Transportation

Sallah: FG Puts Lagos-Ibadan Express Work on Hold

By Web News 433

Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, has announced suspension of further work on the ongoing reconstruction of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, in order to reduce possible gridlock during the Eid-el- Kabir, Sallah celebration.

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos Engr. (Mrs) Olukorede Kesha, announced this in a statement on Monday.

The statement reads: “Due to the recent heavy traffic flow being experienced on the Lagos Shagamu route in the last couple of days, the inclement weather conditions, the forthcoming Eid Kabir and the advice of the traffic management team deployed to manage traffic related issues on the project.

“Construction activities on this ever busy and very important highway will be suspended from Tuesday, 27 of June to Sunday, 2 of July, 2023.

“This is to allow travellers easy passage during the Eid holiday and minimise the discomfort of traffic gridlock during this very important period.

“Travelers are advised to cooperate with Traffic Management Team deployed on the highway to manage traffic.”

Vanguard/Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Lifestyle

Sallah: Recreation Spots Witness Low Turnout of Fun Seekers

By Web News 470

As the Muslim faithful continues in the euphoria of Salah, eateries and other relaxation spots in Ibadan have been without the usual patronage that characterize the festive period.

Radio Nigeria correspondents who visited some sports including Agodi Gardens and Trans-Amusement Park, University of Ibadan Zoological Garden observed an average turn out of fun-seekers.

Shopping malls at Dugbe and Ring Road also recorded a low turnout of fun-seekers.

Some of the fun seekers were seen carrying food and drinks to entertain their loved ones while some children moved joyfully, having horse-ride

In an interview with Radio Nigeria, some parents at some of the recreation spots said they chose to give themselves some treats despite the harsh economic condition prevalent in the country.

“Despite the hardship of the economy we still have time to felicitate ourselves. We thank God we are alive.” 

“The economy is hard but if we should stay at home we could be thinking about the economy, we will have mental issues.”

The manager of  Agodi  Gardens   Mr Emmanuel Otitoju and that of an Eatery at Ring Road, who craved anonymity,  described the turnout of fun-seekers as quite low.

“The turnout has been fair and on an average level, our pool is one of the best in Ibadan, and the price remains the same”

They urged the government to find a lasting solution to the high cost of goods including the perennial hike in fuel prices.

Lawal / Ibomor /Ọbagbayegun

Religion

Sallah: Prof Olagoke Tasks Leaders on Zero Tolerance for Corruption

By Web News 385

The Founder and Spiritual  Head, Shafaudeen in Islam Worldwide, Professor  Sabit Ariyo Olagoke has urged political power holders to rule with the fear of  God by upholding zero tolerance for corruption and indiscipline, saying that socio-economic corruption is responsible for the security challenges the country is currently facing. 

He also charged the country’s leaders to embark on sustainable development through due process of global best practices for a better future for Nigeria and posterity.

In a congratulatory message, he personally signed to felicitate Muslims on this year’s Eid -El-Kabir celebrations, the frontline Islamic cleric  noted that Nigerians now live fake lives  leaving aside dignity of labor to corrupt enrichment with blatant impunity:

According to him, the culture of integrity, good citizenry, Education, moral discipline from the Religious sector, and ethical practices in leadership and governance are now replaced with corrupt practices because we fail to heed the voice of God in our chosen religion by paying lip service in worship: making us be bereft of wisdom and power of the discerning mind to proffer appropriate solution to our emerging challenges”

“How did we allow hoodlums to hijack and dominate our socio-economic and political scene to the detriment of our security?, he asked adding that hoodlums now kill or kidnap at will for money ritual, dictate settlement bills to release their victims, and control power at will like in Zamfara, Kaduna, Borno, Owo in Ondo State and recently Kuje Correction Centre jail break freeing more than 600 Boko Haram inmates!

Olagoke, who is the Ajagun Esin (Religion Warlord) and Mogaji Ogunelu Dynasty in Ibadanland however maintained  that the antidote to correct all beastly aberrations of life was to return to God by being scripture compliant as their lessons of Eid El Kabir

“Let us resuscitate the culture of integrity and good parenting, promote functional education through adequate funding, teach the scripture and refrain from religion commercialization”, he advised.

Prof. Olagoke enjoined adherents to use the period to offer fervent prayers for the unity and stability of the nation which is seriously under threat due to insecurity and biting economic hardship.

He also urged Muslims to exhibit peace, mutual respect, and tolerance as they celebrate Eid- el -Kabir.

Iyabo Adebisi

Transportation

Transport Fare Hike in Ibadan ahead of Sallah, Lull in Ondo

By Web News 3623

Major motor parks in Ibadan have begun to witness an influx of travelers ahead of the Eid-El Kabir celebration.

Our reporter, who monitored the situation at the interstate motor parks at Challenge, Ogunpa, and  Iwo road reports that the cost of transportation in  buses  from Ibadan to Lagos, Ibadan to Shagamu, Ibadan to  Abeokuta range between 2000 to 3000 naira

While Ibadan to Abuja is 12000 naira, Ibadan to Lokoja is 8000 naira. 

 A commercial driver at Ogunpa Igboora Park, Mr Oluranti Abiodun, said the cost of transport fare was not stable due to the scarcity of petrol. He appealed to the Federal Government to look into the situation to ease the burden on travelers.

Also speaking, a park supervisor at Challenge Bus Terminal, Mr. Olanrewaju Yakubu said there was a low turnout of passengers, attributing it to activities of kidnappers on Nigerian roads, pointing out that the state of insecurity in the country was in one way or the other affecting the transport business.

The situation is not different with inter-city transportation within Ibadan as some residents who are trying to make last-minute shopping and passengers arriving in the city for the celebration are also experiencing a more than 50% rise in  transport fare

Funmilola Obagbayegun

Ondo

The usual hustle and bustle preceding the Sallah at motor parks is quite unnoticed in Akure the Ondo State capital as commuters, motorists and hawkers go about their usual business.

Radio Nigeria reporter, who visited private and government motor parks including Idanre-Park at Okearo, Roadblock, Cathedral, Old Garage, Ondo and Benin Garage as well as the Sunshine Park, observed that passengers were scanty. 

Speaking on the situation, a Sunshine Park official, Comrade Kunle Enìbà-Owoeye disclosed that the transport fare remained normal since there were few commuters on the ground to travel for Sallah.

Comrade Enìbà-Owoeye explained that Akure to Ore was 1500 naira, Akure to Ibadan, 2500 naira and Akure to Lagos 3500 naira, among other trips. 

On their part, two residents, Mrs Febisola Salako and Alhaji Taofik Nuhu enjoined government to address insecurity, the deplorable condition of the roads, frequent fuel hikes, and scarcity at filling stations.

Also, the Public Relations Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Command, Mrs Elizabeth Jayeola said its officers had been deployed across the state to avert gridlock and road carnages, aside from the zero bloodshed sensitization programme organised at Benin garage 

Meanwhile, the Chief Imam, Gbadamosi Memorial Central Mosque, Adebowale, Akure, Alhaji Jamiu Imoyomi advised Muslims to celebrate moderately considering the economic situation in the country.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Security

IGP Orders Nationwide Security Beef-up

By Web News 385

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba has assured Nigerians of efforts to improve public safety and security across the country during and after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The police boss also directed Commissioners of Police and Tactical Commanders in all the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police to beef up security ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Thursday said this was to prevent any untoward situation across the country throughout the festive season and beyond.

The statement partly read, “The IGP has directed that supervisory AIGs and their respective CPs should ensure adequate deployment of officers and assets to prevent the occurrence of crimes and criminality, as well as build confidence amongst the citizens.

“The police boss charged officers and men of the police to engage in critical assessment of threat prone areas, thorough stop and search, raids on black spots and other anti-crime strategies capable of sustaining peace and public safety in Nigeria.

“The IGP equally warned that personnel deployed must be professional and mindful of the fundamental rights of the citizens, and discharge their responsibilities with all sense of decorum and alertness.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

Crime

Sallah Ram Theft, Police Apprehend Suspects

By Web News 470

Operatives of Ogun state police command have apprehended the duo of Adetunji Alagbe and Opeyemi Ogunlokun for allegedly stealing a Sallah ram belonging to one Sodiq Abolore.

The Suspects were arrested after the owner of the ram, Sodiq Abolore, had reported at Ogijo divisional headquarters that the ram he bought at one hundred and twenty thousand naira was missing from the place he had kept it.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi confirmed the arrest of the suspects in a statement in Abeokuta.

Mr Oyeyemi explained that two out of the three men chased by police were arrested, the remaining one escaped while attempting to force the ram into a waiting Mazda car booth.

He noted that the ram was recovered, and the two suspects were taken into custody.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Lanre Bankole, has ordered an in-depth investigation of the case, with the view of charging the suspects to court as soon as possible.

Segun Folarin

Religion

Sultan Declares Thursday Dhul Hijjah 1, Saturday Sallah

By Web News 1001

The Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Thursday 30 June as Dhul Hijjah 1, 1443AH.

This means that Saturday 9 July is the Eidul Adha or Sallah day, coming after Friday 8 July, which is Arafat Day.

A statement from the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), said that Sultan Abubakar has declared Thursday 30th June as the first day of Dhul Hijjah.

“Eidul Adha will be on Saturday, 10th Dhul Hijjah 1443H (9th July 2022) In Sha Allah.

His Eminence, the Sultan hereby calls upon the Muslim Ummah to intensify efforts in acts of worship during the first 10 days of the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah. And also pray for peace, stability, and progress of the country, the statement said.   

FRCN Abuja

Religion

Islamic Cleric Preaches Peaceful Coexistence among Nigerians

By Web News 698

As Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid – El- Kabir, a renowned Ibadan based  Islamic Cleric, Prof. Sabit Ariyo Olagoke, Jp has urged Nigerians to live in togetherness and peace as exemplified by Prophet Mohammed.

Olagoke , who is the Spiritual Leader and Founder of Shafaudeen- In- Islam Worldwide stated this in his  Eid-El-Kabir message.

 He said that the country needed these attributes to achieve the desired greatness, adding that it was only in an atmosphere of peace and love that people could thrive and attain their potentials.

“Let us continue to exhibit love toward fellow human beings and re-dedicate our lives to the service of God,  the Almighty Allah and humanity in general for a better Nigeria of our dream, as demonstrated by Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) during his earthly sojourn,” he said

The Islamic scholar further assured that the spate of kidnapping witnessed in some parts of the country, particularly in the Southwest region would soon become a thing of the past if Nigerians stand united against the ugly trend.

He observed that for Oyo State pace setter agenda, the need to support the government of Governor Seyi Makinde is sacrosanct, for the maintenance of peace and accelerated development under an environment of discipline and zero tolerance to Corruption. 

“Let us use the period of this festival to pray for the peace, progress and economic emancipation of our dear country, Nigeria,  as patriotic stakeholders” he said

Nofiu Busari

Crime

Sallah: FRSC Assures Public Safety on Roads

By Web News 788

The Ekiti State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps says it has

deployed its officers and men to major traffic corridors in the state to ensure accident free Eld-el fitri celebration.

The sector Commander, Mrs. Faustina Alegbe said in Ado Ekiti that such corridors included Oye-Omuo, Ido-Ifaki, ikere-Akure, Itawure-Ilesha, Ijan-Ikare roads among others.

According to her, this became necessary to ensure free flow of traffic, promote rescue services, and timely clearance of obstruction. 

Mrs. Alegbe advised motorists to start their journey early and avoid, distraction, wrongful overtaking, use of phone while driving, drivers license violation, lane indiscipline as well as excessive speeding.

Ogunride Amos

Security

Security Operatives in Oyo Gear Up For Festivities

By Web News 823

Commissioner of Police in Oyo state Mr. Shina Olukolu has called on youths who are fond of organising street carnivals during Eid-el-Kabir festival to have a change of mind.

Mr. Olukolu stated this in Ibadan while briefing newsmen on the preparations of the Police towards the festival.

He said it has been discovered that some youths use celebration period as an avenue to commit crime and this made the command to be proactive by deploying officers and men to all the prayer grounds.

Similarly, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Oyo state command has deployed two thousand officers to mosques and designated prayer grounds to beef up security before, during and after Eid celebration.

NSCDC Oyo state Commandant, Alhaji Iskilu Akinsanya made this known while briefing his officers on steps to follow at ensuring a crime free celebration.

Also, Sector Commander FRSC, Mrs. Uche Chukwurah said the corps had begun “Eid-el-Kabir special patrol operation” to achieve a traffic free celebration.

The FRSC boss reiterated the commitment of the command to ensure that the forthcoming celebration was devoid of incidences that could mar the festival.

Rasheedat /Ridwan Fasa