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21 newly crowned Ibadan Obas step out for first outing
THE 21 newly crowned Kings in Ibadan land today stepped out for their first official outing as Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state commissioned 5.5 kilometers reconstructed and rehabilitated Mobil-Oluyole-Wema Bank, Apata Road with Associated Bridge Works.
The event which had in attendance Mogajis, also featured community and religious leaders, security service commanders, transport union members as well as other stakeholders held at Oluyole Junction, Mobil Area, Ring Road Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ajimobi said that the project was embarked upon to ease the traffic burden experienced by the people of the area, thanking God that he saw the completion of another project in the State.
He also added that his administration’s developmental projects are for the enhancement of the socio-economic development of the State.
According to him, “we are not just building roads, we are building multiple road network systems which are important for the enhancement of the socio-economic development of the state. We do not just dream, we ensure the actualization of the dream. We do not just plan but we execute our plan. What we are witnessing here today is the result of a careful plan which was executed in the course of our modernizing Oyo State..
“We thank God for seeing the completion of another dream come true and this is to alleviate the traumatic experiences of commuters and residents of this area. We saw the need to construct major and entry roads within Ibadan and across the state such as Saki, Iseyin, Ogbomoso and Oyo as well as Ibarapa axis and we have done this.
“As a result of our serene environment and developmental projects, foreign investors have started massive investments in Oyo State which is not only one of the five most investment friendly states but one of the only five to attract investments this year in Nigeria. We appreciate the people of the state for their patience and endurance whenever there are ongoing projects. We also commend the management and staff of the Ministry of Works and Transport as well as the contractor of this project for delivering the project within the scheduled period,” the governor stressed.
Ajimobi, however appealed to the paramount ruler of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Oguguluso 1 not to be swayed by distractive voices which have polluted the sacred throne with politics, noting that he has due regards and respect for the Olubadan as a father, a good man of repute and a royal ambassador of Ibadanland.
In his words, “I want to appeal to my father, Our Imperial Majesty, Oba Adetunji not to allow some disgruntled elements further pollute his mind and set him against the government. I hold the Olubadan in high esteem, I respect him, value him and have the necessary regard for the throne. But Olubadan should resist mingling with politicians who want to bring disrepute to the throne.
“We are not bothered by the pockets of resistance to the new change, rather, we are glad that we implemented the content of the White Paper to better the lots of Ibadan and Oyo State in general. I am not interested in whether an individual moves in traditional line or not. I am interested in the development of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole,” Senator Ajimobi added.
In his remarks, Oba Lekan Balogun, the Otun-Olubadan of Ibadanland on behalf of the traditional rulers at the event said he was happy for Ibadan indigenes for having such an ingenious governor at a crucial time when States across the federation were in competition for development.
Balogun said “We are glad with the innovation and initiative of Governor Ajimobi. I do not praise people unnecessary, but I am happy with the present administration. Though, I am not surprised with his achievements, he has the managerial background and his antecedents speak for him. We thank the government for a job well done as well as cutting out indiscipline in the civil service and we expect more developmental projects.”
Also speaking on behalf of the residents of the area, Mr. Gboyega Adebunmi stated that the road is of high quality and its importance in the economy of the area cannot be over emphasized, stressing that the road has enhanced the business activities and traffic situation has improved tremendously.
The headquarters of Heritage Bank at Victoria Island, Lagos, was besieged on Thursday by members of the labour union, protesting the recent dismissal of 1,000 support workers.
The National President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, Comrade Anthony Abakpa, led the demonstration, condemning the bank’s management for what he deemed a lack of adherence to due process in the termination of employment contracts.
Speaking during the protest, Comrade Abakpa asserted that the leadership of Heritage Bank failed to follow established protocols before executing the mass layoffs.
He emphasised the union’s commitment to pursuing justice for the affected workers, vowing to escalate their demands until the bank’s management rectifies the situation.
“We will intensify our demands for justice,” declared Comrade Abakpa, urging the bank’s management to take corrective action to address the grievances of the dismissed workers.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, clarified that Nigeria is not utilising its foreign reserves to bolster the naira, despite recent fluctuations in reserve levels.
Speaking from Washington DC, where he is attending the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Spring Meetings, Cardoso highlighted the influx of $600 million into Nigeria’s reserves account within the past two days.
While the naira has experienced a notable appreciation against the dollar in recent weeks, climbing over 40% from approximately N1,900/$ to about N1,000/$1, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have been dwindling. As of April 15, reserves dropped to approximately $32.29 billion, marking the lowest level in over six years.
Cardoso emphasised that the shifts in reserves are typical for any country, where various financial obligations, such as debt repayments, necessitate withdrawals.
He stated, “What you’ve seen with respect to the shift in our reserves is normal in any country’s reserves where, for example, debts are due and certain payments need to be made. They are made because that is also part of keeping your credibility.”
Continuing, Cardoso underscored the dynamic nature of the market, advocating for a system driven by willing buyers, willing sellers, and price discovery.
He emphasised, “The shift in our reserves has really little or nothing to do with defending the naira, and that is certainly not our objective.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Yahaya Bello wanted for an alleged financial crime to the tune of N80.2 billion,” Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency announced.
“Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is wanted by the EFCC for offences relating to economic and financial crimes to the tune of N80.2 Billion,” the EFCC stated in a Thursday evening Facebook post titled ‘Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello Wanted By the EFCC.’
“Anybody with information as to his whereabouts should report immediately to the Commission or the nearest police Station,” the statement continued.
This declaration follows the absence of the chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Federal High Court in Abuja earlier in the day for a suit instituted against him by the EFCC.
Consequently, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the suit and called for substituted service and the possible arraignment of Bello for alleged money laundering.
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