Blog

Contrary to claims that the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, snubbed a handshake from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at recent event in Ondo State, a video revealing what transpired at the event has proven otherwise.

 

A former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, on Thursday, shared the video on X, revealing that Adeleke went to greet the monarch where he was seated, and they exchanged warm pleasantries before he headed back to his seat.

 

Momodu’s caption read, “The Ooni met Governor Adeleke at the Ondo event and came to greet the governor. After some time, the governor said we should go and greet the Ooni. Most of the camera people were not present so they only captured the tail end. Fortunately, we found one.”

The Osun State Government, on Wednesday, called on the public to disregard a video being circulated on social media purporting that Adeleke disrespected the Ooni at a public function.

 

We’re ready to build sustainable gaming environment in Oyo- Makinde

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, says the state is ready to build a sustainable and responsible gaming environment.

 

Makinde stated this in Ibadan during the 5th annual stakeholders’ interactive forum, organised by Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, with the theme: Tax and Task, Building a Sustainable Gaming Environment.

 

Makinde, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, said a responsible gambling policy would be enforced in the state.

 

“What will enable us to build a sustainable and responsible gaming environment in Oyo State would be building stakeholders capacity to take advantage of the industry’s potential and manage the risks associated with gambling expansion.

 

“Improving rich engagement through innovation and technology, a responsible gambling policy that will be enforced to institutionalise support for patrons with gaming problems,” he said.

 

Speaking to newsmen, the Director-General of Oyo State Gaming Board, Mr Olajide Boladuro, warned that gambling was not for people below the age of 18.

 

He also stated clearly that as a game, the probability of winning was very low.

 

“When I came on board, one of the major things that we set to do was to make sure that children that are under age were not going to the gambling house.

 

“We went to a lot of schools, we did a lot of sensitisation within the communities, speaking to parents and guardians.

 

“We always say it emphatically that it is not something for the underaged children to do.

 

“It is not something you do and become a millionaire financially, it is just something that you do with loose change that you have, and I preach that aggressively to people.

 

“Don’t use your children’s school fees, don’t use money that you have earmarked to do capital project for your family to go and gamble.

 

“You don’t get addicted to it, you don’t look at it as something that will bring permanent fortune to your life.

 

“If it happens it happens, but the probability of that is very low, so we are seriously discouraging heavy gambling,” Boladuro said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja:  The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has called for support and collaboration of all stakeholders in the efforts to rid Nigeria of illicit flow of small arms and light weapons.

Ribadu, represented by his Special Adviser, Special Duties, Amb. Mohammed Ahmed, made the call at a roundtable on the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria, on Thursday in Abuja.

The roundtable with the theme, “Mapping the Landscape of SALW Proliferation in Nigeria: Gaps and Opportunities”, was organised by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), and Mines Advisory Group.

The NSA said the proliferation of small arms and light weapons undermines security, hampers progress and erodes the very foundation of society.

According to him, it is a challenge that no single entity can combat alone, hence, the support and collaboration of all stakeholders are not just beneficial but essential.

“As we engage in discussions today, let us be guided by the urgency of our mission and the knowledge that the success of the NCCSALW is intrinsically linked to the security and prosperity of our society as a whole.

“Each perspective shared, each commitment made, and each partnership forged here is a reminder of previous commitments and will serve as a building block towards a robust and resilient framework for small arms and light weapons control.

“I urge you, esteemed partners, to lend your support wholeheartedly.

“Whether it is through policy advocacy, resource allocation or operational collaboration, your contribution is a lifeline that will empower the Centre to achieve its mandate,” he said.

The National Coordinator of NCCSALW, retired Maj.-Gen. Abba Dikko, said the roundtable was a testament to the collective resolve of the Nigerian Government, international partners and civil society organisations to overcome the challenges posed by illicit arms within Nigeria’s borders and beyond.

Dikko said the centre had since establishment in May 2021, being unwavering in its mandate to secure the nation against the threats posed by unregulated arms.

He said their efforts had been geared towards fostering synergy among line ministries, departments and agencies, and fortifying partnerships with reputable national and international stakeholders, as well as Civil Society Organisations.

These collaborations, according to him, are crucial, as the complexities of SALW proliferation demands concerted and unified approach.

He said the theme of the roundtable reflected their commitment to not only understanding the extent of the challenge but also identifying and leveraging opportunities for impactful interventions.

“We aim to elevate the discourse on SALW management and control, and to galvanize broad-based support for our ongoing efforts to ensure an illicit-arms-free Nigeria.

“We seek to enhance collaboration with national and international stakeholders, to provide a platform for meaningful interaction, and to explore opportunities for capacity building and technical assistance.

“These objectives align with our strategic goal of eradicating the scourge of illicit arms, thereby safeguarding our nation’s security and facilitating the socio-economic development that our people rightly deserve.

“Key future strategies pivotal to this mission include enhancing personnel skills through targeted training in security management and disarmament.

“We are also planning an advanced ICT setup for a national database of SALW to unify and streamline inventory management,” he said.

The coordinator also called for strengthening collaboration with stakeholders for advocacy and awareness, alongside ongoing capacity-building initiatives at various levels to ensure they remain at the forefront of SALW regulations and practices.

He added that a crucial step forward would be the presidential assent to the Centre’s Bill, which was anticipated to provide the legal authority necessary for better operational effectiveness.

On her part, the Regional Programme Manager, Gulf of Guinea for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), Laurie Druelle, said the event represented a significant step in their collective commitment to addressing a matter of great importance for Nigeria.

Druelle said that the proliferation of SALW had continued to pose direct threat to the lives of civilians and communities in Nigeria as well as the overall prosperity of the nation.

According to her, in spite of the considerable efforts put in place by government and security forces, access to resources and basic services remain challenged by armed violence in many areas of the country.

“Indeed, the access to, the circulation, and the ownership of illegal weapons is enabling some actors to gain power and resources over others.

“This inequity is further increasing pre-existing grievances between groups and in turn, is generating more conflicts.

“For MAG, small arms and light weapons are indeed instruments of violence but are not the standalone cause of violence.

“As such, armed violence should be addressed holistically. This means that securitisation efforts should be linked to efforts which seek to reduce inequalities altogether.

“There should be increased access to services, resources and infrastructure in an inclusive manner, as well as by promoting peaceful dialogue and building trust between communities and representatives of the security sector,” she said.

Druelle said the organisation had in collaboration with NCCSALW trained more than 400 security sector staff on weapons and ammunition management, in line with international standards.

She added that they had also destroyed more than 3,000 weapons and built or rehabilitated 19 key infrastructures such as armories, across the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)/Flowerbudnews

 

 

Rep Dom Okafor has restated his commitment to attract federal projects to his constituency.

Abuja: Hon. Okafor, who represents Aguata Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, made the pledge when a pressure group, Ndi Aguata, honoured him with an award of excellence in his office in Abuja.

The lawmaker, who lauded the delegation for honouring him, said the gesture was an impetus to do more work.

He, therefore, reiterated his commitment to the development of Aguata.

“I will use my goodwill to attract federal projects for the betterment of Aguata people,” he said.

While presenting the award of excellence, the leader of the delegation, Nze Christian Okafor, hailed the lawmaker for his remarkable contributions since he was elected into the 10th National Assembly.

The delegation, which included Onyekwlu Mezuo, said the gesture was to encourage him for giving effective representation to the people of Aguata.

Nze Prince Okafor, the former Secretary General of Aguluezechukwu Town Union, commended the lawmaker for his ongoing efforts through the Ecological Fund Office to tackle the gully erosion threatening Aguluezechukwu. (Flowerbudnews)

Lagos,:   The Lagos Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps has recorded 376 cases of road traffic crashes from January to October 2023.

The Lagos Sector Commander Mr Babatunde Farinloye, said this in a media conference on Thursday in Lagos.

Farinloye said this while marking the World day of remembrance for road traffic victims.

He added that the 376 cases of road traffic crashes involved 1,842 people and 662 vehicles out which 128 people lost their lives while 237 people sustained various degree of injuries.

“The probable causes being excessive speed, dangerous driving and overloadin,” he said.

The commander pointed out that the command would continue to deploy all paraphernalia of enforcement and advocacy to stem the rate and spate of crashes on our roads.

As regard the event, he said the World day of remembrance for road traffic victims, was a day adopted and recognised by the UN via Resolution A/60/2005 to remember all people killed and seriously injured on the roads.

“The annual global advocacy event is designated to recognise and pay respect to the thousands of people who are killed and injured as a result of road traffic crashes.
“The day is also to sensitise the ‘’living’’ on safe road practices,” he said.

He noted that the objectives of commemorating the event was to provide a platform for traffic victims and their families to remember all people killed and seriously injured on the roads.

“Others are to acknowledges the crucial work of the emergency service, advocate for better support for road traffic victims and their families.

“Also is to promotes evidence-based actions to prevent and eventually stop further road traffic deaths and injuries,” he said. (Flowerbudnews)

 

Aisha Speaks!

Comrades, Greetings , I offer myself as a servant to you in the struggle to take NAWOJ to enviable level of creating happiness for all women journalists. As I present myself to vie for the position of the Assistant National Secretary of our Great Union, let me borrow a word from former American President, Martin Luther King Jr, who in his speech said ” I HAVE A DREAM”. I, AISHA OMOLABAKE COLE also has a DREAM.

My DREAM, iif voted for, is that of:
Dedication to the Union Project
Recovery of the Union Lost Glory
E-Empathy for suffering Women Journalists
A–Assisting the Executive to achieve the shared goals

M- Management of secretariat for common good.

Let me not waste your time reeling out the duties and responsibilities of an Assistant Secretary, I want assure you that the duties, and such roles as it may be assigned my by the National Secretary as well as the Executive Council, will be passionately carried out (Flowerbudnews)