Stop the brain drain, Poly Alumni President urges FG

The Federal government of Nigeria has been urged to take a drastic step to halt the brain drain syndrome currently ravaging the country. 

The president, Association of Students Communicators, Polytechnic Ibadan, 2006 Alumni Association, Abass Lawal made this call during the Association's 2022 reunion which held in Lagos and Ibadan simultaneously. In his welcome address, read on his behalf by the Association's vice president,  Toyin Adesina, Abass who is a financial technology expert, urged the federal government to create a rewarding system for talents and an enabling environments for SMEs. 

In his words, "it's easy for developed countries to tap into our talents for their own development because we don't appreciate and reward our talents in this part of the world.

"Some SMEs owners have also been frustrated into abandoning their businesses to 'japa' because of lack of enabling business environment. If this is allowed to continue, the country's future looks bleak especially in the health, academic and financial fields which are worst hit by the brain drain syndrome", he said. 

While appreciating the Association's members for how far the group has come, Abass, popularly called JINGLE said, "when this group was created on September 15, 2015, I never envisaged that we would get this strong. Looking back now at the bond, trust and consistency we have built, I am convinced the group is destined for greatness.

"Within that period and now, there has been a lot of individual and group wins, one of them being the appointment of one of us Kolawole Akanmu as Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor,  Engineer Seyi Makinde.

"Many of our colleagues have relocated abroad for better opportunities.

"There has been business transactions in thousands of  dollars and millions of naira among group members.

"There has been group and individual soft loans among members, the most recent being the #100k interest free loan each given to some members of the group to boost their businesses.

"This shows the level of trust we have so far built, especially,  considering the fact that some of us have not even met physically since we graduated 16 years ago", Mr. Abass revealed. 

Oyo NUJ felicitates Gov Makinde at 55

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has congratulated Governor Seyi Makinde of the state on his 55th birthday, which he attained today Sunday December 25, 2022.

A statement jointly signed by the NUJ chairman in the state, Comrade Ademola Babalola, and the secretary, Comrade Olusola Oladapo, described Makinde as a strong pillar of support for journalists in the state.

The statement read in part: "Governor Seyi Makinde is our Grand Patron in the NUJ, Oyo State Council. He loves the media, from reporters to editors. Recently, he approved for Oyo NUJ, the right to host the National Executive Council meeting of the union nationwide. This is unprecedented in the state. It is the first of its kind in the history of Oyo NUJ.

"Governor Makinde has been very supportive to the cause of the NUJ, even before he became number one citizen of the Pace Setter state. It is on record that he built a laboratory for Pen Group of Schools at the premises of the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, even before he became the Governor. Nevertheless, two years ago, he gave the Union a Brand New Bus.

"So, he  has been outstanding in terms of supports to the Union and that was why journalists in the state, last year 2021, voted him as the Best Media-Friendly Governor in the history of the Pacesetter State.

"But the NUJ in the state has observed with a keen interest that his good works have not been limited to journalists alone. He has also impacted positively on other unions in the state, apart from execution of people-oriented projects, across the three senatorial district in the state. 

"It must be noted that his sterling quality in understanding that government is a continuum is second to none. Apart from initiating new projects, he has also not abandoned projects that were not completed by his predecessors in office. He has completed a number of them and many are at the verge of completion.

"Therefore, we identify with Governor Makinde on this auspicious occasion of his 55th birthday. It is no mean feat that he has achieved. May God continue to strengthen him in the onerous task of moving Oyo State forward. May God bless him with long life, sound health and prosperity."

Olayinka Segelu Celebrates Governor Makinde @ 55, Endorse Him For Second Term

Aspirant in the just concluded 2023 House Representatives Primaries and Chairman, YSEG Hotel, Ibadan, Hon. Olayinka SEGELU has felicitated with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engineer. Seyi Makinde,  fnse on his 55th birthday ceremony.

Olayinka Segelu a well respected and popular Politician across  Lagelu/Akinyele Federal constituency made this known while addressing journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

He explained that Governor Makinde is a political firmament of Oyo State with divinely inspired ingenuity which have creatively tackled several legacy challenges which had bedeviled the State for decades.

Segelu said, "you are a blessing to us and it's gladdens my heart to rejoice with a kind hearted and astute leader whom God has sent as a messiah to liberate Oyo State from the shackle of Poverty to Prosperity State we are witnessing today"

He continued "As you mark 55 birthday today, may the mercies and blessing of God continue to abide with you, may we all live to celebrate your next birthday while serving your second term as the Executive Governor of Oyo State in Jesus Name".

He added that there are a lot of infrastructural development across the State, saying that, the State Government constructed Moni ya-Iseyin, Oyo-Iseyin and circular  Road for Rural - Urban migration.

Other projects are Bus Terminal in strategic places in the state, Agri-business Development Hub, Remodeling of Adamasingba Stadium, Primary Health Care Centres across the wards of the State, Free Education Policy and Light -Up Oyo project among others.

He hinted further that apart from making education totally free, recruiting teachers and supplying  furnitures to schools, the State Government had recorded giant strides in the education sector.

 

He reiterated further that his four points Agenda ranging from Education, Health, Security and Expanded Economy through Agri-business Tourism would transform the State to be one of the best among the committee of States in Nigeria.

He assured All indigenes of the state that they have chosen the right Government that is focused, responsible and compassionate to partner with without looking back.

Olayinja Segelu Celebrates Governor Makinde @ 55, Endorse Him

Aspirant in the just concluded 2023 House Representatives Primaries and Chairman, YSEG Hotel, Ibadan, Hon. Olayinka SEGELU has felicitated with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engineer. Seyi Makinde,  fnse on his 55th birthday ceremony.

Olayinka Segelu a well respected and popular Politician across  Lagelu/Akinyele Federal constituency made this known while addressing journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

He explained that Governor Makinde is a political firmament of Oyo State with divinely inspired ingenuity which have creatively tackled several legacy challenges which had bedeviled the State for decades.

Segelu said, "you are a blessing to us and it's gladdens my heart to rejoice with a kind hearted and astute leader whom God has sent as a messiah to liberate Oyo State from the shackle of Poverty to Prosperity State we are witnessing today"

He continued "As you mark 55 birthday today, may the mercies and blessing of God continue to abide with you, may we all live to celebrate your next birthday while serving your second term as the Executive Governor of Oyo State in Jesus Name".

He added that there are a lot of infrastructural development across the State, saying that, the State Government constructed Moni ya-Iseyin, Oyo-Iseyin and circular  Road for Rural - Urban migration.

Other projects are Bus Terminal in strategic places in the state, Agri-business Development Hub, Remodeling of Adamasingba Stadium, Primary Health Care Centres across the wards of the State, Free Education Policy and Light -Up Oyo project among others.

He hinted further that apart from making education totally free, recruiting teachers and supplying  furnitures to schools, the State Government had recorded giant strides in the education sector.

 

He reiterated further that his four points Agenda ranging from Education, Health, Security and Expanded Economy through Agri-business Tourism would transform the State to be one of the best among the committee of States in Nigeria.

He assured All indigenes of the state that they have chosen the right Government that is focused, responsible and compassionate to partner with without looking back.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

 

YEAR 2022 NIGERIAN AIR FORCE DIRECT SHORT SERVICE COMMISSION EXERCISE

This is to inform the general public that the year 2022 Nigerian Air Force DSSC Enlistment exercise has commenced.

Application forms and other details can be accessed ONLINE at www.nafrecruitment.air force.mil.ng starting from 19th December, 2022 to 30th January, 2023.

Interested Male and Female indigenes of Oyo State who wish to apply are hereby urged to obtain Oyo State Indigeneship Certificate at Room 53, Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, Liaison Offices at Abuja and Lagos to confirm that they are bonafide Candidates of Oyo State Origin.

Listeners are enjoined to please circulate the information to eligible indigenes as the ONLINE application closes on 30th January, 2023.

Thank you all.

                  ANNOUNCER
     Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun
Secretary to the State Government 

NUJ Seeks Bailout Fund For Media Houses

 

The leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) has called on the federal government to provide bailout funds for media houses to serve as life line for journalists struggling to survive after the deadly surge of Covid-19 virus  .

The bailout funds, according to the NUJ leadership,  should be specially dedicated to support journalists to continue to carryout their statutory role of nation building.

The state Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) ,Oyo state Council, Comrade Ademola Babalola made the call on Wednesday at a one day capacity building workshop for journalists in the South West on conflict sensitive reporting and 2023 general election held at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre , Iyaganku, Ibadan.

Speaking at the workshop organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Babalola said just like the government bails other critical sectors of the economy by providing life support funds, media houses could also be given life support funds by the federal government due to the critical role the media plays in nation building.

Among those present at the workshop are leaders of the NUJ  including the National President, Chief Chris Isiguzo, represented by a National Trustee member, Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde, the Vice President, Zone B, Mrs Ronke Samo , the National Trustee member, Mr Bayo Akamo, the Oyo state NUJ Chairman, Alhaji Ademola Babalola , and leaders of the NUJ in the state.

Others present include top ranking officials of the INEC among whom are  the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter’s Education,  Mr Festus Okoye, represented by a Deputy Director in the Commission , Mrs Ndidi Okafor, INEC Head of Legal Services, Mrs Faith Okorie , INEC Administrative Secretary , Alhaji Abiodun Onikate-Amosu, and the INEC Head of Voters’ Education, Mrs Rosemary Alaba Adeniyi .

In the last few years , many journalists have been thrown out of jobs, while those still in the system were owed several.  months of salaries , with attendant effects on the growth and development of the profession.

The NUJ chairman while lamenting the deplorable condition of many journalists in the country , opined that with intervention of the federal government , comatose media houses can be revived, while many journalists could be gainfully employed .

Also speaking at the workshop, the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter’s Education, Mr. Festus Okoye said that one of the objectives of the capacity building workshop was to provide opportunity for journalists to be aware of the key activities of the electoral body in the coming 2023 general election.

Okoye who was represented by a Deputy Director in the Commission, Mrs Ndidi Okafor stressed the urgent need for journalists to report accurately INEC activities before, during and after the 2023 election.

” For example, a journalist is talking about the Electoral Act , he must know that there was Electoral Act 2010, and that what the country is operating currently is no longer Electoral Act 2010, but the 2022 Electoral Act. If you don’t know this , you cannot be able to inform the public accurately. So, that is one of the objectives of the workshop, ” she stated.

The union also warned journalists against any attempt to deviate from the ethics of the profession because it will not augur well for the country.

Speaking at the NUJ National President, Chief Chris Isiguzo warned against any attempt to deviate from the ethics of the profession while reporting activities of the electoral body.

Isiguzo who was represented by the NUJ national trustee in charge of Zone F, Abimbola Oyetunde, also hinted that the union was ready to work with INEC to ensure that democracy works properly in the country.

The NUJ President who said that the role of the media in Nigeria’s emerging democracy is crucial.

Oyo HOS Inaugurates Committee on Public Service Rules, Other Regulations

 

The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Ololade Agboola has inaugurated committee on the review of Public Service Rules and other regulations, noting that, the exercise is not carried out to witch-hunt any workers in the State.

She stated this during the inauguration of the committee, held at Head of Service conference room, Secretariat, Ibadan.

She charged chairman and other members of the committee to bring new ideas into the system, hinting that, rules must not be static for a long time.

She said "extent rules and regulations in the Civil/Public Service has been known for a long time as the Bible and Quran for all government officials and also use to guide and guard conduct in the service".

The Head of Service added that public service rules was last  reviewed in the year 2013, hinting that, the books are being challenged daily by the presence of technology.

"These books can therefore leave service at risk, this is because old way may not be in tandem with current realities and may be unable to address new challenges of technology which can result in  inconsistence in application of rules and regulations guiding the service.

Some of the books are Public Service Commission Regulations, 1978, Public administration Law 2000, Procurement Guidelines, 2021 and Financial Memorandum for Local Governments. 

She explained that the exercise is not carried out to witch-hunt a category of workers or a particular cadre or group of workers, it is carried out to bring sanity into system .

The Chairman of the committee, former Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service, Chief Bisi Adesola, mni commended the State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde for giving him and his members opportunity to serve the State in that capacity.

You are Buying PVC, You are wasting your time, INEC tells Politician

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that anyone buying Permanent Voter's Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2023 general elections is waisting his or her time, energy and resources. 

National Commissioner of INEC in charge of Voters Education and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye made this declaration at a one day training for journalists organised by Nigeria Union of Journalists in collaboration with INEC in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital. 

At the training were NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo who was represented by NUJ National Trustee in charge of Zone F, Abimbola Oyetunji, NUJ National Trustee in charge of Zone B, Mr. Adebayo Akamo, NUJ Zone B Vice President, Mrs. Ronke Afebioye Samo, NUJ Chairman in Oyo state, Ademola Babalola and INEC Administrative Secretary in Oyo state, Alhaji Abiodun Onikate-Amosu among others. 

Okoye who was represented by the Deputy Director in charge of gender department, Mrs. Ndidi Okafor, while addressing the gathering said that the only reason why many people will not vote during the elections is identity theft. 

Okoye while speaking at the training that centred on conflict sensitive reporting and 2023 general election, insisted that anyone buying PVCs is embarking on futility efforts. 

He said that journalists play critical role in deepling democracy, hence the training became imperative at the time Nigeria is approaching another general elections. 

"Anyone buying PVCs is embarking on effort in futility. It is an effort in futility. 

"It is not possible to snatch ballot boxes and ballot papers again. It is because of technology. The only reason why some people will not vote is identity theft. What we are dealing with is the finger print and the face. 

"So, if your finger did not match, then your face must march. If your finger print did not match and your face did not match, then you cannot vote, that means you are not the owner of the PVC. That is identity theft. 

"Because media is a stakeholder, a critical stakeholder for that matter. So, I want to appeal to you the media, you are a stakeholder. 

"Let me say it again that the only reason why some people will not vote during the elections is identity theft. So, we enjoin you to be part of this education to sensitise the public. We need you to ensure accurate reportage". 

You are Buying PVC, You are wasting your time, INEC tells Politician

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that anyone buying Permanent Voter's Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2023 general elections is waisting his or her time, energy and resources. 

National Commissioner of INEC in charge of Voters Education and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye made this declaration at a one day training for journalists organised by Nigeria Union of Journalists in collaboration with INEC in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital. 

At the training were NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo who was represented by NUJ National Trustee in charge of Zone F, Abimbola Oyetunji, NUJ National Trustee in charge of Zone B, Mr. Adebayo Akamo, NUJ Zone B Vice President, Mrs. Ronke Afebioye Samo, NUJ Chairman in Oyo state, Ademola Babalola and INEC Administrative Secretary in Oyo state, Alhaji Abiodun Onikate-Amosu among others. 

Okoye who was represented by the Deputy Director in charge of gender department, Mrs. Ndidi Okafor, while addressing the gathering said that the only reason why many people will not vote during the elections is identity theft. 

Okoye while speaking at the training that centred on conflict sensitive reporting and 2023 general election, insisted that anyone buying PVCs is embarking on futility efforts. 

He said that journalists play critical role in deepling democracy, hence the training became imperative at the time Nigeria is approaching another general elections. 

"Anyone buying PVCs is embarking on effort in futility. It is an effort in futility. 

"It is not possible to snatch ballot boxes and ballot papers again. It is because of technology. The only reason why some people will not vote is identity theft. What we are dealing with is the finger print and the face. 

"So, if your finger did not match, then your face must march. If your finger print did not match and your face did not match, then you cannot vote, that means you are not the owner of the PVC. That is identity theft. 

"Because media is a stakeholder, a critical stakeholder for that matter. So, I want to appeal to you the media, you are a stakeholder. 

"Let me say it again that the only reason why some people will not vote during the elections is identity theft. So, we enjoin you to be part of this education to sensitise the public. We need you to ensure accurate reportage". 

IDSF Mark First Year Anniversary, Promises Better Life for Widows, Ibadan Indigenes

The Oyo State Head of Service and the President, Ibadan Descendant Sisters Forum, (IDSF),  Alhaja Ololade Agboola has said that the forum will continue to contribute to the development of Ibadanland in all sectors with emphasis on empowerment of Women, Youths and the less Privileged in the Society.

She stated this during the first year Anniversary of the Forum and  provision of food items and materials for two orphanage homes with the theme "Work-Life Integration and Your Well Being" held at Ayololade Hall, Aduloju Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

Alhaja Agboola said  the association had earlier visited two homes, some widows were also selected for support to boost their existing businesses.

She added that the forum plans to engage in empowering the women in Ibadanland by helping to provide access to clean water, better sanitation facilities in schools, invest in business run by women by giving them equipment, tools and grants to run their businesses.

She said, "this forum established to carry out several humanitarians services to support widows, financial and materials support to Orphanage homes and mentoring girl-child, awareness programme to eradicate rape and other forms of abuse against the girl child."

He called on well meaning Nigerians to support the forum in order to meet up with all it's objectives and programmes to lift women up in the society.

"The forum consists of women from diverse works of life which include captains of industries, Entrepreneurs, Academics, seasoned Civil Servants. Other professionals in Nigeria and abroad, all members are Indigenes of Ibadanland and have affiliation with the Central Council Of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII)".

Speaking at the event, the Present General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga commended the forum for lifting women up in the society.

The guest lecturer at the forum, Mr Siyanbola Adegoke charged the Ibadan Descendant Sisters forum to be valuable, accessible, assertive  and continue to empower women in the society.

Prevent Fire Outbreak During Dry Season - Oyo Fire Services Agency

The General Manager, Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Reverend Yemi Akinyinka has charged the men of the Fire Services Agency to re -doubled their efforts to serve the general public in this year 2022 dry season.

He stated this while walking round the State Secretariat to mark the year 2022 fire week.

Akinyinka said the agency walk round the State  to alert and sensitized people on fire prevention tips in the State.

He said "we want people to be aware of what fire can cause in the society, we started by moving round the State Secretariat,  thereafter, we will move to all major Markets in Ibadan, Ogbomosho, Oyo, Saki and Ibarapa areas of the State".

He continued, "we want people to take care of their buildings, clean their environment, when you are leaving home in the morning, remove all the electrical appliances from the wall, clean your Gas and ensure everything is tidy before you leave home in this dry season".

He commended the present administration in the state led by Engineer Seyi Makinde for purchasing five new fire trucks to enhance the performance of the agency.

The General Manager then enjoined people of the state to always protect officers of the Agency whenever they are on official duty to protect their lives properties.

Use Your Skill to Promote Civil Service, Oyo HOS Charges Surveyors

The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Ololade Agboola has charged Surveyors in the State to maintain the ethics of their profession and use their professional skills to promote the Civil Service in the State. 

She stated this during the 2022 Annual symposium with the theme "Application of GIS in Agriculture" held at NIS Plaza, Ikolaba, Ibadan.

She said the symposium served two purposes, to honour past leaders who had contributed immensely to the growth and development of the association and   to uphold the ethics of the profession .

The Head of Service who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Oyesola Oyedele said Nigeria needs to diversify its economy and one of the base for Nigeria Economy is Agriculture especially in the South-West.

She urged the Surveyors to maintain the ethics and code of their profession and also look out for ways to use their skills to progress the Civil Service in the State.

She enjoined other professions in the service to emulate the Nigeria Institution of Surveyors in the State by organising this kind of symposium for their members in order to enhance their performance and efficiency.

In his remarks, the Surveyor General of Oyo State also the Chairman, Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON), Oyo State Ethics Committee, Surveyor Alaba Abiodun said the symposium was organised to enlightened the public on the relevance of surveying especially in the Agriculture.

The Surveyor General hinted that Agriculture is one of the four point agenda of the present administration in the State led by Engineer Seyi Makinde  "we want to make our impart as Surveyors to contribute our own quota to revolutionalise Agriculture so that there would be abundant food supply in the State".

The Guest lecturer Professor Olajide Kufoniyi admonished government at all levels to embraced Geographical Information Service (GIS) to promote Agriculture in Nigeria.

Present at the event were the representative of the Secretary to the State Government, Permanent Secretary, General Administration, Governor's Office,  Mr. Ayorinde,  Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Olayiwola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Bayo Raji,  Former Rector, Federal School of Surveying, Oyo, Professor Bada Babatunde Saheed and Dr. Samuel Ayodele from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, among others.

Cleric Calls For Care For The Girl Child Nigerians most especially the youths and leaders in the position of authority have been advised to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and team work to enhance Nation building . Prof. Sabit Ariyo Olagoke JP disclosed this while opening the 18th edition of Rasool cup competition which took place at the Nigeria Railway Corporation playing ground recently. Prof. Olagoke hinted that the primary focus of extracurricular activities and sports is to teach discipline , dedication, hard work, commitment and team work as the only way to build a Nation positively while adding that it should be the responsibilities of all to value sportsmanship and courage to take action that will have good impact. He alluded that "A number of studies conducted by the World Health Organisation(W.H.O), have also highlighted that physical exercise can stimulate positive mental health and cognitive development " Prof. Olagoke who is also the Patron of Olagoke babes and sponsor of the tournament discussed that sports is fundamental to the true enhancement of global development and the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs). Earlier , while speaking to group of journalists during the 2022 Brownie day organised by the Nigerian Girls Guide Association, Oyo State chapter which was held at the Amphi Theatre of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan, Prof. Olagoke urged the girls and other teenagers to go through the journey challenges and earn badges to become powerful agents of change , without any hindrance to participating fully in all aspects of life . "You can win, You will and You Must", Prof . Olagoke, a former Dean School of Engineering, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State charged the youth. He however called for more efforts targeted towards the empowerment of the girl child , to evenly distribute the gains of gender equality globally. While analysing the girl child's predicament, Prof. Olagoke disclosed that, one in five girls is still subjected to early marriage, 140,000 girls between 15 and 19 years have HIV infections while 1 in 4 girls between 15 and 19 years were neither employed nor in education or training compare to 1 in 10 boys Prof. Olagoke equally noted that 1 in 20 girls of 15 and 19 years of about 13 million globally have been sexually assaulted and 132 million girls are out of school while over 4million risks genital mutilation annually. Prof. Olagoke who is also the founder and spiritual head of Shafudeen in Islam worldwide added that all the tribulations of the girl child is from only the developing Nations. He therefore called on leaders of such countries to declare a state of emergency on caring for the girl child's for global peace.

Nigerians most especially the youths and leaders in the position of authority  have been advised to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and team work  to enhance Nation building .

Prof. Sabit Ariyo Olagoke JP disclosed this while opening the 18th edition of Rasool cup competition which took place at the Nigeria Railway Corporation playing ground recently.

Prof. Olagoke hinted that the primary focus of extracurricular activities and sports is to teach discipline , dedication, hard work, commitment and team work as the only way to build a Nation positively while adding that it should be the responsibilities of all to value sportsmanship and courage to take action that will have good impact. He alluded that "A number of studies conducted by the World Health Organisation(W.H.O), have also highlighted that physical exercise can stimulate positive mental health and cognitive development "

Prof. Olagoke who is also the Patron of Olagoke babes and sponsor of the tournament discussed that sports is fundamental to the true enhancement of global development and the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs).

Earlier , while speaking to group of journalists during the 2022 Brownie day organised by the Nigerian Girls Guide Association, Oyo State chapter which was held at the Amphi Theatre of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan, Prof. Olagoke urged the girls and other teenagers to go through the journey  challenges and earn badges to become powerful agents of change , without any hindrance to participating fully in all aspects of life .

"You can win, You will  and You Must", Prof . Olagoke, a former Dean School of Engineering, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State charged the youth. 

He however called for more efforts targeted towards the empowerment of the girl child , to evenly distribute the gains of gender equality globally.

While analysing  the girl child's predicament, Prof. Olagoke disclosed that, one in five girls is still subjected to early marriage, 140,000 girls between 15 and 19 years have HIV infections while 1 in 4 girls between 15 and 19 years were neither employed nor in education or training compare to 1 in 10 boys 

Prof. Olagoke equally noted that 1 in 20 girls of 15 and 19 years of about 13 million globally have been sexually assaulted and 132 million girls are out of school while over 4million risks genital mutilation annually.

Prof. Olagoke who is also the founder and spiritual head of Shafudeen in Islam worldwide added that all the tribulations of the girl child is from only the developing Nations. He therefore called on leaders of such countries to declare a state of emergency on caring for the girl child's for global peace.

Oyo: NUJ condoles Makinde, Adelabu, over demise of PDP senatorial chairman, Accord Rep candidate

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has commiserated with the state governor and the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Seyi Makinde over the death of the party's Vice-Chairman in the state and senatorial chairman, Oyo South, Hon Olugbade Ojelabi, ho breathed his last in the early hours of Monday December 5, 2022.

Besides, the union also condoled with the 2023 Accord governorship candidate in the state and former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chief Adebayo Adelabu, over the sudden demise of Hon Jacob Funmi Ogunmola, the 2023 candidate of Accord for Atisbo/Saki East/Saki West federal constituency.

The condolence messages were contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of NUJ in the state, Comrade Ademola Babalola, and secretary, Olusola Oladapo, released on Monday.

The union also commiserated with the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Right Hon Adebo Ogundoyin; the Oyo South senatorial candidate of the PDP, Chief Joseph Tegbe, as well as the 2023 Accord candidate for Oyo North senatorial candidate, Hon Shina Peller over the demise of the duo of Ojelabi and Ogunmola.

The union also condoled with the leadership and the entire membership of PDP and Accord in the state, as well as all politicians in the state, without leaving the bereaved families behind.

The NUJ, during the recently held year 2022 Press Week, conferred on Ogunmola, an 'Outstanding Community Service Award for his various supports to the people of his constituency.

According to the statement, "It was saddening and shocking to hear about the death of Hon Olugbade Ojelabi and Hon Jacob Funmi Ogunmola. They were astute and thoroughbred politicians and grassroots mobilisers that knew their onions when they were alive.

"The deaths of the two of them came at a time when their rare experiences in politics and administration are more needed to advance the cause of politics in the pace setter state.

"As NUJ, we are friends to all political parties and their candidates. We are playing neutral and agenda setting roles among all political parties and politicians. Therefore, we see the death of Hon Ojelabi and Hon Ogunmola, as great losses to the entire grassroots politicians in this state, and not PDP and Accord alone. They were rare gems and they would be sorely missed."

"It is our prayer that Almighty God will give their families the fortitude to bear their irreplaceable losses."