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OLOJO FESTIVAL RETAINS GLAMOUR DESPITE COCID-19 Despite the effect of coronavirus pandemic on public gathering in the recent time, this year 2020 Olojo festival still retains its glamour and funfair as tourists and traditional worships stormed Ile-ife for the celebration of the annual festival. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi came out of seclusion as usual on the day of Olojo after seven days of communing with his ancestors and praying for Nigeria and the entire Yoruba race. As tradition demands, at the palace, Oba Ogunwusi wore the beaded Aare (sacred) Crown which is believed to be the oldest in the entire universe before he was joined by all and sundry in a procession to Oke-mogun where he performed traditional rites. Osun state Governor, Gboyega Oyetola was among other eminent personalities who graced the occasion. The Governor who commended the Ooni for promoting Yoruba culture restated his administration's commitment to prioritising tourism for huge economic gains and ra...

Families Get N16m As "Death In Service Claims" i n Osun Osun State Government on Friday disbursed about #N16m as "death in service claims" to the next-of-Kin of  some civil servants who died while in active service of the state government. About six claimants benefited from the latest disbursement in fulfilment of the terms of agreement of the Contributory Pension Scheme. The State Government has since the commencement of the contributory pension scheme in the state been paying annual premium on every civil servant as life assurance in an effort to fulfill the pension scheme agreement. Speaking while distributing the cheques to the beneficiaries in his office on Monday, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Bola Oyebamiji who acted on behalf of the state government, commiserated with them on the loss of their loved ones, praying that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the pain. He then urged the beneficiaries to ensure that the money is spent judiciously especiall...

  I will spend 67 more Years on throne - Oluwo boasts, Says I forgive detractors... ... As Iwo People Throng Oluwo's Place in Solidarity. Iwo palace was filled to the brim Friday afternoon by residents and indigenes of the town in solidarity with their embattled king, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi. Some videos of a petition allegedly signed by 12 out of 13 kingmakers passing a vote of no confidence on the monarch went viral on social media. Alluding to the assertion that only God enthrones and dethrones King while addressing mammoth crowd at his palace, the Oluwo of Iwo boasted that he will spend more 67 years on the throne. The monarch said his only priority is to develop Iwo and see the people prosper not feeding on the fortunes of the town as preferred by the aggrieved chiefs. "I have 67 more years to spend on the throne, I m going to live for 120 years. Those who want me out and want to become Oluwo should wait because this is my time" "Today is my judgement da...

  Bursted: APC suspends Governor Kayode Fayemi The State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has suspended Governor Kayode Fayemi on the ground of anti-party activities. Gov Fayemi was accused of funding the campaign of People’s Democratic Party’s candidate in the last governorship election in Oyo State, Seyi Makinde. “Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State is hereby suspended from the Party in view of his numerous anti-Party activities especially his role in the recent concluded governorship election in Edo State which is contrary to the provisions of Article 21 (A) (ii) of the APC Constitution,” Ekiti State APC SEC said in a statement. “For five days prior to the Edo elections, Gov Fayemi hosted PDP big wig Mr. Femi Fani- Kayode in the government house in Ado Ekiti in the run-up to the Edo elections. It was here they perfected the coup against our party in Edo State.

APC is Not a Political Party - Nigerian Governor, Says Nigerians are Tired of Them The All Progressives Congress has been described as a mere convergence of various interests which teamed up to oust former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in the 2015 general election. Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike was speaking on a national television on Friday on the forthcoming Ondo State Governorship Election. Wike noted that the APC will never operate like a political party because it is a platform that harbours different political parties with different ideologies. He added that various interests in the APC will always align with different groups they belong to and will never operate as one entity. The Rivers State Governor who was the chairman for the campaign of People Democratic Party's candidate in the last Edo Governorship election said Nigerians are tired of the APC and their fake promises. "Go to anywhere in Rivers State, not a single person will tell you that the PDP has mad...

Ajadosu Wins Osun NUJ Chairmanship Bye Election Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu of the Radio Nigeria chapel has emerged the new Chairman of the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. Comrade Ajadosu polled. 136 vote of the total votes cast to defeat his opponent, Dele Ajayi of the Uniq FM, Ilesa who polled 59 The seat became vacant after the resignation of the immediately past chairman, Comrade Kehinde Ayantunji following his appointment as the Senior Special Assistant to Osun State Governor on Students' Affairs and Social Mobilisation. Comrade Ajadosu was the vice chairman of the council during the reign of comrade Ayatunji and later became the acting chairman until the Thursday election where he emerged victorious.

Ooni Calls Jimoh Aliu Hero Of Yoruba Culture, Says His Death Is A Blow to Nigerian Theatre Industry The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has described the death of the veteran Nollywood giant, Pa Jimoh Aliu as a passage of one of Yoruba's greatest heroes of culture and traditions, saying his death has dealt a blow to the theatre and film industry in Nigeria.  Ooni Ogunwusi, the Spiritual leader of the Oodua race worldwide in a statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare, described the late actor, producer and entertainer as a unique promoter of the prestigious Yoruba culture which he projected through his several works during his lifetime.  "Like the late Hubbert Ogunde among other Yoruba's cultural heroes, the whole world particularly the descendants of Oduduwa will never forget 'Arelu'; one of Pa Aliu's epical movies through which this great man taught countless moral lessons. "Aside from being a movie maker, pa ...

Scores Burnt To Death As Tanker Explodes In Kogi Many are fear dead Wednesday in a road accident involving a tanker along Lokoja-Abuja expressway in Kogi State. Among those reportedly burnt to death are traders, school children, traders and passersby along Lokoja-Abuja Road. Details later...

Nationwide Strike/Protest Loom: No Going Back - NLC Insists The National Executive Council has ratified the decision of the Nigeria Labour Congress compelling the Federal Government to reverse the increase in price of fuel and electricity.  President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, briefing journalists on behalf of the Union on Tuesday after its NEC meeting, said failure of the government to meet these demands would compel workers to go ahead with their nationwide protest and strike on the 28th of September 2020. Beyond this, NEC condemned the timing of the increment and advised the Federal Government to put the nation's refineries into operations by revamping them with immediate effect.  The NLC, at the end of the Congress' National Administrative Council and Central Working Comittee meetings in Abuja, on September 16, 2020, had threatened to shut down the economy if the federal government refuses to reverse the recent hike in petrol price and electricity tariff in 14 days. The gave...

Nigeria's economy is primed to relapse into another recession come the third quarter of the year as a result of the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic, hence the MPC's decision to cut the lending rate. This will help to “provide cheaper credit to critical sectors, improve aggregate demand, stimulate production, reduce unemployment and support the recovery of output growth.” At the end of its September meeting, the MPC says the majority of its members voted to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 100 basis points, from 12.5 per cent to 11.5 per cent, while adjusting its symmetric corridor around the MPR from +200 and -500 basis points to +100 and -700 basis points. CBN, MPC further retained CRR at 27.50 per cent and liquidity ratio at 30 per cent. Apex bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele disclosed this while briefing the journalist on the decisions of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). He said strategic health of Nigerian banks remained strong and able to support the Nigerian...

Alleged Fraud: US places Atiku, family under close watch The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), an agency of the U.S. Department of Treasury, Tuesday placed the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2019 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his family members under close watch over alleged financial fraud. Disclosing this Premium Times unraveled new findings by FinCEN which flagged some transactions linked to the senior politician as suspicious as it surveiled money movements within the international financial system. Detailing how Atiku transferred money from Nigeria to US, the Online medium wrote: “In 1999, Atiku became Nigeria’s Vice-president and, thus, created a blind trust to hold his asset in Intels. It was the blind trust created in 1999 that GTCN was incorporated to manage in 2003, with Gabrielle Volpi. Akintola Kekere-Ekun, a banker, and Uyiekpen Osagie, a lawyer, as its directors and trustees. “An investigation (of the March 2012 wire...

  The world is going through a “new normal” - Ooni Ogunwusi The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi on Sunday moved into Ile Mole, Iremo quarters, Ile-Ife for a 7-day seclusion as the annual Olojo festival kicked off in the ancient city. Ooni Ogunwusi said the period of his seclusion will be used as a point of contact to God Almighty towards the total eradication of the coronavirus as well as for peace and stability in the country.  "I am going into seclusion, I am going into fasting and prayers in the ways of our ancestors. Like you know that we're gradually winning the war against coronavirus and we must indeed be thankful because we are not superior to those countries being crippled by this pandemic. "While in seclusion I encourage all to stay prayerful whilst I remain in connection with my ancestors".  The world is going through a “new normal” & the process of resetting is underway. As the progenitor of Oduduwa it is time to reconsecrate humanity with prayers ...

Ilorin Seasonal Agony While the Edo election roforo was going on, residents of Ilorin were subjected to agony by the  rain storm. In my  family house,at Poop Giwa, two buildings were affected  -- the ancient family building and my father's building.  This experience is becoming seasonal for most family in Ilorin. This year, many residents at various areas of Ilorin are counting their losses presently. I learnt two hawkers, who sought refuge from the torrent and furious rain,at the frontage of a house around Ita Ogunbo area, died. Their death was attributed to a flying container carried by the storm, which  collapsed on them.  At other locations, there are reports of building collapses. The damages to those building go beyond repair,a rebuilding is necessary.  I learnt the Deputy Governor later visited some of the affected areas.  It is high time government provided the residents with some support beyond the usual palliative. It would seem some are...

Political Pundit Babajide Otitoju Reacts to Edo Election Results Babajide Otitoju of the popular TVC current affairs programme is a political pundits who had always got his predictions right on elections in Nigeria. Beofore now, Otitoju's prediction on outcome of elections as always been accurate but goofed this time around on Edo governorship election which held 19th September, 2020. This is how Otitoju reacts... Congratulations to the Obasekians for this sweeping victory. I have always advocated for free and fair election. Election rigging is barefaced barbarism. GO's electión reflects the wish of the Edo people and that's what matters most.  As a political pundit I am much more interested in the fidelity of the process than who wins. I pray future elections are just as free and fair and largely violence-free like yesterday's election. Yes, I got my prediction of Edo governoship race wrong. But I won't stop predicting and projecting. Because I am not God, at a poi...

Why Obaseki is winning Edo's Guber election. Political analysts, individuals and various political interest have had much taunt on where pendulum would swing regarding the September 19, 2020 Edo State governorship election. Edo people have spoken themselves to determine who paddles the affairs of the State for the next four years and the incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki appears to have won the election. Here is why... 1. Obaseki is superpowerful. Giving previous elections conducted in Nigeria where APC rigged their way through especially in Kogi and Kano State, it takes only a superpower candidates to beat APC. 2. Tinubu's call on Edo people. The fact that godfatherism is gradually becoming unpopular in Nigeria and especially outside Southwest made nonsense of the video. 3. Buhari's nonchalant attitude towards Nigerian masses. The recent obnoxious, sniffing and killing policies introduced by the federal government at this time that people are still battling with adverse e...

See when Schools in Osun Reopen Schools in Osun State like other States in Nigeria were shut months ago following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus code named COVID-19. There have been partial reopenings for exit classes which include primary six, JSS 3 and SSS3 in the recent times. The State government had announced 21st of September, 2020 for full resumption to accommodate other classes but rumour has it in some quarters this weekend that it has been postponed. Dispelling the rumour on his Facebook page, the Special Adviser to Osun State Governor on Education, Mr. Jamiu Olawumi urged the people of the State to ignore the rumour making the round. Olawumi said the schools resumption date remains 21st September, 2020. "Osun State schools reopen Monday September 21st 2020. Ignore idle people peddling rumors . 21st Sept ni , ko ni ye !!" the Special Adviser wrote.

INSURGENCY: MILITARY  NEUTRALIZES SEVERAL ARMED BANDITS, DESTROYS MEETING VENUE The Air Component of Operation Thunder Strike in Kwaimbana Forest area of Kaduna State have neutralized seve ral armed bandits and their meeting venue. This is contained in a statement by the coordinator defence media operations Major General John Enenche. The air raid was conducted on the 17th of September 2020, after series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions led to the identification of the hideout along with a building in the centre of the area which was being used by the armed bandits as meeting venue. Accordingly, the Air Component dispatched Nigerian Air Force (NAF) jets and helicopter gunships to attack the location.  The attack aircraft took turns in engaging the target area, scoring accurate hits which resulted in the damage of the building as well as neutralization of several bandits.

Bizarre: We Lost 2 Sons to Accident in 3 Months, We are in Eternal Grief - Parents Parents of the accident victim who lost his life during an alleged chase by operatives of the Osun State Joint Taskforce has revealed that two of their sons were lost to accident in just three months. Some operatives of the State Joint Taskforce were alleged to have chased a vehicle conveying four boys suspected to be internet fraudsters, leading to a ghastly road accident on Tuesday 15th September, 2020. The accident occurred around 5:30pm on the East bypass road, Osogbo when the Toyota Corollla with registration number KUJ-553LY Abuja conveying the victims veered off the road during the chase, and hit electricity poll before falling into a deep side of the road. Shortly after, uneasy calm rented the air leading to pockets of protests and burnfires in majors areas in Osogbo and environs. Meanwhile, parents of one of the deceased who gave up the ghost instantly, Idris Ajibola has said their son was n...

Blasphemy: UNICEF Faults Imprisonment Of 13yr-Old The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has criticized the Kano State Government for sentencing 13-year-old, Omar Farouq, to 10 years imprisonment over alleged blasphemy. Farouq was sentenced to imprisonment with menial labour by the State Sharia Court at Feli Hockey, after been convicted of blasphemy on August 20, 2020. In a statement UNICEF, Country Representative, Peter Hawkins, condemned the sentencing of Farouq, as he said the action of the court was wrong. Hawkins called on the Federal and Kano State Government to urgently review the case with a view to reversing the sentence. “UNICEF is deeply concerned about the sentencing of 13-year-old Omar Farouq to ten years’ imprisonment with menial labour by the Kano State Sharia Court at Feli Hockey, Kano, in northern Nigeria. “This case further underlines the urgent need to accelerate the enactment of the Kano State Child Protection Bill so as to ensure that all children under 18, i...

Three suspected internet Fraudster killed

Joint Taskforce chases suspected yahoo boys to death in Osogbo. Three suspected internet fraudsters were chased to death while one other sustained varying degree of injuries in a road accident following a chase by operatives of Joint taskforce in Osogbo. The accident occurred Tuesday evening  on the East bypass when the Toyota Corollla with registration number KUJ-553LY Abuja veered off the road during the chase, and hit electricity poll. One of the victims gave up the ghost instantly while two others out of the three who sustained serious injuries later died while they were being taking away. Eyewitnesses said the joint taskforce was given a hot chase by sympathisers while running away after the incident. They were said to have been shooting sporadically into the air to be able to escape jungle justice. More details later...

OBASANJO IS NIGERIA’S DIVIDER-IN-CHIEF -   GARBA SHEHU Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu has described the most recent statement by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as attempt to divide the nation while President Muhammadu Buhari continues to promote nation building and the unity of Nigeria. Shehu said "The difference is clear. From the lofty heights of Commander-in-Chief, General Obasanjo has descended to the lowly level of Divider-in-Chief (to adapt the coinage of Time)". "Before responding further to the unfair attacks on President Buhari and his administration by the former President, it is important that we categorically state that contrary to the assertions by a few analysts, the recent speech in which President Buhari advised West African Presidents against tenure elongation beyond constitutional limits has been consistent with his long held views on the need to adhere to the rule of law", Shehu said. ...

DELE MOMODU ISN'T A JOURNALIST, OVATION IS A PHOTOBOOK By Steve Osuji FOR THE SOUL OF JOURNALISM PROFESSION: This piece was to be titled: 'Dele Momodu has done it again,' but that might diminish the crucial issue at hand. Our noble profession is at stake here and the matter must not be taken lightly. In his back page column (PENDULUM) in THISDAY newspaper today,12/09/20, Momodu wrote about Dino Melaye and critics of his lascivious lifestyle. But the vantage space: the back page of a national newspaper turned out to be what we often describe as column abuse. The piece turns out to be an exercise in self-sterilization and disinfection; shadow-boxing against imaginary enemies and in all these, setting the stage for another journalistic harakiri. Momodu needed so much to cavort with Dino in the public space and he had deployed two thirds of the space in circumlocutous self-purgatory before he bagged his quarry. On his 60th birthday a couple of months ago, yours sincerely had ta...