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‘Foment trouble, go to jail’, Makinde tells NURTW members
The Seyi Makinde led Oyo State Government has warned some leaders of the suspended National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state to desist from carrying out the threats of violence issued in a video, which has gone viral in the last 24 hours.
A statement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure, Professor Raphael Afonja, on Sunday noted that the government would bring the full weight of the law to bear on anyone caught disturbing peace and order in the state.
The government further called on the residents of the state to ignore the empty threats by leaders of the suspended union and go about their lawful businesses, noting that the state government and all the security agencies in the state remained alert and on top of the security situation.
The government maintained that though the leaders of the NURTW might have misinterpreted the Park Management System, which is aimed at rebranding the management of motor parks in the state, it would not sit idly and watch some individuals threaten the peace of the state.
The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Honourable Commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure, Professor Raphael Afonja has been drawn to a video that has gone viral in the last 24 hours, in which some members of the banned Oyo State Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) were seen threatening to unleash violence in the state.
“It has come to the knowledge of the Ministry that a number of commentators and some of those who were seen threatening mayhem have misinterpreted the initiative that has yielded the planned rebranding of the Motor Parks in the State under the aegis of the Park Management System(PMS) introduced by the current administration in Oyo State.
“The Ministry therefore wishes to place on record that the government of the day in Oyo State will not open its eyes and allow unwarranted activities threaten the peace of the good people of Oyo State.
“The Ministry wishes to urge the peace-loving residents of the state to go about their lawful duties without fear and intimidation.
“Let it, however, be known to any agents of violence or purveyours of trouble that the state would not hesitate to deal decisively against any threat of violence within the ambits of the law.
“Those seeking to throw the state into confusion have been at it for a long while with the series of traps that have continued to fail.
“It should also be noted that the laws of the land, including the Anti-Terrorism Act, fully and clearly denominate acts of violence and threats to instigate the same. Those who stand accused of accessories after the facts of treason and Treasonable felony are in no way excusable under the law.
“The Ministry would therefore urge everyone who do business around the Motor Parks in Oyo State to continue to abide by the laws of the land. Anything to the contrary would bring the full weight of the law to bear on the accused.”
The statement further explained that new Park Management Systems (PMS) initiative, apart from being introduced to sanitise the poor state of the parks across the state, would also assist in boosting the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and also provide employment to the teaming youths across the state who would be recruited by the Park Managers.
“In another breath, the Ministry wishes to bring to the notice of the residents and the good people of Oyo State that the new Park Management Systems (PMS) that the initiative is aimed at sanitising the poor state of the parks spread around the state.
“Besides being a way of boosting the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the PMS will also provide employment to the teaming youths across the state who would be recruited by the Park Managers.
“The fear of job loss by those currently involved in the Park systems is unfounded because every able-bodied, and law-abiding person willing to contribute to the proper management of the parks would be gainfully engaged.
“The Honourable Commissioner also wishes to reiterate the ban on activities of the NURTW at the Parks in the state, pending the resolution of the Union’s internal conflicts.”
A Yoruba group, Yeye Dara Omoluabi Family, on Sunday urged Yoruba communities to heed the call by the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Ajayi, to embrace self-defence as insecurity worsens across Nigeria.
The President of the group, Yeye Victoria Omodara, made the call during a press conference held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan. Her address, titled “Response to DSS Director’s Call for Self-Defence Amidst Rising Insecurity,” was delivered on her behalf by Comrade Omosebi Kolawole.
Omodara lauded Ajayi for acknowledging that Nigeria’s security agencies are currently overwhelmed by the scale of insecurity, urging Yoruba communities to reconnect with the spiritual heritage of their ancestors to defend their land.
The event was attended by leaders of various Yoruba groups from all six southwestern states, with Dr Tunde Hamzat representing renowned Yoruba leader, Professor Banji Akintoye.
In her speech, Yeye Omodara stressed the urgency for Yoruba communities to take proactive steps to protect their lives and property using “what we inherited from our forefathers.”
She said, “I urge all Yoruba people to heed this clarion call by organising community defence initiatives to reclaim our forests, farmlands, and neighbourhoods from marauding terrorists and kidnappers. The persistent attacks on farmers and rural communities have severely disrupted food production in Yorubaland, contributing to scarcity and economic hardship. It is imperative that we take ownership of our security to protect our people, lands, and livelihoods.”
The Yoruba leader decried the increasing spate of terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across Nigeria, noting that the DSS director’s call offers a practical solution to the lingering insecurity.
“I, Victoria Omodara, President of Yeye Dara Omoluabi Group, fully endorse the recent candid remarks by the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Ajayi, who acknowledged that Nigeria’s security agencies are currently overwhelmed by the scale and complexity of threats posed by terrorists, bandits, armed robbers, kidnappers, and other criminal elements,” she declared.
“His call for citizens to take proactive steps to defend themselves is a sober recognition of the harsh reality on the ground. Similarly, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and elder statesman TY Danjuma have both emphasised that while the military and security forces are intensifying operations against insurgents and criminals, the challenges remain formidable. Citizens cannot solely rely on security agencies for their protection.”
Omodara revealed that the Yeye Dara International Farm is already mobilising its members to adopt self-defence strategies in alignment with the DSS director’s advice.
“We view this approach as a necessary complement to the efforts of security agencies. By fostering community vigilance and preparedness, we can create safer environments that allow agricultural and economic activities to thrive uninterrupted,” she added.
She lamented the complex and volatile security situation in Nigeria, noting the threats posed by multiple insurgent groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and the emerging Lakurawa terror group.
“Banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery have escalated, overwhelming police and military capacity in many areas. As TY Danjuma and security chiefs have noted, the fight against insecurity will require not only enhanced military operations but also active citizen participation and innovative community-based solutions,” she stated.
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Food Security: Rep. Oseni Boosts Oyo Agriculture, Distributes 5,200 Bags of Fertiliser to Farmers
The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has distributed 5,200 bags of fertiliser to farmers across his constituency.
The distribution, which took place on Tuesday, is part of Oseni’s agricultural empowerment initiative under the Soludero Movement. According to a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the initiative is designed to boost food production and combat the rising cost of food items in the country.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, which drew traditional rulers, party leaders, farmers, and constituents, the lawmaker described the gesture as a “landmark intervention” aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“This is not merely a fertiliser distribution,” Oseni stated. “It is an empowerment programme designed to enhance productivity, boost food supply, and restore hope to thousands of households.”
He explained that the initiative aims to support farmers as the planting season begins while alleviating the burden posed by high agricultural input costs. The APC chieftain added that the intervention reflects his commitment to grassroots development and food security.
The Soludero Movement, launched shortly after he assumed office, has rolled out several empowerment programmes, including scholarships for over 1,000 students, interest-free loans for market women, and multi-million-naira grants for small business owners.
The lawmaker also unveiled plans to strengthen farmer support systems through the newly established Remi Oseni Soludero Cooperative Societies. The cooperatives, he said, are designed to support farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs in the constituency.
“We are creating sustainable systems that will outlive political tenures and build enduring legacies,” he said, highlighting that the effort goes beyond fertiliser distribution to promoting long-term economic growth.
The Onido of Idoland, Oba Gbolagade Babalola (Gbadewolu I), who was present at the event, commended the lawmaker for the initiative. He urged beneficiaries to use the fertilisers on their farms and not to sell them.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Cassava Association in Ido Local Government, Oladipo Nurudeen, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, praised Oseni for his continued support. Oladipo further noted that fertiliser is a critical input for farming and that the intervention would go a long way in enhancing food security in the area.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to allow for essential runway maintenance works.
In a statement issued on Saturday, FAAN revealed that a sudden and significant rupture had appeared in the asphalt surface of a critical section of the runway, necessitating immediate intervention.
Emergency repairs will take place from 22 April to 6 May 2025, during which time the runway will be entirely closed to all landings and take‑offs.
“In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period,” the authority said.
FAAN emphasised that this measure forms part of its ongoing commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities.
“All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports,” FAAN added, appealing to airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation. The authority also apologised for the late and unexpected notice regarding the closure.
Reacting to the announcement, Air Peace confirmed on Saturday morning that it had suspended all flights scheduled to the airport.
In its own statement, the carrier attributed the suspension to the deteriorating condition of the runway infrastructure, which it said had repeatedly raised safety concerns.
“At Air Peace, we prioritise safety first over convenience,” the airline declared. “We believe that if flights are not operated into this aerodrome for the next few days, it will allow the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs on the runway.”
Air Peace further explained that all affected services would instead operate from Asaba, Delta State.
“Please be informed that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated into and out of Asaba. We regret any inconvenience this change may have caused,” the statement concluded.
Ibom Air has likewise suspended its Enugu services for the duration of the maintenance. Its Customer Contact Centre will reach out to passengers already booked on affected flights, and those seeking alternatives may make enquiries at Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or Enugu (ENU) airport desks.
“The safety of our passengers remains our top priority, and we look forward to resuming full operations in Enugu once the runway maintenance is completed,” the airline said.
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