In other to continuously bridge the gap between the Yoruba race and the rest of the world through cultural integration and globalizing Yoruba culture across the shores of Nigeria; His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ifé; Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II CFR has officially delivered the 1st title to Quilombola territory in Brazil; making the city first outside Africa to receive a certificate of Yoruba territory. Ooni Adeyeye and his entourage from Nigeria arrived in Bahia, welcomed by an orchestra of atabaques and berimbaus. He delivered the title in recognition of Quilombola territory in Brazil on Sunday the 19th of March 2023. The epoch-making ceremony took place in the Quingoma community, in Lauro de Freitas, in the Metropolitan Region of Salvador, Brazil. Residents of Quilombola could not hold their joy as they celebrated the delivery of the title of Yoruba territory which will further strengthen and preserve the Yoruba history, culture and language in the community. According to the account, the Quilombola was recognized for having received and welcomed Yoruba people, who were enslaved and forcibly removed from their base in Nigeria during the era of the slave trade in Africa, the recognition of Quilombola as Yoruba territory is another step in the fight for respect for African history. The history of the Quilombo dates back to the 17th century. Currently, around 580 families live in the area covering approximately 1,200 hectares. Quingoma has been recognized as a Quilombola territory by the Palmares Foundation since 2013. Ọ́ọ̀ni Ifẹ̀ in his address disclosed that; the rich and robust history of the Brazilians and the Yoruba people have dated back time in memorial and steps like this will not only preserve the history via cultural preservation, it will also give Brazilians a sense of belonging and help foster improvement in strengthening the heritage
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Six Drug Traffickers Bag 156 Years Imprisonment In Lagos, Ogun
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos and Ogun state has sentenced six drug traffickers to a total of One Hundred and Fifty Six (156) years imprisonment for offences bordering on drug dealing, transportation, and conspiracy to transport illicit substances filed against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. Worse hit is a 27-year-old drug dealer, Ahmed Abdulsabur who was arrested in 2022 by NDLEA operatives and prosecuted in charge number FHC/AB/20C/2022 at the Federal High Court, Abeokuta, presided over by Hon. Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik. Delivering her judgment on the six counts charge brought against Ahmed, Justice Abdulmalik convicted and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment on each count, bringing the total number of his in jail term to 60. In a similar ruling, Justice Abdulmalik also sentenced another dealer, Olumide Elegbede, 32, to 20 years jail term; 10 years for each of the two counts charge brought against him in charge number: FHC/AB/128C/2I. The judge ruled that the years of imprisonment in both cases will run concurrently. At the Federal High Court in Lagos, where the quartet of: Okechukwu Umeh; Lanre Adebayo; Adigun Adeshina and Emmanuel Omijeh were arraigned on three counts in charge number FHC/L/87c/2023, the trial judge, Justice Akintayo Aluko on Thursday 16th March convicted and sentenced each of them to five years on count one; seven years each on counts two and three. This brings the total number of years for each of them to 19 years jail term and the four of them to 76 years imprisonment. While the judge ruled that the sentences should run concurrently, he also gave the four convicts the option of paying N20 million in lieu of the jail terms. This is in addition to granting the application by the NDLEA for the final forfeiture of a white colour Ford bus
30 Host Community Youths Graduate From Dangote’s Electrical Training Programme
… Ibese Plant donates solar-powered Borehole No fewer than 30 youths from communities around Ibese in Ogun State have graduated from a training programme put together by Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant as a way of transforming society and providing employment opportunities for the youths. The empowerment programme which afforded the youths the opportunity to be trained on domestic electrical installation, wiring and maintenance is aimed at accelerating social and economic development of host communities and in line with the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal. In the same vein, the Cement plant commissioned a solar-powered Borehole in Abule Oke in Yewa North Local Government, Ogun State in fulfilment of its promises made to the communities during its Community Day celebration last December. The youths were also presented with start-up tools for immediate commencement of their vocation after the training which was put in place by the Ibese Plant in partnership with Industrial Training Fund (ITF). Addressing the beneficiaries at the closing ceremony of the programme, the Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant Director, Mr. Azad Nawabuddin, described the empowerment initiative as a demonstration of the Company’s commitment to the continued socio-economic development of the host communities in line with the Community Development Agreement signed in 2022. According to him, the Company’s social development strategy “does not support giving people fish to eat but focuses on teaching people how to fish saying the Company was being proactive by engaging the communities members, especially the youths with so much energy and vigour. “Rather we empower them to be self-sufficient and self-reliant”. Mr. Azad reeled out past empowerment initiatives of the Plant aimed at reducing unemployment gaps in the local communities and ultimately improving the standard of living, which include training in catering and event management, tailoring and fashion design and Acutherapy, from which 275 indigent youths have so far benefitted. He commended
Phony Prophet Sentenced To Prison For Stealing Phone
An Upper Area Court in Karu, Abuja, on Tuesday, sentenced a 29-year-old man, Imo Sunday, to four months imprisonment for stealing a mobile phone worth N43,000. The Judge, Hassan Mohammed, sentenced Sunday after he pleaded guilty to the offence of theft and begged for leniency. The judge, however, gave the convict an option to pay a fine of N10,000. Mohammed also ordered that the sum of N43,000 must be paid by the convict to the nominal complainant as compensation. Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Olanrewaju Osho, told the court that Udeh Emmanuel of Jikwoyi, Abuja, reported the matter at Nyanya Police Station. Osho said on Jan. 26, while the nominal complainant was under Nyanya bridge sharing a questionnaire, the convict conspired with one other person, now at large, to defraud him. He said Sunday who claimed to be a prophet of God criminally deceived him and collected his Infinix phone valued at N43, 000, and disappeared with his accomplice. The prosecutor, during a Police investigation, informed that the convict was sighted at a location and arrested. Osho also told the court that Sunday had confessed to the offence which contravened Section 97 and 322 of the Penal Code. Courtesy: NAN.
LAWMA Partners Firms For CSR To Communities [Photos]
Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has partnered AOA Windstream and Applistructure Consulting Ltd to launch a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, tagged "LAWMA GrassRoots Benefit," which saw the distribution of packages of essential commodities, to the people of Otto, Ijora-Olopa and Ilaje communities. Speaking at the event, which held at LAWMA's headquarters in Ijora-Olopa, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Ibrahim Odumboni, noted that the grassroots benefits program was designed to cater for the needs of the less privileged members of communities, including those of low-income, the unemployed, and vulnerable groups. He said the CSR program included various components, such as food stamps, unemployment benefits, scholarships, free healthcare, empowerment programs, and admission into LAWMA Academy, adding that the program would assist the food budget of low-income people and support small businesses experiencing temporary difficulties. "The GrassRoots Benefit program is an aid program to help those who have lost their jobs. It can help with unemployment insurance benefits, finding a job and training. If you need help paying for admission into tertiary institutions, technical, or other vocations, GrassRoots Benefits is the option you may be eligible for from the LGA and other sources," Mr. Odumboni said. He appreciated the people of those communities (Otto, Ijora-Olopa and Ilaje), for supporting the Authority over the years, noting that the gesture was a way of giving back to the people, to foster more positive relationship, while also urging them to exercise their civic responsibility, by voting in the forthcoming governorship and state assembly elections. The LAWMA CEO expressed his gratitude to AOA Windstream and Applistructure Consulting Ltd for partnering with LAWMA to launch the GrassRoots Benefit program, reiterating LAWMA's commitment to providing sustainable solutions for waste management and improving the quality of life for residents. Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of AOA Windstream, Cole Adeboyejo, disclosed that the company’s decision to identify with the communities was informed
Primate Ayodele Builds Houses For 20 Widows, Orphans, Empowers Youths
The Leader Of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has built houses for twenty widows and orphans in his church. In the same vein, He empowered more than 70 Youths drawn from the Christian and Muslim communities in Lagos state. The prophet explained in a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin that the widows, orphans and the less privileged are dear to his heart and the building is just another testament of his love towards them. He made it known that his decision to build a beautiful edifice for them is in line with the word of God that preaches catering for the widows and orphans (James 1:27). ‘’Catering for the widows and orphans is something I find so much joy in doing, I love them so much and these houses built for them is just a proof of love towards them. The word of God in James 1:27 explained that caring for the orphans and widows is a pure and undefiled religion before God the father; that’s exactly what I have done; Listening to the instructions of God.’’ While speaking on his empowerment for the youths, Primate Ayodele stated that many of them have been forced to go into illegal activities due to the situation of the economy even though it’s against their wish. He stated that his reason behind the empowerment for the youths is to contribute his quota to their developments because they are the future of the nation. ‘’The situation of this country has forced some of our youths to go into illegal activities against their wishes. They have gotten involved in drug abuse, internet fraud, and some go into money rituals just to earn their daily living. The rate of unemployment in the country is really high, they have nothing to engage themselves in other than these illegal
Ex-Boko Haram Fighter, Traditional Ruler, Others Arrested For Drug Trafficking
...As NDLEA intercepts heroin, skunk in deep freezers, cooking gas cylinders at Lagos airport, Idiroko; destroys 39.8 hectares of cannabis farms in Edo, Ondo A rehabilitated ex-fighter of the Boko Haram terror group, Alayi Madu and the traditional ruler of Kajola, a border community between Ondo and Edo state, Baale Akinola Adebayo are among 37 persons arrested over 2.2 tons of illicit drugs seized by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja, Lagos and in raids across 12 states in the past week. As part of ongoing operations to mop up illicit drugs across the country ahead of the next round of elections, NDLEA officers in the early hours of Friday 10th March, stormed Kajola forest in Kajola community, a border town between Edo and Ondo state where they destroyed three cannabis farms measuring 39.801546 hectares. The owner of the farms who claims to be the Ba'ale of Kajola, Akinola Adebayo, 35, was arrested on the farm at 2:30am, while two other suspects believed to be his workers: Arikuyeri Abdulrahman, 23 and Habibu Ologun, 25, were also nabbed in a hut near the farms. In the same vein, a 26-year-old Alayi Madu, who was a Boko Haram fighter for 15 years before he surrendered to the Nigerian military in 2021 was intercepted by NDLEA operatives on Thursday 9th March along Abuja-Kaduna express road with 10 kilograms of skunk, which he said he bought in Ibadan, Oyo state and was taking the consignment concealed in a sack to Maiduguri, Borno state. In his statement, Madu said he is from Banki town, Borno State and joined the notorious terrorist organisation, in 2006 when he was nine years old. He said he repented and surrendered to the military in 2021, after which he underwent rehabilitation and de-radicalisation processes
IWD 2023: Interswitch Reiterates Call For Gender Parity
As part of celebrations to mark the 2023 International Women's Day (IWD), Interswitch, Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce company, hosted its employees to an engaging evening of networking, discussions and product exhibitions. In line with the 2023 IWD theme, ‘Embrace Equity’, the event line up included a panel discussion that dissected ways in which individuals, organisations, businesses and governments can support the push for gender balance in today’s world. Speaking on the essence of the celebration, Franklin Ali, Chief Human Resources Officer, Interswitch Nigeria said "International Women's Day is not only an opportunity for us to reflect on the progress we've made towards gender equality, but also to celebrate and appreciate the phenomenal women in our organization who have contributed immensely to the growth of Interswitch with their unwavering commitment. “Achieving gender equity is not only a plus for the society as a whole, but also an imperative for sustainable business growth. It is important to note that a diverse and inclusive workplace leads to better decision-making, and increased innovation which in turn improves our customer experience,” Ali added. Affirming this, speakers on the panel also recognised that a diverse and inclusive workplace is essential for the growth of female employees and the business at large. “By creating a work environment where everyone feels valued and included, organisations can tap into the full potential of its employees and better serve its customers,” Deborah Odim, Founder and CEO, Gush Lifestyle, said. While admitting that women are achieving outstanding feats across many fields, the panelists called out the need for more recognition and support for womenfolk. According to Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, Founder and CEO, Healthtracka, “70 percent of women make up the global healthcare workforce, while only 6.7 percent of funding goes to female-owned healthcare businesses, undermining their capacity to build businesses. “ Other notable female entrepreneurs
LAWMA Celebrates Female Staff On International Women’s Day
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), with Godrej, May & Baker, has marked the International Women's Day by celebrating the female staff, as the real faces of waste management in the state’.The event, which was held at LAWMA's headquarters, Ijora-Olopa, Lagos, featured speeches, presentations, and recognition of female staff members who have contributed immensely to the agency's success.In his opening address, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, showered praise on LAWMA sanitation workers (sweepers), whom he described as worthy heroines.He highlighted the importance of women's empowerment and the need to create an environment where women could thrive and contribute meaningfully to the development of our society, urging them to continue to work hard towards achieving the agency’s goals.He said: "As we celebrate International Women's Day today, let usremember that women are an integral part of our society, and we must continue to support their growth and development. I am so proud of you and your contributions to the cleanliness of our city. You are the first to come out daily, you are the face of LAWMA.Mr. Odumboni also copiously commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s support for the agency, noting that: "We are fortunate to have a governor who is committed to real development of the state.In his address, the managing director of Godrej, Mr. Chitwan Singh,represented by Mr. Abel Idonije, copiously praised LAWMA’s efforts atkeeping the city clean, which according to him has prevented sicknesses and outbreak of diseases.Also speaking, the representative of May & Baker, Mrs. Essien Omotola Opeyemi, urged women to always ensure their total wellness, to enable them to take care of their families.In her presentation on the theme: “Women in Technology”, Mrs. BolaAdeniran, Director Procurement, LAWMA, told the women to step up and close the gender gap on issues of technology and ICT, to widenemployment space
Gov Wike Excited, Thanks Nigerians For Tinubu’s Victory
The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Friday thanked Nigerians for supporting the return of power to the Southern part of Nigeria. The serving Governor under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the issue of rotational presidency has been settled for good with the emergence of a President-Elect, Bola Tinubu, who is from the southern region of the country. Governor Wike spoke when he joined his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde to commission the Oyo State 5,000,000-litre Aviation Fuel Dispensing Depot at the Ibadan Airport in the Alakia area of the state. The Rivers Governor expressed delight that Makinde is one of those that backed power shift to the south after the eight-year tenure of the incumbent Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari who is from Katsina State in the North-West geopolitical zone. Wike said: “I am happy he (Makinde) is one of those that made history by making sure that power shift to the south. “I have told people that those who fight for change, who fight for revolution may not be direct beneficiaries of that fight but today, history has it that all of us now are aware that when power finishes from the south, it will go to the north; when it finishes from the north, it will come to the south. “So, it does not need to be written in the constitution at all before it is implemented. And I thank Nigerians for standing firm to see that this issue materialise.”