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By Our Correspondent

The supreme head of Traditional Worshippers and Believers in Nigeria, Oba Ifarotimi Adifagbola Balogun has called on the Governments at all levels to use traditional means to fight insurgency among other corrupt practices in Nigeria

He made the call at a Press conference in Abeokuta as part of activities put in place to commemorate 2021 Igba Irumole Festival, held at Adifagbola/Alapo village Idi-Ori , Abeokuta

The Olu Isese Agbaye
was confident that with governments support and approval for organising annual national African Traditional Festival, a greater opportunities would be created by worshippers to gather, consult and join hands with governments at ridding the country of diseases and
insecurity among others challenges bedevilling the Nigeria’s stability.

The traditional believers’ leader, while eulogising the potency of traditional African power in tackling societal challenges said African power and knowledge had in the past addressed issues of insurgency among others, saying though insurgency has been in existence since the beginning of the world, but that the forbearers were able to contain it excessiveness through the natives knowledge and power embedded in deities domiciling in various Communities and villages across the nation.

He pointed out that even as the nation is still battling with various forms form insurgences, banditry the tactical solution being deployed successfully is traditional power, drawn from different Communities and towns in the country. He noted that the Strategy has helped in keeping Nigeria together as a nation.

The Oba Isese urged Governments at all levels to give their full support and due recognition to the Traditional worshippers/ believers, saying this recognition would bring a lot of positive changes and promote peaceful co- existence among the people. He noted that social crime and criminality would be reduced to barest minimum by the influence of gods when invoked in the land

The Olu-Isese noted further that Traditional , Cultural Festivals was very important to the African people and it should be observed by people living in Traditional African Societies, though the practice is still very much prevalent in some Traditional African societies but the core importance is to fully tap from it potentials to project isocio-Cultural heritage of the land and improve the economic well-being of every region hosting the Festival.

His words “We thank God for our forbearers in the Traditional African societies for preserving the core value which has been our cherished guiding principle at the ISESE KINGDOM OF TRUTH / ATORISE -OLOGOSE TEMPLE. More so we are also grateful to the present administration in the state led by Prince Dapo Abiodun for providing the solid platform for traditional Festivals across the State by putting in place, the State Alternate Medicine Board, ( OGAMB) to coordinate a purposeful traditional believers who will chat a positive way of utilising the available potentials for the wellness and well being of our people.”

“Traditional festivals in Africa have been abused and taken for granted by many people. Some people do not recognise the fact that has sustained our rich socio- – cultural values, promoted communal living, ensured security and served as platform for social mobilization and societal cohesion: And in a bid to create more awareness and prevent further abuse of our culture, there should be rules and guidelines for cultural festival in Ogun State to serve as a guide lines for all festivals only if the State governor can put in more resources and efforts”

While soliciting for Government”s participation in the traditional cultural festival by declaring a public holiday to mark Isese Day in Ogun State, with a guiding frame work as well as policy that will streamline the operation and programme the across the state.

Oba Adifagbola explained that if Governments can be supportive through its policy, people will be motivated from different communities to set aside moments, seasons, periods or epochs to celebrate their life, experiences, cultural heritage which may include the worship of gods and goddess that are affiliated to people or individuals as a away of promoting traditional Festivals in the state that will go a long way at promoting unity and sense of purpose among the people living at various Communities.

He noted, “Although there are fetish aspects of traditional African festivals which cannot be hidden but the fact is that, one cannot but appreciate socio-economic and political role all these festivals are playing in the socio-economic development of African. Infact the huge economic benefits are enough to boost Nigeria revenue base as a whole without much stress. Among other opportunities are: readymade jobs for teeming youths in the country and turn the nation to an hub of international tourists’ attraction, if government can only consentrate 50 percent of its efforts towards this goal”, he stressed.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

The Chairman of Sagamu Local Government, Ogbeni Odulate, in furtherance of his drive to build the local government to an enviable level has begun evaluation and reactivation of Sawmill, Ayegbami area of the town, off Akarigbo Road which has for sometimes rendered not motorable by poor drainage system, indiscriminate packing of haulage vehicles the saw millers and allied business operators.

During the spontaneous visit of Odulate to the area, he expressed disappointment over the abandonment of some brick making machines and parking of planks on almost have space of the road, and he order them removed immediately, because according to him, the government would not tolerate any act of indiscipline and care-free attitude which have been mitigating the development of local government area.

Ogbeni Odulate warned them that if they refused to adhere to the directives and orders of the local Government he would not hesitate to confiscate their goods to the local government and they would pay huge fines before they could get then back.

As the saw millers were hurriedly removing the machines and goods, the Chairman was ordering the council’s tractor to immediately cover over to the road and commence its grading in order to immediately make it motorable to the people.

By Our Correspondent

Education Management Information System (EMIS) has been described as the central education data bank that would allow for effective data gathering, analysis, education planning and management.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu gave this explanation at the commissioning of the EMIS uint and the presentation on remote learning classroom held at the Ministry Conference Room, Abeokuta.

Arigbabu, in a statement signed by the Ministry’s Press Officer Mrs. Omoniyi Damilola revealed that using EMIS resources, the Ministry has also been able to digitalised many of its activities, such as admissions into the secondary schools, transfer, Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE), collating schools data and has also helped informed good decisions to the advantages of the sector.

He noted that remote learning programme has also been included to promote accessibility to quality learning content delivery through sound pedagogy and concrete instructional materials, saying that digitalised approach would make teaching and learning easier from the comfort of the homes of teachers, learners and evaluators.

“Part of the present administration agenda has been to integrate technology into the education sector, through its technology and innovation platform. This has helped us tremendously to gather data on our students population, schools facilities amongst others. Without the necessary information, as government we will not be able to plan and make provisions, that is why we are extending and expanding the scope of EMIS unit.

The remote learning programme is to help our learners in solving some of the educational problems, our government through its initiative has pioneered efforts in remote learning through the introduction of Ogun Digiclass and Microsoft Office 365 respectively serving as the global response to the new normal trend in the sector”, he said.

He charged all stakeholders not to relent in their efforts to uplift every aspect of education in the state, he opined that the use of technology and it’s integration into the teaching and learning activities would help to improve and re-invent education to the admiration of all.

In his welcome address, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), Mr. Elijah Adewumi, submitted that the introduction of EMIS and remote learning classroom was aimed at initiating and driving innovative ideas aimed at improving and providing qualitative, affordable and functional education.

The director, pointed that the establishment of EMIS was in conformity with the directive of the Federal Ministry of Education to serve as a database for efficient education data management system for the Ministry and entire educational sector in the state.

Highlight of the programme was the symbolic teaching of remote learning classes in English Language and Mathematics to Senior Secondary School Three (3) students and presentation of awards of excellence for Hardworking and diligence to members of staff of the PRS department in which Mr. Tunde Akinremi who was given an accelerated promotion by the State government and the Deputy Director in the department, Mrs. Mary Akinola-Okereafor was among

Yesterday at the 45th convocation ceremony at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), I was conferred with the Doctor of Letters (Honoraris Causa) PhD.
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It was indeed a remarkable and humbling experience for me as Obafemi Awolowo University amongst other tertiary institutions in Africa and across the world remains an exceptional intellectual environment that is endowed with scientific agelong knowledge which is still unleashing new pedagogical engagement with its students and global society.
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To all graduands, your academic honours and achievements are well and profoundly deserved. Evidently and despite some identified challenges in our educational culture, you didn’t deter in your ambition. Your awards are rewards of many years of burning candles and lightning of your spirits to push through all barriers.
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Heartiest congratulations to our distinguished and indefatigable Chief Mike Ade-Ojo on being conferred with the doctoral award (Honoris Causa). Your endeavors to shaping our educational status as a nation through the formation and transformation of Elizade University must be unreservedly applauded. You are indeed a beacon of hope to our future generations.

By Bisade Ojoye

……Spokesman, Olafare conferred Otunba Olayera 1 of Idanre

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Friday stormed the ancient Idanre Kingdom in Ondo State, as the 95-year-old Owa of Idanre, Oba Fredrick Adegunle Aroloye celebrated his 45th coronation anniversary.

Ooni Ogunwusi who made the long journey in company of Yoruba monarchs and Ife High-Chiefs, described Idanre as his second home, stating that the ancient town is the only one in Yoruba land that shares nomenclature with Ile-Ife; the source of Yoruba race.

“Your real name is Ife’ke which means the Ile-Ife at the top, you all migrated from Ife and your kinsmen are still in Ife till date doing so well. When your ancestors first got here, they were referred to as ‘Ara IFe’, which means people from Ife.

“Yoruba people are one no matter where we are or what we do, we are still one people with enviable way of life.” The Ooni said.

Earlier in his address, the Owa of Idanre, Oba Adegunle who could not hide his heartfelt gratitude to the Ooni for making the trip, described the ancient Ile-Ife as the cradle of civilization and entire Yoruba people.

On the status of the Ooni, the nonagenarian who brought out a set of documents recorded before and after the colonization of Africa, stated that the Ooni is the leader of all Monarchs in the entire Oodua Race..

“Ile-Ife is the cradle of Oduduwa kingdom and somebody occupying the position should be given that recognition as the overall father to all of us in Yorubaland and Oduduwa Race in general.

“There are pictures here showing the huge roles played by the Ooni in those days especially in leading other Yoruba Obas during meetings that had to do with security, peace and development.

“So, Kabiyesi, I need you to do more of this, I am aware of your good work and I am proud to be associated with you, but we need more. Do not listen to what some negatively minded people might do or say, Oduduwa would continue to be with you”, Owa said.

Comrade Moses Olafare; the Director of Media and Public Affairs to the Ooni of Ife as well as other top personalities were pronounced as chiefs of Idanre Kingdom as part of activities earmarked for the celebration of the Owa’s 45-year coronation anniversary.

Comrade Olafare who was pronounced the Otunba Olayera 1 of Idanre Kingdom was cheered by the happy crowd including the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, while the Elewo traditional band of the Ooni thrilled the gathering with awesome performance.

Other appointed chiefs were: Dr. Anthony A. Omolola, Otunba Atunluse; Mrs. Maria Folashade Omolola, Yeyemeso; Engr. Benson Ajisegiri, Otunba Atayese; Mr. Smart Fadayomi, Gbobaniyi and Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Hon. Chinwe Monu Olanrewaju Esq. as Yeye Oge Oloja.

By Olamide Yinusa

The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Augustine Eguavoen, currently its Technical Director, as the Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles on an interim basis.

This is with immediate effect, and follows the termination of the relationship with Franco-German Gernot Rohr, who has been in charge of the three –time African champions for the past 64 months, and is Nigeria’s longest –serving manager.

Following a virtual meeting of the NFF Executive Committee on Sunday, it was decided that Eguavoen will work with Salisu Yusuf (Chief Coach); Paul Aigbogun (Assistant Coach); Joseph Yobo (Assistant Coach); Dr Terry Eguaoje (Assistant Coach) and Aloysius Agu (Goalkeeper Trainer). Former Nigeria captains Augustine ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Garba Lawal have been appointed to provide technical and ambassadorial support for the crew.

General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said: “The relationship between the Nigeria Football Federation and Mr Rohr has come to an end. We thank him for his services to the Super Eagles and Nigeria.

“We also want to thank the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports for their collaboration and guidance all through.”

Eguavoen, a former Nigeria captain, was coach of the squad when it finished in third place at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in 2006. He was on-field captain when the Super Eagles lifted the Africa Cup for the first time on away ground, in Tunisia 27 years ago.

He will now take charge of the team as it begins preparations for the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Cameroon 9th January – 6th February 2022, and until the appointment of a substantive Head Coach.

By Our Reporter

One of Yoruba’s most respected Traditional Ruler, Soun of Ogbomoso land in Oyo State, in the South Western part of Nigeria, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi (Ajagungbade 1) has joined his Ancestors.

The Traditional, reportedly died early this morning, Sunday at 95 .

By William Adeyemi

Former international Samuel Eto’o will run Cameroonian football for the next four years after being elected head of the country’s FA on Saturday.

Four-time African Footballer of the Year defeated rival Seidou Mbombo Njoya, the fourth vice-president at the Confederation of African Football.

Seven candidates should have contested the elections, but five of them pulled out on the morning of the elections.

Eto’o, 40, has promised a wide range of reforms to thrive the sport.

“We have to bring footballers to the centre of our policies,” he said afterwards. “It is our role to ensure that those who play this discipline make a decent living out of it.”

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea star has also promised to construct at least 10 stadia during his mandate.

“I’ve spoken to the business community and we’re certain we’ll get the right investors who can accompany us in fulfilling our goals,” Eto’o had said prior to the polls.

Eto’o’s candidacy had triggered popular attention with the proceedings of the gathering broadcast live on national Cameroon television.

He will now be head of Cameroon’s FA (Fecafoot) when the country hosts the Africa Cup of Nations in January and February.

Among those giving up their candidacy on Saturday morning were former Cameroon internationals Maboang Kesack and Jules Denis Onana.

Samuel Eto’o arguably Africa’s best football export, all-time top scorer – joined Spanish giants Real Madrid in 1996 at the age of 16 before loan spells with Leganes, Espanyol and Mallorca.

He signed a permanent deal with Mallorca in 2000, scoring 54 goals in 133 outings to establish himself as the team’s all-time leading scorer.

A move to Barcelona followed in 2004 where the former Cameroon captain won three La Liga titles, helping the Catalans to two European Champions League triumphs in 2006 and 2009, scoring in both finals.

In 2006, Eto’o became the first and still remains the only African to win the Spanish Golden Boot after netting 26 times in 34 matches.

The forward scored 108 goals in 144 games for the FC Barcelona before joining Inter Milan in 2009, where he won his third Champions League crown as well as a Serie A title and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2010.

Even though Eto’o had appeared at four World Cups but could not help Cameroon progress from the group stages, the
ex Internationally player helped the Indomitable Lions win two successive Africa Cup of Nations in 2000 and 2002 and went on to become the tournament’s record scorer with 18 goals.

In 2000, he guided Cameroon to an Olympic gold medal, scoring in the final.

…says she was epitome of cultured womanhood, live full-filled life

By Prince Henry Ojoye

The Member representing Umuahia North Constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Kelechi Onuzuruike has condoled Dr. Onyinyechi Mercy Orji, the wife of the Speaker of the State Assembly on the demise of her grand mother, Late Senior-Mother-in Israel, Rose Iheomadinihu Ikpo.

Hon Onuzuruike joined the Abia House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, who is also the grand son-in-law of the deceased at the funeral service held at the Umuawa Ohuhu country home of Late Madam Rose Ikpo in Umuahia North local government area of the state.

The funeral church service of the Late Senior mother Rose Ikpo was conducted by the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim & Seraphim Church, Umuawa Alaocha, Umuahia North Local Government Area of the State.

Hon. Kelechi Onuzuruike who represents the deceased at the State Assembly in a statement issued to newsmen in Umuahia, on Saturday, described late Senior Mother Rose Ihuomadinihu Ikpo as an accomplished woman, devoted christian, counsellor, epitome of womanhood, who lived a full-filled life of worthy emulation.

According to the Abia lawmaker, “To those who came across her while alive, was generous and accommodative irrespective of religious and tribal backgrounds. She was a virtuous woman and made enormous and overwhelming contributions and sacrifice for the development of Ohuhu land.

“Late Madam Rose Ihuomadinihu Ikpo championed the cause for a better stake of Ohuhu women in the affairs of the local community. She will be equally remembered for her kindness, meekness uniqueness and philanthropism”.

Continuing, Hon Onuzuruike who is the Chairman of Osinachi Foundation Worldwide said, “As she was buried on Friday 10th of December, 2021, on behalf of immediate family and the great people of Ohuhu Umuahia clan reiterates my deepest condolences to Dr. Mrs Onyinyechi Mercy Orji for the loss and the husband and the eloquent Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, asking them to bear the loss as God is the giver and the taker of all creatures.

“I pray almighty God to accept and grant the soul of Late Senior Mother Rose Ihuomadinihu Ikpo eternal and peaceful rest, the statement concluded.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

Former Governor Olusegun Osoba, on Wednesday lauded the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun in the area of Infrastructural development.

Osoba who gave this charge at his Ikoyi residence, Lagos, while receiving the exco members who paid a welcome visit on him on his arrival from the Unites Kingdom after a successful knee surgery charged the Governor to focus more on projects and programmes that would be of great benefit to the people of the state.

The former governor expressed delight with the level of development, especially in the areas of road infrastructure, education, health and security, noting “Ogun is lucky to have a man who is focused and have the interest of the people at heart”.

“I want the Governor to please continue to focus on projects that will benefit the people. I know he is doing very well on road construction and other sectors; more attention should also be given to security.

“The governor was the first to visit me after my arrival. He showed me what he is doing in the state like the Atan-Agbara road. He is determined to construct the Agbado road. He is also doing massive housing projects to take care of the middle class. Ogun is the fastest growing state in Nigeria because the governor is taking the advantage of our closeness to Lagos”, Osoba added.

He further lauded the present administration on its land reform programme and noted that apart from discouraging land speculators, it would allow the state reap huge benefit from its land resource.

He, however, urged Governor Abiodun to remain resolute in executing sustainable projects across the state.

While thanking the Governor for all his support and words of encouragement, especially visiting him in the hospital before the surgery, Osoba, said, “don’t listen to rumours. Do all that you can. No government can do everything. My prayer is that you will leave Ogun state better than you met it”.

He expressed appreciation to the state executive members for supporting the governor in his quest to reposition the state, assuring that he will always support the governor through words of advice when and where necessary, submitting that “the success of the present administration is my success”.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, described the former governor as an elder statesman who had the interest of the state at heart

He appreciated God for a successful surgery, declaring that Ogun was happy to see him back on his feet.

“We are happy for your quick recovery. And you are recuperating very well. We have reasons to thank God. You are an elder statesman who has the interest of the state at heart, and you are very supportive of the incumbent administration”, the SSG noted.

By Bisade Ojoye

All roads will lead to the ancient city of Ile-Ife on Saturday, December 11 2021 for the installation of The Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Dr. Nteranya Sanginga as Afurugbin Ola of Ife (Lead Sower of Wealth and Prosperity of the Source) to be conferred on him by the Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

In a statement released on Wednesday by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare, Ooni Ogunwusi who doubles as Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) found Dr Sanginga worthy of the prestigious chieftaincy title in recognition of his unquantifiable contributions to food security and Agro-economic development in Africa.

According the African foremost monarch, Dr. Nteranya Saginga, a citizen of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who had spent a large part of his career in Nigeria, is the first African to lead IITA in its 50 years of establishment.

“In furtherance of his Africa Must Unite Mission, the Ooni of Ife and Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II after wide consultations will on Saturday 11th December 2021 honour the Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculturen(IITA), Ibadan, Dr Nteranya Sanginga, a globally respected African citizen from Democratic Republic of Congo with a prestigious chieftaincy title as the Afurugbin Ola of Ife (Lead Sower of Wealth and Prosperity of the Source)”.

“Since his assumption as the IITA’s Director General in 2011, he has served creditably with exceptional commitment to initiatives which has placed the African continent on the global stage especially in the agricultural arena.

“Over the past 50 years, IITA Ibadan through its various programs, provided farmers in the continent with innovations that promoted food and nutritional security and safety, increased food production, raised yield of major food crops, reduced poverty levels, decreased postharvest losses, promoted mechanization of agriculture, and generated job and wealth creation for young people and women in the agricultural sector, among others.” Olafare said.

The international Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan is a not-for-profit institution that
generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger,
malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across
sub-Saharan Africa.

By Biodun Alli

Lagos State Government has announced the enforcement of existing and new regulations in response to the rising 4th wave of COVID-19 in Lagos and the Country in general.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday made this known in Lagos, saying that it has become expedient that the State took exigent steps in nipping the Omicron surge in the bud as soon as possible.

“As a Government, we have announced new guidelines for social events and gatherings in the state as we fully move into the festive season. During the festive period, vaccination cards or negative COVID-19 test results must be presented at the entrance of event venues.

“All attendees at events must be tested at the venue 24 hours before, regardless of their vaccination status. All Social events must be duly registered and obtain Event Safety Clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission website on: http://www.lasgsafetyreg.com.”

The Governor also said that where possible, events should be held outdoors. He said occupancy limit at any event must not exceed 60% of maximum designed capacity of the event centre. Every attendee of a social gathering must present their Vaccination Cards or digital bar code page showing at least first dose but preferably double dose full vaccination. In unvaccinated people, a negative PCR within 72 hours will be an exemption.

“Everybody, irrespective of vaccination status, must be subject to Rapid Diagnostic test to be conducted at the event venue or within 24hrs prior to the event at designated laboratories”, the Governor said.