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Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Stakeholders Collectively Speak Against Protest; Commend Council Boss Rasaq Ajala 

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Stakeholders in Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area were unanimous in their decision against the proposed nationwide protest slated to begin on Thursday, 1 August, 2024.
The stakeholders’ meeting was conveyed by the Chairman of the council, Honourable Razaq Olusola Ajala to sensitise the people of the area on the need to maintain peace and tranquility and not allowed external forces cause mayhem and chaos in the council area.
From clerics: Christians, Muslims and traditional worshipers; youths under the aegis of the National Youth Council of Nigeria; transporters; market men and women; security agents; parents’ forum; the community development committee (CDC); to the staff and management of the council, it was a unanimous decision: no to protest!
First to speak was the Chairman of the council chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Venerable Dr EO Babatunde Durowoju who told the gathering that CAN in Lagos have unanimously said no to protest.
“This is a message from our leader in Lagos State, Reverend Stephen Adegbite. All of us in CAN have decided against any form of protest and we’ve communicated this to our branches and our members,” he said.
His message was echoed by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Aselapa and his counterpart from the traditional religion genre. They both stated that they have warned members of their congregation not engage in any action or utterances that can cause chaos.
The Area Commander of Area D police command, Assistant Commissioner of Police Bamidele Awoniyi expressed appreciation to the council boss for organising the parley saying that it has reduced some of the burden of the police.
“We want our people to maintain the peace and ensure that there is no chaos and violence in this area,” he said.
Comrade Okeyale who spoke on behalf of the NYCN, told the gathering that youths in the state have decided to engage in constructive dialogue with government on any issue.
“It’s the same line we are following here in Odiolowo/Ojuwoye. The Chairman of this council is also taking good care of us just as the Governor is taking good care of us at the state level.
“Thus, it’s our unanimous decision not to engage in any protest,” Okeyale said.
The Iyaloja General of the council, Alhaja Mufliat Abimbola Adebunmi; the traditional ruler of Odiolowo, His Royal Majesty Sikiru Williams Apena; the Vice Chairman of the Council, Seyi Jakande; the Leader of the Council Legislative Arm, Honourable Rilwan Ajenifuja; and the representative of Mushin State Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Nureni Akinsanya all spoke with one voice on the need to avoid actions and utterances that lead to violence.
Rounding up the programme with his speech, Honourable Ajala expressed appreciation to the people for answering his calls.
“I also want to say thank you all for speaking unanimously against protest. It’s not that we’re against protest. No! Protest is part of democracy and it’s the constitutional rights of the citizens to protest.
“But experience has shown that this kind of protest has political undertone and designed to cause chaos, mayhem and looting. We should not allow this to happen,” he said.
Honourable Ajala appealed to the people to have patience with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration noting that the President is working assiduously to make life better for the people.
“It has never happened in the history of Nigeria but the Tinubu administration has started giving students loans for their education and just yesterday, the new minimum wage was signed into law by the President. We’re getting there and soon we’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he assured.
Honourable Ajala reminded the gathering of what happened during the EndSARS protests noting how a legitimate protest over alleged police brutality was hijacked by fifth columnists and turned it into a political tool to settle political scores.
“The destruction unleashed on Lagos during that period is still reverberating. But remember, we bear the brunt of the destruction, you and I because the money used in purchasing most of the items and materials is the taxes we pay,” he said.
Ajala assured the people that he would not relent in putting smiles on their faces.

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Hamzat, Abiru To Speak on Impactful Empowerment For Nigerians At TheGazelleNews Annual Public Lecture

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TheGazelleNews, a leading online newspaper, is set to host its much-anticipated annual public lecture on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

This year’s lecture will focus on a topic of crucial national importance: “Poverty Alleviation: Fantasies, Expectations, and Realities of People’s Empowerment.”

The event will convene distinguished speakers, thought leaders, and government officials to address the challenges and practical solutions surrounding poverty reduction and empowerment in Nigeria.

It will feature Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, as the Guest Speaker, who is expected to bring a wealth of experience in governance and infrastructure development to the discourse. As the Keynote Speaker, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, a renowned legislator and financial expert, will share valuable insights into policy-driven approaches for sustainable poverty alleviation.

A dynamic panel discussion will follow, featuring prominent personalities: Engineer (Dr.) Adekunle Olayinka, FNSE – Special Adviser on Works to the Lagos State Government; Ms. Abisola Olusanya – Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Lagos State, who will provide perspectives on the agricultural sector’s role in empowering communities; Comrade Tosin Adeyanju – Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), focusing on community development through structured funding and Honorable Rasaq Ajala – Executive Chairman, Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, who will be contributing insights on local government initiatives.

Goodwill messages will be delivered by: the Senate Leader, Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, Senator Yunus Abiodun Akintunde; the Chairman of Winners Golden Group, Honourable Idowu Osuolale Obasa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and National Orientation, Chief Sunday Dare.

The event will be graced by prominent personalities in government and public service, with Nigeria First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, serving as the Special Guest of Honour; Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Chairman of the occasion and the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, will be the Chief Host.

The Father of the Day is seasoned politician noted for his connection with the people especially at the grassroots level, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS), and Mother of the Day, Her Excellency Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, reflecting her longstanding commitment to social empowerment and women’s issues and of course her role as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.

In a celebration of excellence and dedication to public service, TheGazelleNews will present its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Chairman of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

A highly respected political figure and royal prince from the Akinsemoyin ruling house of Lagos, Prince Olusi has made impactful contributions as a former Lagos City Councilor, House of Representatives member in the Second Republic, and Commissioner in Lagos State. His award highlights a career marked by unwavering dedication to Lagos and its citizens.

The day’s proceedings will be hosted by the dynamic compère duo, Gbenga Adeyinka and Feyikemi Niyi-Olayinka, who promise to guide the audience through an engaging and memorable event.

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New Acting Chief of Army Staff Appointed as General Lagbaja Receives Medical Treatment Abroad

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Story by Joy Agamah

Major General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the Acting Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, according to a statement from presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. This decision comes as the current Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, is abroad for medical treatment.

The appointment was made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Onanuga noted that Oluyede will serve in this capacity until General Lagbaja’s return to duty.

Oluyede brings with him a wealth of military experience, having served in various command roles throughout his career. His journey began as a Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion, and he later advanced to positions such as Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
He has participated in several major military operations, including the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast, where he notably commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.

Throughout his service, Oluyede has earned multiple accolades, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and recognition for completing the Staff Course as well as being a member of the National Institute. These honors reflect his significant contributions and commitment to the Nigerian military.

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Reps member arrested for assaulting Abuja Bolt driver

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a member of the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, for assaulting a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in the Maitama area of Abuja.

The command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, October 28, 2024.
Adeh stated: “Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery.
“During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted.
“The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident.
“After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, ‘You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police’, demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement.
Police react as Reps member assaults Bolt driver in Abuja
“Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning.”
She added that the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed a thorough investigation into the matter.
A viral video had captured Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency, slapping the Bolt driver.
According to the conversation recorded in the viral video, the lawmaker had ordered some snails from a vendor who engaged the services of the Bolt driver to deliver the goods.
A heated disagreement ensued when the driver arrived at the lawmaker’s residence and asked to be paid.
Ikwechegh accused the Bolt driver of disrespecting him and slapped the latter multiple times.
He further said: “Do you know who I am? I can make this man (driver) disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen. Can you imagine this rat? I am not going to give this boy one naira of my money.
“I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up, I will do that myself. I will show that I am a big brother to you, tie you up, lie you down and put you in my generator house. Do you know where you are? Because you saw me sitting outside here. Look at this monkey.
“Do you know who I am I just slapped you and there’s nothing you will do. My name is Honourable Alex Ikwechegh, tell them (public) I slapped you. Call the Inspector General of Police that I slapped you, let him come. Record me very well.”

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