JUST IN: Tragedy Strikes Oyo State—Oke-Eleshin As Mother, Three Children Among Multiple Fatalities In Ghastly Accident

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  A devastating accident has occurred in Oke-Eleshin, Ona Ara Local Government, Amuloko area, Ibadan, Oyo State in the early hours of Monday, resulting in multiple fatalities and involving students. The incident happened on the road leading to the local government secretariat, which was recently constructed by the Chairman of the local government Hon. Dr Kolapo Temitope with the support of Chief Dotun Sanusi, Chairman of Ilaji Hotel & Sports Resorts. A trailer and a motor vehicle carrying minerals collided, resulting in the tragic loss of life. Among the victims were a mother and her three children. Security agencies, including Akanran Police Division and Ogbere Police Division, responded slowly, with witnesses reporting a three-hour delay before police arrived at the scene. Residents lamented the Oyo State Government’s neglect under Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership, citing poor road conditions and rampant extortion by police officers. “The state government has abandoned us,” said a local resident. “Police officers are more interested in collecting bribes than ensuring our safety. It was the Chairman of Ilaji Hotel & Sports Resorts, Chief Dotun Sanusi, who recently filled the potholes with sand to make the road manageable.” The community’s frustration stems from years of neglect, with residents demanding improved infrastructure and effective law enforcement. The Ona Ara Local Government community mourns this devastating incident, with thoughts and prayers going out to the families of the victims. An investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, informing measures to prevent similar incidents. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.

We Recorded 126 Emergency Incidents In September- LASEMA

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  The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, on Sunday, said it responded to 126 emergency incidents across the state in September. State, Alimosho Local Government Area (LGA) ranked highest with 18 out of the 126 incidents recorded in the state during this period. “This was followed by Ikeja LGA which recorded 16 incidents, Kosofe LGA recorded 14 incidents in third place, Eti-Osa LGA recorded 13 incidents in fourth place. “Ojo, Oshodi-Isolo, Mushin, and Shomolu recorded seven incidents each at the fifth place, just as Surulere LGA recorded six incidents in the sixth place. “Lagos Island and Apapa LGAs recorded five incidents each in seventh place, while Lagos Mainland and Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGAs both recorded four incidents each to occupy the eight position,” he said. He added that Ikorodu, Epe and Ibeju-Lekki LGAs recorded three incidents each at the ninth position, with outside Lagos boundary interventions recording two incidents. “Ifako-Ijaiye and Badagry LGAs both recorded one incident each at 10th position, however, Amuwo Odofin and Agege LGAs recorded no incidents during the period under review,” he said. Mr Oke-Osanyintolu said that yearly emergency trends in the last six years of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration showed that LASEMA attended to a total of 7,662 incidents. NAN

PDP Crisis: Yayari Mohammed Takes Over As Acting National Chairman

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  Ahmed Yayari Mohammed has officially assumed duty as the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In his inaugural address to party members made available to the media in Abuja on Sunday, Mohammed expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received, acknowledging the urgent need for introspection within the party. He emphasised that recent internal conflicts and a deviation from core values have hindered the PDP’s effectiveness as a formidable opposition force in Nigerian politics. “Regrettably, we must admit that we have not satisfactorily carried out the critical role expected of a virile opposition in a democracy,” Mohammed stated, calling for a return to the principles of equity, fairness, and justice that underpinned the party’s founding. Mohammed’s appointment is the latest in the crisis besetting the main opposition coming at a crucial time when the PDP is seeking to revitalize its structure and restore confidence among its members, particularly the youth. The factional chairman outlined his commitment to adhering strictly to the party’s constitution and ensuring fair treatment for all members, regardless of their position. Looking ahead, Mohammed announced plans to convene the long-awaited National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on October 24, 2024. He urged the North Central Zone, entitled to nominate a replacement for former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu, to act promptly in forwarding its nominee for NEC consideration.

Prepare For Possible Separation – Prof. Lugga Tells Northern Region

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  Prof. Sani Abubakar Lugga, the 5th Wazirin Katsina, has called on the northern region to unite and prepare for self-determination, much like their southern counterparts. Speaking at a community engagement event organized by the Coalition of Northern Group (CNG) in Katsina, Lugga stressed the need for northerners to brace themselves for the possibility of separation from Nigeria, reflecting on the persistent calls for secession from the South. Lugga lamented the lack of unity among northerners in defending their rights, contrasting it with the determination of groups like the Biafrans. He urged the North to learn from the proactive measures taken by southern states, particularly in addressing security challenges. He noted that while the security situation in the South is less severe, they have formed regional security forces like Amotekun, while the North remains passive. Referencing historical concerns, Lugga highlighted the apprehension of early Nigerian leaders about the amalgamation of the North and South, a union that, he argued, remains fragile. He warned that without preparation, the North could struggle to survive should the South succeed in breaking away. CNG’s National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, also emphasized the urgency of community-led actions to address Nigeria’s socioeconomic and security challenges. He criticized the country’s leadership for prioritizing elections over the nation’s future and urged communities to take charge of their destinies through collective action.

Poultry Farmers Warns As Egg Prices May Hit N10,000 Per Crate.

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  A crate of egg which currently sells between N5,500 and N6,000 may soon be sold at N10,000, according to Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) Nigeria is currently experiencing one of its worst inflation in decades as prices of many commodities have skyrocketed. Factors responsible for this are the hike in fuel price and forex scarcity. Speaking at a press conference to commemorate World Egg Day in Abuja, Secretary of PAN in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Musa Hakeem, called on the government to declare a state of emergency in the egg production sector. He warned that without swift intervention, the price hike would be inevitable, further worsening the already declining protein consumption among Nigerians. Hakeem attributed the looming increase to soaring transportation costs resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies, and escalating feed prices driven by feed millers. The sharp rise in production costs could push the price of a crate to N10,000, but we have kept it at N5,500 out of consideration for consumers.” He expressed disappointment over the lack of significant governmental support, noting that the last time poultry farmers received grain assistance was three years ago. Hakeem urged for stronger cooperation between the government and Poultry farmers, emphasizing that the association possesses comprehensive data on poultry farmers that could be utilized for more targeted interventions. On his part, an agro-dealer, Jude Arikogu, raised issues regarding the quality and weight of poultry feed, noting that some 25kg bags often weigh less than stated, further straining farmers already grappling with rising operational expenses. Daily Trust

Imo Police Arrest Member Of Suspected Organ trafficking Syndicate, Rescue 19-Year-Old Victim

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  Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have dismantled a suspected kidnapping and organ trafficking syndicate in the Douglass area of the state. The spokesperson of the command, ASP Henry Okoye, who disclosed this in a statement said the operation led to the arrest of a 38-year-old suspect, Justine Emmanuel, from Amimo in Ikeduru Local Government Area, and the rescue of a 19-year-old woman, whose name name has been withheld for privacy reasons. “The arrest followed the swift response of vigilant operatives patrol, who observed the syndicate in a blue and white bus forcefully taking the young girl to an undisclosed location where they intended to kill her and harvest her organs,” the PPRO stated. “During the chase, the victim managed to jump from the bus and was immediately rescued. The police pursued the vehicle, which was abandoned, and arrested one suspect while the others escaped into the nearby bush. “The Command is now investigating further to identify other members of the syndicate and determine the full extent of their criminal activities.” He emphasized that the successful rescue demonstrates the Imo State Police Command’s commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring the safety of the community. The Command urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, assuring that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses

2024 Igbo Ora Twins Festival: Oyo Targets Another UNESCO Cultural Heritage Designation,Promises To Complete Ido-Eruwa Road Construction

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  Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed the hope that in line with his administration’s zeal to expand the state’s economy through tourism, the Igbo Ora Festival of Twins and Multiple Births will be promoted to gain world acclaim as a UNESCO World Heritage. Governor Makinde stated this on Saturday, while speaking at the annual World Twins Festival, themed; “Twinning for Love, Unity and National Economic Reorientation,” held at the Methodist Grammar School, Igbo Ora. The governor said that his government would continue to promote the festival because of its uniqueness and importance to Ibarapaland and Oyo State in general. He added that his government would also accelerate efforts on developing necessary infrastructure to support the drive, stating that the government would double its efforts to ensure that the ongoing rehabilitation of Ido/Eruwa road is completed. Governor Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal, pledged his government’s continuous support for the festival to attract more investors, stating that this would be achieved through improvement of facilities and creation of an enabling environment needed for tourism to thrive in the state. The event was organised by the Igbo Ora Community Foundation and Ibarapa Central Local Government in conjunction with Oyo State Government and the Twins World Creation Intercontinental. Governor Makinde said: “What we are doing today is something that is worth celebrating. You can see that we have a lot of people who came here from far and wide for this event. “Research has shown that 10 per cent of births in Igbo Ora are twins. We should ask ourselves why it is like that. But if we know that such is what God has blessed this town with, we are supposed to guard that uniqueness jealously. “We should also know that twins are special children from God. It is the same foods they eat here that are being eaten in other places but they have their uniqueness of multiple births in Ibarapaland. “The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism has said a lot about this event and I want to tell you that Oyo State government is making efforts to upgrade the celebration of this event to UNESCO standard, which will make people come all the way from America, Asia and other continents of the world. So, the arrangement is ongoing.” Speaking further, the governor charged parents of twins and multiple births to guide and take care of them well towards attaining their goals in life, while he also encouraged the immediate community to embrace and celebrate the festival by creating a permanent venue that would serve as a monument for the important festival. “Also, we have to, as parents of twins, guide them well towards attaining their goals in life. “I also want to encourage this community, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to look for a parcel of land that will serve as a venue for this celebration subsequently. They will come and inspect and the government will give necessary support so that we won’t continue to make use of a field. “Part of what will add to the colour of this celebration is to have good roads that lead to the venue of the event, which would encourage those coming for the event to have a smooth experience on their way. “We are working on the Ido-Eruwa Road. I passed the route and I paid attention to the current state of the road. I can assure you that we will redouble our efforts to ensure that the road is fixed quickly,” the governor added. In his address, the chairman on the occasion and Member representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abass Adigun, said “the annual festival does not only showcase the premium placed on culture and tradition by the Oyo State Government but also shows the values and the uniqueness of Igbo Ora Community in the state and all over the African continent.” He lauded Governor Makinde for his efforts in putting the festival on the global map, thereby attracting tourists and investors to develop the economy of the state. Also in his address, the Olu of Igbo Ora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye, appreciated Governor Makinde for promoting the twins festival as a platform for tourism and an avenue for the expansion of the state’s economy. Oyo State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the festival is unique, as it has incorporated twins from all the geopolitical zones in the state, with the target of entering the Guinness Book of World Records and also being enlisted by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. He added that the festival has promoted culture and tourism in the state, urging residents of Ibarapaland to embrace the festival and accommodate all the states in Nigeria. In their speech, the Twins Festival Consultants, Ambassador Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye, also appreciated Governor Makinde for being a lover and promoter of creative and innovative cultural adventures and tourism. Giving the vote of thanks, the Member representing Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, in the House of Representatives, Dr Anthony Adepoju, expressed optimism that the twins festival would soon be on the global map to attract more investors to boost the economy of the state. Highlights of the event include unveiling of twins’ statue at Igbotikale Roundabout; Igbo Ora Twins’ Parade; Twins’ Talent Show and Twins’ Appellation, among others. The event had in attendance traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and top government functionaries, among others.

Makinde Inspects Rayfield Gardens City Estate As He Commends Fendini Limited On World-Class Estate

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  The Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, on Saturday paid an inspection visit to Rayfield Gardens City Estate, Alao Akala GRA in Wofun-Montana area of Ibadan. Governor Makinde commended the developer, Messrs Fendini Limited, for their hard work, creative approach and expressed satisfaction that the project is moving fine, noting the estate’s potential for families. He highlighted the State’s rapid growth and the need for more comfortable living spaces for residents and visitors, leveraging on Oyo State’s competitive and comparative advantage in its sustainable economic reforms. The estate will provide more than 300 residential units, a supermarket, hospital, schools, and other amenities, creating hundreds of jobs for entrepreneurs and youth. The CEO of Fendini, Prince Laja Adeoye, who received and conducted the Governor, Commissioner for Lands Housing and Urban Development, Mr Akin-Funmilayo Williams, Director of Physical Planning Mr Akinwale and other top government functionaries round the class A Estate, emphasized the estate’s world-class features, including stunning duplexes, maisonette, flats, apartments, well paved road network and drainages, power installations, solar street lights, water supply, effective security system and more. The project, is being developed through a public-private partnership initiative, aims to set the pace for excellence in Oyo State’s real estate development. The developer noted that people are already living in the Estate, using the opportunity to appreciate their residents and subscribers, calling on the public to take advantage of the ongoing ‘Build and Move in immediately’ offer, for more people to be a home owner in the Estate. According to Adelaja, he said his company is committed to setting the pace for excellence in real estate development, and that is the reason his team are working round the clock to develop and deliver to their subscribers, an estate with solid infrastructures that will be a reference point as far as the State is concerned in the next 12 months. The governor posited that the Estate is strategically located, that when the Ibadan-Iwo Road, Kute-Jenriyin Road, and other ongoing road constructions are finished, it will boost trade, commerce and provide multiple access to the Estate.

Restanchor Foundation Hosts 13th Annual Educational Support Program In Ibadan, Empowers 620 Orphans, Vulnerable Children

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  By Adeleke Maria    The Restanchor Total Child Parenting Foundation under the leadership of its founder, Pastor Prince Leye Adefioye, celebrated the 13th Annual Educational Support Program, held at the Kristas Resources Centre in Ibadan. The event welcomed orphans and vulnerable children from different schools in Oyo State who received educational materials, food, and clothing as part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to their well-being. In his welcome address, Pastor Prince Leye Adefioye, founder of the Restanchor Foundation, highlighted the organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable children, offering not only educational resources but also emotional and psychological care. He highlighted this year’s theme, “Shunning Violence, Removing Depression for Greatness is Attainable for the vulnerable,” underscoring the urgency of equipping children with resilience in the face of adversity.“Greatness is attainable for every child, no matter the challenges they face,” he said. He further emphasized the foundation’s mission to provide comprehensive care for the most vulnerable. “We are deeply committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive, no matter the challenges they face,” Adefioye stated. Founded in 2006, Restanchor Foundation now supports over 3,000 vulnerable children with a focus on education, emotional care, and nutritional support. Pastor Adefioye praised the ongoing support from sponsors, including Her Excellency Mrs. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, who donated over a million naira worth of foodstuffs, and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), which regularly sponsors the payment of exam fees for WAEC and NECO. The event was graced by prominent figures, including, Oyo State’s Honourable Commissioner for Education, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, who was represented by the Zonal Director Of Ibadan Zone 2 Education Office, WEMA Bank Area, Gbagi, Ibadan, Mrs Karunwi Maria Olufunke lauded the foundation’s impact. Adelabu emphasized that the state government takes the education and well-being of vulnerable children seriously, but also noted that philanthropic efforts, like those of Restanchor, are crucial to ensuring equitable education for all.He said, “I want to appreciate the Management and members of staff of this Foundation for making this day a reality where the less privileged and vulnerable people in our society are being celebrated, supported and made hopeful of living a meaningful life. “Without mincing words, what you are doing is great in the sight of the Lord and worth being highly appreciated because millions of young souls across the globe are withering and wailing in despair, finding no solace, no comfort, and no guardians to oversee them. Countless underprivileged orphans, abandoned and exploited, lead a life of solitude and helplessness with no one to guide them. Many of these orphans and vulnerable children are deprived of love, affection, and basic resources for survival. Once again, I appreciate the Visioner of this Foundation for the vision of providing a “better tomorrow” for these vulnerable ones. May the Almighty God reward you all. “I am pleased to inform this gathering at this auspicious occasion that the present administration in the State, under the leadership of His Excellence, Engr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, takes the affair of orphans, people living with disabilities and other vulnerable people with all the seriousness it deserves. “Support and education of vulnerable children as well as those with disabilities has always been accorded a place of pride by the State Government in terms of provision of teaching materials, manpower and financial support for special schools and homes in the State. “Oyo State is doing all these so that there can be equal educational opportunities to all her children without any bias or discrimination on the basis of their family background. Free and quality education is a right of every child. “However, demands in the education sector are so overhauling and capital intensive to the extent that no government can do it alone.Collaborative support from philanthropists and non-profit oriented NGOs like yours are welcome, if we are to record meaningful development in the sector. We therefore urge other individuals and NGO to borrow a leaf from this and partner with the State Government in raising education in Oyo State to an enviable standard. Adelabu stated. Similarly, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, praised the foundation’s work, emphasizing the importance of eliminating violence and depression in children’s lives. “It is our duty as a society to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and empowered to dream big and achieve greatness,” she stated. She further expressed her joy at witnessing the program’s success, reminding the children of their potential. “No matter the difficulties you face, there is greatness within you,” she told the beneficiaries. Mrs Toyin Balogun, who was ably represented by Mr Gbemileke Ojerinde Director Child Welfare at the Ministry commended Restanchor Foundation for their commitments towards the welfare of the vulnerable individuals in the society.She said, “I stand before you today with a heart full of joy and gratitude as we gather to celebrate the 13th Annual Educational Support Program for 620 orphans and vulnerable children. It is a great honor to be part of this noble initiative organized by RESTANCHOR Total Child Parenting Foundation, whose tireless efforts have uplifted the lives of countless children over the years. “The theme of this year’s event, “Shunning Violence, Removing Depression, for Greatness is Achievable for the Vulnerable,” speaks volumes about the challenges faced by these young ones and the collective responsibility we all share in ensuring that they are nurtured, protected, and given every opportunity to flourish.We must recognize that violence and depression are barriers that impede the full potential of vulnerable children. It is our duty as a society to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and empowered to dream big and achieve greatness. Violence in all its forms must be eradicated, whether it is physical, emotional, or psychological, for children to grow in an environment where love and care thrive. “To the 620 orphans and vulnerable children we celebrate today, I want to remind you that you are not alone. You are important, and your dreams matter. No matter the difficulties you may face, know … Read more

Brazil Orders Closure Of 2,000 Betting Sites

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  Brazilian authorities on Friday began closing down more than 2,000 betting sites, including those that sponsor popular football team Corinthians and other first-division clubs, as part of a push to regulate online gambling. Latin America’s biggest economy is struggling with what Finance Minister Fernando Haddad has called a betting “pandemic,” prompting the government to tighten the screws on the sector. Since 2018, when Brazil legalized sports betting sites, online gambling has operated in a regulatory free-for-all, subject to virtually no rules or taxes. Some of the most popular sites take bets on sporting fixtures, but Brazilians have also become hooked on gambling games like Aviator, where players gamble on the flight of a virtual airplane, or the online casino game Fortune Tiger. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s government has called time on sites that failed to sign up to new regulations due to take effect in January. The new rules seek to combat fraud and money laundering and protect users, by for example banning minors from betting. “Anyone who is not regularized, or in the process of being regularized, is being taken off the air,” Haddad said in a statement. The finance ministry said it had identified 2,040 “suspicious domains” which it had asked the telecoms regulatory agency Anatel to block. On the blacklist is Esportes da Sorte, which sponsors Corinthians, one of Brazil’s most popular football clubs, as well as Athletico Paranaense, Bahia and Gremio de Porto Alegre. The ministry said the betting sites would be blocked and banned from advertising, “which includes, for example, sponsoring football clubs.” More than 200 other sites will be allowed to continue to operate after agreeing to the new rules. Brazil’s central bank estimates that 24 million out of Brazil’s 212 million inhabitants, roughly one in nine people, gamble online. Lula warned recently that betting was causing many low-income Brazilians to get into debt. AFP

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