Author: Lawal AbdulSalam Olawale

Two people have been confirmed dead, while six others were injured in an early Tuesday crash said to have occurred around 2:21 am, around Car Park C turning of the Redemption City, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

 

The lone crash involving a Toyota bus with number plate ACA607XT was blamed on excessive speed after which the bus lost control and crashed.

 

The spokesperson for Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Florence Okpe, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday.

 

The injured victims were said to have been taken to a nearby hospital while the corpses of the deceased were also said to have been deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.

 

The Sector Commander, FRSC Ogun Sector Command, Anthony Uga, is said to be sad over the refusal of motorists to obey simple traffic rules especially that of speed limit which has been the cause of fatal cra

shes on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.He further advised motorists to go with the stipulated speed limit and drive to stay alive.

 

The statement partly read, “The crash occurred in the early hours of today Tuesday, December 27, 2023, at about 0221 hrs around Car Park C turning on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

.A total of eight persons were involved, all male adults, six were injured and two persons were recorded dead.

 

“The vehicle involved was with registration number ACA607XT a Toyota Hiace bus.

 

“The suspected cause of the lone crash was excessive speed which led to loss of control and the vehicle crashed.”

 

 

A 29-year-old fun-seeker identified simply as Francis has drowned while swimming at the Pop Beach Club in the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State.

 

PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident happened on Thursday at about 12pm while the victim was holding a birthday hangout with his friends.

 

It was gathered that the late Francis and three others left their colleagues while the celebration was going on and went to the sea to swim.

 

An eyewitness told our correspondent on Sunday that some of the lifeguards close to the sea raised the alarm after they sighted the four of them struggling to swim against the tide.

 

The eyewitness said, “The celebrant came with 11 friends including the victim around 12 pm. They were having fun when about four of them went to swim in the beach. After spending about 30 minutes swimming, we could no longer see them again. The next moment we saw them, they were already struggling in the water. That was when we alerted the lifeguards who went into the sea to rescue them. They were only able to rescue three of them.”

 

Efforts by the lifeguards to rescue the deceased victim were unsuccessful as he was already too weak to swim.

 

After they searched for the remaining one and could not find him, the management went to the police station to report the incident. By the time a team of police arrived, the management had also gone to hire local divers who came to begin another round of search for the missing person. The search lasted till the evening but he was not found,” the eyewitness added.

however, gathered that the remains of the deceased were later found on Saturday.

 

A police source in the community said, “His body was washed to the shore of the sea on Saturday morning. And immediately people saw it, they alerted the management.”

 

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident.

 

He said, “It happened. The body was recovered two days after the incident and the corpse has been deposited in the morgue.”

 

A broadcast journalist with the Independent Television and Radio, Hillary Nosa Odia, has been shot dead by suspected cultists around 2nd East Circular, Benin City, Edo State capital on Christmas Eve.

 

A colleague of the deceased who spoke with PUNCH Metro said the late Odia left the office at about 4pm on Sunday while the news of his death filtered into the ITV premises later in the night to the surprise of those who worked with him that day.

 

The colleague stated that the killing was as a result of cult clashes around Esigie area, off East Circular Road. He noted the deceased’s brother was also killed in a similar fashion last year, stating that three people were also shot on the day Odia was killed.

 

He described the late broadcaster as jovial, hardworking and easy to work with while calling on the police to unravel his death and apprehend the suspects.

 

The source said, “The late Odia closed from work at 4pm on December 24. Unfortunately, we heard of his death around Esigie hours later and it was a very big shock to the staff of the ITV.

 

“His brother was also killed in a similar fashion last year and I heard that the December 24 killing was due to cult clashes. He was a jovial person, easy to work with, hardworking. I hope the police will apprehend his killers soon.

 

“I also heard that he was trying to quit his own house at Upper Mission Extension and rent an apartment along Airport Road, while he also wrote an exam on Saturday morning at Edo State Polytechnic in Usen, where he was taking a course,” the source added.

 

However, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council has commiserated with the management and staff of ITV over the death of Odia.

 

A statement signed by the Chairman of the NUJ in Edo State, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, and the Secretary, Andy Egbon, said the union charged security agencies in the state, especially the Nigeria Police to unravel the circumstances surrounding Odia’s murder.

 

The statement prayed for the repose of the soul of the fallen colleague and urged his family to take solace in the fact that Odia would be remembered on the positive side of history.

 

The statement further charged journalists to investigate the incident of Odia ‘s death and as well ensure adequate reportage of the killing.

 

The PPRO of the Edo State Police Command, Chidiebube Nwabuzor, confirmed the killing but said information was sketchy at this time, promising to give details of the incident on Tuesday.

 

When asked if he knew whether the deceased had reported a threat to his life, he said he wouldn’t know as there were many cases treated by the men of the command daily.

 

He added: “I can confirm that the killing took place. Information is sketchy now but details would be revealed tomorrow after preliminary investigation.”

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu has pleaded with beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope financial grants approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invest the grants into profitable economic ventures.

 

Addressing the less privileged individuals in Cross River State on Monday, the Minister stated that the monies are not given to them for drinks or debauchery, but to start a petty trade or boost their existing petty trade and make better profits to sustain their families.

 

These monies can be used to start up little businesses. You can use these grants to boost your trade, and that will help with sustainability. These grants are deliberate acts by the federal government to pull people out of poverty.

 

Cross River, Lagos, Kogi, Imo, Akwa Ibom, others, etc have benefitted and Nigerians have reacted by thanking the President for the Yuletide gesture, saying that the money will go a long way in providing sustainable livelihood for their households this period.

 

Over 5,000 vulnerable, very poor persons and even People With Disabilities, PWDs in Cross River state received N20,000 grant each from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

 

This is coming on the heels of other packages provided by the President to provide relief for Nigerians during this period. It will be recalled that over 3.5 million households in Nigeria have already received the Renewed Hope conditional cash transfer, with another 4.5 million being enrolled and banked presently at various villages and communities across the country even through the season.

 

“These households are to be paid within two weeks. Furthermore, the payment of the backlog for NPower Beneficiaries is ongoing with one month of payment for almost 400,000 beneficiaries already completed this Yuletide season.

 

The event, which was the first of its kind in the state, got the beneficiaries extremely excited, especially the physically challenged persons, who were part of the Christmas celebrations event in Calabar.

 

Speaking at the event which was held at the Millennium Park, Calabar, the state capital, the Minister said the one-off grant was part of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s determination to lift vulnerable Nigerians from the abysses of poverty across the country.

 

“Here in Cross River, we are flagging off the grant for vulnerable groups in Cross River. So far, we’ve been able to reach 5,000 very poor and vulnerable persons at the grassroots in this state with plans to expand in the coming year. “

 

We have checked and confirmed that these people are very poor and they deserve to benefit from the scheme in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty in 2024 through the various social protection programs,” the Minister said.

 

She urged the beneficiaries to invest the grants into profitable economic ventures.

 

Dr. Edu assured that qualified Cross Riverians will be beneficiaries of the federal government’s social intervention programs being implemented through her ministry and agencies within the sector.

 

Earlier, the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu flagged off the event and presented the Dummy Cheque to beneficiaries with the wife,Reverend Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu commended President Tinubu for championing the cause of the poor and prioritising the welfare of the citizens.

 

The Cross River Governor, who said the state under his watch has been pushing a people-first government said he has given palliatives like never before in the history of Cross River, implored the beneficiaries to put the grants into proper use.

 

Otu said the “Grants for the Vulnerable” Program will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals in Cross River State

 

“On behalf of the people of Cross River State, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, the President of this great Nation, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for truly making a difference in peoples lives daily and championing this cause of prioritizing the welfare of our citizens, it is easy to know a transparent government that means well for its people,” he said.

 

On her part, the wife of the Governor of Cross River State, extended her gratitude to Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, saying “Her compassion and dedication to our nation’s well-being have been invaluable together, The President and his wife both exemplify true leadership and empathy.

 

I would like to extend my appreciation to my amiable Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, for her tireless efforts in coordinating the implementation of this program in our state and across the nation. We are proud of her hard work and dedication to duty.

 

“Your collective efforts have inspired hope and brought much-needed relief to those who need it most, especially in a time like this. I implore you the beneficiaries to put to good use the grant given to you so that in no distant time, we can all begin to live better lives, “Rev. Mrs Otu said.

 

The Nigerian Army, following a successful operation in Gundumi forest in Sokoto, on Sunday, handed over 66 persons rescued from bandits and kidnappers to the Sokoto State government.

 

The Garrison Commander 8 Division, Bridgadier General Amos Tawasimi, while handing over the victims to the state government said 51 of the members were rescued on Friday while another 14 persons were rescued on Saturday.

 

“As part of our activities to ensure that the state is safe for people to go about their activities

 

“Three days ago, we stormed the Gundumi forest to rescue these numbers of people I’m which some of them have been abducted for months by these kidnappers,” he said.He commends the governor for his support to the security agents while assuring that his men will continue to live up to expectations.

 

Speaking while receiving the victims, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, commended the Nigerian Army and other security agents in the state for their efforts and commitment in tackling insecurity in the state.

 

“Today marks another significant milestone in our fight against armed banditry, kidnapping and rustling in the state as our security operatives have succeeded in rescuing 66 victims who were kidnapped from various villages and communities in Sokoto and other neighbouring states.

 

 

From what we have gathered, 51 of the victims were rescued on Thursday while 14 were rescued on Saturday.

 

“It would be recalled that a few weeks ago 51 victims had been rescued after our gallant soldiers dislodged these criminals from their hideouts around Tangaza forest in Tangaza local government area of the state.

 

“This is indeed a commendable effort by our security operatives, especially members of Operation Hadarin Daji to rid our state of armed banditry, Kidnapping, rustling, and other forms of criminality in line with the commitment of this government to restore peace in our dear state and ensure all our people who are now living in various camps across the state return to their respective communities and leave a normal life devoid of any fear of attack or kidnapping,” the governor stated.

 

 

 

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, has denied a report alleging his involvement in the illegal withdrawal of $6.3 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, during the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

According to reports, a special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu uncovered the alleged theft, which supposedly occurred on February 8, 2023 — weeks before the presidential election.

 

The report also alleged that Mustapha, alongside the embattled former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, ordered the removal of the cash under the guise of funding foreign election observer missions.

 

The investigator’s report claimed CCTV footage captured how the money was moved out of the CBN.

 

However, Mustapha, in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen on Saturday, emphatically refuted the accusations, calling them “outrageous and unsubstantiated”.

 

He described the allegation as a “malicious fabrication” and an “orchestrated” attempt to assassinate his character and besmirch my reputation.

The ex-SGF added that he lacked knowledge of the purported “Presidential Directive” cited in the report as justification for the withdrawal.

 

He noted that he was never involved in discussions or transactions related to any payments for foreign election observers.

 

Mustapha quizzed the timing of the allegation, pointing to its publication during the “sensitive pre-Christmas period” as an indication that it was a deliberate attempt to exploit public sentiment and sow seeds of doubt.

The former SGF called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter, urging the authorities to “probe the source of the fabricated documents” and expose those behind the “smear” campaign.”

 

He equally appealed to the public and the media to exercise critical thinking and not succumb to misinformation

.

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

BON Awards: Governor Adeleke Unveils Creative Industry Agenda

 

OSOGBO- 24/12/2023- Osunstate.gov.ng

 

A day after hosting 2023 BON Awards in Osun state, Governor Ademola Adeleke has unveiled his administration’s plan for the creative industry inclusive of entertainment, culture and tourism.

 

Hosting top stars of the Nollywood industry at his country home of Sunday, the state Governor opened up on his expansive agenda for the sector which involved hosting of several global standard events, creation of entertainment village in the three senatorial districts, infra upgrade of tourist sites, logistics support for Osun as a film locations, cluster industry for craft sub-sector among others.

 

The Governor disclosed his intention to take advantage of the state’s global music stars such Davido and Bred to host global concerts and push towards an annual global Yoruba Heritage week to draw thousands of tourists from South America, Europe and North America.

 

According to Senator Adeleke who is now christened “a dancing and working Governor”, the plan also touches on the development of the hotel sector in terms of standardization and facilitation to secure and maintain high quality service for global visitors and national visitors the state will be receiving starting from next year.

 

He described Nollywood as the uncelebrated booster of the national economy, assuring that his administration is prepared to collaborate with the iconic platform to deepen Osun as a global tourist destination.

 

Governor Adeleke narrated that his focus on infra upgrade in the last one year was to attract investors and the creative industry people to Osun, adding that ” we are working to make the roads motorable, the health centers workable, the workers very happy, the water access very accessible, the school facilities very conducive and security truly water tight.

 

” The entertainment sector is a huge money spinner. In other developed countries, national earnings run into billions of dollars. In Africa, Nollywood is a household name.

 

” Osun as the cradle of the Yoruba nation must rise to serve as the center of the creative industry. As the custodian of Yoruba major cultural assets, we must be the capital of the cultural creative industry. That is what my administration is committed to.

 

” We will support you as a very important economic driver. We will soon call for a further partnership meeting”, the Governor noted.

 

Speaking earlier , the Founder of BON Awards, Seun Oloketuyi who led the Nollywood team to the Governor commended the Governor for hosting the 2023 BON Awards, describing the Governor as a major of the entertainment industry.

 

” We appreciate your hosting us as well as granting new energy to the Awards by your active participation. We look forward to deeper collaboration “, Mr Oloketuyi noted.

 

In attendance at the event was the publisher of Ovation Magazine, Akinrogun Dele Momodu, Fred Amata, Adebayo salami, Keppy Ekpeyoung, Toyin Adegbola,Shushu Abubakar among others.

 

Signed

Mallam Olawale Rasheed,

Spokesperson to the Governor.