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Another Untapped GoldMine In Oyo : The Untold Story Of Eleyele River

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Despite sitting on tourism and hospitality goldmines with several tourist attractions of international reputation that could make other states and countries envious, Oyo state has yet to develop the industry to drive diversification, boost revenue and create jobs for its teeming unemployed youths.

The goldmines that could substitute irregular income from Abuja, the nation’s capital tagged ‘Allocation’ has not been exploited due to the negligence and inability of several administrations in the state to creatively utilize the tourism potentials around for economic development and transformation of the society are some of the problems militating against the advancement of Oyo state.

Unfortunately, most of these tourist attractions, have yet to be fully developed by successive administrations. Issues around lack of supportive infrastructure, insecurity, policy inconsistency, and lack of political will to articulate a clear policy roadmap that will reposition  tourism, have continued to thwart efforts at leveraging on a vibrant tourism industry to grow the economy.

Tourism sites that could have served as Oyo’s major pride and economic booster  are now in ruins and safe haven for hoodlums, armed robbers, kidnappers,  among others.

Among several tourist attraction sites in Oyo state, the abandoned Agodi Gardens was the only site that received the attention of the immediate past government, while others, as usual; suffered total neglect. Right now, the celebrated Agodi Gardens is gradually fading away due to lack of adequate maintenance.

Mega Icon Magazine visit to Eleyele river, a maritime tourism site, housed by Ido and Ibadan North West Local Government Areas of Oyo state, reveals the pathetic state of the tourist attraction site with  huge potentials that when harnessed properly, could form part of the state’s economic mainstay.

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Aside from the Dam project which supplies water to the city, the river and  its environs is underutilized for other purposes which include, water transport, fishing, construction of resort of international standard,  recreational boating, yachting, cruising, nautical sports, and water based tourism such as marine wildlife tourism (marine parks).

Our reporter also identified a ferry terminal run by private boat operator, who is making brisk business on the water ways without remitting anything to the coffers of government. Further checks revealed that the private boat operator is a company from Lagos state, operating with six  boats with engine capacities, ranging from   20, 30, 40 horse powers. The boats convey passengers from Eleyele, Ifelodun, Taaska, Alakuta, Apete.

Residents of Obaido, Ologuneru, Agbaje, Ijokodo, Power line communities are among the commuters who are abandoning stressful road transportation for the boats. The fare for a boat trip is N50.

The boat operators, who confided in our reporter,  also disclosed that morning hours and evenings are the peak period for their  business.

“During rush hours, around 6pm when people are coming from their shops or offices, we normally charge N100”.

The boat operators blame poor funding, high operating costs, poor infrastructure and lack of government support for their inability to develop the sector.

 

“Oyo state government had earlier visited us here and they promised to assist us, but we are still waiting for their gesture. Honestly, we are ready to partner with the government, we need new boats, there are new boats that will enhance smooth operation.

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“Also, we are appealing to Governor Makinde to come to our aid by clearing the hyacinth on the waterways to pave way for free flow of water and ease movement on the water to all areas as we intend to expand our routes”.

Not only that the access road is in a lamentable situation, fishermen are also busy carrying out their illegal businesses without proper license from the government, while the traders at Temidire Market  have no option than  to continue with their trading activities in an unhealthy environment.

 

Poor access road

The market further confirmed the extent or degree of neglect by the government as unbearable odour from  cassava products such as fufu , garri, starch and other waste products hijacked the atmosphere, posing considerable risks for public health.

Teak plantation providing shelter for some buildings around the river

Part of the areas covered by the teak plantation, which is also providing an interim shelter for buildings around, is expected to accommodate resorts, cafes/restaurants.

Pathway leading directly to the river

During the visit, our reporter also observed that automobile  mechanics are major occupants of this untapped tourism site with several abandoned vehicles whose components had deteriorated and leaked, polluting the surroundings. The disused vehicles left in the environment are not only unsightly and affect the visual amenity of the site, but also provide harbourage for pests like rats and mice which spread disease.

Speaking with Mega Icon Magazine, some of the commuters who are steadily abandoning the road for the waterways narrated : “Before the introduction of the new boats,  we use to cross through Canoe and we have recorded several casualties. We have lost friends and loved ones as well, we are appealing to the state government to take rightful steps  on this, because this is the only shortest route to our homes.

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” The waterways has made it easier and quicker for us to keep appointments and go about our normal business without much stress about the chaotic traffic congestion on the roads”, the commuters claimed.

Also, the  President, Awotan Community Landlord Association, Ahaji Rasaq Fabayo, in a chat with our reporter lamented the underdevelopment of the tourism potential.

According to the Community leader, ” apart from being concerned as a landlord, I am also a tourism enthusiast, I understand the import of tourism in economic development . Eleyele river is a great potential”, he added.

 

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Hoodlums Attack, Raze Neni Divisional Police Station in Anambra

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A group of about thirty hoodlums launched an assault on the Neni Divisional Police station situated in the Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 2 am on Thursday, left a trail of destruction, with several buildings reportedly damaged.

According to reports emerging from the scene, the assailants utilised Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to carry out the attack. Despite the chaos unleashed by the attackers, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that no firearms were taken, and no police personnel were kidnapped during the assault.

SP Ikenga emphasised that the law enforcement response was swift and effective, resulting in the dispersal of the attackers.

He noted that the police operatives deployed superior firepower, compelling the hoodlums to retreat. Tactical operations remain ongoing in the area to ensure the safety and security of residents.

While details regarding the extent of the damage inflicted on the police facility were not immediately provided, Ikenga assured the public that comprehensive updates on the unfortunate incident would be made available soon.

 

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Crime & Court

Rivers Police Parade Juju Priest, 25 Suspects in Car Snatching Ring Bust

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Some items seized from the shrine

The Rivers State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in dismantling a car snatching ring with the arrest of a Juju Priest, Ugochukwu Onuigbo, and 25 other suspects.

The arrests were made public during a parade held on Wednesday at the Command Headquarters on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, as Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, shed light on the operation.

Explaining the circumstances surrounding the arrests, Commissioner Disu stated, “For some time now we have noticed that a lot of cars were being stolen and some robbed in town and we tasked officers of our tactical team and our investigators to move into it. Today, I am very happy to inform you that about 26 suspects who specialise in stealing vehicles and robbing them have been arrested. Our greatest joy is the arrest of Chidozie Anthony Onyekwe and Kelechi Igwe.”

Speaking further on the roles of the apprehended individuals, Disu highlighted, “Chidozie is the leader of persons who come into Rivers State to steal cars. Not only does he come in here, he trains his men well. He is linked to all the suspects here who have been arrested before for this same offense of stealing cars. At the same time, Kelechi Igwe is an expert at removing trackers from vehicles. Almost all the vehicles stolen from Rivers State must pass through Kelechi for him to remove the trackers for them. He’s also a wonderful mechanic.”

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Also, it was disclosed that the stolen cars were transported to Mgbuka Obosi in Onitsha, Anambra State, where they were dismantled and sold as scrap. A total of 79 vehicles have been connected to the suspects, many of whom reportedly formed their alliances while serving time in correctional facilities.

Out of the total, 17 vehicles have been recovered, with some already returned to their rightful owners.

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News

Kidnappers Must Be Treated As Terrorists – Tinubu Declares

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In a stern address at a Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal judiciary, President Bola Tinubu declared that individuals involved in despicable crimes such as kidnapping must be treated as terrorists.

The President, speaking passionately, reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to defeating banditry, labeling those who engage in kidnapping as cowards incapable of confronting the might of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“We must treat kidnappers as terrorists,” President Tinubu asserted, as reported by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale. “They are cowardly. They have been degraded. They look for soft targets. They go to schools and kidnap children and cause disaffection. We must treat them equally as terrorists in order to get rid of them, and I promise you we will get rid of them.”

The President made these remarks during the dinner attended by serving and retired judicial officers, including notable figures such as former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, and Justice Walter Onnoghen.

The event provided a platform for discussions on various issues, including the escalating security challenges faced by Nigeria, particularly in the North-West and North-East geopolitical zones.

Nigeria has grappled with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and oil theft, with the aforementioned regions experiencing a surge in insurgent and bandit attacks over the last decade.

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President Tinubu’s government has remained steadfast in its stance of not negotiating with bandits, despite the continued abduction of schoolchildren and residents for ransom.

The recent mass abduction of 137 schoolchildren from Kuriga in Kaduna State serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security threats.

The President also addressed the need for judicial reforms and improved welfare for judicial officers.

Recognising the challenges faced by the judiciary, President Tinubu pledged to implement necessary reforms to enhance the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers. He emphasised the importance of fair compensation and support for the judiciary, acknowledging their pivotal role in upholding the respectability of the judicial arm of government.

In response, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to judicial reforms and for hosting the Ramadan dinner in honour of judicial officers.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, also expressed gratitude to the President for forwarding the executive bill aimed at addressing the stagnant state of judges’ salaries and allowances since 2007.

President Tinubu’s declaration underscores the government’s resolve to combat insecurity and hold perpetrators of heinous crimes accountable.

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