Policeman shot dead during protest in Ekiti

Tragedy struck in Ado Ekiti, on Friday evening, as a policeman was reportedly shot dead when some protesters were being chased out within the premises of Ado central Police Divisional headquarters in the state capital.

An eyewitness told journalists in Ado Ekiti, on Saturday that some youths numbering about 20, had besieged the police area command office, chanting war songs over the killing of a motorcyclist by a driver.

The policeman was reportedly shot in the course of the melee that erupted while trying to scare away the violent protesters.

The youths were said to be expressing their anger over the killing of one of them and alleged police seizure of the corpse and a sum of N470,000 paid to the family of the deceased by the car owner.

The deceased’s family had allegedly demanded the money to enable them transport the corpse to their country home, for burial.

A source said: “When the police failed to release the corpse and money allegedly collected from the driver to the family of the deceased person, the relatives stormed the police station in protest and demanded that the corpse and the money should be released.null

“Sensing that the protest was becoming violent, the police fired teargas cannisters and gunshots to scare them. In the process, stray bullets hit a policeman in the leg, who later bled to death in the hospital”.

But, the Police Public Rations Officer, Ekiti Command, ASP Sunday Abutu, said the police were still investigating who actually fired the shot that killed the policeman.

Abutu alleged that the investigation became expedient on the premise that the protesters came to the police station with dangerous weapons and that the gunshots came from different directions.

“It was true that the police allowed the driver and the deceased family to negotiate and the driver agreed to pay a sum of N440,000, which had been paid to the family of the deceased.

“But out of that money, it was agreed that a sum of N150,000 should be paid to the bike owner. It was this the protesters heard and stormed the police station in anger that our men were trying to cheat them. The owner of the motorcycle has not even been paid at all.null

“As they were brandishing dangerous weapons and requesting that the detainee be released to them, the police fired teargas cannisters to scare them. But to the police’s surprise, they saw that gunshots were coming from different directions and one of our men was hit in the process and died.

“It was hasty and wrong that it was the police that fired the shot that killed one of them. We are still investigating”, he said.

Ondo fatal crash: Death of Ndoma-Egba’s wife, others shocking – Akeredolu

Following the death of the wife of the former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba and six others in fatal a auto crash in Ondo State, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has described the incident as shocking.

While expressing his heartfelt condolences to the family of Ndoma-Egba, over the death of his wife, Amaka, the governor prayed for the repose of the departed souls.

Wife of the former Senate Leader lost her life alongside six others in a fatal auto crash along Ore-Okitipupa road in Odigbo Local Government Area of the State while on their way to the funeral ceremony of the late mother of Olusola Oke at Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government.

In a condolence message signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, the governor also sympathised with Oke over the sad event involving friends and well-wishers enroute the burial ceremony.

According to Akeredolu, his thoughts and prayers are with his long-standing friend Senator Ndoma-Egba, the children and indeed, family members of all the victims involved in the accident.

“This is a shared moment of sobriety and a hurt of immeasurable magnitude of our collective emotions. The Government and the good people of Ondo State are no doubt, devastated and shocked at this incident.

“Our hearts and prayers, as well as thoughts as Government and people of Ondo State, are with the Ndoma-Egba family as well as other affected families. No words, no words, indeed, can heal this deep cut; only self consolation and stronger faith in God can do”, Akeredolu said.

He prayed God to grant the former Senate Leader and all affected, the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable losses.

Hon. Olumide Okueyungbo Palliatives for Private School Teachers enters second Phase

Hon Olumide Okueyungbo, the Ogun State House of Assembly candidate of Accord, Ijebu Northeast State Constituency in the 2019 elections continued with the distribution of #5,000 cash palliatives to verified private school teachers within his constituency.
The second tranch which again had beneficiaries from across the 10 wards of Ijebu Northeast LG attracted encomiums from notable leaders within the community who felt the timely intervention will cushion the effects of the current economic hardships on the sector and encouraged other well meaning individuals especially the government to emulate such gestures.
O³ as fondly called by his constituents, had this to say when contacted. “we can’t continue to vilify those at the helms of affairs. Just like the pandemic itself, we have to learn to live with their policies in hope that we can influence these. This I believe is one of such ways”. 
He went on to charge the current administration to adopt a more human-centered approach in dealing with critical sectors such as the educational sector. In his words, “products of our educational institutions, public or private build up a civilized society and every stakeholder must be adequately managed to this end”

Ogun PDP: Bunmi Jenyo Lauds Adebutu, Congratulates Sikirulai Ogundele

The former Southwest Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Reverend Bunmi Jenyo has congratulated the newly elected Ogun State People’s Democratic Party officers from ward level to the state level ably led by the State Chairman, Honourable. Sikirulai Ogundele.
Jenyo in a press release personally signed and tagged “Congratulations to an ardent Achiever” congratulates the Executive members of PDP and also laud Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu for being a loyal party man. The press release reads thus:
“A hearty felicitations to the newly elected Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hon. Sikirulai Olawale Ogundele and his State Executive Committee (SEC) members on their successful emergence in the State Congress held on Monday, July 27, 2020”.
“It is indeed an indication that you are a pragmatic politician who is up to date in the affairs of the internal democracy, democratic norms and unrelenting desire to serve”.
“The outcome of the  election of the current State Exco in Ogun State PDP also serves as a Devine compensation for all the office occupants, from the top to bottom, for there many continual sacrifices, commitment and absolute loyalty to the ideal of a true political party embedded in the PDP”.
“The Congress held from the Ward, Local and State levels of the opposition party is a welcome development and an indication of a peaceful disposition to ongoing efforts to unseat the current APC government in Ogun State”.
“The leader of the party in the State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu must be commended for his love, loyalty and unusual support that helped immensely in the PDP building and sustainability in Ogun State, over the years. His undiluted moral support too, in all ramifications, cannot be ove-remphasized”.
“Other leaders and sincere members of the PDP across the South West Zone of Nigera and beyond are proud to be identified and associated with you all, going by your antecedent, trust and respect for the will of the people of Ogun State”.
“May GOD Almighty provide you with adequate enablement, sound health and wisdom to succeed in your new assignment and grant you victory over the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in all the subsequent elections”.
“Once again, congratulations!”

Ogun Makes Covid-19 Test Free For All Returning SS3 Boarding Students

The State has been very apprehensive about the issue of school opening even for exit students. Data from other countries, where schools have resumed show that community transmission in school environments is a major concern. Even countries with strongerhealth care facilities than ours are being very cautious.
In line with the Federal Ministry of Education recommendation and WASSCE timetable, we decided to open our schools on the 4thAugust 2020 for SS3 students only. We put in place guidelines that would ensure that our students resume in a safe environment.
In our pre-opening engagements with stakeholders, opening of boarding houses was discussed. Our State has one of the largest population of boarding students in the country, coming from all over the Country. After consultations with health professionals, we concluded that testing the children for COVID-19 before admittance will reduce the risk of community transmission. This is to reassure parents and even teachers of the safety of everybody concerned.
The State planned and provided testing, free of charge, for boarding students in our public schools and allowed for the management and parents of private schools to make their arrangements to get COVID tests. The two Ogun State run laboratories have a capacity for about 500 tests a day and conduct free tests for traced contacts or symptomatic patients. To meet the additional demand for the expected number of boarding students, the statement from the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology listed some private test centers which set up sampling points in some of our Health facilities.
These private laboratories have been accredited by NCDC and Lagos State Government for walk-in tests and charge N50,400 per test but I understand that the Ministries of Health and Education negotiated this to N25,000 for boarding students in private schools that may wish to use them. There is no financial benefit to the State Government.
After reviewing these developments, I have today immediately directed that the Government Laboratories carry out test for all returning SS3 boarding students at no cost. I have also directed that all those who have paid for tests be refunded. 
The health of our children remains our utmost priority, however in view of the total number of boarding students to be tested (5,340private and 500 public), and bearing in mind the limitation of our installed testing capacity of 500 tests per day, it may not be feasible for all boarding students to get tested and get their results prior to resumption or even exams which commence on 17th August 2020. 
Consequently the State Government has therefore stepped down the COVID-19 test as a mandatory requirement for returning students in our exit classes. We therefore enjoin Private School owners toexercise their duty of care to their pupils. The admittance of students into boarding house in private secondary schools will be at the discretion of the management and the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of such private schools. 
Ogun State Government recommends that students who do not have to stay in the boarding house should attend school from home, especially those with underlying health conditions. 
I have also directed the provision of face masks to all students inboth private and public schools.
The inconvenience and confusion experienced yesterday is highly regrettable and my sincere apologies to the parents and students so affected.
The quality and standard of education and well being of our children are issues that are very dear to my heart.
I appreciate the cooperation, support, resilience and understanding of all the people of Ogun State towards flattening the curve of COVID-19 in Ogun State. It is my prayer that this phase will end soonest.
“Igbega Ipinle Ogun, ajose gbogbo wa ni o.”

Ogun PDP Frowns at Government’s Request For Covid 19 Test Fee.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was shocked to the marrows following the insensitive request by  Ogun State government that Secondary School students should pay a sum of #25,000 each for laughable Covid 19 Test as part of overall requirements for the reopening  schools for Senior Secondary School 3 students to write their examinations.

The PDP noted with great concerns how a government which ought to be a reliable source of succour to the people especially given the excruciating pains that the people of Ogun state have endured as a result of the current global pandemic.
Without any doubt, the  PDP condemns in strong terms the obnoxious request issued by government through one Mrs Ronke Soyombo, a Special Adviser to the  governor. 
For us as a party, such request is sheer callousness. It signals irresponsibility. It clearly beats any sensible imagination that  a government that prides itself as progressive has successfully  thrown the required milk of compassion for the people to the dogs all in a wicked attempt to wreck untold hardship on the people.
Perhaps we should remind this decorated agony called government that the central reality is that about 90% of Ogun people can not afford such huge burden of  #25,000. For us, such tests, if necessary at all, should be an exclusive right of the affected students, either in private or public schools. They should enjoy unhindered access to such basic necessity of life. It’s their right.
Again, it must be stated without mincing words that PDP, being a direct reflection of the collective aspirations of the people which the ruling government has serially battered and maltreated, shall continue to partner with the affected students, their over stretched parents and other critical stakeholders in educational sector and other sectors in making sure that all draconian policies of the government are rejected.
Lastly, while the PDP wishes to extend its greatest sympathy and solidarity with Ogun parents and other stakeholders, we make bold to say that it’s the  height of blatant insensitivity for the ruling government to pass its civic responsibilities on parents who are already over burdened with all sorts of agonies and misfortunes that the ruling government’s NEXT LEVEL represents.
Accordingly, the PDP charges the ruling government to come down from its high horse of arbitrariness by withdrawing the controversial request for a test fee and begin to cultivate compassionate habit of responsibility to the welfare of the people.
Signed:
Bankole Akinloye(jp)
State Publicity Sec.
PDP Ogun State.
Aug. 2, 2020

Foreign Debts: Why Buhari, APC Must Apologise To Nigerians- Atiku

 Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice- President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to apologise to Nigerians over the foreign loans which may compromise Nigeria’s future.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his media office, Atiku who said he has been raising alarm over the reckless borrowings by the Buhari administration added that the statement made by Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transport last week has further confirmed his fears.
“Two months ago, the former Vice President of Nigeria and PDP Presidential candidate in the 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar patriotically called the attention of the country to the reality of reckless borrowing by the present APC administration and how the terms of those loans could compromise the future of the country”.
“Expectedly, some managers of the party and even the government denied the allegations that he raised and also discount the warning for caution”.
“But, regrettably, just last week, a cabinet minister confirmed our fears. Now, we all are aware that Nigeria’s sovereignty may have been traded for foreign loans and God forbids our inability to service those loans, the lender country would take ownership of choice infrastructure on the Nigerian soil. No negotiation could be weaker than that!”
Nigeria had a total foreign debt stock of $7.02 billion on May 29, 2015. Today, our foreign debt is $23 billion and rapidly rising. Debt, by itself, is not a bad thing. But debt budgeted for such unproductive ventures, like the proposed $500 million upgrade of the Nigerian Television Authority and other sundry bogus contracts, is debt that leads to death. To trade Nigeria’s sovereignty for this type of profligacy is the height of irresponsibility!
Atiku Abubakar has long advocated for a more robust engagement of the private sector and promotion of foreign direct investment as sustainable alternatives through which government could fund infrastructure development.
But on the contrary, the Nigerian government under the banner of the All Progressives Congress threaded the direction of looking for cheap foreign loans in exchange for the sovereignty for Nigeria.
Recall that former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration initiated a National Privatization Programme with the sole objective of ensuring that the private sector took some measure of influence in social investment portfolio and, in some instances, provided funding for infrastructure development.
There was nothing in that plan that traded Nigeria’s sovereignty for some cheap loans which, in the light of unfolding revelations of sleaze in some departments of government, would have ended in private pockets.
The government of the day and the APC must apologize to Nigerians and make an admittance of guilt for taking the country through the throes of subjugation to another country.

Ogun Clarifies Requirements For COVID-19 Test For Students In Boarding Facilities

Ogun State Government has clarified the requirements for operations of boarding facilities in the Secondary Schools in the State as part of the overall requirements for the reopeningof schools for SS3 students on 4th August, 2020 as earlierannounced by the Government.

In a release issued in Abeokuta on Sunday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Ronke Soyombo, said the clarification has become necessary to remind the general public, particularly parents and operators in the education sector, of government position, which is based on the Guidelines jointly developed and agreed by parents, private school owners, government representatives and other stakeholders.
According to the statement, Ogun State is arguably the State with the highest number of schools (public and private) operating boarding facilities in the country with students’population drawn from far and wide. 
In view of this and the need to avoid community transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic amongst our children in the boarding facilities and invariably the State as a whole, additional requirements for opening of boarding facilities in all the secondary schools in the State were agreed. 
A key additional requirement is presentation of certificate of NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST before a student is admitted to the boarding facility in both public and private schools in the State. 
However, the Statement continued, the following implementation details should be noted;
• The government will bear the full costs of the COVID-19 Test for all the boarding SS3 students in the State-ownedpublic schools.
• All private school owners are also expected to ensure that all their boarding students are certified COVID-19 test negative before being admitted into their boarding facilities.
• To further assist the private schools, Ogun State Government has negotiated a huge discount in the cost of COVID-19 Test with some healthcare service providers.
• However, private school owners and parents are free to engage any other service provider of their choice provided that the service provider is certified by NCDC as COVID-19 Test service provider.
• Indeed, Certificate of negative COVID-19 Test from other locations across the country will be tenable provided, as usual, it is from an NCDC certified centre and the test has been performed within 72 hours of the date of resumption.
• Only boarding facilities directly operated by schools will be allowed to operate to enable government monitoring of such facilities for compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
• Parents and school owners are enjoined to work together to ensure that health and safety of our students is of paramount consideration at all times. Should any private school owner and parents desire a waiver of COVID-19 Test requirement for boarding students, a joint representation of the school owner and the parents should be made to the government and this shall be considered on a case-by-case basis.  
Mrs Soyombo emphasised that the COVID-19 Test for boarding students is just one of the measures jointly developed and agreed with the parents, school owners, health experts and relevant government agencies and warned that government will not shirk in its responsibility of protecting all citizens and residents of Ogun State. And these include students in our public and private schools. 
Amongst other such initiatives, government has commenced distribution of facemasks to all the schools in Ogun State – public and private – for the use of returning SS3 students and their teachers. The statement concluded.

School reopening: Parents protest N25,000 COVID-19 test in Ogun

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started