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Author: Joy Akinsanya

  • 35 Artillery Brigade wins 2024 Inter-Brigade competition

    35 Artillery Brigade wins 2024 Inter-Brigade competition

    Competition

    By Joy Akinsanya

    Abeokuta, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army on Friday emerged winner in the Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-commissioned Officers Competition 2024.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long competition was held at Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, Ogun, among four formations under 81 Division Nigerian Army.

    The 81 Division Garrison of Nigerian Army came second, followed by 45 Engineering Brigade while 9 Brigade came fourth.

    In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Usman, commended the participants for their performances, urging them to maintain their physical fitness and improve their skills.

    Usman, represented by the Division Training Officer, Brig.-Gen. Oluwole Davies,  noted that the competition was aimed to promote junior leadership traits, organisational ability, and initiative among the officers.

    He hinted that the winners would represent the division at the Nigerian Army-level competitions.

    He also appreciated the Chief of Army Staff , Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for his support toward the success of the competition.

    “Please note that those of you that performed well in this competition will be privileged to represent our Division at Nigerian Army level organised competitions.

    “It is, therefore, important that your level of physical fitness is maintained and improved at all times.

    “I have watched with great admiration the combat proficiency, endurance and team spirit exhibited by the obstacle crossing teams of the various formations. This indeed exemplifies our comradeship and togetherness.

    “It is also necessary to mention that the participants have also shown greater skills in weapon handling and map reading during the competition.

    The four events of the competition included Map Reading, Weapon Handling, Combat Swimming and Obstacle Crossing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IOJ/FAA

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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Housewife remanded for alleged self kidnap

    Housewife remanded for alleged self-kidnap

    Remand

    By Joy Akinsanya

    Abeokuta, June 28, 2024 (NAN) An Abeokuta Magistrates Court on Friday remanded a 32-year-woman Rahmat Abdulateef for allegedly arranging kidnap for herself with the purpose of extracting money from her husband.

    The defendant, whose plea was not taken by the court, was arraigned on a one- count charge of self-kidnapping.

    The Police counsel, Insp Adekunle Opayemi told the court that the defendant committed the offence on June 20 at about 2:42p.m. at Elite road in Abeokuta.

    According to the counsel, the defendant arranged for herself to be kidnapped in order to extort money from her husband, Mr Ogunbummi Lateef.

    Opayemi said that the offence committed contravened section 27 of the Prohibition of forcible occupation of landed properties, armed robbery, kidnapping cultism and other anti-violence and related offence laws of Ogun 2016.

    The Magistrate, Mrs O.O Odumosun ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison for 60 days pending legal advice from the department of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

    She, however, adjourned the case until Sept.19 for mention.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

    IOJ/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Scavenger bags one-year in prison for stealing cooking pots

     

    Stealing
    By Joy Akinsanya
    Abeokuta, June, 28, 2024 (NAN) An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Isabo on Friday sentenced a 38-year-old man, Saheed Adisa, to one year imprisonment for stealing cooking pots.

    The defendant, who resides at No 25 Yemidire Street, Sabo area in Abeokuta pleaded not guilty to the one count charge of stealing

    The Magistrate, Mrs V.B Williams, noted that the prosecution counsel had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, adding that the convict was guilty as charged.

    She however, sentenced Adisa to one year in prison for the first count as well as the second count respectively without option of fine.

    She added that the sentence should run concurrently

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on May 30 at about 4:30pm at Japo Oke-Odo in Adigbe area in Abeokuta.

    Lawrence explained that the convict who is scavenger entered into the compound of two persons and stole their pots.

    He said the defendant entered into the compound of one Mr Shakirudeen Durowoju and gained entrance through the window to where the pots were kept.

    He added that the convict stole the aluminum pots worth N35,000.

    “The convict also entered into the house of one Mr Femi Adesoji and stole one cooking pots worth N10,000

    “He was caught by one of the complainants, Durowoju, who saw the convict around his compound and asked him what he was looking for, but he could not give a satificatory answer, which made him to search the convict sack he was holding.

    “On Opening the sack, the complainant Durowoju found his pots in the sack and other pots which he later confessed he stole the pots from different houses”he said

    The prosecutor, however, said the offence contravened section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun 2006. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IOJ/MNA

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Maureen Atuonwu

  • Cholera outbreak: Ogun assembly calls for inter-government collaboration

    Collaboration

    By Joy Akinsanya

    Abeokuta, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The House of Assembly in Ogun on Tuesday urged relevant government agencies to collaborate with local governments for proactive measures in containing the spread of cholera in the state.

    The House’s members, led by the Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide (APC-Odeda), made the call during plenary held at Room 215 of the Assembly Complex in Abeokuta.

    Elemide, while speaking, also commended the state government for its prompt intervention through the purchase of necessary protective kits meant for the prevention of the spread.

    He solicited the collaboration of relevant agencies and the Department of Public Health and Sanitation at the local government level.

    Earlier, Wahab Haruna (APC-Yewa North I) had underscored the need to enforce compliance with public health precautions and promotion of hygiene by private food vendors to save the citizens.

    Haruna who is Chairman, House Committee on Health, also explained the need for residents to take necessary precautions to halt the spread of the disease.

    Contributing, Adegoke Adeyanju (APC-Yewa North II) sought more awareness and intervention from the government in order the curb the spread of the disease at the grassroots.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the House is temporarily using Room 215 in view of ongoing renovation of the Assembly chamber.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IOJ/OLAL

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    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • Army kicks off 2024 Inter-Brigade competition in Ogun

    Competition

    By Joy Akinsanya
    Abeokuta, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The General Officer Commanding (GOC),  81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Usman, on Monday, declared open the 81 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition 2024.
    Speaking during the opening ceremony at the Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, Usman noted that the competition was aimed at promoting unity among troops.
    He added that the event was put together to improve leadership traits and organisational ability.

    He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for providing enabling environment, while assuring him of the division’s commitment to executing all Nigerian Army Training Directives.
    The GOC  urged participants to abide by the rules and exhibit sportsmanship, emphasising the importance of training in achieving military professionalism.
    ” The competition will run for four days, and it is expected to be a hitch-free event.
    “The competition will promote spirit-de-corps among troops.
    “Toward this end, some events have been outlined to test competing formations within the division.
    “Some of these events which will be rigorously competed for include Map Reading, Combat Swimming, Obstacle Crossing and Weapon Handling/Range Classification,” he said.

    Usman reminded the contestants that globally, training had remained a fundamental precursor for every battle winning army.

    ” This is premised on the fact that troops performance in peace and war is a direct result of the qualities of their training. Also, training remains a veritable tool for enhanced military professionalism,” he said.
    In his remarks, the Commander,  35 Artillery Brigade Alamala, Brig.-Gen. Muhammad Aminu, emphasised the importance of sportsmanship, urging participants to abide by the rules and regulations guiding the competition.
    “I enjoin you all to abide by all the rules and regulations guiding the competitions and exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship.
    “I want you all to put in your best and compete in the best way you can.
    “However, you should be mindful of your safety and safety of your colleagues throughout the period of the competition,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IOJ/CHOM/JNC
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Ogun Govt. vows to maintain hygienic meat handling practices

    Ogun Govt. vows to maintain hygienic meat handling practices

    Hygiene

    By Joy Akinsanya
    Ijebu-Igbo (Ogun State), June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun Government on Friday  vowed to ensure hygienic meat handling practices in abattoirs and enforce strict regulations to safeguard public health.

    Mr Bolu Owotomo, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, made the pledge during a visit to resolve the issue arising from the sealing of Funmodara Slaughter Slab at Ijebu-Igbo by Veterinary Public Health Enforcement Team.

    He said “this development is to boost consumers’ confidence in the meat industry and ensure a safe and healthy food supply chain.

    “Our government is determined to improve sanitation and hygiene in the meat industry, and also guarantee the consumption of wholesome meat.”

    He explained that the move was part of efforts to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases and ensure the safety of meat products in the state.

    He warned abattoir operators to adhere to strict guidelines or face penalties.

    While emphasising commitment to protecting the well-being of citizens, the commissioner urged butchers to support and cooperate with government, for improved services in the slaughter slabs.

    The Director of Veterinary services, Dr Taiwo Jolaoso, also enjoined butchers to cooperate with veterinary officials and ensure only healthy animals were slaughtered for consumption.

    Responding on behalf of the butchers, the Chairman of the Slab, Alhaji Musa Abesin, commended the commissioner for intervening and for ordering the re-opening of the abattoir.

    He said “we really appreciate your presence and your prompt response on this issue, we also give you our promise to cooperate with government to improve the slabs.

    “We are also appealing for rehabilitation of the road leading to the abattoir and provision of necessary amenities to make the abattoir conducive.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IOJ/HA

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Man, 25, bags 1 year in prison for stealing N1000 food items

    Man, 25, bags 1 year in prison for stealing N1000 food items

    Stealing
    By Joy Akinsanya
    Abeokuta, June 21, 2024 (NAN) An Abeokuta Magistrates’ court in Isabo, on Friday, sentenced one Kazeem Salami, 25, to one year imprisonment for stealing food items worth N1000.

    The Magistrate Mrs V.B. Williams said that the prosecution had proved it’s case beyond reasonable doubt, adding that the convict was guilty as charged.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convict had at his arraignment pleaded not guilty.

    Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on March 5.

    He said that the offence was committed at 3:00a.m., at Duroja Street in Ake village via Laderin in Abeokuta.

    The prosecutor explained that the convict was noticed by residents of the community loitering around the community, which caused some  suspicion.

    He said that when the convict was accosted and interrogated, by security officers in the community, he could not give a satisfactory account of where he was going to in the community

    According to him, the convict could also not give account of where he got the yam flour, palm oil and other food items in his possession, all worth N1000.

    The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun 2006.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IOJ/AOS

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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • Court remands woman for allegedly inserting firewood into 12- year-old girl private part

     

    Remand

    By Joy Akinsanya

    Abeokuta, June, 19, 2024 (NAN) An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court sitting in Isabo, on Wednesday, remanded a 25-year-old woman for allegedly causing grievous harm to a 12-year -old girl by inserting a piece of burning firewood into her private part.

    The defendant, who resides at No 6 Isewo Dotin, in Obada-Oko area in Abeokuta, is facing a one-count charge of causing grievous harm.

    The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge and begged for the court’s forgiveness.

    The Magistrate, Mrs B.V William, ordered her remand in a correctional facility and asked the Prosecution to duplicate and send the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.

    William adjourned the case until June 26 for mention.

    Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Insp Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on June 11, at No 6, Isewo Dotin in Obada area

    He alleged that the defendant, being the victim’s guardian, inserted a burning firewood into her private part over alleged theft of beverages valued at N650.

    He told the court that the offence contravened Sections 316 and 319 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun 2006. (NAN)(nannews.ng)
    IOJ/ KOO/MNA
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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Maureen Atuonwu

  • FG to list Ojude Oba as UNESCO approved festival

    FG to list Ojude Oba as UNESCO approved festival

    Festival

    By Joy Akinsanya

    Abeokuta, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says it has plans to list the annual Ojude Oba Festival as one of the festivals backed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

    The Minister of Culture, Arts and Creative Economy,  Hannatu Musa- Musawa, said this on Tuesday, at the 2024 edition of the festival at Awujale’s pavilion, Ijebu-Ode.

    The festival has as its theme “Ojude Oba: Unity and Harmony, Our Gift”.

    The minister, represented by the Director of Cultural Agencies and Heritage, Dr Ben Ugo Anama, noted that the annual festival was in tune with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    She said the mandate of the ministry was to make revenue generation from tourism to be over $100 billion by 2030.

    The minister described the annual festival as a platform for fostering the unity of the country as well as one of the country’s tourism potentialities.

    Musa- Musawa said it could be tapped into to diversify the economy from oil and generate more resources in the nation.

    She noted that in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry would always collaborate with stakeholders to promote, preserve and protect the rich cultural heritage of our nation.

    The minister added that the ministry would ensure it reached its enviable height according to the vision for the ministry tagged “Destination 2030”.

    “This vision considers the potentialities in arts, culture and creative economy, in terms of its ability to create economic expansion.

    “Our ambitious goals are predicated on this drive, which is capable of yielding billions and increase the Gross Domestic Product by year 2030,” she said.

    She said that the Presidential Renewed Hope Agenda, especially for the ministry demonstrated unwavering commitment to diversify the economy and move away from the country’s over dependence on oil revenue.

    Musa-Musawa rejoiced with the sons and daughters of Ijebuland over the success of the festival and the good image it had given the country over the years.

    She said that she had observed that the festival had not received any elements of UNESCO approval as one of its approved festivals.

    The Minister said that the status of a festival like Ojude-Oba, with its profound impact on the tourism sector, deserved to be listed by the international body.

    She, however, vowed to activate all the processes to get this done without further delay.

    Also Speaking at the event, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, hailed Ojude-Oba and described it as a festival that had given Ijebuland and the people of Ogun a distinct identity.

    Abiodun said that the festival had also become a catalyst for the development of Ijebuland and this underscored the essence of preserving the rich cultural heritage.

    The governor, while rejoicing with the sons and daughters of Ijebuland over this year’s celebration, promised to partner with the Federal Government to develop the festival and make it a global tourist attraction and destination.

    He added that the theme of the celebration was quite apt, as unity and harmony remained the bedrock of any thriving society.

    He called for a more united force to lift the country out of its present woes.

    NAN reports that the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the chief host of the event, was also on seat to receive over 100 age grade groups of males and females (Regberegbes), decked in attractive and impressive attire.

    They came around to pay annual homage to the traditional ruler.

    The horse riders, who were from the warrior families in Ijebuland, were also on hand to thrill the fun seekers to various acrobatic displays with their horses. (NAN)(nannews.ng)
    IOJ/DE/IFY

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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ifeyinwa Omowole

  • Man, 24, jailed 6 months for allegedly stealing canned beer, drinks

    Man, 24, jailed 6 months for stealing canned beer, drinks

    Stealing

    By Joy Akinsanya

    Abeokuta, June 14, 2024 (NAN) An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Friday sentenced a 24-year-old man, Wisdom Emmanuel, to six months imprisonment for stealing canned beer and other soft drinks valued N216,000.

    The convict, whose address was not provided, was convicted on a one-count charge of stealing.

    The Magistrate, Mrs B.V Williams held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, while the defendant was guilty as charged.

    She, however, sentenced Emmanuel to six months imprisonment without an option of fine.

    Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp.Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on May. 18 at about 2:30am at No 2 Olubara Road Housing Estate, Ibara in Abeokuta.

    Olu-Balogun said that the convicts broke into the shop of one Mrs Taiwo Olayinka and stole different brands of can drinks, and cartons of Indomie

    “Emmanuel entered the shop of the complainant at mid-night and stole one pack of canned Guinness valued N12,000, 12 pieces of Lord’s dry gin valued N18000, 12 pieces of canned Bullet valued N24,000.

    “He also stole eight cartons of Indomie valued N64,000, five packs of Maltina valued N20,000, six pieces of Five Alive valued N18,000, six pieces of 33 canned beer valued N5000.

    “12 pieces of Goldberg valued N12,000, twelve pieces of Legend Stout valued N12,000, two pieces of Coca-Cola valued N700, and a cash sum of N20,000 all valued N216,000,” he said.

    He further explained that the convict was caught by the patrol team of the police, while some of the stolen items were recovered from him.

    The prosecutor, however, said the offence contravened sections 383 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun 2006. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IOJ/AYO/MNA

    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Maureen Atuonwu