News

APC Members Absent As Tinubu Wife Visits Osun

Published

10 months ago

April 24, 2024

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Tuesday paid a visit to Osun State for official turning of sod of the Alternative High School for Girls.

Tinubu arrived at the Government House, Oke-Fia, Osogbo around 12:30 pm on Tuesday, April 23, in the company of the wives of the vice president of Nigeria, Nana Shettima, and the Chief of Staff of the President, Salamatu Gbajabiamila.

She was received by wives of governors led by the wife of Osun state governor, Titilola Adeleke.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, Aragbiji of Iragbiji Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi, Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin among other prominent traditional rulers were also on ground.

There had been awareness of the First Lady’s visitation by the state government with the billboards of the Osun State Governor welcoming Nigeria first lady.

Alas, our Correspondent observed that no single poster or billboard was mounted by the opposition All Progressives Congress to welcome the wife of president in the state.

Meanwhile, during the introduction of the signatories at the government house before they proceeded to Oka Dio where the turning of the sod exercise took place, Senator Remi Tinubu, questioned why APC Chairman was not present at the venue.

Questioning the Master of Ceremony jokingly, after the introduction of Hon Sunday Bisi, Osun PDP Chairman, Nigeria first lady said “Where is APC Chairman?”.

Speaking, after the turning of sod, Tinubu said the ceremony marks the beginning of an opportunity for a new chapter and chance of a promising future for the exceptional young girls and women who would walk through the doors of the school.

She recalled how the idea for the establishment of an Alternative High School for Girls was conceived

According to the wife of the president, “My motivation as an educationist and life long teacher stemmed from the desire to see young girls and women who dropped out of school due to unplanned pregnancies, cultural barriers, economic or financial reasons and many more, have a second chance to complete high school, acquire higher education and valuable life skills, to enable them reach their full potential in life.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, values education and has introduced the National Student Loan Scheme which is now in effect for our youth to have unhindered access to education, knowing that education is the bedrock of national development and the cornerstone upon which dreams are built, skills acquired and aspirations generally realized.

“In a world where every girl deserves the opportunity to thrive and reach her fullest potential, it is a sad thing to witness the barriers that stand in the way of their education. No doubt, without education, girls would lack necessary skills to support themselves and access information to make informed decisions about their health and future.

“The alarming rate of school dropouts among girls are a stark reminder of the need for alternative solutions in their educational pursuits. The consequences of this challenge are profound, affecting not only their individual lives, but also has attendant socio-economic implications for our Nation.

“We cannot afford to squander the potential and talents of half of our population. Ensuring access to inclusive and equitable quality education that fosters lifelong learning opportunities for everyone is essential, in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 4 which is to “Ensure Inclusive and Equitable, Quality Education and Promote Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All”.

Speaking, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke noted that his administration is also committed to supporting girl child education, saying his administration also focus on stopping the crisis of sexual violence against women.

Adeleke stressed that “as your colleague in the Senate In those days, I can affirm your deep love for Nigeria, your commitment to national human development and your particular interest in the welfare of under-privilegded Nigerians.”

He commended the first lady for her passion for the growth of the nation and for focusing on fairness and justice.

He remarked that the present administration will follow up and provide needed support to ensure a robust operation upon completion of the school.

Adeleke said “Our administration is also committed to supporting girl child education. We have introduced a series of programmes which strengthen the capacity of families to provide basic needs. Hence we emphasize workers welfare as a critical first line item in our five point agenda.”

“We also focus on stopping the crisis of sexual violence against women. To that end, Osun is the first state to implement the resolution of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum on Action Against sexual violence. We have met the Ministry of Women Affairs and resolved to set up mobile courts to try domestic sexual violence matters.

Additionally, we are compiling a list of unfairly jailed girls and women to get them released. This is in addition to an agenda of empowering the womenfolk through the Cooperative lawn scheme.”

News

Transporter Frowns At PTD Strike, Says Union Will Force Govt To Use Rail As Mobility Alternative In Lifting Petroleum Products

Published

43 minutes ago

February 25, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A prominent transporter in Oyo State and convener of a pressure group, “Know Your Right”, Kehinde Adebeshin a.k.a “Baba Ibeji” has cautioned the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and its Branch, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) not to force the government of Nigeria to see the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as a preferred mobility alternative across the country for lifting Petroleum products.

This surprise call came in the wake of industrial action by the PTD in Lagos State to protest the “persistent harassment” of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers attached to the Task Force and LASTMA officials in Lagos State.

Although the strike has been called off by the Union’s leadership on Wednesday, February 25, 2025; however Adebeshin decried the ripple effects of the hardship the action of PTD had caused Nigerians since Saturday, February 22, 2024, he described the Union’s decision as an act of economic sabotage. He maintained that it was unfortunate and regrettable that the union flagrantly failed to comply with the existing Lagos e-call-up enforcement which was aimed at regulating truck activities and for maintaining orderliness in the already congested metropolis.

Adebeshin blamed PTD and its parent body, NUPENG’s overzealousness and highhandedness on leadership gap, incompetence, lack of tact and administrative indiscretion. He also expressed disappointment on the implications of the strike on Telecom operators who also raised an alarm over an impending service disruption within Lagos and Ogun states, as diesel supply to their service locations were blocked for three consecutive days when the strike was on.

Adebeshin’s statement on Tuesday reads in parts:

“For lack of tact, competence, administrative discretion, and leadership gaps in operations, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and its Branch, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) have openly given opportunity for the government of Nigeria to see the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as a preferred mobility alternative across the country for lifting Petroleum products and put a total stop to transportation of products through the road.

“The Union must be able to properly measure situations critically before down tooling, unfortunately, NUPENG and PTD have created room for business owners and Nigerians as a whole to label them economic saboteurs who stand the risk of being invited by the DSS. The Union brazenly failed to do its background check whether trucks arrested by Lagos State Task Force and LASTMA officials have not flaunted the existing Lagos e-call-up regulations which was designed to regulate truck activities and for maintaining orderliness in the already congested metropolis. Standing as an encumbrance to the government’s well intentioned program and policy is an affront which should never be tolerated.

“The circular by the Lagos State government to all stakeholders to streamline and regulate truck activities along Lekki-Epe axis of the state, effective March 1, 2025 did not exempt NUPENG or PTD, therefore all violators would be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.

“NUPENG should note that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has already collaborated with APM Terminals (APMT) to kick start container traffic service on the standard gauge railway, connecting Lagos to the Moniya Freight Yard in Ibadan. This milestone can be replicated in the downstream sector of the Petroleum industry to enhance Petroleum products lifting and distribution activities, and providing a more efficient and convenient mode of transportation and ultimately help to reduce or put into a total halt, petrol tanker accidents which have claimed many lives and destroyed properties.

“It is good news to hear that NUPENG had eventually swallowed its pride by calling off the 3-day strike, they should engage more in peaceful dialogue with the government of Lagos State in the larger interest of Nigeria so as to foster symbiotic industrial harmony and prosperity. The Union should also try to fix the PTD leadership crisis in the nick of time and give room for people with vision, experience and positive direction to take charge of the PTD Branch and restore its old glory and dignity,” he said.

News

Sad! Midnight f!re engulfs Ladipo, Owode Onirin markets in Lagos

Published

1 hour ago

February 25, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A midnight inferno gutted Ladipo Market in Mushin and Owode Onirin Market along Ikorodu Road, Lagos, destroying goods worth millions of naira.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire broke out at Ladipo Market around 1 a.m., ravaging several shops and warehouses filled with mechanical tools, vehicle spare parts, motorcycles, and household electrical appliances.

Fortunately, no casualties were recorded in either incident, as confirmed by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, which successfully curtailed the fire by 6 a.m.

Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, confirmed that emergency teams from Isolo, Bolade, and Alausa Fire Stations battled the flames at Ladipo Market. Despite challenges in accessing the affected areas, firefighters managed to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to adjoining properties and businesses.

Meanwhile, another fire erupted at Owode Onirin Market along Ikorodu Road, affecting several shops dealing in metallic materials. Firefighters from the Alausa and Ikorodu Fire Stations responded swiftly, bringing the situation under control by 5 a.m.

Adeseye reassured the public that investigations would determine the cause of both fires once firefighting operations reach the damping-down stage.

“Thankfully, no casualties were recorded in either incident. The causes of the fires will be ascertained as soon as firefighting operations progress to the next stage,” she stated.

News

US dumps UK, others from visa-free entry for 2025

Published

1 hour ago

February 25, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The United States, on Monday, released the list of eligible countries for its 2025 Visa Waiver Programme.

The United Kingdom was excluded from the programme but remains eligible under specific conditions.

The list also does not include any African countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana, or South Africa.

While most of the VWP list remains unchanged, the addition of Romania marks a significant update. The US has also focused on enhancing security checks and prioritising countries with strong diplomatic ties and border security standards.

According to the US Bureau of Consular Affairs website, the Visa Waiver Programme allows most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.

The agency stated, “Travellers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor visa.”

The new Visa Waiver Programme for 2025 introduces policy updates on permit eligibility and revisions to the list of participating countries, as well as new travel policies.

This update simplifies visa-free entry into the United States for millions worldwide, making business, tourism, and transit travel more accessible.

The 2025 Visa Waiver Programme includes 40 countries whose citizens can now travel to the United States without a visa.

See the full list below:

1. Andorra,

2. Australia,

3. Austria,

4. Belgium,

5. Chile,

6. Czech Republic,

7. Croatia,

8. Denmark,

9. Estonia,