society

Subsidy Removal: Abiodun Flags Off Distribution Of 300,000 Rice Palliatives

Published

2 years ago

September 2, 2023

Subsidy Removal: Abiodun Flags Off Distribution Of 300,000 Rice Palliatives

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has flagged off the distribution of 300,000 bags of 10kg rice palliatives to citizens of the state.

The event, which took place on Friday, was in line with the promise made by Prince Abiodun to ensure the immediate distribution of the palliatives.

The governor acknowledged that the palliatives were sent to states by the federal government and has been domesticated by the state government.

“This is a federal government initiative under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that is being domesticated right here in Ogun State.

“Our desire in the first instance is to distribute about 300,000 bags of 10kg rice across our 5,400 polling units.

“We have decided to use the polling units as a reference of distribution, not wards, because we realized that using wards won’t be equitable.

“You can imagine taking a ward in Sagamu, for example, like the Ogijo ward and compare it with a ward in Ikenne. If we use the ward as the yardstick for distributing the palliatives, it is very unfair and not equitable.

“But because we know that the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has done a very detailed arrangement of our polling units to the point where all of us belong to a polling unit and that has allowed us to determine the number of people that are in our different wards.

“So you find out that a ward in Ogijo, for example, will have by far more polling units than a ward in Ikenne or Remo North. So we decided that we will use the polling units as a point of reference,” he said.

Abiodun noted that a committee made up of eminent men and women of distinguished character has been set up to oversee the distribution of the palliatives.

He said that the committee, chaired by his deputy, would ensure that the palliative distribution is effectively implemented, while the 20 local governments will also have similar committees.

“This committee is made up of very eminent, dependable, and distinguished men and women across the state.

“The committee will be chaired by my Deputy Governor and she will be supported by our former deputy governors that are here present, two members of the National Assembly, one representing the House of Representatives, and the other representing the Senate.

“Members of the state’s Assembly, namely the Deputy Speaker and the Minority Leader, our Iyalojas, our CDCs, CDAs, members of our youth community, our inter-ethnic representatives, our community leaders and other distinguished eminent personalities that we believe will ensure that the palliative distribution is effectively, efficiently and transparently implemented,” he said.

According to him, the Central Working Committee (CWC) will be saddled with the authority to inaugurate committees in each of the 20 local government areas of the state.

The committees in each local government will comprise the council chairman, Governor’s Liaison Officers (GLO), a member of the state House of Assembly in each local government, religious leaders, community leaders, youths, students, Iyalojas and the traditional institution.

Abiodun while commending President Tinubu for conceptualizing the programme to cushion the effect of the removal of the fuel subsidy, said that his administration has classified the various interventions of the president, which his administration has domesticated into the immediate, medium and long terms.

The state’s helmsman said that his administration has commenced the payment of N10,000 transport allowance to public servants in the state, and also added that the payment of various allowances, ranging from hazard and gratuities has begun.

“We started as you recall by paying N10,000 transportation allowances to all our public servants, including pensioners and teachers across the board.

“We also decided that not more than 80 per cent of our workforce need to come to the office at any point in time.

“We have begun paying different allowances, including hazard allowances. We began offsetting backlog of different payments, be it pensions, gratuities, deductions, and all other payments as we see them as part of the cushioning effect of the removal of subsidy,” he said.

Abiodun also disclosed that his administration would be providing health insurance coverage for pregnant women across the state.

He added that the health insurance coverage would allow them to either visit the primary, secondary, or tertiary health care centres.

“We will also be providing for all our pregnant women across the board in Ogun State with our Ogun State Health Insurance Cover called ‘Ibi Dero’.

“This will cover their pre-natal engagements and also post-natal consultations for up to six months, meaning that, you can go to a Primary Health Care Center, Secondary Health Care or a Tertiary and consult Pre-natal, give birth for free because the state government is bearing the cost of all that,” he said.

The governor also disclosed that his administration would be extending the palliatives to indigent students across the state.

While also disclosing that his administration would soon commence its energy transition programme which would allow state-owned buses, to use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Prince Abiodun added that the commencement of its E-mobility programme would allow his administration to replace petrol-powered motorcycles with electric motorcycles at the expense of the state.

Earlier in their separate remarks, the representatives of the Community Development Associations (CDAs), Usman Olamilekan, and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP); Comrade Bola Lawal commended Governor Abiodun for his open-door policy.

Also, the Iyaloja General of Ogun State, who is also a member of the committee, Alhaja Yemisi Abass, commended the governor for providing more rice to complement the ones sent by the Federal Government.
He thanked the governor for picking members of the committee from all parts of the state.

In an interview, Mrs. Ileyemi Olayinka representing people with special needs and Comrade Segun Obadimu, representing the Nigeria Union of Pensioners appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for the rice palliative given to them, noting that such programs would help the people of the state to continue to persevere.

society

Araraume Felicitates With Tinubu At 73, Commends His Leadership Style

Published

6 hours ago

March 29, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Araraume Felicitates With Tinubu At 73, Commends His Leadership Style

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 73rd birthday.

In his message, Araruame described Tinubu’s birthday as a time to celebrate a life dedicated to service, vision and national progress.

He stated that Tinubu’s leadership is dedicated to service, vision, and transformative leadership which continues to inspire hope for a better Nigeria.

Araraume in his message to the president said
“On this auspicious occasion of your 73rd birthday, I join millions of Nigerians and admirers worldwide in celebrating a life profoundly dedicated to service, vision, and transformative leadership. Your journey, marked by an unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and national progress, continues to inspire generations.

“Mr. President, your legacy as a foundational architect of modern Nigerian politics is indelible. From your pioneering role in Lagos State’s economic revitalization as Governor to your steadfast advocacy for equitable federalism and democratic consolidation, your leadership has consistently embodied courage, innovation, and inclusivity. Today, as our nation navigates complex challenges, your resolute focus on economic reform, security, and unity reaffirms your status as a visionary steward of Nigeria’s destiny.

“Your intellectual depth, political acumen, and unyielding optimism for a prosperous Nigeria resonate deeply with those who believe in the promise of this great nation. I am particularly inspired by your strategic approach to governance—rooted in wisdom, pragmatism, and an unshakable faith in the potential of our people.

“On this milestone, I pray Almighty God grants you enduring vitality, wisdom, and grace as you guide Nigeria toward its loftiest aspirations. May your year ahead be filled with joy, strength, and the fulfillment of seeing your labours yield lasting fruit for our beloved country.

“Happy 73rd Birthday, Mr. President! May history remember you as the leader who ignited Nigeria’s golden era”

society

EFCC Dismisses Political Links in Achimugu Investigation, Reaffirms Independence

Published

17 hours ago

March 29, 2025

Sahara Weekly

EFCC Dismisses Political Links in Achimugu Investigation, Reaffirms Independence

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has categorically denied any political undertones in its ongoing investigation of businesswoman Aisha Achimugu, dismissing speculations that the probe is connected to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The EFCC’s statement comes in response to a report by People’s Gazette, which suggested that Achimugu had allegedly funneled funds to Atiku and Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election campaign, leading to friction between President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu. The Commission has refuted these claims, emphasizing that its investigations are solely focused on Achimugu’s alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering activities.

In a statement released via its official channels, the EFCC reaffirmed its neutrality and professional commitment to justice, stating, “The public is hereby notified that the investigation of Ms. Aisha Achimugu has no bearing, whether immediate or remote, on any political figure, including Atiku Abubakar or Babajide Sanwo-Olu. She is being investigated for alleged financial crimes and has been declared wanted by the Commission.”

The agency clarified that its investigation into Achimugu began in 2022 and was challenged in court when she sought an injunction preventing her arrest, interrogation, or prosecution. However, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled against her on February 19, 2025, affirming the Commission’s authority to probe her alleged activities. The court also upheld an interim order for the forfeiture of assets suspected to be proceeds of crime, thereby dismissing her appeal as lacking merit.

This judicial backing, according to the EFCC, underscores the legitimacy of its probe and further reinforces the Commission’s stance that it operates without political bias. The EFCC warned against attempts to misinterpret its work, stating, “We remain a non-partisan and non-sectarian institution committed to the fight against corruption. The public is urged to disregard any attempts to link our work to political maneuvering.”

The Presidency also weighed in on the matter, describing claims of a political conspiracy against Atiku and Sanwo-Olu as baseless. The administration accused Atiku of spreading unsubstantiated rumors, maintaining that President Tinubu had no hand in the EFCC’s probe of Achimugu.

As the investigation unfolds, the EFCC has reiterated its commitment to due process and transparency, vowing that no individual, regardless of status or affiliation, will be shielded from the law if found culpable. The agency urged anyone with relevant information regarding Achimugu’s whereabouts to come forward, emphasizing its determination to bring financial criminals to justice.

society

President Tinubu Orders Manhunt as 16 Travellers Lynched in Edo Mob Attack

Published

17 hours ago

March 29, 2025

Sahara Weekly

President Tinubu Orders Manhunt as 16 Travellers Lynched in Edo Mob Attack

Nigeria has been shaken by the horrific murder of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, an act of jungle justice that has drawn nationwide condemnation, including from President Bola Tinubu and several state governors. The President has ordered an urgent manhunt for the killers, as calls for justice grow louder.

Mistaken Identity Turns Deadly

The victims, who claimed to be hunters, were travelling in a Dangote Cement truck when they were stopped by local vigilantes around 1:30 PM in Udune Efandion community. Upon searching the truck, dane guns were discovered, triggering an angry mob attack.

A gruesome video circulating on social media captured the travellers pleading for their lives as they were brutally beaten, lynched, and set ablaze. The chilling footage showed some community members going about their daily activities, seemingly unfazed by the unfolding horror.

An eyewitness, identified as John, revealed that the mob mistook the travellers for kidnappers. “After seeing the travellers with guns, the vigilantes raised the alarm, and people descended on them. However, they should have been handed over to the police,” he lamented.

A particularly disturbing scene in the video showed a resident using a wheelbarrow to dump one of the victims into the raging fire, as bystanders mocked their cries for mercy.

Delayed Police Response and Arrests

The Edo State Police Command confirmed that by the time officers arrived at the scene, the damage had been done. However, they managed to rescue ten of the travellers, two of whom sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital.

Police spokesman Moses Yamu stated that 14 suspects have been arrested, while tactical units, including the Police Mobile Force, have been deployed to prevent further violence. He also warned against unlawful gatherings that might escalate tensions in the community.

Tinubu and Governors Demand Justice

President Bola Tinubu, visibly disturbed by the attack, has ordered security agencies to hunt down the perpetrators and ensure they face the full weight of the law. In a statement, he expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and warned that mob justice has no place in Nigeria.

“The President noted that jungle justice has no place in Nigeria, and all Nigerians have the freedom to move freely in any part of the country,” the statement read.

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) also condemned the killings. Its chairman, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, described the act as barbaric and a gross violation of human rights. He urged authorities to swiftly arrest and prosecute those responsible, emphasizing that all Nigerians deserve to travel freely without fear.

Atiku, Okpebholo, Obi React

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also joined the chorus of outrage, demanding a full investigation. “This unfortunate incident demands a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to book. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” he wrote on X.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo described the killings as “barbaric and vicious” and vowed that his administration would not tolerate such lawlessness.

As the nation reels from this shocking act, the pressure is on law enforcement agencies to deliver swift justice and prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, calls for community sensitization against jungle justice have intensified, as Nigerians demand a country where the rule of law prevails over mob violence.