Sport

Stakeholders Want Friendly Policies For Football Development

By Web News 830

Sports administrators and coaches in Ogun state want government at all levels to encourage private sector participation in the development of sports in the country through development-friendly policies.

The administrators and coaches made the call at a roundtable discussion organized by All Stars Football Club, Abeokuta, to commemorate the 60th years of Nigeria’s Independence and find a way forward for football development in the country.

CAF Champions League Winning Coach, Kadiri Ikhana who highlighted the gains of the country had recorded in the 70s and 80s said unless government hands off the running of football in the country, the round leather game would continue to witness decline in Nigeria.

Speaking in the same vein, former Chairman, Ogun State House Assembly Committee on Youth and Sports, Mr Olufemi Allen-Taylor stressed the need for government to desist from using sports especially football as a political tool rather than an avenue to revamp the economy.

Former General Manager of Gateway United Football Club, Tony Rafua identified the lack of a viable football culture, robust sponsorship deal, job security and motivation as some of the factors affecting the game of football in the country.

Also, former Nigerian player, Kola Taiwo said appointment of qualified and committed managers would go a long way to change the fortunes of football in the country.

In a remark, the President, All Stars Football Club, Abeokuta, Alhaji Waheed Lawal, explained that the programme was organised to allow stakeholders in the administration of sports in the country find a lasting solution to challenges responsible for the decline of football in the country.

Alhaji Lawal emphasised the need for Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to provide a 50 million naira grant to each of the football clubs in Nigeria, and monitor the investment to ensure return on it.

Olusegun Folarin

Politics

Ogun Government Declares Two-Day Curfew for Independence Celebration

By Web News 759

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has announced that there would be 10pm to 6am curfew for two days across the state starting from from Wednesday tonight, as part of efforts to ensure that 60th Independence Anniversary is celebrated in an atmosphere of peace and security.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun said restriction of operations of commercial motorcyclists from all major roads in the state and suspension of operations of all commercial buses would begin at 10pm Wednesday night to 6am on Friday

The governor also explained that Taxi cabs were permitted to operate within the hours outside the daily curfew period, while all forms of gatherings in the state were restricted to a maximum of 20 persons from 10pm tonight till 6am on Friday. 

Governor Abiodun pointed out that his administration opted for a low-key Independence Anniversary celebration as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that grand finale of the nation diamond anniversary earlier scheduled to hold at June 12 Cultural Centre, had been rescheduled to hold at arcade group Oke Mosan Abeokuta.

While urging residents of the state to monitor and report any suspicious movements in their neighbourhood, 

Governor Abiodun said his administration was committed to ensure security of lives and property during and after the 60th Independence Anniversary.

Bolanle Adesida

Religion

Nigeria 60th Anniversary: Religious Leader Calls for National Repentance

By Web News 684

The Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Peter Akinola has called for national repentance in a bid to to stop the recurring blood letting and other national challenges.

The Most Reverend Akinola stated this in the sermon entitled “Rejecting the blood Shedding culture” at the 60th National Day Thanksgiving Service held at Cathedral of saint Peter Ake, Abeokuta.

The Primate who noted that the past and prevailing episodes of blood letting would continue to undermine development of the country, identified Godliness, righteousness and justice as foundation for building the desired peaceful, progressive and respectable nation.

While pointing out that there must be justice for all victims of Nigeria’s bloodletting, the Most Reverend Akinola, said that anyone found guilty should be appropriately punished.

The religious leader urged Nigerians to take the National Day celebration as an opportunity for all citizens to shun bloodletting adding that God would have mercy on Nigeria if the people seek His intervention.

In a remark, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stressed the need for Nigerians to be united and support the efforts to strengthen national development, stating that nation building remained a collective responsibility.

Bolanle Adesida

Environment

Fire Razes Electronic Store in Abeokuta

By Web News 770

An early morning fire has razed a three-storey building housing an electronic store at Totoro area of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The early morning fire incident, according to witnesses, was noticed around 7am, and it destroyed the millions of naira worth of property, including electronics, electrical appliances and other households gadgets.

The cause of the early morning fire incident was yet to be confirmed, however some residents of the area attributed the incident to a high voltage of electricity in the area.

 Ogun State Fire and Safety Service got to the scene on time and was able to contain the fire, thus preventing it from engulfing the nearby buildings.

Wale Oluokun

Lifestyle

FUNAAB Holds Commendation Service for Late Emeritus Professor Israel Adu

By Web News 1558

A religious scholar, Professor Christian Ikeobi wants the family, colleagues and friends of the late former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, Professor Israel Adu, to take consolation in the fact that the deceased served God till the end, hence he lives on with the Lord. 

Professor Ikeobi who is the University Chaplain made the submission at a commendation service held in honour of the 3rd substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Emeritus Professor Israel Folorunsho Adu.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Kolawole Salako described the deceased as a true advocate of the university who worked frantically in promoting the cause of the FUNAAB till he breathed his last. 

He eulogised the late Emeritus Professor and acknowledged his peaceful disposition, humility, love, hard work and diligence as winner of the maiden Best Vice-Chancellor Award for Nigerian Universities in 2002 and again, in 2005. 

In separate remarks, representatives of the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Professor Elias Bogoro and the Executive Director, National Animal Production Research Institute, Professor Clarence Lakpini said Professor Adu was a great gentleman, astute administrator and a thorough-bred professional. 

Former vice chancellors, management staff, representatives of professional, academic bodies in the country, staff trade unions of the FUNAAB and president of the Students Union Government all poured encomiums on the late Emeritus Professor at the commendation service which according to the Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Dr Linda Onwuka was also streamed live on social media. 

Oluremi Olugbenro 

Crime

57-Year-Old Docked For Sexually Abusing A Minor In Ogun

By Web News 669

A 57-year-old prophet, Ebenezer Ogunmefun, has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State for sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl.

The Prosecution Counsel, Inspector Moshood Hammed, told the court that the defendant committed the offence at Olomore area of the state capital.

Inspector Hammed alleged that the man, who claimed to be a Prophet had informed the victim’s mother that the 15-year-old girl was possessed by evil spirits and needed “spiritual cleansing”.

The defendant who pleaded not guilty of the charge had reportedly compelled the girl to take an oath of secrecy with the Bible and warned her not to tell anyone that she was sexually-abused. 

The prosecutor maintained that the offence was committed in contravention of Section 33 of the Child Rights Laws of Ogun, 2006.

Magistrate Solomon Banwo granted the defendant bail to the sum 750 thousand naira with two sureties in like sum and one of the sureties must be the defendant’s wife while the second must be a community leader.

The case was adjourned the case till Wednesday 2nd of September 2020 for hearing.

Oluremi Olugbenro

Yoruba

Awon Awako Elejo Gbanaje Nitori Iku Akegbe Won

By Web News 763

Awon awako elejo kan nilu Abeokuta ti gunle ifehonu han lori isele isekupani to waye si okan lara won lasiko ti iko to n se ko kari igbokegbodo oju popo n’ipinle Ogun n se ise won.

Awn awako elejo naa ni won ko awon inkan ija bii igi gbogbo atawon inkan ija oloro miin lowo ya bo ileese awon iko naa to wa ni Ibara, ati ileese iko to n se amojuto ini igboko si ni ipinle naa, ti won si fo gilaasi awon oko ti won ba lagbegbe naa.

Won tun so pe won gbe owo ti won ko mo iye re lo nileese ajo naa.

Nigba to n b’awon oniroyin soro, Awako epo Ogbeni Soji Sehinde tun ti esun kana won osise iko naa pe won maa n lo awon lowo gbe owo, o se adayansi e pe gbigbo awon to ni oko elejo ni won paa lase fun pe won gbodo maa san egberun lona ogunrun kan naira, ley ti awon ti n san.

Nigba to n fesi, agbenuso iko TRACE n’ipinle Ogun, Ogbeni Babatunde Akinbiyi saleye wi pe iwode jagidijagan tawon awako elejo na gunle ko seyin iku okan lara won to je pe awako bii tiwon naa lo wa oko to gbemi omokunrin naa.

O salaye wipe, oko elejo naa ni won fi ofin de pe o tapa sofin isede ale, ko to dip e isele buruku naa waye.

Leyin opo wahala latoodo awon Olopa Ibara lo je ki ohun gbogbo pada bo sipo lagbegbe naa.

Babatunde Salaudeen

Education

Juniors Sent Home To Make Room For Their Seniors

By Web News 1069

Junior Secondary School three students in Ogun State were sent back home from school following the commencement of West Africa Examination for the Senior Secondary School three students.

The junior students were seen returning home from their various schools within Abeokuta metropolis.

Some of the junior Students of Asero High School, Ẹgba Grammar School and Africa Grammar School during interaction with Radio Nigeria said they were asked to return home pending the conclusion of the WAEC Examinations.

It was reported by some teachers that the directive to send the junior secondary students home was related to the schools from the Ogun State Ministry of Education and was aimed at making the junior classrooms available for the senior students’ examination.

Some of the schools where the examination is taking place were observed to have strict compliance to the Covid-19 protocols.

Health officials were stationed at the entrance of some of the schools with single entrances equipped with infrared thermometer for monitoring of temperature.

Others also monitored were with hand washing facilities with soap and hand sanitizer.

Wale Oluokun

Education

25,000 Naira Covid-19 Test: Ogun NLC Demands Reversal of Directive

By Web News 798

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called on Ogun State government to rescind the decision of compulsory COVID-19 test for SS3 students at the cost of Twenty-Five Thousand Naira for private school students.

The Labour Congress in a statement made available in Abeokuta advised government to bear the cost of the students tests in Public and Private Secondary Schools.

The statement signed by the Ogun State Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Abimbola and the acting Secretary, Comrade Olátúnjí Ayuba urged the state government not to contemplate policies that will add to the burden of the citizenry.

The congress noted that Nigerians are currently battling with socioeconomic issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic and urged the government to be sensitive to the plight of its citizens by introducing palliatives and cash grant to families to cushion the effect of the problem.

The congress stated that the discriminating policies between students of public and private schools in the state has no moral justification.

The union then called on the Ogun State governor to step into the matter and direct the immediate reversal of the directive.

Wale Oluokun

Education

Secondary Schools Resume in Ogun

By Web News 1296

Academic and non-academic staff of the public and private secondary schools in Ogun State have resumed duties.

Radio Nigeria correspondent who monitored the exercise reports that the staff were seen cleaning their offices in preparation of students resumption.

The principal, Patterson Memorial Baptist Grammar School, Idi Aba, Abeokuta, Reverend Adeleye Olusina said the school is well prepared and Covid-19 compliant to receive its SS3 students on Wednesday.

A bursar at Ijemo Titun Junior School at Ibara Housing Estate, Mrs Temitope Ogunsola expressed appreciation to God for sparing their lives till now.

Wale Oluokun

Education

Parents of Private Secondary School Students Protest High Cost of Covid-19 Test

By Web News 741

Parents of final year students in private secondary schools in Ogun State have appealed to the state government to reverse the twenty-five thousand naira cost of Covid-19 for boarding students before resumption for the Senior Secondary Schools Certificate Examination.

The parents made the appeal during a protest at the MTR Specialist Hospital, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, venue of the test.

Radio Nigeria correspondent completes the story.

Francisca Irekpita

Crime

So-Safe Corps Nab Motorcycle Thief in Ilaro

By Web News 2750

The officers and men of the SO-SAFE Corps has arrested a man, Zeniteni Sojineh for allegedly stealing a motorcycle on farmland at Ileba, Ilaro, in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun state.

The Director of Information and Public Relations of the Corps, Mr. Moruf Yusuf said in a statement in Abeokuta that the suspect had joined the team to conduct search for the stolen motorcycle.

Mr Yusuf pointed out that it was in the process of the search that the suspect was found out to be the culprit of the crime.

He explained that the suspect allegedly confessed voluntary to the crime and took the officers and men of the corps to the place where he had used grass to cover the motorcycle.

Mr Yusuf said the suspect had been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force, Ilaro Divisional Police Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.

Olusegun Folarin

Crime

Man in Police Net for Defilement of 12-Year-Old

By Web News 825

Police in Ogun State have arrested a fifty-year-old man, Niyi Omowodun for allegedly for defiling a 12-year-old girl.

The suspect, a resident of Ejigun Agbede, Itele Ota in Ado-Odo Local Government Area of the state was arrested following a complaint at the Itele Divisional Headquarters that her daughter had been sexually abused by the suspect. 

A statement issued in Abeokuta by the spokesman of the state command, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi says the suspect who claimed to be a Pastor confessed to be having unlawful carnal knowledge of the little girl. 

Mr Oyeyemi explained that the suspect who also claimed to have separated with his wife since 2016 noted that he lured the small girl into an uncompleted building in the area while the girl was going on an errand.

He pointed out that the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Mr Kenneth Ebrimson had ordered the transfer of the suspect to the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Labor Unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation and diligent prosecution.

  Olusegun Folarin

Politics

Ogun APC Mourns Ajimobi

By Web News 802

Ogun State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has expressed sadness over the death of the former two-term Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajumobi.

In a statement made available in Abeokuta by the State Publicity Secretary of the APC Caretaker Committee, Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye, the party described the late former governor as a versatile politician, courageous administrator and a jinx breaker in the politics of Oyo State, who never shied away from expressing his mind and taking responsibility on issues.

Ogun APC while commiserating with the party leaders and members in Oyo State, the National and the Oyo State Government on the death of the Senator enjoined the family to be consoled that the former senator has, by his deeds, etched his name positively in the book of remembrance in Oyo State.

The party prayed that God will grant the family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Wale Oluokun

Health

Infant Tests Positive for COVID-19 in Abeokuta

By Web News 813

A two and half year old girl has tested positive for Coronavirus at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.

A statement by the Head, Public Relations and Information of the hospital, Mr. Segun Orisajo explained that the girl was admitted into the facility over a week ago for difficulty in breathing.

According to him, investigations carried out on the patient due to the persisted high temperature, made the doctors to isolate her.

Mr. Orisajo said no member of staff or other patients were unduly exposed to the patient before the result came out positive.

The head of the Public Relations department said the suspicion of care givers on the third day led to the testing for corona virus while her treatment was on going.

Mr. Orisajo stated that the girl is currently receiving treatment at the center’s isolation ward while the facility where she was initially admitted had been disinfected.

In the meantime, the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Professor Adewale Musa-Olomu has given assurance that the hospital management had initiated contact tracing of other family members of the COVID-19 patient.

Wale Oluokun

Lifestyle

Senior Citizens Call for Care of the Elderly

By Web News 1471

Some elders in Abeokuta have called on the youths to take good care of their parents while they are alive.

The elders while speaking on the World Elders Abuse Prevention day called on children not to allow their parents to suffer due to lack of care.

Baaroyin of Egbaland, Olootu Layi Labode who recently turned seventy seven years said, civilization and western education had affected the care of the elderly compared to the olden days.

Olootu Labode who advised the government to give more palliatives to the elderly persons due to poverty, noted that the medical advice had made the elderly to feel more lonely.

Another elder, Mr. Solomon Ayinla who will be sixty nine years in two months’ time described poor treatment of the elders as very pathetic which must be redressed.

He charged the youths to give proper care to their parents while they are still living rather than buying expensive casket when they died.

The theme for this year is “unifying Elder Justice and Violence Against Women providing opportunities for sharing the life experiences of older people”.

Wale Oluokun

Crime

16 Internet Fraudsters Bags Jail Term in Abeokuta

By Web News 1149

A Federal High Court in Abeokuta has sentenced sixteen internet fraudsters also known as yahoo boys to different jail terms.

A statement by the spokesman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewole made available to newsmen in Abeokuta explained that Justice Mohammed Abubakar who presided over the court convicted the sixteen accused finding them guilty of criminal impersonation and possession of documents containing false pretenses.

The statement listed the names of the convicted as Ajibola Ibikunle, Victor Solomon Osahun, Adeniyi and Afeez Adebayo.

Other convicted included Enitan Babajide Ganiu, Ashore Gbogbo Ayo, Sobayo Oladapo, Odebode Abiola Jamiu and Dairo Emmanuel Olajide.

The list also includes Stephen Mathew, Hussain Abdulkabir, Ayanniyi Quadri Ayansegun, Ajibike Kehinde Segun, Ibironke Tomiwa Emmanuel,

Agboola Olanrewanju Shakiru, Abdulrauf Adam Opeyemi and Akinlabi Royal Ebube completed the list of the sixteen jailed yahoo boys.

Mr. Oyewole said the convicts were all in their mid-twenties and pleaded guilty to one-count charge of impersonation separately filed against them by the EFCC.

According to him, the Prosecution counsels, Mr. Bashir Shamsuddeen, and Mr. Abdulrasheed Suleiman prayed the court to convict them accordingly.

The breakdown of the jail terms showed that Odebode would be in jail for two months while Ajibola, Osahun, Adebayo, Enitan, Ashore, Matthew, Ajibike and Akinlabi were sentenced to three months jail each, while Ayanniyi, Sobayo, Ibironke and Abdulrauf would spend four months in jail.

Abdulkabir and Dairo were also handed six months jail term each, while Agboola was sentenced to eleven months imprisonment.

The statement noted that the court ruled that the convicts would all forfeit items recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria while they must also restitute sundry sums to their respective victims.

Wale Oluokun

Lifestyle

Obasanjo Library Sends Workers on Temporary Break

By Web News 823

The Management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State has sent some of its workers on temporary break following the effect of the Covid-19 on the business.

According to letter issued by the management of the library and signed by Head of Human Resources, Administration and Procurement, Mrs Olanike Ogunleye the library claimed that the organisation was overwhelmed by the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The library management said it regrets to inform the workers that their employment will be put on hold till further notice from thirty-first of May, 2020.

The Managing Director of the library, Mr Vitalise Ortese, in a remark, said the decision was informed by the reality of the period.

He said the library did not sack the workers noting that it was clearly stated in their letter that it was temporary cessation.

Wale Oluokun

Crime

Ogun Police Arrests 108 People for Breaching Lockdown Order

By Web News 1016

One hundred and eight persons have been arrested and prosecuted in Abeokuta for violating the lockdown order at the Ogun State Mobile Magistrate Court.

The offenders arrested by security agents within Abeokuta metropolis were tried for non-use of face mask and unlawful movement in line with measures to contain COVID-19 in Ogun state.

The Mobile Magistrate Court presided over by Mr. David Ogogo sentenced forty persons to community service, forty-one persons paid fine while twenty seven others were released.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kenneth Ebrimson while addressing newsmen at Obantoko area of Abeokuta expressed displeasure at the level of compliance with the lockdown order of both the Federal and state government.

He noted that all the efforts being made to ensure the containment of COVID-19 pandemic must be observed with all seriousness.

The Commissioner of Police stressed that security agencies will have zero tolerance to violation of rules and regulations guiding the containment of the Coronavirus across Ogun state.

Mr. Ebrimson told the security officers to give access to only the permits duly signed by the Secretary to the Ogun State Government and the Commissioner of Police.

Wale Oluokun

Health

Covid-19: Five Test Positive at Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta

By Web News 746

Another five patients have tested positive for coronavirus at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, and have been transferred to the Ogun State Isolation facility at Ikenne.

Head of Public Relations of the hospital, Mr. Segun Orisajo who confirmed the cases, in a statement, said the patients that returned positive included two staff of FMC, a nurse and an administrative staff.

He stated that no medical doctor at the facility had tested positive for coronavirus.

Mr. Orisajo explained that the Medical Director, of the facility, Prof Adewale Musa-Olomu had also re-assured staff of the hospital of their personal safety and protection, including the users of the Centre.

The release said Prof. Musa-Olomu urged the public to disregard information aimed at creating panic, fear and anxiety in their minds.

Wale Oluokun

Education

FUNAAB Announces Resumption of Administrative Activities

By Web News 1267

Management of the Federal University of Agriculture, FUNAAB, Abeokuta has directed the resumption of administrative activities and re-opening of offices at the University with effect from Monday 11th May, 2020. 

The Management, through a statement by the University’s Registrar, Dr Bola Adekola pointed said the decision was in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive on gradual resumption of work, following the relaxation of lockdown and restriction of movements. 

The statement indicated that the university management had during a meeting chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Felix Kolawole Salako, also reviewed the President’s directive in line with the weeklong extension of the lockdown period by the Ogun State Government. 

It explained that the university would be opened for work between 9am and 2pm every working day until further notice and directed all Heads of various Departments and Units to make flexible work arrangements for their staff to come to offices on rotational basis while ensuring regular flow of official activities in every office. 

The management disclosed that all university buildings had been fumigated during the lockdown and advised members of staff to adhere to the safety guidelines on the use of face masks in public places, regular washing of hands, use of sanitizers and physical distancing. 

Meanwhile, the two labour unions in the University have expressed satisfaction over the arrangement that staff attendance would be regulated subject to the individual member’s obligations or as required by the Heads of Departments and Units. 

This was contained in separate letters to the institution’s Vice Chancellor, by the Chairman Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, Comrade Rotimi Fasunwon and the Chairman, National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, Comrade Olurinde Joseph. 

The unions said they recognized the peculiarities of the Federal University of Agriculture which could not afford to shutdown totally but to work towards boosting the nation’s efforts for increased food production through Agricultural research, farming, livestock and cropping aside training and extension services. 

The workers bodies also implored the management to extend its fumigation exercise to the Mawuko, Abeokuta campus of the university and supply personal protective kits like face masks, hands sanitizer and gloves to members of staff on duty while providing hand wash utensils and digitized thermometers at every section of the university campus. 

They appealed to the management not to relent on efforts at protecting every member of the university community against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases and dissociated themselves from the purported plans against the gradual resumption of administrative activities in the institution.

Oluremi Olugbenro

Health

FMC Abeokuta Allays Fears over Confirmation of Coronavirus Patients

By Web News 877

Authorities of the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta have confirmed the record of two Coronavirus cases at the Centre. 

A statement by the Public relations officer of the centre, Mr. Segun Orisajo made available to newsmen in Abeokuta said three suspected cases were being managed at the Accident and Emergency Complex of the Centre within last week .

He said two of the patients tested positive while one was negative. 

Mr. Orisajo said one of the patients who tested positive was a pregnant woman who died at the facility. 

He explained that the corpse of the deceased was released to her husband after careful counseling and due adherence to the World Health Organization, WHO, guidelines on such matters. 

Mr. Orisajo said the second patient was a young man who has been transferred to an isolation centre in the state noting that he was clinically stable. 

He clarified that the patients were suspected right from the onset and hence were isolated from other patients and staff throughout their stay in the unit. 

Mr. Orisajo also explained that staff that attended to the patient observed the prescribed standard protocols and procedures while the standard practice of contact tracing, decontamination amongst others have commenced. 

He said the Accident and Emergency Complex where the patients were admitted has been temporarily shut down to allow for a thorough decontamination exercise while patients have been properly re-located including the Hospital ambulances and bay.

The statement further said the F.M.C Abeokuta Medical Director, Professor Adewale Musa-Olomu allayed the fears of the staff, patients, relatives and the general public on the incident and assured them that the hospital management was on top of the situation.

Wale Oluokun

Health

Pregnant Woman Dies of Coronavirus in Abeokuta

By Web News 751

A pregnant woman has reportedly died of coronavirus at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The woman was said to have visited the Obstetrics and Gynaecology unit of the hospital before the incident happened.

She was said to have developed coronavirus complications and tested for the disease but died before her positive report came out.

The woman was tested alongside two others, a male who tested positive and a female who tested negative.

The male patient had been reportedly transferred to the isolation centre at Ikenne while the remains of the woman had been deposited at the hospital morgue.

The Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Mr. Segun Orisajo, when contacted, said he could not confirm the incident.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker also confirmed the death of the patient but said she was yet to be briefed on the results.

Wale Oluokun

Agriculture

FUNAAB VC Calls for Increased Focus on Agriculture

By Web News 900

The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, FUNAAB, Abeokuta, Professor Kolawole Salako has renewed the call on governments at all levels to pay urgent attention to agriculture in view of the dwindling in the prices of oil at the global market.

Professor Salako made the call while handing over some agricultural products of the institution to the Ogun State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Abeokuta.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that an agriculture-based economy will assist in solving the problems of high unemployment, rising inflation, wide income inequality, high poverty level and the high level of insecurity facing the nation.

Some of the journalists at the event

Professor Salako warned that for a country like Nigeria that had over the years relied almost entirely on oil to fund its economy, the implications of the sharp fall in the price of crude oil occasioned by the effects of Coronavirus are dire.

He said the current government needed to aggressively focus on food production and adopt the farming settlements of the 1950s.

The don who noted that the institution had commenced intensive production of cassava, rice and livestock in readiness for the post-Covid-19 situation said the revival of the farm settlements across the country was important at this period of time.

Professor Salako said the distribution of the food items to journalists in the state was part of the efforts of the institution to cushion the effect of the global pandemic on members of the pen profession.

Similarly, the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Mrs. Alaba Lawson also donated nose masks to Union.

Mrs Lawson said nose masks was part of her efforts to support the vulnerable and the media practitioners who may be exposed to danger while discharging their duty. 

Receiving the items, the NUJ caretaker chairman, Mrs. Omolola Adeyinka thanked the donors for their gesture and implored other well-meaning individuals to emulate FUNAAB and Iyalode Lawson in reaching out to journalists.

Olusegun Folarin