Politics

Shina Peller Calls for Urgent Resuscitation of Ikere Gorge Dam

By Web News 2438

A member of the House of Representatives from Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Constituency, Mr Shina Peller, has called for the urgent resuscitation of the abandoned Ikere Gorge Dam project situated in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The federal legislator made this call when he paid a visit to Ikere community and inspected the abandoned project, which was initiated by the military regime of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, but was started by the administration of Shehu Shagari in 1983 as the civilian president, whilst the project has since been abandoned by subsequent governments.

Ikere Gorge Dam, a 565 million cubic-metre multi-purpose dam, is the biggest in the South-West region of the country, and has the capacity to generate electricity, enhance fishing, tourism and can supply water to the whole of South West for irrigation activities.

Scenes from Shine Peller’s visit to Ikere Gorge Dam

During his visit to the dam, Mr Peller expressed his sadness that such a giant project like Ikere Gorge Dam which has a great potential that can be tapped to stimulate economic growth could be abandoned for years even as it was almost at the completion stage.

In the same vein, the lawmaker lamented the deplorable state of the road that leads to the dam, adding that the inaccessible state of the road is enough to discourage potential investors and tourists from developing interest in the project.

He, therefore, called for the urgent reconstruction of the road and resuscitation of the project. 

“There is need for us to bring Ikere Gorge Dam to life. Aside the fact that the dam has the capacity to generate electricity and water for irrigation activities in the South West, it can also help promote tourism, enhance agricultural businesses. It will also aid massive job opportunities and wealth creation for our people,” Hon Peller said.

Kola Popoola,

Press Secretary

Office of Hon. Shina Peller.

August 5, 2020

Lifestyle

Emeritus Prof Akinkugbe epitomized hard work, patience – Most Rev. Akinfenwa, Chief Obasanjo

By Web News 1187

The death of Emeritus Professor Oladipo Olujimi Akinkugbe has again robbed Nigeria of one of her finest brains who epitomized hard work, humanness and patriotism.

This was the submission of the Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese, the Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa at the funeral service of the seasoned professor of Medicine and highly respected administrator, Professor Akinkugbe at Saint Stephens Cathedral, Ondo.

The Most Reverend Akinfenwa also lamented the decay of values and institutions which made the likes of Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe, stressing that until Nigerians go back to these lofty values that once defined us as a people, Nigeria would continue on a downward drive.

While describing the deceased as a God-fearing man with global influence, the Most Reverend Akinfenwa challenged political and public leaders to shun corruption but instead discharge their duties with the fear of God and bear in mind that they would someday give account of their stewardship.

In a eulogy, former president, Olusegun Obasanjo who was a friend of the late Professor for about five decades said ‘Ladipo’ as he fondly called him had a natural way of charming anyone who came his way with his intelligence, intellect, humility, patience, pleasantness and wisdom.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo said the late Emeritus Professor Akinkugbe cherished his Ondo roots and also noted that he was personally indebted to him for his invaluable contributions to his administration while serving the nation.

Dignitaries at the funeral service included Secretary to Ondo State Government, Mr Temitayo Oluwatuyi who represented Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, former Governor of Osun State, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Medical experts, Clergy men and other notable personalities cutting across all fields of human endeavor.

Olutola Daramola

Politics

“Operation Amotekun” is here to stay – Governor Makinde

By Web News 727

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, says the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed “Operation Amotekun” is established to complement the work of the security agencies and bridge the gaps in the security network of the geopolitical zone.

He made this position known against the backdrop of the statement credited to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami that the outfit was illegal.

Governor Makinde while speaking with newsmen during a visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta said the minister’s comment was uncalled for.

According to him, Operation Amotekun has not in any way violated the constitution, but rather, it was an intervention to narrow the gaps in security of the South-West.

He added that governors of the South-West designed the operation to complement efforts of the Nigerian Police and other security agencies.

Speaking on the purpose of the visit to former President Obasanjo, Governor Makinde maintained that he was in Abeokuta to pay a visit to the former President as part of the tradition to pay homage to elders to wish them a happy and rewarding New Year.

Iyabo Adebisi