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Tag: Abeokuta

  • NANS Threatens Protest Over Proposed Six-Year Presidential Term Bill

    NANS Threatens Protest Over Proposed Six-Year Presidential Term Bill

    By  Milcah   Tanimu

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has vehemently opposed the proposed bill advocating for a single six-year term for the President and State Governors. Labeling it as anti-democratic, NANS vows to mobilize nationwide protests if the bill passes through the House of Representatives.

    The bill, introduced by 35 members of the House under the Reformed-minded Legislators group, also suggests the rotational presidency among the country’s six geopolitical zones.

    In a press conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the National Clerk of the Senate of NANS, Yekini Adewale, criticized the bill, denouncing it as a diversionary tactic from pressing economic issues. Adewale highlighted the potential erosion of accountability and transparency if such legislation is enacted.

    NANS firmly stated that passing the bill would undermine the essence of democracy by limiting the electorate’s power to vote out non-performing leaders. In response, they pledged to organize mass protests to safeguard democratic principles.

    The association has called upon all Nigerians to stand against what they perceive as a threat to democratic values and promised to allocate a dedicated day for Nigerian students to march against the National Assembly’s actions.

  • Zlatan Drops Latest Hit ’10 Bottles,’ Blends Prosperity and Celebration Vibes

    Zlatan Drops Latest Hit ’10 Bottles,’ Blends Prosperity and Celebration Vibes

    By Milcah Tanimu

    Renowned Nigerian indigenous rapper, Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, widely known as Zlatan Ibile or simply Zlatan, has delighted fans with his latest release titled “10 Bottles.” The track, unveiled on streaming platforms on Thursday, marks another addition to Zlatan’s impressive discography.

    In “10 Bottles,” Zlatan skillfully weaves themes of prosperity and the essence of life into a universal anthem for relaxation and celebration. The artist, also the CEO and founder of Zanku Records, took to social media to tease the release, creating anticipation among his fanbase.

    Zlatan Ibile first gained significant recognition by winning the Airtel-sponsored One Mic talent show in 2014 held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Since the launch of his debut studio album in 2019, Zlatan has earned numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the music industry.

    The artist has consistently impressed audiences with hit tracks like ‘Zanku,’ ‘Shotan,’ ‘Quilox,’ and ‘Lagos Anthem.’ Earlier this year, Zlatan treated fans to ‘Omo Ologo’ and ‘Let There Be Light,’ both singles from his latest extended play (EP).

    As fans eagerly embrace “10 Bottles,” Zlatan continues to solidify his position as a dynamic force in the Nigerian music scene.

  • “200 Housing Units Nearing Completion in Muhammadu Buhari Estate,” Says Ogun State Governor

    “200 Housing Units Nearing Completion in Muhammadu Buhari Estate,” Says Ogun State Governor

    By Daniel Edu

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, announced on Sunday that nearly 200 housing units, including various styles like semi-detached, detached, fully detached duplexes, and terraces, are on the verge of being finished in the Muhammadu Buhari Estate, Abeokuta. He assured that these homes will be move-in ready by the year’s end.

    Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to providing affordable housing options for all sectors of society. During a site visit to the Muhammadu Buhari Estate along Kobape Road, Abeokuta, he provided an update on the ongoing construction.

    He highlighted that some of the properties have already been fully or partially paid for by buyers, underscoring the need for contractors to accelerate their work to meet the project’s deadlines. The governor expressed his eagerness to see the construction reach its completion promptly.

    Governor Abiodun also took the opportunity to shed light on the estate’s history. Originally, it was a project inherited from the previous administration, but his government is committed to transforming it into a premier estate that can set the standard for others in the region.

    He clarified, “This is one of the projects inherited from the previous administration. To be clear, the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate initially only had infrastructure construction awarded, with just one showcase building completed. However, by the time we assumed office, it appeared that the previous administration had failed to compensate the contractors for providing the necessary infrastructure.”

    Governor Abiodun commended the success of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach adopted for this project, with the state providing the land and infrastructure while contractors and real estate companies construct and sell the properties. He stressed the pivotal role of trust in making the PPP initiative work, showcasing the restored confidence between the government, the private sector, and the citizens.

    The governor emphasized that this project represents a promise made and a promise kept, and he celebrated the state’s remarkable performance in generating revenue, ranking it first among Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This achievement underscores the positive outcomes resulting from the administration’s policies and unwavering commitment to development.

  • Three Narrowly Escape Death as Cement Truck Collides with Taxi in Ogun

    Three Narrowly Escape Death as Cement Truck Collides with Taxi in Ogun

    By  Milcah  Tanimu

     

    In a harrowing incident in Abeokuta, Ogun State, three individuals narrowly escaped a fatal accident when a cement-loaded truck owned by the Dangote Group collided with a taxi in the Panseke area late on Thursday.

    According to reports from the scene, the Dangote truck, bearing registration number GRZ753XA from Kano, struck the taxi with registration number FFF197XB from Ogun. The impact crushed the taxi against a culvert and damaged its rear windshield.

    An eyewitness, Ismat Abdulsalam, recounted that the accident occurred as the Dangote truck attempted to ascend a hilly section of the road but lost control. The immense weight of its cargo compelled it to reverse and collide with the parked taxi nearby.

    Another anonymous witness explained that the taxi driver had left his vehicle parked by the roadside while he went to pray, as there was no designated bus stop in the area. This lack of proper infrastructure often led taxi operators to stop there to pick up passengers.

    Fortunately, the intervention of the Nigeria Police Force helped clear the vehicles from the road and alleviate the traffic congestion caused by the accident.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Omolola Odutola, had not received a report on the incident when contacted and promised to provide details later. However, the Public Relations Officer of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Babatunde Akinbiyi, claimed the agency was unaware of the accident and did not respond to further inquiries at the time of this report.

  • Unrest in Abeokuta as Angry Youths Protest Naira, Fuel Scarcity

    Unrest in Abeokuta as Angry Youths Protest Naira, Fuel Scarcity

    Residents, particularly the youths of Abeokuta metropolis, the capital city of Ogun State, on Tuesday, took to the streets in protest over non-availability of the newly redesigned Naira notes as well as petrol, which has paralysed every aspect of life across the State.

    The protesters, who lamented the pains and agonies they were passing through, vandalised the Sapon Branch of the First Bank Plc in Abeokuta to vent their anger.

    The protesters also made bonfires with disused tyres on major streets of the State capital, particularly in Aladesanmi, Fajol and Somorin in Obantoko area of Abeokuta, where they were also chanting anti-government songs.

    The protesters, however, did not touch any passer-by or motorists, whom they described as part of the suffering members of the public.

    When contacted, the Ogun Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the protest, but added that the situation was under control.

    Oyeyemi, who maintained that the State Police Command was still studying the situation, further disclosed that the protest was a simultaneous one across the State and that it would be too hasty to comment on the situation.

    The PPRO also denied that Police bullet killed any of the protesters anywhere in the State.

    However, a viral video shows a resident in pains after being shot on the hand and was being attended to by good samaritans in the ensuing pandemonium.

  • Obasanjo Rides Tricycle, Picks Passengers In Abeokuta

    Obasanjo Rides Tricycle, Picks Passengers In Abeokuta

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday surprised residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital as he rode a tricycle across some major parts of the town, taking some passengers along for the ride.

    Chief Obasanjo took off from the Moshood Abiola Way, a stone’s throw to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) mega station.

    Dressed in white native attire and wearing a fez cap, the former President was also spotted picking up passengers randomly from the take-off point towards the end of the popular Kuto Market in the town, a development that attracted a number of residents who were excited to see him on the move. Many passengers were eager to ride with him.

    The move was part of activities to mark his 85th anniversary. He turned 85 in March but has continued to engage in activities to celebrate the milestone.

    He donated 85 tricycles to young people across the 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory last month, as part of the activities.

    At the event tagged “OBJ @85”, free tricycles were presented through the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.

    He challenged Nigerian youths not to abandon the country to those who are currently messing it up, adding that despite the many challenges confronting Nigeria, there are opportunities for them to take advantage of.

    The ex-President urged young Nigerians to roll up their sleeves and make needed contributions towards addressing the challenges of the nation, admitting that though there are challenges they should not leave things to those who are messing it up.

    “The first thing we want to prove is that there are opportunities galore in this country,” he said. “ Yes, things are not what they should be, but you, as youths, individually and collectively, must make up your mind, make contributions in order to make things the way they should be.”

    “If you leave things to those who are messing it up for you and who are saying you are the leaders of tomorrow, you will never have that tomorrow. Today is your day. Then the third point is; that yes, sometime you may get people who would help you, and times you may not even get who would help you.

    “You must remember God has given you innate ability to be what He wants you to be and if you make up your mind on what you want to be, God will help you and He would provide those people who would help you to reach the sky which should be your limit.”

  • 2 injured as another gas explosion rocks Abeokuta

    2 injured as another gas explosion rocks Abeokuta

    A gas explosion on Friday  rocked Abeokuta, injuring two people.

    Our correspondent reports that the explosion occurred barely 24 hours after one person was killed and another injured in a gas explosion at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library on Thursday.

    Our correspondent reports that the Friday’s explosion occurred at the CSCC construction yard at Onikoko area of Abeokuta.

    Two people were seriously injured while vehicles were destroyed by the explosion.

    It was gathered that the injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

    NAN also gathered that the explosion occurred from a cylinder filled with gas but not in use.

    The explosion affected many buildings on the Onikoko -Adigbe axis, vehicles and a teacher in a classroom at St. Louis College, Abeokuta.

    The state Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Femi Ogunbanwo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, and some other officials of the state, urgently visited the scene of the incident to assess the damage.

    Meanwhile, the state government has stopped sale of industrial gas to avert further explosions.

    Ogunbanwo made this known  during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abeokuta.

    The commissioner said that the state government had put a temporary stop to sale of industrial gas in the state, as a result of multiple gas explosions in recent times.

    Ogunbanwo said that all major stakeholders  were expected to abide by the directive, warning that anyone selling adulterated gas products or violating safety protocols would face the full wrath of the law.

    He said that Gov. Dapo Abiodun had been in consultations with relevant agencies of government and the Nigeria Police Force to  investigate and bring to book those engaging in sharp practices that could cause gas explosion.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya, described the incident as ugly, urging that it  must be nipped in the bud.

    Earlier, a team consisting of Ogunbanwo, Oresanya and some other government officials visited scenes of gas explosion and some gas plant outlets.

    This led to sealing of two gas plants in Omida and Idi-Ori in Abeokuta.