by Bobrisky. In a viral video circulating online shared by Martins Otse, a.k.a VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky alleged that some unnamed officers of the EFCC collected the sum of N15,000,000 from him to drop money laundering charges against him. The money was said to have been paid into his company’s account number 2830002929, domiciled in Eco Bank Plc between September 2021 and April 2024. However, the offence was dropped following a prayer by the counsel for the EFCC, Suleiman Suleiman. He had to the court that the commission had agreed with Bobrisky. Suleiman was quoted to have said, “We have an agreement with the defendant, which will lead us to withdraw counts 5 and 6. In the circumstance, we’re humbly urging the court to strike out counts 5 and 6, leaving counts 1 to 4 alive.” However, in a statement on Tuesday, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale said the invitation of Bobrisky and VDM to its Lagos Directorate was to assist investigators unearth the alleged bribery. Oyewale said, “The EFCC chairman has ordered an immediate investigation of alleged bribery allegations imputed to some officers of the Commission by Idris Okuneye(a.ka. Bobrisky) in a viral video circulating across the country. Okuneye, an ex-convict had alleged in the video powered by VeryDarkMan that some unnamed officers of the EFCC collected the sum of N15,000,000 from him to drop money laundering charges against him. “In a swift reaction, the EFCC’s boss has constituted a Team of Investigators to critically look into the allegations. To this end, the Commission hereby invites both Okuneye and Otse to make themselves available at its Lagos Directorate to assist investigators unearth the alleged bribery. “ Oyewale assured Nigerians that the allegations would be thoroughly investigated. He said, “The EFCC wishes to assure the public that the allegations would be thoroughly investigated and the result of the findings made public accordingly. The Commission is committed to its core values of integrity, courage, professionalism, and collaboration at all times. “ Recall that Bobrisky was initially arraigned on six charges bordering on naira abuse and money laundering to the tune of N127,780,877.98.

Oyo State Government Announces Plans For Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day Celebration

by

  The Oyo State Government has unveiled its plans for the upcoming celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary on October 1st. According to a statement released by the State Ministry of Youth and Sport, the festivities will commence with a Cultural Game of Ayo Olopon on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the open space of Oyo State House of Assembly Complex Secretariat in Ibadan, starting at 10 am. On Thursday, September 26, 2024, an Independence Walk will take place from the Govt House Arcade through Total Garden to UCH back to the Secretariat, commencing at 8 am. Additionally, a Special Jumat Service is scheduled for Friday, September 27, 2024, at 1 pm, followed by a Sunday Service for thanksgiving at the Cathedral of Saint Peters Aremo in Ibadan on Sunday, September 29, at 9 o’clock in the morning. The climax of the 64th Anniversary celebrations will occur on Tuesday, featuring a march past by students and voluntary organizations at 8 am. A football match by the Female Team and a cycling display will also take place on the same day. The statement encourages top government functionaries and political office holders to attend these events.

Gov Makinde Receives Ibadan Circular Road Protesters•••Reiterates Commitment To Prioritise The People’s Welfare

by

By Adeleke Maria    On Monday, Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, received Ibadan Circular Road protesters at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, noting that his administration is a listening government that will continue to look out for the well-being of everyone. Governor Makinde also used the opportunity to reiterate that his administration has not acquired any land on the corridor, stating that while the former Governors Lam Adesina and Rashidi Ladoja set the 150 metres mark, the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi acquired and gazetted additional 350metres. He reassured the protesters that any buildings that have already been erected within the 500m corridor but outside the 150m corridor will be accommodated in the development. He also called on the residents to send representatives that will sit with the authorities to determine how they will be accommodated in the corridor development. Governor Makinde also stated that anyone who has not started their project within this corridor should not start now as they will not be accommodated within the new arrangement. In his words: “I have a solution. For now, there will not be any demolition and I have asked them to put a stop to whatever demolition they are doing. I promise you. Anyone who already has a building within the 150m-500 metres, none of the houses that are standing right there will be demolished but there must be no further development on that corridor.” The governor, who appreciated the protesters for their peaceful conduct, reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare and well-being of the people of Oyo State while also keeping its focus on developing the state sustainably, saying “you will have to appoint some representatives in these communities to sit down with the government and look for a way out, because we are doing the Circular Road project so that we can create employment opportunities for our people. We will have industries along the corridor.” Speaking earlier on behalf of the affected residents, Prince Niyi Fasoye, Chief Olaniran Ere Asalatu and Mr Azeez Olaide applauded Governor Makinde’s developmental projects, especially the construction of Ibadan Circular Road, which they noted had influenced development around the area. They also appreciated the governor for his favourable response to their plight.

2025 Budget: Oyo Govt To Hold 6th Consultative Stakeholders’ Engagement

by

In line with its tradition of engaging residents of Oyo State to seek their inputs in the preparation of the state’s annual budgets, the state government will, on Wednesday, kick-start the sixth consultative engagement with stakeholders across the state with a view to producing a people-oriented 2025 Budget. The annual stakeholders’ engagement will begin at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, with subsequent town hall meetings to be held across the seven zones of the state. Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musbau Babatunde, stated this at the weekend, noting that the meeting, which is the sixth in the series of the Town Hall meetings organised by the state since the inception of Governor Makinde’s administration in 2019, was “designed to engage the citizenry in the preparation and implementation of the state’s Annual Budget for the year 2025.” He added that “this year’s engagement is set to redefine the governance initiative of this administration. This programme is designed to align the state with the world best practices in the preparation of annual budgets, which support an all-inclusive and open approach to governance, rather than the top to bottom approach. “The objectives of this approach are; to restructure our processes to establish a solid base for our development aspirations. The restructuring is still ongoing and will extend to all facets of state development and to prevent the state from overdependence on federal allocation by increasing the state IGR and make our budget as realistic and as achievable as possible.” The Professor of Economics added that the stakeholders’ meeting will also strengthen the bond between government and the people of the state by seeking their inputs into 2025 budget. “Apart from ensuring that resource allocations are geared towards impactful projects and programmes implementation that will improve the welfare of the citizenry, this year Town Hall meeting will also seek to build people’s confidence in government. “This engagement will improve the performance of the budget and sustain the developmental objectives of this administration,” Babatunde added.

NiMet Forecasts Thunderstorms For Three Days Starting Monday

by

  The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms from Monday to Wednesday across the nation. NiMet`s weather outlook released in Abuja on Sunday forecast morning thunderstorms on Monday over parts of Sokoto state, Kebbi and Borno. According to it, thunderstorms are envisaged over parts of Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto States later in the day. “Thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau and Kwara States during the morning hours. “ In the afternoon and evening periods, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Benue and Kogi states. “Rains are envisaged over the southwest inland, especially parts of Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti and Ogun extending to the coastal states of Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States during the morning hours, “ it said. The agency envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo, Abia, Osun, Imo, Ekiti, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers and Lagos states later in the day. NiMet anticipated isolated thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto and Zamfara states during the morning hours on Tuesday. According to it, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe and Adamawa states later in the day. “Thunderstorms are envisaged over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Benue and Nasarawa States within the morning hours. “Later in the day thunderstorms are expected over the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau and Kwara states. “Morning rains are envisaged over parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Lagos, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross river and Rivers States while the remaining parts of the South should be cloudy,” it said. It anticipated thunderstorms over parts of Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Imo, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross river and Rivers States later in the day. The agency predicted morning thunderstorms over parts of Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states on Wednesday. According to it, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Kaduna, Kano and Katsina states. NiMet forecasts thunderstorms over parts of Niger and Kwara States while the remaining States in the North Central should be cloudy during the morning hours. “ Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue States. Rains are expected over parts of Cross River. Rivers and Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours with cloudy skies to the rest of the states in the South. “Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over most parts of Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo and Delta States,,“ it said. NiMet urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas as there is a high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities due to heavy downpours. According to it, strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, so the public should take adequate precaution. “Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. Public and Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. “Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website, www.nimet.gov.ng.”   NAN

Dapo Abiodun Dragged by EFCC Over Alleged Rice Farm Fraud Misrepresentation

by

  The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has reportedly petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, over allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation involving a private rice farm in the state. The anti-corruption and human rights group accused the governor of falsely parading a privately owned rice farm as a World Bank-assisted Ogun State Government project. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the petition, signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, was prompted by a report from Peoples Gazette on September 12, 2024, which detailed the governor’s alleged claims over a rice farm belonging to Bello Zabarmawa, the Special Adviser to the Kebbi State Governor. The farm, located in Ogun State, was reportedly leased by Zabarmawa under the company “Young Service Grow” and using “Alubarika Farms.” It was gathered that he invested N6 million to lease 220 hectares of land and provided interest-free loans to 200 farmers to boost rice cultivation. Zabarmawa claimed that the Ogun State Government supported the project by covering half of the land clearing costs and contributing to fertilizer expenses. However, accoridng to the petition, when the rice was ready for harvest, Governor Abiodun allegedly visited the farm and publicly misrepresented it as a state government initiative, allegedly funded by the World Bank. This, according to HEDA, raises concerns about potential misappropriation of public funds meant for agricultural development in the state. HEDA expressed alarm at the governor’s actions, which they say reflect a troubling pattern of political leaders exploiting public resources for personal benefit. In their petition, the organisation called on the EFCC to investigate the alleged misrepresentation and determine whether any funds allocated for public agricultural projects were diverted. Suraju emphasised that this case represents yet another example of the deep-rooted corruption that continues to plague Nigeria’s governance. “Nigeria has endured too many years of poor governance and corruption at the hands of leaders who prioritise personal enrichment over the welfare of citizens,” he said. HEDA, he added, is committed to promoting transparency and accountability across all levels of government. The anti-corruption group urged the EFCC to act swiftly in uncovering the truth and ensuring that all parties involved, including Governor Abiodun, are held accountable if found culpable. HEDA also commended the EFCC for its efforts in tackling corruption in Nigeria and expressed optimism about the outcome of the investigation.

Oro Is Vital For Yoruba Monarchs To Exercise Authority – ICIR President

by

  The President of the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), Mogaji Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, has declared that for any Yoruba monarch to establish territorial and social authority in their domain, the Oro deity is an essential tool. Fakayode said any Oba that fails to give the Oro adherents their due respect will lose control of his domain and become irrelevant. He said this on Saturday evening at a special lecture organized to commemorate the 2024 World Oro Festival at the Aseyin palace, Iseyin, Oyo State. Dr. Fakayode added that any Yoruba community that gives recognition to Oro has the opportunity of being in peace, because evil-minded people will desert such area. While discussing the topic of the lecture, titled: “Waning Moral Values and The Role of Tradition and Yoruba Culture,” the ICIR President opined that the prevalence of electoral crisis, contract killing, economic downturn and insecurity, reflected a society that is at the threshold of anomie and according to historical facts, the Yorubas of old used Oro to reverse the trend. “Our bad attitude towards the way of our ancestors is responsible for our current ordeal, our ancestors have invented a system to implant peace and harmony in the society. Oro festival is one of the devices that our fathers of old developed to make the land conducive for living. “Oro is a male Orisa, he is one of the Orisas who descended from the celestial realm. Therefore, Oro is an Imole, whose real name is Ita. When he was co-existing with other Orisas, he liked emphasizing the relevance of sacrifices initiations and rituals to maintain development and ward off iniquities, which made him popular and well respected among his peers. “It is important to note that Oba, the King, owns the land, he is the second in command to the Òrìṣà. This means Oba is the authority on earth, because he is the representative of the ancestors and the Òrìṣà. If the Oba is the authority, how does his authority be effective? “Here we are talking about real Obas in Yoruba land like Aseyin of Iseyin, Alaafin of Oyo, Oonirisa of Ile-Ife, Olubadan of Ibadan and Soun of Ogbomoso, we are not referring to the misfit who call himself Emir in Yorubaland, besides Ilorin on which we need to beg our ancestors to reclaim for us. “Oro has become a symbol of the King’s authority. This is why the Kings of towns where Oro is celebrated are always powerful and have strong authority. Whenever people want to render a King powerless, whenever they do not want him to have control of his domain any longer, they will campaign against Oro festival of the town. If they are successful in their evil plan, the King has lost his authority, which will reflect in prevalence of social vices and predominace of dangerous crimes and people will manifest. “Oro is a system of security and protection of the community. Those who don’t understand our tradition think it is a thing of darkness. Even nowadays, the Police, the Army and others who provide security for our communities must always keep their activities confidential.” Mogaji Fayemi called on political, religious and leaders of thought in Yorubaland to urgently seek the help of Oro and other Isese adherents to right the current wrongs that he said have become pervasive and bearing damning consequences. Present at the event were traditional Chiefs, youths organizations, Civil society members and students from public and private schools, who provided entertainment for the audience.

Stay Informed. Stay Ahead

Get breaking news and top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Get the Morning Briefing

Tops stories from Nigeria delivered free to your inbox every day.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Your No 1 Trusted News Source 

Email info@citybuzz.com 

Web Citybuzznews.com

LEGAL

SECTIONS

©Copyright Citybuzz News. All rights reserved.