Author: DAILY DIGEST

By Sunday James

Protesters, under the auspices of Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups, yesterday, stormed headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, calling for the termination of a multimillion Dollars pipeline contract awarded to former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo).

The demonstrators comprising coalition of 225 youth groups in the North warned they would paralyse activities at NNPC headquarters if the contract was not revoked within seven days.

The protesters brandished banners with inscriptions: “How can a fugitive be in charge of national assets’, ‘Chief of Defence Staff militarising other zones but romancing Niger Delta militants’, ‘revoke the pipeline contract now’, among others.

Spokesperson for the groups, Victor Duniya, said implication of the contract was that a private citizen like Tompolo would be allowed to handle not just light but sophisticated weapons to be able to ward off possible attacks from vicious oil bunkering cartels.

The Federal Government had reportedly renewed a multi-million Dollars pipeline surveillance contract to Tompolo, who was Commander of the defunct Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND).

According to Duniya, the development was coming at a time the North has been bleeding profusely due to activities of terrorist while youths were not allowed to get weapons to defend themselves and their communities.

He therefore called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mele Kyari and Group Executive Director, Upstream, Adokiye Tombomelye, over the roles they played in the contract procedures.

“We are aware that Tomopolo and his boys are major beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), wherein the Federal Government under the leadership of the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua extended same to the restive youths of the Niger Delta.

“Till date, supposed ex-agitators are being sponsored to world-class universities, others are being trained to acquire skills, while those with established businesses are constantly being empowered”, he stressed.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday, sworn in seven new commissioners and a deputy Chief of Staff, charging the new appointees to efficiently utilize resources in their care towards ensuring the realization of the ISEYA mantra of the present administration in the state.

At the swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, also charged the new appointees to always be conscious of the fact that the responsibility of taking the state to an unprecedented height now rest on their shoulders.

He further admonished them to be accountable to the people, and ensure that they remain connected to them as worthy ambassadors of the present administration’s policy of inclusiveness.

The governor noted that the new appointees should also efficiently integrate their visions into the present administration’s approaches to governance and focus on the pillars of ISEYA, adding that their various actions should help the state to blossom.

“Both the old and the new members of the state executive council should ensure that the resources of the state put in their care are efficiently utilized, you should always be conscious of the fact that the responsibility of taking our dear state to an unprecedented height now rests squarely on your shoulder.

“You must understand the fact that you are henceforth accountable to the people, you must remain connected to them as a worthy ambassadors of our administration’s policy of inclusiveness, fairness, accountability, transparency, equity, Justice and obedience to the rule of law.

“Your action and performance should sternly help our state to blossom, grow well and make our people thrive, these appointments are therefore a call to service”. The governor stated.

He, however, thanked the Ogun State House of Assembly for the comprehensive background check and timely approval of the nominees.

Responding on behalf of the new appointees, Mrs. Adeyinka Ilori-Oduntan, while acknowledging the governor for the opportunity to serve the people of the state, affirmed their commitment towards the success of the present administration in the state.

The new commissioners sworn in at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Oke – Mosan, Abeokuta, are Oludotun Taiwo (Forestry); Ganiyu Hamzat (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs); Mrs. Motunrayo Adeleye -Oladapo (Culture and Tourism); Mr. Oladimeji Oresanya (Environment); Mrs. Olufemi Ilori Oduntan (Special Duties and Inter -Governmental Affairs); Hon. Abayomi Hunye (Community Development and Cooperatives) and Mr. Jamiu Odetoogun (Rural Development), while the former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo is the new Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor.

By Jackson Amodu

Transatlantic Leadership Forum Organization, USA Inc., a non-governmental and non-profit organization based in the United States of America has nominated some prominent Nigerians living in Nigeria and the Diaspora for awards for good leadership.

TALF, as an organization is interested in good corporate governance with impact; socio-economic and political leadership in Nigeria and the world.

The award investiture, according to our source will be held at Marriot Hotel, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA on September 8, 2022.

By Bisade Ojoye

The composition of the Media and Communication Directorate of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu-Kashim Shettima campaign has been announced.

According to a release signed by Bayo Onanuga
Director, Media & Publicity, the directorate, approved by the presidential candidate is made up of three departments namely: Public Affairs, Media and Publicity and Strategic Communication.

In the approved directorate, Bayo Onanuga, the Managing Director of The News/PMNews and former Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria, will continue his role as Director of Media and Publicity.

Dele Alake, a former commissioner of information and veteran editor will serve as Director of Strategic Communication. He served in this role for the Buhari campaign in 2014-15.

Minister of state for Labour, Festus Keyamo will continue his role as spokesman of the campaign as Director of Public Affairs.

The Directorate will also have six deputy directors that include Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Deputy Director, Communication Strategy, Hannatu Musawa, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Kehinde Bamigbetan, Deputy Director, Media relations.

Mallam Modibbo Kawu will be Deputy Director of Media and Publicity, while Mohammed Bulama will be in charge of multi-media. Seun Olufemi-White will be the deputy director New Media.

The tripodal arrangement, the first in a presidential campaign, has a line of other assistant directors and senior officials, representing the nation’s various regions with job specifications spelt out.

The campaign structure will also soon unveil representatives and spokesmen in all the states of the federation.

By Olamide Yinusa

Ogun has again emerged as the overall best-performing State and exhibitor at the just concluded 15th edition International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo, in Abuja.

It would be recalled that the State bagged the first position with several awards won at the 14th edition of the Expo last year.

The closing and award ceremony of the 3-day Expo, held between 18th to 20th August, themed “Networking Nigerian Crafts to the World”, conferred the State awards as the overall best performing, Best Product Design in Pavillion, Textiles, Fabric and Fashion, Metal and Brass Works, the most enterprising exhibitor and special award for State Day.

The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe in his remarks said the Expo participation drawn from 36 States of the federation and countries across the world had 11 States and over 26 countries in attendance.

Runsewe said the expo avails various opportunities for trade and investment, promoting greater integration and synergy between players in the sector to boost economic and social development, as well as provide platforms for entrepreneurs to showcase their goods
and services.

The Director General stated further that INAC promotes peace, social integration, national unity and international cultural diplomacy through appropriate synergy with members of the diplomatic communities in Nigeria.

Speaking after receiving the award, Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr Olusegun Olaotan, stated that the State would always remain at the fore burner in setting the pace in culture with innovations being introduced by Prince Dapo Abiodun’s administration.

Olaotan disclosed that the innovative acumen of the governor in E-marketing and promotion of Adire fabric has helped the economic status and foreign investment opportunity as well as enabled small and medium-scale enterprises to grow their businesses in Ogun State.

The Permanent Secretary, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Abiodun for his support in the cultural sector of the State pledging that the Ministry would not rest on its oars in the Cultural Sector in achieving the Building Our Future Together mantra.

Lagos State bagged the 2nd position, while Kastina, Bauchi States and the Federal Capital Territory took the third position.

By Tolulope Odugbemi

Ogun State Government has paid another N500m for the quarterly payment of gratuity to both State and Local Government pensioners, in fulfillment of its resolve to ensure a viable and pleasurable life for senior citizens

The Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Mrs. Olubukola Adeniregun who made this known to newsmen in her office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, assured that the present administration would continue to make life more meaningful for the aged.

Adeniregun noted that the State government paid a sum of N500m for the first quarter of the year in April 2022 to the pensioners, lauding Prince Abiodun for the regular disbursement of gratuity and payment of monthly pensions.

She appreciated the pensioners for their patience, understanding, and support to the present administration.

By William Adeyemi

Nigeria’s U20 girls, Falconets set a World Cup group stage perfect record for themselves after beating Canada 3-1 Thursday morning in Alajuela to finish with a perfect nine points out of Group C.

The Falconets did exactly what their Head Coach promised before the match. Chris Danjuma Musa had said before the encounter that his girls would seek to win even as a quarter-final ticket was already in the bag, in order to sustain their winning mentality following hard-fought victories over France and Korea Republic.

Africa’s best team conceded their first goal of the competition in an accidental manner, following goalkeeper Omini Oyono’s poor management of a backpass from Jumoke Alani that gave Kala Novak a goal in less than two minutes.

Reacting to that Coach Musa said, “It was great for us to come back from that setback, and also conceding first in the tournament. We showed character and spirit, and that would be huge for us going forward in the competition”.

Midfield impresario Esther Onyenezide, whose vicious curling shot earned all three points against Korea Republic that earned a place for the Falconets in the last eight on Monday morning, scored from the penalty spot in the 24th minute to pull the Falconets level. Defender Mia Pante had handled the ball from a Blessing Okpe shot in the box.

The Falconets looked composed and surefooted in the middle with the return of Deborah Abiodun, who sat out the encounter with the Koreans, and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu also played an inspired game after starting for the first time in the tournament. Her firm header from a Blessing Okpe cross in the 15th minute missed narrowly.

Onyenezide shot Nigeria ahead, also from the spot, in the 32nd minute, after Simi Awujo’s dangerous play against Mercy Idoko, as the latter went for a header from Rofiat Imuran’s inswinger, was penalized.

In the added time of first period, Idoko came close to scoring her first goal of the tournament, but her touch from another Imuran inswinger kissed the upright.

In the second half, the Falconets added pace and brilliant use of space to their game, and it was no surprise when Imuran, again with a visionary cross, set up substitute Chioma Olise for Nigeria’s third goal.

Their imperial campaign in the group stage earned the Falconets a quarter-final date with The Netherlands in Alajuela on Monday at 1:00 Am (Nigeria time).

By Olufemilade Oyinade

Ogun State Government says leaders of Community Development Councils and Associations will henceforth be involved in decision making, especially on the siting and execution of projects in their various communities.

The state governor, Dapo Abiodun stated on Tuesday in an interactive meeting with leaders of Community Development Councils and Associations in all the 20 Local Government Area in his office at Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.

The governor who intimated the community leaders of what his administration has done in the past three years, said efforts were geared towards providing a secured environment for Investments to thrive, reviving the agriculture and education sectors as well as providing critical infrastructure such as good road network and affordable houses for the people.

“Our mission was to provide a focused government and this was informed by our geographical location. We have borders with the biggest economy in Nigeria and the fifth largest in Africa, and an international border with Benin Republic. We encourage investors to come in and invest in our state and in so doing, create employment opportunities for our youths.

“We also resolved to complete all uncompleted projects that will add economic value to the lives of our people. As I speak, we have constructed at least a road in all the 20 Local Government Areas. We have rehabilitated schools and provided them with furniture so that they can keep bringing out the best quality of education the state is known for”, Abiodun stated.

The governor informed that the multimodal transportation system of his administration has been launched with a pilot Bus Transit programme in Abeokuta, the State capital, adding that the reconstruction of major federal roads such as the Ijebu-Ode-Epe, Sagamu -Siun-Abeokuta and Atan-Lusada-Agbara roads, was to ensure that people carry out economic activities without stress.

On plans that will further open up the state for more investments and social activities, Abiodun disclosed that Ogun Light-up Project that would ensure constant power in the state would kick-start in Abeokuta and spread to other parts.

He added that towns such as Mower, Ibafo and Abeokuta will benefit from the urbanisation project that would commence very soon.

Meanwhile, the governor at the meeting, approved the release of grants to Community Development Councils, disclosing that a 7-man Caretaker Transition Committee would be set up to take charge of the Community Development Councils to fast track the passage of the new Law.

He added that his administration would hand over transformers to CDCs and CDAs’ chairmen, to be distributed to communities, assuring that the meeting would be held on a regular basis to interface on issues affecting the well-being of the people.

Responding, the Chairman, Community Development Council, Ogun Central, Alhaji Waheed Adekunle, called on the governor to look into the poor state of the Social Development College, Shasha, Ilisan- Remo, with a view to putting it in proper shape, while empowerment programmes should be extended to youth in communities to make them have a sense of belonging.

Adekunle, who appreciated the governor for convening the meeting, said they had waited for such an opportunity.

By: Tope Oyekan

Idena Remo, one of the component communities in Iperu Remo, Ikenne Local Government area of Ogun State, is presently agog as indigenes and residents of the town are anxiously waiting to witness today’s formal installation of their new monarch, His Royal Highness, Oba Lukman Oluwadamilare Adebambo Salami, Sebu II, the Ebi of Idena Remo.

The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, also an indigene of Iperu and a Prince from the Mogunsen/Amororo, and Agbonmagbe Ruling Houses will present the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the royal father; while the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, and the Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II, will lead royal fathers from Remoland, including the Alaperu of Iperu, Alayeluwa, Oba Adeleke Adelekan Idowu Basibo Odoru V to the August occasion.

Chief host of the day is the Executive Chairman, Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Olusegun Ogunleye.

The event which holds today, Thursday, August 18, 2022, at the Idena Playing Ground, beside the new Idena Palace, along Ibu road, Iperu Remo, will start by 10am.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

His Royal Highness, Oba Oba Adeleke Adelekan Idowu Basibo
Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Ogun State has offered a warm welcome to the new Ebi of Idena, Idena-Iperu, Oba Lukman Oluwadamilare Salami as he ascends the throne of his ancestry.

In a special message signed personally by Alaperu, who described the installation of Oba Lawal as an auspicious and significant milestone in the life of the oba said he was pleased with his emergence because, according to him, he would bring vibrancy and his robust administrative experience to bear in ruling the land, adding that he looked forward to a cordial and progressive relationship with the new monarch.

Alaperu’s message reads:
“Que sera sera”. The incurably optimistic Frenchman would say “Whatever Will Be, Will Be”. No words could be fitter in describing the auspicious occasion in Iperu’s history than this postulate. In few days (August 18, 2022), we witness, arguably the most significant milestone in the life of one of our kinsmen.

For Alayeluwa Oba Lukman Oluwadamilare Salami, it has been a long time coming. Just as my late grandfather was certain that one of us would one day become an Oba ODORU, I am sure SEBU 11 had an inkling from his formative years that a royal stool awaited him, someday. Even if that was not the case, God Has ordained it.

I recall my coronation speech on March 30, 2002 when I called on all Iperu sons and daughters to come on board and join their hearts and hand with me, so that together we may make IPERU great again and a dream place to live in. I am grateful for the progress we have made, owing to my inclusive approach to leadership. From IDENA to IDARIKA to IMEJI to IREGUN etc, the peace, harmony and progress we enjoy as a multi-sectional society are to the credit of the Obas and Baales that have steered the affairs of these communities under my paramountcy.

Reminiscent of my journey that began 20 years ago, I am pleased with the emergence of a Prince in his early 40s for the throne of a significant branch of IPERU Monarchy – IDENA. The new EBI brings into the fold a youthful perspective and an administrative experience from his immediate past life. My engagement with him has communicated his love for the land of AKESAN and his preparedness to be a significant part of the growth of his origin. Now, providence has put him in pole position to walk the talk.

I welcome Oba Lukman Oluwadamilare Salami(SEBU 11) into the Monarchy books of IPERU AKESAN. I look forward to a cordial and progressive relationship with him. IDENA’s progress is IPERU’s progress and vice versa. We are at the threshold of history. Congratulations.

AKESAN A GBE WA.

By Olamide Yinusa

The National President and National Executive Council of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Alumni Association has inducted Alumni members and other Dignitaries into Committee of Distinguished Alumni (CODA) of the body.

National Secretary of the Council, Mr. Alex Ogunsolu, who announced this on Monday evening in a release stated that the award ceremony would come up on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Spices Event Hall, Oke-Ilewo, near OPIC Round about Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The event will feature a public lecture titled, ‘Security: Panacea to a sustainable National Growth and Development’ as part of the 6th Distinguished Alumni Merit Award by the association. The lecture will be delivered by an erudite scholar and seasoned broadcaster, Mr. Eddy Aina.

CODA Award is specially reserved for selected individuals and corporate bodies who are directly or indirectly linked with Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta and have contributed immensely to the development of the Institution and the community at large. The Committee of Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest recognition given by Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Alumni Association.

Awards of CODA will be bestowed on a number of eminent personalities, which include traditional rulers; Agura of Gbagura and the Olota of Ota.

Also to receive awards are: General Manager of NTA Abeokuta, Mrs Funmi Wakama; TPL Waheed Kadiri; Arc. Tokunbo Fowode, Prof. Oludele Itiola and the current Ogu State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina.

Other Alumni which include Pastor Anthony Adeniji, Arc. S. O. S. Oladipo, Alhaji H. O. Ayoade, Evang, Seye Adeboye, Mr. Ade Adeyemi, Mr. Kunle Orekoya, Dr. Seyi Soremekun, Pastor Temitope Oduseso, Hon. Olamide Lawal, Alhaji Adediran Ashiru and Mr. Lanre Oyegbola will also be honoured with awards

Award of Recognition will also be bestowed on two exemplary Alumni members: Pastor Adebayo Akinde and Asiwaju Taiwo Olusanya.

The event will have the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly as the Chairman while Osile Oke – Ona Egba, HRM Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Tejuoso will be the royal father of the day.

The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR is the Chief Host.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

The Appeal Court sitting in Abuja today ruled in favour of a factional Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Ogun State, Otunba Segun Showunmi, in a case between him, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)and two others.

According to the lawyers on the case, the implication of the ruling in the suit filed by Segun Showunmi against the party, Ladi Adebutu and co, was that Showunmi remained the candidate of the main opposition party in Ogun State unless otherwise ruled.

The Appellant, Otunba Segun Sowunmi, had complained to the lower court that the Ogun State EXCO of the party acted in bias when they allegedly purchased nomination and interest forms for Adebutu, the 3rd respondent, without doing same for the other candidates, who purchased the forms legally, including himself.

The lower court was said to have hastily declined jurisdiction, reportedly relying on Section 285(14) Para (A)-(C) of the 1999 Constitution.

The Appellant, Showunmi, dissatisfied with the decision of the lower court, appealed the decision through his lawyer, Mawah Monday who lodged an appeal and formulated three grounds of Appeal which were allowed on Friday.

The Court of Appeal judgement that lasted over one hour, presided over by Hon. Justice Chide Nwaoma Uwa, on Friday, allowed the appeal and set aside the ruling of the Lower Court.