Breaking: Supreme Court affirms Osun Gov-elect, Adeleke as PDP candidate

The Supreme Court, on Thursday, affirmed the Governor-elect of Osun state, Senator Ademola Adeleke as the authentic candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the gubernatorial election that held in the state on July 16.

The apex court, in a unanimous judgement by a five-man panel of justices, dismisses an appeal that was lodged against Adeleke by Prince Dotun Babayemi who laid claim to governorship ticket of the PDP, having emerged from a parallel primary election that was held by a faction of the party in the state.

Counsel to the Appellant, Mr. Adebayo Adelodun, SAN, withdrew the appeal after the panel led by Justice Amina Augie, drew his attention to the fact that the case was statute barred.

The panel had maintained that the appeal was incompetent, stressing that it was filed outside the 14 days period provided by the law.

Chief Ashimiu Oba Chairman Ogun Wheel Chair Tennis Association Donates $500 To The Association

The Chairman Ogun Wheel Chair Tennis Association Chief Ashimiu Oba stretch a philanthropists  gesture to the association in preparation for the forthcoming 21ST NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL tagged DELTA 2022.

Chief Ashimiu pledge to support the association to the best of his ability in gearing them fit in any competition. 

This donation was able to achieve through the General Manager Ogun State Sports Council Mrs Iyabo Rotimi.

Mrs Iyabo Rotimi presented the money in cash in a transparency manner to the management member of Ogun State Sports Council. Displaying her motto of administrative transparency.

To her, "Chief Ashimiu Oba was a former tennis player who represent Ogun State in many occasion at junior level. Now with the US Army to God be the Glory.

"He represented OGUN STATE Tennis. He's the first tennis athletes to won medals for the state Tennis and also represented Nigeria before moving abroad".

Also present at gathering are the Director of Organization Mrs Oluwatoyin Alade, Director of Administrative & Supplies Mr Kehinde Olaniyi, Director of Finance & Account Mr Maruf Busari, Director of Coaching Mr Kehinde Ijaola, the Head of the Public Relations Ogun State Sports Council Ms Bola Giwa, Secretary of the Ogun State Wheel Chair Tennis Association Mrs Sola Afolabi lastly Coach Okedina Odunayo of wheel chair tennis.

Lyon Others in Police Den

 THE

millionaire Kignap kingpin, John Ewa, aka Lyon alongside his gangs paraded in Yenagoa.

John Ewa, a kidnap kingpin arrested in Abuja and responsible for high-profile kidnappings in Bayelsa State is currently been paraded alongside three members of his gang by the police at the Police Officers Mess, Yenagoa Bayelsa State.

Recall that the kidnap suspect was arrested by operatives of Operation Puff Adder in Abuja, after which his real identity was revealed. 

As against the trick of the name Lyon John that trended on social media, the suspect’s real name was discovered to be John Ewa.

#oguninsight  gathered that John Ewa changed his name to John Lyon when he was a dispatch rider at a commercial bank after he was sacked due to alleged involvement in criminal activities at the bank.

Ewa, it was learnt, while working at the bank, had run several errands for his superior which gave him access to privileged information which was supplied to criminal elements to carry out operations.

After his appointment was terminated, Ewa was said to have recruited boys to run a kidnap syndicate with a specialisation in kidnapping high-profile residents of the state.

According to investigations, operatives of Puff Adder got on the trail of Ewa after the arrest of two suspects, Kingsley Innocent and God lives Donald involved in the kidnap of Mr Danjuma Emeije a manager with Premium Trust Bank Yenagoa.

Emeije was kidnapped on June 30 2022 and was released after he was said to have parted with a ransom of 50 Million.

Police sources said Ewa, who runs Lyon Interior hub as a cover for his criminal activities, is known for his lavish lifestyle and heavy spending at nightclubs in Yenagoa.

He was said to have masterminded the kidnap of the sister to former governor Seriake Dickson and top Igbo businessmen forcing many of them to relocate from the state.

During interrogation, Police sources said Ewa confessed to having been involved in only two kidnap incidents and denied being part of the gang that kidnapped Danjuma.

Recall that the suspected kidnapper’s story first trended on social media on Sunday.

 In a viral video, Ewa was seen in handcuffs wearing a boxer at the premises of Operation Puff Adder Yenagoa.

The suspected kidnapper, in the viral video, was seen begging the Police officers to forgive him noting that his wife just gave birth

“I was not involved in your kidnap (referring to the Danjuma). There is a guy they always call for a job, his name is Millow. Please, sir, forgive me. I was not involved in your matter. Please Sir my wife just gave birth”

According to police sources, Ewa had gone to Premium Trust Bank pretending to be making inquiries on opening an account for his children but was actually gathering information about Danjuma.

Danjuma, who was also at the premises of Puff Adder insisted that he could recognise Ewa as one of the kidnappers who was on a couch while his gang members were brutalizing him.

A Police source said a close friend of Ewa, who is an in-law of a governorship candidate of one of the major political parties in the state, is also in Police custody answering questions on the kidnap incidents in the state.

Police, Customs Set For Showdown At Ogun SWAN/ Security and Safety Cup Final

ABEOKUTA - The football teams of Nigeria Police and Nigeria Customs Service in Ogun State will clash on Saturday at the final of 2nd SWAN/Security and Safety Cup at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.

The Police Machines defeated their age-long arch-rivals, NSCDC Rangers at the Semi-final to book a place in the final with Nigeria Customs Service team who thrashed TRACE Corps 3-nil in the second semi-final match played last week.

Recall that NSCDC Rangers pip Police Machines 1-nil in the final of the 2021 edition of the Ogun SWAN/Security Cup.

However, the Saturday final between Police Machines and Nigeria Customs Service will produce new Champions for the competition.

In a press release signed by the SWAN Secretary in the state, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun will attend the final as the Special Guest of Honour, while former Nigeria International, Chief Segun Odegbami, MON is the Special Guest at the event.

Other invited guests are: the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AIG Olusola Subair, Rtd, Heads of Security agencies in the state, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, Chairman, Remo Stars Football Club, Otunba Kunle Soname and Towulade of Akinale, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye is the Royal father of the day.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) will take on TRACE Corps in the 3rd place final of the competition beginning from 2pm at the mainbowl of the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.

The SWAN Secretary, therefore called on members of the public to throng en mass the stadium to cheer the security operatives to victory on Saturday.

PMB STATEMENT

 STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 77TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY,

WEDNESDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER, 2022

Mr. President,

Heads of State and Government,

Mr. Secretary-General,

Distinguished delegates,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Mr. President,

On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I congratulate you on your well-deserved election as President of the 77th Session of this August Assembly. I assure you of the full support and cooperation of the Nigerian delegation during your tenure.

2.     I commend your predecessor, H.E Abdullah Shahid for the many remarkable achievements of the General Assembly under his leadership during these challenging times.

3.     May I also congratulate the Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres on his ceaseless and untiring efforts to promote peace, security and development, very much in line with his exalted role.

Mr. President,

4.     The first time I could have addressed this August Assembly was in 1984, when I was the Military Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thirty one years later, I had the great privilege to personally address the Assembly in 2015,  as the democratically elected President of my country. As I approach the end of my second and final four-year term, I am reminded of how much has changed in Nigeria, in Africa, and in the world, and yet, how some  challenges remain. 

5.     We are now more severely tested by these enduring and new global challenges, paramount among which are conflicts increasingly being driven by non-state actors, proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, terrorism, violent extremism, malignant use of technology, climate change,  irregular migration, and disparities in opportunities for improved standards of living.

6.     Despite the challenging international environment, the United Nations has proved that it can be strong when the  will of its members is harnessed for positive collective action. The guiding principles of this extraordinary institution is the promotion of peace and security, development and human rights. Latest in a chain of events challenging these principles is the Ukraine conflict which has already created strains that are perhaps unprecedented for a generation.

7.     Such a conflict will have adverse consequences for us all, hindering our capacity to work together to resolve conflicts elsewhere, especially in Africa, the Middle-East and Asia. Indeed, the ongoing war in Ukraine is making it more difficult to tackle the perennial issues that feature each year in the deliberations of this Assembly, such as nuclear disarmament, the right of the Rohingya refugees to return to their homes in Myanmar, and the Palestinians’ legitimate aspirations for statehood and reduction of inequalities within and amongst nations.

8.     The danger of escalation of the war in Ukraine further justifies Nigeria’s resolute calls for a nuclear-free world and a universal Arms Trade Treaty, which are also necessary measures to prevent global human disasters. In this regards we must find quick means to reach consensus on the Nuclear non-proliferation Treaty with related commitments by nuclear weapon states.

9.     I  remain firmly convinced that the challenges that have come so sharply into focus in recent years and months emphasize the call by Nigeria and many other Member-States for the reform of the Security Council and other UN Agencies. We need more effective and representative structures to meet today’s demands that have since outgrown a system designed for the very different world that prevailed at its foundation in 1945. CHANGE IS LONG OVERDUE.     

Mr. President,

10.   This is the first meeting we are having here in New York without the  restrictions that characterised the last three years.   The COVID-19 pandemic ripped across National borders like a toxic whirlwind, leaving in its wake a legacy of pain and loss.

11.    Happily, we also witnessed an incredible level of innovation and creativity from those who devised treatments and vaccines. These laudable achievements were underpinned by partnerships and international cooperation. We have also seen the bravery, care, and endurance of health professionals at every corner of the globe.

 

12.    I am happy to note that in Nigeria, our healthcare agencies were able to form effective local management and engaged international partnerships with multinational initiatives like COVAX and private groups like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. These efforts helped mitigate the impact of the pandemic and we were mercifully spared the images of overwhelmed hospitals, overworked healthcare personnel and high mortality which sadly we saw elsewhere.

13.    With COVID-19, we saw very clearly how states tried to meet the challenge of a threat that could not be contained within national borders. The results were mixed; but at its best, cooperation among stakeholders was outstanding. It facilitated solutions that saved countless lives and eased the huge burden of human suffering. 

14.    That same theme of unilateralism and the promotion of national interest competing with the common cause in the face of an existential threat has been our recurring experience in recent times.  In every address I have delivered to this august Assembly, I have dwelt on the issue of climate change, especially as it fuels conflicts and complicates food security.

15.    Climate change reduces opportunity and prosperity which, in Africa, Latin America and some parts of Asia also contribute to transnational organized crimes.

16.    As part of Nigeria’s efforts at achieving our Global Net-zero aspiration, the current Administration last year adopted a National Climate Change Strategy that aims to deliver climate change mitigation in a sustainable manner.

17.    The measures we took at the national level also require climate justice. Africa and other developing nations produce only a small proportion of greenhouse gas emissions, compared to industrial economies. Yet, we are the hardest hit by the consequences of climate change as we see in the sustained droughts in Somalia and floods of unprecedented severity in Pakistan.

18.    These and other climate-related occurrences are now sadly becoming widely commonplace in the developing world. We are, in effect, literally paying the price for policies that others pursue.  This needs to change.

19.    At the Cop 26 in Glasgow last year, I did say that Nigeria was not asking for permission to make the same mistakes that others have made in creating the climate emergency.

20.    Fortunately, we now know what we can do to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis and the related energy challenge. As a first step, we must all commit to releasing the financing and the technology to create a stable and affordable framework for energy transition.

21.    Development Financial Institutions must prioritise de-risking energy projects to improve access of renewable projects to credit facilities. There should be no countries “left behind” in this equation.

22.    Rocketing energy costs worldwide are, in part, the product of conflict and supply disruptions to Europe and the Americas. Yet, we are all paying the price. It is, therefore, our expectation that this UNGA 77 and the upcoming COP 27 will help galvanise the political will required to drive action towards the fulfilment of the various existing climate change initiatives.

23.    Another feature of the last decade has been the gowing partnership between states and the increasingly influential non-state actors. There was a time when the most important event at this Assembly was the speech by the world’s most powerful leaders. Now a Tweet or Instagram post by an influencer on social or environmental issues may have greater impact.

24.    Technology offers us nearly limitless opportunities and sometimes runs ahead of the imagination of regulators and legislators. At its best, social media helps strengthen the foundations of our society and our common values.  At its worst, it is a corrosive digital version of the mob, bristling with intolerance and division.

25.    When I began my tenure as President in 2015, distinctions were drawn between the experience of poorer countries and those apparently better able to manage the avalanche of unfiltered information. Nigeria has had many  unsavoury experiences with hate speech and divisive disinformation. Increasingly, we also see that many countries face the same challenge. Clearly, data also know no borders.

26.    In confronting these challenges, we must also come together to defend freedom of speech, while upholding other values that we cherish. We must continue to work for a common standard that balances rights with responsibilities to keep the most vulnerable from harm and help strengthen and enrich communities.

27.    Efforts to protect communities from the scourge of disinformation and misinformation must also be matched with efforts to reduce inequalities and restore hope to our poorer and most vulnerable of our communities as a means to stem the many socio-economic conflict drivers with which we are faced.

28.    In spite of our efforts, humanitarian crises will continue to ravage some of our communities. Nigeria, therefore, implores our global partners to do more to complement our endeavours.

29.    Indeed, the multifaceted challenges facing most developing countries have placed a debilitating chokehold on their fiscal space. This equally calls for the need to address the burden of unsustainable external debt  by a global commitment to the expansion and extension of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative to countries facing fiscal and liquidity challenges as well as outright cancellation for countries facing the most severe challenges.

Mr. President, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

30.    Democracy is an idea that crosses time and borders. Certainly, democracy does have its limitations. The wheels of democracy turn slowly. It can demand compromises that dilute decisions. Sometimes, it bends too much to special interests that exercise influence, not always for the general good, in a manner disproportionate to their numbers. But it has been my experience that a democratic culture provides a Government with the legitimacy it needs to deliver positive change.

31.    In Nigeria, not only have we worked to strengthen our democracy, but we have supported it and promoted the Rule of Law in our sub-region. In The Gambia, we helped guarantee the first democratic transition since independence. In Guinea-Bissau we stood by the democratically elected Government when it faced mutiny. And  in the Republic of Chad, following the tragic death of its President, the late Idris Deby Itno in the battle field, we joined forces with its other neighbours and international partners to stabilize the country and encourage the peaceful transition to democracy, a process which is ongoing.

32.    We believe in the sanctity of constitutional term limits and we have steadfastly adhered to it in Nigeria. We have seen the corrosive impact on values when leaders elsewhere seek to change the rules to stay on in power. Indeed, we now are preparing for general elections in Nigeria next February. At the 78th UNGA, there will be a new face at this podium speaking for Nigeria.

33.    Ours is a vast country strengthened by its diversity and its common values of hard work, enduring faith and a sense of community. We have invested heavily to strengthen our framework for free and fair elections. I thank our partners for all the support that they have provided our election institutions.

34.    As President, I have set the goal that one of the enduring legacies I would like to leave is  to entrench a process of free, fair and transparent  and credible elections through which Nigerians elect leaders of their choice.

Mr. President,

35.    The multiple challenges that face us are truly  interconnected and urgent, and your choice of this Session's theme “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges” is apt. In keeping with our obligations as Member States of this noble Organisation, we all must do our utmost to work with you toward resolving them. In this regard, I reiterate my Delegation's full and  resolute cooperation. 

36.    Let me convey my final reflection from this famous podium. We live in extraordinary times with interdependent challenges but enormous opportunities. The pace of change can seem bewildering, with sometimes a palpable and unsettling sense of uncertainty about our future. But if my years in public service have taught me anything, it is that we must keep faith with those values that endure. These include, but are not limited to such values as justice, honour, integrity, ceaseless endeavour, and partnership within and between nations.

37.    Our strongest moments have always been when we remain true to the basic principles of tolerance, community, and abiding commitment to peace and goodwill towards all.

I thank you all.

OGUN TENNIS ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION SETS PLAN OF ACTION TO REVAMP FACILITIES ACROSS THE STATE

Ogun State Tennis Association has announced plans to refurbish playing courts across the state to make the facilities playable. 

Some of the tennis courts are in unplayable condition, extremely overgrown and not taken care of, over the years by successive governments. 

As part of its determination to put them back on track, members of the association who had recently concluded facility tour to Abeokuta, Asero, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and Ilaro playing centres have set a plan of action to reconstruct some of the dilapidated tennis courts. 

During the visit, Tennis Association Chairman Arc. Adeleke Bada, who led the team, expressed dissatisfaction over the deplorable states of some of the facilities, he however vowed that, the association would immediately intervene, by the association funding to support government to levelling up sports provision across the state, as well as support a new generation of players to get into tennis. 

Bada said a new tennis court would be  constructed inside M.K.O Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta with support of already identified sponsors as soon as government allocates land for that purpose; he also assured that,  association would work with government and other relevant stakeholders to get some of the tennis courts into use.

"once the tennis court is completed it will attract competitions; and championships will hold and that will put the sports where it rightly belongs in the state and it will attract national and international attention."

Some of the Courts Managers, during interaction with members of the association, were happy for the visit. They expressed optimism that, the intervention would be timely delivered in order to make the playing centres a beehive of activities and return them to its past glory. 

Tennis Head coach, Kehinde Ijaola said the association was determined to increasing opportunities for children and young people to take part in tennis; which, according to him, necessitated the activity action plan which includes sponsoring of championships as soon as the facilities were put in order.

 

THE MAYOR OF BADAGRY CENTRAL LGA HON. OLUSEGUN ONILUDE ENDORSED BADAGRY UNITED FC

The Executive Chairman of Badagry Central Local Government 

Hon. Olusegun Onilude on Thursday 15th September 2022 by 9:30am at his office received high powered delegation of Badagry United FC President Prince Seyon Adeyemi Akran, Vice President Chief Abel Mautin Ogunbiyi, Sporting Director Danladi Musa and Our Sports Loving Comptroller Nigerian Custom Service Seme Border Area Command and BUFC Director Emeritus CAC Bello Jibo.

CAC Bello Jibo who's Corporate Social Responsibility's (CSR) to the various border communities around Badagry Kingdom has touched all facets of life and sectors especially the meaningful engagement of youths through sports, Badagry United FC has become a veritable platform for our youth with potentials to excell, diverting their attention from crimes, smuggling and other peculiar crimes in border communities, which attracted the CAC interest and support for Badagry United FC BUFC. 

The CAC Summarised the activities and achievements of BUFC in just a year of establishment, the massive publicity mileage attained and need for the Local Government to compliment by create an enabling policies and regular materials and financial supports for the sustainability of Our Darling Community Club Badagry United FC building on the success thus achieved so far on and off the pitch.

The Badagry Central Local Government Executive Chairman Hon Olusegun Onilude in his response praised CAC Bello Jibo, BUFC President and Director's for the establishment of Our Community Team, Badagry United FC, Commended Our Grand Patron His Majesty The Akran of Badagry and Royal Father's, CAC Bello Jibo, President Prince Seyon Adeyemi Akran, Directors and other stakeholders for their selfless, financial, materials contributions to the successful establishment and running of the Community Club. 

The Mayor shared his experience on previously established Club's in Badagry and expressed his passions and interest in football and assured the BUFC Delegates of the Local Government Council supports and directed BUFC President and Directors on steps to take on the project to enable Him and his Executives deliberate on Badagry United FC BUFC request and come up with possible ways of partnership and supporting Badagry United FC activities for greater accomplishments and it's continued sustainability.

BUFC President Prince Seyon Adeyemi Akran delivered the collective appreciations of BUFC Directors to the Executive Chairman and promised to get the requested information's back to him swiftly.

WHO IS AFRAID OF STATUTES AMENDMENT?

Biodun Alabi

Again, the battle for

the leadership of Nigeria football federation(NFF) is in the court.

This is a clearly avoidable situation,if the key personalities in this matter, had been conscious of the vanities of the fleeting glories of their ambitions placed above the good of the game.

The underpinning grouse that led to this is another desire or ambition. Life is all about ambitions....that's undeniable. But ambition,desires or interests become putrid when they are not moderated  by circumspection; when they become inordinate. This is what we have now.

The Lagos Annual General Assembly provided a soft land for the brewing crisis, but that was couched in the decision to have election into a new board on September 30.

Now, September 30 has created an Albatross - a court order stopping the election from the ex-players group which is not pleased with the electoral process. The group wants the process 'democratised' by way of statutes reform.

So, why is statutes reform such a difficult thing to do as long it's for the good of the game?  

I've listened to the first Vice president of the current board, barrister  Seyi Akinwunmi, time and time. I've also heard a few of his colleagues on the same board who are aspiring to become the next president talk about their ideas, and they come to me as qualified as anyone outside the board claims for the job. 

The state FA chairmen,who have been the trump cards in all of these, appear to me oblivious of what changes are about in humans lives. Except for inferiority complex and admitted incompetence, reforms don't sound the death knell for anyone. They open perspectives rather, and if they key in, they remain relevant in their own spaces.....even without being chairmen. 

For still being relevant to be, even for the outgoing members of the current NFF board, the ecosystem of the game has to be set on auto mode.

The auto mode naturally attracts marketing possibilities and other specific business values for the game to become a bigger pool of one or two roles and gains for everyone. 

To be direct, the business of football journalism will not thrive without a virile football ecosystem. The local game will not be on TV with its attendant financial attachments if the ecosystem is absent.  And for the aggrieved ex-footballers and other interest groups, management, coaching and capacity development jobs are waiting endlessly in the pool.

I do not want to believe the ex-players have an unbridled sense of entitlement to the NFF board, because certainly, not all of them in the group, have the cutting edge educational and intellectual capacities to be there.  All I believe they crave for is a sense of belonging .....which they rightly deserve as our past heroes.

This, I'm also convinced, won't and shouldn't be stopped by whatever geo-political zoning offices in the new board have been tailored to.

After all, has Nigeria not been governed by that since 1960?

The Nigeria football public,at home and in the diaspora, does not care about all these. It only cares about the game. It's club football's return to the days of Rangers,IICC, Bendel Insurance,  Mighty Jets, Leventis United,  Abiola Babes etc.. It wants to see the national teams fly steadily again.

The more the fear for changes in the firmament of our game are resisted, the perpetual our game remains underdeveloped.

CAFCC: REMO STARS ANNOUNCES TICKET FARE FOR CLASH WITH AS FAR, MOROCCO

Nigeria's representative at the ongoing CAF Confederations Cup, Remo Stars Football Club will on Sunday, 18th September, 2022 clash with AS FAR Rabat of Morocco in the second leg of the preliminary round of the African Football Confederation Cup.

Remo Stars on September 11, 2022 gave an excellent account of themselves as they battled to a 1-1 draw away to Moroccan side, AS FAR Rabat.

Adams Olamilekan’s second half header salvaged the commendable draw for Remo Stars at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat.

After their blistering run in the Nigeria Professional Football League last season where they finished in the third position, Remo Stars showed they were ready to take the continent by storm on their first try.

But the Sky Blue team has, however, designed category for the gate fee for the spectators.

Ticket for the VIP section is for  N2000 , N1,000 for the Premium ticket and N500 for the regular section. 

All categories of tickets will be sold at the stadium on match day.

The club, therefore, urged their fans to come out en mass and support the home team.

It also assured the fans of their safety during and after the match as adequate security has been put in place.

THE LIVING LEGEND AND THEATRE ICON: BABA WANDE

 By Yusuf Olatunji

As famous as household name for the local matches, called “Isana Elefa”   in the south west, Nigeria, many people know Baba Wande as he is fondly called in the theatre industry has various stage names  such as “ASIYANBI”, ”SIYANBOLA”,”GBAJUMO”.

Alhaji Abdul Kareem Adebayo Adepoju was born on April, 20th 1943.he also produces films such as “Ti Oluwanile”,” Agbabiaka”, ”Enu Eye”, ”Agbami Aye”,” Obuko Dudu” and so on.

 OGUN City News met with veteran actor, popularly known as Baba Wande, a 80 year old but who looks like a young man of early 40s. He is a native of Arikalamu Compound Olu-Ode, Owo-Ope in Oshogbo State of Osun.

EARLY DAYS

“During the stage Politicians: Free education policy in Western Nigeria in the era of Late Obafemi Awolowo,I attended Ansar-ud-deen primary school, Oshogbo from 1954-1960. I later proceeded to catholic Modern School, Agbor from 1961-1963 after modern school, I joined Oyin Adejobi theatre on full time”

      WHEN DID YOU START ACTING?

“I started acting drama right from my primary school days in Ansar-ud-deen. Am lucky to be one of the pupils, the school choose to learn drama under the tutelage of Late Oyin Adejobi drama organization. Our school is privately owned by Ansar-ud-deen, the school management made use of the procedures gotten from the various stage plays. We,” pupils’ dramatist” presented at various designated centres to pay our teachers’ salary then”.

“Also Ansar-ud-deen society invited late Oyin Adejobi to perform stage plays for us in our school. That was how I developed interest in drama”.

              

HOW MANY FILMS DO YOU PRODUCE AND PARTICIPATED?

“I had lost count, I produced many films, also participated in many films(s),I can’t really be specific on the number of films I produced and participated in”

                                         

 HOW MANY YEARS ON STAGE?

“I thank God for my life, glory be to Him. Now I am fifty-four years on stage”.

                                       

“ADVENT OF TI OLUWA NILE”

“You see I was gifted by Allah, whenever am in the commercial bus I listed to passengers’ conversation. One day I was in a bus, someone raised a controversy issue that some people sold a piece of land in a particular town and they began to die one by one. I quickly picked interest in the controversial matter, when I got home I began to think about the issue. Some people fight over here too and drag themselves to court room even I once experienced where they plaster a shelter overnight, somewhere in the Lagos State to beat other party to it. Wonders can never end. That was how I began to write the play but it was detailed then because it was titled. When TK (Tunde Kelani) established mainframe production, he asked me weather I have play which we can produce together. I told him that I have one, I narrated the story, he picked interest in it,. With his brain, my brain and other peoples efforts were put together for the play without title. We later coined the play title when shot a scene in hotel in Abeokuta , when we won the land case in court room, in that particular scene, to celebrate the case we won they asked me, “TALO NI LE?” means “Who owns the land?”, I responded “T’oluwa Nile Ati Awa ti a mo Itan re means “THE LORD OWNS THE LAND AND WE THAT KNOWS THE HISTORY OF THE LAND.”

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH TUNDE KELANI?

“Myself and TK were friends from the beginning of T’Oluwa Nile production, we remain friends after and up till now we are still friends.

WHO ARE YOUR COMTEMPRARIES IN THEATRE FIELD?

‘My contemprairices were Lere Paimo, Jimoh Aliu, Moses Olaiya (Babasala), Ola Omonitan (Ajimajasan), Adebayo Salami (Bello), met us in the field and so on.

BABA WANDE MARITAL LIFE

“Glory be to Almighty Allah, I have many wives and Allah blessed me with many children, both males and females, there is no third tier of children in life. My children are doing fine in their various chosen fields”.

DOES ANY OF YOUR CHILDREN PRACTISE THEATRE?

“Maybe, if possible in future any one of them may decide to resign from his or her job to venture into theatre because they are bankers, engineer, and so on. Presently, they assisted whenever I have production, they participated in my films and then, after production they will go back to their various respective fields of work”.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THEN THEATRE AND NOWADAYS THEATRE?

Then veteran actor spotted many differences in the theatre of yesterday and today. He begins, “The differences between then and nowadays theatre is very clear because some people then in our community were ignorance of theatre with wrong perceptions they see us as useless fellow then. But nowadays, they offer theatre art as course in our various universities now. 

Secondly, another difference was then we move from city to city, village to village, from one state to another, we slept in king palace also to perform stage play in the palace square, that was when people started developing interest in drama. However, nowadays, there is no more travelling to village, cities and so on, audience sat back at the comfort of their living room to watch movies through technology.

Thirdly, theatre has moved away from the professionals who really love the job in the beginning. It has moved to the businessmen who now go into it for profitable means, like the common saying that “he who plays piper dictates the tunes” nowadays, some theatre practitioner dance to the tune of the marketers because if they asked to act nudity they will, because they have no choice. Though marketers know those they dictate to, they dare not do that with me. It is not all about money, but being a role model, preaching the right to our audience through plays and just like every other perform, we will sure give account of our deeds on earth before Allah.” 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING IF YOU ARE NOT IN LOCATION?

“Hmm, when am at home I would be reciting the Holy Quran, if I have script to write, I do that and always like people around me to review it. That’s why you see people around doing presently.

BABA WANDE AND SPORTS

“Ah, I am an athlete, I play football, I do run, I do jump and I do various exercise to make me sweat and keep me fit”.

WITH WHAT YOU HAVE SAID SO FAR, WHAT DID YOU BENEFIT FROM THEATRE?

“Alhamdulillah! I benefited a lot from theatre, you see everything is not money, I got fame through theatre, I performed Holy Pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia through theatre, I toured Europe and America continents through theatre, I trained my children up to university level through theatre, I really benefited from theatre, I thank Almighty Allah.   

As Alhaji Abdul Kareen Adepoju benefits from theatre, he also as a mentor produce many artists via training the young budding stars to nurture them to stardom people like; 

Shukurah Opeyemi Lawal, a native of Ikirun, Osun State. She is a Business Administration Graduate from Imo State Polytechnic. She is one of the Baba Wande trainees, she describes the living legend actor as a role model, man of the people who treats his subjects equally.

To Adetutu Omidiran, a native of Osogbo, Osun State, “Alhaji AbudlKareen Adepoju is my father because he treated me like her daughter though, am his apprentice in theatre industry”. Omidiran a computer Science undergraduate student at The Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State . 

Abidemi Oladimeji, a native of Iragbiji, Osun State. To her, “Baba Wande is not our master, he is our father, a great father who plays fatherly role in our life, he never sees us as his trainees, he treat us like his children, also gave us good advice.” Though I am a Business Administration under graduate student at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree.

YOUR MEMORABLE DAY?

“The day I saw the Holy Mosque, Kaabah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It surprised me that I theatre practitioner like me can perform Hajj. I wonder that I could perform Hajj though the money I make from theatre because no individual or government sponsors my trip to Saudi Arabia. I sponsored my trip to Mecca with my sweat and the money and I made from theatre industry.

YOUR ADVICE TO NOWADAYS THEATRE PRACTITIONERS?

“I beg them to remember the son of whom they are, also they should know that one day we would leave this world where Almighty Allah would ask us to account for all what we did in the universe on the day of judgment.”

Thanks for your time.

You are welcome. 

 

  

 

GREENWOOD IS VERY STILL

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 The Manchester United club has insisted that Mason Greenwood will continue to stay out of the competition despite being included in the youth team this season 2022-2023.

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 The 20-year-old was not included in the senior squad but is on the roster of the club's youth team.

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 Despite staying out of the field, Greenwood has continued to receive his £75,000-a-week salary.

OGUN SWAN/Security Cup: Police, NSCDC, Customs, TRACE through to Semi-Final

 It will be clash of Titans on Sunday, as the Champions of 2021 SWAN/Security Safety Cup, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) will face the Niger's Police team, Police Machines at the semi-final of the ongoing SWAN/Security cup.

The semi-final encounter on Sunday will be the second time the two giant security outfits will face each other at the SWAN/Security Cup organized by Ogun State chapter of Sports

Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

Recall that NSCDC defeated Nigeria Police 1nil at the finals in 2021 to emerge champions.

Team NSCDC defeated Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) in a tension-soaked quarter-final match.

Ogunsanya Olalekan gave VGN the lead in 5min through a volley ball above the NSCDC goalkeeper, Ogungbo Femi.

NSCDC's Fisayo Ayorinde put the defending champions back to the game in the 14th minute through a header from the corner kick.

Team NSCDC, finally, booked a place in the semi-final after winning 4-3 on penalty shootout.

In another encounter, Nigerian Customs Service beat Immigration 5-0 in what looked like a friendly to book a semi final ticket against TRACE Corps on Sunday.

Nigeria Police proved its superiority over flying antelopes of Amotekun Corps with a comfortable 2-1 win to also qualify for the semi-final against their title rivals, NSCDC.

The two semi final matches will be played on Sunday, 18th September, 2022 beginning from 2pm.

Ogun SWAN/Security Cup: Amotekun, Police Set For Showdown On Wednesday

 ABEOKUTA – The football team of Nigeria Police will tomorrow, Wednesday clash with flying antelopes of Amotekun in the quarter final match of the ongoing SWAN Security and Safety Cup competition.

Amotekun qualified for the last 8 after emerging runner-up in their group B.

Police Machines came first in their group D with 4 points.

In another quarter-finals encounter slated for your10am tomorrow, Nigeria Immigration Service who top group A with 4points from two games will trade tackle with Nigeria Customs Service who finished as runners up in group C.

The encounter billed for the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta will kick-off at 10am.

The second match of the day is between the So Safe Corps who top group B with six points and second placed team in group D TRACE.

The defending Champions, NSCDC will square up against Vigilante Group of Nigeria.

The semi finals matches of the competition will come on Sunday, 18th September, 2022 at MKO international stadium, Kuto Abeokuta by 2pm.

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Gunmen hired by Oba’s son attack him inside palace in Ogun

The police spokesman in Ogun State, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident on Monday.

It was gathered that the gunmen, said to be suspected members of the Eiye cult group, have been arrested by the police.

Oyeyemi said they were nabbed “while attempting to kill the traditional ruler in his palace,” as directed by his son.

The Police Public Relations Officer identified the suspects as, Hammed Jelili, Michael Ayodele, Monday Samuel, Ademola Matthew, Ogundele Ojeh and Sunkanmi Fadina.

DAILY POST learnt that the monarch had made a distress call to the police at Oja-Odan division around 4:25 pm, saying “some cultists were about to kill him in his palace.”

Upon the distress call, the DPO of the Oja-Odan division was said to have mobilized his men to the palace, “where they met the hoodlums shooting sporadically.”

Oyeyemi said the “policemen engaged them in a shootout and eventually subdued the cultists and got six amongst them arrested.”

On interrogation, Oyeyemi informed that the arrested suspects had confessed to being members of the Eiye confraternity.

“They also informed the police that, it was the son of the Oba who is now at large that invited them to come and eliminate his father because of an unresolved issue the Oba has been having with his mother,” Oyeyemi said.

He reported that one locally-made double-barrelled pistol, two live cartridges and one expended cartridge were recovered from the suspects.

The said son of the Oba, according to Oyeyemi, had fled “with another gun belonging to the group.”

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole has ordered the immediate transfer of the six arrested men to the State CIID in Eleweran, Abeokuta, even as he ordered that the fleeing son of the traditional ruler be hunted, to bring him to justice

Sodiq Out Of The Season

Real Sociedad new signing, Sadiq Umar has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The player will undergo surgical treatment and could be sidelined for the rest of the season.

TERRORISTS NEGOTIATOR, TUKUR MAMU, MAKES STARTLING REVELATIONS!

 

Terrorists Nagotiator Tukur Mamu Began Revelations, Gen Ali Gusau, Bafarawa and some Clerics Mentioned Among Syndicate.

As investigation by the Department of State Services DSS continues on the arrested Abuja - Kaduna Train Attack Negotiator Tukur Mamu, the conflict entrepreneur has started making some shocking revelations of a syndicate responsible for terrorism in Northern and other parts of Nigeria.

Among those Tukur Mamu mentioned include General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, a former National Security Adviser and an international SPY expert, a former Sokoto state governor Alh Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, as well as some clerics (names withheld, to be revealed soon.) Pressed by the professional interrogations of the DSS, Mamu said there were some politicians and clerics who have been behind the issue of terrorism in Nigeria and was ready to reveal them.

He said many of the sponsors of the terrorism mayhem in the country have link with collaborators outside the country and have been supporting terrorists in various communities, particularly in northern Nigeria. 

The Department of State Security Services has confirmed the raid on the Kaduna residence and office of the terrorists’ negotiator. Confirming the raid in a statement on Thursday, the Spokesman for the DSS, Peter Afunanya, said, “So far, appropriate security agencies have executed valid search warrants on Mamu’s residence and office. During the processes, incriminating materials including military accoutrements were recovered. 

“Other items include large amounts in different currencies and denominations as well as financial transaction instruments.” 

"Tukur Mamu who has been complaining for government refusal to negotiate with the bandits of the Abuja - Kaduna train attack victims is being suspected of involvement in ransom recketteering to the tunre of over 2 billionnaira and was arrested on Tuesday in Cairo, Egypt along with his two wives and sons on their way to Saudi Arabia.” 

Source: NAN

Father, 46, rapes 17-year-old daughter in Abeokuta

Men of Ogun State Police command have arrested a 46-year-old man, Olusegun Oluwole for allegedly having carnal knowledge of his 17-year-old daughter (name withheld).

The suspect reportedly sneaked into his daughter’s room and raped her while asleep.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Oyeyemi said the suspect was arrested following a complaint lodged at Ibara police station by the victim.

Oyeyemi added that the victim was reportedly accompanied by some So-Safe-Corps men and reported that she was sleeping in one room apartment at Amolaso area of Abeokuta at about 11:30pm when his father raped her.

He said, “The victim said, having observed that others were fast asleep, the father suddenly grabbed her and forcefully had sex with her with a threat to kill her if she refused to allow him.

“Upon the report, the DPO Ibara division, CSP Bernard Egbondiya, quickly detailed his detectives to the scene, where the suspect was promptly arrested.

“On interrogation, the father of six, who confessed to the crime, pleaded for forgiveness, claiming not knowing what came over him when he committed the crime.”

The PPRO, however, said the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole, had ordered the transfer of the suspect to state Criminal investigation Department for further investigation and possible prosecution, while the victim was taken to general hospital for medical treatment.rime, pleaded for forgiveness, claiming not knowing what came over him when he committed the crime.”

The PPRO, however, said the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole, had ordered the transfer of the suspect to state Criminal investigation Department for further investigation and possible prosecution, while the victim was taken to general hospital for medical treatment.

Priest Resigns, Supports Polygamous, says It's ordained by God

A priest in Nnewi Anglican Diocese, Rev. Barr. Ogbuchukwu Makuo Lotanna has just resigned from being a priest in the Anglican Diocese, with plans to kick off a movement that supports Polygamy.

To Reverend Ogbuchukwu, Polygamy is not bad. He said he has taken his time to discover the truth about Polygamy, which the Church has been hiding for a very long time. He claimed that he has received a divine mandate from God to kick off a movement in support of Polygamy called ‘Gideonites’ and that their place of worship will be called ‘Gideonites temple’.

Reverend Ogbuchukwu who is a legal practitioner has also advised men to marry their side chicks, instead of sleeping around with women who they’re not married to. He said that it will help in reducing sexual sins.

Reverend Ogbuchukwu also said that what God hates is unnecessary divorce, and not Polygamy. 

LAGOS SWAN CARETAKER COMMITTEE APPOINTS ADELU, OBIAKOR, ENYINNAYA INTO ELECTORAL COMMITTEE

 At last, th

e Caretaker Committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Lagos State chapter ably led by Aaron Akerejola of Arise Television has inaugurated a three-man SWAN Electoral Committee (SWANECO) to be chaired by Taiwo Adelu, Chris Obiakor as Vice Chairman while Victor Enyinnaya will serve as Secretary.

The elaborate ceremony which was held at the National Stadium Surulere, Secretariat of Lagos State SWAN was witnessed by the Vice President South West of the body, Ajayi Obe.

In his opening remarks Caretaker Committee Chairman, Aaron Akerejola emphatically expressed his joy on the massive turnout of members and thanked them for their support thus far urging them to continue to show this kind of solidarity which would midwife a new and vibrant executive of the chapter.

“I want you to spread the good news that our great SWAN Lagos State chapter is fully back and also roaring to go. The successful inauguration of SWANECO yesterday has set the tune and then signified that the Caretaker Committee is religiously following her mandate by the national body. We are glad to note that sooner than later the new executive of Lagos State SWAN would take hold”, he said.

In that vein, Vice President South West Ajayi Obe also expressed his heartfelt joy on the turn up of members which he attributed to the unrelenting round-the-clock efforts of the Caretaker Committee that has been working tirelessly as a team.

Obe, therefore, urged SWANECO to ensure that they will conduct a seamless poll strictly within the guidelines of SWAN. He believes that the experience of the SWANECO team further gave him confidence that Lagos State SWAN is on course