Oyo Gov’t Reabsorbs Traders Into New Bola Ige International Market

    The Oyo State Government said it has accommodated former occupants into the redeveloped Bola Ige International Business Complex, New Gbagi, Ibadan. Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi made this known while speaking with journalists in Ibadan on Monday. He said that the project has been completed, and former occupants have been accommodated in the Government’s share of the project as promised. He said that the Oyo State Government has demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of traders by ensuring that they are not displaced during the redevelopment process. According to him, “The Ministry enumerated the present occupants of the project site to accommodate qualified ones among them upon completion of the second phase.” He added that the Ministry had series of engagements with all stakeholders, including market elders, market executives, zonal leaders and the developers handling the second phase of the international market to benefit everyone and as well be on the same page. “However, it is essential to note that no single trader has come forward to the complain about the project or the developer. This suggests that the majority of traders are satisfied with the Government’s initiatives and are eager to benefit from the redevelopment” he said. The Commissioner reiterated that the Oyo State Government has a proven track record of supporting traders and business owners, which include the provision of infrastructure, access to finance, and training programmes. He added that these efforts have contributed significantly to the growth and development of businesses in the state while traders are not left behind in the development process, urging those who are yet to benefit from the Government’s initiatives to come forward and engage with the Ministry. Hon. Adebisi underscored the State Government’s dedication to economic development and traders empowerment through the redevelopment of the Bola Ige International Business Complex. He stressed that these initiatives have been positively received by most traders, while also acknowledging and appreciating government’s efforts.

Resumption: Oyo Gov’t Bans Meetings During School Hours

  The Oyo State Government has banned any form of meeting by Headteachers or teachers, during school hours, within or outside any public school premises. The Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, made this known today while monitoring schools resumption in Ibadan today. Adeniran said the move was to ensure strict adherence to the unified school timetable in all public schools in the State. “This is a warning to all head teachers and teachers to desist from holding meetings during school hours”. “Henceforth, any primary school head teacher who indulges in such act will be severely dealt with,” he said. Dr. Adeniran appealed to unions and associations within the basic education sub-sector to adhere to this policy, as the new session begins. The Chairman also directed the Education Secretaries to disseminate the information to all head teachers in their Local government universal basic education authorities. He also directed school heads to keep to the policy. In another development, Dr. Nureni Adeniran has reiterated the Board’s commitment to leverage technology to ensure advancement in the education system in Oyo State. He stated this today, during a 3-day capacity building on use of BESDA Attendance Monitoring Information System (BAMIS). He encouraged participants to learn from the process, saying “we have brought you together to develop your skills on the use of BAMID APP”. Dr. Adeniran applauded the Universal Basic Education Commission for conceiving the BAMIS APP in the day-to-day official schedules as a strategy to improving performances with respect to input, output punctuality and regularity, monitoring and evaluation of learning activities. He equally acknowledged that the Board has invested a lot of money and time on the programme due to its importance to the delivery of Basic Education, a core mandate of the Board. The event was attended by management staff, social mobilization officers, and basic school head teachers.

Ijesha Oba’s Passing: Ilesa Residents Remain Indoors As Traditional Rites Commence

  Ilesa town in Osun State has been is witnessing a stay-at-home as traditional priests carryout some rituals for the late paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran. In compliance of a sit-at-home order given by traditional priests in the land, the ancient town of Ilesa has been desolated since Monday night. The traditional priests in Ijesaland had declared a curfew in Ilesa between 10pm of Monday, September 16 and 2pm of Tuesday, September 17. The curfew is to allow some rites of passage for the frontline monarch to be done in secrecy in line with the custom and tradition of the town. Shops and market places were closed as residents stayed indoors. Recall that markets across Ijesaland had been shut down for three days while a seven day curfew was also observed in honour of the late traditional ruler. The Point can report that Ilesa has been in pensive mood since the monarch joined his ancestors last week. Some video clips of the rites of passage ceremony sighted by The Point on Tuesday revealed some traditional priests wearing white clothes, chanting some songs and moving around notable areas in the town.

Gary Shaw, Former Aston Villa Striker, Dies from Fall Injuries

    Aston Villa former striker, Gary Shaw has died from injuries sustained in a fall. He helped Villa win the 1981 league title and the European Cup in 1982. Shaw came through the youth ranks at his boyhood club and went on to score 79 goals in 213 games for Villa. “Aston Villa Football Club is deeply shocked and profoundly saddened to learn that Gary Shaw, one of our European Cup-winning heroes, has passed away,” the club said on Monday. “Gary was one of our own, a talented striker who delighted supporters with his goalscoring exploits which helped fire Villa to success in the 1980s. Individual accolades would also follow for a player who was idolised by many on the terraces. “He passed away peacefully earlier today surrounded by his family, who asked Aston Villa to release a statement on their behalf. “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gary’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.” Shaw was named the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year in 1981 and European Young Player of the Year in 1982. The former England Under-21s striker also played for Blackpool, Walsall, Kilmarnock and Shrewsbury Town. He worked as a statistical analyst since retiring from football in 1992 and was a club ambassador at Villa Park. Current Villa manager Unai Emery says he wants his side to win their Champions League opener against Young Boys on Tuesday in memory of Shaw. Before their first game in Europe’s top club competition for 41 years, Emery said: “We have a memory always, in our training ground a picture of 1982 and the European Cup, he was a protagonist of that. “My condolences to the family and all the supporters at Villa. Yes, I think it’s sad and we can use it as motivation.”

Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid: Makinde, Ashamu Boosting Sustainable Energy In Southwest Region

    Oyo State has always been at the forefront of innovative development, and under the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, the state is taking bold steps towards energy sustainability. One of the standout initiatives is the Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid project, a transformative energy solution that is set to revolutionize electricity access across the state. Spearheaded by the Oyo State Ministry for Energy, this project is a testament to the government’s commitment to leveraging renewable energy for the betterment of its citizens. The Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid project is a strategic response to the energy challenges faced by many rural and underserved communities in Oyo State. By harnessing solar power, this initiative not only provides a reliable source of electricity but also reduces dependence on the national grid, which has been plagued by inconsistencies. The use of solar energy aligns with global trends towards renewable energy and underscores Oyo State’s dedication to environmental sustainability. Under the capable leadership of the Oyo State Minister for Energy, this project has been meticulously planned and executed, ensuring that even the most remote areas of the state can benefit from modern energy solutions. The impact of this initiative is already being felt, with numerous communities now enjoying stable electricity for the first time. This has had a ripple effect on local economies, improving business operations, enhancing education through better lighting in schools, and ensuring that healthcare facilities can operate efficiently around the clock. Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has shown that with the right leadership, even the most challenging issues can be addressed with innovative solutions. The Solar Hybrid Mini- Grid project not only demonstrates the government’s foresight but also its commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that no part of the state is left behind in the march towards development. The success of this project serves as a model for other states to emulate, highlighting the benefits of investing in renewable energy. It is clear that with continued support and expansion, the Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid project will play a crucial role in driving Oyo State towards a future of sustainable development, improved quality of life, and economic growth.

Eid-El-Maulud: Hon. Segelu Sends Greetings To Muslims Worldwide

  By Adeleke Maria   Hon. Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu,A Germany-based Nigerian entrepreneur, ICT consultant, and politician from Oyo State, who recently declared his intention to run for the 2027 gubernatorial race, has sent his felicitations to Muslims around the world on the occasion of the 2024 Eid-el-Maulud. Eid-el-Maulud is an Islamic feast celebrated to mark the anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In a statement issued on Monday, Hon. Segelu stressed the need for Muslim faithful in Nigeria to use this occasion to pray for the peace, unity, and security of the country. “I heartily congratulate our Muslim brethren and sisters across the globe on the occasion of the 2024 Eid-el-Maulud, a feast commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). “As I join our Muslim brothers and sisters worldwide in celebrating this joyous occasion, I urge them to imbibe the spirit of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which teaches sacrifice, peace, love, humility, compassion, resilience, charity, and respect for one another. “I particularly ask our Muslim faithful in Nigeria to remember to pray fervently for the peace, unity, security, and economic stability of our country. Our dear country is really going through a very difficult moment that calls for serious prayers and supplications to God Almighty to seek for His eyes of mercy upon Nigeria,” Segelu appealed. He called on the APC led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) to do something fast to control the escalating rise in the prices of good and services which has brought untold hardship on the masses. While expressing optimism that Nigeria will rise again, he enjoined the President to reconsider some of his policies that have exacerbated the situation in the country and made life unbearable for the citizens.

Edo Election: State Government Alleges Oshiomhole And Mopol Commander Are Colluding To Rig The Vote

  The Edo State government has accused former governor, Adams Oshiomhole, of planning to rig the forthcoming governorship election in polling units around his hometown in Iyamho. Naija News reports that the Edo Polls will be taking place on September 21. However, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, while speaking during a press conference in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Sunday, claimed that Oshiomhole was colluding with the Commander of Mopol and his men to sabotage the election in his hometown. Nehikhare claimed that the same scenario played out in the last election in 2020. The Commissioner said, “We are aware of plans that have already been concluded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole to engage the Commander of Mopol 60 and his men who have been engaged to provide shield in the polling units around Senator Oshiomhole’s home in Iyamho in order to allow the Senator and his supporters take the ballot papers and all election materials into his premises and thumbprint all the ballot papers for APC, leaving other parties with no chances of getting fair votes. In the last elections, we gave this information but it was ignored. The BVAS report validated our report as 210 people were accredited but over 1000 votes were recorded.” Nehikhare alleged that the state government had uncovered massive production of masks and police uniforms by APC agents to veil their thugs to disrupt voting processes in units and wards where they knew they stood no chance of victory. “Only recently, a chieftain of the APC wore one of those uniforms and the police even presented a defence for such wanton display of impersonation. “Having confirmed that they cannot win in Okpella, Lampese, Fugar, Ibillo and Agenebode, the APC has concluded plans to use thugs veiled in those masks and police uniforms which they produced to disrupt electoral process and intimidate voters in those areas. “In Egor Local Government Area, the APC has gathered thugs in the home of a prominent APC leader as well as other houses in the neighborhood under the shield of the Textile Mill Police Station in order to disrupt the voting process in Egor Local Government Area. “We also uncovered plans by the House of Representatives member representing Ovia Constituency who has engaged about 200 militants for the purpose of disrupting election materials and electoral officials in the riverine axis of the State beginning from Ologbo, Nikorogha, all the way to Siluko. We also understand that these militants have already been ferried into the state and lodged into various hotels. We are giving this information for the security agencies to act swiftly to arrest or dislodge these thugs and plans,” Nehikare added

NNPC Amends Error in Petrol Price Increase Announcement

  The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has corrected a mistake made on the nationwide petrol price statement it released earlier on Monday. Early Monday morning, NNPCL gave a chart breakdown of the refined petrol product it bought from Dangote Refinery. While the data of the estimated price to be sold around the country remains the same, the analysis of the transaction it had with Dangote Refinery was altered. “The NNPC Ltd. has released estimated prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as Petrol (obtained from the Dangote Refinery) in its retail stations across the country. “The estimated prices are based on negotiated terms between NNPC Ltd. and Dangote Refinery which recognise the current international gasoline prices and the prevailing foreign exchange rate in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. “The NNPC Ltd. can confirm that it is paying Dangote Refinery in USD for September 2024 PMS offtake, as Naira transactions will only commence on October 1st, 2024. “We reassure Nigerians that any discount from the Dangote Refinery will be passed on 100% to the general public,” it read. While in the first press statement on Monday had a Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) fee of ₦8.99, the second statement showed ₦4.495. The first statement had an inspection fee of ₦0.97, a margin fee of ₦26.48 and a distribution fee of ₦15. In the second statement on Monday, there were no inspection fee and marging fee, while the distribution fee was changed to ₦42.45. The second statement also had an additional Midstream and Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) of ₦4.495.

Suspect Identified, As Donald Trump Escapes Yet Another Assassination Attempt

    Donald Trump, Republican presidential candidate was safe on Sunday after the Secret Service foiled what the FBI called an apparent assassination attempt while he was golfing on his course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Secret Service agents spotted and fired on a gunman in bushes near the property line of the golf course, a few hundred yards from where Trump was playing, law enforcement officials said. The suspect left an AK-47-style assault rifle and other items at the scene and fled in a vehicle but was later arrested. The apparent attempt on Trump’s life came just two months after he was shot at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, sustaining a minor injury to his right ear. Both incidents highlight the challenges of keeping presidential candidates safe in a hotly contested and polarized campaign with just over seven weeks to go before the Nov. 5 election. It was not clear if or how the suspect knew Trump was playing golf at the time, but the attempted attack was sure to raise new questions about the level of protection he is given. Meanwhile, the suspect is identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Hawaii, citing unnamed law enforcement officials. CNN and CBS described Routh as a self-employed affordable housing builder from Hawaii. He had been vocal on political matters, sometimes expressing criticism of Trump, the current Republican presidential candidate

Chairman of Conference of Speakers,Ogundoyin Attends Turbaning Ceremony for Kogi Speaker

  By Adeleke Maria   On Saturday, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, was among distinguished guests celebrating the turbaning of Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly. Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf was turbaned as the Babakoshi of Lokoja, Kogi State by the His Royal Highness, the Maigari of Lokoja, Alh Ibrahim Mohammed Kabir Maikarfi IV. The colorful ceremony, held at the Maigari Palace in Lokoja, was a testament to the Speaker’s commitment to the development of Lokoja and Kogi State. In his congratulatory message, the Conference Chairman, Hon. Ogundoyin praised the Kogi Speaker for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the people of Kogi State. “This honor is a well-deserved recognition of your tireless efforts to promote the welfare and progress of the people. It is a reflection of your selfless service to the state. This is another significant milestone in your career, and has added another feather to your cap as you have received other titles including the Sardauna of Eddo, Garkuwa of Kakanda kingdom, Badakosshi of Lokoja, Sodangi of Kupa kingdom, Madaki of Agbaja and Marafa of Girinya kingdom among others.” The ceremony was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, and members of the legislative arm in and outside Kogi State.