News
Oyo Govt Tasks FG After Release Of 20 Corps Members
The Oyo State Government has welcomed the release of the 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were abducted while travelling to their orientation camps in Imo State, but urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle the persistent wave of kidnapping and banditry across the country.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Dotun Oyelade, made the call while reacting to the release of the prospective corps members by their abductors on Wednesday, saying the development had brought relief to the state government, the affected families and the people of Oyo State.
Oyelade said, “Oyo State Government is relieved at the release of our children from the bondage of abduction once again.”
He congratulated the Imo and Oyo State Governments, as well as the Federal Government, over the release, while stressing that the development should also serve as a reminder of the need for stronger and more coordinated action against the growing insecurity in the country.
“We congratulate the Imo and Oyo State Governments and the Federal Government too,” he said
The commissioner, however, said the Federal Government, which he described as having the greatest constitutional powers and capacity to address the security challenge, needed to do more to prevent such incidents from recurring.
According to him, “The Federal Government, which has the preponderance of power and capacity to effectively nip this embarrassing development in the bud, must be more proactive and live up to its promise to keep citizens safer across the land.”
Oyelade expressed concern that despite repeated assurances from the Presidency on efforts to improve national security, kidnapping and banditry continued to affect communities and citizens in different parts of the country.
“It is worrisome that large pockets of kidnappings and banditry still dominate the Nigerian landscape, the constant robust assurances from the Presidency notwithstanding,” he said.
He further raised concern over the number of Nigerians who, according to him, remained in captivity in forests across the country, saying the continued abduction of citizens underscored the need for more effective security measures.
“At the last count, not less than 200 Nigerians are still languishing in forests, abducted in circumstances in which government appears to have no clue,” the commissioner said.
The 20 prospective corps members were abducted while travelling to Imo State for the NYSC orientation exercise, causing anxiety among their families and loved ones and prompting efforts to secure their release.
Their release was confirmed on Wednesday by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who received the information from Imo State Governor, Mr. Hope Uzodinma, during a telephone conversation at about 5pm.
The development was conveyed to the Olubadan by Governor Uzodinma personally, according to a statement by the monarch’s media aide, Adeola Oloko.
The Olubadan, who had closely monitored developments surrounding the abduction, expressed relief following confirmation that the prospective corps members had regained their freedom.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and dependable defender Michelle Alozie have arrived at the Super Falcons’ camp in Ijebu Ode ahead of their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying fixture against Comoros.
Also joining the team are midfielder Jennifer Echegini and forward Folashade Ijamilusi, bringing the number of players in camp to 22.
Only four players—Comfort Erhabor, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa and Uchenna Kanu—are still expected to join the squad.
The Super Falcons will continue their preparations with another training session at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, tonight.
Meanwhile, the Comoros senior women’s national team arrived in Ijebu Ode on Monday and held their first training session on Tuesday night as they intensify preparations for the first leg.
Friday’s encounter, which was originally scheduled to take place in Comoros, will now be played at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, with kick-off set for 6pm.
The reverse fixture will hold at the same venue next week Tuesday.
Players In Camp
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma, Chiamaka Nnadozie
Defenders: Farida Abdulwahab; Sandra John; Tumininu Adeshina; Valentina Uroko; Glory Edet; Shukurat Oladipo; Glory Ogbonna
Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe; Toni Payne; Favour Omenazu; Joy Igbokwe; Jennifer Echegini; Fatimoh Solaty, Suliat Abideen
Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade; Shakirat Moshood; Blessing Nkor; Sandra John, Folashade Ijamilusi; Janet Akekoromowei
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday said God used a former military Head of State, Sani Abacha, to create the state.
Governor Oyebanji said without Abacha, Ekiti State would not have been created.
Ekiti State was created on October 1, 1996, out of the old Ondo State, during Abacha’s military regime.
The governor said Ekiti State owes a debt of gratitude to the former military ruler.
Speaking during the ‘Ekiti at 30 Future Summit’ in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, Oyebanji said people of the state have distinguished themselves in various sectors of the economy.
He said: “In the old Western region and later Ondo State, Ekiti men and women distinguished themselves in education, public administration, commerce, agriculture, culture, and national service.
“Through the act of persistent advocacy, leaders made a compelling case for the creation of the state, that way the aspiration of our people would be more effectively pursued.
“We therefore owe an eternal debt of gratitude to the founding fathers of Ekiti State, to the traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, academics, political actors, and women organisations whose sacrifices made the creation possible.
“Some people will not like to hear my next statement but that is the truth, we owe a debt of gratitude to Gen. Sani Abacha who was the Head of State when the state was created.
“Without that man, Abacha, we will not be here. Kabiyesi will tell you what they contended with but God used Abacha and we are grateful.”
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over the aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed the lives of several NAF personnel and others.
The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), conveyed the agency’s sympathies in a letter of condolence addressed to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
In a statement made available to thecolumn.ng by the
Director, Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi
in Abuja on Wednesday (today) Marwa extended the agency’s condolences to the NAF leadership, officers and personnel, as well as the families of those who lost their lives in the crash.
He described the incident as devastating, saying the news was received with profound grief.
The NDLEA boss commended the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as its consistent patriotism, gallantry and commitment to the defence and security of the country.
According to him, the loss of personnel who dedicated their lives to national service was a painful blow to the Air Force, the country and the wider national security community.
“In this moment of deep sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families of the fallen heroes, as well as the entire NAF family,” Marwa said.
He prayed that God would comfort the bereaved families, strengthen the Nigerian Air Force and grant the deceased eternal rest.
Marwa also assured the Air Force of the solidarity and support of the officers, men and women of the NDLEA during the period of mourning.
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