society

INSECURITY: KEEP CLOSE TAB ON YOUR CHILDREN, SANWO-OLU’S WIFE TELLS PARENTS

Published

4 years ago

May 15, 2021

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Saturday urged parents and guardians to keep a close tab on activities of their children and wards, and as well be more security conscious because of the recent developments in the country.

Speaking at a special Eid-El-Fitr celebration put together by the state government to officially mark the end of Ramadan, held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu said it was important for parents, especially women to talk to their children and also intensify prayers for the peace and development of Nigeria.

According to her, “Lagos, as we all know, is a lovely and loving place to be. We accommodate all the different tribes and ethnic groups. We thank God that this month of Ramadan has been a period where we can look inward, pray more; be more of our brothers’ keepers, and take care of one another.

“At this point in Nigeria when everyone is talking about insecurity, it is very paramount that each one of us takes security very important. Just a few days ago, I was with the Iyaloja General and I was telling her that as mothers, one of the things we could do is pray more (which I know we have been doing a lot) to support our men that are doing so much out there, and also be very vigilant and talk to the wards under us.

“The same message goes to so many numerous women out there. In any gathering we find ourselves that we have been able to keep ourselves together in peace and harmony, rendering selfless service to one another, we should remember our country, Nigeria in our prayers more regularly than before because there is a lot that prayer can do; we should not give up; we should believe that we have someone up there that is more powerful.

“More importantly too, as parents and guardians, we must keep a close tab on the activities of our children and wards. We all have to be vigilant and ‘say something when we see something.’ You are your first security. It starts with the individual and more than before, we must be thoroughly and extremely observant.”

The First Lady described Ramadan as a period that emphasized the virtues of love, tolerance, forgiveness, brotherhood, sacrifice, self-denial, piety, and generosity, among others, just as she urged the people to imbibe the lessons of the season.

“Beyond Ramadan, it is important for us to imbibe and sustain the principles of the holy month which among others include peace, kindness, compassion, and happy co-existence. The holy Prophet held these principles in high esteem and lived His whole life around them.

“We must allow all these virtues to be reflected in our actions, public conduct, and interpersonal relations with everyone around us. This way, we will improve on the cordial relationship that exists among the various ethnic groups and adherents of different religions in our state,” she said.

In his goodwill message, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Jaji, said the event speaks to the uniqueness, oneness, and inclusiveness in the state, and above all love and reverence for God.

He said his administration had always relied on God for guidance and support in all its affairs, adding that he viewed religion as a veritable tool to attain good governance.

“We have kept the partnership with religious bodies and have continued to improve in our relationship as we identify with those things that unite us as a people. Today, we have come together to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitri as a people, across all divides and to say loudly to all, that religion in this part of the world can only be a source of strength, unity, progress, and development for us,” he said.

Besides, the Governor urged religious leaders to continue to preach religious tolerance among the congregations, adding: “for this has been our mainstay in the development and peaceful co-existence of the citizenry of Lagos. “

The event was attended by community leaders as well as Islamic leaders in the state led by the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abu-Nolla, while there were Quranic rendition and musical entertainment by Sauti Arewa, Gawat, Alake Twins, and Queen Kafilat Olohungbebe, among others

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society

Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

Published

6 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken over investigations into the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others injured. The incident occurred when over 7,500 participants, far exceeding the expected 5,000, rushed to gain entry to the event.

The funfair was reportedly organised by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat.

Naomi, who was arrested alongside Hamzat, reportedly collapsed on Friday and was rushed to the Police Hospital at Eleyele for medical attention. A senior hospital staff member confirmed the development, stating, “Both of them are currently at the hospital. The police have secured the premises, and no further details can be disclosed.”

Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, according to Oyo State Police Command spokesperson Adewale Osifeso. A police source revealed that the Inspector General of Police has now taken charge of the case, stating, “For further details, you’ll need to contact Abuja.”

Victims and Medical Response

The Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council at Adeoyo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Adeoye Allen-Taylor, confirmed that four children remain on admission. He added that some casualties were brought in dead and that the Oyo State Government is covering all medical expenses.

At the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, five fatalities were reported, though none of the bodies were taken to the hospital’s mortuary. The Public Relations Officer of UCH, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed the death toll.

Government and Public Reactions

In response, the Oyo State Government mandated strict safety measures for all public events, especially those involving children and the elderly. Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Dotun Oyelade, warned event organisers of severe penalties for compromising public safety.

Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the tragedy as “painful and preventable,” announced the cancellation of his December 25th birthday celebrations to honor the victims. “There will be no birthday celebration this year. I will remain indoors to reflect,” the governor stated while receiving a condolence delegation from the South-East PDP, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara.

Condolences from PDP and Fayemi

The South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed its condolences to the Oyo State Government and families of the victims. PDP Publicity Secretary Chief Sanya Atofarati attributed the tragedy to economic hardships, which he said pushed families to seek free entertainment for their children.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also extended his sympathies, urging authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The investigation continues, as authorities work to uncover the causes of the tragedy and ensure accountability.

society

Inferno Ravages Ibadan Spare Parts Market, Millions Lost in Property

Published

6 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Inferno Ravages Ibadan Spare Parts Market, Millions Lost in Property

A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday at the popular Araromi spare parts market, Agodi-Gate, in Ibadan, Oyo State, destroying property worth millions of naira.

The fire, which began around 2 a.m., continues to rage as firefighters struggle to contain the inferno. The General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, confirmed the seriousness of the situation and called for assistance from water tanker owners.

“We are battling with a serious inferno at Agodi-Gate. Help us to call water tanker owners to assist us. We are still here battling with the situation,” Akinyinka stated.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined as investigations are ongoing.

This incident adds to a series of recent tragic fires in Ibadan. On Friday, a fire claimed the lives of a husband, his wife, and their grandson in the Ori-Eru, Idikan area of the city. The blaze, which occurred at 3:46 a.m., gutted a storey building.

Earlier in the week, another fire incident on Sunday morning destroyed three shops in the city, though the quick intervention of the state fire services prevented the flames from spreading to 13 neighboring shops.

Last Friday, a fire engulfed a Christ Apostolic Church parish in Lagelu Local Government Area during a vigil, trapping worshippers inside. The tragedy struck around 9:30 p.m. at Wisdom Estate, Road 1G, Olohunda Road, leaving the community in shock.

These repeated incidents have raised concerns about fire safety in Ibadan, prompting calls for enhanced preventive measures and quicker emergency responses. Investigations into the cause of the Araromi market fire are underway, while efforts to control the blaze continue.

society

NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

Published

18 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Sahara Weekly

NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

Comrade Oyewumi Festus, the leading Presidential Aspirant for the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), has praised President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the substantial increase in the education sector allocation in the 2025 budget. The budget, tagged the “Restoration Budget,” was presented to the 10th National Assembly on Wednesday, December 8, 2024, and earmarked ₦3.5 trillion for education.

Comrade Festus described the allocation as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing education in Nigeria, which he called a significant step toward securing the nation’s future.

Speaking at Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja during his campaign tour on Friday, December 20, 2024, Festus urged the Federal Ministry of Education to channel a considerable portion of the allocation toward polytechnic education. He emphasized that polytechnics are the backbone of Nigeria’s technological development, highlighting their critical role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and skilled manpower needed for economic growth.

“Nigeria’s polytechnics have long been the cornerstone of the nation’s technological progress. A strong investment in technical and vocational education will drive sustainable development and innovation,” Festus stated.

During the visit, Comrade Festus commended the Kogi State Government and the management of Kogi State Polytechnic for their strides in infrastructure development, prioritizing staff and student welfare, and ensuring campus security. He also extended his gratitude to Governor Ododo for reappointing Professor Usman Ogbo as the institution’s Rector for a second term.

As part of his address, Festus appealed for increased support for the Students Union Government (SUG) and the broader student community, emphasizing the need for effective representation that transcends campus boundaries.

The NAPS aspirant was warmly welcomed by the SUG President, Miss Oluwadamilola Enimokanyi, who acknowledged his advocacy and commitment to the advancement of polytechnic education in Nigeria.