Connect with us

News

Stampede: Southern governors pay condolence visit to Makinde

Published

on

Southern governors have paid a condolence visit to one of their members, Seyi Makinde, over the death of 35 persons at a funfair for children in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Also yesterday, former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed sadness over the Ibadan stampede and those that happened in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) and Okija, Anambra State on Saturday. He expressed sadness over the tragedies and called for prayers as well as support for the victims’ families.

Police in Anambra State put the death toll in the Okija incident at 22 while reports had  it that 10 lives were lost in that of the FCT.

The victims were among thousands of people that thronged venues of cash and rice distributions by private charity organisations.

Advertisement

During the visit to Makinde in Ibadan, the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum(SGF) Dapo Abiodun, said that he was sure that the stampede on Thursday would not have happened if the state government had been carried along by the organisers.

Abiodun said: “I am here on behalf of myself, the government, and the good people of Ogun State and the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) to commiserate with the governor of Oyo State and the people on the unfortunate incident where a good initiative turned sour.

“It is most unfortunate that, in response to the current realities, an NGO(Non-Governmental Organisations) decided to share the joy of the season with children, which led to the loss of 35 lives.

“I think that we’ve seen this trend in Anambra and Abuja during this Yuletide.’’

Advertisement

The SGF chairman, who is also the governor of Ogun State,  described the stampede as unfortunate and advised that governments and relevant stakeholders should always be carried along by organisers of events requiring large crowds.

His words: “I believe that what we must also take away from this unfortunate incident is that when private sector players, non-governmental organisations, and charities want to embark on such initiatives, they should try to work with the government.

“As a responsible government, we carry out such initiatives, and it doesn’t end like this because we have people who are charged with such responsibilities.

“They planned it to ensure that it is well implemented. So, one must admonish others who have such initiatives that a lot of lessons must be learned from what has happened, and we must ensure that we avoid such mishaps in the future.”

Advertisement

He stated that the SGF was pained by the loss of loss and that as the chairman of the forum, his visit was to condole with Makinde and all Oyo State people  .

He prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and for their families to bear the loss.

Governor Makinde said the visit by Abiodun provides an opportunity for the cross-fertiliSation of ideas that would benefit the two(Ogun and Oyo) sister states.

He revealed that leaders of the two states would meet next year to see what they could learn from each other.

Advertisement

In his Christmas message, former President   Jonathan urged governments and other relevant authorities to implement measures to prevent incidents that could lead to deaths in the future.

He said: “The unfortunate incidents have left all of us in shock and sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who have lost their loved ones and with those who have been injured.

“I urge the authorities to provide the necessary support to the victims and ensure that measures are put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.

“As we navigate through this painful period, I encourage all Nigerians to show compassion and solidarity, especially during this festive season.

Advertisement

“Christmas is a time of love, unity, and hope. It reminds us of the importance of caring for one another and working towards peace and harmony in our communities.”

Jonathan also urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Christmas by extending love to those in need and fostering unity across all divides.

Jonathan prayed that the season would rekindle Nigerians’ collective resolve to build a nation founded on justice, fairness, and mutual respect.
thinking that the economy was healthy.’’.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Edo To Get First Lady As Gov Okpebholo Reportedly Set To Quit Bachelorhood

Published

on

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

December 24, (THEWILL) – Barring any last minute change of heart, the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, is allegedly set to marry his side chick, a California-based lady, Jennifer, the daughter of Sharon Ogaga, who is a native of Auchi and is believed to be in her 30s.

THEWILL reports that the marriage is scheduled to be held in Potter Ranch, California, in January 2024, while Aso ebi for the event is being distributed to friends of the bride for a fee around America, Europe and Africa, the letter of invitation only identifies Jennifer, but does not mention the identity of the husband-to-be, in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to mask governor Okpebolo’s identity and shield him from the controversial move.

What is weird is that Jennifer and her family are being coy with the identity of the man she is marrying.

Advertisement

One of THEWILL’s sources, however, has a direct confirmation that Governor Okpebholo is the “husband-in-waiting.”

“They are only telling people that Jennifer is getting married. They are not revealing the identity of the man. It is obvious they are hiding something, probably they don’t want distractions to taint the ceremony,” one of the sources said.

THEWILL does not know the status of Okpebholo’s current marriage to Blessing Okpabi Okpebholo, the mother of his two daughters, who was a no-show during his inauguration as governor.

It, however, appears that their marriage is over because it is illegal to be married to more than one person under the laws of the United States.

Advertisement

According to one of our sources, Senator Adams Oshiomhole allegedly hooked Jennifer up with the governor.

The governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Osiobughie Okhuemoi, said he was unaware of the development when THEWILL contacted him for comments a few days ago.

THE WILL

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

WATCH moment Tinubu hails FCT minister for his doggedness, sterling performance

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu has described the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, minister Nyesom Wike as a performing and dogged technocrat.

Naijablitznews reports Tinubu made this assertion during his maiden presidential chat on Monday.

The president rounded up by saying “I doff my hat for the performing minister.

Watch clip below:

Advertisement

Continue Reading

News

BREAKING: Human Rights Lawyer Dele Farotimi Released

Published

on

By Gloria Ikibah

Prominent human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has been released after fulfilling his bail conditions.

Farotimi, who had been in custody over allegations of defaming Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Afe Babalola, regained his freedom on Tuesday morning.

He is currently enroute to his home in Lagos.

Advertisement

Confirming the development, activist and politician Omoyele Sowore stated on X, “I am pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held in the prison facilities of Ekiti State and is now returning home to Lagos. The struggle continues!”

Earlier, a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti granted Farotimi bail, setting conditions that included a N30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must be a property owner), the submission of his passport, and a restriction on granting media interviews following his release.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News