Foreign

Finland Mourns Child Killed in Viertola

By Web News 478

Flags have been flying at half-mast across Finland after a boy was killed and two girls seriously wounded in a shooting at a school on Tuesday.

The shooting took place in a classroom at Viertola school in Vantaa, to the north of the capital, Helsinki.

According to Police said all three victims were 12 and that a suspect, also aged 12, had fled after the shooting but was later detained.

One of the wounded girls has dual Finnish-Kosovan nationality.

All public buildings lowered their flags from 08:00 to 5:00 GMT, on Wednesday to mark a day of mourning, the interior ministry said.

According to Finnish TV channel MTV Uutiset, the boy wore a mask and noise-cancelling headphones while carrying out the shooting.

He ran off as soon as police arrived and was eventually detained “in a calm manner” in the northern Siltamaki district of Helsinki.

Police have opened a murder investigation and attempted murder. In a statement, they said both wounded girls were still in hospital but gave no details of their condition.

They said they were looking into a possible motive but would not yet be releasing details. Public broadcaster YLE reported that the boy had been the victim of bullying.

“There is a lot of different, and partly incorrect, information about what happened in the different channels of social media. The police still want to remind you that spreading incorrect information on social media is a crime,” the police statement said.

Viertola school has 800 students aged seven to 16 of both primary and middle school age on two separate sites, with some 90 staff.

The school was open on Wednesday, but Katri Kalske, the deputy mayor of Vantaa, said that it would close earlier than usual.

She told the AFP news agency that, extensive support has been offered to pupils and staff, and that the shooting would be discussed in all schools in the city in an “age-appropriate manner”.

BBC/Taiwo Akinola

Foreign

Tinubu Mourns Namibia President

By Web News 378

By Abdullah Bello

President Bola Tinubu has, on behalf of Nigeria, condoled with the government and people of Namibia over the death of President Hage Geingob.

In a statement, President Tinubu mourns the loss of his counterpart, whom he describes as a veteran in the struggle for democracy, proponent of good governance, and advocate of economic, social, and political solidarity amongst Africans.

The President notes that, the tragedy has come at a time when Africa needs more visionary leaders, who believe in the common destiny of the continent, and who can strengthen bonds across borders and spread the tendrils of co-operation across all fields of human endeavour.

Signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the statement says as Namibia mourns, President Tinubu assures the Republic that, his thoughts and prayers, and those of Nigerians, are with them.

Lifestyle

OBJ Mourns Alaba Lawson

By Web News 421

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed sadness over the demise of the late Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief Alaba Lawson.

Chief Obasanjo, who conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of Federal Republic, MFR, on Chief Lawson in 2004 described the late Iyalode of Egbaland and Yorubaland as a very generous personality whose life was worthwhile.

He noted that, the strictness and hardworking attributes of the late industrialist were remarkable. 

In a reaction conveyed through his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Akinyemi, former President Obasanjo said the late Chief Lawson had contributed immensely to the country’s economic growth and community development.

News

University College Hospital Ibadan Mourns Queen Elizabeth II

By Web News 1678

The beautiful story of the University College Hospital can’t be talked about without mentioning the iconic moment when Queen Elizabeth II came to declare open, the Hospital.

During her visit to Nigeria in the year 1956, on the 14th of February that same year, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II accompanied by a host of other dignitaries graced the Hospital and declared it open to start delivering healthcare services. Though it was still under construction.

HRM Queen Elizabeth was a true gem to the entire world, also fostering a great union called the commonwealth. The way she held down the fort of monarchy for decades represented a holding forth of constitutionalism. She would forever stand as a symbol of continuity and she most definitely touched every part of the world.

Just as Queen Elizabeth stood as a symbol of continuity, this attribute further reflects in our great institution UCH as we continue to stand as one of the foremost teaching hospitals and healthcare delivery centres, in Nigeria and the World.

At the young age of 30 when HRM Queen Elizabeth came to visit Nigeria, the Hospital recalls two moments:

‘How the Queen was welcomed at the Hospital Ramp by Sir James Robertson, (the then Governor General of the Federal of Nigeria) and Sir Sydney Philipson, (the then Chairman of UCH Board of Management)

‘The moment when she walked with elegance about the floors of the School of Nursing building along with Prince Philip and accompanied by Sir Sydney Philipson, the then Chairman of UCH Board’.

These moments are forever framed at the Museum of the Hospital.

The University College Hospital sends her condolences to Great Britain and the Royal family for the loss of Queen Elizabeth II who ruled justly and also held down the fort of monarchy for decades. She will forever be remembered as such a strong figure in the iconic history and establishment of our great institution UCH IBADAN.

PR/Lillian Ibomor

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Lifestyle

Makinde Mourns Lawmaker

By Web News 567

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has expressed shock over the death of the member representing Ibadan South-East Constituency II, Ademola Olusegun Popoola.

Governor Makinde who described the lawmaker’s death as sad, painful and a huge loss to the state, commiserated with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, on whose platform Popoola was elected into the House and had even secured a ticket to seek another term.

A statement by the Special Assistant, Print Media, to the governor, Moses Alao, indicated that the governor equally expressed heartfelt condolences to the Speaker of the House, Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin and the entire House of Assembly members, the lawmaker’s immediate family and the Ibadan South-East Constituency II.

Governor Makinde prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of the late Assembly member, whom he said contributed his best efforts in the House towards the overall development of Oyo State.

He said: “The news of the death of my brother, Honourable Ademola Popoola, member representing Ibadan South-East II, is shocking and painful.

“Honourable Popoola’s death is a huge loss to the state, the House of Assembly and the PDP, on which platform he was elected into the House.

“He was a consummate lawmaker and an individual who was quite passionate about the development of the state. He gave his best efforts towards ensuring a harmonious relationship between the executive and the legislature arms of the state.

“As a testimony to his credential as a lawmaker who truly served his people and a loyal party man, he was rewarded with a ticket to seek re-election into the State House of Assembly in the 2023 elections.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Oyo State, I commiserate with the Oyo State House of Assembly, the PDP family and the entire Popoola family on this sad loss.

“It is my prayer that God grants repose to his soul and gives everyone the fortitude to bear the loss.”

PR/Iyabo Adebisi

Lifestyle

“He has made a sacrificial exit for Nigeria” – Peller mourns Alaafin

By Web News 612

A lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency at the lower chamber of the National Assembly and the Ayedero of Yorubaland, Honourable Shina Peller, has described the passing of a revered Yoruba traditional ruler, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, as a sacrificial exit for the entire Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.

Honourable Peller stated this in his tribute to the late Alaafin of Oyo, where he described him as a father, motivator and youth-driven monarch who would always encourage the youth to rise up to the challenge of taking the lead in the rebuilding process of Nigeria.

The federal lawmaker, who expressed his heartfelt condolences to the entire people of Yorubaland and Nigeria at large, recalled his relationship with the late monarch stating that he grew up knowing the Alaafin as his father and a close ally of his biological father, the late Professor Moshoood Abiola Peller.

In the same vein, the Ayedero of Yorubaland revealed that it was the late monarch that advised him in 2018 to join politics and vie for an elective position even when he had no intention. He added that the late Oba Lamidi challenged him again in 2020 to take up the task of promoting peace and prosperity in the land, hence the conferment of chieftaincy title of Ayedero of Yorubaland on him by the Alaafin of Oyo.

“It was with a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of our revered monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo. His exit is so painful. However, it is God’s promise that every soul must have a taste of death, and we take solace in the fact that our royal father lived a fulfilled life.

“I was very close to the Alaafin, and my relationship with him could be described in different ways. He was like a father to me because I grew up knowing him as one. He was a very close ally of my late father, Professor Peller; they were very good friends.

“Also, the late Oba Lamidi, a youth-driven monarch, was a great motivator to me. He would always tell me about the need for the youth to rise up to the challenge of rebuilding Nigeria. It was on this note that he advised that I joined the political race in 2018, even when I had no intention. I remember vividly how he prayed for me that my people would vote for me as their representative at the lower chamber. And behold, it happened.

“Moreover, sometimes in 2020, the royal father called to inform me of his decision to confer on me the traditional chieftaincy title of Ayedero of Yorubaland, the promoter of peace and prosperity in the land. He explained that our society was witnessing a very critical and challenging period citing the COVID-19 pandemic and insecurity as instances. He added that there was need for me to take up the challenge of promoting peace in the land, adding that my youthfulness, influence, experience and exposure informed his decision.

“So, Alaafin’s exit remains a great loss not just to the entire Yorubaland and Nigeria, but to me personally as his son. He believed so much in me, and I will miss him. I pray that God overlooks his shortcomings, and may his soul find peace with God both in the grave and on the day of Judgement. I also pray that God consoles his immediate family, loved ones, close relatives and associates that he has left behind. My father, the Alaafin, has made a sacrificial exit for us all, and may peace reign in our land even after his demise. Amen.”

PR/Adewumi Faniran

Sport

Football Fans Club Of Nigeria Mourns Death Of Rasheed Balogun

By Web News 686

National President, Football Fans Club of Nigeria, FFCN, Ambassador Oluwakemi Ogunfuwa has sympathized with the family of late Shooting Stars Boss, Mr Rasheed Balogun, 3SC Family and the entire football fraternity over the shocking demise of the great football manager.

Ambassador Ogunfunwa who expressed rude shock over the untimely demise of Ogun State Football technocrat, said Nigeria has lost another passionate football administrator whose vacuum would be difficult to fill

In her condolence message sent from Garoua, Cameroon, where she is currently cheering the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Ambassador Ogunfunwa described the late Rasheed Balogun as an impeccable football administrator who used his time and resources to discover many talents and nurture them to stardom.

“Ogunfuwa added: “My heartfelt condolences go to his immediate family, players, coaches and officials of Shooting Stars, Ministry of Youths and Sports led By Asiwaju Seun Fakorede, Oyo State Sports Council, Nigerian football family and numerous admirers of this loving gentleman”.

 The national media officer of the supporters club, Sunday Agunbiade also said that members in Cameroon and those across the 36 state chapters in Nigeria have been directed to observe a minute silence and pray for the repose of the football icon at four o’clock this evening. 

PR/Olaolu Fawole 

Lifestyle

’’I Don’t Know Why Death Has Come To Strike Us Again’’- Florence Ajimobi Mourns Akalas’ Death

By Web News 1854
  

The wife of the immediate past governor of Oyo State, Mrs Florence Ajimobi has grieved with the wife of the late Adebayo Alao-Akala over the recent demise of their patriarch.

Mrs Ajimobi who expressed sadness over the sudden departure of the late governor described the death of Akala as a loss to Oyo state.

Mrs Ajimobi while encouraging the wives of the late Akala to take solace in God said her husband Abiola Ajimobi died nineteen months ago, maintaining that she knew how it feels to lose a loved one.

“We have lost somebody very close to our family. Otunba Alao-Akala was a very close friend of my husband, even though he calls him his junior brother.

They have something in common, they have an open mind, they say it as it is.

’’I don’t know why death has come to strike us again, but who are we to question God?’’.

I know the absence of His Excellency is a vacuum that cannot be filled, I have gone through it exactly nineteen months ago, so I feel your pain” she said.

Mrs Ajimobi also used the occasion to appeal to Nigerians not to hold grudges with anyone, saying death could come anytime.

The former Oyo state first lady pledged to continue the strong ties between the Families of Ajimobi and Akala.

Adedayo Adelowo

Lifestyle

Akinosun Mourns Alao Akala

By Web News 765

Reactions have continued to trail the death of a former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria in an interview, a Chieftain, All Progressive Congress, APC in Oyo State, Dr Fola Akinosun expressed great sadness, describing the former governor as a man who believed in serving others.

Dr Akinosun said the former governor’s demise was a loss to Oyo State, Nigeria and the APC, pointing out he would surely be missed.

Dr Akinosun noted that Otunba Alao Akala’s contribution to Ibadan and the state could not be quantified.

He prayed that God comforts the late governor’s family and loved ones for the irreparable loss.

Funmi Obagbayegun

Culture

Makinde Mourns Oba Adetunji, Says He Was A Great Exemplar In Royalty

By Web News 1112

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Sunday, expressed shock at the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, describing him as an exemplar in royalty.
Makinde stated that the demise of the royal icon, who he described as a great leader of his people and an exemplary royal father, was painful despite his old age, adding that his wisdom and wealth of experience would be sorely missed.
The governor expressed his condolences to the immediate family of the Olubadan, the Olubadan-in-Council and all Ibadan indigenes as well as the Oyo State Traditional Council.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that Kabiyesi gave his all to see that Ibadanland is developed and took its pride of place as one of the major cities in Africa.
“The news of the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, came as a shock.
“Kabiyesi’s exit at this time is painful, to say the least. His wealth of experience, his immense wisdom and his commitment to seeing a greater Ibadan and a better Oyo State are unrivalled.
“Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and humanity at large will miss Kabiyesi, who was ever ready to give his all to see a better society.
“I commiserate with his immediate family, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and all Ibadan indigenes at home and abroad on the demise of our father.
“I equally extend my condolences to the Oyo State Traditional Council and pray to God to keep all our Obas safe and give them more years to direct the affairs of our people, especially as Olubadan’s death is coming on the heels of the demise of the Soun of Ogbomosoland and Asigangan of Igangan. May God grant them all eternal rest.”

Ridwan Fasasi/PR

News

“He was more than a Royal Father to me,” Shina Peller mourns Soun

By Web News 660

A federal legislator representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Honourable Shina Peller has commiserated with the people of Ogbomoso and the entire Yorubaland on the passing away of His Royal Majesty, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, Soun of Ogbomoso.

Hon. Peller’s message was contained in a statement issued and made available to the press on Sunday where he described the late royal father as a loving and development-driven personality whose contribution to the development and peaceful coexistence of Yorubaland remains noteworthy.

Similarly, he added that the late Soun of Ogbomoso lived a purposeful life worth emulating and that his legacy, both as a private person and traditional ruler, will forever be appreciated.

The statement reads:

“I commiserate with the entire people of Ogbomosoland, Oyo State and Yorubaland on the passing away of our revered royal father, His Royal Majesty, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III who joined his ancestors today at age 95.

“Aside the fact that baba was my royal father, he treated me more like his own son, coupled with the fact that his son, Prince Sijuade Oyewumi, is my bossom friend and schoolmate back at LAUTECH. Often a time, we would visit the palace, and baba would always be happy to see us.

“Though we are saddened by the passing away of His Royal Majesty, we take solace in the fact that he lived a purposeful life worth of emulation. His contribution to the development and peaceful coexistence of not only his subjects, but Yorubas at large, remains noteworthy.

“Baba was able to prove to all that his ascension to the throne of his forefathers was for a purpose, and the legacy he has left behind will forever be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family, loved ones and the people that baba has left behind. May the soul of baba rest in peace.”

Adewumi Faniran

News

Buhari Mourns Late Soun Of Ogbomosoland 

By Web News 1870

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family of the Soun of Ogbomoso land, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, on the demise of the highly revered traditional ruler earlier on Sunday.

In a condolence message by his Spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Sunday in Abuja, the President commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State as well as the indigenes of Ogbomoso land on the demise of the frontline traditional ruler.

The president noted that Oyewumi’s reign of 48 years reinforced the town as a land of peace, accommodating and a bastion of history and tradition.

President Buhari also joined the Oyo State Council of Obas in mourning the First Class Traditional ruler.

He affirmed that the deceased would forever be remembered for his counsel and commitment to the unity and harmony within the ranks of the traditional rulers.

He urged sons and daughters of Ogbomoso land to be consoled with the fact that Oba Oyewumi accentuated his reign with the development and progress of the community through enduring peace and extension of hands of fellowship to peoples of other lands

Pulse/Taiwo Akinola

News

Makinde Mourns Soun of Ogbomosoland, Says Monarch Made Lasting Impact

By Web News 590

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Sunday, described the death of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, as a huge loss to the Ogbomoso kingdom, Oyo State and humanity in general.
The governor, who mourned the passing of the foremost traditional ruler, described him as a quintessential monarch, a man of peace and a passionate supporter of development.
He expressed his condolences to the monarch’s immediate family, the people of Ogbomoso and the Oyo State Council of Obas.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted Makinde as saying that Oba Oyewumi used his wealth of experience to develop Ogbomosoland over the past decades.
He said that the monarch made lasting impact on his domain, while also leaving indelible marks on Oyo State and humanity.
He said: “I received the news of the passage unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland with shock.
“Though Kabiyesi lived up to the age 95, his death at this time is still a huge loss to the state and the traditional institution, because he has created a vacuum not only in Ogbomosoland but also in the entire state and the nation.
“In Kabiyesi, we had a quintessential monarch, who loved and worked for peace and development. In his years on the throne of his forebears, Oba Oyewumi made a lasting impact on Ogbomosoland and by extension Oyo State.
“On behalf of the people and Government of Oyo State, I hereby express our heart-felt condolences to the immediate family of the departed monarch and the people of Ogbomosoland.
“I also commiserate with the Oyo State Council Obas, which has lost a prominent member in Oba Oyewumi.
“It is my prayer that God grants Kabiyesi Aljanah Firdaus and also grant everyone the fortitude to bear this loss.”

Nafiu Busari/PR

News

Adeduntan mourns passage of Soun of Ogbomosoland

By Web News 675

Osi Basorun of Ibadanland, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan has described the passage of
of one of Nigeria’s foremost traditional rulers, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi Ajagungbade 111
as a great loss to the Yoruba people and the country as a whole.

In a condolence message in Ibadan, Dr Adeduntan who is also a former Oyo State Commissioner for Health
said the passage of Oba Oyewunmi is a huge loss to Ogbomosoland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

Oyo State Governorship hopeful described Soun as a peaceful monarch whose reign was full of blessings and development to Ogbomosoland and the pacesetter State.

Dr. Adeduntan , an international cardiovascular surgeon commiserated with the family of the monarch, his friends, associates and subjects, as well as the government and people of Oyo State on the departure of the first-class traditional ruler.

He believed that the late Ogbomoso monarch will be long remembered and honoured as an advocate of peace, dialogue and reconciliation; and a firm believer that a better future awaits Oyo state and Nigeria.

Dr Adeduntan said the best way for friends, close associates and subjects of the monarch to sustain his legacy is to abhor the things that create divisions in the midst of people of Ogbomosoland and instead promote tolerance, love and understanding for one another, as a path to greater town.

“As a leader who cared so much for his people, the unity and prosperity of his people, state and the nation, Osi Basorun Adeduntan believes Oba Oyewunmi will be remembered for his vibrant leadership, wisdom and courage”.

“ I knew Oba Oyewunmi at very close quarters and each time,we met in his palace in the last ten years,he would welcome me with smiles,will instruct the palace guards to sit me by his side ,will commend my indefatigable spirits ,render prayers and encouraging words on my quest to lead Oyo State,and his fondest memories of Ojaba (my place of birth)where he lived as a young man .

Dr Adeduntan prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the sins and transgressions of the monarch, comfort his family,and grant eternal repose to his soul.
PR/Ridwan Fasasi