By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Ogbomoso Descendants Development Association (ODDA) has charged the Oyo State Government and residents of the state to forge stronger synergy in tackling issue of insecurity in the state.

Mr Aremu Kuti, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the association said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The association stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to secure the lives and property of all indigenes and residents of the state.

“We commend the governor’s efforts so far in securing the state, but there is room for much improvement.

“We also implore him and all indigenes and residents of Oyo State to stand firm until we completely rid our state of criminal elements whose activities are inimical to the development and well-being of all,” Kuti said.

ODDA, however, called for more proactive measures by  government so that non- state actors do not destroy peace process in the state.

The association, which described itself as a critical stakeholder in the  state pledged to support ongoing efforts of government to curb insecurity.

“We as a an association and a stakeholder in the affairs of our dear state, we are ready to partner with the government to ensure peaceful existence of all and sundry throughout the state.

“We sympathise with all those that have lost their loved ones, raped, wounded, kidnapped, have their farmlands destroyed and many more.

“We are also soliciting for the maximum cooperation of all residents of Oyo State, particularly those of the Ogbomoso zone, not to relent in being at alert and giving useful information to relevant security agencies and the government,” he added.

On issues surrounding the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH), the association called on Gov. Seyi Makinde to urgently resolve the purported industrial action by workers of the institution over emolument arrears.

“Issues like this protest is one of the reasons we want the state government to consolidate on LAUTECH rather than being distracted by some individuals on the multi-campus issue.

“We urge the state government to speedily do something to avoid any form of industrial action.

“We also use this medium to reiterate our stand for the state government to jettison any plan for a multi-campus system for the revered institution,” the association said. (NAN)

By Gami Tadanyigbe

Mr Micah Jiba, the Lawmaker representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency on Tuesday,  embarked on inspection tour of 25 intervention projects in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) sponsored in the 2020 Budget.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the projects inspected include, a new five block of classrooms with offices and toilets at Piwoyi community, a motorised borehole at Chika, newly installed 500 KVA transformer at Gosa community.

Others were a motorised borehole at Ketti community, newly installed 500 KVA transformer at Kurudu army Barack, a motorised borehole at ECWA Bible School Karu and ICT Centre at JSS Nyanya.

Jiba during the tour said that the projects were part of fulfilment of some of his campaign promises to improve and enhance the living standards of residents in his constituency.

“This is just an inspection tour of the projects requested by members of my constituency which I facilitated in the 2020 Appropriation Act.

“I would have hoped that the projects were completed earlier so that I can embark on new ones.

“I am happy when our intervention projects are delivered to each locality. That is one of the ways that our people at the grassroots will enjoy dividends of democracy in the territory,” he said.

The lawmaker reiterated his commitment to ensuring that people living in the 22 political wards of AMAC/Bwari constituency enjoy democratic dividends in the FCT.

By Justina Auta

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, has promised to collaborate
with National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to tackle human trafficking, prostitution
and child labour in the country.

The information is in a statement issued by Mr Shehu Maikai, the Director of Press of the ministry on Tuesday.

Maikai stated that Tallen made the promise when the Director General of NAPTIP, Mrs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, paid
a solidarity visit to the ministry.

He quoted the minister as saying “women and children are the worse hit in the area of human trafficking, hence the promulgation
of the the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child Rights Act.

“If NAPTIP and the ministry work together, both organisations would be in better position to checkmate incidences of women
trafficking, prostitution and child labour.”

The NAPTIP boss also said that the collaboration would be in areas of economic empowerment for women and children; training of
personnel and advocacy visits.

She said “you will agree with me that the articles of trade in human trafficking are women and children. It is therefore important for
NAPTIP to work with the Ministry of Women Affairs so that together we shall succeed.” (NAN)

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Tuesday described the late Pa Arthur Okowa, father of Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, as a man of destiny who lived a fulfilled life.

Obaseki stated this while commiserating with the family of his Delta counterpart, the government and people of the state, over the death of the patriarch of the Okowa family.

He also commiserated with the state government and the  family of the Majority Leader of the Delta House of Assembly, Mr Tim Owhefere.

The Edo governor led a delegation from his state, which included his deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu, on the condolence visit at the Government House, Asaba.

He stated that Pa Okowa lived a worthy life which culminated in his son becoming a governor.

“We are here to condole with our friend and brother, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, on the passing of his beloved father and the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly.

“We are here to let you know that we share in your loss. I know that you have a very close and fond relations with your father.

“Having lived for 88 years and saw you become governor, why shouldn’t we thank God for his life.

Also, a delegation of Ijaw leaders led by the Delta Deputy Governor,  Kingsley Otuaro, paid a condolence to Gov. Okowa.

Otuaro said the delegation was representative of the larger Ijaw nation and was in the Government House to condole with the governor and the family on the demise of his father.

He added that the group was also there to condole with the governor over the late member of the State House Assembly, who was its Majority Leader, Mr Tim Owhefere.

“We are not unaware of the fact that parents and children are the greatest asset to a man and when they pass away, no matter their age, it is always excruciating and that is why we are here to condole with you and the family.

“We are convinced that papa left a great legacy. He exemplified love, service, fairness, equity and justice in all his dealings,” Otuaro said.

He assured the governor of the support of the Ijaw nation during the funeral period.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, who was in company with his Edo counterpart, Mr Marcus Onobun ,and principal officers of both Houses of Assembly of both states, also visited the governor.

In his remarks, Oborevwori said, “We are here to pay a condolence visit to you with our counterpart from Edo State.

“We know how you feel in this mourning period. Papa has gone and no matter the age, his death is still painful but we are joyful that he left a legacy as a father to many.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and on behalf of the State House of Assembly and my colleagues from Edo State House of Assembly, we commiserate with you on the demise of our father, Pa Arthur Okorie Okowa”.

On his part, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Onobun, said “we from the Edo State House of Assembly are here to mourn with you. It is not how long one lives on earth, but the impact made while on earth.

“Papa has played his role on earth by bringing you and your siblings up and on this note, we ask that you accept our profound condolences”.

The Management and Staff of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) led by the Chairman, Chief Michael Diden, also visited the governor.

Managing Director of the commission, Chief Askia Ogieh, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, said that Pa Okowa’s death was not a loss to the family alone, but to humanity in general.

This, according to him, is because of the positive impact he made in his 88 years sojourn on earth.

Gov. Okowa also played host to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amaju Pinnick and the Delta State Management Committee of Public Motor Parks.

Responding, Gov. Okowa thanked Obaseki, his delegation and others for the visit and said that his family was encouraged by the visit of numerous friends and well wishers, including sitting and former governors.

“Your visit today has lightened our pain, our daddy lived long but we would have wished that he lived longer.

“Obviously, we would not have wanted him (Pa. Okowa) to leave at this time but there is no time that any man would like to die. It is God who decides the time to call anyone.

“We are grateful to God for the life he lived. He was the people’s man and that’s the life he lived. He was a teacher, politician and community leader.

“Our father contributed immensely to the development of the state as a teacher where he taught many people,” he said.

He noted that as a politician, the advice the father gave to him had always been useful in his political career.

On the late Owhefere, Okowa described his death as very painful, saying he was full of life and that it was so unfortunate that he had to leave so early.

Okowa remarked that the lawmaker died a few hours before his father, (Pa. Okowa), describing it was an unfortunate incident.

“He (Owhefere) is somebody we must all continue to miss because of the relationship he kept with all,” Okowa stated. (NAN)

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday returned to Abuja after four-day official visit to Daura, his hometown in Katsina State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Presidential aircraft carrying the president and some presidential aides landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja at about 5.p.m.

NAN reports that the president was welcomed at the airport by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammed Bello, Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu and some government officials.

While in Daura, President Buhari participated in the All Progressives Congress (APC) membership registration and revalidation exercise at the Sarkin Yara ward on Saturday.

The president later hosted some APC governors who earlier accompanied him to the venue of the registration exercise.

Buhari, who also spoke to newsmen at the venue of the exercise, assured Nigerians of full implementation of the 2021 budget, with all transparency and openness in meeting the targets.

While appreciating the National Assembly for the effective and detailed attention before the passage, the president said the budget aptly captured some of the visions of the administration, and all efforts would be poured in to ensure effective implementation.

“We have directed all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies to follow what is in the budget so that we can get the National Assembly to easily support the next budget. We can tell them what we have received, and how it was spent.

“We are always ready to make the balance sheet available for all Nigerians and the National Assembly. We have nothing to hide,’’ Buhari had said.

The president said the administration had given more attention to agriculture in order to diversify and strengthen the economy.

“We are still grateful to Morocco for the support they gave us in producing fertilizer in the country.

”We have 42 companies producing fertiliser in six geopolitical zones.’’

On Jan. 31 in Daura, President Buhari and Moroccan leader, King Mohammed VI, also had telephone conversation where the two leaders agreed to a joint efforts towards realization of strategic development projects that include Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline and a fertilizer production plant.

NAN reports that the president, who will preside over the virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, has since retired to his official residence at the Presidential Villa Abuja.(NAN)