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Mojoyinola Emerges President As NGIJ Elects New Executives

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Says NGIJ Election Is A Loud Statement That The Guild Has Come To Stay


The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has elected new executive members to pilot the affairs of the association for another two years, as Mr. Ayoyemi Mojoyinola, a Co-Publisher, Thecitypulsenews.com emerged President of the Guild.


The new President elect won the election with other executive members including Bashorun Israel Bolaji as Vice President Information & Strategy, Comrade James Ezema AS VP Investigations, and AbdulRahman Aliagan as the National Secretary with over 2/3 of total registered voters.
Others are Oyewale Oyelola; Registrar, Rowland ‘Shuwa; Financial Secretary and Femi Oyewale emerged as Public Relations/Welfare Officer. The election, which was organized sequel to the Investigators Guild Congress, was conducted via e-voting in compliance with NCDC and Presidential Taskforce in COVID-19 protocols and guidelines.
The Election Committee Chairman, Tope Sunday while declaring the result said Ayoyemi Mojoyin led executive members will conduct bye-election to fill remaining vacant positions. Speaking after he was declared the winner, Mojoyinola noted that, “Today is indeed a historic day for all of us because, first and foremost, this is the very first election to be held by this noble association. This means that the new crop of leaders elected today are the very first democratically elected leaders for the Guild.


“Secondly, this election is a loud statement that this association has come to stay and with your support we shall build a very strong foundation for this nascent association.” Mojoyinola pointed out that, “We were to hold this election on Saturday but for developments beyond our control we had to move it a little bit forward. “For an association that has never conducted an election before now, I must say that Mr. Sunday and his team did a very great job and there might not be need for elections tribunals. “In all seriousness, I sincerely thank every member of this association for their commitments to the Guild.


I commend all of us for expending our resources, financial, intellectual, morally and otherwise to the success of this Guild. He however thanked the Co-founders of the Guild for giving the Investigators in the country the platform to express themselves.
“In the same vein I will like to show appreciation to the Co-founders of this association, Mr. Abdulrahman Aliagan, Bashorun Israel Bolaji and Mr. Olawale AbIdeen, for giving Investigators in the country this platform to express themselves. “While I will not like to dwell on the present misgivings of Abideen, suffice it to say that the Guild is not anybody’s personal property and should never be treated as such. I assure you that I shall, together with my new executives, treat this issue with the utmost importance it deserves so that we can forge ahead promptly. “I therefore use this opportunity to call on my friend, Olawale Abideen who is also the immediate past acting president of the Guild, to tow the path of peace and unity and join hands with this administration so that the dream of a virile and great platform for investigative journalists will be reinforced quickly.


According to Mojoyinola, “We are heartened by the progress we have made so far despite the seeming challenges and I am eager to help continue that progress but I want to assure us all that there will be more greater challenges ahead as our aim is towards a bigger goal but to succeed we must come together united. Remember, “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”
“As the first democratically elected president of this Guild, I assure you that we, my team and I will do everything within our powers to work for your welfare and wellbeing. We assure you that the interest of all members shall be protected as long as such member does not work against the interest of the Guild. “I also want to use this opportunity to allay fears in some quarters that this Guild is out to witch-hunt anybody.
“We are not out to witch-hunt any group, organization or individual rather we are guided by our motto, ‘rooting for the truth’ and that will be our guiding principle in all interactions. “While I understand the need for me to roll out programs and make promises to our members, permit me at this present time to make only two promises which I know we can keep. The first is that, starting from now your views and contributions will matter in NGIJ. This is because I will ask a lot of questions, some of them, undoubtedly, will be annoying. But I promise that I will carefully listen to your answers for the good of the Guild. “The second thing I can promise is that I will make mistakes. But I promise that my mistakes will not be from lethargy so if you agree with the Holy Books that Man is imperfection personified then you will pardon me for the honest mistakes that I might make in the cause of leading this association.”
Ayoyemi Mojoyinola, a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye Ogun State, has over 14 years working experience in various print, broadcast and Online media organisations both in Nigeria and international.
He is currently a Co-Publisher at Thecitypulsenews.com with head office in USA and Nigeria office in Lagos.

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Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

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Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

 

 

By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo

 

 

In a heartfelt message, The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has extended warm festive greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, and across Nigeria as the nation embarks on the joyous celebration of Christmas.

 

Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

 

Recognizing the significance of this time of year, Olopade emphasized the essence of unity, love, and gratitude that the Christmas season embodies. He urged citizens to reflect on the virtues of compassion and generosity, which are particularly vital in fostering peace and harmony in communities.

 

 

 

“Christmas is a time for joy, reflection, and togetherness. It reminds us of the values of love and kindness, which are fundamental to our social fabric,” said Olopade. “As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember those in need and extend a hand of support to one another.”

 

 

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, acknowledged the challenges that many have faced over the past year, including economic hardships and social unrest, yet he expressed optimism for the future. “In the spirit of Christmas, let us embrace hope and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Our unity and resilience can overcome any challenges we face.”

 

 

 

Olopade also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting peace and national unity, noting that the NSC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all Nigerians can participate in sports and recreational activities. He encouraged communities to engage in sports events during the festive period as a means to strengthen bonds and celebrate togetherness.

 

 

 

As part of his Christmas message, Olopade called on everyone to prioritize the welfare of others, particularly the less fortunate. He urged individuals and organizations to consider charitable acts that can uplift those in need during this season of giving.

 

 

 

In closing, Bar. Bukola Olopade wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy. He expressed hope that the spirit of the season would inspire a renewed commitment to community service and cooperation among citizens.

 

 

 

As the festivities continue, the Chairman’s message resonates with the values of compassion, unity, and hope, encouraging all to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

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OGSTEP Empowers Over 15,000 Artisans and Traders with Skills Development

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OGSTEP Empowers Over 15,000 Artisans and Traders with Skills Development

The Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) has successfully trained over 15,000 artisans and traders as part of its ongoing skills development initiative under the Ogun State Skills Fund (OSF).
This was disclosed by the Skills Development Specialist, Engr. Adesegun Fatoki, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He revealed that the training program recorded 6,605 participants in Vocational/ICT skills, 4,989 in Entrepreneurship, and 5,288 in Functional Literacy Training.
Engr. Fatoki explained that the OSF training is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their income and businesses. “So far, over 4,000 beneficiaries have completed their training in the first batch, while the second batch is currently underway across various trades. The third phase will target market women, artisans, and traders, bringing the initiative closer to grassroots communities,” he stated.
He encouraged artisans, market women, and traders to register for the ongoing third batch of the training by visiting www.osf.ogunstate.gov.ng. He assured that the program focuses on demand-driven skills and operates at various training centers across the state.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to the program’s success, Engr. Fatoki reassured stakeholders that the initiative is non-partisan and designed solely for the benefit of market women, artisans, and traders.
In response, representatives of various groups expressed gratitude to the state government for the initiative and pledged to mobilize their members to take part in the training.
Speaking earlier, the Project Gender Specialist, Mrs. Ewajesu, highlighted the program’s goal of empowering artisans and traders with critical skills to thrive in today’s competitive economic landscape. She explained that the training also improves participants’ literacy and business management capabilities, enhancing productivity and strengthening the state’s economy.
Mrs. Ewajesu urged participants to make the most of the opportunity, noting that the skills acquired would position them for greater success in their respective trades.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Remo, Ijebu, Yewa, and Egba Traders’ Associations, who expressed optimism about the program’s positive impact on their communities.

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

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

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.

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