The Hood – Hearing from your neighborhood

PDP demands immediate release of Doyin Okupe

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded for the immediate and unconditional release of its chieftain, Dr. Doyin Okupe, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a press statement issued in Abuja Tuesday by Kola Ologbondiyan, the party’s spokesman, PDP described Dr. Okupe’s arrest and detention as an “act of intimidation and harassment” by the Muhammadu Buhari-led presidency — in its bid to browbeat the opposition and dissenting voices in the country, ahead of the 2019 general election.

“This arrest is part of the grand plot to escalate the clampdown on opposition leaders, in an attempt to cow and subjugate them as the elections draw nearer, a scheme the PDP had since alerted the nation about.

“The PDP invites Nigerians to note that the EFCC was unleashed on Dr. Okupe with fabricated charges, just because of his criticisms of the misrule of the Buhari administration, particularly, his last Wednesday’s demand to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare President Buhari as not validly nominated as a Presidential candidate for the 2019 elections”, the party alleged.

The opposition party added that since his comment, Okupe had been threatened, harassed and his home raided by officials of the EFCC last Saturday over claims of cyber stalking, which they could not substantiate, and only for the commission to arrest and detain him on Monday.

According to the party, “It is indeed unfortunate that the EFCC, under President Buhari, has been turned to a militant wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to hound, intimidate, harass and even extort money from opposition leaders and other Nigerians perceived to be opposed to Mr. President’s ill-fated re-election bid.”

The party alleged that the EFCC had been compromised by the Buhari Presidency, wondering why it has not invited or even questioned officials of the Presidency and National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, over allegations of corruption.

PDP further asked, “Why has the EFCC not invited the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and President Buhari’s close relatives, who were recently mentioned by a suspect, Amina Mohammed, as being involved in serial looting of public resources?”

The party said that instead of using their so-called technology and intelligence to “harass and extort money from innocent, harmless and law-abiding citizens”, EFCC officials should join the security agencies and deploy their technology in the fight against terrorism in the North East.

It cautioned the Buhari-led Presidency over its resort to “wicked politics” of chasing after opposition leaders and their family members as such will not save the President from the resolve by majority of Nigerians to vote him out of office and elect Atiku Abubakar, come 2019.

We Deserve The Best’ — Abati Begs Ogun People To Vote Kashamu

Reuben Abati, a former senior special adviser to former president Goodluck Jonathan, has appealed to Ogun state indigenes to vote for Buruji Kashamu, a senator representing Ogun east at the national assembly.

Speaking at the flag-off of the People Democratic Party (PDP) factional gubernatorial flag off in Ijebu Igbo on Monday, the former Presidential spokesman asked the people to disregard the raging controversy around the elections.Abati said Buruji is not mates with any of the contenders in the race, stating that Kashamu will take care of the poor in the state, to make the state progress during “this new dawn”.

His words: “I want to thank all of you listening to all of you listening across Nigeria. Buruji Kashamu has prepared this document; this policy document is titled taking Ogun state to greater heights,” Abati said in Ijebu Igbo.

“Ogun state is great already, but it can be greater, Ogun state has made a lot of progress, but it can make more progress.”

Abati, who was initially named as a running mate to Ladi Adebutu in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) race, said Ogun has produced great people, and with Buruji, the state can only get greater.

“This is the state of Obafemi Awolowo, this is the state of MKO Abiola, this is the state of Tai Solarin, this is the state of the Odutolas, this is the state of Wole Soyinka, I can go on and on, great people,” Abati added.

“This state is ranked the best, and with your cooperation, with your support, with your votes, Buruji Kashamu will take this state to greater heights — vote PDP, vote Buruji Kashamu.”

Concise News reports that the leadership of the PDP submitted the name of Ladi Adebutu, Kashamu’s rival, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its candidate but Kashamu’s faction has continued its campaign, despite the fact that the party’s national secretariat has remained against Kashamu’s candidacy.

Last week, the supreme court declined to issue a stay of execution on the ruling which recognised the Adebayo Dayo-led executive committee as the authentic leadership of the Ogun PDP.

OONI TO HOST AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL ART AND CRAFT FESTIVAL IN AMERICA

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, South West Nigeria, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II will next week lead hundreds of stakeholders from the art and craft sector to the maidden edition of his

TellAfrica International Art and Craft Festival (TIAF 2018).

This first of its kind festival of art and craft is a three(3)-day international event slated to hold from Friday 14th to Monday 17th December 2018 at two different cities of Baltimore MD and Rockaway NY in the United States of America

Ooni Ogunwusi who Spoke in a Press Statement signed on his behalf by Comrade Moses Olafare, Director of Media & Public Affairs at Ooni’s Palace stated that TIAF 2018 is a dedicated avenue aimed at promoting world peace and at the same time ensuring that African art and culture does not go into extinction.

“I remain committed to promoting the world peace and ensuring that the African art and culture does not go into extinction. That’s why I came up with this 3-day art and craft festival themed: UNITING THE WORLD WHILE SUSTAINING THE AFRICAN IDENTITY.

We are looking forward to projecting the African culture and arts in a different dimension, missing such an event therefore is not an option especially for those who adore our rich values and culture”. Ooni said.

According to him, the focal point of the event is the exhibition of African arts & crafts, dance, drama, music and a heart-warming dinner in honour of the participants from all over tge world.

The statement says the festival commences at the famous BALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTRE, BALTIMORE DOWNTOWN with a colourful opening ceremony with displays from the Ashanti Kingdom, Yoruba and Benin Cultural Troupes among others swiftly followed by the EXHIBITION between 10am and 10pm broken into two sessions.

Day 2 will witness AFRICAN THEMED CHRISTMAS CAROL, AUCTION OF ARTS & CRAFTS AND A DINNER, WITH OONI OF IFE, as

Cultural Display and Exhibition continues at THE PALLADIUM CENTRE 2900 LIBERTY AVENUE, BALTIMORE MD 21215.

While Day 3 will be an AFTER PARTY EVENT in honour of the New-Yorkers and fans of the great monarch.

The CEO of TellAfrica, Gbemisola Bisi-Taiwo who is also the Project Director of TIAF 2018 and her team will on hand to ensure a successful hosting of the event

while the artefacts shall be displayed during festival by the ROYAL CAST MASTERS OF ILE-IFE; The Obalufon Clan led by Victor Badejo, the Ooni of Ife Artefacts by Dr. Prince DrPrince Azk Adekoya II among other artists and sculptors on display.

Signed:

Comrade Yera Olafare,

Director, Media & Public Affairs,

Ooni’s Palace

Ogun 2019: Ladi Adebutu Is the PDP Governorship Candidate in Ogun State

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clarifies that Ladi Adebutu is its candidate for the forthcoming governorship election in Ogun state.

The national Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbodinyan in a statement said , the declaration puts to rest all controversies, uncertainties and misgivings regarding the authentic governorship candidate of the PDP in Ogun state.

He said ” Ladi Adebutu was duly elected as the PDP candidate in the primary conducted by the National Working Committee (NWC), the only body empowered to conduct such primaries, and his name and particulars have since been duly submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the leadership of the party.

“All PDP members, supporters and the general public should, by this declaration, completely disregard, as an impostor, any other person parading himself as the PDP governorship candidate in Ogun state, as only Ladi Adebutu is our flag bearer and Governorship candidate in Ogun State. “The PDP candidate, Ladi Adebutu, has already commenced his campaigns and is widely accepted by the people of Ogun state, who have expressed their readiness to freely give him the mantle of leadership at the 2019 election.

“The PDP therefore cautions all fifth columnists trying to cause confusion within its fold in Ogun state, particularly those already identified as working for the APC, to desist from such acts in the general interest”.

FAYOSE INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT

Ex-governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose was involved in an auto accident at Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

Mr. Lere Olayinka his media aide disclosed this via tweeter on Wednesday. His words, “Immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose was involved in auto accident on 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos few minutes ago. He is in stable condition as I write while he is receiving medical attention.

Accord’s Candidate, Kehinde Somoye Declares Ambition, Promises To Serve The People

ACCORD Abeokuta South Federal Constituency Candidate Barrister Kehinde Adebayo Somoye yesterday Tuesday December 4th publicly declared his intentions to ably represent the good people of Abeokuta South Federal Constituency if elected in 2019 general election, he also flagged off his political campaign.

Those in attendance at the two-in-one programme were ACCORD Chieftains in Abeokuta South which was led by Alhaja Olanrewaju Biobaku who is the State Leader for ACCORD Abeokuta South, other party Chieftains who were in attendance include Comrade Olatunji Jimoh (ACCORD Ogun Central Treasurer), Alfa Waheed Sorunke (Vice Chairman) Comrade Fatiu Bamgbola (Local Government Youth Leader), and other Local Government Executives – fourteen (14) out of fifteen (15) ward Chairmen were also in attendance. Those also in attendance include: Chairman of Somoye Family Home and abroad Chief Dayo Somoye (Oluwo of Iporo), Baale Emere Dayo Ayinde Sobowale and the heads of Market women in Sodeke amongst others.

Barrister Kehinde Adebayo Somoye while declaring his intentions made it known to all and sundry that “God cannot come and and help the people, it will be through someone” he said constituency projects allowances will be spent on the constituency without removing a dime out of the money.

Somoye said he would reach out to the grassroots by having quarterly meetings with the people of his constituency.

According to Somoye, he said he would make sure he sponsors good and quality people who have good intentions – so that, the population of good people in governance will drastically increase and that will enhance positive change that people have been clamouring for.

Barrister Somoye enjoined the youths to shun money politics because it won’t make them to go further in life, he advised them to support personalities with good intentions instead of worshipping money.

Rotary club Of Gbagada, Ikorodu Golden in conjunction with FRSC conducts free eye test for Commercial Bus Drivers in Ikorodu.

On Thursday, 29th of November, 2018, the Rotary Club Of Gbagada, Rotary Club Of Ikorodu golden in conjunction with the Federal Roads Safety Corps ( FRSC) conducted a free eye test for drivers in Ikorodu division.

This took place during the annual Ember Months Road Safety Campaign by the FRSC themed ‘Safe Driving, Safe Arrival’ at the Madojutimi Park, Sabo, Ikorodu Lagos.

The event had lot of dignitaries present ranging from royalties, security operatives, LASTMA Executives, to top Motorists executives in attendance. some CEOs of tyre production companies where also in attendance.

The focus of this event is to educate drivers on the need for safe driving at this period as we approach the year end and the yuletide season which is usually characterised with heavy road usage. it is essential for drivers to ensure their vehicles is in very good condition at all times.

Poor eye sight is said to be one of the major factors causing road accidents, therefore, driving a faultless vechile does not guarantee safety , the need for a driver to have a very good vision cannot be over emphasized , bearing in mind the fact that any mistake from him can put the lives of passengers and other road users in danger.

This is the reason behind the involvement of the Rotary Club of Gbagada and the Rotary club of Ikorodu Golden to conduct a free eye test for the drivers.

According to the President of the Rotary Club of Gbagada, Rotarian Dr. Basirat Giwa, Rotary club of Gbagada has conducted several free eye test in the past but it has suffered low turn-out of participant but this year is different, the collaboration with Federal Road Safety Corps, facilited the massive turn out experienced,she further added that she is very elated to be part of this drive encouraging every one to take good care of their eye.

Similarly, the President of the rotary club of Ikorodu Golden, Rotarian Tawa Ayeni revealed that the free eye test for commercial drivers is an avenue to render service to the public as this is one of the major tenets of Rotary Club ,She also mentioned that drivers with eye defect where given futher medical treatments and also emphasized on the fact that the collaboration with the FRSC was for the sake of participants.

Furthermore, the beneficiaries appreciated Rotary club and encourage them to continue with amiable service because lives are being saved through this.

The Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide( YCYW) mourn the demise of our hero and great icon of wisdom and hope: Dr Frederick Fasehun, Founder, O’odua Peoples Congress (OPC), whose death came to us a rude shock, considering the current challenges bedevilling the state of the nation, which deserves his unique intelligence and indefatigable intellectual inputs.

Dr.as fondly called remains a father of social justice and fair distribution of resources for the benefits of the greatest number.

He holds Nigeria as his base and only Constituency, based on his antecedents as a democrat and activist, he fought the good fight of faith against the antics of various successive administrations both military and civilian till the last part of his life.

Baba is a unifier, with great passion and love for his people: the Yorubas, he believed in equitable justice and fair play.

We believed he came, saw and conquered.

We take solace in his laid down vision of hope and positive emancipation of the good people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Adieu Baba Oninure.

Signed: Aremo Oladotun Hassan, Esq, President, Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide.

Prince Dapo Abiodun Appoints Running Mate

As the gubernatorial campaign officially kicks off this weekend, the Dapo Abiodun Campaign Organization has announced Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot SALAKO-OYEDELE as the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State.

The choice of Mrs Salako-Oyedele was made by the leaders, elders and stakeholders of the party after dispassionate deliberations, detailed screening of various qualified individuals that were hitherto put forward for the position, and a voting process by all stakeholders present at the meeting venue.

52 year old Noimot Salako Oyedele is a multi-talented professional with over 30 years of proven records of experience in Consulting, Contracting and Real Estate Sectors. A result-oriented and enthusiastic individual with broad range of knowledge and experience in developing and implementing effective strategies in managing projects from inception through to completion, she is currently Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Glenwood Property Development Company Limited.

A former General Manager (Business Development)/Acting Managing Director, GRENADINES HOMES LIMITED, she has also served as Graduate Engineer/ Project Manager at OVE ARUP & PARTNERS, LONDON, UK.

Noimot holds a Masters degree in Public Health Engineering from the Imperial College of Science & Technology London, UK, a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Lagos.

An Awori woman from Ado Odo Ota local Government of Ogun state, Noimot is the daughter of late Professor Lateef A. Salako who served Ogun State as Chairman, Ogun State Scholarship Board and Chairman Ogun State University Teaching Hospital Board of Management. Prof Salako also served as Special Adviser to the then Minister of Health, Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti and was Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research for seven years and for a further three years, the Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Vaccine Research Laboratories, Yaba.

Speaking after the election of the Deputy Governorship candidate, the APC flagbearer, Prince Dapo Abiodun said “I am convinced that Mrs Salako-Oyedele is suitable for this position, given her proven integrity, professional track records, leadership skills and capabilities. And I look forward to working with her to deliver good governance to the good people of our dear state”

The Director General of the campaign Organization, Prince Segun Adesegun also called on all party members and well-meaning sons and daughters of Ogun State at home and abroad to rally round the candidates and give them the needed support in the quest to collectively create a robust and sustainable development for Ogun state.

Prince Dapo Abiodun Appoints Running Mate

A former General Manager (Business Development)/Acting Managing Director, GRENADINES HOMES LIMITED, she has also served as Graduate Engineer/ Project Manager at OVE ARUP & PARTNERS, LONDON, UK.