society
Adiyan-Orudu residents cry out over bad roads, seek approval to construct flood drainage
Adiyan-Orudu residents cry out over bad roads, seek approval to construct flood drainage
The residents of Adiyan-Orudu Gasline community in Ifo Local Government area of Ogun State have called on the Nigerian Gas Company to come to their aid in tackling the menace of flood and lack of drainage system that is ravaging the community.
In a letter dated 25 January, 2022 addressed to the Managing Director, Nigerian Gas Company, Warri, Delta State, leaders of the community highlighted the hardships they’re facing as a result of the bad roads in Adiyan-Orudu, Gasline bus stop, which has become a death trap for motorists and residents.
The letter was written on the letterhead of the Temidire Olomowewe Gasline Area Community Development Committee (TOGAS) and co-signed by the General Secretary, Elder Kolawole Akinbodun, Chief Peter Akanji -Chairman and Elder R.O. Awe, the Ifo Zonal Vice Chairman.
Part of the letter reads: “We write to request for your approval, support and supervision of water drainage channelization along Adiyan-Orudu road, Gasline bus stop to alleviate the suffering of our community members during rainy seasons. It is always difficult to have through passage of the road during rainy periods as the area is always flooded with water and muddy sands, which always create impediments to smooth movement and business transactions along the axis.
“It is our belief that if the channelization of the water drainage is being thoroughly carried out under your keen supervision, easy passage and transaction will be better in the area.”
But two years later, the community is yet to get any response from the Nigerian Gas Company, even as the road continues to deteriorate despite communal efforts by some concerned residents to continually fill the roads with broken blocks, granites and sand.
Commercial and vehicular activities have paralyzed on the road, particularly during rainy seasons, as many business owners have relocated, while vehicle owners seek alternative routes and groan on the negative impacts of the roads on their vehicles, and the high cost of maintenance.
Some of the residents who spoke with our Reporter said there have been many casualties on the road during rainy periods. They noted that most of the victims are children going or returning from school.
Mr Jamiu Jooda a.k.a Ijaya, a 51 year-old indigene of Adiyan-Orudu Gasline said all vehicular movements are always on halt during rainy periods, as residents usually trek from the area to Agbado, a distance that is quite far.
“In fact, some people will not be able to come back, while others get back home as late as 1am. The flooding problem is very terrible, and as a community we have been doing our best, but we seriously need help to find a lasting solution to the issue. We have written several letters, but no response. We are even ready to sponsor the construction of the drainage, but we need approval from the Nigerian Gas Company. A lot of people have lost their cars to the flood here, while others have been selling their houses to relocate,” Jooda said.
He further noted that the community requires two drainages; one at the Gasline junction leading to Matogun road, and the second one on the other side leading to Olaogun. Both drainages, according to on-the-spot assessment, won’t be more than five meters in length, but will ameliorate the crisis by redirecting the flood ravaging the roads to the appropriate channels.
The community leaders noted that they’re seeking the consent of the Nigerian Gas Company to supervise the project because it is their technicians who can properly guide them on how to dig the drainage, in order not to cause any damage to the gas pipes under the ground.
“They’re the ones who know the positioning of their gas pipes, and we are mindful of that. That is why we are pleading with them to honour our request for this problem to be solved once and for all,” Jooda added.
According to Mr Bamiji Oludimu, an Electrical Engineer residing in the area, “we have been battling with this flood crisis since 27 years that I moved to this community. A few individuals have spent millions of naira from their hard earned money to fill the roads with sands, at least to make it a bit passable, but until we have those drainages at the Adiyan junction, all the efforts will continue to end in futility. In fact, the situation became worse this year, and that is why we are calling on the Nigerian Gas Company to please show mercy on us because it’s really frustrating.”
In his own submission, Mr Segun Olanrewaju said business activities in the area have continued to nosedive, no thanks to the flood issue. He added that “Taking a commercial bus from Agbado to this place now costs N1,000. Ordinarily, the fare is not supposed to be more than N300, but the bus operators said they have no choice, considering the damages the roads usually cause to their vehicles. People are really suffering here.”
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
society
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
_[Atlantis City, United Kingdom of Atlantis – March 2026]_ – The United Kingdom of Atlantis proudly announces the introduction of its *Imperial Gold Coin*, a magnificent emblem of sovereignty, authority, and imperial heritage. The exquisite gold coin has been crafted to represent the nation’s regal tradition, economic strength, and the visionary leadership of its monarch.
The centerpiece of the coin features the dignified portrait of *His Imperial Majesty, Professor Solomon Wining*, depicted in full royal regalia. Crowned with a majestic golden crown and adorned with intricately crafted ornaments, the portrait embodies honor, wisdom, and noble leadership befitting a sovereign ruler. The depiction celebrates the monarch’s reign, which is associated with wisdom, development, and the pursuit of justice.
The golden coin itself signifies *prosperity, stability, and the enduring legacy* of the Atlantis Kingdom. Gold, historically a universal symbol of power, wealth, and permanence, reflects the strength and vision of the kingdom’s leadership and its aspirations for lasting greatness.
Encircling the royal portrait is the carefully engraved inscription *“United Kingdom of Atlantis”*, reinforcing the state’s identity any the authority of its sovereign ruler. The lower rim of the coin prominently displays the name *Solomon Wining*, commemorating the monarch whose leadership is linked to noble governance and national advancement.
The phrase *“Gold Coin”* highlights not only the currency’s intrinsic value but also its symbolic significance as a representation of the kingdom’s economic structure and royal treasury. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the coin serves as a *mark of sovereignty*, a seal of authority, and a reminder of the royal institution governing the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The Imperial Gold Coin represents:
– *Unity* among citizens,
– *Loyalty* to the crown,
– A vision of a kingdom built upon *justice, prosperity, and noble leadership*.
Every detail—from the engraved crown to the polished golden surface—makes the coin a timeless emblem of imperial prestige and national pride. It stands as both a symbol of wealth and a monument to the legacy of royal leadership, reminding all who behold it of the enduring power and majesty of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation dedicated to upholding traditions of regal governance, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, guided by the wisdom of its imperial leadership.
_Notes to Editors_:
The Imperial Gold Coin is intended for commemorative and symbolic purposes, representing the nation’s imperial heritage and royal authority.
Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Imam Abdul Ganiy Abubakir Agbotomokekere, at his Oja’ba residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on leadership, integrity, and the role of prayers in governance.
Ajadi, who described the revered Islamic cleric as a spiritual pillar in Oyo State, said his visit was to seek prayers and wise counsel as he continues consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
While addressing the Chief Imam, Ajadi commended his consistent prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, noting that religious leaders remain critical stakeholders in nation building.
“I have come to seek your prayers and spiritual blessings because of your important role in promoting peace, unity and moral guidance in our society,” Ajadi said.
“I also want to appreciate your continuous prayers for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you sound health and long life to witness many more Ramadan seasons on earth.”
Speaking further, the PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised the need for leadership driven by compassion, fairness and accountability, stressing that his political aspiration is rooted in service to the people.
“My ambition is not just about occupying an office but about serving the people with sincerity and fear of God. We must continue to encourage politics that will bring development and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, Ajadi also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large that the internal crisis and political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been brought under control by the grace of God. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
In his response, Sheikh Agbotomokekere advised the governorship hopeful to remain focused on the principles of good governance, warning against corrupt practices often associated with politics.
The respected Islamic scholar noted that while politics is practised differently by individuals, only leaders with integrity and fear of God can truly deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Politics is practised by different kinds of people. Some play politics in a corrupt way, while others practise it with sincerity. My prayer is that you will be among those who will practise democracy in the right way if you become governor,” the Chief Imam said.
He reminded the aspirant that human ambition can only be fulfilled by divine approval, stressing that ultimate power belongs to God.
“Whoever is seeking a position should know that only Allah can make such an ambition come true. Whether a person becomes famous or remains unknown is also by the will of Allah,” he said.
Offering prayers for the politician, the cleric added: “Many people may be struggling for a position meant for one person, and it is only God who knows the rightful person. I pray that Almighty Allah will make you the chosen one among all the contenders.”
Using a football analogy to further illustrate his point, the cleric advised Ajadi to be wary of political distractions and misleading influences.
“On the football field, sometimes spectators believe they understand the game more than the players themselves. I pray that you will not be misled by so-called political gurus and that God will guide your steps aright,” he said.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland, is widely respected across South-Western Nigeria for his scholarship, spiritual leadership and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among religious and political groups.
Observers say the visit forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Oyo State.
The cleric offered special prayers for peace in Oyo State, successful leadership, and continued unity among the people despite political and religious differences.
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