Former presidential candidate Dele Momodu has accused President Bola Tinubu of being responsible for the widespread issues currently affecting Nigerians, which have led to a planned nationwide protest.

In an open letter posted on X, Momodu expressed concern about the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians and suggested that President Tinubu’s governance approach has shifted negatively.

Momodu criticized Tinubu for failing to grasp the complexities of running a country compared to managing a state, stating, “Since you achieved your long-held ambition of becoming President, conditions for Nigerians—except for a select few—have worsened. Frankly, you are to blame for this situation.”

He lamented that Tinubu, who once fought for democratic rights, is now restricting public demonstrations, a right that Momodu and Tinubu both valued during military regimes.

While Momodu is opposed to anarchy, he advocates for managing potential threats without curtailing democratic freedoms. Drawing on his experience with peace initiatives in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia, he believes threats can be managed without resorting to authoritarian measures.

Momodu advised Tinubu to seek counsel from civil liberties experts and to assess the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security agencies.

He urged the president to disregard the advice of hardliners within his team, stating, “Return to your original allies in civil liberties for guidance and use this moment to test the capabilities of our security forces. Ignore the hawks around you, as they are primarily beneficiaries of the struggles of others.”

A human rights activist Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) has written to the Inspector-General of Police(IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to notify him of planned public meetings, rallies, and processions being organised by a non-governmental body, the Take It Back Movement, all its members, and some other patriotic Nigerians and groups.

In a letter dated Friday, July 26, 2024, the senior advocate writing as solicitor to the Take It Back Movement stated that the planned rallies will commence from Aug. 1 to 10, 2024, or any time thereafter at the Eagle Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of all the 36 states and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils.

Adegboruwa while reiterating the role of the police during such rallies and protests, urged the IGP to make available the details of any police officer or police team that will be assigned to cover the said meetings/rallies/processions to harmonise plans and strategies for the same.

The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, has called for a return to constitutional rule in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, which are currently under military control.

Mohammed made the call during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Friday.

The four countries have faced military coups in recent years, with Burkina Faso and Mali falling to military rule in May 2021 and September 2022, respectively, while Niger and Guinea were taken over in July 2023 and September 2021.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed economic sanctions on the affected countries, isolating them from the regional community.

However, some of these sanctions were relaxed in February 2024.

On July 6, Niger’s General Abdourahmane Tchiani, Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traore, and Mali’s Colonel Assimi Goita signed a confederation treaty which, they said, would strengthen a mutual defence pact announced last September, the Alliance of Sahel States.

After the meeting, Mohammed told journalists that aside from debriefing the President on the proposals he had earlier made to keep the dialogue going forward as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, they also evaluated emerging challenges.

She added that they also considered the possibility of engendering economic development for the countries so citizens do not suffer.

“My visit here was to see Mr. President and to give him a debrief on the visit of myself and delegation within West Africa, Senegal, Guinea Conakry, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

“We also went to Ethiopia on a finance mission. We were able to debrief on the proposals that he had made to try to keep the dialogue going for some of the states that we have challenges with.

Related News
Niger clarifies report on slapping of Islamic cleric
UN biodiversity summit in Colombia ‘will fail,’ guerrilla group threatens
ECOWAS’s crumbling edifice
“But at the same time, we also looked for the possibilities to include more economic development so that the people don’t suffer at the same time,” the former Nigerian environment minister stated.

However, she clarified that the UN is not negotiating on behalf of ECOWAS but is only supporting the subregion.

Asked whether the global body was negotiating on behalf of the bloc, she said: “Absolutely not! The UN does not negotiate on behalf of ECOWAS; what it does is to support the leadership of ECOWAS, and that’s why we came here to debrief the President.”

On the UN’s communication with the countries, the DSG said: “Well, what we are telling these countries is that a number of them have a crisis. They have unconstitutional changes, and what they must do is come back to a transition and a process of democracy.

“On the other hand, they have to look also at the development paradigm for their people there is terrorism. But there’s also a need to look at jobs, food security, and energy. All those also have to continue.

“Now, if they can display a roadmap that gives everyone some confidence that there is a return to democratic rule, then they will find the support. I believe that in ECOWAS, we are a family. Regional Integration is at the heart of it. It is what these countries have said. And the proposal by ECOWAS in its last meeting to have President Faye of Senegal and President Faure of Togo to continue that dialogue and engagement is a good one.”

Mohammed said the countries concerned “feel that they have not had the same support of ECOWAS that they envisaged and a lack of understanding that in some cases.”

Nonetheless, they resolved to forge ahead with their Alliance of Sahel States, stating their priorities.

She enumerated those priorities: “First was security and the fight against terrorism. The second was investments they were looking for in certain areas like food security and job creation for their young people.”

The Osun state police command has paraded a herbalist, Kehinde Ganiyu, for allegedly killing his Ghanaian friend, Emmanuel Collins, to make ritual soap for internet fraudsters, also known as ‘Yahoo boys.’

The 50-year-old suspect was said to have allegedly slit the throat of his friend for the ritual purpose on Thursday at Oba-Oke in the Olorunda Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s public relations officer, Yemisi Opalola, revealed that the suspect was caught with four blood-stained knives, a chisel, two gourds, a wooden traditional pot containing black soap, two sponges with black soap, a traditional tray (Opon Ifa), and local charms.

Making his confessional statement to journalists on Friday, the suspect said, “I visited my friend, Emmanuel Collin, because he was sick. While he was in bed, I took a knife and cut his throat. I used the part to prepare ritual money soap for Yahoo boys.”

“I am an herbalist and a farmer. I used to do that kind of ritual for Yahoo boys but they are the ones that do bring human parts. This time around, I look out for the part myself.

“I regretted my action because I also attended his burial but suspicion and investigation by police led to my arrest. I don’t believe that I can kill my age-long friend like that,” he stated.

After a successful stint, popular radio host Chief Olalekan Alex Shoyinka (Ayinla Egba), has announced his departure from Splash 106.7 FM in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

In a heartfelt message posted on his social media platform, Shoyinka expressed his gratitude to the station’s management for the opportunity to grow and develop his skills.

“I’m excited about the future endeavors that await me, but I’m also sad to say farewell to such amazing coworkers and an incredible organization”.

“I wouldn’t be who I am today without the experience and lessons learned at Splash 106.7 FM”, Shoyinka said

Shoyinka, also known as the Ayinla Egba Gbadegesin of Ijemo, Egbaland, has been a beloved figure on the station, known for his engaging personality and entertaining shows.

His departure marks the end of an era, but he promises to take the skills and knowledge acquired with him as he embarks on his next adventure.

Details of his next move are yet to be announced, but Shoyinka hinted that it would be revealed soon. Fans and listeners are eagerly awaiting his next step, and the radio community will undoubtedly miss his presence on Splash 106.7 FM.”

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun command, has cautioned Nigerians against indiscriminate use of social media.

The spokesperson for the NSCDC Ogun command, Dyke Ogbonnaya, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Friday in Abeokuta.

Mr Ogbonnaya urged Nigerians to desist from exhibiting lifestyles indiscriminately on social media platforms.

He said that this would prevent Nigerians from falling prey to criminalities, especially kidnapping.

Mr Ogbonnaya noted that some Nigerians usually use the platforms to display achievements such as new houses, cars, expensive clothes, watches and fake expensive lifestyles.

“These materials being displayed are clues to criminals,” he said.

He noted that 40 per cent of kidnappings were facilitated through social media interactions.

“These criminals mostly fish their victims through social media platforms using job offers, travelling opportunities and dating sites.

“Facebook and Instagram are the most common platforms used in social media kidnappings,” he said.

Mr Ogbonnaya said that kidnappers had continuously devised new techniques to catch their victims.

He warned Nigerians against greed, adding that it had led many into kidnappers’ dens unexpectedly.

Mr Ogbonnaya, who condemned the high spate of kidnappings and robberies in the country, said NSCDC would continue to work with the police to tackle these menace.

While commending the frantic efforts of all security agencies, he pleaded with Nigerians with useful information on criminal hideouts to hint at any of the agencies.

“The security agencies need the cooperation of Nigerians to win the battle,” he said.

(NAN)

A Rivers High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, on Friday, restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s national executive committee (NEC) from gathering or holding any congress in the state.

The high court also restrained their agents from gathering anywhere in the 319 wards of the 23 local government areas in the state.

The presiding judge, Justice Charles Wali, in a judgement order obtained by journalists, restrained the PDP national chairman, Iliya Damagum and national secretary, Sen.Samuel Anyanwu from holding the congress.

Mr Wali also gave an interim injunction restraining the party agents from gathering anywhere in Rivers to hold Ward, LGA, or state congress pending the hearing and determination of suit no: PHC/2400/CS/2024 before him.

The judge said that the injunction specifically prevented the defendants from conducting any congresses at the ward, local government, or state levels scheduled for July 27, Aug. 10 or Aug. 31.

The court said that the measure would remain effective pending the hearing and determination of the motion for interlocutory injunction already filed.

The court also ordered the inspector general of police (IGP); commissioner of police, Rivers state; Director-General, State Security Service (SSS); and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to enforce the order on the specified dates or any other dates.

Mr Wali ordered that the motion on notice and the originating summons, including this order, be served on the respondents through substituted means, specifically by publication in any widely read national newspaper in Rivers state.

He said that the applicants would be mandated to pay damages to the respondents if the application was found to be frivolous.

According to him, the high court’s decision aims to ensure lawful proceedings within the state’s political framework and safeguard the legal process concerning the internal activities of the PDP.

“The court underscores the importance of adherence to judicial orders and the potential consequences of non-compliance,”

The judge adjourned the hearing to August 1, 2024.

(NAN)

In preparation for the upcoming nationwide protest scheduled to commence on August 1, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed all groups planning to participate in the demonstrations to submit their names and contact details to the commissioners of police in their respective states.

The IGP made this request during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, stating that the measure is intended to ensure a peaceful protest. By providing their details, protesters can help the police maintain law and order while allowing them to exercise their right to demonstrate.

“We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest,” the police boss said.

“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.

“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”

The IG added that the information expected from the organisers also includes measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.

Worried by the possibility of the protest being hijacked by criminal elements, the IGP explained that the police authorities needed the necessary information to also identify potential troublemakers.

He reiterated the police’s determination to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety, saying the Force needs to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.

The IGP also released other guidelines to the protesters, among which were for them to “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.

“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.”

Ogun State Government has invested massively in the security architecture by providing security agencies with modern crime-fighting tools to secure lives and properties in the State, the state Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, said on Friday.

Okubadejo, who is also Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to Governor Dapo Abiodun, stated this in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Friday, while addressing the South Africa-Nigeria Business Chamber, in an investment webinar, with the theme: “Navigating The Investment Landscape In Ogun State, Nigeria: Key Sectors and Growth Areas.”

According to him, the State Government has created a conducive business environment for both local and international investors to operate in the State.

The Economic Adviser noted that Ogun State has over 16,000 square kilometers of land mass, of which about 65 percent is suitable for agriculture, noting that commercial farmers could take advantage of the all-year farming and the conducive climate to go into food or cash crops cultivation.

Speaking on the business opportunities that abound in the State, Okubadejo said sectors like infrastructure, education, real estate, transportation and ICT were open for investment, adding that with international border and its closeness to the nation’s economic capital, Lagos, Ogun State provides the best destination of choice for Investors.

He said: “In the area of solid minerals, Ogun State is probably number one in the country as we have several minerals from limestone to bitumen, sulphate, granite and clay, among others.

“Of all these minerals, only a few are currently being exploited and developed and, of course, the most developed is the limestone where we have the largest cement companies in the country.

“We have a strong relationship with the Federal Government to be able to embark on a joint venture or partnership with any foreign investor that is interested in developing out mineral opportunities.”

He said the state government has opened up business clusters and has also built an aerotropolis, not just as a processing zone, but provided with greenhouse, residential, hospitality business which is opened for investors.

Okubadejo also said opportunities abound in the power sector whereby investors could go into solar panel production, independent power generation and distribution, just as he noted that the government is working on Free Trade Zones at Olokola, Ogun Waterside and a Dry Port at Kajola, Abeokuta.

While speaking on the steps taken to ensure the ease-of-doing-business in the State, the commissioner said an investment facilitation agency has been set up to provide one-stop solution, including assisting with inquiries, providing detailed information on investment opportunities, guiding investors through regulatory requirements, to ensure business operations.

Okubadejo, while assuring of adequate manpower as a result of numerous higher institutions of higher learning in the state, said investors interested in doing business would benefit from tax waivers, rebate and other incentives that benefit their investments.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, said the state government had put in place a multimodal transportation plan that incorporated road, rail, sea, adding that investors are encouraged to invest in rail, airport management and the use of technology as an enforcement tool in the transportation sector.

Dairo also stressed the need for investors to look into the tourism sector of the state economy as it provides a good opportunity.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, said a lot had been done on land administration just as the State has invested in security for conducive business environment.

He said a lot has been done to expose the ‘adire’ fabric to the outside world, noting that more could be achieved if modern technology is used in producing the fabrics.

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has released new guidelines to facilitate the ongoing recapitalization and merger of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page on Friday, the commission cited its authority under Section 8 (1) (e) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 3 of 2020, emphasizing the need for immediate compliance with the new directive.

The guidelines aim to streamline the process for new incorporations, share capital increases, mergers, and license authorization upgrades or downgrades, ensuring a seamless and efficient transition for banks undergoing recapitalization and merger.

The CAC’s move is expected to bring clarity and structure to the recapitalization process, supporting the stability and growth of Nigeria’s banking sector.

For new incorporations, the CAC stated that intending applicants must submit necessary requirements including, “An approved name reservation or availability, approval-in-principle from sector regulator, duly completed on-line incorporation form and payment of stamp duty and filing fees for the category of license authorisation.”

It added that a certificate of incorporation shall be issued within 24 hours for applications that satisfy all requirements for incorporation of companies prescribed in the, “Commission’s operations checklists available at www.cac.gov.ng/resources.”

Also, banking institutions seeking to increase their share capital through private placements, rights issues and/or offers for subscription must submit a duly signed company resolution, return of allotment and other statutory declaration by directors verifying that the issued share capital is fully paid- up

Other requirements include, “Notice of the fact that regulatory approval is required, an affidavit deposed to by a director of the company to the effect that regulatory approval is required for the increase, an amended memorandum of association reflecting the new share capital.

“Payment of stamp duties and filing fees, Issuance of a letter acknowledging notice of increase and requirement of regulatory approval, filing of regulatory approval and the issuance of a certificate of increase.”

Under this category, the commission warned that the notice of the fact that regulatory approval is required must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 127 (3), (4) & (5) of CAMA.

Related News
CAC to delist 100,000 inactive companies in 90 days
PalmPay mandates CAC registration for POS operators
Business registration possible in 24 hours, says CAC ambassador
“Annual returns and information on persons with significant control must be filed up-to-date and certificate of increase shall be issued within 24 hours of filing of regulatory approval,” it said.

Similarly, small and medium banking institutions seeking to merge must submit duly signed special resolution for merger by each of the merging companies.

Other requirements are “the scheme of merger duly approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“A certified true copy of court order authorising Extraordinary General Meeting of each of the merging companies. Evidence of publication of court ordered meeting in two newspapers and the Federal Gazette and a CTC of Court order sanctioning the Scheme of Merger.

“All enquiries and complaints on these guidelines and applications submitted in pursuance of the recapitalisation exercise should be addressed to bankrecapitalization@cac.gov.ng or call +234 816 920 9551,” the statement added.

Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria in March 2024 directed all banks to increase their capital base for improved productivity.

The apex bank had directed commercial banks with international authorisation to increase their capital base to N500bn and national banks to N200bn.

It also said commercial banks with national licences must meet a N200bn threshold, while those with regional authorisation are expected to achieve a N50bn capital floor.

This process has commenced fully with banks issuing public offers and rights issues to meet the two year target.

The Enugu Innovative Youth group has decided to withdraw from the upcoming nationwide protest despite the ongoing economic and hunger crises in Nigeria.

At a press conference in Enugu on Friday, the group, representing all 17 local government areas of Enugu State, pledged to uphold peace and stability in the region.

Publicity Secretary Jude Aniagu acknowledged the severe national issues, including widespread hunger and economic difficulties. However, he highlighted that Enugu State has been making notable progress under Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership.

While the group understands the reasons behind the Nationwide Hunger Protest scheduled for August 1-10, 2024, they advised against participating, pointing to the positive developments and improvements in Enugu State.

“We recognize the risk that the protest could be exploited by malicious actors and hoodlums. Therefore, Enugu youths must avoid actions that could damage our shared heritage.

“Enugu is among the most peaceful and productive states in Nigeria. We must avoid descending into chaos and infrastructure decay that could result from such a protest.”

The group expressed concerns about the potential violence and disruption the protest might cause, particularly the risk of hoodlums using the situation to target peaceful youths.

They called for dialogue between Enugu youths, the Federal Government, and Governor Mbah’s administration to address unemployment and poverty in the state. The group is also aware of the state government’s plans for job creation and development in IT and entrepreneurship.

“We urge our youths to avoid risking their lives in this protest and instead support the governor’s initiatives aimed at improving our state. We must safeguard the progress we have made under Governor Mbah’s leadership and continue to build on his efforts,” the statement concluded.

Troops of Sector II Joint Task Force in the North-East Operation “Hadin Kai” on Friday, defused an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted at the Buni Yadi Cattle Market in Yobe.

Capt. Mohammed Shehu, Spokesperson of the sector, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu that the IED was planted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents, targeting vigilante members.

He, however, said another IED planted at the market, sadly, exploded injuring a minor who was hawking sachet water.

Also confirming the incident, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, Spokesman of the Police Command in the state, said the 12-year-old victim sustained a fracture in her leg as a result of the explosion.

According to him, the victim is receiving treatment for the injury at a hospital.

He called on the citizenry to always report suspicious persons or objects to security agents for action.

Buni Yadi, is about 54km from Damaturu, the state capital.

…vows to lead protest

Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general election, Omoyele Sowore, has challenged the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, over his declaration that Abuja is not available for protests on August 1.

Sowore took to social media on Friday to declare that the proposed nationwide protests will commence in Abuja.

He said, “It is starting from and in Abuja!”

Wike had on Thursday announced that August 1 has been reserved for the chairmen of the six Area Councils of the FCT to present certificates of recognition to traditional rulers, effectively banning protests on that day.

He stated that the FCT would not be available for the proposed nationwide protest.

The Minister’s declaration came after the FCT Security Council meeting in Abuja on Thursday, where he later briefed journalists on the outcome.

The planned nationwide protests, tagged #EndBadGovernance, has gained traction and is scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10, 2024.

The organisers who are still without faces have expressed concerns over the prevailing hunger and rising inflation in the country.

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has warned those planning to stage a nationwide protest on August 1 not to attack any police formations in the country.

Its national chairman, Alhaji Magaji Ibrahim, gave the warning in an interview with journalists on his visit to Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue on Thursday in Makurdi.

Mr Ibrahim said that the PCRC had over the years invested in building a formidable Police Force, noting that it would not fold its arms and allow a few individuals to destroy it.

“History has it that policemen and formations are usually the first targets during protests, and so we will resist any attempt to attack any police formation in Nigeria,” he said.

The chairman, however, appealed to those planning to stage the protest to give the federal government more time to improve the nation’s staggering economy.

“I want to appeal to Nigerians, particularly the youth, to rethink the proposed nationwide protest. Our President and his team are doing everything possible to better the lot of the people; let’s give him the benefit of the doubt,” he appealed.

Mr Ibrahim said that he was in Benue to sensitise members of the public on the need to support the PCRC in restoring peace and order in all parts of the country.

The chairman, who commended Mr Alia’s commitment to peace and security in Benue, added that he was also in the state to conduct elections into various offices for the North-Central zone.

Earlier, Me Alia, represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, advised Benue youths to shun the proposed protest. He particularly warned against allowing criminal elements to take advantage of the protest and ignite trouble capable of breaching the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.

The governor also appealed to Nigerians to be patient, adding that President Bola Tinubu had put in place measures aimed at reviving all critical sectors of the economy.

He called on Benue residents to support the state government in its bid to deliver the dividends of democracy to all.

President Bola Tinubu says he is not afraid of protests but his worries are about sponsored thugs hijacking protests to trigger violence and destruction of public properties.

Mr Tinubu, in a meeting with traditional rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at the State House on Thursday, said the plight of citizens remains a deep concern, and will receive more attention.

“Nigeria is on the path of recovery. You have heard it from the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun. We are not afraid of protests,” Mr Tinubu said.

The president, however, said he is concerned about the damage that could follow protests, citing how historic #Endsars protest was disrupted by state sponsored thugs in 2020.

“Our concern is the ordinary people, and the damages that will be done. Till today, I cannot forget the brand new 60 and 100 seater buses, down there in Lagos that were burnt down, and we are now complaining of transportation. That is the problem,” Mr Tinubu said, thanking the traditional rulers “for talking to the citizens” to shelve the August nationwide protests over economic hardships.

In a bid to discourage Nigerians from partaking in the protest, Mr Tinubu has engaged traditional rulers and clerics to dissuade citizens from protesting.

Mr Tinubu’s government distributed trucks of rice to states to ameliorate hunger and increased the minimum wage to N70,000 since mobilisation for the nationwide protest began.

Mr Tinubu’s economic policies, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the decision to float the naira, have led to a surge in petrol prices from N145 to N710 per litre, and the naira has plunged to approximately N1,500 to the dollar.

While economic experts and the International Monetary Fund have praised these measures as courageous reforms, the resultant spike in food prices has triggered calls for protests nationwide.

In preparation for the upcoming nationwide protest, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has deployed 4,200 officers throughout the capital.

The command has also stationed explosive ordnance device experts at strategic locations.

According to a statement on Friday by police spokesperson Josephine Adeh, the deployment aims to ensure public safety, protect protesters, and prevent the protest from being hijacked by non-state actors.

The statement also mentioned that there will be raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings, and shanties, as well as stop-and-search operations in collaboration with other security agencies.

Details to follow…

Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade has called for caution on the proposed August 1st nationwide protest while stating that the police will not allow breakdown of law and order in Lagos.

CP Fayoade also alerted that such a protest could be hijacked and used to cause mayhem that will disrupt the peace, and loss of lives and property of Lagos residents.

The Lagos police boss stated this during a security stakeholders’ meeting addressing security agencies, religious leaders, youth, and market leaders at an event held on Thursday.

“We have called you to tell you that we are committed, we are ready to protect everybody to provide up-to-date standard security all over Lagos, all over the nooks and cranes of Lagos. We assure you that we will not allow a breakdown of law and order to convince these people.

“These faceless people who are planning this protest should reconsider the idea because it’s not going to augur well for the country. We want a peaceful Nigeria where we can do our business peacefully, make our profits, where we can improve the standard of living of all the people of the country, where good things will be available for everybody. That’s the kind of Nigeria we want,” CP Adegoke said.

He, however, stressed on securing the lives and properties of Lagosians, as he asserts that such protest, if hijacked could lead to the destruction that will result in the loss of billions of Naira and deter investors from the country.

He also noted that such protest can stagnate the social economic development thereby affecting the growth of the country.

Commenting, the state’s Commissioner of Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende said, “The message is clear and the signal is clear, that we are standing as one people to ensure that we keep our Lagos and our Nigeria safe. So, I commend every one of us who have taken those steps and for those who are yet to take those steps, we will encourage you to please do that because when anything goes wrong, it affects every one of us irrespective of whatever it is that we are
building.

“We all see what has happened in Kenya recently. Everybody has come out in the aftermath to realise what has happened. You see, when this thing happens, it happens like a snowball and the ripple effect is very high and we would ensure, and we will try and plead, will ask, we will pay to ensure that we and our Nigerians are safe,” he stated.

Ogunlende further noted that the state government is presently working to empower a million youths in information technology with partnerships with financial institutions within the states, as well as the provision of over 1,800 jobs created through the LagRide Smart Taxi Scheme.

“2,866 job opportunities for young drivers who graduated from LBSL and are accredited through Trading Academy with over 2,200 healthcare professionals mostly youth recruited into the state public health facilities and health education over 3,000 fresh graduates and teachers recruited mostly youths,” he said.

For his part, the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Lagos chapter, Comrade Alimi Idris categorically stated that the student union will not partake in the proposed August 1st planned Protest.

According to him, “We students of Lagos State already have internal battles we are facing, and I am here to state categorically that the 11 tertiary institutions in Lagos State will not join a protest we don’t know the beginning and the ending.

“We don’t have time to join a protest when we are already dealing with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) strike. We don’t want anything else that will delay our academics, thereby having to graduate in seven years for a four-year course.

“Many presidents of various institutions in Lagos State have already started calling me, saying they are being contacted by unknown numbers about the protest. But I’m here to state that we are not joining the protest because we don’t know the organisers.”

Similarly, President General of Ladipo market, Mr. Africanus Ogudoro stressed that the Ladipo market will be open for business on the said date of the protest.

”Ladipo market will be fully open to operate on August 1st because we are not aware of any protest. The same goes for Alaba Amalgamated Markets, they will be fully open,” Ogudaro stated.

The Rotary Club of Rock City on Thursday, donated gift items to the first baby born in Abeokuta on July 25 as part of activities marking the club’s 2nd Charter Day celebrations.

Speaking at the Oba Ademola ll Maternity Hospital, Ijemo, Abeokuta where the mother of newly born baby was presented with the baby items, the President of Rotary Club of Rock City, Rtn. Henry Olasupo Adedokun said

” We were chartered two years ago, precisely on 25th July, 2022. The month of July is also dedicated to Maternal and Child Health by Rotary International. Since our Charter as a Club is 25th July, we decided to donate gift items to a baby born in Abeokuta on this day.

” Interestingly, while planning we mapped out; Oke- llewo PHC , Adigbe PHC , Obada PHC and kugba PHC for the project and have been in contact with the mapped Primary Health Care (PHC) since early hours of the morning. Oba Ademola ll Maternity Hospital was not even on our list because our aim is to make the gift items to a needy mother.

” Our today’s experience reinstates the important of prioritising Maternal and Child Health because we earlier got news of a baby delivered in Oba Oko and before we could locate the baby, the baby had died. We later got another at Osiele PHC, we moved there immediately and while offloading our gifts we were told the mother had delivery complications and have been rushed to a higher facility which prevented us access to donate to the baby.

Then we resumed our search and finally got a baby here and happy our all day search was successful and the gift items were presented to the right family in true need.

Also, speaking, the project Chairperson, Rtn. Oke Ibukunoluwa Enitan stated that

” This baby here is lucky, because we have gone as far as the outskirts of Abeokuta in search for a July 25th baby. God knows about this baby to be the beneficiary and be recognised as our Irresistible Charter Baby.

While expressing gratitude to the Club, the mother, Mrs Bisi Lawal could not control her emotions as she thanked the Club for the hand of support given to her and her new baby boy.

The Father of the baby, Gbenga Lawal, who also narrated what his wife experienced in relation to birthing, confirmed that his wife has been pregnant up to delivery stage and this is the first baby she is carrying in her hands. The fair of the past made his wife relocate to prayer mountain over a month ago which prevented them from getting any baby items ahead of her today’s delivery.

In their remarks the Director of Nursing services, DNS A. Adeyemi and Apex Nurse, DNS, Mrs Taiwo Olufunmilola commended the Rotary Club of Rock City for coming to the maternity to present the items. They added that the facility would further appreciate the club coming often to give succour to nursing mothers who are less privileged.

Joining Rtn. Henry Olasupo Adedokun (Irresistible President RC Rock City) for the presentation are; Past President Aremu Monday Babatunde (RC Abeokuta Metro), Rtn. Abiodun Ogundaini (Irresistible President RC Abeokuta Metro), Rtn. Olayemi Ajayi (Irresistible President RC Oke-Mosan Golden), Rtn. Williams Fakiyesi (Irresistible President RC Obantoko) and members of RC Rock City.