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Edo: Our Community Under Siege, Lands Destroyed, Okomu Leaders Cry Out

Published

2 years ago

September 1, 2022

Editor

Ijaw leaders (Izons) of Okomu kingdom in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State, under the aegis of Okomu and Ijaw Emancipation Movement, have called for urgent intervention by relevant security agencies over the invasion and attack of their community by armed persons and some alleged security personnel.

The leader of the movement, who is the Soweibiwei of Okomu, Chief Lawrence Yanboh, alleged that some suspected armed security personnel, “besieged the quiet and peaceful Okomu community in four gunboats.”

Yanboh alleged that the houses, buildings and vehicles belonging to leaders of the community were destroyed, their outboard engines carted away and stores were looted during the invasion.

He, however, accused some traitors in Okomu of aiding the invasion.

He noted that himself, Chief Ologuma Sanky, Chief Godspower Yanbor and Engr. Jomini Jafa l’s houses were invaded and huge sums of cash were taken away by the invaders, while two vehicles and a Yamaha 9.9 outboard engine belonging to Mr Segun Ogori were taken away.

According to him, also affected were Alfred Yanbor and Tobei Realm, whose store was looted and cash was stolen.

He added that tores belonging to Ebiaye Yanbor and Samuel Yanbor were looted, while the buildings of Dimiyen Makilolo, Ugula Abula and Godfrey Sankey were vandalised.

Yanboh said a store belonging to Mama Yema was looted aside destroying her building while the treasurer, of Coop society, Mercy Lawrence Yanbor had her cash stolen.

He said: “They selectively, invaded the houses of persons identified as members of the movement or supportive of the agitation, where properties, including vehicles as well as shops, worth several millions of naira, were destroyed.

“Several persons have been rendered homeless and subjected to living in the nearby bushes with the attendant exposure to hunger and starvation, and health hazards or even death. Individuals and their properties that were ascertained to have been destroyed and or lost.

“About three weeks before the invasion, a section of the leadership of the movement comprising himself, Chief Godspower Yanbor, Ogori and Jomini Jafa had left for the Gbaramatu Kingdom, where they sojourned and were, to appeal for solidarity, before the incident occurred.

“The Okomu and Ijaw Emancipation Movement had, sometime around April/May 2021, cried out against the oppression of the Ijaws and the Okumu Kingdom in Edo State, and gave the Edo State Government a 21-day ultimatum to address their demands which are: The return to Okomu of the crocodile (Igere) of the Okomu people by the Iyase of Ude community which was taken from the Okomu people in 1980; the creation of Okomu Local Government Council Area which had been recommended by the boundary adjustment commission years ago.

“The immediate recognition of the Okomu traditional institution and in particular, the Pere of Okomu. The immediate establishment of at least Five Primary Schools and 4 Secondary Schools in the Okomu Kingdom.

“It is unfortunate that none of these demands has been met until this sudden invasion to suppress the agitation or struggle.

“The Movement remains undeterred and shall continue its struggle until Jesus comes, therefore, the Federal Government is called to urgently look into this matter before it degenerates into something else.”

News

Why I Named University, College After My Mother – Oyinlola

Published

20 mins ago

May 17, 2024

Editor

Former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola has disclosed that he named his University and college of health of science after his mother to preserve her legacy.

Speaking with journalists while unveiling Alolade Oyinlola College of Health Sciences and Information Technology, Okuku, Osun State, he said his father’s legacy has been adequately preserved, hence, the decision to make sure his mother’s does not vanish.

He added that his motive for establishing the institutions of learning was to ensure that youths in the state and the country get adequate education to rethink their future with a view to become innovative and drive the development of the country.

“My father never had formal education but he so believed in education that the only legacy and property he was going to leave for any child is education and the benefit of going through that is what is happening today.

“Many of you know my background that I am 43rd child out of 64 of my father, despite not being an educated person he insisted that all children are educated.

“Besides, my legacy and that of my father is adequately preserved and even documented and we cannot be forgotten in a hurry. But in 250 years rime, who will remember that woman that gave birth to Olagunsoye Oyinlola, hence the naming of this institutions after her.

“Also, The greatest deficiency in health care programme in Nigeria today is the health sector and you will see the incident of Japa is because people believe that there are greener pastures, so by way of advise is that Federal Government must pay serious attention to the rebuilding of health sector in Nigeria, pay the workers encouraging emoluments. I don’t encourage people to run out of the country”, he added.

In his remark, the chairman, implementation committee of the college, Professor Peter Okebukola, who is also a former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, described the employment of top level human resources as the comparative advantage of the institution.

He emphasized the need by the employers of labour to prioritise the relevance of productivity of its personnel rather than the certificates they acquire, saying ability to deliver effectively on job mandates was critical to the socioeconomic growth of the nation.

According to Okebukola, the college runs Diploma programmes in Environmental Health Technology, Health Information Technology, Medical Laboratory Technician, Community Health Extension Workers and the courses were all accredited by the relevant professional bodies.

News

BREAKING: Court Convicts Cosmetic Surgeon Over Client’s Death

Published

2 hours ago

May 17, 2024

Editor

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State has convicted a medical doctor and founder of MedContour Services Ltd., Dr. Anuoluwapo Adepoju, who conducted a failed plastic surgery that resulted in the death of one Nneka Onwuzuligbo in 2020, FIJ reports.

This was disclosed by a former Director-General of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Babatunde Irukera on Friday.

In his tweet, Irukera, tweeting as #TundeIrukera, wrote, “Today is a day of pride for me that I personally prosecuted Anu Adepoju and her medical practice. Though I’ve left, the case has ended in a conviction strengthening the accountability framework for all in society, professionals or otherwise. This is how society should work and grow.

“Dr. Anu Adepoju and her medical practice convicted in all 5 counts charged by FCCPC. The wheel of justice may grind slowly, but we must see it through. What we need are enforced with audacity and the will to prosecute competently and diligently. Good day for consumers of professional services.”

FCCPC vows to clamp down on loan apps harassing customers
In 2020, PUNCH Online reported that the FCCPC arraigned Adepoju on five counts pressed against her before Justice Mohammed Liman,.

The FCCPC accused the cosmetic surgeon of shunning summons by the agency to appear and produce a certain document

Details later…

News

JUST IN: Pius Olanrewaju Sworn In As 23rd CIBN President

Published

2 hours ago

May 17, 2024

Editor

Professor Pius Olanrewaju has been sworn in as the 23rd President/Chairman of the Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

Olanrewaju was sworn in by Justice Owolabi Dabiri at an event held in Lagos on Friday which was chaired by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Wole Olanipekun.

After the swearing-in, he was decorated with the insignia of office.

In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by the chairman, of the House Committee on Banking, Nwachukwu Eze, hailed the immediate past CIBN president, Ken Opara and called on the new leadership of the organisation to embrace technology to boost financial inclusion.

Abbas said, “Today, as you welcome the incoming President and new Chairman of the Council, we also reflect on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The banking sector is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifts in customer behaviour.

“In the face of these types of changes, the CIBN must remain steadfast in its commitment to excellence and innovation. The incoming leadership must embrace new ideas and emerging technologies and foster collaboration within the industry to navigate these challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

“As we look to the future, we must not lose sight of the importance of financial inclusion and sustainable development. Despite progress has been made in expanding access to financial services. Millions of Nigerians remain on the side or excluded from the formal banking sector. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders including the CIBN to redouble your efforts to promote financial literacy, expand access to finance, and foster inclusive growth, that leaves no one behind.”

Meanwhile, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Bello Hassan, called on banking sector players to pay attention to cybersecurity, saying, “In this regard, a deliberate and collaborative approach to cyber risk involving all stakeholders is essential to protect the resilience of the banking system.”

Other elected officeholders include First Vice President, Dele Alake, Second Vice President, Mojisola Bakare-Asieru, and National Treasurer, Peter Ashade.

Olanrewaju was elected on April 6, 2024.5