PHOTOS
(PHOTOS): Oyo Police Command Parades Suspected Cultists, Recovers Vehicles, Firearms•••As CP Sonubi Promises Adequate Security During Yuletide
No fewer than 15 suspected criminals were on Monday paraded at the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters, Eleyele Ibadan for their involvements in various anti-society activities such as cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and other illicit substances. The state Police Commissioner, CP Sonubi Ayodele while addressing journalists at the command over the development maintained that the Oyo State Police Command is committed to maintaining law and order in accordance with the dictates of the constitution and other guiding instruments of the law. CP Sonubi noted that lately, the Command has received disturbing reports of cult related activities in some parts of the Metropolis particularly around Apete, Abayomi (Iwo-road axis), Ijokodo, Moniya, Monathan, Ojoo, Samonda and Sango areas of the State. He further said that “in response to the yearnings of the good people of the State regarding cult related activities, even as we navigate through the yuletide period, the Command is parading (15) Fifteen Male Suspects for offences ranging from; cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and other illicit banned substances. Items were also recovered during the intelligence led raids; (5) Five inscribed cultism jackets, (3) Three Dane Guns, (1) locally made Pistol (1) One Locally Made Cut-To-Size Gun, (1) One Long Barrel Gun, (1) One Red Toyota Camry with Reg NO. KTU 41 JH, (1) One Red Cloth (1) One Powder Blue Beret with Inscription and (3) Three Cutlasses, one black Honda with registration number GGE 64 FM Lagos. Among the suspects paraded at the command are, Ajayi Toheeb (Male), aged 26, Agbolahan Afeez (Male) aged 19, Amoo Ifeoluwa 25, Ajimude Mathew 26, Tomiwa Adeniyi 24. While Atoyebi Temitope, Ismail Lamidi, Rasheed Salawudeen, Babatola Adetunji Ajibade were paraded for cultism,conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms and illegal substance. Others are Adeosun Jamiu, aged 31, Musedeen Lamidi 44, Quyum Adesokan 22, Adigun Samad, Kamorudeen Rasheed, Toheed Abass.
(Photos): NDLEA Arrests Engineer, Seizes 1,323kg Of Cannabis In Multiple Operations
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a suspected drug trafficker, Egwu Phillip Inya, a building engineer, while attempting to receive illicit drugs concealed in imported pressure machines. This was confirmed in a statement signed by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, and shared on the Agency’s website on Sunday. According to the statement, the arrest occurred on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Okeyson Motor Park in Enugu. Inya, 42, was apprehended when he arrived to collect three pressure machines containing 7.4 kilogrammes of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis. The statement said, “Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, arrested a suspected drug trafficker, Egwu Phillip Inya, who claims to be a building engineer while attempting to take delivery of illicit consignments concealed in pressure machines imported from South Africa. “The 42-year-old was arrested on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Okeyson Motor Park, Enugu, when he showed up to collect three units of pressure machines, inside which were hidden parcels of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, weighing 7.4 kilogrammes.” The illicit consignments arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on November 29, 2024. Acting on intelligence, NDLEA’s MMIA Strategic Command tracked the shipment through customs clearance to a logistics warehouse outside the airport. The intended collection point was unexpectedly moved to Enugu, where Inya was arrested during a follow-up operation. The statement added, “The consignments arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos import shed on November 29, 2024. Following credible intelligence, officers of the MMIA Strategic Command of the Agency monitored the shipment through the clearing process to a logistics company’s warehouse outside the airport, where it was to be collected by the consignee. “However, the importer changed the point of collection to Enugu at the last minute. As a result, NDLEA operatives, in a follow-up operation in Enugu, arrested Inya when he showed up to collect the consignments.” In a related operation on December 6, NDLEA officers in Adamawa State seized 511,000 pills of tramadol from a Siena vehicle near Hildi, Askira Uba. The vehicle’s occupants abandoned the car after noticing they were being pursued by NDLEA operatives. The statement said, “No fewer than 511,000 pills of tramadol were recovered from a Siena vehicle at Hildi, Askira Uba, in Adamawa State by NDLEA operatives on patrol along the road in the early hours of Friday, December 6. The occupants of the vehicle made a detour upon sighting the NDLEA team and, after a distance, abandoned the vehicle with the consignments when they realised the operatives were on their trail.” In Ekiti State, two suspects, Olanrewaju Alale, 48, and Babatunde Kayode Ijadahun, 55, were arrested on the Ise-Emure Road while transporting 1,323 kilogrammes of cannabis in a J5 bus. The statement added, “In Ekiti State, two suspects, Olanrewaju Alale, 48, and Babatunde Kayode Ijadahun, 55, were arrested along Ise-Emure Road in a J5 bus marked EPE 958 XJ while transporting 108 jumbo bags of cannabis weighing 1,323 kilogrammes to Owo, Ondo State. From there, they claimed the consignment would be moved to the North for distribution. Another suspect, Adekunle Yusuf, 33, was nabbed by NDLEA operatives with 704 kilogrammes of the same psychoactive substance, concealed in white sacks on Friday, December 6, at Idere Road, Igboora, Oyo State.” Further arrests took place in Lagos State. On December 6, NDLEA operatives apprehended a 65-year-old grandmother, Ramata Bola Adeyemo, at 62 Odunfa Street, Lagos Island, recovering 20.6 litres of codeine-based syrup. Additionally, on December 5, Alhaji Lawan Manga was arrested on Ogundana Street, Ikeja, with 4.7 kilogrammes of cannabis and 1.3 kilograms of tramadol. The statement said, “In Lagos, a grandmother, 65-year-old Ramata Bola Adeyemo, was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Friday, December 6, at 62 Odunfa Street, Lagos Island, where 20.6 litres of codeine-based syrup were recovered from her. “Also arrested in Lagos was Alhaji Lawan Manga, who was picked up at Ogundana Street, Ikeja, on Thursday, December 5, with 4.7 kg of cannabis and 1.3 kg of tramadol.”
(Photos) Makinde Commissions Oyo’s First Independent Power Project
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on investors in the energy sector to partner with the state, noting that there is a huge energy market in the state. He stated this on Friday, while commissioning the first phase of the 11 Megawatts Ibadan Hybrid Power Plant, the state’s first-ever Independent Power Project, at the Power House, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. The governor said it had become imperative for the private sector to move in to plug the country’s energy deficiency, noting that his administration’s vision to enhance energy sufficiency in Oyo State was on course with the 11 Megawatts Ibadan Hybrid Power Plant. Governor Makinde stated that the first phase of the project comprises 1 megawatt solar power and 4 megawatts of gas-fired power generator, which would be pivotal to the future development of the state. He added that his government also aims to launch a 500 Megawatts Solar Power Project in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state, which will enable the state to generate its own electricity locally and also be able to export same to other countries. According to the governor, the power plant, a private investment under the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model, which was started two years ago, would contribute to the overall development of the state as part of his administration’s efforts to expand the state’s economy. Governor Makinde noted that other efforts included investments in infrastructure development, interconnecting all the zones for equal development, investment in agribusiness to attract investors as well as heavy investments in security to guarantee a safe and secure environment for the people. He declared that these efforts had culminated into 90 per cent growth in the state’s economy from a N2.75 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019 to N4.05 trillion GDP as of 2022. He said: “We are here to commission the first phase of a project that I believe would serve as the fulcrum that is pivotal to the future development in our dear state. “This power plant is 100 per cent private investment, because the government doesn’t have the money to do everything. But as a government, we provided the enabling environment for investors to know that we are serious people. We have invested in road construction, interconnecting all the zones so that development spreads across the state. “We have focused on agribusiness so that investors come into our state through Private Public Development Partnership. We have invested in security so that we can see our dear state as one of the best investment destinations in Nigeria. “We have taken strategic steps to reduce our infrastructure deficit and the result has been the growth of our economy. Our GDP grew by about 90 per cent — from 2.75trn in 2019 to N4.05trn as of 2022. “But as we speak to these investors, they always talk about one aspect of the economy that should be an absolute game changer, having reliable and uninterrupted power supply. It’s a big deal. “I know where we ought to be as a nation in terms of capacity to generate and distribute electricity, but we are nowhere near that place. That’s why all over the place, we have generators. So, when we had the groundbreaking ceremony here, it became clear to us to go from growth to a game changer for our economy to go to scale, a point where you are just using what you have to stretch the envelope. “The groundbreaking was done on Saturday, 11th of December, 2021. This was two years before the Federal Government gave the go ahead for states to have powers to generate, transmit and distribute their own power. “Now, as a state, we can look at our own power requirements and bridge the gap without looking towards anyone else. And this is exactly the trajectory we are on in Oyo State. “We took advantage of the changing times and worked with the House of Assembly. In February this year, we signed the Oyo State Electricity Regulation Bill into law. So, it is in force now. “We wasted almost a year trying to get approval from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission for this power plant. But for the next power plant, it is now under our own control. It won’t take one month. I am saying to investors now that the coast is clear. “So, today, we are here to commission the first phase of the IPP. I thank our partners for believing in us, because what you have done is to put in your money with the hope that you will recover it from our monthly payment. I give you the assurance that we will not default. “With the completion of this phase, Oyo State has gone from producing electricity at the mini-grid stage to 5MW electricity with 4MW gas and 1MW of solar. You may be thinking that the 5MW is low but let us put this in perspective. Oyo State receives an average of 80MWatts from the national grid. The 5MW is roughly 7 per cent. We may be going to 500MW but, today, we have taken a step.” The governor described the IPP as a game changer, noting that there are, indeed, better days ahead for Oyo State economically. He said, “This is an absolute game changer. We signed an agreement with Shell and they have welded the first pipe and the $100m investment is well on its way. This is a direct investment that is not going through anybody. “Truly, there are better days ahead for the Oyo State economy and all of us here are playing a part in making history. As I said, we are not stopping here. Even if they want to stop us, we won’t stop because we are well on our way. So, we are seeking more investors in the energy sector from the state and there is a market for that.” Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Barr. Temilolu Ashamu, said the vision … Read more
Photos- Fire Guts Popular Fitness Centre In Abuja
A massive fire has broken out at the popular fitness centre, Eco Fitness Hub, in Gwarinpa, Abuja. According to TVC, the fire, which erupted on Wednesday, has engulfed large portions of the facility, though the cause remains unknown. As of the time of filing this report, no casualties have been reported.
Seven Arraigned, As OYRTMA Officers Attacked By Tricycle Riders In Ibadan(Photos)
Adeleke Maria Two officers of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Oyedepo Samuel and Waheed Quadri, were assaulted by tricycle riders and hoodlums while performing their lawful duties. The Officers were recently attacked with iron rods, stones, and sticks at the Water Corporation gate Ibadan which inflicted severe injuries on them. According to eyewitnesses, the officers had apprehended a commercial tricycle parked on the road, obstructing traffic. However, while transporting the tricycle to the Agodi Gate command unit, they were ambushed by a group of tricycle riders and hoodlums. Fortunately, a good Samaritan intervened, rescuing the officers from the angry mob. The injured officers are currently receiving treatment at the State clinic, Secretariat, Ibadan. Speaking in Ibadan, the Chairman, OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.) said seven suspects were arrested in connection with incident. He condemned the attack, stating, “It’s a pity that our officers, who work tirelessly to ensure sanity and orderliness on our roads, are being assaulted and harmed.” Adesagba emphasized that the Authority will not be deterred from performing its legitimate duties. Major Adesagba assured that the perpetrators have been arrested and are currently in custody at Idi-Ape police station. “The perpetrators will face the full weight of the laws, Adekoya warned”, he said. Meanwhile, the suspects were arraigned at the Magistrate District Court 1, Ibadan North East, on Wednesday, on charges of assault. Each suspect was granted bail with one surety and a bond of ₦100,000. However, since they were unable to meet the bail conditions, they were remanded in Agodi Prison pending further hearing. The case was adjourned until November 17, 2024.
Ipetumodu City Library, Symbol Of Educational Revival, Community Effort -IDF(Photos)
By Adeleke Maria The Ipetumodu Development Forum(IDF) has described the newly commissioned Ipetumodu City Library as a symbol of education of revival and community efforts. The newly commissioned Ipetumodu City Library project aimed at revitalizing educational access and fostering knowledge among students in the area. In his welcome address presented on behalf of the IDF, Barrister Banji Akinloye commended the vision and commitment behind the library project. He highlighted that the project was a collaborative effort initiated by Chief Femi Adesina, the Oluomo of Ipetumodu, with significant financial support from the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and contributions from IDF. While reflecting on the history of education in Ipetumodu, Barr. Akinloye noted, “This library marks a return to the tradition of academic excellence we once cherished. It is a beacon of hope for our youth and a testament to what our community can achieve when united.” The library, located within the ongoing Ipetumodu City House project funded by IDF, represents a significant step forward for the town’s educational development. The Chairman of the Library Project Committee, Deacon Awoleke Tony, acknowledged the tireless work of the IDF team and called for further support from individuals and organizations to ensure the completion and sustainability of the project. “This library is a gift to our future generations, and we must ensure it remains a vital resource for years to come,” he stated. Engr. Kazeem Afolabi, IDF’s Social Secretary, emphasized the broader vision behind the library: “Education is a light that can guide individuals through life’s challenges. With this project, we aim to eradicate ignorance and instill a culture of learning in our youth.” Chief Engr. Iyiola Ayoola,a member of the library project committee,urged community members to make education the cornerstone of progress in Ipetumodu, saying, “We envision a town where knowledge thrives, where education drives positive change, and where youths are steered away from social vices.” SS2 student Oyebamiji Akin expressed his excitement, stating, “This library will provide countless students with the chance to enhance their knowledge and succeed academically.” The commissioning ceremony concluded with a call for continued collaboration and support to complete the project and maintain the facility for future generations. The Ipetumodu City Library now stands as a testament to collective sacrifice, community spirit, and a commitment to a brighter future. The event had in attendance, distinguished guests including His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede (Latimogun 1), the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, represented by Bayo Akinyemi; Her Royal Highness Olori Tejumade Oloyede; and Rt. Hon. Akinyode Abidemi Oyewusi, Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, among other notable leaders. Others includes, S.A (Cabinet) to the Governor on Rural and Community Development – Hon. Moji Omisore, Chief Abiodun Ogundiran, Representative of Baales, Ipetumodu CAN Chairman, Pastor Ayobami Lawrence,Chief Imam of Ipetumodu, Alhaji Arayemi Olanrewaju, Elder Johnson Akinniyi,Chairman, Gbobaniyi, Mr. John Amusan Chairman, Ipetumodu Action Council, Mr Akinyemi Ademola, Ipetumodu Action Council Secretary, Youth Leader Mr. Babalola Taiwo, Head of Local Government Administration, I.P.U National Executives, I.D.F Executives, Late Surv. Adefioye Taiwo’s family,Students Body Representatives: National Association.
Makinde inaugurates 480 Amotekun Forest Rangers (PHOTOS)
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated 480 Amotekun Forest Rangers, promising that his government will continue to give priority attention to the security of residents of the state. He explained that plans are underway to establish airstrips in Igbeti and Otu towns respectively, noting that the state government will also provide aircraft security gadgets to support and enhance security surveillance activities in the state. The governor stated this on Monday at the passing-out parade of the 480 Amotekun Corps Forest Rangers, held at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iseyin, Oyo State. Governor Makinde declared that he would approve hardship allowance for all Amotekun corps, reiterating the commitment of his government towards supporting all security outfits in the state and prioritising the welfare of workers, He said: “Since assuming office in 2019, we have continued to invest heavily to secure Oyo State by supporting our security agencies to carry out their duties efficiently and effectively. “But we knew that more needed to be done to secure more lives and property. You will agree with me that one of the biggest achievements in security was the creation and operationalisation of the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun by governors of the South-West states. “Even though Oyo Amotekun only commenced operation in November 2020, we cannot imagine Oyo State without them. This is how important they have become to our security architecture over these years. “We recognised that there was more to be done to address kidnapping, banditry and other illegal activities in our forests and this is what led to the initiative to establish Forest Rangers as a sub-unit of Amotekun in 25 local government areas, with about 480 recruits out of the 561 passing out today. “These rangers are to work within the forests in their local government areas alongside other stakeholders and other community groups. Their task is to secure our farmers and other people engaged in commercial activities. They are also to preserve our natural resources in our forests in the forest to prevent illegal activities. “These additional Oyo Amotekun recruits passing out today will increase the number of Amotekun to 2,500 corps members. “Let me once again restate our commitment to providing all that is required to ensure that Oyo Amotekun can deliver on their mandate. We will continue to provide the equipment needed and monthly operational grant to ensure smooth operations. “We took out Group Life Insurance for the existing 2,000 operatives and I want to say that we will ensure that the new recruits, who are passing out today, are also brought immediately under the Group Life Insurance. “We will ensure that your new assignments are not hardship postings by supporting you with all that you need to succeed. We also expect that you will remain dedicated to your duties and ensure that you follow all the laid down guidelines and procedures which you received during your training. “The Commandant asked for Hardship Allowance for the forest rangers. We are not only going to provide the allowance for the forest rangers but provide it for all Amotekun Corps. So, bring the proposal to me. It is approved as requested. “We will employ more Amotekun Corps. We will set up an arm of Amotekun that will use aircraft for surveillance activities, drones. We will set up two airstrips; one will be in Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area and one in Otu, Itesiwaju Local Government Area. All of these will happen within the next one year. “So, with the Airport in Ibadan, the Airstrip in Igbeti and Otu, before ground troops move in for any clearance operation, we would have got a lot of intelligence and information provided by Amotekun.” Governor Makinde thanked the security commanders, security agencies, Amotekun Corps and all the members of Oyo State Security Council for ensuring that the state is one of the most secure states in Nigeria. The governor also assured the Amotekun Corps of adequate integration and sustainability of their jobs with the government, stressing that the government would put in place adequate and appropriate modalities that would guarantee their jobs after the expiration of his administration. Earlier in his address, the Commandant, Oyo State Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun Corps, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd), said the recruitment of the Amotekun Forest Rangers was to complement the efforts of Governor Makinde. He noted that the rangers would keep the state safe and secure from increasing threats of kidnapping, banditry and illegal mining in the forests with 24 hours of static and mobile patrol, ensuring safety of farmers and protection of natural resources from illegal exploitation. He equally commended the governor for supporting and prioritising the welfare of the officers and provision of adequate equipment and logistics support since the establishment of the agency. The event had in attendance former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission), Mr Seye Oyeleye; top government functionaries, service commanders, local government chairmen, traditional rulers and religious leaders.
Oyo CSDA Funds Another 132 Micro-Projects In 66 Communities …Reiterates Makinde’s Commitment To Eradicate Out-of-school Children Syndrome(Photos)
The Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA) has disbursed funds for the implementation of another 132 micro-projects across sixty-six communities in Oyo State. This was disclosed at a training programme organized by the agency on Monday at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan, where focus was directed at project implementation procedures, aimed at bolstering resilience and economic recovery. In his keynote address, Hon. Abideen Adeaga, who is the Board Chairman of OYCSDA, expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support in approving the collaboration programme with the World Bank and the Federal Government to achieve the gains of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme in Oyo State. The NG-CARES initiative, domesticated as OYO-CARES, according to Adeaga, seeks to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable population, unemployed youths, small businesses and farmers. He highlighted the program’s significant interventions across 66 communities, marking a historical milestone in the State’s community development efforts. He also acknowledged the Governor’s recent decision to increase project funding from ₦15 million to ₦18 million due to rising costs, ensuring that community-driven micro-infrastructure projects in areas like healthcare, education, water, and erosion control are successfully completed. These efforts, according to the Chairman, are tailored towards eradicating the out-of-school children crisis by construction and renovation of schools with furniture and toilets, mitigate the effects of erosion on communities through intervention in culverts construction, as well as construction and renovation of community health centers and provision of motorized boreholes for the people in the various communities. “This gesture from our Governor for approving the disbursement of funds to sixty-six communities across the State is unprecedented, so that OYCSDA would embark on such massive micro-projects. “It is also noteworthy to State that the Governor approved the review of each Community Development Plan (CDP) from #15million to #18million, so as to take care of the economic realities of the day. “All these are tailored towards total eradication of the out-of-school children syndrome in our State, eradication of water-borne diseases and to guide against untoward occurrences caused by erosion in these communities,” he added. The General Manager of OYCSDA, Mr. Jelili Salau, emphasized the training’s dual purpose of building the capacity of CPMCs and initiating the disbursement of funds to kick-start community projects. He applauded the Governor’s foresight in approving funds for 66 concurrent projects and underscored the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders for the program’s success. The NG-CARES initiative, as stated by Salau, designed, using a Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach, empowers communities to identify, plan, implement and manage their own micro-projects, with OYCSDA ensuring quality standards, supervision, and effective financing throughout the process. Goodwill messages were delivered by the former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moroof Atilola, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Education Projects Intervention, Hon. Tiamiyu Suraju, a former Permanent Secretary and General Manager of OYCSDA, Alhaji Busari Olalekan, Engr. Abisola Adabanija, a member of the OYCSDA board, Mrs Jadesola Ajibola as well as the representative of the OYO-CARES Coordinating Unit among others.
Ibadan Rainstorm Wreaks Havoc: 2 Dead, 2 Missing, Properties Worth Millions Destroyed – NEMA [PHOTOS]
Following the heavy downpour that led to flash flood in some areas in Ibadan, Oyo state capital especially in Ibadan South-West and Oluyole Local Government areas on Tuesday, 24th September, 2024, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA says two persons were confirmed dead. NEMA Southwest Zonal coordinator, Mr Kadiri Olanrewaju disclosed this while briefing stakeholders on the effect of the downpour after an assessment tour of Ibadan South West and Oluyole local government areas. The agency in collaboration with Oyo state Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, and the Nigeria Red Cross Society carried out the on the spot assessment of the affected communities. He also disclosed that the flood disaster affected residential buildings, shops, noting that property worth millions of naira were destroyed while many persons were displaced. He said “Unfortunately, Two (2) deaths were recorded while Two (2) persons are still missing. The NEMA South West Zonal Coordinator however sympathized with the affected persons, appealing to residents to take proactive measures during raining seasons.