Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has donated ₦50 million and six speedboats to the Borno State Government to support victims of the recent flooding in the state.

According to a statement by Humwashi Wonosikou, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, during a visit to Maiduguri on Thursday, Governor Fintiri presented the donation to Governor Babagana Zulum and appealed for more support for the affected communities.

He expressed regret over the loss of lives and property and urged the federal government to take necessary action to address the situation.

Governor Fintiri, alongside Governors Babagana Zulum and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, took a boat ride to assess the situation and sympathize with displaced persons in the state.

The visit was aimed at showing solidarity with the people of Borno State and assessing the extent of the damage caused by the flooding.

The Maiduguri flooding, which was caused by a broken spillway from the Alau Dam, has resulted in significant loss of lives and property.

Governor Fintiri’s donation is a gesture of support to the affected communities and a call to action for more assistance.

The Adamawa State Government’s donation includes ₦50 million to support relief efforts and Six speedboats to aid in rescue and relief operations

Governor Fintiri was accompanied by Secretary to the State Government Awwal Tukur, members of the State Executive Council, and friends during the visit.

The Ijesa North Traditional Council has announced a seven-day curfew in Ilesa, starting tonight, to mourn the passing of Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.

The curfew will be in effect from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly to maintain peace and order during this period.

The council expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Oba Aromolaran II, who was renowned for his dedication to the progress and development of Ijesaland.

The curfew is a necessary measure to ensure public safety and honor the late monarch’s legacy of peace.

Security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force and local vigilante groups, will enforce the curfew strictly.

Essential services like healthcare and emergency responders will remain accessible, but movement will be limited during curfew hours.

Oba Aromolaran II, who ascended the throne in 1982, was a respected figure in Nigerian traditional leadership, known for his wisdom, cultural advocacy, and contributions to national unity.

His passing marks the end of an era for the people of Ijesaland, who mourn the loss of a father, leader, and custodian of tradition.

The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended former Senator Dino Melaye from the party.

The suspension was enacted by the PDP executive committee in Ayetoro Gbede, Ward 1, after Melaye failed to respond to a summons.

The Ward executive cited anti-party activities and alleged misconduct as reasons for the action.

During a meeting on Friday in Aiyetoro/Luagba Ward 1, the Ward party executive committee reviewed a report from the disciplinary committee investigating the allegations against Melaye and decided to suspend him.

The resolution was signed by Ward Chairman Abayomi Osamika and Secretary Yodson Dayo.

The resolution, as seen Coretvnews, stated: “Senator Dino Melaye’s actions have brought embarrassment and disrepute to the party, making his continued membership untenable. Therefore, the Ward party executive has suspended Dino Melaye from the Peoples Democratic Party, effective immediately.”

The suspension follows Article 59(1) of the PDP constitution, which grants Ward executives the authority to take disciplinary measures against members found in violation of party rules.

President Bola Tinubu met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, marking their first encounter since the COP 28 Climate Summit in Dubai last year.

The private meeting, initiated by the King, underscored the strong ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

During their discussions, the leaders focused on critical global issues, particularly the pressing challenge of climate change.

They explored collaborative opportunities in preparation for the upcoming COP 29 Summit in Azerbaijan and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.

President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to addressing climate change while balancing the nation’s energy security needs. He expressed Nigeria’s readiness to align with global sustainability strategies.

The dialogue also included innovative approaches to climate financing, with both leaders keen on leveraging Nigeria’s influential role in Africa and the Commonwealth to strengthen partnerships in climate action.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the transition of Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.

Oba Aromolaran, the highly revered first-class monarch, died at the age of 86.

While on the throne, he also served as chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers.

As a traditional ruler, Oba Aromolaran kept his palace above the fray of partisan politics. He was open to all political tendencies.

According to a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on behalf of the Federal Government, President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Osun State, the good people of Ijesaland, and the family of the late traditional ruler.

The President affirmed that the departed monarch firmly believed in the values of Yoruba culture and African tradition.

His respect for these values and systems defined his remarkable 42-year reign on the throne of his ancestors.

Tinubu paid tribute to the departed monarch, expressing his deep admiration for Oba Aromolaran’s unwavering support, optimism, and commitment to Nigeria’s justice, unity, and prosperity.

“His dedication to these noble causes inspired us all,” Tinubu said.

He further noted that the late Oba Aromolaran will be long remembered for his useful educational contributions through his many books and publications, his advocacy for what is right and fair, and his protection of the vulnerable from exploitation.

Tinubu prayed that “God Almighty will grant Kabiyesi’s soul eternal rest and comfort to all who mourn the passage of this great leader.”

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the gruesome murder of Mrs. Rose Eneojoh, a housewife in Kogi State.

According to William Ovye Aya, Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, “One suspect, Muazu Muhammed, has been arrested in connection with the crime.”

The incident occurred at Etikpolo Anyigba, in Dekina Local Government Area, where unknown individuals attacked and killed Mrs. Eneojoh. Aya revealed that the case has been transferred to Lokoja for further investigation.

Charles Ile Umoru, a family member, expressed outrage and grief over the senseless killing, saying, “This innocent woman was gruesomely murdered, leaving her husband and five young children in misery.

The killers demanded 200,000 Naira to spare her life, but despite receiving the money, they still shot and killed her. How long should this continue in Igala land?”

The police assure that justice will be served, as they work tirelessly to unravel the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

Oyo State governor John, ‘Seyi Makinde, has said that his administration will continue to encourage quality nursing education in the state.

The governor stated this on Thursday while receiving the Accreditation Team from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria at an event held at the Conference Room, Ministry of Justice, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde, who spoke through his Deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal, maintained that education is one of the main pillars of the Omituntun 2.0’s Sustainable Development Agenda and that the administration has continued to do everything possible to ensure the improvement of the sector.

He added that Nursing as a profession has gained global attraction and has become prominent and that nursing education should not be undermined because it is the incubation ground for making well-grounded nurses that will function in the health sector.

The governor promised that his government will provide more infrastructure, resources and manpower to enhance the quality of nursing education in all the health-related schools.

The governor equally stated that the state is working on putting in place a law that will enable the establishment of the College of Nursing Sciences with multiple campuses in the state.

Earlier in his address, the Chief Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr Farouk Abubarka, said that the accreditation team was in Oyo State to inspect and see the availability of resources in the Nursing Schools in Ibadan, Kisi and Oyo campuses.

He explained that nurses produced in Nigeria are competent and among the best in the world, adding that the aim of the Council is to ensure standard at all levels with regards to the production of competent and qualified nurses across all the health facilities in Nigeria.

Dr Abubarka commended the efforts of the Governor Makinde-led administration in the health and education sectors, even as he called for more efforts to enhance quality services.

The event had in attendance the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Salihu Adelabu; Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Biodun Aikomo, and Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi.

Others were the Provost, College of Nursing Sciences, Dr Gbonjubola Owolabi and the Provost, College of Health Science and Technology, Dr Oluyemisi Oyewo, among others.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Abuja zone, has raised concerns over what it described as an ugly trend of treating its members as slaves in some public universities in the country.

Briefing newsmen Thursday in Abuja, Salihu Muhammed Lawal, Abuja Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, said their members have suffered various forms of victimisation such as suspension from duty, denial of promotion, deliberate withholding of salaries, dismissal from service without recourse to due process, and stifling of union’s activities.

Lawal said if not checked, it could lead to industrial disharmony among members.

“We are worried by this ugly trend. It is obvious that there is a trend in our public universities that may lead to unwarranted and avoidable industrial disharmony, because our Union would not sit idly and allow visitors to the universities and some overzealous university administrators erode the culture of academic excellence and rule of law as guaranteed in the university Acts and ultimately, the Constitution of the Federal Republic,” he said.

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According to him, the case of victimisation of ASUU members began at the Kogi State University.

He said: “At the Kogi State University, Anyigba, a crisis began due to the lack of understanding of the modus operandi of the University system by the operators and the Visitors to the University. The autonomy of the system had always been infringed upon, leading to a frosty relationship between the union and the university management.”

He further said this reached a crescendo when the university administration started trampling on the rights and privileges of academic staff.

“All efforts by the union to address these anomalies were met with stiff opposition from the university authority and the visitors to the university. This situation led to a strike action that culminated in the dismissal of 120,” he said.

Among other other universities, he said such cases have been reported include the Lagos State University (LASU); Ebonyi State University (EBSU); Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAUE), Edo State; Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State; and most recently the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

He said: “At the Lagos State University (LASU), there was a reckless clampdown on the union’s activities and outright victimization of the union’s leadership as well.

“At the Ebonyi State University (EBSU), there was gross interference by the political class in the administration of the institution which has resulted into the inhuman treatment of our members.

“In place of the university’s Governing Council, a group of questionable characters known as ‘The Divine Mandate Professors’ took over and usurped the powers of the Council.

“At the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), the interest of the University Administration has led to the persecution of union members as well as crippling of its activities on campus.”

ASUU, therefore, called on all visitors to the affected state and federal universities to quickly address all issues that can further make campuses a battlefield.

Gas Explosion Kills Couple in Ebonyi State
Gas explosion has killed a woman identified simply as Chioma and her husband, George, in Abakiliki, the Ebonyi state capital.

The spokesperson of Ebonyi State Police Command, DSP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this to journalists on Thursday in Abakiliki.

This came following speculations in some quarters that the duo died as a result of dynamite or inverter battery explosion.

Chioma was said to have died five days after the explosion while the husband succumbed to injuries sustained from the blast on Wednesday in the hospital.

It was learnt that the explosion happened a few days after the couple moved into their new residence in Abakiliki.

Ukandu said, “The preliminary report shows that it was a gas explosion that killed Chioma and not dynamite or battery, although further investigation is still on going.”

The true identify of the late Chioma is not yet established but unconfirmed reports said she was a sister of Afrobeats singer, Patoranking

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at approximately 8:30 pm, gunmen kidnapped Mr. Emeka Nwachukwu, the owner of a hospital in Kosubosu, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The abduction occurred at his clinic, located on the outskirts of Kosubosu town.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement released on Thursday by its spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi.

According to the statement, the police are working alongside the local vigilante to rescue Mr. Nwachukwu unharmed and have intensified efforts to locate him.

The statement read: “The Kwara State Police Command is aware of an unfortunate kidnap incident that occurred on September 11, 2024, at 2030 hours. Mr. Emeka C. Nwachukwu was kidnapped in a clinic owned by him on the outskirts of Kosubosu town and taken to an unknown location. Further developments on the rescue operation will be communicated as it progresses.”

The police are actively working to secure Mr. Nwachukwu’s safe release and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

…As Odua Investment Company commits to FG’s economic revolution

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has restated the firm resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to revolutionise Nigeria’s Digital Economy, saying it is on course and fully backed by the necessary support, initiatives and partnerships.

To this effect, he said the Federal Government will continue to open its doors to all willing partners and stakeholders who continue to believe and invest in the Nigeria project, adding that it is just a matter of time before the nation takes its rightful position across the globe.

The Vice President, who gave the assurance on Thursday when the management of Odua Investment Company Limited led by its Chairman, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, praised the Company for its initiatives and investment in agriculture, digital economy and MSMEs.

Senator Shettima noted that these sectors remain critical to Nigeria’s economic development and future.

“The Southwest region of our country has the enormous capacity to revolutionise the country given its endowments, just as the policies of President Tinubu will, in no time, manifest as the greatest milestones crossed for the development of Nigeria,” the VP stated.

On the ”weaponization of fuel subsidy,” Vice President Shettima described it as an albatross that hung on the neck of the Nigerian nation, as well as the hitherto manipulated exchange rate.

“Few persons sat on our commonwealth and manipulated our resources. But we are checkmating these manipulations and as can be seen the economy is gradually beginning to recover and pick up. We are, indeed, ready to carry the burden of leadership and together with stakeholders like you, we are crossing the rubicon and the time for reaping will come,” VP Shettima further said.

Earlier, the Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Ashiru, who thanked the Vice President for the opportunity to pay him a courtesy call, commended President Tinubu for promoting ease of doing business in Nigeria.

Similarly, he praised the encouragement they got from Vice President Shettima, just as he said, “You could see that businesses are coming in, and that is why we are here. I see a brighter future in this country with what we have seen in general.

“Nigerians have no business going around the world looking for money, especially with the volume of resources at its disposal, more so that our investors are our greatest assets,” he said.

Mr Ashiru expressed optimism that businesses will continue to thrive under the Tinubu administration, even as he called on citizens and investors to take advantage of the opportunities that abound in Nigeria and do business.

“Earlier, it was one of the issues that the Vice President was applauded for. I served as a former Commissioner in my state, and I know that actually, the Office of the Vice President focuses on that aspect of doing business in Nigeria.

“Now, I’m sure Nigeria has moved up the ladder. I remember Nigeria was sometimes ranked around 140 or so. I can tell you that there are lots of opportunities in this country,” he added.

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 666 medicine stores in Kaduna State for allegedly operating illegally and violating national drug distribution guidelines.

This follows an enforcement exercise that began earlier in the week, where a total of 895 premises were visited.

According to the PCN director of enforcement, Stephen Esumobi, “The premises sealed include 47 pharmacies, 313 patent medicine shops, and 306 illegal medicine shops.

These shops were shut down for selling medicines in open drug markets, operating without registration, poor documentation, poor storage facilities, and stocking ethical products without a pharmacist’s supervision.”

Esumobi emphasized that the activities of these shops pose a significant threat to public health due to poor storage conditions, which can lead to the degradation of active ingredients in medicines.

“The PCN will not tolerate the sale of medicines in open drug markets and unregistered locations. We will continue to enforce the National Drug Distribution Guidelines to protect public health and prevent the sale of harmful substances,” he assured.

However, Esumobi also offered assistance to owners of sealed shops who are willing to comply with regulations, warning that action will be taken against erring medicine dealers.

The PCN’s enforcement exercise aims to ensure that medicine stores operate within the bounds of the law and prioritize public health and safety.

Across-section of young people on Thursday voiced their concerns about the current economic situation in Nigeria, citing a lack of job opportunities and challenges in self-improvement.

In an interview with journalists, they highlighted the challenges they face, including unstable electricity and irregular internet connectivity.

Gbadamosi Elizabeth, a corps member, said she had faced numerous challenges while trying to learn a new course to enhance her career.

She expressed frustration with the lack of power supply and poor internet connections, which hindered her ability to complete tasks.

Nnamdi Ifeanyi, a photographer, noted that the amenities expected in the society were lacking, making it difficult for youths to succeed.

He also mentioned the rise in goods and services, making it challenging for individuals to afford their needs, even with a job.

Oscar Laurenzo, a civil servant, noted that Nigeria’s economy was grappling with inflation and recession, which had made achieving financial stability a significant challenge.

He also highlighted the financial strain of applying for online courses due to the rise in dollar value, lack of power supply, and high data costs.

The youths emphasised the need for resilience in the face of these challenges.

(NAN)

…As Firm Names Longest Estate Road, Recreation Arena After Ex-Governor, Bello

Former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, has commended real estate firm, Pelican Valley Ltd, for naming its longest estate road after him, urging it to persevere in its determination to improve life and comfort by making urban living to align with nature’s beauty.

Osoba expressed both confidence and expectation that in the next couple of years, the CEO of Pelican Valley, Ambassador (Dr) Babatunde Adeyemo, would turn the estate into an iconic architecture city.

The elder statesman spoke at the inauguration of the Pelican’s Ecostay Apartments, the first set of eco-friendly homes at Masa-Kobape corridor of Ogun State on Wednesday where the Aremo Olusegun Osoba Drive and Alhaji T. I. Bello Recreation Arena were also unveiled.

The Aremo Olusegun Osoba Drive, the real estate firm disclosed, is an honour to the elder statesman for his rural electrification project in Masa community while serving as governor, adding that the project paved way for the birth of the multiple billion-naira Pelican Valley’s projects 30 years after.

It also disclosed that the recognition of T. I Bello was because the nonagenarian supported Adeyemo’s nuclear and extended families, including the construction of a home for his late father.

The ex-governor, who was represented by a former federal lawmaker, Hon Adekunle Adeyemo, lauded the Pelican Valley CEO for the honour, praying that he will experience a blissful old age.

Osoba also urged the ‘real estate poster boy’ of Ogun State to make provision for the widowers since he had already set up Okó Opó Foundation, which caters for the widows, children and the downtrodden members of the society.

In their goodwill messages, the Aboro of Ibese, Oba Rotimi Mulero; Chairperson of Nigeria in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alamutu, hailed Pelican Valley CEO for boosting the socio-economic fortune of the state and positioning itself to bridge the nation’s housing deficit.

Other dignitaries at the event include Ogun State Commissioner for Urban Planning and Physical Development, Tpl Tunji Odunlami and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State among others.

The Aboro of Ibese, Oba Mulero urged Adeyemo to leverage on the presence of multi-billion dollar companies in Ibese to establish one of the Pelican Valley estates in the area, assuring him of a smooth and accommodating business environment.

The traditional ruler noted that the real estate industry plays a pivotal role in both communal, local, state, national and global development, considering it as one of the fastest rising sectors in the world thag compliments governments’ efforts by contributing massively to the country’s GDP, jobs creation and driving infrastructural investment in roads, utilities, and services for the benefit of people.

Also, Hon Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by Mr Dipo Odebowale, expressed the readiness of NIDCOM to partner with Adeyemo to enable Pelican Valley access the commission’s window and showcase its novel real estate products to Nigerians in diaspora.

The commissioner of police, Alamutu also disclosed that the Pelican chief executive has demonstrated a proven track record of integrity and honesty which should be emulated by real estate practitioners in the country.

Earlier in his address, Adeyemo described Pelican’s Ecostay Apartments as a milestone which represents a significant step forward in redirecting and redefining decent and modest urban living in Ogun State and Nigeria.

He said the idea was conceived and executed to address the challenges of climate change, pollution, waste management and the need to incorporate cutting-edge eco-friendly technologies, sustainable materials and innovative design principles to minimise carbon footprint and protect the planet.

He noted that the feat would not have been achieved without the enabling environment provided by Governor Dapo Abiodun for businesses to thrive and commended him for his distinctive leadership that has been instrumental in attracting investments and promoting entrepreneurship in the Gateway State.

The CEO also appreciated the Commissioner for Urban Planning and Physical Development in Ogun State, Tpl Tunji Odunlami, for making tireless efforts to ensure sustainable urban planning and physical development.

He revealed that Pelican Valley has successfully brought over 1,000 Nigerians in the diaspora into the tax net of Ogun State, assuring that the project has the potential to do more.

He appealed to the government to look into the road across the Ecostay Apartments, saying the road is a hidden treasure and, if constructed, could help decongest the Abeokuta metropolis and generate over
N2 billion annually to the government purse.

Adeyemo said, “Let me specifically highlight some of the salient features to treasure at the Pelican’s Ecostay Apartments. This estate, which has a full government approved layout and building approvals, is also fortified with armed security guards. It is provided with energised 33 KVA/500 KV public power, equipped with 90 percent industrial solar street lights and paved with interlocked roads.

“Our unique residential project also has provisions for a purpose-built lounge, bar and mini club, basketball, lawn tennis, badminton courts, worship centers, as well as a swimming pool. a mini zoo where camels, peacocks and other delightful animals are equally on display. In addition, the estate has a close proximity to our Greenish Acres Farm, where organic and fresh meals are processed. Above all, Pelican’s Ecostay Apartments is easily accessible with a 20-minute drive to the Abeokuta Central Business District, the new train station and also, we are just a 50-minute drive to the Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos.

“It is also important for me to note that our housing repayment plan offers a zero percent interest rate, with no variations or hidden charges. However, default charges may be incurred if payments are not made as scheduled. But let me assure our residents that they will enjoy it more and have access to a range of other exclusive amenities.”

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed his heartfelt condolences over the passing of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Dr Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, who departed on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

In a statement issued today at Osogbo, Governor Adeleke described the late monarch as a “father figure, a pillar of support, and a teacher” who was deeply committed to the development of Ijesaland and Osun State.

He praised Oba Aromolaran for his boldness, candour, elegance, and literary energy, through which he inspired the people during his successful reign as Owa Obokun.

While expressing sadness at the demise of the Kabiyesi, Governor Adeleke acknowledged the late Oba’s unwavering support for his administration, even in challenging times, and appreciated his constant communication on matters of development in Ijesaland and Osun State at large.

“Kabiyesi was a deeply selfless father, who took no prisoners when it came to matters of development and wellbeing of the people. He was a friend of good governance, no matter the colour or race.

“The last time I was with him was the flag off of the dualisation of Brewery – Palace road. I am glad our late erudite scholar witnessed a new phase of development for Ijeshaland”, the statement quoted the Governor as saying.

Governor Adeleke condoled with the people of Ijesaland, the Aromolaran royal family, and the entire traditional institution in Osun State, saying, “We will miss him dearly, but his impact on our lives and the development of Osun State will never be forgotten.”

The late Oba Aromolaran was a great monarch and a respected custodian of our culture and tradition. Kabiyesi was known for his words of wisdom, courage, and selflessness.

“On behalf of the government and people of Osun State, I condole with the industrious people of ijesa, the Owa Obokun traditional Council, the immediate family and all of us, who are definitely affected by the exit of Kabiyesi, Oba Adekunle Aranmolaran”, Governor Ademola Adeleke was quoted as saying.

The Ogun State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the state’s reputation as the education capital of Nigeria.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide made this promise during an advocacy visit by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) led by Chief of Lagos Field Officer, Celine Lafoucriere, at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan.

“To retain our pride of place in education, we must address the issue of school drop-outs”.

“As lawmakers, we are committed to supporting the state government’s efforts through intervention projects, such as donating educational facilities, organizing summer classes, and facilitating donations to schools from philanthropists”, Elemide said

Other lawmakers, including Honourables Adebisi Oyedele, Babatunde Tella, and Lukman Adeleye, assured UNICEF of their sustained collaboration with government and non-governmental organizations to enhance access to education.

They attributed the high statistics of dropout and out-of-school pupils in the country to the rising spate of insecurity and eroded cultural values occasioned by the influx of people from neighboring countries.

Celine Lafoucriere attributed the high statistics of out-of-school children and drop-outs to various factors, including inadequate evidence-based policies, limited budget allocation, shortage of teachers and classrooms, poor infrastructure, cultural norms, health and safety concerns, and child labor.

She reaffirmed UNICEF’s readiness to develop models for reducing the number of out-of-school children and increasing retention, transition, and completion of adolescents from primary to secondary school levels.

UNICEF Education Specialist, Azuka Menkiti, sought strategies to increase enrollment and boost school children’s interest, while working assiduously with all stakeholders in the Legislative arm to ensure seamless access to quality education.

She emphasized the need for parents to have a firm belief in the educational system.

The lawmakers and UNICEF officials agreed on the need for collective efforts to address the challenges facing the education sector, ensuring that Ogun State maintains its pride of place as the education capital of Nigeria.

The Ogun State House of Assembly has approved the 2025-2027 State Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), paving the way for the preparation of the State Year 2025 Budget.

The approval followed the presentation of the report by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation’s Vice Chairman, Hon. Wahab Haruna, and the adoption of the report by the Whole House.

According to Speaker Oludaisi Elemide, “The MTEF report outlines the sectoral allocations for personnel, overhead, and capital expenditures for the state’s different sectors for 2025-2027.”

The lawmakers also engaged Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, seeking increased budgetary allocation for education and agriculture sectors to improve food security through mechanized farming.

Hon. Yusuf Amosun emphasized, “Mechanized farming is crucial for food security, and we need to invest more in it.”

Commissioner Olabimtan responded, “We will embark on agro-business and take advantage of its value chain to empower the people.”

The approved MTEF will serve as a guide for the preparation of the State Year 2025 Budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to key sectors.

The Clerk of the House, Sakiru Adebakin, will convey the House Resolution to the concerned authorities, including Commissioner Olabimtan, for implementation.

The Ogun State House of Assembly has passed the State Power Sector Law 2024, aimed at improving electricity generation, transmission, and distribution within the state. This move addresses the energy consumption challenges faced by residents and business owners.

According to the Deputy Speaker, Bolanle Ajayi, “The passage of this bill is a significant step towards addressing the energy needs of our people and businesses.”

The bill was passed after a thorough review by the Committee of Whole, chaired by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide. The Majority Leader, Yusuf Sheriff, moved the motion for the third reading, seconded by Hon. Adeleye, and supported by the Whole House through a unanimous voice vote.

Speaker Elemide directed that the clean copy of the bill be transmitted to Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for his assent.

In another development, the Assembly considered a petition from Ifedapo CDA on behalf of Olorungbemileke CDA regarding a land dispute with Phillip Otegbeye Family in Ilaro. The Committee on Lands and Housing, chaired by Damilola Soneye, recommended:

“All occupants within Philip Otegbeye family land should pay a sum of Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N350,000.00) as ratification fee on a plot of land, including developed and undeveloped land, to the family of Philip Otegbeye as agreed by both parties.”

This recommendation follows an intervention by Olu of Ilaro, His Royal Highness, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Paramount Ruler of Yewa land.