No fewer than six passengers were injured on Wednesday morning in a head-on collision at Nikadex Bus Stop, opposite Ladoja Estate, along the Apata axis of Ibadan.
The crash involved a commercial bus with registration number LUY 69 XC (Oyo) and a Toyota RAV4 with registration number KRD 24 AL (Lagos).
Two elderly women seated in the commercial bus sustained broken legs as a result of the impact.
A Radio Nigeria correspondent, who witnessed the incident, reported that the driver of the Toyota RAV4 attempted to overtake another vehicle that failed to give way, leading to the collision.
The car driver, who was reportedly heading to the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Apata, was blamed for careless driving.
As of the time of filing this report, the accident had caused heavy traffic congestion in the area, while the injured passengers and the drivers involved were taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
Oyo State Housing Corporation has conducted a fact-finding mission to the Owode Housing Estate Phase II, Apata, Ibadan, urging those yet to develop their allotted lands in the estate to do so in order to avoid losing such lands.
This is sequel to an outcry by residents over insecurity and constant attacks by men of the underworld using the area as a hideout.
Residents of Owode Estate Phase II had earlier sent a Save Our Soul message to the Corporation, decrying the spate of insecurity in the estate, noting that the massive forest in the estate had become a criminal hideout and that the few residents, who had developed the plots, could not sleep with their two eyes closed.
Speaking shortly after conducting newsmen round the wide expanse of land, chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Mr Demola Omotosho, pointed out that though the estate was inaugurated close to 50 years ago, only about 20 per cent of it had been developed.
He noted that the fact-finding mission to the estate with newsmen became imperative following protests from residents, who reported cases of burglary, rape, and violent attacks.
Mr Omotosho pointed out that a recent incident involving a 76-year-old man who was brutally attacked, triggered the latest round of protests from residents, who had developed their plots but were made to live at the mercy of allottees, who failed to develop theirs and whose lands have become criminal hideouts.
He decried that despite the estate having been established in the 70s, there are close to 1,000 hectares of undeveloped lands.
Mr Omotosho maintained that in order to curb the insecurity in the axis, the state government had called for a Public-Private Partnership to transform the Owode Phase II into a residential district.
Assuring residents that significant development would take place between now and June 2026, Omotosho noted that the Corporation would put up a Police Post, an Amotekun security base and also install solar-powered streetlights across the estate.
He added that similar interventions are underway in Ajoda New Town, where the first batch of 1,000 housing units are expected to be completed and delivered by June next year.
He declared that the Corporation would revoke the undeveloped plots, while those who are ready to develop immediately should approach the Corporation for a discussion, explaining that the move to revoke is backed by the Oyo State Housing Corporation Law of 2001, which stipulates “that any plot left undeveloped for more than two years, or any allocation not fully paid for within twelve months, is automatically revoked.
Earlier, a representative of the residents of Owode Estate Phase II, Mr Idowu Aladejobi, said that residents of the estate had, indeed, sent a Save Our Soul to the Oyo State Housing Corporation, noting that criminals frequently hid in the numerous undeveloped plots around the estate, launching attacks on residents both day and night.
According to him, the abandoned lands have become danger zones and that it took repeated complaints to get the attention of the Housing Corporation to identify owners of the undeveloped plots.
Other residents, who spoke with newsmen, expressed hope that the inspection and promises made by the Oyo State Housing Corporation would mark the beginning of meaningful action to secure and fully develop the estate.
Eighty farmers have been trained on small ruminant farming business by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to boost their income.
The event which was held at the Nigeria Quarantine Service Hall, Apata, Ibadan was targeted at women and youths drawn from Ogun and Oyo States.
Our correspondent reports that the eighty beneficiaries were given a male and female goat each as well as lecture on the livestock rearing system for high yield.
The lecture which lasted between three to four hours focused on the reproduction, feeding, disease prevention and control in goat, application of indigenous knowledge in the management of the animal as well as its market value.
In his presentation on small ruminants (sheep and goat) production, the guest lecturer, Dr Yemi Popoola who is also an animal production scientist at the Institute of Agriculture Research and Training, I.A.R and T, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, said sheep and goats should be fed with quality and sufficient organic feed to get the best out of them.
Dr Popoola who said diseases could be transferred from one infected livestock farm to another, encouraged the livestock farmers to be sensitive to the reproductive signs in sheep and goat while being mindful of internal and external parasites.
He explained that in case of any symptoms of an infection the farmers should consult veterinary doctors.
“The protein value of goat cannot be quantified”.
“Aside the milk which the world needs, the meat of goat can be used for making suya, kilichi, dankunama, isi ewu, pepper soup among other things” the don noted.
Dr Popoola who supported the application of indigenous knowledge in goat and sheep rearing, stressed the need for the small holders farmers to aggregate themselves into cooperative so as to access funds to fully grow their businesses.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of agriculture And Food Security, Dr Earnest Umakhihe represented by Director II Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Dr Adeola Lordbanjou, said the small ruminants sub-sector contributes one third of the twenty-one percent of Nigeria’s gross domestic product, GDP.
Dr Umakhihe who said the training programme and the starter pack given the selected beneficiaries were not palliatives, advised the farmers to desist from any attempt of killing the animals for food.
He added that their performance in their respective locations would be tracked to ensure the programme achieve its long term mandate.
“As you are aware, agriculture remains important in Nigeria with 36% of the nation’s labour force employed in the sector. This makes it the second largest employer of labour”.
“The livestock sub-sector is an integral part of food security and national development in Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development estimates that the subsector contributes one-third of the 21% of the GDP of agricultural subsector to the national economy”.
“The livestock sector plays a critical role in meeting the country’s food security needs, as well as improving soil fertility and nutrient cycling through manure production for large agricultural production” Dr Umakhihe explained.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye represented by Director of Extension, Mr Rasaq Maruff lauded the intervention saying the target group needed to be empowered to overcome the current economic crises.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Ogun State coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Ayo Ajayi and her Oyo State counterpart, Kakulu Omonele represented by an agric officer, Mrs Bilkis Abdulateef said the effect of the present economic situation in the country needed strategic solution, adding that the intervention would help women and youths who are mostly affected to overcome their challenges.
National President, Goat and Sheep Farmers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Abimbola Salami said the two livestock would multiply to twenty-one given the two to three year targets given to the beneficiaries when the modern and indigenous systems of rearing the animals were adequately followed.
Some of the beneficiaries commended the federal government intervention and pledged to fully utilize the opportunity for the sustenance of livestock farming.
High point of the event was a Question and Answer session and exchange of field experiences on goat and sheep rearing.
The Shepherd-in-charge of Celestial Church of Christ, CCC, Beulah Wonderful Parish 1, Alexander, Apata, Ibadan, Senior Evangelist James Awoyemi says Nigerians should always put God first in their dealings.
Senior Evangelist Awoyemi said this today during the New Year Thanksgiving service held at the church premises.
The cleric said people should not rely on their own understandings as it could have dire consequences.
Senior Evangelist Awoyemi equally called on Christians not to relent in praying for the nation’s political leaders.
The highlight of the programme was special prayers for the nation and divine protection for the people.
Determination, Persistence and prayers are key to removing all siege in the year 2022.
Reverend Emmanuel Olubiyi Of Assemblies of God Church,Apata Ibadan stated this during the cross over service held in the church.
Speaking on the topic The Siege Is Over,the cleric noted that sins ,curses and power of darkness were the major causes that enabled the wicked to lay siege on people’s lives.
“Personal mistakes can also lay Siege on individuals,causing personal discomfort,pain and frustration “He said.
Reverend Olubiyi maintained that Christians needed to rededicate themselves to Christ to overcome all challenges facing them.
He expressed the hope that 2022 shall be great only if all and sundry worked in the ways of Christ
Despite the government’s directive on avoiding any gathering of more than ten people, to curb the spread of Covid19, some churches around Apata area of Ibadan did not comply.
Radio Nigeria observed that, one of the churches in the area of Aba-Pan, Apata, The New Covenant Church, which had more than ten people in attendance, held Sunday service.
Earlier, the Celestial Church of Christ in the area, held night service, during the weekend.
Some of the residents in the area who did not want their names to be mentioned called on government to take punitive measure on the violators.
Christians have been encouraged to hold fast to their faith in Jesus Christ during this challenging period and beyond.
A cleric, Reverend Emmanuel Olubiyi of Assemblies of God Church, Apata Ibadan, made the call while speaking with radio Nigeria on the lockdown which has affected Sunday worship services.
Reverend Olubiyi who noted that coronavirus pandemic was a face in human history, said Christians should renew their faith in Christ believing that the present situation would soon be surmounted.
The cleric also implored Christians to be more fervent in their prayers and remain sources of encouragement to others during the challenging period.
Reverend Olubiyi, added that the outbreak of the disease was a signal that the end was close, hence the need for all to always reflect on their deeds.
Meanwhile, churches are still in compliance with government’s directive regarding ban on gatherings of more than ten people as most churches remain locked.
The office of the Commissioner of Police
in Oyo State has been called upon to beam its searchlight on the alleged illegal
activities of some policemen who usually operate at night at Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation, NNPC Junction, Apata, Ibadan.
Residents who spoke with Radio
Nigeria said the police officers were fond of harassing commercial transport
workers and other road users at night.
A source, who craved anonymity, said that late Thursday night, one of the three officers at the checkpoint was using a plank to break the headlamps of passing motorcycles who tried to evade their extortion net.
The source further explained that
when a commercial motorcyclist whose headlamp had been broken by one of the
officers attempted to ask questions to justify why the headlamp was broken, another
officer cocked his gun and threatened to shoot him.
The residents implored the office of the police commissioner to take prompt action to prevent the breakdown of law and order.
Recently, the Assistant Captain of Remo
Stars Football Club, Tiamiyu Kazeem, known as “Kaka” was allegedly killed by
actions of a SARS official.
Efforts to reach the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr Olugbenga Fadeyi proved abortive as he did not respond to either calls or text messages sent to his mobile phone.
Oyo State Government has sealed a
filling station, under construction in Ibadan, based on negative impact the
facility portends for a nearby Primary school and persons living within the
premises.
Commissioner of Environment and
Natural Resources, Mr. Kehinde Ayoola, revealed that Oyo state government
issued the directive, following petitions received from residents and business
owners in the area.
The filling station, which is under
construction at Apata area within Ibadan metropolis is situated very close to
St. Michael’s Primary school, Apata, Ibadan and other business facilities.
According to the commissioner
during a visit to the site, the development became imperative as the facility
does not have environmental impact assessment report and some other necessary
permit that regulates environmental activities of the state.
Mr. Ayoola reiterated that the
action was to correct the unfriendly habits of degrading the environment which
might be injurious to people’s health.
The commissioner who explained that Oyo state encourages myriad of business opportunities and entrepreneurship development, said such business activities should not be carried out at the detriment of the people.
Nigerians have been advised to seek divine intervention to
reclaim everything they have lost in previous years.
A Christian cleric, Reverend Emmanuel Olubiyi made the call
in a sermon at the crossover service held at Assemblies of God Church, Apata, Ibadan.
Reverend Olubiyi explained that in an attempt to reclaim the
lost glory, Nigerians should give their lives to Christ and follow his
commandments.
He explained that peace, love and harmony could only be
achieved with the help of God.
The cleric encouraged the nation to also seek the face of
the Lord to restore the lost glory of the land once filled with milk and honey.
Adedayo Adelowo
Christians have been urged to stay connected to God in other to do exploit in their endeavours in the year 2020.
Senior Pastor, Global Harvest Church, Outer Ring Road Church,
Apata, Ibadan, Pastor Jonny Faleye gave
the charge during watch night service.
Pastor Faleye who noted that, if God’s instructions were
strictly adhered to, lines will fall in pleasant places naturally.
The cleric, from the topic “Soaring High” said
that, Christians should not relent in praying for themselves and the nation at
large, to attain greater heights, in the New Year.
Taiwo Akinola
Christians have been advised to face the New Year with a determination to correct all the ills in the nation as individuals.
Reverend Olusegun John of the Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA Church, Challenge, Ibadan stated this in a crossover message.
Reverend John charged Christians to all be agents of change in the society. He however called for concerted efforts at tackling corruption.
Also speaking, the Assistant Priest, Saint Annes Church,
Molete, Ibadan, Venerable Adewale Sanda has called on Christians to walk with
God in the New Year, to enjoy his dominion.
The cleric urged Nigerians to do things right, restrategise,
and depend solely on God for all round sufficiency.
Venerable Sanda, who said the foundation of every house will
determine the load it would carry, assured people that God is in charge always.
Part of the activities of the New Year service include, Bible
reading, and congregational song, rendered by the members of the church.
Members of the congregation also used the occasion to pray for national peace, unity, and progress.
