The Lagos State Government has sealed off Havillah Event Centre at Oniru on the island.
The event centre was said to be the venue of a party where the organisers distributed kegs of petrol souvenirs to those who attended the social gathering.
Video and photographs of the bizzare gift item distributed as the party which was held on Friday had gone viral.
It was gathered on Saturday that officials of the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Rapid Response Squad sealed the event centre for “Contravening Public Safety Rules”.
The Commissioner for Information in the state, Gbenga Omotoso, had in a statement vowed that those behind the action would be made to.account for it.
The statement read, “There is no doubt that this action is dangerous and can lead to loss of lives and property. It is blatantly against all safety measures in such places.
“The Lagos State Government through the Safety Commission is investigating this matter and will ensure that all parties to this reprehensible action are made to account for it.
“The safety of lives and properties of Lagosians and visitors remains a top priority to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.
“We, therefore, advise that actions that can lead to loss of lives and properties be avoided. “
Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday said some presidential aspirants should be in jail.
The elder statesman noted that some politician who are interested in becoming president should be in jail if the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) performs its assignment.
Obasanjo stated this while speaking at an international symposium to mark his 85th birthday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The event was a teamed theme, ‘Africa Narrative with Nigeria Situation’.
He further stated that though he has received presidential aspirants at his residence, Obasanjo added that he has not endorsed any aspirants.
Obasanjo said that he is not sponsoring a presidential aspirant from the south in the 2023 general election.
The former president stated that he would take his time and consult before throwing his weight behind a presidential aspirant.
Obasanjo said, “As the quadrennial madness builds a head of steam and the runners and riders crisscross the nation in the quest for nomination as the party flag bearer to the highest office in the land, I read and hear about endorsement and statements in support of candidates that I frankly have not made and forming next political parties that I can never get involved in. I was told that social media credited to me the names of three people from the south that I am sponsoring for the Presidency in 2023.
“My friend, Professor Ango Abdullah, who brought this to my knowledge remarked that he did not believe that I made such a statement because it was out of my character. I have neither named names nor stated my position. In a situation like the one we are in, I will not rush into naming names without necessary consultations and well-defined principles and criteria. We need to be clear about what Nigeria needs today and why Nigeria needs it. Only then can we answer the question of how that will inform us of the criteria and characteristics for determining who.”
He said since democracy started in 1999, elections rather than progress in the country has been going back.
Obasanjo said, “Since 1999, we have changed from one political party or another we have manoeuvred and manipulated to the point that election results are no longer reflections of the will of the people and we seemed to be progressively going back rather than going forward politically, economically and socially.
“We have activities without requiting actions and personnel to move us forward. If we continue in the same pattern of recycling, sweet-word campaigning, manoeuvring without the substance of integrity, honesty, patriotism, commitment, outreach, courage, understanding of what makes a nation and what make for development, we will soon have to say goodbye to Nigeria as a nation.
“I cast a cursory look at some of the people running around and those for whom people are running around. If EFCC and ICPC will have done their jobs properly and been supported adequately by the judiciary, most of them would be in jail. Any person who has no integrity in small things cannot have integrity in big things.”
He noted that henceforth, presidential aspirants must be x-rayed, profiled and must be educated.
Obasanjo said, “Such a person will have to lead what remains of the nation to courageously continue on the path of nation-building as a national team leader, no matter on what platform he or she assumes leadership. No one can do it alone. We must, however, stop sacrificing character, track records and performance on the altar of ethnic, regional or religious jingoism. As the watchman counts on daybreak, so too do I count on Nigerians and Nigeria to bring forth that person.”
Unknown gunmen have released the traditional ruler of Pushit district in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau state, Diket Gupiya.
Naija News reports that the district head was abducted by the gunmen at his palace in Pushit community on February 24, 2022.
The monarch was in his palace watching television around 9:pm when the gunmen attacked his house and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
The state Police Command has confirmed that the traditional ruler was released on Friday night after spending one week with his abductors.
According to the spokesman for the command, Ubah Ogaba, the monarch has been reunited with his family.
He said, “I just got a situation report over there and I can confirm to you that the kidnapped traditional ruler has been released and has been reunited with his family.”
Gupiya, who is a close relative of the state Deputy Governor, Sonni Tyoden, becomes the third traditional ruler to be kidnapped in the state in the past two months.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence in Saturday announced it would stop its bombardment of parts of Ukraine, to allow for civilians to safely flee.
“Today, March 5, from 10 a.m. Moscow time, the Russian side declares a ceasefire regime and opens humanitarian corridors for the exit of civilians from Mariupol and Volnovakha,” said the ministry in a statement. “Humanitarian corridors and exit routes have been agreed with the Ukrainian side.”
The war between Russia and Ukraine is described as the biggest war after World War 2. On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine in the southwest.
Nigerians on social media have slammed the Lagos State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after its announced State Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya a.ka MC Oluomo as their Ambassador of War Against Drug Abuse in the State (WADA).
Akinsanya took to his Instagram page to share a statement announcing his appointment
The statement reads; “It was a blissful gathering as the team of National Law Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) led by the Lagos State Commander, Calys Alumona, visited the Chairman of NURTW, Lagos State chapter, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (Mc-Oluomo) to sensitize people to desist from drugs and other harmful substance. The team used the opportunity to enlightened the union members of the negative effects of hard drugs and how harmful it can be to their bodys and brains.
“The Lagos State Commander of NDLEA noted that apart from the enlightenment of the NURTW members, they were also there to appoint the Lagos State chairman of the union as an Ambassador on War Against Drug Abuse (WADA). He disclosed that they have carefully monitor the life of the Union chairman and they were surprised to discover that he is a man that doesn’t smoke nor drink alcohol. He said his team and colleagues were surprised that despite all they have heard about Mc-Oluomo, from those that apparently don’t like him, he is a decent man that does not indulge in substance abuse nor encourage the use.
“Commander Alumona urged the union members to emulate their chairman by being decent, stop taking harmful substance and other dangerous drugs.”
Nigerians took to Instagram and Twitter to express their amazement towards the appointment.
Some called out the anti-drug agency for making the NURTW chairman their ambassador, while other commend them for being strategic in their fight for drug use.
One Candidlady wrote; ‘What a joke’
One Flier wrote; ‘Good tactics,they know they can’t raid drug hideout if thugs are not informed’
One Springboot; wrote; ‘It’s actually a good idea since he doesn’t drink nor smoke and he also controls the agberos who sell these drugs, hopefully he will be able to talk to them. Drug use is getting out of hand.’
One TOPCRUISE wrote; ‘This is just laughable. Very laughable. Making the chairman of broken bottle and Dagboru as NDLEA ambassador.’
One marsup wrote; “Is this a joke? More like, Ambassador for drugs. What a time to be a Nigerian.”
One balo_ng wrote; “Well deserved appointment. He is beyond qualified for the position”
APC Chieftain and presidential aspirant, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed how long he plans to spend in power.
He stated this during his presidential consultations with traditional rulers in Ondo state.
The chieftain said that he is the best candidate for the 2023 presidency and he would not give any excuse for failure.
He stated that he would drop the baton after spending eight years in power. He went ahead to list some of the things he plans to do when he gets into power.
“When I rule for eight years consecutively I will drop it. The smartest and someone with the most followers will take over from me after I finish my term.
“I’m seriously bothered about the development of Nigeria. I was behind Mimiko for two years to claim his mandate. For Fayemi, I stood with him for three while trying to take his mandate. For Aregbesola, it was three years and ten months.
” I don’t run away from the battle. I’m very particular and passionate about democracy. During MKO we tried but we could not get it. When they came to meet us we seek your support and Buhari became the President.
“I have informed Buhari so that people would not say who did I inform before taking the decision.
” I’m the most qualified to become the president. I will ensure that our children get employed, there will be industries and all-around development across the country. “
Youths Can Be Catalyst Of Creative And Innovative Agents To Strengthen Democracy As Buhari Signs Electoral Bill Into Law – Ambassador Buratai
Following the signing of the 2022 electoral bill into law by President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2023 general elections, Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin and former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Rtd, says the youths should take full advantage of the opportunities in the political space as agents of innovation to strengthen democratic practice for all inclusive growth.
Buratai’s itemized analyses are presented below
1. Let me begin by stating unequivocally that I have spent my entire service life defending my nation and democracy because I am convinced that it is the political system most conducive to peace, sustainable development, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, which are the three pillars of any healthy and democratic nation. Permit me to utilize this opportunity to congratulate Nigeria and all Nigerians, particularly the youth, on 22 years of uninterrupted democratic administration. Some may argue that Nigeria’s young democracy is nothing to celebrate because its elections, which are designed to serve as means for the peaceful resolution of political rivalries, are frequently flashpoints for political bloodshed. I concur that elections devoid of integrity cannot bring legitimacy to the winners, security to the losers, or public confidence in their leaders and institutions. This weakens polities by encouraging disaffected groups to seek out less constructive outlets for their discontent. Because of this challenge associated with all nascent democracies, some people feel that there is no need to commend the Nigerian democratic project. I respectfully disagree. We are evolving, and as you can see, the system is improving daily as a result of our leaders’ periodic enhancements to the democratic system. For instance, the 2022 Electoral Act which the President, Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari just signed into law, is a factor that will undoubtedly improve the transparency and acceptability of the country’s future elections and promote democratic governance.
2. Democracy remains a universal aspiration because it actually delivers. For example, of the twenty countries with highest levels of human development as measured by the UN’s human development index, nineteen are liberal democracies. Among the top forty, thirty-six are liberal democracies. And even the citizens of poorer democracies live, on average, nine years longer than citizens of poor autocracies, because they have better access to health and education. Democracies are also less vulnerable to famines and conflicts.
3. It was the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, who said, “Man is, by nature, a political animal.” It means that a man is born, lives, and dies as a member of a community, and the affairs of that community are therefore his and vice-versa. This is why since my transition back to civilian life from the Army, I have continued to participate in every civic activity I could to promote peace and strengthen our democracy. It is the reason I decided to send this message to all Nigerian youths.
4. Democracy is known as the finest form of government. Why so? It is because in a democracy, the people of the country choose their leaders who will then form a government to lead them. They enjoy certain rights that are very essential for any human being to live freely and happily. On the other hand, Good governance has been defined to refer to structures and processes that are designed to ensure accountability, transparency, responsiveness, rule of law, stability, equity and inclusiveness, empowerment, and broad-based participation. Good governance also represents the norms, values and rules of the game through which public affairs are managed in a manner that is transparent, participatory, inclusive and responsive.
5. If we want to continue to make our democracy work and deliver dividends, we must take the critical issues of participation and a vibrant democratic system in Nigeria as sacrosanct, and our youths must embrace what I termed political dynamism. Political dynamism can be defined as vigorous political activity that is geared towards progress, and strength in the polity. It is usually characterized by patriotism, service to the fatherland, and youth inclusivity. Youth can be a creative force, a dynamic source of innovations, and they have undoubtedly, throughout history, participated, contributed, and even catalyzed important changes in political systems, power-sharing dynamics, and economic opportunities.
6. However, young people also face poverty, barriers to education, multiple forms of discrimination, and limited employment prospects and opportunities. This is a global challenge although it differs across countries, and it is why the youth must take the issue of electing their leaders very seriously. Our greatest resource as a country is not crude oil or any of the natural minerals but our population, our youth. Today, we have the largest global youth population in history, and the large majority of young people around the world are committed to peace, sustainable development, and human rights. Throughout my time in the Army, I’ve met with many groups of young people, including youth groups, student groups, and young leaders. I’ve always been impressed by their talent, knowledge, and desire to make the world a better place.
7. If I should take you back to memory lane to the history of our founding fathers, which most people agree that Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo agreed on, you will find out that they all started as youths fired by political dynamism. Dr. Azikiwe captured the nation’s attention when, in 1937, he arrived in Nigeria with an electrifying personality and a bundle of talents, and on November 22, 1937, he published the maiden edition of his popular newspaper, The West African Pilot. The Sardauna started to experiment with his leadership qualities right from Katsina Teachers’ College, and later on, through political dynamism characterized by inclusiveness of all ethnic nationalities in the North. Same with Awolowo who showed his people the power of education as a liberating and equalizing force in any society. All three of these great leaders practiced political dynamism characterized by non-violence, patriotism, human development, and service to humanity.
8. The first time all three met together was on Friday, June 19, 1953. Enahoro’s Self-Government-Now bill and the consequent resignation of all the Action Group’s federal ministers caused a constitutional crisis which made Nigeria ungovernable. Oliver Lyttleton, the secretary of state for colonies, tried to salvage the situation by inviting the main players to a constitutional conference in London. But Awolowo and Azikiwe, who had become friends since Enahoro’s bill was tabled, refused the terms and conditions. Because the Sardauna was fine with them, Macpherson, Nigeria’s governor, brought Sardauna, Azikiwe and Awolowo together in his office to jointly fashion new terms and conditions.
9. After the meeting, which ended at 10:10pm, he presented the trio to the media and the Daily Times the following day, naming them The Big Three. Since then, it has stuck that they were founding fathers because their tribes and their parties were the largest and because it offered an inclusive impression that all the regions had a say in the formation of the country.
10. In countries emerging from or facing conflicts, young people can engage in peace-building by leading non-violent movements and using innovative solutions to mobilize societies to bring about the needed transformation. Young people have demonstrated the potential to build bridges across communities, working together to help manage conflict and promote peace. Young people play a big role in conflict and peace-building, and they can be agents of peaceful change and help rebuild lives and communities, making the world a better place.
11. President Muhammadu Buhari has laid a foundation for a new Nigeria. Despite the myriad of challenges, he has kept faith with his vision and principles. The youths must carry these vision and principles beyond this administration. The legacies must be protected for a greater Nigeria and a formidable future generations.
12. My message to young people today is that they must not let themselves be used as willing tools by do-or-die politicians who want to stir up trouble in their communities. Instead, you must embrace the tenets of political dynamism and root out every factor that contributes to the democracy deficit in Nigeria, namely voter apathy, ballot snatching, looting, arson, and the likes. You constitute a large percentage of our voting and working population. You are also going to be the number one population block that will suffer the consequences of bad governance and incompetent leaders in the future. Therefore, you must do everything to safeguard your future survival and welfare in mind. Get actively involved in the democratic process by joining a political party and electing those who will lead you. Remember that voting is a civic duty expected of every Nigerian.
Christiana Owomoyela, mother of music legend, late Oladipupo Owomoyela, commonly called Dr Orlando Owoh, is dead.
It was learnt that according to a family source, the deceased passed away on Thursday aged 112 years.
She breathed her last at her hometown, Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State, southwest Nigeria region.
Late Madam Christiana Owomoyela
Orlando Owoh was a popular highlife musician and band leader. His real name was Stephen Oladipupo Olaore Owomoyela.
As a young man, Owoh initially entered into the carpentry trade until 1958, when he was hired by Nigeria’s Kola Ogunmola Theatre Group to play drums and sing.
Owoh went on to form Dr. Orlando Owoh and his Omimah Band in 1960, and over a musical career of forty years became one of the leading proponents of highlife music. With bands such as the Omimah Band and later the Young Kenneries and the African Kenneries International, Owoh remained popular in Nigeria, even as tastes moved to the newer jùjú and fuji styles.
He had over 45 albums to his credit. Orlando Owoh died on 4 November 2008 and was laid to rest at his Agege residence in Lagos, Nigeria.
The presidency has explained why President Muhammadu Buhari came back to the country instead of traveling to the UK as scheduled.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, in a statement said the President will depart Nigeria on Sunday for his scheduled medical leave.
The statement was a reaction to the president’s surprise return to Nigeria from Kenya after earlier itinerary billed the president to leave for the UK from the East African country.
Shehu said the president returned to Abuja early following completion of his task in Nairobi far ahead of schedule.
According to Shehu, the president “hasn’t shelved his trip to London. The plan is still there. He finished his business in Kenya and made an early return. The trip to London is Sunday.”
The quiet return of the president was announced by a junior aide to President, Bashir Ahmad, in a twitter post.
He had caused confusion after tweeting, “President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja, after his participation in the 50th Anniversary of the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya.”
There was no official statement until the confusion forced Shehu to react.
The president’s participation at the event in Kenya was announced by Mr Femi Adesina through Facebook showing him attending a “High Level Opening Segment of the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) on 3rd Mar 2022.”
The president was shown sitting with Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Raychelle Omamo, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi, Prime Minister of Central Africa Republic Mr. Felix Moloua at the Opening Segment.
Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday confirmed the death of their youth coach who died while protecting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.
The CEO of Shakhtar Donetsk, Serhyi Palkin announced the development on Thursday evening.
Palkin in his statement said, “One of our employees was killed, he was a children’s coach.
“He was hit by a fragment of a Russian bullet.”
This is coming two days after two Ukrainian footballers were killed in a clash.
The death of Vitalii Sapylo and Dmytro Martynenko was announced in a tweet by the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO).
FIFPRO wrote, “Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and teammates of young Ukrainian footballers Vitalii Sapylo (21) and Dmytro Martynenko (25), football’s first reported losses in this war.
“May they both rest in peace.”
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which has seen a lot of people killed and properties destroyed has entered the ninth day.
