Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Metro

  • Lagos Schools: Second Term to Run for 61 Days

    Lagos Schools: Second Term to Run for 61 Days

    The Lagos state government has scheduled the second term of the 2020/2021 academic session to run for 61 days for public and private schools in the state.

    Recall that the Lagos State Government earlier confirmed that all public and private schools below the tertiary level, will resume on Monday, January 18, 2021.

    The Honourable Commissioner for Education in the State, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo, this will be the start of the second term for 2020/2021 academic session she also noted that this is in line with the Federal Government’s resolution after reaching a consensus with relevant stakeholders.

    A revised calendar for the 2020/2021 academic session released by the Office of the Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), on Sunday shows that the second term for all schools in the state is scheduled to run from January 18, 2021, to April 30.

    According to the revised calendar, the mid-term break has been scheduled for March 4 and 5 while two public holidays Good Friday on April 2 and Easter Monday on April 5, will be observed by the students.

    Also, resumption for the third term has been scheduled for May 4, while the term ends on August 6.

  • Notable Politicians in Ogun Express Sadness Over Death of Ex-Minister

    Notable Politicians in Ogun Express Sadness Over Death of Ex-Minister

    Notable politicians in Ogun State express sadness following the death of Nigerian ex-Minister of Commerce and grassroot politician, Jubril Martins-Kuye on Sunday.

    The immediate past Governor of the State, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and governorship candidate of Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Hon. Adekunle Akinlade has sympathised with the family of the late former Minister, Sen Jubril Martins-Kuye.

    In separate statements, Senator Amosun and Hon. Akinlade described the late grassroot politician as having left large footprints in the sands of time.

    Describing Martins Kuye as a consummate politician, humanist bridgebuilder, Amosun said, “My family and entire stakeholders of the Ogun Central Senatorial District mourn the death, early today, of our leader and political mentor, Senator Jubril Martins Kuye.

    File Photo: Senator Ibikunle Amosun

    Amosun further expressed regret that the death of Martins-Kuye has further depleted the number of truly committed Nigerian patriots whose experience and dedication are needed at this critical time.

    However, Amosun said he takes solace in the fact that the octogenarian lived a life worthy of emulation.

    “Our sincere condolences to his wife, children and extended families; our people in Ago Iwoye; Ogun State stakeholders as a whole, and all loved ones left behind. We beseech Almighty Allah, swt, to forgive his sins and reward him with Aljanah Firdaus,” he said.

    In his statement made available by his media aide, Azeez Adelani, Hon. Akinlade, expressed a deep sense of shock and immense sadness over Martins Kuye’s death, saying he died at a time his wealth of experience is being sought after.

    According to Akinlade, Martins-Kuye was a grass root politician, scholar and community builder, whose immense devotion has contributed to the socio-political stability of his home town – Ago-Iwoye and Nigeria.

    He said: “While he will be dearly missed, I implore the Almighty God to accept his return, grant him eternal rest and give his family, friends and Nigerians the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”.

  • Ex-Minister of Commerce Dies

    Ex-Minister of Commerce Dies

    A former Nigerian Minister and Senator, Jubril Martins-Kuye has died on Sunday morning at his Ago-Iwoye residence in Ogun State.

    The death of the octogenarian grassroots politician who became a Senator during the third republic was made known by the Senator representing Ogun East, Lekan Mustapha

    Senator Mustapha described the death of the elder statesman as a big blow to Ogun and Nigeria, saying, “he was a mentor and a pathfinder.”

    Jubril Martins-Kuye was appointed the Nigerian Minister of Commerce and Industry on April 6, 2010.

    On August 16, 2020, he clocked 80 and was celebrated by many, including President Muhammadu Buhari.

  • Amotekun Security Corp Kicks off in Ogun State

    Amotekun Security Corp Kicks off in Ogun State

    Amotekun, the alternative security architecture established by Governors in the South West of Nigeria as a result rising insecurity in the region has now gone operational in Ogun State.

    The Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Alhaji Shuaib Salisu disclosed this while featuring on a live television programe in Abeokuta, adding that the commencement of the outfit in the State was expected to fortify the existing security architecture, towards addressing the challenges headlong.

    Alhaji Salisu maintained that the State Government would not fold its arms and allow criminals have free rein, saying ‘’the days of criminals are numbered with the appointment of former Commissioner of Police, David Ajibola Akinremi, as the Commandant of the security outfit.

    Speaking further, the Chief of Staff said Government had procured 100 Patrol vehicles, 200 motorcycles and communication gadgets, to enhance its operations, adding that Amotekun would have formations in all the 20 Local Government Areas of the State.

    He said part of strategies of the State Government to curb criminality was to devise means, noting that over 20,000 youths have been employed through Ogun Jobs Portal, while disclosing that companies in the State were also mandated to source for qualified applicants on it for recruitment.

    The Chief of Staff added that many infrastructural projects inherited from past administrations would be completed by the end of Q1 2021, while the newly initiated projects would not be neglected, saying that the Owode-Ilaro, and Odo-Afa roads in Yewa axis; the Epe-Ijebu Ode, and Molusi College roads in Ijebu division; and the Sagamu Interchange-Siun-Abeokuta, and Lafenwa-Rounda roads are all receiving robust attention of government.

  • Lagos State University Best Graduating Students Receive N5million Each

    Lagos State University Best Graduating Students Receive N5million Each

    Best graduating students of the Undergraduate and Masters programmes of the Lagos State University has received cheques of N5 million each presented by the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their outstanding academic performances.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu during the presentation on Friday stated that the gesture is part of “our promise to reward academic excellence in Lagos State”.

    Shotunde Oladimeji Idris, the best graduating student was also offered automatic employment into the state’s civil service, an offer the Governor reacted to sayiing is a step to continue improving the attractiveness of our civil service for the state’s best brains.

    “At the start of this administration, improving education in the state was highlighted as one of my biggest priorities, and we demonstrated commitment by increasing budgetary allocation to the sector as we work on improving the quality of our curriculums & welfare of our students”, Governor Sanwo-Olu said.

     

  • Lagos Deputy Governor Loses Brother to Complications Arising from COVID-19

    Lagos Deputy Governor Loses Brother to Complications Arising from COVID-19

    Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, Wednesday mourned the death of his younger brother, Haroun, who died of complications arising from the dreaded novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    Haroun died on Tuesday at the age of 37. Until his death, he was a medical doctor at a public health centre in Orile Agege Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

    Mourning the death of his younger brother, Lagos State deputy governor called on the public to be conscious of the volatility of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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    He charged Lagosians to take necessary precautions regarding the COVlD-19 protocols.

    According to him, “There is urgent need for us as people to be conscious of the volatility of COVID-19.

    “We should not only do this for ourselves, but for everyone we come in contact with.

    READ ALSO: Lagos Govt Makes U-turn on Resumption of Schools Below Tertiary Level

    “Stay safe, use your masks, sanitise or wash your hands regularly and maintain social distancing.”

    Hamzat prayed for the repose of the soul of his younger brother, saying may Allah forgive him his sins and grant him eternal tranquility and Aljanah Firdaus.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Lagos Govt Makes U-turn on Resumption of Schools Below Tertiary Level

    Lagos Govt Makes U-turn on Resumption of Schools Below Tertiary Level

    Less than 24 hours after its pronouncements on the indefinite closure of all public and private schools below the tertiary level due to the second wave of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government Monday directed that the affected pupils/students to resume for the second term 2020/21 academic session from January 18, 2021.

    Speaking through Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Folasade Adefisayo, the governor explained that the new directive was in line with the Federal Government’s position to curtail the spread of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

    The Sanwo-Olu administration enjoined all schools to comply with all the outlined COVID-19 requirements for resumption.

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    “The directive is not only for the improvement of the overall school operations, but for the safe reopening of academic activities to support Lagos State Government’s quest for a full return,” the commissioner said.

    She advised all schools to have flexible plans where students and teachers who feel sick could teach or learn from home via available online platforms, adding that schools should also strive to prevent any COVID-19 infection among students and staff.

    READ ALSO: Ex-UNILAG VC, Ibidapo-Obe, Dies of Complications from COVID-19

    Adefisayo, therefore, enjoined teachers, students and visitors to wear facemasks at all times, observe physical distancing, embrace regular handwashing with soap under running water and maintain a high standard of personal hygiene within the school premises.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Ex-UNILAG VC, Ibidapo-Obe, Dies of Complications from COVID-19

    Ex-UNILAG VC, Ibidapo-Obe, Dies of Complications from COVID-19

    A former Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, has died of complications arising from the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    The former University don passed away on Sunday, January 3.

    This was confirmed by the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) UNILAG branch, Dele Ashiru.

    He said the late professor had been receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos State for about 10 days before he was pronounced dead on Sunday evening.

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    COVID-19: Lagos Govt Suspends Resumption Date for Schools Below Tertiary Level

    According to him, “Yes, Prof. Ibidapo-Obe is dead. He died today (Sunday) from COVID-19-related complications. The late professor’s family has properly briefed us.”

    Until his death, Ibidapo-Obe was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, First Technical University in Ibadan.

    Also, confirming his death, the Registrar and Secretary to the Council of First Technical University, Olayinka Balogun, in a statement, said: “With heavy heart, and submission to the will of God I write to inform Council members of the transition to glory of Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, First Technical University, Ibadan which occurred today 03/01/2021.

    “I pray for the repose of the soul of the departed.”

    Born on July 5 1949 and married to Olusola and had four children, Ibidapo-Obe was also former President of the Nigeria Academy of Science.

    READ ALSO: Top State Official Accused of Sexually Harassing 16year Old Gets Suspension

    He attended Ilesa Grammar School and Igbobi College from 1962 to 1968 and University of Lagos between 1968 and 1971.

    The former vice chancellor was awarded a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. Hons) degree in Mathematics in the First Class Division by University of Lagos in 1971; a Master’s of Mathematics (M. Maths) degree in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science in 1973 and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Civil Engineering with specialisation in Applied Mechanics/Systems in 1976 both from University of Waterloo, Ontario in Canada.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • COVID-19: Lagos Govt Suspends Resumption Date for Schools Below Tertiary Level

    COVID-19: Lagos Govt Suspends Resumption Date for Schools Below Tertiary Level

    The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government Sunday night announced that all public and private schools below tertiary level in the state remain closed indefinitely due to the second wave of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

    The governor, in a statement by Lagos State Ministry of Education, noted that the latest directive makes it mandatory that all schools earlier scheduled to resume on January 4, 2021 must remain closed until a new resumption date is announced.

    While assuring that a new date would be communicated in due course, the ministry urged parents and students to ensure strict adherence to guidelines issued by the Sanwo-Olu administration to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, including the wearing of face masks, physical distancing, washing of hands under running water and use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

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    Top State Official Accused of Sexually Harassing 16year Old Gets Suspension

    In a related development, the governor has extended the stay-at- home order for all Lagos State Public Servants on Grade Levels 14 and below to January 18, 2021 to stem the tide of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    This was disclosed by Lagos State Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, who noted that the directive excludes staff on essential duty as well as First Responders.

    He urged all public servants to stay safe and ensure continued adherence to all COVID-19 protocols in order to rid the state of the pandemic.

     

    Muri-Okunola also urged all staff to join the virtual Y2021 First Work Day Prayer for all public servants in the state via Zoom platform with Meeting ID: 857 4418 2571; Password: 100200 from 7.45am on January 4, 2021.

    While maintaining that the service would hold online due to the COVID-19, the Head of Service wished all staff a prosperous and fulfilling New Year.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Top State Official Accused of Sexually Harassing 16year Old Gets Suspension

    Top State Official Accused of Sexually Harassing 16year Old Gets Suspension

    Commissioner for Environment in Ogun State Honourable Abiodun Abudu-Balogun has been suspended from the State’s Executive Council pending the conclusion of an independent investigation into alleged sexual harassment of a 16-year old Barakat Mayowa Melojuekun.

    The Ogun State Government disclosed the suspension of the embattled commissioner in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday and signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi.

    The state’s SSG said the disciplinary action is to enable the accused commissioner cooperate fully with the investigation being carried out by the Police.

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    “Whilst taking cognizance of the principle of a suspect being presumed innocent until proven guilty and the public statement issued by Hon. Abudu-Balogun denying the allegation, as a government with zero tolerance for gender-based violence and indeed any criminality, the suspension is a further demonstration of the commitment of Prince Dapo Abiodun Administration to fairness, equity, justice and the rule of law, no matter who is involved”, the statement continued.

    “The government assures the public that it will do everything to ensure that justice is served in this case. In the meantime, the suspended Commissioner has been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, the statement concluded”, Talabi stated.

    Meanwhile, Suspended Commissioner Abudu-Balogun, in statement made available to Echotitbits, on Saturday denied the allegation of sexual harassments leveled against him by 16-year old Barakat Mayowa Melojuekun.

    “My attention has been drawn to a purported video circulating on social media of a girl alleging that I attempted to sexually harrass her. Let it be noted that in my entire life and political career, I have assisted many youth to secure jobs, some are working with me in my different businesses.

    “On this said day, the girl was brought to my house by one of my loyalists who is her Uncle, to assist her get a job as a Computer Operator at the ICT Centre I facilitated while I was serving as a member of House of Representatives years back which has been moribund but I am about to rehabilitate in order to empower more youths in our local government.

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    “I met her at my sitting room for few minutes where many of my loyalists are, people that came to visit me for the New Year. I chatted with the lady for few minutes and as part of my usual gesture, I gave her some amount of money for her transportation. A day after, I was informed by some people that I have been alleged to have attempted to sexually harrass the girl and I should invite the family for a meeting so as to settle the matter amicably. It was after my refusal to yield to their threats that they went ahead to make a teleguided video leading the lady on what to say to implicate me. This is purely a political blackmail by my adversaries.

    Balogun, who pleaded with his political supporters to remain calm and not engage on the said matter confirmed that the case is already being handled by the Police and his legal team. The embattled commissioner reiterated his innocence saying, “Let me state emphatically that I never attempted to sexually harrass anyone.