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

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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.

 

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

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Otunba Olusegun Runsewe’s Earlier Warning Against Bobrisky Has Been Vindicated

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Otunba Olusegun Runsewe’s Earlier Warning Against Bobrisky Has Been Vindicated

Otunba Olusegun Runsewe’s Earlier Warning Against Bobrisky Has Been Vindicated

 

“If my child ever turned out like Bobrisky, I would feel I failed.” This is the kind of mean remark that some individuals have made upon encountering Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky.

The young man’s controversial lifestyle has sparked debates nationwide, with many worrying about the influence he might have on impressionable youths.

Given his current case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), his fame is at an all-time high—so is the worry of the older generation.

In April 2024, Bobrisky was convicted for mutilating the naira, and given a six-month jail sentence. There were claims, however, that Bobrisky lived comfortably in a private apartment during this time, which he denied. Officials later confirmed that while he was held in the facility, his special treatment was for security reasons, due to his appearance and identity.

Bobrisky’s life has indeed been a series of scandals, from the recent legal troubles to social media drama. But these have only helped to him at the centre of public scrutiny. Moreover, his bold defiance of norms has made him a focal point for criticism, especially from parents and community leaders who worry about his influence on young Nigerians.

Public figures including former Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe have urged parents to teach their children strong values. They argue that Bobrisky’s lifestyle directly opposes traditional African norms of decency and respect. As Bobrisky pushes boundaries, reputable individuals like Otunba Runsewe have spoken out about how they feel these values are being tested.

Indeed, with a large social media following, Bobrisky’s influence is undeniable. Yet, his flamboyant persona and controversial behaviour leave many uneasy. In a society where cultural values run deep, it is only right for rational individuals to be vigilant against things that run against these values. Bobrisky tops this list.

“A man who tries to walk two roads will split his legs,” warns an old proverb. Bobrisky’s life, full of contradictions, reflects this truth. Especially now that he is playing Russian Roulette with bodies like the EFCC, who knows what a person like him could drag parents into in the name of defending their children.

It is important to recall that Otunba Segun Runsewe warned Nigerians about the character called BOBRISKY. Today the cultural icon, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has been vindicated.

 

culled from Lagostimes

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Police arraign woman over N2.8m failed marriage promise

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Police arraign woman over N2.8m failed marriage promise

Police arraign woman over N2.8m failed marriage promise

 

A 25-year-old tailor, Victoria Effiong, was arraigned on Friday before a Lagos State Magistrates’ Court in Iba for allegedly refusing to marry a suitor after collecting N2.8m from him.

Effiong is facing three counts bordering on breach of peace, cheating and obtaining by false pretence.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Chinedu Njoku, told the court that

the incident occurred on September 25, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Ajanaku Street, Isashi.

 

 

Njoku said, “Effiong unlawfully cheated the complainant, Dominic Asuquo, by obtaining the sum of N2,866,000 under the pretext of agreeing to marry him, but she failed to follow through.”

The prosecutor further told the court that while the defendant was dating Asuquo, she obtained an iPhone worth N240,000, different clothes, a wristwatch, shoes and bags valued at N350,000.

He also said that the complainant gave the defendant a cash sum of N810,000, N4000, daily feeding money for seven months worth N868,000.

 

“Effiong also withdrew N300,000 from Asuquo’s ATM account for shopping,” Njoku added.

 

Our correspondent learnt that the situation escalated when Asuquo discovered that Effiong was planning to marry another man, despite having introduced him earlier to her parents, who were aware of their relationship.

Effiong, however, denied the relationship, claiming Asuquo knew she was dating someone else.

She admitted to receiving the iPhone, a smaller phone worth N20,000, money, and other items but insisted that she had told Asuquo to stop sending her money because she was uncomfortable with it.

According to the prosecutor, the offences committed are punishable under Sections 168, (1d), 322, and 314 (2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.

However, the defendant who was arraigned before Magistrate Mrs O. M. Ogun, pleaded not guilty to the charges against her.

Magistrate Ogun granted her a bail of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

 

“One of the sureties must be a blood relative, show proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government, and have their address verified,” the magistrate ruled.

The case was adjourned until November 28, 2024, for mention.

 

 

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There is a need to understand other cultures, and various heritage, Korean director

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There is a need to understand other cultures, and various heritage, Korean director

 

 

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Director of the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria, Kim Chang-ki, says there is a need to understand other cultures and various heritages.

 

There is a need to understand other cultures, and various heritage, Korean director

 

 

Chang-Ki said this at the 2024 Korean Cultural Festival in Lagos with the theme ‘Tour the World.

 

 

The festival is a yearly event and this year’s event was organized by the Banana Island Property Owner&Residents Association Lagos(BIPORAL)

 

 

He said the multicultural festival is indeed a great event to promote their food and culture and network with other countries.

 

 

He pointed out that the annual event helps people to learn and promote each other’s countries’ cultures.

 

 

‘As individuals tour around countries, there is the need to understand other people’s cultures and various heritages.

 

 

“Korea, the “Land of the Morning Calm, “is a dynamic East Asian nation with nearly 52 million people, famous for its scenic beauty.

 

 

“It is also an avenue to integrate and promote cultural immersion amongst residents and guests”.

 

 

He said that there were lots of memorable activities ranging from different countries’ cultural musical performances, food, games, and other side attractions.

 

 

“The multicultural festival is a very fun experience watching attendees going round the participating countries’ booths for food tasting”.

 

 

 

The excess of Banana Island Property Owner&Residents Association Lagos(BIPORAL) appreciated everyone who took part in the event.

 

 

They added that the event was also to uphold the spirit of community fellowship, cultural integration, and patriotism.

 

 

“We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who has been part of this year’s festival.

 

 

Some of the countries that participated in the event include the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana, South Korea, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Cote d’Ivoire, and Jamaica.

 

 

“Other performances from Nigeria were Igbo dance, Art Afrik dance, Calabar and Yoruba dance, raffle draws, etc.

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