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Group expresses concern as Police invite Ibadan Neighbourhood Safety Volunteers’ leaders
A socio-political association under the aegis of Ibadan For Peace, (IFP) has expressed its dissatisfaction over the invitation of the heads of Ibadan Neighbourhood Safety Volunteers, (NSV) by the Force Criminal Investigation Department, (FCID).
Established and sanctioned by late Oba Saliu Adetunji, Olubadan of Ibadan, on October 9, 2021, Ibadan Neighbourhood Safety Volunteers, (NSV) has succeeded in assisting security agencies in fishing out hoodlums and criminal elements.
The trio of Chief Kehinde Ege, Kazeem Abija and Iyan, who have been leading the local security team in conjunction with security agencies to rid Ibadan and neighboring towns of crimes and criminal elements had last Thursday been served letter for interrogation by the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Alagbon, Lagos.
Ibadan For Peace (IFP), in a statement by its chairman, Kehinde Ajeigbe, on Sunday noted that apart from weakening the moral, the invitation may also resort in rise in criminal activities again.
Ajeigbe opined that there is need for clarifications from the Inspector General of Police, saying, “The relative peace being enjoyed in Ibadanland and Oyo state is been threatened by the continuous usage of some policemen/ authority who are outside the jurisdiction of Oyo state by some people who are suspected to be working against the peaceful coexistence and violence-free society.
“Since some Ibadan Security Volunteer Corps members started working to assist the police and other law enforcement agencies, criminal activities have reduced drastically within Ibadan metropolis, especially within the hinterlands where the hoodlums normally hide under the core parts of the city to terrorise the people.
“All these hoodlums have been fished out with the help of government’s security operatives, in collaboration with this local security group and handed over to Oyo State Police Command for proper police investigation.
“It is therefore a surprise that series of notifications are been extended from the Force CID , AIG office in Alagbon Lagos and not from Oyo State Police Command and AIG office Zone 11, Osogbo , Osun State under whose jurisdiction Oyo command belongs.”
IFP further alleged that “It is suspicious that some unscrupulous elements who are not happy with the anti-hoodlums crusade within Ibadan metropolis and Oyo State are the brains behind this intimidation and harassment.
“It is against this background that appeal is been sought for Inspector General of Police, Oyo State Police Command and AIG Office Zone 11, Osogbo, Osun State under whose jurisdiction Oyo state commands belongs to assist in looking into the matter
“This Ibadan Neighborhood Safety Volunteers is a known outfit. The day it was established, we had in attendance several Mogajis and the Chiefs and was presided by the President General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Prince Yemisi Adeaga. Also in attendance were the special adviser on security to Governor Seyi Makinde who is a also a former commissioner of police in Lagos and a distinguished son of the soil, CP Fatai Owoseeni (Rtd). He gave a keynote address at the gathering on the review of the security situation in Ibadanland.
“To ensure they achieve the desired results, 9 working committees were set up that day with our eminent Ibadan indigenes like Professor Remi Raji, AIG Mogaji Fatai Oladipupo (Rtd), Oloye Adegoke Adegboyega, Mogaji Olasunkanmi Tegbe, Mogaji Sunday Akinlabi, Ayodele Olusola, Chief Lowo Obisesan, Chief Niyi Akintola SAN, Mogaji Basorun Fajinmi, Mogaji Anisere saddled with different responsibilities.
“We want to urge the police the police authorities to be diligent in their work. These individuals are partners in progress and not the other way round. They need commendation and not condemnation. With them, the security agencies can achieve a lot.
“By the invitation of the trio, it is a clear attempt at rubbishing the work of Governor Seyi Makinde, the AIG in charge of Oyo State and the commissioner of police,” the statement continued.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a record revenue collection of N5.7 trillion as of November 12, 2024, surpassing its yearly target by 10 percent.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the ongoing 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja.
Themed “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” the conference showcased the Customs Service’s progress in modernizing its operations and fostering collaborative partnerships.
“Today, I stand before you to demonstrate how our commitments in 2023 have evolved into tangible achievements,” Adeniyi stated.
He attributed the revenue growth to a series of reforms, including the implementation of a one-stop solution for cargo alerts, a revamped ICT infrastructure, streamlined inspection procedures, and enhanced automation.
Adeniyi explained that these changes reflect the agency’s commitment to elevating operational transparency and efficiency.
“We pledged to re-align our free trade operations, elevate cargo integrity standards, and expand our scanning capacities,” he said.
“Above all, we promised to usher in a new era of customs operations—one built on transparency, efficiency, and genuine collaborations with our partners.”
As of Tuesday, November 12, Adeniyi confirmed that the NCS collected N5.07 trillion, achieving the anticipated 10 percent revenue surplus.
“This performance validates our partnership-driven approach to revenue collection and trade facilitation,” he added.
Adeniyi also highlighted recent strides in trade facilitation, revealing that six companies have been selected to benefit from the Authorised Economic Operators programme, which provides fast-tracked customs clearance and other trade facilitation benefits.
Similarly, the NCS has processed 21 requests under an advance ruling programme, designed to expedite customs decisions on import and export cargoes before they reach Nigerian ports.
The Comptroller-General expressed optimism about the NCS’s potential to drive further economic growth, citing the agency’s commitment to fostering partnerships and advancing innovative practices within the customs sector.
Nineteen out of the thirty-eight directors who were shortlisted to fill permanent secretary vacancies within the Federal Civil Service have failed the qualifying examination, a memo from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) revealed on Tuesday.
The memo, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole on behalf of the examination committee, disclosed that the qualifying exam was conducted on Monday, November 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through the OHCSF, launched the recruitment drive in October to fill permanent secretary vacancies in eight states.
Providing insights into the progress, Eno Olotu, Director of Press at OHCSF, stated, “Of the 38 eligible directors who sat for the exam, 19 have passed the first stage and will move on to the second stage, which will assess their competency in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in government operations on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.”
Olotu highlighted the rigorous three-stage selection process, designed to ensure that only the most capable individuals are appointed to these high-ranking civil service roles.
This comprehensive approach, according to OHCSF, aims to elevate the quality of leadership across federal ministries.
The directors who advance beyond the ICT proficiency test will face a final stage on Friday, November 15, 2024, where a panel of senior government officials and private sector experts will conduct a final evaluation to determine their suitability for the permanent secretary positions.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.
Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.
He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.
“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”
“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.
“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.
In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.
He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.
“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.
“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.
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