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Author: Alaba-Olusola Oke

  • SWAN,NDLEA sensitise athletes on dangers of drug abuse

    SWAN,NDLEA sensitise athletes on dangers of drug abuse

    Sensitisation

    By Alaba Olusola-Oke

    Akure, June 30,2024 (NAN) Sports Writers Association Of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State chapter and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have organised a comprehensive sensitisation programme to combat drug abuse among athletes, fans and the public.

    The event, held at the indoor Sports Hall of the Ondo State Sports Complex,Akure on Sunday, brought together athletes, coaches, and stakeholders from all sports

    The sensitisation programme’s theme was: “Drug Abuse: Battling a Menace in Nigerian Sports”.

    The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, who declared the programme open, commended the organisers for putting together the event at the right time when the world was preparing for the 2024 Olympics.

    Represented  by his Special Adviser, Mr Daodu Alex, Yusuf-Ogunleye said the state government was ready to partner with stakeholders and agencies to have a drug abuse free society.

    “I admonish the convener of this event (SWAN) and its  partner to ensure they take this advocacy beyond this hall.

     

    ”Let us take it to schools so that we will be able to educate the upcoming athletes of the danger in taking performance enhancement drugs,”he said.

    The Commander of NDLEA in the state, Mr Kayode Raji, emphasised the urgent need to address the escalating issue of drug abuse within the sports community.

    “We are not here to deliver speeches; we are here to save lives.

    “Abuse of drugs has destroyed many lives, and it is no longer a distant issue but one that is now prevalent among us.

    “The consequences are limitless. Drug abuse is gradually infiltrating the sport community, and now is the time to step in and sensitise athletes about its dangers,” he said.

    Raji said that NDLEA was committed to eradicating drug abuse and providing support for those affected.

    “Preventive measures and support systems are in place, and we are dedicated to ensuring that athletes have the resources and knowledge to avoid the pitfalls of drug abuse,” he added.

    An Olympian Lawrence Adegbehingbe,who was one of the speakers at the event, said that the pressure on athletes to win was immense, driving them to use substances to meet unrealistic performance expectations.

    Adegbehingbe emphasized that sensitization on drugs should begin at home, with parents setting positive examples for their children, expressing  his gratitude to SWAN and the NDLEA for organising the event.

    In his lecture,  a senior civil servant  in the state, Mr Bunmi Akinsemola, said doping was as old as sports itself,  adding that the essence of doping was to cheat.

    “Even the ancient Olympics were not spared from the allegations of the use of herbal infusion before races, use of alcohol in modern Olympics was not uncommon,” he said.

    Earlier in his welcome address, The state Chairman of SWAN, Mr Segun Giwa, highlighted the significant threats that  drug abuse could pose to the sports industry.

    Giwa asked sports writers not to be complacent and that they should play an active role in raising awareness and educating athletes.

    He called for stronger government support and the creation of a drug-free sports culture that would value hard work, dedication, and fair play.

    “Let us all work together to create a drug-free sports culture in Nigeria. A culture that values hard work, dedication, and fair play.

     

    ”A culture that produces champions who inspire us with their talents , their character, and their integrity,” he said

    In his remarks, the Patron of SWAN in the state and Chairman of the State Badminton Association,Chief Olu Ajabaku, congratulated both  NDLEA and SWAN for organising the advocacy programme.

    Ajanaku, who likened sports to a ‘friendly war’, said,  “Sports is used to measure how healthy a nation is. The way we present ourselves as the youth of this nation goes a long way.” .

    He referred to drug abuse as ‘narco-terrorism, stating that the enemies of the country were using it to decimate the population of the youths.

    Ajanaku said as a traditional ruler, he affirmed his duty to support the NDLEA in the fight to rid society off narcotics.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OKEO/BRM

    ==============

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Aiyedatiwa orders traditional stools to register for Chieftaincy Declaration

     Aiyedatiwa orders traditional stools to register for Chieftaincy Declaration
    Stools
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Akure, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has ordered traditional stools in the state without Chieftaincy Declarations to register with the government before the end of September.
    Chieftaincy Declaration is the law that stipulates enthronement guidelines of traditional stools in each community of the state.
    Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, in a meeting on Friday with the Ondo State Council of Obas, gave the order.
    He said that as a strategy to ensure seamless transition and put at bay agitations and tussles associated with Obaship selection process, it had become imperative to take the decision.
    The governor urged chieftaincy committee  in each local government area to ensure that all traditional stools in their jurisdiction, without declaration, have one prepared and registered by the end of September.
     Aiyedatiwa, who promised to continue to prioritise the welfare of traditional rulers in the state, added that five per cent of local government allocation had  been approved for their welfare.
    In another development, the state government has warned minor chiefs in the state not to put on  traditional crowns.
    Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said “any ‘Olu’ or ‘Baale’ that put on crown, henceforth, should be ready to face the wrath of the government.”
    Takuro enjoined obas to report any minor chief in their domain that goes contrary to the directive.(NAN)
    OKEO/FAA
    ==========
    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Aiyedatiwa calls for urgency to tackle climate change

    Aiyedatiwa calls for urgency to tackle climate change
    Climate Change
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Owo (Ondo State), June 27, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has called for greater sense of urgency in combating the challenges of climate change.
    Aiyedatiwa said this on Thursday at the unveiling of two global complimentary initiatives by Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO)—RUGIPO Centre for Climate Change and Ondo Diaspora Festival—.
    The theme of the programme is “Attaining Climate Smart Ondo State and Mega Cultural Bound Revenue Generation”.
    Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Environment, Niyi Oseni, said that climate change posed various dangers to human existence, hence the need to quickly proffer solutions to the menace.
    The governor, who commended the management of RUGIPO for spearheading a cause to protect the environment, said “our collective existence is at risk unless utmost major decisions are made to address climate change.
    “This being the reality, we must collectively begin to utilise the appropriate available platforms such as the RUGIPO Centre for Climate Change and Ondo Diaspora Festival Initiative to develop workable initiatives to nip climate change in the bud.
    “Among other things, a climate smart city project requires energy efficiency support through a rapid deployment of energy efficient technologies, improved urban planning, access to climate information and financing,” he said.
    He said that the state government had made frantic efforts to combat the menace of climate change through the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency ( OSEPA).
    He said that the agency had carried out public enlightenment through aggressive campaign against climate pollution.
    According to him, people of the state are now aware and cautious of activities that can particularly trigger climate change.
    Also, the Acting Rector of RUGIPO, Mr Olorunwa Adegun, said that it would be perilous for the world to ignore implications of climate change.
    Adegun asked all all hands to be on deck in the determined bid to massively and urgently address the global challenge posed by climate change.
    He said that a tertiary institution, which is the most strategically positioned platform where solutions for societal challenges are proffered as products of research,  has key roles to play.
    The acting rector added that the attendant peril of climate change informed his resolve to establish a climate change centre in the institution.
    According to him, the centre has a full fledged potential based on the extant modalities of the United Nations.
    Adegun assured that the centre would be made consistently functional in line with global best practices and would impact positively on both its immediate and remote environment.
    He explained that the centre would develop adaptation and mitigation strategies to aid the United Nation’s development goals in its immediate environment and beyond.
    Adegun stated that the two concepts: climate change and tourism/culture, were entwined to carry out researches for huge benefits of the institution and the state.
    Dr Zainab Obadakin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Kogi,  commended the management of the institution for its initiative on climate change  and culture concepts.
    Obadakin said that through diapaora cultural enagagement, the two states could generate 1,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.
    Mr Bamidele Ajayi, Head of Administration, RUGIPO Centre for Climate Change, said that the occasion was an innovative event to change the face of the institution.
    Ajayi explained  that the centre was a timely response to address the climate change implications, saying that no one should be left out in tackling climate change considering its great menace on the human existence.
    He said that the institution through the centre was well positioned to tackle climate change.
    The director called on every well-meaning Nigerian to support the initiative and ensure that the centre was able to fulfil its objectives toward human existence.
    In his remarks, Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, said that climate change was caused by human activities, hence the need for proper orientation.
    Ogunoye, who was represented by Chief Amos Aladeseye, appreciated the institution’s initiative, saying it will go a long way in sensitising the people about climate change. (NAN)
    OKEO/FAA
    =========
    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Ondo Assembly passes N16bn OSOPADEC appropriation bill

    Ondo Assembly passes N16bn OSOPADEC appropriation bill
    Bill
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Akure, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the N16 billion Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) appropriation bill for 2024.
    The appropriation bill sent to the House of Assembly by the state governor, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, allocated  N3 billion for recurrent expenditure and N13 billion for the capital expenditure for the year.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Clerk of the House of Assembly, Mr Benjamin  Jayeola, presented the bill for third reading before its passage by the lawmakers.
    Mr Oluwatoyin Allen, APC/Ese-Odo,  who submitted a joint report of the House Committee on OSOPADEC and Committee on Finance and Appropriation, said that inputs of stakeholders were included in the report.
    Allen, who is the Chairman of the House’s Committee on OSOPADEC,  said the report asked OSOPADEC to give accelerated attention to the ongoing projects in its mandate areas.
    The committee, he said, tasked the commission not to rely solely on the 40 per cent from the 13 per cent oil derivation fund, but should be more creative and collaborate with local and international organisations in order to realise its mandate.
    According to Allen, the reports also recommends that the commission should as a matter of urgency carry out a critical assessment of all vehicles in its pool with a view to auction unserviceable ones.
    He added that there was need for the commission to train and retrain its staff for optimal  performance to enhance higher productivity.
    Allen read the reporting urging the House of the Assembly to approve the appropriation bill.
    The Acting Majority Leader, Mr Moyinolorun Ogunmolasuyi,APC/Ondo West 1, moved the motion for the bill to be approved and Mr Tope Agbolu PDP / Akoko South West 2 supported the motion.
    Speaking on the bill, Chief Olamide Oladiji, the Speaker of the House of the Assembly, said that the bill when assented by the governor would facilitate the growth and development of the state.
    Oladiji added that the bill would in no doubt  address the sea incursion affecting the economic activities and lives of people of the oil producing areas.
    According to him, the implementation of the budget will enhance infrastructure and strengthen the security architecture in the state.
    He urged the board and management of OSOPADEC to strictly implement the budget  when signed into law by the state governor  for the overall interest of people of the mandate area.
    The speaker commended the state governor for initiating policies and programmes to enhance the welfare of people of the state. (NAN)
    OKEO/AOS
    ===========
    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • Octogenarian, others arraigned over alleged malicious damage, threat to life

    Arraignment
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Akure, June 24, 2024 (NAN) An octogenarian, Idowu Akomolafe, and two others were on Monday arraigned before an Akure Magistrates’ Court over alleged malicious damage and threat to life.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other two defendants were: Tope Williams, 45 and Ismaila Yinusa, 26.
    The Police Prosecutor, Insp Martins Olowofeso, told the court that the defendants and others at large, on May 22 at Elemo/Igoba community in Akure, conspired to commit misdemeanour to wit: forcible entry, malicious damage and threat to life.
    Olowofeso said that the trio conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace and apprehension.
    He said that they unlawfully encroached into the peaceful abode of one Prophet Abiodun Olofe and maliciously caused damage to the perimeter fence of the place, valued at N1.2 million.
    Olowofeso said that the offences contravened Section 517 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. I, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
    Though the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, the prosecutor asked the court to remand them in a correctional facility, pending the filing of notice of hearing.
    The Magistrate, Mr Damilola Sekoni, however, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N300,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
    Sekoni, thereafter, adjourned the case till Aug. 7, for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    OKEO/KOO/WAS
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Ondo lawmaker donates N7.5m grant to small scale entrepreneurs

    Ondo  lawmaker donates N7.5m grants to small scale businesses

    Grants
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Ondo (Ondo State), June 21, 2024 (NAN) A lawmaker, representing the Ondo West Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly, Mr Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, has donated N7.5 million as grants to small scale businesses in his constituency.
    Ogunwumiju, who presented the grants to beneficiaries, on Friday in Ondo, said that the gesture was to enhance local economic growth in the constituency.
    “This is just the one which we have decided to make public.
    “In the last one year I have provided at least N10 million as economic assistance to my constituents.
    “Today, I will continue this commitment by empowering small-scale business owners within our constituency with cash grants of N7.5 million.
    “It is worthy of note that I’m doing this personally. This is not government money,” he said.
    The lawmaker explained that because of the economic hardship in the country, he had engaged in different empowerment programmes including distributing cooking gas to 500 constituents.
    The lawmaker said that the assistance in different measures was to help the very poor in the constituency, tasking them to use the investment in their vocations and skills to improve their wellbeing.
    “In these challenging times, it is crucial for us to look inwards and become more enterprising.
    “By engaging in farming, herding, carpentry, and other trades, we can reduce our dependency and retain more wealth within our local economy.
    “ This will ensure that our hard-earned money circulates within our community, benefiting us all,” he urged.
    Ogunwumiju said that one of his major legislative achievements in the last one year was presentation of the Anti-Land Grabbing Bill to tackle cases of forceful dispossession of owners of their land.
    The lawmaker also said that he had influenced and lobbied specific road projects into the 2024 budget of the state that would be of great benefit to  Ondo town.
    “As the chairman of the House Standing Committee on Works, I was instrumental in calling the government’s attention to the dilapidated Owena/Akure road, which prompted the intervention of the Ministry of Works Direct Labor Department.
    “As a result, the road was rehabilitated within the agreed time frame,” he said.
    Ogunwumiju solicited the continued support of his constituent to enable him extend the dividend of democracy to them.
    The lawmaker, who also inaugurated  his Constituency Office, said that the office would improve communication, accessibility, and service delivery to the people of the constituency.
    “This office will serve as a vital hub for addressing your needs and concerns, ensuring that your voices are heard and your issues promptly attended to,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    OKEO/AOS
    ==========
    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • Court nullifies creation of 33 LCDAs by late Akeredolu

    Court nullifies creation of 33 LCDAs by late Akeredolu

    Nullification
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Akure, June 20,2024( NAN) The Ondo State  High Court in Akure on Thursday nullified  the 33 Local Government Development Areas (LCDAs) created by late Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
    Delivering judgment,  Justice A.O Adebusuoye, described the LCDAs as inchoate and not lawfully created.

    The court held that it was illegal for a governor to sign a law outside the state.

    The court added  that the Local Government Creation Law 2023 signed by late Akeredolu in Ibadan, outside the state ,was unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.

    The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that Akeredolu had on Sept.  9, 2023 assented to the bill creating 33 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs in the state.

    The bill for the creation of the LCDAs was   presented to the late governor by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Oladiji Olamide, during a  ceremony at the governor’s residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.(NAN)
    OKEO/SH

    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Appeal Court affirms Adediwura as Obalufe, overturns lower court’s verdict

    Appeal Court affirms Adediwura as Obalufe, overturns lower court’s verdict
    Judgment
    Akure, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Court of Appeal, Akure Division, on Wednesday, overturned the verdict of an Osun State High Court which affirmed Prince Abayomi Olubuji of Aga ruling house as the Obalufe of Ile-Ife.
    Obalufe is the second in Command to Ooni of Ile Ife.
    Justice Yusuf Bashir, who delivered the judgment of the panel of justices, said that the matter, which he described as hostile, should have been commenced  by writ of summon and not by originating summon.
    He said that the form of commencement of the case in the lower court was wrong.
    According to the judge, the trial court ought not to have assumed jurisdiction over the matter without asking the parties to file pleadings.
    He said that the lower court gave judgment based on assumptions without going into the details of the matter.
    Bashir, therefore, struck out the verdict of thr lower court and declared Oba Idowu Olaniyi Adediwura, as the Obalufe of Ile Ife.
    Reacting to the verdict, Mr Abdulkadir Orire, the lead counsel for the appeallants, said that the appeallants approached the court having found error in the lower court’s ruling.
    Orire said that the appeallants were ready if the respondent wanted to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court.
    In his remarks, Mr Edmund Biri-Omoni, the respondent’s counsel, said that he would consult his clients to know the next line of action.
    Also speaking to newsmen, Oba Idowu Olaniyi Adediwura, the validated Obalufe, appreciated God for the victory.
    He said that the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, had made several efforts to settle the matter between the two parties without any result.
    Oba Adediwura said that he would extend a hand of fellowship to the respondent and ensure peace reign in Ile Ife.
    ” I have nothing to do than to draw them closer. They are still my brothers and sisters,” he said.
    The respondent, Prince Abayomi Olubuji,  is from Aga Ruling House while Adediwura is from Ajagbusi Ruling House.( NAN)
    OKEO/AOS
    =========
    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • AAUA student found dead after church vigil

    AAUA student found dead after church  vigil
    Death
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Akure, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Miss Modupe Ayandare, a student of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), has been found dead on Monday after attending a church vigil.
    The death of Ayandare, who is of the Department of Agronomy, was made known by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institution.
    “We express in strong terms our dissatisfaction and agony with respect to the death of one of our students, Miss Modupe Ayandare of the Department of Agronomy.
    “According to report, the deceased was said to have committed suicide in the early hours of today at about 4:00 a.m.  after she returned from a vigil in her church.
    “The incident happened beside the church she attended, around Spotless Villa.
    “The law enforcement agency have been informed already, and all hands are on deck to get to the root of the situation.
    “Be assured that justice will be served and the law enforcement agency will undertake thorough investigation,” Mr Emmanuel Olaogbebikan, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the SUG, stated.
    He asked anybody with useful information regarding the incident to give to the concerned authorities to come forward.
    Also mourning the passage of the student, the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS), AAUA Chapter, said the loss deeply affected the department.
    Mr Faith Igba, the PRO of the department, said the demise of Ayandare  was a profound loss to the department.
    Igba urged the members of the department to come together and be of help to one another, asking those going through challenges to seek help.
    “During this difficult time, we urge everyone to come together in each other’s support. The mental well-being of our members is of utmost importance, and we encourage anyone who may be struggling to seek help.
    “Our faculty offers counselling services, and we are here to support you in any way we can.
    “Please join me in extending our deepest condolences to Comrade Modupe’s family, friends and colleagues.
    “Let us honour her memory by fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for all,” he said.
    Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the death of Ayandare, Mr Victor Akinpelumi, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, said that the institution had confirmed the incident but was yet to know the cause of the death.
    Akinpelumi, who sympathised with the family of the deceased, told NAN that the institution would make an official statement to the public as regards the death later. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    OKEO/COF
    ===========
    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • We have structures to combat cholera outbreak in Ondo – Commissioner

    We have structures to combat cholera outbreak in Ondo – Commissioner
    Cholera
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Akure, June  17, 2024 (NAN) The Ondo State Commissioner  for Health, Dr Banji  Ajaka, said the state has activated its surveillance for immediate response to any case of cholera outbreak in the state.
    Speaking to journalists on Monday in Akure, Ajaka  said two cases had been reported in Okitipupa Local Government Area in the state, of which he said, had been curtailed by the Rapid Response Team of the state
    He said that the state had strengthened the Rapid Response Team which included Primary Health Care (PHC) coordinators , lab focal persons, disease surveillance officers across the three senatorial districts of the state.
    “The surveillance team was also strengthened  with community informants and contact tracers trained and placed on stipends for eight months.
    “They have been deployed for active case search in preparation for any reported cholera outbreak,” he said.
    The commissioner explained that an emergency preparedness committee would  be put in place to work on issues such as provision of potable water, sanitation, strengthening of the health institutions and other relevant sectors.
    According to him, there is a collaborative efforts between all the agencies in the health sector and Ministries of  Environment, Agriculture, information, Water Resources and Waste Management Agency.
    He also mentioned that an incident management system would be set up  which would  facilitate case detection, isolation and treatment of cases including complications.
    Ajaka assured that government would  play its part by sensitising and creating  awareness in the mass media and also  through community engagement.
    He appealed to citizens to maintain a high level of personal and food hygiene, and report promptly to the nearest hospital any case of diarrhoea and vomiting.
    Cholera is a bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration, with the symptoms to include: diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration, amongst others. (NAN)
    OKEO/KOLE/VIV
    =============
    Edited by Remi Koleoso/Vivian Ihechu