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Transportation: UK agency offers technical assistance to Ogun

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Transportation: UK agency offers technical assistance to Ogun

 

 

 

Transportation: UK agency offers technical assistance to Ogun

 

 

 

A United Kingdom-based development agency, Prosperity Fund, has expressed its readiness to offer technical assistance to Ogun State in its efforts at putting in place an efficient and sustainable transportation system.

 

This, according to the agency, would fast-track the socio-economic development of the state.

 

 

 

 

Transportation: UK agency offers technical assistance to Ogun

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking during the presentation of the report by the Committee on Transportation, on Wednesday, at the Governor’s Office Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Head, Prosperity Fund Nigeria, Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, Martha Bostock, said the fund would help the state build capacity in its transport department for sustainability.

 

“Future Cities in Nigeria will offer technical assistant to Ogun State. It is about helping to build capacity within the state government’s department like the Ministry of Transportation and other relevant agencies about what a good transport policy should include.

 

 

 

 

Transportation: UK agency offers technical assistance to Ogun

 

 

 

 

“I like to see the policy put in place with necessary legislative action. This policy would be used to advertise the state to attract more investments which I hope would help the state development and its continued transformation”, Bostock noted.

 

Responding, the state governor,  Dapo Abiodun, disclosed that the state was working towards providing an efficient and sustainable transportation system that will help in fast-tracking the socio-economic development of the State.

 

Abiodun, who described infrastructure as one of the pillars of economic development, added that transportation was an integral part that plays the role of moving people, goods, and services from one point to the other.

 

While assuring that the report would be fully implemented as the legal framework was in progress, the governor added that a rapid bus transit that would operate in the Mowe-Ibafo axis would commence soon.

 

He further disclosed that his administration was discussing with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to fully utilize the state end of the railway lines for the development of Ogun.

 

“I can assure you that we will implement the reports and will not leave them on the shelves. By next week, we will flag off the construction of the Agbara-Atan- Lusada road, and this road will be completed in 14 months. We are doing this because that axis accommodates the biggest industries in the country”, the governor stated.

 

He pointed out that the recent launch of the state digital broadband would assist in the implementation of the transport master plan, thanking the committee for painstakingly carrying out their assignment which he noted, “would change the face of transportation in theater and model to other states”.

 

In their separate presentations, Dr. George Banjo representing the Future Cities Nigeria, who spoke on “Developing Policy for Improving Public Transportation Services in Abeokuta, said the capital city in the next 15 years would be populated by about 2.5 million, hence the need to provide modern transportation system to drive its economy.

 

Banjo who opined that the transport sector would contribute to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, also called for the establishment of a State Transport Authority, as the present public transport system is not good for the state capital.

 

On his part, Prof. Muse Solanke of the Department of Transportation, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, called for the restriction of motorcycles from major highways and dedicated lanes for trucks and heavy-duty vehicles as part of safety measures.

 

He maintained over 16,369 square kilometers of landmass, over 5 million people with 6,620 primary and post-primary schools and 1,408 health facilities, Ogun was ripe for a mass transport system that would help in moving a large number of people from one place to another.

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

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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.

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

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.

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My First Album Gave Me the Stage Name Oba Ara and Sold Over 30,000 Copies” – Gospel Star Dr. Rotimi Onimole

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My First Album Gave Me the Stage Name Oba Ara and Sold Over 30,000 Copies” – Gospel Star Dr. Rotimi Onimole

Dr. Evangelist Rotimi Onimole, famously known as Oba Ara, is a prominent name in the Nigerian gospel music scene. With over two decades of impact, the Lagos-born singer has built a legacy that continues to inspire.
Oba Ara, who has received numerous awards, is celebrated for his unique musical style and his ability to spread the message of God through his songs. Some of his accolades include Best Gospel Musician by Crowd Puller Event Award, Best Newest Gospel Artiste of the Year by Exclusive Magazine, Best Gospel Artist of the Year by Expo Plus Magazine, and an honorary Doctor of Music by INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, among others.
In 2010, Oba Ara released his debut album titled Oba Ara, which not only sold over 30,000 copies but also earned him his stage name through what he describes as divine connection.
Building on this success, he released his second album, Beautiful Testimony (Eri To Rewa), in 2013, which gained international recognition. Both the audio and video versions of the album were widely embraced, with the video being shot in Nigeria and abroad.
His third album, Oba A Ju Lo, is a powerful collection of songs focused on God’s greatness and praises, further cementing his reputation as a leading gospel artist.
Oba Ara is also the pioneer of Jufujigospel music, a unique genre that blends contemporary sounds with traditional gospel.
Beyond his albums, Oba Ara is the brain behind the Power in Praise Concert, an annual event that has featured renowned gospel artists like Evangelist Tope Alabi, Dr. Lanre Teriba (Atorise), Evangelist Dare Melody, and many others.
With a career defined by creativity, divine inspiration, and a passion for spreading the gospel, Oba Ara remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated gospel artists.
My First Album Gave Me the Stage Name Oba Ara and Sold Over 30,000 Copies” – Gospel Star Dr. Rotimi Onimole

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“US-Based Nigerian and Accomplice Sentenced to 40 Years for $9M Dark Web Drug Scheme”

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"US-Based Nigerian and Accomplice Sentenced to 40 Years for $9M Dark Web Drug Scheme"

“US-Based Nigerian and Accomplice Sentenced to 40 Years for $9M Dark Web Drug Scheme”

Mastermind Behind Multimillion-Dollar Drug Operation Jailed
A United States-based Nigerian, Oluwole Adegboruwa, 54, and his accomplice, Enrique Isong, 49, have been sentenced to a combined 40 years in prison for their roles in a sophisticated drug trafficking operation. The duo used the dark web to distribute over 300,000 oxycodone pills across multiple states, amassing $9 million in profits.


According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, Adegboruwa orchestrated the illegal enterprise, directing associates on procuring, packaging, and distributing the drugs to buyers who placed orders via dark web marketplaces. Payments were received in cryptocurrency, which was later converted into local currency.

The operation ran from October 2016 to May 2019 before law enforcement dismantled it. Adegboruwa was arrested and sentenced to 30 years in November 2024, while Isong received a 10-year sentence in October 2024.


In addition to his prison term, Adegboruwa was ordered to forfeit $20 million, one of the largest financial penalties ever imposed by the District of Utah. The court also mandated a lifetime of supervised release following his incarceration.


During the trial, evidence revealed that Adegboruwa was the operation’s mastermind, overseeing every aspect of the syndicate’s activities. He confessed to controlling the drug sales and managing cryptocurrency accounts used to conceal proceeds.

Prosecutors described the operation as a “continuing criminal enterprise,” with Adegboruwa employing a team to procure pharmacy-grade oxycodone pills, package them, and ship orders to customers across the U.S.


Jonathan Pullen, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division, praised the verdict, highlighting the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks, even those operating in the clandestine world of the dark web.
“Adegboruwa’s criminal enterprise was complex, sophisticated, and generated millions in profits concealed in cryptocurrency. This sentencing sends a clear message: drug traffickers have no safe haven, not even in the dark web’s hidden corners,” Pullen said.


The sentencing serves as a grim warning to those exploiting technology for illicit activities, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies are vigilant in uncovering and prosecuting such crimes.

 

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