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Akarigbo pledges to work with Ooni on Yoruba affairs

THE Akarigbo of Remo Kingdom, Oba Victor Babatunde Ajayi, Torugbuwa II on Monday pledged to join hands with the Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,Ojaja II for the peace, unity and progress of the entire Yoruba race.
The Akarigbo gave the assurance when Ooni Ogunwusi played host to him and other Remo monarchs his Ile-Oodua palace, Enuwa, Ile Ife, for a historical visit and traditional rites.
The paramount ruler of the Remo people in Ogun state described Ooni as the Father of Yoruba race endowed with countless unique human qualities and God given potentials.
Calling on all the descendants of Oduduwa to support Ooni and other kings in Yoruba land for the unity of Yoruba, the Akarigbo confirmed that Akarigbo migrated from Iremo quarters in Ile-Ife, saying that the history of Remo Kingdom cannot be complete without relating it to Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba.
Appreciating Ooni Ogunwusi for his fatherly role in uniting Yoruba people together since he ascended to the stool of his forefathers, the visitting Akarigbo pledged his loyalty to Ooni as the custodian of the Oduduwa’s sacred throne expressing his readiness to support the Ooni at anytime to move Yoruba race ahead.
“I am so happy that Ooni is on a mission to reunite all the descendants of Oduduwa across the world, and I’m committed to this motive.”
“We migrated from Iremo quarters in Ile-Ife and the history of Remo Kingdom cannot be complete without Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba people.
“He called on all Yoruba monarchs to support Ooni and other kings in Yoruba land on their efforts to unite Yorubas.
“I appreciate Kabiyesi Ooni for his fatherly role playing in uniting Yoruba race together since he ascended to the stool of his forefathers.
“I assure you of our readiness to support you kabiyesi at anytime I am called upon to joining you in moving Yoruba race forward”.
Akarigbo said.
Akarigbo who arrived the Ooni’s Palace with scores of Remo monarchs was received by the Obalufe of Iremo Quarters, Oba Idowu Adediwura and other traditional chiefs who washed his legs with the living diety water (Yeyemolu-Otooro Omi Ale-Ife) before the off shoot of Orisa-gaani-amu (Shagamu of today).
They were later led on a visit to ILE-ASE where Laadin of Ife, Chief Olusegun Arasanmi who is the custodian of the sacred place prayed for Akarigbo, Remo Kingdom, Ile Ife and the entire Yoruba race.
Speaking at the official reception, Ooni Ogunwusi explained that Iremo which is the ancestral home of Remo descendants is highly symbolic to the enthronement of every Ooni. Saying both Remo and Ife are indispensable companions.
The Arole Oodua In a brief history, made reference to an occasion on February 28,1903 which led to the first movement of an Ooni out of his Palace.
“Look at Akarigbo and Elepe who are currently sitting keenly here today, there was a huge battle between them which led to the first movement of an Ooni from Ile-Ife. Ooni Adelekan (Olubuse 1) travelled to Lagos on the invitation of the then colonian government to restore peace between them after several rites were performed. This unusual movement of Ooni from his Palace made all Yoruba kings left their respective thrones and domains to show respect for Ooni on that historic day, this gesture compelled the colonial masters (British) to gazette the occurrence as such have never been recorded anywhere globally.” Ooni Said.
The Co-Chairman of National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria however led Akarigbo and other monarchs to the Oranmiyan Groove known as ‘Opa Oramiyan’ where spiritual rites were performed by the Oba Isoro Owa Eredumi of Ife.
In the same vein, the Asiwaju of Remo, Chief Solomon Kayode Onafowokan described the event as a right treat for the rich Yoruba culture, stating that Ile Ife remains home to all descendants of Oduduwa.
The Pro-Chansellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife who is the Aremo-Akarigbo of Remoland and the Omo’lokun Adimula of Ife, Chief Yemi Ogunyemi said the 2-day visit to Ile-Ife will remain unforgettable to the Remo people just the way the 1903 visit of the then Ooni Olubuse the 2nd has remained perpetually remarkable to them.
Alaye-Ode of Ode Remo, Oba Amidu Adetunji, Onijagba of Jagba-Shagamu, Oba S. A. Adesanya, Odemo of Ishara, Oba Albert Adebose, Olofin of Ilisan-Remo, Oba Micheal Deniyan, Ebi of Idena-Remo, Oba Omosanya Abimbola, Alaperu of Iperu, Oba Idowu Basibo and Elepe of Epe-Ishagamu, Oba Adewole Osiberu among others came with the Akarigbo to Ile Ife.
Also, several Ife monarchs, as well as prominent indigenes and chiefs of Ife like, Professor Muib Opeloye, Chief Ishola Awotorebo, Hon. Rotimi Makinde and Sooko Kemade Elugbaju among Others joined Ooni to receive the visitors.
On the second day, (Tuesday) Obalufe of Iremo Quarters, Ife led Akarigbo to Aka compound, the ancestral home the Remo people, where he the king and his entourage were recieved by hundreds of members of the compound with a ram slaughtered as a traditional rite.
In his speech at Aka’ compound, Obalufe of Iremo kingdom, Oba Idowu Adediwura applauded Akarigbo for the historic visit, calling on all sons and daughters of Oduduwa not to forget their homes. He said the Akarigbo’s home coming gesture must be emulated by all other descendants of Oduduwa for the progress of Yoruba nation.
The compound’s head, Pa. Agbo Odewale who presented Akarigbo several gift items on behalf of the Aka compound, described the day as a special day made by Olodumare (God). He congratulated his kinsmen in the compound, Obalufe of Iremo, Ooni Ogunwusi and the visitors for making the event a success.
News
NSE Confers Fellowship on Oseni, 177 Others, Urges Promotion of Nigerian Content

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has conferred its prestigious fellowship on Engr. Aderemi Oseni and 177 other members, urging them to promote Nigerian content and uphold the highest standards of the profession.
The conferment ceremony, held on Thursday in Abuja, brought together engineers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to celebrate excellence in the field.
Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State and serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has been a Member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE) for over a decade. He is also a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and a member of several international professional bodies, including the London Institute of Engineers and Technicians and the Nigeria Association of Technological Engineers.
Speaking shortly after receiving the fellowship, the lawmaker dedicated the award to God and the entire engineering community, expressing his commitment to upholding the principles of the profession.
“It is another great day. I feel very excited, and it was an opportunity for me to reconnect with some of my old colleagues, people I had lost contact with for quite a while,” he said. “Having been conferred as a fellow, it is an opportunity for us to continue to do the good work that we have been doing as professionals.”
At a dinner organised in honour of the new fellows, NSE President Margaret Oguntala lauded the awardees for their dedication to innovation and nation-building. She noted that Nigerian engineers had been instrumental in advancing critical sectors, including infrastructure, energy, healthcare, and information technology. She emphasised that the recognition was not just an honour but a responsibility to uphold the integrity and standards of the profession.
Oguntala further charged the new fellows to be ambassadors of engineering excellence and to conduct themselves with dignity befitting their status. “It behoves you to carry the banner of our society high anywhere you go,” she said. “We also expect you to carry yourselves always with the dignity and comportment that this fellowship bestows on you.”
She stressed the need for engineers to play a greater role in national development, advocating for collaborations across sectors to address pressing challenges such as infrastructure deficits, poverty alleviation, and job creation. “The collective strength of engineers alongside other professionals will undoubtedly unlock the potential that will bring about the much-needed development in our country,” she said. She urged them to be torchbearers of progress, quality, and sustainability in their respective fields.
The Chairman of the NSE Board of Fellows, Maliki Kamila, highlighted the rigorous selection process for the fellowship, describing it as the highest honour any practising engineer in Nigeria can attain. “These eminent professionals are commended for having scaled through the procedures for screening and assessment, as the process has remained very thorough but fair,” he said. Despite NSE’s membership strength of about 82,000, he noted that only a select percentage had been elevated to the fellowship grade.
Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, commended the NSE for its contributions to national development. Represented by Malam Bala Ibrahim, Secretary to the State Government, he urged engineers to remain committed to nation-building and to uphold the ethics of the profession in all their endeavours.
News
Customs Intercept Undeclared Foreign Currency Worth Over $1.1m at Kano Airport

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted undeclared foreign currency amounting to $1,154,900 and SR135,900 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano State.
The NCS Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed the seizure in a statement on Thursday, noting that the money was confiscated during a routine baggage check.
According to Maiwada, the foreign currency was found in the luggage of an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who had arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.
“During the physical examination of the passenger’s luggage conducted by NCS officers, the undeclared currency was discovered concealed within palm-date fruit packs, locally referred to as Dabino,” he stated.
Seizure in Line with Financial Regulations
The NCS reiterated that the interception aligns with its mandate to enforce financial regulations and prevent illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.
“In line with established procedures, the suspect and the seized foreign currency have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and necessary legal action,” the statement read.
Following the investigation, a court convicted the suspect and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government, in accordance with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
Customs Warns Against Non-Compliance
Maiwada emphasised that all travellers must adhere to Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly regarding the declaration of cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving the country.
“The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995, provide clear guidelines on currency declaration. Non-compliance constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties,” he warned.
The Service further urged the public to comply strictly with these regulations to avoid legal repercussions.
Commitment to Economic Protection
Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS remains resolute in its efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes.
“This latest seizure highlights the Service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations,” Maiwada stated.
He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to working with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to enhance border security, strengthen financial compliance, and safeguard Nigeria’s economy.
“Travellers and stakeholders in the financial sector are advised to remain vigilant and always adhere to lawful financial practices,” he added.
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Oyo: Oseni Sympathises with Aleshinloye Market Fire Victims, Calls for Government Support

The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed solidarity with traders who suffered losses in the recent fire outbreak at Aleshinloye Market, Ibadan.
The inferno, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, engulfed parts of the bustling commercial hub, destroying goods worth millions of naira. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, but the extent of destruction has drawn widespread sympathy from political leaders, business stakeholders, and the general public.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, the lawmaker described the incident as a tragic setback for hardworking traders who rely on the market for their livelihood. He urged government agencies at all levels to swiftly intervene and support the victims in rebuilding their businesses.
“I stand in solidarity with the traders and entrepreneurs of Aleshinloye Market in this difficult time. This disaster is a painful reminder of the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures in our marketplaces. I urge both the Oyo State Government and federal agencies to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions to support those affected,” he said.
Oseni also emphasised the importance of proactive disaster management strategies, calling for the implementation of modern fire prevention infrastructure in major markets across the state. He further encouraged well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations, and relevant authorities to extend support to the affected traders.
The lawmaker reiterated his commitment to advocating for policies that protect small business owners from unforeseen disasters, stressing the need for a collaborative approach to safeguarding the economic interests of traders and artisans.
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