News

Ondo 33 LCDAs: Protest, Rowdy Session Characterised Public Hearing

Published

2 years ago

August 10, 2023

…Two First class monarchs lead Ese- Odo to protest marginalisation, give ultimatum

…We’ll Cancel LCDAs In Crisis-ridden Areas – Ondo Speaker Threatens

Protests and rowdy sessions yesterday characterised the public hearing on the creation of additional 33 Local Councils Development Areas (LCDAs) bill, by the Ondo state government.

The Public Hearing was organised by the State House of Assembly, in Akure, the state capital following backlash on the secrecy in making public the list of the new LCDAs and their headquarters by the state government.

Some leaders and youths in Akure, the state capital, distrupted the sitting when they stopped a monarch, the Iralepo of Isikan, Oba Olugbenga Ojo, from making his presentation on the need to create Isikan LCDA in order to bring recognition to the people of Isikan community.

But, the timely intervention of the Speaker, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji saved the rowdy situation from degenerating as he called the youths to order.

Oba Ojo, pleaded with the Assembly that “the initial nomenclature of Akure West be changed to Isikan LCDA, which comprises of ward 1 to 3 in the old Akure South LGA.”

Also, two first class monarchs in Ese-Odo council area of the state, the Kalasuwe of Ijaw-Apoi Oba (Prof.) Sunday Adejimola Amuseghan and the Agadagba of Arogbo-Ijaw land, Zaccheaus Doubra, led the people to protest marginalisation in the creation of new LCDAs.

Placards displayed by the protesters from Ese- Odo at the lnternational Event Centre, Akure, venue of the Public Hearing on the Bill for the Creation of LCDAs, include: “ODSG Stop Pushing Us to the Wall, Arogbo Ijaws Demand For Ukparama LCDA, Two LCDA for Arogbo-Ijaw in Ese-Odo, We Don’t Want Repeat of Ijaw/Ilaje Crisis, ODSG Allow Us to Breathe Stop Suffocating Us, Map Ceding Arogbo-Ijaw Land be Withdrawn Immediately, ODSG, Dont Incite crisis between Ijaw and Ilaje and ODSG Instigating War, amongst others.”

The protesters said the whole of Okparama 1 and II and Ogidigba were ceded to Ilaje while part of Apoi 4 and 5 were ceded to Irele Local Government.

Besides, the protesting Ijaws said they want more LCDAs to be created out of Ese-Odo Local Government instead of ceding their land to Ilaje.

“We are asking for more LCDAs and we say total no to the ceding of our land to Ilaje and Irele Local Governments.”

Speaking, Oba Amusegha said that “We are here to make our observations known to the whole world, particularly to Ondo State regarding the creation of LCDAs in Ondo State.

“We the Ijaw people in Ondo State, we have been marginalized for a long time but we are thanking God that the time for God to rescue us to to bring glory of the Ijaw back to us and we are her to say that to the whole world.

” In Ese-Odo, we share boundaries with Ilajes and Ikales, but we are here to tell the whole world that we will not cede one inch of our land to either Ikales or Ilajes because we are special people in Ondo State.

“We have bitumen and petroleum resources and that why the Constitution and the law establishing NDDC and OSOPADEC recognise we the Ese-Odo as oil producing local government and because of this position, we should be given special consideration by splitting Ese-Odo in more LCDAs.”

The monarch said that “We you consider Ijaw in Nigeria, we are the fourth ethnic group in Nigeria and that is why Bayelsa was given to us because of the special position and geographical area we occupy in Nigeria. So, we should be given more LCDAs.

“We will never concede one inch of our land to either Ikales or Ilajes. There is a new Ondo State map ceding our communities to Ilaje and Irele. Whether through or not the government of Ondo State must withdraw that map with immediate effect.”

He added that “We are peace-loving people, we want to live in peace with other nationalities in Nigeria and we pray they too should consider this and live in peace with us.”

Also, the Agadagba of Arogbo-Ijaw land, Zaccheaus Doubra, said that ” We are asking for more LCDAs and we say total no to the ceding of our land to Ilaje and Irele Local Governments.

Speaking through the Chairman, Ijaw National Congress, Ondo State chapter, Bonsuwei Ominidougha, said “Ijaw man will not agree for anybody and INC will fight this course, the Arogbo man will fight the course, the Apoi people will fight the same cause to make sure that one inch of our land will never be ceded to anybody.

“We are giving them 21 ultimatum to withdraw that map. We don’t want to fight with anybody because it was the failure of leadership the other time that caused the Ijaw-Ilaje crisis.”

He added that “We don’t want that one to repeat itself, therefore we are calling on Ondo State government and even our neighbour’s that nobody should try it because Ijaw man will never agree for anybody.

“We are a peace loving people. We are calling on the Ondo State government to stop the nonsense. INC will fight the course to make sure that one inch of our land will not be ceded.

“The whole of Okparama 1 and II and Ogidigba are ceded to Ilaje. Part of Apoi 4 and 5 are ceded to Irele Local Government. We do not want to fight with anybody. It was the failure of leadership that led to the Ijaw/Ilaje crisis and we do not want a repeat of that war.”

Other petitions submitted by various stakeholders include changes in the names of some LCDA, change in the citing of headquarters while some are also clamouring for additional LCDAs.

Other speakers from council areas pleaded that paramountcy in traditional institutions in their communities should not be altered in the process of creating new LCDAs.

Reacting to the development, the Speaker of the states Assembly, declared that the state government “would not hesitate to cancel or suspend the creation of Local Council Development Areas in any community or Local Government areas where there is crisis or court injunctions.”

Oladiji lauded governor Rotimi Akeredolu, “for choosing to tow the line of other southwest states which had earlier created their LCDAS with a view to fast-tracking development at the grassroots.”
VANGUARD

News

UNICEF Advocates Six Months Maternity Leave From Working Mothers In Bauchi

Published

6 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Bauchi state government to initiate a six months paid maternity leave to working mothers in the state.

Dr Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF’s Bauchi Chief of Field Office, stated this in a news conference in Bauchi on Tuesday to market the 2025 breastfeeding week.

According to her, the six months maternity leave would help the mothers to initiate the six months exclusive breastfeeding for their children and help in improving their health status in general.

“We really need the state government, the health system to play their roles to support the mothers.

“If the state government has a policy for six months paid maternity leave, that would play a huge role in the better nutritional status of children and initiation of exclusive six months breastfeeding for the mothers.

“Staying with the child automatically ensures better care and hygiene of the child, making them free from diarrhea which is one of the major causes of malnutrition,” she said.

Rafique added that unless women were fully supported, it would be difficult for them to do the right things like initiate breastfeeding on time, continue exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and initiate complementary breastfeeding till 24 months.

She, however, called on the state government to also come up with breastfeeding corners for working mothers to feed their children after resumption from the six months maternity leave.

Rafique said that if mothers didn’t have a good private place to feed their children, it would be difficult for them to continue feeding by working, performing and contributing towards the state’s progress and the country at large.

“These are the foundation for having a healthy, intelligent, productive next generation.

“There is a formula we need to promote which is one, six and 24.

“One means that the first hour of the baby must be initiated with breastfeeding, six means that a child must be exclusively breastfed for a good six months and then the initiation of complementary feeding along with the continuation of breastfeeding till 24 months,” she explained.

Earlier speaking, Mrs Philomena Irene, UNICEF’s Nutrition Specialist in Bauchi, revealed that over 15 states have extended paid maternity leave to working mothers across the country like Kebbi, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau among others.

“We want the media to help us amplify the benefits of breast milk, the benefits of breastfeeding both to the mother, the child and even the society at large,” she said.

On his part, Mr Abubakar Sale, the Bauchi state Nutrition Officer, appreciated UNICEF for supporting the state in terms of improving the healthy living of pregnant women and children, not only on nutrition but other aspects of health.

“The government is trying its best to see to the improvement in especially exclusive breastfeeding and other nutrition indicators in the state.

“We are doing our part together with other partners and media practitioners are very important to amplify or inform the members of the society the importance of exclusive breastfeeding so that in our next survey, we will be able to improve,” he said.

News

Tinubu Gives D’Tigress $100,000 Each, Flats, National Honour

Published

8 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with a reward package that includes $100,000 for each player, $50,000 for every member of the 11-man coaching and technical crew.

Tinubu also rewarded all team members and staff with a three-bedroom flat at the Renewed Hope Estate.

In addition, the President conferred on the players and their technical crew the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger.

This was announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the presidential reception in their honour at the State House Banquet hall, Abuja.

The triumphant D’Tigress alongside their officials, were warmly welcomed by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, supported by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, at the New Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa at 5:05 pm.

On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Shettima received the team in recognition of their outstanding achievement.

Also in attendance at the reception were Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, Garba Maidoki; and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadou.

The D’Tigress arrived after clinching their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, outplaying Mali 78–64 in the final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

This win marks their seventh overall championship, reinforcing their supremacy in African women’s basketball.

The ceremony at the Presidential Villa mirrors a similar reception President Tinubu hosted a week earlier for the national female football team, the Super Falcons, who recently secured their tenth WAFCON title in Rabat, Morocco.

Tinubu’s remarks, delivered by Shettima at the reception noted, “Beyond being ambassadors of our nation and symbols of excellence, you have reminded us all of the power of sports to unite a diverse nation. Your victory is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. You have brought home not just a trophy, but valuable lessons for all Nigerians.

“It is a great honour, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to welcome our formidable D’Tigress to the State House. Once again, you are continental champions and now the top African team to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifying tournament. You conquered Africa with a score of 78 to 64—showcasing not just tactical skill, but remarkable determination and resilience. The entire nation stands behind you with pride and support.

“My dear daughters, you faced challenges bravely, especially in the final quarter, responding not with panic but with poise. When you wore the green and white, it was more than just a uniform—you wore it with purpose, and now you wear the crown of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time.”

The President hailed Rena Wakama’s strength and inspiring young girls in the country.

“Coach Rena Wakama, you embody the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports. Your quiet strength and remarkable achievements have shattered ceilings and inspired countless young girls across Nigeria. You truly deserve your accolades as the best coach in Africa and beyond.

“To Amy Okonkwo, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, the top scorer in the final, your brilliance lifted the whole team, but most importantly, you played for Nigeria and made us all proud.

“Let us reflect on one profound truth: Nigerian women have never failed the nation in sports. From the Super Falcons on the world stage, to record-breakers on the track, and now a basketball dynasty, our women have consistently been a source of pride and have proven that where preparation meets opportunity, Nigerian excellence prevails.”

Tinubu said the administration is prioritizing sports as a crucial driver of national development and economic growth, viewing it as more than entertainment but also infrastructure, education, diplomacy, and a tool for youth employment and transformation.

He also recognised the National Sports Commission, led by Mallam Alabi, for its efforts in athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots support, and performance-driven development, with visible positive results.

“Special appreciation goes to the National Sports Commission, under Mallam Alabi, for renewed focus on athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots support, and performance-based development. The results are evident, and we are proud of you. The Nigerian Basketball Federation, led by Malam Ahmadu Musa Kida, also deserves recognition for consistent team development and dedication to Nigeria’s sporting glory.

“Our government will ensure that D’Tigress, their technical team, and sports leadership in Nigeria are appropriately recognized and rewarded. You have made us proud, and we will stand by you as you prepare for the global stage.

“To all Nigerian youth, let the story of D’Tigress inspire you. Greatness stems from hard work, discipline, and belief. Nigeria belongs to those who dare to dream and are willing to give their all to realize those dreams.

“D’Tigress: you are champions, role models, pathfinders, and true daughters of this land. It is my honor and privilege, on behalf of President Tinubu, to announce national honors for the team, coach, and technical staff; $100,000 for each player; $50,000 for the coach and technical team; and more rewards to come.

“This is true leadership—recognizing and rewarding those who have excelled for our nation. May God bless you all, may God bless Nigerian sports, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.

News

Step-by-step Guide For Checking 2025 WASSCE Results

Published

8 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

Following the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results on Monday, the West African Examinations Council has provided a step-by-step guide to help candidates access their results online.

To check your results, candidates are required to visit the official result portal at http://waecdirect.org and follow the instructions carefully.

Here is the step-by-step guide for checking 2025 WASSCE results.

Enter your 10-digit WAEC Examination Number.
(This is your 7-Digit centre number followed by your 3-digit candidate number eg. 4123456789).
For examination year < 1999, enter your 8-digit WAEC Examination Number.
(This is your 5-Digit centre number followed by your 3-digit candidate number eg. 19865001)
Enter the 4 digits of your Examination Year eg. 2002
Select the Type of Examination
Enter the e-PIN Voucher Number
Enter the Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your e-PIN
Click Submit and wait for the results window to come up