Oyo State to be Split into Three States

The forum of Stakeholders on State Creation in Oyo State has revisited its claim that the present Oyo State is due to be split into three states, namely; Ibadan, Oke-Ogun and New Oyo states.

 

This was disclosed by the forum in a press release titled: “Oyo State is where new states should be created in the South-West” and signed by its chairman and secretary, Chief Wole Akinwande and Jare Ajayi, respectively, and made available to the media.

Boko Haram’s Activities Have No Relation with Islam – Sultan of Sokoto, Ajimobi

The governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi who hosted the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar in Ibadan on Friday for the inauguration of the Bodija estate and environs Muslim Community Islamic Centre has jointly condemned linking of Boko Haram’s activities to Islam.

 

The Sultan, who is the President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, said Islam was a religion of peace, hence the need for Muslims to continue to live peacefully with non-Muslims in their respective domains.

No More Soldier Escorts for Politicians – FG

The use of soldiers and other personnel of the Armed Forces as escorts by political public office holders in the country has become ‘uncalled for’ to the Federal Government.

This was declared by security source in the Presidency that the Federal Government would no longer allow soldiers to be in the entourage of governors and members of the National Assembly, among others.

 

Ajimobi Bids for Second Term in Oyo State

The Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s statement when he was addressing the 33 newly sworn in local government caretaker chairmen, at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Ibadan was a clear indication for his bid for second term in Oyo state.

He said, “I want to contest for second term and I will win, whatever anybody may say. We have made a mark in the development of Oyo State.

New Soldiers Are Being Recruited to Confront Boko Haram – Army

In a decisive step by the authorities of the Nigerian Army to break the jinx of Boko Haram insurgency, new recruitment process into the service has been announced to commence.

 

The Army Public Relations Director, Brig. Gen Olajide Laleye, said on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja that the exercise, which started with online registration for interested applicants, would come to an end on June 21, 2014.

Nigerians Should Be Vigilant and Ready For War – Ex-general

In an interview conducted, an Ex-commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Brig.-Gen. Williams Obene (rtd.), advised Nigerians on Wednesday to prepare for war otherwise the Boko Haram insurgency would likely last another 10 years, despite foreign intervention.

During the interview, Obene, who pioneered the Nigerian Army Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Centre, said the recent bomb attacks in Kano and Jos were to be expected considering the incessant existence of asymmetrical warfare like insurgency.

 

I had No Cause to Adopt Any Son – Buhari

The former head of state, Maj.-Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (rtd.), has disclaimed the person in the net of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a N20m scam who claimed to be his adopted son.

 

Buhari, the presidential candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change in the 2011 election, said once God had blessed him with both male and female children, he had no cause to adopt any son.

The disclaimer by the former Head of State was contained in a statement by the Chairman of the Buhari Vanguard, Mr. Jasper Azuatalam, on Monday.

Court Orders Marriage of an Ex-minister dissolved and Bride Price Rebated

A court has dissolved the marriage between former Minister of Science and Technology and later Minister of State, Works and Housing under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2007, Mrs Grace Ekpiwhre and her husband, Chief Peter Ekpiwhre.

Group Demand Apology from Tinubu to the Yoruba Rulers Within 7 Days

In a response to a statement believed to have made by the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, where he described majority of Yoruba obas as “useless” and “sell-outs,” the Yoruba rights’ group has condemned and demanded a public denial of the statement.

Akunyili Responding to Treatment in India

Prof. Dora Akunyili, a former Minister of Information and Communications, and an erstwhile NAFDAC boss, who is wasting away from ill health and undergoing treatment in India has  expressed her profound gratitude to Nigerians and all well wishers across the world, who have been praying for her since the news of her sickness broke out.

 

This was according to a statement made recently by her Media Advisor, Mr. Isaac Umunna.

Gov. Ajimobi Received Counter-reactions in His Office over LG Caretaker Chairmen Appointment

The Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi was said to have called for understanding of the aggrieved All Progressive Congress (APC) members over the approval of the names of the caretaker committee chairmen for the 33 local government councils in the state.

Terrorism Is Really Happening Here in Nigerian – Governor Oshiomhole

Edo State Governor, Elder Adams Oshiomhole on Tuesday urged Nigerians to wake up to the sad reality of terrorists’ existence in the country. He advised the citizens to work together to confront the menace.

 

Oshiomhole spoke in an interview with State House correspondents in Abuja shortly after a closed-door meeting held with President Goodluck Jonathan in the Presidential Villa.

I Have Information on the Whereabouts of the Abducted Girls – Shettima

Gov. Shettima of Borno state of Nigeria where the girls were abducted says he has information on the whereabouts of about 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamist group Boko Haram.

 

Governor Kashim Shettima said he had passed reports of the sightings of the girls to the military for verification that he did not think the girls had been taken across the border to Chad or Cameroon.

UNAIDS Commends Nigeria’s Progress on Fighting HIV/AIDS

The United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS has applauded Nigeria’s efforts to reduce the number of HIV/AIDS newborn babies.

 

This statement was made by the UNAIDS Country Director, Mr. Bilali Camara, at a press conference while launching its ‘Protecting the Goal’ campaign in Nigeria. The programme is designed to use sports to promote HIV awareness.

OBJ Chides Chibok Girls’ Abduction

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday condemned the abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls in Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. He made the condemnation during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Jigawa State Government to adopt a junior secondary school and a primary school in Kudai, Dutse.

Israeli Counter-terrorism Experts to Join Others in Nigeria Over the Missing School Girls

It was reported that Israel hinted President Goodluck about its decision to send its counter-terrorism experts to joint its global counterparts in Nigeria in the ongoing rescue operations of the school-girls abducted by the Boko Haram Insurgents in Chibok, Borno State of Nigeria last month.

Apete Bridge Ready for Use by September – Oyo State Govt

Governor Ajimobi of Oyo State revealed to the public that the Apete Bridge currently under reconstruction will be completed by the end of September this year.

 

This was declared by the Commissioner for works, Mr Bimbo Kolade at the weekend while addressing newsmen shortly after an inspection visit to some roads and bridges being constructed by the state government all around the Ibadan metropolis.

The Yoruba Film Producers Haven’t Invited Me to Feature in Their Films – Joke Silva

For career spanning over three decades, an award winning actress and a role model Joke Silva defines and reveals on ‘Nollywood’ reputation in the world of movie show.

 

As a wife of veteran actor, Olu Jacobs, Joke, “the grandmother of the Nigerian film industry” as she’s fondly called, is renowned for the memorable roles she has played both off and on screen. The veteran actress in this interview bares her mind on a number of issues affecting the industry and her career.

Pope Calls for Prayer for the Abducted Chibok Girls

4 Cocoa Stealers Get 21 Years Jail in Osun

On Friday, a four-man robbery gang were sentenced by Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo to 21 years imprisonment.

 

The convicts are Omotayo Sunday, Kamoru Satoye, Biliaminu Alalade and Fatai Muraina. They were charged on a two-count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery.

33 LG Bosses Removed and Replaced in Oyo State

The Heads of Local Government Administration have been directed by the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi to take over the administration of their respective councils from the caretaker committee chairmen.

 

The directive was contained in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo, was sequel to the expiration of the tenure of the caretaker committee chairmen.

Oyo Women and Children Join Protest Against the Abducted Chibok Girls

Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, the wife of the Oyo State Governor, led thousands of women and schoolchildren on Thursday on a protest rally against the abduction of over 200 pupils of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, by radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram about three weeks ago.

A Nigerien Nabbed with 1,000 Passport Photographs of Boys

It was reported that a middle-aged Nigerien was arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for possessing more than 1,000 passport photographs of young boys. A camera and several forms were aslo found on the suspect according NAN.

 

Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, the spokesman of the police command, in a statement in Abeokuta on Saturday, said that the suspect was arrested at Ogijo on Friday.

My Marriage is More Than Important to Me – Lepa Shandy

Folashade Adenike Kassim (a.k.a Lepa Shandy), the main character of the popular movie ‘Lepa Shandy’ is a Nollywood actress whose unique performance in this 1995 movie won her fame and fortune and brought her to the fore in the industry. The fancy actress spoke with Nigerian Tribune on her challenges and experience in the industry and in the life as a whole in terms of so-called celebrity. Excerpts:

President Jonathan Finally Visits Olubadan on His Centenary Birthday

After cancelling his visits to Ibadan yesterday due to the bomb blast that occurs yesterday morning at Nyanya in Abuja, President Jonathan finally paid visits to Ibadan to celebrate with the Royal Highness Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I on his centenary birthday celebration in Ibadan.

Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, to Resume Hosting International Matches – NSC

The National Sports Commission Director-General, Mr. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has on Monday said that the Liberty Stadium (now Obafemi Awolowo Stadium) in Ibadan, Oyo State, would soon be hosting international matches again.

 

The NSC-DG, according to a reliable source, told neswsmen in Ibadan that this would be after the NSC gets through with the ongoing rehabilitation of the stadium’s main pitch.

Pres. Jonathan's Visit to Nyanya Motor Park Bombing Victims

President Jonathan and his Service Chiefs visited the scenes and victims of the Nyanya Motor Park bombing at the Asokoro General Hospital in Abuja.

 

More glimpses…

President Jonathan Jettisons Trip to Ibadan for Bomb Blast Scene in Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan has cancelled his proposed trip to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, following the early morning bomb blasts that killed scores of people in Abuja.

 

Jonathan was initially billed to attend the centenary birthday service of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Odulana Odugade, which holds in the ancient town on Monday.

The President who changed his plan is billed to visit the blast scene at Nyanya at about 11am as the birthday service itself was slated for 11am in Ibadan.

 

It was not clear at press time if the President will make the trip later in the day or not.

 

Meanwhile, the four Service Chiefs, and the National Security Adviser are already at the scene of the blast.

Scores Dead as Bomb Explodes at a Motor Park in Abuja

Scores of people were killed at the early hours on Monday following bomb explosion affecting two fully loaded luxury busses at Nyanya Park on the outskirts of the capital city, Abuja.

 

Nyanya Motor Park is 33 kilometres from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

 

Two luxury buses, each carrying about 50 passengers on their way to resume to their different offices in Abuja, were affected in the bomb blast.

Rejoice, Excitement, Jubilations as Olubadan Turns 100 Tomorrow

                                His Royal Majesty

          Oba (Dr.) Samuel Odulana, Odugade 1

                     Olubadan of Ibadanland.



On Friday, 17th August, 2007, the former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, presented staff of office to Oba Samuel Odulana, Odugade 1, as the 40th Olubadan of Ibadanland, at the basement of the ancient Mapo Hall.

 

Challenges, Triumph and 42-Yr Odyssey to Throne

It was a dream comes true for the 93 year-old monarch who started his journey to the throne in 1972 with his appointment as the Mogaji of his family compound at Oja-Igbo.