Security

OAU Calls for Tighter Security after Robbers Injure Students

By Web News 529

By Mojisola Oladele

The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has condemned a recent armed robbery attack on students at an off-campus hostel on Monday night.

In a statement, the University’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Olanrewaju, said the management described the incident as distressing and unacceptable.

Mr Olanrewaju explained that the assailants dispossessed the students of their valuables and inflicted physical injuries during the violent attack.

The management lauded officials of the Students’ Union for their swift intervention, promptly evacuating the injured victims to the University Health and Medical Centre for urgent medical attention.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adebayo Bamire, appreciated the Nigerian Police Force for its prompt response.

On behalf of the management, Professor Bamire urged security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), to intensify surveillance and routine patrols around student-populated areas.

The robbery occurred at the Oreoluwa Hostel in the Moremi Estate area of Ile-Ife.

Reports identified three injured students who received treatment: a 400-level student of the Department of Management and Accounting, Ogedenge Oluwafemi; another 400-level student in the same department, Emmanuel Akinribiye; and a final-year student in the Department of Mathematics, Olalekan Okemiga.

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Education

OAU Management Solicits Police Help on Missing Student

By Web News 211

By Mojisola Oladele

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, wants the Osun State Police Command to assist in locating a female student who has been missing for four days.

According to a statement by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, the missing student is identified as Dorcas Oseghale, from the Department of Chemistry, with matriculation number CHM/2021/165.

Mr. Olanrewaju said Oseghale was last seen last Wednesday around eight in the evening.

Mr.Olanrewaju states, “Dorcas, a resident of Adesanmi House, Ibadan Road, Ile-Ife, had told her roommate she was going to buy food in front of the Students’ Village along Ede Road but did not return.”

“Her roommate later tried to reach her on the phone, only to discover that both of her lines were unreachable.” He states further.

He noted that the Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire commended the students for promptly reporting the incident and appealed to anyone with useful information on the student’s whereabout to contact the nearest police station or the University Security Unit immediately.

The university spokesperson also assured that it would continue to work closely with the police and other security agencies until the matter is resolved.

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Human Angle

OAU Management Harps on Students’ Safety

By Web News 112

By Mojisola Oladele

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, has called on students to prioritize their safety at all times.

The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr. Abiodun Olanrewaju, made the call in a statement made available to newsmen, against the backdrop of a student of the institution, who was electrocuted last weekend.

Mr Olanrewaju said the university condoled with the bereaved family and friends of the deceased.

The university, however, expressed concern over the state of electrical infrastructure in off-campus hostels, especially during this rainy season.

According to a witness, “the student retrieved the ball and tossed it back to his teammates before attempting to scale the fence separating the two hostels. In the process, he reportedly came in contact with a high-tension cable that had been brought down by a rainstorm the previous day.”

“He got electrocuted the moment he touched it. His friends used a stick to detach him from the wire and rushed him to a hospital in Ipetumodu, but doctors there confirmed him dead’”, the witness added.

It would be recalled that last Saturday evening, a student of the Obafemi Awolowo University’s Distance Learning Centre was electrocuted while attempting to retrieve a football from a nearby compound, at a private hostel along the Moro/Ife Road in Ile Ife.

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Agriculture

Never underestimate the aggressiveness of caged animals – Expert

By Web News 1618

By Dayo Adu

Zookeepers should always be alert and not underestimate the strength and aggressiveness of animals in their care.

President, Society for Animal Rights Protection in Nigeria, Dr Ibikunle Faramade gave the caution in an interview with our correspondent while reacting to the killing of a Veterinary Technologist, Mr Olabode Olawuyi by a lion at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

He explained that the concept of animal welfare doesn’t encourage humans to underestimate animals especially, wild animals, noting that it behoves the keeper to ensure they are caged and kept secure.

Dr. Faramade, a Veterinary Pathologist and Lecturer at the Federal College of Animal Health & Production Technology, Apata Ibadan pointed out that it is the responsibility of humans to ensure that cages and dens of lions are properly erected and regularly maintained.

“With context to lions and aggressive animals, their cages and dens should be properly erected and proper maintenance works must be carried out to ensure that iron bars and rods that were used are properly reinforced”.

Dr Faramade commended the OAU Management for killing the wild cat, saying animal welfare doesn’t subordinate humans to animals adding that the psychology of each animal should be understood so as not to entertain any kind of distraction while tending them.

“Animal welfare allows such animal to be immediately destroyed. I want to advocate that psychology of each animal should be understood. For wild cats, no kind of distraction should be undertook while taking care of them irrespective of the years they’ve been in custody. Their cages must be properly locked, when you go there to take care of them, we must follow rigid and conservative procedure that cannot be shifted. Their emotions may be altered maybe by hunger, or delayed provision of water and food”.

He commiserated with the family of the deceased, the management of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife and the Veterinary Society praying to God for the fortitude for them to bear the irreparable loss.

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Human Angle

Police Confirm OAU Student’s Death

By Web News 980

By Adenitan Akinola 

Nigeria Police, Osun State Command has confirmed the death of a 100-level Student of  Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, identified as Miss Salako Treasure. 

The Command’s Public Relations Officer Mrs Yemisi Opalola, who confirmed the story to our correspondent in Osogbo, hinted that the homicide detectives of the SCIID had begun an investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of the student.

She said the cause of the death was yet to be ascertained as of press time, adding that a team of detectives was already probing the cause of the death. 

Reports say there was confusion at the OAU after the news of the death of the student filtered on the campus.

It was learned that the lifeless body of the female student of the institution was found in an uncompleted building at the Lagere area in Ile Ife 

A source told our correspondent that the deceased, Salako Treasure, a student of the Department of Entrepreneurs, had earlier been declared missing.

“Her body was found on Wednesday, 14th June in an uncompleted building in the Lagere area of Ile-Ife.

“Beside her was found a bottle of sniper which was suspected to have been used.

“It is unclear if the student actually took her own life willingly or if it was a case of planned assassination/rituals, but making it look like a suicide.

Speaking with our correspondent in a telephone interview, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju described the incident as unfortunate.

Olanrewaju said: “It is very unfortunate that OAU lost a promising student.

“We had lost a Part-One student, a promising young lady to what was alleged to be suicide, although it happened outside campus, we are not happy that we could lose such a person under such circumstances.

“The university under the administration of Vice-Chancellor Professor Simeon Bamire is pained that a student of that tender age could resolve to such thing. 

“We appeal to Nigerians to be our brother’s keeper. The filler we are getting is that she has suffered depression and people around her knew all this. They ought to have referred her to someone elderly or someone who could be of help to her psycho-emotional assistant. We sympathize with ourselves, especially the parent who lost a young future bright lady. I want to admonish you that this world is filled with ups and downs. 

“Emotional, psychological, and academic frustrations should not make anyone to resolve in taking his or her life. 

“Her remains have been evacuated and we involved the police, ‘he stated.

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Agriculture

Religious, Traditional Stigmatisation Negatively Affecting Pig Production – Expert

By Web News 657

By Adenitan Akinola

A Professor of Animal Science and Production Systems, Akinyele Adesehinwa at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife has advocated functional policies and improved attention to pig production in Nigeria as a measure to meet the protein needs of the nation’s growing population, create employment and wealth in the piggery/swine value chain.

This was the centre focus of his academic findings which he presented during the 370th inaugural lecture of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, held at the Oduduwa Hall on the institution’s campus.

The lecture titled, “The Fox and the Piglets; A Paradox for Untapped Resource in Nigeria”, is the aggregate of his research findings as a scholar.

Professor Adesehinwa enumerated such policies in his recommendation to include encouraging and supporting smallholder farmers for improved productivity, carefully planned and executed disease control and adequate feeding programmes resulting in a reduction of mortality as well as improvement in the quality of feed given to pigs.

“Sustenance of research efforts in the development of cost-effective feeding systems focusing on the use of alternative feed resources, giving adequate attention to the expansion and competitiveness of the production system for the major feed resources such as maize and soybean to curtail the incessant increase in price”.

He also suggested, “concerted multi-stakeholder efforts at developing virile disease surveillance, monitoring programmes and compensation systems against virulent diseases plaguing the swine industry”.

Professor Adesehinwa called on the federal government “to as a matter of urgency and in line with global best practices, revisit the recommendation as contained in the vision 20-20-20 document and pleas from several other quarters to unbundle the legal framework establishing NAPRI to bring about specie or Animal Husbandry Research Institutes”.

Earlier in the lecture, the professor pointed out that pork meat sourced from pigs remained the highest source of animal protein globally, accounting for 36% of the total human needs compared with beef and buffalo at 27%, poultry at 29% as well as goat and sheep at 5%.

He noted with concern that the huge potential of pig had further remained untapped due to religious and traditional stigmatisation, while the various conflicting government policies and interest, and lack of participation of critical stakeholders in policy formulations also added to the shortcomings.

Professor Adesehinwa, however, submitted that with population growth in Nigeria at 2.4% annually, much of which will be urban-based, the demand for quality and healthy animal-sourced foods would increase, with pork meat coming to the rescue.

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Crime

Mob Action: OAU Management Decries Death of 500-Level Student

By Web News 612

By Folake Oye

Authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife have condemned the incident that led to the death of a 500-level student of the institution.

In a statement by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, PRO, Abiodun Olanrewaju, the management said preliminary investigation revealed that the student died of a mob action over alleged phone theft.

The statement said the Vice-Chairman of OAU, Professor Adebayo Bamire had set up a committee to unravel the circumstances that led to the incident.

It noted that the mob action was a violation of the law of the country and the university regulations, and had been reported to the police.

The authorities of OAU, therefore, commiserated with the parents of the deceased, staff and students and prayed to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

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Education

OAU Inaugurates 12th VC

By Web News 537

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has inaugurated her 12th Substantive Vice-Chancellor,  

Prof. Bamire, in his acceptance speech, decried the inadequate funding of the universities nationwide but pledged to build all-round management team for the development of the university.

The new Vice-Chancellor, who commended his co-contestants for the spirit of sportsmanship, enjoined them to work amicably with him in his five years tenure in an effort to bring development to the citadel of learning.

He also promised to improve the quality of education as well as research activities in order to bring in the needed development in the institution, showering encomium on the immediate Vice-Chancellor for the remarkable development in all ramifications.

“I will sustain existing developmental efforts of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eyitayo Ogunbodede by partnering with relevant stakeholders for further infrastructural development in the institution.”

Also in his remarks the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eyitayo Ogunbodede, who handed over to Professor Bamire appreciated the Ife community, urging the University and Ile Ife community to live in peace and maintain their age-long cordiality.  

Professor Ogunbodede pleaded for more support from the University stakeholders for his successor so that OAU could attain much greater heights and be one of the leading institutions of higher learning in Africa.

Similarly, the Pro-Chancellor, Owelle Oscar Udoji congratulated the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede for his numerous achievements in advancing the University, especially in the area of infrastructure development and other ways he ensured the rising pedigree of the University in the last five years.

He said it was noteworthy that the last regime had set a benchmark for successive Vice-Chancellors, saying the progress the University recorded in the last five years had ensured that it remained a unique institution, one of the best in research and in ICT, sought after by reputable international bodies and institutions. 

The pro-chancellor stressed that in spite of myriads of challenges facing knowledge factories in the nation, OAU with its tenacious tradition has continued to thrive and blossom.

“Gold standards of practice which has remained the enduring legacy bequeathed upon it by its forefathers has ensured that the University retains the status of a quintessential Ivory Tower while blazing the trail of excellence and exhibiting untainted scholarship in the process of generating and disseminating knowledge, thus making the University stand tall amongst its peers nationally and on the global stage. “

According to him “The challenges facing the University are multifaceted Although, these are not peculiar to our University, a few of them tend to get worse and have over the years degenerated into an alarming proportion. One is the prevalent management, and union crises. Without gainsaying, one should commend the successful effort of the immediate past administration to stem the tide in this area.”

He noted that to overcome some of these challenges, all stakeholders should be mobilized in building a viable 21st-century university. 

“Running a University is capital intensive. Inflationary trends and the attendant dwindling subvention have challenged universities in Nigeria in recent times. Our Alumni, friends, philanthropists, and other admirers should be involved in the charitable task of maintaining a world-class status and buying into our vision.”

The pro-chancellor, however, added that  “the University will only be able to sustain its enviable tradition when we all are ready to work together regardless of our differences. This University is our legacy, and we should be ready to make sacrifices to ensure that it remains the pride of past and future generations.”

Adenitan Akinola

Education

Don’t Take Laws into Your Own Hands – Ooni Cautions Indigenes

By Web News 484

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has cautioned his people against taking laws into their hands while registering their grievances over the selection of a non-indigene as the new Vice Chancellor for Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

 Oba Ogunwusi in a statement by his director of media and public affairs, Mr Moses Olafare assured workers and students of the institution of the safety of their lives and property.

 The Ooni urged the people to avoid acts capable of truncating peace and security in the ancient city and promised that their request would be given adequate attention.

 He vowed that the host community would continue to partner the institution through the house of oduduwa on programmes and projects capable of projecting Ile-Ife to the outside world as an ancient city ready for progress and development.

 The monarch maintained that relationship between the town and the school remained as strong as ever, particularly to the benefit of the younger ones in and outside the university.

 Meanwhile, report says normalcy has returned to the campus as the masquerades and other protesters have left the campus to allow resumption of academics and non-academics activities.

Don’t Take Laws into Your Own Hands: Ooni Cautions Indigenes

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has cautioned his people against taking laws into their hands while registering their grievances over the selection of a non-indigene as the new vice chancellor for Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

 Oba Ogunwusi in a statement by his director of media and public affairs, Mr Moses Olafare assured workers and students of the institution of the safety of their lives and property.

 The Ooni urged the people to avoid acts capable of truncating peace and security in the ancient city and promised that their request would be given adequate attention.

 He vowed that the host community would continue to partner the institution through the house of oduduwa on programmes and projects capable of projecting Ile-Ife to the outside world as an ancient city ready for progress and development.

 The monarch maintained that the relationship between the town and the school remained as strong as ever, particularly to the benefit of the younger ones in and outside the university.

 Meanwhile, report says normalcy has returned to the campus as the masquerades and other protesters have left the campus to allow resumption of academics and non-academics activities.

Isaac Haastrup

Religion

Get spiritual education for a better Nigeria – Reverend Kolawole

By Web News 583

Nigerians have been advised to acquire spiritual education in addition to secular education for a better society.

The Provost, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, the Reverend Babatope Kolawole gave the advice at the 2022 Graduation Ceremony of the New Covenant Bible College, NCBC, held in Ibadan.

Scenes from the 2022 NCBC Graduation Ceremony

The Reverend Kolawole who is also an alumnus of the NCBC noted that spiritual education was needed by humans to gain eternal life. 

Earlier, the Deputy General-Overseer of the New Covenant Church, the Reverend Olufemi Oyelade urged the graduating students to make a change in the world through their acquired knowledge.

In a remark, the provost of the NCBC, the Reverend Akinwale Johnson congratulated the graduands for the great feat despite their busy schedules.

Some of the graduands said they achieved the feat through God’s grace and determination.

Our correspondent reports that about fifty students from across the southwest states of Nigeria graduated as part of the 2022 Class of the New Covenant Bible College.

Lilian Ibomor

Judiciary

More Revelations Emerge On OAU Student’s Death

By Web News 1227

Fresh facts have emerged from the mysterious death of Timothy Adegoke, Eruwa-born Masters Degree student of the Obafemi Awolowo University as the case resumed on Wednesday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital city.

The Consultant Pathologist from the University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Dr Waheed Oluogun confirmed that the deceased died of severe haemorrhage, secondary to severe traumatic injury.

Speaking during the sitting earlier today, Dr Oluogun said tissues were taken from the wound sides for microscopic examination of the internal organs which showed normal autolysis or tissue.

“The result came out that there was bleeding into that tissue or wound area. At the beginning, there was complete skeletonization of the entire upper limb with separation of the left elbow joint and left wrist joint.

The cause of death of Timothy Adegoke is severe haemorrhage Secondary to severe traumatic injury.”

Meanwhile, Dr Rahmon Adedoyin, owner of Hilton Hotel where Timothy Adegoke died arrived at the Court amidst tight security.

It would be recalled that the court recently rejected Rahmon Adedoyin‘s bail application.

Adedayo Adelowo

Judiciary

Wife of Slain OAU Master’s Student Breaks Down in Court

By Web News 1178

The wife of Late Timothy Adegoke, the Master’s student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Bolatito Adegoke today burst into tears while giving evidence in the case to unravel the killers of her husband who allegedly died in Hilton Hotel Ile-Ife owned by Dr Adedoyin.

She was led in evidence by the prosecutor Mr Ochogwe before the Chief Justice of Osun State, Justice Adepele Ojo.

In her evidence in Chief, she told the court that she was a full housewife and lived with her late husband in Abuja. 

She said, “On 5 November 2021, my husband left home for his final exam at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. My husband doesn’t joke with his family, when he was going he arrived the Airport, he called me that he was at the Abuja airport. 

“He had a meeting with tax officers in Ibadan. He was carrying a leather box which he said he would not want to go to Ile-Ife with, I called a friend named Iyabo Ogeji at Akure to collect the leather box from him. He called me that my friend has collected the leather box from him and my friend also called to confirm.

“When he arrive Ife, at Hilton Hotel he called me again. At about 8:00 PM, I called him to report one of our children to him, he told me that I should not worry that he want to wake up by 12:00 AM to read. He said we will talk later. 

“My husband use to call me before he go for the exam but on Saturday 6th November 2021, I did not see his call. I called him more than three times, I was worried and I told my children and started weeping because the issue of kidnapping is rampant in Nigeria. Since that time I continue calling his phone till around 4 pm. When he did not respond to the calls I informed one of our church Shepard in Abuja, he consoled me that I should be patient but I told him that such a thing has never happened since our marriage. 

“I informed his office about the situation. On Sunday 8th November 2021 around 5 PM, I called one of my husband’s sisters in Osogbo, I told her to help me check my husband at the exam hall, I also called one of his friends chartered accountant and he called his friend at Ile-Ife to check hotel and exam hall. I told them that he lodge at Hilton Hotel. 

“When they check Hilton, they said nobody bears that name that lodge in the hotel. I checked that document of my husband in Abuja and I saw the previous receipt of the Hilton Hotel, I snap and send it to my people who are in Ife. The police used the receipt to conduct their investigation. I later reported at the police station where I wrote a statement and signed it.”

In the course of the narration, she further broke down in tears, crying profusely that she wanted true justice for her late husband.

However, under cross-examination by the defendant’s counsel, Mr K K Eleja (SAN) she refused to answer the questions put to her.

The presiding judge, Justice Ojo cautioned her and stood down the hearing for 10 minutes so that the prosecutor could attend to her. 

Akinola Adenitan

News

FRCN Staff Gets Nomination for Best Reporter Award

By Web News 1040

Radio Nigeria, Gold fm, has shined again as one of its reporters, Isaac Haastrup has been nominated for the best reporter award by the association of the indigenous staff of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Ile-Ife.

A statement by the chairman, Egbe Omo Ijesa, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Mr Oye Oladele and the secretary, Mr Stephen Awofadeju indicates that the award ceremony which takes place at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa at three o’clock on Thursday is the climax of the association’s New Year dinner party.

The statement also shows that other Ijesa sons and daughters who have contributed to the development of the land, as well as, some retired members of the association will be honoured during the ceremony.

An awardee also expected as a special guest is a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ijesa South federal constituency, Chief Babatunde Ayeni.

Isaac Haastrup

Education

Explore FG’s PPP Policy to plug infrastructural gaps – Minister

By Web News 781

In line with the directive of President Mohammadu Buhari, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has charged universities and other Nigerian tertiary institutions to find creative ways of exploiting the existing Public-Private Partnership policy to meaningfully bridge the infrastructure gaps on their campuses.

Alhaji Mohammed made the remark at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile Ife at the inauguration of rehabilitation projects at the Faculty of Science, sponsored by an alumnus of the institution, Dr Akintoye Akindele.

Correspondent, Adenitan Akinola was there for Radio Nigeria.

Adenitan Akinola

Crime

Timothy Adegoke’s Lawyer Challenges Police Claims Of Hotelier’s Innocence

By Web News 770

Pathologists invited to conduct an autopsy on the remains of Timothy Adegoke, a Master’s student of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, whose dead body was exhumed some days after he was declared missing, arrived at Osun State University Teaching Hospital UNIOSUNTH, Osogbo around 2 pm, on Monday.

Family members of the deceased, counsels and journalists had arrived at the hospital by 11 am when the autopsy was slated, to monitor the event.

The corpse was taken out of the hospital’s mortuary department for X-ray and later returned for other examinations.

Lead counsel to the family of late Timothy Adegoke, Mr. Naheem Adekilekun, said the pathologist of the family of the deceased was there to represent them.

The Investigative Police Officer, IPO, and other pertinent parties were allowed into the mortuary while journalists and other members stood outside.

Meanwhile, speaking with newsmen on behalf of the family, Mr. Adekilekun challenged the police over the alleged audio of one of the suspects and the owner of Hilton Hotel and Resorts, Dr. Rahmon Adedoyin.

He expressed concern over the audio of the suspect who was said to be in police detention, pleading his innocence in the audio.

The counsel who said the action of Osun Police command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, who told members of the public that there was nothing to show any form of mutilation on the body of the deceased when it was exhumed from the shallow grave, was contrary to what witnesses who were at the site of the exhumation had to say.

He called on the police to give an explanation on the reported “preferential and VIP treatment” being accorded the owner of the hotel who they claimed to be in their detention.

As of the time of filing this report, the outcome of the autopsy is yet to be out.

Adenitan Akinola

Crime

Osun Police Nab Six Over OAU Masters Student’s Death

By Web News 956

Six people have been arrested by the Osun State Police Command in connection with the death of a master’s degree student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Mr. Timothy Adegoke. 

A statement by the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola says that the command is working assiduously to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Adegoke.

Mrs. Opalola states that a case of a missing person was reported on 7th November 2021 at about 4:30 PM at Edun Abon Police Station and later transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID. 

The statement hints that policemen swung into action and arrested six suspects in connection with the case while the investigation is ongoing.

It adds that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olawale Olokode appeals to the family, students and management of the university to remain calm and be rest assured that the police will do all within its constitutional responsibility to unravel the mystery behind Adegoke’s death.

The master’s degree student came from Abuja to sit for his examination at the OAU Distance Learning Centre, Moro, Osun State. 

He allegedly lodged in a hotel and was declared missing until his lifeless body was found on the road.  Adenitan Akinola

Education

Gov. Abiodun Gifts OAU Best Medical Graduate House, N5m, Scholarship

By Web News 641

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has rewarded Miss Joy Adesina, who emerged the best graduating student from the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, with a house, a sum of five million naira and a scholarship for further studies.

Governor Abiodun, who made this known at the reception organized in honour of Miss Adesina, an indigene of Ogun State, noted that the medical scholarship would be for her residency at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu.

The governor reiterated that his administration would continue to recognize and honour exceptional indigenes of Ogun State, who through a dint of hard work attained academic excellence and are found worthy both in character and innovation.

He advised the awardee to put her intellectual prowess into research and scholarship and expressed optimism that Miss Adesina might be Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Medicine.

While calling on the private sector to collaborate with the state government through its Public-Private Partnership, PPP, programme to reposition education in the state, the governor promised that his administration would continue to appreciate and reward positive enterprises and achievements by sons and daughters of the state, especially the youths. 

Responding, the honouree appreciated the gestures extended to her by the state and thanked her parents for their love and support to achieve the feat at the medical school with a promise to make good use of the opportunity.

Bolanle Adesida

Environment

Road Construction: Ile-Ife Residents Call For FG’s Intervention

By Web News 2137

Residents of Ile Ife in Osun State are seeking urgent Federal Government intervention on the completion of the major road in the town awarded over four years ago.

A drive from the main gate of the University through Lagere to Ilesa bye pass in Ile Ife would ordinarily takes about 12 minutes without traffic now takes between 35 to 40 minutes under same condition

A commercial driver in the town Mr. Ropo Elujoba who commutes students between Lagere and the Obafemi Awolowo University Campus daily complained of the damages done to his vehicle.

“I visit auto mechanic repairer workshop every weekends due to damages done to my vehicle. Every money I make is spent on fixing this bus”.

The comment of a lecturer at a private Polytechnic in the Ile Ife, Mr. Adesina Abubakar captures more vividly the experience of users as he explained that he often abandoned his car to join public transport to work daily

Mr. Abubakar described the road between OAU teaching hospital and the University as Federal Government facility which he said had been abandoned midway by the contractor.

Although, there is evidence of recent construction on the road, with some drainages and bridges completed, most especially around Seven days Adventist hospital, Mayfair and Lagere, but the work appeared abandoned.

Radio Nigeria met with the Federal controller of works in Osun State Mr Orisaleye Ayodeji who insisted that the project had not been abandoned, but the work was going on in a bit.

Mr. Ayodeji blamed the delay and slow pace of work on litigation arriving from issue of compensation for property owners along the axis.

Mr. Ayodeji stated that the matter was once settled out of court, until another stakeholders along the route went back to court, insisting on a particular module of compensation which must be paid before work continue on the road.

But if litigation is responsible for the slow pace in Ife axis of the road, what then could be responsible for that on the Osu axis?

Unfortunately, the contractor could not be located to provide answer to the question while motorists continue to groan under the poor state of the road.

The 22 kilometres Mayfair junction, Lagere, Iremo, Enuwa, Ilesa bypass road in Ile Ife had been awarded for dualization since year 2016.

Adenitan Akinola

Lifestyle

Reactions Trail Late Yinka Odumakin’s Demise

By Web News 570

Reactions have began to pour in on the demise of the foremost human rights activists and Publicity Secretary of pan Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin.

Speaking, Secretary General, Yoruba Council of Elders, Dr. Kunle Olajide who noted that the late Yinka Odumakin lived his life to fight for justice, said his death was a huge loss to Nigeria and the Yoruba nation.

On his part, Secretary Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr. Olusegun Abatan, expressed shock and described the deceased Afenifere spokesperson as a selfless man.

President-General, Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, Mr Banji Awa, who chronicled the Late Odumakin’s days as student activist at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile Ife described the deceased as a goal getter.

Odumakin reportedly died of complications from COVID-19.

He was said to have been battling underlying conditions such as diabetes before the COVID-19 attack.

His wife, Dr. Josephine Okei-Odumakin, also an activist, who confirmed her husband’s death disclosed he had been ill since March 10 and was recuperating, but a respiratory failure occurred.

Late Yinka Odumakin died at the Intensive Care Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.

Until his death in the early hours of Saturday, Late Yinka Odumakin was a voice to reckon with in the struggles for emancipation of Yoruba people.

Besides being a renowned human rights activist, Odumakin was an avid public commentator.

He played a key role in the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO’s struggle for restoration of democracy against the regime of General Sanni Abacha following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.

Late Odumakin was also a prominent face in the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, SMBLF.

The SMBLF is a body comprising ethnic nationalities from the Southwest, South-South, South-East and the Middle Belt.

Dayo Adu

Lifestyle

OAU Staff Commits Suicide after Notifying Family

By Web News 642

A staff of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, identified as Fisayo Oyeniyi has committed suicide in his residence.

Report indicates that Oyeniyi, who was one of the armed guards in the security department, sent a suicide note to his mother, wife and children informing them that he was fed up of life, before hanging himself in his house at Ifewara road, Ile-Ife.

According to the report the decreased has been buried in line with the Yoruba tradition 

The public relation officer of the institution, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed the incident, saying Mr Oyeniyi left office after he sent a suicide text to his family

All efforts to speak with the police as at the time of filing this report failed.

Isaac Haastrup

Health

Not all ailments need the use of drugs – Professor Adedoyin

By Web News 1530

A physiotherapist, Professor Rufus Adedoyin wants Nigerians to explore physical therapy for any form of ailment to promote good health.

He made the call in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Ilesa.

Professor Adedoyin who is also the Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical
Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife advocates non-drug
treatment to prevent the side effects of most drugs.

The physiotherapist who observed that heart disease was the major cause
of death nowadays, also advised Nigerians to avoid sedentary lifestyle, too much sugar and fat to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Professor Adedoyin called on the media to increase awareness on non-drug treatment and physical exercise for healthy living.

Gold FM

Judiciary

Court Acquits OAU’s Former Acting VC, Bursar

By Web News 997

An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has discharged and acquitted the former Acting Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Anthony Elujoba and former Acting Bursar, Mrs Josephine Akeredolu of allegations of abuse of office and financial misappropriation. 

The two were alleged of fraud and conspiracy by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. 

They were arraigned in 2017 before an Ede High Court on seven counts of conspiracy, stealing, payment of Earned and Productivity Allowance of N1.4 billion to the staff of the university without authority’s approval, illegal payment of furniture allowance, abuse of office and conversion of money belonging to the university.

During the trial, prosecution counsel, Mr M. S. Usman called three witnesses and tendered various documents to prove, while counsel to the first defendant, Mr Abiodun Olabanpe and Mr Segun Akeredolu, who represented the second defendant entered a no-case submission.

Delivering judgment in the matter, Justice Wasiu Akanbi said the prosecution failed to prove the case of illegal payment of furniture allowance beyond reasonable doubt. 

Justice Akanbi said the evidence of prosecution witness two(PW2), as well as the letter of appointment of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, tendered before the court showed that the first defendants had right to fringe benefits attached to the office.

He declared that the Prosecution Witness Two and Three contradicted themselves on whether the first defendant could be paid furniture allowance on a proportional basis.

The judge added that the University, the owner of the money did not complain of any missing money or fraud against the accused persons.

On the payment of Earned Allowances and Productivity bonuses to workers in the University in 2017, the judge noted that considering the circumstances leading to the payment, which was the peak of the life threatening crisis, the former Acting Vice Chancellor did not act outside his powers.

Justice Akanbi maintained that since neither the Obafemi Awolowo University nor the Federal Ministry of Education complained of any missing fund, such payment could not be said to be a gratification, especially when the University was owing its staffers about 50 months allowances.

Adenitan Akinola