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Reinstated Osun APC LG Chairmen freeze council accounts

Published

2 months ago

February 20, 2025

Following the official resumption of office by the reinstated local government officials in Osun, the council chairmen and councillors have ordered immediate frozen of various council accounts as they formally resumed duty on Wednesday.

The Council Chairmen warned Governor Ademola Adeleke and others in charge of the council resources to steer clear of public funds saying “any form of illegal transaction will have consequences”.

The reinstated chairmen and councillors cautioned the state government and chairman of Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to shelve the planned local government election as there’s no vacancy in any of the 30 councils for them to fix.

This is even as they mourned the untimely death of the members of the party particularly the Irewole Local Government Chairman, Hon. Remi Abass who was gruesomely killed by suspected political assailants on Monday.

Addressing a Press Conference at Ilerioluwa Campaign Office, Osogbo, Chairman Ifedayo Local Government, Hon. Abiodun Idowu applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his exemplary leadership and strict adherence to the rule of law just as he hailed high sense of professionalism and commitment exhibited by the security agencies in the state.

Hon. Idowu who is the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON Chairman, reassured their readiness to good governance at the grassroots saying, “having returned to office, we want to reaffirm our commitment to serving our people more and our social contract to create job and wealth for the teeming youth of the state will be implemented without compromise”

“All our Chairmen will work assiduously to create value chains in agricultural sector so that food security will be ensured in our state. We will devote attention to mechanized farming so farmers across the state will have a new lease of life. We are aware of the shortage of teachers in our schools and health professionals in all our health centres and facilities. We declare to fill this shortage in no distant time.

“We have met as an association and concluded that the 1500 teachers and over 2000 health workers employed by the APC Government of HE Adegboyega Oyetola but which were sacked on assumption of Office of Governor Ademola Adeleke will be reabsorbed into the system.

“Since their salaries and emoluments are statutorily charged from the Local Government Allocation, we hold that bringing them back on board to render essential services to the people of the state will not halt or hinder the progress of governance in the state.

“We know Government exists because of the people and it is our responsibility as Leaders of governments at the local government to prioritize the welfare and well-being of the Citizens. The Modalties for the re-absorption of the 1,500 teachers and over 2,000 health workers will be communicated to the concerned employees in the due course”, Idowu reaffirmed.

He said the council chairmen and councillors were ready to work with the state government to collectively ensure the dividends of democracy for the people of the state.

While reassuring their commitment to hit the ground running, Idowu appealed to the people of the various councils to continue to support their Chairmen and councillors as they resumed to work.

He lamented the needless crisis that trailed the resumption on Monday just as he urged the security agencies not to relent on their oars to maintaining law and order in the state.

“In the Carnage that took place on Monday and afterwards, we lost more than seven members of our party and supporters; while many of them sustained varying degrees of injuries. One of the victims was a prominent member of our Association, Hon. Aderemi Abass. We pray God forgive his shortcomings, accept his soul and grant his family the strength to withstand the exit of their breadwinner and patriotic Nigerian.

“For record purpose, we lost two of our members in Irewole Local Government, 7 persons were seriously injured also in Ilesa West, 3 members wounded including the security personnel; and in Isokan, they killed our Ward 2 Chairman while 10 people were wounded. Similarly in Ile-Ife, 8 members of our party were seriously injured and in Iwo two were feared dead. In total 8 people confirmed dead while 49 persons were seriously injured and hospitalized.

“We want to respectfully appeal to the Nigerian Police Force, Directorate of State Security and other security agencies to fish out the killers of Hon. Remi Abass and other APC members bludgeoned to death by hoodlums on Monday”, Idowu appealed.

“We call on the Security to Invite for interrogation the Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Akogun Lere Oyewumi and Member of the Osun State House of Assembly representing Isokan/Irewole State Constituency, Hon. Abiola Ibrahim Inaolaji.

“There are credible information linking the two PDP politicians to the killing of Hon. Remi Abass.

“Senator Lere Oyewumi has a history of inciting members of his party against opposition members. In fact, in 2023, the killing of a Ward Treasurer of our Party in Ikire, Saheed Oyegunju, who was kidnapped and later killed by hoodlums adorning PDP attires, has been reportedly linked to him. The Police must do everything within the law to investigate all the rumours linking Lere Oyewumi to political thuggery and infamy in Irewole and environs.

“We also have on good authority that that killers of Hon. Remi Abass parted from an abode belonging to Hon. Inaolaji. The Police and other security agencies must work hard to fish out the Perpetrators of wanton killing of Hon. Remi Abass,” Idowu explained.

Related Topics:Election Nigeria Nigerian PDP Senate

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A Chat with Janet Odio Okolo: A Mother’s Journey Raising a Child with Down Syndrome

Published

1 hour ago

April 30, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

Down syndrome: It’s a congenital condition characterized by a distinctive pattern of physical characteristics including a flattened skull, pronounced folds of skin in the inner corners of the eyes, large tongue, and short stature, and by some degree of limitation of intellectual ability and social and practical skills. It usually arises from a defect involving chromosome. Above definition succinctly describes what Janet Odio Okolo had to go through to sustain her daughter. In this chat she narrated her experience to naijablitznews Associate Editor, Gloria Ikibah, excerpts.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

My name is Janet Odio Okolo. I often introduce myself as a proud mother of a 13-year-old girl, Isioma, who lives with Down syndrome. I call her my “star girl.”

Professionally, I’m into catering and equipment rentals. I provide catering equipment like plates, cutlery, chafing dishes, and more to other caterers. Alongside that, I run a few side businesses to support my family.

What has been the most rewarding part of raising a child with Down syndrome? And how has it impacted your life and perspective?

Raising Isioma has helped me discover parts of myself I didn’t know existed—patience, empathy, selflessness.

She has taught me to see people beyond the surface, to understand others deeply and kindly. These qualities have added great value to my life and relationships. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, and I am better for it.

There are often different perceptions about Down syndrome. What’s yours?

I had prior knowledge about Down syndrome before Isioma was born, so it wasn’t a total shock. People have different opinions—some based on facts, others rooted in myths.

But for me, Isioma is God’s creation. I didn’t create her, but she came into my life with purpose. I embraced her fully, and that acceptance has made the journey smoother.

Can you share a particular challenge you’ve faced raising Isioma and how you overcame it?

There are challenges, no doubt, but I’ve chosen to see them as opportunities for growth. One that stands out is watching her peers, cousins, friends progress faster. At 2 or 3 years old, they were on the same level, but over time, many of them moved ahead academically and developmentally.

It used to bother me. Some of them are now in secondary school or boarding houses, while Isioma is still in primary school. But I remind myself that every child moves at their own pace. With the right support, Isioma will get there, and she’s already doing very well.

How do you think society can better support and include individuals with Down syndrome?

Support must go beyond the family, it must come from the entire society. These children live in communities, go to school, attend church, and access healthcare.

In schools, there should be inclusive programs tailored to their pace. Let them participate in games, cultural days, and other activities. Don’t exclude them because they “can’t dance” or “can’t sing.” Involve them.

In the neighbourhood, encourage inclusion during play. For instance, a friend told me her son who also has Down syndrome is often excluded from football because he scores own goals. But I say: be patient, teach him the rules, guide him. That’s what inclusion looks like.

In churches, let’s involve them in prayers, praise, and worship. Make them feel seen and valued.

Hospitals should be more patient and friendly with these children. That environment should make them feel safe and open.

And for family members and friends support can be as simple as offering to look after the child for a weekend so the parent can rest. That kind of emotional and practical support goes a long way.

What are your hopes and dreams for Isioma? What steps are you taking to help her achieve them?

Oh, I have big dreams for her! And she has dreams too. For example, Isioma loves the runway, she loves to strut like a model.

So, I’m investing in that. I got her a coach to help her build on this interest. My goal is for her to be independent one day, to earn a living through something she enjoys.

Parents need to pay attention, observe what their children love, then build on it. Some want to bake, sing, sew, or dance. Equip them with skills. That’s what I’m doing with Isioma. Even if I’m not around tomorrow, I want her to be confident and self-sufficient.

What advice would you give to parents who’ve just received a Down syndrome diagnosis for their child?

The first step is acceptance. Don’t live in denial. Don’t say, “God forbid” or “I reject it.” That only delays the journey to support.

I remember when Isioma was about six months old, I took her to a popular hospital. The pediatrician just looked at her and bluntly said, “This child has Down syndrome.” She didn’t offer any emotional support, she just dismissed me. That experience hurts.

But instead of giving up, I started researching. I saw a lot online that was scary and discouraging, so I decided to create my own path for her.

To new parents: it’s not a death sentence. With love, care, and professional support, your child can thrive. Don’t fall for superstitions, stigmatization, or spiritual manipulation. Focus on solutions. Be your child’s biggest cheerleader, and others will follow your lead.

How supportive are your other children?

They’re very supportive, although due to age differences and school schedules, they weren’t always around. But whenever they’re home, they show her so much love. They treat her like their little queen. The bond is strong, even in limited time.

What are your expectations from the government and society at large?

There are government policies for people with special needs, but the problem is implementation. These policies often remain on paper.

We need action. Especially in healthcare, many of these children have underlying conditions that require consistent medical attention. Parents, especially indigent ones, can’t always afford this.

Recently, I saw a young girl with Down syndrome at a fish market, begging. She looked unkempt. I was with Isioma, and people noticed the connection. I tried to reach out to the girl’s mother to offer help even if not financial, at least advice and direction.

Children like that are vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and neglect. We need the government to provide safe spaces, education, healthcare, and skills training, especially for families who can’t afford it.

Finally, any last words to society about children with Down syndrome?

They are not a mistake. They are not a burden. They are people with potential just like every other child.

Let’s remove the stigma. Let’s embrace inclusion. Let’s create a world where they are seen, heard, and loved for who they are.

News

Hon. Nnamchi Begins Street Lights Deployment In Isi Uzo(Photos)

Published

2 hours ago

April 30, 2025

ADMIN

Honourable Paul Sunday Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency in the 10th House of Representatives, has fulfilled his promise to illuminate communities in Isi Uzo Local Government Area.

The lawmaker has just begun the deployment of high-density solar-powered street lights in Ikem Nkwo, marking the beginning of a massive rollout of the street lamps across the communities in Isi Uzo.

This initiative, which started in Enugu East Local Government Area in 2024, aims to support the fight against insecurity in the state which according to him was to add to what Chief Security Officer of Enugu State Barrister Peter Mba had done to secure the state to attracts foreign investments.

The lawmaker expressed concern over banditry attacks, particularly by herdsmen, in some communities within Isi Uzo and Enugu East Local Government Areas in the recent pasts.

He believes that illuminating these areas with high-density street lights would help address the insecurity adding that he was prioritizing border and farming communities in Isi Uzo, where banditry has displaced residents and restricted farming activities.

Communities in Ikem, Eha-Amufu in Isi Uzo which borders Enugu and Benue State and Ugwogo-Nike in Enugu East have been vulnerable to these attacks due to their strategic locations.

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May Day: Kalu Hails Workers, Applauds Their Role in Nation Building

Published

2 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has extended warm wishes to Nigerian workers as the country marks the 2025 edition of International Workers’ Day.

Kalu praised workers across various sectors for their commitment and resilience, describing them as the engine that keeps the nation moving. He acknowledged their sacrifices and unrelenting drive, especially during tough economic times.

In his message, he highlighted the efforts of the current administration under President Bola Tinubu to improve the welfare of public servants. He referenced the National Assembly’s prompt backing of the new minimum wage as a sign of the government’s seriousness about workers’ wellbeing.

The Deputy Speaker appealed for continued patience and understanding from Nigerians, noting that the ongoing economic reforms, while challenging, are designed to bring long-term relief and prosperity.

Kalu also called for unity, and said the country can only overcome its present difficulties if citizens and leaders work together in good faith.

He therefore urged workers to keep the faith and remain steadfast in their duties, assuring them that brighter days are on the horizon, and wished Nigerian workers a peaceful and fulfilling May Day celebration.