Lagos Govt Charges Community Media Practitioners To Be Objective In News Reporting

 ...Urges To Propagate Sanwo-Olu’s achievements

AgegePulse Magazine 

The Public Affairs Unit of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs in Lagos State on Thursday, charged community media practitioners in the State on the need to be objective and factual in their news reporting at their various communities.

The Government stated this at an interactive session which was organised for Community Media Practitioners across the 57 Local Government/ Local Council Development Areas of the state and which took place at the Conference Room, T-Block of the Ministry in the Secretariat at Alausa – Ikeja, Lagos.

Addressing the participants at the event, the  Assistant Director, Public Affairs Unit of the Ministry, Mr Kehinde Adebayo, said the event was in line with Sanwo-Olu’s agenda of bringing governance closer to the people and to strengthen as well as to strengthened the relationship between the Government and the grassroots through the Community Media across the State.

He said it is also to ensure that there is effective and efficient information dissemination to the grassroots in the State.

“This interactive session would not have held without the gracious approval of Mr Governor; Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who sees the pivotal role that Community Media Practitioners play in disseminating information at the grassroots; hence my deepest gratitude to Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his approval of this interactive session.

“Surely, he is a man driven by purpose and concern for the grassroots. Having seen ahead of time the damage false information and repertoire can do to the image of the State, thus the need to tell our stories ourselves rather than have someone do it for us.

Reeling out the aims of the interactive session, he explained, “The sole aim of this august gathering is to enable practitioners project the programmes, activities and policies of government in the manner easily understood by the public.

” To participants here present; I want to assure you that seasoned facilitators are here to equip you with tools needed to engage in the best practices as Community Media Practitioners; and I believe that it would be an interesting interactive session for brain racking deliberations.

Speaking at the event, , thanked the Ministry for its efforts in putting the practitioners on their toes.

He lauded the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu for identifying with the practitioners despite all odds. He said, “I appreciate the Ministry for its unflinching support and affection for the Community Media Practitioners,”

He seized the occasion to remind the Ministry of APCOM’s upcoming event, tagged, “Community Media Summit ” billed for August 15, 2023, in Ikeja, Lagos where he said the practitioners will converge to socialise, network and learn new ideas about their profession.

He reiterated the decision of the practitioners to partner with Governor Sanwo-Olu in information dissemination.

“We have decided to partner with you to organise a Community Media summit in order to ignite our members.

” This is to enable us to tell our stories better, he added.

Also speaking, the Senior Public Affairs Officer, Mr Alabi Victor, charged the practitioners to seize the opportunity of various social media handles to tell their stories.

He urged them to disseminate the achievements of Mr Governor to the grassroots in their various localities.

Arewa Community Drums Support for Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi Re-election | AgegePulse Magazine

  

The Arewa Community under the leadership of  Seriki Hausa, Agege, HRH, Alhaji Musa Muhammad Dogo Kadai has pledged their support for the Re-election of the incumbent council Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi ahead of the forthcoming primaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Lagos.

Sarkin Agege stated this during Egunjobi's visit to his palace in Agege LG 

The Hausa community pledged their support for the chairman's reelection and vowed to mobilise the entire members of Arewa Community in Agege; and also implore residents and stakeholders in the council area to ensure that Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi is re-elected once again.

The leadership of Arewa stated that Egunjobi has proved himself as an erudite leader with the tremendous achievement so far in terms of infrastructure and human capacity development; of which Arewa benefitted from.

L-R: Sarkin Hausawa, Egunjobi, others Arewa members

Speaking,  the incumbent council Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi stated that "I am at home as well with the Seriki. He appreciated the Seriki and the entire Arewa Community for their endorsement".

"I am confident of Arewa support all the time because of the long term mutual relationship that exist between me and the Arewa community, which is waxing stronger on daily basis.  

Egunjobi reeled out his achievements so far on Education, Health, Infrastructure, Environment, Security etc.  

"I thanked the entire Arewa community members for their peaceful coexistence; and enjoined them to continue to live in peace and harmony with profitable relationship.

The incumbent council chairman used the medium to reassure Arewa Community to count on him at all times as Seriki Arewa, Alhaji Musa Muhammad Dogon Kadai offered advice and prayed for Egunjobi success in the coming Local Government elections.

COVID-19: Community Media Pledges Support For Government Efforts To Combat Pandemic

AgegePulse Magazine

L-R: Patron, Association of Practitioners of Community Media in Nigeria (APCOM), Hon.Kehinde Bamigbetan; President, Mr. Dayo Akintobi; Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Lagos State, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho; Vice President, Mr. Leke Adeseri; and General Secretary, Mr Lekan Lawal, during a courtesy visit of the association to the commissioner at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Lagos

Members of the Association of Practitioners of Community Media in Nigeria (APCOM) have offered to support the efforts of Government at all levels to contain the corona virus pandemic.

The association made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, in his Alausa Secretariat office recently.

Led by their patron and immediate past Information Commissioner of the State, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, and the association's president, Mr. Dayo Akintobi, members lauded the State Government's efforts to date in combating the spread of the disease.

The APCOM patron, himself a community newspaper publisher, informed the Commissioner that the association is well placed to disseminate timely updates about the pandemic to the populace. According to him; "The media outlets of the association's members are the voices and conscience of their communities; they are always relied upon for fast and authentic information.”

In his contribution, the association's President, Akintobi, said the body exists to ensure the information needs of communities across the country are served comprehensively, diligently, professionally, and truthfully.

He then pledged APCOM's support for the Lagos State Government’s initiatives to keep the public informed about Covid-19, and also called on all other arms of government to capitalize on APCOM’s widespread reach into communities across the country.

Responding, Mr. Omotoso expressed his profound appreciation to the leadership of APCOM for arranging the visit and for offering to partner with the State Government at this trying time.

"I believe in grassroots journalism such as you practice,” the Commissioner told his visitors. “Community media portrays society in its true colour.” He assured the association’s members that their pledge to support the government will be reciprocated.

Rail Construction: Agege community prone to flooding- Community tells NRC, FG

AgegePulse Magazine

Ajegunle Community

Following the rail construction in Agege, Ajegunle Community in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, the community leaders say the ongoing construction of Lagos–Ibadan Standard gauge line has exposed the community to flooding.

Rail in Agege

Mr Julius Ekemode, a Leader in Ajegunle Agege Community in an interview with AgegePulse Magazine, said that the community was “seriously prone to flooding due to the construction of the new rail lines’’.

Julius urged the Federal Government and Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to come to the rescue of the community and build a canal in the community.

“We are sending a SOS message to government to take proactive measure to prevent the looming disaster as a result of flooding in this community.

“Rail line is good for the society no doubt about it, but our community is in danger of flooding when rain start.

“With little rain we have experienced here in January, just about 30 minutes, everywhere was flooded. (We have a video evidence).

“It was terrible, just imagine what will happen when the rain starts properly.

“The community is now appealing to the government and the NRC to come to our aid and build a canal for us that will withstand the full force of the water during the downpour.

“With high level of the rail line compare to buildings in our community, it’s like we are now in the valley which exposes us to flooding whenever it rains,” he said.

Also, Dr Samuel Olukayode, another community leader, appealed to the government to provide another secondary School for the community as the rail line had disconnected the area from others.

“The only secondary school our children attend is now at the other side of the standard gauge line.

“We can’t afford to put the life our children at risk on daily basis by crossing the rail line to the other side.

“We beg the government to come to our aid quickly before the matter become disaster.

“This is a big community and we don’t want the situation where the matter will go out of hands,” Olukayode said.

Speaking, Hon. Yinka Ogundimu, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, appealed to NRC and Federal Government to do rectification of the drainage channel before the rain started.

Ogundimu, representing Agege Constituency 2, said that the drainage channels constructed by contractor handling the rail line was too small to accommodate the high flow of rain water.

“We want the NRC to come and do rectification in, Ajegunle Agege Community; the drainage provided by the contractor is too small compared to previous canal.

“This is a save our soul message to the government otherwise our people will perish here.

“Now, we have foreseen this problem before occurrence, that is why we are calling on those who are concern to be proactive in solving the problem,” he said.

Flood, Agege

During her visit to the area, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, the Commissioner for Education, urged the community to write to the state government, assuring them that necessary actions would be taken soon.

“Write a letter to the state government about the building of new secondary school in your area, and I am assuring you that your plights would be considered.

“Truly, we won’t allow those small children to be crossing such rail line with top speed, it is too risky.

“The state government will find solutions to all the challenges attached to the new standard gauge line in this area,” Adefisayo said.

Future Matters Concepts Honours Anigbajumo, Dedicates Award to Students

...urges students on Skills Acquisition

#AgegePulse Magazine

The name of Hon. Kolawole Anigbajumo has turned to a household name when it comes to giving back to the community,

As a Tailor and Leader of Agege Local Government Legislative Arm, the reward for  service to God and humanity have earned him an award by Future Matters Concepts, FMC  in a program organized for outgoing secondary School students, in Agege tagged "Beyond Secondary Education, What Next" 8.0.


He was honoured in an event held yesterday at Dami Event Centre, Agege for his commitment and passion in empowering youths.

According to the Convener, Walex Adeleye said that, the award was conferred on him over his contributions and passion towards the brighter future of young people in Agege.

Recall, Anigbajumo was a teacher/instructor at Agege Local Government Vocational centre in 2006 with a stipends aiming at imparting knowledge to young ones.

In a remark, Anigbajumo narrated his life story as a successful tailor and now a legislator.

"The tailoring job has help me to achieve my desired tertiary education which has placed me where I am today, as the Leader and No.3 man in the recent administration in Agege.
Though it's God doing and I give thanks to the Almighty".

He urged all the participating students to always focus on their studies and imbibe the culture of acquiring a vocational skill while growing up in life.

while receiving  the award, "I thanked the initiative of FMC for organizing such laudable program, I once again dedicated this Award to students as they are the brighter and shining stars of tomorrow". Anigbajumo concluded.

We'll Revisit Rural Communities For 21st Century Development, Says Lagos Commissioner

...To Reward CDAs For Self-Help Projects

Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Mrs Yetunde Arobieke

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government said it planned to transform Revisit Rural Communities For 21st Century Development, would  improve standard of living of the residents at grassroots level and also attract more business opportunities to the areas.

Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Mrs Yetunde Arobieke, said this during a media briefing on the “2019 Community Day Celebrations” which would begin on Friday.

She said that the 2019 Community Day was organised to celebrate the grassroots people for complementing government’s efforts in their communities.

“We are here to celebrate our people in the communities for their various self-help projects, promotion of peace and security and advising the state government on matters affecting community development,” she said.

According to her, prizes will be given to Community Development Associations (CDAs) that emerged winners during the project assessment across the local governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

AgegePulse learnt that the three-day event tagged: “Revisiting Rural Community for 21st Century Development,” would  feature church and mosque services, Health Walk/Talk and grand finale at Police College, Ikeja, starting today Friday 8th of November, Special Jumat Service till Sunday 17th November, Sunday Thanksgiving Service.

Anguish In Igbogbo Community Of Ikorodu In Lagos After Discovering 2 Children, 1 Dog Dead Inside Freezer

AgegePulse Magazine

Residents of Ikorodu in Lagos were on Sunday thrown into mourning when the corpse of two children and a dog were found in a freezer.

According to NAN, the incident was said to have occurred at 2, Christian Onoja Street, Igbogbo in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Government Development Area at 4.30pm.

A neighbour who preferred anonymity told NAN that the children, Emmanuel Edeh, seven years and Darasimi Edeh, female, four years and their father, Mr Michael Edeh, were at home on the day of the incident.

“On Sunday afternoon, we were alerted by their father who emerged from within the house asking about the whereabouts of his children.

“We were surprised because their father is always at home with the kids when their mother goes about her trading.

“So, when their father came asking us (neighbours) about where his children were, we all began to search the neighbourhood for them, but could not find them,’’ the source, said.

The source added that when initial efforts to locate the children proved abortive, a call was put through to the mother of the kids, who came running down to their residence.

“Their mother was visibly disturbed upon arrival and immediately began to search for them, this time, in the house.

“After a while, she came wailing that she discovered the lifeless body of children and their dog inside the freezer,’’ the source added.

NAN gathered that the children were taken to a hospital within the community, but were told that the children had died which prompted the incident to be reported at the Igbogbo Police Division on Sunday evening.

When NAN visited the Briggston Hospital in Selewu, Igbogbo, where the children were taken he was told that the children were dead on arrival.

“It is true that I received a case involving two children, but upon assessment, I discovered that they had passed on and there was no resuscitation effort that could be performed on them.

“So, I advised the parents to go and conduct an autopsy to ascertain the real cause of death,’’ Dr. Briggs Umezurike, told NAN.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chike Oti, told NAN that the Commissioner of Police had been informed about the incident.

“I have confirmed the matter and the CP directed that the father of the children be brought to notice to know his ulterior motive or whether it is an act of negligence,” he said.

Body Of Motorcyclist Dumped By Roadside After He Was Killed In Ikorodu

A yet-to-be-identified motorcyclist has been found dead at Banana Estate, Igbe-Laara, Igbogbo/Bayeku, close to Ginti Banjoko, Ikorodu.

According to residents of the community, the motorcyclist was said to have brought a passenger into the community, before he was killed, while his bike was taken away from him.

The police was alerted and his body has been deposited at the morgue.

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Hon. JS Babatunde Reiterates Commitment To Alleviating Poverty In Orile Agege

...Says People Must Feel Impact of Govt At the Grassroot

...Empowers 20 Community Youths with  N100k each, 60 widows with Foodstuff, Cash

...Distributes Utility Vehicles to League of Imam, Christian Community, CDC, Market Women, others

AgegePulse Magazine

The Executuve Chairman of Orile Agege Local Council Development Area, Hon. Johnson Sunday Babatunde has reiterated that he would stop at nothing to ensure that the standard of living of Orile Agege people is drastically improved across all sectors under his watch.

Hon. Babatunde stated this at the official handing over of Utility Buses to Orile Agege Stakeholders' Executives cum Empowerment of Youths and Distribution of Foodstuff to widows at the council's secretariat in Orile Agege.


Also, the council boss presented 20 youths with N100,000 each and 60 widows with foodstuff and cash as part of his empowerment programme, urging them to engage in petty trading that would improve quality of their living.

According to the Chairman, "this event is a continuation of our mission to restore and rebuild Orile Agege. This initiavte will be a monthly activity in order to reach all the nooks and crannies of Orile Agege LCDA."

"The utility buses are necessary for smooth execution of official tasks while the empowerment is to compliment the physical infrastructures we are putting in place across the council." Hon Babatunde noted.

Beneficiaries of the gesture include the CDC Exco, Muslim Council, Orile Agege, Christian Association of Nigeria, Orile Agege branch, Oba in Council and Market Executives.

Speaking with AgegePulse, some of the beneficiaries thanked the Executive Chairman and his team for their quality leadership style aimed towards the well-being of people under his jurisdiction.

Dignitaries at the event included, the Vice Chairman of Orile Agege, Leader of House, Councilors, Managment Staff, Royal Fathers , Baales, Chiefs, Exco members, APC Party Leaders, Members of Management, NULGE Reps and the entire Staff of Orile Agege LCDA.

Why I have over 1,000 aides –Ebonyi’s Gov Umahi

Clement Nnachi, Abakaliki

Ebonyi Governor, David Umahi, has declared that he appointed over 1,000 aides on assumption of office in 2015 in order to tackle the menace of poverty among the teeming youths of the state.

Umahi made the declaration in Egunkwo community, Onicha Local Government Area of the state, on Sunday on the occasion of a special thanksgiving service organised by Caring Heart Vanguards, an umbrella body of graduates that secured appointments in federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, courtesy of the lawmaker representing Ohaozara Onicha and Ivo federal constituency in the National Assembly, Linus Okorie.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to State Government, Dr. Hyginus Nwokwu, said that more than 1,000 political appointees have been engaged by the administration, comprising commissioners, Special Advisers, Special Assistants, Technical Assistants, and Senior Special Advisers.

“Since my assumption of office on May 29th 2015, more than 500 Technical Assistants, 400 Senior Technical Assistants, 100 Special Advisers, 50 Senior Special Advisers and 21 commissioners have been appointed”
“These appointments were designed to make sure we fight poverty in the land, and also to enable the youths to contribute meaningfully to the development of the State.


Umahi commended the lawmaker for the initiative, in addition to replicating the laudable policies and programmes of the state government to members of the constituency.

Ikeja Electric Commences Installation Of 85,000 Pre-Paid Meters

… Collaborates with Community Media to Reach the Communities

In what seem to be a family meeting, the Corporate Communication team of Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IE) led by Mr Felix Ofule with Mr Fidelix, Mr Ayeni and others had a maiden edition of media parley with Association of Practitioners of Community Media in Nigeria (APCOM) on Wednesday. The event which took place at the upper room of Yellow Chilies Restaurant and bar had members of the pen industry drawn from nooks and crannies of network coverage of IE.



The head of corporate communications of the energy company Mr Felix Ofulue hinted on the need for the collaboration which in his words, ought to have been held earlier before now but for some logistics. He however noted that it is better late than never while reiterating that having understood the roles of the community media especially for a peculiar outfit such as IE, it is paramount to nurture a forum such as this for mutual benefits.

The aim of the meeting was to partner the community media in disseminating information to their various communities with the understanding of some of the usual challenges faced with customers and ways of achieving possible solutions to them. The issue of pre-paid meter was top on the list as it affects even the men of the pen world. Mr. Ofulue informed the gathering that IE is highly desirous to meter each of its customers; however the prevailing economy has not made it possible for IE to achieve that while noting that prior to the current phase of pre-paid installations of 85,000 meters ongoing IE had invested about thirty million US Dollars on metering her customers before it was halted. He said that the current phase is done through a method of identifying highly revenue zones which will in turn enhance her revenue generation for further investments, while assuring that in the next six months the issue on metering will be drastically reduced in addition with the proposed Meter Asset Providers (MAP) currently been fine tuned for implementation by the federal government. He reiterated the benefits accruing to the company which he said was enormous.




While answering question on why the estimated bills have persisted despite the public outcry, Mr Ofulue hinted that though it is agreeable that the estimated bill system does not reflect the true consumption of customers which can only be solved by metering every customer however IE has reduced the basis of estimation on actual consumption per transformers by installing meters to all the transformers thereby determining the actual consumption within the community using such transformers, he counselled further consumers to help IE in monitoring the consumption within or community and using the appropriate whistle-blower to report such while noting that it is very impossible for IE to carryout consumption assessment on all her customers, hence since the ripple effect of consumption of one customer is borne by all, it is therefore imperative for every consumer to be watchful and report such to IE authorized agent for appropriate investigation and subsequent actions.



Head Corporate Communication Ikeja Electric Driving home his point


On outstanding or inherited bills he enlightened the men of the press that by explaining that the energy sector is broken into different units which include the generation companies (GENCOs) transmission companies (TCNs) Distribution Companies (DISCOs) which IE represents, hence for any consumption the DISCOs earn about 24-25% the GENCOs earn about 50% and so on; therefore it is very difficult for any debt irrespective of who consumed it to be written off by any DISCO, he advised that in the case of rental of an apartment the prospective tenant should demand for the position of energy bill before accepting such, where it is observed that there are outstanding the tenant should demand from the landlord/landlady on how to offset such, on the other it is expedient for landlord/landlady to notify IE of any tenant failing to pay his or her energy bill for disconnection and further actions before such tenants moves.

Mr. Ayeni Akinola added that even in the case of outright purchase of a property, it is important to verify the status of such property before purchase as the bill will always surface at the time of reconnection of the new property which was termed by publisher of The Alimosho Mail as “ancestral bill”. In his (Mr. Felix) word, no bill can be written off by any DISCO once it is issued as it will mean owing the other parties.

Furthermore he used the opportunity to mention of the exclusive customer pilot program which is currently text run with Ikeja GRA, which has seen IE investing more within the axis which has also improved their supply with the effect of paying more. He boasted that power has improved tremendously except for areas with difficulties like lack of payment, threat to life of IE personnel etc.

He reiterated that IE does not tolerate any assault on its staff for any reason as it will plunge such area into darkness without any apology and for the areas with low payment; it will be unwise as a business to continue supplying such area with energy thereby forcing the company to plunge resources from other areas into such areas. While responding on question on ceeding part of their network jurisdiction to private GENCOs (Embedded Power) as the case with Isheri Whitesand and Obadore, he vehemently rejected the possibility of such without proper agreement on the modus operandi.

On why installation of transformer bought by communities sometime become almost impossible to connect to the grid and the possibility of a community retrieving materials bought for the purpose of power supply; he opined that there are due processes, standards and specifications for the purchase of any electrical product; that if any of such is not met it becomes very difficult to effect such connection while stressing that it is impossible for any community to retrieve any appliance from any Disco as there would have been an agreement signed before such is connected.

Ofulue further assured that the engagement will be frequent while reiterating the need to partner community media and used the medium to inform the forum of their whistle blower handle which he said is an independent partner from the personnel of IE and urge members to always report issues to the appropriate quarters of decision makers and not to marketers who he said are not part of the decision maker. Issues should be reported to the undertaken offices through the commercial manager or to the business unit office before escalating to Alausa. While on the social media platforms he said that efforts are often made by escalating issues to the appropriate quarters once it is received, however unlike the telecommunication industry the energy sector requires physical inspection/assessment of issues hence it is difficult to get feedback immediately as in the case of telecos.

The president of APCOM Mr Dayo Akintobi on behalf of the association thanked IE for such recognition and pledged support of the association to IE, in what seem to be the case of Oliver Twist, he further highlighted the challenges of community media and the need for a partnership such as this be backed with supports such as quarterly advert placements.

ILE-IFE AGOG AS OONI CELEBRATES YAM FESTIVAL AFTER DECADES OF NEGLECT

In fulfillment of his Cultural Tourism Agenda, the Arole Oodua & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II was on Wednesday joined by multitude of indigenes, tourists and invited guests to celebrate New Yam Festival which has not been so  elaborately  celebrated in the last 120 years.

The newly revived  festival known as "Odun Isu" in Yorubaland held at the Ile-Oodua palace, Ile-Ife, where  citizens from other Yoruba towns came in large numbers to celebrate with him amid colourful display of culture and traditions.

Ooni Ogunwusi while addressing the mammoth crowd at the festival narrated that a deity called "Oreluere" who was one of the 401 deities sent by God(Olodumare) to establish the world was the first hunter on the planet earth that planted yam before Oduduwa supported him to make  on it a success.

The African foremost monarch acknowledged that God had provided all different necessary foods for sustainability of humanity and annual germination and growth of yam for human consumption.

The Spiritual father of Yoruba race worldwide observed that the process of originality of yam production emanated from the cradle of Yoruba's, (Ile-Ife) emphasising that yam is one of the foods with high carbohydrate that gives energy to the generality.

He stated that Oduduwa collaborated with other deities on how yearly plantation would be guaranteed. He added that "Owo" dynasty also value the celebration yearly maintaining Yam Festival is a very big event across yam belt in the world, saying Yoruba cultural heritage is very keen to this.

"I charge all other neighbouring towns especially Yorubas to emulate the ancient city of Ile-Ife in making the event a continuous exercise."

"Our youths must go into huge commercial farming as Yoruba communities are known as producers of yam for the entire world." Ooni charged

Ooni Ogunwusicontinued
"This belt is called yam belt and these yam belts produce 70% yam for national consumption, while others shared the remaining 30%.

"The plantation started from kingdom of Ife to middle belt of Nigeria straight to Central African Republic and other West African down to Southern Africa.

"Individual has his own capability and strength for production and Yorubas have mastered it and become the experts in yam production." Ooni explained.

The Co-Chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria added that the past heroes had suffered for the sustainability of human race, therefore, urged people to crown their efforts in appreciating them by embracing farming."

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, congratulated Ooni Ogunwusi on the 2018 yam festival, commending him for promoting culture and tradition of Yoruba race globally.

Ogunbodede said that the festival has exposed all to international community, saying people prefers the celebration for it has attracted a lot of visitors not to Ile-Ife alone but to other Yoruba communities.

He added that celebration of yam festival added values to economic benefit of the nation as it will encourage farming and community development.

The Vice-Chancellor appealed to the three tiers of government to ensure improvement of storage facilities of agricultural produce for adequate safety for human consumption.

He called on government to provide infrastructures such as electricity, portable water  and good roads  for smooth transportation of farm produce from farms to the cities for more patronage.

Ogunbodede lauded Ooni for putting all efforts in maintaining peaceful coexistence on campus of Obafemi Awolowo University and Ile-Ife in general.

"The relative peace we are enjoying in Obafemi Awolowo University Community is the handiwork of God who used Ooni Ogunwusi. As we are enjoying him in Ife and Yoruba land at large, the  entire nation are also enjoying him because of his "peace mantra."
Baba Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi is always giving us a tremendous support"

"He has severally organised for people from Brazil, Portugal, and Cuba to come to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife to learn African languages. I here pledge that the school management would not dissapoint him." Ogunbodede said

The Oba Olopo of Ilode, Oba Oyedotun Akintibubo, commended Ooni for the celebration of yam festival, first in the history of Ife Kingdom.

Oba Akintibubo said that during the past regimes, only his family used to celebrate the festival, before Ooni Ogunwusi elaborated it.

The Olopo of Ilode assured that the community, state and Nigeria at large will experience sulplus over the years, for the farm produce especially yam and corn will maximally grow extensively.

"With this year celebration, people will not experience hunger and hardship again, for the land will strongly produce seeds for the satisfaction of human race" he said

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Man Rapes A 3-Year-Old Girl With Engine Oil In Ondo

A man named Christopher Arigidi has been accused of raping a 3year old girl in Apata, Ese-Odo LGA of Ondo State.

The 23-year-old took the victim to his house and allegedly defiled her, by rubbing engine oil on her private parts to ease penetration.

An Eye Witness Oshodi Ibeji, said:
“The suspect and some people were sitting together at the function; all of a sudden, the guy stood up and said he wanted to go and change his cloth at home.

As he was going, he took the girl along with him; the mother of the victim saw him when he was going. When the mother went back home, she did not see her daughter so she went to Argigidi’s house and found out that the girl had been defiled. .

After discovering what happened, she reported to the youths who went to the man’s house to beat him up. He was later taken to the community chairman. He initially denied it but later confessed that he did it.”
The victim’s mother, Pouma Ologun, said she wanted justice for her daughter, adding that she wanted the community to deal with Arigidi. .

The decision to take him to a police station lies in the hand of the victim’s father because the nearest police station to our community is very far.”

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AMBODE GIVES N500M GRANT TO 275 COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS TO COMPLETE PROJECTS

…Gesture Unprecedented In Nigeria, Says Lagos APC Chairman

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday doled out N500million as grant to 275 Community Development Associations (CDAs) to enable them complete their ongoing self help projects.



Governor Ambode, who presented the grant to the CDAs at De Blue Roof, LTV, Agidingbi, said it was not in doubt that the various self help projects, ranging from community halls, street light, transformers, police post, drainage and health centres by these communities were complementing the efforts of the State and Local Government to engender growth and development.



He said his administration was totally committed to supporting CDAs in the initiation and implementation of community based development projects, adding that apart from being in line with his administration’s policy of inclusive governance, such approach would guarantee ownership of such projects by the communities.



“These projects have contributed immensely to make our communities to be more liveable for residents. I must commend all of you for the various projects you have initiated and funded from your voluntary levies and donations by members.



“I thank all of you for appreciating the fact that voluntary community effort is required to facilitate growth and development,” Governor Ambode said.



He said the decision to aid the CDAs with grant was based on the report gathered from monitoring of some of the ongoing community projects, which showed that some of the projects were on the verge of being abandoned due to paucity of funds, noting that the gesture was therefore compelling.

“Today’s occasion is historic; we are presenting financial support of N500million Grant to 275 Community Development Associations to enable them complete their various self-help projects which had been executed to an appreciable level. Let me emphasise that this will be a continuous exercise. Other deserving Community Development Associations will also be considered in the next phase of this presentation,” the Governor said.



Alluding to the fact that the gesture was the first of its kind in the State, Governor Ambode said that beyond the 275 projects being supported, all the divisions of the State have been covered.



“The message remains the same.  We are committed to good governance and inclusive leadership.  We know your efforts remain selfless to all your communities.  We are partners in governance and we will always support you.



“I congratulate the leadership and members of the CDAs that are benefitting from this support initiative. It is my expectation that all the self-help projects covered by this grant will be completed as soon as possible for the usage and benefit of residents,” he said.



The Governor also charged residents in the communities to take ownership of the projects and protect them against vandalisation and all acts that would result in the reduction of the life span of the facilities.



Earlier, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Tunde Balogun, in his remarks, described the gesture by Governor as unprecedented in the history of Nigeria, urging community leaders and residents to make judicious use of the projects as well as prudent spending of the grants.



“What is happening today is the presentation of grants to 275 CDAs across the State. It is very awesome and unprecedented. This is the first time I’ve ever heard of such. It is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria. Please take ownership of the projects and ensure durability in your locality. This government had been constructing roads, bridges, and different projects across the states. We thank God for using Governor Ambode to change the face of Lagos for good”.



On his part, Commissioner Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon Muslim Folami, said the all inclusive governance mantra of the Governor Ambode administration had seen the increase of CDAs in the State from 2012 in 2015 to 3935 in the last three years.



Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Communities and Communications, Hon. Akeem Sulaimon, reiterated the present administration’s commitment to articulate the concept of inclusive governance, whereby all government policies, projects and programmes would be driven by the needs of various communities.



In his goodwill message, Patron General of CDAs in the State and APC Chieftain, Cardinal James Odumbaku urged the CDAs to reciprocate the gesture by the Governor at the 2019 elections in the State.



Some of the communities that benefitted from the grant include Olera CDA, Ojokoro; Anifowoshe CDA, Ikeja; Onibaba CDA, Ajeromi Ifelodun; Ogoitan Phase I CDA, Epe; Ifelodun Surulere CDA, Olorunda; Ofiran Phase 1 CDA, Ibeju Lekki; Equitable Estate CDA, Igbogbo Baiyeku; Anuoluwapo CDA, Ojota, among others.

Exclusive: CAPDAN President, Ojikutu Niyi Honoured as Most Friendly Community Personality of Ikeja

Agege Pulse Magazine

To say the incumbent President of Computer and Allied Product Dealers Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN), Comrade Ojikutu Niyi Hammed is friendly, humble and sheerful is like saying the obvious. He's proven to be choiced personality with alluring virtues that would endear people towards him naturally.

The youthful computer village leader has become a household name in Ikeja, thanks to his many developmental strides in the popular one-stop computer hub.

Although, the dandy dude has won several personal laurels, he was taken by surprise yesterday when he was presented with the award of the Most Community Friendly Personality in Ikeja by Ikeja Community Development Council during the 2017 Community Day celebration.

An elated Ojikutu put his feelings into perspective through an update on his facebook status. He said; "I have received Awards Locally and Internationally but I must say that I appreciate this, so much that it triggers the Happiness and Appreciation Button in me."

"I don't have all the monies in the world, but I am always happy at humanity." Ojikutu said.

He dedicated the award to all CAPDAN excos, members, Ikeja CDC and the entire Ikeja Local Government.

Agege LG Partners Nollywood Super Star, Antar Laniyan

...To Empower Youths in Film Making, Acting and Audio-visual Productions

In a bid to ensure youths in Agege Local Government Area are gainfully and positively engaged, management of the council under the leadership of Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, is set to partner Veteran Nollwood actor, Antar Laniyan.

This was disclosed yesterday when Mr. Anta Laniyan paid courtesy visit on the Execuitve Chairman of Agege LG, Alhaji  Egunjobi.

Recall that Egunjobi, during his electioneering, had promised to design various empowerment programmes that would prevent youths from illicit and immoral engagements.

Agege Pulse reliably gathered that the partnership with the Nollywood star would take the youths out of the street through empowerment in the area of Art which includes acting, scripting writing, film making and audio-visual production.

Speaking at the meeting, Antar Laniyan said: "We want the youth to know their potential and what they are capable of doing because we started raw with little or no resources".

"The best time to achieve this is now that Agege Local government has an amiable chairman who is a good listener". Antar Laniyan concluded.

On his part, the chairman asserted that his administration is mostly interested in sustainable development of the youth, which is beyond giving peanuts to them.



In a brief chat with Agege Pulse, Antar Laniyan revealed that he spent part of his teenage years in Agege, hence understands the myraid of potential deposited in Agege youths.

He said the proposed youth empowerment initiative tagged: 'Annual Agege Youth Festival (AAYF),' would serve as a way of giving back to the community that made him.

Memories Recounted As Family Remember Ologba of Ogba

Today, 21 November, 2017 is one of the most unforgettable days in the Royal Family of Ashade in Ogba, Agege. It was the day that Ologba of Ogbaland, Oba Ibrahim Sanni Ashade joined his ancestors.

It is now three years since the entire Ogba community woke up to the news of the departure of the highly revered custodian of justice.

However, Agege Pulse reliably gathered that the Ashade family are planning to hold prayers to mark the 3rd year anniversary of the late monarch.

In a brief chat with the Regent (Adele) of Ogba, Prince Jelili Kehinde Ashade, he revealed that the family, on a daily basis, feel the gap left by their patriarch whom he said was generous, straight forward and a disciplined man.

The regent stressed that the monarch's legacy has been a source of inspiration for the entire community, hence the need to keep him in prayers.

He confirmed that there would be prayer session for the late Ologba of Ogbaland on Thursday 23rd November, 2017.

Brigadier General A. Ellias Attu of 9 Brigade, Lauds Elephant Club of Ogba

...Promises Physical Security, Psychological Support


Towards ensuring maximum security of lives and properties during Elephant Club football fiesta and beyond, members of the highly revered humanitarian group  have paid courtesy visit on Brigadier General A. Ellias Attu of 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army recently for security talks.


Recall Elephant Club of Ogba has committed to tackling security challenges facing Ogba community and Agege in general having earlier donated entrance gate to Area G Command of Nigerian Police Force Ogba, the club has made a step further by seeking support from 9 Brigade of Nigerian Army to ensure interesting stories are told after their 20th Anniversary celebration.

Addressing the group, Brigadier General A. Ellias Attu commended Elephant Club for sustaining a cause of giving back and impacting to the communities positively for 20years.

General Attu revealed that he was amazed with efforts of Elephant Club for it's contribution to National Security through physical security, adding that the club's action shows it shares in Lagos State's vision of zero tolerance for insecurity.

The Army General who was born and breed in Lagos, promised to give the club full support beyond physical security, which includes personal participation in other community service.

Treasurer of the Club, Alhaji Lukman Ashade thanked the General for his hospitality and kindness. "We promised that the club would at all times looked after projects that would  impact Ogba community and Agege positively". Ashade asserted.

Present at the meeting were, Major AC Uba, Asst. Major Nagogo, Major Okorie, Major Aworinde, others include, Mr. Felix Ajanaku, Alhaji Shakiru Hamburger, Mrs. Alilu Salaudeen, Mr.Gafar Busari, Mrs. Bountiful Taiwo Adelanwa, Mr. Tajudeen Mustapha and Mr. Yomi Durojaye.

Radio Continental Relaunches as MAX 102.3Fm Lagos

...To focus strictly on entertainment

One of the leading radio stations in Lagos, Radio Continental 102.3fm has relaunched as MAX 102.3 fm on the same frequency. The relaunch was done at a glitzy ceremony held recently at the Federal Palace Hotel, Balmoral Convention Centre Victoria Island.

AgegePulse learnt that the relaunch was part of Continental Broadcasting Service's, CBS plan to refocus the company as a core entertainment station.

You recall that about 400 staff were recently sacked by Television Continental, TVC, a sister brand of the CBS. The development was to relief most of his core news and other fringe staff in order to diversify into majorly entertainment.

Also, there had been speculation that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) had withdrawn the licence of Radio Continental including comments by former Minister of Aviation and PDP member Femi Fani-Kayode suggesting that the Buhari-government is getting back at Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is believed to own the radio station as part of TVC Communications group which also includes the TVC, TVC News and Adaba fm Akure but yesterday's relaunching event would prove such negative speculation as unfounded.

Now MAX 102.3, the station will now focus more on Music and has added former Brila fm OAP Murphy Ijemba to its stable which includes the likes of Wale PowPowPow, Honeypot,  Lady ‘O’ Mary, Debbie and Mark ‘DSoulja.

You can listen to and interact with the station via its website Max1023.fm

AGEGE LG BOSS, EGUNJOBI ENACTS BYE-LAWS TO PROTECT PUBLIC PROPERTY

Agege Pulse Magazine

As members of Agege communities continue to perpetrate actions that are defaces and causes serious damages to public properties domicile in the Local Government, the council’s Chairman, Hon. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi has resolved to enact bye-law tailored to serve as deterrent to the perpetrators.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Rotimi Sulyman, he said the bye-laws, if enacted, would protect public property in the area from abuse by residents and business operators.

   
Egunjobi said; “Nigeria is today suffering huge infrastructure deficit not only due to government’s failure to make provision at all but also the attitude of the generality of the public,” he said.

“Agege is a miniature Nigeria. And here residents and business operators abuse public infrastructure in unimaginable ways.

“They block access road, deface public property and dump waste in carnal and drainages indiscriminately.

“Artisans also use roadsides for workshops. Their activities and that of traders caused road damage. Some trade on the road and sidewalks.

“All these are clear antithesis to urban renewal drive being vigorously pursued by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, and we cannot continue to lose taxpayers’ money like this,” the chairman said.

Egunjobi stressed that the bylaw would serves as measure of criminalising abuse of public property in the area.

According to him, the law would not only benefit the council but the general public as well, saying “it touches critical issues that facilitate the improvement of public service delivery.”