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Author: Dorcas Elusogbon

  • Ooni lauds SJOBA for upgrading facilities in alma mater

    Ooni lauds SJOBA for upgrading facilities in alma mater
    Road
    By Dorcas Elusogbon
    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 30,2024(NAN) The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has commended the old students of St John’s Grammar School Old Boys Association (SJOBA), Ile-Ife, for upgrading road in the school with 5,965 interlocking blocks worth N20 million.

    Ooni gave the commendation during the St. John’s Grammar School 40th Anniversary of 1979/1984 Set at the School Hall on Saturday in Ile-Ife.

    The road project which is 150 metres length and six metres wide with dual bell mouth at both ends was initiated by 1979/1984 Set.

    Oba Ogunwusi said that the history would not forget the Set’s contribution towards the growth and development of the school, adding that it has provided good example for the coming generation.

    The traditional ruler who noted that government alone cannot do it, called for the support of stakeholders towards the growth of the educational sector.

    Also, the Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, lauded the old students, despite the economic downturn in the country, for contributing towards the development of their school.

    Adefaye described the 1979/1984 Set as pacesetter, saying that their good works endear other sets to emulate them.

    Similarly, the 1979/1984 Set President, Engr. Adewuyi Adetogun, commended members’ selfless contributions towards the development of the school.

    Lauding the set, Dr Odunayo Osoba, the President of St John’s Grammar School Old Boys Association, said SJOBA would continue to set the standards for other alumni associations to follow. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)
    EDA/IKU
    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • Ooni inaugurates Ife development institutions, harps on positive transformation

     

    Ooni inaugurates Ife development institutions, harps on positive transformation

    Inauguration
    By Dorcas Elusogbon
    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 30, 2024(NAN) The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has inaugurated the Ife Development Board(IDB) and Ife Board of Trustees(IBoT) in an effort at repositioning the ancient city of Ile-Ife for growth.

    Oba Ogunwusi also inaugurated the Ife Trust Fund (ITF) at an event held on Saturday at the Royal Court of Ife, in Ile-Ife.

    The traditional ruler charged the leadership of the Ife development institutions on the need to reposition the community for positive transformation.

    According to him, the new Ife leadership arrangement is to bring all stakeholders together to enable them work together in the best interest of the community.

    “We strongly believe in the power of unity and the limitless potential that lies within our community.

    “By embracing change and taking proactive steps towards repositioning ourselves, we are paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.

    “It is my fervent belief that the journey towards transformation is never easy, but with a shared commitment to change and progress, Ile-Ife is poised to overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.

    “By working hand in hand, residents, leaders and stakeholders can create a community that thrives on inclusivity, creativity and resilience,” the traditional ruler stated.

     

    Oba Ogunwusi charged the development institutions to work together as a tripod so as to realise the Ile-Ife of their dream.

    In his reaction, Chief Alex Duduyemi, the Chairman of the Ife Board of Trustees, appreciated Ooni for chosen them at this time to work for the progress of the city.

    Duduyemi promised that members would leave no stone unturned for the growth and development of the people and the town at large.

    Also, the Chairman, Ife Trust Fund, Mr Soji Awogbade, acknowledged the efforts of Ooni toward ensuring the restoration of the lost glory of the ancient city.

    Awogbade said that members of ITF would work toward establishing an effective Trust Fund and registering it at the Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC).

    The President, Ife Development Board, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, commended Ooni for his fatherly role to ensure that Ile-Ife move forward.

    Adefaye, a former president of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and former Managing Editor/CEO of Vanguard Newspapers, said that IDB was a new vision to regenerate Ife for peace, progress and prosperity.

    The Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism(NIJ) pledged to take good care of youths and elderly as well as change the narrative of Ile-Ife. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)
    EDA/IKU
    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • OAU: ASUU protests over non-implementation of 2009 agreement by FG

    OAU: ASUU protests over non-implementation of 2009 agreement by FG

    Protest
    By Dorcas Elusogbon
    Ile-Ife(Osun), June 25, 2024(NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU), Obafemi Awolowo University(OAU) has expressed dismay over the continued refusal of the Federal Government to implement the negotiation it reached with the Union in 2009.

    The Union also expressed dissatisfaction over what it referred to as the neglect of the educational sector through undermining of the patriotic efforts of ASUU members.

    The Union made this known during a peaceful protest on Tuesday in Ile-Ife led by the OAU Branch Chairman, Prof. Anthony Odiwe.

    The Union members, during the protest, carried placards with different inscriptions as “IPPIS is a scam”, “Stop Brain Drain”, “Give proper remuneration to lecturers”, “A nation that values education is a nation that develops”, among others.

    Speaking, Odiwe said the protest was to draw the attention of Nigerians and students to the neglect of the educational sector by the government since 2009.

    According to him, there is urgent need for the funding of the Public Universities based on the FGN- ASUU MoU of 2012, 2013 and the MoA of 2017, renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and release of the unpaid salaries of members on sabbatical.

    Others include payment of promotion arrears and Earned Academic Allowance, implementation of the reports of the visitation panels, illegal dissolution of Governing Councils in Federal and State, implementation of University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) in place of IPPIS, among others.

    The chairman noted that the refusal of government to implement the agreement, even partially, led to the 2022 strike.

    “We called off the strike because of the interest for the system and our students, but instead of the government to address those issues, they stated punishing us.

    “Our seven months salary was withheld, they claimed that they have paid four months salary, but what we received was two months salary.

    “Even the third party reduction that was removed from our salary was not remitted till date,” he stated.

    The chairman begged religious leaders, traditional rulers and stakeholders to appeal to President Bola Tinubu to implement the agreement.

    Also, Dr Adeola Egbedokun, the Coordinator, Akure Zone of ASUU, lamented that efforts by the Union to meet the with the Ministers of Education and Labour on the issues proved abortive.

    He said that the Union was always ready for roundtable dialogue with the Federal Government. (NAN)
    EDA/IKU

    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • Accept N62,000 minimum wage offer, Osun Ex-Perm Sec. urges labour

    Wage
    By Dorcas Elusogbon
    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 19, 2024 (NAN) A former Permanent Secretary in Osun, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole, has urged civil servants in Nigeria to accept the N62,000 new minimum wage offered by the Federal Government.
    Kolawole, who retired as Permanent Secretary in the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), stated this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area of Osun.
    He attributed his position on the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers on the present economic downturn which, he said, was global.
    Kolawole, however, described the economic challenges as a passing phase, calling on Nigerians, particularly the civil servants, to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu on the country’s economic condition.
    He said that the civil servants should consider the N62,000 minimum wage offered by the government for now, as thing would be getting better gradually.
    The retired permanent secretary expressed the hope that prices of petroleum products would soon come down, particularly with the ongoing turn-around maintenance of the Port Harcourt Refinery and the coming on stream of Dangote Refinery.
    “Dangote Refinery has reduced diesel price from N1,600 to N1,200 per litre and has said that by July, petrol will come down to between N400 and N400 per litre.
    “We should note that the economic downturn is global, as those in foreign countries are also not having it easy.
    “So what is happening is not in Nigeria alone. It should, however, be seen as a passing phase,” he said.
    Kolawole noted that the federal government was re-jigging the system during which things might be a bit hard.
    “This is a bitter pill that Nigeria must take now and hopefully, within the next one year, things will change for better. Surely, there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
    The retired technocrat expressed confidence in the handlers of the nation’s economy, whom he described as capable hands, assuring that the things would soon turn around for better. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    EDA/CHOM/WAS
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Court remands man for allegedly stealing kitchen utensils, others

    Stealing

    By Dorcas Elusogbon

    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 11, 2024 (NAN) A 21-year-old man, Peter Olayera, was on Tuesday remanded on the order of an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing kitchen utensils and other items worth N200,000.

    The Prosecutor, ASP Abdullahi Emmanuel, had told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence sometime in April at Oja-Ife, beside Sam‘D’ filling station, Ile-Ife.

    Emmanuel alleged that the defendant conspired with others now at large to commit felony to wit shop breaking and stealing.

    He added that the defendant broke into the shop of one Anike Adebayo and stole kitchen utensils namely, 15 pieces of cooking pots; one big iron pot, iron spoons, and stainless plates.

    Other alleged stolen items include window nets, motorcycle spare parts, 50 pieces of yam tubers, electric iron and one DVD player, all with a total value of N200,000.

    The prosecutor explained that the defendant purportedly conducted himself in a manner that led to pandemonium around the area.

    He expressed that the offences contravened Sections 249(d), 390(9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The Magistrate, Abosede Sarumi, did not grant bail to the defendant but asked for a formal bail consideration application for the defendant.

    Subsequently, Sarumi ordered his remand in Ile-Ife Correctional Service and adjourned the case until July 17, for mention. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EDA/FAT/MAS
    ========

    Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi and Moses Solanke

     

     

  • Man, 19, docked for alleged cell phone theft

    Man, 19, docked for alleged cell phone theft

    Stealing
    By Dorcas Elusogbon
    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 11, 2024(NAN) A 19-year-old man, Ajao Micheal, was on Tuesday docked at an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing cell phone.

    Micheal of no fixed address, was charged with unlawful entering and stealing.

    The prosecutor, Insp Sunday Osanyintuyi, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on April 8, at about 11:00 a.m., at Obalufon Street, Ile-Ife, Osun.

    Osanyintuyi said that the defendant unlawfully entered a Bet Naija office and stole one Infinix S5 Lite phone valued at N80,000 belonging to the complainant, Hamzat Faruq.

    According to him, the offences contravene Sections 383 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty.

    The Magistrate, Abosede Sarumi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

    Sarumi said that the surety must swear to affidavit of means, resides within the court jurisdiction and the address to be verified by the prosecutor.

    She said that the surety must be a landowner within the court jurisdiction as well as present three recent passport photographs.

    The case was adjourned until July 8, for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)
    EDA/DEB/IKU
    ==============

    Edited by Debo Oshundun/Tayo Ikujuni

  • Man in court for allegedly stealing mattress

    Man in court for allegedly stealing mattress

    Mattress
    By Dorcas Elusogbon
    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 10, 2024(NAN) An 18-year-old man, Akinloye Ajala, on Monday appeared before an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing mattress worth N120,000.

    Ajala of no fixed address, was charged with unlawful entering, house breaking and stealing.

    The prosecutor, Insp Adesina Elijah told the court that the defendant committed the offences on June 8, around 5.00p.m at Sabo Area, Ile-Ife, Osun.

    Elijah said that the defendant unlawfully entered the house of the complainant, Segun Olagbaju, and stole a mattress valued at N120,000.

    According to him, the offence contravene Sections 383, 390(9) and 411 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate Abosede Sarumi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like amount.

    Sarumi said the sureties must swear to affidavit of means, resides within the court jurisdiction and their addresses to be verified with recent passport photograph attached.

    She stated further that one of the sureties must a landowner within the court jurisdiction, while second should be his blood relation.

    She said the sureties must present three years tax clearance certificate.

    The case was adjourned until July 3, for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)

    EDA/IKU
    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • Court remands 2 over alleged cultism

    Court remands 2 over alleged cultism

    Cultism

     

    By Dorcas Elusogbon

     

    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 10, 2024(NAN) An Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court on Monday, remanded a 26-year-old man, Olayinka Abiodun and Ajayi Tobiloba, 28, over alleged cultism.

     

    The Prosecutor, Insp Sunday Osanyintuyi, told the court that the defendants committed the offence sometime in Jan, at Aba-Iyagani Junction, Ile-Ife.

     

    Osanyintuyi said that the defendants conspired to commit felony to wit, cultism, unlawful possession and conduct likely and going armed.

     

    He said that the defendants paraded themselves to be members of a secret cult, the Eiye confraternity and disturbed the peace of the neighbourhood.

     

    According to him, the defendants had in their possession wraps of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp and other dangerous drugs which they were smoking.

     

    Osanyintuyi said that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner that can cause breach of the public peace, by smoking substance suspected to be weeds in the public area.

     

    The Prosecutor said that the defendants conspired to commit felony by attacking and dispersing workers at Ife City Grammar School, Ile-Ife.

     

    He stated that the defendants robbed people working on a project at Ife City Grammar School by dispossessing them  of their valuable items.

     

    Osanyintuyi explained that the offenced contravened sections: 62, 71,249(d), 401, 402, 430 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge of conspiracy, cultism, unlawful possession, breach of peace, smoking and armed robbery.

     

    The Defence Counsel, Mrs Sidikat Salawu and Mr Paul Oyeboade, pleaded for the bail of the defendants respectfully in most Liberal terms.

     

    They pledged that they would not jump bail and would provide responsible sureties.

     

    Magistrate Abosede Sarumi asked their lawyers to come with a formal application.

    Sarumi ordered for the remand of the defendants in Ile-Ife Nigeria Correctional Service pending the presentation of the formal application for their bail.

     

    She adjourned the case until July 8, for mention.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    EDA/GOM/JPE

    ==========

    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Joseph Edeh

  • Bank clerk docked over alleged N1.2m fraud

    Fraud

     

    By Dorcas Elusogbon

     

    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 6, 2024 (NAN) A 25-year-old Micro-finance Bank Clerk, Akintaro Folasade, was on Thursday arraigned in an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court for an alleged fraud of over N1.2 million.

     

    The prosecutor, Insp Adesina Elijah, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on May 28, around 9.00 a.m. at Moore Area, Ile-Ife.

     

    Elijah alleged that the defendant fraudulently converted the sum of N1,207,500, belonging to one Adesetan Ademola, to her use.

     

    According to him, the offence contravened Sections 383 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

     

    The defendant, who was not legally represented, however, pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of fraud.

     

    Magistrate Taofeek Badmus granted her bail of N1 million with two sureties each in like sum.

     

    Badmus stated the sureties must swear to affidavits of means, and reside within the court’s jurisdiction, while their addresses were to be verified by the prosecutor.

     

    He added that the sureties must produce three-year tax clearance certificates with three recent passport photographs each.

     

    Badmus said one of the sureties must pay N250,000 to the court, to be returned at the end of the trial.

     

    The defendant was remanded in Ilesa Nigerian Correctional Centre, pending the perfection of her bail.

     

    The case was, subsequently, adjourned till July 4, for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    EDA/AYO/MAS

     

    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi and Moses Solanke

     

     

  • Ooni hosts Soun, advocates for a united Yoruba nation, Nigeria

    Ooni hosts Soun, advocates for a united Yoruba nation, Nigeria

    Unity
    By Dorcas Elusogbon
    Ile-Ife (Osun), June 5, 2024(NAN) The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Wednesday played host to the newly installed Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III, calling for a united Yoruba nation and one Nigeria.

    Ooni made the call while hosting Soun of Ogbomoso in his ancient Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.

    In his welcome address, Oba Ogunwusi described Soun’s ascension to the throne of his forebears as divinely ordained.

    According to the Ooni, Ogbomoso is an ancient city in Yoruba land with immeasurable economic and historical significance.

    “I remember about six years ago when we met in the U.S. during your days as a clergyman, everyone around you testified to your uprightness and just nature.

    “These are the virtues that have given me confidence that your emergence as the Soun of Ogbomoso will be beneficial to the ancient city,” the Ooni said.

    Oba Ogunwusi advocated for unity in the country particularly in the Yoruba nation.

    He commended traditional rulers nationwide for their efforts in ensuring that the country remained united for the betterment of all.

    Earlier in his address, Oba Olaoye described the Ooni as a rallying point for all royal fathers particularly those of Yoruba origin.
    “Long before I ascended this throne, I have always admired the conduct of the Ooni and I cannot, but say that he has a lot to teach all Obas across Yoruba land.

    “I am happy to have witnessed the huge cultural displays here today because I believe this cannot be found elsewhere.

    “We have ours in Ogbomoso and your preservation of the prestigious Yoruba heritage is a motivation for us to even do more in that regard,” Oba Olaoye said.

    The traditional ruler said that he often wondered at times, “how the Ooni does everything so easily”, applauding his generosity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    EDA/KOO/IKU
    =========
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Tayo Ikujuni