Politics

Osun Govt Presents Trucks, Buses to Commercial Drivers

By Web News 1287

Osun state government has Inaugurated six garbage compactor trucks for the purpose of keeping the environment clean and healthy for living.

Presenting the trucks on behalf of the state governor at the government house Osogbo, Secretary to the state government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji said the step became imperative for the benefit of the citizenry.

Governor Oyetola also presented 39 buses to commercial drivers’ unions in Osun, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN.

Governor Oyetola said the presentation was in fulfilment of his promises to the unions.

He urged beneficiaries to use the buses judiciously so as to achieve the intention which is to boost their economy.

In their words, Treasurer, NURTW, Mr Sowo Gabriel and Secretary, RTEAN, Chief Babatunde Oyeyemi thanked the state government for fulfilling its promises to the unions.

Abiodun Adeoye

Environment

Stakeholders Move To Clear Ilesa Roundabout Of Illegal Stalls

By Web News 1297

Stakeholders including, local government authorities, trade unions and security agencies have resolved to decongest the popular Ilesa Roundabout and adjourning streets by getting rid of indiscriminate stalls built by traders and illegal parks created by commercial drivers and motorcyclists.

The stakeholders at the meeting which was at the instance of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, described the present situation as disgraceful, hence the need for drastic action.

Speaking, the Iyaloja of Atakumosa Market, Ilesa, Mrs Aina Olabisi, said all the traders constituting nuisance at the roundabout abandoned their stalls in the main market to deface the roundabout, urging government to do the needful.

Also speaking, the Eze Ndigbo, Igwe Ifeanyichuku Achi decried the unwholesome activities of commercial drivers and motorcyclists who always parked indiscriminately on the road to pick passengers, pledging his people’s support at restoring sanity to the place.

In a remark, an executive of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW in the state, Mr. Adebisi Adebowale said members of the union would be made to abide by the law and adhere to the directive of the Owa Obokun on the issue.

The Ayeso A’ Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Martins Bamgboye told other stakeholders that his men and officers had tried in the past to enforce law in the area to no avail because there was no support from the political office holders at the local government level.

Earlier, the Former Director General of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, OSBC, Mr Wale Idowu had informed the gathering that Owa Obokun instructed him to convene the meeting to discuss with the stakeholders on how best to go about de-congesting the roundabout which was becoming an eyesore.

Isaac Haastrup

Transportation

NURTW Protests at Ilesa Roundabout, Osun

By Web News 1722

Business activities were this morning disrupted by some members of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, at Ilesa Roundabout protesting the alleged assault of the secretary of the Osogbo Unit of the union, Mr Bayo Innocent.

Eye witnesses explained that the crisis brewed when an apprentice of
a private outfit allegedly injured the NURTW member during traffic
congestion.

Speaking with Gold FM, the Osogbo Unit chairman of the union, Mr Suji
Adeyeba condemned the attack and said the state chairman of the union,
Chief Lekan Salami had intervened and pleaded with the aggrieved
members to allow peace to reign.

Also speaking, the operator of the private outfit, Elder Felix Akpà
thanked the union leaders for resolving the crisis amicably, noting
that the victim who suffered a head injury had been treated and
remained stable.

Efforts to speak with the Police on the incident as at the time of
filing this report proved abortive.

Isaac Haastrup

Crime

Hoodlums Attack Park Managers at Soka

By Web News 1495

Some task force officers working with the newly introduced park managers in Oyo State have been attacked by hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW at Soka Bus Stop in Ibadan.

The officers allegedly sustained injuries during the attack while personal belongings of the officers were also carted away by the hoodlums

Narrating his ordeal, one of the taskforce managers at the park, Mr Alade Coker said he was issuing state government tickets to commercial tricyclists when the suspected NURTW members allegedly led by one Tope Sipon arrived and attacked them.

Mr Coker who said the crisis began yesterday noted that urgent intervention by men of the Nigerian Police prevented the incident from escalating this morning.

Two other victims also recounted their ordeals.

Mr Samson Akintola said he had received death threat messages sent to his phone.

Rotimi Famakin